Stampin Siblings

Punched Hearts Valentine Card

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Crazy?! Perhaps!! Yes, this card includes 30 embossed and punched hearts. We first textured six pieces of cardstock in Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, and Pretty In Pink using the Snow Burst embossing folder for the Big Shot. The hearts were punched out using the small heart punch and then raised using Stampin' Dimensionals on a 4" square of Chocolate Chip layered on a Crumb Cake card. The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set, punched out with the Word Window, and then layered on a Modern Label, and finished off with a couple of small rhinestones.

Sweet Cake Birthday Card

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

In addition to Sale-a-Bration, we also have our latest mini catalog that just started this month, which includes lots of great NEW products including the Sweet Cake stamp set and Framelits Labels Collection layering dies. The Pool Party colored background was textured using the Stripes embossing folder, which is one of the FREE Sale-a-Bration items with a $50 purchase!

Sale-a-Brate with FREE Stampin' Up! Products

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, Stampin' Up!'s annual Sale-a-Bration event! Choose a FREE Sale-a-Bration product for every $50 you spend! This card was made using one of the exclusive SAB stamp sets, Elementary Elegance. The frame was done with pewter embossing powder, which is still available as a Holiday 2011 mini catalog carryover item. The frame was punched out with the curly label punch, and the card base was textured with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder for the Big Shot. Hostesses also receive special treatment during Sale-a-Bration, and new demonstrators can join for only $125, which is a $50 savings off the normal starter kit price, and they also receive a FREE paper pack or digital download every month for the rest of the year!

Halloween Cauldron

2011-10-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Baskets and Blooms(although retired) die cut from Basic Black cardstock makes a great cauldron. The Spooky Bingo Bits images are perfect for punching out and attaching to chocolate kisses.

BOO!

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

This was one of the cards that we did this month for Big Shot Club. The idea was CASE'd from a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. The O's of the boo are formed using the peekaboo frames. The decorative scallop that the spider image is layered on is from the Perfect Pennants die. Speaking of the cute spider, it's from the Kidoodles set. The Pumpkin Pie piece was embossed with the stripes folder.

Sweet Pressed Stamped Cookies

2011-10-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's correct, Stampin' Up! has entered the market of creating stamps for cookies! How cool is that! The Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp comes with a sturdy wood handle and three holiday stamps - the pumpkin face on the cookies here, a snowflake, and a heart. We have some advice though, after trying a couple of different recipes first, FOLLOW THE RECIPES that are included with the product! There are two recipes, one for sugar cookies (shown here) and one for shortbread. We served the cookies for our Big Shot Club last week, and everyone enjoyed them! The Sweet Pressed cookie stamp is only available for a limited time, so be sure to get one before they're gone!

Halloween Box

2011-10-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

We've seen some of these done by various demonstrators, as well as at Convention this past summer, so we thought it would make a great Halloween treat container. This uses the Box #2 Big Shot die and then it's wrapped with a 2 1/2" x 11" strip of cardstock. The adorable owl is from the Holiday mini hostess set, which coordinates with the owl punch! The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Happy World Card Making Day!!!

2011-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

We'll be celebrating World Card Making Day with a class on Sunday, October 2nd using the Easy Events stamp set. Here are the cards that the participants will be making:

This was one of the sample cards that we received in our "Workshop in a Bag" from Stampin' Up! Convention. Supplies: 2 1/2" circle punch, Heart to Heart punch, white baker's twine, ticket corner punch, blender pen, 1 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon, jet black Staz-on, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write marker, Wild Wasabi classic ink pad, Crumb Cake classic ink pad

Supplies: Scallop Squares Duo Big Shot die, Word Window punch, 3/8" ruffled ribbon, basic rhinestones jewels, blender pen, jet black Staz-on, Wisteria Wonder classic ink pad, Calypso Coral classic ink pad

This one was also part of the "Workshop in a Bag" we received at Convention. Supplies: notecards & envelopes, 1/2" scallop dots ribbon, 2 1/2" circle punch, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, two-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter, blender pen, basic rhinestones jewels, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, jet black Staz-on, Pool Party classic ink pad, Peach Parfait classic ink pad, Pear Pizzazz classic ink pad, Daffodil Delight classic ink pad, Melon Mambo classic ink pad

Supplies: 2 1/2" circle punch, non-SU embossing folder, 1/2" seam binding, sticky strip, blender pen, Always Artichoke classic ink pad, Cherry Cobbler classic ink pad

Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Full Heart punch, Movers & Shapers heart punch window, non SU embossing folder, Soft Suede classic ink pad

1 3/4" Circle punch, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, blender pen, jet black Staz-on, Peach Parfait classic ink pad, Old Olive classic ink pad, Riding Hood Red classic ink pad, So Saffron classic ink pad, Patterns In Color 2010-12 DSP paper stack

Woodgrain background stamp, 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Scallop Trim Border punch, Small Oval punch, Decorative Label punch, 2 1/2" Circle punch, blender pen, jet black Staz-on, Bravo Burgundy classic ink pad, Old Olive classic ink pad, More Mustard classic ink pad

Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Extra-large Oval punch, Word Window punch, 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, jet black Staz-on, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write marker, Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write marker, Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write marker, Bashful Blue Stampin' Write marker, Designer Frames embossing folder

Peekaboo Frames Halloween Card

2011-09-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Holiday mini catalog is full of great products, including the Peekaboo frames Big Shot die and the Hand Penned Holidays stamp set. The Well Worn Designer Series Paper was used for the background and the images are from the Spooky Bingo Bits set.

