Retirement Lists!!

Okay...so my BIG news that I mentioned previously is that I have become a Merchandiser with Chloe and Isabel. They are a new jewelry company that recently celebrated their third birthday...I LOVE everything about it...the product, quality, support, price and even their logo: Ca-ute!!!

These little birdies have taken up residency here at the Barker household. This last Tuesday I held my Grand Opening Pop-Up here at my home and I loved that fact that while I was preparing...my 'go-to' for decorations was still Stampin' Up!. I have embraced the fact that I am indeed a paper-crafter...it's in my blood!! It was funny trying NOT to use Stampin' Up!
Here was a banner I made:

Then using the same Etcetera DSP (130129) I made this cute frame:

There was glass, that I removed and screwed it tiny eyebolts. Added some wire and ta-da!! I love that I will be able to swap the paper out to coordinate a themed event or season!! (Thank-you Pinterest!) 


When you get a chance, stop by my online Boutique and see for yourself!! There is something for everyone!!
www.chloeandisabelbyerin.com

Here are the 'thank-you' cards I made for my customers who placed an order during the month of April...I am SO excited that I have lots of bird stamps and accessories!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Hostess set Morning Meadow (129678 C, 129675 W)), En Francais (127790 C,128562 W)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral
Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand
Access: Mini Clothespins, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine (125573), Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon (120999), Big Shot (113439), Big Shot Magnetic Platform (130658), Chalk Talk Framelits (129983), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

The shimmer really POPS with the flash!! It's SO purdy in real life!!

Tomorrow night I am hosting Stamp Camp...it has been QUITE a busy week!! I was supposed to go to Bunco tonight but I have my son's baseball game to attend..the last game I missed he hit a triple!! So I bailed on Bunco this month...I don't want to disappoint Aiden (they grow too quickly as it is!!)

Here is one of the cards we will be making:

It's actually an envelope~ you seal it shut and cut off 1/4" to create a pocket...EASY!!
Here is another pic:

And...last pic is a close-up:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126422 C, 131961 W), Dictionary (130351 C, 130348 W)
Card Stock: Summer Starfruit, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White Craft ink
Access: linen thread (104199), Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Heat tool (129053), Clear Embossing Powder (109130)...oh...I also used the Crumb Cake marker and Color Spritzer tool (retired)....I could use that on everything!!

Tip: I stamped the bloom image first in the Summer Starfruit and waited until that was dry. Then I applied the Whisper White over that...and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Here is the other card that we will be making which could be perfect for Mother's Day!! Remember that it's on Sunday May 11th!!

Very soft and delicate...shabby chic!! I am in LOVE with this DSP from the current Occasions Catalog...it's seriously amazing!! This card would be great for a wedding...a baby shower...bridal tea...you get the idea!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Four Frames (123442 C, 128589 W), Hostess Express Yourself (130339 C, 130336 W)
Card Stock: Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe
Ink: Smoky Slate
Access: linen thread (104199) Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 7/16" Natural Trim ribbon (129287), Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon (109070), Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Stampin' Sponges (101610), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Watercolor Wonder DSP (132994)

Another HUGE announcement is that the Retirement List is out!!

Dates: April 21-June 4, 2014 (all items available while supplies last)
Details
We're saying goodbye to hundreds of retiring products from the 2013-2014 annual catalog!! ALL products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early!
Also, make sure to take advantage of FREE standard shipping on EVERYTHING from April 21-25.
Retiring Lists

• Retiring Stamps (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)
  • PDF
  • Excel file
• Retiring Accessories (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)
  • PDF
  • Excel file

If you have any questions, please let me know!! Have a great day...I'm off to the game!!

Going to Convention~ Be the Difference!!

Today has arrived!! I'm 'Over the Moon' excited as I am heading to Salt Lake City, Utah. (Scream!!!!)
Over the next several days I will be attending Convention for Stampin' Up! along with 6000 other demonstrators!! Excited to see new things, creations and familiar faces!!
Reconnect with old friends and make some new ones!!
They as you already know are celebrating their 25th!!

