More Christmas in July!

Once again - I was inspired by Heather Nichols on this card. I had to make it twice until I got it just the way I wanted - but honestly, I really love it! It's clean, it's simple - it's MERRY, it's right up my alley!

I absolutely love this new 3/4 inch Polka dot ribbon. It's stitched on each edge, adding a little extra something. The nice thing about Stampin' Up's DSP is that it's double sided, therefore, when you open the flap of this card, it's also pretty, which is how I incorporated the Chocolate Chip color. I think this card lends a good spot to include a nice family photo. Might as well use all available space in your cards - who needs white space???I used the Lots of Labels die to back the inside sentiment. I tried to use the Old Olive color from the outside of the flap, but it just didn't look right, so I stuck with Choc. Chip. Seemed to flow better that way. The inside sentiment holds another importance - it covers up the joint of the ribbon.

This was really quite simple to create - and I'd be more than happy to show you how - book a workshop with me, we can concentrate on Christmas cards if that floats your boat. And don't be surprised this layout changed up a bit for a non-Christmas card. I'm thinking that using the new Circle Circus set would be super cute - and quite trendy too.

I'll be back later with a winner for my blog candy! Stay tuned people!

Stamps: Snow Swirled
Paper: Kraft, Merry Moments, Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Choc. Chip, Old Olive
Accessories: Scallop Circle Die, Lots of Tags Die, Wide Oval Punch, Polka Dot Ribbon

So, I was blog surfing yesterday, and one of my favorite sites that I hadn't visited in quite a while is Heather Nichols blog Pine is Here. I just love her use of kraft paper - she's quite partial to it I would say. Everything she creates is stunning and her style is quite unique. After visiting her site for a while, I was quite inspired, and this is what I came up with:

For some reason, I always seem to fall in love with DSP right before or after it retires. I had not one but two packs of the Rockabilly Specialty DSP that I hadn't used much of....until this week.

I have to say that I think this card turned out stinkin' cute! I finally opened up my pack of Playground buttons and viola - thought cherries! Too sweet! I stamped a dainty little sentiment on the outside: sweet treats

...and on the inside...just for you. This will make an adorable card to go along with a jar of my homemade Rhubarb Jam - which happens to have cherries in it too. Or maybe I'll make a yummy cherry pie and give to someone....

Stop by tomorrow for another card that Heather inspired me to do!

TTFN

Jen

Recipe:
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Rockabilly DSP
Ink: White Craft, Old Olive
Accessories: Playground Buttons, Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Lots of Labels Die

Bad to the Bone...

Super quick post today - off to spend some much needed time outside before it gets blazing hot (for once!) Here is a card I created with one of my new favorite sketches....

I think it's super cute - and I love doing this ribbon technique on Halloween cards. Always reminds me of witches hair. What do you think?

More later gators!

Jen

I think my subconscience is trying to tell me to go ahead and get my Christmas Cards done in July, cuz as soon as I opened this pack of patterned paper - I had to get to playing! I love it when paper does that to me - it just opens up and starts talking....besides, it had been SO long since my beloved set - Winter Post - had seen a droplet of ink. I just know that it was feeling like I'd shoved it off to neverland. I was more than happy to pull it out and start inking it up.And to make things better - I got to try out my new Jumbo Snowflake punch. Pretty cha-cha-cha, wouldn't you say? One thing I'm sure you can't see here - I embossed the Vanilla piece where I stamped the sentiment with a polka dot texturz plate. It just doesn't photograph very well. Next time I may try spritzing my paper first - that's suppose to help.

So, tell me - what is your favorite Christmas Stamp set? Doesn't have to be SU - just has to be your favorite! Remember - every comment gets you a chance for the blog candy!

Thoughts and Prayers Class details...

Okay - so here is a sneak peak at the cards that you can make at my Thoughts and Prayers class:

Thoughts and Prayers Class

You never seem to have the right card on hand at the right time, and they aren't fun to make when you HAVE to make them. That's right - Sympathy Cards. Stock yourself up with 6 cards, all tucked nicely in a card box. Also make an adorable tea bag holder - perfect for giving to someone under the weather.

