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Chocolate Bunny

Oh, I love this chocolate bunny!  It looks so much like the chocolate bunnies I have seen at the store.  I am still playing with my Easter stamps before I have to put them away for next year.  Check out the fence on my card!  I got this idea from someone in bloglande, but I can't remember who.  I did a search and couldn't find it.  If you know who it is, please let me know.  I would love to give her credit.

The fence is made from the new medium jewelry tag punch in the current occasions mini.  Love it!  For the grass, I took my scissors and cut little strips into the paper.  Yummy!  OH, I almost forgot.  I used basic black ink to stamp the bunny image on chocolate chip cardstock.  I tried two shades of brown before I tried black and it wasn't dark enough.






Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: chocolate bunny (#116980), teeny tiny wishes (#115370), fast flowers small wheel (#109679)
Paper: pretty in pink (#100459), summer sun (#103124), mellow moss (#102898), whisper white (#100730), chocolate chip (#102128), tea party (#113992)
Ink: pretty in pink (#101301), basic black (#101179)
Accessories: pretty in pink striped grosgrain ribbon (#113882), dimensionals (#104430)
Punches: medium jewelry tag (#117190), small oval (#107304), scallop edge (#112091)
Techniques: punch art



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Today is the last day you can order during Sale-a-bration!  For every $50 you spend, you get free products from the Sale-a-bration catalog.  AND....this is your last day to take advantage of 15% off the demonstrator kit and you get a free stamp set (any value) too.  If you ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, NOW is a great time to sign up.  I am glad I did!


Christmas Card Challenge #17

I have fallen behind on the Christmas Challenges Sparkle has given us.  When I saw the challenge to use snowflakes this week, I knew I would make time.  Now, that winter is behind us in the Midwest and the temperatures are rising snowflakes don't seem so bad...hee hee!





Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: big on christmas (#116578)
Paper: night of navy cs (#100867), white, snowflake pattern
Ink: dark blue, markers
Accessories: ribbon, brads
Punches: jumbo snowflake (#116628), ticket corner (#107214), small snowflake (SU! retired)
Techniques: coloring with markers


There are only a few days to order during the Sale-a-bration, which ends Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

Click here to place an order



Get Well Soon

I found out today that my neighbor is going to have surgery and realized I don't have any get well cards.  I didn't have a lot of time to create, so I thought about using my Movers & Shapers Die from SU!  You know how I love my punches and these fit perfectly with them.  In addition, I have been wanting it use my new stamp set Wellness Wishes.  It is such a cute set for get well cards.  Another great thing....it took less than 30 minutes to make.






Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: wellness wishes (#115356), fast flowers small wheel (#109679)
Paper: tea party (#113992), green, yellow
Ink: green, yellow
Accessories: baby pink striped grosgrain ribbon (#113882), pink button, green thread
Punches: large oval (#107305), scallop oval (#114889), movers & shapers (#114506), magnetic movers & shapers (#115953)
Techniques: punching



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For You on Easter

Since Easter will be here and gone before I know it, I thought I better play with my new Easter stamp set, Eggcoutrements from the current occasions mini catalog.  I purchased this one in clear mount and it works perfectly on my acrylic blocks.  I love this set, because some of the images correspond with a punch.  The sentiment on my card fits the designer label punch.  Love it!

Check out the wonderful scallop.  That is one of the stamps in this set.  I stamped it in green ink and cut it out.  It looks so pretty with the flower design.  Another reason I {heart} this set.






Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: eggcoutrements (c-#118556 or w-#115164)
Paper: tea party designer paper (#113992), blue, white
Ink: yellow, green, blue marker
Accessories: 1/2" pretty in pink striped grosgrain ribbon (#113882), stampin' dimensionals (#104430)
Punches: designer label (#107590), top note big die (#113463), corner rounder (#109047)
Techniques: stamping


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Heartfelt Thanks

I was looking at the artwork in the current occasions mini to get inspired to create the third project for our stamp club in April.  When I got to page 14, the little chocolate chip box that holds a heart card sparked my interest.  I took this box project and turned in into a card.  I love the new I {Heart} Hearts stamp set they used for the project.  I got the same set in the clear mount and it works perfectly.  Here is my take on the box set made into a card:


Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: I {heart} hearts (#118571), sweetheart (special offered in february)
Paper: white, brown, green, red
Ink: red, brown, white pigment
Accessories: red gingham ribbon, uni-ball signo gel pen (#105021)
Punches: scallop edge (#112091), heart to heart (113694)
Techniques: stamping


Here are the projects we are going to make at our stamp club in April:


There is only one change.  Our bird house is going to be pink and they will get a choice of the color of bird they want to make.

