Inking Out Loud

A day of Grace

2012-02-29T15:15:00.001-08:00

Today is February 29th. It's the extra day of the year, so it's kind of like a bonus day. An extra day of grace if you will. With my "extra" day, I had to take my daughter to a neurologist. We have been making the rounds of docs working to figure out a diagnosis. When my daughter and I returned home, she wanted to rest, so I came to my crafting area to "chillax" (a new favorite word taken from the TV show Modern Family. Love that show!). I know I am a blessed person, but I decided to make something for myself, something that I can see on a daily basis that will remind me of God's Grace in my life. I opened My Digital Studio (MDS) and made this project.

The frame is one that I had on hand, and I loved the way the page looks inside it. MDS is becoming easier and easier for me to use. This project took me no more than 10 minutes from inception to print. Can you see the flourish from the brush set Baroque Motifs behind the words? One of the things I like most about MDS is the capability to take an image and have your way with it -- make it bigger, smaller, or more transparent, like you stamped it in Versamark. I printed onto Very Vanilla card stock. It's very elegant looking IRL. The color of the flourish and the text is Cherry Cobbler.

Here's a closer look at the prayer. It is a prayer written by Marjorie Holmes which I read today in a book entitled Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. When I read the prayer this morning, I knew I wanted to have it start more of my days. What better way to remember the prayer than to put it in a frame on my dresser for use each morning?!

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope your "extra" day has been lightened by Grace.

Kristine

Sending love

2012-02-23T19:19:00.001-08:00

This is a simple card that works for Valentine's Day, but also for any occasion in which you just want the receiver to know that you're thinking about her and sending some love. We all need a little love now and then and to know that other's are thinking of us. It does the soul good.

I used blender pens for the coloring of the tree. I wanted a soft look. The hearts... are they not too cute!? They are new. They are the Embossilits Die: Fashionable Hearts found in the Occasions Mini catalog. They are just the right size for cards, but would look cute on a scrapbook page too. I've also used the new Pleated Satin Ribbon in Pear Pizzazz. This is a CASE card of something I saw a while ago...around convention time. But it is from memory, so I do not know who to credit or how close it is to what I originally saw. With my memory, the card could actually be nothing near a CASE. :-) Ah, the perks of a bad memory...meeting "new" people every day, finding money in a pocket, hiding your own gifts for Christmas and finding them the next spring and having no idea what's inside...Life is good.

Thanks for stopping in. If you do not have a demonstrator and would like to purchase some Stampin' Up! merchandise, I'd love to be your demonstrator! Contact me if you have questions.

Kristine

Edgelit dies and matching embossing folders

2012-02-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

A couple of the cool new items in the Occasions Mini Catalog are the Edgelit dies and the matching Adorning Accents Embossing folders.

Some of you may be a bit unsure how to use these new tools. Stampin' Up! has created a video to show you how to put these toys...oh, excuse me...tools to use in your paper crafting. Just click on the picture below to see the items demonstrated by Brian from Stampin' Up!'s home office.

If you would like some of these cool things for yourself, and do not already have a demonstrator, I'd love to help you enjoy the fun. You can order anytime on my website http://kristinechubb.stampinup.net.

Enjoy!

That's one big Rossette!

2012-02-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

This is another project that I made using the new rossette die from the Occasions Mini catalog. If you use the entire cutting surface of the die, you will need 2 whole sheets of 12x12 paper to complete the circle. Here it is...

The finished rossette measures 1 foot across! Wowza! I placed some dried flowers in the center in the shape of a heart and finished off the project with some Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon I did use a piece of light cardboard on the back to sturdy the rossette. This is a hostess gift that I made. An easy decoration for Valentines!

Thanks for stopping in!

Kristine

Some rosettes to celebrate

2012-01-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks have flown by in a haze--both literal and figurative. I spent some time in Portland with my BFF mid month and had a wonderful time getting reacquainted with her almost 2 year old son. My kids are 11 and 13. I have forgotten how much energy is needed to keep up with a 2 year old!

Then the day after I came home, a wildfire happens and we end up having to evacuate our home! I know, wildfire in January? Yup. Anything is possible in Northern Nevada. We did not have much time to get out, so all of my stamping things were left behind. Only what could fit in the back of my mini van and my husband's civic was taken. Honestly, when I looked around to decide what to take, there was not a lot that I "needed." We have a comfortable home, but I have never been a "big ticket item" kinda gal. It was such an eerie, surreal feeling driving away from our home. The smoke was so thick that I could not see the road well, but the orange glow of the fire was there. A frightening experience. Driving away knowing that there is a good likelihood that when you come back the home will be gone...well, that is hard. My children were understandably upset, but the whole experience has been a good lesson in gratitude. Sometimes it is good to be reminded of the blessings. We have been blessed again, and for us, all has ended well and we are home. The fire was very close, but no damage. Some friends were not so lucky and lost everything. It just breaks my heart.

So when the clamor of getting back in the house was over, and some tears of gratitude and exhaustion were shed, I had to sit with my stuff and create. I bought the new Rosettes Die from the Occasions Mini catalog and decided to make myself a paper flower bouquet. It is a celebration of life.

The die creates almost any size rosette you want. I made all of the pictured rosettes using the one die. The largest rosette you can make is 12" across. It's huge! I made another project with that rosette that I will share later. You could also cut off the edging of the rosette before you fold it and edge punch the paper with another design if you desired.

I used my paper shredder and shredded paper for the "grass." You can see in the above picture one of the smaller rosettes.

Can you see the butterflies? I punched out some butterflies with the Butterfly punch in Silver Glimmer Paper and then used Window Sheet strips to make them "float" above and around the bouquet. It turned out just right. It is happy and playful. Olivia, my DD, did all of the folding of the rosettes as well as gave me embellishment ideas.

Thanks for visiting my blog. If you are of the mind, please include in your prayers the families in Northern Nevada who lost their homes in the fire. Unfortuately, there are more than a few of them.

Stay safe.

Kristine

Designer Series Paper Sale

2012-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Today the power was out for four hours while "they" worked on "something" in the area. So since there was no power, I pulled out all of my DSP and organized what I wanted to keep and what I want to sell. As a result there is a HUGE amount of DSP for sale on Kristine's Selling Spot blog. Just click on the lick to the right with the sale tag to see all of the goodies. Prices are 10 to 50 cents a page!! (Note: Not all paper is Stampin' Up)

Here is just a SAMPLING!!

All items on my Selling Blog are first come first get!

Thanks!
Kristine

Two shares

2012-01-08T16:34:00.000-08:00

Long time no see! So glad that you did not give up on me and came back for a visit. Thanks!

Today I have two cards to share with you. Both of them use the same color scheme, but have decidedly different feels--at least I think so. The paper is a sneak peek at some of the DSP that you can receive FREE during the upcoming Sale-a-bration period, January 24th through March 31st. I am telling you this...I LOVE this DSP.

Here is the first card...

This card also uses the Enchantment Ribbon in Calypso Corral that you can receive free during Sale-abration. I love the colors of Pool Party and Calypso Corral together. Who'd a thunk? Not my usual color combo. But I was lead by the DSP. See the Corral pearls? Wanna know how I made those? Simple! Take our Basic Pearls and an orange Sharpie pen and color the pearls. It is almost a perfect match for the Calypso Corral! I was so excited when that happened. You, as a crafter, will understand the excitement. My family, however, was non-plussed by the incredible luck of it.

There is something else I used that is pretty cool, but may not seem so at first glance. The sentiment in this card is a retired set Friendly words. But guess what! It is available in My Digital Studio (MDS) and can be made ANY size you want in that program. Too cool. So I used MDS to print out the sentiment in Calypso Corral (bigger than what it is in the real life stamp set) and then stamped the banner from the Occasions set Take it to Heart around the printed words. (Easy to do with a clear mount set.) I cut the banner out and popped it up on dimentionals. Take a look at the MDS. The program is a wonderful tool for so many reasons. One of the coolest things about buying a download for MDS is that the brush sets, the DSP, the embellishments NEVER retire! Never. Nope, not even on December 21, 2012 when the Mayan calendar ends. They will still be available. :-) Finally, the heart is one of the images in the Take it to Heart set. I wanted to highlight one of the images that might go unnoticed. It is a very elegant little heart.

The second card...

Isn't this a simple layout? This was my thank you card for December orders. I had a bunch to make (Thank you again everyone who bought in December!) and these were the perfect answer. I have used the same DSP as in the above card. Guess I'm just drawn to this one, huh? The stamp set is Funky Four and the sentiment from Trendy Trees.

Thanks for looking at my creations. You're the best!

Kristine

A quick masculine card

2011-12-08T19:23:00.001-08:00

Sometimes the cards that challenge me the most are the ones I make for the males in my life. I have come to understand that the simpler the card, the better it is received. Hence a very simple card for a male birthday. (He loved it by the way.) The stamp set I used is Plant Hope. I stamped in Stazon and colored with watercolor crayons and a Blender Pen.

Not only did the recipient like the card, it was a nice break from all the bling and ribbon of my Christmas cards of late.

Thanks for stopping in.
Kristine

Quilted Christmas Cards

2011-12-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

I have been on a kick as of late using the same layout and creating multiple cards with varying materials. For these cards, I went to my stash of Christmas Designer Paper. I think each card has a different feel based on the DSP used as well as the ribbon. I used the technique of embossing over the DSP to give the look and feel of a quilt. I really like this technique! I used the new Snowburst Embossing Folder on each of the cards. You can really see it in the first and third samples. I think the colors and design overwhelm it a bit on the middle sample. I also used the White Gel Pen to create faux stitching on the card. The Snow flake punch, a Rhinestone brad, and Basic Pearls embellish each card. When I showed the finished cards to my family, my daughter Olivia and I both liked the first one best. My son, Thomas, like the second one best, and my husband, Mitch liked the third best. These cards will be sent as my contribution for the Open Swappers swap this month. Each swapper will receive a different card! I hope they like the one they get!

Two versions

2011-11-22T19:10:00.001-08:00

I have been getting inky a lot lately, but finding the motivation to take pictures and upload to my blog has been lacking. When I think about taking a picture, the natural light I use is gone for the day. But, today I got some pictures taken.

This first card was a result of wanting to make something using the accordion fold medallions I have seen on other blogs. These medallions, or lollies as some refer to them, are not hard to make when using the new Simply Scored tool from Stampin' Up. I also wanted to do something using the DSP Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Paper. What I ended up with is a New Year's card.

I really like this card. It has an elegance to it. I used Champagne Shimmer Paint on the black panel as well as embossed it with the new Stripes Embossing Folder. Both of the medallions are made from the Mocha Morning paper. I also used the Brushed Gold Card stock for the subtle shimmer on that layer of the card. Even though the card has a lot of shimmer and bling, my husband still liked it!

I liked the first card so much that I decided to try the same layout and make a blinged-out Christmas card. Here is that result.

I made a different kind of medallion for this card, and switched up the placement of the sentiment, but the rest of the layout is the same. I actually don't like this card as much as the first. I don't even know why. lol. It uses my favorite DSP, Frostwood Lodge but even with that and the happy mittens and the jingle bells...ehhh. Not so thrilled. Ah well.

What do you think? Which card do you like better? I would love some comments.

Kristine

Holiday Stamp Camp

2011-11-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, another bit of time has sped past me. I have been over run by putting together a Stamp Camp--which ended up being enjoyed by all, so that's good!

The cards below are the cards that we did at the camp. Each guest at the camp made two of each design, so they left camp with 14 cards! None of the other demonstrators have blogs, so I have no where to point you for more of their art work. Below the cards are some pictures I took at Camp.

Enjoy!

This is my card. Have I told you how much I love the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set. Yes, I'm sure I have. I just realized that I forgot to take the clear sleeve when I photgraphed it! I am tired. Oh well. :-)

Card designed by Fabiola Baughman

Mary Cargill. She did this card as well as the one below.

And finally, we had two new demonstrators join us in this Camp. They did great!

Here are their cards.

Here are some pictures from Camp. We had 43 guests! Lots of stamping happening here!

Christmas is coming

2011-10-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last year I managed to have three different Christmas Card Stamp-a-stacks. This year...well, I managed to have a class where I offered three cards. Something is better than nothing! I am considering moving into my van with all of my crafting supplies. I spend A LOT of time in the transport of my children. Maybe I'd get more done if I just set the back up with supplies? Hmmm.

Anyway, the three cards below were the cards we made two weekends ago. (Golly, I am far behind in posting!) I had a lovely group of ladies join me for the day.

This card used the Stiched Stocking stamp set as well as lots of bling. I was going for the idea of a mantel with the stockings hanging and some silver garland (I used Crystal Effects and Silver Glass to make the faux garland) across the top. The DSP is from the Frostwood Lodge collection. L-o-v-e that paper! Add some Jingle Bells with some of the Cherry Baker's Twine and it is darling, even if I do say so myself.

This card is not my design. I love the work of so many other paper crafters, and sometimes I want to make something I see. So I make it and I love it even more, and it becomes a project in a class! This traditional, country card is the brain child of Lee Conrey. Beautiful, yes? YES! The DSP at the bottom of the card is once again my beloved Frostwood Lodge DSP. Notice the stripe embossing behind the pinecone panel. (Kinda hard to see in the picture, dang it!) How easy is that step up on the card to add the Stripped Embossing Folder! It just adds the right, finishing touch. The ribbon is the Espresson Quilted Satin Ribbon from the Holiday Mini. Yummy stuff! You know when you put espresso, quilted and satin together the result is gonna be good. :-) Makes me think of a comfy bed with a cup of yummy coffee reading a wonderful book.

