Yvette's Arts

Anyone recognise this stamp?

2011-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Trying to find it for a friend. I am loading it here for easy linking... but if you know what it is, I would love to get the info in a comment.

My valentine

2011-02-20T09:55:00.001-08:00

I only made one Valentine this year. It was for a friend I thought may need a little cheer. He loved the 50's modern stuff, so I was trying to get as close as I could. Well, I guess this is more '60's, but so am I...

Remember those old mini mailboxes from Target's dollar spot? I still had all the ones I bought and never decorated them, so I thought I would give it a try. It was easier than I thought it would be - so maybe I should have tried it earlier.

Patterned Paper: SEI
Cardstock, Ribbon, buttons, felt flower, stamps: Stampin Up
Chipboard heart: Maya Road

2011-01-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

I bought a whole bunch of the Fluffles stamps and decided I needed to use at least one for an Xmas card. He is the cutest little bugger. All the rest of the products are Stampin Up except the image. I am trying to use up some retired papers and colors. It seems like no matter how much I make, I don't notice a dent. Huh...

And another one!

2010-12-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorites. I bought this set last year and never did anything with it. It took forever to cut out enough trees to make the card, but I still love the stamp set. Everything Stampin' Up pretty much.

I finally made some cards!

2010-12-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

I can't remember how to get more than one photo in a post it has been so long since I uploaded a card. But, I got one up!

Classy Coordinates Sketch Layout

2009-01-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

The gal at Classy Coordinates is hosting 52 week challenge -- one layout a week all year. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Classy-Coordinates-Scrapbook-Sketches-Layouts-and-Kits/39906620977?ref=share I am hoping it will help me get more done this year.

So here is the first layout:
I have been meaning to scrap this picture of Sammy and Lila and have been saving the crown to do it. I wish the photo were more visible in it, but it is done...

Paper, embellishments, and stickers by Autumn Leaves
Cardstock and Brad by Stampin Up
lettering: Lil Davis and Chatterbox
Bling: Heidi Swap?
Ribbon was from M's

Thanks for looking!

Scandinavian Christmas cards

2009-01-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

I soooo loved this set. I ordered it practically the instant I got the mini catalog. The patterned paper is called Ski Slope - and the gloves are the chocolate scented embossing powder I got at Scrapbook Oasis.

Deer Friends Cards

2009-01-04T16:33:00.001-08:00

Well, here they are. Most of the Christmas cards I mailed to friends. I had so much fun making them. I used the set "Deer Friends" for almost all the cards, some form of a cuttlebug folder and some patterned paper from Stamin' Up called Ski Slope. Kind of variations on a theme. I had fun with the glitter on most of them.

This one is the reason the set is called Deer Friends.

This is as close as I will ever get to making gingerbread cookies.

One of my favorites because I really like the Christmas Ornaments embosser. I just wish I were a little more creative with their use.
You know you are using a lot of glitter when the Santa hat started black. LOL

And a chance to use the SU Scallop border punch. I could play with that all day.

I have a few more to share. I guess I should have done this before Christmas, but I wanted people to be surprised when they got their cards.

See you soon!

The last RMDH Card...

2008-12-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

This little guy looks so cute gazing at the stars! I just stamped him in gray and carefully colored so I would not smear the ink, and watercolored his body a little to add some depth. A little shiny ribbon and some scallops, and he was done. This card really did not photograph well, but I thought I would share it anyway.

That's it. All the cards I made for Ronald McDonald House. Soon, I will upload the cards I made for friends. With less time pressure, those were a little more complex (for the most part).

2008-12-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do something in traditional colors too! I used my Cuttlebug embossing folders for the background and I have always loved (but never used) these little deer. They seemed to ink up better with the craft inks, but other than that, this card came together in minutes.

Easiest card in the World!

2008-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

This was actually one of the last cards I made for Ronald McDonald House. I was getting tired, so I wanted something that was easy to make. I dug into some Cosmo Cricket paper (from last year's Christmas purchases...) and made a simple layout for the card. Then I wanted to use the snowflake stamp from the 2008 scallop set from SAB. You know what? I actually had trouble finding colors to match these papers! None of my SU colors worked. You would think that with over 70 colors I have... and I did not bring any other pad. Oops. So, I went with brown. I wish I have that blueish-green to color the snowflake. Hopefully, they liked them anyway.

To a new lawyer

2008-12-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

My former law clerk and friend passed the bar. She got her results right before Thanksgiving and we went to brunch right afterwards. I really wanted to make her a little cards. What could be better for it than lawyerbella! She kind of looks like a judge to me, but maybe that will be in her future too!

Everything but the stamp is Stampin' Up.

Gingerbread Man Card

2008-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

I love this little guy! He comes in a Stampin Up hostess set called Deer Friends and they are all little circles you can punch out. I made a ton of my cards with the set for this Christmas (more to come later...)

Everything is SU except the snowflake stamp. I did not plan to use that, but it seemed to go with the design inside the circles on the brown paper and the card needed something else when I got it all glued together. I also used some Stickles to color the ends of his feet and hands to make it look like frosting. That is as close as I come to baking! LOL

2008-12-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite cards I made for Ronald McDonald House this year. The idea came from Splitcoaststampers with the tree and of course I had to make version with snowflakes cause I LOVE them. I used various shades of SU greens/blues to give it depth. These were so fun to make. I wish I had done a few for my own cards. Maybe I will find a way for valentines day...

