Holy Busy Summer Batman!

Where did August go?  HOW is it almost over, and HOW have I not posted in so long?  Honestly, I have no good excuse.  

I have still been stamping, so the month has not been a complete waste :)

This is a card that I made for my Mom and Dad who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on the 13th of this month.  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  I am very happy with the way it turned out, but I think what I liked best about it is that it is a perfect example of how much you can get out of a Simply Scrappin' Kit. 

All of the stickers and the designer series paper were left over from one of my kits AFTER I had completed 8 scrapbook pages.  I still have a ton of materials left from that kit -- enough to make more cards AND another scrapbook page or two.

What's more important is that my parents loved the card.

This pic below is my whole fam, taken at the anniversary party.  Aren't we just a good lookin' bunch if you ever saw one?

Retiring Items!

Well, the word is out.  Stampin' Up has announced the lists of retiring stamps and accessories.  Now that I've been through both lists all of about a dozen times I am ready to place my order before my chance is gone.  If any of you is wishing to place an order (before it's too late!), let me know before Thursday July 31!  

You can find the list of retiring stamps here.

You can find the list of retiring accessories here.

As a special treat, Stampin' Up is offering 25% off some of this year's retiring accessories.  You can find that list here.

There were definitely a number of items on these lists that I need to stock up on!

Sneak Peek!

Here are a series of cards I made as thank-yous for a recent wedding shower.  I made them using a sneak peek set from the *NEW* Stampin' Up catalogue!  I think this set is just too cute, and I 

am so glad I ordered it!  The set is called Window Dressing and it also includes a snowman stamp and christmas greeting that I did not feel the need to use for my thank-you cards.  I used the same layout for each card, but made them all a little different.  I did ten thank-yous in total, and one house warming card using the same template.

I am really excited about the new catalogue and the new stamp sets to come.  From what I've seen so far we are in for some really great, really versatile stamp sets.  To welcome the new catalogue I am planning a Stampin' Up Release Party for Wednesday August 27, from 7pm - 9pm.  This will be a swanky Stampin' Up event that promises to be memorable.  I will have demonstrations using new merchandise, including a demonstration of the new Decor Elements line.  I will also have plenty of door prizes that you wont want to miss.  Add in some tasty apps, and good friends and this will be one for the books.  I hope you can all make it out!

Katrina 

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged (a true honour in the blogging community), which means I have to reveal 7 things about myself that you might not have otherwise known.  Here goes:

1.  I am afraid of heights.

2.  I enjoy domestic tasks such as baking, knitting, gardening, and (duh) paper-crafting.

3.  I like to put on a football game while I knit, though I dislike watching sports.  

4.  I LOVED studying Childhood and Family Relations as my undergrad, though I never plan to work in the field.

5.  I am a dog person though I think our cat, Gordon, is a pretty cool guy.

6.  I am a wine snob.

7.  I tend to accumulate clutter, even though I hate it.

I would now like to tag my friends Lara Martens and Janet Donaldson, because they are my friends who also Flog Blog.  Thanks to Martha Inchley for tagging me!

Scrappers 6

It's finally happening!  I'm starting my first club!  My Scrappers 6 club will commence on Wednesday, July 23 and go from 7 - 9 pm.  In that time we will make 8 scrapbook pages, or 4 double-page layouts.  We will do the same thing for 6 months, by the end of which we will have a full scrapbook album of 48 pages!  The cost of the club is $30 per month, which covers the cost of supplies.  The supplies we are using come from the Simply Scrappin' kits, which are on pages 173 - 174 of the Stampin' Up catalogue.  Club members can choose any kit they like for each month -- it doesn't matter if we all do different kits, the layouts we use will work with any of them.  

If you would like to join this club I still have spaces available!  Let your scrappin' friends know!  I will be placing the orders for the class on the 23rd on Monday July 7, so I will need to know before then.

Please keep in mind that the current catalogue ends in August, so if you are wanting to order multiple kits from it you will want to do so in advance.

