Hippo!

Oh, what an adorable hippo! I've never seen one like this at the zoo, have you? I think the image was made with birthdays in mind, but I adapted it for a baby card. The card opens to the side, and is a matchbook style with the little flap over there, but I added a button to loop ribbon around and keep it closed.

all images copyright SU! 1990-2008

Miss Hippo's bow and balloon are paper pieced, and her toenails are painted red using Copics. The scallop edge was made with SU!'s new scallop edge punch (delightful!) and I embossed the large flap with a cuttlebug folder. All the papers are new In Colors and Designer paper by SU as well. The sentiment was printed from the computer and punched with the Word Window punch.

You can see how the card opens a little better in the next two photos:

I haven't done anything to the inside of the card yet. Do you usually decorate the inside of your cards, or do you add the sentiment and sign? Quite often I just write a note and sign it - but sometimes I think I should do more to decorate inside too.

happy stampin'

Susan

Baby Bunny

This little bunny is such a cutie peeking over the basket rim! It's a new set from Stampin' Up - and I'm just loving the new catalog. Not to mention I just got a peek at the upcoming holiday mini ... and I'm thinking I may need to find another part-time job to finance my purchases over the next few months!

The scallop circles were cut using Nestabilities. These dies are so neat because they cut and emboss. The pattern paper and ribbon are from Crate paper's Blue Hill collection. I found a packet of the collection at my lss and decided that I must buy it! I think I had a coupon ... but it's much less expensive buying in packs than buying the paper individually by sheet.

all images copyright SU! 1990-2008

I colored the image in with Copics. The welcome sentiment is printed from the computer and punched with SU! oval tag punches.

happy stampin'

Susan

I've been the anti-blogger

Ok, so I've been MIA lately! Things are starting to get hectic with the back to school rush to work in appointments, hair cuts, etc. This coming week will be especially busy, busy, busy!

So, what have I been up to? Really, not much interesting ... but I'll share anyway! I was working on some submissons for a magazine, but I think I will be able to share them here soon because so far I haven't heard anything and I believe the deadline for notification was Friday.

Summer always guarantees some wicked thunderstorms. We've had several severe storms here - one resulting in our fence being smashed by a tree, another storm closed our street for a day:

Joan and I caught a make 'n take at the lss that we didn't even know was going on this morning. Here is a photo of the cutest Pizza Cookie and box I've ever seen! What do you think, isn't it cool?

Today was our GIRLS DAY OUT - and although not real well attended, it was an awesome afternoon! What's better than 6 hours of uninterrupted crop time with your BFFs? Nothing, that's what! This was our last Saturday GDO - starting in September, we'll have to switch back to Friday nights because I'll be working on weekends again. Watch the right margin over there ---> for the Sept. date.

I should have taken photos of everyone, but I got into the zone with a project and just didn't think about it again - Sorry Steph, Bailey, Shannon and Charlene! I'll get you next month, ok? I might even sneak in one photo myself, lol. Here's Joan giving some special attention to her Cricut today. Her daughter will be teaching for the first time this year and she had plenty of letters, etc to cut for room decorations, signs and bulletin boards {Notice I'm not even mentioning the second Cricut in the photo over there ...}:

And here is the sweetheart who supports my addiction of crafting and is always kind enough to help me carry my {multiple & heavy} bags to the car on Girl's Day Out. When I got home tonight he was fixing our deck - isn't that awesome?

I'll place my first new catalog order on Tuesday - so if you need some new stamp lovin' call me and get your order in! AND - there are a ton of specials by SU! this month. Hop on over to my blog on Aug. 12 to read all about them {then call me}!

happy stampin'

Susan

Big Announcements!

I'm so excited! The SU! convention has been going on this week ... and while I am not there, I've heard a lot of "talk" about the announcements and some of them are just fantastic! I want to give you a quick overview ... and know that you'll be hearing more over the next few weeks too.



SoShelli.com: A new blog by Stampin' Up! owner, Shelli Gardner. The blog is not live yet ... currently it is password protected, but I will let you know when it is ready! Here is what Shelli has to say:

"My main objective for this blog is simple," Shelli said in the announcement. "I want people to visit my blog and have a better day. I hope to accomplish that by sharing a personal side of me that will help people feel uplifted, positive, and optimistic."

Shelli's Signature Collection: During the first general session of convention, Shelli announced the launch of Shelli's Signature Collection, a line of products that span the entire Stampin' Up! product line, including stamp sets, home décor, and accessories.

Decor Elements Phase 2: In addition to new phrases and images, phase 2 also offers new colors! Many of the new images will be available in a selection of our exclusive colors. Customers will be able to place orders for DE Phase 2 items beginning October 1st.

