Spring?? No...it's SUMMER now!!!

Can summer be here already?? The above photo is from Memorial Day weekend...a true sign that summer is here!! We set up our 'redneck' pool and it didn't take long for the water to warm up! Those few days were in the 100's~ my kind of weather!! Today it doesn't feel like it at all~ we (the family) are at Lake Anna for a few days and the water is actually warmer than the air (current outside temp is about 70 degrees). The kids went fishing this morning and caught a few catfish and have asked to swim....but I honestly think it's too cold for me! I have bribed them with sweets and indoor games. We might travel in to the big ol' town of Louisa today to look for movies or bowling.

Since I am on 'vacation' I am able to catch up on much needed blogging, e-mails and updates.

Not even sure what was going on in my life in my last post...since it was so long ago!! First thing was our computer in the basement (our main PC) decided it didn't want to work anymore..it was less than 6 months old!! It has since been serviced twice and seems to be okay (thank-goodness). It is the computer that I use for Stampin' Up! so for that time I pretty much took my stampin' business on hold. It feels good to get back in with both feet!! Stay tuned for all the latest news and updates.

After Memorial Day came the end of the school year and graduation...as the school year ended we were busy with making plans for parties, family and friends coming to visit. The month of June rolled in like a wild fire!! Our oldest son Ryan graduated highschool...where does the time go? In the fall he will attend Howard County Community College. Ready for a card??

Here is the card I made for his graduation: I have posted a few pictures so you can see how it opens. Click here for a tutorial on how to make 'flip' cards.

Stamp Set: Sail Away (123013), Live, Laugh, Love (117114), Sanded (109294)

Card Stock: Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Night of Navy and Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker

Accessories: Night of Navy 3/8" taffeta ribbon (120933), Mini Vintage Tags (118763), Square Lattice embossing folder (119976), Shimmer Paint Champagne Mist (116806)

Here is the other side, hard to tell from the photos but the Very Vanilla CS was sprayed with the shimmer paint since the mini-vintage tags are shimmery...did you know that?? I didn't (oops!!)

As you may already know...the Stampin' Up! Retirement List has been issued for stamps and accessories...have you checked it out yet?? This card actually used two stamps that are retiring (Sanded Background stamp and Live, Laugh, Love)

So check your Wish List's and make sure to place your orders ASAP before they are gone for good!! Shop 24/7 on my website.

If you would like the new catalog please contact me today via e-mail and I'll be sure to get you one!! Wait till you see it~ orders will be able to be placed with the new catalog beginning on July 1st!!!

Stampin' Hugs~Erin

Spring is Blossoming!!

Have you ordered your Paisley Petals DSP (122367) yet?? Remember that it's part of the 'Spring Is Blossoming' Promotion...I have already gone through an entire pack!! There are two ways that you be part of this great 'sneak peak' treat...yup these goodies will be featured in the next Idea Book & Catalog...and you can order them NOW or WAIT until the catalog goes live in July. (click the link above to see details)

Here I have to share with you some project that I made...these two cards are what we will be making at my next Stamp Camp.

Here is the first one:

Doesn't it scream Paris!!!! I have never actually been... I have been all over the country (Continental USA and Costa Rica) that's it~ I hate flying...my feet were meant to be on the ground!! I am waiting to grow out of my fear of flying because there is SO much to see in our BEAUTIFUL world!!

However I did recently book my ticket to fly to Salt Lake City, Utah for Stampin' Up!'s Convention (July 13-16th 2011)!!! I am so stinkin' excited that my fears have all been shoved to the back of my brain (for now!!) Hey..I can order wine on the plane right?? (hee hee)

Here is a close up of the 'beautiful' Eifel Tower... it's a little hard to tell from the photo that I embossed with silver embossing powder.

When my son Tyler was two years old...(yes I did say 2) he had a passport and went to Paris with his grandparents!! I have pictures of him as a baby doing all the 'touristy' things and he saw the Eifel tower..no I am not jealous AT ALL!!! Sadly...he was too young and doesn't remember...but he's not going back before I go!!

