If at first you don't succeed....

I came across a really pretty card recently with this image:

And then I tried to copy it:

And I was so unhappy w/how dark the middle turned out, so I tried a different method (using the pastels instead of the classic inkpad & this is the end result:

And I'm really not happy with this result either as you really can't see the scallop square in the center of the card (like you can on the first picture.

So I went back & read the tutorial on how to create the center & my problem was I am using the wrong color (I used Mellow Moss instead of Sahara Sand).

But since I don't have Sahara Sand, I sought out the next best thing - River Rock. And, I just put one flower in color vs. 3 across the whole square scalloped background.

For the most part, I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I think for my 'next time opportunity', I would use my stamp-a-ma-jig to center the colored flowers a little more evenly against the square scalloped background.

Happy Birthday

I like the new In Colors that Stampin' Up is offering for the '08-'09 catalog year, but I can't help but use the leftovers I have from the '07-'08 catalog year. I used (once again) retired Blue Bayou & Soft Sky on this birthday card for a co-worker. I also used (for the first time), my new square scallop punch, Heard from the Heart stamp set & Pocket Silhouette stamp set. You can't tell in the pictures, but the scallop squares are raised with dimensionals. Too cute!!

Jill & Justin's Wedding

Two nights ago, I was invited to a wedding which is happening tonight in Olympia. I love weddings (even if they're last minute invites) & I love my new stamp set that I got today - It's a Stretch.

I put this card together in just a few moments. It was SO incredibly easy & I love the colors - retired Soft Sky & Blue Bayou, plus retired DSP & ribbon. BUT, I also used (for the first time) my new scallop edge punch. I can't say thank you enough to Stampin' Up for creating a scallop edge punch.

Autumn Extraordinaire, part 2

A few posts back, I posted about me making my company's holiday invitations. This is the final product. Originally, when I had the idea, I showed Shannon a version of this using Real Red cardstock because I had quite a few leftovers from my Convention Swap. She thought the red screamed winter & since our holiday dinner is in the fall (not winter), she wanted more autumn-y colors. The final choice was Bravo Burgundy for the background, Baroque Motif stamped in Creamy Caramel on the Very Vanilla with the information printed on vellum. I died the organdy ribbon with the Creamy Caramel ink pad. A slightly messy process, but I LOVE the way this card turned out. Great choice in colors, Shannon!

Last night I had a dream (er, nightmare) that I went out to Enumclaw to do a stamp camp & the only thing I brought with me was my catalog (not even catties for the girls; just mine) & order forms. Not much of a stamp camp... So, then I hurried & went home to get supplies, but nothing was prepped. Oy!! It seems that I often forget at least one thing when I go do a camp, but this was rediculous. I hope this never happens in real life.

This isn't a card that I made, but I would have loved to create it. Isn't it gorgeous? I think I'll take out some paper, ink & my Upsy Daisy stampset tonight & put my own spin on it (probably just a different color as I don't have this particular color yet).

2009 Calendar Class

I was searching online how to make a calendar into a scrapbook page & found this layout. Don't you think it would be a perfect layout for a December page? I need to figure out the logistics of a class (pricing, paper, etc), but the more I think about it, the more I want to do it. If for nobody else, I'll do one for myself. Everyone needs a calendar & I'm no exception. SU! sells some desktop calendars for $9.95 that would be perfect for my desk at work.

2009 Already?

I came across some of these coaster calendars from another demonstrator's blog. I thought the idea was SO stinkin' cute (not to mention, I had almost a bajillion spare coasters sitting on my shelf), I thought I'd try making one. Except for the ribbon which is sitting pretty wonky, I LOVE the way it turned out.

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I just might see an upcoming Calendar Class in my near future. Would you be interested in such a class? Leave me a comment (or shoot me an email) & let me know if it's something I should explore further.

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By the way, I probably wouldn't base a Calendar Class solely on this one calendar. It wouldn't take very long to complete. Instead, I was thinking of a calendar that can be transformed into a 6" x 6" (or greater) scrapbook once the month has passed. I've seen some AWESOME samples & am a bit eager to try it out.

I was inspired!!

One of the perks of going to Convention is we get FREE stuff. This year, among our 4 FREE stamp sets was one of my new favorite sets: Inspired by Nature.

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This afternoon, while looking at a gallery of other demonstrator's photos, I came across something similar to this one. One look & I knew I had to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything) it. The only difference was the ribbon. She had used a taffeta ribbon & I don't have that particular one so I dyed what I had (white Organdy) with my Chocolate Chip inkpad. Not 'quite' the same, but I still love it.

