Fresh Poppy Thank You

I have a quick Thank You card to share with you today - made it a couple of weeks ago, I think. I've lost track of exactly when, lol. It's been a little busy around here, to put it mildly. ;-)  Next time I update, I'll show you what's been going on. :)

I actually sat down to work on the checkbook (on computer)...and then got sidetracked by the things I haven't been able to enjoy for awhile...Facebook, Etsy, and now the Blog. Haven't made it to Pinterest yet, lol.  I'd better get to that checkbook soon, but FIRST...on to the card:

FRESH Vintage (stamp set)
POPPY (color)
THANK YOU (kind of obvious, dontcha think?)

Since I've been low on time, we're talking a BASIC little notecard here, people.

Whisper White cardstock base, stamped repeatedly with Fresh Vintage (FREE during Sale-A-Bration!) in Poppy Parade ink.

Sending Many Thanks sentiment from Petite Pairs stamp set, punched with large oval, backed by a Poppy Parade punched scallop oval. Up on dimensionals, of course. ;-)

Well, what do you think?

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Cards & Gift...in ONE!

I've been so excited to share something with you. Since JANUARY!
I especially LOVE it because it's all my own - I was feeling inspired and love how it turned out! :)

I made it as a "Hostess Gift" for my SAB workshop back then, but planned on making another one for this week's workshop (scheduled for Feb 22). I didn't want to risk the upcoming Hostess seeing it before she should! lol

Well, the workshop was cancelled this week, so obviously the danger has passed, so now I can share it! :)

READY??!!  Ok.

  

I learned how to make a card holder on our Demonstrator Website - one of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator!

Theirs wasn't decorated this way - this is my own design. Love it when the mojo is workin! :)

Would you like to see what's inside?

OK. :)

  

Four matching cards and four envelopes!

Want all the details??

OK. :)

Card Holder:

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Pool Party
DP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB - free!)

Accessories:  5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Big Shot, Blossom Punch, Simply Scored, Everyday Enchantment Brad (SAB - free!)

Cards:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

DP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB - free!)

Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic pearls

Well, what do YOU think?  I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
Crystal

Birthday Wishes Butterfly

Hello again!

I'm finally back to share another sample I made for my SAB/Occasions Mini party last month. :)  I'll be honest, it's not my favorite...not my usual CAS style (a little busy for my taste), but you know what? That's ok - it showed what I wanted to show and I'm excited about the elements of it. :)

LOVE this paper. It's called "Everyday Elegance" and it's a FREEbie! :)  Sale-A-Bration is the best time to stock up on product, because you earn FREE product at the same time! :)

Back to the card...what else is there?  Pool Party seam binding ribbon! Tucked under the ribbon is Very Vanilla cardstock punched with our Scallop Trim Border punch.

The sentiment is stamped with Lucky Limeade ink with a stamp from Petite Pairs (love that set), then punched with our Large Oval punch.

And that butterfly. Where on earth did that butterfly come from???

It's handmade, of course! :)  First, I stamped one of the "flowers" from Mixed Bunch (Occasions Mini) with Pool Party ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock. THEN, I punched it out with our new Blossom Punch that matches the Mixed Bunch stamp set. THEN, I cut out a couple of the petals to make a butterfly!  As you can see, there are more layers behind the stamped layer...I just punched out some cardstock with the Blossom Punch, and repeated the same technique. Layered up, and there ya go! :)

What about the body of that butterfly? Where did I manage to procure that beautiful center? Well...here's another little secret for ya...they're our Basic Pearls! :)  I simply colored them with a mixture of crystal effects and Lucky Limeade reinker! That is the beauty of Stampin' Up - everything coordinates! :)

Well, what do you think? I'd so love to hear from ya! :)

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A Little Treat

Remember my last post where I showed you a card I made using the new Framelits die?

Well, I'm back to show you something made with it - AGAIN!
This time, a lovely little treat. :)

I always like to include a little "thank you" treat with orders placed when I have a party at my home (Open House, SAB, etc).  Here's what I made up this time:

It's a little difficult to see the lovely swoops on the edges, but they are there! :)

I used the "Twitterpated" DP from the Occasions Mini catalog for the main part, then punched a hole at the top to tie the tag to.

The tag is our Postage Stamp punch in Riding Hood Red, and the "thanks" image is from the Pretty Postage stamp set. I colored the top and bottom "thanks" with Blushing Bride marker, and the middle one with our Riding Hood Red marker, then punched it out with our 1" Square punch.

The ribbon is the Lucky Limade color from the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack. A SALE-A-BRATION freebie! :)

Inside the treat holder are two packages of Smarties. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Sneak Peek!!

BEFORE I get to my regularly irregularly sheduled program (wink), I bring you this announcement:

"We have decided not to carry over the Stocking Builder Punch (item 124095) from the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog into the next Idea Book & Catalog. Once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase."

