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Birthday Butterflies

I CASE'd today's card from Anne Marie.

I just love these cheerful colors.  Isn't it refreshing in this dreary winter?  In working with these thin sheer ribbons, I realize that they really look much better backed with a piece of cardstock, or wrapped several times to give it a little more heft.  I just wrapped the ribbon around my fingers a few times, then closed the prongs of the brad around the ribbon to keep it from slipping.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): On Your Birthday

Ink: Calypso Coral

Papers: Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Twitterpated DSP

Accessories: Beautiful Wings embosslit, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack

Framed Cupcake

Today's card was inspired by Laura.

I really liked the layout of Laura's card.  I just made some changes so that it fit me better.  This card really did not take long at all, especially after the papers were cut.  I just love having punches with coordinating stamp sets.  It makes the image stand out, doesn't it?

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Create a Cupcake

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red

Papers: Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, More Mustard, Twitterpated DSP

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border edge punch, Designer Frames embossing folder, Build a Cupcake punch, Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch

Make sure you check out my offerings of Clubs, etc. for Sale-a-Bration.  See Details HERE.

Garden Birthday Revisited

I've bookmarked THIS FABRIC FLOWER TUTORIAL for the longest time.  I want to try my hands on using fabric.  But as you might know, I don't sew.  So I set to find the easiest instructions.  I loved this tutorial when I saw it.  I finally got some fabric with the Twitterpated suite of products, so I thought I'd try.  OK, let me tell you... really, for someone who doesn't sew, and doesn't understand the world and language of sewing, this really took me much longer than it should have.  I mean, isn't it just some quick stitching down one side, then pull the thread, and the flower will automatically gather?  After sleeping on it, I think my problem was I didn't make the flower into multiple layers.  Oh well, it's on the card.

BTW, no, you're not mistaken, I have posted a similar card on the 18th, using Beyond the Garden DSP. I just loved that layout, so why not make a few more cards with it? :)

After the unsatisfying flower, I thought it looked like the paper medallion I have made before.  So I gave the paper medallion another go.  I embossed the Baja Breeze center with the new Adorning Accents embossing folder.

Then, I thought, instead of using the border punch, I'll use the Pleated Satin ribbon.  BTW, have you tried this ribbon yet?  Oh, it's so sumptuous!  Since the ribbon is a bit thick, I didn't want to add more bulk with the medallion on top, so I went back to the daisy cutout.

Still not quite satisfied, I decided to cut the bottom with an edgelit!  Oh, I love the look the edgelit makes!  Then, I thought, why not take it one step further and use the coordinating embossing folder.  WOW! was my thought when I saw it come out of the Big Shot.  Hope you can see the effect in the photo.

I had originally tossed the portion that got cut off into my scrap pile.  But in looking at this card again the next day, I took it back and pasted it on the inside!

So now, when the card is closed, you can't tell there is a decorative edge. But when you open it, this is what you see.  Clever, isn't it?  I was very proud of myself.

Oh!  BTW, I realized something while using the edgelit.  It's probably best if you position the edgelit die PERPENDICULAR to the crank.  The entire thing rolls much smoother through the Big Shot, than if you did it parallel to the crank.  When I did it parallel, it made a terrible noise and it was difficult to crank.  I seriously thought I might actually break my machine when I did it this way.  So, mark my words.  DO NOT RUN THE EDGELITS PARALLEL TO THE BIG SHOT CRANK.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): On Your Birthday

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Riding Hood Red, Marina Mist

Papers: Pear Pizzazz, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Twitterpated DSP

Accessories: Adorning Accents Edgelit die, Adorning Accents embossing folders, Twitterpated Designer Fabric, Scallop Border edge punch, Simply Scored Board, Twitterpated Designer Buttons, Blushing Bride Pleated Satin ribbon, daisy die (non-SU)

Make sure you check out my offerings of Clubs, etc. for Sale-a-Bration.  See Details HERE.

Sale-a-Bration is HERE!!!

Sale-a-Bration starts today!!!!  Earn a FREE product from the Sale-a-Bration Catalog for every $50 in order placed.  And if you are a hostess during Sale-a-Bration, you can earn a FREE shopping tote for workshop totals over $150.  And if your workshop orders total over $400, you get the FREE shopping tote, $65 in Hostess Dollars, 1 item at 50% off, AND a FREE bundle of products, as seen on page 6 AND 7 of the SAB catalog.  The bundle includes Fresh Vintage Stamp set, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Everyday Enchantment ribbon & brad pack.  How's that for bang for your buck??!!!!  Remember, You will only qualify for all these freebies if you have a qualifying workshop.  Online orders don't qualify for the extra freebies.  Online orders still qualify for regular Hostess Benefits, however.  So Contact Me today to set up your workshop date!  I only have limited availability left for the duration of SAB.