The final card for the class is also a copied card. My upline, Jill Olsen, made a card using the Silver Glimmer Paper but instead of leaving it silver, she used reinkers to make it pink! I think that is just too cool for school! I like using the blues and white in Christmas cards, so I used Tempting Turquois reinkers and painted the silver glimmer paper with the ink and an Aqua Painter. When it dries, it is a very close match to Baja Breeze Cardstock, which is what is used as the main card. This is just such a happy card! Think of all the colors you can use to make Silver Glimmer Paper into something! How about pink hearts for Valentines, or a shimmery green shamrock for St Patrick's Day. The hint with this technique is using the darker colors--think Concord Crush rather than Wisteria Wonder. The inks do dry much lighter.

I have other items to post, but I have run outta time! I'm thinking I need to call my mom and thank her for all the transporting she did for me as a child.

Kristine

Simply Sent Christmas

2011-10-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

One of the promotions right now through Stampin' Up! is to buy two Simply Sent Kits (page 192/193 in the main catalog) and get a coordinating stamp set from those same pages FREE! Since I am in the Christmas mode, setting up for a Holiday Stamp Camp, I decided to make the Simply Sent Kit Everyday Elegance into Christmas cards. I think they turned out great! And seriously, they were fast! I'm talking making 8 cards in less than 30 minutes! Yeah, that fast.

Here they are!

A closer view of the Cherry Cobbler card--blinged out with Basic Rhinestones. I just noticed my ornament is a little lopsided. Ooops. Just pretend it's perfect. :-)

And the Baja Breeze card softened with those wonderful Basic Pearls and some Velvet Ribbon. I did not design this card. It is a CASE of a wonderful demonstrator Sandi MacIver's card. She is very inspirational for me! I loved it so much I HAD to make one too!

If you'd like to make some of these cards for Christmas, and you do not already have a demonstrator, please visit my Online Stampin' Up site to place an order. The link is on the right side bar. (The little computer mouse pushing a shopping cart. Isn't that a great picture!)

I've listed below everything I used to make these cards. You can, of course, substitute in any sentiment sayings you already have.

Stamps:
Tree Trimmings 116722 $14.95
Christmas Greetings 115448 $10.95
Stiched Stockings 123784 $19.95

Inks:
Cherry Cobbler Classic 119669 $5.95
Baja Breeze Classic 111833 $5.95
Craft White 101731 $7.50

Punches:
Stocking punch 124095 $16.95

Embellishments:
Basic Pearls 119247 $4.95
Basic Rhinestones 119246 $4.95
Jingle Bells 124116 $2.95
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine 123125 $2.95
Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon 125637 $7.95

Thanks for stopping by. Maybe you can take some time over the weekend to get your fingers inky! Yeah!

Kristine

The last of summer

2011-10-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

There are snow flurries today in Reno. Crazy weather. It is truly fall. In honor of summer fading, I made a last summery card for my Open Swappers group. I used a set that I bought because I think the images are serene and beautiful. It's called Plant Hope. That is a good directive too...plant some hope somewhere. Maybe someone's heart, maybe in your own heart. Here's the card.

Stamp: Plant Hope, Line Background, French Script

Paper: Crumb Cake, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

This is a CASE card from an older SU IBC. I used almost all retired items on this card. The nifty thing about my group, the Open Swappers, is we can use retired items. We are "Open" to using ANY SU merchandise whether it be brand, spankin' new, or from the first years of the company's production. There's no themes mandated, no musts. It is for pure fun and enjoyment. Use what ya want 'cause you want to use it!

To see what the other members of the group designed, click on the picture of the white Alpaca on the right sidebar. If you would like to join in the swap, send me an email and I'll get you the details of the swapping.

Thanks for stopping in.

Kristine

Mojo #208

2011-09-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is a quick post. I've had this card to post all week, but finding the time to sit and post was not possible until now. Busy week. For this card I used two things I had not opened yet from my stash, the stamp set Tagtastic, which is a hostess set, and the DSP Just Add Cake. You know what, most of life would be better if we followed the advice of that DSP...Just add cake...and waalaa wouldn't life be sweet...literally. Okay, here's my interpretation of the Mojo Monday #208 sketch.

Happy card, no? Yes! I like the colors in the DSP. I actually bought the paper for a baby scrapbook I'm making. But, it's good for a card too. ;-)

Thanks for stopping in today. If you still have a little time, and a fresh cup of coffee or tea, stick around a bit and putter through my blog. I hope you find something that inspires you to pick up your own supplies and get a little inky.

Kristine

A little swishy dress

2011-09-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

There is one thing that has always appealed to me...light, swishy, classic dresses. Alas, I do not have the body build to wear them, but I love them. Do you remember the dress Julia Roberts wears in the movie Pretty Woman?

She is at the race track and has on a brown and white, spotted dress along with a wonderful floppy hat. I love that dress!! My daughter and I were at Stein Mart Department store last week, and they have a wonderful breezy dress with this same color and pattern. It was a filmy material in a shirt waist style. Oh, if I only had the kind of figure that could pull it off, I would have bought that dress! {sigh} I have thought about that dress ever since seeing it on the rack.

Then as I went through my DSP, I came across the polka dot pattern in the Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Paper. It was kismit! It was a way for me to express my love of the dress! So, long story shorter...I made a card.

I wanted to keep the card clean and simple, and I wanted that polka dot design to be a main focal point. I blinged up the card just a smidge by adding some Champagne stickles to the flower centers. (Didn't Julia's character sip champagne in the movie?) The flowers come from the Posey Punch set. A piece of Espresso Satin Ribbon to cinch the card's "waist", and a Curly Cute sentiment finishes it off.

Maybe not as glam as Julia Roberts in her dress, but I likey. Plus, it's easier to make this card than shed the 30 pounds needed to fit into the dress at Stein Mart! lol!

Still for sale:

I am still taking orders for this Christmas Card/Tag workshop. The next order will be placed on October 1st and will ship to you by mid October. Please click HERE to see the full details.

And a final note:

I have added a few items for sale in my Selling Spot Blog. Click on the link on the right side-bar with the For Sale sign to see the retired items I am selling! Thanks!

Thanks for spending time with me today.

Kristine

Another Christmas Card

2011-09-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

I seem to find myself with more time this fall than I have had in falls past. I am putting that time to work by joining in on some of the wonderful challenges out there. Last week I did the Color Throw down and a sketch from the Stampin Queens Sketch challenge. This week I selected the Paper Players Challenge #63 (because I saw a beautiful card made by Ann Schach and decided I needed to play too!)

and paired it with Create with Connie and Mary Sketch #166.

I think the colors of the Paper Players Challenge speak Christmas! So I made a Christmas card using one of the sets I received free at Convention called Warmest of Wishes. This is a hostess set, so to be able to get it, you have to hostess a workshop. However, if you buy $150 worth of merchandise, this set can be your freebie choice until the Winter Mini ends on January 3, 2012.

Here's my interpretation of the challenges.

I like this card so much that I used up all of the DSP (The DSP is retired and is called Cottage Wall.) I had and made 6 more to send out at Christmas! I feel so ahead of the game! This card was the first time I used the new Stripes Embossing Folder. What a simple way to add a little something. The ribbon is the Basic Gray Taffeta which I made into a double bow and secured with a Clear Rhinestone Brad. That is the only bling on the card.

When I showed my husband this card, he really liked it, but then said, "What does No El mean?" I was baffled by his question. Then I realized that his mind is not in Christmas mode like so many of us crafters, and I laughed. He did not see the letters as belonging to one word. So I jokingly said that it translated to "No the." He was even more baffled as to why there was a stamp for this saying. I could have teased him more, but when I told him to think about Christmas, he got it.

I hope you enjoyed the card. And, thanks for stopping in. Please leave me a comment. I love those!
Kristine

A Challenging Day

2011-09-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

As kids grow up, it's hard to find something that the child still likes to do with the parent. Thank heavens that my daughter Olivia (who's 11) likes to stamp. Since she comes home earlier from school than her brother, we found ourselves with some time this week. We decided to challenge ourselves and find a sketch challenge as well as a color challenge and each create a card. For me, the idea for the sketch came easily. Working with the colors...not so easy.

Color Throw Down #158. The sketch challenge came from a new place. This is only the third challenge, but I like the design! The site is called The Stampin' Queen's Sketch Challenge.

And here are the cards that Olivia and I made. I decided to go with a square card. I had a REALLY hard time with the colors. Peach Parfait didn't seem to go with the other colors. But the more I look at the card, I'm not hatin' it as much. I do like the ribbon. It is the first time I have worked with the new 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon. Yup, I likey it!

Stamps:French Foliage, Petite Pairs

And here is Olivia's card. She was speedy with her card. She was done in 30 minutes. I dragged along trying to make myself like the colors!

She said she didn't notice the other layers in the card, but was happy to keep hers clean and simple.

And a reminder...

I am offering a virtual workshop using the stamp set Christmas Lodge. Here's what it entails...

If you would like to make all the cards in the picture, click here for more details.

Thanks for stopping in. I would love a comment. They make my day!

Kristine

Christmas Lodge Workshop

2011-09-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have been working on putting together a Workshop on the Go for my customers the past week. When the Holiday Mini was given to us at convention, the set that I fell in love with immediately is the set "Christmas Lodge." It is so old fashion! So soft and detailed. I had to have it. So I bought it in my preorder as a demonstrator and began playing with it. That turned into the idea of creating a workshop for my customers that they could do on their own, at their own pace, but with all the card stock cut and directions. The resulting workshop I am calling the "Get Together Workshop" and I plan to offer them periodically.
Here are the three projects in the workshop...

And here is what you get in the workshop!!

There is enough materials for 6 of each project to be completed. Just think...one kit and you are a dozen cards closer to being ready for Christmas plus 6 gift tags ready to go! AND, you will have a beautiful stamp set to keep and use again as well as left over bling.

You will notice that the workshop comes with the clear mount Christmas Lodge set, a package of Basic Rhinestone, and a bottle of the new Dazzling Details Glitter. All of the card stock and ribbon comes cut and ready for you, or you and some friends, to assemble.

I have this Christmas Lodge Get Together Workshop available now. Would you like one? What if you already have the stamp set and just want the card kits? What if you just want the instructions? No worries...I offer all three.

I am placing the order for the materials for the workshop on September 15th. I will begin shipping the workshops out as soon as I get the order returned and kits prepared... I'm expecting to have them shipped by the end of the month. I will email you the PDF instructions when I ship your workshop.

Option 1: The Entire Get Together Workshop is $70 (shipping and tax are already included.)

including the stamp set,
rhinestones,
glitter,
prepared card stock and ribbon is .

Option 2: Just the prepared card stock and ribbon is $35 (shipping included)

You can order multiples of this. There are enough prepared kits for 6 people to complete 1 each of all three projects.

Option 3: If you only want me to send you the PDF instructions with cutting guidelines, the cost is $3. Lots of photos to help!

Order now and then set aside some time to get together with a friend, or maybe even 5 friends, and make the Christmas Lodge Workshop.

Hello Again

2011-08-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be MIA for a little time. My husband had the last three weeks off, and we have been enjoying time together as a family. Blogging didn't make it into the timeline!

This is a card whose color palette is different for me. I started with the DSP paper Berry Blossom and then went to my Color Coach to coordinate some card stock. The colors used are Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze and Daffodil Delight along with the basic Whisper White. I think it's a happy card! A customer of mine, Kimberley, gave me a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine this past Christmas. After making this card, I realized that the color combo is used in the magazine as a room makeover! How cool is that! This will be my order thank you card for August. I thought it would be a quicker card, but it took me and my daughter, Olivia, some time to run all the pieces through the Big Shot and to punch the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch for each. There is a learning curve on that punch--at least for me. :-) The original design came from a convention card swap made by Arlene. (Her last name has been smudged, and I cannot read it! No blog address to refer you to. Sorry.)

One of the reasons I decided to CASE this card is the use of the Ornament Punch used as the vase. I have seen this idea before, but I have not used it. If you look closely at the flower, you will see that it has been run through the Polka Dot Embossing Folder. First I adhered the flower pieces together and then ran them through together. The littlest part of the flower, punched out in the Baja Breeze, is the flower punch found in the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. The card also uses one of the new triple punches Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. Finally, the sentiment is from the set Curly Cute. I masked the thank you to make it run vertical rather than horizontal.

Next up is a card we did at the class I held on August 13th to show how to convert wood mount sets to the clear mount style. Man, did we get sticky! This is a card that came from Convention, too. Stampin' Up in their +One program gave each convention attendee not only the Make and Takes that we could complete during a workshop time there, but also gave us a gift bag filled with materials to do a workshop at home, including a hostess gift, a demonstration card, and 10 make and takes. We did the make and takes at the class. I think they're pretty cute! Very simple, but I like that.

What I like about the whole thing is the use of the open envelope with the circle cut out of it. I also like the ribbon tied around the envelope and not the card. Makes it feel like a present! One of the new items SU will have available in the new Holiday Mini Catalog is dazzling diamonds in a little bottle. I love adding shimmer and bling to cards, but it can get messy. This new product works like stickles and putting it on a card ain't nothin' but a thing! Can you see that the frosting is glittery as well as the pompoms on the platter? The coloring of the image was done with a blender pen and classic inks. One thing I have to mention is that this stamp set is really a great one. It is called Easy Events and it was one of the FREE sets given to convention attendees. (Aside: One thing I really like about SU is that there are always opportunities to get free things as a demonstrator. Since I joined SU I have received more than 100 sets free. That's a conservative guess. It could be more than that. Isn't that cool?!) If you want to buy one stamp set that will cover many occasions, put your money in Easy Events. It's worth your money.

Alrighty all. I should be back to my weekly postings now. Thanks for sharing some of your time with me.

Kristine

Wine anyone?

2011-08-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

I created this wine label for a friend. I like the way it turned out. Always nice when that happens. I didn't have the exact date for the event, so I just put question marks in just so she can get an idea of the label's look. I will swap that piece of the label out when I know the date. I think personal wine labels are a pretty cool idea for a gift on a wine bottle.

I used the stamp set Best Friends Forever. I like this set more than I would have thought.