Uncharted Territory

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Uncharted Territory set lends itself to creating masculine cards. The stripes embossing folder was used for the card front. The coordinating outside and inside sentiments are from the Petite Pairs set. The card was finished off with some Early Espresso baker's twine.

Clean Vintage Birthday

2011-09-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

This birthday card was CASE'd from a fellow demonstrator (sorry we can't recall the name). We thought the style was clean and beautiful. Since we struggle with vintage style, when we find something that appeals to us, we typically copy it. Lots of tools were used to create this card - the dotted scallop ribbon, bird, and boho blossoms punches, along with the vintage wallpaper embossing folder for the Big Shot. The sentiment is from the Perfectly Penned set and the images are from the Language of Friendship set. The Victoria crochet trim creates a nice finish.

Halloween Hybrid Card

2011-09-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

This card combines elements from Stampin' Up's digital crafting program, My Digital Studio, with traditional stamping. The pumpkin image and greeting on the front, as well as the inside sentiment are both printed using My Digital Studio. The cat image is from the Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set. The card fits into a #10 envelope.

Halloween Treats

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

These Halloween treats feature the new 1" x 8" cellophane bags from the Holiday mini catalog. We also used the new Peekaboo Frames Sizzix die for the topper! The stamped images are from the Spooky Bingo Bits set. The candy is Gobstoppers mini jawbreakers.

Dual Purpose Card with French Foliage

2011-09-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

We were so pleased to learn that the French Foliage set was carried into the main Idea Book & Catalog after making it's debut in last year's Holiday mini catalog! These cards feature the beautiful fall images along with sentiments from the Perfectly Penned and Curvy Verses sets on page 154 of the main catalog. Although it's hard to see in the photo, the Perfect Plum panel has score lines as accents around the edges, done using the NEW Simply Scored tool!

Gently Falling Scrapbook Pages

2011-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a page spread that will be part of our upcoming Holiday Scrapbook class. There are several products from the Holiday mini catalog that have been used. The leaf images are from the Gently Falling set, the words are from the Always Thankful set, the patterned paper is from the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper collection, and the tree is an A la Carte stamp from page 43 (Leaves of a Tree). The rectangle on the bottom right was embossed with a folder.

Center Step Card

2011-09-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Although this hostess stamp set is no longer available, the card design can be adapted to any set. The tutorial was found online (THANK YOU to the many creative individuals willing to share their ideas and instructions freely) and adjusted a little in order to make it fit in a standard A2 envelope. The sentiments are from the NEW Perfect Pairs stamp set, which includes both outside and inside card greetings that can be used together for a variety of occasions - LOVE IT!!

Delightful Dozen Birthday Card

2011-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card features the Happy Birthday stamp from the Delightful Dozen set, which features a variety of stamps for occasions throughout the year. The Tasteful Trim die was used for the three accents on the left and the base panel was embossed with the square lattice folder.

World Card Making Day Class - Saturday, 10/2/11

2011-09-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

World Card Making Day is October 1st! It’s a holiday especially for card makers around the world to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family. It also serves to officially kick-off (and get a head start on) the holiday card-making season! It is typically celebrated on the first Saturday of each October.

You’re invited to celebrate with us! Here are the details for our World Card Making Day class:

Date: Sunday, October 2, 2011
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Scot’s House
Cost: $30 w/clear-mount set OR $38 w/wood-mount set
Price includes the Easy Events stamp set (images shown below from page 57 of the 2011-12 Stampin’ Up! Idea Book & Catalog). We will be making 8 cards, 1 for each occasion, and envelopes are included.
R.S.V.P. by Friday, 9/23 to smjlstrehlow@cox.net to reserve your spot!

We hope you can join us for this creative event!

Turtle & Co Card Workshop Fun!

2011-09-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo taken at our Turtle & Co. card class that was held on 9/1. Everyone had a great time stamping their adorable cards and coordinating card portfolio. We are so grateful for all of our stamping friends!!!

Turtle & Co. Card Kit

2011-08-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Together, WE can make a difference! Through Stampin’ Up!’s Making a Difference program, time and money is donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC©), in part through the design and sale of an exclusive stamp set. With the help of demonstrators and customers, Stampin’ Up! has donated over $1,000,000 to RMHC to date! The stamp set this year is called Turtle & Co. (page 16), and $3 from the sale of each set is donated to the RMHC. We wanted to do our part to help out this great charity, so we are having our first ever Ronald McDonald stamp set card kit class! By attending the class, you will receive the stamp set (your choice of clear or wood mount) and make a card folder with 4 cards and envelopes (photos below). In turn, you’ll be donating $3 to RMHC! Here are the details for the class:

Date: Thursday, September 1^st

Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Scot’s House

Cost: $20 for clear mount OR $25 for wood mount

RSVP by Wednesday, 8/24

We hope you'll join us! Or, if you can't attend the class, a $3 contribution is still made for each stamp set sold, so consider helping the RMHC through your purchase! Thank you!

