Mother’s Day Idea …

Hello my Stampin’ Friends,

Oh my … sorry I missed a post but I’m having technical difficulties with my internet services lately.  Seems to be a lot of technical difficulties in my life lately!   LOL   Yes, I laugh (now) … life really is too short.

So I am sharing a quick post from our “Inspired By” blog from Stampin’ Up! and Senior Staff Writer; Cindy B.

I loved her fabulous idea, and I love how she doubled her flowers!!  We made flowers at our Spring Retreat, now I’m going to try it this way too!  Not to worry … I’ll be sure to share with you!

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is fast approaching—so I thought I would make a few Mother’s Day projects to let my dear mom know that I am thinking of her!

This picture was taken of my mom in Northern Michigan in 1933–when she was three-years-old.  She loves remembering her happy childhood in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Her Finnish grandfather, a dairy farmer, used to let her ride with him in the morning as he delivered milk to the neighbors in his Model T. She still thinks of him all of the time!

To make cute tags for your Mother’s Day gifts, just scan and print favorite pictures of your mom on Whisper White Cardstock, then punch them out. (To give her an especially fun surprise, try to find pictures that she hasn’t seen for ages!)  The frame for my mom’s tag was made using the Chalk Talk and Papillon Potpourri Stamp Sets. To make a glittery jar for flowers or some other gift, just paint the lower half of a mason jar with Mod Podge. Then sprinkle on some gold glitter and let it dry. That’s it!

I made the roses using the Big Shot and Stampin’ Up!’s new Spiral Flower Originals Die. To see a wonderful demonstration showing you how to make flowers using this die, click here! (To make fuller flowers, use two spiral flower die cuts layered on top of each other.)

Here are a couple of more fun ways to conceal sweet surprises for mom on her special day.

Got any fun ideas for Mother’s Day? Please share them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest with the #MadeForMom hashtag!

Cindy B.
Sr. Staff Writer

I hope you enjoyed Cindy’s post … If you would like to follow the “Inspired By” blog, here is the link:

http://www.stampinup.com/home/get-inspired

Here’s hoping my internet connections remain intact, and I can get back to my regular blog schedule!

Thanks for stopping by and ~

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Have an awesome day!

Home Again …

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I have returned from my 2014 Spring Retreat … it was a wonderful time with a wonderful group of ladies.

They were welcomed with the banner I created using the kit that was free during Sale-a-bration.  I used the Silver Glimmer paper for the letters and dyed them just like the Easter eggs.  If you missed that post you can find it under the Scrapbooking or Technique Category list on the right side.

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The cute little flower pots were bought at the dollar store.  I added foam and moss for a more realistic look.  I wrapped the flower that was cut from the “Spiral Flower Originals Die” from the “Celebrate Everyday” catalog.  I put the link for you to view at the bottom of this blog.

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After dinner we gathered around the table to make additional flowers with the lollipops and a cute little flower kiss (Not Shown: Cased from Connie Stewart).

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The ladies picked a flower pot and added to their bouquet!   We even made a couple flowers to go on our banner … here’s the updated look 🙂

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Tomorrow I will share some of the swaps!  There was a lot of stampin’ talent this weekend!

Thank you for stopping by and …

Have a wonderful week!

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Introducing Project Life by Stampin’ Up! and more …

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I have much to share with you today!!  First is a video that will introduce you to a new product offering from Stampin’ Up!  I am so excited to get my hands on this.  Secondly … I will share with you, this months Paper Pumpkin video.

We are so so so excited to let you know we’ve partnered with the amazing Becky Higgins to bring you the real deal-authentic Project Life products, now in exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors and designs. If you’ve somehow missed the Project Life craze and are wondering what it’s all about, we’ll fill you in: it’s a super simple, totally affordable way to get your photos into albums: you just slip your photos into Photo Pocket Pages and add designed cards. It’s a back-to-basics approach to documenting your life. In a nutshell, it’s all about spending more time making memories and less time scrapbooking them.

Here is our April Paper Pumpkin …

Isn’t that cute!  I thought you could put a photo behind that heart and gift it for Mothers Day … it’s May 11th!

I hope you enjoyed the videos, watch for postings in May when I share my “Project Life” creations.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

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Frosted Finishes Embellishment Necklace

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

A happy Sunday to you!

I am happy, I finally finished all my Christmas shopping yesterday.  Many of my friends have been done for a while, and the gifts are wrapped under the tree!  I will be wrapping tomorrow as I wait out our winter storm, watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate…. sounds like a perfect Sunday.

Today I want to share with you a special little gift that I made for the girls who work for me at the Candyman on Main.  This is our first holiday season together … in fact, it’s all of our “first” holiday season!  None of us have worked in the store during the Christmas holiday so we pulled together, had a great season, and a great time.

