It All Worked Out....

 But WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!!???  I blame Megan really, it was all her fault.  If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know that the past 2 days well really it was like 18 hours-minus a few for some sleep, I've been reorganizing my stamp room.  It was completely spur of the moment.  I had nothing planned. I just went with the flow.  I should have taken some before pictures so that you could get the full effect of the progress that was made, there was definite progress made.  But anyway here's what my room looks like when you first walk in.  You must know that I have to 'share' a room with Dan's office.  When I say share it's really more of an 90/10 deal :)  He has a little corner and half a wall for his stuff :)  The rest is mine.  Under the window is a little bare, eventually I'd like to put a bench with some storage under for, well more stuff! Before this redo it was lined with boxes of retired stamps, and other strange things, but now it's clear which just that alone is an improvement. 

 

Now I'll show you what was done and remember every one's stamp room is different, This is what works for me, what works for you might be something completely different.  I also have a fun, eclectic collection of storage things.  But again it works for me.  Find what works for you.  This is the main corner that was effected.  Previously it had a small bookcase and a couple of those rolling plastic drawer things.  I never liked those.  But here it is now. 

THIS is what started it. This was in Megan's room.  All four shelf's lined with those colorful boxes all filled with toys.  She got a different one on Wednesday, a fun Minnie Mouse one.  So this was was moved out of her room.  I looked at it and thought.....I wonder if my stamps could fit on that.....well they did and so began my redo.  My stamps used to be stored in a huge cabinet (you'll see it in a minute).  But it was hard to get into, dark and it was never an ideal storage solution.  I've always wanted my stamps out in the open where I could see and use them.  So I thought this was a great opportunity.  The old wood cases don't fit as well, so I may be investing in the new cases for all my sets.  Previously there was no need too. 

I can see the labels of all my sets, I can see what I have and it's going to work sooooo much better now!!!  I did utilize some of the boxes, I have candy dots, glitter, washi tape, wheels, bags, reinkers, etc. in them.  Accessories that are used fairly regularly but not so much that they need a permanent spot on my desk. 

Then I added this bookcase.  This is more storage for things I tend to use alot.  There's some stuff for the kids, there's a few business items, my laptop.  It will work well.  I have a basket full of dimensionals :)  Left side 3rd row.  Yes that's full of dimensionals and a few other adhesives :)  There's still a little organizing to do but it's already more organized then it was!    

This is the opposite side of the room.  That's the big cabinet that used to house my stamp sets.  In my head my original plan was to move it out but then that left me with a HUGE problem-Where does my Big Shot go?????  So immediately it was staying!  Now it holds all my retired stuff: stamps, accessories, etc. So that worked out well.  It's all off the floor and out of the way.  My desk and my filling cabinet for my cardstock never moved.  Yep, there's a whole lot more stamp sets there :)

My big shot station works well for me.  This is where it's always been and it's always worked well.  I have lots of dies right at my finger tips and I mounted a basket on the wall to store all my framelits so they're easy to sort through and find the ones I need.  The drawers of the cabinet hold other big shot stuff, platforms, plates, etc. 

Finally my desk.  This was not cleaned....it's pretty obvious :)  Reorganizing my desk will be my next priority but for now I'm really happy with my new room.  I think it's going to be so much more functional.  I still have some improvements to do but all in all it's a huge improvement!!!  Again all this works for me and my unique collection of storage is fun and functional.  Be creative and find what works for you and your space.  Have a great weekend!!!! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

Gee, Thanks

While brainstorming ideas for my Man Up class next week I came across this card, by Erica.  I came up with what I thought would be a masculine version.  In the end it didn't make the cut for my Man Up class.  Not because I don't like, I think it's adorable, but just because I liked the other 5 cards more!  I used Island Indigo and Pool Party for this card.  I love the way those two color coordinate.   

Don't you just love the word bubbles!?!?  I know in MDS I have a few word/thought bubbles to work with from various downloads and I love them.  I used them all the time in my scrapbook pages!  This stamp set is adorable and with the coordinating framlits it makes it so easy!!!! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

The Moon

I saw this card on Pintrest and thought it was so cute!  So Sunday before church I had about 5 minutes so I decided I was going to make a card in that 5 minutes and be happy with it.  I quickly decided on an easy quick version of that card.  The kids were on board and wanted to help.  Logan and Megan worked the big shot while I stamped, punched and cut.  We used the largest (non scalloped) circle from the Circles Framelits.  After it was cut out it was embossed with the Sale a Bration embossing folder.  The random (I'm sure it's not random) placement of all the dots make it perfect for the moons surface.  We cut another piece of cardstock for the base of our card.  Making sure the fold was below the circle so that it opens and closes.  The full circle was glued right on top of the card base. 