Country Living Kit: For the second time, Stampin' Up! will partner with Country Living magazine to offer an exclusive holiday kit. The Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit will include exclusive stamps, a combination of Designer Series paper, and coordinating accessories that will only be available by purchasing this kit. {woot!}

Big Shot Die Cut Machine: This is what really gets me going! Stampin' Up! is partnering with Ellison to offer the Big Shot and dies including ... a line of Exclusive Dies that coordinate with stamp sets! Wow! I can't wait to get my hands on a few of these dies! How about you? Here is the lovely machine:

Project ideas- this basket die is number one on my shopping list!

Felt! Die cutting felt! How adorable!!

Other items of interest:

• Vanilla Hodgepodge!
• Die cut Stamp sets! {first just the new sets - but by Spring all sets will be die cut}
• Online ordering - you will be able to order directly from my Stamp With Susan site!

That's all for today!

happy stampin'

Susan

projects ...

I'm working on a few projects. I hope to be back with a share later in the week.

happy stampin'
Susan

Dreams du Jour

Another look at this lovely new set from Stampin' Up! I began by stamping the butterfly image as the background on Kiwi Kiss. The new Scallop Edge punch makes a nice border, along with a smidge of Riding Hood Red and a pearl from the Pretties Kit.



This time, instead of coloring in the Dreams image, I left it as is after stamping. The image is matted on Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy.

happy stampin'

Susan

Die cut card

I'm not sure why this photo is so fuzzy ... unfortunately I didn't check the photo immediately after taking it, so we're left with this for today.

I made this card with my favorite bug - Cricut! I found the cartridge Stretch Your Imagination at Walmart and realized it would actually cut an entire card, complete with center image and coordinating frame, wow!

This is the first card I made, and if I did it all over again, I would not cover up the center opening, but too late for this one. I stamped with Weathered background over the frame, and included a stamped sentiment. The ribbon I have been saving from a Hallmark Christmas gift! It's sort of like a twill, and I knew it would come in handy for something one day!

happy stampin'

Susan

Website info

Wow - I have a demo website now: http://stampwithsusan.stampinup.net/
It may take a day before the site actually goes live, but you can save the address for future reference. I decided to sign up for the demo site and try it for one year. Hopefully, it will be worthwhile not only to me, but to my customers as well.

The demo site will not replace this blog. I share way more projects here than I would ever be able to do on the "official" site. This personal blog is my cyber-home! I love it here, and hope you will continue to visit me often.

happy stampin'
Susan

Swap Card

This is one card I made for a demo swap of the new In Colors. Instead of a new set, I chose to use Pun Fun coffee cup image along with Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, and Bella Rose in a yummie brown dot. I've always liked the colors brown, pink and blue together. You may also notice the scallop edge on this card ... Stampin' Up! will have a new Scallop Edge punch in the Idea Book & Catalog ... yay! Oh yes, the button you see there will also be in the new catalog!

I stamped the mug image twice, once on Whisper White and again on Baja Breeze - then I painstakingly (not really) cut out the mug and placed it on top of the white image. It kept the card from looking so plain, and is a change from coloring the image - which is what I usually do.

happy stampin'

Susan

Summer Days

OK - back to the beach! This is our dd - who is becoming the family's official photographer. That comes in very handy for mom. She often gets a shot that I don't, plus her camera is better than mine so her photos are usually great. My son actually took these photos with his reliable Kodak.





Once again a Simply Scrappin kit - this one is Summer Days. I still have plenty of supplies left over from these kits to make several more pages and cards. It's a real bargain! The title is Jasmine font cut with the Cricut. I wanted it to be subtle, yet readable. I don't think you can see it clearly, but the white sticker embellishment in the center and the title font are both overstamped with Weathered background in Bashful Blue to keep the white from appearing so stark.

The blues in the paper played havoc with my screen. Everything had an blue overcast, but I think I managed to balance out the colors ok.

happy stampin'

Susan

Retiring Accessories

-- this is a very long list!
You will find the page number, then item number & name. I will try to update daily as items sell out. Items with * are 25% off:

Pges 15 & 16
111184 Simply Sent Friendly Notes Not Available
109228 Simply Sent Simple Delights Not Available
109229 Simply Sent Three Thoughts Not Available

PAGE 163
108638 In Color Card Stock 12 X 12, assorted
108694 In Color Card Stock Textured 12 X 12, assorted
108642 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Blue Bayou
108643 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Groovy Guava
108637 In Color Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11, assorted
108640 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 River Rock
108639 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Soft Sky
108641 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Wild Wasabi
108644 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Purely Pomegranate