Catalog CASE Card

2011-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who aren't sure what CASE stands for, it means "copy and share everything". Although this card isn't our style, we had a request from one of our monthly club members to do this card. It was actually fun to challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone. The ruffle across the bottom is done by just putting down sticky strip and then randomly folding and sticking a 1" strip of DSP to it. The butterflies were all cut out using the Beautiful Wings embosslit and the Beautiful Butterflies die, both for the Big Shot. The distressed background was created using the direct-to-paper technique (brushing the Crumb Cake ink pad on to the Very Vanilla cardstock). The sentiment is from the You're a Gem set.

More Flower Fest

2011-08-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple card using the Flower Fest set. Our favorite part is that just about every stamp in the set (except the leaves) matches a punch!!! That's how EVERY set should be!!! The centers of the flowers were embellished with basic rhinestones, and Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon was used to decorate the bottom. The colors are Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla.

New Big Shot Designer Frames Embossing Folders!

2011-08-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't that a cool rectangular frame to show off the stamped images from the Easy Events set?! It's one of the new Designer Frames embossing folders! This is one of the cards that our Big Shot Club members will be doing at this month's workshop! The Designer Frames are sold in a set of two - the other is an oval shape. The patterned paper is from the Flirtatious Specialty collection.

Lucky Limeade Elegance

2011-08-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's another card that we made in our hotel room during the annual Stampin' Up! Convention last month. I believe it was CASE'd, so if it was your design or you know who the designer was, please comment. It features the Fun Flowers die and the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, both for the Big Shot. The stamped butterfly image is from the Strength & Hope set, which will only be available through the end of August in the Summer mini catalog. The sentiment is from the Curly Cute set.

Buy 3, GET 1 FREE Designer Series Paper Packs!

2011-08-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Our new promotion starts today! When you purchase 3 packs of Designer Series Paper, you GET ONE FREE!!! This promotion only lasts through the month of August, so you can take advantage of lowering the average cost of the NEW Designer Series Paper Packs ($10.95 SAVINGS!).

Kidoodles Birthday Wishes

2011-08-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

We loved this Kidoodles stamp set from the new catalog! We plan on doing a whole card class with the set, so keep an eye out for that in the near future! This was one of the cards that we made with our group of friends while we were attending Convention last month. It features two of the new In Colors, Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party, as well as the new In Color 3/8" ruffled ribbon!

Touch of Kindness

2011-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card features the Touch of Kindness set from the Summer mini catalog along with a couple of the latest products from the new Idea Book & Catalog. The Wild Wasabi card base was embossed using the stripes folder for the Big Shot, and the background paper is from the Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper pack. The images were colored using classic ink pads with blender pens.

Showered with Friendship and Gifts at Stampin' Up! Convention 2011!

2011-07-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

Kevin made us CREATE banners!

Patty made us treat packages!

Kevin made a Snoopy card each day for Scot!

Jason gave us a gift on each of the four days of Convention!

(photo L to R: Jason, Scot, Patty, Kevin, Kira, Dennis)

This is a card that we made in our hotel room with an exclusive stamp that was available with the Convention theme! We loved the saying, "Don't go through life, grow through life." - Eric Butterworth

We'll most likely be sharing other pictures from our wonderful Convention 2011 experience!

Summer Mini Album

2011-07-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

While we were in Salt Lake City in early July for the 2011 Stampin' Up! Convention, we had the priveledge of attending a mini album class, designed by our great friend and fellow demonstrator, Wendy Knowles. We used the Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin' Kit. We're hosting a class on Sunday, 8/6. Please e-mail if you're interested in attending the class or purchasing a kit.

Introducing the 2011-12 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog!

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

We happily welcome back the Bring on the Cake stamp set to the 2011-12 IB&C! It was featured in the Occasions mini catalog earlier in the year, and it was a customer favorite, so we are glad that it is once again available for all of you who didn't have the opportunity to get it! This is a telescope card that was inspired by an idea from fellow demonstrator Dawn Olchefske. The card is made from a variety of circle die cuts from the Big Shot, as well as different punches, including Build-a-Cupcake. We hope you are as thrilled with the new products as we are! If you would like to request a catalog or have any questions, please e-mail us at smjlstrehlow@cox.net

Flower Fest Birthday Card

2011-06-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple card using one of the images from the Flower Fest set. Most of the images coordinate with one of the punches. The Happy Birthday sentiment is from the Messages for Mom set.

Tri-fold Birthday Card

2011-05-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

The butterfly image used on this card is from the Strength & Hope stamp set, which is in the Summer mini catalog. Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from the sale of every one of these sets to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org The front and inside sentiments are unfortunately from a retired set, Bring on the Cake, from the Occasions mini catalog. The Designer Series Paper is from the Elegant Soiree collection.

Big Dreams Scrapbook Pages

2011-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, we did one of these pages for Big Shot Club and then Kira completed a matching layout. The stamped images are from the Word Play set, which is 30% off through the end of May as part of the National Scrapbooking Month promotion! The background was done using the Whimsy jumbo Stampin' Around wheel. The Flower Folds Big Shot die was used for the floral embellishments.

Grunge Rock Father's Day Card

2011-05-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

This card features the Grunge Rock stamp set, that is currently part of the awesome National Scrapbooking Month Promotion, which means that it is 30% off through the end of May! The Happy Father's Day greeting comes from a retired Occasions mini catalog hostess Level 2 set, but any sentiment could be substituted. The distressing was done using the direct-to-paper technique, brushing the full surface of the ink pad across the cardstock. The corners of the Very Vanilla cardstock were decorated using the scallop trim corner punch.