To “thank” them, I began with the beautiful “Frosted Finishes Embellishments“…

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I did go to the local hobby store to pick up the rest to create the necklace.  My mistake was not ordering the beautiful “Simply Adorned Chain” which is currently on the clearance rack.  I have some on order now for future projects … they’re a steal at only $4.39

I added a simple link which holds the Frosted Finishes Embellishment so nicely and added it to the chain.  I tucked it into a small gift box and …

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Isn’t it beautiful?  Just think … you could make a pair of matching earrings too.  Jewelry making is “hot” right now, so why not add a Stampin’ Up! touch to it.

Have a wonderful day, and if you’re waiting for the snow to stop like I am … sit back and enjoy, or stop over at my on-line store and get some of these goodies to make for your friends.  Just click on the “pink” links.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

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Countdown to Christmas …

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I hope you all had a wonderful day with friends and / or family.

I spent the morning (and evening before) preparing for the feast!  I do love to cook though so it was very enjoyable.

I was happy 2 of my 3 daughters and their families were able to come over and spend the day together.  Two of the little girls got to help (and learn) how to make a Cherry Cheesecake Pie.  It was a good day… and it turned into a huge slumber party, watching movies and just hanging out together!

My oldest daughter  called and we all wished each other a “Happy Thanksgiving”.  I am truly blessed.

Today I want to share a cute project idea that was posted by one of Stampin’ Up!s Demonstrator Training trainers: Donna G.

Got someone in your house who just can’t wait for Christmas? Help them count down the days by making this fun project.

I loved the look of the tags on page 13 of the holiday catalog (US/CA), so I made my tags exactly the same way.

For the containers, I used the Season of Style Designer Series Paper Stack. So easy—no cutting necessary!

To make the containers, apply the adhesive like this. (I recommend using Sticky Strip.)

Roll the container into a tube, then pinch one end closed. Add candy (or whatever you want to put inside), then pinch the other end closed in the opposite direction.

Attach the tag using a stapler, then adhere the button using a Glue Dot to hide the staple.

Twelve containers will fit nicely inside the Extra-Large Gift Box. To make the box look a little more festive, I wrapped Season of Style Designer Washi Tape around it.

Do you have a special way you’ll be counting down the days to Christmas?

Frome: Donna G.
Demonstrator Training

Have an awesome day!

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All Dressed Up …

Hi Stampin’ Friends,

Hope you are enjoying the weekend.  A bit cold here, but the sun is shining and that is good.

I took the day off yesterday to get some well needed house cleaning done … it was a good day!  I found 2 gift certificates and $10.  I think that will work well for Christmas shopping and a treat for myself.

Today I wanted to share with you some projects that I had done with my clubs and on retreat.  First I’ll start with the card …

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I cased this card and feel it is the perfect card for a Sweet 16, special birthday or your BFF.  I used the “Dress Up” Framelit Die and “Fabulous Phrases” stamp set.  What I love about Fabulous Phrases is … you can create your own greeting by lining them up on your clear block.

I will admit, I had some help with the “Clear Mount Perfectly Placed Guides” … these are clear guides you can stick onto your clear blocks to help you line up your images.  Click on the link to see what they look like.

I used the “tulle” from last year’s Holiday Catalog … but you can use anything you have around the house or pick up at the fabric store.

Next, I took the card idea and turned it into a scrapbook page for my scrapbook club members.  I loved that little dress so much I couldn’t help but share this idea.  As you can see I used the “Flowering Flourishes” stamp set on both the card and the scrapbook page.  It adds a touch of beauty and fills up some of that blank space.

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We used the “Polka Dot Parade” for the dresses and banners, and on the next project.  I chose the Bold Brights collection, I love that you have so many color choices in these packages.  It allowed my club members to choose the colors that suited their page.

I created a “mirror” by using the “Apothecary Accents” Framelit Dies.  At the time I created this, we did not have the “Silver Foil” that you can now find in the Holiday Catalog … that would really make it look like a mirror (how cute!!).

Last but definitely not least, I’m sharing a quick and easy 3-D project that we made at our Spring Retreat.  I saw this done before but with too many steps involved, so my version is super simple.

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All you need to do is fold your Designer Series paper in half.  Now, when placing your die… bring the shoulders of the dress above the fold (this will prevent it from cutting) and will give you that “tent” effect.  Now just simple use glue dots to attach the dress to the candy.

If you are making these for a birthday party or bridal shower … you want quick and simple!  Your guests are going to love them.

I think I may have to try a “Holiday” theme, maybe with a bit of red and white!

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Enjoy your day.