2008-12-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post with the necklace and earrings I made for my paralegal at work. Made with Sterling Silver and Labradorite. It has a fun, bluish, iridescent finish. All wire wrapped.

Will post the Christmas cards I sent out soon...

Aren't we cute?

2008-11-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

From Sundiver Dive in Catalina

This was probably the best photo I took diving in Catalina this weekend. The underwater ones did not turn out as well as last time. :-(

Jewelry!

2008-11-09T13:43:00.001-08:00

What girl does not love jewelry! Stacy found this cool class where we made a crocheted necklace. I did not even know how to do a chain stitch before the class. Here is what we made:

And here is a close up of my project:
Not a great picture, but what can I girl do... anyway, I made the necklace and had to share it with all my friends, whether or not they were interested. LOL Shaddi expressed an interest however and asked that I make her one with turquoise for her upcoming birthday. This was the result of my efforts:

Little different, but I hope she likes it. And while I am posting, I have been stamping... so here is the card I gave Shaddi with the present:

Well, that's about it until I take more pictures of things I have made lately. Hopefully, this will do for now. Enjoy!

An inspiring Beate's Weekend Sketch

2008-09-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at other people making such cute cards with sketches, especially ones Beate posts. So, as I sat down in my partially organized studio, I thought I would give it a try with the scraps that were on my table.

Here is the sketch for the weekend:

And here is my (loose) interpretation of it. I accidentally cut the strips wider than I planned, so I placed the circle in between the strips to make up for it. The cardstock is all Stampin Up (Ruby Red and Confetti Cream), the patterned paper is from MME along with the tag, which I simply stamped with an old sayings set. I used the scallop border punch and scallop circle punch (also from US) cause I am still on that kick. A little leftover ribbon and I was done!

A couple of June cards...

2008-06-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

These are somewhat random cards I had to make this month. I just have not had time to post them. The first was made for the Club Scrap Birthday cards swap. We made a card for everyone in the group whose birthday it is each month. There are about 100 members, I think. So, I make a little batch of cards each month and mail them to the gals. When I have a bunch of cards to make I usually make them assembly style. I don't really get bored if it is less than 10 cards. I actually have harder time doing variations on a theme because after I make the first card, then all the variations look wrong to me. Anyway - here it is...

The paper is an odd combibation of POPs from Club Scrap -I think Renaissance yellow, some black and a red I cannot place. The ribbon was from Beverly's, stamp is Stampin Up. The embossing was done with a Cuttlebug folder - one of the more addictive things I have found lately!

The second card (left) I made for my Dad this year. All the supplies came in a kit from QVC (did you get this one too?). It actually had a cool saying for Father's Day in it which just seemed to fit the last year. So, I went for it. The little flower stamps and punches are Stampin Up from this year's punch box. I just love making those flowers.

I hope Dad liked it.

Help me fight MS!

2008-06-03T17:03:00.001-07:00

I know this is not scrap related. But it is about something close to my heart.

For the second time, I will walk in 50 mile Challenge Walk MS. Of course, my inspiration for this walk is my friend Kelly, who was diagnosed with MS shortly before I met her about seven years ago. I have seen the uncertainty the disease has created in her life - not knowing whether she will wake up able to walk, see and touch. It was not long ago that she told me she kept dropping the pen as she was writing because she could not really feel it in her hands. I could not even imagine. She has walked this 50 mile route for 7 years and I was honored when she asked me to walk it with her again.

In the next few months, I will be preparing myself both physically and mentally to walk 50 miles. I can do the training and walk the miles each week, but I need your help to reach my fundraising goal. I have made a personal commitment to raise $3,000 to help fight this disease! I cannot do this part without your help!

My fundraising efforts will make a difference. Please consider making tax-deductible donation. I’m very grateful for whatever you can give. Please visit my donation site at http://www.mymschallenge.com/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=258884&u=258884-116878707.

June 11 is a special fundraising blitz for the challenge. As a special bonus with my team, if you donate on my website on June 11th, for every $25 you donate, you will get one chance to win a set of 4 1-day Disneyland Park Hopper passes. So, for example, a $100 donation earns four chances. Note that the tickets expire on September 15, 2008, so you need to plan to go this summer if you win. Of course, the more you donate, the more chances you have to win.

Thank you so much for your support! Believe me, every little bit helps!

2008-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

What is it with these sketches lately? I am having so much fun with them. Very unlike me. This is from the Lifetime Moments Saturday Sketch challenge. I even got it done in time!!!

The layout was made with a mish mash of stuff from my stash. Paper is Club Scrap, Bazzill, 29th Street. Letters are Thickers and Doodlebug rub ons. Frame is from Anna Griffin (I think) and is filled with Glassy Glaze. Flowers are Prima. Ink is Distress Inks by Ranger. I think that is it!

Thanks for looking!

A Pair - inspired by Classy Coordinates Sketches!

