Pop Up Flower Garden

What a busy weekend for me!  Friday started off with Judy picking me up to play Hand and Foot (which my team won, by the way!)  When she dropped me off at home, I discovered Sonny was not home and I had not brought my keys to get in the house.  He was running errands in Mooresville.  So Judy was kind enough to drive me to meet him.  She was headed in to Mooresville anyway to Subway so I didn't feel like I made her go too far out of her way.  Anyway .... thanks Judy!!  Sonny was at the grocery store.  By the time we finished there and got home, I only had a couple of hours before I needed to drive in to town again.  Newcomers annual fundraiser, Bingo, was Friday night.  We have a Bingo night with prizes and silent auction items every year and all the proceeds go towards our Literacy Program.  Our big silent auction item is the dinner that the Southern Living Lunch group auctions off.  This time we decided to also add a luncheon for 8 people along with the dinner for 10.  We serve the winners a gourmet dinner (and lunch this year) with wine.  We made $400 on the dinner and I think about $250-300 on the lunch!!  So, not too shabby!  There were so many great prizes this year - door prizes as well as bingo prizes.  The committee outdid itself.  I donated 4 boxes of hand made greeting cards with envelopes and was thrilled to see that they were on the silent auction table and were popular.  I think they sold for around $50!  Marianne, Angela and my mom went with me to the event.  Sonny stayed home this year!  I came home with a nice basket with wine, napkins, plastic wine glass (great for the boat!) and truffles and the plant centerpiece.  Marianne got a silent auction item of a game basket.  Mom got a gift certificate from Denny's and a nail spa.  Angela won a gift certificate to her favorite Mexican restaurant.   So, we all did pretty well.

Saturday morning I had to get up at 6:30!!  How AWFUL!  I went to a class at Verizon to learn how to use my "smarter than me" phone.  It was somewhat helpful but I did find out that I knew a lot more than the other people in the class!  After the class, I went to Concord to teach a group of ladies My Digital Studio.  I just love teaching others to use MDS.  It is so rewarding to hear the "ahhhh's" and "ohhhh's" as they learn the program.  It's such fun!  When I got home, I tried to take a quick siesta before leaving again to meet the family in Statesville for dinner at a new Mexican restaurant.  The food was good but it's hard for me to compare NC Mexican food after eating it in Texas!!   I was so tired when we got home but made it until 10:30 before going to bed.

Today I have been getting ready for bridge at my house.  I have 12 ladies coming to play.  I spent a lot of time working on my digital scrapbook from England and Ireland.  I am trying to finish it in time to take advantage of Stampin' Up's digital sale that ends at the end of the week.

Last Thursday I had time to finally play around with the Pop'n'Cuts Die and dress die.  I made this card using the die:

Front of card using Secret Garden stamp and framelits

Inside of card bottom from Feeling Goods stamp and Secret Garden

Card opened.  The flower pot is made using the dress die and cut it in half.  The flowers are from Secret Garden.

Close up of flower pot.

My New Love

I fell in love today ... with a new Stampin' Up product!!  I received my Pressed Clay this week along with the Buttons and Blossoms silicone molds.  Today I watched a few YouTube videos to learn a few tricks of the trade and then I started playing!  Not only can you make buttons and flower but you can flatten the clay and stamp onto it.  Stamp a butterfly, let it dry and cut it out!  Add color to the clay by kneading ink into it or coloring with markers after it dries for a more saturated look.  Air dry is all you need.  I made a bunch of white flowers and put them in a storage box.  That way any time I need a flower, I can just pick one out and color it with my markers, etc.  Google SU Pressed Clay and you will see a bunch of images as well as videos. 

I also used my Dress Form Framelit today.  I've had it for over a month and just never pulled it out.  But I love it too!  And I used one of my clay flowers - colored with Calypso Coral marker - to dress up the little dress.   I used SU Tea Time fabric (retired) to make the dress.  I've got a good friend who is celebrating her birthday this weekend and this card will be going to her.



Closeup of the flower - it also has a little glitter on it.

Buttons and Blossoms Simply Pressed Clay Molds 131272  ($7.95) 

Polka Dots Challenge Card

Time for my Paper Craft Crew Challenge card #45.  I used the Playful Polka Dots Kit for this creation.  I thought it was appropriate for early June - fun and summery!  There are lots of fun elements in this kit.

 

  

Thankful for You!

