Rock N Roll Tutorial

I figured it was time for another Stampin' University tutorial...so here it is. This is for a really easy technique called "Rock 'N Roll". The supplies you need are very few.

*** 2 ink pads in coordinating colors. I chose Buckaroo Blue and So Saffron.
*** A sold or bold image stamp. I used a stamp from the Summer Mini (currently retired) called "Polka dot posies".
*** Cardstock in a neautral and the colors you are stamping with.
*** Embellishments to finish your card however you choose. (I used some Saffron brads, cream grosgrain ribbon, and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.)

Step 1- Ink up your bold image stamp in the lighter of the two colors of ink. In my case it was in the So Saffron ink.

Step 2- Take your stamp and very lightly roll the edges around on the pad of the darker colored ink (in this card it is Buckaroo Blue.) This will add the second color to the edges of your stamp only.

Step 3- Stamp the image onto your neutral cardstock. For this card I used Whisper White, and I stamped the image quite a few times all over the cardstock. You will need to clean the stamp in between everytime if you are going to do this. If you don't you will leave the darker colored ink on your lighter ink pad.

Step 4- Finish your card. I went back when I was finished with the flowers and added a Buckaroo Blue middle to each of them and then used a 2-way glue pen and some Dazzling Diamonds glitter in the centers. I then mounted this on a piece of So Saffron cardstock. The card base is Buckaroo Blue and I tied a piece of cream grosgrain ribbon around it. I mounted the stamped piece on, and then created the sentiment part.

For that I stamped the words on a piece of So Saffron cardstock with Buckaroo Blue ink. I then took the same stamp I used for the Rock n Roll, inked it in Versamark and stamped it right over the words. I tore the right side of the cardstock and then adhered it to a piece of Buckaroo Blue cardstock. I also tore the right edge of this. I folded over the left side of the blue cardstock and used two So Saffron brads to hold it together. I used some snail adhesive to put this piece on the front and that finished up the card. This is a super easy techinque that really puts a "wow" factor to your cards. Give it a shot, you will really enjoy it. And as always, if you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Birthday card for a 5 year old

My son is going to a friend's 5th birthday party tomorrow afternoon. I needed to make a card because I of course don't have any on hand, lol. This card was pretty fun to make.

First I cut a small square of Whisper White cardstock (it is 1 3/4" square)and stamped the lion from "Wild About You" in Tempting Turquoise ink. Then I very lightly stamped him again on a piece of Only Orange, and cut out the mane and face. I mounted this over the original image on the square. Next I stamped him again (in Turquoise on Whisper White) and cut out just his face. I took my black Stampin' Write marker and colored in his eyes and nose, so that they were more visable. I mounted this over the orange mane with a Stampin' Dimensional (that was slightly trimmed). Then I took some Diamond Stickles and glitzed up the mane of the lion.

When this dried, I mounted the square on a Giga scalloped square that I punched out of Only Orange cardstock. Then I used the Stickles again to put a dot of glitter on each scallop center. Here is a close up pic of the scalloped square so you can see it better.

The card base is Tempting Turquoise stamped with the Print Pattern BG stamp. Then I mounted the scalloped square in the middle, and stamped the sentiment (from it's your birthday stamp set) on the bottom right corner in Basic Black ink. I use my stamp-a-ma-jig to line up my sentiments because I never seem to be able to stamp them straight myself. Lastly I tied a piece of black grosgrain ribbon around the side and added smaller ties of turquoise and orange grosgrain to tie in all the colors.

I think I am more excited about the birthday party then Jaden is. I'm getting tired of taking pictures of the dogs, and can't wait to be able to take some party pictures with the new camera. **wink**

Baby card

Geeze it took forever to find my pictures on the computer lol...I haven't quite figured out the whole easy share thing with this camera. Easy my patootie, lol!

Anyhow, here is today's card. It has been a long time since I used this set of stamps, so I figured I would ink it up tonight. The giraffe is from the Stampin' Up set "Little Hellos." I stamped her on a whisper white circle that I cut out with my colluzzle, and then colored her in with prismacolors and gamsol, then I used a Sakura Stardust pen to glitter up her polka dots. I mounted this on a Mega scalloped circle in Pixie Pink. I used my paper piercer and a white gel pen to do the edges. I also doodled a little frame around the edge of the white to tie the black in a little. Here is a close up of the circle, so you can see it a little easier.


The card base is Pink Passion cardstock stamped with the Paisley Print BG. Then I added the strip of Basic Black and the piece of pink ribbon (it is from the Flirty ribbon origionals in the Winter Mini...I just love it) I mounted the circle with Stampin' Dimentionals to make it pop up a bit, and then stamped the congratulations in the bottom corner with Basic Black ink. The sentiment is from the level one hostess set "Warmest Regards."