Additional details:

Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings (118517 W, 120573 C), Clearly For You (121911 W, 121976 C)

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede and Paisley Petals DSP (122367)

Ink: Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, Versamark Accessories: Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon (120999), silver embossing powder (109131), heat tool (100005), Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (120175), Big Shot (113439), silver brads (104336), Boho Blossoms extra-large punch (119858), dimensionals (104430) glue dots (103683), sponges (101610)

Tip: The Tangering Tango ink is much darker than what you see here, so using ,your grid paper or scratch piece stamp off then stamp your image...perfect match!!

Here is the next card:

Again... I used the same Paisley Petals DSP (122367)which is so vibrantly beautiful~ there is such a variety that match many other colors, it's hard to choose which CS base to use...here I decided on River Rock.

Card Details:

Stamp Set: Clearly For You (121911 W, 121976 C)

Card Stock: River Rock, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, Paisley Petals DSP

Ink: Early Espresso 'Classic' Ink* (see note below)

Accessories: clear embossing powder (109130), heat tool (100005), 5/8" Early Espresso satin ribbon (119753), Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (111325)

*Please note: When you use embossing powder with classic inks...you need to sprinkle your powder quickly as classic ink dries FAST...or you could emboss with 'pigment' ink such as our Craft Stampin' Spots.

We will also be making this adorable bookmark...the flower is made out of CS...and is so pretty in person you would think that it was fabric...which made me think "Hey...our fabric would be perfect for these too using the same die!" Here is a close-up: Can you see the shimmer?? So pretty!! It makes me smile!! For details check out Dawn Griffith's video tutorial. As she would say "Love it!"

But this was much faster and perfect for a Stamp Camp...I tried looking for a cute book to share with you and remembered I lent it to a girlfriend (oops!). The book I am referring to?? Now made into a must see movie.. Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed?? I read it a few years back along with her othes and am waiting to read 'Heart of the Matter' but I think I am leaning towards the purchase of a Kindle~ and a new camera, and a new hip??

Yup...my MRI is scheduled for this Thursday~ I'm a bit worried about what they will say is wrong. What if at 35 years old I need a 'hip replacement'?? I am a tad bit of a 'drama queen' and always assume the 'worst case scenario'. Just typing the drama queen bit reminded me that I have to share pictures of my Simply Adorned charms...I am going to be teaching a class (Stamp Camp) and those details are coming soon too...my mind is just racing of all the things I have lined up and to share..so even though I have not posted in awhile~ doesn't mean I haven't been busy in my little stampin' cave!! Until next time....happy Stampin'!

~Erin

In tomorrow's post I will show the magnetic board we'll be making too!!

P.S. These are great gifts for teachers and May 3rd is National Teacher Appreciation Day!!

Petal Cone Carrot!!

Hey there~ I am just loving the new Petal Cone die (121810)...I know I mentioned that I liked it in a previous post (where I made the ice cream cone card??) Well...there are just SO many reasons to buy this die~ it does SO much!! Sure this is a carrot, but as shown in the Occassions Mini Catalog, there were several more ways that it was decorated to make a great treat holder...it's a perfect size for a bunch of treats!! This is how it's opened...you just slide the button up the grosgrain ribbon..and ta-da!! Don't you just love the little bunny tail??

Angie Kennedy Juda has a great video tutorial on how this box was made: click here to watch.

Other details:

Stamp Sets: Forest Friends (113748), Something to Celebrate (hostess level 2: 121897 W, 121955 C)

Card Stock: Peach Parfait, Whisper White, Crumb Cake

Ink: Crumb Cake, Peach Parfait

Accessories: linen thread (104199), 1/8" Certainly Celery taffeta ribbon, 1/4" Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons (122301), dimensionals (104430), 1 3/4" scallop circle punch (119854), 1 3/8" circle punch (119860), Texture Plates Kit #4 (114531) and Mr. Big Shot!

I apologize for the blurry photo..I am in desperate need of a new camera~ my cheesy Kodak has seen enough...I accidentally dropped it a few weeks ago and since then it's been even worse (go figure!). I hope to get a new one before I go to Convention~ there will be so many pictures to take...anyone have any suggestions on a good 'point & shoot'?