Scallop Square Card

2011-05-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

This was one of the cards we did in April's Big Shot Club. We used the Bigz clear scallop square die for the Big Shot to create the inside folded card. We used the Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper and perfectly coordinated Cottage Garden stamp set. And, of course the color combination provided by the paper couldn't be more bright and cheerful for this time of year!

Top Note Puppy Basket

2011-05-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is copied from a design by Fran Sabad - we thought it was a very cute and unique use of the Top Note die, so we did this project for Big Shot Club this month. We made ours into a basket by using the Fancy Favor Box for the inside and adding a handle. All of the pieces making up the puppy's face are from punches!

A Sense of Time Graduation Card

2011-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

We have admired the Sense of Time stamp set ever since it premiered in one of the mini catalogs over a year ago, and we finally gave in and got it. It lends itself to inspirational graduation wishes. This is an easel card using the Bigz clear scallop square die for the big shot. The color spritzer tool was also used to spray random color over the clock on to the front of the card. The Happy Graduation sentiment is from our favorite Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Awash With Flowers Birthday Card

2011-05-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

This simple and elegant birthday card features the Awash With Flower two-step stamp set, along with sentiments from the Curly Cute and Full of Life sets.

Scalloped Heart Embosslit Strawberries

2011-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

The strawberries for this card were made using the Scalloped Heart of Hearts embosslit die for the Big Shot. It's one of the cards that we did in our Big Shot Club this month. What a great use for the die besides love-themed cards and projects. The leaves on top were done using the 5-petal flower punch and the stem was done using the branch from the two-step bird punch. We got the inspiration for this card from one that was posted on Mary Fish's website. The sentiment is from the Fresh Cuts set.

New Summer Mini Catalog Products

2011-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card introduces two new products from the Summer mini catalog - the Doily Triple Layer Punch and the Touch of Kindness stamp set. The triple layer punches provide you with so many possibilities!

Antibacterial Gel Holders

2011-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

What a great inexpensive gift these make! This is one of the projects that we'll be doing for our May workshops. We used the new Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper from the Summer mini catalog, which provides a beautiful color combination. These are quick and simple to make, and we picked up the antibacterial gel at Bath & Body Works for $1 each. The thank you stamp is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Cut an 8 ½” x 11” piece of cardstock down to 8” x 11” , which will make 4 holders. If you only want to make one, cut a 2” x 11” strip.
Score at the following measurements along the 11” side: ½”, 1 ½”, 4”, 5”, 8 ½”, and 9 ½”
Cut on the 8” side into 2” strips (if making 4 at a time).
Punch 1” circle between ½” and 1 ½” measurements.
Attach ½” section to back of holder with sticky strip.
Decorate with patterned paper and stamps as desired.

Belated Mothers Day Wishes

2011-05-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

We had hoped to wish all of the Mothers who visit our blog a very Happy Mother's Day, but it passed by so quickly, so late is better than never! Here are a variety of cards/gifts that were done for the occasion. Kira did the first and last cards shown here, Scot did the second card and the beer flower bouquet. The funny story behind the beer flower bouquet is that we were going to a Mother's Day celebration at our brother and sister-in-law's home, and our sister-in-law enjoys her beer, so why not disguise a six-pack of beer as a beautiful flower bouquet, huh? Kira used the new triple blossom punch on the first card - it's from the Summer mini catalog and it's so very cool! In the interest of getting this posted, we won't list all of the supplies used, but please post a comment if you have any questions. We hope all of the Mothers had an enjoyable Mother's Day!

Strength & Hope to Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card (another one from last Sunday's workshop) features the NEW Strength & Hope set. The awesome thing about this stamp set, is that Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from the sale of each one to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (for more information, visit their website at http://www.bcrfcure.org/)! The set includes four images. There is also a digital kit that includes the 4-piece stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Papers, and 10 embellishment pieces. You can purchase digital content on our Stampin' Up website at http://www.stampinsiblings.stampinup.net/

Touch of Kindness

2011-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here is another project we did at this past Sunday's workshop, which featured products from the NEW Summer mini catalog. This card was made using the Touch of Kindness set. It's a simple card that is sure to bring a smile!

Bloom with NEW Flower Fest Set

2011-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is the scrapbook page we did at our workshop this past Sunday. The new Flower Fest set out of the Summer mini catalog includes several images that can be punched out - the one used on this page was stamped with VersaMark on multiple coordinating colors of cardstock and then punched out with the 2 3/8" scallop circle. The strip of patterned paper on the bottom is the Presto Patterns specialty DSP sponged with Rich Razzleberry ink. The scalloped Wild Wasabi strip was cut using the Tasteful Trim die for the Big Shot. The "BLOOM" letters are from the Jayne's Type Alphabet set. We hope you have the opportunity to celebrate National Scrapbooking month during May!

Mother's Day Tulips

2011-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card was actually CASE'd directly from another demonstrator, but we apologize that we can't recall who it was. The tulips were made using the wings from the bird punch, and the tulip leaves were made from the bird's body. The background scallop was cut with the scallop #2 die for the big shot and the layered circle was cut with the 3" circle die. The outside greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and the inside sentiment is from the Bring on the Cake set. The white dots around the scallops were done using the white uni-ball Signo gel pen.

Introducing the NEW Postage Stamp Punch!

