More with my scraps

I'm still working on clearing my table of the scraps, I just can't get rid of the top note frame. I love the way it looks. And considering I still don't have my own Big Shot I have to be content playing with the scraps that I have left from playing with my friends.

I sometimes struggle using the square rhinestone brads, I use the circles all the time. I like the was this turned out although it's not really a typical card for me. I guess that's one of the great things about only using what's on your table!!

A little says a LOT

This little envelope was made with the big shot and the scalloped envelope die. It is the size of a card you would get with flowers. I needed just a little note for a friend. I think this was perfect. Sometimes when we make cards or gifts we need to remember that less is more.

Snow Swirled Embossed

I don't know why but for some reason I love to emboss Christmas cards. I don't usually emboss all year but I do on Christmas cards--anybody else?

Although this card is heat embossed it is super easy and cheap to make. I used the negative porting of the top note die cut to make a frame, then stamped the image and sentiment in versa mark and embossed using white embossing powder. Simple and beautiful.

Have you started your Christmas cards yet??

New Challenge

When I stamp my table gets very messy. I will sometimes clean it off and put everything away, then start stamping by the end of the projects the table is full again. So sometimes I think it's easier to use the stuff on my table then to clean it off. So that's my challenge to you this week. make a project using your scraps or leftovers. Use the punch or ink or whatever accessory that is already out. Either send me a picture via email or comment and link your picture and you will be entered in a drawing for a prize!!

This card was made using scraps of what were on my table, including the negative part of the top note die cut. Pocket Silhouettes stamp set, chocolate chip ink, chocolate chip, whisper white, really rust, creamy Carmel, baja breeze and kiwi kiss cardstock.

kid's stamping

As most of you know both of my kids love to stamp. I used to have a pile of non stampin up paper and accessories that I let them use but now they know the difference so I've given them total access to my scrap box and I even let them use my accessories. I figure why hoard them when the kids can make great stuff.Their favorite stamp set is Loads of Love with the accesories. Caleb made the Happy Harvest card, Emma made the one with the hearts. Can you believe that they did it all by themselves. I told them I have adults that come to my classes that can't get the people in the truck straight.
Emma has discovered the aqua painter so that's what she wants to use all the time. I've now given her one. The only thing I don't share with them is my markers. They have their own that they use but they aren't stampin up and both have made comments that the colors don't match. I said I know that's why I love Stampin' UP! so much.

I encourage you to stamp with our kids--I love that we spend time together doing something we both like!!

I got some new goodies!!

So last night I got to play with some of my new stamp sets. I really love this tree. The first card is a 3x3 card that I made using scraps and mistakes (not bad)Most of the cards I made with this set have a fall feel but I love that it came with a snow flake so this card was turned into a Christmas card (confession, I was listening to Christmas music while I was stamping). I'm very happy with the way it turned out. You can't really see it in the picture but the tree is stamped on the White shimmer paper, and it's gorgeous!! And don't you love the felt snowflake!!
I wanted to make a card that used the elements but not the tree itself. And I was very happy to use the new designer series paper.
Last but not least this is a more traditional use of the stamp set. Perfect for Fall!!

Home for the Holidays

Are you ready to see some beautiful cards. I have discovered that I love watercoloring on white shimmery paper. I like it better than watercolor paper. I love this stamp set, the saying makes me think of my mom. "Though far and wide on Earth we roam at Christmastime our hearts come home."The top card is a pretty basic 4x4 layout. I wanted the watercolor and the shimmery white to be the focus no ribbons or such. And no it didn't take very long to watercolor this. The time consuming part was picking the colors I wanted for everything.

The card below is also a 4x4 card. I like this size because you can still mail it in a regular envelope, but you get the look of a square card which is very popular right now. I wanted to show that you could use this stamp set with out coloring it in and I think it's still beautiful. The ribbon is the kiwi and vanilla double sided ribbon, it's so soft!!
this next card I colored with Markers and it took forevery and I don't like the look as much. I do like the layout and the red ribbon. I will probably red0 this card using the watercolor technique from the first one.
Last but certianly not least is the one layer card. If there is anytime of year to make beautiful one layer cards it's Christmas. I don't know about you but I send out anywhere between 75-100 cards, I don't want them to take too much time.
the card is naturals Ivory and I stamped the image and sentiment in chocolate chip and colored just a few areas in using pastels. I was very happy with the result, I love the way the sled pops.

Big Shot Samples

I still haven't splurged and purchased my own big shot but I did get to cut some pieces of retired paper when I played with my stamp friends a few weeks ago. I finally got around to making what I cut. This is the pillow box, which is sized perfectly to fit a fun size Hershey bar. The basket is made using the basket and blooms die. In addition to everything you need to get the basket you also get several flowers and a tag to decorate the basket. It took a little practice to put it together but I love it.

American Girl Fashion Show

Saturday was Emma's American Girl Fashion Show. She had so much fun and looked adorable. I wasn't sure how she would do when it came time to actually walk across the stage but she did great. Emma was "Nellie" for the fashion show so she got to have a fan and a big blue bow in her hair.

Thank you to everyone came and made cards to raise money for the Junior League so that Emma could participate in the fashion show. We both appreciate it!! If you weren't able to make it you can see four of the projects we made.

World Card Making Day Promo

Hi Everyone!!

I'm sorry it's been so long but I was subbing at the kids school all week last week and I just don't always balance things very well. However I wanted to let you know that from now until October 11th all of the simply sent kits and simply sent elements are 20% off. This is to celebrate world card making day--did you know there was such a thing? Well there is so make a card and send it to a friend!!

Tomorrow I get some new stuff so I'll be playing and showing some samples using products out of the new mini. Keep and eye out!