Now...here is another cute and clever 'CASE' (copy and steal everything). This idea comes from Mary Fish who also shows a quick video on how to use the Petal Card Extra-Large punch (119273) to create a little box that is the perfect size for little Hershey kisses!! Wouldn't these be cute at the dinner table as place settings??

For the chick: I used Crumb Cake CS for the box and Whisper White 1" circle punch (119868) for the egg (then just cut zig-zag pattern for 'cracked' look. The Daffodil delight CS (chick body) was punched using the 3/4" x 15/16" oval punch (120908) from the Holiday Mini Carryover List and the wing, beak and eye is from the Two-Step Owl Extra-Large punch (118074). I then wrapped 1/8" Daffodil Delight ribbon around the box...cute huh??

For the bunny: I used Whisper White CS and the 3/4" circle punch (119873) for the head, the same oval punch noted above for the body and then for the ears I used 5-Petal Flower punch (119880)....then using the 2-way glue pen (100425) added the cute 'cotton tail'. Oh~ almost forgot...the whiskers were made with .7mm jewelry cord (attached on the back with mini glue dots). Wrapped this box with Certainly Celery 1/8" taffeta ribbon (119255).

Since I was on a roll and I really like these 'soft' colors for Easter~ I decided to make something for Home Decor: The letters were cut out with Mr. Big Shot and the Serif Essentials dies (113464). The bunny was made the same way as noted above...his butt is too cute!! The 'egg' behind the letter 'I' was embossed with clear embossing powder (hard to tell from photo). Now..notice the 'eggs' behind the 'S'? Those are also the SAME oval punch as noted above...so order yours now!! I love this one!

Other details:

Stamp Set: A Good Egg (114974)

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight, In Color DSP (hostess level 1 121028)

Ink: Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Brights Brads (119740), linen thread (104199), 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon (119254), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Bitty Buttons (118761), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)

Here is another view to show the accordian way it folds:

Directions: Cut 1 piece of CS at 12" x 3" (score every 3"), then attach that to another piece that measures 9" x 3" and score that one too every 3". Decorate as desired!!

Washer/Magnet photo tutorial

First and foremost...today is a GREAT day!! I was able to register for Stampin' Up!'s Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah!!!! So...even though I am fighting a cold, limping with my bad leg...I am soaring on cloud 9!!

It is such a great time and this year I have some friends/downline demonstrators who are able to go too!! Time to start thinking of swaps!! In years past I have not made any...and always regret it. So this year I plan on starting early (like now) and not feel pressured when it's time to start packing!! Swaps are a great way to share ideas, inspiration and get ahold a variety of samples to showcase at Workshops and Stamp Camps. I will share with you what I create when I know what I'm making~ wish me luck!! My goal is to have a total of at least 150 swaps!!

Better get busy!!

Here is a photo tutorial on my card in the previous post:

It's pretty simple, first stamp your card base. Then hide the washer behind a layer of DSP (works better than CS because it's thinner). I adhered it directly to the DSP using double-sided tape. I layered another stamped piece of CS, but this step is optional. Then attach the magnet~ here I used a flat glass backed marble that I glued using Crystal Effects (101055) a magnet to. Again, here is the finished card.

Now here is another card/example that uses the same concept. This card uses goodies that I earned FREE from the Sale-a-Bration promo. In addtion it uses one of the cutest stamp sets ever~ Create a Cupcake (121915 W, 121982 C). It looks so yummy in person, the top part of the cupcake (the frosting) was stamped first with Daffodil Delight classic ink then I quickly embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder (101930).

Remaining card details:

Card Stock: Old Olive, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Red Glimmer Paper (121790), Ice Cream Parlor(122242) DSP from Sale-a-Bration

Ink: Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch (121807), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon (119254), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335), Word Window Punch (119857), 2 3/8" scallop circle extra-large punch (118874), 2 1/2" circle punch (120906)

Here is how I assembled this one:

Left photo shows the cupcake that is the removeable magnet. The right picture shows where I taped the washer...now that you know how easy it is to make, try it for yourself!!

Here is the inside:

Hope you all have a fabulous day!!

