Suzy's Thoughts

Irene is here

2011-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Irene has arrived and she has already brought water into Jack's Creek. For those that don't know, that's where it floods teh easiest in New Bern.

Hi everyone!

2009-07-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

I doubt anyone even reads this anymore, but here's a new project I just finished!

This book was covered using Pink Flamingo paper. The only thing that is NOT Stampin Up is the flower.... The stamp set is Jumble Alphabet.

True Friend cards

2009-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

For my mother's birthday, I made her a pack of these. She had commented that she liked the color combo on something else I had made, so I went with that :)

This is Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Rub Red, and Chocolate Chip. For the "flowers" I used the Rock-n-Roll technique :) The patterned paper is retired.

More cards

2009-04-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

OK, let's try to get some things posted.... It's been about 2 months since I posted anything creative! YIKES!

So, here's a card I made.

Cute right? Blush Blossom, Pale Plum, and Sage Shadow. The stamp set is One of a Kind.

Technique cards

2009-04-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

OK, the next 4 cards will be ones I created for my Technique class on Jan 30. This first one is using the Crayon Resist technique.

The colors are Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, and Chocolate Chip. I sponged the Pretty in Pink on the Glossy White paper. The stamp sets are Priceless and Cuddles & Tickles (retired). I also used the Sweet Feet wheel (retired). I did change all of the retired out for my class though :)

Snow....

2009-03-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

If that's what you want to call this! LOL It started as I was taking Emma to school - around 7:45am and ended shortly after I took this pic - 8am! LOL

Don't you SEE the accumulation?!? OK, let me show you! LOL Squinch your eyes and look at the BASE of the bench legs (where it attaches to the deck). NOW do you see it? LOL That was IT! But if you look at the first pic, you can see it was coming down pretty hard! Oh well, maybe another day (year! LOL)

Yikes!

2009-03-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

No real crafty posts for the WHOLE month of February! Sorry about that! I'll try to post regularly about SOMETHING.... How's that work? I plan to focus more on scrapbooking this month, but I'll try to take pics and post those too :) Hey, I know! I'll post the Stampin' Up updates you need to know here! If you're a customer, please let me know that you are reading! You can post anonymously.... just add your first name to the message, so I know who it is :)

I made this card for my father-in-law's birthday. I took it down to show Michael and let him sign it.... Do you know WHERE I found it last night? Take a guess.... Michael brought it BACK UPSTAIRS to my craft room! LOL A lot of good it did to make it! His birthday was LAST week!

The colors are Perfect Plum, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Close to Cocoa, and Whisper White. I used the Misting technique on the Heartfelt Thanks flower. The sentiment is from Elegant Cheer.

AMAZING blog to check out!

2009-02-25T11:06:00.001-08:00

It's NOT stamping related (right now), but you REALLY should make Laura's blog a regular stop! http://lauraevangeline.blogspot.com/ Talk about insight into life in Iraq! I LOVE visiting her site!

Smile!

2009-02-17T00:41:00.000-08:00

OK, I normally don't post things like this, but the story is SO amazing! Take a look! I saw this on someone else's blog.

Diary gift

2009-02-15T18:25:00.001-08:00

Well, since the class was cancelled this weekend and I promised to have new stuff for you on Monday, here's the diary I made for Emma to give as a gift to a friend next weekend!

I bought the paper, ribbon, AND composition book at Walmart. The paper pack came with the 3D flower and the sticker letters. I also punched out a frame that came with the pack. I added tape to the back, and put directions for them to add a pic :)

Enjoy!

New addition!

2009-02-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Well, since I don't have anything crafty to share, I thought I'd share the newest addition to our family! Meet Cody!He's a mutt! LOL We KNOW that he's terrier, shi-tzu, dachsund, chow, lab, but there may be more! LOL He's SUCH a sweet snuggle buddy!

Oops!

2009-02-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm busted! LOL I don't have anything to post today! I DO have about 6 cards I need to make, but I've been swamped.... OK, so I DID make ONE card in the last couple days, but I can't show it to you NOW ;) It's for the technique class on Sunday! If you're reading this and would like to join us, we're meeting at my house this Sunday (Feb 15) at 4pm. We'll make 3 cards (1 per technique) and get the directions on each technique for $15! E-mail me if you are interested!

Glittery U

2009-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm going to go ahead and post this since Michael NEVER looks at my blog (of course, I say that and this will be the first time he'll check it LOL)! When I asked Michael what he wanted on his Valentine's Day card, he said "U". I know this isn't what he meant, but I had to! LOL

VERY simple (notice a theme?) Creamy Caramel base, Rose Red mat, Whisper White, and Sticky cut letter with light blue glitter. I HOPE he'll keep it on his toolbox at work ;)

Heartfelt Misting

2009-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

This one was fun to make! I tried a new layout and like how it turned out!

I didn't get a good picture of the card closed, but the picture above is of the flap closed. For the main image, I sprayed the stamp with water. For the flap cover, I sprayed the paper, then stamped! The colors are Handsome Hunter, Ruby Red, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, and Cameo Coral.

Always masking

2009-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Now this one.... My second try at masking.... I LOVE IT! LOL

VERY simple, but SO pretty! Colors are Whisper White, Real Red, and Basic Black.

Masking Camper

2009-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

OK, I made this card and I think it's nice, but I have to say, besides the colors, I am NOT loving this card!

See! The colors are Creamy Caramel, Handsome Hunter, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, and Chocolate Chip. I masked the camper, then stamped the trees. The trees didn't stamp well, so I had to stamp over them again. THEN I tried to add a sun in the corner, but I overdid it and ended up covering it with this tag. SO not pleased with this!

Eat Cake

2009-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I LOVE this card (OK, the colors are the BIG pull for me!) Jean (Bizet at Splitcoaststampers) did an AMAZING job on hers! I just hope mine is HALF as good as hers! SO check mine out below, then head over to Jean's gallery and take a look at ALL her creations!

I used Eat Cake (retired) for the image. The colors are Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White. I added the dots with a white gel pen and the brads were from the Target $ spot a few years ago.

Last one of mine for now

2009-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

We should be back to my CASEd cards on Monday. If not, I HOPE to have something posted by then.... Aren't you SO proud of me for posting the ENTIRE month of January? So I cheated a LITTLE and pre-wrote ALL of these, but hey, I got them done, right? In case I DON'T get back, just know that Emma is in Cheerleading, Basketball, Sparks, school, and girl scouts. And around that we have to visit family, start soccer practice, start ANGELO'S soccer, keep the house clean, eat, and other day-to-day stuff! ARGH! LOL

This card uses Pretty in Pink as the base, Rose Red My large square and the sentiment (Warm Words - retired) are Rose Red. The DSP is Ski Slope (from the Holiday 08 mini - no longer available) and the snowflakes are also from the Holiday 08 mini - Felt Flurries. The envelope is stamped with images from Snow Flurries (retired).

