h{art} Strings

Don't miss these holiday savings!

You won't want to miss out on these holiday savings from Stampin' Up!  Great products are available for up to 60% off!  Check out my on-line store for details!

Thinking of you . . .

In her recent creative challenge on So Shelli, Shelli Gardner (her royal stampingness) suggested we design a card for someone who needs a little pick-me-up.  You know, with all of the cards that I design and create, you would think that I would be on top of this.  But I must confess I am much better at making cards than I am at mailing them out.  Every new year I add this to the top of my resolutions – to remember friends, to send birthday cards, and just let someone know that I care.  I’m behind on this once again, so I didn’t have any trouble thinking of three people in my life that I need to send a little love to.

This first card is the French version of the My Friend stamp set, “Chere Amie”.  You do know that many of Stampin’ Up!’s stamp sets come in French or Spanish, don’t you?  I love this set in French, and, yes, I do know what it says thanks to three years of French in high school and college!  I wanted to create a card with a classic tuxedo look.  Here’s the result:

 

I stamped “bon jour” on vellum paper and layered that over the rest of the card.  The glimmer brad adds just the right amount of bling to tie off the satin ribbon.

Stamps:  Chere Amie

Cardstock & Such:  Whisper White; Basic Black; Vellum Paper; Brights Collection Designer Series Paper Stack (Rich Razzleberry)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry

Other Stuff:  Black Satin Ribbon; Brights Glimmer Brads; Stampin’ Dimensionals

The second card uses the new “Nature’s Pace” stamp set.  I love the thistle, the bee, and all of the lovely images in this stamp set.  If I could have figured out a way to tastefully use them all on one card, I would have done it! 

 
 

Stamps:  Nature’s Pace

Cardstock & Such:  Old Olive; Soft Suede; Naturals White

Ink:  Soft Suede; Early Espresso; Old Olive; So Saffron; Regal Rose

Other Stuff:  Scallop Trim Border Punch; Basic Pearls; Blender Pen; Stampin’ Dimensionals

The third card is made with the “Aviary” stamp set.  These little birds are a hoot (pun intended) and they love to escape their cages to spend time together.  The new polka dot brads are one of my favorite new accessories in this catalog.

 

Stamps:  Aviary; Occasions Alphabet

Cardstock & Such:  Calypso Coral; Baja Breeze; Whisper White; Chocolate Chip

Ink:  Chocolate Chip; Calypso Coral; Baja Breeze

Other Stuff:  Big Shot; Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder; Decorative Label punch; Designer Printed Brads; Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon; Stampin’ Dimensionals

 Is there someone in your life who could use a little stampin' love?

 

A stINKin' cute box

I saw this really cool project at convention and recreated it for my stamp club and stINKers group meeting last week. 

 

The box is made from the milk carton die for the Big Shot – how awesome is that?  To create it, you need two die cuts, and then remove the end panel (the one without the tab for adhesive) from both pieces.  Simply adhere ends together so you have a hexagon box.  To create the top, after the sides and bottoms are fastened together, you just need to close each panel on the creases like you are closing a milk carton.  Love it!

 

Cardstock and such:  Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White; Flirtatious Specialty Designer Paper

Other Stuff:  Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch; Boho Blossom Punch; Basic Rhinestones; White Baker’s Twine; Crop-o-Dile; Mini Milk Carton Die

Summer has finally arrived in the Northwest.  A mild summer has arrived.  On some days.  Actually, I’ll take it.  While it makes for a mighty attractive climate for those nasty mosquitoes, it sure beats the heat that so many of the rest of you are dealing with.  John and I enjoyed the sun on Saturday when we headed into Seattle to watch the Seafair Torchlight Parade.  It’s the biggest parade in our area, and we hadn’t been in well over 20 years.  Dan was marching with the Soundwave (Seattle Sounders' band), and it gave us a good excuse to face the crowds – I’m so glad we did!

 

Wave to us, Dan!  (love the water bottle tucked in his Sousaphone)

 

 

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

When the last day of convention rolls around, it comes with mixed emotions.  Excitement, sadness, anticipation, exhaustion, and more.  It’s so good to spend time with friends and see all of the new and exciting products SU will have to offer this year, but I’m always anxious to get home, get some rest, and get to work and try my hand making some of the amazing projects I saw demonstrated.