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I think I mostly love the Poppin' Pastels technique. I don't think I've ever used this technique. SO easy! SO cute! SO versatile! I can easily see this card being used as a thank you, get well soon, thinking of you or good luck card.

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As always, clicking on the picture will enlarge it for you for a better view.

I'm So Sad!!

When I was at Convention, one of the things that was demonstrated was this awesome cookie jar with a new Décor Element of a 'spooky spider'. I, like most other ladies at Convention, wanted to recreate that same jar, except I didn't want to use the Décor Element. I wanted to try the new Halloween rub ons that are in the new Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog.

So, why am I so sad? Well, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way my jar turned out, but I HATE HATE HATE how the pictures turned out. You're just going to have to see my jar in person (by booking a Stamp Camp before Sept 20th - at which point, my jar will be raffled off at a vendor fair I'm participating in). You can also see a slightly better, up close version simply by clicking on any of the pictures above.

A couple things about the jar: I put a placemat inside the jar so that it would photograph slightly better. It is a gallon size cookie jar (with a lid, but the lid didn't photograph nearly as well as the jar itself). It will make a wonderful storage container for Halloween candy to the winner of the jar.

Loads of Love

There are several stamp sets that I own (many retired) that I can't bring myself to get rid of. But, I need to keep (start!!) using them, otherwise I really can't justify holding onto them.

Tonight I thought I'd use my Loads of Love stamp set & the accessories set that goes along with it (for the pumpkins). I'm quite pleased with how this simple card turned out.

I'm pretty sure the recipient of this card doesn't read my blog much & so it'll be a nice surprise for her to receive it when I give it to her in October.

Sock Monkey

I recently picked up the Sock Monkey stamp set & have not done anything with it... Until now. I think it's the cutest darn thing, but was having troubles figuring out how I was going to color it. Other than piecing it together with different colors of paper (a LOT of work because you have to cut out each piece & then put it together like a mozaic puzzle), I think I've found the best way to color him - with the pastels. I LOVE the way this monkey turned out!

Autumn Extraordinaire

One of the gals on our Social Committee knows that I like making cards & other crafts. She had asked me to make the invitations to our "holiday party" (that's actually held in the fall & this year, will be called, "Autumn Extraordinaire").

I found a bunch of samples of really cute invitations, but thought better of making 140 difficult, time-consuming invites. I came up with this card & I LOVED it. I still do. I think it's just so 'elegant'. And, what's more is I have a ton of red ribbon & several pieces of red cardstock already cut from my swaps that I ended up not using for my trip to Convention.

One of the gals who was approving the design loved it too, but thought it screamed "winter" & since the Autumn Extraordinaire is in November, something a little more muted in colors (browns & yellows) might be more suited for this particular occasion.

We've come up with a great invitation & I'm just waiting on approval on the verbage before I post the real deal.


Here's an update on the stamp sets that are left for sale:


Too Terrific Tags - $4
So Many Scallops - $3
Oh How We Danced - $4 - SOLD
Holiday Blocks - $6
Kid Prints - $8
Little Shapes - $2
Around the Block - $2
Send a Celebration - $2 - SOLD
Watercolor Minis - $4
So Many Sayings - $4
Hip Hip Hooray - $8 - SOLD
Reverse Prints - $2

Retired Stamps for Sale

I'm finally saying good bye to some of my beloved retired stamp sets. I've had some of them for 8+ years! I've definitely made some beautiful projects with my sets, but it's time to say goodbye for good so that I can make more room for some more current sets.

Let me know via a comment if you're interested in any of the following retired Stampin' Up stamp sets (they are available on a first come, first serve basis):

Around the Block - $2
Best Blossoms - $4 - SOLD
Birthday Whimsy - $4 - SOLD
Burst into Bloom - $2 - SOLD
Celebrate the Season - $8 - SOLD
Fresh Flowers - $6 - SOLD
Friendship Blooms - $3 - SOLD
Hip Hip Hooray - $8 - SOLD
Holiday Blocks - $6
Kid Prints - $8
Little Shapes - $2
Made From Scratch - $2 - SOLD
Merci - $4 - SOLD
Oh How We Danced - $4 - SOLD
Peace on Earth - $6 - SOLD
Reverse Prints - $2
Send a Celebration - $2
Sidekick Sayings - $2 - SOLD
Small Script - $2 - SOLD
So Many Sayings - $4
So Many Scallops - $3
Something to Celebrate - $6 - SOLD
Stippled Stencils - $2 - SOLD
Tags & More - $6 - SOLD
The Art of Life - $2 - SOLD
Timeworn Trim - $2 - SOLD
Too Terrific Tags - $4
Watercolor Minis - $4
Word Search - $6 - SOLD

Where do I begin?