Thanks for stopping in.

Cheers!

Kristine

3D from convention and a personal note

2011-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is the 3D swap I made for convention. I used up all of the embellishment holders I had. Each one was filled with peppermint and cinnamon hard candies. My daughter Olivia helped me make them. I was not sure what to make for a 3D, but these seemed to be fine. Kind of patriotic. IRL, these do not look as splotchy as they do in the picture. Maybe that's the flash? IRL, they just sparkle.

On a personal note:

Today is a special day. Nineteen years ago today, I married my hubby. Can you believe it!?! We have actually been together for 21 years. In two more years, I will have been with Mitch longer than I was single. Go figure. He still makes me laugh, he still makes me feel loved, and he still makes me feel like I am THE luckiest woman to have married him. He's a sweety! I am thankful for him EVERY day. Together we can get though anything...we know. I love you Mitch!

Post Convention

2011-07-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

I returned home from Stampin' Up! Convention last Sunday. Those days at convention went by super quick! I missed my family terribly, but had a blast in SLC. As I mentioned in y last post, I went to college in SLC. It was great to see how the city has changed. I went back to Westminster and looked around a bit too. My, my, my Westminster has grown and prospered. Good to see! One of the great things about convention is the plethora of ideas! My head was swimming with trying to prioritize all that was coming at me!

I don't have a card to share today...just some pictures from Convention. Enjoy!

This is the main entrance to the Salt Lake City Convention Center, called the Salt Palace. Some very interesting architecture.

Stampin' Up put the decals on all of the doors. I had to take the picture from the wrong side of the door because my camera could not understand the lighting from the other direction. Here is the first of the many signs that reminds us that Stampin' Up! is not just a place to inspire, create and share, but also a place to grow--the convention theme.

Here are the sets of stamps ready to be picked up by convention attendees. Man, I made out with a ton of loot at this convention!!!

This scene made me laugh. We get our bags and free stamps and new binder for our catalogs, and we all plop down wherever we can find the nearest seat and begin putting things together. DO NOT get in the way of a SU gal with new booty! :-)

Me standing next to one of the ginormous flowers placed throughout the convention hall. I love these flowers! You can see my new bag on my shoulder. You're jealous now, huh!

Me and my friend Mary. Mary talked me into going to convention. I am actually a very shy person, and the idea of being at a convention made me near faint. But she was persistent and had the support of my husband, so I went. So glad! Thanks Mary! We are inside Memento Mall buying up souvenirs and business items. There were paper flowers everywhere! The umbrellas are cute, but a gal from Reno has little use for an umbrella. Almost bought one anyway! Hey, I was caught up in the excitement!

I spent the majority of my time with a group of demonstrators in Mary's upline and sidelines. They are from Hawaii and they are WONDERFUL! We are on a tour of the Stampin' Up home office in Riverton, Utah. Being a former librarian, I am always interested in how things are organized. This plant, and how they get the orders filled absolutely fascinated me. Pictures L-R: Martha, Me, Lori (also a first time convention attendee) and Zeny (gosh I hope I spelled that right?)

The infamous Stampin' Up! rock. I have seen many a demo pose here in blogs. I had to pose too!

The kick off party for the convention had us wearing Gardening attire and hats. I love the hats the Hawaii group put together! Aren't they cute?! Pictured in the center is Cindy--she is the upline for the group and she is super sweet. Thanks Cindy for letting me hang with y'all! Pictured L-R: Lori, Cindy and Martha

Here's Mary in her hat. Aren't they great?!

The main stage. All I could say was "Wow." The colors of the stage changed each day, and the flower images behind the main stage grew and changed. So very cool.

and finally a picture of what I love most about SLC--the Wasatch Mountains.

Thanks for stopping in. I'll have a card for you next time.

Kristine

Convention Bound

2011-07-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Convention Bound tomorrow. Eight hour plus drive to Salt Lake City from Reno. I went to college in Salt Lake, and I have not been back there for many a year. I think the last time I visited was ...hmmmm...more that 20 years ago! Geesh, that was 2 stinkin' decades! Not years, my friends, DECADES! How did I become able to count by decades??? (mumble, mumble). Anyway, I digress. Again. Convention bound!!!! Yes. That's exciting! I have a couple more swaps on my desk to finish up, but not too bad. But rather than show you a swap for convention, I'm going to share the three cards we made at my Open House.

This card is part of my new thing with one layer cards. The set is the Level 2 hostess from the Summer Mini called Love and Care. I LOVE this set! The design is almost a direct CASE of a card made by Sharon Field.

These cards were a great way to use up my DSP. Just think how versatile this layout is! Christmas paper and it's a Christmas card! Make the patterns male and put a "buckle" in place of the bow and you have a simple masculine card. The sentiment can be anything you want. The DSP measures 1" x 3 1/2" in case that helps you CASE my card.

And the final card of the trio is a simple birthday card using markers for the stamping. Want to know a secret? Shhhh. This was the first time I used this set and now it's retired! Why does that happen? I really like this set and yet, it never saw ink. It really is baffling. Well, at least it baffles me. The layout and colors are a CASE from The Stamper's Den.

That's it folks. I hope to see some of you at convention. If you see me there, come say hi!!

Kristine

Yet another convention swap

2011-07-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

I'm still making cards for convention. Still! I am not the kind of person who can make 100 or more of one card. I start to get sloppy because I'm bored. So I make 25 or so of each one. Again I made a swap that was probably too time intensive. Emboss this...sponge it all...worry it isn't right...start over. You get the picture. I tell you, my family is up for sainthood living with me. The words most frequently out of my mouth right now are, "So, what do you think of this? How would you score it on a scale of 1-10?" Yes, sainthood and nothing less is what they deserve. I have not seen one eye roll nor have I heard a sigh of exasperation...well at least not from them. My eyes are a rollin' around in my head and I sigh every couple of minutes as I stick my tongue out with concentration and design something. Here's one of the cards from my stash.

This card is for a special swap which has the theme of flowers since the convention theme is garden related. I didn't want to use the same sets most people would use...Fabulous Florets for instance. Trying to think outside the box, I thought I would do my favorite flower, the daisy. This card morphed so many times during it's birth that I was afraid I had a transformer on my hands. But this is it. I BE DONE WITH IT! Umm...so...on a scale of 1-10 how would your rate it? (Eye roll, sigh)

Tools of torture: (at least for this card)

Stamps: Teeny tiny wishes
Dies: Daisy 2 Die, Texture plate Backgrounds 1
Card stock: So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Inks: Chocolate chip craft
Accessories: Hemp twine, Gold Embossing powder (I did not heat it. I used it as a glitter. Clever, eh?)

Another convention swap

2011-07-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

My first convention swap had lots of pieces. I vowed that the next boat load of swaps would be simpler both in style and assembly. When I first saw the new hostess set Perfect Words, I had a card in mind for the sentiment of "Big Hug." Here is my vision!

I think the card is stinkin' cute! I always have thought that the bear in the set Under the stars is either

asking for a hug, or pretending to be a zombie! I went with the hug option. This card was super simple to put together. I did watercolor A LOT of bears, but since it was only one color, not too difficult. Water coloring can put me into a zen space... always a good place to be. :-) His red glimmer paper heart is popped up on a dimensional. Can't see the dimension in the picture, or the glitter. Well, maybe a bit of the glimmer.

Recipe:
Stamps: Under the stars, Perfect words (new hostess)
Inks: Stazon black, Early Espresso, Read Red, Crumb Cake
Card stock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Vanilla, Natural Pack DSP, Red Glimmer Paper
Punches: Corner Rounder, Word Window, Small Heart, Modern Label, 1/4" circle
Accessories: 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta ribbon

Still more convention prepping to do! Off I go!
Kristine

A little Mojo

2011-06-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day! As happens every once in a few years, today also happens to be my birthday. I turn 22 (cough, cough) today! Actually, I am 44 today and glad to be 44 rather than 22.

I have been working on my convention swaps today. I have one to share! It is based on the Mojo Monday sketch #195. It uses two new hostess sets from the upcoming 2011-12 Stampin Up catalog called Posy Punch and Perfect Words. The Posy Punch works with the Fancy Flower Punch. So easy peasy to punch out those posies! I made a boat load of these. But, you know what, there are a stinkin' lot of pieces to this card!! Took me forever and a day to get them all assembled! Two pieces ran through the Big Shot to be embossed, lots of sponging...I kill myself with work sometimes! But, I get that bee in my bonnet and stubbornly keep with the original plan to make a boat load to swap.

I can't see the sponging in the picture? The middle circles are sponged as are the rims of the posies. The sentiment flag is also sponged. (They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Some of the words in this picture are missing since the picture is not clearly representing real life!) The leaves are actually the wings on the bird from the 2-step bird punch. Love making the easy leaves. Lots of gold brads too. Six per swap!! But I just likey the way they looky, so no changey, changey!

Recipe:

Stamps: Perfect Words and Posy Punch (hostess sets from new catalog)

Embossing: Pattern 2 from the Perfect Details Texture Plate, Polka Dot EMF

Ink: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz

Punches: Fancy Flower, 3/4" circle, 2-step bird, Eyelet border

Accessories: Gold brads, Victoria Crochet Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it!

Kristine

More One layer cards and the new In Colors 2011-13

2011-06-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today is a quick post. With my kids home, life is jumping! Good thing, right? I am also prepping for convention and for an Open House to say goodbye to the retiring items from Stampin' Up and hello to the NEW catalog. Do any of you remember getting the Sear's Catalog as a child? My mom would get one and I would hoard it for days, flipping pages and wishing on toys and clothes. Well, the SU catalog brings back those same feelings. Dreaming of that certain stamp...oh, I want that ribbon...I could really use that DSP....You get the picture. Me and catalogs--we're just meant for each other. :-)

If you would like to attend my Open House, (July 29 from 1-8) send me an email to let me know you're coming. (I'll send you the address.) We'll have three, free make and takes (from retiring sets), refreshments and we can all oogle the new catalog. I live in Reno, Nevada in case you need to know that! You can come from anywhere, but the Northern Nevada, Northern California area may be easiest. hehehehe (A shout out to my subscriber from Poland!)

Today I have three things to share. The first two cards were cards we made at the One-derful One Layer Card class last month.

I know...you're now kicking yourself for not signing up for the class. Don't be too hard on yourself. I'll have other classes. :-) I have three of the five cards we made available in my Online Classroom. If you want to make the cards below, ...

you can still sign up for the online class. You can stamp in your pjs at any time 24/7. Click HERE for the details.

The final item for share is from another demonstrator, Dawn Olchefske. She made some wonderful comparison charts for the new In Colors. I'm thinking , "Why reinvent the wheel and make my own charts? I'll send you her way to see her genius!" Click the picture below and you can see her charts. So how close is the new Calypso Coral to the retired Cameo Coral. Well, click on the picture and see!!

Well, that ended up not being such a quick post. I guess I had more to say than I thought. That doesn't usually happen ? (wink, wink)

Happy stamping my friends.

Kristine

Mojo 194 inspiration

2011-06-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

June is birthday month in my family, and also with friends. So this month I need to create lots of birthday cards! This card is from the Mojo Monday card sketch 194. Sometimes the best thing in making a card is to go into Blogland and find a layout to get started. The layout was a breeze, but I fiddled with it until I was happy. It is a very simple design, and I guess that today I am more in the mood for less than simple! (Someone should warn my husband.) Take a look!

It almost qualifies for a vintage look, no? How'd that happen? Me and vintage...we cross paths rarely. But this...this may be vintage. Sponging, "stitching," ribbon, pearls...what do you think?
My "stitching" is kidiwampus, but that ain't any different than my real stitching, so I'm going to call it "authentic" rather than kidiwampus. :-)

A couple of the items on the card are going to become unavailable on July 1. They are part of the Stampin' Up! retirement items. If you like the ribbon or the DSP I used, click here and order yourself some right now! Then come back on July 1st and order the stamp set! It was in the Occasions Mini, but I have a strong feeling (wink, wink) that it might be available again on July 1. Know what I'm saying? Here's everything I used...
Recipe:
Stamp set: Bring on the Cake
Paper: Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink, Lap of Luxury DSP
Ink: Concord Crush, White Gel pen, Vanilla Craft
Accessories: Blushing Bride Poly twill ribbon, Basic Pearls, Beautiful Wings Embosslit
Tools: 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch and Circle Scissor, Big Shot, Sponge, Mini Glue dots, Dimensionals

Don't forget about my Virtual Card Class.
You make these three cards:

The Class is still available. Click here for details!

Thanks for stopping in to see what I'm creating. Beautiful day in Reno. I need to go hike in them thar hills!
Kristine

My first virtual card class!

2011-05-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have created my first virtual class--and I'm so excited!!

Recently I held a class in which we made cards that are only one layer of card stock. Just ONE. I am very proud of the cards I created to share. And I want to continue to share them! So, I created a virtual classroom and created some slide shows to walk you through creating each of the three cards pictured below.

Each of the cards teaches a technique as well. We have shimmer painting, pastels and bleaching as well as matting. Did you miss my class? Do you want to have my guidance in making these cards? Well then...read on for details on how to purchase access to my classroom!

Learn to create the projects above step-by-step with my latest on-line slideshow class. Only $5!

24/7 convenience.
Access a private blog with three full-length project demonstrations.
Watch, repeat and rewind. Enjoy unlimited access to my "One-derful"One Layer Cards Class thru July 31, 2011.
Class supplies: Highlights include the Stampin' Up! Flower Garden Embossing Folder and the Sail Away Stamp Set both from the Summer Mini Catalog. Complete supply list for each card as a part of the
STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATORS WELCOME!

PayPal or credit card accepted. Payment may be made by clicking the BUY NOW button below. You'll receive the link to the class within 24 hours of payment. Please email me, if you need assistance or want me to resend the link. I will send the link to the email address used in making the purchase. If you need me to send the link to an alternate email, please contact me and let me know to what email address it should be sent.

