Friday, May 31, 2013

NEW Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog is HERE!!!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!  THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! ANNUAL CATALOG!!!
Sorry to be all shouty, but I am soooo excited for the new catalog :D  There are so many great NEW stamp sets, AWESOME new colors and paper and SO MUCH MORE!  Beginning at Noon Mountain time today you can order your new products!  If you haven't got your hands on a new catalog yet, here you go...


Here are a few things to remember when you place your order today:

  • Orders for products from the NEW catalog can be purchased beginning Noon Mountain time 5/31.
  • Be sure to look for bundled products and save 15%!
  • NEW SALE May 31-June 30 ~ 25% off 3 greeting sets found here.
  • Any Spring Catalog items can be ordered through the end today, May 31.
  • Retiring stamps will be available to purchase through June 3.
  • Retiring accessories will be available through June 3 OR while supplies last.
  • Another NEW photopolymer stamp set has been released today as well...don't forget to add this to your order!

Whew...did you get all of that??!? 

And now I have have a special offer for you!!!  The first 5 people to place an order with me will receive a FREE In Color Ink Pad!!!  So set your alarm for Noon Mountain time and get your orders ready :)  Use Hostess  Code VR7ENUFD when placing your online order.  You can also text, email or call me with your order.

Happy Shopping and as always, Happy Stamping!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Freshly Made Thank You

My boys' Little League season will come to an end this weekend and I decided it would be fun to have each of the kiddos sign a card for each of their coach's and the team mom.  It has been a great season and it has been awesome to see how much all of the kids have improved since last year!
I used this week's Freshly Made Sketches sketch from Jen M to get me started.  I had some fun using some soon to be retired stamps as well as a new one too!  The Crushed Curry and Midnight Muse are a perfect match to their team colors :D
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Midnight Muse, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Crushed Curry, Jet Black StazOn, Real Red
Stamp Sets ~ Great Sport, Ciao, Baby, ABC-123 Sketch Alphabet & Numbers, Merry Minis
Other Supplies ~ Soda Pop Tops, Circle Punches, Merry Minis Punch Pack, Bitty Banners Framelits

I changed things up a bit for the other two cards, but still used the same stamp sets and supplies.  I did also make some cute jelly bean treat bags for all the kiddos too...they deserve it after a great season!


Sad to see the season come to an end, but happy to know my boys will have the chance to participate in some pretty cool baseball camps this summer in preparation for next years season!  PLAY BALL!

Happy Stamping! 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Stamp Club Swaps ~ May

Hi friends...Happy Wednesday!  I love having a short work week...it's going by so fast! I have my Stamp Club swap cards that my group created for May...they are all GREAT!  Most of the cards are made using Stampin' Up! products, but there are a few other products used by some :)
Here is the sketch and color combo that Melissa picked for us this month:
Enjoy!

Bree ~ Craft-somnia Momma

Melissa ~ CrazyPaper Freak

Erica ~ Ink-spiring Creations

Gretchen

Amanda

Katie ~ Sweet N Spiffy

Nancy

Katie has chose our sketch and color combo for June...it's a fun one!  Keep an eye out for every one's creations!

Happy Stamping!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Cowboy Boots and Lace

I'm no cowgirl, but I do love me a cute pair of cowboy boots!  Add a cute dress, little bit of lace and you've got yourself a cute outfit...and even a cuter card!  Check out one of my creations from this weekend...
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Soft Suede, Pool Party Core'dinations, Soho Subway DSP
Ink ~ VersaMark
Stamp Set ~ Bootiful Occasions
Other Supplies ~ Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Pool Party Embossing Powder, Artisan Label Punch, Natural Trim, Line Thread, Vintage Brads, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Tea Lace Paper Doilies

I embossed the vintage brad with the pool arty embossing powder...LOVE this look!  I had fun making this card and can't wait to give it to one of my co-workers this week for her birthday. 