Hope to see you Monday!

Back to mine!

2009-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just for a few days! These are a couple Christmas cards I made to send to Canada. And of course, to stretch these out and make a WHOLE MONTH of posts, you'll get one today and one tomorrow! Aren't you proud of me?!?! LOL

VERY much in LOVE with this card! I didn't want to give it away! The base is Baja Breeze. The large square is Kiwi Kiss and the small squares are from Holiday Wishes (fate currently OK, but when this posts, it may already be retired) and one of them is from Ski Slope (Holiday Mini, unavailable after January 18). The ribbon is the Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla satin ribbon. The sentiment (Warm Words - retired January 19) is stamped in Chocolate Chip craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Crabby Baja

2009-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dotti (stampindoll at SCS) made the CUTEST card for her grandson's birthday, so I HAD to CASE it! LOL She used a template to make her clouds, but I sponged on Whisper White craft ink randomly for mine.... And she used the Sandy Shells wheel for the beach (I sponged on Creamy Caramel ink and stamped the starfish from Crab & Company stamp set). So, go take a look at her SCS Gallery (check out the Criss-cross wedding card and the Celebrate the Sea!)

My base is Baja Breeze, the beach is Close to Cocoa, and the images were stamped on Very Vanilla. I water colored them with radom colors that I felt looked like what color they should be... The hardest part was cutting them all out!

True Baja Friends

2009-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

I LOVED this one SO much I cased it almost exactly! I think my measurements were a little off (and I didn't have any small Cup-a-Soup packets, so hot cocoa it is!), but other than that you MAY not see a difference between Suzie's (Suzie7112 on SCS) and mine! She has a great SCS gallery with a plethora of ideas, techniques, and styles! Go take a look!

The base is Baja Breeze, stamped with On the Spot (retired) in Baja Breeze. I added my sentiment (Warmest Regards - retired) to the top. Then I stamped my image in Baja Breeze and added some color to it with Pumpkin Pie and matted the whole this on Pumpkin Pie. I added some Whisper White ribbon and was done!

Heartfelt Linen

2009-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Jennifer (jenstampnator at SCS) made a great monochromatic card with this layout, so I tried to do the opposite! LOL I used the BRIGHTEST colors I could find! Jennifer has a nice SCS Gallery with a BUNCH of great ideas! Go take a look!

Well, neither of these pictures is the BEST, but you get the idea! My base is Whisper White and I layered a piece of Linen Prints DSP (retired) on that, stamped my sentiment (Best Yet - Hostess set, retired) in Chocolate Chip craft ink, and embossed it with clear embossing powder. The image was created/colored using the chalkboard technique. The colors are Taken with Teal and Old Olive. Then I added a bow using White Organdy ribbon (retired). VERY pretty (if I do say so! LOL)

Enjoy!

Eat Linen Prints

2009-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

OK, that title did NOT come out lik I wanted! But it'll do for now.... Anyway, I LOVED how this card came out too! I chose it mainly for the layout, since I wanted to make cards everyone could use for ANYONE. And Susan's (safkef on SCS) layout was PERFECT, but again, I was limited by the supplies on hand. She has a small SCS gallery, but her ideas are HUGE! Please stop by there and give her some comment LOVE!

OK, I used a Very Vanilla base for this one, layered it with some Linen Prints Designer Series Paper (DSP - retired), then, using marker direct to stamp, stamped the cake (Eat Cake - retired) on Very Vanilla. The candles are stamped in Chocolate Chip and Apricot Appeal. Since I don't have the corner ticket punch, I fudged and used my circle punch on the corners. That is matted on MORE Linen Prints DSP and the corners are done the same as the first. And finally, the sentiment is stamped under the cake using Pink Passion. And this is ANOTHER card my family LOVED (they're all gone!)

Don't forget to visit Susan's gallery! See you on Monday!

Goodness!

2009-01-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

I am SO SORRY everyone! The Tart & Tangy card I posted yesterday was actually made by Debbie (Crafty Turtle) NOT Amy. I thought I had checked all of these to make sure they weren't RAKs.... I hope she doesn't mind me posting this.... You can visit her SCS gallery at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=113948

It's amazing the wonderful galleries you come across doing a project like this! She also has some great stuff on her blog too! http://mylittlecraftingcorner.blogspot.com/

Snappy Birthday

2009-01-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

How CUTE is that saying?!?! And Marsha's (Marshaspeck50 on SCS) card was too cute NOT to case! I ADORED it! And apparently my family agreed, since this is ANOTHER one I have NONE left of, so my description of supplies may be sketchy.... She has a wonderful selection in her gallery and her blog is inspirational! Please visit both and leave her some comments to show her how much you enjoy her creations.

ANOTHER set I LOVE (I guess that's wh I signed up as a demo! LOL) - Crab & Company. My base is Chocolate Chip and I stamped my first layer in Wild Wasabi (retired In Color) using the On the Spot background stamp (retired). I also added a band of Groovy Guava double-stitched ribbon under my image. Next I stamped my image's mat in Groovy Guava using the Canvas background stamp (retiring January 19). Then I stamped my crab (Crab & Company - retiring January 19) and clam on Very Vanilla in Close to Cocoa and colored the crab using the Rose Red marker and a blender pen. The clam is Creamy Caramel, but I "colored sloppy" to give it that real look (it's a dog clam after all). For the "sky" I used the blender pen with a bashful blue marker and the "sand" is the same Creamy Caramel, but with the blender pen. Finally I added my sentiment (stamped in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla, rounded corners, inked edges in Chocolate Chip, and stapled a piece of Wild Wasabi ribbon to the top) and 3 Very Vanilla buttons.

And again, if ANYONE has any coloring tips, please let me know!

Soft Tart & Tangy Sky

2009-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

I TOLD ya'll I LOVE this set! This one I found in Amy's gallery (AmylovesNormaJean on SCS). Very cute and easy to make! I made each one with a different fruit on it and the envelope was stamped with a different fruit than the card! Please visit Amy's SCS gallery AND her blog!

The base on this is Soft Sky (retired In Color). The band is Wild Wasabi (also retired In Color). I wrapped in with Real Red Striped Grosgrain ribbon and the scallop circle is also in Real Red. Then I colored the stamps using marker direct to stamp. VERY cute! Thank you Amy for the idea!

Fresh Poppin' pastels

2009-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, when I got Fresh Cuts, I wasn't tha crazy about it. But when I saw Katie's (KRESOP2662) card, I fell in LOVE! Please go visit her SCS gallery and enjoy her beautiful creations!

This picture does NOT do these justice! I LOVE these! The base is Sahara Sand and the blue piece on the left is Baja Breeze. I stamped the flowers in Pacific Point and Baja Breeze. THEN I stamped the large image on Whisper White with Versamark. I used the Poppin' Pastels to color the image with Mellow Moss, Bashful Blue, and Pretty in Pink (on 3 of the 4). The ribbon is the YUMMY taffeta ribbon in Whisper White and Mellow Moss. And the image was them matted on Pacific Point.

ALL of these supplies are current!

Big Soft Sky

2009-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this one too! LOL I guess that's why I picked all of these - because I LOVE them! I SO wish I had the sheer ribbon that Amanda (acable on SCS) used on her card! But once again I was limited to what I had on hand, so I want to REMIND ALL of my family HOW MUCH I love them - I used up almost ALL of my RETIRED Chocolate Chip SATIN ribbon to make these! Please visit Amanda's SCS gallery and her blog! She's a fellow NC resident!

I wish I could post this as EXTRA LARGE! It's SO pretty! This is the Big Blossom (retired) stamp that was part of Sale-a-bration a few years back. I loved it then, loved it when I used it to stamp Emma's walls, and love it now! The base is Chocolate Chip, next layer is Baja Breeze with the sentiment stamped in the same, then the Soft Sky Big Blossom stamped on Very Vanilla. Then I punched 2 holes in the middle of the blossom and threaded the ribbon to be tied.

And a few tips - I cut the Very Vanilla to the size of a card front before stamping to minimize the amount of paper used. Also, I suggest to anyone getting a card with a dark base like this that they cut a piece of copy paper to the 4.25x5.5 size and write on that. This has 2 purposes - first, obviously, is so the writing can be read, and second, the card can be RE-USED! I actually do this with ALL my card, no matter the base color!

Some reminders!

2009-01-16T10:45:00.001-08:00

This weekend is your LAST CHANCE to order any retiring stamp sets OR accessories! There is still a LOT of accessories available! Let me know if you need anything and I'll look to see if it's available.

Also, the Sampler Stamp promotion ends Sunday. That's where if you spend $20, you can get any stamp set from the Fall/Winter Sampler for 20% off!

The Love You Much Bundle (Love you much stamp set, Candy Lane DSP, and Heart to Heart punch for $41.48 - 20% off) is available until the end of the month. That means it can be added to the mystery hostess order next Friday.... AND it would get you a chance at the hostess benefits!

The inventory blowout also ends Sunday! There are some good deals on there!

And finally, I would suggest, since my schedule this weekend is CRAZY (Emma's in cheerleading AND Basketball at Temple Baptist! YIKES!), that unless it can wait for the mystery hostess order next Friday, you place your order online through my website! Maybe you can go in with a few others (place it under one name) and make it worth it

Have a GREAT weekend!

Turquoise Paisley

2009-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's ANOTHER SCS member who does great work and needs to add more to her gallery - Gwen (gizmonl66)! Most of the changes I made here were, again, due to lack of supplies on my part. But I guess that's how we each make things our own.....

I used Polka Dots & Paisleys (retired) and Warmest Regards (also retired). The colors I used are Tempting Turquoise and Basic Black. I also added 2 photo corners to each image and stapled on a piece of Whisper White grosgrain ribbon. I WAS going to add the detail to the paisleys like Gwen did, but my gel pen started acting up.....

Priceless Thinking

2009-01-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, apparently this design is popular! LOL I CASEd this from Sara (saraeddy321 on SCS). I did the same as Sara and changed the colors. I liked Sara's colors, but wanted something bright.... I LOVE the color combo I came up with! Take a look, then head over to Sara's SCS gallery and take a look, then leave her some comments encouraging her - she makes GREAT stuff!

The base is Sahara Sand (my Neutral color of the month this month!). The other paper is Wild Wasabi (retired). I then stamped the images and sentiment (from Priceless) in Regal Rose and inked the edges of the Whisper White in Groovy Guava.

Food for thought.....

2009-01-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting post as to how our military feels about our upcoming President. Scary to think what some have done (voted for him) in the interest of our troops when it's NOT what they wanted..... Oh and Laura's blog is GREAT! I LOVE to read her new posts!

http://lauraevangeline.blogspot.com/2009/01/day-41-obama-headlines.html

Fresh Le Jardin

2009-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I liked this card SO MUCH when I saw it that I changed VERY little! Lori (Lori Lynn Washburn at SCS) did such a WONDERFUL job! I had to change a few things due to supplies on hand, but if I could have, it would've been an EXACT replica! Lori has an impressive SCS gallery and a beautiful blog!

This card uses Soft Sky as the base and Le Jardin DSP. I used Fresh Cuts with Always Artichoke ink. I also inked the edges using of the image, but I can't remember what color I used... And apparently this is another one my family LOVED because I have NONE left! I also added Always Artichoke ribbon where Lori used Vanilla wide grosgrain. But she had those beautiful LARGE eyelets and I didn't have any THAT big :( Anyway, enjoy and go take a look at Lori's gallery and blog!

Legislation needs action taken NOW!

2009-01-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

I try to steer clear of ANYTHING politics related, but this is a serious problem that we ALL need to be aware of! I tried to send this as an e-mail, but my webmail was acting up....

We as parents need to contact our congressmen about the new Consumer Product Safety Act. It was meant to protect our children from the drama of the last few years (MANY toys and clothes being recalled), but it's also going to put ALL non-profit and small thrift stores out of business! You can read about it here - http://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/alert2940.html

The basics of the law state that anything that is made for the intent to sell to a child (those 12 and under) MUST have a certificate stating that it is lead free. This is a good thing, BUT for those who own thrift stores or consignment shops, this means they will have to throw out EVERYTHING in their stores or pay $4000 PER PRODUCT (this was just one estimate given) to have it tested!

PLEASE contact your local congressman and urge them to modify this bill to exclude any items made before the enactment date - February 10.

Oh and for those who think this won't apply to you - this also means you cannot sell used toys/clothes in yard sales! And the fine for selling these items you ask? $10,000 PER INSTANCE!

Simple and Elegant

2009-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

This one has an interesting story. I found it in Sandra's (sjt09 on SCS) gallery, made notes about it, and packed it to work on during my recent trip to SC. I didn't get a chance to work on ANYTHING on the way down (gotta LOVE those NC roads!), but on the way back we hit some traffic, so I was able to work! Anyway, Michael thought it was hilarious that I was stamping in the truck! So, please visit Sandra's SCS gallery. And while there, encourage her to post more cards! She has some great things in there.

Isn't this the BEST?!? Now, she used a beautiful Cuttlebug embossing folder, but I don't have one of those, so this was my interpretation :) VERY easy - Whisper Whire and Brocade Blue! Oh and the stamp set is One of a Kind. Enjoy!

Girl Scout cookies!

2009-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

Emma is now a Daisy (Kindergarten Girl Scout)! Her troop is selling cookies, so if you are interested in purchasing some, please let me know! Thanks!

Always Groovy

2009-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

This one was a challenge for me! The colors were (to me) a nice combo, but not something I would go with. BUT once I got started, I couldn't STOP! LOL I like how this turned out and apparently my family did too as I have NONE of these left! This was from Terry (Terrore3 on SCS). She has a HUGE, amazing SCS Gallery and a blog as well with great inspiration on it!

Colors are Groovy Guave (retired), Kiwi Kiss (current In Color), and Very Vanilla. I also used some of my NEW (LOVE IT!) Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin ribbon! The stamp set is Always and the "flowers" at the bottom are from Little Pieces (retired).

Oh and I just noticed my sloppy photography - the chair showing through my cardboard "light box" (NOT) and the SU DSP label showing in the corner. Please forgive these..... It was late when I took these and it's late now (I'm scheduling these). I'll try to fix them another day....

Real Tart & Tangy

2009-01-09T00:01:00.001-08:00

OK, when I saw Connie's (kittykat on SCS) Tart and Tangy Oranges, I LOVED it! As most of you know, Tart and Tangy is one of my FAVORITE sets! It's SO versatile! Anyway, Connie's was nice, and I could've EASILY done one for each fruit, but I LOVE Real Red with this set, so I changed it up a little. Take a look! And while you're at it, stop by Connie's SCS gallery or her blog!

The patterned paper is retired. The scallop circles are Wild Wasabi (retired) and the sentiment is in Basic Black. I also stamped each envelope with a different fruit from the set! They nust've been a hit because I only have ONE left!

See you back here on Monday! Have a great weekend!

Heartfelt Le Jardin

2009-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

OK, this one was CASEd from another Suzanne! LOL AND She's also a SU Demo! Doubtful she has the same FIRST name as I do though! Anyway, on to the card. This is from Suzanne (mesuezee on SCS). You can visit her gallery (there's some GREAT stuff there!)

I changed the colors and the patterned paper and that was it! Mine is a So Saffron base with Le Jardin (retired) patterned paper. And I can't remember if the ribbon is Old Olive or Always Artichoke :}

OK, let's start! Priceless Birthday

2009-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

OK, this first one had me stumped! LOL I spent THREE days trying to figure out measurements, but I LOVED this card SO much I would NOT give up on it! I FINALLY contacted Christyne (coconutmuffn on SCS) and she helped me out! LOL You can visit her SCS Gallery or her blog (or BOTH!)

I used Priceless and Warmest Regards (retired). The Purely Pomegranate ribbon is also retired. I tried to find a close match for my "red" butterflies, but nothing compares to Purely Pomegranate! I have to say, these turned out nice, but not as nice as Christyne's! Thank you for the inspiration, Christyne!

Another one from me!

2009-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

One more from me! And again I used the SUPER CUTE set Laundry Notes! I WISH this one had made it into the catalog!

I also wanted to mention again that I don't THINK I CASEd this one, but just in case - if you feel this is a CASE of your work, please let me know and I will give due credit :)

OK, this one was pretty simple - Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, and Regal Rose. The ribbon is retired - Pink Organdy.

Does anyone have any tips for coloring? Apparently my coloring skills are just above Emma's (Kindergarten)! LOL I keep getting streaks where my marker overlaps - both between strokes AND where I stop and start.....

I inked the edges of the Whisper White with Close to Cocoa.

First card

2009-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

OK, so this one is ALL me (as far as I know! LOL). If it's not, I'm sorry to anyone who feels I didn't give credit - please let me know and I'll change that!

This uses the retired set Laundry Notes - VERY cute! Along with the Summer Picnic paper, some ribbon, and buttons - VERY cute! I wanted to make some cards that could be used for men too.... This was the closest I got! LOL

Colors are Real Red (base), Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Basic Black.

Oh and I wanted to point out, notice that on almost ALL the sets I stamped the envelopes to match (there is ONE that I didn't I think...)

New stuff to come!

2009-01-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Over the next few days (I'm hoping I have enough for a few weeks!), I will be posting some new stuff I made. I made a BUNCH of cards for my mother, sister, sister-in-law, and grandmother for Christmas. Many of these cards were CASEd from some wonderfully talented SplitCoast Stampers! I will only post once I get their approval. I will also be posting a link to their SCS gallery! When you go over there, take a look around and leave a comment on some of their creations! I'm sure they'd like that! So be on the look out starting Monday!

New Decor Elements!

2009-01-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

I KNOW ya'll are about to SHOOT me for not posting, but things have been CRAZY! I wanted to share this with you, but I can't e-mail it. So here it is! The new, expanded line of Decor Elements!

NEW Decor Elements - Available for purchase starting January 19

I also wanted to let everyone know that Sale-a-bration will be coming February 1-March 31! Let me know now if you'd like to book a workshop! There is one weekend that is not available right now....

And I DO have some stuff to post, but much of it is CASEd from other stampers, so I need to get permission before posting.

December orders

2008-11-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

As you veteran Stampin' Up ladies know, December is the month for our retiring list. The stamp list will be coming out December 9. SO, I will, as in times past, offer 10% off any retiring stamp set (pr accessory)! You can place your order one of 2 ways, I will be placing one BIG order on December 19. OR you can order online at my website, stampinsuzy.stampinup.com, and I will give you a gift certificate for the 10% to be used on a future purchase.

In keeping with that order, this month's Color Club color is Handsome Hunter. For those of you who are new, you get the inkpad, marker, 8.5x11 cardstock, AND re-inker for $17. This month's In Color color is Kiwi Kiss. With this you get the inkpad, re-inker, and 8.5x11 cardstock for $14. Finally, the Neutral Color this month is Basic Gray. You get the inkpad, re-inker, and 8.5x11 cardstock for $16.

I also wanted to remind everyone that if they would like to order anything for a family member or themselves for Christmas, those orders need to be in AT LEAST 2 weeks before Christmas to arrive on time.

And speaking of that, I have a great document that has the items broken down by price. If you'd like a copy of it, please let me know and I will e-mail it to you so you can give it to your loved ones, along with my website address (above and to the right) and they can pick out some goodies for you! They even listed the smaller items that make GREAT stocking stuffers for your favorite stamper/scrapbooker!

Priceless Birthday

2008-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

I made this for Emma's friend. Her birthday party was this past weekend. Emma told me what colors she wanted and what set she wanted. This turned out pretty cute!

Colors are Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, and So Saffron. The wide grosgrain is Chocolate Chip. Enjoy!

Our hidden turkey!

2008-11-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

Emma had a project for school this week. They sent home a turkey and she had to disguise it and bring it back to school. She wanted to decorate it as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator - like her mommy! I only explained how she could create a template to make the apron and helped her transfer that pattern to the black paper.

Heartfelt Sahara Birthday

2008-11-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

I made this card for a dear friend who's birthday was the same day as my last Christmas card crop!

Colors are Sahara Sand, Pretty in Pink, and Green Galore! LOVE it!

Soccer Thank you

2008-11-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

I purchaed this set to use in Emma's scrapbook, but I saw this card by Vera and I REALLY wanted to CASE it for Emma's soccer coach! This is a Thank You for all his hard work this soccer season. We're REALLY hoping to get him again next year!

The Pumpkin Pie paper is from Summer Picnic (can you tell I like this paper :D The image is from Just Soccer and the sentiment is from Sporting. Besides Basic Black and Whisper White, the only other cardstock color I used was Old Olive.

And that brings me THROUGH Saturday! One week's worth of posts! Hopefully, before this posts I'll be able to come back and schedule more....

NOT a card, but still crafty :D

2008-11-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

Or I think so! LOL These are (what was left of) the cupcakes I decorated for Emma's Bowling party. I didn't make them - my mother made the EXTRA YUMMY chocolate cupcakes AND the REALLY yummy cream cheese frosting!

As for decorating them, I frosted them, put 2 drops of food coloring on top, then used a toothpick to swirl the color in! And for the added "holes", I put 3 chocolate chips upside down in the icing! SO cute! Out of 48, we only had 10 left!

Enjoy!

Oh! This takes us THROUGH Friday! As you are reading this, I'm probably laughing it up with the ladies who are coming to my open crop! If you weren't able to make it, we sure are missing you!

Ribbon Candy ornament

2008-11-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

Last one (I think) from my class in October. This is, again, VERY easy to make! Same paper as the scallop circle ornament from yesterday.

I added bells (from Walmart) and 1/4" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon.

Scallop Ornament

2008-11-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

This was ANOTHER item I made for my class in October. So easy I think Emma could make some!

The paper is the retired Berry Bliss. I also used silver cord (Stampin' Up) and beads (Walmart)

Chapstick "card"

2008-11-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

This is another item I made for my class in October! I also made a "designer" chapstick to add to it! LOVE this!

The paper is Summer Picnic. I stamped the scallop circle, then inked the edges with Pumpkin Pie. For the dot in the middle of the snowflake, I punched out a circle from the DSP (Designer Series Paper). I added some Real Red Wide grosgrain ribbon to the spine for an added touch. For the chapstick, I followed Joanna's provided details (see her gallery) and some tips from a PM to her (Thanks again Joanna!)

I think I'm going to make a few of these for my kids teachers this year. VERY easy!

Post it holder

2008-11-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

This was SO easy to make! And I LOVE the way it turned out! I used it for a class in October, then gave it to my grandmother (she NEVER has paper on hand! LOL) The Event Coordinator at her assisted living facility liked it too! She's asked me to make more that she can give away as Bingo prizes!

ALL colors are the current In Colors! I LOVE this! The swirl is glittery - done with ~~stickles~~ Crystal effects and glitter.

Beate's challenge VERY late!

2008-11-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well, here's the start of my one week a month of posts ;) I'm hoping to get a bunch of posts scheduled, so you'll see a bunch of stuff for a while :D

When I saw this challenge (two months ago! LOL) I LOVED the layout! I made my card WAY back at the end of September, but I'm JUST getting around to posting it.....

So here's my card! I LOVE that it could really be used in EITHER layout - portrait OR landscape!

My base is Chocolate Chip. The panels are Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze, and Kiwi Kiss. The sentiment was stamped in Chocolate Chip Craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. The "flower" was created using the chalkboard technique.

Thanks for looking!

YUMMY Buttermilk biscuits!

2008-10-12T18:44:00.001-07:00

Mama Chris' Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups	Self-rising flour
½ tsp	Baking soda
½ cup	Shortening (Crisco)
¾ - 1 cup	Buttermilk

Directions:

Heat oven to 450˚F
In medium bowl, stir flour and baking soda together
Cut in shortening with pastry blender until mixture looks like fine crumbs
Stir in buttermilk until dough rounds up into a ball (leave some flour on sides of bowl – add more buttermilk as needed)
Break off pieces and roll into balls. If making cheese biscuits, flatten, add cheese, pinch together and roll again.
Place on ungreased or floured cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes (until brown on top)

Tip: You can also make these with regular milk for regular biscuits, but don't put in baking soda.

YUM! I LOVE my Mama Chris' buttermilk biscuits! SO, this past week, I went over to her house and BEGGED her to show me how to make them! This is the recipe, with her notes added J I hope you enjoy them! We make them with cheese of course!

Name frame

2008-10-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

I made this for my grandmother! It's for her door at the assisted living facility. I LOVE it! Her favorite color is blue. I used the retired Creative License Simply Scrappin kit paper with stars on it. The letters were stamped in Baja Breeze, inked the edges with Kiwi Kiss, and matted each one on Pacific Point. I added a little bit of Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and also stamped the kids (all Granny's great-grandchildren!) on Whisper White and colored in using random colors. Let me know what you think.
Oh and I'm going to REMOVE the word verification and add message monitoring. Hopefully, this will INCREASE the number of comments I'll get....

More to come!

2008-09-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

I DO have another card to share, but it's too late tonight to post it. Look for it tomorrow night or the next day!

ANOTHER card!

2008-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Can you GUESS where this paper came from? LOL The colors are only SLIGHTLY different - Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango, and Kiwi Kiss.

Goofy Tango

2008-09-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

STILL using all that scrap paper I had from Emma's invitation.

This is Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, and Kiwi Kiss. And if I haven't mentioned it, you can go to http://www.scraptitude.com/colorcombo/ and find some unique color combos!

Berry Bills

2008-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

NOT that I LIKE paying bills, but Michael and I are going to move into the 21st century and start paying our bills online. SO, I needed somewhere to keep track of it all. I bought this Composition book from Big Lots for $1.

I used the retired Berry Bliss paper and accented it with Chocolate Chip ribbons and Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose inks.

Birthday card

2008-09-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this idea on another blog and LOVED the idea! This card is SO easy and can be used to use up your scraps!

I, again, used some left over paper from making Emma's invitations using the shaving cream technique. These were made using Bashful Blue and Elegant Eggplant. The "light" for the candles is made from the retired Maize 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and staples.

So One of a Kind

2008-09-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

MORE cards with the shaving cream left overs :D This one is a So Saffron base, Pretty in Pink shaving cream technique leftovers, Mellow Moss cardstock and ink, Chocolate Chip ink (for inked edges) and ribbon, and Baja Breeze ink for the "flower". The sentiment is embossed with clear embossing powder.

Baja Thank you again :)

2008-09-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Now I like this one MUCH better! Same colors as last time (ribbon is Purely Pomegranate from last year). I also added white stickles to the flowers. I also made others with pewter brads instead of the white.... Oh and I made my grandmother one that uses the "A True friend is you friend" sentiment.

New Colors?

2008-09-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering if it's possibly time for some new colors? Maybe a cool combo found at this link - http://www.scraptitude.com/colorcombo/

Baja Thank you

2008-09-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is made using MORE of the extra paper I had from making Emma's invitations. This is the Pretty in Pink shaving cream technique. I think of all the colors I made, this was my favorite. Anyway, the base is Baja Breeze. The image was stamped in Riding Hood Red (and versamark) and embossed. Then that was mounted on a piece of Pacific Point. I then distressed the edges. I also wrapped some white organdy ribbon around the card.

Stampin' Up! Customer Satisfaction Survey

2008-09-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! is inviting you to share your thoughts and opinions about its products, the catalog, online options, and me, your demonstrator!

Please click here to take a short 10 minute survey; http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=zAjIeESBQxk_2f1nBt7flkYA_3d_3d.

Your responses are confidential. You will not be asked for any personal information and your answers will not be disclosed to other parties. You will not be subjected to any marketing or sales efforts as a result of your answers to this survey. The deadline for completing the survey is Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Thank you in advance for your time and opinion.

Using up scraps

2008-09-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, after I finished making Emma's b-day invites, I have all these little pieces of paper left over. Now I'm working on making cards with them! This is the first of MANY!
Colors are Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, and Tangerine Tango. The image is stamped in craft ink (Mellow Moss and Bashful Blue) and embossed with clear embossing powder. The marbled paper in the background was made with Tangerine Tango ink using the shaving cream technique I listed in my last post. Stamp set is True Friend.

Emma's birthday invites

2008-09-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

Look! I'm ahead of the game this year! I even made enough that I can have more for Thank you cards later!

OK, I'm not sure WHY it rotated like this, but anyway - There are FOUR colors - Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, Ballet Blue, and Tangerine Tango. I used the shaving cream technique to create a marblized look - kinda like this.....

I kinda gave away the answer to this, but what do you think these are supposed to be? Oh I used one of those clear CD things (that come on top of the stack of CDs) and I'm going to write the info on the back and send them in CD sleeves. Anyone know if there is an extra charge to ship those?

New Challenge!

2008-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Head over to Stamping links to love and participate in the challenge! Please do NOT leave links here! Post ALL links on SLTL....

Never before seen stamp sale

2008-08-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

Never before has Stampin' Up! offered a discount on brand-new stamp sets!
From August 11-September 30, enjoy a 15% discount on select brand-new, die-cut stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog--no additional purchase necessary!

Item # Page # Description Regular Price Promotional Price
111690 32 Snow Swirled $24.95 $21.21
111586 55 It's a Stretch $23.95 $20.36
111544 81 Putt Putt $24.95 $21.21
111626 91 Eastern Blooms $21.95 $18.66
111672 98 Pocket Silhouettes $18.95 $16.11
111710 101 Upsy Daisy $18.95 $16.11
111556 109 Under the Stars $29.95 $25.46
111644 145 Heard from the Heart $22.95 $19.51
111570 157 Contempo Alphabet $40.95 $34.81
109381 23 Felicidades Siempre* $17.95 $15.26

*From Celebrando Creatividad

Thank you Aunt Tina!

2008-08-18T14:54:00.001-07:00

(insert eye roll here!)

Christmas Card revisited!

2008-08-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

OK, here's the second take on our Christmas cards! Let me know what you think! Thanks to the great ladies over at SplitCoast Stampers for all their input!
Let me know which you like better!

Glitter tip

2008-08-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Do not allow your 5 yr old daughter near the pile of glitter on your table when she is glitter obsessed! She WILL gently blow across the pile and spread glitter EVERYWHERE! LOL

FUN Christmas card making!

2008-08-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Last night a bunch of us got together to work on our Christmas cards for this year. We had SO much fun! And learned new things about each other AND met new people! It was really fun!
This is Nana Laurie and Grandma Ann! Mrs. Laurie has been stamping for a while, but her mom, Grandma Ann, is new to stamping. She's catching on SUPER quick! She made some BEAUTIFUL cards AND learned a couple new techniques!
And THIS is Jenn and Suzie! Suzie is another one who's new to stamping! We were SO excited to help all the new stampers learn new things!

We were also joined by Meg, Shanna, and Mrs. Julie! Thanks everyone for coming! I look forward to seeing you in October to finish it up!

Finished product!

2008-08-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well, for the FIRST change, I cut the mats down to 1"x1" This is what I came up with! I LOVE it, but someone suggested another minor change, so I'm off to try it and I'll report back when I'm done! ;)

Christmas card help!

2008-08-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Ugh! Well, in my HEAD this worked out MUCH better! LOL But when executed, it doesn't fit! HELP!
So, what would you do??!! LOL I'm worried that if I cut the red mats any smaller, it won't look the same. Oh and if you can't tell in this pic, the tree is covered in red glitter.

HELP!

Lookie what I got!

2008-08-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

YEAH! Look what my convention buddy got me!It's a Stampin' Up Tote! It's HUGE! As you can see I put my 12x12 trimmer in there and it's about halfway up! Also, note the 8.5x11 cardstock, most of the way in. Oh and the SIX inkpads in the front pocket! I can't find enough thing to put in it! I LOVE it! Thank you Talisa!

Oh and for those wondering, a convention buddy is someone who is going to convention who is willing to pick up a goody or 2 for some poor unfortunate soul who isn't lucky enough to go!

Always birthday

2008-08-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

I like the way this one turned out! This was actually a rushed card made in about 20 minutes before running out the door! It was for Michael's uncle, who I know, but not well enough to make a card for! LOL I saw my Creamy Caramel paper sitting next to the Bordering Blue and liked the way it looked, so I started there. The colors are Chocolate Chip, Bordering Blue, Creamy Caramel, and Ruby Red. I stamped the bird in Chocolate Chip craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. I then colored the details in with my Ruby Red marker and inked the edges with Ruby Red. I thought that layer needed a little more color, so I sponged on a bit more Ruby Red. That was then matted on the Creamy Caramel. I distressed the edges with my distressing tool and matted that on the Bordering Blue and distressed those edges too! Next, I added the hemp twine. I took 3 lengths and knotted them in the middle. I then wrapped the ends around the card and secured them. The image was then added on top with dimensionals. I also added a sentiment inside (I didn't like the way it looked on the outside) using Warm Words (currently on the dormant list - available for purchase, but not in the catalog) with Ruby Red ink. I distressed the edges of that as well and inked it in Bordering Blue.

Enjoy and I hope to have more for you soon!

For our troops!

2008-08-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

I made this for my mother to use here - http://www.2maw.usmc.mil/MACG28/2dlaadbn/newsletter/event.asp I hope she likes it!

Uses the Free and the Brave stamp set from Stampin' Up! Colors are Real Red, Brilliant Blue, and Whisper White. All letters, stars and the heart are all popped up.

Wild lunchbox notes!

2008-07-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Aren't these the cutest?!?! I used the Wild Wasabi designer paper that I received in the hostess Prints Pack. All the other paper is from my scraps - Whisper White, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, and Groovy Guava. Oh and some have the retired Darling Doodles designer series paper. And the ones with swirls are stamped in Blue Bayou and the some of the flowers are in Purely Pomegranate.

I made these to put in Emma's lunchbox when she starts school! Each day I'll give her a new one with a small sentiment in it - Love you!, You're the best, etc.

Enjoy!

Enjoy Tart & Tangy

2008-07-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

I hope this shows up right! The base is Whisper White. The Patterned Paper is from Summer Picnic. I stamped "Enjoy" in Basic Black directly on the Whisper White. I punched the scallops in Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Wild Wasabi. The fruit was colored with markers direct to stamp in Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Chocolate Chip (stems), and Wild Wasabi (leaves). And can you guess what colors I used to color the letters? LOL The only one that was added is Soft Sky for the "O"

Thanks for looking!

Oh and in case you were wondering, I've extended the Blog Candy in this post until NEXT Sunday (August 3). PLEASE let me know what you think! That means YOU Mrs. Julie! :D

Happy Camper

2008-07-23T19:20:00.001-07:00

I AM SO SAD that this set is retiring! MAN! I JUST got it!

OK, so my base is Sahara Sand, the camper is stamped in Chocolate Chip (with Old Olive and Basic Black) and embossed with clear embossing powder. The image is matted on Old Olive and the ribbon is Real Red. The sentiment is from the Always stamp set and stamped in Old Olive. I was going to stamp it in Real Red, but it looked like a burgundy color on the Sahara Sand. Thanks for looking!

Another one no longer available!

2008-07-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Classic Stampin' Ink Wild Wasabi

Some accessories already unavailable!

2008-07-21T12:40:00.001-07:00

The following accessories are already unavailable!

Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter
Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou
Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate
Simply Sent Simple Delights
Simply Sent Three Thoughts

Order fast if there's anything on the list you want!

SU Stuff

2008-07-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's not a card, BUT I am posting! Aren't you proud of me? I've posted every day for a week! LOL So onto the Stampin' Up stuff!

First, I wanted to remind everyone that the Christmas Card in July (that was postponed) will be August 15 from 6 until. Please let me know if you are coming, are you bringing a friend, and if you need to order anything. I have all the inks in the current catalog and some Christmas stamp sets. Meg also has some Christmas sets. So we should be able to provide something for you to play with! If you have any, please bring them so we can have a LOT! * Next, I wanted to remind everyone that I am placing an order tomorrow night! If you need anything please let me know.... And remember I'm offering 10% off ANY retiring sets!
The retiring accessories list is coming out in the morning! This list is a "while supplies last" list, so if you want anything from it we'll have to order FAST! Stampin' Up has already informed us that the Blue Bayou AND Purely Pomegranate double stitched ribbon is SOLD OUT!
Finally, I wanted to let you all know that Stampin' Up has placed the following items on sale at 25% OFF! PLUS, since these items are ALL going to be on the retiring accessories list, I will give you AN ADDITIONAL 10% off the sale price! So let me know tomorrow (Monday) and I'll add it to my order and you'll be more likely to get it!

Pocket Notes Assortment (pg 167) $7.46
Jersey Shore Designer Series Paper (pg 168) $7.46
East Coast Prep Designer Series Paper (pg 168) $7.46
Flowers for You Designer Series Paper (pg 169) $7.46
Spring Fling Designer Series Paper (pg 169) $7.46
Notebook Designer Series Paper (pg 170) $7.46
Porcelain Prints Designer Series Paper (pg 170) $7.46
Azure Designer Series Paper (pg 171) $7.46
River Rock Designer Series Paper (pg 171) $7.46
Almost Amethyst Designer Series Paper (pg 171) $7.46
Groovy Guava Designer Series Paper (pg 171) $7.46
Close to Cocoa Designer Series Paper (pg 171) $7.46
Eastern Elegance Rub-ons (pg 182) $8.21
Urban West Rub-ons (pg 182) $8.21
Cherished Memories Rub-ons (pg 182) $8.21
Jersey Ribbon Originals (pg 190) $9.71
District Ribbon Originals (pg 190) $9.71
Beachfront Ribbon Originals (pg 190) $9.71
Wild Wasabi Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (pg 191) $5.96
River Rock Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (pg 191) $6.71

And as a side note (only slightly ;-) ) It's ALMOST guaranteed that anything dealing with the current In Colors will retire AND sell out FAST. If you need/want anything (Wild Wasabi is MY favorite!) please let me know so I can get it on the order tomorrow!

B-day card!

2008-07-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

I'm ACTUALLY ahead of something! LOL This b-day card is for my god-daughter! Her b-day is the same as my anniversary - August 5. Thank you to Melanie McComb for stamping and sending me the French Happy Birthday sentiment!

The colors are Perfect Plum, Ballet Blue, Regal Rose, and Pale Plum (around the sentiment). This scan does NOT do the card justice....

True Friend Bliss

2008-07-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

OK, I REALLY like how this one turned out! The stamp set is True Friend. The main flower is embossed on Whisper White with clear embossing powder. I sponged Pretty in Pink over that. That is matted on Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper. The triple flowers are stamped in Versamark. The sentiment is stamped in Chocolate Chip craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. That square is matted on Rose Red. The base is Chocolate Chip.

Enjoy!

Tart & Tangy Thank You

2008-07-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Last one! I HOPE to have some more "pre-loaded" before this one posts (YES, I did all this on Sunday! LOL) I'm REALLY liking the scheduled posting!
Now on to the card! LOL The base is Wild Wasabi again and the Designer Series Paper is still Summer Picnic AND the stamp sets are still Tart & Tangy and Warmest Regards. The only real difference here is that the fruit is mounted on Pumpkin Pie. I wasn't crazy about that color until this paper came out! LOL

Oh and I wanted to say I am SO sorry about the scans! They don't do these cards justice!

Tart & Tangy Thinking of You

2008-07-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

OK, I made this one for a guy in another division at work. He was in a HORRIBLE accident and may never walk again. It's been about 3 months and he's still in the hospital and I want him to know he's not forgotten (his parents are elderly and can't travel to be with him and his fiance has to work to support her children).

I used the Tart & Tangy set from the Occassions Mini (I'm PRAYING it's in one of the next 2 Idea Book & Catalogs!). I also used the Summer Picnic paper. But to back up a little, I started with a Wild Wasabi base (I'm SO going to miss that color! I JUST fell in love with it!). The fruit is matted on Real Red. And the sentiment is from Warmest Regards and stamped in Wild Wasabi.

Chocolate Beautiful Thing

2008-07-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

I made this card for a workshop I did last month. The hostess and all her guests were new to stamping, so I wanted to make something that wouldn't be too hard, yet was FUN. So, I started with a Chocolate Chip base. I added a strip of Berry Bliss Designer Series paper. The flower were stamped in Versamark and embossed with Clear embossing powder on Pretty in Pink cardstock. I then stamped the solid "flower" over that in Chocolate Chip and wiped away the ink on the embossed image (emboss resist). Finally, I stamped the sentiment at the bottom in Whisper White craft ink and embossed with Clear embossing powder. Everyone seemed to enjoy it :)

Question

2008-07-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

OK, I want everyone's opinions.

I'm thinking of moving my cards and such (when I post :O ) to another blog. I'd keep this one, but it would be strictly for pics of my family and family events....

SO, I'd like to know your thoughts on this. Would you prefer it if I kept these separate? I KNOW at least one of you have already told me you just wish I'd post more. And I think that between being able to schedule posts AND if I separated the 2, I would be able to do that... Right now I don't want to disappoint anyone by posting family stuff when they are expecting stamped items....

Now, IF I do this, I need a name. SO, I need name ideas! And since I'm over 2600 (almost 2700!) views, let's make this a blog candy post too! Post your name ideas here and NEXT Sunday I'll draw/pick a winner. A few items about me -

I go by Suzanne, but my FIRST name is Michael (YES you read that right!)
I live in NC... on the coast
I love to paper craft (scrapbook, stamp, etc)
I have 2 BEAUTIFUL kids (not sure that'll help anyone, but I LOVE to brag about them ;)
I work on PCs by day and am a SU demo by night
I like to think I'm a fun person to be around....

OK, one last thing I know everyone is looking for - you are playing for a $10 gift certificate from Stampin' Up! This is only through me and is toward the merchandise total of anything from the current OR UPCOMING catalogs! Also, once I announce the winner, she will have until Friday the 25th of July to contact me.

SO, leave your comments here WITH a name AND way to contact you! AND for those local lurkers (those who read, but never post - you KNOW who you are) PLEASE de-lurk and post! :)

Bookmarks

2008-06-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Emma's school is officially over :( She starts Kindergarten (the REAL one) in August. So, for all the kids in her class, I made these bookmarks! SO cute! But I have to say, I REALLY like the ones for the boys! And I NEVER thought I'd say anything like that!

For the girls, I used the Priceless stamp set and Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, and Pretty in Pink ink. The DSP (Designer Series Paper) is the retired Flowers for You. And I added Certainly Celery grosgrain at the top! VERY pretty!

Now these! I LOVE these! I wanted to keep one! LOL I used the flower, stem, and leaves from Time Well Spent. The {LIVE} is from the retired set Think Big. The DSP is Darling Doodles! I used my blender pens to color it all in using Brocade Blue, Groovy Guava, and Wild Wasabi. THEN for the "grass", I used the blender pen and Wild Wasabi ink and just.....made grass! LOL The {LIVE} is stamped in Rose Red ink. Then I added the Blue Bayou stitched grosgrain ribbon.

The eyelets on both are the only thing that is NOT Stampin' Up. They are Making Memories (I used what I had on hand :)

Well, enjoy and I'll try to post some more recent creations soon!

Color ideas

2008-05-21T19:56:00.001-07:00

What do you consider a girly combo? What is your favorite girly combo? I like Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink, but don't know what other accent colors would look girly WITH that.... Same with Basic Black and Pretty in Pink.
So shoot your ideas THIS way! LOL

Time Well Spent!

2008-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

YEAH! I created something! LOL Well..... kinda - this is a slight CASE (Copy and Share Everything) from the Stampin' Up! demo site.

I changed the colors, ribbon (they used wide and I used the striped grosgrain), and how the sentiment at the bottom is.

I like it :) It's for a new stamping friend! I'll come back tomorrow night (hopefully) and give details!

Blog Candy Stampin Gals style!

2008-05-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Stampin gals are giving away blog candy.

Three to be exact:

Winter theme (DP, stamps from Sweet n' Sassy and Michael's, ribbon, chipboard, etc.)

Thanks/thinking of you theme (DP, stamps from SU! and Michael's, ribbon, chipboard, alterable tin, etc.)

Birthday/cupcake theme (DP, stamps from Queen Kat and Michael's, chipboard, stickers, etc.

RULES: You have to collect one word from each of the Stampin gals blogs and enter into the comment in Stamping Links To Love blog candy post.

If you came here by chance and no clue what is going on, start here.
Zarna gets "Linky", but we love her! So head on over to Monica's blog for your LAST word!

Good luck!

Cool!

2008-05-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

I've been "published"!

http://www.2maw.usmc.mil/MACG28/2dlaadbn/newsletter/event.asp

OK, so not like most, but I'm still honored!

Surprise for NSD!

2008-05-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Would you like to see the surprise I have for those of you planning on coming to the National Scrapbook Day event?

NAH! But here's a sneak peak!

2008-05-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Expand your Toolbox!
Join Stampin' Up! in the month of MAY for 20% off! That's only $159 for your very own business!
PLUS, receive a FREE Hodgepodge Hardware set ($27.95 value) from the Spring/Summer Collection!
That's $380 worth of products for HALF THE PRICE!
Contact me for more information!

Get On Board with Chipboard!
Spend $35 on Stampin' Up! products and get 25% off any On Board Chipboard items from the Spring-Summer Collection!
Chipboard is a great way to embellish ALL your projects! You can use it on cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, books, ..... I think you get the idea :D

Cutting Combo Pack Special Offer
Purchase a Cutting Mat for $15.95 and receive a Hobby Blade FREE! ($4.50 value) These products are the perfect compliment to your On Board Chipboard and ALL your projects! You can use the hobby blade for chipboard, precise cutting of images, etc! And the cutting mat is an AMAZING 12x18! It's hard to find that size outside the quilting section!

Perfect Layers

2008-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people who have asked WHERE you can get this AMAZING tool. It USED to be carried by Stampin' Up!, but they retired it in December :( I think many people didn't buy it because they didn't know how to use it.... Anyway, you can buy it from QVC. They have a couple of extra parts to it now, but it's the same concept.