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

CC428 and it's almost June!!!

Anyone else as excited as I am about June arriving?? Not only is it when the new 2013 Idea Book & Catalog go live~ but it screams summer!! School will be ending..and just as January and September signal new beginnings in the year so does June. Summer weekends, vacations and even weekdays that linger longer~ I remember when I was younger my mother said we could stay outside playing until the street lights came on.

Of course it also means 'air-conditioning'...right?? This Spring has been crazy, just this past Memorial weekend the evenings got so chilly that overnight the heat came on!! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend, things have been crazy here~ not so much in a good way either. But this weekend was perfect!!

Not only did I get my best score ever bowling...198 (and I also beat the hubby!) But the weather was beautiful enough during the day to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. We enjoyed an afternoon at a local wild animal park (Wilson's Wild Animal Park).

Here are a few photos:

Seriously...how do you not smile when you see this face??

The lemurs were our favorite...look at the baby!!

The biggest treat for me was this~

I can not even tell you the last time we (as an entire family were together, happy, healthy and carefree!!).  
From the left: Ryan, Aiden, (me), John, Regan and Tyler. Love it!!
Bonus: The park bench was long enough to fit my whole brood!!

I mentioned in a previous post that I was trying to get caught up on my blog to keep you all up-to-date on promotions, and all of the goodies retiring...etc. But...if you have been good little stampers (and you know who you are) you have already have been on my website to check things out!!

Reminder: This Friday (May 31st) is the last day to order from the current Spring Mini catalog and the current Idea Book & Catalog!!

Today I decided that I would participate in the SCS Color Combo. The colors you had to use are Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo and Pool Party. I thought a 'beachy' themed card would be perfect...so when I went to my stash I grabbed the Postage Due stamp set. The dessert option was to do some paper-piercing (who doesn't love a calorie free dessert??)

Note: Everything used here on this card will still be available June 1st. except for the color Lucky Limeade...but if you like love it, swap it out for another color!!


Supplies
Stamp Set: Postage Due (126397 C), My Friend (122587 C)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Vellum
Ink: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Versamark
Access: Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), Paper-Pierce Tool (126189), Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126187), Heat Tool (129053), Silver embossing powder (109131), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings embosslits (118138), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), 2-Way glue pen (100425), Platinum Shimmer paint (retired) :(

That's it for me today...thanks for stopping by!! Until next time~ happy stampin'!
~ Erin

Raining Flowers Color Combo CC421

Another beautiful 'spring' day, I was able to turn off the heat yesterday...and the windows and doors can now be open to allow a nice warm breeze, it's so soothing! Today is a relaxing day~ decided I was not going to clean the house, workout or mow the grass. Can you believe it's time to mow already? I could probably get away with it for a few more days. Honestly we mostly have weeds in the yard but what is healthy and is actually 'grass' has turned a lush green and thriving. So I guess the higher patches are what need to be mowed. I think I'll wait for the hubby to take care of it over the weekend (I'm nice like that).

Today's share~ is another Color Combo from SCS, it's called 'Black Coral Breeze' or CC421. Basic Black, Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze. You can use a neutral color of choice and add optional dessert which is either burlap or the use of triangles. I decided to add dessert...hey there aren't any calories...what could be better??

Here is my card:

I knew that I wanted to try making a 'chalk' board looking card....not sure if this qualifies looking like a chalkboard but I liked it and it worked. Think this one will be sent to my sister-in-law Lisa. Hope she'll like it!

Inside:

Supplies
Stamp Set: En Francais (109521), Loving Thoughts (125845 C), Raining Flowers (122767 C)
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Calypso Coral
Ink: Whisper White, Calypso Coral and Crumb Cake
Access: Big Shot (113439), Fun Flowers Bigz L die (121812), linen thread (104199), sponge daubers (102892), 3/4" circle punch (119873), Sycamore Street Designer button (130923), burlap

Thinking about going to go and get a pedicure...but that would require me shaving my legs (that's not relaxing). Thought earlier about scheduling a hair appt. (need to cover the grays). But that too would require me getting dressed in something I can be seen in (too much effort) Instead...I think I will soak up some sun and catch up on my book!! I hope that today you too were able to find some relaxation.

Take care and see you next time!!
-Erin

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

Spring really did 'SPRING'!!