I am loving this new camera (minus the easyshare problems). You can crop right on the camera instead of having to do it on the computer. It also has a MUCH faster shutter speed than my old camera, not that it makes any difference when I'm taking pics of cards, but at parties or sports it will make a HUGE difference. I'll keep you all posted on how I like it. Jaden has a birthday party to go to on Sunday so I'll get to really try it out. **wink wink**

New Camera...

I got a new camera today (it was a late Christmas gift from my mom...it had been sold out FOREVER lol). Anyhow, it is a Kodak Z650 and I love it. My old camera was pretty, well...old *wink* It was a Cannon easyshot and was only a 3.2 mega pixel with a 3x zoom. The new one is a 6.1 mega pixel with a 10x optical zoom and a 5x digital zoom, so it's actually a 50x zoom. AWESOME!

Needless to say I have been playing all day and haven't stamped a thing. I have big plans though...I have to have something to take pictures of with my new camera. hehehe...ok I'll be back in a bit!

deployed chicken...

My mom is sending a box of for some soldiers stationed in Iraq, and needed a last minute card. I didn't have time to make one of the cute House Mouse cards, so I made a patriotic chicken card, lol. I wonder if the poor little guy knows where I'm sending him? lol

I used the SU! set "Best of Cluck" I really like this set and don't always remember to use it. I stamped the image on Whisper White cardstock with Basic Black ink and then colored it in with prismacolor pencils and gamsol. I added some white polka dots with my Signo white gel pen. Then I mounted this on a piece of Going Gray cardstock and then on a larger piece of Real Red that was stamped with the Paisley from "Polka Dots and Paisley" set in Whisper White craft ink.

The card base is Brocade Blue stamped with the Weathered BG stamp. I mounted the chicken on this and then decided something was missing...ribbon of course! *wink* I tied a piece of white grosgrain around the edge and then added some red gingham. Something was still missing, so I added a couple of staples on two of the corners. I didn't want to overdo the embellishments but wanted to add something. I think the staples look a little "rustic" lol.

My downline started a blog...

You can check it out at www.piggyprints.blogspot.com It is brand new and only has a couple of posts but I'm sure she will have it filling up quickly! Ok, I'm off to make a card to post for y'all!

SCS challenges

I didn't do either of the card challenges last week on scs, so I wanted to be sure I to this week's. I combined both the color and sketch challenge into this card.

The card base is Vintage Violet stamped with the paisley stamp from Polka Dots and Paisley with White craft ink. Then I mounted a smaller piece of Rose Red stamped with the Paisley Print BG onto the bottom of the card.

The image is stamped on Whisper White in both Vintage Violet and Cool Caribbean. I distressed the edges with the Cool Caribbean ink pad. This is then mounted on a piece of Rose Red and then onto a large piece of Cool Caribbean. I tied a piece of Vintage Violet stitched grosgrain ribbon around, and then mounted it on the the card base.

I'm really starting to enjoy this new set, and am REALLY lovin' the Paisley!

New stamps...

I have always wanted this set of stamps, but it has never actually made it onto an order, lol. I recently received it in the mail from a group I am part of (sudemoonly). Anyhow, this is the first time I've inked it up!

The card base is Elegant Eggplant stamped with the French Script BG. Then I layered a piece of Always Artichoke stamped with the Weathered BG. I tied a piece of eggplant grosgrain around this and then added a little Cool Caribbean tag (that I cut with my Cuttlebug!!! **whoohooo**)on with a piece of ric rack that is from the Flirty ribbon originals. I stamped "for you" on the little tag before tying it on.

The elephant was stamped in Cool Caribbean on Whisper White and then the edges were inked with some Always Artichoke. I mounted this on a tiny piece of Elegant Eggplant and then onto a larger piece of Cool Caribbean that was stamped with the Canvas BG. I adhered this onto the card base and then stamped the "happy" on the bottom with some Elegant Eggplant ink.

Busy day??

I sure did...there is plenty of stores that were just begging for me to check out their after Christmas sales, lol. I do have a card to post for you! I made this card a couple of days ago, and haven't gotten around to posting it yet. The card base is Rose Red stamped with the Paisley Print BG stamp (very faintly you may not be able to see it). Then I stamped the Happy and the everything stamps in Basic Black ink on the bottom.

I punched the scalloped circle out of Certainly Celery with my Marvy mega scallop punch, then I used my paper piercer and pierced each scallop and colored them in with my signo white gel pen. The frog on Shimmery White in Basic Black and then used my Colluzzle to cut it out to fit inside the scalloped one. I colored the frog and the heart in with Stampin' Write markers and then used some diamond stickles to glitter up the heart. I added a scrap of Ribbon Originals to the top and then mounted the scalloped circle with dimensionals. A quick and easy card!! Hope everyone had a lovely day!!