PLEASE: Access and content of this class are an exclusive privilege for paid class participants. Reproduction, modification, distribution or republication of materials (including but not limited to photos, pdf files, text, videos, all links or the user/name password for access) are strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of Kristine Chubb.

You may share products you create using the content of the class or individual photos of your projects as long as Kristine Chubb (use link if shared electronically) is appropriately credited as the designer. Thank you so much for your support!

Two challenges, one card

2011-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

Imagine my pleasure when I discovered a little time to sit and play with my stamps. I decided to check out Mojo Monday to see the sketch
and to see the color inspiration challenge at Stamping 411.

I took those two challenges and created this card.

I liked the way it turned out! I rarely use the color Rose Red. I had a whole unopened pack. It's funny how a person tends to a certain hue of a color. It's a good reason to try some of the color challenges out there in blog land. Trying a challenge or two is always good for a creative boost.

Thanks for stopping in today.

On the Grow and waiting for warmer weather

2011-05-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Did I not get the memo? Isn't it Spring? It's cold and raining in Reno. {sigh} I love rain. Hate wind and cold. But...I am cozy in my home playing with paper and stamps. I can see the wind and the rain, but my heater kicks on, I sip on my tea, and life is good. :-)

Hmmmm? You came to see a card? Ohhhh! Yes, I have one for you. Look!

I made this card for a friend. (Hi Rhonda!) When Stampin' Up! went through their color renovations, most of the purples said goodbye. This card uses the retired color Lavender Lace. This is one of the purples that I did use often. Alas, my stock of Lavender Lace card stock is dwindling. But...who the heck knows...maybe a new color in July will be a kissing cousin of Lavender Lace? Oh! That makes me smile. The Stamp is from the new Summer Mini Catalog (you can take a peek at the catalog by clicking on its picture in the right-hand sidebar) called On the Grow. It has that wonderful scooter too. Notice the sparkle in the center of the flowers? Those sparkles are the handy work of the tiny Basic Rhinestones. Purdy. The placement of the Silver Hodgepodge was serendipitous. I placed it down and just liked where it landed!

So, I must leave blog land and go back to preping for my "Onderful" One Layer Class being held this Saturday. It a challenge to create cards using only ONE layer of card stock. I know that vintage is "in" right now, and I'm bucking the crafting trend, but that's the rebel in me. ;-) I run with scissor too. Wild woman! I'd show you the cards, but I always like the class participants to get first gander at the projects. I promise; you'll see my work soon! If you would like to know when I hold classes or camps, drop me an email and I can put you on my newsletter list.

Okay...off I go. Enjoy the rest of your day. Stay dry!

Kristine

Bright daisy

2011-05-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Reno weather has been sporadic lately. 80 degree day followed by snow the next. Here's a bright card to remind us that summer IS on the way! The technique is a basic reverse stencil. I used the medium daisy on the Daisies#2 Die. By placing it against the Glossy White Paper and sponging around the shape, I ended up with white daisies! For the center, I used a Sponge Dauber and smudged (a very technical term) some So Saffron ink onto the paper for a bit brighter center to the flower. Since the Die has three sizes of daisies, you could change up the sizes of the flowers, but I liked the one size. I like the way the Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon offsets the orange. This combo came from my Color Coach. The color coach actually suggested Pacific Point for Tanagerine Tango, but I wanted a softer look. After sponging all of the daises, I had a very tangerine daisy! So I incorporated it into the inside of the card! Look!

I made two tags that pull out of a transparent pocket. The pocket is super easy to make. I took a Clear Translucent envelope (pg 171 of the idea book 102619 $4.95 for 50) which people often miss in the catalog, and cut off the top. I adheared it to the card inside which actually gives you TWO pockets. The backside of the envelope creates one pocket, and the envelope itself creates a second pocket. The tags could hold gift cards, or maybe pictures or little notes. The main panal on the right inside could have a sentiment, or maybe a larger picture. I think this layout would make a great card to send to a grandparent. Pictures of the kids on the pull-out tags, and a family picture on the right! Good Christmas card idea!

Thanks for stopping in.

Kristine

Mother's Day Scrapbook spread

2011-05-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

My best friend had a baby a little over a year ago. I'm creating his scrapbook. In honor of Mother's Day today, and the fact that my family is letting me have time to do whatever I want (!), I have scrapbooked another page for Kyle's book! I have to tell you all, I LOVE this little boy. Here's his page for September 2010. (Yes, I know I'm a tad behind. He won't mind. He's an easy going little dude.)

A close-up of left-side.

And the right-hand side. Get a look at those peepers! Gor-jus!

His spirit just shines through. I love the belly too. Baby bellies are the best.

Happy Mother's Day to you! (Especially you, Colleen. Love ya!)

Kristine

Two ribbon tricks!

2011-05-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today's cards both use ribbon. I have a trick to share with you for each.

Number one is a card that mimics a store front window. I'd like this store since it sells cupcakes! For awhile, I saw awnings on cards. Haven't seen any lately, but I wanted to give it a try. I think it's cute! I used the Word Window Punch to create the stripes. Simply punch and adhere to a strip of cardstock. Fold the ends in opposite directions and adhere to your project.

This card qualifies as a punch art card. The only stamping on the card is the sentiment, from the set in the last Occasion Mini Bring on the Cake. That set is no longer available, but I'm a hopin' that it makes it into the new 2011-12 Main Idea Book and Catalog coming out in July. It's a great set. I hope you purchased it! If not, cross your fingers along with me for the July release of the new catalog! I did offer Glimmer paper to the ladies at the workshop, but my sample has just basic Real Read hearts and cherry. I used the Cupcake Punch to make the cupcakes (uhhh, yeah duh Kristine). The paper wrappers of the cupcakes are crimped using the Paper Crimper. Just crimp a strip of paper before you punch it with the Cupcake punch. Super easy. I think this is the kind of card that has a wow effect, but really is simple to put together. The bow is a "Stay Put Bow" taught to me by a wonderful demonstrator, Mary Fish.

Here is a picture tutorial for the stay put bow. It really is simple and keeps your bow from loosening and sliding off the project. First, place a hole in your cardstock where you want the bow to be. I have punched a 1/8" hole.

Take your ribbon and pull both ends from the back to the front side of the project.

Take the loop hanging from the back and bring it around the sides of the project to the front.

Pull the two ends tight and place one end on each side of the ribbon you looped around. No need for someone else's finger. You can now easily tie the two ends!

I did a simple knot and then trimmed the ends! Waalaaa!!

The next card is striking in its simplicity.

The card is a CASE from my upline Linda Gutierrez She made a bunch of samples using the Four Frames Stamp set and the DSP Paisley Petals. These two items are not available right now, but will be in the new catalog. (They were a promotion in April)

I want to show you how to make the bow on this card without having a HUGE lump due to a knot. The larger ribbon can be hard to use for this reason. I never want a huge knot, and bows can be ginormous with 1 1/4" ribbon! So, here's what I did. First, wrap the ribbon around the card to get the length you want.

Next, figure out how long a ribbon "tail" you want and snip a hole into the center of the ribbon. I gave myself about 2" from the end before I snipped. This is a small snip. Don't get all crazy and make a big hole! :-)

Now, pull the other end of the ribbon through the small hole.

I used an Antique Brad on this card, so I opened the brad's legs and wrapped them around the ribbon. (Is it just me, or did that last sentence sound...ummm...naughty?) Trim the ends of the ribbon, and another Waaa laaaa!!!

It's not bulky at all! You could even mail this!

Well, thanks folks for stopping in. I hope you find a opportunity to do a ribbon trick or two!

Kristine

Voila

2011-04-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today's fun card uses the retired set Viola. I did a technique called Paper Piecing. I stamped the chef onto DSP and then cut out the pieces I wanted. That is how his pants are herringbone and his chef coat polka dot! He seems such a happy guy! Can't you just hear him singing? His raised eyebrow makes me smile. So much attitude in that one detail.

This is also a different fold. I made a 1 1/2" lip to fold over the card. The card is held closed by the scallop oval. Here's the inside of the card.

Stamp: Viola

Card stock: Wild Wasabi, Basic Black , Whisper white, Night and Day DSP

Inks: Stazon, Wild Wasabi marker, Basic Gray marker, Daffodil delight marker, Blush Blossom marker

Punches: Scallop Oval, Medium oval, small oval, ticket corner

Accessories/Tools: black brads,dimensionals, Blender pen, Stamp-a-majig

I really like the Wild Wasabi and the Basic Black together. It did take some time to cut out his pants and jacket, but I really like the way he turned out!

Thanks for stopping in. Happy wishes for you!

Kristine

A sneek peek

2011-04-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

This cute little scooter is part of a set called On the Grow which will be available in the Summer Mini Catalog. Isn't it too fun?! I always wanted a scooter. Yes, a bit of a geek I am. This card feels a bit Parisian to me. I have not one idea why these colors say Paris to me, but they do! Maybe it's the polka dots?? I have to say that out of all the Seam Binding Ribbon, this Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon is my fave. I like the lightness of the seam binding ribbon. It makes a card easier to mail when the ribbon isn't weighing it down or making a big lump that won't go through the postal machine.

Stamp: On the Grow

Dies: Scallop Frame Oval

Paper: So Saffron, Red Riding Hood, Baja Breeze, Love Letter DSP

Inks: Baja Breeze, White Gel Pen, Stazon Black, Red Riding Hood, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green

Punches: Photo Corner, 3/4" square

Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Saffron brads

This is a swap I did for a group of Demo swappers I belong to. Can't wait to see the swaps I get! I really like this Summer Mini. Some good masculine sets too!

Thanks for stopping in. Happy Spring!

Kristine

"Purse"only speaking

2011-04-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Until recently, I did not make many 3D projects. But now I see so many cute things that I must try them for myself. Case in point, this little purse!

I have made many of these purses of late-- for raffle prices, guest prizes, and for my friends. They are just so cute! They are made using the little composition notebooks that you can buy for less than $1 at the big box stores. I must confess that this is not my idea. The kudos belong to a wonderfully inventive stamper, Becky Roberts, who has a blog named Inking Idaho. She has provided a tutorial on making these nifty purses! Isn't she wonderful! Rather than re-invent the wheel and tell you how it's done, I'm going to send you to her tutorial! Click here to see the how tos!

Next up is a "purse" that I designed based on a card box I saw at my friend Mary Cargill's, a fellow SU demonstrator. (Hi Mary!) I wanted my card box to look more like a spring purse! Here's what I came up with...

I was tickeled pink when it was finished! My children and even DH said it was cute. My, my, my, such flattery! It uses a SU stamp block case (which only demos can purchase, so be nice to your demonstrator if you want one! hehehe). I placed a Trinket Key coming out of the front pocket since that is usually how my keys ride in my purse. Amazing that I have never lost them.

Here's a side view.

When opened there are cards for the recipient to use. These are very simple cards which all use the Sweet Summer Sale-a-Bration Set and the always classic Sincere Salutations. They are what I call "Onederful" cards since they are single layers and easy peasy, get-out-the-door-now cards. Stazon Black Ink and markers of your choice are all you need besides some Whisper white Card stock. I made 8 cards to fill this purse.

Here are the 8 cards. They were designed by my upline Linda Gutierrez. Pretty "Onderful" huh?!

Have I overused the word wonderful? Maybe I should get out the thesarus...hmmm. Snazzy, ideal, beyond compare... are those synonyms for wonderful? OH!!! I know a synonym for wonderful! YOU!

Thanks for checking in with me. (Or should I say checking up on me?)

Kristine

Fungi for a fun guy

2011-03-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

This is the second card that I had as a project at the Sale-a-Bration event this past March 19th. It is a rather bold and bright card. As a demonstrator, I feel that my customers should be able to see all of the colors used...not just my favorites! :-) So I will, typically, at every event or workshop go in search of a card design that is something different than one I would design and add that card into the mix of what we will be making. I found this card design on the Stampin' Up demonstrator website where all of the demos can upload photos and "steal" ideas from one another. Ilina Crouse is the demo who posted a card similar to this one. I didn't have the exact DSP she used, but the idea/layout and stamp set are the same. I think it such a cute card!

A couple of things this card has that sold me...

1. It uses turquoise...an often left out color in my cards.

2. It could be used for either a male or female. If it is for a male, on the inside of the card you can write a message that says something like, "You're such a fungi!" A horrible play on the words "Fun guy." Men like those kind of puns...at least the men I know. Baffles me.

3. It showcases stamping with markers.

4. Just by switching the DSP over and using a different image in the Funky Four Stamp set, you get a more feminine feel card with more muted colors. See...

Stamps: funky four, Cute and curly

Card stock: So Saffron, Chocolate chip, Whisper white, Old olive, Play date Designer Paper

Inks: Old olive marker, Crumb cake marker, chocolate chip marker, So saffron marker, Tempting turquoise marker

Punches: Ribbon border, 1/16" handheld circle

Accessories: Subtles collection brads

The only bad thing about this card is the number of layers. You can be sure I was grinding my teeth as I preped for the event. 80 card kits cut. Each card has 12 pieces. (Two are hidden on the inside) Do the math. That is a gazillion pieces of card stock cut! But my cutter and I both held up! We're both troopers.

Thanks for stopping in. Next time you need to do more of the talking. (ha! crack myself up!)

Kristine

Sweet Summer and a Tidy Tip

2011-03-28T01:42:00.000-07:00

I recently helped to host a multi-demonstrator Sale-a-Bration event. It was a lot of fun! One of the cards that I had for the ladies to do used the Sweet Summer Sale-a-Bration set. It is an outline set, which means it works well for coloring! I used to love to color as a child. I still do. For awhile when my daughter was younger and all I ever colored were princesses from Disney, the love of coloring disappeared. I enjoyed watching my daughter color, but could not muster the excitment to color one more ball gown. But now that I'm back to coloring with wonderful Stampin' Up markers on my cards, the love has returned. Here's the card.