You know that saying "Ask and you shall receive"? Well...you all know that I have been asking~ AND asking....for a LONG time and FINALLY!! This past weekend was beautiful and even though I was a wee bit under the weather...I really think it's just allergies. You just had to get out there to enjoy it!! Yesterday we did some work in the yard....until I thought my head was going to fly off from all my sneezing!! I shot this quick pic of the kids playing with the hose after a bike ride...they said they were hot and wanted to go in the sprinkler...are they crazy?? (Mine are the two on the right, Regan and Aiden)

Don't worry...I was a good mommy and said "no". Do allergies bother you?? A few years ago I suffered a little bit...not even enough to take anything for it. But not now...I am loving my Zyrtec. I suppose it's just another little love of aging....Ugh!

Last Friday I noticed that along our back fence the forsythia was beginning to bloom. I read in this month's Better Homes and Gardens 'Country Gardens' (Spring March 2013 Vol. 22, no.2) that you can force bloom by bringing blooming branches inside. It's a great article with lots of pictures for inspiration.Well...I was not that adventurous~ I bought some of the fake stuff. Don't judge me~ I have a serious BLACK thumb (maybe it's from Staz-On ink).
So since I love the bright 'yellow' so cheerful and bright...I bought forsythia.
Here is above our kitchen cabinets:

In the bathroom:

Family room:

and aren't these nests the cutest???

I think that even the fake stuff is making me sneeze~ perhaps I need to dust!!



So...now you know I had to incorporate some 'spring' Stampin' Up! style~


Here is a banner that I made...hard to tell from the pictures because the glitter is so shiny and pretty and elegant and sparkly and pretty...and well~ you get the idea!! (I love it!!)

Close-up:

I kept it fairly simple because all you need to see are the pretty sparkly letters!! I cut the banner using the Perfect Pennants Bigz L die(123126) and Soft Suede CS. Then I applied some Gesso on the edges to give it a white-washed look. Using the same die, I used the smaller pennant and the Tea for Two DSP (129311). For the letters I attached a piece of our Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (120805) to some Very Vanilla CS and cut the letters out using the Typeset Alphabet Bigz die (127553). Once they were cut out, peel off the protective film and press down into the glitter. Here I used the Champagne Glass glitter (120997). This is honestly the first time I used our Adhesive Sheets....shame on me!! They are awesome!! I didn't stop there...check this beauty out~

Isn't she pretty?? I used the Elegant Bird Bigz die (125593). I attached the wing to body with the antique brad and hot glued it to the wreath. The flowers were made using our Tea for Two Designer Fabric (129308). Click here for a link to a video that I made a few years ago on how to create the flowers. Very easy....so I made and extra one and stuck it to my lantern!

Next in the kitchen and speaking of easy....I added some of the same DSP to some battery lit candles and tied a strip of the fabric around one of them.

Lastly I have some lollies...or medallions to share. I love the colors of this paper...it didn't really make me want any tea (Remember it's called Tea for Two). Just a glass of wine~ or two to enjoy as I glance around my home and smile!!

These were both created using the Designer Rosette Bigz XL die (125594) for the larger one I cut the DSP down to 4" x 12" and it used 3 strips. The smaller Gumball Green one was made using (3) 3" x 11" pieces and trimming as needed from the score lines on the die. Decorated the fronts and attached them to a dowel...that I stained using a Stampin' sponge and Soft Suede ink. Found the glass marbles at a local craft store and voila!

Here are close-ups:

Hope it is warming up where you are...and if not~ make some 'spring' creations to make you smile!! Please let me know if you have any questions, or leave  me a comment and let me know what you think! Thanks!!

BIG stampin' hugs,
Erin

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

Nature Walk Birthday card and gift

Ummm...first of all~ where is Spring? Have you seen it? Felt it? Not here!! Here in Virginia our warmest day on record was actually in January...can you believe that??

So...they say that if we make it through this week...warmer weather is just around the corner...keeping fingers and toes crossed (no not really...I need my fingers to STAMP!!)

Hope you enjoyed the previous post about Easter treats, just a few more to share with you that I had hoped to post sooner. Oopsy!! The kids went back to school today so Momma's been busy!