I just got back from my first Convention. I have no idea where to begin... I had SO much fun. I can't wait to go back.

Convention-goers got a sneak peek at the new Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog while at Convention & there, of course, were SO many stamp sets & accessories that I'm excited about. I remember last year at this time thinking that there just wasn't a whole lot that was new & that I wanted to buy. That is absolutely NOT the case this year. I can't wait for August 11th to roll around so that I can place my order.

One of the big announcements at Convention was their new partnership with Sizzix. Stampin' Up will now offer a die-cut machine called the Big Shot that works with cardstock, paper, cardboard, fabric, leather. The possibilities seem almost endless. Using the Big Shot, we were shown an apron that the CEO & Co-Founder, Shelli, had made (too cute!!), some fun masks & even Christmas ornaments (Santa & Rudolph). I have pictures on my Flickr account & will gladly forward them to you if you'd like to see.

During Convention, many demonstrators make "swaps" which are cardfronts that they swap with other demonstrators. It's just another way for us to get inspiration for our camps & classes. I, apparently, made a swap that turned out to be too much. It's a fun card, but after making card after card after card, your mind gets tired, your hands get cramped & then you just don't make as many as you had planned on. I originally planned around 150 or so, but then I got tired, cramped hand & then just lazy. I forced myself to complete 100 swaps. This, as it turns out, is not enough (in my opinion). After I had swapped my last card with another demonstrator, I was sad & thought to myself, "Aw, that's it? I want to keep going..." But, I had nothing to keep going with. Next year, I will have more.

My roommates both have Convention (build-a-) Bears & so they got me one too for my first Convention. They even bought matching pink bathrobes & bunny slippers for my bear. From here on out, for every Convention I go to, Stamperella, my Convention Bear will go with me too. And, if anyone chooses to join in all the fun I have & come to Convention as part of my 'downline', they too will get a Convention Bear.

After attending Convention, I've decided that I 'really' want to work my SU business into more of a business (compared to hobby) & take it more seriously. There were people who've just really been an inspiration (with their sales & recruiting efforts) & it was amazing. Who knew that one person could sell $130k worth of stuff in one year? It can happen.

I'm off to go stamp something with my new / free stamp sets (demonstrators got at least 4 freebies just for attending Convention).

I just LOVE it!!

In my last post, I mentioned a new item that Stampin' Up has introduced for the new catalog year - Decor Elements.

There are several images to choose from (from letters, words & phrases to decorative images & flowers). The one I bought was the definition of 'create' to put in my stamp room.

One really cool thing about these is that they won't damage your walls if you decide you no longer want the image posted (if you move or change your room's decor, for example).

You can view the Decore Elements brochure here. And pictures of the process here.

Yeee!

I had my Advanced Techniques class a couple weeks ago. I swear, it was the hottest day of the year! There was just a small crowd & we all just pretty much just sat there in our pools of sweat. Quite gross, really. BUT, we survived & some really super cute projects were made as well.

If you weren't able to attend my Advanced Techniques class last month, I still have some supplies cut for an Advanced Techniques class if you would like to host one in your home with your friends &/or family.

I'm really excited about a couple of things:

1. Stampin' Up has rotated their calendar just a tad. It used to be that one catalog was issued once a year (in July). Then, more recently, they went to two catalogs - a Fall/Winter Collection & a Spring/Summer Collection (issued in July & January). NOW, the new Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog will be issued near the beginning of August. I've had a chance to get a sneak peek at a few things & I can hardly wait for August to arrive! One thing I know already in the catalog (& I'm able to buy early - yay!!) is a Sock Monkey stamp set. It is so incredibly cute!!

2. Stampin' Up has started a new product line called Decor Elements. Decor Elements are like a "rub on" you can put on your wall as art. What's really cool is that it's not permanent. If you live in an apartment (or if you like change), you can take it down without damaging the walls. I bought one & hope to get it up really soon. It's the definition of "create" & it's going in my stamp room, of course. I love it! As soon as I get it up, I will take pictures for sure.