2008-05-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Wendy always does the most amazing layouts. She tipped me off to a great sketch service done by www.classycoordinates.com When you sign up, you get an email each week with seven sketches, so you end up with a sketch for each day of the year. I received all of the 2007 sketches, and signed up for 2008. They look so "do-able." Would you believe this is my first actual layout with them? Well, here it is:

I used one of the kits from Coordinates Collections-- just added a Stampin Up eyelet and ribbon on the tag, some Fancy Pants felt from an add on and some chipboard letters I had sitting around ( they must be Heidi Swap cause they will not stick to save their life. LOL). I wanted something for the eye to rest upon, so there is a thin outline of yellow shimmery paper from Hambly - you know, the one with the cute owl on it. I cut the owl out for future use, don't worry. The rest of the papers are SEI.

Between the kit and the sketch, this took just about an hour from start to finish. Not bad for a worknight.

Poolside Vegas

2008-05-11T14:18:00.001-07:00

Another layout I did while cropping with friends from one of the Coordinates Collections kits. It came with a pack of chipboard punchouts which I painted blue. I also bought the Heidi Swap clear flower addons. I painted the center of the flower with the same acrylic paint. The big challenge is gluing them on the page. I am not sure of the best glue... but it was not KI Gloo. That totally showed through. I still like the layout though. I think I love anything with Thickers. ;)

A Sketch Layout

2008-05-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

Some of you already know how much I love the kits from Coordinates Collections. If you have cropped with me, you will often see me just bring a batch of kits with me to a crop. They basically have everything you need to make a great layout.

Well, this layout was made with one of those kits. I think the papers are Daisy D' - including the little journaling cards. Those make journaling so much easier because you know just how much space to fill. The embellishments are loose in the kit, so I am not sure what they are. The layout was based on a Becky Fleck sketch made for LifetimeMoments. I added lettering from yet another kit, and used stamps I had from Starving Artists stamps to do the stitching.

I have been trying to get these pictures scrapped for nearly 2 years. Somehow, between the sketch and the perfect kit, this came together really smoothly. Enjoy!

Spinning Wheel card

2008-05-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

This card was so much fun to make! The instructions were a part of Lifetime Moment's National Scrapbook Day classes. The wheel (which is the really light scalloped layer) spins and reveals different messages in the window. I used Club Scrap's Nature's Wonder kit, which came with this little strip of saying (such as love, joy, walk in the garden) that I punched out and glued into the window. The flower pumchouts also came with the kit. I just added some SU Wild Wasabi ribbon to make the stems and leaves.

I made this one for my stepmom for her birthday. I am giving it to her at lunch, so I don't think she will see this post in the next few hours. I also made her a pearl bracelet and earrings. I will try to post those later (need to take a picture first.)

Color Challenge card

2008-04-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of Kristina Werner's blog because she makes such fun, graphic cards. Wish I could do that... She has been doing color challenges, but the deadline is too short with work. BUT, since I am here recuperating from surgery, I had time to get it done. Not the greatest work of art, but I used stamps and paper I had not used because, and it was fun.

To the right is the color challenge image and the Stampin Up colors she matched to it. Totally different, isn't it?

Well, here is the little card I made from the challenge:
We received this set free from Stampin Up last year (a level 3 hostess set). It is called Time Well Spent. I loved the set but never did anything with it. So, it was time to get it off the shelf and give it a go. All the supplies except the embossing folder (Cuttlebug) and patterned paper (Reminisce) are from Stampin Up. Who would have thunk?

Enjoy!

The start of belated postings...

2008-01-01T23:04:00.001-08:00

I guess I have not posted for a month or so. December got pretty busy with Christmas parties, family time. If I posted all the stuff I made last month, I would be putting up Christmas cards for months. Maybe I will spare you that and just post a couple if I have time.

Here is a hostess gift I made for a friend's Christmas Party. The picture frame was a paper base and I covered it with the Stampin Up Brocade paper and Old Olive cardstock. The ribbon is the new taffeta in Chocolate Chip and the pin and beading are from the Pretties kit. For some reason, something simple like this takes me forever. Hope my friend liked it...

A blizzard of Blitzen

2007-11-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

Remember Blitzen papers from Basic Grey? I loved those. I used a bunch to scrap Christmas a year or so ago (or was it two?) but I still had paper left. So, I decided to use them to make my Christmas cards this year. I originally thought I would get through all my paper this weekend, but I am not even close. I little patterned paper goes a long way!

The first card was made for the Mojo Monday Sketch on Poetic Artistry.
I have such a hard time using sketches, but Julee's seem more natural to me. I decided I had to use the Merry and Bright SU set - I just love snowmen and this one was so cute! The set is in the mini catalog, so you only have until the 30th if you want one...

Stamp: SU Merry and Bright
Ink: SU Basic Black, Real Red, Old Olive and Only Orange (coloring was done with the markers)
Paper: Basic Grey Blitzen, SU Real Red and Old Olive
Punches: SU 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 circles, SU scallop

Pretty simple, isn't it?

The next little batch of cards (on the right) were all the same supplies as above. I actually made 4 of each style. That way I can mass produce some easy cards but not get too bored. Somehow, 8 cards is my limit. I wanted to play with the glitter my friend Stacey gifted me, so the red on the snowman and the tree is colored with Red Real for a base, and then I used the 2 way pen to attach Making Memories glitter. This stuff is solid coverage. I kept coloring just in case, but I am not sure you can see any of it under the glitter.