I stamped the greeting twice and cut out the moon on one of them and popped it up.  I used the heart from the owl punch.  It was the perfect size.  Finally I punched lots of banners with the Sale a Bration Banner Punch and the Sale a Bration Sweet Sorbet DSP.  This card is quick, cute and was fun to make.  Next time you have a few spare minutes, see what you can do!!!

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!!

Petite Petals Make Me Happy

This card is bright and beautiful and I love the flowers!!  You've probably seen the Petite Petals Punch in the Occasions catalog.  It was one of the very first things I ordered.  I loved it!!!  This card is super simple. I love the white on white.  I don't know why but I just love it!!  The card needed something else so I added a doily.  It gives the right amount of delicacy to the card. 

I punched the flowers out of Rose Red, Perfect Plum and Marina Mist.  A color combo straight from the color coach.  I added a rhinestone to the center of each one.  The leaves are also punched with the Petite Petals Punch, in Wild Wasabi.  I just cut off petals to make the leaves.  The flowers are gently curled up, to get this look, get our your paper piercer and pad.  Lay the flower on the pad and with the rounded end of your paper piercer-NOT the sharp pointy end but the opposite rounded end-gently press in the center of your flower.  The flower will naturally curl.  Beautiful!!!!  Use tombow or glue dots to stick them to your card. 

 

I have a sneak peek for you today, I normally don't show my cards prior to my classes but these 3 cards I'm excited about and wanted to give you a sneak peek .  These are 3 of the 5 cards that my guests who attend my Man Up Masculine Cards Class on March 8th will get to make.  There's still time to sign up and I have kits available too!!  Here's all the details for my class.  Sign up today!!!  Location: St. John’s Cathedral, 318 Silver SW. Class starts at 9:30am.

Saturday--March 8, 2014
Man Up Class

Need a masculine card? This is your class. We’ll make 5 masculine cards perfect for any guy in your life. No glitter, rhinestones or frilly ribbon! This class is all about the guys! This class is $20 or FREE with a $35* order at the class. Please RSVP by March 5^st.
*Before tax and shipping, bump your order up to $50 and pick a FREE Sale a Bration product!!! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

Business Card Holder

I have another box for you today :)  I'm loving making boxes!!  I have stashes of candies and other little goodies to put in these boxes hidden in my closet in my stamp room.  The problem though, is that I'm accumulating quite a stack of boxes.  I need to start giving some away!!!  But they're all so cute and I love them all!!!  I'm having a rough time!  I'll be reorganizing my stamp room soon.  There's just alot of clutter and I feel that my time (little as it is) in my stamp room isn't being used efficiently because I'm constantly 'de-cluttering'.  I need to get some new storage tools and get some cleaning done! 

Today's box is a really fun one.  It's perfect if you have business cards on your desk at work.  Maybe you do craft shows, this is perfect for that too!  It's so cute!!  I saw this video of course done by the AMAZING Sam at Pootles!  I won't go into the details and measurements and all that good stuff.  I'm sure I couldn't explain in half as well as Sam does.  Here's the video. 

As you can see it holds a whole lot of cards!!  I used the Fresh Prints DSP---this could be my all time favorite DSP!  I'm sad it's in the Occasions Catalog and will be gone soon :(  I'm stocking up!!!  I also added a little heart from the wood elements in the Occasions catalog.  These little elements are the cutest!!!  I colored mine with a marker (I can't remember what color, I want to say Rich Razzleberry..I know it looks a little more red in the photo but I'm pretty sure it was Rich Razzleberry).  After I colored it I put a thin layer of Crystal Effects over it.  It gives the heart a nice glossy, shinny texture.  Finally a button to finish it off! 

 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!