You can take this class 3 ways:

Option 1: Take the class as described, everything is cut, all supplies are included. Go home with the finished projects. Class fee is $25.

Option 2: Same as Option 1, also includes the Thoughts and Prayers Stamp Set. This way, you go home and can make more projects. Class fee is $45.

Option 3: Same as Option 2, but take the class to go. Everything is ready for you to stamp and assemble, directions included! Class fee is $45.

Class is to be held July 30th - 6:30 pm

Deadline to sign up is July 23rd.

Email me to sign up (let me know what option you desire) or with any questions.

Door Prize Winner!

I drew the name out of the bag for my Open House Door prize winner - the winner is SUSAN KING! Congrats Susan! I'll stick your prize package in with your order! Included in your winnings is a package of 12x12 paper, 2 stamp sets, a roll of felt ribbon, a package of carousel notes, and a package of 6x6 patterned paper! Peel yourself off the floor, and enjoy your goodies!

And, remember, I told you that I will be giving away some blog candy at the end of this week? Here is a picture of that prize package:

Be sure to leave a comment on every post this week - every comment that you leave affords you a chance to win the blog candy!

And, now, onto the card of the day...I finally had the opportunity to do a sketch challenge - and I chose to participate in the Mojo Monday Sketch. It had been so long, I felt so out of practice! But this is what I came up with:

I used the Cottage Wall DSP, and it's funny how even tho the colors consist of Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, and Old Olive, I was able to pull in Pale Plum and Certainly Celery easily enough. I think it helped to soften the card quite a bit. This was the first time I stamped up this image in the Thoughts and Prayers set. I just wasn't overly crazy about the image, until Bonnie used in on the Make and Take card at my open house in lieu of the tree image. Boom! I was then in like with it! This will also be one of the cards in the Thoughts and Prayers class I'm doing next week - more on that this afternoon! So - stay tuned!

Jen

Recipe:

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, SU markers: Old Olive, Razzleberry

Paper: Old Olive, Cottage Wall DSP, Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Accessories: Masterpiece Ribbon Originals, Big Shot Circles Die #2, Circle Cutter

Autumn Weather...

...that's what we've been having. So, it seems quite fitting to show you this new creation I've made:

Fall is after all my favorite season - so I love to make fall inspired cards. (yet - I'm still craving some super warm days to bask in the sun) I really like how this card turned out. I used the leaves from the Autumn Days set and "rock and rolled" them to give them a two toned look. My stamp club learned how to do this in their monthly sessions last week. It just gives a very real look to the leaves. The ribbon is from the Orchard Ribbon Originals set in the 2009-2010 IBC. Everything is brought together by the Autumn Traditions DSP.

I really set off the Scallop Circle with brads from the Vintage collections. I think it gives it a look of a Autumn Wreath. What do you think - do you like that added touch?

Remember - everytime you leave a comment this week, your name goes into a drawing for some blog candy!!! Might as well give it a try!

TTFN - Jen

Deal of the Week! Vol. 3

Wow - it's been too long since I've posted here. I'm sorry that I've neglected all of you blog followers. Please do not disown me. This week should be much better as it's not as crammed full of commotion! For those of you who made it to my open house - I so appreciate it! You are all wonderful people and customers - I love you all to pieces! It was a great time, and very successful. Thanks!

Now - onto this week's Deal of the Week:



This is a steal of a deal, I tell you! Do you realize how many pieces are in this Hardware set? And most of them coordinate with a punch. The hardware adds such a great element to you card or scrapbook page or even home decor! I know that I'll be snagging up a set at these reduced prices. Plus, the tin that they come in is adorable - and can be used later for another purpose. Such as, covering with paper, and tucking some yummy goodies in - or even a handmade card set.