3. I'm having my Adios Amigos stamp camp at the end of the month - July 26th - at 11am. We'll be using all retiring stamp sets. I'll also have my retiring sets that I'm selling at my Adios Amigos camp. You'll definitely want to come & check out my goodies. Stay tuned for an Adios Amigos evite.

By the way, I've decided after my last stamp camp that if July 26th is insanely hot, we'll be stamping in the garage with the fans going. It's just a little bit cooler out there than inside the house.

As Promised...

I swear... I really ought to get a new camera... Or, learn how to operate the one I have just a tad bit better!



Here are two of the five cards we'll be making at my Advanced Techniques Camp on Sunday:


This one uses the Cracked Glass technique. It has a really neat appearance when done. I'm not sure you can really see the awesome effect in this picture (with the camera flash). If you click on the picture, you can see it up close, but it still doesn't capture the cracked glass all that well. You can really see it in person. You'll also get to use pieces from the HodgePodge Hardware Kit on this card.





This one shows a different way to fold your cardstock to get a different look. It's called a Criss Cross card & as you can see, the card crosses in the front & is held together with a belly band. On this card, you'll get to use the Build-a-Brads, which you can see up close on the belly band if you click on the picture. The Build-a-Brads are SO cool & really easy to make. This is one of my favorite cards (I especially love love love the pink/brown combo).

And the winner is...

Kelle! Of her 50 guesses, 17 stamp sets are retiring. As the winner, Kelle will be receiving $10 in free Stampin' Up product. Carrie came in a close 2nd with 13 guessed correctly. As the 2nd place winner, Carrie will receive $5 in free Stampin' Up products. Yay!! Thanks for playing...

Now on to the bad news (for me)... of the 68 retired sets on the list that Stampin' Up has provided, I'm losing 14 of them. The good news is, however, that I will be selling several of them at my retired stamp camp at the end of July so that I can make room for some new stamps.

If you would like to purchase any of the retiring stamp sets from Stampin' Up, you have through August 10th to place your order. Click here for a peek at the retired list.

Advanced Technique Class

Yeee!! I'm so excited. I have 3 of the 5 cards we'll be doing at my Advanced Techniques Class completed. My darn camera has run out of 'oomph', otherwise I'd post a picture or two... But I'm so happy with the way all 3 have turned out so far.

So far, I've got the Cracked Glass, Criss Cross & a Diorama card ready to go. If you scroll down a bit, you can see samples of the Cracked Glass & Criss Cross cards I made a couple months back.

Here's a sneak peak of a sample diorama card that I pulled from online. It's hard to really see the full scope of this card, but it is 3-D and more "boxy" than it looks in the picture (click on the picture for a more up close image). It's really fun & easy to make!

Next on the agenda: Design an Acetate card that will WOW! you as much as the one I made a couple months ago WOW'd me. The only thing I don't have for the Acetate card I made back then is some jumbo eyelets. I *may* pick some up before the camp, but probably not.

Also, I need to choose what I want to do for the 5th technique. I've got some ideas in my head, but I just need to narrow it down.

One last thing, I will most likely have a sneak peak of what I will be selling at my Advance Techniques stamp camp on the 29th. These items won't be available for sale until my Adios Amigos Stamp Camp (stamp camp using only retired stamps) at the end of July. Stay tuned for more info on date/time, etc.


***DON'T FORGET*** to send me your guesses as to what's going to be on the retired list. All entries must be received via jenstamps@hotmail.com before 11:59pm on Saturday, June 14th. Remember, the person who has the most correct guesses will win $10 off their next order.

$10 in Free Stampin Up Product!

Yes, it's another FREEBIE GIVEAWAY, but this time, you'll have to work for it.

On June 15th, the 2008 retired list will be available. Send me your list of what stamp sets you think (or hope) will be retiring & the person who has the most correct guesses will receive $10 off their next order (no minimum order required).

Here's a couple hints -

1. There's usually at least 50 stampsets that retire.

2. Hostess sets do NOT count towards guesses.

3. Accessories, In Color products, Designer Series Papers do NOT count towards guesses.

4. Email all guess to me at jenstamps@hotmail.com

*Received guesses must be rec'd by 11:59pm, June 14th.

*Redemption must be placed before the new catalog comes out (in August).

And yes, as the image above suggests.... I will be selling some of my old sets, projects & supplies to make room for some new ones. Stay tuned for more details.