109018 Classic Stampin’ Ink Blue Bayou Not Available
109019 Classic Stampin’ Ink Groovy Guava
109017 Classic Stampin’ Ink Purely Pomegranate Not Available
109016 Classic Stampin’ Ink River Rock Not Available
109015 Classic Stampin’ Ink Soft Sky
109020 Classic Stampin’ Ink Wild Wasabi Not Available
109013 Classic Stampin’ Pad Blue Bayou
109012 Classic Stampin’ Pad Groovy Guava
109011 Classic Stampin’ Pad Purely Pomegranate
109010 Classic Stampin’ Pad River Rock
109009 Classic Stampin’ Pad Soft Sky
109014 Classic Stampin’ Pad Wild Wasabi

PAGE 166
102678 Mulberry Paper White Not Available
103975 Card Stock Brushed Copper Not Available

PAGE 167
107299 Envelope Confetti Cream Medium
107312 Cards & Envelopes Gift Whisper White
107292 Cards & Envelopes Greeting Whisper White
109116 Notes & Envelopes Long Notes
109118 Notes & Envelopes Love Notes
109117 Notes & Envelopes Pocket Notes* Not Available
110729 Notes & Envelopes Scallop Notes
109119 Notes & Envelopes Gift Notes

PAGE 168
110699 Designer Series Paper East Coast Prep*
110479 Designer Series Paper Jersey Shore*
110698 Designer Series Paper Spring Break
110273 Designer Series Paper Spring Fling*

PAGE 169
110696 Designer Series Paper Bali Breeze
110749 Designer Series Paper Berry Bliss
109154 Designer Series Paper Cutie Pie
109159 Designer Series Paper Flowers For You*
110697 Designer Series Paper Ginger Blossom

PAGE 170
109160 Designer Series Paper Fall Flowers
109151 Designer Series Paper Le Jardin
110748 Designer Series Paper Notebook*
109153 Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints*
110271 Designer Series Paper Spring Silhouettes
110272 Designer Series Paper Western Sky

PAGE 171
110751 Designer Series Paper Azure*
110750 Designer Series Paper Olive Press
109175 Designer Series Paper Prints Almost Amethyst*
109177 Designer Series Paper Prints Always Artichoke
109173 Designer Series Paper Prints Blue Bayou
109174 Designer Series Paper Prints Brilliant Blue
109178 Designer Series Paper Prints Certainly Celery
109169 Designer Series Paper Prints Close to Cocoa* Not Available
109168 Designer Series Paper Prints Groovy Guava* Not Available
109171 Designer Series Paper Prints Lovely Lilac
109172 Designer Series Paper Prints More Mustard
109176 Designer Series Paper Prints Old Olive
109170 Designer Series Paper Prints Pumpkin Pie
109164 Designer Series Paper Prints River Rock*
109167 Designer Series Paper Prints Rose Red
109166 Designer Series Paper Prints So Saffron
109165 Designer Series Paper Prints Soft Sky
109163 Designer Series Paper Prints Tempting Turquoise Not Available

PAGE 172
110572 Simply Scrappin’ Crew Kids Boy
110567 Simply Scrappin’ Crew Kids Girl

PAGE 173
109648 Simply Scrappin’ Special Delivery Boy
109627 Simply Scrappin’ Special Delivery Girl Not Available

PAGE 174
110557 Simply Scrappin’ Boho Blend
109610 Simply Scrappin’ Confetti
110562 Simply Scrappin’ Rose Cottage

PAGE 175
109597 Simply Scrappin’ Home Again
110587 Simply Scrappin’ Summer Days
110577 Simply Scrappin’ Tie The Knot

PAGE 177
109200 Accents & Elements Build A Flower Not Available
110718 Accents & Elements Lucky Star
110719 Accents & Elements Messenger

PAGE 178
109181 On Board Blossoms & Basic
109179 On Board Ginormous Pieces

PAGE 179
107307 On Board Accents
107306 On Board Simon Lower

PAGE 180
102686 Punch Handheld Rectangle

PAGE 181
109227 Punch Box Three For You

PAGE 182
110281 Rub-Ons Cherished Memories*
110284 Rub-Ons Eastern Elegance*
110285 Rub-Ons Urban West*

PAGE 183
101120 Metallic Art Pencils
100271 Pure Color Pencils
102673 Zig Painty

PAGE 184
103158 Acrylic Graph & Grid

PAGE 185
101399 Stipple Brushes Not Available

PAGE 188
105515 Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter* Not Available
105531 Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass* Not Available
105532 Hodgepodge Hardware Aged Copper* Not Available