Then I started making the little vignette cards (see left). They take longer, so no real multiples here. But this little set is so cute together, I had to put all the images on at least some of the cards.

I think the bottom card was inspired by a sketch on www.splitcoaststampers.com, but I did not keep track of which one. I just kind of made the card as I had the sketch in mind. I am not sure whether or not it is true to the sketch or even close for that matter. Of course, I had to glitter these trees too.

Speaking of SplitCoast, the Chrismas card frenzy started because I wanted to try this star tag punch tutorial. I made the red star last Friday (card on right again) and then really wanted to make a card to put with it. The star was really not hard, though I think it would have been cuter with patterned paper on the inside. The Blitzen papers were a natural with the colors I happened to use for the star. Since I never do anything with them, I wanted to use the tags that come with the kits, which explains the background...

(Sorry, I cannot remember who makes the metal flower - it was just in my Scrap Rack and I wanted to use something in the middle).

Okay, last one...
The stamp on here is actually from 2 years ago. I bought it when it was on sale after Christmas last year from my friend Eva - who, incidentally, just started selling her supplies on line. She has some fun stuff, so check out her store. I buy a lot of my Adirondack/Ranger and non SU stamps from her. This just uses more leftover Blitzen and a prime flower I have been saving forever. Kind of hoping it works for Christmas due to the color. I am so addicted to those Primas...

Well, I have some more card basis cut, but I need work to slow down a bit before I can finish them. Maybe this weekend will work.

Thanks for checking out what I have so far.

Donation card

2007-11-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up does some with with Ronald McDonald House. This year, we are making little packets of holiday cards for the residents. So, I made a bunch of these cards with the Snow Burst set I am so in love with. I may be making a lot of my own cards with this set. The layout design was inspired by Jennifer MacGuire's floral cards on 2Peas.

Stamps: Stampin' Up Snow Burst
Ink: Encore Metallic
Cardstock: Club Scrap
Paint (star center): Ranger Adirondack Pearls
Ribbon and cord: Stampin Up

A fast, fun digi page....

2007-11-23T11:45:00.001-08:00

I finally learned how to use a digi template! Jessica Sprague is giving a mini album away with a page each day in December. I guess this page is an early bird. She had outstanding directions on how to use the template, so I learned something new and got this page done in about 15 minutes this morning. It is a layered .psd file, so I could take off the element I did not want on my page and I just added the photos and the red swirls, which are by Shabby Princess from her free kit last year (recolored). Wasn't that easy?

Give it a try:
http://spraguelab.squarespace.com/blog/2007/11/23/photoshop-friday-daily-december-mini-album.html

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share the little card I made for my brother and his wife. They are doing Thanksgiving for the first time at their house and seemed a bit stressed about it. So, I thought this may be a good pick-me-up. All colors are Stampin Up (Old Olive, Only Orange, Creamy Caramel and Whisper White). The stamp sets are retired Lovely Leaves and More Great Greetings. Giga scallop punch by EK Success - and I used to Coluzzle for the first time to make the circle shapes. It worked so well! I may be using that again a lot more.

I am off to make mashed potatoes, green beans and a salad to help out for dinner.

Have a great Turkey Day everyone!

KAYAKING!

2007-11-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

It was awesome! I took kayak lessons last summer, but have only been able to go practice on sit-on-tops. Sunday I got to use the faster and more comfortable ocean kayaks. My friend R. came with me and we had a blast paddling around the harbor. I thought I would show you a few pictures. Not exactly graceful with the PFD on, but hey, a good time was had by all.

First Dive Photos

2007-11-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I got certified in diving. It was so fun - and kind of exciting! Yesterday, I went on my first post-certification dive. I had bought a case for my little camera and went to town. I thought I would share some of those photos. Location is Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach.

Sea Urchins... yummy - and so cute underwater!

There were lots of these bright yellow fish (garabaldi, I am told). I loved them because they showed up so well in pictures.

This star fish was HUGE - over a foot across.

This little bitty guy was cute too! Not as magnificent, but cute.

Sea plants. They were really more colorful. I guess one day I will need an underwater camera with a strobe. For now, this will have to do for sharing.

I forgot what this was. One of the guys diving with us did tell me though. It was maybe the size of a large fist.

And lastly, my dive buddy was my ex, Jim. It was his first post cert dive too. Not the perfect dive position, but hey, we both just swam the best we could. And as long as I was floating and not sitting on the bottom, I was calling it good!

No pictures of me because I had the camera. Mauricio took some of me for my certification dive, but I don't have his pictures yet. If they are good, maybe I will share them later.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

It seems like I hardly ever do anything for Halloween, so I thought I would make treats for my coworkers. They are just little cello bags of candy I made tags for with the Batty for You SU set and SU punches. Enjoy!

How to Build a Snowman

2007-10-14T15:37:00.001-07:00

I finally finished it! This was a layout I started at the Asilomar retreat. The photos are from my friend L -- I started by getting paper from her stash and started to play. But I really wanted to do something with glitter and chipboard on it, so I brought it home to work on. I have been doing a little bit, letting it sit out, working on it again etc.