Now, a note for those of you who weren't able to make it to my open house. I'm going to offer you a little added bonus! We like bonuses right? I will post some of my favorite new card designs over the next couple of days - if you leave a comment in each post, I will put your name in a hat for a "blog prize" (in lieu of door prize) or as some call it - some blog candy. So - watch for my new designs to pop up on this here blog and be sure to leave a comment. I will draw the name on Saturday. Which reminds me - I still need to draw my door prize name from my open house. I will do that and post back later today with: 1) the door prize winner; 2)a photo of the blog candy; and 3) one of my newest creations.

Thanks for stopping today - and be sure to check back later!

Jen

Open House!

I'm having an Open House July 17th and 18th to kick off the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog! Please be sure to come! For those of you who received an invite in the mail - PLEASE note that the month was printed incorrectly on the invitations - the open house is in JULY - not June! Sorry about that. I hope that everyone can make it. And, for those local blog followers that didn't get an invite in the mail - you are MORE than welcome to come - I'd love to meet each and every one of you. We will have door prizes, make and takes, goodies! It's sure to be a great time. I'll have lots of samples for you to see - from scrapbook pages to cards to gifts - come and get inspired!

When: July 17th: 5pm - 8pm
July 18th: 9am - Noon
Where: Denison Municipal Utilities meeting room
Broadway and S 7th St; Denison, IA
Why: To celebrate the new catalog of course!

Hope to see you there!

It's a Circus alright!

I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with my new Circle Circus set yet. This month my Stamp Clubbers are doing 3-D cards and it just seemed fitting that a Circus of Circles be incorporated into a 3-D card. I think it turned out quite well if I do say so myself:

This is a diorama card - the technique was in the last issue of the Stampin' Success magazine that Stampin' Up! sends to its demonstrators. Isn 't this just AWESOME??? I'm in love. These cards look complicated - but in all actuality - they are quite easy. It's all about layering.

Yes - those are new In Colors. Have I mentioned at all that I LOVE these colors? I was a little dismayed at first - but how quickly I've made the jump into the river of In Colors. And that sweet Baha Breeze is already put away in my drawer - crying because it hasn't seen the light of day in almost a month.

The real nifty thing about this card - it does fold flat so that it can be mailed. But who wants to give something like this away?? Isn't it better to be hoarded and admired by the awe struck creator?

What do you think? Bet you wished you were in one of my Stamp Clubs right??? Leave me a comment!

Stay tuned for the other diorama card we created!

Jen

Finally!

I know that you have all been sitting by your computers wondering where I have been! And I really thought that since I've been home for 3 days, I would have some uber stamp time - but no such luck! Today I was enthralled with computer problems (I thought that I was rid of those when I left my job - but I guess not! GEEZ!) So, that left me with two hours of fixing my laptop AND my desktop. And, while the desk is pulled away from the wall, I might as well clean really well behind there, and try and make sense of the gazillions of wires! Good Lord - why in the world can't there be just ONE wire to hook up a computer? Anywhoooo, I got it all straightened out, got the desk all spiffy clean, and as soon as I sat at my craft table, poof - it was like someone had left a whoopy cushion on my chair. Both boys we magically awakened. However, over the last few days, I have managed to get this done:

This was actually a quick project and I think it would make quite a cute little gift for friends and family. The only thing that was a bit time consuming was waiting for the craft ink to dry (I did use two coats of ink), and waiting for the crystal effects to take hold on the pinecones. I could have sped up both processes if I would have gotten "plugged in". Had my heat tool been plugged in and ready to go, I could have dried the craft ink in a jiffy; and, I could have broke out my hot glue gun to glue on the pinecones. Even the cutting of the pine branches didn't take all that long to do. FYI - I didn't even use a sponge to ink up the wooden frame - I went directly from the ink pad. The pinecones, I had picked those off a tree while we were camping over the weekend. I wanted to go back and get LOTS more. As it was, I only had Andy's pocket to put them in, and he wasn't up for making another venture to my new favorite tree! Initially, I had envisioned putting pinecones all the way around the frame, but in the end, I think it would have been too much. My Autumn Days stamp set is seeing more summer days than anything!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Autumn Days, Many Merry Messages
Paper: Very Vanill, Sahara Sand, Retired DSP?
Ink: Craft Old Olive (for frame), Old Olive Marker, Soft Suede Marker
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds; Pinecones, Crystal Effects

Steal of a deal!