Here are a few more sweet treats:

These are marshmallow rabbit Peeps, that were covered in chocolate and sprinkled. My daughter Regan and I made them for some friends.
Here is a close-up:

I also wanted to share with you some cookies made with our Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (sold on pg. 161 in the Idea Book & Catalog).

These cookies used the Occasions set (127081) that includes a rabbit, flower and shamrock.
My friend/downline Anne Butterfield made these...aren't they cute?? They were delicious too!!
When you order the Cookie press stamps, recipes and tips are included. The size of the stamp measures 2 3/4". I want to share with you the recipe that she used..enoy!

Annie Pugh's Sugar Cookies
1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon
salt, 1 cup butter, 1 egg, 3 tsp evap milk, 1 tsp vanilla

Cream sugar and butter, add wet ingredients and then flour,powder and salt...of course butter is at room temperature
Just add colored sugar on them if desired

Butter frosting recipe (for cut- outs)
6tbs butter (room temp)
1lb powdered sugar (which is a box or 4 3/4 cups)
1/4 cup evap milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Note: if you are making reindeer..the perfect color combo for food coloring...we call it "toast" is
1 drop green food coloring
4 yellow drops
3 red drops of food colors = toast

Now you have all our Sugar Cookie secrets....it wasn't a secret though!

(Thanks Anne!!!)

Now...Easter is over and as I have said it before (a million times)...it's SPRING!! Isn't it???

We are all anxious to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. The flowers start blooming and trees start budding. Animals too awaken. We look forward to longer days, planting our flowers and vegetable gardens and walking on the lush carpet of green grass, barefoot! Doesn't that sound just about right??

It inspired me for my next creation..my girlfriends birthday is today (Happy Birthday Shelly!!)

So..I went to my stash of stamp sets and grabbed Nature Walk (121997 C).
Here is the first card I came up with~ icky..I hate it.

Thought it might have been neat in the beginning...to sort of sew the two ripped sides together..but when I added ribbon..all I could see were laces (and that was even before I added the eyelets!!) Remember those?? Eyelets that is?? I have a stash of them...at least I used a few here (lol). So I used my Pool (almost wrote 'poop') Party Seam binding ribbon along the top and added the linen thread and a tag....not sure if I will trash it..or let Regan give to one of her friends. Like the old Life commercials...give it to Mikey...he'll eat it. In this case...give it to Regan~ she'll like it!

Then it was back to the drawing board...I still knew I wanted to use this set.
Well....my determination paid off...never give up!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Nature Walk (121997 C), From My Heart (126557 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Versamark
Access: Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips embossing folder (121809), dimensionals (104430), basic pearls (119247), glue dots (103683), heat tool (129053), pewter embossing powder (124114), linen thread (104199), Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon (120999), stamping sponges (101610), sticky strip (104294), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Color Spritzer tool (107066), Crumb Cake stampin' write marker

Here is an angled shot to show the popped up cage:

Can you tell I was feeling the blue tones?? So....after I sat back and smiled I remembered something else I had wanted to try...it would be the perfect matching gift!!

I ran out to the fabric store...with card in hand and found some pretty darn close synthetic fabrics to Not Quite Navy. Here is the beauty I made....and the little eggs inside are our basic pearls!!

CUTE!!
Here it's on my hand...so you can see IRL the size:

Click here for a tutorial.
NOTE: I didn't use a lighter....I used something even easier...our heat tool!!! You're welcome!!
Here is the box I made using the Bigz XL Bitty Box & Envelope die (retired)

Inside:

That's it for me today...hope you enjoyed. Leave me a comment and make a girl smile :)
Let me know if you have any questions..take care and happy stampin'!

-Erin

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

Easter Treats, let the daffodils bloom!!

Spring?? Easter??
Maybe you have been trapped under blankets of snow~ugh! Or perhaps living in the warmer climates where flowers and trees are already in bloom. (If so...I am incredibly jealous!!)
Here in Virginia the weather has hopefully made up it's mind and will concentrate on warming up. Just this past Monday we had another quick storm that left about 6" of that white stuff in its wake.

Whichever the case...'SPRING' has officially SPRUNG!! (YAY!!)
This Sunday is Easter Sunday and I have some treats to share with you, the kids are now on spring break and I have a cute little project that I had them make, I'll share that with you tomorrow. 

First are these adorable Peep pops! They are almost too cute to eat...well almost!!