The chipboard is painted with MM paints. On the swirls, I painted a base coat with pink, and them made a wash of a dark pink and the glitter specialty paint. It took a while, but it was fun to paint. The letters are painted in white, and then painted over with a mix of the white and lots of the glitter paint. I dabbed it on with the foam brush so in real life it looks like snow.

I wish I saw the snow more. It is so fun to do snow layouts. Thanks for letting me do yours L!

The cool women of TAC

2007-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

These are more cards made with The Angel Company stamps I bought several years ago. The cards were made at the Asilomar retreat I went to in September. I joined a birthday card club and wanted to make lots of birthday cards, so these are a few more of them (more to come as I get more scanning done).

I used pens to color the images on the stamp. A big huff, and they look so cute!

All stamps are Angel Co. The papers are actually all Club Scrap POPs (pounds of paper) - except for the white as I prefer to stamp on Stampin Up Whisper White cardstock. Due to the POPs, the cards are smaller than normal. I folded 5x7 POPs in half (that is usually the larger of the POPS, but they come in all little sizes) to make 5x3.5 cards. I love how the shape is just slightly different, but they still fit into a standard envelope. And it is such a fun use for POPs. The ribbon is We Are Memory Keepers. Even when you are trying to pack light, you need to have ribbon with you!

Some TAC cards

2007-10-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

There were a few stamp sets I loved from The Angel Company when I saw them a few years ago. They were all the same style. I use some of them at the retreat I went to a few weeks ago (or was it months now). I had to dive back in to use them again...

The wedding TAC set became a wedding card for a friend this week. Pretty simple card. It is hard to see, but her veil has glitter. I think it adds a fun touch. Cardstock, Ink is Stampin Up. Coloring pends are Zig brush markers.

Then, just to show you the other gals, here is a card going to my friend for her birthday this week. Don't you just love the drama! Sorry the white edges were so rough to scan. You get the idea though, right?

Kind of a cheater post...

2007-09-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to scan the rest of the cards from the fun folds class. Well, actually, I need to photograph them (otherwise you would not see the fun folds! LOL). And I cannot seem to think of doing it during daylight hours. So, here is a card I made for a swap instead. The idea was totally from someone on SplitCoastStampers. I don't remember who, but I could not get the card out of my head. I wanted to use vibrant colors but still be fall....

Stamps are all SU - Garden Silhouettes and It's all good (the "happy" stamp" - thanks to Tracey for letting me borrow that this weekend!)
Inks: Vintage Violate, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie (I filled my own spectrum pad and rolled it!)
Paper: same colors as inks, as well as Whisper White and Glossy White
Punches: SU Scallop, 1 3/8 circle and 1 1/4 circle
SU Ribbon
The technique is from the latest Techniquejunkies.com newsletter (which is why the card is for the swap there...)

Sorry I used the retired Vintage Violet, but this would work just as well with Elegant Eggplant (which was my original plan, but I realized I did not have that reinker).

I was away on a scrapping retreat this last weekend and I made cards the entire time. I made about 50 cards (some in sets of 10), so I should have more to post eventually. And I received my Winter Mini order while I was gone, so now I want to play even more. (I got Stem Silhouettes - how cool is that going to look with the Garden Silhouettes!!!)

THREE FOR YOU Punch Box cards

2007-08-26T21:22:00.001-07:00

I wanted to use the fabulous Three for You Punch Box for the workshop today. It was so fun to make these little samples for everyone to copy. Their inspiration came from all over - I think the Wild Wasabi idea is from Stampin Up and the So Saffron was inspired by someone on SplitCoastStampers. The Purely Pomegranate used was my idea. There are so many cute samples floating around with these little cards and they are so quick to do. I may have to use up the leftovers from the free cards Stampin Up sent me with the Punch Box. That should make for a fun night.

I could not stop punching the little flowers, so I use the punch box for another card. This was inspired by a card in the catalog (p.150) with some adustments to use the stamps from the punch box for the side and the saying (thank you StarofMay!). I am liking the white space a lot. May be trying that on some other cards too. I will try to scan the rest of the cards from today's class later this week.

A True Friend is You Friend - Swap card

2007-08-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the color combo of the Real Red and Old Olive (though it really did not scan true here). It should scream Christmas, but to me, it just said happy. I joined a swap to use the new sets from the Holiday Mini (available next month). Everything is by Stampin Up. I chose the set called True Friend. I love the folk art feel to the set. It is becoming quite trendy, isn't it? Actually, the bottom layer is made with the coordinating wheel called Boho Friend. Everyone needs one of those...

I need to make room...

2007-08-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

I went through my sets and picked out more retired sets to sell. I just need the room for the new stuff. So, if you are interested in any of these, let me know. They will also be available at my next Stamp Camp on Sunday.