Stampin' Hugs~ Erin

Spring is Blossoming!!

This is no April Fool's joke...seriously!! Grab bags are now available in my online store while supplies last!! You get to choose $5, $10 or $15 dollar bags. So grab your bag of Stampin' Up! products today! These bags will contain a variety of discontinued products such as: ribbon, Designer Series Paper, Accents and Elements, chipboard, and Simply Sent kit elements.

Please note: they will not contain stamp sets or tools.

You should use the following item #'s when ordering the grab bags and you may order as many as you like...but remember quantities are limited!!

Item #- Description

125873-$5 grab bag (containing at least $20 dollars of products!)

125874- $10 grab bag (containing at least $40 dollars of products!)

125875- $15 grab bag (containing at least $60 dollars of products!)

I mentioned that April 1st was going to be when you could purchase 'Sneak Peak' items (shown above) from the next 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog...well~ here you go!! Click here for our new 'Spring is Blossoming' Promotion!! There is even a way that you can earn them both FREE!! This Paisley Petals DSP is BEAUTIFUL!! These two products (the Four Frames stamp set and DSP will not be available again until July 1, 2011 so order today!!)

In other news (non stamping related)... I have had an odd injury now for about 8 weeks. It all started when I began running ALOT (about 4 miles every other day). I realized that I had a goal... I wanted to participate in a 1/2 marathon and working towards that goal I began training and really taking it seriously. I have been a runner for the majority of my life and truly enjoy it...and then all of a sudden I realized I couldn't stretch with my left leg, it hurt to turn my leg/knee out to the side. But it's not my knee...it seems that it's my hip/groin area. I thought at first that I had possibly pulled my groin so I rested it and waited...and waited some more. Now..8 weeks later I am exactly the same and waiting to have an MRI...ugh! Nothing makes you feel older than when you realize that you are falling apart!! Yesterday I went to see an orthapedic surgeon and had X-Rays but he felt that scheduling an MRI would show more detail and hopefully lead to a diagnosis. So since he mentioned getting plenty rest...that's what I'm doing. As I post this...I'm using my laptop (in bed) and for that I find myself needing to apologize for not posting sooner~ I meant to post a cute project and promised a photo tutorial for using the washers with magnets...so please be patient with me. It's coming!! I should be able to do it tomorrow when I head downstairs to my happy/stampin' space!!

Please let me know if you have any questions!!

Stampin' hugs~ Erin

'Spring Rings'

Hi there!! Lots to fill you in on~ I had a fabulous Stamp Camp this past Friday!! Here are the rings that we made along with the two cards in my previous post.

Since Mother's Day is just around the corner these would be a great idea for a handmade gift!!

We used the Big Shot and Matchbox Die (114890) for the gift using Marina Mist textured CS and wrapped a belly band around the box with Springtime Vintage DSP (121782) andVictoria crochet trim (118481). Added a cute little tag using the Jewelry tag punch (117190) and Tiny Tags (118091 W, 118592 C) stamp set. Attach with a safety pin from the Vintage Trinkets (118764) and voila!

Here are the other colors of Adornments (121879) featured in the Occassions Mini Catalog. They make great embellishments to you paper crafts too!! Glue them onto your next card or scrapbook page for some instant beauty!! You get 24 pieces (8 ea. of 3 colors) for only $5.95 US!!

Now...this past Saturday was so much fun!! I enjoyed the afternoon with several other demonstrators from the Northern Va area in Manassas for a 'Shoebox' swap~ it was SO much fun!! It was an event hosted by Kimberly Van Diepen and Robin Merriman . This was the first quarterly swap so in about 3 months or so...there will be another!! This event is open to all NOVA demonstrators so if you are considering becoming a demonstrator don't wait and join the fun today!! You can sign-up online by clicking 'Join Now' on my website.

Where's Erin?? Can you find me in the photo??

Here I am with one of my my downline gals Wendy~ "hi" Wendy!! We had a great time catching up, learning new techniques, enjoyed some fabulous food and of course there was LOTS of stamping!!