Basic Grey Lunch Tin

Ok, I promised, and here it is!!

I made this lunch tin for a very dear friend (hi KK) for Christmas. I used the Basic Grey Blitzen paper, because it is so beautiful and not overly Christmasy. I used modge podge to adhere it to the outside of the tin and to cover the top. The indention for the latch was made with a large SU! circle punch. I just punch it in the middle, align that, and adhere the rest. Then another piece starts in the back and meets up the front piece on each side. I made a template of sorts to do the lid, and if you look closely you can see I pieced it together with about 5 pieces, but it's not funky looking, I swear! **wink** I tied the matching fibers around the handles, and used a couple to hook the tag on the front. Pretty simple!

On the inside I modge podged another piece inside the lid and then hooked another piece on it with some snowflake brads. This made a little pocket where you can store stamps, etc.

Well, I better go...my little one will be up pretty soon. Merry Christmas!!!

Santa Clause is coming to town...

Well, Christmas eve is here...I guess that means this is the last Christmas card that I get to post for another 10 months, lol...

I really enjoy this card, it makes me chuckle. I stamped the truck (from Loads of Love) on Natural White cardstock in Black Stazon. Then I masked off the truck and stamped the snowman (from Holiday Tag Team) in the bed. Then I used my Watercolor Wonder crayons to watercolor the images. When I was done with that I used my color spritzer tool and Stampin' Write markers to spritz dirt under the truck and some blue sky above. It didn't seem quite finished yet, so I used a 2-way glue pen and some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to glitz up the edge of the bed of the truck and the snowflakes. I mounted this on a piece of Real Red cardstock. The card base is Brocade Blue stamped in the same ink with the Paisley Print BG stamp. I stamped a circle with the 1 3/4" circle punch in Real Red, cut it in half and adhered it to the sides of the card with two silver eyelets. I ran red gingham ribbon through both and then tied it in a bow. The Merry Christmas is part of a larger saying, so I colored it with a Black Stampin' Write marker and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure it was straight.

I hope you all have enjoyed all the Christmas cards **wink** and have a lovely Christmas eve and day. If you get a chance, peek in tomorrow, I have a super cute tin to show you...(and I think there is a "bug" under my Christmas tree **wink wink**)

Shakin' Paisley

Okee dokee here is my second card with the new set!! This one is a shaker card. I punched out the scalloped circle (marvy mega) in both Apricot Appeal and Almost Amethyst cardstock, and also in a window sheet. I stamped the verse on the Apricot piece and then used the polka dot stamp and stamped the circle in A. Apricot ink. I used my colluzzle to cut out a circle in the middle of the Amethyst one. I then used snail adhesive to adhere the window sheet to the Amethyst one. I used some mounting tape to circle around the outside of the Amethyst piece. I sprinkled some subtles beads inside and then adhered the back (the apricot piece) to the back. This made my shaker. Then I took the Chocolate Chip ink pad and distressed the edges.

The card base is Almost Amethyst stamped with the Paisley stamp in Chocolate Chip ink. I then distressed the edges with the ink pad as well. I then added the small piece of Apricot Appeal that was stamped with the polka dot stamp and distressed as well. I added a piece of chocolate grosgrain and some amethyst stitched ribbon from the Ribbon Originals. I adhered all of the pieces together and then decided it needed a little something else, so I added the two chocolate buttons on the bottom left corner and some diamond stickles to the middles of the paisleys.

Have a great night everyone, thanks for looking!

The gift of rubbah...

I went to the post office today, expecting bills, and what did I find? NEW STAMPS!! Shelli (from SU!) sent all demonstrators a new set of stamps for Christmas (or your respective holiday). The set will be featured in the upcoming Spring Mini...

For this card I used the "big" from Think Big. I colored only the b and the g using a Chocolate Chip stampin' write marker. Then I stamped the posy image that was inked in Cool Caribbean and Always Artichoke on Shimmery White cardstock in the middle for the "i" and then added some diamond stickles to glitter it up a bit. I distressed the edges with a sponge dauber and the Chocolate Chip ink and then used the marker and my color spritzer tool to add even a little more Chocolate Chip ink to the image. I mounted this on a piece of Caribbean cardstock and then on a larger piece of Chocolate cardstock. The card base is Chocolate Chip topped with a piece of Cool Caribbean that was stamped with the paisley stamp from this set in Caribbean ink. I then distressed the edges of that with my Chocolate Chip ink pad as well. I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the "thanks." I then added the chocolate grosgrain, and a piece of white grosgrain that I dyed with a Cool Caribbean reinker. I adhered the main image, and that was it!