All Around Argyle 25
Bold Basics 8
Bold Shapes 8
Both Way Blossoms 25
Burst into Bloom 7
By Design 14.95
Daisy (DD) 18
Fabulous Four8
Festive Four 11.95
Flower Garden 17
Fresh Fillers 10
Fun Filled 16.95
Heart and Posies 8
Holiday Spirit 19.95
Hydrangea (DD) 20
Perfect Petals 10
Little Shapes 8
Love Ya Bunches 17.95
More Great Greetings 20
Nature's Wonder 10
Painted Garden 8
Sayings and Such 10 (Missing "May you find the strength...)
Season's Sketches 15
Simple Sketches 25
Simply Circles 17.95
Smorgasborders 10
Sketch a Party 10
Sweet and Simple 10
Teenie Tinies - 7

Cheers to your birthday cards

2007-08-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

I just had to have these stamps when I saw them. My friend Eva had a great display of summer stamps at her store and these were in there (along with a few others that made it into my basket.) I had a few friends I wanted to send birthday cards to this month. And I am pretty excited to be using stamps within a few months of purchasing them!

I used the POPs I had from prior Club Scrap kits. The first card was made for one of the ladies who founded Club Scrap. It actually uses paper from several kits - Workbench red, Painted Desert blue and green, and I am not sure which the white came from. Image stamps are all DeNami. They have the cutest tropical stuff!

After I finished this card, I needed a few more. I wanted to try a softer look for the coloring, so I pulled out my chalks. I love their subtle coloring. I was still able to pull out more Club Scrap POPs to coordinate with the chalking. It is so fun to use up those papers... Images are still Denami - words are Savvy Stamps.

Oh, and all the drink portions have Glassy Glaze on them to they look like glass. It is hard to see in the scans, but it really fun live!

That's it for now. I have been scrapping, but nothing is really completed, so those layouts will have to wait.

FUN FOLDS Stamp Camp on August 26

2007-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to do this class for a while... and some of you even requested it. FUN FOLDS! Class is not just for standard card sizes any more. We are going to be doing cards with different sizes and folds to really make your cards stand above the rest. You will love all the looks you can create with paper (especially our new Designer Series papers - YUMMY!). And, of course we will be using stamps from the new catalog, including the Punch Box which is on special this month. They are mounted and ready to play! (did I mention the punch box is die cut so all you have to do it punch out and attach the stamps). I look forward to having you over.
Date: August 26
Time: 2-5 pm
Cost: $15
Contact me for details. I will post the samples as I get them done.
Please RSVP no later than the Friday before class. You know I have to get your paper cut for you!

PS - I will also have a drawing for card candy! Want to know what it is? You gotta come!

Stampin Up Punch Box Special!

2007-08-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

Did you see the Punch Box this year? So cool. Fun little flower stamps with a matching 3 flower punch, three ink pads (including 2 of the new in colors!!!). Pretty much everything you need to make cards besides the paper and envelopes. Well, in August, you even get that! Purchase the Punch Box and you will get a set of in color, TEXTURED cardstock precut to make 3x3 gift cards, along with the envelopes to give them! The Stampin Up site has some adorable samples to get you started - here. This is an awesome deal for a really versatile set which includes polka dots, little frames - just adorable!. Contact me to get yours!

Layouts of the Stanley Hotel

2007-07-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

These are all photos and layouts of the Stanley hotel. Jim surprised me with it and made reservations there. It was really quaint and fun to be there. Since The Shining was filmed there, I had to rent the movie. They disguised it in the movie pretty well. I did not recognize a lot of the hotel at all. But I am still glad I saw it after my stay so as not to look for Jack...

Both of these layouts were done with Coordinates Collections kits. The one on the left is Bazzill and Three Bugs in a Rug papers. I cut out the little circle shapes. I have to say, those ones with the circles within the circles were a big pain to cut. I am glad I had my cute little Stampin Up scissors with me else I would still be cutting. LOL

The layouts of the inside were done with another Coordinates Collections kit. I think the patterned paper is Chatterbox, the chipboard is Lil' Davis. I added Prima and Bazzill flowers, Lasting Impressions Matte brads, and used the Autumn Leaves stamps underneath the sides to add an extra accent. I am not sure why, but I really struggled with this layout. While I rarely do it, I actually made a layout, tore it apart and redid it. It is still not my favorite, but at least it is done.
And that always feels good.

Colorado scrapbook papes

2007-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

One of the days from my trip up to Northern California was spent just scrapping. It was so wonderful to have nothing to do all day! I made over 10 pages and just started scanning them in. I worked mostly on the photos from Colorado in 2005. It is my first completely 8.5x11 album. I took my Club Scrap Wild Wild West kit to do the photos from horseback riding and the Buffalo Bill museum. It worked perfectly for the photos.

The photo on the left is the horseback riding trip. I am not a big horse nut - I don't mind them, but don't particularly get into them. So, this made my third time ever on a horse. Isn't my little guy cute? Everything on the layouts is from Club Scrap Wild Wild West except the pen. I never would that thought I would have a use for this kit. How did they know? LOL

The next layout uses the other half of the belt I cut from the embossed papers and it is just the scenery we saw. I actually added from sun stuff to the kit on this layout. The letters are American Crafts Thickers - the felt ones (so fun to rub!!!) The flowers are from my stash of way too many flower and the button is Foofala. Kind of looks like the sun shining over the mountains, doesn't it?