Stamps: Sweet Summer, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Embossing folder: Tulips

Card stock: Whisper white, Blushing Bride

Inks: Blushing Bride marker, Pear Pizazz marker, Daffodil Delight marker, Stazon Jet Black

Ribbon: Blushing Bride Poly twill

Punches: Scallop Oval, Medium Oval

It's a super simple card, which is why I think it ended up being such a hit! It is also the kind of card that will work for many occasions, I used one of the stamps from the set Teeny Tiny Wishes for the sentiment. That brings me to today's Tidy Tip. I have to admit that I am one of those people who likes everything neat and tidy. I cannot create in chaos. I must have all chores off my mind before I can settle into the right side of my brain. So, something that was driving me ab-so-lute-ly NUTS was the stamp set Teeny Tiny wishes. Love the set...hate how the blocks refused to stay neat and all standing up so I could easily read the sentiments. Because this was the set I used at the Sale-a-Bration event, I spent a lot of time helping guests find a sentiment. By the time I got home, I wanted to chuck the whole thing! Urgh! Then a thought dawned from my weary mind. It said, "Make ledges." It wasn't a voice like Kevin Costner hears in Field of Dreams, but I did hear it. So I took a piece of scrap Window Sheet and began making mountain and valley folds. Mountains were taped together and valleys were about 3/4" wide. I then taped the valleys to my plastic case and placed my stamps into the valleys with the mountains becoming the ledges the stamps could rest against. And it happened...that sigh escaped my lungs as I smiled and felt all neat and tidy! Look!

Okay, it may not look like much, but those stamps do not slop around in the case anymore. I can put a sentiment back exactly where I left it last. No other stamp has slid into it's place or flopped over and messed up the arrangement. And when I close the lid!!!...Yes... NOTHING changes. Makes me all emotional. I tried to get a picture of the mountain and valley folds inside the case. Dare I say this might just be genius!?

Just look how that line of stamps stays so soldierly on their ledge! It's a little slice of heaven for a neat and tidy chic.

Okay, go tidy up your own Teeny Tiny Wishes. You can thank me later. :-)

Kristine

2011-03-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

The cards I'm sharing today are from my last workshop. My hostess wanted an Easter card, so the following is what I came up with.

The card uses a technique that I think is such a simple WOW called faux letterpress. Using an embossing folder (in this case the Vintage wallpaper Embossing folder), you rub ink onto the folder on the side that is bumpless. (Is that a word?) Then place your card stock into the folder and run it through the Big Shot and the paper will be embossed, but the color you rubbed onto the folder will be laid down around the embossing. It is just too cool! I also found the very pretty ribbon technique on the Paper Crafters Sampler site and added that the center of the cross. It looks hard, but it really is not. Trust me...I'm all about being easy. (Okay, that didn't sound right, but you know what I mean.) Then added to the center of that gor-jus ribbon is one of Stampin' Up!'s new Vanilla Rosettes. Notice how I said vanilla, but mine isn't? I'm too clever! I daubered blushing bride ink onto the rosette to change its color! Vanilla with white ribbon looks...well, puky. So by adding color I get ahhhh, not eewwwehh. Using Versamark ink I stamped the leaf image from the stamp set Just Believe onto the bottom. I wanted the cross to stand out, so I didn't do any other stamping. Now for the inside...

Using the same set, Just Believe, I used markers to color in the image and then stamped. Pretty! Isn't the sentiment perfect for Easter? :-) Yup!

Next up is a simple, elegant card which was inspired by a similar card designed by Sarah Wills. Love her stuff. Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon and ink on white. Good combo! Three pearls from the Basic Pearls gives the butterfly a body. Look!

And finally another stamp you can earn free during Sale-a-bration called Tiny Teacup. The colors remind me of a delicious cup of coffee. This card is a direct CAS of Lisa Young. Isn't is wonderful?! I think the Love Letters Designer paper and the Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon are so complementary to each other.

That's it!

Here's a question for you...I have no idea how many readers I have out there in blog land. I can see that there are some of you since my counter at the bottom of the page is going up, and that cannot possibly be just my mom and daughter and friends who kindly look at my cards! So, the question...would it be helpful to you, my kind reader, if I include a recipe of my cards? Leave me a comment.! You have no idea how excited I get when I receive a comment. I do a little happy jig and SMILE!

Have a great day, and if the mood strikes you, do your own happy jig!

Kristine

You're invited!

2011-03-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

A couple of times a year, I get together with a group of Reno demonstrators and we host a day of stamping. This year, the date for the event is March 19. We have so much fun stamping! The guests have a great time stamping as well as fun seeing each other. If you'd like to join us for our Sale-A-Bration event, we still have space and we'd love to have you join us! Even if you have a demonstrator already, we don't mind! Come play. There is a fee for the event which covers the 12 projects you will make, raffle prizes and refreshments. It is a lovely afternoon spent in the company of like-minded paper crafters. The event flier and registration is below. Deadline for registration is March 12. Just print the flier and send it to me to register. My address is on the flier. If you'd like to pay using paypal, just email me with your information and send payment to k-chubb@att.net in Paypal.

Howdy!

2011-03-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

I love this card I designed. Is that bragging? It is really rare that I create something that knocks my own socks off. I have been on a kick with small cards attached to larger ones, and this uses that same idea. The whole card is just different. I think it could work for a male or female as well. Okay, take a peek and then I'll give you some specifics.

edited to add suplly list since a few have asked! :-)

Stamp set: Bronc Buster, Afterthoughts (hostess from this catalog)

Inks: Stazon black, chocolate chip

Markers: Crumb cake, really rust, chocolate chip
Punches: Ticket corner, word window, star, 1 1/4 circle
Paper: Really rust, chocolate chip, natural ivory
DSP: Bella Rose, Simply scrappin kit Round up
Ribbon: 5/8" grossgrain chocolate chip, 1/4" grossgrain chocolate chip
Accessories: sponge, silver brads, aged copper hodgepodge hardware, basic rhinestones, dimensionals

This card is for a swap I do with other ladies using whatever SU supplies we have. It is so much fun to get the swaps in the mail. I am swapping with some talented ladies, and the fact that the items do not need to be current really opens up the surprises. The set I used here is a retired set called Bronco Buster. I really like western stuff. The main card stock is Really Rust. Complementary colors are Chocolate Chip and Natural Ivory. The details behind the star are colored with a Crumb Cake Marker, Chocolate Chip Marker and Really Rust Marker. It is hard to see in the picture, but there is also some Chocolate chip sponging around all of the card stock edges. A few Basic Rhinestones and the card just sparkles! See the tab at the top of the square? It has the ribbon pull. This is what is pulled out from behind the mini card.

Cute little place to write a note! If a person wrote enough nice stuff on the tag, the recipient may end up using it as a book mark! And finally the inside of the little card (which measures 5 1/2 x 4 1/4).

I used some retired Hodgepodge with the buckle and the spiral on the tag. I just love the buckle on the inside! The main piece of 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 Really Rust card stock does not open. See! A very different card!

Okay, now I need to find those socks I knocked off myself. :-)

Have a great day. Thanks for sharing some of your time.

Kristine

A Party!

2011-02-22T23:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I had a birthday card class at my home. We made two each of four designs. All of the cards use the Occasions Mini set Bring on the Cake. A set that is well worth its price.

Despite the mounds of snow, and the cold, lots of stampers came and joined me in the class. It was a wonderful day! In the picture below, I am ready to party. All the paper mugs are waiting for their guests. My daughter had the best time deciding where each mug should sit.

Then the ladies arrived and we got busy stamping!

The first card is a different fold. I not only used just one stamp set for this class, but for all but one card, the DSP came from the Play Date DSP pack. I really like the subtle pattern on this Old Olive piece of DSP.

And this is how the card opens!

The next card is the "masculine" card of the set. It is a CAS from another demonstrator (whose name I cannot find at the moment, but will hunt down!) Edited 3/28/11: The original designer of the card below is Michele Reynolds! Mine is a bit different than hers.

The next two cards are CASEs from the Stampin Doc.

Thanks for stopping by.

Kristine

Cheers!

2011-02-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have a class this coming Friday. I wanted to give little, fun gifts to my guests. So I decided to make paper mugs! The original idea came from a fellow blogger, Lisa Young. She is wonderful, and provided instructions for the cup. I have gads of DSP, so I picked bright colors and started cutting and assembling...and cutting and assembling...and cutting and assembling...and I realized that I had undertaken (again) a project that did not seem so large in the inception, but got a bit overwhelming in the production. But I am pleased with the results. The mugs will not hold water--being that they're made of paper!--but they are the perfect containers for chocolate!! The tube sticking out of each cup is rolled waxed paper. Did you know that to keep your punches working well, every so often punch them through some heavy tin foil followed by wax paper? The foil "sharpens" and the wax paper "oils." Nifty huh! Most ladies have foil on hand, but not all have wax paper in the cabinet. I think the rolls look a bit like a straw sticking out of the cup. I'll go with that. In fact, would you believe I planned that? No? Me neither. Have a look!

And a close up...

The tag is made with the Scallop Oval Punch, the Small Oval Punch. The sentiment is from the Occasions Mini set You're a Gem--a fave of mine from this mini.

And a sampling...

I can't wait to see the project tables set with all the mugs! If you're coming to class, act surprised when you see them. :-)

Remember to be grateful for all your blessings. Thanks for sharing some time today with me.

Kristine

On the softer side

2011-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday morning to you! Today I am in a funk. Ever have those days? Just cannot get the rear in gear! Fortunately, I am ready to post some more cards for you!

The first uses the watercolor roses technique shown to me by my friend, Lynnette. She's a talented lady! (Shame, shame shame she does not have a blog we can all oogle. Sigh) Using an aqua painter and some reinker, you float the color on top of glossy or shimmer paper and let it dry. I used So Saffron and Peach Parfait reinkers because, as Donkey says in Shrek, "Everybody like Parfait!." I used that wonderful flourish from the set Baroque Motifs (may it never retire) and the rose image from Fifth Avenue Floral. The leaves of the rose are punched from the wing of the Two step bird punch!

"Ahhh!" you say, "What a versatile punch!"

"Yes," I answer wisely, nodding my head, "It is not just for the birds!" hahahahaha

Okay, add ramie to that funky thing I got goin'. With a Polka Dot dry emboss on the Peach Parfait panel (again, because "Everybody like Parfait!") and a vanilla Top Note, the card has a Victorian feel. Yes?

"But, Kristine...how did you make those bird wings look like such realistic leaves?"

I blush, smile and say, "It's easy! Punch out the wing from Pear Pizzazz card stock. Then crumple it 'til it's tiny, tiny. Then uncrumple it and press it against a Pear Pizzazz classic ink pad. The ink fills in the crumples and makes it look great!"

You smile at me and we are both happy to know how to make leaves from bird wings. I only wish I could press myself up against a classic ink pad and make my "crumples" look great. {sigh} Basic pearls in the swirls of the flourish, some Victoria Crochet ribbon and a pretty font in the sentiment from Fabulous Phrases finish off the card. Okay, you now get to look!

Next up is a direct CAS card from Mary Fish. She is becoming my idol. Love her stuff! This card uses the Rub-ons from the Occasions Mini called Love Impressions. An aside: Have you ever stopped to think that there is someone,( maybe multiple someones!) whose job it is to name the stuff in the catalog! Hmmm, guess that would take a talent for alliteration or maybe just a need to control the world and name things? Anyway, moving on....The card is framed with the pretty Tulip Embossing folder. Simple black, red and white with a touch of pink keep it simple. Not an ounce of ink is used on this card! I suppose this isn't a stamped card, technically. It's a rubbed card! No inky fingers.

And the final card. Thank you for reading this far. My... you're a saint.

This card uses Lap of Luxury DSP and the Square Lattice Embossing folder. To get the look of a quilt, first layer all pieces and then run the whole thing through the Big Shot with the embossing folder. It squishes (a very technical stamping term) all the layers together and it looks very "quilty." The sentiment is from the Occasions set You're a Gem. And really...YOU'RE a gem if you read my whole post today. Gracias!

Best wishes

2011-02-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the color orange suits me. Not often, but sometimes. This is a card I CASED from a past Stampin' Up! catalog. There's a reason the catalogs are called "Idea Books!" lol One of the things I would not have thought to do on my own is to lay strips of DSP down a card. No matting, no frills, just strips. I made this card for a swap, and I hope the ladies like it. Do you? (hint hint...leave a comment :-))The front flower is cut out and popped up on a couple of dimensionals. I enjoy cutting things out. It's almost a meditation for me. I just watch my scissors snip and turn and pretty soon I'm soooo peaceful. I didn't mind cutting out a bunch of these! You know what else? I like this photograph! The card actually looks like the card IRL! Imagine that. Might this mean my photography skills are improving? Nahhh. Luck. ;-)

Thanks for popping in today. I've listed a recipe after the picture. I hope you find some time to make something today, be it a card a scrapbook page, or a pan of brownies! Yum.

Stamps: Kind and caring thoughts (retired)
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive
Cardstock: Old Olive, Tangerine tango, Whisper white
Designer paper: Haiku (retired)

3Ds for Valentines

2011-01-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I made a lantern and a candy holder using Christmas Designer Paper and colors. (Click here to see them.) For Valentines, I decided to do the same projects, just changing the colors and adding another bird for the lantern. I think I like the Valentine colors better, even though I like Christmas much more. Go figure. I will fill the candy holder on the right with dark chocolate Ghirardelli squares before I give it away. The lantern does have a flame less candle inside. As I was making it, it made me think of a gift my husband and I received when we married many moons ago. The gift was a beautiful crystal bell. The note that came with it said to set the bell in a special spot if you have had an argument and are ready to talk, or ring it if you are ready for some "love." I thought, hey, this lantern could be a sign for a significant other! Light the candle inside and set it somewhere your partner will find it, and they will know "you're in the mood." That just makes me laugh. What fun!

