I'm so sorry...

It has been WAY too long since I posted a single thing on this blog. While I love making projects and showing off my work, I am taking a break. The summer is exceptionally busy and I am exceptionally lazy. In fact, I received a Stampin' Up! order last week and only opened the box to take out the catalog. Everything else is still sitting there. I'm not sure where or when I will get motivation to continue making cards, scrapbook pages, etc. In the meantime, I hope you find inspiration from all the other motivated, creative, wonderful women who take the time to do what they love each and everyday.

Birthday Bash Stamp-a-Stack

Stamp-a-stack classes are one of my favorite classes to have. Although I stress about which cards to make, I am always proud of the final choices. For me, showing customers different folds or techniques is the best part. I don't want anyone going home and feeling as if all their cards look the same.

Card #1:
I always try to have at least one, unique fold in each class. I was inspired by THIS CARD. Visit Jessica's blog to see how to score and create this fun fold card.
Stamp set: Party Hearty
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Real Red
Ink: Same as above
Accessories: 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Various Punches

Card #2:

It's difficult for me to create a "manly" card unless I have a true "manly" stamp set. I do not own any of those, so I have to figure out an alternative. When I saw a card on my friend's blog, I knew it would be the card for this class! Of course, I never, ever have the exact stamp sets that others use, so I have to put my own unique spin on the card I make up. This is my card...

Stamp Sets: Inspired by Nature, Curvy Verses

Paper: Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Slot Punch

Card #3:

This is a card that I've recycled a few times because (1) it is easy and (2) I probably had ALOT of extra cardstock cut.

Stamp Sets: True Friend, Celebrate Everything

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Confetti White, Vellum

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Silver Brads

Card #4:

Alot of times, I fall into the trap of cutting & scoring cardstock and keeping that square, boxey look. Even though this card can be categorized like that, I think by using the scallop punch a different look was created. The In Colors are beautiful, girly colors so I used them to make up a great card to be given to a girlfriend, mother, or sister.

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral

Paper: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, WW

Ink: Same as above

Accessories: Crushed Curry Polka Dot ribbon, Scallop Punch

Card #5:

Why re-invent the wheel for your classes? Back in November I needed some birthday cards, so using the Animal Stories stamp set, I made THESE CARDS. For this stamp-a-stack, I CASE'd my own examples for the last of the five cards made.

Making Tiles

Although the thought of making tiles can be intimidating, this 3-D project is actually very easy. By a customer, I was asked to make twelve tiles so she could give them as Mother's Day gifts. She wanted me to keep it simple by making all of the tiles identical, even the color of the flower. Oh how I love simplicity!

There are many ways to make tiles, but this is the way I prefer. This is the first time I did not bake them. I do believe it isn't necessary to do so. To make your own tiles, follow these easy instructions:

SUPPLIES:

• 4"x4" non-glossy tumbled tiles (found at your local home improvement store)
• Staz-On ink pad
• Blender pen
• Stampin' pastels
• Stamp set (s) of your choice
• Baby wipes
• Felt pads for back
• Krylon acrylic spray or aerosol hairpray

STEP 1: Wipe tiles free of dust and let dry
STEP 2: *Stamp image onto tile using Staz-On ink*
Why Staz-on? This ink is specifically used for non-porous surfaces and it doesn't run dry.
STEP 3: Using blender pen, choose pastel colors and color the image
STEP 4: In a well ventilated area, follow the Krylon instructions and spray tiles.
Why Krylon? It goes on clear, is moisture resistant and will seal the tile

*NOTE: I was pleasantly surprised when I messed up and grabbed a baby wipe to wipe of my mistake. The image came off with no trouble at all!

The tiles I bought were NOT the ones that were completely unfinished. These had a slight smoothness/glossy look to them. They were NOT the glossy ones. You can tell the difference. You may be able to use the glossy ones too, if you prefer that look. These tiles were about 38 cents each.

Spring Craft Fair 2010

WOW! Once again, it's been a while since I blogged! I am so sorry about that! Over the last few weeks, I've been working really hard for a craft fair that I participated in last Saturday. Unfortunately, there was a disappointing turn-out and I hardly had any sales. On the up side, this same craft fair has a really good turn-out in the fall, so I already signed up for that one. Instead of posting each picture individually, I made a smilebox for you to view. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the projects I made. Thanks for viewing!