Get yours now before it's too late!  The Holiday Mini ends January 3, 2012.

And now...back to the program. ;-)

I FINALLY made something with some new goodies!!  It was my sister-in-law's birthday, and I just had to use new stuffas. :)  I can't show you the actual product or pictures of the product itself, but I can show you what I made! :)

Be nice now...it's the first time in quite some time that I've created from scratch. ;-)

Let's see...I'll count how many new things I used on this card...ummm.... FIVE!

First of all, let me just say I *love* the new Sale-A-Bration designer paper. LOVE IT!!

I also used a new flower punch...twice. On the front flower, I cut the petals inward a little more and curled a bit for some lift. Sounds like I'm talking hair, lol!

See the center?  It's a stamp from the set that coordinates with the flower punch. (I used a 3/4" circle punch on it, but the whole stamped image would fit nicely inside our 1" circle). Then, added dazzling diamonds.  Ahhh...glittah!! :)

The lovely cut border...oohhhh, baby!  Let's just say...TWO items on that alone!  Something to cut the edge, something to emboss it with the lovely line! :)

Here's a little closeup:

Don't look too closely at the inward edges of the flower...I grabbed the closest scissors to me. Aye. Much oversized household scissors and not sharp. Learned my lesson. Next time, my SU paper snips!!!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Checking In

Yes, I realize it has been quiet around here this week.
It's been busy. Really busy.

I'm hoping to come back later with a project because I *have* to stamp today. I'll go crazy if I don't! lol...well, that and I have two cards that I need to make. ;-)

I received my Sale-A-Bration order yesterday....drool...I can't wait to PLAY! :)

What is Sale-A-Bration?  It's a fun way to get FREE stuff! :)  I've updated my RH sidebar and Catalog Tab to include the SAB mini catalog...

And here's more info (you can click on it to see better):

Okey Dokey....I need to be off...but hope to be back soon! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Bring on the Black!

Hee hee hee...JELLYBEANS, that is! :)

Does anyone else have this, ahem...quirk?
I *heart* black jellybeans...but I definitely *dislike* black licorice!

This is a neat little gift for someone who loves em...seems like one of those treats people either love or...don't. ;-) What side of the fence are YOU on?


















I decided the bright yellow pkg of jellybeans needed a little facelift.  Much better, don't you think? ;-)

I used our small cello bags, lucious black satin ribbon, and the SAB set (FREE!), "Vintage Labels"....mounted onto a die-cut made with SU's Big Shot "Lots of Tags" sizzlit.

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)Stamps: Vintage Labels
Ink: Basic Black
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Wide oval punch, Lots of Tags sizzlit, 5/8" black satin ribbon, black hemp twine
Other: Black jelly beans

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Baby Card...and Procrastination

Are all cardmakers like this, or is it just ME that procrastinates?

I've had the gift for oh...probably 3 weeks or so.
Yet, when do I make the card?

Same day it's needed, of course! ;-)

Here's a simple card you can make in a hurry. Though this one is for a baby girl gift, all you would have to do is change the sentiment and it could be used for almost any occasion! :-)

The butterflies all came from ONE SU Sizzix embosslit, "Beautiful Wings"....it's in the Occasions mini! :-)

The "Small Wonder" sentiment is part of a FREE stamp set you can earn during Sale-A-Bration!

How did I attach them to card base?  With our mini glue dots, of course!  Love how it leaves the rest of the butterfly free, so you can lift wings upward a bit...make them look like they're really flying! :-)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Beautiful Wings embosslit, Mini glue dots

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Love You Much

So...one more Valentine's post.  Last one. ;-)
Remember, my computer was acting up during Valentine's weekend, so I couldn't show you this stuff, but I still want to! :)

Here's the Valentine I made for my honey.
He's the BEST hubby...honestly, sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve such a great guy!!

I know, I know.  It's PINK.  But the bordering dark Chocolate chip makes up for it, right? lol   I couldn't resist when I saw this DSP scrap in my papers...it's got lovebirds on it....it's PERFECT! ;-)

The paper on this easel card is a retired DSP from Stampin' Up! called "Candy Lane".  Pretty simple card to make, with WOW results.  The sentiment is from "Well Scripted" in the Occasions catalog, the small pink heart is a punch in same catalog, and the pretty scalloped border you see is SU's scallop trim border -- you can get it for FREE during SAB!!  :)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print
Stamps: Well Scripted
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper/Cardstock: Candy Lane DSP, Chocolate Chip, Pirouette Pink, White
Accessories: Small heart punch, Scalloped trim punch, dimensional, sticky strip, Paper piercer
Technique: Easel card

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A Punch Tutorial from Stampin' Up!

If you've been wondering how to use Stampin' Up's new border/corner punches, I've got a little treat for you from SU! :)

Heeeerre's Bonnie! :)



There are also pre-set sizes in which you won't have to do any trimming...let me know if you'd like to see those! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Orange. Seriously?