Next is a project by my daughter, Olivia. I had made some letters decorated with Designer Paper as gifts at Christmas. (Click here to see those.) She really liked them and wanted to do something for her room. I love how she put her baby picture in the center of the "O." She's clever. She turns 11 in March and she is wanting to change her room. Make it more "who she is." Lordy, the teen years are a comin'.

Thanks for sharing some of your time with me today. I hope your day brings you happiness.

Kristine

Product of play

2011-01-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

Amazingly, recently I had some time to sit and play with my schtuff. This is the card that was produced out of that play. I used the designer paper Lap of Luxury which has a Pretty in pink sheet with the words, Life is Beautiful in this glorious script. I wanted to use the paper, but I didn't want the card to be pink. Oh what to do? So, I stamped the Medallion background stamp in Versamark onto the DSP. Then I embossed using clear embossing powder. THEN...oh then, I brayered Basic Gray ink over the DSP. Waalaa! Not so much pink! The DSP when heated turned more of a blush color. I likie! I wiped the gray ink off of the medallion (the embossing powder lets you wipe off the ink and lets the words show through. It's magic!)

I added some Basic Pearls around the center of the Medallion and larger ones down the side. And of course one in the very center of the Medallion. Some Gray Satin Ribbon adhered in a wave of glory and a Styled Silver Hodgepodge piece adds some class. The sentiment is from a set out of the Occasions Mini Catalog called You're a Gem. I used this same set on my last project too. I thought the script of the E in "enjoy" was so similar to the script of the DSP. Do ya think SU did that on purpose? Hmmm.

Next are the cards that my club made for January. They are wonderful, no? YES! I cannot take any of the credit for their design. Mary Fish is the creator of all three cards. So pretty, clean and simple. Valentines is not my favorite holiday. I'll eat the chocolate that is in abundant supply around Valentines, but the rest of the holiday leaves me feeling...ehhhhh. Even with all that said, I really liked these cards. So I had my club make them! The card with the trio of flowers could easily be made into a birthday card. Just switch out the sentiment. My favorite thing about all of the cards is the scrunched ribbon on the bottom card. Love it, baby! The bottom card is actually a "clear" card, meaning that the main card is made from mid weight Window sheets. Very cool. All of the stamps are from the Filled with Love set available until January 24th as a Promotion from SU. I made 36 cards from the paper that comes in the bundle, and I still have three FULL sheets left!! That's a heck of a good deal. If you would like to purchase the Filled with Love Bundle, which comes with free Bitty Buttons, shoot me an email. I can help you order what you need.

It's time to sign off. I have other projects to share, but they will have to post next time.

Take care, be kind to yourself, and smile.

Kristine

My hand at a vintage look

2011-01-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

The New Year has started, and I can feel it in my bones that it's going to be a good year. So far each day in 2011 has brought me a little, nice surprise. What fun!

For this week's card, I was going for a vintage look. You know, vintage is all the rage. But I am a pretty simple girl who goes more for the clean lines. BUT, I thought I'd give it a try. I don't think I made my goal of a vintage look (other than the distressing of the card stock), but I do like the way it turned out. The stamp set is one of my favorites, Friends 24-7. I like the Fleur-de-lis in the set. As you can see, I used that as my background. The little tag hanging off the ribbon is stamped with a sentiment from a new set in the Occasions Mini catalog called You're a Gem. I like phrase sets. I tell ya, this Occasions mini is packed full of things I want. I am really having to hold myself back from breaking the bank buying everything on my wish list! Anyone know where the line is drawn between something being a hobby and when it becomes an addiction? :-)

Have a lookie:

It's hard to see in the picture (geesh, when will my photography improve?) but there are "smudges" of ink on the background as well as on the vanilla floral piece. I used the Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon which has a light feel to it. It reminds me of the kind of ribbon I used to find in my grandma's sewing basket. The card stock I used is Soft Suede and Pear Pizzaz. There are also mini Basic Pearls in the flower centers. Me likee. You know what would have made this card more vintage? More schtuff. Ahh well, not vintage, but I like it. :-)

Thanks for popping in.

Kristine

Finishing up the year

2010-12-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of projects to share with you from the past month. I have been creating, but not blogging. I'd make a New Year's Resolution about blogging more often, but that resolution may go the way of many and not be realized. So I won't make the resolution! lol

I hope you have a wonderful New Year with lots of fun and time to do the things you love most. Enjoy the following posts.

A card I made to send to the troops. I made a bunch of these so that they could be sent to the troops and the troops would have time to receive them and then be able to send them back home to a loved one for Valentines. This was a challenge made by Gretchen Barron on her blog. The card design is a CAS of Rhonda Beadell.

Next, a gift using DSP on letters from Joanne's. Of course I had to bling them up just a tad.

Exploding gift boxes. These boxes use just one sheet of 8.5x11 card stock plus DSP or stickers as you desire. These are filled with chocolate. :-)

My first ever Hanukkah card made for my friend Dan.

A little bitty lantern. Soooo cute. The idea came from a fellow demonstrator (and very nice person I might add) Laura Lipe. I changed mine up a bit from hers. This was a club project for December. Inside is a flame-less tea light.

Another December club project. Chocolate Ghirardelli squares are always a great gift, but when presented in this decorative box...well they become just a little more special, yes?

And the final club project for December was punch art gift tags.

Three more Christmas cards

2010-12-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

One of the nice things about Stampin' Up! is the people you meet as a demonstrator. I belong to a group of demonstrators here in the Reno area. A few of us are orphans, meaning our uplines are gone. To support each other, we get together and play and talk shop. We got together a week ago and made Christmas cards. Below are some of the cards others brought to.

The first card is designed by Lynnette Parker. Her stuff is always wonderful.

Next is a card provided by Mary Cargill. I didn't finish it while there, so mine looks a bit different than hers. I just love the sparkle of the card. The trees are stamped in wild wasabi craft and then embossed with irridescent ice embossing powder. Really pretty IRL.

And finally is a card from a newbie to our group, Nancy Stafford. This card is too cute. Easy to put together as well--a huge bonus for Christmas cards if you're going to make a lot! The card is basically punches punched, cut and arranged into Santa's jolly face. Makes me laugh that just by placing the eyes a wee bit differntly, you can gve Santa lots of expressions! I was going for a jolly expression, but he actually looks a little baffled to me. Ah well, that more clearly reflects me! lol

Details on Greenhouse Garden and Concord crush post and a birthday card

2010-12-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

First, I want to share a birthday card I sent to a customer. A sun flower for a sunny person!

Next, on my last post, I was left a comment asking for the details on the card below. Thanks for the comment! I adore getting comments! Another picture of the card, and then the specifics for making the card:

Stamps used: Greenhouse Garden, Afterthoughts (Hostess set in main IBC)
Inks: Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi (for the flower stems) and Concord Crush (To make the flowers, ink your stamp, then stamp off once on a scrap paper before stamping on the project. When adding the flower detail, that is inked and directly stamped. It makes it look like two colors, but both are Concord Crush, one is just lighter than the other due to amount of ink on the stamp.)
Card stock (CS):
Early Espresso, 4.25x11, 2x2.75, 3x2, 1x5.25
Crumb cake: 4x5.25, 1.5x2.25
Concord Crush DSP from the Hostess level 1 paper pack. 2 7/8 x 1 7/8
Whisper white punched with the XL Decorative Label Punch found in the Holiday Mini on page 25.

Dry embossing using the Backgrounds Texturz Plate #1 on page 215 of the IBC. I took a sponge and lightly highlighted the raised portion of the paper with Early Espresso ink. Use a light touch.
The scallop down the right side is the Scallop Trim Border punch done in Early Espresso CS. I then added the smallest pearls from the jewel package of Basic Pearls on page 188. I wrapped a piece of 1/2" Concord Crush ribbon over the punch strip and tucked it under the scallop strip and Crumb Cake piece.

To finish the card, use a Corner rounder punch on the small piece of Crumb Cake, add Silver brads to the centers of the flowers and pop the flower image up on Dimensionals. To make the faux brads in the left corner, punch three 1/4" circles out of Concord Crush CS and adhere to the front with Mini Glue Dots. The VERY LAST THING you should do is add some Crystal Effects to the little circles to add the shine. These will need to dry, for a bit, but when they are dry, they look like brads!

There you go!

Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate your time.

Kristine

Greenhouse garden in concord crush

2010-11-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is a card I did for my demo swap group. Something about the concord crush and the espresso spoke to me. I tried a different layout (yeah, some of us tend to get in a layout rut) and I really like how the flower focal point pops off the card. The background is embossed and then sponged with espresso ink to make the design stand out a bit. Baby pearls along the side add a little somthin' somethin'. The DSP behind the flowers is from the Patterns Paper Pack that is the Hostess Level 1 gift. You know, those packs are great. I am always pleasantly surprised by what's in them! To finish the card, I punched three 1/4" circles, adhered them with mini glue dots and then put some shine on them with crystal effects for the faux brad look. The sentiment is also a hostess level 1 set called Afterthoughts. It's true...I do love being spoiled!

If you would like any more details on the card, drop me an email. If you would like to receive the hostess paper patterns pack or the Afterthoughts set, contact me about hosting your own workshop!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kristine

Some more Christmas cards

2010-11-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

I have continued making Christmas cards. You'd think I have enough by now! Here are a couple more to share.

The first card is one of my favorites. It came together easily for my, which is unusual, and I still like it after looking at it days in a row! lol The paper is from the Nursery Specialty Suite DSP. I would not have thought to look in this DSP for Christmas paper, but as I was browsing my papers, this pattern popped out. It's always fun to use a paper for a purpose it was not intended. Makes me feel like a rebel! Wohoo, I'm such a wild and crazy girl. :-) Now the bow...oh my. I went to Lee Conreys blog, and she has these magic bow makers for sale. Yup, bought one. Love it! Hey, doesn't my bow look fan-tas-tic!? And the bows just whip right up. Ain't nothin' but a thing! Thanks Lee! The punch is from the Martha Stewart collection.

The next card is for my Open Swappers group. This is a card making group that swaps once a month for four months. Materials have to be Stampin' Up!, but they do not need to be current. If you would like to be a part of the next swap group beginning in January and continuing through April, please contact me. I can give you all the specifics. It's fun, and you get to use anything SU! Anyway, onto the card. This card has an old fashion feel to me. I really like it, but it got mixed reviews from my family. I did one of my new favorite tricks on this card, which is to adhere DSP before running it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder. I like the look! All of the edges of the paper are "frosted" with craft white. I liked using the eyelets again too! I wonder why they went out of vogue? I would love to know your honest opinion about the card. Leave me a comment!

Next is my very sweet daughter, Olivia. She wanted to do the Mojo Monday challenge for one of her Christmas cards. Here she is with her finished card.

And here is the sketch she followed...

And here is the close-up of her card. Beautiful!! I think this is one of her best cards. It's hard to see in the picture, but the snowflakes have dazzling diamonds on them! A little pretty bling! As you note, she used the Magic Bow Maker too. Soooo easy!

I have more cards to share, but will save them for another post. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful time with family and friends, and you had some time to stop and reflect on all that you have to be grateful for.

Kristine

Catching up

2010-11-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have a few items to show you that have been sitting in my work area. The first card was for a demonstrator swap. I decided to forgo the usual fall colors. The front squares are popped up on dimensionals. This card uses the Days of Gratitude set as well. Such a versatile set!

Next up is a card for fall using the masking technique.

The next card was one I did for the last Christmas card class. It uses the letterpress Season on Joy. I'm not a natural at using a letterpress, but some of my customers were pros!

My next share was a club card for Halloween. It is almost a direct CAS from Paper Crafts Magazine. It is the same layout and colors, but I used SU only stamps and materials. The technique is faux letterpress, which I like MUCH better!

And my final share is of my constant companion, Simon. He was all dressed up for Halloween. :-)

My daughter decided he should wear her outfit. He doesn't look too pleased does he? lol.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Happy Fall!

Kristine

Day of Gratitude

2010-10-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

This stamp set was the first one to catch my eye when the Holiday Mini came out. It reminds me of one of my favorite retired stamp sets called True Friend. Both sets have the same design style--a little western, a little ...Scandinavian? At least that is what I think when I look at them. I really like the sample card that is pictured with the set in the mini, so I decided to stick with the Cajun Craze color. The layout is courtesy of Stampin 411 blog Saturday Sketch Challenge #171. This will be one of the cards for my club this Friday. I like the rich, warm colors of it.

The DSP is the Autumn Spice. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Makes me think of warm apple cider. The ribbon is in Early Espresso, and I used the lattice embossing folder on the Cajun Craze panel for some extra texture.

Here is the inside of the card.

Wonderful sentiment, yes? I sometimes need the reminder that everyday is a blessing and a reason to be grateful.

Thanks for stopping in today. Remember to feel the gratitude today for all of your blessings!

Kristine

Halloween past

2010-10-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's finally feeling like Fall here in Reno. It has been raining the past couple days, and the temperature outside right now (according to my computer) is 48*. I can actually wear a sweater! This is my favorite time of year. :-) It is also a favorite month for many because of Halloween. So today I thought I'd share with you some cards made by some super talented stampers who have made some wonderful Halloween cards. Maybe they will inspire you to get your spooky on! :-)

The first two cards are made by Lynnette Parker. She is Ah-MAZ- ing!! Truly. She should have her own blog to share her giftedness with us all. Alas, she doesn't, so I will share her giftedness with you! This card is made with the spider embossing folder. Stinkin' cute, huh?! (Lynnette, I bet you're wondering how I got this card. Me no say!)

This next one was from Lynnette last year. Such talent. {sigh}

Next up is my wonderful friend Jennette Sworthout. She is one of those people who have an eye for color and balance. Not that I'm at all jealous. :-) This was her card last year.