I love to get a great deal - and I have to say that this week's Stampin' Up! deal of the week is fantastic! Holy cow - check it out: (click to enlarge)

I know!!! - it's awesome isn't it??? $20 off the doctors bag. OMGoodness - I'm beside myself. I held back getting one of these cute little bags, but I have a feeling I can't pass this little deal up!

And check this out - this is just one of the cool things that you can do with the Big Shot once you pull it out of your sweet bag:
I used the nifty embossing folder to create the flowers on a piece of cardstock vellum, then adhered it to some of the gorgeous Bella Bleu DSP. The ribbon hides any glue that might show, although, I've found that if you use a glue stick with a light hand, you really don't see any glue thru the vellum. The sentiment inside was for a wedding. I've seen many cards like this on Splitcoast - I'm not sure who exactly gets the credit since I did CASE (Copy and Share Everything) it. But I do love it. It's quite elegant! Even more so in real life!

Okay folks - that's it for today - I'm in the process of a really cool project, and once my craft ink dries I should be able to photograph and show you all. Please - do hang by the edge of your seats - you won't want to miss the next blog-i-sode!

Ta-Ta!
Jen

You guys ROCK!

Don't you just love this new catalog??? It appears so! Just a reminder: I have the Gift Certificate Give Away going on! It's as follows:

The FIRST person to go to my Stampin' Up Website on July 1st and place an order ($25 or more before shipping and taxes) will receive a $30 gift certificate to use on their next order.
The FIFTH person to place an order ($25 minimum) on my website will receive a $20 gift certificate.
The TENTH person to place an order ($25 minimum) on my website will receive a $15 gift certificate.
All people who place online orders will have their names placed in "the hat" for a $40 gift certificate! This will be given away on July 31st!

Right now, I can tell you that Cindy Goslar is the winner of the first order prize! Way to go Cindy. The Fifth person is close - I'm just waiting to view my reports from Stampin' Up! to see what the actual time of the orders fell into place, and Tenth place is up for grabs right now. BUT - don't forget that all persons who place on order on my Website the month of July are eligible for a $40 GC!!!! Isn't that awesome????

Okay- besides that grand giveaway - I know that you all have been waiting for round two of my July 1st news! And some of you already know about my news - - NO, NO, I'm not pregnant again! Phew! for that ! At least for the time being! However - after lots of family conversations, I have decided to be a stay at home mom for a while. You see, we had this great, wonderful, day care provider for our kids. In fact, shortly after we started taking Will to her (Lisa), I knew I was in good hands to have another, and it wasn't long and Alex graced our lives. Well, Lisa, you see, baked great loaves of bread, made THEE best Chocolate Chip Cookies (thanks for the recipe Lisa!), and most importantly did a damn good job with our kids. She never kept secrets about what my kids were up to during the day - which I was most grateful for. It was always clear. Anyway - Lisa is moving away. I checked with MANY - as in 18 day care providers in our small town- and only one had an opening. ONE, with AN opening , well maybe, if we could be part time. Well, and if you can afford it. Because - in the end she charged more than I brought home, and then some. Not to mention what it costs to drive to work, eat lunch, blah, blah, blah. So, in the end, I'm going to raise my own children. Which - FYI - is what I've wanted to do all along. It's just now, the decision has been made. I know I'm going to love it. I'm somewhat of a homebody anyway. I love to garden, love to cook, and really love to spend time with my boys. But this also means, I will have much more time to devote to my Stampin' Up! biz. That also means that you can expect more classes, better service and more info from me. Plus LOTS of more ideas on this handy, dandy blog thing I've got going on. I can't wait to tuck my head in and proceed full charge ahead with this. It's so great to know that I've got Stampin' Up! to fall back on and what a great little business to have. I can set my own hours, I can be my own boss, and I can't get fired! What a great opportunity! I'm loving it!