Thank You

We all know someone we need to thank.  Possibly more than one person.  I am planning a Thank You Card class for Saturday, July 19.  We will be making 10 cards, and the class will include the set "Much Appreciated".  This set includes four appreciative sentiments that could be used on any Thank You card.  The cost of the class is $30, but I will need to have an idea of numbers well in advance so I can order the stamp sets.  I haven't decided which cards we will be making quite yet, but you can bet they'll be impressive.  They have to be -- I have a ton that I need to send out!  This is a great opportunity to grab the "Much Appreciated" set before it's gone, as it will be retiring next month!

Happy Retirement!

Big news!  Anyone who's been an SU fan for awhile knows that usually once per year head office releases a long list of retiring stamps.  Well, this year's list is out and it's a doozy!  Grab a coffee (or a tea), put your feet up and have a peek.  Retiring sets are only available for a limited time, so if there are any "must-haves" on there don't let them pass you by!  Personally, I failed to buy "Ruff Day" from last year's retiring sets and I may never forgive myself.  I have a number of the retiring sets in my collection and I may be willing to part with some of them if anyone is willing to buy second-hand stamps at a discount price.  I'll keep you posted (anyone eyeballing "French Flair" and "Carte Postale" better buy their own though!).

Here is the list!

Keep in mind that the list of retiring accessories is yet to come.  You can bet that most (if not all) of the In Colours will be on said list.

An additional hint to those of you who are thinking about it -- now until the first week of August is a good time to host a party :)

Happy Father's Day!

I made these fine cards yesterday afternoon to give all the Dad's in my life today.  I decided to use the same colour scheme as was used in the Loonies for Littles kit, which included Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky, Old Olive and Very Vanilla.  I also decided to incorporate many elements of the office accessories line, including the tab punch, the coil punch, and some office series designer paper.  I think my favourite is the top one, but Jason really liked the one on bottom.  What do you think?

Cheers!

For whatever reason, I have been feeling especially cheery this last little while.  Blame it on the weather, the new job, or the wedding planning -- regardless, I'm feeling pretty stoked.

While I don't have any cards to show you at the moment, I thought I would post an update on the garden situation.  As you can see they are coming along quite beautifully.  The rock garden is in and complete.  Notice we also decided to paint the shutters green.  The green has proven a bit controversial, but I like it.  Stay tuned for a new green door.



This sage plant has been another story.  Picture one is from a week or so ago, while picture two is from this morning.  I have been trying to cut it down to dry it, but it's HUGE.  I've run out of clothes-pins to hang it with.  Anyone have any crafty uses for dried sage?

The last pic is of my veggie garden as of this morning.  Isn't it gorgeous?  It's REALLY filling out, and I love it.  We have been eating fresh salads for a few weeks now, and I can't wait until we have carrots, onions and tomatoes to throw in them as well!

I will post again shortly with Father's Day cards which I am working on today.  I hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend!

Remember the last time you went to your mailbox and there was a card, or a postcard, or letter for you?  You were probably thrilled, intrigued, and feeling warm and fuzzy.  Do you remember when the last time you got an e-mail or a text, or perhaps a voicemail that gave you the SAME feeling?  Don't get me wrong, I've had some pretty nice emails in my inbox, but somehow it's just not the same as a carefully handwritten note.  Well, it turns out Stampin' Up feels the same way, and they're offering a special to prove it.

eScape is a kit that is being offered for a very limited time to encourage you to turn of your electronic communication tools and pick up a pen.  Included in the kit is one full-sized ink-pad in Ruby Red, the Circle of Friends stamp set (which coordinates nicely with the circle punches if you have them), a set of pre-cut "Love Notes", and a whole roll of Vanilla twill ribbon.  Your total, if you were to buy each of these items separately would be $51.70, but together in the kit they are being offered at a special price of $36.05.

This kit is a terrific value, and great for someone just starting or still building their collection of stamping supplies.  If you choose to buy this kit from me you will be invited to my house for an evening of stamping, chatting, and girl time.  This is not a class or a party, and I will not have projects prepared for you.  I just want to offer some social stamping time.  You can work on your cards from the kit, or bring another project you've been working on.  I am thinking this night of fun will take place on Friday, July 4th.

AS A BONUS, if you bring a friend who also purchases the kit, but has not attended one of my classes I will have a special gift for you.  Since I do not have to cut or prepare anything, this offer is not being limited in terms of how many can attend.  The more the merrier.  

**Although this kit is being offered through Stampin' Up until June 30th, you must have your order AND payment to me by June 20th in order to participate in the event on July 4th**

Thank You Cards

Jason's family threw us a surprise shower this weekend, which was a total delight!  Not only did they surprise us with a shower, but they made it a garden-theme, which they knew we were wanting.  It was a great time, and I really appreciated how much effort was put into it.

After planting all day yesterday (and sun-burning my shoulders while I was at it), I decided to get creative by making some thank-you cards.  I am very happy with the way these turned out.  This is the first time I have used this stamp set (A Tree for all Seasons), and I have to say it's very cute.

Pictured below you will see my "Zen" vegetable garden, which now has more variety than many grocery stores (thanks Brianne!). Also pictured is a pre-existing lilac bush that has buds, but will not blossom.  Any suggestions?  Down at bottom is a forsythia that I received on the weekend.  I will still be gardening all week and into the weekend.  I will post more pics of the work being done next week.

I am so pleased with the way my card came out I have been inspired to plan a class featuring all thank you cards.  This class will take place sometime in June.  Details are not yet settled, but this class may include a stamp set.  I am thinking it should be a 10 card class (2 each of 5), since I'm sure there are many people out there we should be thanking...  I'll keep you posted, but let me know if you're interested.

Enjoy the weather!

Stampin' Shout Out!

I wanted to give a Stampin' Shout Out to two fellow bloggers who are also Stampin' Up demonstrators.

Heather is my Stampin' Up upline.  She is a creative genius, and I am fortunate to have her as an upline!  Heather is always willing to share her great ideas and is so supportive.  Check out her blog at: http://www.stampwithheather.typepad.com/

Martha is another SU demonstrator who is also in Heather's downline!  She is the one who has inspired me to work on my tiles over the last few days.  Check out her blog at:  http://web.mac.com/aninchofcreativity/An_Inch_of_Creativity/Blog/Blog.html

Here are the other tiles I did this week:

Tutorial

I thought I would post the "how to's" for those of you wishing to try your own tiles at home.  After stamping the image on my marble tiles using Staz-On ink (important!), I coloured them in using both my Stampin' Up chalks and water-colour pencil crayons.  I'm not sure that others use the pencil crayons, but I know for sure that other demonstrators are using the chalks.  I will let you know if through some disaster my water-colour pencils ruin a coaster.  I am hoping that the finishing spray I use is enough to keep them sealed.

I add the chalk pigment to the tile with a Q-tip, dabbing and pressing the colour where I want it to show.  I try to use a number of different colours and shades in each image to give it dimension.  When this pear is done it will likely have 4 shades of green and 3 of yellow in it.

 When I have the colours just the way I want them it will be time to put them in the oven.  I put my tiles in for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees C.  The theory here is that the ink and pigments will bake on to the tile.  I'm not sure about the science behind the idea, but if any of you has the answer, let me know.  Either way, baking seems to do no harm to the tiles.  Once they are cooled I spray the tiles with a Krylon finishing spray.  It is important to keep a distance of about a foot when spraying.  Spraying too closely may dilute your image and blur the Staz-On.  I like to do 3 - 5 light coats of spray using the matte finish.  A friend who used the shiney spray found it left her tiles a bit sticky.  

The final step is to adhere cork or felt do-dads to the bottom in the corners.  This will prevent your coasters from scratching your table tops.  I have heard of some spraying liquid engine sealant on their tiles prior to using the finishing spray.  This is supposed to make your tiles safe to use with hot drinks, as apparently very high heat can damage the finished coating.  I have not ever used this technique, as I don't imagine anything I drink is THAT hot.  Let me know if you have had experience with this though.  I am curious to know if I am omitting a critical step.

