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

Redneck Wine Glass

Have you seen these?? I think they are hiliarios and VERY easy to make...click here for a quick tutorial. I mentioned in a previous post that we had two birthday parties to attend this last weekend. On Sunday we went to our friends farm...if you live in the Winchester or surrounding area..be sure to check out Skyview Acres. Fresh eggs, chicken and more!!

Anyway...I often have a difficult time making masculine cards...there are of course some stamp sets that 'scream' MAN...but you probably know what I mean. I also thought about what Greg (my friend) does for a living..he's a true farmer. So this is the card that I made:

It uses the stamp set called Countryside (120495 C). I stamped the image in Early Espresso ink and colored in with pastels. The background piece is a retired one called Chicken Wire...embossed with pewter embossing powder. Added some denim ribbon..distressed the edges and done!! Notice the tag on the wine glass?? That was made with the 4 YOU stamp from Tiny Tags (118592 C).

Q. How do you get a rooster to stop crowing on Sunday?

A. Eat him on Saturday!

Remember that July Stampin' Up! has a GREAT promotion called Reason to Smile.

Basically it means this:

Available July 1-31st 2012,  spend $50 and for only $5 you can have this exclusive Reason to Smile stamp set (choose wood or clear-mount). Click the above picture/link to see the images.

Get yours today by shopin in my online store.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!

Today I have my goodies coming from Stampin' Up! (I LOVE it when the man in brown comes to my door.) I have a workshop coming up for my friend Marie and I need to get CRACKIN'~ get it? My mind must still be on the eggs and chicken..going to have my breakfast now...have a great day!!

Something 'Old' and Something 'New'

Here is 'Something Old'...and 'Something New' (speaking of which), since it is the middle of summer and the best time to catch up on some reading. Emily Giffin one of my favorite authors (Something Blue) has a new book coming out on July 24th called Where We Belong and I can't wait!!

My mind just went there knowing that I was going to share with you something 'old'..and 'blue' that I made a few months ago.

This began as a 12x12 shadow box frame that held yup you guessed it...a 12x12 piece of DSP (this is from Timeless Portrait (122352) retired now, but BEAUTIFUL!!!) I printed the Amherst Branch Team Charter statements onto vellum cardstock...get it 'BRANCH' you know like a 'TREE' (sometimes I amaze myself!). Added some embellishments and ~Voila!!

One of the fun things about working was gifts and such that I could make and share with my co-workers to brighten their day..here is another little treat: inside the treat tube is a tiny little bottle of vodka...(shhh!!) Maybe that is why she is blushing!!

 Hard to tell from the photo but the only thing that I colored on the little gnome girl were her flushed cheeks..to match the blush colored flowers on the inside of the card:

This paper is also retired...I hate that~ but I LOVE all the new ones added to the current catty...I waited until yesterday to place my order with all my new goodies...it took me about that long to figure out what I needed/wanted!

Now on to something 'new' this past weekend we had two birthday parties to attend. One on Friday for my sister-in-law Sharon and here is the card I made for her.

Of course my inspiration was the gift card..here is a close-up:

The flower stem was stamped in Pear Pizazz using the Raining Flowers stamp set (122767). I made the flower with two layers of So Saffron CS and the Blossom Party die, added a brad...the rest is pretty self explanatory but wait until you see the inside:

I know right?? The presents could also be made to look like a cake...add some candles on the top...it was so fun to make...even better to open!! Here is a link to the tutorial. Enjoy!!

RedBull...gives you Wings..

Not sure where to begin...but to fill you in about my 'M.I.A' it has been due to having a 'J.O.B'~ have you ever heard the expression 'just over broke'? Well....that was my job!! I became a bank teller for BB&T late last summer after attending Convention for Stampin' Up! and I did it for several reasons; part-time bankers hours (great schedule that would coincide with the kids school schedule), similar holidays (and they were paid days off!!), and of course the benefits were a huge plus!!

I met some great people, made some new friends, learned alot...even about myself (I am NOT a morning person!). I miss my co-workers already, but I missed being home more. The kids are now out of school for summer break and I had put stamping on the back burner (business wise) and I missed that too. Of course from time to time I would need to whip up something crafty... I did take pictures (stay tuned). So after much review and soul searching...I figured it was best that I return to my full-time job of being a mom. Besides...if I were to buy any more work clothes or shoes there wouldn't be any more room in my closet (maybe that's the real reason I left)...hence the 'just over broke' (J.O.B).