I've been trying out a few card ideas for a swap I am in for Convention in July.  This was one of the designs that I rejected.  I like the card but didn't think it was "wow" enough!  I borrowed Zoo Review from my downline and friend, Debbie.  My card for this swap has to be something that relates to January.  When I picked the month of January, I thought it would be easy.  I could do a snowman and make a really cute card.  Well, that was before I saw the new SU catalog!  They retired my Snow Much Fun set and are going to wait until the Winter Mini catalog for the Christmas / winter stamp sets.  So, back to the drawing board!  I'll be sharing the card that made it later.
For this card, I made the base card Night of Navy.  The next layer is Crushed Curry that I ran through the Hexagon embossing folder.  The Sizzix die cut is from the Apothecary Accents framelits.  I sponged a little turquoise around the stamped images and Night of Navy on the edges of the framelit.  I used the new hostess set, Banner Greetings, for the sentiment.  I don't usually order the hostess sets because I know they won't carry over from year to year but I really like the Banner Greetings and I know they will come in handy a lot during the year.

I'm kinda bummed out.  We just finished watching Game 2 of the Stanley Cup hockey playoffs.  Pittsburgh (at HOME!) against Boston and they lost tonight 6-1!  Not to mention they lost Saturday night 3-0!  They better get their act together or they will be staying home.  I sure would like to see them in the Stanley Cup games.

Magnetic Platform

A FEW CATALOG CORRECTIONS:


Pg. 145 131183 The Neutrals Collection of Classic Stampin' Pads incorrectly identifies the item number as 131182; the correct item number is 131183. The price is incorrectly identified as $49.95. The correct price is $39.95.

Pg. 145 131168 The Neutrals Collection of Classic Stampin' Ink Refills incorrectly identifies the item number as 131162; the correct item number is 131168. The price is incorrectly identified as $24.95. The correct price is $19.95.

Pg. 188 126999 The Delicate Doilies Sizzlits L Die measures 3-1/8" in diameter, not 1-3/8".

Pg. 188 118138 The Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die measures 1-7/8" x 1-5/16", not 1-1/8" x 1-5/16".

Pg. 206 130568 and 130565 The stamp index indicates that the ABC-123 Outline Alphabet & Numbers and ABC-123 Sketch Alphabet & Numbers Sets are wood-mount sets; both these sets are only available in clear-mount (as correctly indicated on the catalog product page, p. 131).



This MAGNETIC PLATFORM was at the top of my list!!  What about you?

One of the hits of the new Stampin' Up! Catalog has to be the Big Shot Magnetic Platform (130658, $39.95). It is designed to hold your framelits and edgelits in place over stamped images...like magic! Remember to add new Standard Cutting Pads (113475, $8.95) to your order, too, as the platform works best with flat plates!

Sponged Serene Silhouettes

Today’s a HUGE DAY!  Today is the last day of the 2013 Spring Catalog and the first day of the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog.  For today only - all three books (Spring Catalog and two Annual Catalogs) are open for business.  Woo hoo!  The order entry system will be down until noon MD (2 pm EST), so don’t worry yourself with trying to enter your order beforehand.  I’m SO excited!  First of all, here’s a link to the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog:

 CLICK HERE

Many of you have been flipping through this gem for a while.  Some are just seeing it live for the first time.  Soak it in.  There are lots of great treasures hidden inside the covers of this book.  Don’t flip too fast or you’ll miss them.  AND don’t forget that the online ordering doesn’t start until noon MDT.

ALSO - Stampin' Up is offering 3 of the greeting stamp sets for 25% off!!!   

If you want to put in an Online order, please use this hostess code:  N4PTTCS7  Or call me and I can place the order for you.


I have also added a easy button to the left side of my blog any time you need to access the catalog.  Right under the picture of the catalog is a "How'd they do that?" link.  That will link you to all the supplies used to make all the projects in the catalog.  If you see a card you like in the catalog, you can find the supplies used to make it by going to that link.


Here is a card I made using Serene Silhouettes (It is NOT retiring!!). I used repositional tape to adhere the middle white card stock panel to the card and sponged the Baja Blue, Regal Rose, Daffodil and Celery across the card trying to blend the colors slightly where they met.  I then removed the tape from the center piece and matted it onto black and adhered it to the card.  Next I stamped the image in black ink.  Very simple card to make but it is a WOW!

Raining Flowers - going, going .....

Only a few more days to show off these stamp sets that are retiring.  This one is Raining Flowers, a two step set that I got at convention a couple of years ago.  I really haven't used it much but I really like this card!  Don't you love these colors?  Think they are my favorite!  I used Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery and Daffodil Delight.  I popped up the two flowers and used a piece of retired (a long time ago!) grosgrain ribbon about the card with pearls in the centers.  I also used the Framed Tulips embossing folder on the white card stock.