Happy Stamping!!!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

A Love Story Worth Living

Happy Anniversary to two of the most amazing people I know...my parents!  They are celebrating 38 years of marriage today, but they have been together since they were in 7th grade.  Talk about a love story!  As in any marriage, there have been ups and downs, but through it all they have stayed strong and always been each other's best friend.  I'm so blessed to have such amazing parents and am so thankful for all they have taught me...they are great role models to my hubby and I. 
I placed one last order from the old catalog late last week and was able to redeem my Sale-A-Bration recruting bundle of goodies, which I had totally forgotten about!  I was so excited because it included the new Modern Medley DSP, which was on my new catty wish list!  So, I put this pretty paper to good use and made my parents an anniversary card.
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Crushed Curry, Modern Medley DSP
Ink ~ Jet Black StazOn
Stamp Set ~ One in a Million
Other Supplies ~ Scallop Circle Punches, Antique Brads, Black Embossing Powder

How pretty is that Antique Brad in black?!?!?  Thanks to the ever talented Patty Bennett, I am now in love with embossing all of my Antique Brads in different colors.  Super simple to do...just ink up the brad with your Versamark pad (use a pair of tweezers or pliers to hold it), dip the brad in  your embossing powder and heat with your heat gun until all the powder is melted.  AWESOME!!!  FYI, once the powder is melted, give it a minute or two to fully dry.  

Off to get a few house chores done and then I'm off to Famers Market with my boys!  Then later today we'll head to a family reunion for my hubby's side of the family.  Sadly, my hubby won't get to join us because he is working a 72 hour shift this weekend...boo :(  At least we both have Monday off and will get to spend some time together. 

Happy Stamping!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Happy Day ~ Inky Fingers Club Guest Designer News

Good morning and Happy Friday!  I have some exciting news to share this morning...I have been selected as a Guest Designer for Inky Fingers Club Summer Session!
While I am so thrilled to have this opportunity, I'll also admit that I'm a bit nervous!  But I know I'm not alone and am beyond excited to be a part of such an amazing group of talented stampers! 

Here are the details and benefits of becoming an Inky Fingers Club Member:

Summer 2013 Session
July 7th through 20th

All NEW Stampin' Up! Products
Over 50 Exclusive Designs
Creative Card Sets & Containers
14 Daily Tutorials
Talented Guest Designers
Step by Step Directions
Lots of Photos

Daily Challenges with Prizes
Original Artwork Shipped to Members

If you are looking for some new ideas and great tutorials, becoming an Inky Fingers Club Member is a MUST!  Click here to see some past projects and don't forget to register for the Summer Session on June 13th!

Be sure to send me an email (brrenwick@charter.net) to let me know when you have registered. 

Watch for sneak peeks in the upcoming weeks of the projects I will be sharing!

Until then, I'll leave you with a fun card I made yesterday using a new stamp set I earned for recruiting during the Sale-A-Bration period and the Epic Day This & That Washi Tape.

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Crumb Cake
Ink ~ Calypso Coral, Basic Gray
Stamp Sets ~ Happy Day, Oh, Hello
Other Supplies ~ Oval Collection Framelits, Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Vintage Trinkets, Natural Trim, Crochet Trim, Epic Day This & That Washi Tape

Wishing you all a great day and a Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Happy Stamping!!!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Two for Tuesday

Hi friends!  I feel like I've been in a stamping slump the past week or so.  All I've been able to manage is CASE'ing cards and have not been able to come up with anything on my own.  Ever have that problem?  Well, I think I may have pulled myself out of that slump a little bit today, thanks to the latest challenges over at The Friday Mashup and Hand Stamped Sentiments.  The Friday Mashup Challenge is to create a monochromatic project using Baker's Twine...I HEART Baker's Twine!  This is the sketch that HSS has for us...
And this is what I came up with...
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla
Ink ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral
Stamp Sets ~ Blooming with Kindness, Sassy Salutations
Other Supplies ~ Window Frame Framelits, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Calypso Coral Bakers Twine, Very Vintage Designer Buttons

I started this card out with just a plain sheet of the Calypso Coral paper, but it was too flat and boring.  I tried using a few different embossing folders, but didn't like how any of them looked either.  In trying to stay with the monochromatic idea, I didn't want to use any DSP, so...I ended up stamping the flower all over and I like how it turned out.  Still simple, but not too boring!

Hopefully this is the end to my current stamping slump!  Going to go see what else I can create today :)

Happy Stamping!  

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Legos, Star Wars, Pokemon and Soccer...

