Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hexagon Punch!

This is my second post today!!

Today is my Mom's 84th birthday!  Happy Birthday Mom!  The family took her out to dinner on Saturday night since Marianne was going to be at the beach this week.  Tuesday our friend, Ellen, invited us to lunch and we went to Jeffrey's Restaurant.  We celebrated both of their birthdays - Ellen's was last week.  Ellen and Mom used to work together in Charlotte and I have become friends with her through Newcomer's.  We were on the Board together a few years ago.  It was my first time to eat at Jeffrey's and it was delicious!!  In fact, I ate such a big lunch that my dinner consisted of a dish of ice cream (with nuts and chocolate sauce!)

I CASE'd a few cards this week but this one is my favorite!  Usually when I CASE a card, I change it up somewhat.  But this one was so great, the only thing I changed was the sentiment!  It is from Andrea Walford.  She used to be a Canadian SU demonstrator and does great work!!  I love her cards.

The colors didn't turn out too great but ... it's still a great card!  Hexagons seem to be the rage lately.  I wish SU had a Hexagon punch (they do have one in My Digital Studio!!).   So, this paper is from Twitterpated and I just cut the hexagons out.  No, it is not a card I will mass produce, but it was a fun one to make. 

Supplies:
Paper:  Pink Pirouette, Black cardstock, Twitterpated DSP
Ink:  Black Craft
Accessories:  Black Pearls (non SU), Black Taffeta Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig

So check out your DSP and see what you can cut out and use!!

Queens Sketch 49

Another Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge using My Digital Studio.  I really love this card!  And it would be easy to recreate if you don't want to use MDS.  Doesn't the card look embossed?  That's what I would do if I were recreating it without using MDS.  But the MDS version is actually an Stamp Overlay that I put on top of the Kiwi Kiss card (in white).  I just love the Blooms across the middle.

Here is the sketch we used this week:

Why don't you create a card using this sketch? 

Check out the other Queen's cards HERE.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Stampin' Up Convention Fun

So, convention is over.  Even though I opted not to go this year, I enjoyed following the posts of those who did via their blog and Facebook.  Amazing how modern technology works!!  Yesterday was the last day of convention and for the first time, SU did a Convention Live Feed.  I think a lot of us hyped it up to be more than it was.  We really thought it would be some big announcement (SU did say it was going to be a "fun announcement".)  A lot of speculation went on as to what it might be with a lot of people hoping for some big new product or a change in venue for next year's 25th year convention site.  I was a little disappointed that it wasn't but it was cool to be at convention via the internet for a short while.  It started out with Shelli (owner of SU) and her daughter, Sara welcoming all of us.  Then they went over to a fortune teller booth where Rich Judkins, President of SU, was dressed up like the fortune teller.  They asked him questions about the next Grand Vacation.  

In order to get him to "work" they had to insert .... of course, rubber stamps -  right out of Shelli's new Convention Bag (that everyone received full of goodies) .... into the slot!  Clever, huh?

Not the same as being there, but you could still feel the excitement.BUT what the announcements were:
  • The Grand Vacation Incentive Trip for 2014 will be.... Western Caribbean! The promo video they showed made it look like a LOT of fun.
  • The online Independent Demonstrator Agreement (IDA) will now be available for ALL demonstrators. Demos no longer have to have a Demonstrator Business WebSite (DBWS) for you to sign up online.
While the Incentive Trip doesn't really impact me, the online IDA impacts ALL demonstrators. In the past, you could only sign up new demonstrators if you had a business website through SU which I do.  But, it only makes good business sense to have this online IDA available to all. By completing the information online, potential demonstrators don't have to wait for their applications to be sent to and received by SU! The potential demo can see right away if something went wrong with the application - and it can be immediately resolved! Everything is done online and the new demo has access to the website immediately! The new demo has an upline immediately and all is good.  Demos can access a number of fun sites and ideas once they have logged into the SU! website. It is a HUGE win-win for everyone.

So after the announcements, Sara did a show-and-tell/on-stage demonstration for all to see. Usually you have to be in attendance to see this, but seeing it on-stage/online - although still not the same, was the next best thing.   She shared several ideas using canning jars.  This one in the picture below she called a "Wedding Jar."  She simply placed the doily cutout on the jar and then spritzed it with our Shimmer Paint. After it dried, she removed the doily.  What a cute (and EASY) idea! Add a little ribbon and you have a wonderful gift!  She made a few "wedding wishes" cards (3x3) for people to sign and place in the jar at a wedding reception or shower.  Would also work for a baby shower, don't you think?  People could put their suggestions for the baby's name???  That's how I came with Ashley's name.  We had picked Erica until my cousin suggested Ashley at my shower during a game we played.  Ashley is so thankful for Caroline's suggestion!!
 


