Convention 3-D Swap, Wine Bottle Cork Flower Tutorial

What an AMAZING trip!! Convention was as expected.... a BLAST!! Had a little bit of delay leaving Dulles...we boarded the plane...then got off the plane. We boarded the plane...then waited about an hour until we took off. Sitting next to my girlfriend and I sat the most well behaved baby ever!!! I feared that we would hear her cry the whole way...nope!! She and new mommy slept almost through the entire flight!!

We checked into our room at the Hotel Monaco and were greeted by our pet for the week. We named him/her 'Stamper'. (I know original huh?)

Almost too excited to sleep...we finally slept after giggling for about two hours!!

Our first day in SLC started off right!!! We had massages, got pedicures and our hair done.
If you are ever in the area of Salt Lake City...I recommend going to Sanctuary Day Spa. A few years ago we attended Convention with another member in my downline and we treated ourselves the same way. It has become a ritual...can't wait to go back!!
Of course we hit the town and shopped at both the Gateway...and new City Creek shopping malls. The weather was perfect~ 'hot' but you know that 'dry' heat?? It was horrible hearing that back home Virginia's heat index hit 113 degrees!!! Yikes!! Thank goodness that it has cooled off back home...not sure if I would have come back!!

Then the real fun began...

 We went to Riverton (Stampin' Up!'s Home Office). Toured the facility, but my camera died (Ahhhhh!) Thankful we had a nice maintenance man back at the hotel who gave me 4 fresh batteries!! (Yay!!)

Not sure what day this photo was taken, but we had to get a quick pic of main stage and the 25!!
Maybe we can pretend that this picture is for a big birthday celebration...and I'm turning 25??

Prize Patrol was handed out to more people than at any other Convention~

I was very happy that I won...but Stampin' Up! saved the best for last. The last 25 demonstrators who had not won anything yet received all of the stamps in the Holiday Catalog!! Can you imagine??

This is Anne and I all dressed up for Awards Night...

You know...after seeing all these pictures I am feeling really tall!! (LOL) I do have more pictures to share...if you are sick of seeing my silly face..and want some inspiration, you can join the room I created on Snapfish. Click here to join. 

Funny story~ I would love to share with you one more photo (but it's really bad!)
I walked the stage for the first time...to celebrate my 10th year as a demonstrator!! (Yay!!)
I was nervous...excited and proud!! I handed Anne my camera (showed her how to use it) and my cell phone. She too had both her camera and phone. However...trying to figure out my camera she missed it!! The two pictures she captured are blurry...and I look silly. Ahhhhhh!!! Seriously??
She felt terrible... don't worry I still love her!! What makes the story funny is when Bonnie Thurber was demonstrating some scrapbook/hybrid pages. She commented how important it is to preserve memories..to 'capture' the moment. She stated that it doesn't matter if you have the perfect picture...it's that you 'captured' the moment!! Anne and I both looked at each other and smiled!! Now those 'bad' photos are posted on Snapfish...go ahead check them out~ if you want a good laugh!


Okay... in a previous post I shared with you the swaps I made for Convention. Here is my 3-D swap.

The Wine Bottle Flower was a big hit and what else are you going to do with all those corks laying around?? I have received a few e-mails inquiring how it was made, so I decided to make a quick video to show how~

Let me know if you have any questions, or leave me a comment and let me know what you think!!

In closing...thanks Stampin' Up! for an incredible 'memorable' 10 years...looking forward to many more!!
BIG hugs,
Erin

Pop-up Owl Card Tree Trunk Tutorial

Wonder if the title should read 'Pop-out Owl Tutorial' instead. When you open the card, the owl pops out of the tree trunk~ so cute!! I mentioned last week that I would share with you a video on how I made this card:

Was hoping to get to it sooner, but Monday morning I pulled something (not sure what) in my neck/shoulder. So even though it was on the left side...and I am right handed~ stamping has been minimal. Not much you can do when you can't move your head! Plus...it's very difficult to stamp while on muscle relaxers...(wink).

Here you go:

Please let me know if you have any questions!!