2011-05-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

The images on this card are from the Baby Bundle set, which were punched out with the NEW postage stamp punch from the summer mini catalog, and layered on a 1 3/8" square. The background was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot folder using the Big Shot. So Saffron and Pear Pizzazz coordinate perfectly to create a baby card that can be used for welcoming a girl or boy!

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month with a FABULOUS PROMOTION!

2011-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, where have you been?!?! HA!! Sorry, we have one thing to say...computers are wonderful when they work, but when they don't, well that's another story! We are THRILLED to announce Stampin' Up!'s National Scrapbook Month Promotion! There are a variety of stamp sets and digital content being offered at 30% OFF! Here are the stamp sets:

Animal Stories, pg. 94
$11.17

Party Hearty, pg. 54

$18.87

Printed Petals, pg. 106
$13.97 wood, $10.47 clear

Simple Friendship, pg. 108
$18.17

Grunge Rock, pg. 87
$14.67 wood, $11.17 clear

Word Play, pg. 147
$29.37 wood, $20.27 clear

Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Lower, pg. 162
$22.37 wood, $16.77 clear

Today is also the start of the NEW Summer 2011 mini catalog! You can check it out by clicking on the Summer mini catalog link on the right-hand side of the blog. We have a Summer mini preview workshop today, so we'll be sharing projects from that over the next few days. Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks for Caring Card

2011-04-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of the cards that we did this week for April's Big Shot Club. It features the use of the scallop rectangle clearlits die, which is kind of lost in the catalog on page 211. The very cool thing about the clearlit die is that you can stamp your image and then see through the die to cut perfectly around it. Our club members enjoyed seeing the benefit of this die. The image and sentiment are from the Thanks for Caring set in the Occasions mini catalog, which ends on April 30th.

Petal Cone Pouch for Mom

2011-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of the projects we did at last night at April's Big Shot Club. It's a heart-shaped pouch using the Petal Cone die. The stamped images come from the Messages for Mom set. We used the Beautiful Wings embosslit for the butterfly embellishments, which are decorated with some of the basic pearls jewels. The project was completed with a coordinating 3" x 3" card. The back of the petal cone pouch is Poppy Parade cardstock and the matching Poppy Parade polka-dot patterned paper comes from the Patterns DSP Stack.

Our Scrapbook Project - Cover Page

2011-04-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

And, finally, this will be the front page in the album. We hope you enjoyed seeing the pages. We were going to take the time to do more, but someone suggested that we send her all of the materials that are left over since she enjoys scrapbooking, and it will be part of the gift. That way she can take part in creating the book too. We got together yesterday and worked on our Big Shot Club projects for the month, so those will be posted soon!

Our Scrapbook Project - Seventh Set

2011-04-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Scrapbook Project - Sixth Set

2011-04-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Scrapbook Project - Fifth Set

2011-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Scrapbook Project - Fourth Set

2011-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Scrapbook Project - Third Set

2011-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Scrapbook Project - Second Set

2011-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Scrapbook Project

2011-04-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

You may recall that one of our beautiful nieces, April, and her wonderful husband, Justin, were expecting a baby back in January. Aubrey Mae arrived on January 21st weighing in at 10 lbs. 1 oz. - YIKES! Well, we have decided to work on some scrapbook pages to put in an album for them as a gift (hopefully she doesn't visit our blog or the surprise will be spoiled). We decided to use Stampin' Up!s perfectly coordinated Nursery Suite Designer Series Paper and Quick Accents & Elements. It takes the guesswork out of determining a color scheme and overall theme. It also allows us to use our own style without taking us too far off track. Over the next several days we will be sharing our pages here. You'll see that we've also incorporated a lot of other things like Big Shot die cuts, stamping, embellishments, etc. If you have specific questions about anything, please post a comment or send us an e-mail. Our apologies about the quality of the photos, but otherwise they may never get posted (smile!).

Birthday Wishes for Jagger

2011-04-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Scot's son, Jagger, celebrated his 17th birthday this past Monday, 3/28, and this was the card that Kira made for him. The stamped images are from two of the exclusive Sale-a-Bration sets, that unfortunately are no longer available. The Real Red background was embossed using a folder for the Big Shot. Very simple and lots of fun!

Petal Cone Meets Fun Flowers

2011-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, the possibilities for the Petal Cone die are endless! It's every day that we see new and great ideas for this die from our fellow demonstrators and customers! This photo shows one of our Big Shot Club projects from February. The Old Olive petal cone base was stamped using the Stampin' Around Builder Wheels from the Occasions mini catalog - Delight in Gladness, Butterfly Bliss, and Pleasing Polka Dots (what a mouthful). If you're not familiar with the Builder Wheels, you should check them out since they can be tailored to suit your taste and project requirements. They can only be used in the jumbo handle and require the inexpensive spindle and spacers. The cool thing is that you can use just one, two or three of the builder wheels and mix and match as you choose! The petal cone is decorated with flowers from the Fun Flowers Big Shot Bigz die. A piece of 5/8" grosgrain ribbon is threaded across for the hanger. Wouldn't this make a great spring surprise filled with chocolate for your favorite people?! We say YES!

Happy Spring! Our Spring is Blossoming promotion starts today and runs through the month of April! What is it? Well, click on the link to the right to see the 2011-12 Idea Book & Catalog sneak peek stamp set and designer series paper available for purchase when you place a minimum $20 order OR RECEIVE BOTH FREE when you host a $350 workshop! After April, these two items will not be available until July - be the first to get them!