So far I am loving this set, I have a bunch more ideas of what to make with it. If I get the last of my Christmas shopping done tomorrow, I'll try to post some more. Happy Saturday everyone, and don't forget there are only 2 shopping days left!!

and a card to match...

Oh my gosh I love this paper!! After I finished the band aid tin today, I just couldn't help but make a card to match. I used the "Wild About You" stamp set. I stamped the elephant in Cool Caribbean on Shimmery White cardstock. Then I masked her off and stamped the bird in Rose Romance on her trunk. I distressed the edges with both Caribbean and Cocoa ink. I stamped the elephant again on some Cool Caribbean cardstock and cut out the ear. I mounted this over the other ear with Stampin' Dimensionals and glitzed it up with some Diamond Stickles. Then I mounted this on a piece of Close to Cocoa cardstock. I tied a bow of Chocolate grosgrain ribbon around the patterned paper and then adhered it to a base of Cool Caribbean cardstock that I also distressed the edges of with Close to Cocoa ink. I stamped the verse "Wild About You" at the bottom of the card in Chocolate Chip ink as a final touch.

Okay, I'm done for the day now, lol!

Fun Little Bandaid Tin

I've had some time to create some goodies today, so I'm excited to show you this. A great friend sent me a package of 3 of these little band-aid tins (thanks Tiff!) and I couldn't wait to dress one up! I just bought this designer paper from the scrapbook store on Wednesday (it's the new Basic Grey line called "Blush") I just couldn't resist using it on my first tin. To do the outside, I used matte Modge Podge to adhere the paper onto the tin. I used my SU! small corner rounder to finish off the top. Then I added some of the Cool Caribbean ric-rack from SU's! new "Flirty" ribbon origionals around the lid. I finished it off with some Diamond Stickles in the centers of the flowers to glitz it up a bit.


For the inside I made a set of 6 gift tags. The fronts are pretty done up, but the back is left blank so that a little note can be written. The tags measure 3 1/2" by 2 1/4" and I punched all the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch (also from Stampin' Up) They are all made with SU! cardstock in either Cool Caribbean, Close to Cocoa, or Pretty in Pink. Then I added some of the Basic Grey paper and used my Close to Cocoa ink pad to distress the edges. The tops of the tags are made with the 1 1/4" SU! circle punch folded in half over the top and secured with an eyelet. I threaded some ribbon through the top so that they can be tied or taped to a gift. The ribbon is also SU! (Flirty origionals, and light pink/chocolate grosgrain)

The tags fit right into the little tin. I think that it would make a great little gift or thank you for someone. I just love these little tins, and can't wait to make up the other two (Thanks again Tiffany, you ROCK). I think I may just have to order a few more sets myself!! If you want to get them, they can be purchased through Oriental Trading Company. I think they are 4.95 for a set of 3, and OTC tends to have really quick shipping! Happy Friday everyone!

One cool kitty

I bought this paper on Wednesday to use in the wedding scrapbook. It is from the Fiskars line Cloud 9 Design. I had this little scrap left and there was no way I couldn't use it. It has the neatest shiny glitter to parts of it (textured too)..I just love it. I just recently got this stamp set "Cool Cat" and decided she would look awfully pretty with this paper. I stamped her in Rose Red on Shimmery white cardstock. Then I added two little rhinestones to her collar and some diamond stickles to make her eyes glittery. I mounted her on a piece of Rose Red and then on a scrap of Bravo Burgandy. I tied a piece of white grosgrain around the designer paper and then added a small piece of rose grosgrain to that. I mounted all of this onto the card base which is a piece of Bravo Burgandy.

I am really pleased with how this one came out. I think that it would make a really nice birthday card for a teen or pre-teen girl, or just an adorable card for just saying hi. I hope everyone has a great Friday, (and finishes up all your Christmas shopping! **wink wink**)

The wedding book is done and I finally got to stamp!

Wow, I don't think I have ever finished an entire book in less than a month, let alone two days, lol. But, I can't say that anymore...the entire 12x12 wedding album is finished, wrapped, and under the tree!! I didn't remember to take any pictures before I wrapped it, but when it's unwrapped, I will be sure and take some before the "kids" take it home to Tennessee.

Since the creation of a 40 page 12x12 album in two days made my scraproom look like a massive hurricane hit, I spent today cleaning it. And what makes you want to stamp more than a clean table? lol...

A dear friend who I met online, Maggie Pinique stamped me images of this set "Farm Fever" it is another of those sets I want but never seem to make it onto an order form, lol.

The image was stamped on Whisper White in Basic Black and then I colored it in with my watercolor pencils and gamsol. I then mounted it on a scrap of Chocolate Chip. The card base is Rose Red stamped with the Paisley Print BG and then a small piece of Green Galore stamped with the Print Pattern BG. I added 3 Green Galore eyelets to the right side to balance everything out. A quick and easy get well card. Happy Thursday everyone!