Check out a couple of cuties I made using the Everyday Enchantment suite.  The first one here is a CASE from Sandra.

This next one is a CASE from Wendy.

I put Crystal Effects on the frosting of the cupcake.  It was actually harder to do than it looks.  But I love how it turned out.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Outlined Occasions (MDS, SAB2012)

Ink: Basic Gray

Papers: Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze, Lucky Limeade, Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB2012)

Accessories: Everyday Enchantment ribbons & brads pack (SAB2012), Adorning Accents edgelits, Scallop Circle punch, Circle punch, Build a Cupcake punch, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Write markers

Make sure you check out my offerings of Clubs, etc. for Sale-a-Bration.  See Details HERE.

Elegant Birthday

Sale-a-Bration starts tomorrow!  Are you as excited as I am to earn FREE products with our orders???  I can't wait!

Today's card is a total CASE from a swap card found on Linda's blog.

As a demonstrator, we were able to qualify for FREE Sale-a-Bration-exclusive products during our pre-order about a month ago.  I only placed enough to qualify for one item at that time, and I wanted to get the biggest bang for my buck.  I got the One Big Sale-a-Bration CD.  Why, you ask?  Well, it contains ALL the Sale-a-Bration-exclusive stamp sets (there are 5 of them), 12 DSPs, 6 ribbons and 5 brads on it.  I am using mainly the stamp images and DSPs from the CD, until I can actually physically earn them.  Which is starting TOMORROW!

Anyways, I used My Digital Studio, sized down the images from Elementary Elegance stamp brush set to my liking.  Modified the colors of the images.  Then print, using our Whisper White.  After it comes out of the printer, I just cut around the big frame, punched out the sentiment, and the card was done.  Seriously, this took less than 5 minutes.  It was so fast, I didn't know what to do with myself with the 30min I allotted myself to play. :)

If you have any questions regarding Sale-a-Bration or My Digital Studio, feel free to Contact Me!  Or, if you're ready to order your wishlist and earn your FREE products, go to MY STORE starting on 1/24/12!

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Elementary Elegance (MDS)

Ink: Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride

Papers: Twitterpated DSP

Accessories: Curly Label punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Blushing Bride 3/8" Pleated Satin ribbon

Announcement from Leadership Convention

Changes are coming!  Current Idea Book & Catalog will expire 5/31/12, rather than June.  New Annual Catalog will start 6/1/12!  A whole month earlier than before!!!  There will NOT be a Summer Mini anymore.  Instead, 2 Seasonal Catalogs will replace current Mini Catalogs system.

Annual Catalog

• The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 (preorder in May) through May 31, 2013.
• The annual catalog will be reduced from over 240 pages in the current Idea Book & Catalog to 208 pages.
• The annual catalog will be printed on lighter-weight paper.
• 50 percent reduction from your current cost!
• Celebrando Creatividad will remain unchanged.

Seasonal Catalogs

• The Occasions, Summer, and Holiday Mini Catalogs will be replaced by two seasonal catalogs called the Holiday Catalog and the Spring Catalog.
  • The first Holiday Catalog will run from August 1, 2012 (preorder in July). through the beginning of January, 2013
  • The first Spring Catalog will run from the beginning of January, 2013 (preorder in December) through May 31, 2013.
• The seasonal catalogs will be larger in both size (8 1/2" x 11") and page count (about 40 pages) than the current mini catalogs.

One more note, Simply Adorned and Decor Elements lines will be DISCONTINUED.  Make sure you order these items from your wish list before they are gone forever!

Stampin' Up! Leadership

There's no card to share today... we were snowed in; then power went out.  We had to escape from our quickly-becoming-freezing house, onto unplowed streets, and seek refuge at inlaws'.  Thank goodness they had power.  But I didn't grab my external drive that has all my pics.  Therefore no cards.  But what's worse, is I am only 5min (on a normal day) away from my stampin' supplies!  Argh!!!!

Well, in lieu of a card or two to share, I've decided to share some highlights from Stampin' Up!'s Facebook Fan Page of Leadership Convention that's going on right now.  I actually qualified to go, mere one year after signing up as a demonstrator.  But, family circumstances prevented me from going.  But then again, flights are cancelled out of our airport this week, so I think my travel plans would have been derailed anyways.  I'm glad to be stuck with my family this week instead. :)

Sorry about the rambling.  HERE's a Happy Dance video with the announcement of a Diagonal Tool for the Simply Scored scoring board!!!!!!  Oh, I'm so excited.  According to reports, it'll cost $11USD, and available for ordering starting 3/1/12!

Shelli welcomed million-dollar achiever Joyce Feraco to the stage in grand fashion! Prize Patrol is getting ready for an all attendee giveaway: Man, I wish I was there.  Have heard wonderful things about these prize patrols! To see more, go to Stampin' Up!'s Fan Page on Facebook.