So now I will show you a few of the items that were made while I was working...made for wonderful co-workers at BB&T(Amherst St....my home away from home).  Here is a card that went along with the above Bonsai tree, (for my friend Sherri..who LOVES RedBull) and since RedBull gives you 'wings' I thought it was appropriate..

Here is a close-up of the birdie...made with the Elegant Bird Bigz die (125593).

If you live in the Winchester or surrounding area and would like to learn more about Stampin' Up! then check out my upcoming scheduled events or contact me today to host your own Workshop with friends and family~ we could make whatever you want (cards, scrapbook pages, crafts..etc).

Feelin' Green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is SO long overdue...but I just finished making a quick video on how to make the above fortune cookie. We made them at my last Stamp Camp for Valentine's Day and now that we are closer to St. Patrick's Day, I decided to make a 'green' one!!

These are simple to make and could be used for any holiday. They would make cute party favors, or as place settings with guests' names printed on the tags. (see video tutorial below).

I grabbed one of my older cameras to take these pictures and inside was an old memory card...as I was looking through them, I came across one that I thought I would share:

Here are my three babies playing in the front yard...look at the 'green' grass!! I can't wait for spring to arrive..it's right around the corner and I am SO excited!!

These pictures just made me smile~ from left: Aiden, Tyler and Regan (Spring 2007)

Here it's all packaged up ready for a co-worker who is moving to PA (Sherri...you will be missed terribly)!! These Kraft gift boxes come in a package of 4...they were featured in the Holiday Mini catalog and are STILL AVAILABLE!! Great for holding a jumbo cupcake, wrapped cookies and so much more!! Please let me know if you have any questions, thanks!!

Here is a close-up:

Please note: the 'good luck' stamp is available to demonstrators sold as Incentive Stamps, this one comes from the set called Fourteen Phrases (116849).

Enjoy the video~

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

Stamp Camp goodies!!

This past Friday I hosted  a Chinese New Year/Valentine themed 'Stamp Camp' and we had a BLAST!! As a demonstrator it takes time to think of what projects you want to show, getting the supplies ready...cleaning the house (LOL) and I usually try to provide something light and tasty to eat...I made Oriental Chicken Salad With Crunchy Ramen Noodles, and it's delicious..thinking about it is making my mouth water!! I just wanted to share the recipe because it's quick and easy to prepare.

This little robot was inspired from one I saw in a Better Homes & Gardens Scrapbooks Etc. (Feb. 2011) magazine...you know you should never throw these babies out!! I started looking through it the other day(rather than buying a newer issue and low and behold there are TONS of ideas. This one I liked because you could alter it to make it any size you want, here it's just a standard card front but it could easily be made into a card.

Here are some details:
The base measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4", layered with a piece that measures 5 1/4" x 4". That piece was spritzed with water and embossed using a texturz plate (this one is retired). Spraying your CS with water gives a much deeper impression...try it!! I then used a sponge and Whisper White Craft ink and rubbed over the words to really make it POP!
Robot
Head: 1 " square punch, the eyelids and mouth were made using the owl punch and attached with 2-way glue pen
Body: wrap desired candy with a belly band of DSP
Arms & Legs: cut desired length and run through crimper
Hands & Feet: circle punches and cut in half

The last thing I did was spray the entire thing with Champage Mist shimmer paint.

This next card uses one of the exclusive sets you can earn from SAB...it's called Elementary Elegance. I LOVE how trendy this set is, the keys and crowns you see all over th place from jewelry to home decor and now...stamps!!

This card also uses the new pleated satin ribbon found in the Occasions Mini (125571). Pretty easy card to make, the Basic Black CS was embossed using the Stripes embossing folder (123128). The stamp set coordinates with the Curly Label punch (119851) so I stamped the main image with Basic Black, then chose my words, stamped them also with black onto Sahara Sand CS and punched it out and that piece was popped up using a dimensional. Added a rhinestone to the crown, and sprayed the entire front with Silver Foil Smooch Spritz (118771). Voila!!

This last card was basically a CASE (copy and steal everything) from this card here. I loved it, and she shows a quick photo tutorial if you are interested in how to make the scallop circle die into a card..which also still fits into an envelope (yay!!). This set is so fun!!

Who wouldn't love getting a card that they can actually play with??

The Maze game pieces come in a pack of 4 (124332) for only $2.50...love it!!

Here is the inside greeting:

Since we had fortune cookies for dessert, we also made a cute little paper fortune cookie. I am going to make a video tutorial showing how simple and easy it is and you can use them for any holiday..not just Valentine's. I will post that over the weekend. So stay tuned!!

Let me know if you have any questions!!