I am also celebrating too... 10 years ago I decided to become a demonstrator!! Where has the time gone?? It's crazy!! I remember attending my first Stamp Camp...hooked ever since!

I am blessed to be able to go, along with my downline  Anne Butterfield. We are going to have a blast!!

I think for me the thing I love most about Stampin' Up! are the lasting friendships made...and our statement of the heart. It's so true!!

This years Convention theme is 'Be the Difference'. Say it to yourself...in your head or aloud. Doesn't it make you feel proud? Stand taller?? It does for me~ I can't wait till it begins. Tomorrow in S.L.C is a play day...heading to the spa, sightseeing and shopping before the real fun begins! I will be taking TONS of pictures and will post/share when I can.

Just wanted to quickly share with you the swaps I made. (Swaps are creations that make such as 3-D items, cards, card fronts..etc and you 'swap' with other demonstrators). I seriously waited until the last minute...wondering if I was going to make any. I didn't sign up for any organized swaps this year, then soon regretted it. I started thinking about all the cute things that Anne would be bringing home (she did decide WAY earlier to make swaps) and I would be jealous!!

So...she came over a few nights and over some laughs we created these beauties.

Here is the story...I knew I wanted to use cork (actually stamped cork inside mason jar lids) and use them for coasters...we'll save that for another post and time because since I waited too long, I could not find the lids I wanted in time. I know...shame on me!!

So I started searching the internet and came across this post where I saw a picture of these cute wine bottle cork flowers and my jaw hit the floor~ if you know me...then you know I like wine....and I have TONS of corks!!

The hardest part was after making 40 of them...yes 40~ my fingertips felt like they were going to bleed!! The end result was worth it. Hope whoever gets one will appreciate them!!
Here are close-ups:

This one is the 'white' wine flower (hee hee)

And the 'red'

You can imagine that I had a few more corks to use for future flowers when these were finished!!

These are the cards I made to swap...I only made 12 each. I can't make more than 10 normally of the same card because I go CRAZY!!

This first one I ran out of the Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555), so I replaced it with the largest Naturals Designer Buttons (127554). Which one do you like better??

I like them both and being originally from Rhode Island...I LOVE this stamp set By the Tide (129120 C).

This next card was a surprise...for me (sound strange??)

I have owned a sewing machine for a few years now...use it occasionally. I had never tried stitching paper though and always wanted to try~ here I gave it a go and LOVED the result!! It was easy and think it might be my next addiction...have you tried it??

Tip: I punched out the vellum butterflies using both the Bitty Butterfly punch (129406), Elegant Butterfly (127526). Then just added a small dab of 2-Way Glue (100425) to hold them in place while I stitched. 

I think I have also said this before...Summer Starfruit is my FAVORITE color!!

On to the next one~ I mentioned earlier that I wanted to use cork (like that was stamped??)

I found these cork sheets (8 1/2"x11") and stamped them with Staz-On (101406) and punched it with the new Artisan Label punch (130920) it cut like butter!! I love how we have so many sets that coordinate with punches and dies. Here I used the stamp set called Label Love (130622 C).

Lastly...and by this time my brain was fried, fingers bleeding and stress was taking over my body as I have been camping out in my studio (aka basement). I made this card~

Pretty simple...(it had to be!) LOL
I can't remember what this 'technique' is called at the moment...I told you my brain is fried!! But you use markers and color directly onto the clear block..spritz with water and flip it over and stamp onto your card stock..here I used Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, and Gumball Green. Over that I stamped the tree image from Serene Silhouettes (127324 C) with Staz-On. Then I added a piece of Vellum CS over that stamped with a sentiment from Lacy & Lovely (122887 C) embossed with black embossing powder.