Just Believe Card Case

2011-03-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

This was a group effort project that we did when our great friends Kevin & Patty came to visit a couple of weeks ago from Nebraska! It was a replica of one that we've done in the past. This case holds 8 cards and envelopes. It features the Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper along with the Just Believe stamp set. The clear plastic card holder was cut in half with one half attached on either side of the case, they can be purchased at http://www.clearbags.com/

Petal Cone Pouch

2011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Petal Cone die for the Big Shot is very versatile. This is a simple pouch that can be used for a simple treat or gift. The die even cuts out the banner that's across the front. The sentiment is from the Live, Laugh, Love set, which can be chosen for FREE with a $50 order during the final days of Sale-a-Bration, which ends on March 31st. The pouch is decorated with paper from the Elegant Soiree collection.

You're a Gem

2011-03-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for this design came from Mary Fish's blog. The owl and true friend images come from the Punch Bunch Sale-a-Bration exclusive set. The "You're a Gem" sentiment is from the set of the same name from the Occasions mini catalog. The Basic Gray glimmer brads finish off the card.

Early Easter Greetings

2011-03-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

With Easter right around the corner, this set is ideal for creating beautiful greetings for family and friends! The images and sentiment are from the Easter Blossoms set from the Occasions mini catalog. The Wild Wasabi background was embossed using the Big Shot Perfect Polka Dots folder. The floral patterned strip of Melon Mambo DSP comes from the Ice Cream Parlor DSP pack that's available for FREE as a Sale-a-Bration selection through March 31st.

Another FREE Sale-a-Bration Stamp!

2011-03-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Did we happen to mention that time is running out to get FREE STAMPS during Stampin' Up!'s annual Sale-a-Bration event! Here's another card using one of the FREE stamps available through Sale-a-Bration. This one features the a la carte stamp Tiny Teacup ($5.95 value, or FREE with your $50 order through March 31st!). The image is layered on one of the scallop squares from the scallop squares duo Sizzix Bigz die. We chose to separate the "hello" from the teacup image during the mounting process, so the word is on the edge and the image on the main side of the wood block - keep that option in mind when assembling your wood mounted stamps. The striped paper is from the level 1 hostess DSP pack. The card is completed with some 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon in perfectly coordinated Poppy Parade.

Sale-a-Bration Ends Soon!

2011-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Stampin' Up! annual Sale-a-Bration event will be ending soon on March 31st! Today's mini easel card, which was CASE'd from Bronwyn Eastley at addINKtivedesigns via Nancy Riley's blog, features one of the FREE stamps included in the huge Sale-a-Bration selection. The main butterfly image was decorated with the Fine Flourish stamp ($9.95 value, but FREE with your $50 order). The butterflies were all cut using Stampin' Up! exclusive Big Shot dies - Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die for the main and middle butterflies and the Beautiful Wings embosslit die for the front one. The "for you" sentiment is from the Fresh Cuts set. Basic pearl jewels and 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta ribbon complete the project.

Queen for a Day

2011-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card is another version of yesterday's post. This one uses the Love Letter DSP along with the Artistic Etchings, You're a Gem, and Bring on the Cake stamp sets. The crown is embellished with some basic rhinestone jewels.

Birthday Greetings

2011-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

This fun design showcases some of the level 1 Hostess In Color Designer Series Paper. The idea for the offset layered 2 3/8" scallops comes from a design by Linda Callahan that was posted on Mary Fish's blog. The two different colors on the "Wish Big" sentiment, which is from the Word Play set, were applied using Stampin' Write markers.

Sending Springtime Smiles

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

The image and outside sentiment featured on this card are from the Easter Blossoms set in the Occasions mini catalog. The Easter Wishes stamped inside comes from the Hostess level 2 set Something to Celebrate, also in the Occasions mini catalog. It doesn't show well in the photo, but the flower blossoms were highlighted with the white uni-ball Signo gel pen.

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punched Frame

2011-03-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card features a frame made using the dotted scallop ribbon punch. The idea came from Dawn Olchefske's blog. The cool thing is that you can use any of the border punches to create a great frame! The image is from the Bring on the Cake set in the Occasions mini catalog.

Fun Flowers Card

2011-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card was one of our March Big Shot club projects. We textured the Fun Flowers die cuts with one of the designs from the Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates. The Pumpkin Pie background was also textured using the friend definition from the Kit #4 Texturz Plates, and then we used the direct to paper technique with a VersaMark pad to bring out the texture. The flowers were accented with coordinating brights designer buttons and some 1 1/4" Old Olive striped grosgrain behind. The sentiment is from the Curly Cute set.

Thanks from a Friend

2011-03-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

This was a thank you card received from Patty, one of our best friends who was visiting us last weekend from Nebraska. The bright color combination she used is so cheerful! The Old Olive background was embossed with the square lattice folder. The sentiment is from the Word Play set, and the star image is from the FREE Sale-a-Bration set So Happy for You. It is finished off with some 1 1/4" Daffodil Delight striped grosgrain ribbon and a designer button.

