Melon Mambo Imagine

Do you ever wonder what to do with all of your little pieces of left over Designer Series Paper?  I started to ask myself that question as I was cleaning up my craft room the other day and came across all these pretty little pieces of paper that just kept piling up as I finished my projects.  So, I dug out the 1" Square Punch and went to town.  Here is the result of my punching madness.

Stamp Set:  Word Play; Ink:  Melon Mambo; Card Stock:  Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Designer Series Paper (retired); Accessories & Tools:  1" Square Punch, Labels Collection Framelits, Fancy Flower Punch, Antique Brad, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, Anywhere Glue Stick, SNAIL Adhesive

It's bright.  It's colorful.  It's cheerful. It definitely fits the sentiment from the Word Play Stamp Set.

In Colors Corner Bookmarks

Just a quick post today.  I've been spring cleaning and rearranging my living room.  I didn't get to create today other than a new layout for the furniture.  Yesterday I did manage to make some new bookmarks using 6x6 sheets of Designer Series Paper and scraps from the cards I made for the current Llama Blog Hop.  They have been doing well at the Crafters Gift Boutique.  They are quick and easy to make.

Stamp Set:  Mixed Bunch; Card Stock:  Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Blossom Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, VersaMark, Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details

The link to the updated video from Dawn Griffith can be found HERE.

Island Indigo Elegant Thank You

For this card, I prepared two cards for each of the new In Colors and they had their choice of colors.  The cards were absolutely gorgeous and not all were Valentine themed as they wanted to use other sentiments.  I thought that was great!

The color I chose was Island Indigo.  During the class I did mix it up and used a different sentiment on the card I made to demonstrate what they were to do.  I'll show those in coming days.

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You; Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Island Indigo, Whisper White, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits Die, 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads, Linen Thread, Big Shot, SNAIL Adhesive, Crop-A-Dile

When I showed them the Crop-A-Dile, it got a few 'oohs' and 'aahs' and big eyes.  You have to admit, it is rather a funny looking tool.

There you have the third card we made.  What was fun was seeing them use the other side of the Designer Series Paper.  It made for some very striking designs.

Until we meet again...

Matchbook Valentine Treat

Last Friday evening I had the pleasure of enjoying pizza with my youngest son and his family.  I had been crafting all afternoon so took the prototype of a candy box holder over to show Zac and Nic to see if it would be something they would like to give on Valentine's Day.  They really liked them and are excited about sharing them with their classmates.  I made several yesterday morning to take to the Gift Boutique but, unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of them so when I make up the ones for my boys', I'll be sure to show them to you at that time.

But, never fear, I have another little treat holder that is so easy to make that once you start you won't want to stop!  Well, maybe not, but it is a cute idea and takes no time at all to make. 

Card Stock:  Love Patterns Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette; Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart, Crop-A-Dile

Although you can't see it, there is a small package of candy inside the matchbook.  And, there was no stamping to do.  It is all card stock and punches!

And before I forget to mention it, my new Events Schedule has been posted.  Lots of fun and lots of classes.  Be sure to check it out.

Until we meet again...

Marina Mist Birthday

To round out a full week, here is the last birthday card made for my grandson, Gage.  He is fourteen today.  I had the privilege of being there the day he was born.  His dad, my oldest son Wayne, was in the Army at the time and away from home.  I was talking to him on the phone when we both heard Gage cry for the very first time!  I could hear the tears and joy in Wayne's voice.  It was a happy time.

Stamp Sets:  Word Play, Take It To Heart, Happy Birthday; Inks:  Soft Suede, Marina Mist; Card Stock:  Marina Mist, Attic Boutique, Glossy White, Whisper White; Accessories:  1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Gage's and Rodney's are the same but with a different combination of colors.  I had card stock left over after using the Wax Paper Resist Technique.  It's a neat technique and it worked well for masculine cards.

And, there you have all of the birthdays in just this one short week.

Until we meet again...

Big Wish Birthday

Today is a very special day.  It is my oldest grandson's birthday.  Rodney is now twenty-one years old.  I just keep asking myself, "Where did the time go?"  I remember him as such a happy little guy.  I have pictures of him with his chubby cheeks and big smile.  He has one of those smiles that is catching and you just have to smile along with him.

Stamp Sets:  Take It To Heart, Word Play, Happy Birthday; Inks:  Marina Mist, Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Well Worn Designer Series Paper, Glossy White, Whisper White; Accessories: 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy 21st Birthday, Rodney.

Until we meet again...