Tip: I used just a dab of SNAIL (104332) in the top corners to hold the vellum. Very pleased that it didn't show through...no need for vellum tape!! I also cheated with the linen thread (104199)...wrapped it around the card a couple of times and secured it with tape on the back. Then added the button tied with a bow using a glue dot (103683).


That's it for me today~ see you in Salt Lake City!!

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

My two beauties!!

I know that I have once again been MIA~ and for that I'm truly sorry!! Here is a little bit as to why...February is always crazy since it's a short month and loaded with birthdays...including my own!! But then recently...I became REALLY sick! That terrible stomach bug that has been going around?? The 'oh so lovely' Norovirus?? Even the Queen got it! It was horrible...I seriously thought I was going to die! Thank goodness its over and I am feeling human again! The only blessing in disguise was that I lost a few pounds!!

Then the computer in the basement...went kaputz (not sure how you spell that). This past weekend it was repaired and today I am in the basement...installing  My Digital Studio, stamping and LOVING it!!

Yesterday we had a beautiful snowstorm that left us with a blanket of white snow (almost 7"). It was so pretty to see in the morning, but the temperatures went above freezing during the afternoon and it melted as quickly as it fell. So luckily for me the kids only had an hour delay!! Is that mean?? I did feel bad~ the forecast was originally calling for 12-18" of snow!! I figured they would be home all week!

Oh well...bring on SPRING!!

I wanted to share with you what my dear friend Marie made for my birthday:

Yummy Red Velvet cupcakes...made too look like roses!!

Aren't they amazing?? Too pretty to eat!! She is crazy talented!! I know she said that she saw the idea on Pinterest, but if I were to try it..I know that it wouldn't even come close to hers. Thanks again Marie!!!

This is the "thank-you" card that I made for her.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126422 C), Everything Eleanor (124164 C)
Card Stock: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray
Access: Silver Glass Glitter (120995), dimensionals (104430), 2-way glue pen (100425), Big Shot (113439), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Flower Trim (126869), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Lately I have been on a Very Vanilla kick...instead of using Whisper White~ not sure why...but oh well!!

My other beauty I have to share with you today features the new Soda Pop Tops (129388)...LOVE them!! These are sold on pg.24 in the current Spring Mini catalog. You get a total of 16 (8 ea. of 2 sizes). A total must have...not only to be used on cards and scrapbook pages. But crafts galore!! I have seen necklaces...magnets..etc. Just hop on Pinterest for some ideas!!

 
Here is another angle to show that I cut the leaves out of the Very Vanilla CS background piece and placed the First Edition Specialty DSP behind it. I like the way it turned out.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Secret Garden (129144 C), Decorate a Daisy (125991 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede,
Access: Big Shot (113439), Secret Garden framelits (129372), Little Leaves Sizzlits (114511), linen thread (104199), Soft Suede 3/8" taffeta ribbon (122967), dimensionals (104430), sticky strip (104294), Basic Pearls (119247), Fancy Fan embossing folder (127751), 1" circle punch (119868), Soda Pop tops (129388), Sycamore Street Designer buttons (130923), glue dots (103683)

Note: How cool is this?? Pay close attention to the Soda Pop top...I flattened it by running it through the Big Shot!!
Here's how: Using the Multi-Purpose Platform without any tabs, place a clear plate then the cap on it face down and cover with clear plate. Ta-da!!

Until next time~ stay well,of course stamp and think warm thoughts!!

BIG hugs,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net 
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com 

Color Challenge CC397 Vanilla Chocolate Pie

It has been about a week since I have stamped...shame on me! I was going through withdrawal...so thank-goodness for today's 'Color Challenge' over on SCS. It is even sounds yummy!!

Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, and Pumpkin Pie- Vanilla Chocolate Pie!! This is my kind of card!!

The dessert option was to make a 'Fall' themed card.

Here is my card:

When I read the colors chosen, I was excited~ but then when I went to stamp...I noticed that I didn't really have much left in my 'Pumpkin Pie' stash...(after a quick panic attack) I grabbed a piece of More Mustard CS instead for the card base and went to work. When I was coloring the leaves...I used mostly More Mustard ink...but here and there added some Pumpkin Pie.