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Here is a list of supplies used for today’s card …

 ITEM

 PRICE

 DESCRIPTION

 130101

$24.95

Dress Up (Framelit) Die

 131998

$24.95

 Flowering Flourishes – WOOD

 126367

$17.95

 Flowering Flourishes – CLEAR

 128577

$37.95

 Fabulous Phrases – WOOD

 120501

$26.95

 Fabulous Phrases – CLEAR

 126902

$10.95

 Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper

 127003

$24.95

 Apothecary Accents Framelits

 119247

$4.95

 Pearls (Basic) Jewels

 121785

$5.95

 Clear Mount / Guides

Clicking on the item number will link you to my on-line store.

Holiday Gift Tags …

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Do you know what day it is?  Do you know what day it is? It’s Tuesday!   lol

As promised, I was going to show you what else you could do with the “Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit”.  The other day I posted my “pheasant card” with the background paper that looks like birch … today I’m going to show you a cute project that my stampin’ guests made at our Holiday Retreat.

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I began with the gift box… the “Decorative Window Gift Box” that is, found on page 36 of the Holiday catalog.  Then we jazzed it up with a bow created from the “Gift Bow Bigz Die” on page 37.  (My guests also got their room tags and an angel that was created with the Bow die!)

Next we created these 4 simple gift tags.  As you can see, I designed the tags with the “birch paper” and the “Warmth & Wonder” Hostess Stamp Set.  What a cute gift this would be for a co-worker or secret Santa!

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Don’t fret … you can easily get the “Warmth & Wonder” hostess set by inviting over a few friends (we’ll make a couple cards)… or you could do an on-line party with your friends or just order your supplies for your Christmas cards.  Any way you go, with a minimum of $150 you could get this cute stamp set and more – FREE!

I still have a few more projects / cards that I would like to share with you, showcasing the “Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit”, so be sure to check back in.

Thanks for stopping by …. and let me know if you are interested in hosting a holiday stampin’ party!

Have a great Tuesday!

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Here is a list of supplies used for today’s card …

 ITEM

 PRICE

 DESCRIPTION

 131880

Hostess

 Warmth and Wonder – WOOD

 131883

Hostess

 Warmth and Wonder – CLEAR

 133463

$19.95

 Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit

 132146

$4.95

 Decorative Window Gift Box / Contains 6

 129977

$14.95

Gift Bow Bigz Die

 104294

$6.95

 Sticky Strip

Clicking on the item number will link you to my on-line store.  Thank you!

Stampin’ Retreat and treats…

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I am back from our Holiday Retreat and let me say …. it was a blast!  I love spending time (on a more personal level) with my stampin’ friends.  It’s just soooo nice.

Today I’m going to share a some tid-bits from our Holiday Retreat.  It takes quite a bit of time to plan and prepare, but Eileen and I love hosting this event, and treating our attendee’s to a very special weekend.

We were amazed that our retreat sold out in only 36 hours… a testament to the preparations we take to ensure our stampin’ friends have the best stampin’ weekend ever.

Here is the amazing sight they drive up to … the 1930 English Manor that we stay at.

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We decorated the dining room to give our retreat that holiday flair.  Each attendee also gets to take home an angel.

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Here is our stampin’ area that is set up and ready from their first stamp session on Friday night.

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Each night when our guests turn in for the night, the find a “pillow gift” on their beds.  I do this because I want them to experience the excitement I feel on the incentive trips that I earn because of all of you.  Here is their Friday night pillow gift…

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I have so much more to show you, so please stop back tomorrow … I’ll be sharing our card swap and more!

Thanks for stopping by.

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Swap Card Share … and more!

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday (Labor Day) weekend. 

Today I would like to share with you a sampling of what we demonstrators get to see and do.  

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The following samples are either swap cards or they were on one of the many boards that display cards, scrapbook pages and 3-D projects submitted by fellow demonstrators.

 I just thought it would be fun to share these with you… This is from the “Mixed Bunch” Stamp Set found on page 89 and “Loving Thoughts” on page 106 of the Idea Book and Catalog.  The links are for wood mount sets.

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The stamp set used on this card is “Field Flowers”

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Although the punch used on this card is no longer available, I would suggest using the “Delicate Details Lace Tape” on page 71.  It’s easy to use, and because its a tape …. you don’t have to worry about how to adhere it!

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This is my friend and fellow demonstrator Lisa Hirsh, demonstrating the 2-4-6-8 box.

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And one of her many creations … way too cute!

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Just one more photo with a fun grouping of cards …

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I hope you enjoyed today’s post and that it will give you inspiration to create some cards, just like it does for all of us demonstrators.  You know … we are always looking for demonstrators in your area!

I would be proud to call you one of my team.  Think about it … let me know.

Have a great week!

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Oh Hello …

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I was looking through some of my photos and found some really cute projects that I had not shared from the Oh Hello stamp set.