Next they shared a really fun part of Convention AND Regionals.  They announce that it is time for a Prize Patrol and post a picture on the screen of what the prize is.  Then they announce which color wristband is the winning color.  (I've never won at convention.... boo hoo)  But then the winners jump up to claim their prizes.  And it makes it so much easier for the staff to find you when you wave your arms.


 
Also - here's a cool video from Stampin'Up!'s Convention 2012. This year the theme is "I am." LOVE IT!!!

You get to see the offices where the wonderful Demonstrator Support people work, the fabulous warehouse (it is just so clean - they must work really hard at keeping it that way!), and then it finishes up with the STAGE AT CONVENTION!!!! 

Want to join me and my friends next year for SU's 25th year? Become a demonstrator! You can tell we have so much fun. What other job do you know of that has this much fun!

OH - you may want to watch this a couple of times (or even more...). Did you notice the unicycle?  What about the ladies shirts that match the SU! fabric behind them?  Recognize the lady at 1:33 of the video - YUP!   Co-founder and CEO Shelli Gardner!   What about the hula-hoops (I could never work those things - good thing I don't need one of those for my job, huh?)? AND, did you know that guy that pops out at 2:09 on the video - that is Rich Jutkins and he's the PRESIDENT of Stampin'Up!   What are some of the other things YOU notice?   Post a comment here so we can all see - the more eyes the better!

Enjoy the video!
 
 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Reason To Smile

I am loving this stamp set, Reason to Smile.  One reason is it is a two-step stamp and I love two-steppers!  Another reason is it is only $5!!!  Super deal!  Here are several cards I made with the set (I really thought I had already shared them but don't see them.)

This first one is the one we did in club this week.  It uses the Emboss Resist technique. I stamped the flower with Versa Mark ink and embossed it in white.  Then, using daubers, rubbed Daffodil Delight on the flower; Cajun Craze in the center; and a little Island Indigo around the edges.  

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze, Island Indigo, Summer Smooches DSP, Whisper White
Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Reason to Smile
Ink:  Island Indigo, Versa Mark, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Island Indigo Ribbon; Big Shot; Labels Framelits; Itty Bitty Banners Framelits; Daubers, White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun; Fancy Fan Embossing Folder



This card is a very simple one.  I stamped the flower in Elegant Eggplant and used a yellow marker to color in the bottom part of the flower.  Then I used the Color Spritzer to spritz a little color onto the card.

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Sahara Sand, Eleg. Eggplant, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant
Stamp:  Reason to Smile
Access:  Color Spritzer, SU Markers, Eleg. Eggplant Dotted Ribbon; Labels Framelit


This (below) is one of the Shoebox Swaps from last Saturday.  The two-step stamping is done with Black Ink, Basic Gray Ink and Daffodil Delight.

Cardstock:  White; Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Daffodil Delight
Ink:  Gray, Black, Daffodil
Stamp:  Reason to Smile
Access:  Clear Buttons, Twine, Scallop Punch


 And the final card is also a very simple one to make.  I stamped the flowers in black ink and used Calypso Coral ink to color the flower - just making a few brush strokes and not coloring in the whole flower. 

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Gumball Green, Calypson Coral DSP (from paper stack), Early Espresso
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Black
Stamp:  Reason to Smile
Access:  Finishing Touches Edgelits, Gumball Green Ribbon, Calypso Coral (retired SAB) ribbon, markers


So now you have a Reason to Smile this weekend! 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Stamp Queens Sketch

Today is the Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge.  Here is today's sketch:


I did my card with My Digital Studio and it was super easy using punches.  I filled the three circle punches with DSP from the Storytime Kit.  The background paper is also from the Storytime Kit as is the Owl image and the rulers.



I love this kit.  I'm making a special book for my grandson for his birthday with this kit.  I'll be sharing it with you next month when I finish it.

This is the last month that Cristena will be heading up our Stamping Queens team.  I'm not sure what changes will be made to the program but one of our NC gals is taking over the team, Pam Staples.  She's a great SU demonstrator and very creative so I'm sure she has some good ideas for the team. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Shoebox Swaps

Today is the day when the annual flight of the Stampin' Up demonstrators begin to flock to Utah for Convention. This year I am not among those winging their way to the Salt Palace. (boo hoo)  I will try not to whine too much since it was a choice I made.  I hope to go next year though!   Instead I will try and console myself with stamping and being productive.  My friend and roomie from last year is going to convention tomorrow.  She has busted her butt this past year building her business and I think it will pay off for her.  She has earned the trip to Fuji!! plus she told me she has gotten a couple of letters from SU that she has earned rewards this year and will be walking on stage.  I can't wait to hear what she is being rewarded for.