Coffee In A Box

I think I've said it before, I don't drink coffee, it's not for me.  I do like the way coffee beans smell but once you brew it, it's lost all appeal to me.  Ironically I'm a fan of Starbucks and go frequently, but I get chai tea, or a vanilla bean frappachino :)   But you might like coffee, if you don't you probably know somebody who does.  It appears stange, I know, that I'm creating a project for coffee lovers when I'm not one.  Well let's dive into the evolution of this project.......Dan's office has a Keurig Coffee maker, they have to bring their own coffee but have unlimited use of the machine :)  I'm sure many offices have Keurigs, you might have one at home.  I asked Dan if he wanted to take Valentine's to work, (knowing he wouldn't want to).  He said no :)  It's cool.  I already had this idea brewing (ha haa) so even though he was against the "co worker Valentine's" I went ahead with my vision!

These sweet boxes hold 2 or 3 (depending on what size you make) little k cups of coffee.  SWEET!!!! The DSP slides right off and you have coffee!  Isn't that the cutest!!!??!!  I love it.  It was so easy to make too!!  The box (pattern and dimensions below) is just your standard box.  No lid, no fancy cutting, just a basic box. The DSP just wraps around.  I didn't score it, just wrapped it around, that's it!  Don't wrap too tight or it won't slide on and off so easily.

Now if you wanted you could jazz up the inside with some shredded paper or tissue paper and then put the k cups on top.  I thought of that, but it just never happened.  I used the Retro Fresh DSP, which I LOVE!  This DSP is so fun!!  The colors, patterns I love it all!!  Trust me, if you don't have it you need it!  The catalog doesn't do it justice, this DSP is amazing!!!!  

For the little tag I pulled out my Perfect Blend stamp set, because when making a project involving coffee you. must. use. this. set.  The greetings are perfect and there's a coffee cup, it doesn't get better!  I used my markers to color the greeting and my blender pen to shade the coffee cup.  Love it!!!!  How fun are those colors in the DSP by the way!!!  I'll be the first to tell you I'm NOT, never have been, a fan of Tangerine Tango.  With this DSP I love it!!  Outside this DSP.....it's my least favorite color, and you will probably never see it. 

Back to the box though, I know you want to know how to make it.  Here's the pattern and dimensions.  Two score lines in each direction, cut tabs and glue.  That's it!!!!!!  I've listed dimensions for both the 2 cup box and 3 cup box.  My lines are not accurate on the diagram.  When you score, the horizontal lines will be much more evenly placed.  I just needed the journaling room :)  I know you understand.  Dimensions are all in inches by the way.  Have fun making your coffee boxes! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

For A Four Year Old

Megan was invited to a birthday party last week.  The daughter of one of my sidelines.  She was excited!  I needed a card for the gift.  It is possible that because it had been a while since I stamped and I was having so much fun that I went slightly overboard on a birthday card for a four year old.  BUT I know her mom will appreciate all the work that went into it :)  So I needed a custom envelope for the card.  I used the Afternoon Picnic DSP to make the envelope, with the Envelope Punch Board of course!!!  I then embellished the envelope :)

I made a Cherry Cobbler belly band and tied some tiny banners from the Sale a Bration banner punch.  It's so cute!!!  I just love that little punch and I can see soooo many possibilities with it.  Fingers crossed Stampin' Up! will keep it...please please please!!!!!

So finally the card.  Opening the envelope is just as tiresome as opening the gifts!  This card was CASED from a card on Pintrest.  I changed it up a little but kept the same basic idea.  I love it.  For a kid who maybe know letters but can't read this is such a cute idea!!!!

I used the Tag Topper punch for my tags and used my alphabet dies for the letters and number 4.  I used the same DSP as the envelope, don't you love how everything coordinates!!?!!  My favorite part though is the embossed background glued on backwards, so you get depression of the dots instead of the impression.  LOVE that look!!!!  Why have I never done it before!!??!!  I hope you enjoyed my cute card for a kiddo, you could modify this to work for any kid in your life!!! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!!

Silver Boxes

As long as I'm posting Valentine's projects late I thought I'd throw this one in as well.  I whipped up a bunch of these little boxes a couple days before Valentine's for friends.  They're so easy and with the beautiful gold and silver paper we have there's really not a lot you need to add.  They're stunning just by themselves!!!  I did add a little tag from the Sale a Bration set Banner Blast and of course you have to punch it out with the coordinating punch!!!  I tied it all together with a little Primrose Petals ribbon and that was it!!!  Quick and easy!!!

