Archives for March 2011

Today is the last day of Saleabration, so be sure to get your order in to me by 9:00 PM tonight(March 31st) to earn those last minute, FREE goodies!

Whether it is a sewing project or sewing images, the sewing trend is hot right now. This card was made using our Sew Suite set from the current mini catalog. Hostesses may choose this card as a make and take project for their April workshops! We have so many fun products with a sewing theme. In addition to the Sew Suite set, I used the Button Button and Pattern Pieces sets for this card. Just simple stamping and cutting out, but I love how this came together!

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Sew Suite, Button Button and Pattern Pieces

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight and Wild Wasabi Classic Inks

Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Marina Mist card stock

Fun Stuff: Daffodil Delight Satin ribbon, hemp cord

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This is different color version of a card we did for Stamp a Stack. Love this set, nuff said.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Bliss

Ink: So Saffron and Basic Gray Classic Ink

Paper: So Saffron, Basic Gray, Very Vanilla card stock and Newsprint DSP

Fun Stuff: Tulip Border embossing folder, Decorative Label punch, Basic Pearls

Here is a quick tutorial on how to make  a second layer for your punched image using the same punch.

Start by punching a second piece in a contrasting color. Trim the end pieces while trying to maintain the curve of the rest of the piece.

After trimming both ends, cut the remaining piece in half

I like to use a sparse amount of Tombow Multi glue to attach these pieces.

Adhere the pieces to the back of the stamped layer as shown. You will end up with a shadow effect rather than a full mat. I really like the look and it is a great way to make your punches do double duty.

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Here is another card using the Punch Bunch Saleabration set. Very quick and easy. This color combination is so bright and vibrant! I used the In Color Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Punch Bunch

Ink: Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise Stampin’ Write Markers

Paper: Whisper White, Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise card stock, Poppy Parade DSP (Hostess pad level 1)

Fun Stuff: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Big Shot Machine, 1 3/4 Scallop Circle punch, 2 3/8 Scallop Circle punch, Temping Turquoise grosgrain ribbon 

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The calendar proclaims that spring is here during some of the most unlikely weather.  We don’t need to watch the calendar at our house, as we have our own personal harbingers of spring who come and sit on our back fence and sing a sweet song that lets us know spring is here. They are a lovely bluebird pair who begin their nesting ritual in our back yard, and usually arrive about the same time that Grandpa’s daffodils begin blooming. Spring is official for us when someone yells, ” The bluebirds are back!”  and we all run to the window for a look.

I was thinking of this and realized that these are the type of lovely memories that I want to preserve for my daughters in the scrapbooks that I am making .  More than the birthday parties, family vacations and reunions; I want to share the moments and traditions that help define who we are.  I am a little saddened when I realize that I don’t have a photo of the profusion of daffodils that used to surround my parents house every spring, or either of my daughters giving me that first handful of these prized possessions that would adorn our home for a few short days. No one in our family can look at a daffodil without a myriad of memories flooding the moment. Not only the memories of the blooms themselves; but the quiet times spent beside my father weeding in the garden, or his feigned complaints as he watched the neighborhood children toting his blooms home to give to their mothers.

For my youngest daughter who only knows her grandfather through photos, the stories of his daffodils and the flowers themselves are a symbol of who he was and where she came from. It is important for me to share more than just  photos of him with her. There are many stories about my parents for which there are no photos. Through my stamped artwork and journaling, I can design a page that will still impart a clear picture in her mind. Scrapbooking actually began before there were photos. People just assembled their memorabilia, letters and journaling in memory books. We have taken this tradition from simply preserving memorabilia and photos, to creating works of art that can serve as a biography of a loved one.

Stamping is the perfect medium for this hobby; whether you are creating a memory book, or a framed piece that tells a story of an individual or event. Different colors and techniques can be used to change the tone and texture of the piece.  The images you choose and all of the combined elements of the page work together to help tell the story. These elements can depict time, mood, style and much more.  Don’t despair if you don’t have the perfect photo for a page, your design and journaling can tell the rest of the story. As you improve your scrapbooking skills, you may want to keep a camera always loaded and close at hand so that you can catch a few photos that tell who your loved ones are. Those  little things that show their personality.

Whether a scrapbook page or a card designed especially for a friend, the finished product is only a part of the stamping experience. We gain as much from the creative process that goes into our stamped pieces as the people who receive these gifts. I recently read a quote that summed up what stamping is to me. “Stamping is the continual learning experience, a stretching of the imagination, an expression of self and nourishment of the soul” (unknown).  I am off to nourish my soul. I hope you get to stamp today, as well.

Sweet Summer is definitely what this card evokes. I  get a happy feeling just looking at it! I love the color combo and I love this set paired with this precious design from the Springtime Vintage DSP in the Occasions Mini Catalog. Only 4 more days to Saleabrate though, so get in on this sweet deal while you still can. Earn this set free with a $50 purchase through Thursday, March 31st.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Sweet Summer and Just Believe

Ink: Black StazOn, Not Quite Navy and Always Artichoke Classic Ink

Paper: Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla card stock and Springtime Vintage DSP

Fun Stuff: Always Artichoke seam binding and Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch

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OK, there is a tie for my favorite Saleabration set this year. I love this set, too. This is the Bliss set and the images are beautiful with a vintage flair. Love it!

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Bliss Saleabration set
Ink: Whisper White Craft ink, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso Classic inks
Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso and Crumb Cake card stock
Fun Stuff: Decorative Label punch, Crumb Cake seam binding, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Basic pearls

Click here to view or order Stampin’ Up! products 24/7