Hot Chocolate that beats Starbucks handsdown!

In my secret santa box there was a little packet to make hot chocolate. It is only 43 degrees outside right now (which is like 20 below for Arizona, haha) so I decided to make a cup. Yummy!! Here is what I put in it, and I must admit it was the best hot chocolate I've ever had...even better than Starbucks **wink**

1 1/2 c. hot water
2 packs instant hot chocolate mix (I used Swiss Miss)
1/2 c. marshmallows
3 hersheys kisses (mint ones are especially yummy)
1/8 c. crushed candy canes

Stir everything together and microwave it for an additional minute. Then you can garnish the top with marshmallows and some more crushed candy canes. YUMMY!! The best hot mint chocolate ever!!

Oh my goodness, thank you!!

I am part of an amazing little group of Stampin' Up demonstrators from all across the country. We all met online, and have become great friends. We dubbed ourselves "The Amigos"...anyhow, we did a secret santa exchange this month, and my package came yesterday!! WHOO HOOOO!!

I just really really want to thank my dear friend Sherri Riley for the awesome package of goodies. She sent me all of this amazing fun stuff, including two brand new rolls of ribbon, a mono adhesive refill (which my poor double stick tape fingers greatly appreciate!), two of my favorite candies, tons of embellishments and fun ribbons, a stamped candle, brads, notecards, envelopes, and two very very cute Christmas Ornaments, one of which was for Jaden which he totally adored.

I think he was even more excited about being able to hang something else on the Christmas tree **wink** Here is a picture of him hanging it up on the tree. I think he blinked as a took it, so his eyes are all funky...but you get the point, lol.


Well, my brother and new sister-in-law are flying in today from Tennessee, and are expecting a wedding scrapbook...so I better go get to work, lol. Happy shopping!!

Ooh I just love BIG PIECES

I made this card for my upline's swap and then forgot to get them in the mail in time. I can't believe that I flaked on a swap...grrr. Hopefully I've been forgiven.
**wink**

The card is stamped on Whisper White in Sage Shadow, Bravo Burgundy and So Saffron. I also used the Little Pieces stamp set (that is a itty bitty perfect match) **insert cheeky grin here**

Once I had everything stamped, I went in with an Always Artichoke marker and my color spritzer, and added some spritzing to fill in the white spaces. This was mounted on a piece of Burgundy and then onto the card base which is Sage Shadow. The cross piece is Sage and Saffron. The saying is stamped in Bravo Burgundy craft ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder (it's really very sparkly in real life) I tied a piece of Burgundy grosgrain and a piece of moss gingham ribbon around the cross piece to finish up the card.

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

Christmas gift name frames

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I made this name frame for my friend Sally's 5 year old little boy Eric for Christmas. (Sally if you read this...well, Whoops!) Anyhow, this was the second name frame I made, and I think it's my favorite. I bought the frame at Walmart (unfortunately they seem to be the only place that carries this size and shape).

I used Garden Green cardstock stamped with the Canvas BG stamp for the background of the entire frame. Then I took a smaller piece of striped paper (also from SU!- I think it's from the treehouse collection) and adhered it over the green. Each letter of the name was stamped with the Headline Alphabet in classic ink on Whisper White cardstock. Then I used the direct to paper technique to ink up the edges. Each letter was also masked off (see Stampin' University post for masking tutorial) and then stamped with a little bug or two from the Bugs and Kisses set. I then mounted them on a coordinating sheet of cardstock.

Last but not least, I added a piece of Hodgepodge Hardware and some grosgrain ribbon to each letter, for that little something extra. The colors used in this frame are Bravo Burgundy, Garden Green, More Mustard, and Night of Navy.



This next frame is for Sally's other little one Ryan, who's turning two this week. ( I really hope she isn't reading this, **wink**)

This frame was allot of fun to make just because of the great colors. I love bright classic crayon colors, and for a little one, I thought it was just perfect.

The background of this one is Tempting Turquoise cardstock stamped with the Print Pattern BG stamp. Then I took a smaller piece of Whisper White cardstock, and adhered it over, so that you could actually see the letters of the name. The giant letter "R" is stamped with my mondo Monogram alphabet stamp (from SU!) on chipboard in Real Red craft ink and then cut out and embossed with clear embossing powder. Each of the other letters of the name was stamped in classic ink on Whisper White cardstock using the Letterpress alphabet. I took a black Stampin' Write marker and doodled around the letters to make them stand out more. Each letter was also masked off (see Stampin' University post for masking tutorial) and then stamped with a little bug or two from the Unfrogettable set. I then mounted them on a coordinating sheet of cardstock.

Last but not least, I "tied" it all together with some grosgrain ribbon. I tied the orange piece around the entire frame and then added some smaller pieces of the other colors as well.