...that's all I hear about from my 7 year old twins.  And they aren't the only ones...all of their friends live for their Star Wars Legos, Pokemon cards and soccer at recess.  At least they aren't sitting in front of the TV lost in the world of video games, right?!?!?!  My boys had a birthday party to go to this afternoon and insisted that I make a Star Wars card for their buddy.  All I can say is thank goodness for Pintrest and people who are way more creative than I am!  I found an awesome Yoda card (seen here) and re-created my own card.  I loved her idea of using the treat cup for the little Lego guy, which I had to buy a Lego set to get.  My boys were pretty happy they got to keep the set, minus the guy ;) I did crinkle up the paper to make Yoda look more wrinkled...he's such a wrinkly little guy!

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, Pear Pizazz, Whisper White, Basic Black, Brushed Silver
Ink ~ Pear Pizazz, Sahara Sand, White Gel Pen, Basic Black Marker
Other Supplies ~ Treat Cup, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch, Word Window Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, MDS

I downloaded a Lego font for my boys' birthday last year and used it again for the Happy Birthday sentiment on this card.  I love being able to use MDS when I don't have just the right stamp in my stash! 

As you can see, this card did require a few different punches, but it all came together pretty quick.  My boys have already asked if I will make them a card like this for their birthday (in December)...we'll see if they still love Star Wars by then or if they will be on to something new!

May the Force be with you!

Happy Stamping!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Miss You Already

Next week my co-workers and I will say farewell to a fellow co-worker as she takes on an amazing new job opportunity!  We will miss Jamie's big smile and hilarious sense of humor, but we are so happy for her!  Jamie is not only a co-worker to  me, but also a good friend of 10+ years.  I was thrilled when she got hired and although I don't see her daily, I will miss chatting with her daily via our clinic IM...thank goodness for Facebook!!! Some days it seems to be the only way some of us can keep up with all that is going on in our busy lives!

With some creative color inspiration from Fab Friday I put together this card for our office to sign and give to Jamie on her last day...

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Soft Suede, Print Poetry, Primrose Petals Core'dinations, Very Vanilla
Ink ~ Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple
Stamp Set ~ Really Good Greetings
Other Supplies ~ Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, Very Vintage Designer Buttons, Window Frames Framelits, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder

We will all miss Jamie so much and wish her the best of luck!!! 

Happy Stamping!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Graduation Season

Graduation season is here again...time for celebrations and moving forward in life.  I'll admit, I miss my boys being in pre-school and having their own little graduation at the end of the year.  It's not such a big deal at the elementary schools, but I always make sure to do something special on the last day of school and we have our own graduation celebration at home.  Looking forward to making some fun, crafty creations for the end of their 1st grade year.  Until then, I have a few graduation cards I was asked to make.  Two are for high school graduates and one is for an 8th grade graduate...fun!!!  With some extra help from Pinterest, I came up with these 3 cards:

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink ~ Night of Navy
Stamp Sets ~ Designer Type Photopolymer, Word Play, March Paper Pumpkin
Other Supplies ~ Whisper White Bakers Twine, Linen Thread, Neutrals Brads, Square Punch, Oval Punch

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Ink ~ Elegant Eggplant
Stamp Set ~ ABC-123 Sketched Alphabet & Numbers
Other Supplies ~ Perfect Pennants Bigz, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Metallic Brads, Mini Brads, Stripes Embossing Folder

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Perfect Plum, Silver Glimmer, Whisper White
Ink ~ Perfect Plum
Stamp Sets ~ My Friend, Outlined Occasions, Blue Ribbon
Other Supplies ~ Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details, Crystal Effects, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Basics Glimmer Brads

For a great tutorial on how to make this fancy fold graduation cap, visit Dawn Olchefske's amazing blog.  She has TONS of other very useful tutorials as well.  Enjoy!!

Happy Graduation to all who graduate this weekend and over the next few weeks!  Best wishes to your next journey in life and Happy Stamping!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Freshly Made Vintage Friendship

As the retirement of some of my favorite stamp sets gets closer, I am trying to use as many of them as I can.  And as I was going through all of my stamps and supplies that are about to go, I came across some of the Everyday Enchantment DSP from last years Sale-A-Bration.  And it wasn't just one package...it was more like 4 packages.  Can you say paper hoarder?!?!?  I just can't let go of some things and DSP is my downfall :) 
When I saw today's sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches, I decided it was time to use up some of this DSP...It's too pretty to just let it sit in it's package!