Thanks again Emma for the inspiration, be sure to check out her blog at www.ladynthestamp.blogspot.com

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

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

Glass Etching Tutorial

As promised, here is a quick video tutorial on how I made the vase shown here.
Here is the finished product~ the possibilities are endless!!

Love it!!  For the snowflake image I used the new Snow Flurry Bigz Die (127813). Shown on pg. 14 in the Holiday Catalog. 


Here is the lid~

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Petite Pairs (122497 C), Christmas Lodge (123769 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Access: Big Shot (113439), Snow Flurry Bigz die (127813), linen thread (104199), Champagne glimmer paper (127885), 3" circle die (122125), scallop #2 die (retired), Designer Natural buttons (127554), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Always Artichoke 1/2" seam binding ribbon (121000)
Check out the video and let me know what you think!

Let me know if you have any questions!!

Here is another Christmas card that we will be making at my next Holiday Stamp-a-Stack. If you are in the area and would like to attend~ make sure you RSVP (space is limited!!)

This card was inspired by these gift tags shown on SCS.

It's hard to tell from the photo~ I used the sponge dauber to apply the Frost White Shimmer paint to the 'swirly' image from the Everything Eleanor stamp set. It's so pretty IRL (in real life).
Here is a close-up of the tag~ I just cut off the right side of the framelit.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Snowflake Soiree (127925 C), Everything Eleanor (124164 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla
Ink: Island Indigo,Primrose Petals, Pool Party
Access: linen thread (104199), Big Shot (113439), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Stampin' dimensionals (104430), vintage faceted buttons (127555), glue dots (103683), sponge daubers (102892), Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854), vanilla shimmer smooch spritz (118772),  silver glass glitter (120995), 2-way glue pen (100425)

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

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

Burlap Banner Tutorial

Okay...are you ready? As promised:
Here is a quick video tutorial on how I made my burlap banners in this post.

This is what I did with it:

I have loads of these fun abandoned windows in my shed...waiting for new life~thanks to the hubby for being in construction! I added an expired Decor Element crow at the bottom...I wish Stampin' Up! still sold vinyl :(

Please let me know if you have any questions!! See you tomorrow!
-Erin
Shop online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net

Redneck wine glass-take two!!

So...two more recent birthday celebrations~ one was for my friend Darlene...she likes fairies. She even has a cute little fairy tattooed on her shoulder. Well....when I bought this gift (see photo) I knew I had to make a card that matched right??

It is coolest thing ever~canning and mason jars are EVERYWHERE...it is the thing do do these days! In the next Holiday Mini (customers can order August 1st) there is the cutest canning stamp set with coordinting framelits...and matcing fabric!!!
In this jar the paper fairy is attached to a very thin wire and is battery operated, it interacts with you when you touch the lid...as you can see~I'm easily amused!!
So...I start looking through my retired stamp sets to find a fairy stamp. Of course I needed to make a 'fairy' card!!
Not a single fairy in this bin:

Not a single fairy in this bin either:

Now I am bummed~ I now know that I have to do the 'unthinkable'....yes I drove to 'my local craft store' and (shhhh!) bought a fairy stamp set...actually it's a pretty cute one too!! I know...I need serious help!
SO...here is what I made for her: (notice the way it opens?? cool huh?)

Note: The entire fairy piece was stamped in VersaMark and embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder..I have seen that this technique is called Dazzling Diamond Dust (aka 'fairy dust!).
Details:
Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Stamp Set: non-SU! fairy set, Bring On the Cake (121958)
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, VersaMark
Access: Baja Breeze 1/2" seam binding ribbon (122331), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), antique brads (117273), retired embossing folder, apothecary accents framelits (127003), sticky strip (104294), heat tool (129053), Iridescent Ice EP (101930)

The next day was another friend/neighbors birthday (Jason)...so I needed to make another 'manly' card and I thought I would make another redneck wine glass....I love these things!! Since his name is 'J-ason' I had to cover up the 'M' on the 'mason jar...LOVE IT!!!