I'll admit it. There are colors I RARELY use (and prefer not to), lol.

One of them...orange. It's just one of those that I do not gravitate towards. Thankfully there are different shades of orange. ;-)  I happen to really like Stampin' Up's Pumpkin Pie...on the right project.

Suffice it to say, I fell in love with an orange card I made a few weeks ago. :)

I found a card I really like here, and started out CASEing it.  But then one thing led to another, and I ended up with something of my own that I absolutely love! :)

I know, I know...enough rambling. ;-)

















I really like how this looks IRL...so pretty!  I added dazzling diamonds to the centers of the flowers...click pic to see closer! :)

You'll also see there are multiple colors on the flowers and "F".  That is made by inking the stamp in Crushed Curry, then sponging with Melon Mambo - love it! :)  The F is popped up, as is the little flower...cause you know how I love dimensionals! :)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Pumpkin pie ribbon, Eyelet border punch, Crystal effects, Dazzling diamonds, Sponge daubers, Paper snips, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Project Gone Awry

Am I the only one who has this happen?

You know the kind.  The project starts with great intentions, but somewhere along the way, things go awry and the finished project is not quite what you expected.

Well, this is one of those projects.
I could just hide it, but I've decided to share it anyways. ;-)
It's important to be able to laugh at yourself and share the not-so-perfect, am I right?

I have this Designer Paper that reminds me of those peppermint candies, are they called starlight mints?  Anyhow, I knew I wanted to put peppermint bark in the package (made & frozen at Christmastime)...red & white...it could be Valentine's, right? lol

Apparently not. ;-)

I know, I know.  It needs RED ribbon, not pink.  Well, I tried that.  It seemed like too much red at the time.  Now I'm thinking about switching back to red. ;-)  I didn't have the time or patience to switch it out at the time...but now that I see a picture, I think I may have to, lol.

What about you...have you had any projects such as this, or do you always jump for joy and satisfaction when you're finished?

PLEASE COME BACK TOMORROW for a "jump for joy & satisfaction" project! ;-)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Whimsical Words (SAB)
Paper: Sending Love DSP, Real Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Med. cellophane bag, Big Shot, Top Note die, Heart Embosslit (Occasions), Pretty in Pink satin ribbon, Real red gg ribbon, Lg heart punch

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Whoooo Loves You?

I DO! :) 

Thank you so much for your continuing interest!

I'm excited that we've made a milestone -- 10,000 hits!

  It doesn't seem a lot, but since I just started in September,

to me it means I'm only just beginning,

 and it also means someone cares! :)

To say "thank you," I'll be offering Blog Candy, so stay tuned! :)

Here's another card using new items!

I used Mr. Owl from the stamp set "Fox & Friends"
(Occasions Mini in sidebar)
...and look at the super-cute new border punch!!
(Sale-A-Bration in sidebar)

I'm thrilled with how it turned out...but I'm having a little trouble deciding on the heart part.

Could you help me?  Pay close attention... ;-)

A) ABOVE

B) ABOVE, with glitter

and to try something new using Photoshop...

A) HOLDING
B) Inset: HOLDING with glitter - click to see closeup!

 

A little OCD, I know...

but that's just how I am sometimes when I create. ;-)

So...what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Fox & Friends

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper/Cardstock: Choc Chip DSP, Thoroughly Modern DSP, Whisper White, Rose Red

Accessories: Choc Chip gg ribbon, Scallop Trim Border, Heart to Heart punch, 2way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, SNAIL adhesive

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Drumroll please.....

Shall I tell you a bit, day by day...or overload you on all the info?!

Okay...the excited part of me won. lol

I can't show you the publications just yet,
but I can tell you about what's inside!! :)

I'm drooling, I tell ya...drooling!

1. Sale-A-Bration:

Runs from Jan 5 - Mar 31

 SIX free products to choose from, including:

4 super stamp sets,

 Designer Series Paper pad (72 pgs)

Brand new punch -- with new, better than ever design!!

Oh, and that's not all!!  On the last page....

bah...I've gotta make you wait for SOMETHING!! ;-)

2. Definitely Decorative:

A new 12 pg. insert to the already great selection!!

(yes, new products in here, too!)

3. Occasions Mini catalog:

 Runs from Jan 5 - April 30

43 pages!!

SEVEN brand new punches...new style!

AWESOME Designer Series Papers....

A new stamp set for the Sweet Treat cups...

oh goodness...soooo much more!

AND....last but not least....

Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features :
*Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
*Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
*Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
*Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
*Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
*Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
*Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

Okay, did that not blow your socks off?! 
A LOT of awesomeness there...starting SOON!!!!
Why wait?  Book your party with me and let's get earning you some free stuff! :)

Stay tuned for some Sneak Peek projects...
Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal