Convention Scrapbook Page Swap!

Scrapbooking has been challenging for me.... I don't know why, because I actually began paper crafting through scrapbooking. But, I have been focusing on cards for a long time. So, when I was searching for swaps to participate in at convention, I decided to participate in a 12 x 12 scrapbook page swap . This was my page!
I used Kraft 12 x 12 cardstock. The designer paper is from the Bella Bleu designer paper pack (gorgeous!). I also used Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, & Whisper White cardstock. The stamp set is 24/7! The page title was created with the Sizzix alphabet, Serrif Essentials! And, the "F" from the word friend, was punched from chipboard (love it!) and then again with dsp! So awsome to be able to create my own Chipboard Alphabet with this die cut set and my Big Shot! Additional embelishments include Button Latte button, Sizzix Sizzlet, Little Leaves, & Kraft Tafeta ribbon! Punches used: Wide Oval, 3/4" circle, Eyelet Border punch, & Crop-A-Dile for center hole in the journaling tag. (All supplies Stampin' Up!)

I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone to create this scrapbook page. I think that is what we all need to do to grow creatively! And, I returned home with 10 swap pages that were awsome!

Splitcoast Convention Dinner Swap

When you attend Stampin' Up! Convention, it is a "must" to bring swap cards! (or you will return home, so sad...) Demonstrators bring their card creations, and swap with each other. I was in several "Organized Swaps" through Splitcoast Stampers. On Wednesday night, Sarah & I attended the Splitcoast Dinner Swap! There were over 200 stampers there, some of whom I have admired their awsome work! The group was divided into smaller groups of 50! So we arrived at the dinner with our 50 completed card fronts, ready to swap!!!

The great thing about organized swaps, is that there is a theme, and everyone designs their card based on that theme. This is one of my "Thank You" swap cards for the Splitcoast Dinner Swap!

I received back 49 new card ideas...AWSOME!!! The evening was so much fun...and we met some great new friends!!!

Stampin' Up! Convention 2009

The new tag line for the Stampin' Up! 2009 convention in Salt Lake City was Inspire. Create. Share.! And, it was fabulous! This was my 1st convention, after being an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for 3 years. The excitement and energy was contageous! I had such a fabulous time with my downline, Sarah, and many, many new stampin friends! The 1st picture is some of the many convention attendees...there were many more in the line to momento mall. This is a picture of a "short line"! Momento Mall was a very popular place, because...


the main attraction there was our new little friend! Here I am with my Stampin' Up! Build-A-Bear! Check her out...she is wearing her own Stampin' Up! workshop apron, and has an exclusive Build-A-Bear stamp which says "Life without stamps...unbearable"!!! She will be joining me at upcoming workshops. And...a little suprise...Stampin' Up! has partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshops with a new product line. The new product line is being released in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog September 1st!!! Another exciting product line being released "very soon" is our new digital scrapbooking software, "My digital Studio"! More info coming soon!!!

This is the display board for one of the Artisian Award winners, Angie Tieman. Her work is absolutely amazing. I have admired her work for a long time, and was so happy to see her win this award for outstanding creativity!

And...check out this close up of that amazing cupcake...it is made from ribbon. WOW!!!

In the gathering place during lunch on Thursday, I saw a crowd surrounding one of the lunch tables. So, I had to see what was going on there. I knew it must be something great...and check this out! She was finishing up her swap cards. Isn't it the cutest card ever!!! The creater's name is Natasha Hein. Sure wish I was in her swap group!!!

This is one of the many, many displays at convention. I just love 3-D projects and there are so many fabulous ones in this picture!!!

What a fabulous time I had. I met some new friends, shared so much laughter, stories, and good times! It was a trip that I will never forget!!! Now, I need to figure out how to get away next year :) More pictures and great new product information coming soon!!!

Back to the basics!

Good Sunday Morning to you!


Today I would like to take you back to the basics! That is, the basic steps of creating a greeting card! There are so many great products out there "especially Stampin' Up! products" that we can tend to get overwhelmed by the process. So, I wanted to break things down for you.


Here are the basic 3 elements:


1. Theme

2. Card Layout

3. Color Combination


Today, my theme is a baby card. So, I selected the new Stampin' Up! stamp set, Animal Stories!


Next, the card layout. There are many internet web sites with great card sketches. Today, I want to share one with you that I think is great for beginners. This site has simple sketches. The web site link is here


I chose the sketch shown above~


Then, my color combination. This was easy, because I wanted to use the new Stampin' Up! designer paper Tall Tales! I just love these designs, and I selected colors used the the paper. So Saffron, Old Olive, & Chocolate Chip. And, I used the coordinating Old Olive wide Grosgrain ribbon!