In the meantime, here are a couple of the Shoebox Swaps I did last Saturday.  Even though we only paid $5 for the event (plus gas & lunch), this swap is going to cost me.  We used several stamp sets that are now on my "must have" list.  This next one is one of them.  It is also on Marianne's list too.  We both love this card.


Shape Card Open (by Kathy Hunt)

Shape Card closed.
We used the Labels Framelits and the Big Shot to create the card.  The back piece is creased so it will open easily.  But the stamp set is what I love.  It is Stippled Blossoms (two step stamp).  We stamped the outline image in full strength Primrose Petals and the inside image in Primrose Petals that was stamped off.  The green leaves were done the same way.  The sentiment is Perfectly Penned - another great stamp set. 

Thoughts and Prayers by Amy Pennell
Luckily, I have this stamp set .... Thoughts and Prayers.  But I don't have the Apothecary Framelits!!  (on the list though.)  We punched out the flowers with the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack with a tad of glue in the center and glitter.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Petite Pocket Die Card

Marianne and I had a great time in Greensboro Saturday at the Shoebox Swap.  We made 12 great cards and enjoyed the fellowship of some great ladies.  We left the house bright and early Saturday morning and got to the Shoebox Swap right at 9 a.m. - just in time! 

This is the card that Marianne created.  I was so proud of her!  She made her decision super quick Friday night.  It usually takes her forever to make a decision on what to create but this time, it didn't.  She used the Petite Pocket Die on the card.  This would be a great card to slip a gift card in or just a little note to slide out.  The cute flower is from Button Buddies and she used one of the new Dahlias for the center.


Ingredients:
Cardstock:  Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi, White, DSP In Color Patterns Stack
Ink:  Versamark, Wisteria Wonder
Access:  Petite Pocket Die, Elegant Eggplant Dotted Ribbon, Bird Punch, Dahlias, Scallop Punch, Corner Rounder

After I played bridge today, I stopped by Mom's to pick her up and take her to Physical Therapy.  I was so happy to see how good she was doing.  Maybe we have turned the corner on her back stuff.  She has slacked off a lot on her pain pills and she wasn't using the walker!  Hip Hip Hooray!!  Her birthday is next week so maybe this is a big gift for her!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Clear Mount Stamp Tips

These guides are great for your clear blocks!    They come in two 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheets. You can use them on any of  your clear stamping blocks to help your postilion your stamped images perfectly.

They are reposition-able and washable. The guides include eight die-cut guides sized for blocks, D, E, F, H, and I, and three guides you cut to customize.

Straight, angled, and curvy lines on the guides help you easily line up sentiments, images, and repeated patterns.  I remove the guides and wash them with the blocks in dish soap. Then I rinse them and dry them and position them back on the blocks. They cling beautifully and the stamps cling to them beautifully too.
They are especially great with words.  Place the stamp on a line on the block and when you stamp, use the lines on the block to line up the bottom and sides of the card stock for great placement every time.
It’s easiest to attach the guides to the bottom of the block and then attach the stamp to the bottom – this avoids distortion. The greatest thing to do is use them for lining up two or more stamps on the same block together! They are easier and faster than the Stamp-a-ma-jig (although the Stamp a ma jig is one of my favorite tools.).   A Must Have!

Item # 121785 – $5.95 – you can order yours now!

Some customers have complained that the Cling Mount Stamps do not cling well.  Here is my solution to that:
 
1) make sure your blocks and the back of the stamps are clean. After using them frequently, you will get body oil on the surface and this reduces the cling. Just use the Stampin’ Scrub to clean the blocks and the backs of the stamps. You can also wipe them with an ALCOHOL FREE baby wipe or a damp cloth dipped in dish soap. Be sure to rinse the soap off the blocks or stamps before using.
2) Huff on the back of the block before sticking the stamp onto the block. This will create a layer of moisture to help seal the two together.
3) Place the stamp face down on the work surface and the place the block on top of the stamp and press gently, holding for a second or two. Pick up the block and press on the side of the stamp to make sure they are firmly attached together
4) When using a large stamp or when using Versa Mark or Craft Ink change the way you ink the stamp. Place the block on the table with the stamp face up. Hold the stamp pad in your hand and pounce it on to the stamp. This works great, also, to make sure that you are getting full coverage on the large stamps.
I seldom have any problems if I follow the steps above. BUT, there’s always an exception so here are two more tips that will solve the problem.
5) Rub the stamp and or the block on the back of your sleeve or pant leg to build some static electricity before attaching them.This really helps if the block is cold.
6) You can use a very light layer of Tombow glue (or Aleen's Tack It Over and Over) on the back of the Stamp – let it dry and it will be very tacky – It will stick perfectly.