Sweet Summer Birthday

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card was CASE'd from Dawn Olchefske and features the Sale-a-Bration set Sweet Summer. The "birthday wishes" greeting comes from the So Happy for You Sale-a-Bration set. The crumb cake piece was embossed using the Perfect Polka Dots folder and the scalloped square comes from the scallop squares duo die. Our annual Sale-a-Bration event ends soon, so don't delay in placing your qualifying $50 order to get FREE STAMP SETS, like these two!

Silhouette Sentiments

2011-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

This card was CASE'd from Mary Fish over at Stampin' Pretty. Our version uses the Hostess level 1 set Silhouette Sentiments. As you can see, a couple of designer buttons were added for dimension, and the center element was punched with the Pinking Hearts border punch.

Petal Cone Basket

2011-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's nice to be missed! We got word that some of you wondered what was going on with us since we haven't posted lately, but have no fear, we've just been living life (you know how that can go sometimes). Actually, we had the pleasure of hosting our best friends, Kevin and Patty, from Nebraska for the last four days! We had a wonderful time and even got some stamping time in (it's never enough, though!). Anyway, this petal cone basket was made using the video tutorial from Angie Kennedy Juda over at Chic'n Scratch Our basket was made using the Nursery Suite Specialty DSP and the "sending Springtime smiles" greeting from the Easter Blossoms set in the Occasions mini catalog. The 2 1/2" circle and 2 3/8" scallop were used for the elements on each side of the basket.

Happy Anniversary Kira & Mark

2011-03-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Kira and her husband, Mark, celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary last Friday, 3/11. This was the card that Scot made for them using a color combination from the Color Coach, along with the French Filigree background stamp. The sentiment is from the Hostess level 2 set Something to Celebrate from the Occasions mini catalog. We wish them many more happy years together!

Flowers for a Friend

2011-03-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's another sample using the SAB exclusive Sweet Summer stamp set. We seriously did not even give this set much thought until we saw our fellow demonstrators creating such beautiful samples with it. This card includes some Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon and a button from the neutrals collection, both of which coordinate perfectly with the Elegant Soiree DSP color scheme. The "Friend" stamp comes from another stamp set we mistakenly overlooked called You're a Gem from the Occasions mini catalog.

Diagonal Easel Card

2011-03-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is a cool design taking the easel card to a new level! It's done on a diagonal instead of straight. The images and sentiments come from the Friends 24-7 set. Other tools used include the vintage wallpaper embossing folder, the eyelet border punch, the decorative label punch, the 2 1/2" circle punch, the 3" circle Bigz die, and the paper crimper.

Real Quick!

2011-03-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

This card was thrown together late one night using a vintage image from the Bring on the Cake set from the Occasions mini catalog and the Newsprint DSP. We've seen a lot of the gathered ribbon lately, so we added some of that too. A little too simple for our taste, but quick sometimes takes precedence!

Spring is Around the Corner

2011-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather has been very "Springy" this week, and it makes us get the fever (and NO, not the Beiber kind!). This card was made using the Tasteful Trim border die for the Big Shot and the For All You Do stamp set, and the inspiration came from fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Mary Fish at http://www.stampinpretty.com/

Live, Laugh, Love

2011-03-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's another one of the cards that we did at our February Sale-a-Bration workshop last Sunday. The "Live, Laugh, Love" sentiment is from one of the many stamp sets that can be selected for FREE for every $50 purchase during Sale-a-Bration, which only lasts through March 31st. The images are from the Sweet Summer set, which is exclusive to SAB! The images were colored in using blender pens. The Elegant Soiree DSP serves as a perfect background and provides a beautiful color scheme. The bow was made using Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon from the Occasions mini catalog, and cinched with a Very Vanilla 5/16" jumbo brad.

Birthday Pennants Card

2011-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this array of bright pennants make you smile?! The combination happens to be all ten colors from Stampin' Up's Brights color collection! They were made quite easily using the points from the XL star punch - SIMPLE, SIMPLE, SIMPLE!!! The sentiments are from the Bring on the Cake set in the Occasions mini catalog, and the letters were colored in using the perfectly coordinated brights color collection of Stampin' Write markers! YES, Stampin' Up! makes it to easy to match resources!

Vintage Bliss Card

2011-02-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

This is one of the cards that we did today at our Sale-a-Bration workshop. It features the SAB exclusive Bliss set. The background layer is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder. The edges were distressed using the tool from the Stampin' Up Cutter Kit.

Watercolored Tree Birthday Card

2011-02-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

The image on this card comes from the Lovely as a Tree set, it was stamped with Staz-on jet black ink on watercolor paper and then colored using the Stampin' Up aqua painter and classic ink pads (Garden Green and Early Espresso). The sentiment is from the All Holidays set.

Embossed Texture Birthday Card

2011-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Scot's younger son, Landon, celebrated his 14th birthday last Thursday, 2/17, and this is the card that Kira made for him. It features the Bring on the Cake set from the Occasions mini catalog. The entire background with all of the stars and larger circle were run through the Big Shot using the square lattice embossing folder.

Inspiration from an ULTA Advertisement

2011-02-20T00:01:00.001-08:00

An ULTA flyer came in the mail earlier in the week and we loved the color combination of the make-up bag that was shown on the cover, so this was the card that the inspiration gave birth to...

The flowers and sentiment are from the hostess level 2 Apple Blossoms set.

Inked and Embossed Monogram Card

2011-02-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

The background of this card was created by using the brayer to apply ink on the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder and then running it through the Big Shot. The monogram letter is from the Broadsheet Alphabet set.