Have I rambled on enough? Well - don't forget - go to my website to place your order - you might be the lucky winner!

TTFN!

Hey! Hey! It's July!!!

Boy - I have been waiting for this day for several weeks - and for more than one reason!


First off - the new catalog is live today! If you aren't a stamp club member and haven't yet reserved a copy of the catalog yet - please email me, and I will get a catalog to you! I'm in the process of delivering all stamp club member catalogs, so watch for those!

Secondly - Stampin' Up! is having a weekly special this month. Starting today, and then every Monday for the rest of the month, they will pick an item to be on sale! The rest of this week the item is:

July 1-5, 2009 Item #112091 Pg:187

Scallop Edge punch Reg. Price:$15.95 Sale Price:$10.99

Okay - after having some computer malfunctions this am - I'm going to wait to post my other announcements until this afternoon! Stay tuned People!

Hello!

Hi to everyone! What a different mix of colors for me on this card! Melon Mambo (which really is more of a pink color than a melon color), Soft Suede (one of my new faves!), and Dusty Durango. But, surprisingly - they work quite well together. And check it out - my new favortite ribbons! Polka Dot Grosgrain. I love it! I do, I do! I "borrowed" the layout from this card over on Becky Roberts' blog.

This is such a nice layout - so clean and simple. And it was a great opportunity to use some more new stuff - the sentiment is a rub-on from Autumn Days Rub-Ons, the leaves from the stamp set by the same name. Although summer is just starting, I could almost go for fall. Maybe it's because of the nasty heat we've been putting up with already. I sure don't think this is appropriate for JUNE! What - oh, yeah - you see something else new in this photo?

That's right! New MARKERS!!! I told you yesterday that they finally came out with markers in the In Colors - someone was really thinking....

That's all for now everybody! Enjoy...

Recipe:

Stamps: Autumn Days; Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Soft Suede, Dusty Durango
Accessories: Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon, Autumn Days Rub ons, Top Note Die, Big Shot

Just for YOU!

that's right - YOU - my fellow blog readers! I have an offer just for you! You see it's just one week until the 2009 - 2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog goes live. ONE WEEK! Rejoice people! I know you've all been anxiously awaiting this day - I know that it will be like a holiday (twofold for me - that I'll share with you on July 1st!)
So, in celebration of our own little holiday, I'm going to offer you a special deal - hold onto your hats....

The FIRST person to go to my Stampin' Up Website on July 1st and place an order ($25 or more before shipping and taxes) will receive a $30 gift certificate to use on their next order.
The FIFTH person to place an order ($25 minimum) on my website will receive a $20 gift certificate.
The TENTH person to place an order ($25 minimum) on my website will receive a $15 gift certificate.
All people who place online orders will have their names placed in "the hat" for a $40 gift certificate! This will be given away on July 31st!

When you place your order, be sure to leave your EMAIL address so that I can email your results.
This is only offered at my website. Orders will be fulfilled and shipped directly to your door from Stampin' Up!

On with today's card:
Isn't she a beauty? And look at me go outside of my color box with all of those bright colors! And what's that you see? Hmmm....do those markers look familiar to you? I would highly doubt it - because - they are IN COLOR MARKERS! For the first time ever - Stampin' Up! is offering markers in the 6 limited edition colors that they come out with annually. How wonderful is that? And that stamped image in the center - that's from a brand spanking new set - Circle Circus. I love this set. I'm drawn to it constantly these days!

Alright guys - I really need to get some shut eye - TTFN! Tune in tomorrow for something else new!

To thy father!

Quick post for you today! This new set - Autumn Days was an afterthought when I preordered my new goodies - but it came just in time for Fathers Day. Yesterday's post was with this same set - and on this card you get a glimpse of the pheasant image, the wheat and the leaves that are in the set. And some more new colors too - Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, and a bit of Soft Suede (for the pheasant). I used the moonlighting technique to give it an even more manly feel. Oh - and I about forgot - the sentiment is from Teeny Tiny wishes, and check out that new punch!!! Modern Label - isn't it awesome?