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Everyday Enchantment DSP*
Ink ~ Soft Suede, Calypso Coral
Stamp Sets ~ Language of Friendship, Fresh Vintage*
Other Supplies ~ Top Note Bigz, Calypso Coral Organdy Ribbon*
*Retired 2012 Sale-A-Bration items*

I love this DSP and must have really liked it during last years SAB!  I'm glad I found it and plan on using a bit more of it in the near future...but I better save one package just in case ;)

Happy Stamping!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Washi'ing you a Happy Birthday

Who loves Washi Tape and all that can be done with it?  I don't know about you, but I sure love it!!!  I was so happy when Stampin' Up! introduced Washi Tape with the new This and That Journal and I was even happier to see more in the new catalog!!! 

It's Tuesday and that means it's time for a new sketch at Try Stampin' On Tuesday.  This sketch all but screamed Washi Tape at me, so I happily pulled out my new goodies and got to work on my lunch break today. 
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Ink ~ Melon Mambo, Island Indigo
Stamp Sets ~ Label Love, Papillion Potpourri
Other Supplies ~ Gingham Garden Washi Tape, Artisan Label Punch, Bitty Butterfly and Butterfly Punch, Basic Rhinestones

I love how quickly a card comes together when you are using Washi Tape...and it adds so much to a card!  The bright colors are so cheerful and perfect for a birthday :)  My mother-in-law's birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I think I will send this to her!

Happy Stamping!!!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day

Eight years ago I struggled through a Mother's Day church service with my family, wondering if I would ever have the chance of being a mommy myself.  Little did I know, I was already pregnant with my sweet twin boys, which I discovered a few weeks later.  I am now blessed with 3 amazing little men who are the light of my life, my everything! 
We got to spend the morning chasing hot air balloons....my favorite thing to do every Mother's Day. We got out a bit late and only spotted one, but we still had fun continuing our family tradition.

We are getting ready to have a family bbq with my momma, my aunt, my grandma and my mother-in-law.  And of course I made a Mother's Day for my momma and used one of the new Tag a Bag Gift Boxes and Tag a Bag Accessory Kit for her gift.  They are so much fun!!! Can't wait to use these for Christmas this year!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink ~ Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, VersaMark
Stamp Sets ~ Pleasant Poppies, Family Reunion, Label Love
Other Supplies ~ White Embossing Powder, Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon, Artisan Label Punch, Whisper White Bakers Twine
Supplies Used for Box:
Paper ~ Calypso Coral, Gumball Green
Ink ~ Calypso Coral
Stamp Set ~ Wonderful Mother
Other Supplies ~ Tag a Bag Gift Boxes, Tag a Bag Accessory Kit, Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon, Whisper White Bakers Twine

Hoping you all have a Happy Mother's Day!!! 

Happy Stamping!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Hey there friends...

...thank you!  Yesterday was a long and very emotionally draining day as we said goodbye to our sweet dog Bailey.  My heart is still very heavy this morning and I miss my fearless protector and faithful walking partner...but I find peace in knowing he is no longer suffering.  I want to send a big thank you out to all of my family and friends who showered us with kind words, thoughts and prayers.  This was such a hard decision to make, but we know we made the right decision...still doesn't make it hurt any less though :(

This is my card I made for my May swap card.  A small group of my fellow stampin' buddies take turns each month choosing a sketch and color combo...kind of fun to see all the different creations using the same sketch and colors!  Be watching for all of the other swaps soon!

Here are the sketch and color combos we had to work with this month...
For once my hoarding paid off...I still had my Blushing Bride ink and card stock and didn't have to substitute a different color!

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Soft Suede, Whisper White, Epic Day This and That DSP
Ink ~ Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede
Stamp Sets ~ March Paper Pumpkin, Oh, Hello
Other Supplies ~ Paper Doilies, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Mini Silver Brads, Chevron Embossing Folder, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Corner Punch

I am so very thankful for all my friends and family...without their love and support yesterday, it would have been a much more difficult day.  Thank you ALL!