Garden Birthday

Today's card is a CASE of The Paper Pixie.  But I saw her card on Lori Schuch's blog.  Her card uses the Fun Flowers die, which I don't have... yet.  So I used a non-SU daisy die as a substitute.  Especially because I have a ton of these cut outs for a project a few months ago that wasn't meant to be.  Anyways, isn't this card lovely?  Super easy to assemble.  And I think you should be able to mail this card for just one First Class stamp.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): On Your Birthday

Ink: Melon Mambo, Pacific Point

Papers: Daffodil Delight, Beyond the Garden DSP

Accessories: Scallop edge border punch, Ice Cream Parlor button (retired), daisy die (non-SU)

Make sure you check out my offerings of Clubs, etc. for Sale-a-Bration.  See Details HERE.

Baby Time!

Today's card is not particularly CASE'd from anyone.  Big surprise, right?  I know! :)  I need to make a baby card.  I knew I wanted to use Nursery Nest DSP.  That was about it.  So of course I set out to do a search for some inspiration.  I went to my trusty Splitcoaststampers.com's gallery.  I put in "Nursery Nest" in the search box.  Saw some baby cards, but I didn't have the stamps they used.  I then decided I was going to use the very recently retired Fun & Fast Notes.  There is a buggy stamp in that set.  But somehow it just didn't call to me.  Then I remember I have a baby wheel from long ago, that had babies doing various things that I knew I could cut up.  Anyways, fast forward, and this is the card I came up with.

I LOVE using the new Edgelit dies to make a border accent.  I love it so much that I used it again on the inside, on the top AND bottom.

Like I mentioned above, this wheel is from long ago.  I bought it because I actually wanted the stamp set that went with the wheel.  But I didn't want to spend the money.  Then my friend mentioned that if I bought the wheel, I could cut up the stamped image.  That was a light-bulb moment.  My wheel is unmounted, so I can more easily stamp with it.  I don't have the heart to actually cut it up, like some people do yet.  So I just stamp the whole thing and then cut up the stamped image into separate pieces.

If your cutting plates are bowed and uneven like mine are, it may be helpful to tape down the edgelit to the plate, and just slide your cardstock between the plate and the edgelit.  That way, the cardstock will be nice and snug, and neither the cardstock nor the edgelit will move, giving you precise cutting.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Tiny Tags, Word Play, Baby Time Stampin' Around wheel (retired)

Ink: Marina Mist

Papers: Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum, Basic Gray

Accessories: Adorning Accents Edgelit Dies, Square Scalloped punch, Jewelry punch, twine, Stampin' Write Markers

Make sure you check out my offerings of Clubs, etc. for Sale-a-Bration.  See Details HERE.

Holiday Buddies

I forgot to share these cards earlier.  I had originally set out to CASE Krystal's card.  However, one thing led to another, this is what mine ended up looking like.  I actually really love these cards.  I was able to quickly assemble 20 of these under 90min, including paper cutting time.  I think that's pretty good!  These cards were easy to make, especially with the Northern Flurries embossing folder.  I added glitter glue on top of the snowflakes.  Oh, I also love tearing the cardstock. LOL.

If you didn't get a chance to send out holiday cards last month, you can still make this for a winter greeting card.  Highly versatile.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Button Buddies, Four the Holidays

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi

Papers: Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Northern Flurries embossing folder, Wide Oval punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Dazzling Details

Colorful Thanks

This card is a complete CASE of Nance's card.  This is another flat mailable card.  Images are stamped multiple times using each color.

Here is the inside.  I used Stampin' Write markers on the flowers.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Just Believe, Sincere Salutations

Ink: Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery

Papers: Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie DSP (retired)

Accessories: None!


Make sure you check out my offerings of Clubs, etc. for Sale-a-Bration.  See Details HERE.

Digital Birthday

Today's card is inspired by Patty.  I've seen several cards that uses the Hello Doily big stamp as background.  Much to my delight, this stamp is available as a digital stamp!  As I was playing with My Digital Studio and trying to CASE Patty's card, I realized I didn't have a current flower set that is like what Patty used.  I then went through the Idea Book & Catalog and realized that Fabulous Florets is available as a digital stamp brush set.  It had been on my wish list that I totally forgot about.  Oops.  :)  Anyways, I quickly purchased it and downloaded it into my computer, and put this together.  I was able to put together 12 cards in a very short time.  I love using MDS!  The only thing that's stamped is the Birthday greeting.

Bonus: this card mails flat, because Seam Binding Ribbon is so thin!  Woo-hoo!  Only a regular First Class stamp is required.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Hello Doily (MDS), Fabulous Florets (MDS), Sincere Salutations

Ink: Crumb Cake, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz

Papers: Melon Mambo

Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding ribbon