PAGE 189
105320 Eyelets Basic
100375 Eyelets Bold Brights
100381 Eyelets Earth Elements
107233 Eyelets Fresh Favorites I
107234 Eyelets Fresh Favorites II
105316 Eyelets Rich Regals
100378 Eyelets Soft Subtles Not Available

PAGE 190
109189 Ribbon Originals Beachfront*
109187 Ribbon Originals District*
109188 Ribbon Originals Fairy Tale
109185 Ribbon Originals Jersey*
109184 Ribbon Originals Sherbert
109186 Ribbon Originals Theater

PAGE 191
109060 Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou Not Available
109063 Ribbon Double-Stitched Groovy Guava Not Available
109061 Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate Not Available
109062 Ribbon Double-Stitched River Rock*
109059 Ribbon Double-Stitched Soft Sky
109058 Ribbon Double-Stitched Wild Wasabi Not Available
110716 Ribbon Striped Grosgrain Wild Wasabi*

PAGE 193
109554 Stampin’ Color Index Labels

PAGE 194
106694 Stampin’ Kids Markers

PAGE 196
106610 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Basics Outline
107467 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Birthday
109571 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Dilly Dally Baby
109570 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Dilly Dally Friends
109569 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Dilly Dally Party
108423 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Leaves A La Carte Not Available
107468 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Nature Hike
108980 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Petals
107464 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Rough Texture
111261 Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel Spunky Spots

PAGE 197
106662 Stampin’Around Wheel Daisy Field
107561 Stampin’Around Wheel Garden Annuals
109681 Stampin’Around Wheel Good Dog
109678 Stampin’Around Wheel Kisses
107482 Stampin’Around Wheel Lily Pad
109680 Stampin’Around Wheel Meow
109677 Stampin’Around Wheel Mistletoe


If there is anything you need to order, please e-mail me ASAP, as once these items are gone they are gone forever.

Bella!

I received a small pre-order last week of preview items from the upcoming Stampin' Up! catalog. As demos, we only get to see a few stamp sets and the new In Colors plus a couple of accessories - the majority of the catalog will be a surprise to me too (and I can't wait to see it!!).

Here are two cards I made using a new stamp set called Dreams du Jour, some absolutely yummie designer paper, Bella Rose and a few of the new In Colors!

The above card uses Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette and Riding Hood Red In Colors with Whisper White cardstock and Bella Rose dsp. I dyed vanilla taffeta ribbon with RH Red ink, and used one of the new buttons from the Button Blossoms. The scallop circles were cut & embossed with Nestabilities. I used Copics to color in the image.

Supplies for this card are the same (minus kiwi), except I used the Key Tag punch to round the edge of the sentiment and the Photo Corner punch. The image and sentiment are stamped with Chocolate Chip classic ink.

I am loving the new Bella Rose papers. They remind me of my grandmother's house - specifically her linens. I haven't even cut into my most favorite pieces with larger floral images. Lots of polka dots and roses, yum-o! I'll share more as I have time to stamp.

happy stampin'

Susan

Always

Today I'll take a break from the scrapbooking layouts and share a card. I think this stamp set, called Always, is just beautiful! This is my favorite of the "loser" cards, ha ha.

To make today's card, I colored directly on the rubber with watercolor crayons then lightly misted the image with water before stamping. It gives you a soft image that is really nice. I did the bird the same way, but I overstamped the image to get the effect you see here. Then I cut out the bird and adhere with dimensionals. The sentiment was stamped then punches with SU's word window.

all images copyright SU! 1990-2008

As you can tell, there are score lines running around the edge of the card and a nice grid pattern behind the main image - both of which I made with the handy dandy Scor-Pal tool. The white zig-zag was made with a Martha Stewart edge punch that also embosses. Yummie stuff!

The supplies, as well as I can remember, are:
SU: Saffron, Amethyst, White and Rose cardstock, Watercolor Crayons, brads, Word Window & Ticket Corner punch and dimensionals.
Scor-Pal
Martha Stewart edge punch

If you aren't familiar with Watercolor crayons, or if you have a set but haven't used them recently, head over to Technique Junkies where Pat offers 3 free tutorials for wcc.

happy stampin'
Susan

A break from beach photos

Today no beach photos! Do I hear a sigh of relief? ha, ha.

This photo was made May 2007 - see how slow I am at scrapping? Sometimes I let photos lie around forever before I get the gumption to scrap them. Want a real confession? I just bought a frame for these photos as well! Oh, I am so terrible!