I bet you don't have to guess when I got the box pattern....you're right I CASED another box from the amazing Sam Donald at Pootles!!!  You can see her tutorial on this box here.  I have found myself the past few weeks watching all her videos.  They're perfect length to watch while waiting the car for Logan to come out of school.  Of course what would a box be without some chocolate in it.  Yes my favorite chocolate :)  You can fit 3 in this box!!!  It's a great size!   

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!

These Little People...

...make me happy!!!  They're from one of the past Paper Pumpkin kits, I can't even remember which one at this point.  But you got a whole bag of little boys and girls so so so fun!!!  (I'm secretly hoping they'll be in the next catalog---I can wish right!?!)  I thought they would make a sweet Valentine card-yes I know I'm a little late posting it.  Truth is it wasn't even made until the night before :)  This is the card I gave to Dan on Friday.  I even had to 'borrow' it back from him over the weekend to get some pictures of it :) I wasn't really prepared at all :)  I had the kids stuff ready to go a couple weeks ago, but that's as far as I got. 

I added in some of the new Gold Vellum from the Occasions Catalog on the card.  I thought the gold vellum and the golden tint the little people had worked perfectly together!  I used Bermuda Bay on this card.  I'm using this color more and more.  I'm really loving it!!!  Of course the stamp is one you can get free during Sale a Bration!  It's my favorite set of from the Sale a Bration catalog-See Ya Later!!  There's still plenty of time to earn them free!!  And if you're interested in joining Paper Pumpkin, you never know what kind of goodies you'll get you can sign up here.  Plus Stampin' Up! extended the free marker promotion!  Sign up by March 31 and you'll get a set of the In Color Markers free!!!  Who doesn't love FREE!!!??!

 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

When In Doubt Add Glitter

That should be every one's philosophy :)  If ever you're unsure of anything just add glitter.  A little sparkle never hurt anyone!!  Other's may not share my glitter loving attitude, oh well!!! This card turned out lovely, not as I had pictured it in my head, but in the end I was pleased with it.  The entire card was assembled and stamped and embossed, but it was missing something, the flowers needed something.  I tried rhinestone, pearls buttons, nothing looked right.  Then I saw the little jar of champagne glass glitter on my desk!!  YES it needed glitter!!!!

I used Crystal Effects and put a generous dollop of glitter in the center of the flowers and gently added the glitter.  That was exactly the look I needed.  So when in doubt add glitter!!!  Other products used on this card besides the glitter are the Sale A Bration embossing folder, DSP and stamp set I Think You're Lovely.  I also used Happy Watercolor set for the flowers.  I decided to pull out my Crisp Cantaloupe and Calypso Coral for this card (I never ever ever use those colors).  That's all from me today I hope your week is off to a great start!!!   

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!

See Ya Later On Vellum

With the introduction of our new silver and gold vellum in the Occasions catalog----LOVE THEM BY THE WAY!---I've found myself reaching for my vellum more and more.  Today's card is one of my favorites that I've done.  I love embossing on vellum!  I stamped the greeting on vellum and embossed it with white.  I pulled out my Zoo Babies set and used the alligator from that set for this card.  I also pulled out my banner framelits to add lots of fun banners!

The tricky part of using vellum is how to stick it down!  I know we've all had this problem.  I like glue dots for vellum.  They hold great and they're not very noticeable.  However for this card I used dimensionals.  I've hidden my dimensionals behind the alligator and there's a couple small dimensionals behind some of the embossed letters :)  I had to get creative :)  But this card is super sweet!  I love it!!  Have a great Valentine's Day!!!  

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

Petal Parade

This stamp set is quickly becoming a huge favorite of mine!  Petal Parade is one of the Sale a Bration sets.  I didn't like it in the catalog.  But I've seen so many amazing cards all over using this set so I had to get it!  This card was inspired by this card.  Just one of the many that convinced me I needed this set! 

I've been using Coastal Cabana on almost everything lately!!  I love this color so much!  Thank goodness our incolors last 2 years now, I'm defiantly not ready to say good bye to this color!!  I paired it with Smoky Slate and Basic Black.  LOVE!!!  But my favorite part of this card is the button!  I had a taffeta bow, but it just looked a little off by itself, so playing around I added a button!  So cute!!!  Of course 'naked' buttons bother me so I added a little lined thread to the button :)  I love it!!! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!