This is the card I came up with for the swap: It uses a new stamp set that will available April 1st called Hope & Strength...it's a BEAUTIFUL set so be sure to check back on the 1st for more inspiration using it. This card uses another 'sneak-peak' item... any guesses?? It's new DSP that will be featured in the next 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog..and it's all gorgeous!! Sometimes when I see our DSP I want it in drapery, furniture and more...shoot...I would probably eat it I like it so much!! The center glass marble is actually a removeable magnet and in tomorrow's post I will show a photo tutorial on how easy it was to make!!

In addition to being able to purchase the stamp set there is a new promotion that will begin April 1st called 'Spring is Blossoming' that will enable you to earn this DSP for FREE!! Stay tuned for more details (that will be posted April 1st).

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Stampin' hugs~ Erin

Happy Spring!!

Yippee!! It's SPRING~ and when I see robins begin to appear in February I get goosebumps all over. For that reason alone I would have to say that they are probably one of my favorite birds. This stamp set that I used on this card is called Nature Walk (121925 W) (121997 C) from the current Occasions Mini Catalog. I LOVE this set..and you could color this bird to be a bunch of different species!! Here is a close-up photo: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

It matches the DSP that I have used here called Botanical Gazette (121783). Okay...wanna know a little secret?? I have 'owned' our Watercolor Paper (105019) for years...and have NEVER used it!! Not sure why...I had always found that our regualr card stock had worked fine...until I tried it!! What a difference it made~ I'm thrilled with the result.

Note: You need to use Staz-On ink if you are watercoloring or do what I did and emboss the image!! I first stamped the bird image with Versamark, then Chocolate Chip and then you stamp and emboss with clear embossing powder.

Other card details:

Stamp Set: Something to Celebrate (Hostess level 2 from Occasions Mini), Sanded Background Stamp (109294)

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Watercolor Paper, Poppy Parade (almost typed Poopy Parade LOL)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Poppy Parade, More Mustard, Crumb Cake and Versamark pad

Accessories: sponge daubers (102892), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Blender Pens (102845), heat tool (100005), clear embossing powder (109130), basic pearls (119247), decorative label punch (120907), 1/2" Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon (122332), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), cutter kit (106958)

So...you think that card used lots of goodies?? This one does too:

Isn't it cute?? It uses the new Petal Cone die from the Occasions Mini...I pretty much 'CASED' this card except for one of the sized circles that B.J. Peters had used. The one she made was for an invitation which I thought was the SO clever...you can use this for 'scoops' of reasons...happy birthday, congrats... or even after someone has a tonsillectomy?? You get the idea...add a gift card from Cold Stone Creamery~ Mmmmm!

I did have to use our 5 1/2" square envelopes (107289) for it to fit nicely.

The inside card slides out of the cone, here is a close-up of what is says~

Card details:

Stamp Set: Birthday Bakery (Hostess level 1) (117034W), (120115 C), Sock Monkey Accessories (111552)

Card Stock: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Crumb Cake, Red Glitter paper

Ink: Crumb Cake, Regal Rose, Basic Black Accessories: sponges (101610), 3/4" circle punch, 1/8" Certainly Celery ribbon (119255), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), scallop edge border punch (119882), Backgrounds 1 texturz plates (114512), sticky strip (104294), Stampin' pastels (120962), 3" Originals Circle die (122125), 3 1/2" Originals Circle die (121811), Bigz L die Petal Cone (121810)

I am loving the new Petal Cone die...have you seen it used as a carrot to hold Easter treats or as a take-out box?? There are endless options with this die...it is a total MUST have!!

Please contact me if you have any questions on any of the projects you see here and remember that there are only a few days left to take advatage of the 'Sale-a-Bration' promotion~ it ends March 31st!! It is also one of the best times to join Stampin' Up!, I would be so happy to have you become a part of our group even if you join for just the discount!! In the beginning that was why I decided to join and now it has become a HUGE part of my life!!

These two cards are actually the cards that you can make if you attend my next Stamp Camp (March 25th). Click here to see event details. So if you are in the area and interested in coming, please let me know!!

Tomorrow I will post the ring that will also be made with a matching gift box. Unti then~have a great night!!

~Erin