I used Kraft cardstock and rub-ons by SU! The alpha stamps are by MSE, and forgive me but I do not remember the manufacturer of the circle stamp that reads, "Completely Loved." I bought it as a set at AC Moore the other week but I didn't save the packaging -oops! If you recognize that set, let me know and I'll add it in here.

happy stampin'
Susan

It's a family tradition

Everytime I hear "family tradition" the song by Hank Williams, Jr. buzzes through my head. But it's not the same type of tradition that I'm sharing today! (if you know the song, you'll understand). Each year on vacation we take a family photo on the deck - one of the whole family and one of my kids w/ their aunt & uncle (my sister and her hubby). We've done it for years, so it's nice to see how the kids have grown.





This layout uses the same Simply Scrappin' kits from the previous post. All supplies from SU!

happy stampin'
Susan

Beautiful

I got this picture slightly crooked - normally I would straighten it using the perspective tool in Paint Shop Pro, however, I can't load PSP on my laptop (due to a heavily scratched disc - another topic for another day) ... so I am using Photoshop Elements instead. It's just that I don't know how to straighten a photo in PSE because I'm lame ... and I'm so used to PSP that I just can't see where to find the tool. ugh.

Anyway, probably more of an explanation than you wanted to hear, right? So, let's look at today's share:



Anothe layout using Simply Scrappin kits from Stampin' Up! I really do like their kits. If I remember correctly I combined the elements from two different kits for this layout. I used Summer Days and All Boy - since the colors are similar they work together perfectly.

You can't really tell - but the B in beautiful is hanging with a rhinestone brad - the bling just doesn't show up in the photo. I cut the word beautiful with Base Camp font on the Cricut. Love that little bug!! And - just FYI - that middle photo is not that dark in person! Crazy how the camera changes things!

That's all for today - more to come this week!

happy stampin'
Susan

Bodysurfing

Before I'm done you'll all be tired of our beach photos! I was looking at our photos last night and it makes me want to go back soooo bad. I love the beach, especially the quiet beach where we vacation. It's so beautiful and peaceful.

Since yesterday was youngest son's b-day, I'll show his photo first. This layout is made with the Simply Scrappin' Summer Days kit from Stampin' Up! The title letters were cut using Jasmine font with Cricut.

I sprinkled a little glitter over the title to mimic the shimmer of the water and sand. I didn't want to make the layout look girlie, but I had to add the glitter, lol!

happy scrappin'

Susan

my baby

... is turning 15 today! That's so hard to believe.
Happy Birthday son, I love you!

hugs & kisses,

mom

Really quick upload

This is a short post today - got a girlfriend coming over soon! This card is another "loser" that I submitted for a contest. I'll list the supplies below. Personally, I like this card because it's a tad more whimsical than I usually make. I also liked the colors together - it looks cheerful to me!

images copyright 1990-2008 SU!

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Time Well Spent, retiring Hostess set (SU)
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue and So Saffron (SU)
Ink: Chalk inks, retired (SU), Watercolor crayons (SU)
Ribbon: Love Elsie
Punch: Scallop Circle, Hole punch, (SU) Large Corner Rounder (EK)

happy stampin'
Susan

Blessed with friends

We were so blessed to have visitors this past week. Lane's friend, Jacob, came to spend a few days with us and it was jus perfect. The boys seemed to have a great time, and I was happy for a good friend for him to spend time with. Here they are at Carowinds - I only got one photo with them looking at the camera:



And one with them walking away from the camera {ignoring me, I think}:



DH spent one evening working on guitar skills with the boys. What teen doesn't want to learn to play the guitar and start a garage band?

Jacob's mom - one of my dearest friends - came down to get him and spent 2 days with us as well. We had a blast shopping, talking, eating and making cards together. It's been 11 years since their family moved back to Minnesota, but we've been so blessed to remain in contact and keep our friendship. All 3 of our kids just love this family too!

happy stampin'

Susan

More Blog Candy

Artfully Ila is also offering Blog Candy HERE -- hurry on over!

Blog Candy

Awesome chance at Blog Candy HERE @ Bunny Zoe's blog -- but hurry the drawing is July 7th.

June Projects

These are cards we made at our Girls Day Out in June. I always look forward to the GDO because we allow plenty of time for working on personal projects - and sometimes I actually get something done for myself! Other times I just talk and talk and don't get much accomplished - but at least I'm hanging with my peeps!

We made 3 cards:

stamp set: Pick a Petal and Stem Sayings


This card was completely cased from SCS. I have to go back and try to find the original creator to give her credit. If you happen to recognize the card and know who made it, please post in the comments and I'll edit this post.