 
When we entered Main Stage on the final afternoon, we were treated to an opening act by SU’s own band.  These folks played for us a year or two ago, and they are really talented.  We saw even more great product demonstrations, and – as we’ve sorta kinda come to take for granted – we ended the convention with yet one more product giveaway for everyone there.  The best kind of stamps (and digital download DVD’s) are the FREE kind!

 

 

We had so much fun . . . and if you want to join me at next year’s convention, give me a jingle or send an e-mail.  I wouldn’t miss it for the world, and I’d love for you to come along!

So after getting home and semi-unpacked, I spent time this week finishing up my projects.  Here are my make-and-take projects:

 

 

 

The three cards were stamped with Raining Flowers, Best Friends Forever, and It’s Your Day.  We also received the stamp set “Easy Events” and a ready-to-go workshop packet that we could use with that set when we got home.  How cool is that?  The three cards were designed to be displayed on this banner:

 

I love the pinwheel, and it was so easy to make! 

 

 

 

Then we embellished a new card box using Best Friends Forever and the new Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new fabric!  So classy!  The box will be available in the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog starting September 1^st.  It comes flat with templates included so that you can decorate before you assemble it. 

I also finished my Village of Cuteness:

 

What can I say?  So stinkin’ cute!  I’m considering offering a Village of Cuteness class this fall – are you interested? 

It takes a village

My feet are killing me.  We have been on the go non-stop all day.  The morning started with classes, and in the afternoon we had more main stage presentations.  While there isn’t anything particularly newsworthy to report about the day’s activities, it was a fun and informative day. 

This year, SU offered some optional classes, all of which were held tonight.  Bobbie and I took the “Village of Cuteness” class, and I gotta say that this is (or soon will be) one very cute village.  We made (actually we are still in the process of making) three wooden houses and they are very – well, they are very cute!  Between this project and my unfinished make-and-takes, I will have lots of stamping to finish up when I get home!

We caught up with Darla Lorbeski and Karen Hambright and shared a table with them.  They are such wonderful ladies, and it was great “framping” with them.  (Definition:  Framp (v) to stamp with a friend.)

One of the finished houses will hopefully look something like this:

 

 
Bobbie and Darla

 
Karen

 

Me and Bobbie.  Boy, do I look tired.  Must be the fluorescent lighting in the room!

Convention ends tomorrow and we will be hitting the road right after the closing session.  We’ll return Crystal safely to her home and spend the night there before driving home on Sunday.

. . . and yet another bag story

 
First, I promised photos of my convention swaps.  In the interest of time (my bedtime, that is), I’m posting them without listing the products used.  If you want details on any of them, just leave a comment and I’ll get back to you.

Fit for a Queen:

 

Lots of texture on this one:

 

The return of French Foliage stamp set (hooray!):

 

Chocolate mummy:

 

Last, but not least, a s’more treat:

 

 

Take a look at those marshmallows.  They are actually flat and are called “Stackers”.  Perfect for the microwave if you want a s’more but would rather not set a fire in your backyard.  Yum!

The morning started with main stage presentations.  My personal favorite was the unveiling of the Holiday Mini Catalog, which is chock full of new products including a scoring tool (yippee!).  Yes, they even made us bags to carry this new tool – which we could pick up with a return trip to Memento Mall.   One of the other cool new products is a food-safe stamping tool that includes stamps for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.  The cookies they served at lunch showed off the results:

 

Most of the demonstrators in my group spent the afternoon doing our make-and-take projects.  Suffice it to say that even us experienced stamper-types just canNOT complete five over-the-top, complicated projects in 90 minutes.  Mine are stamped but not assembled, so I’ll have to show them as I get them put together.  I promise it will be worth the wait – they are awesome!

At the end of the day’s events, Alisha and her friend, Kim Warren, tried to connect with us to get a ride back to the hotel.  The two of them were LOADED down with convention bags, and all of their great finds from Memento Mall.  Unfortunately we missed their call, and since they didn’t have a ride, they decided to hoof it, bags and all.  A bit later, Bobbie got a text message from Alisha:  “. . . so we just started walking. The Lord provided a homeless mans cart along the way for us and we laughed so hard as we dug it out of the grass. :-) . . .”

 

Seriously folks, do you think we need any more bags?  They wheeled that shopping cart right through the front doors of the hotel and up the elevator.  It's in the middle of their room right now.