So now that you know how to work your clear mount stamps, how about a card?  Marianne and I are going to Greensboro tomorrow for a NC Demos Non-Convention Goers gathering.  There will be 12 of us there and we are going to all do a Shoebox Swap.  Here is the card I am doing:


 I tell you, I am in love with the Postage Due stamp!!  This time, I stamped it in River Rock.  I just realized that I did not post the card with the latest changes.  I punched out the sentiment "Sending You Love" with the Itty Bitty Banners die (stamped using Cajun Craze ink) and adhered it in the top right.  I also stamped one of the postage stamps in Cajun Craze too to add a little pop to the card.  The other stamp is in Always Artichoke.

Marianne is doing a really cute card using the Petite Pocket Die.  I'll snap it tomorrow to share with you.

Well, better sign off and head on in to bed.  Marianne's already in the guest room asleep.  Sammie does not know what to do.  She usually sleeps in that bedroom on the twin bed closest to the window.  She sleeps on a pink blanket that I have folded up on the bottom of the bed and I noticed tonight that it is practically black from her fur!!  She keeps wandering in and out of the room where Marianne is but now she has settled outside the door.  At night, she starts out sleeping in our bedroom but leaves sometime during the night and I think goes in the guest room to sleep.  Who knows where she will end up tonight?!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Smoothies for You

 Try these smoothies!  They are good for you too!



Blueberry-Banana Smoothie
Makes 3 (3/4-cup) servings
Using almond butter boosts protein and gives this smoothie a rich, almost chocolaty flavor.

   Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsweetened frozen blueberries
  • 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup nonfat plain, or vanilla, yogurt (can use silken tofu)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 1 tsp honey
Add all ingredients to blender. Cover and blend until smooth and creamy.  Serve immediately.

Per serving:
   190 calories, 7 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 31 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 70 mg sodium, 5 g protein *5.5 (4)

Peachy Almond Smoothie
Makes 3 (3/4-cup) servings
For extra body and fiber, ground oatmeal is used.  You can use a variety of fresh berries and stone fruits.

   Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp rolled oats
  • 3 ice cubes
  • 2 cups sliced fresh peaches (or nectarines or strawberries)
  • 1 cup almond milk (or 1% milk; I like the SF almond milk)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
Place the rolled oats in the blender and blend until oats are finely ground.  Place in small bowl and set aside. Place the ice cubes in the blender and crush.  Add the peaches (or other fruit), almond milk (or 1% milk), lemon juice, honey and the reserved rolled oats.  Cover and blend until smooth and creamy.  Serve immediately.

Per serving:
   80 calories, 1.5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 17 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 50 mg sodium, 2 g protein *2.5 (1.5)


Add-ins
To increase your fiber, try adding flaxseed to your smoothie (1 tbsp adds 1.6 g fiber).
To increase your calcium, try adding nonfat dry milk powder to your smoothie (1 tbsp adds 62 mg).
To increase your protein, try adding whey powder (1 tbsp vanilla-flavored whey protein powder adds 4 g).
~~~Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter



 Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, mirror on the wall
Do you have to tell it all?
Where do you get the glaring right
To make my clothes look just too tight?
I think I'm fine but I can see you
won't cooperate with me;
The way you let the shadows play
You'd think my hair was getting gray
What's that, you say? A double chin?
No, that's the way the light comes in;
If you persist in peering so
You'll confiscate my facial glow,
And then if you're not hanging straight
You'll tell me next I'm gaining weight;
I'm really quite upset with you
For giving this distorted view;
I hate you being smug and wise -
O, look what's happened to my thighs!
I warn you now, O mirrored wall,
Since we're not on speaking terms at all,
If I look like this in my new jeans
You'll find yourself in smithereens!!!
  ~~~Author Unknown


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Sketch Challenge 47

I can't believe that we are already on Sketch Challenge #47!!  I really enjoy these challenges and doing them with My Digital Studio.  It stretches me to come up with different interpretations each week.  This week I actually did two cards for the challenge.  It was a fun sketch.


Tea Time II kit
Most of the creating work I did for this card used embellishments from Tea Time II digital kit. Embellishments in My Digital Studio can be elements you'd normally think of: brads, ribbon, buttons, but they are also beautiful digital images that can be moved and/or made smaller and layered to create beautiful additions to your cards and pages. I'm so excited about My Digital Studio II (which is coming soon!) because they will be adding the ability to color embellishments, too!


This MDS card uses DSP from the Summer Smooches.  The stamps are from Mouthwatering.  This would be easy to re-create with paper and stamps too.

Check out what the other Queens made this week using this sketch HERE.