Oh, I almost forgot.  I have had a question about where you can leave comments.  It has changed a little, since I have the new blog design.  You need to look under my post divider on the left and you will see the wording, "THANKS FOR COMMENTING!".  Just click on that and you will be able to leave a comments.  Thanks for all the nice comments you leave me about my projects.  It brightens my day!

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Window Sheet Inking Tutorial

First, I have to share a conversation we had at the breakfast table yesterday.  Tanner and Tate were eating breakfast while I was cleaning the kitchen.  Tanner announced he had sacks.  Tate and I said, "sacks"?  Tanner said, "I was so tired last night I had sacks under my eyes."  HAHA!  Now, we use the term sacks instead of bags and laugh every time.

I finally got my tutorial to publish today.  For some reason, my computer keeps acting up when I edit my tutorials and publish them in order to upload to YouTube.  I think I have figured out how to get around "the bug".  I know, I know...all of you MAC users will say, "Get a MAC"!  My nephew, Jacob told me that when I asked him for help.  It is on my wish list, but I don't want to spend money on a new laptop yet.

When I made this card, I had some requests to do a tutorial.  I made a couple of changes to the original card, so we can make it at club next month.  I decided to use Happy Mother's Day, so I would have my card ready for my mom.  Mom...Close your eyes for this one!


Enjoy the tutorial:



Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: All holidays (#114916)
Paper: shimmery white (#101910)
Ink: blue, brown, green
Accessories: stamp-a-ma-jig (#101049), window sheets medium (#114323)
Punches: Extra large two-step bird (#117191)
Techniques: paper tearing


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Just a little thanks

I recreated this card that was made by Cindy Beach from Fayetteville, North Carolina.  As a Demonstrator we receive a monthly publication with ideas and training that includes projects made by the art contest winners.  Cindy won in January 2010 and she made this beautiful card perfect for spring.  Great job, Cindy!  Congratulations on winning!




Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: Matchbox Messages (#113800)
Paper: barely banana (#102701), pale plum (#101658), whisper white (#100730), rich razzleberry textured cs (#115538)
Ink:rich razzleberry (#116329) and always artichoke (#105113) markers
Accessories: old olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon (#109054), stampin' dimensionals (##104430), beautiful wings embosslits die (#118138)
Punches: 1 1/4" circle (#104403)) and scallop trim border (#118402)
Techniques: Dry embossing



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I'm So Sorry

Yesterday, I was in a bad funk.  I have heard that people take their bad moods out on the ones they love most.  Well, that was me yesterday.  Most of the time, I am a happy go lucky person.  I was poopie to my DH and feel bad about it, so I made him a card to say I'm So Sorry.    He is so good to us and I appreciate him so much.

When I sat down to create today I wanted to play along with Wendy at Paper Craft Planet.  She is the hostess this week for the sketch challenge.  When I saw her card and looked through my stamp sets, I knew I wanted to use this image from the SU! set For Father (retired).  Then I remembered I colored one of these images during Christmas break.  Yes!  That part was done.  This puppy is so sad and looks like he is "so sorry".  I used the sentiment set Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I love this set, because there are so many sentiments that fit any card, and it works perfectly with the Word Window punch and Modern Label punch.


I hope he likes my card and realizes how much I love him and appreciate him.


Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: For Father (retired), teeny tiny wishes (#115370)
Paper: kraft (#102125), patterns pack II (retired)
Ink: blue, markers
Accessories: button, hemp
Punches: word window (#105090), modern label (#116630), heart to heart (#113694), corner rounder
Techniques: color with markers



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Sporty Skater

My son, Tate is so happy with his new Sporty Skater I put on the wall right when you walk into his room.  He has been skateboarding for a couple of years now and we have seen some improvement.  He definitely can balance better than his mom.

As party of my Demo kit, I got to choose a Decor Elements from SU! Definitely Decorative Catalog.  There are so many great decorating possibilities; however, when I saw the Sporty Skater I knew Tate would love it.  This Decor Elements comes in black (#116110), chocolate (#117429) and night of navy (#117431).  I choose the chocolate one for Tate's room.  Check it out!



Close up picture on his wall.  


This was so easy to apply.  I didn't even need any help.  This image measures 10 3/8 x 15 7/8.  Perfect!  Now, Tanner is looking through the Definitely Decorative shopping for his room.  You can click on the catalog on my right sidebar and look at all the great decor.  