I hope you guys like the frames and they give you a little inspiration to make a gift or two yourself this holiday season!

Teeny little lion card

I bought some of the tiny little notecards with envelopes from Stampin' Up to make reply cards for my brother's wedding in October. I ended up with quite a few extras, and they have just been sitting around so I decided to use one of them tonight. This little card measures about 2 inches by 3 inches.

I took a piece of More Mustard cardstock and spritzed it with my color spritzer tool and a mustard marker. Then I tied a piece of chocolate grosgrain ribbon around. I stamped the lion from Wild About You in More Mustard (stamped off once) on Whisper White cardstock, and then stamped his face again on a scrap and cut it out. I very lightly stamped the mane on a piece of More Mustard cardstock and cut that out as well. I adheared the second face (which I highlighted the eyes, nose, and mouth with a Chocolate Chip marker) on the Mustard cut out mane, and then adheared that on the origional stamped image with Stampin' Dimentionals. I mounted the finished lion on a piece of Chocolate Chip and then that on the card base. The inside of the card has the saying "Wild About You" stamped.

I hope everyone likes the card and had a great weekend...more tomorrow!

CD tin scrapbook pages

Ok, so I still haven't had time to stamp anything yet, lol...but no excuses- here are a couple of pages for the scrapbook tin I posted earlier this week. I made them all with Stampin' Up cardstock, cut with a large circle Colluzzle template. Then I used the Whimsical lower alpha, ribbon, Hodgepodge hardware, and the retired Holiday Thyme designer papers to create each page.

Well...hopefully I can get some stamping done this afternoon and have something new to post for you later on. Hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday.

Poor little guy...

I have a sick little one, so I didn't have time to make anything new for today, but I swear I will get some stuff done in the morning, and try and post a couple of new things tomorrow. Nighty night!

Scrap Happy Friday

It has been so incredibly long since I have worked on Jaden's scrapbook that it is almost embarrassing. Today I had to take my car to Sam's Club to get the tire fixed, and luckily I had my camera in my purse. For anyone who doesn't know, Sam's Club has the best prices on one hour developing. You can get a 4x6 print for only 16 cents, a 5x7 for like 38 cents and, get this...an 8x12 for only 1.88! I love using big photos in my scrapbooks since I use 12x12 albums the pictures are larger than life, and so much fun to look at. This is a 12x12 spread and the large picture was printed as an 8x12 and trimmed to prob an 8x11. So tonight at Sam's for ten bucks I got enough pictures developed for five or six 12x12 layouts!! No more excuses.

I made this layout this evening. All of the solid cardstock is from Stampin' Up, the patterned paper is from AMM, their Bohemian line, and the stickers are from Pebbles Inc (I think that is the name **wink**) The title "Silly Boy" is stamped in Chocolate Chip ink in my FAVORITE alphabet "Whimsical Lower"....I just can't get enough of this alphabet in scrapbooks- it looks just like rub-ons.

I took these pictures just this week at the park. Jaden was being so silly, and the more I laughed, the sillier he got. I just loved how cute they were, and how they really show his personality at five. I hope you all had a lovely Friday, and are ready for a great weekend.

Have a Hoppy Holiday!

Isn't he just the cutest?? I love this set, and when you can make it work for another holiday, it's a bonus! I stamped the froggie from Unfroggetable on Shimmery White cardstock with Basic Black ink. Then I used my stamp-a-ma-jig and masking to borrow the hat from Santa (from the Holiday Tag Team set). I colored them in with Stampin' Write markers and added some googlie eyes with mini glue dots. A drop of glitter on the hat ball, and he was all finished. The card base is Certainly Celery, stamped with the Print Pattern bg in CC ink. I then added the black strip with the red gingham accent. I used my crafters tool kit and white gel pen to fauz stitch, but then decided it looked like a street with the white dotted line, so I went back and covered the white with a black marker to "fix" it. Now I know for next time, **wink** I used my SU! oval punches and used a Stampin' Write marker to color the words that I wanted stamped on them. (I had to use my stamp-a-ma-jig for this) I used words from the Unfroggetable set and the Loads of Love set. Last, I added 3 white eyelets to add some balance on the right side of the card. This card was inspired by this weeks card sketch on Splitcoaststampers, allthough I'm not sure if I like it...it was more difficult to work with than I expected.

Christmas CD Scrapbook Tin

A few months back I found these great cd tins at the dollar store. Naturally being the scrap hoarder that I am, I bought them ALL, lol. Anyhow, I finally got to sit down and make one. I will try and post pictures of the pages tomorrow, but for now you'll have to be satisfied with the tin cover. I used Naturals White cardstock and Holiday Thyme designer paper. Then I used the Whimsical lower alphabet to make the title.