Inside:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Gently Falling (123804 C), Blooming with Kindness (126422 C)
Card Stock: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
Access: burlap, Postage Stamp punch (122344), More Mustard marker, Color Spritzer tool (107066), glue gun, glue dots (103683), Blender pens (102845) heat tool (129053), Vanilla Scented embossing powder (125590), Brushed Bronze Designer buttons (127833), Champagne Mish Shimmer paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol (116806)

Note: After trimming the piece of bulap, I used a leftover strand to thread the button (looks just like our linen thread!)

Please leave me a comment to make my day!!

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Monday's Christmas Card Week 3 & Hope Card

UPDATE: This is acutally Tuesday 10/2/12...could not finish posting it because I strained my neck :(
I am on some muscle relaxers...and will post again later today...that should be interesting!!

[Monday's post: 10/01/12]
What a weekend!! Most people dread Monday..I was looking forward to it!!  Some relaxation, no plans..the kids being away at school during the day. I can start my Friday all over again; clean the house, do laundry and run errands!!

'Hope' you all had a great weekend and happy Oct. 1st!! I mentioned in an earlier post that during this month I would focus on the fact that it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My first card to share with you is one that I made yesterday and I love how it turned out~

Here is how I made the background (after a few different attempts).
I knew I wanted to use Melon Mambo ink refill...and white glossy CS.  I had a piece that measured about 5x7 and using a spray bottle filled with water I sprayed it all over. There were a few places that the water pooled and that's okay. Then I used an aqua painter pen and some of the refill ink and 'smeared' the ink all over.

On this sample I just dropped the refill ink drops directly onto the CS. The ink follows the little water rivers..and made a really cool effect. I will use this piece for another project.

It looked like both of my samples were going to take a LONG time to dry...and that was 'no bueno' for this impatient girl! So I used the heat tool to dry it and the air from gun made the ink and water run in all sorts of different directions. I'm sure that everytime you try it...each one will be unique.

Give it a try for yourself...not sure if this is even a so-called 'technique'. But it was pretty neat!

When the CS was dry, I stamped the flower image from in Basic Gray and wished I had done it in Basic Black...you could see it..just not was well as I had hoped. So...I grabbed my new favorite ink pad...the Illuminate Watermark Stampin' pad? (pg. 23 in the Holiday Catalog.) I didn't even know this baby existed!! I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure the image matched and restamped...now it looks almost embossed....and so pretty!! Cut it out with the framelit and finished my card!!
Voila~
Here is the inside:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126422 C)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Basic Gray, Glossy White
Ink: Basic Gray, Illuminate Watermark Glimmer pad (126857)
Access: Vintage Faceted buttons (127555), linen thread (104199), Basic Gray taffeta ribbon (retired), sticky strip (104294), Silver Foil Smooch Spritz (118771), Glue Dots (103683), Big Shot (113439), Labels Collection framelits 9125598), Lacy Brocade embossing folder (127819), aqua painters (103954), heat tool (129053)


Now for Week 3 of my Christmas Cards:

This card was inspired by the cute card on pg. 23 in the 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog. Look in the top left corner with the polar bear~ I loved the bottom how it represents 'snow' so I gave it a try.
Inside:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Evergreen (127973 C), Christmas Lodge (123769 C)
Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Ink: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Versamark
Access: Pewter embossing powder (124114), heat tool (129053), Vintage Faceted buttons (127555), linen thread (104199), glue dots (103683), Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon (122331), Big Shot (113439), Addorning Accents folders (125601), Addorning Accents edgelits (125595), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Champagne Mist Shimmer paint (116806)

Tomorrow I will be back with my 'Color Challenge' card and video for the pop-up owl card shown here. Have a great day and go stamp something...anything...even if it's the dog!! (LOL)

-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com