Stamp Set: Fresh Cut - a new set coming in the Fall/Winter IBC. Love it!

Stamp Set: Fresh Cuts on Laser Cut Notecards - also coming in the Fall/Winter IBC.

happy stampin'

Susan

Altered Clipboard

I really enjoy altering items. New, used, thrift, salvage ... it's just so neat to take an item and turn it into something more personal -- or at times something totally different! Today's share is an On Board Clipboard from SU! All the On Board products were on sale a little while ago, and I bought several things planning to use them around the house. This is the first one I've actually managed to alter so far.



I started by painting the front edges and entire back of the clipboard with Making Memories Banana paint. Then I cut the 12x12 scallop edge paper {do you see a trend here with scallops? yes, I love them.} to fit. I had to piece the paper, but you can barely see the edges. One edge is under the top ribbon - nicely hidden. The other edge is to the right of the paper about 2 inches from the edge. I found a spot where the pattern was close enough to work. The edges of the paper are distressed with Chocolate Chip classic ink, sponged on. The yummie gathered edge ribbon is Basic Grey that I bought at Big Lots - yay! I love a bargain!

Here is a closer shot of the Pretties Flower. It is actually attached to the easel with glue dots - but if I decide to use the clipboard w/out the easel I can remove it and attach it to the board instead.

The flower is stamped using Tres Chic background in Regal Rose craft ink and air dried. Then I ran a distress ink pad from Ranger over the entire bloom - but it was too dark, so I wet it and patted some of the ink off - perfect! The buttons are SU! The top button was vanilla until I colored it a soft yellow with a Copic marker, and the bottom button is obviously clear but I ran a little light brown Copic over it as well to age it. I tied the hemp then glued them all together.

My plan is to make small layouts to use on the clipboard, changing them out frequently {or at least once a year, lol!}

happy stampin'

Susan

Girl Time!!

HAPPY 4TH!!

I look forward to Girl Time each month, that's no secret. The event that got us started was a fundraiser called Crop for a Cause at our local Senior Center. We cropped all day, received goodie bags and a yummie meal. I am a slow scrapper, so even though these photos have been on my table for many, many months, I just completed a page using them.

If you notice the border on the left - you'll recognize it as the scallop die I used for a card the other day. It is the perfect length for a layout, and you can trim it to get two uses from one cut.

This layout started with one idea in my head, but gradually morphed into something totally different. I don't usually do such "messy" pages, but I think I like the look. It's representative of how I scrap - randomly and messy! I even managed to stamp my fav Club Scrap Coffee Stain stamp on the page ... 'cause I always have a drink beside me {diet coke}.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Soft Sky, Kraft by Stampin Up

Stamp images: Club Scrap, Scrappy Cat

Ribbon: Basic Grey

Alphabet stickers: Thickers by American Crafts

Die: Bigz by Sizzix

Ink: Chocolate Chip classic by Stampin Up

Rub ons: Royal & Langnickel

Easel: Dollar Tree

happy stampin'

Susan

Retiring In Colors

Another share using the same scallop card die cut from Sizzix. I love this die! I may have to find a coupon and go buy it myself! As you can see, I turned the card on edge and worked vertically using Wild Wasabi as the base and Purely Pomegranate with River Rock as accents.



The images are more rub-ons from SAB. I thought about blinging it up just a little, but I think I like the simplicity of the card. In hindsight I wish I had chosen a darker rub-on for the sentiment or placed it on a matted piece of cardstock for emphasis. It's ok though, not a huge deal - let's just pretend that I love it just as it is!

happy stampin'
Susan

New Video

A Decor Elements video is available HERE and in the side bar.

playing with a borrowed toy

A good friend let me borrow her scallop card die cut from Sizzix. It's sooo cool!! Not only can you cut cards, but it will work perfectly on a scrapbook page as a border. I'm going to put a page together very soon. But for today, I wanted to share a card.

This is made using the SU In Colors that are soon to be retired. I guess that will make them "Out Colors" then, right? lol. Anyway ... the cardstock is Soft Sky, River Rock and Purely Pomegranate - beautiful colors on textured cardstock. I will certainly miss them. Oh wait ... I have quite a stash, so I won't miss them right away!

The ribbon is stitched Pomegranate, and the die cuts are from the Simply Scrappin' Kit which will most likely retire on Aug. 10. {I'm just assuming it will retire since it uses mostly In Colors - and usually the kits go to make room for new ones!} I also used a rub-on sentiment from the recent Sell-A-Bration set (no longer available).