I still have about 20 of these in red and in green, lol. They come with plastic inserts for cds but you can cut them out. If you are interested in them please let me know, they are 1 dollar each plus shipping. You can leave a comment here or email me at coribravo1014@aol.com

Dancing Caribbean Santas

I made this card for this weeks color challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The colors were Real Red, Cool Caribbean, and Whisper White. I am still in the Christmas mode, so I decided to jazz up Santa's suit **wink**. Anyhow, I stamped the Santas on Whisper White, using the stamp-a-ma-jig so that they could line dance, hehe. Then I colored them in with Stampin' Write markers and a blender pen with ink refills. I used Icicle Stickles on the beard and under their feet for snow. I mounted this on some RR cardstock.

The card base is Real Red with a piece of Cool Caribbean stamped with the Paisley Print BG. Then I added the strip of red, that I faux stitched along with a piece of ric-rack from the Winter Mini "Flirty" ribbon. I popped that on the Caribbean piece and that was it... I think they look pretty festive...hope you all had a happy Tuesday!

No More Algebra!!

Totally un-stamping related, but I just wanted to share that I just finished my very last Algebra class...it seems like I have been taking Algebra FOREVER, so it is very releaving to be finished. The final was not as difficult as I had anticipated, so today was a very nice surprise!! Now to go home and do some stamping!!!! Maybe I'll even have something else to post tonight.

Pretty Ornaments...

Ok, isn't this just the prettiest?? I made some of these at a workshop I did yesterday. Love em! They are really very easy, and if you buy the ornaments this week I think they are 50% off at both Michaels and Joanns. You can use any of the clear glass ones.

Step 1- Carefully take the topper out of the ornament.

Step 2- drop in about 20-25 drops of Classic ink refill (lighter colors tend to be better)

Step 3- Swirl it around and around until you coat the entire ornament

Step 4- turn it upside down in a small cup or on some folded up paper towels

Step 5- when it is completely drained, funnel in about a tablespoon on Dazzling Diamonds glitter. ( you can use a powder pal or a small kitchen funnel)

Step 6- Shake, shake, shake...

Step 7- put the hanger carefully back inside the ornament

That's it!! Very simple and pretty...a nice way to customize your ornaments to suit your needs. The one pictured above is made with Cool Caribbean ink!!

Happy Monday everyone!!

Fuzzy pictures

I know the pictures have been fuzzy lately. I'm not sure why...when I upload them into my scs gallery they aren't fuzzy so I think it is a problem with Blogger Beta. I have contacted blogger and am waiting for an answer. Hopefully they will figure out what is wrong and they will be clear again soon. Thanks for your patience while I figure out all of this blog stuff.

Sweet Nothings...

Doncha' just love it when you can make a card in under two minutes and it is still cute? In the new Winter mini catalog, Stampin' Up came out with an adorable tin of accents and elements (adhesive die cuts in cardstock weight). And after you use up all of the die cuts, you can alter the tin to make a little scrapbook. You can see the tin in the current mini catalog on SU!'s website. There is a link on the left side of my blog.

The card base is Chocolate Chip cardstock stamped with the Paisley Print BG in CC ink. I then added the pink scalloped piece from Sweet Nothings, and the large turquoise polka dot circle, also from accents and elements. I stamped the flower in Chocolate Chip ink on Whisper White cardstock, and punched it out with my 1 1/4" circle punch and then punched out the larger circle in Tempting Turquoise with the 1 3/8" circle punch. I mounted this with a Stampin' Dimensional. Next I faux stitched along the edges of the strip with my Crafters Tool Ki and the Signo white gel pen (both also from SU!). I stamped the sentiment from Sincere Salutations in Whisper White craft ink. I lined it up straight with my Stamp-a-ma-jig (I'm a crooked word stamper **wink**)

I hope you enjoy the card...I have a workshop this afternoon, so maybe I'll have something else to post this evening...

BIG holiday cheer

OOh, I just love this stamp set!! Oh my goodness... I made this card with my new favorite stamp set, and the peppermint martini dollar stamp from Michaels. First I inked up the B and the G with an Always Artichoke Stampin' Write marker. I stamped it on Whisper White cardstock, and then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the martini glass in the middle in Basic Black. I colored the martini and the candy cane in with a red Stampin Write marker, and added some Icicle Stickles to make it glittery. Then I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again, to stamp the "Holiday Cheer" underneath, then I mounted the white on a piece of Real Red cardstock. The card base is Always Artichoke stamped with the Print Pattern BG also in Always Artichoke ink. The red strip is Real Red stamped with the Weathered BG also in Real Red. I died a piece of White grosgrain ribbon with an Always Artichoke reinker, and tied it around the red piece of cs. I then added a small piece of red gingham ribbon to the Artichoke ribbon. Two Real Red eyelets at the bottom of the card base were the finishing touches.