Sorry for the quick post - but I must run!

Later gators!

Christmas in June?

Yeah - that's right...I'm already thinking about Christmas! Wait until you see the great Christmas paper in the new catalog - ohhh, la, la! I've got thoughts of sugarplums dancing in my head already. It's not even July yet - and I'm thinking of Christmas! My co-worker Sandy would be so proud! (right Sandy?) She's probably listening to Christmas music right now! So, with the Christmas spirit already upon me, I created this:

This card was actually CASED from this card. I love the simple grace that it exudes! The image is from a brand spanking new set - Autumn Days. I didn't initially order the set, but then saw the card that I copied, and HAD to have it! And, imagine that - not a lick of DSP! I can't believe it! There is also a pheasant in the set, some wheat and some other autumny type things! I know one person that will really like it...her initials are NM....do you know who you are???

Recipe:

Stamps: Autumn Days

Ink: Old Olive (for sentiment)

Paper: Very Vanilla

Accessories: Old Olive Wide Ribbon, Soft Suede and Old Olive Markers, Sponge Dauber, White Gel Pen

What is better than new paper?

I received my supply of new goods and in between drooling over the new catalog, working and taking care of my kiddos, I've managed to actually come up with some new things using the NEW Razzleberry Lemonade paper. Now, this paper is NOT up my alley - not one little bit. But, demonstrators only had two options for Designer Series Paper to preorder from.... That being said, I can usually manage to find a couple of sheets of paper in each pack that I really like. Typically I hoard those sheets. And I hoard them, and hoard them. Then they retire. So, I'm trying something new this year - I'm gonna use my paper up, and I'm gonna like it! Here is my first creation:
And here is my second creation with that DSP:

I grouped them together (8 cards total), and they were auctioned off at a Relay for Life Benefit that we recently attended.

Recipe Card 1:

Stamps: Party Hearty

Ink: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay

Paper: Kraft, Razzleberry Lemonade

Accessories: White Gel Pen, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon

Recipe Card 2:

Stamps: Party Hearty

Ink: Bermuda Bay

Paper: Kraft, Razzleberry Lemonade, Bermuda Bay, Razzleberry

Accessories: Big Shot w/ Scallop Circle Die, Piercing Tool, 1 3/4 Circle Punch

TTFN!

Jen

Oh to be inspired!

I love when inspiration finds ME! To peek around the corner and go -"Oh - I know exactly what I can do with that!" That's just how I felt when I saw this bag: This cute little bag was filled with some really yummy smelling Mary Kay Pineapple Sugar Scrub, Lotion and Perfume! When I saw the bag tho, I knew instantly what I wanted to do! The image filled my little head, and I just had to wait until I could get home again from work and put the kiddos to bed. Then it was Quick! Grab the paper, the stamps, and the ink! And here is my creation:

I just love it! It's bold, and yet simple. I pulled in the Old Olive from the zipper portion, the Soft Suede Polka Dot ribbon (NEW!) comes from the zipper pull. And that yellow - I could have found a better match than the new Crushed Curry! I stamped the image (Upsy Daisy) and embossed with White Embossing Powder. I could have used Whisper White Craft Ink, but I wanted a nice bold image that was a little thicker(?).

What do you think? Of course my Mary Kay lady (my mother) had the BRILLIANT idea of creating some sets to sell inside the bag....how clever. I'm now rummaging thru my selection of stamp sets to see what else I can create. Watch for more to come.

Until next time people......

Jen

Old rubbah meets new collah!