Okay, one more (and then I got tired of scanning). The Buffalo Bill museum was near Golden, CO where we visited my friends Christy and Kirk. Very cool memorabilia and I actually learned a few things. Again, the background papers are Club Scrap Wild Wild West (ergo the creative title of the page), but the red is actually from the salsa kit. Ink is Ranger Adirondack Slate, brads were generously donated by Wendy. I used the circle stamp from the WWW kit to decorate some of the Salsa POPS and then stamped the letters over that to add dimension.

I have another layout of the grave site which is right by the museum, but it needs some finishing touches which I have not figured out yet. So, I'll post that when I do...

While Impatiently Waiting...

2007-07-01T12:04:00.001-07:00

While anxiously waiting to be able to place an order from the new Stampin Up catalog, I started playing with one of the sets I was able to preorder from it. These cards are for another demo friend who did not preorder this set. It is called Pick a Petal. It comes with 6 petals, 4 flower centers and a smaller flower stamp. It is so fun to play with! The first card is y favorite, probably because of the colors. I have been really into combinations of reds and blues laterly. The flower was stamped with the polka dot petal and then the scribble petal over it.

Stamps: Pick a Petal, Warm Words, Fine Lace Background
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Purely Pomegranate, So Saffron, Brocade Blue
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Blashful Blue craft, Versamark
Misc: White grosgrain (died by running it over the Purely Pomegranate pad), buttons

On the next card, I used some of the Petals and Paisley papers which were sitting around on my desk. Sometimes leaving things out pays off. It is neat to be able to stamp an outline stamp over patterned paper and cut out the image. That is how the petals were made. So easy... The background was just one of the flower centers stamped in a polka dot pattern.

Stamps: Pick a Petal, Everyday Flexible Phrases
Inks: Craft White, Versamark
Paper: Old Olive, Petals and Paisley, Tempting Turquoise
Misc: Tab Punch, Circle Punch, Pretty in Pink Grosgrain ribbon

And the last little card. It is was the first one I made. I kind of wish I had used a background stamp on it. Those always add so much to the card. To make up for that detail, I added some glitter to the dots on the petals. It makes it look much more cheerful! And, for the first time, I used the Sahara Sand background papers. It has a really interesting neutral feel. Again, the background was stamped with one of the flower centers.

Stamps: Pick a Petal, Curvy Verses
Ink: Cameo Coral, Summer Sun, Going Grey
Paper: Sahara Sand, Cameo Coral, So Saffron
Misc: Glitter, Moss Gingham ribbon, ribbon punch

And yes, I did get my order in this morning. I can't wait to get all the goodies I ordered!

And now, for the rest of those cards!

2007-06-26T07:10:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share the rest of the cards we made at Stamp Camp. The first one was made with a set SU made everything to coordinate - 2 stamp sets, wheels, paper... and most of it will be in the new catalog! I am getting mine today via UPS! Guess what I will be doing tonight!!!!

Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise
Misc: Split punch (doesn't it make the cutest scallop border?)

I so love that Stampin Up came out with some doodle type sets. They are so current and fun! I am going to miss Doodle That, but at least Doodle This is staying around. And it is getting a matching wheel!

The petals of the flowers were colored with the dye in pads. Just squeeze the top while closed, and the ink will get deposited on the lid. You can then use the Blender Pens to watercolor. To create the extra depth of shading, I went over one side of each petal a second time, and then put dots on with our white gel pen.

Stamps: Doodle This, Doodle That
Inks: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Vintage Violet, Elegant Eggplant
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Vintage Violet, So Saffron, Whisper White
Misc: White Get Pen, Grosgrain ribbon

The last card was a quick and easy one. Two colors, a bit of accent and we were done!

Stamps: Simply Circles, Riveted
Ink: Gable Green, Cool Caribbean
Cardstock: Gable Green, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White
Misc: Organdy Ribbon (did I mention those are going too - but there are some awfully cool ribbons coming)

That's it for this class. I'll see what else I can get up soon. For now, it is time to go to work!

Cards that Rock and Roll

2007-06-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

The theme (or technique) for the last Stampin' Up workshop I taught was Rock and Roll. It is a fun technique which gives colorful results. We also use retiring and mini catalog sets, so this is goodbye to most of these sets. So sad...

The first card is made with Bold Butterfly - and the smaller butterfly was just cut in half to make it look like he is flying sideways.

Recipe:
Stamps: Bold Butterfly, Flutter wheel, and Warmest Regards
Cardstock: Summer Sun, Whisper White, Ruby Red
Ink: Versamarker (in the wheel cartridge), Summer Sun, Ruby Red and Cameo Coral

The card on the right (hopefully - let's just say I am still learning this...):

Stamps: Finest Flourishes
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Au Chocolate Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Misc: Hodgepodge hardware, Grosgrain Ribbon

The stamps were inked with Real Red and then rolled on the edges with Chocolate Chip. Just love the aged texture on those flourishes! And, the fab designs of the Au Chocolate paper will be in the new catalog (just in a different color). YAY!!!

And the last card which used the Rock and Roll Technique... one of the best sets Stampin Up ever designed. I cannot believe I did not use this at workshops before. It is so much fun to layer and rock these to create really rich roses.