Be Yourself!

It's time for the Paper Craft Crew Challenge card.  This was an easy sketch this week. 

I used a new kit too that I just downloaded called Be Yourself. I really love the papers that come in the kit - kinda reminds me of tie-dying.  I used to love to tie dye tees back in the day!

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Speaking of new kits, Tuesday was Digital Download Day.  Every Tuesday Stampin' Up announces new downloads for sale or sometimes, they are free!  This weeks downloads are really great and there's a FREE one!

Convention 2013

All About My Dad

Anchors Away

This Makes Me Happy Pocket Cards

FREE - June wallpaper Anchors Away

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!  Hope your weekend was a nice one and you were able to spend it with family and friends.  I had a very relaxing weekend.  I worked on my Ireland scrapbook Saturday and Sunday on My Digital Studio.  I am trying to get it finished before June 15 which is when Stampin' Up's sale ends.   Wish me luck!!  Saturday night Sonny and I went out to eat fish at Galway Hooker.  Since I had been working on my Ireland scrapbook, I was craving some fish and chips although Sonny had the fish and chips and I decided on Flounder Picatta and it was delicious!!  Add in some Jalepeno Mac and Cheese and Sauteed Green Beans .... yum!!  Today Sonny and I decided to take the boat out.  We packed the cooler and got all our stuff together BUT when we got in the boat, it wouldn't start - the battery was dead as a door nail!  Sonny went back to the house and get the battery charger.  We sat out there in the boat at the dock for a couple of hours but it still wouldn't start.  So, we came on back to the house.  Now Sonny just has to figure out what the problem is or get the battery replaced. 

Someone sent me a really nice tribute for Memorial Day.  Please read it and remember what the holiday is truly all about....not just a day off from work, but a day to remember our real heros. I am honored that both of my children served their country (and my daughter is still in the Army). My grandfather, step-father and father all served their country too.

Real Heroes ~ By Sharon Lee Riguzzi


Memorial Day is almost here: Barbecues will be held. Parades will be marched. White shoes will come out of hibernation. The sounds of kids playing outside after dinner waft through open windows. Weekly garage-sale flyers cover telephone poles so we know where to go to buy someone else’s stuff that has cluttered their attic and basement for years. And for many, this weekend opens up the world of pools and beaches.

But with all of the excitement of the unofficial beginning of summer, I, like so many others, sometimes forget (or as is the case with so many of today’s kids, don’t know) what the Memorial in Memorial Day signifies. This day started way back just after the Civil War as a time for us to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice- their lives.

Most of you have heard of the play and movie Six Degree of Separation. I’m bringing it up because I’m guessing we all know of someone, or know someone who knows someone, who has served our country. My suggestion for the week is to ask around at work, among friends, at your book-club discussions, “Who has lost a family member in service of our country?”

The purpose? To see that we all have been touched in some way–some closer than others-or other by these heroes. In their honor, tell the family member how much you appreciate our freedom because of brave people like their fallen soldier. At the same time we can be teaching our kids that we are so lucky.

So whether or not you have kids marching with their little league team, scouts or band, make it a point to go to the local parade to give your support. And if you see an old-timer wearing a too tight uniform or a faded army hat, stop and shake his hand, and thank him too. Watch him well up with pride. Because years ago, he took action to get what we wanted: learned to recognize all of the wonderful traits each of us possesses; found the inner strength to make a difference.

And by your shaking just one veteran’s hand, I guarantee you will make him feel great – and so will you.

Now how about the new in colors????  I have some of the card stock but I just ordered the inks today and can't wait for them to arrive!!

WHICH NEW IN COLOR IS YOUR FAVORITE?  Please leave me a comment below!

Strawberry Slush :  Lighter and softer than Melon Mambo.  Brighter than Rose Red. 
Pistachio Pudding: A modern and "minty" spin on Certainly Celery (retiring)

Crisp Cantaloupe: Lighter and softer than Calypso Coral. More peach than Blushing Bride (a returning color).
Coastal Cabana: Lighter than Island Indigo. Richer than Pool Party.
Baked Brown Sugar:  Warmer than Crumb Cake.  More gold and lighter than Soft Suede.

 

Happy Birthday

I made this birthday card recently to send to a friend.  This is another retired stamp set - Patterned Party.  It is a great card for birthdays.  And how do you like the little owl peeking his head out?  I used the good ole' Owl Punch to make him.  I just love this punch!!

You can do a lot with this set.  One of my gals from Stamp Club told me today that she used the 9 and the 0 for her mother's 90th birthday party this past weekend!