Must I translate for you? Oh, I sure hope not! I simply had the chance to play with my new colors! And, not only that, I've used every single new In Color already. I just love them all. I had a really hard time using Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango from the current In Colors. I know there are a lot of you who must think I'm crazy for not being able to use those colors. I just can't! So, to use every single new color - I'm in awwwww! And awfully proud of myself to boot! In fact this is one of my favorite new creations and I used 3 of the 6 new colors all in one card:

The only thing that's NOT new is the Old Olive leaves - some stamped off. Oh, and that stamp set - do you recognize it?? It's Season of Friendship from the Holiday Mini Catalog last fall. And, I'm gonna give you a spoiler - it's in the new catty! I love this set - and I love this card! The ribbon is new too - isn't it stinkin' cute?

Recipe:
Stamps: Season of Friendship Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo Accessories: Bermuda Bay Polka Dot Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Emboss Resist!

As I said in my previous post, we worked on some emboss resist projects this month in my Stamp Club groups. This technique is quite simple:

Stamp you image in Versamark on light colored cardstock.
Sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder.
Heat.
Using a sponge or brayer, go over the top of your embossed image with darker ink. Take a kleenex and wipe off the excess ink. Your clear embossed image will resist any ink that you've sponged or brayered over the top, leaving the color of the paper show thru.

Can you see on the above image? I embossed the florish, and when I brayered ink back over the top, the flourish remains the light color of the Pink Pirouhette paper. (I brayered several times over the top with the same Pink Pirouhette ink color.) Then I stamped the flowers in Rose Red, and there too, the ink is resisted, and flowers appear to be behind the flourish.

Another tip: typically when you emboss you need to use either Versamark, or Craft ink for the embossing powder to stick to. Well, if you don't have the correct color of ink, first ink up your image in versamark, then go directly to your classic ink pad and ink up your image some more, THEN stamp onto the paper and emboss. The Versamark will not damage your Classic Ink color, and it gives the embossing powder something to stick to. Here is an example of what it looks like:

When I stamped my Rose Red right on the paper, it didn't show up. But, then I tried the Versamark, Classic Ink technique and embossed it. It then showed up wonderful! (Little play on words there - did you pick that up???)

Thanks for stopping by today everybody!

Watch for sneak peaks the rest of this month - one for each day left!!!! (15 of them!)

Dad measures up!

Here is a card that my Stamp Club groups are doing this month. This month's technique is embossing resist. So, the tape measure image was actually originally stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock, and then we go over the top of the image with an inked up brayer. The embossed image resists the ink, therefore stays the same color as your original cardstock - nifty - eh?
I'm testing out taking pictures in a black background instead of white. Which do you like better? It seems to me that the kraft cardstock now appears to have a bit of a pink hue to it when photographed on black? What do you think?

Recipe:
Stamps: Totally Tool
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Manchester DSP
Accessories: Brayer, Clear Embossing Powder, Silver Brads

And yet another Shower Invite card!!

I have NOT been neglecting this blog, I have NOT been neglecting this blog....okay - maybe a little bit! But I have been crafting! Some things I just can't show you yet! Maybe in the near future tho....and I've also made 24 more Wedding Shower invites. I think this is the last round of invites that I should have to create. And this time it was a bit of a challenge. I was VERY, VERY limited on Elegant Eggplant paper. All I had were scraps. YIKES! So, then I was trying to figure out just what to do. This was not easy for me. I think I had 4 dummy invites made up before I decided to just do it. In the end, this is what I came up with:

I'm not jumping up and down over the whole look of it - it steers in the complete opposite direction of my typical clean and simple layout. I tried several things - I tried just one flourish, I tried 3 flourishes, and I tried 4. I tried a completely different background of small flowers. I tried a scallop edge on the edge of the card, then I tried it torn. In the end, I think it's alright. I DO love the dress image in this stamp set (Blooming with Happiness - SU Retired). And the flourishes are nice and elegant....it could all grow on me!

More to come this week - for real!

Jen

Recipe:

Stamps: Blooming with Happiness, Baroque Motifs

Ink: Eleganct Eggplant, Stazon White
Paper: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Nesties Dies, SU Lots of Tags Die, Fine Cosmo Glitter - what??? No ribbon????