Love it? YES!

Next up is my friend and upline, Kim Goodsell. This card was made awhile ago, but I love it! It has softer colors for Halloween. This was a card some of you may recognize from one of holiday stamp camps. Love the layout.

And the final card is mine. Halloween is not my forte, so I go more fallish in design. I used the gate fold on this card. What I like about the card is that just by switching out the DSP and the ribbon, you could do any season!

Pull off the ribbon and here is what it looks like...

Well, I hope these cards inspired some of the spook in you. :-)

Thanks for taking time to visit.

Kristine

MOJO 158

2010-10-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Two weeks in a row for the Mojo Monday challenge! This week the sketch came in handy for my DH's birthday. With a busy week, his card was still in the makings when he came home from work. Yikes! I love the simply sketches, and this one worked well for his card. Whenever I show him my work, he always likes the simpler design cards best.

Here's the sketch:

I chose the square version. Here's my DH's card:

There is a little sparkle to my card--just like my hubby. :-)

I used the Sizzix Squares texturz impression folder to add a little somethin' somethin' to the back panel of the card. I'd show you the inside, but the note is a mushy gushy one. :-)

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a good one!

Kristine

MOJO 157

2010-09-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's amazing, but I found some time to play along with the Mojo Monday sketch this week. I used mostly retired items in the making of this card. I tend to always want to play with my newer stuff, but I have so many retired things to use. Here is the sketch:

Here is my interpretation of the sketch.

The large flower is a die cut on board that has been inked with More Mustard craft ink and then embossed with clear embossing powder. It looks almost leatherish to me. The sentiment is from a set called Absolutely fabulous. I like the continuation of the sentiment on the inside of the card which says, "No seriously, ...you are."

It's a GORJUS day in Reno today. Time to go play in the sunshine.

Thanks for looking.

Kristine

More Christmas cards

2010-09-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing to make Christmas cards. I will be making these two cards with some ladies on Saturday for a Christmas Card Class. If you are interested in making either of the cards on your own, I do offer card kits for both. Just send me an email and I'll reply with the particulars!

One of the ladies coming to the class loves blue and white. This card is in her honor. It uses the new snowflake embossing folder and the basic rhinestones.

This second card is really stunning in person. It's the kind of card people want to touch because of the sparkle. The sparkle is done with heat and stick powder and dazzling diamonds.

The sparkle is not showing up in the picture. :-( I need to learn how to take better pictures!

Hope you like the cards.

Kristine

First Christmas card of the year

2010-09-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

I have created the first Christmas card of the year. Yes, it does seem way too early for jingle bells, holly and the manger. But the weeks are short for those of us making cards! I like simple cards that mail easily. Well, let me clarify...I love wonderfully ornate cards, but for mailing lots of them during Christmas, the simpler the better. With that in mind, I created this simple card. Another bonus is that it is easily mass produced. (Sorry friends, I do not make individual card designs for each of you. Alas, I may appear crazy, but I'm not!) I like the sentiment of JOY for a Christmas card. Although Joy is there in every day of Life, more folks seem to find it in the holidays. Lookie:

I'm grateful to SU for adding bling to the inventory line-up. The pearls are wonderful. Lots of sizes and easy to use. Plus, I'm a pearl girl.

Thanks for sharing a moment of your day with me.

Kristine

Inspiration and another scrapbook spread

2010-09-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

It is rare that I create a card that I instantly like. But the card in this post is one of those rare gems. Stampin' Up has some new cork sheets (119819, 9.95 for 6) and when I saw them, the first thing I thought of was the bulletin boards at schools. Must be the former teacher in me. So, of course, my card ended up with a school theme. When I designed the card, I had two things in mind. First, a customer, Susie (Hey Susie!) liked this kind of fold for a card, so I wanted to incorporate that. Second, I wanted to use the Define your life Stamp set. Take a look...what'cha think?

Here's the inside of the card.

I used the spiral border punch to make it look like a sheet of binder paper. My daughter wondered where I got the small piece of paper. :-)

I also created another scrapbook spread for Kyle. I am really enjoying making this book for him.

Isn't he a doll!

Here's closeup of each page.

He's not even a month old in these pictures. Such an alert boy!

Thanks for spending some of your time with me today. Hope your day ends up being a lovely one.

Kristine

Back to school and something cool

2010-08-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

If your household has been anything like mine, you're looking forward to school starting on Monday. This time of year always reminds me of my own school years--the school supplies and the clothes and the anticipation and nerves about seeing classmates after a summer away. My children are excited to go back, for which I am grateful. Back to school time can also be expensive. Fortunately, my children have never been worried about keeping up with others and are willing to use again supplies from last year. This year, my daughter was okay not getting new colored pencils, but really wanted a new pencil box. We compromised and she picked out some of my designer paper and we created a box to hold the pencils. It's nice that she still thinks something I create is cool. Very simple, but it made my daughter smile!

A loop of hemp around the buttons keeps the box closed after the tray slides back into the outer box. Don't those buttons look yummy? They are the new buttons in the brights collections. They remind me of sour candy! My daughter likes that she can pull the tray out of the box and not have her pencils roll around her desk. We also had a good time creating the box. Stampin' Up! save me again! lol

This next card was a card I made back in January. This is the cool part. I was looking at pictures of the Stampin' Up convention that were posted by another demonstrator. Lo-and-behold, one of the pictures was of my card, which had been posted on a display board at convention! One of my cards made it to a display board at convention!! Besides that, this other demonstrator liked it so much she took a picture of it so she could use the idea in her own workshops! That is too cool! Stampin' Up encourages us to send sample cards to them so they can use them in displays or in the magazine. But not every card they receive makes the cut. Just imagine how excited I'd be if one of my cards made it into the magazine. My family would not be able to live with me! lol. Here it is...

I wish all you moms out there the peace and quiet of your family away at work and school. Get some stamping done! :-)

Kristine

Be yourself

2010-08-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to create a card using a technique showcased in the Stampin' Success Magazine. In this technique you use a piece of felt and reinkers as your stamp pad. It allows you to use a single stamp and stamp it once and not have to use markers to get the different colors. It's a great technique when you'll be making many cards of the same design (such as a Christmas card) and do not want to re-marker the stamp for each card. It is fast! I used the Happy Together set with the three birds. I find this set of three birds funny. The middle bird just seems to be marching to her own beat. I played this up by giving the middle bird (that sounds almost naughty!) a different color and some bling. She also has some "lip" stick too. Lipstick on a bird...okay, that just makes me laugh. The sentiment says, "Be yourself," and on the inside of the card, it says, "Nobody is better suited."

I added a flower from an old pretties kit, but you can now buy them without buying the whole kit. They are called paper daisies and you can find them on page 188 of the catalog. I sponged some Pear Pizzazz onto it to make it blend better and then topped it with a knot of the new In Color Ribbon in Pear Pizzazz. The DSP is from the Nursery Suite Specialty. I think Pear Pizzazz is going to be one of my favorite colors!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by today.

Have a good one!

Kristine

SSUS swap and a double page

2010-07-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

I did get the latest card photographed, so here's the post. I made this card for a swap in the Sensational Stampin' Up Swappers group I belong to. I used the new set Just Believe and some of the new DSP from the package Walk in the Park. The paper looked like smooth stones covered in moss to me, and that made me think of an Asian garden, and that sparked the design. The three "pebbles" on the left side of the card are the clear dots that belong to the build a brads! I wanted to continue with the pebble idea, and these were the size I wanted. The colors are directly out of the new color coach. At first I thought Wild Wasabi and Perfect Plum? Really? But I decided to try it. At first I was non-plussed by what I had designed. But the more I look at it, the more I like it!

I stamped the image in black Staz-on and then "highlighted" the plant with my markers. Not sure about the sponging around the edges. I left that off on the swaps I made for the gals.

Next is my latest pages in my girlfriend's new baby scrapbook. The paper is retired, and called Muirfield. The color is the returning color Baja Breeze. Such a wonderful hue of blue, don't you think?

Thanks for taking some time to spend here today. Have a great day!

Kristine

Long time no see

2010-07-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile. Life can surly get away from a Mom, don't you think? So here are my latest cards. The first two are inspired by Mary Fish. Her work is so simple, yet elegant. She's my go to CASE. She's a lovely person besides!

The next card is a direct CASE from Nancy Riley. She uses the color palette I like, and her work is eye catching.

Isn't the reversing of the color squares great! Love it!

And the final card is inspired from a card I saw somewhere on the Internet. I just came back from California, was thinking of card ideas, and California poppies seemed just the thing. With the new In Color Poppy Parade, it was super easy. The technique is masking. Masking allows putting some images "behind" others for more of a dimensional look.

The sentiment is a bit wonky, but I'm still learning to use the clear stamps. It's not a serious card, so a "jumpy" sentiment isn't such a bad thing!

I have two more cards to share...and I will do my darnedest to get them photographed and posted!

If you have any questions about colors or sets used, please drop me an email or a comment.

Thanks for taking time to look today!

Kristine

Some of my favorite sets...going

2010-06-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

June is a bitter sweet time in the Stampin' Up! world. It's the time when stamp sets are retired. For me as a demonstrator, that means I can no longer use the set in my workshops and clubs. So this month for club, we made cards using three of my favorite sets that are going away. I can still use them for my personal cards, but I just LIKE these sets so much, I have used them many times in workshops and events. So here they are in their glory.

This first card uses one of my all time favorite sets, Embrace Life. I also used the retiring color, Sage Shadow. My thanks to Flutterby Atomic Butterfly for the layout.

Next up is a very versatile set called Tue Friend. I have always liked the sort of western feel to this set. The sentiment is from another retiring set called Wow Flowers. Colors are Always Artichoke and the retiring In Color, Dusty Durango. This is a direct CASE from Nancy Riley. L-o-v-e Love her work.

And the final card for the club was a red, white and blue tribute using the technique of faux buttons. The ladies loved punching out all the circles for the six buttons (hehehe). This card uses the retiring set Celebrate Everything. I also used the new Square Lattice Embossing Folder available in the Summer Mini catalog. A little texture is good. :-) (This card also uses the retiring color of Brilliant Blue. I'm gonna miss you Brilliant Blue. You were truly a brilliant color. {sniff}) Thanks to an unknown artist (If this design is yours, please let me know, and I'll give you credit!) I tweaked mine just a smidgen adding the texture and a brad-held bow. Love that way of making a bow--easy peasy!

That's it for today. If you would like any of the retiring materials used in the cards, you can place an order for these items through June 30th through my Stampin Up website. After June 30th, retiring items will no longer be available for purchase through Stampin' Up.

Thanks for stopping in today. I appreciate you giving some of your time to me!

Kristine

Floored

2010-06-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be M.I.A again. I have been installing laminate wood flooring. It's my first time, and I may be getting too old for this stuff. Ouch, the knees! But, I think it's turning out pretty snazzy...even if I do say so myself. It'll be great once the baseboard molding is in. This is just the back hallway...still have the rest of the house to do! Lookie:

I did take a break today to do a double page layout for my friend's new baby. So LOVE doing baby pictures! This layout is from a CTMH template, but all the materials are SU. The ducks are free-handed. The velum pocket on the far left is for the hospital bracelet to be tucked into. Really broke out my embellishments on this huh?! lol

And a close up of each page.

Thanks for taking the time to look today.

Kristine

A floral wish

2010-05-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is a card that I made with my Magnificent Stampers Club. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with the club members. Funny how stamping brings people into my life that otherwise I would never have met! Gotta like that! We actually made this card back in April when the Specialty Designer Series paper "Sending Love" was still available. See, I am so behind on posting! I added some glitter to the center of the flowers just to add to the sparkle of the card. I'm really hoping SU offers some more glitter options in the new catalog. Some sparkles, a box of half-back pearls, some colored gems...something sparkly!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog today. Leave a comment! Those make my day!
Kristine

TSSC122 challenge

2010-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

This card reminds me of my grandmother...the colors, the softness, the roses. I used chalks to get the soft look, and then "pulled" the color around with a blender pen. there is also a dab of glitter on the roses. Kinda looks like a bit of dew. I don't know if there really are blue roses, but that was the color I really wanted to make these roses. Red, pick and orange were too much I thought. What do you think of the colors?

Stamp Set: Elements of Style

Colors: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy and Kraft.

Inks: Not quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Chalks

Accessories: Mellow Moss taffeta ribbon

Here's the sketch for this challange. Go take a peek at Mary Jo Price Williams blog. She's got amazing stuff.

I really like this new stamp set. It's in the summer mini and it's called Elements of Style. Right now, if you purchase this set, you also get free designer brads! If you do not already have a demonstrator, please contact me and I'd be happy to help you. You can also click on the summer mini catalog pictures at the right to see all the great stuff, or to shop online.

My daughter, Olivia, who is 10, wanted to do the challange as well. Here's the card she made. I think she did a great job! She's getting better at getting the images stamped clearly and the papers on straight. She was a little worried that her card didn't match the sketch exactly, but she felt better when I told her the idea of the sketch is inspiration and not direct instructions.

I really love the time we get to spend together creating. I hope that continues into her teens.

Thanks for looking today.
Kristine

Welcome baby and some club cards

2010-05-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest friends just had a baby. This is a page for his scrapbook. Isn't he just too cute!

Next are the club cards from last month. Yikes, am I behind on posting things!

This card was inspired by Selena Kempton's work. I used the Emboss reinker floater technique. I love this technique! The flowers have some dazzling diamonds in the center, but that isn't showing up in the photo.

This next card was inspired by Mary Fish. She made a similar card for fall. I changed it up for Easter.

This card makes use of the sweet treat cups. We all enjoyed eating the M&Ms while we made the cards. I'm sure some of the candy didn't make it all the way home in the card for some of the ladies. :-)

And the final card is almost a direct CASE from the Stampin' Success Magazine. Simple, simple, simple. A good child's card.

Thanks for taking the time to stop and look today.