Happy Stamping!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Appreciating the Teachers

It's Teacher Appreciation Week!!!  Have you thanked your teachers yet?  Life is so crazy busy right now, but I did manage to get two cute cards made for my boys' teachers last night.  I love the Treat Cups and all you can do with them!  I turned these ones into apples :)


Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Riding Hood Red, Gumball Green, Whisper White, Storytime DSP
Ink ~ Riding Hood Red
Stamp Sets ~ Family Reunion, You Rule, Teeny Tiny Tags
Other Supplies ~ Circle Treat Cups, Autumn Accents Bigz, Denim Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch

I haven't used this DSP much, but after using it last night, I just had to order another pack of it before its gone!  Don't forget to grab any of your favorite stamp sets or accessories before they are GONE!!!  Visit my Online Store today!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Bold Butterfly CASE

When I first saw the colors in the latest Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge, I was a bit stumped by what to do with these colors...

But after seeing the design team cards, I was totally inspired by the bold butterfly on Erika's card.  Her bright, beautiful butterfly and the color challenge helped me to come up with a card for Mother's Day for my mother-in-law.

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Summer Starfruit, Real Red
Ink ~ Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Summer Starfruit, Real Red
Stamp Sets ~ Swallowtail, Papillion Potpourri, Family Reunion, En Francias
Other Supplies ~ Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Decorative Punch, Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, In Color Dahlias, Fancy Fan Folder

I love that the new ink pads keep the stamped image wet just long enough to be able to emboss them...the Iridescent Ice embossing folder gave the butterfly just the right amount of bling for my momma-in-law :)

This was a fun color challenge and pushed me a bit, which is why I love these challenges so much!!!  Thanks for keeping me crafting :)

Happy Stamping!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Happy Birthday...

...to the best friend I ever had!  It's my twin-brain-sister-friends birthday today and the new Label Love stamp set has the perfect stamp for her card.  Take a look:
This cute little stamp has a coordinating Artisan Label punch that is awesome!!!  And what do you think of the new Chevron Ribbon?  I LOVE it and can't wait to get my hands on ALL of the colors it comes in.  I was lucky enough to win this ribbon before we can buy it :)  Let me know if you want your very own copy of the catalog so you can see all of the other GREAT new things that will be available to purchase May 31! 
I had some fun stamping the inside of this card too!  I used the April Paper Pumpkin stamps and another cute Label Love stamp...
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Bermuda Bay
Ink ~ Smoky Slate, Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral
Stamp Sets ~ Label Love, April Paper Pumpkin, Oh, Hello
Other Supplies ~ Chevron Embossing Folder, Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Artisan Label Punch

So here's to you Erica...Happy Birthday!  I seriously love your guts!!!!!

Happy Stamping!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Soho Subway Birthday

Good morning my crafty friends!  I have a quick post for you this morning with a peek at the new Soho Subway DSP...quickly becoming another favorite!  This is another card my friend asked me to make for her niece, who will be celebrating her 25th birthday in a few weeks.

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Early Espresso, Early Espresso Core'dinations, Crisp Cantaloupe, Very Vanilla, Soho Subway DSP
Ink ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, Early Espresso, Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit
Stamp Sets ~ Label Love, Oh Hello, March Paper Pumpkin
Other Supplies ~ Chevron Embossing Folder, Sanding Block, Artisan Label Punch, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Oval Collection Framelits, Antique Brads, Typeset Alphabet

I love the combination of this paper with the "distressed" chevron patterns of the embossed paper and stamped oval.  I wasn't sure if they would work together, but I am pretty happy with the end result.  I randomly sponged ink on the oval chevron stamp (Oh, Hello), lighter in some places, heavier in others to create a somewhat distressed look.  I then stamped off the splatter stamp (March Paper Pumpkin) twice before stamping them on top of the chevron image.  I love the Core'dinations paper and am so excited to see MORE of it in the new catalog!

Off to get ready for my Sunday morning Stamp Club...love this class!  Sipping coffee and stamping with some of my favorite ladies is the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning!

Happy Stamping!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Epic {Graduation} Day

Happy Saturday friends!  Just got home from my boys' baseball game and am sneaking in a quick post while they have a snack.  Then we are headed outside to enjoy the b-e-a-u-tiful weather we are having today!