Nothing like finding some MOJO!

I actually found some MOJO today while at work. My co-worker, Carol, who is an avid quilter, brought in some fabric that she had picked up. It was a Moda Jelly Roll, and I was instantly in love with it! I used to do quite a bit of sewing, and still have my fabric stash that I just won't part with! Much like my Designer Paper that I love to look at, but heaven forbid I actually cut that virgin piece! Anyway, here are some "snipets" of the fabric - much, much better in real life!

So, I took the colors from the fabric, hooked them up with this week's Mojo Monday Sketch:

...and I created this:

Cute, Huh! I can NOT believe that I'm beginning to gravitate towards bright cheery colors! And flowers too??? What is wrong with me lately? I've caved - I'm revolting against my typical Earth Elements colors! What do you think? What are your favorite color combinations?

Thanks for looking!

Jen

Recipe:

Stamps: Cheep Talk

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Brocade Blue

Paper: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Raspberry Tart DSP

Accessories: Felt Flower Fusion, So Saffron Ribbon (SAB set), So Saffron Brad

Ahhhhhh.......

to actually get to sit at my craft table and create something....ahhhhh!!! The last time I showed you something, I was home with Will who was sick. He about did me in. My mental state that is! He's three, and typically when he's sick, he's easy maintenance. Lays on the couch, watches movies, doesn't ask for much. Well, something went awry - he wanted to be HELD! As in, hold me while I sleep. 40 extra pounds on my lap of sweaty, feverish kid is not my ideal way to spend the day. And when I needed to use the restroom, he complained that I was gone too long. He even told his father that I'd been "naughty" because I kept getting up and walking around. The next day, I gave him plenty of Motrin, took him to the sitter, and then later to the doctor. Puss pockets on the throat. That must be what caused him to turn into a lap dog. I hope we don't have those go around again. Once we got some good antibiotics for him, we were then prepared to spend the weekend camping....and that was great. Very relaxing, wonderful weather, good friends. I can't wait to go again - and neither can the kids - they are already asking to go! We may just have a mini camping session in the camper this weekend! Then, to end the weekend on a REALLY spiffy note - we got the call that our order was ready, and we could go pick up this:

Isn't she adorable?? We named her Marley - as that's what she was already nicknamed by the previous owners. The boys are having a good time with her. And I think she must be pretty smart - Alex (who is 18 months) was standing in my flower garden tonight, and Marley started pulling on his jeans and tried pulling him out of there. I think she's gonna be my little sidekick! Protecting my flowers already??? What a good dog!

Okay - so on with my creation for the evening. I was thrilled to get to finally participate in Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch once again. I've printed out every sketch for the last few weeks with every intention of sitting down and getting it done - and - NOTHING! Summer brings lots of outdoor work. Last night I planted 50 strawberry plants....okay, I'm getting off subject again!!!! Here is my rendition of Karen's sketch:

For this one, I broke out some old paper and ink - Blue Bayou (from last years In Colors) and Porcelain Prints DSP. I think they work great with Baha Breeze! I'm really gonna miss Baha Breeze come July 1st! However - I've got my new In Colors ordered, and I think I have a fav already picked out! Curious? Hmmmm......wish I could tell you, but you are going to have to wait!!! It was really fun to break out some old paper and play. And nice to know that the colors can always work together! The stamp set is Thoughts and Prayers. Watch for an upcoming class with this set. Tenatively scheduled for August!

Okay - enough rambling for the night! I'll be back tomorrow with more!

Jen

YAY!!! June 1st!

I've been waiting for this day for some time now......Stampin' Up! Demonstrators get our sneak peak of what's to come with the new catalog, and the "Last Chance" list is also available today. While, I can't show you what we get to see for sneak peaks, I can share the "Last Chance" lists with you:

List of STAMPS that will no longer be available: click here

List of Decor Elements that will no longer be available: click here

List of Accessories that will no longer be available:


FYI - the things on my sneak peak list are substantial! I can't wait to share with you!

TTFN!
Jen