If you really want some of these colors, or kits, don't wait too late. The kits will probably be available as long as supplies last - beginning around mid-July. Also remember to order reinkers for the In Color stamp pads!

I have another card to share using the same die cut in the next post.

happy stampin'

Susan

2 SPECIALS BEING OFFERED!

The following Hodgepodge Hardware finishes are being offered at a special 25 percent discount. Hodgepodge Hardware can be found on page 188 of the current IB&C here: Stampin Up! The regular price is $27.95, and the discounted price will be $20.96!!

Item # Item Description
105532 Aged Copper
105531 Antique Brass
105515 Pewter

There is no minimum purchase requirement to receive the 25 percent discount.

This promotion is only good while supplies last.
It is my understanding that these configurations of Hodgepodge hardware will not be available in the new Fall/Winter IB&C. So, if you want them now is the time to order!

I am also offering a special to my customers:
Anyone placing an order of $75 or more in product will receive a special Sneak Peek Thank You gift made up of new product from the upcoming catalog! To place an order, call or email me. An email link is available in the right hand margin --->

happy stampin'
Susan

Angels

This is a retired stamp set from SU - and I'm not even sure of the name, but it's a wonderful set of Angel images. The technique used is called Expressionistic Watercolor from the Technique Junkies newsletter. It is also a loser card - and I have to admit, I didn't think this one was really contest worthy, but it is a favorite of mine and since I was mailing in cards I decided to throw it in at the last minute.

all images copyright SU! 1990-2008

I have a lot of posts scheduled for this week - stay tuned for some new cards and projects. And remember you can subscribe using the box to the right if you like to receive updates in your email. The updates show a portion of each post, but you can click on the link to read the entire post and see the images.

happy stampin'
Susan

This is fun

After watching Emma on Masterpiece Theater this weekend ( in bed sick, I might add) I thought this quiz would be great fun. What Austen character are you?

Take the Quiz here!

You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see.

Do you think this suits me? I think it probably does.
happy stampin'
Susan

Fresh Cut

Wow - time sure flies! I've been quiet on the blog for many reasons - summer means more activities like amusement parks, working in the yard and trying to keep my flowers alive in the heat! I also was waiting to hear from a contest that I entered. I finally heard good news this week - one of my cards won! yay. So, now I suppose it's ok to share a few of the losers here, lol!

This card is made with the new set from Stampin' Up! called Fresh Cuts. It is a sneak peek set for the upcoming Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog.

all images copyright SU! 1990-2008

First, brayer spectrum ink over glossy cardstock, then emboss the main image using Versamark ink and clear ep. Finally, brayer a darker ink - here I used black - over the entire piece, buffing off the color from the embossed image. Voila! A beautiful image ready for a card or scrapbook page.

To complete the card I stamped the base with versamark to achieve a subtle tone on tone effect and embossed the black strip - you could also use ribbon - and added a few punches and piercing around the sentiment for emphasis.

happy stampin'
Susan

New Product Announced!

I am so excited to tell you about the new product, Decor Elements, offered by Stampin' Up! This product will be available on July 1st. I should have a couple of samples by then to show! I added a link in the sidebar so you can view the brochure now!

happy stampin'
Susan

Happy Father's Day

Dad, we love you!

Retirement List

Here it is THE LIST : Stampin' Up Fond Farewell.
I will also include links in the sidebar for easy access --->
These retiring sets are only available until August 10th.

happy stampin'
Susan

WSW

2peas is holding WSW - Worldwide Stamping Week - this week in the stamping forums. There are challenges and all sorts of fun going on over there. I hope to participate, but we just got home today from vacation so there is lots of laundry calling my name! If you post anything related to WSW be sure to comment here and leave a link!

In other, related stampin' news -- the SU! retirement list comes out tomorrow!! I'll post the info here sometime after church and lunch.

happy stampin'
Susan

Cyber Stamping Sisters in Christ

Dina of Mama Dini's Stamperia has set up a webring for Cyber Stamping Sisters in Christ. This will be such a cool webring because it will allow you to click and surf other CSSC'ers blogs. Thank you Dina for setting this up. I can't wait to see all the gorgeous creations by my other cyber-sisters! If you have a blog and want to join, click on the CSSC banner on the right --->

happy stampin,
Susan

Another Father's Day card

I haven't decided which card my husband will receive, and then the other one will be for my father-in-law. Both cards are obviously very similar, I just flipped the orientation of the card which changed the placement of stickers and embellishments.