Stamp: Roses in Winter
Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Marigold Morning and Shimmer White (wish you could see the shimmer underneath the color. YUM!)
Ink: Old Olive, Cameo Coral, Morning Marigold
Misc: Organdy Ribbon in white and silver cord (both gone as of the new catalog)

We also did three cards which did not use Rock and Roll, so I will try to post those later this week.

Actually, I visited a friend this weekend (hi Wendy!!!) and we scrapped all day Saturday, so I have tons of layouts to share too. Those still need a few embellishments, journaling and scanning, so they may take a bit longer. And I have some stunning photos from the Monterey Aquarium - wow is that place fabulous. I am in love with jelly fish!!! So, once I figure out where PSE is saving the photos, I'll try to share some of those.

Stampin Up retired accessories list

2007-06-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

There are a few things I am sad to see go, but I am so excited about all the new stuff coming out... Maybe I need to order that square step punch.... he he
http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/US_CA_retiredaccessories.pdf

Origami!!!

2007-06-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Cards for men just seem harder, don't they? Almost everything I want to buy has flowers on it. Not very Father's Day appropriate, is it?

Well, I have been wanting to try those little origami shirts forever. Fortunately, a really talented blogger, Cambria Turnbow, had directions with photos that even the origami challenged can follow. So, I made my Father's Day card with it. Very fun and easy. Thanks for the inspiration and great directions Cambria!

This is quite an eclectic mix of supplies:

Patterned paper: Mustard Moon
Cardstock: Stampin' Up and Club Scrap
Ribbon: Michael's, Frazzles, and one unknown
Stamp: Stampin' Up All Around Argyle

A little more excitement from Stampin Up

2007-05-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

The preview brochure is available!!! It has some great sets which will be available in the new catalog out July 1. I cannot wait to get that Baroque set. (Fortunately, demonstators get to order one month early. YAY!) And those Rhinestone brads are so cute. I never thought of myself as a bling-y person, but I am starting to love a little glitter and shine here and there. Those are going to be some awesome flower centers! Anyway, if you want to take a peak yourself, here is it (I think you need to copy and paste the link):

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/fallwinterpreview_07.pdf

WOW Retirement must be great!!!

2007-05-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Cause there are a lot of Stampin Up sets going into retirement. Here is the list of them....
http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/8071.asp

I was kind of sad to see so many of the retiring sets go. But, I finally decided to part with some of them so I can get more from the new catalog. And, I am planning one more Stamp Camp for June 10 to get one last chance to play with my favorite retiring sets. That should make parting easier!

Pickle Faces Layout

2007-04-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have not been scrapping much, so I have not had much to post. But, I have been cleaning up the little studio. I got a huge box unpacked today. Only 2 more to go. I should probably post pictures once it is all done!

I did get one layout done for a one on one swap. This was made for my friend Lucy about their annual pickling tradition. It took me a while but I am hoping she likes the results.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill, SU and Club Scrap
Paper: Basic Grey
Letters: Am. Crafts Thickers (cause it's Lucy's LO)
Stamps: Making Memories (inked), SU (impressed)
Ribbon: Fancy Pants and M's
Frame: Lil Davis
Ink: Ranger Distress
Brads: SU
Punches: SU

Well, back to cleaning!

March 25 Stamp Camp!

2007-03-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

I just had to share the Stampin Up Spring special with everyone, so I am in the planning stages of the next stamp camp on March 25. The theme is going to be Patterned Paper Projects!

All my customers should have their invitation email by now. If it did not make it to you, let me know.

I can't wait to be able to share the samples and ideas I have. Hopefully, I will get at least one done and posted this weekend. Check back soon!

This is only a test...

2007-03-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

Some of the nice gals at Split Coast Stampers were helping me learn how to use this blog. I really wanted to be able to put the photos of the things I was talking about (artwork and stuff), into the post. And, I got directions! I am so excited.

So, hopefully to the right of this, you will see some cards I made with a stamp I got from Stampers Anonymous (by Tim Holtz) back in January. I used the Joseph's Coat technique. I made four cards, but they all look similar...

I also bought a new another new stamp by Tim yesterday and tried the brayered madras technique with that one. Here are a few samples of that effort.

That is all for now. I am excited to be able to share my stuff on here. Let me know what you think!

February Stamp Camp cards are up!

2007-03-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the cards we made at my Stampin' Up Stamp Camp in February. The first one is my favorite! I love the Cool Carribean color. I think I will need to stock up on it before they discontinue it in June. It was just so much fun to have people over to stamp!

I am starting to work on the March class, which will focus on using SU's patterned papers to make easy and fun cards. I can't wait until you guys see them. I will try to start getting a couple of them up before the class.

It took me a year!!!

2007-02-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

But I am here. I am all settled into my new home and the studio is in working order. A few weeks ago, I even found my heat gun! I have been doing without it for almost a year.

I am now working on my first Stampin' Up Stamp Camp since my move. As soon as I have more of the samples ready, they will go up on here (as soon as I figure out how to post photos, anyway). See you soon...

It's a start

2006-01-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am. I am always technologically behind. It took Jim months to convince me to sign up for AOL. Now I am totally addicted to my yahoo groups. Maybe this will be the same. So, here it goes...