It's Ron, My Schwan's Delivery Man's Birthday

Well, technically it was Sunday, January 8th, but I don't see him again until this Friday and being who I am, I didn't get it done before the date so he will get it Friday.  I also found a cute little truck template and am going to make him a truck and decorate it like his delivery truck.  I know he likes chocolate so I'm thinking a few Hershey's nuggets will be tucked inside, too!

Stamp Sets:  Motorcycle (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Jet Black StazOn,  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Not Quite Navy, Well Worn Designer Series Paper, Watercolor Paper, Cajun Craze; Accessories:  Blender Pen, Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

I love this Motorcycle stamp and I want to thank Buffy for sharing it with me.  Every time I use it, I get a lot of compliments.  Sigh... one of these days I'm going to have to send it back to her.

So, let me know what you think.  If you like it and leave a comment and if you e-mail me with your name and mailing address, I'll make you your very own Motorcycle card and send it off to you!  A comment, an e-mail and a card.  It doesn't get any easier than that!

Until we meet again...

Everyday Enchantment

What could be more fun than having new Stampin' Up!® product to play with?  I have been such a busy little bee.  With the llama blog hop and three birthdays this week, I've had to be at my craft table working my little fingers to the bone!  Not really, because I love creating.  The new Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper was one I wasn't sure I was going to like.  Seeing it up close has sure changed my mind.  It is one of the products that will be available during our Sale-A-Bration that starts January 24th and runs through March 31st.  For every $50 you spend, you can choose a FREE product from the catalog.  You're going to love it!

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Postage Stamp Punch, 1" Punch, Jewels Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Tomorrow I'll show you another card design using this same paper and a little trick I saw using the Decorative Label Punch.

Until we meet again...

25 And Counting

Last Thursday evening a local group of Stampin' Up!® Demonstrators got together for dinner at the Ankeny Olive Garden.  We did a gift swap and oh, what wonderful gifts were created.  As the days go by I will share them with you but for today, I'm sharing my CASE of one of the gifts I received.  It's another take on the Advent Calendar and such a great way to countdown the days to Christmas.  I can remember the Advent Calendars from my childhood.  We had one every year and it was with great anticipation that we opened each days' window.

Stamp Sets:  25 & Counting, Christmas Lodge; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Forest Green StazOn; Card Stock:  Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Garden Green; Accessories:  1" Square Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, 3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Crop-A-Dile, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I plan to do more creating as well as getting ready for a Scentsy party I am hosting.  I'm looking forward to all the fun!

Blessings from Marsha

Just Add Cake!

My youngest grandson's birthday was November 2nd.  He is now two and such a little character.  He's the life of the party and today Mom & Dad had a family gathering to celebrate the event.  Dad made his famous potato soup and it sure was delicious.  Mom made two very tasty cakes. By the time the crew of family and friends had soup and were caked and ice creamed up, nearly everything was gone.

I sat down this afternoon and made Aiden's birthday card.  I am really enjoying the Peekaboo Frames Die.  It has turned out to be one of my favorites from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The first photo is a close up of the window I made from the Silver Glimmer Paper.

Stamp Sets:  Forest Friends (retired), Punch Bunch (retired), God's Blessings; Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Island Indigo, Very Vanilla, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Bigz L Peekaboo Frames Die, 1/2" Circle Punch, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Dimensionals, Jewels Basic Pearls, Eyelet Border Punch, Tempting Turquoise Emboss Powder, VersaMark

I used the birthday sentiment from the God's Blessings Stamp Set and embossed it in Tempting Turquoise Emboss Powder on the inside of the card.  The contrast with the Island Indigo Card Stock was really nice.

Tomorrow I'm going to play with the Peekaboo Frames Die again and design a Christmas card for Tuesday night's Workshop.

Blessings from Marsha

Holiday Stocking

Today was spent exploring options for an upcoming Workshop I have on Tuesday.  My Hostess wants a Christmas card as our make and take.  I'm wanted to use the new dies but just wasn't sure in what manner.  I decided to use the Holiday Stocking Die and place the card stock in such a way as to have a fold along the left so it actually forms a card.  You could use it as a card or a large tag on a gift bag.  I used the Peekaboo Die to made a window in which to hide the sentiment.  I love that Glimmer Paper, both the Silver and the Red.

The first photo shows the window up close.  The second is of the card itself.  I'm thinking I need a new camera because my photos of late have not been as good as when I first purchased the camera.  The colors are just not right but at least you'll get the idea.  Looks like a shopping expedition is in my future.

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Silver Glimmer Paper, Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper (retired); Accessories:  Big Shot, Bigz L Holiday Stocking Die, Bigz L Peekaboo Frames Die

There is still time to get your own Big Shot.  Become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator by November 11th and you get one FREE!  For details, click here.