I love the vintage look of the images. Supplies are all the same as the card in the previous post.

happy stampin'
Susan

Father's Day (June 15)

Since my husband doesn't visit my blog, I can post the Father's Day cards I made early. This card has absolutely no stamping on it! Can you believe it? I did use some ink to distress the edges of the cardstock, but that's it. I got the Bazzill cardstock on sale at my LSS, and cut the card using a die cut at the store. You may notice that it looks familiar with the circle cut out there ... like the cards HERE and HERE. Do you think the moms will notice?

The stickers are from Karen Foster and matched the cardstock perfectly. I used the SU Word Window punch and antique brads to embellish and balance out the circle on the bottom. I'll have another card made from the same set of stickers and cardstock in my next post.

happy stampin'

Susan

Tart & Tangy

I was playing around with my SU! Watercolor Crayons last week and wanted to use the new stamp set Tart & Tangy. I love this little four piece set - it just says summer to me!

To stamp the strawberry I misted directly on the rubber image, then colored using my wcc on the stamp, misted again then stamped on cold pressed watercolor paper. Sometimes if you mist the stamp again quickly, you can stamp a second lighter image. After it dried, I used a pen to outline the image and add the seeds.

all images copyright 1990-2008 SU!

The paper is a Hostess Level 1 gift called Print Pack (I think ... if I'm wrong, comment here and I'll add a correction). I used Real Red and Glorious Green to mat the image. I debated adding a green grosgrain ribbon behind the strawberry, but I think I will leave it as is ... simple.

To view 3 free watercolor crayon tutorials go visit Pat at Technique Junkies. She also publishes an awesome Technique newsletter for stampers.

happy stampin'
Susan

photo blog

relaxin'

40?

No, not me silly ... I'm not 40! Gee.
The blog counter is creeping closer and closer to 40,000 hits. When it gets there be on the lookout for blog candy.

That's all I'm sayin'

happy stampin'
Susan

uh oh ...

Really ... all I went in for was a duffel bag for my son.
But - Big Lots has Basic Grey Mellow chipboard shapes and Color Me Silly Ribbon packs.
So I now own chipboard and ribbon but no duffel bag.
Don't tell on me.

happy stampin'
Susan

organizing -- what??

I haven't shared any cards this week - but I do have a few things to post for this weekend, and next week. I took a break from blogging to make some cards for a contest, and since I can't post them I don't have anything to share!

I did spend one entire afternoon organizing my craft space - mostly sorting ribbons by color. Isn't that exciting news? Actually, it was a lot of low-key, relaxing fun. I'll post a few photos here just for the heck of it -- because it's nothing spectacular, really.


So - the other day I watched the afternoon shows including my favorite Andy Griffith, and Oprah {who I normally do not watch} and wrapped ribbon on spools and sorted it by color. Now I have a jar of blue/purple ribbon, green/yellow ribbon, and pink/orange/red ribbon, plus another container of neutrals. Oh, I keep a roll of hemp in the blue bucket you see there. (ignore those spools in the corner ... the jar was full.




Since I need to keep my SU ribbons separate from all my other ribbons, I also punched holes with my cropadile in my Stampin' Up ribbon holder so I could thread the ends through the front and keep it neater. I need one more hole for the lavender ribbon - or I need to take it out, because it's not actually SU! ribbon.



My flower collection also benefited because I took the ribbons and put them on shelves together - so then I took all my flower embellishments and put them on one shelf. Maybe now that they are sorted I will begin to use them up! Any other ribbon and flower junkies out there???



Oh, and I painted two small shelves that I got on clearance at walmart - um, 9-12 months ago - and hung them up. Once I painted the shelves with Making Memories paint they seemed too clean and bright, so I took my husband's brown shoe polish and rubbed it all over to stain and distress the wood. Then I sanded a few rough spots. Voila! Two nice shelves, perfect for something ...



For now, I am using the top one for a card display -- it's so small the shelf only holds 2 cards! - and the other shelf is holding Making Memories paint. The card on the right is one I received from Pat Huntoon (Technique Junkies) when I won a set of stamps from her Technique Trail blog. BTW - Pat gives away a stamp set every week - check her Wednesday posts for details. I was thrilled to win the stamp set, but I think I enjoyed getting a card from Pat almost as much!


I also cleaned and moved some stuff around so I could actually walk from my table to my storage drawers. It's been such a mess ... and I'm a terrible collector of "things with potential" ... that I had stuff lying everywhere. I seriously couldn't walk from one spot to another without stepping over or moving something. Not to mention that all this mess is in my bedroom - where I see it, and worse, my husband sees it every day! I figure if I keep it neater he will think I am not buying anything! Ah, a little deception goes a long way - lol.


happy stampin,
Susan