Kristine

Lilacs in bloom with Mojo 137

2010-05-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

The lilacs outside my window are blooming. It inspired this card I made for a friend's birthday.
I used the sketch for Mojo 137 as my layout.

I'm sorry the picture is a little blurry...I took lots of pictures and they are all blurry. Time for a new camera or a new operator? :-)

Happy Spring!

Kristine

We're gonna go Back in Time

2010-04-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Compared to the last post, the weather in Reno today is icky! Howling winds and rain. That's spring in northern Nevada...always changing.

As you may have already read/heard, SU is saying farewell to some of it's colors. In place of what is leaving, some of the old In Colors will become part of the new Color Collections (no longer calling them color families, but color collections). This is a good thing, in my mind. Red Riding Hood is coming back {YES< SU heard my pleas!} as well as Pacific Point and Baja Breeze. Just so happens that I recently made a card for DH using these blues. So here it is.

Hope your safe and your weather is better than Reno's! Thanks for visiting.
Kristine

Happy Together

2010-04-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

It is ab-so-lute-ly beautiful outside. I know, how can I be inside when the outside is in the 70s and it's sunny. Well,...ummm, I was out all day yesterday gardening. Such a happy camper, diggin' in the dirt, hosing things down, looking at all the buds coming up, trimming trees and bushes....but I got a sun burn. Top of the head...ouch. Shoulders and back...red and ouch. And my right hand and arm are almost useless because I held that dang trimmer so long!! Couldn't even hold my orange juice this morning! lol Very tired muscles! So today I'm doing things inside. Except I'm going to go for a bike ride soon, with a hat and long sleeves!

But you visited today to see some stamping. So here ya go. These cards were for a multi-demonstrator event that I did. I wanted to show how one stamp set and the same papers could create two unique cards. Flip this, turn the DSP paper over and use the other side, and waa laa, a different card!

The twig in the first card is from the grape vines in my backyard. I pruned those AND got some raw materials for stamping! Gotta love that! Both cards have the same base and second layer and use the same DSP (Sweat Pea from the Occasions mini--which will only be available until the end of April. Good stuff: get yours if you haven't already.) The stamp set, Happy Together, was a freebie {happy dance for free!} during Sale-a-bration, but you can still get one from the main IBC. I think the birds are just too cute. I have quail all over my yard, and I especially like it when the babies are around and whole families go out for a jaunt. That top feather boppin' around makes me laugh. They are very entertaining birds. Back to the cards...it's hard to see in the picture, but the right hand card has a wood texture on the top from the Big Shot texture plates. Any questions, shoot me an email. Or leave a comment. I LOVE comments, and read them multiple times. The idea that someone is reading this stuns me. Makes me happy too! :-)

I hope it's sunny where you are too. Don't forget the sunscreen! :-)
Kristine

A poodle punch card

2010-04-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

For awhile, punch art cards were all over the blogs. I think they are ever so clever, so I wanted to be clever too! I have a wonderful Standard Poodle named Simon, and so in his honor, I created a punch art poodle! Since Simon is a male, I proably should have used a blue bow and backdrop, but...well I like red better! I really enjoyed making this card and I do feel rather clever in how it turned out!

Isn't he just adorable! It's hard to see in the picture, but I ran the whisper white through the big shot with the swirly texture plate. It makes his fur look curly! Makes me smile. Simon actually never has had a poodle haircut, so he's not so elegant looking. He would never put up with a bow, either. People ask me all the time if he's a labradoodle. "Nope," I say, "He's just Simon." That says it all in my mind. :-)

Here's the real Simon with his friend Ada, the Boxer puppy.

Too cute, huh? They make me laugh when they play. Simon is six, and Ada isn't even a year yet, but they have the BEST time. Hard not to smile when watching their antics.

Thanks for popping in today.
Kristine

Mojo133

2010-04-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's time to get myself back into the creating phase. When I began this blog, I had all kinds of goals. Lofty goals I am now realizing! lol. I do a lot of creating, but I give my cards away before I take pictures of them, {Yes, I do give my cards away. I know lots of people keep all of their creations, but I create to give away.}or I CASE someone elses card, and I really can't show you that since it isn't really MY card, by design. So, yesterday I decided to see if I could create a card using the mojo monday sketch as well as one of the retiring SU colors, Almost Amethyst. Almost Amethyst has been one of my favorite "purples" in the SU colors, and I will miss it. But, Red Riding Hood is coming back...and I love that baby! I also needed to do a swap for a group of SU demos I belong to using something from the new Summer Mini Catalog. So you're getting a sneek peek at a new set that is available to buy beginning May 1st. It's a pretty, I think vintage looking set, called Watercolor Trio. I bought my set in the clear block form. I REALLY like the clear blocks. I also like the phrases included in the set and the font of them. Very pretty. So this is the card that my fellow swappers will receive. I hope you like it!

Because the set gives me a vintage feel, I wanted to emphasize that in the card. Recently I saw some kitchen materials at the Home Depot that stick to your wall. They come in sheets and look like embossed metal. Very 1940ish. I want that in my kitchen, but making a card that looks like embossed metal will have to do for now! :-) I used the frost white shimmer paint and mixed it with alcohol and spritzed it liberally over Basic Gray CS. While the CS was still wet, I ran it through the Big Shot using the Perfect details texture plate to get the deeper impression. It does look like metal IRL. The DSP is from the set Autumn Traditions in the Main IBC. I like the combo of Almost Amethyst and Always Artichoke. Throwing some gray in there just makes it more...vintagy. {is that a word?} I did use a Nestie to make the oval. SU just doesn't have the options for ovals that Spellbinder's Nestabilities do. Maybe in the new IBC?!!! From word on the street, {yo homey}there are going to be some great new things in the next IBC. Makes me all excited and jiggly feeling inside. :-) True stamper, huh? To round out the card, I added half-back pearls from the Pretties kit. You know, I bought that kit a long time agao and I STILL have pieces! There's a lot of stuff in the kit...well worth the price. I also used the gray satin ribbon and clipped the corners of the gray CS with a tag punch. Add a little Almost Amethyst sponging around the oval and...waaa laaahhh!

Thanks for popping in today.
Kristine

A birthday for my "Baby"

2010-03-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

March has been a busy month for me...as you may have guessed from my lack of posting. Did you notice I was missing? lol

Both of my children have birthdays this month, and they both can now appreciate a handmade card. So here they are.

This is my daughter's card. I knew she would want something soft yet sparkly. I LOVE cutting out images, so I enjoyed cutting out all the flowers from the Tea Party DSP and layering them.

This is my son's card

Thomas always like the simpler cards. Nothing fancy for my boy...um I mean young man...of 12.

He plays guitar, so this image was great. The paper is the Nouveau Chic DSP. A little something without being too much for a boy card.

Thanks for popping in today.
Kristine

Club cards

2010-03-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

It seemed appropriate to me that I did a red card in honor of the Chinese New Year. This is one of the three cards that I had my Ladies complete at the last club. It uses one of my favorite sets, Asian Artistry (man, I'll be sad when that set retires. {sigh}) The image was embossed with Versa Mark and Gold embossing powder and then colored in with markers. It's a sparkly card! Love that.

This next card also has an Asian feel and uses the same set. (Gotta get my use outta it before I can't use it to demonstrate anymore. {sob})

It also uses that To the Nines DSP, which I think is great. That DSP pack grows on me every time I look at it. I also like that it has a heavier feel and a textured "softness" to it. The paper just feels good to the touch. I can only describe it a s a softness. It's a good pack for "manly" cards. My husband and son always like the cards when they have some of this DSP on it. Go figure, huh?

The last card of the club was the technique card. We did the Herringbone technique using a piece of card stock run through the Xryon machine and then 1/4" strips of DSP from the Autumn Traditions. It's a little time intensive, but I like the finished look.

I hope you found something to inspire you. Thanks for stopping by today.

Kristine

A delayed start turns into a pretty card

2010-02-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

In Reno, the School District will call a delayed start when the roads are icy. This means that school is still on, but starting later in the day to give the roads a chance to clear of the ice. On this particular delayed start day, my daughter, Olivia, and the little girl I take care of in the morning, Leanah, and I got out the Stampin' Up stuff and created a card! It was fun deciding on colors and embellishments and ribbon. The three of us spent the two hours breakin' out all the stuff and just playing. Great way to start a morning! I needed a birthday card for a friend. Here's our creation!

It's a bright, cheery card! We ran the Bermuda Bay through the Big Shot to get the dots. Leanah thought the Big Shot was pretty cool. I have to agree with her! Even us girls have tools we love. :-)

And here's a picture of my guest artists, beaming after creating the card.

Thanks for popping in today.

Kristine

Cards from my Anniversary SAS

2010-02-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

My anniversary evening Stamp-a-stack was wonderful. It is always nice to spend some time with friends. These are the cards that we made. Two copies of each design. I must thank Leanne at The Stampin' Schach, Mercy Kein and Kay Kalthoff for the original ideas of three of the cards. What would I do without being able to CASE the talents of others!?

One of the gals placed the ribbon vertically on the left side on this card and I liked it even more. This card could serve so many purposes just changing the sentiment. The ovals are made with Nestabilities.

Who knew that Dusty Durango and black could make such a popping easy card!

The texture in the middle of this card is done using the crimper. What a quick, nifty way to add some focus with minimal effort.

Everyone loved the corduroy buttons. A bright cheery card!

This is actually my favorite of the group. I'm starting to really dig the color Bermuda Bay. Maybe it reminds me of the blue skies we usually have in Reno. I miss the blue sky! lol

And finally, my daughter Olivia made this Valentine bag. She said she had the best bag in class because she made it at home with my supplies. She used the sticky letters and cosmo glitter and the big heart punch and the new mini heart punch. I love watching the joy on her face as she creates something. My son, Thomas, took the pictures of the bag so it would be easier for me to remember to post the pictures to this blog. The kids make me smile. :-)

Celebrating #6

2010-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today marks my 6th anniversary as a demonstrator with Stampin' Up! Gosh. Has it really been that long? I have met some really great friends through this hobby and I am grateful for the chance to spend a little time each week using the right side of my brain being creative.

When I first signed up as a demonstrator, I did it because I l-o-v-e-d, LOVED the stuff and wanted the demonstrator discount. It was a time in my life when I was stressed, and I discovered that stamping and creating made the stress disappear while I was in the "Stamping zone." Then I was asked if I could show someone how to make the cards. And I became a demonstrator in the technical sense of the word. Six years down the road and SU has become more than I thought it ever would. I am grateful for all it continues to bring to me. Tonight I'm having a little party, with stamping included, to celebrate the day. We're making 10 cards and eating and chatting...and I can't wait! I'll share those cards with you in the next post.

Today I want to share two projects made with the new felt, stitched, Sweat Pea flowers from the Occasions Mini. I received these as a gift from SU because I did the work to become certified in the My Digital Studio software. At first I looked at them and thought, "Hmmmm? Those are...interesting." They just didn't "speak" to me. Even though I was a little non-plussed by them, I was still happy to have received them. Then I bought the HUGE (I mean this thing is BIG) pad of DSP papers and there was a piece that I liked and then I had the thought that, "Hey, those felt flowers could work with this!" And here's the thing, the felt pieces look rather strange as they are photographed in the catalog, but they do make very nice flowers when layered...lookie!

And this was a fast, simple card. The sentiment is from the Chit Chat rub ons, so there isn't even any stamping on this card. I really like how it turned out. I gave this card to a friend, and I hope she likes it.

Then, because I liked the card so much, I found myself in "stitched-flower frenzy." (Picture me bopping in my chair, clapping, trying to decide what to make next!) All of a sudden, I l-o-v-e-d, LOVED these felt pieces. So I made a couple more flowers and then used the left over pieces of the DSP from the card and made these!

These are going to be raffle prizes at my next event, a Stamp Camp, on March 20th. Papers really DO look prettier when they are all clipped together with a pretty flower. Even bills have a little more appeal! :-)

Now I must go get ready for my party tonight. Fun, fun, fun!

Thanks for popping in for my anniversary day!

Kristine

Inking Out Loud

A day of Grace

Sending love

Edgelit dies and matching embossing folders

That's one big Rossette!

Some rosettes to celebrate

Designer Series Paper Sale

Two shares

A quick masculine card

Quilted Christmas Cards

Two versions

Holiday Stamp Camp

Christmas is coming

Simply Sent Christmas

The last of summer

Mojo #208

A little swishy dress

Another Christmas Card

A Challenging Day

Christmas Lodge Workshop

Hello Again

Wine anyone?

3D from convention and a personal note

Post Convention

Convention Bound

Yet another convention swap

Another convention swap

A little Mojo

More One layer cards and the new In Colors 2011-13

Mojo 194 inspiration

My first virtual card class!

Two challenges, one card

On the Grow and waiting for warmer weather

Bright daisy

Mother's Day Scrapbook spread

Two ribbon tricks!

Voila

A sneek peek

"Purse"only speaking

Top Fold with an inside slider

Fungi for a fun guy

Sweet Summer and a Tidy Tip

You're invited!

Howdy!

A Party!

Cheers!

On the softer side

Best wishes

3Ds for Valentines

Product of play

My hand at a vintage look

Finishing up the year

Three more Christmas cards

Details on Greenhouse Garden and Concord crush post and a birthday card

Greenhouse garden in concord crush

Some more Christmas cards

Catching up

Day of Gratitude

Halloween past

MOJO 158

MOJO 157

More Christmas cards

First Christmas card of the year

Inspiration and another scrapbook spread

Back to school and something cool

Be yourself

SSUS swap and a double page

Long time no see

Some of my favorite sets...going

Floored

A floral wish

TSSC122 challenge

Welcome baby and some club cards

Lilacs in bloom with Mojo 137

We're gonna go Back in Time

Happy Together

A poodle punch card

Mojo133

A birthday for my "Baby"

Club cards