A few of my friends were asking me "Just how hard are these to make?" I would see them selling in stores here and there for $15-$20!!! I knew there was an easier/cheaper way...after my 'google' search I found this great little website. Here is a little video tutorial on how quick and easy these bad boys are to make...enjoy!!

It has been HOT here in Va..the past two days have hit 105-110 degrees with the heat index...this card just screams warmth...so sending 'warmest birthday wishes' seemed perfect! Trust me...I really don't mind sitting here in my air conditioned basement...the other day I was actually chilly...thought about turning on my space heater!

Here is the card I made to go along with his gift: (inspired/CASED from here)
Details:
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
Stamp Set: Broadsheet Alphabet (120585 C), Blooming with Kindness (126422 C), Serene Silhouettes (127324 C)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black
Access: Stampin' Sponges (101610), 1 1/4" circle punch (119861),  1 3/8" circle punch (119860),  dimensionals (104430), black grosgrain ribbon (retired)
Here is the gift bag...all ready to be delivered!!

If you have any questions on anything at all..or just want to comment...please do!!
Take care, happy stampin' and STAY COOL!!
-Erin

In Color 2012-2014 meets By the Seashore

A couple days ago my Stampin' Up! order arrived..YIPPEE!!! I love playing with new stamps and accessories. Knowing that I had a Workshop coming up I needed to get my fingers dirty~ read on!!

My friend Marie has often held fabulous stamping events..and this year will be her 3rd Hawaiian Stamp-N-Lunch. It is always an amazing time of eating the most delicious num-nums and stamping!!

We make a total of 4 cards/envelopes with a Hawaiian/beachy theme and this year I am deciding to take a different approach, all of the cards will be using the same stamp set. It's called By the Seashore (W 126530, C 126532). I just couldn't put it down!!

I have also fallen head-over-heals about the new In Color line..not sure yet which one I like best but leaning towards Summer Starfruit...it's yummy!! How about you? What is your favorite??
So I also decided to use exclusively these beautiful colors: Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, and Summer Starfruit.

Here is my first one:

Here is  a technique called 'triple time stamping' I watched this video by Dawn Olchefske.

I basically cased her idea and several others that are on www.splitcoaststampers.com this stamp set is perfect for it~ (I also think this card is my favorite one of the 4!!) Shhh...don't tell the others!

Details:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (126532 C), Itty Bitty Banners (126257 C)
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse
Access: linen thread (104199), naturals designer buttons (127554), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), bitty banners framelits (129267)

Then in order of my likings...
Second one:

Details:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Raspberry Ripple
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (126532 C), French Foliage (121166 C), Pursuit of Happiness (121970 C)
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso
Access: paper-piercing tool (126189), stampin' pierce mat (126199), paper-piercing pack (126187)
decorative label punch (120907),  glue dots (103683),  linen thread (104199), dimensionals (104430), vintage-faceted designer buttons (127555)

I think that the new paper-piercing pack (pg.181 IBC) is AMAZING!!! Hard to tell from the photo but the quote is punched out and raised with dimensionals. These buttons are WAY too cool too!!! Dump these beauties onto the palm of your hand and it's as if you are holding DIAMONDS!!

YES...I do think that if my hubby had proposed with one of these I would have still said "yes"!
They really are stunning in person and for only $5.95 (us) you get 24 buttons (8 ea. of 3 designs) (pg. 176 IBC).

Third one:

Details:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Gumball Green
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (duh), and retired Happy Greetings (123313)
Ink: Gumball Green, VersaMark (102283)
Access: linen thread, square lattice embossing folder (119976), gold embossing powder (109129), heat tool (129053)

Last but not least:

Details:
Card Stock: Midnight Muse, Brushed Gold, Very Vanilla
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (duh again), Itty Btty Banners
Ink: Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, VersaMark
Access: gold embossing powder, linen thread, heat tool, dimensionals, glue dots, naturals designer buttons, bitty banners framelits

There you have it~ hope she and the other attendees love them as much as I do!!
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!
Remember you can find the supplies listed above to puchase at my online store 24/7.

I am now heading back to the kitchen to pull out coasters out of the oven...wait until you see those beauties!!
See you tomorrow!!
Hugs, Erin