I had to order the stamp that matches this called Extreme Skateboard (#115179) to make some cards for the boys.  In fact, I got mine free with a $50.00 order during Sale-a-bration.  AWESOME!  My order will be here tomorrow.  I can't wait.



Bird House

This is another project I made with my friend, Kim on Thursday.  Isn't it the cutest?  We used the same two-step bird punch that is in the occasions mini.  In addition, we used the mini milk carton Bigz Die.  It is another item that is in the mini.  Don't delay...these products are only available until April 30, 2010.



Materials used are stampin’ up! Unless noted
Stamps: none
Paper: So Saffron (#105118), old olive (#100702), brilliant blue (#100721), bashful blue (#105120), chocolate chip (#102128)
Ink: none
Accessories: eggcellent eggs kit (no longer available), window sheets medium (#114323)
Punches: extra large two-step bird (#117191)



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Bird Punch Card

I have to admit I was on the fence about the Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch from the current occasions mini catalog.  NOT any more!  I have jumped over that fence and am running full force to it.  I love it!  I went to my friend, Kim's house last night and we made this cute single layer card.  Single layer cards are awesome, especially when they are this cute!

One of the great things about being a Stampin Up! Demo is we get a monthly publication from corporate that has great ideas for our products.  I can't remember which issue this is from.  I think it is the newest one, but I don't have one to refer to.  I haven't received mine yet.

You punch a template from a window sheet with the Two-Step Bird punch.  Then you overlay the sheet onto your card base and use ink daubers to lay down the color of the bird, wings, branch and leaves.  It is that easy!  We added the sentiment "thanks" for the Thank You Kindly set.  Lastly, we tore a little section of the bottom off and added our soft suede ink to the edge.  Love it!


This pic shows the bottom edge against the inside of the card.


 

My new two-step bird punch will be at my house on Monday...yippee!  Did you order yours yet?  You have until March 31, 2010 to take advantage of the Sale-a-bration going on NOW!  In fact, you can get the Thank You Kindly set free during this promotion.  I did!    

Click HERE to place your order!

Stamps: Thank You Kindly (#111700)
Paper: Naturals White (#102316)
Ink: Bordering Blue (#102265), Soft Suede (#115657), Old Olive (#102277), Soft Suede marker (#100079)
Punch: Extra Large Two-Step Bird (#117191)
Accessories: Window Sheets Medium (#114323)



Loads of Love

First, I would like to thank you for all of your kind words about my new blog design and encouragement regarding my new stamping business. I am always excited to start something new, but I still have butterflies too.

This week one of my friends has a wedding anniversary.  Since this card is for her and her DH, I didn't want this card to be too "girly".  When I ran across my Loads of Love stamp set, I knew it would be the perfect set for an anniversary card.

As you can see I am still in the watercoloring mood.  At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the image I colored.  When I saw it all come together, I really like how it turned out.


Check out my new watermark.  Emily made that for me, so it would match my blog.  Love it!

Stamps: Loads of Love (#115022)
Paper: kraft cardstock (#102125), blue dsp (patterns pack II)
Punches: Scallop Trim Border (#118402)
Accessories: 15/16" chocolate chip satin ribbon (retired)
Techniques: watercolor
Other: ink, bigger brads, red paper

New Endeavor & Basket Tutorial

Dear Friends:

This is what I have been busy doing!  As you can see I have made a change in my life regarding my stamping business.  I have been reflecting on my position with Close To My Heart for about a year now and have decided to resign. My interests in the scrapbooking and stamp world have changed, since I started this great hobby. I was addicted quickly to all the paper, ribbon, and embellishments. Over the years, I have fallen in love with punches, card making and digital scrapbooking. I have just dipped my foot into digital scrapbooking, and I thought I would never make cards. Card making has become one of my favorites, and this year I have started creating 3D items and can't wait to learn more.

I find myself buying product from Stampin' Up! that seems to fit my needs and style.  I am so thankful that Close To My Heart introduced me to stamping; however, I find myself purchasing most of my supplies from a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. Due to this, I have decided to become a Demonstrator myself. I will continue to offer clubs, workshops and classes (see links above).   I have added a link on my sidebar to all my YouTube video tutorials.  The tutorial tab above will be used for my Stampin' Up! projects.