I hope you like the card, I loved making it,and I really love whoever it was that sent me this Stamp set!! Thank you again!!

Oh my goodness...A Secret Santa sent me rubbah!

So the UPS guy knocks on the door today, and what did he have? You ask? The awesome stamp set "Think Big" from SU!'s retired Holiday mini catalog. It took me all of 3 minutes to get the rubber mounting scissors out, and get these inked up...

Since I don't know who sent me this WONDERFUL gift, I am posting them a thank you card here!! I made it with this set and the giraffe from Wild About you. It's hard to see in the picture, but on the bottom of the card "Thanks" is stamped in More Mustard craft ink!!

Thank you whoever you are!!

Masking Tutorial

I have had a few people tell me that they just don't "get masking, so I'm going to post a step by step tutorial for it. Masking is one of the easiest, most effective technique a stamper can know. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

The tools you will need are very simple. All you need are your stamps, cardstock, ink, paper snips or other small detail scissors, and post it notes.
Next, stamp your image onto your piece of cardstock. In this card I am using the truck from the SU! set "Loads of Love."

Now, stamp the same image onto a scrap piece of paper (a post it note works best because it has the removable adhesive on the back. Stamp it near the adhesive strip, so that as much of your image as possible is sticky on the back. Take your Paper Snips or other small detail scissors and carefully cut your image out of the post it note. This is your "mask."

Now you need to place your "mask" (the image on the post it) over your cardstock image, completely covering it. Ink up your other stamp, (in this case the chicken that I am putting in the truck bed). Stamp the image where you want it on the original image, overlapping some part of it onto your post it note (in mine you can see his little feet on the post it). Remove the post it, and your 2nd image should appear to be inside or behind (whichever the case) your original image.

Another reason you may decide to mask your image, is if you want to use your Color Spritzer Tool, and don't want to get ink sprinkles on your stamped image. In this case you would do basically the same thing, you can put the mask over your stamped image and then use the spritzer around your image. When you remove the mask, your image will be clear, and the spritzing around it. In this case I used the masking and the color spritzer to make a dirt road under my truck.

Once my image was finished, I just completed the card. I colored the images in with Watercolor Pencils and a blender pen. The bg is done with the Weathered BG stamp and some direct to paper technique around the edges. I tied a piece of black grosgrain and a scrap of red gingham ribbon around the outside. The sentiment from "Warmest Regards" in Chocolate Chip ink and mounted the image over the ribbon.

I hope that this tutorial helped you. If you have any questions on masking, or have a suggestion for another technique tutorial, please drop me a line!

Jury Duty...

I have jury duty today. I've never had jury duty and have always wanted to, but being summonsed during finals wasn't my number one choice of times, lol. Anyhow, here is another card for the day. I made this one with the same card sketch as yesterday's card. Just new colors and stamps.

This card is Bashful Blue and Always Artichoke. The designer paper is SU! retired Holiday Thyme paper. The snowman is stamped in Basic Black and colored in with Stampin' Write markers. I used a 2-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds glitter to sparkle up the snow.

On the inside I used the SU! slit punch to make the little slits to put the gift card in. How fun!! I am doing a workshop this weekend, and the hostess asked that we make something to hold gift cards...I hope they enjoy making this one!

Ooooh a neato new pocket card!

Oh my goodness, talk about fun! This week's card sketch challenge on SCS is a new pocket card that was created by Keri Serieka. I'm not going to give you directions on how to make it, because the one's on the sketch are so great...I'll just link it here. If you have never done a sketch challenge, this is a great one to get you started.
Click here to see the directions for the card

In my version of the sketch, I used Green Galore cardstock paired with Slumber Party designer paper. I stamped the top part with the bloom of the flower in the Unfrogettable set. I just inked up the bloom with a Green Galore Stampin' Write Marker. I created the pocket by using 2 Certainly Celery brads. The top part is the frog from Unfrogettable stamped in Basic Black on Whisper White and colored in with Stampin' Write markers. I also put some Stickles on the heart and flower for some added shine. I mounted the froggie on a small piece of C. Celery and then on a larger piece of Pixie Pink stamped with the French Script BG in the same color. Then I punched the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch. I tied a piece of light pink grosgrain around the top of the card and added a piece of apple green for some color. Slap the froggie piece on, and the outside is done!


On the inside, I stamped the frog on the W White in B Black ink and colored him in with Stampin' Write markers as well. I masked him off and then stamped the flower so that he could "hold it." I used the small corner rounder to round off the top two corners of the Whisper White and the Green Galore cardstock and then adhered them together. Just slip it in the newly created "pocket" and you're all set!! Enjoy...now go make one of your own!