Lucky Shamrock Card

2011-02-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

This card features the Lucky Shamrock a la carte stamp from the Occasions mini catalog. We love the a la carte stamps for their economic benefit. The Pear Pizzazz background was embossed using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Perfect Details Big Shot Texturz Plate.

Whoo's a True Friend?

2011-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's another card sample using the exclusive Sale-a-Bration Punch Bunch and So Happy for You stamp sets. The So Saffron background was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots folder.

Amazing & Simple Crafty Girl Project Featuring Stampin' Up!

2011-02-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Our friend and Crafty Girl Irene had this great post on her blog yesterday featuring one of the stamp sets that she got a couple of weeks ago when she hosted her very own Stampin' Up! Sale-a-Bration workshop! When we first saw the Have a Seat set in the catalog, we thought, "are they serious?!" (some of you can probably relate), but then we see someone like Irene do something so simple and clever with it! Seriously, when she ordered it, we were thinking, "REALLY?!?!", even after she told us that she thought it would be good for housewarming or neighbor gifts. This is what it's all about though, bringing this stuff to life, and we certainly appreciate how she brought this stamp set to life and wanted to share it with you here. Please check out her blog, she is so talented and creative (and energetic, because it appears that she never sleeps!)! Here is her post:

Do you ever have an idea that seems too simple so you kinda blow off the idea, but the idea keeps coming back in your head? If not, it could just be my OCD acting up! Anyway, I have had an idea in my head for a week now and tonight I put it together.

The idea came when I picked up this stamp set from Stampin Up called "Have a Seat".

There was something about the bench stamp that just made me smile. How weird is that? A bench making me smile!

I had a trio-frame set that I was not using. And I knew that I wanted to incorporate the stripe ribbon.

On a piece of cream card stock I printed a saying that I really like from Sherry Dew..."If life were easy, it wouldn't be so hard."

I then stamped the bench on the card stock. I cut the card stock to size and put it in the frame. Added the ribbon, and done. 5 minutes done.

I think it is sweet. And you know what is funny? The bench and the saying have nothing to do with one another, but I love how it looks together!

A nice little addition to my mantel.

Bliss Birthday

2011-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

This card features images from the SAB exclusive Bliss set. The Happy Birthday on the front is from Curly Cute and the inside sentiment is from Full of Life.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day! This card features the Heart Pressed Letterpress Plate for the Sizzix Big Shot from the Occasions mini catalog. It was done using Whisper White craft ink and then embossed with white powder. The sentiment is from the Something to Celebrate level 2 hostess set, also from the Occasions mini catalog. Have an enjoyable day with your "Sweet Valentine"!

Punch Bunch Photo Display

2011-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

This photo display was created using the On Board long board as the base for the project. The Sizzix Big Shot scallop square die was used for the main elements/photo mat. The images are from the Punch Bunch set, which is a Sale-a-Bration exclusive. Like the accents of patterned paper? Well that's a SAB exclusive too, but you can choose either one with your $50 Stampin' Up order! The words are from the Fabulous Phrases set. We'll be doing this project at our February Sale-a-Bration workshop on Sunday, February 27th. If you're located in the Las Vegas area, and interested in attending, please e-mail us for information!

Little Leaves Stencil Card

2011-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

This was one of the cards we did for our Big Shot Club this month. The Little Leaves die was used to make a mask and then the image was sponged with Wild Wasabi and Garden Green ink. The scallop circle is the larger die from the Sizzix Bigz Scallop Circle #2 die and then has a circle from the new 3" circle die on top. The sponged image is punched out with the 2 1/2" circle punch. The sentiments are from the You're a Gem set in the Occasions mini catalog.

Petal "Ice Cream" Cone Card

2011-02-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

This card was CASE'd from fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator Angie Juda-Kennedy(Chic' n Scratch) It shows one of the many uses for the new Petal Cone die in the Occasions mini catalog. The sentiment is from the A Word for You set and punched out with the Decorative Label punch.

Mojo Monday Week #177 Challenge

2011-02-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple card for this week's Mojo Monday challenge, which incorporates a stamped image from the Sale-a-Bration set Punch Bunch, as well as some of the paper and die-cut adhesives from the Ice Cream Parlor DSP pack. The Daffodil Delight scallop square was embossed with the Stampin' Up! exclusive Petals-a-Plenty folder.

Altered Embossed Tulips Frame

2011-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

We are so grateful for the ideas that we can glean from other Stampin' Up! demonstrators and creative individuals. We found instructions to alter the sizing of the new framed tulips embossing folder (available in the Occasions mini catalog) via Lynn Pratt. The image and sentiment are from the Just Believe set.

Thinking of You

2011-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here are more samples of cards using exclusive Sale-a-Bration products - the sentiment and heart image are from the So Happy For You set and the DSP is from the Ice Cream Parlor DSP pack.

Framed Tulips Valentine

2011-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

This card showcases the new Framed Tulips embossing folder for the Big Shot. The images are from the hostess level 1 set Punch Potpourri and the sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Butterfly Bliss

2011-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

This card incorporates more of the items that are available for FREE during Sale-a-Bration. The coordinating ribbon and buttons are part of the Ice Cream Parlor ribbon & button pack. The butterflies were stamped with an image from the Sale-a-Bration exclusive Bliss set and then punched with the butterfly punch. The sentiment comes from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.