Blessings from Marsha

Saturday Morning Errands

Saturday has always been reserved for errands.  I don't remember when that started but I'm sure it had to do with the fact that I could leave my boys home with their dad and have a few hours of freedom.  They would rather have the fun of running and playing than being confined to a car and restricted to their best behavior while out in public.  And, they got to help Dad do whatever guy things he had planned for the day.

The card I'm sharing this morning, before I run those errands, is a tribute to my three sons.  It is also one I designed for our current llama blog hop.  Christmas has always been celebrated with great joy in my family.  Celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus, is the focal point but anticipating a visit from Santa was high on the list for my boys.  They would hang their stockings, head to bed and be awake for hours too excited to settle down and sleep.  Eventually, it would quiet down and Santa would make his appearance.  Such fun and happiness.  I loved it and I miss those days now that the boys are grown with families of their own.

When I first saw the Holiday Mini Catalog and the Stitched Stockings Stamp Set and the Stocking Builder Punch, I knew I had to have them.  Now, I usually don't get excited about Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but this year Stampin' Up!® has too many fun Christmas products for me to wait that long.  So, here is the card I made in remembrance of the three stockings that hung in my home when the boys were small.

Stamp Sets:  Stitched Stockings, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Early Espresso; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Stocking Builder Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, White Baker's Twine, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Dazzling Details, 3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Early Espresso Neutrals Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Okay, now that I have Christmas somewhat out of my system, I'm turning my focus to Thanksgiving.  I have so very much for which to be thankful.

How about you?  What makes you thankful?  Leave a comment and let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

Blessings from Marsha

Last Chance

Tomorrow is your last chance to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.   It is also the last chance to purchase your favorite Designer Series Paper through the Buy Three Get One Free special.  As of midnight on Wednesday, they both will be gone.

You can order Here or you can call or e-mail me with your order and payment information.

 Blessings from Marsha

The Count Down Has Started!

There are only five days left to:

• order your favorite Designer Series Paper through the Buy Three Get One Free
• order from the Summer Mini Catalog
• to wait for the premier of the NEW Holiday Mini Catalog

You can order online Here or call or e-mail me with your order and payment information.

Don't put it off.  Before you know it, they will be gone.

Blessings from Marsha

Easy Events Christmas

Here's a card I designed using the Easy Events Stamp Set.  I wanted to do something quick and simple and I wanted to use the new Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.

Stamp Set:  Easy Events; Inks:  StazOn Black, Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker, Real Red; Card Stock:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Starburst Jumbo Wheel

And there you have another taste of Christmas.  There is only one week left to take advantage of the Buy Three, Get One Free Designer Series Paper special.  And, only one week left to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.  You have until midnight on August 31st.

Blessings from Marsha

Hello Blossoms from the Summer Mini

As promised here is a card using one of the stamp sets available in the Summer Mini Catalog.  Hello Blossoms is a cheery single stamp that brings a smile to your card.  Another Summer Mini feature is the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.  An easy to use front lever let's you select the image you want.  Three images in one punch lets you create beautiful layered blossoms or you can use each layer by itself.

Stamp Sets:  Hello Blossoms, Just Believe; Inks:  Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker, Old Olive Stampin Write Marker,  Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker, Dusty Durango Stampin' Write Marker (retired); Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Brights Daffodil Delight Polka Dot DSP;  Accessories:  Triple Layer Blossoms Punch, Modern Label Punch, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

And there you have it.  Two great products from the Summer Mini Catalog.  There are only two weeks left before the Hello Blossoms Stamp Set will be gone so place your order now. 

If you have any questions, just let me know.

Blessings from Marsha

Thinking of You

It was a fun day spent with three of my twelve grandchildren.  They are so full of energy and keep this grandmother on her toes!  With little ones underfoot, I made cookies instead of cards today.  And, of course, they loved that because they got to help.

Today's card is another earlier design and a simple study in blue and vanilla, one of my favorite combinations.  The Framed Tulips Embossing Folder made the perfect border.  Clean and simple, I love how this all came together.     

Stamp Sets:  For All You Do, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock: Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories:  Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Don't forget to take advantage of the Designer Series Paper special of Buy Three Get One Free that goes until August 31.   Just click on the image on the lower right for all the details.   

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite Designer Series Paper.  I enjoy hearing from you.

Blessings from Marsha

Buy Three, Get One FREE

 
During the month of August, when you purchase three packages of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper (a $10.95 value), you get one FREE.  You can choose from a variety of designs and colors that are available in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and in the Summer Mini Catalog.

Take advantage of this limited time offer and find the Designer Series Paper that's just right for your project. You can order online or contact me with your order.


Blessings from Marsha