Make your own free photo slideshow

Just thought I'd show the Valentine's my daughter and I made for her preschool class. She was so good with all the coloring and signing her name to 29 Valentine's! These lollipop covers were made for the boys.

These were given to the girls in the class.

Help for Haiti

As we all know, a major disaster struck Haiti a few weeks ago. From now until February 28, 2010 Stampin' Up! will donate $2 to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold. If you love this set and want to help those in need, please contact me soon!

Mommy & Me Sweetheart Class

It's been awhile since I planned and organized a Mommy & Me class. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to do so! The projects below are the three that will be made for this particular class. Each child will make five of each to give to their special friends.

Pretzel bags with chocolate

Lollipop cover

Heart shaped sweetheart cup filled with candy
(postcard style)

Last minute additions to Business Night...

These chocolates are decorated with various punches and put in pretzel bags. I tried to make some gender neutral bags. It's so easy to stick with pink & reds for Valentine's Day, so I went with more masculine colors. I think even those could be given to girls too!

Since there will be military women present at the Business Night, I decided to make a few cards with them in mind. These are promotion cards packaged in 3's with envelopes.

I just love the stamp set "Godspeed." I will never part with it! These cards are also packaged in 3's but each one has a different verse inside from the Service & Sacrifice stamp set. There is a difference in these cards. Can you see it? It's the color of ribbon along the side. I couldn't decide which I liked better (chocolate or spring moss) so I used both. What do you think?

Mark your calendars!

Mommy & Me Sweetheart Class
This class will allow your child (ages 6 and up please) to stamp Valentine projects for their special friends. Moms will need to assist their child.
Date: Sunday, January 31st
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $15/child OR FREE with a Sale-a-Bration order (see details below)

PMS (Pizza, Music, and Scrapping) Class
Have some scrapbook projects that need attention? Come to my house to work on those pages while enjoying food and friendly conversation. I will have my punches out for you to use too!
Date: Friday, February 26th
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: $5 to go towards ordering pizza

Birthday Stamp-a-Stack
Don’t you wish you had cards on hand for a birthday that snuck up on you? I think we all do! Come to this class to stock up on birthday cards for friends and kids. You’ll have your variety of greetings to choose from as you make 5 designs of 3 cards each.
Date: Friday, March 20th OR Sunday, March 21st
Time: 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. (Fri.) and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Sun.)
Cost: $20 for 15 cards (w/envelopes) OR FREE with a Sale-a-Bration order

Some things I am working on...

There is an upcoming Business Night I was invited to attend, which I am completely thrilled about! I've been working on crafts to sell while also hoping to get a new customer base. These events really light a fire under me and motivate me to "touch my business." I'm mostly making Valentine-themed items. It's fun to stick to one holiday and work on projects surrounding it.

These nuggets tins are a favorite of mine. I figure I could make a few and possibly take orders, if need be.

3 x 3 cards (pkgs. of 5 w/envelopes) that need to be colored.

Both these items are going to people who RSVP and tell me they plan on visiting my table next week.

Conversation heart sliders

These are really easy and fun to make!

I saw this candle on a few blogs, so I decided to try it myself. For some reason, I have a hard time stamping with this stamp. Does anyone else? Also, I am looking for your input as to where to buy candles. So far, the ones I've bought drip alot!

The Cutest Valentines!

Sweet Treat cups are the one of the newest (and cutest) ideas from Stampin' Up! They just introduced these heart-shaped cups that are perfect for Valentine's Day! Contact me today to order yours before they are GONE!

It's Sale-a-bration Time!

If you LOVE Stampin' Up!, then you already know what Sale-a-Bration is and it's probably your FAVORITE time of year! For those of you who are new fans, let me explain:

During Sale-a-Bration, you earn FREE merchandise by

doing one or more of the following:

• For every $50 you purchase, you can select one of the 6 exclusive Sale-a-bration items (4 different stamp sets, a border punch, or a paper pad) OR--NEW THIS YEAR--you can select any stamp set in the catalog that is $15.95 or less!!!
• If you host a workshop, you get a FREE item for every $300 in sales!!!
• If you join Stampin' Up!, which by the way the kit is on sale for just $169, you get to choose any stamp set for FREE in the catalog!!!!
• If you are a demonstrator--you can earn FREE product!!! So--join in January--and you will still have time to earn FREE stamps as a demonstrator!!!!

You won't want to miss out on this spectacular Sale-a-bration! Contact me today!