Can’t wait for tomorrow!  Off to bed now.

Bags, bags, bags

We’re very tired tonight.  We’ve shopped, swapped, walked, and photographed our way through the day.  We received our convention bags this morning.  Love it!

 

Memento Mall was crowded and a bit difficult to photograph inside, but needless to say we managed to fill a few shopping bags.  

 

Bobbie bought most of this:

 

This is what I came home with – just a few things!

 
 

Alisha Linn, one of the demonstrators in our group, found out this morning that she made Founder’s Circle, which is a HUGE achievement.  Ultimately, it means that Alisha is one of the top 100 demonstrators during this past year.  (And that she gets a very cool, special bag to take on her exclusive vacation.)  We are so incredibly, over-the-moon happy for her!

 

We photographed the product showcase, ummmm garden.  Flowers, flowers everywhere.  I wish I only had the time and space to create some of these pretties.  At the very least, I wouldn’t kill them by overwatering.

 

 

Before this evening’s kick-off party, Bobbie and I sat down to relax for awhile.  Bobbie didn’t stay sitting for long.  She was out like a light!  If I hadn’t shaken her, I’m sure she’d still be sleeping on this bench.

 

The kick-off party was fun.  Lots of demonstrators decorated garden hats.  Bobbie dressed a couple up for the two of us.  She can be a great sister when she’s not busy sleeping on benches.  Michelle won stamps and accessories - she's having a terrific time at her first convention!

 

 

 More pillow gifts tonight.  This is what I made for Bobbie:

 

 

How stinkin' cute is that?  This backpack pattern is available through Becky Roberts’ blog.

And Bobbie made this for me – a cozy for John’s beer bottles!  (It's OK, John.  Real men like pink!)

 

I've gotta hit the hay or I will have bags under my eyes as well.  More tomorrow . . .

I'm a Little Teapot

When I last left you, I had just returned from Stampin’ Up!’s Leadership Conference.  Hmmmm.  That was quite awhile ago! 

Convention starts tomorrow, and on Sunday morning Bobbie and I loaded up the SUV for another trek to Salt Lake City.  Love those road trips!  This year we decided to split the drive into two days.  As we approached Zillah, Washington, I told Bobbie to pull over so I could look at the teapot dome service station up close and personal.  Every year we get a glimpse from the highway, but always feel pressed for time.  There is quite a story to this teapot involving an oil reserve scandal during the Harding administration in the early 1920’s.  I love these old architectural treasures and really wanted to stop and see it.   Doesn’t it make you want to sing?  I’m a little teapot, short and stout.  Here is my handle, here is my spout.

 

When I get all steamed up, hear me shout.  Just tip me over and pour me out!

 

We stopped for the night in Eagle, Idaho and stayed with our demonstrator friend, Crystal Fowler.  What a lovely home, and a lovely lady!  Thank you so much, Crystal for sharing your little slice of heaven with us (and your kittens!).

 

The drive was wonderful, but we have had rain and thunder since we arrived yesterday afternoon.  This morning we set out to find some new shoes for me.  Two days before I left, my favorite walking shoes were sadly eaten by one very cute labrador puppy.  Alisha Linn joined us, and I think all three of us found shoes.  We’re all set for a LOT of walking in the next few days!

 
 
This afternoon Bobbie, Rhonda, Michelle Reedy and I set out for Dear Lizzie, a boutique that Her Royal Rubberness, Shelli Gardner talks about frequently with great fondness.  After a few detours and a bit of a drive, we found this marvelous store where we had lunch (including the most amazing sugar cookie you have ever seen or tasted!) and did a bit of shopping.  Some of us (not me!) did more shopping than others.  Don’t worry, Ben and Todd – Rhonda and Michelle didn’t spend a dime.  (cough)

 

 

 

(I did NOT buy this amazing, hand-crafted paper hat.  Though it clearly was meant for me - it says "Queen of Everything" - the $250 price tag was NOT!)

 

Tomorrow is convention registration, Memento Mall, and lots of swapping.  We'll start the day early and end it with a welcome party tomorrow night.  My projects are all done and packed and I am putting my feet up tonight.  Not my typical style – I’m usually burning the midnight oil!