My club members did a card similar to this one last year, but as you know in the stampin’ world, we all share and case ideas.

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I received the stamp set along with all these other goodies at Leadership this past January.  Leadership is training, stampin’ and fun for demonstrators that hold the title Senior Supervisor and above.

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Managers and above were invited for a fun filled night at Universal Studios and the Wizardly World of Harry Potter.  Oh my gosh… was that a blast!  We were the only people there and were totally spoiled.

I have another cute little project that I got a photo of.  This cute little box could so easily be turned into a card or scrapbook page.  How easy … just stamp the words in different colors… nice effect!

WEB-Oh Hello Box

Just a quick post today … hope you enjoyed.

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Hello Sweet Friend Paper Bag

Hello Stampers ~

I would like to do something a little different today.  I would like to share with you a video from the home offices at Stampin’ Up!  So … just click on the link below!

From the Stampin’ Up! Home Office …We are going to show you how to make one of the projects featured in our 2013-2014 annual catalog. You will find this cute bag on page 88, and with the use of our trusty Simply Scored scoring tool you can make a bag just like this with little effort.

Hello Sweet friend Bag video

If you plan on stamping on your bag, you’ll want to do that before you put the bag together. Start with a 6 ½ inch by 11 ½ inch piece of card stock. Score it at ½ inch, 4 ½ inches, 6 inches, and then at 10 inches. Then turn the paper and score at 1 inch and 5 inches.

The next step is to cut off the two small tabs on one side — and then to cut small Vs along all the score lines around the edges of your paper. (The height of the bag can easily be adjusted to suit your packaging needs.) Finally, add some Sticky Strip which will secure your bag together. The extra flaps on the top will help secure your handles.

This bag has been embellished with the Mixed Bunch stamp set and the Six-Sided Sampler stamp set — and a highlight is the flower piece created with the Blossom Punch and topped with a Vintage Faceted Button.

  I hope you enjoyed the video!

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Simply Scored Spring Flowers …

Hello Stampers ~

I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful weather we have finally received!  I see many facebook posts about getting your gardens in, so I thought I would share this pretty bouquet of flowers with you!

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I took this picture at the 2011 Stampin’ Up! National Convention who’s theme that year was “GROW”… so what better way to convey the “grow” message than with flowers!  They are so pretty and they spread cheer to anyone receiving them, and my guess, to the givers too.

They are quite simple to make… just get out your Simply Score Tool (122334) and your favorite Designer Series Papers or cardstock!

Accordion-folded Flower

Directions:

1) Cut card stock or Designer Series paper to 12″ x 3/4″.

2) Score strip every 1/4″ the entire length of the card stock and accordion fold the score lines.

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3) Adhere ends of card stock together (Sticky Strip works best).

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4) Holding the card stock with two hands, twist one edge of the strip into the center as shown to create a flower shape.

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5) To hold the flower together, I use a hot glue gun and my Silicon Craft Sheet (127853) to hold shape in place.  Just add a dot of hot glue directly onto your Silicon sheet and press the center of your flower into it.  It’s soo cool … it just lifts right off and holds your flower firm.

6) Adhere a punched circle to the flower center on one or both sides.

Tip:Experiment with different sizes and score intervals to create the desired shape of your flower.

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Have fun … and feel free to send me photos of your creations!  I would love to see them.

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Hand Stamped Writing Tablet

Hello Stampers ~

Today I am sharing with you a project that my attendee’s made at my annual Spring Retreat.  You will need: Cardstock, Paper Cutter, Simply Score (or use your score blade on your cutter) Fav Stamp Set, Designer Paper and border punch to embellish and Sticky Strip to hold it all together.  Now you can create this cute project…  great for teachers, friends, and more.

paper & pen

You’ll begin with an 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock (we used Island Indigo).  Trim 1/4″ off the 8-1/2″ side, bringing it down to 8-1/4″ x 11.  Score at 5-1/5″ then 5-3/4″.

Simply Score                           Flowering Flourishes

Simply Score 122334                                                  Flowering Flourishes

To design the front we stamped the top with the “Flowering Flourishes” stamp set.  Then we used “Comfort Cafe” Designer Series Paper … embellished using Pool Party cardstock and the “Scallop Trim Border Punch”.

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To create the pocket, start with a 5 x 4-1/4″ piece of cardstock (Pool Party).  With your Simply Score, you will score 1/4″ then at 1/2″ on 3 sides.  Trim out the corners where the score lines over lap.  Then fold cardstock at the score lines to create a pocket.  You will “sticky strip” the outer most scored fold.

You will use your sticky strip to adhere your tablet to your project as well.  Don’t forget to add a strip of Designer Series Paper into your pen so you have a matching set.

I’d love to hear who you will be creating this cute project for.

Have fun and Happy Stampin’

Linda