Finishing Stamp Camp

These are the last of the six cards our guests made at stamp camp on Saturday.  These two Amber designed.  I love this first one with the silver vellum!  I think this is my favorite of Amber's cards!  She also used the brushed silver cardstock so it's silver through and through!  The framelit is punched through both layers in the front of the card.

The greeting peeks through on the inside.  It's such a stunning card in person.  If you haven't had a chance to use the gold or silver vellum you don't know what you're missing!  Add it to your wishlist! 

Finally this is Amber's card using the Happy Watercolor set.  I love this card.  So pretty and the watercolor is really easy to do especially when you have the watercolor paper, like on this card.  It makes blending the colors so easy to do! 

I hope you've enjoyed a look at our stamp camp.  Make plans to join us next year, or better yet join us on June 14th for our New Catalog Stamp Camp!  Mark your calendars now!!!  :) 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!

You're Lovely Two Ways

I think I've mentioned before, probably yesterday :) when Amber and I do our stamp camps together we use the same sets but obviously our cards are different.  We love to give our customers an idea of how versatile each set can be.  So here's the cards Amber and I both did with the You're Lovely Sale a Bration set. 

The first one is mine.  I love the little punched circle (I used the smallest circle from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack) with a rhinestone.  It really make the flowers come to life!  These colors are so bright and make me happy too.  It's Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo and Pumpkin Pie! 

Here's Amber's card.  So elegant and beautiful.  Two very different cards from one set!  I saw a 'sneak peek' of Amber's card on her blog and I saw that she had use the stamp that said "you're lovely" so I knew I wanted to use the other stamp.  It worked out great!!   

I love how Amber used the markers to color her stamp.  It's such an easy way to add a little detail that changes the look of a card completely!  I'll share Amber's other two cards tomorrow. 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!

Sharing Sale a Bration

We had our annual stamp camp on Saturday.  It's one of my favorite classes.  I do this one with my upline Amber.  We had almost 30 people there!  It was a great turn out!  Our guests got to make 6 cards all featuring at least one Sale a Bration product though I think they had a couple on each card :)  I'll share those this week.  Here's 2 of the cards I designed (Amber and I each do 3).  This one was one of my favorites.  It's simple but fun!

Of course the stamp set is the See You Later Sale a Bration set, but there's also the Decorative Dots embossing folder on this card, plus the Sweet Sorbet DSP.  You can get all of these products free during Sale a Braton, and they're only free during Sale a Bration, you can't get them any other time! 

We also wanted to showcase some of the Occasions Catalog products too, so we used the Happy Watercolor set for this one, I just used the greeting from it.  This card also has the Sweet Sorbet DSP and Decorative Dots embossing folder.  Some of my favorites this year!   

With a couple color changes this would make a great masculine card :)  even with the linen thread...though I supposed you could leave that off :)  Lots more to share this week.  Remember we're still only in the beginning of Sale a Bration.  There's still plenty of time to earn these amazing products!!

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!!!!

LOVE The Tag Topper Punch

Have you tried this punch??  I'm going to be honest, when I saw it in the catalog I said, 'eh that doesn't look interesting' then I saw 1,001 wonderful things done with it.  So I borrowed my Mom's (she was smart enough to buy it).  I've been using it like crazy.  Then as luck would have it my inspiration for Box It Up Week, the wonderful Pootles came up with this sweet box made with the punch!!!  LOVE it!!!!

She, of course, has an excellent tutorial on her blog.  There's dimensions and a video so I won't post them here, check out her blog.  This box was so simple to put together and came together in just minutes!  MINUTES!!!  You could mass produce these in no time!!  And it only takes 2 strips of cardstock that are 2 inches wide.  You can make a ton of these from one package of cardstock. 

Of course I have chocolate in my box (I don't put anything except chocolate in my boxes, is there anything else?!).  So I hope you've enjoyed box it up week! I have, I've spent this week making tons of cards, and a few more boxes!  I have tons to share!!  Tomorrow is our huge Sale a Bration stamp camp!! It will be so exciting, it always is!  Of course I'll have lots of highlights next week! 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!