And here’s a project to share with you.  It’s a tradition to create gifts for our roommates, and I’ve made a few things for Bobbie this year.  Since she’s my only roommate, I was able to pull together some more complicated things.  Here is her pillow gift tonight:

 

 

Cool, huh?  I made this using the Big Shot and the Daisies #2 Bigz Die.  It took lots of Tombow Multi-Glue and patience, especially in getting the stems curled so tightly.  The basic colors used are Pool Party, Blushing Bride, and So Saffron.  Instructions for these Gerbera Daisies can be found on Shelley Bohan’s blog.

Lots to share tomorrow, including my swap cards! 

Leadership make-and-take projects

I promised to show the over-the-top, absolutely terrific make-and-take projects from Leadership.  But first I wanted to share just a handful of the equally fantastic swaps I received.  (It was hard to pick just a few to show - there are so many beautiful cards to choose from!)

 
This card is by Susan Nygaard and uses products from the "Sew Suite" line in the Occasions mini catalog.  I was lucky enough to win some of these items and can't wait to put them to use!

 
And this one is from Jill Rosenkrantz.  Sew cute!

 
I love the sweet little hearts on this Valentine created by Niki Toll.

  

I think it is clever that Rosalie Gochnour used the Sweetheart and Sweet Centers stamp sets together to make the heart-shaped hot air balloon!

 

This swap is so soft and pretty.  There is pink ink distressed around the edges of the embossed layer.  I wish I could give credit to the giver, but - alas! - no name on the back!  If it's yours, let me know and I'm happy to let everyone know who you are!

Back to make-and-take projects.  We were given a large Simply Adorned Charm, long chain, and bunches of baubles.  All projects were made using the Clearly for You stamp set from the Occasions mini catalog.  They included 3 inserts for the charm, a card, a fabric pin, and an album or notebook cover made from one of our clear mount stamp cases. 

 
Notice how the fabric and ribbons are woven through the chain.  And what do you think of the little crown trinket?  Has my name all over it!  Ha!

 

A little somethin' for Valentines Day.  The small heart is punched from red glitter paper.  That is such great stuff!

 
I had a hard time getting a clear picture of this one.  The beveled glass along with the 3-D items underneath make it difficult for my camera to focus.  I should have borrowed John's again.  Oh well.

 
This pin has SOOOOO many layers!  The flowers were cut from the Springtime Vintage fabric using the Fun Flowers die for the Big Shot.  They were sprayed with starch, crumpled and dried.  Using a hot glue gun, we layered them with pieces of ribbon, designer series paper, and paper flowers painted with glimmer paint.  We topped it off with a stamped butterfly under a beveled windowpane.

 

 
 These stamp cases are just the right size to hold a notepad and pen.  Whodda thunk?

Swaps and more

I thought I'd share the two swap designs I made for Leadership.  When I get home, I'll share a few of the favorites I received in return . . .

 

This card uses Have a Seat stamp set and the vintage wallpaper embossing folder.  Also, I don't know if you can see it, but there is a little pearl to the left of the words.

 

I'm loving this Nature Walk stamp set and the framed tulips embossing folder from the Occasions mini catalog.  That bird is so beautiful!

After great sessions on Friday and LOADS of FREE product . . .

 
 (plus I even won a door prize of some of the "Sew Suite" products from the Occasions mini catalog - yippee!!!), we ended the day with a closing party and make-and-take projects.  I still need to put the finishing touches on mine, and will post photos later.  Let's just say that SU! has outdone themselves this year in the make-and-take department!  They included three Simply Adorned Charm inserts . . . and we were given the large charm, longest chain, baubles, trinkets, and ribbons . . . plus cards and an album made from a DVD case (the same cases that our clear stamps are stored in). 

       

It was a long night, but a great way to close out an amazing Leadership Conference.

I mentioned in an earlier post that this is one ginormous place.  But it is also very beautiful.  Each section of the hotel (there are four) has a giant atrium area filled with gardens and shops.  Mixed in are wonderful touches of colonial style architecture.  When we arrived on Wednesday, it was totally decked out for Christmas.  Over the last few days, they've been taking down some of those holiday decorations and replacing them with fresh spring colors.  I would love to see the final transformation, but we'll be long gone by the time they are done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhhh, spring! 

Rhonda left Nashville today, but Bobbie and I are staying until tomorrow.  Tonight we're headed to hear Vince Gill at the Grand Ole Opry.  Yeehaw!