One of my co-workers asked me to make her a few cards for some upcoming events her family members will be celebrating.  One of the cards is for her nephew, who will be graduating from Boise State.  I asked her if she wanted the card to be done in his school colors and she said "Oh HECK NO!".  I was a bit shocked by her response at first, but she was quick to tell me that her husband is an AVID U of I Vandals fan (University of Idaho) and will not allow for anything in Boise State colors in their house.  I got a good laugh out of this and promised her I would NOT make a card with any blue or orange on it :)  So, after I got home from a run this morning, I took advantage of all 3 of my kids still sleeping and pulled out my all time favorite DSP, This and That Epic Day.  I snipped out some hexagons, added those to a honeycomb embossed sheet core'dinations cards stock, rolled up a little diploma and...

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Gumball Green, Gumball Green Core'dinations, Naturals White, This and That Epic Day DSP
Ink ~ Gumball Green
Stamp Set ~ Blue Ribbon
Other Supplies ~ Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Linen Thread, Sanding Block, This and That Epic Day Washi Tape

Inspiration for this card was pulled from this weeks The Friday Mashup challenge...Embossing for Graduation.  I always love their mashup challenges...keeps me thinking and the creative juices flowing!

Best of luck to all the grads out there...enjoy your journey!

Happy Stamping!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Livin' the Life


I have to say, the life I'm living is not the life I expected to be living 15 years ago...but looking back at my expectations compared to what I have now, I feel pretty darned blessed!  I have an amazing husband, 3 awesome boys, a job that allows me to work from home and am surrounded, literally, by some of my family I love most.  (My parents life next door to us and my aunt lives across the street!)  I'm not where I saw myself 15 years ago, but I love this life and I can't imagine it being any different! 

Kind of deep for a Friday morning, huh?  LOL!  I guess it was kind of brought on by the sentiment on today's card...

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Strawberry Slush, Pumpkin Pie, Quatrefancy Specialty
Ink ~ Strawberry Slush, Pumpkin Pie
Stamp Sets ~ Really Good Greetings, Mosaic Madness
Other Supplies ~ Mosaic Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones

Inspiration for this card came from...

 
Stampin' Celebration

Freshly Made Sketches

Don't you love this yummy color combo?  So summery and bright...love them!!!  And speaking of summery...we are supposed to have some summer-like weather this weekend.  YAY!!!  As much as I love spending time in my craft room, I love being outside working in my yard even more.  You can guarantee I will be out there a better part of the weekend soaking up some sun and digging in the dirt.

Wishing you all a GREAT weekend!

Happy Stamping!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop ~ Best of Stampin' Up!

Welcome to May's edition of Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog hop!  It's that time of year where we all get so excited for sneak peeks of all new Stampin' Up! products, but that also means we have to say good-bye to some old favorites too!  This month's theme is all about the Best of Stampin' Up!  A chance for us to use our favorite set (retiring or not) or one of the stamps from the Best of sets that have been available since the beginning of the year.  I have so many favorites and could not narrow it down to just one, so you get a couple :)

First up is my favorite baby stamp set...Baby Boutique. I have used this set for numerous baby shower cards and gifts.  I'm sad to see this set retire and probably won't be able to let this one go!  I made a cute little onesie cupcake and packaged it up with a couple little bottles of baby wash and lotion.  Add a coordinating card and you have the perfect little gift for a sweet baby bundle of
joy!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Subtles Collection DSP Stack
Ink ~ Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Stamp Sets ~ Baby Boutique, A Word for You, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Other Supplies ~ Subtles Collection Buttons, So Saffron Taffeta Ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Designer Rosette Bigz

Next up I have a fun little gift box and coordinating birthday card using the Patio Party DSP. This is my all time favorite DSP and I am super sad it will soon be gone.  But don't worry, my hoarding instincts kicked in and I ordered a few packages to keep on hand :)  Another retiring stamp that I am really, really don't want to go is Distressed Dots.  What am I going to do without this one?!?!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Midnight Muse, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Patio Party DSP
Ink ~ Baja Breeze, Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse, Whisper White Craft, White Gel Pen
Stamp Sets ~ Make a Cake, Curly Cute, Sweet Essentials
Other Supplies ~ 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Apothecary Accents Framelits, In-Color Dahlias, Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon

Thanks for hopping along with all of us!   

  1. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
  2. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
  3. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  4. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  5. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  6. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  7. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  8. Bree R. of Craft-somnia  <---You are here!