I know this may be a shock to some of you and to others not so much.  As you can see, I have been working with Emily at The Blog Fairy redesigning my blog for this new endeavor of mine.  There are tabs at the top for you to explore and I will be adding more to some of the pages that are new to me.  If you have ever thought about redesigning your blog, please check out Emily's blog and you will be in awe of her talent.  She is so wonderful to work with during this process.  I couldn't believe how she could take one little idea I had and turn it into exactly what I wanted.  I wasn't even sure what I wanted and she transformed my blog into what is now.  I love it!

I would like to thank you for visiting my blog and will to continue to show you great products and inspire you to create your own paper projects. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

A few of you asked me to make a video tutorial on the baskets I made here and here.  Well, I finally got around to do it.  I had to edit it a lot to fit it under the 10 minute limit at YouTube.  I hope you like it.  This video can be found at the top of my blog under the Tutorial tab too.  ENJOY!




Paper Basket Instructions

Supplies:
  • 2 sheets 12 x 12 pattern paper
  • 3 sheets 12 x 12 cardstock
  • 2: book ring
  • Ribbon
  • Embellishments (optional)
Tools:
  • Ruler
  • Scoring tool 
  • Strong adhesive
Steps
  1.  Cut 3 3/4" sqaures from two sheets of cardstock (18 total).
  2. Diagonally cut eight of the cardstock squares from step #3.
  3. Cut 3 1/2" squares from the two sheets of pattern paper (18 total).
  4. Diagonally cut eight of the pattern paper squares from step 5.
  5. Attach the patterned paper to the cardstock squares and triangles.  Then mount them on both sides of the scored cardstock.
  6. Score last sheet of cardstock at 4" and 8". 
  7. Score all four corners from tip to the intersecting score lines.
  8. Fold along the scored lines to shape the basket, folding corner inward.
  9. Pinch pointed folds together and punch a hole about 1/2" from point.  Do this for each corner.
  10. Slide metal book ring through the holes.  
  11. Add ribbon and embellishments.

Happy Days

I took a break from working on my blog and made a card this evening.  Our theme at Paper Craft Planet is spring and I am definitely in the mood for spring.  It is supposed to be in the 50s this coming week and I hope the sun shines every day.  The stamps I used for this one are retired Stampin' Up sets except one.  Here they are just in case you have them in your stash:  Many Happy Returns (retire), Touch of Nature (retired), Tiny Tags (currently in the occassions mini catalog).  Oh, I almost forgot I used my new mini tag punch from SU.  You know I love my punches.

I watercolored the flower.  I don't use that technique enough.  It is easy and fun to color with my inks pads and a waterbrush.  Have you tried it lately?



I hope to unveil my new blog design this week.  I have a few things left to do and then Emily, The Blog Fairy, can upload my new design.  Oh, I am so excited!  

Have fun creating!

Kim

Boots On

I have been working behind the scenes on my blog, so I don't have anything creative to show you.  However, my friend, Cherie sent me this video and this little boy is so creative.  I think he is going to be a star some day.  This is SO CUTE!  I thought you might enjoy it as much as I did.  He sings two songs if you want to watch both of them keep watching.


Have a great day!

Kim

Happy Easter layout

My last post was a Christmas card and this one is Easter.  Yesterday, it felt like spring.  The snow was melting and almost gone.  Today, it is snowing again and we have a blanket of snow covering everything.  Tate saw the snow this morning and the first thing he said was, "YUCK!".  I laughed, because I know a lot of people are thinking that same thing today.  I told him, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."  We say that a lot to each other.  Just when ya think spring is on the way, God lets you know he isn't quite finished with winter yet.

I made two more layouts for Emily last night.  I just realized I made a Christmas and Easter one.  Ha Ha!  I guess I am in the holiday mood.  I liked the Easter one better than the Christmas one, so here it is:


I can't believe the goodies I am finding in my stash that I forgot I had.  I purchased the chickie a long, long time ago.  I am glad I could use it.  Emily loves pink, so I had to bling it up with some pink rhinestones and flowers.

Have fun creating!

Kim

Christmas Card Challenge Week #14

Sparkle gave us a challenge this week to use an element from a picture she posted on the Christmas Card Challenge Blog here.  I used the little stocking that is hanging from the tree as my inspiration to make this week's Christmas card.  I did not stamp at all.  I used retired My Stickease and paper.  While I am using the papers and elements I have to create Emily's scrapbook, I have run across goodies I forgot I had.


Have fun creating!

Our Superstar

Got another layout done for Emily.  I love the colors in this one and how I used the star for the second "s" in Superstar.  I used CTMH chipboard, My Stickease and a level one layout for a promotion they had about two years ago.



Have fun creating!