So, here is my completed card! In addition to the products listed above, I used one ink color, Chocolate Chip, and my Versrmark pad on the Old Olive cardstock. I used the sponge dauber with Chocolate Chip ink to distress the edges of the So Saffron cardstock. I also used one of my favorite products...my Sizzix Big Shot & the Stampin' Up! exclusive die cut "Lots of Tags" and stamped with another one of our great new stamp sets Teeny Tiny Wishes (awsome new set with 24 sentiments).

I hope today's post will help you in your card design. So, now it is your turn...

And, if you would like more tips on card design, how about booking a Stampin' Up! in-home workshop? I will come to your home, I will share stampin' tips with you and your friends, and each of your friends will creat 2 greeting cards! You can earn FREE Stampin' Up! products and receive a FREE 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. The catalog is full of great ideas!!!

Have a great day, & thanks for stopping by!

Punch Art Elmo!

Stampin' Up! is known for their awsome punches. This card is a great sample using several of them! What a great child's birthday card with a Sesame Street favorite...Elmo! With a few changes, you could make Big Bird (use oval punch for beak) Change the paper for his face to Pumpkin Pie, and you could make Oscar the Grouch, or Brilliant Blue to create Cookie Monster!

This card was created with the following supplies:

Circle Scallop Punch, 1" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, 1/8 circle punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval punch, double slot punch. Real Red, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, & Whisper White cardstock. Pumpkin & Black & White Gingham ribbon. Stamps" Hugs & Wishes (TODAY is the last day to purchase this set), & retired Whimsical numbers. Designer paper is from the Level 1 Hostess pack. All supplies used from Stampin' Up!

Have a great day, & thanks for visiting!

Top Note Uncle Sam

There are so many ideas going around using the Sizzix Big Shot Top Note die cut. But, I hadn't seen this one yet!

The Senior Center that I visit for crafts wanted an Uncle Sam, similar to the Leprechaun we made for St. Patrick's Day. So, this is what I created.

I turned the top note on it's side to make a longer face. I punched 3 of them. One each of Blush Blossom, Whisper White, & Real Red card stock. Strip of Not Quite Navy for brim of hat. Punched with the 3/4 " circle punch for ears & nose, Small Oval (cut in half) for eyes. White Gel Pen for accents on eyes. A little bit of pink chalk added with cotton ball for rosy cheeks. And, Basic Black Marker for a little smile. Also used dimensional to pop up his nose. Isn't he the cutest!!! They adhered their Uncle Sam onto some foam core board & used a ribbon to hang them on their doors.

And, just a reminder to all...the current Stampin' Up! catalog expires June 30th! That means, new In Colors, and awsome new products. But, that also means the last chance to order retiring products. If there is anything you need, just give me a call, or visit my SU business web site for 24/7 ordering right from your easy chair!!!

Thanks for visiting!

A Bingo Surprise!!!

I have been so excited to share this with everyone....OMG!!!


My Sister & Brother-in-Law just celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary, so congrats to Keith & Jeanette !!!


Well, my Brother-in-Law has been planning a big surprise for TWO YEARS!!! He planned (all by himself, WOW) a fabulous anniversary trip!


He asked me to make an anniversary card for her, because he said my cards "Were the Best"! How great is that!!!



So, this is the card I created (with his input)! He requested the sentiment...and I went from there! I wanted it to be tropical, he also requested a palm tree. So, I created the palm tree with the Large Oval Punch. Also used Pacific Point In-Color cardstock & ribbon, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Kraft, & Tangerine Tango cardstock. Designer paper is from the Walk In the Park designer paper pack.


Then, it gets REALLY FUN... I created this Bingo Card game to reveal their destination! I used the 1 1/4 inch square punch and made the board with 1 1/4 inch squares. The BINGO was spelled out with the Naturally Serif Sizzix Alphabet on 1" circles (in Kiwi Kiss on Tangerine Tango cardstock)










































The game pieces are double sided. I used the retired Stampin' Up! stamp set, Some Like it Hot on one side...

The game pieces are numbered to go onto the card.



















And Here is the surprise...Look where they are going!!! I used the new Jumble Alphabet to spell out Costa Rica!





I wish them both the best, and hope they have a fabulous trip!!!



Thanks for visiting, and Happy Stamping!