CUTE!!!
These were CASED/inspired by the wonderful Shelli Gardner.
Here are a few more pictures..

Close-up:

Note: This supply list contains ingredients used in all of these projects, let me know if you have any questions!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Everybunny (122707 C), Spring Sampler (125512 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White
Access: Big Shot (113439), First Edition Specialty DSP (, Large Oval punch (119855), Scallop Oval punch (119856), 1/16" circle handheld punch (101227), linen thread (104199), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack (118309), 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, basic rhinestones (119246), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), stampin' sponges (101610), 1" circle punch (119861), 1 3/4" scallop circle punch (119854), 1"x8" cello bags (124134), 4"x6" cello bags (102757), Vanilla Flower trim (126869), small oval punch (120908)


Here is another quick treat using our 1"x8" cello bags. (124134)

 Quick and easy!!

You know mason jars are everywhere and being used for all sorts of handmade gifts. Check out this idea found on Pinterest (LOVE that site!)

I shredded some CS and stuffed it down into the bottom of the jar, added my chocolate bunny and held the ears while I dropped in some robins eggs. Voila!!

Here is the tag:

Lastly I made some cute little boxes.

Here is a video tutorial on how to make the box, they hold a Reeses Peanut Butter Egg perfectly!!

As you can see...the common element used in all of these projects is the Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon. The inspiration came from the yellow peeps...but hopefully now the daffodils can bloom!! I hope that wherever you live..that you are surrounded by warmth from either sunshine, family or friends!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

~Erin

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

St. Patty's Day treat

Guess what gang?? I didn't use any 'Spritz' on today's projects!! I know...can you believe it?? Well...to be honest you'll see that I used a wee bit of the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol)...but that's different!! (LOL)

I figured I would post earlier in the day so I wouldn't peter out...just ran 3.7 miles and I am a wee bit tired...the other day I saw a picture that a friend had posted on Facebook that read "I will run till I don't jiggle". I'm not sure why it made me laugh, but it was today's motivation. Anyway,on to today's goodies:

This card was pretty simple, very soft and elegant. It uses just a bit of the new Tea for Two DSP....which is such a shame it's SO pretty!! That's okay...it just means I have a lot left over to make more goodies!!
Here is a close-up, the vellum butterfly is stuck with one glue dot...and you can't even see it!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Elements of Style (120045 C), French Foliage (121166 C)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Tea for Two DSP (129311), Vellum (101856)
Ink: Lucky Limeade. Versamark pad
Access: heat tool (129053), Pewter embossing powder (124114), Elegant Butterfly punch (127526), Decorative Label punch (120907), antique brads (117273), Very Vanilla 1/2" seam binding ribbon (120999), sticky strip (104294)

Anyone making corned beef and cabbage this weekend?? I am planning on making enough Saturday to have leftovers on Sunday. My husband and I are in a bowling league Sunday evenings...so I will be eating it twice!! From a lot of people I have heard it both ways: Love it...or hate it.
I LOVE it...the smell when it fills the house makes my tummy growl! Yum!! I also being from New England...add turnips to mine. The only time I eat them actually...an odd taste. I remember when I was young my mom would tell me to just add more butter to my 'potato' I thought it was the nastiest potato ever!! Funny how your taste buds change as you mature (yes I have matured!)

So in honor of St. Patrick's Day I have used this stamp:

It is featured on pg. 24 in the Spring Catalog called Lucky Day.
Note: This is only available as a wood mount stamp (129177 W) for $6.95.

Here is a treat to give teachers, kids neighbors...really anyone but remember to pinch them if they aren't wearing any green!!
Note: I used the Garden Green Marker to color just the LUCK~ cute!!!
This idea came from Kimberley Morris. Thanks Kimberley!! Inside it holds a Ghirardelli chocolate~ this one happens to be Dark & Mint (YUM!!)

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Every Little Bit, Lucky Day
Card Stock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP
Ink: Versamark pad, Crumb Cake, and Stampin' Write Markers in Garden Green, Basic Black & Real Red
Access: heat tool (129053), Gold embossing powder (109129), Ticket Duo Builder punch (126883), linen thread (104199), sponge daubers (102892), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Word Window punch (119857)

Here is another picture:

and the back:

Please leave me a comment if you like what you  see...or if you have any questions!! Take care and see you next time!!
-Erin

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