What do you thing of this handsome young buck?

Happy Birthday Junior!

I was feeling uninspired today, so decided to check out some of my favourite stamping blogs for inspiration.  Martha, a fellow demonstrator, is always doing such beautiful things with her tiles.  I also enjoy stamping on tiles (as those of you who attended my "Birds of a Feather" class can attest), but have never tried adding colour.  What do you think of my first attempt?

I stamped the images using the "Infinite Goodness" hostess set in Staz-On ink.  The more I use this set the more I love it.  I coloured the images using Stampin' Up chalks and water colour pencil crayons.  Using both allowed me to be more selective with the colours I used.

My favourite one has to be the dragonfly tile.  Everything just pops on this one - I love it!  The quote and the leaves make it look really full and balanced.

I have decided to give these lovely coaster tiles to my friend Junior, who turns 25 today.  Happy Birthday, buddy!  I hope you will like them :)

June Special!

Hello all!  I have leant my cutter to my dear friend Kate V. for a few days, so rather than making something new to post I thought I would fill you in on the latest promotion from SU.  For the month of June customers, hostesses, and demonstrators will be allowed to purchase the "Fresh Cut" stamp set from the Fall/Winter catalogue.  

The Fall/Winter catalogue?!  What?!  Can that be right?  It doesn't come out until August!

That's right, this is a sneak peek offer - but it gets better.  Also for the month of June we are able to purchase die-cut cards that coordinate with the stamp set!  They are gorgeous, and so perfect for anyone needing to make quick thank-you notes for wedding or baby showers, birthdays, etc.  They are seriously cute!  Have a look at the picture if you don't believe me!

Okay, but it gets better.  The stamp set is $25.95, and the note cards are $10.75 on their own, BUT if you host a workshop in June and bring in $525 in merchandise you will get the stamp set for FREE and the notes for only $5.95!  That's on top of the regular benefits you would get for hosting a workshop that successful (One free hostess set, and $60 in free merch.)!!  

If you are thinking you might like to host a workshop, and you have some friends who are serious about stamping/scrapping GIVE ME A CALL!  

Can you tell I'm excited about this promotion?

Mother's Day

I Love My Moms!

As you are all aware, yesterday was Mother's Day.  This is what I gave my Mom, and Mom-in-law.  When I saw this tote the first thing I thought was, 'I bet I can stamp that!'  After showing it off at one of my stamp classes one of my customers commented that the Pick a Petal stamp set would work perfectly.  She lent it to me, and was she ever right!

Best of all was how easy the card was to make!  I used SU cardstock in Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, and Tempting Turquoise.  I decided to use Old Olive ink on the Certainly Celery cardstock to add dimension to my green petals.  The stem was made using faux-stitching and the Certainly Celery Stampin' Write marker.  I didn't have any of the coordinating SU buttons around, so I just used some that I had saved up in an old button jar.

I am so happy with the way they turned out, and the Moms loved them!  I wanted to post this ages ago, but I was afraid it would ruin the surprise.  I hope you all had a good Mother's Day yesterday!

Cheers,

Last Chance!

That's right you guys!  This is your LAST CHANCE to sign up for the Big Sisters of London fundraiser with your local Stampin' Up crew.  I have posted some pictures just to let you know what you might be missing out on.

These are the die-cut stickers included in the kit.  They are made from cardstock, so they're really durable, match perfectly with the papers and inks, and have a nice matte finish.

Pictured above are the designer series papers included with the kit.  They are double sided, so you can mix and match your patterns.  They also coordinate with the four sheets of textured cardstock that are included.  The featured colours for the kit are Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Very Vanilla.  Love 'em!

Above I stamped each of the six stamps using the ink spots that you get with the kit.  I quite enjoy this set with the colour combo.  It has a decidedly modernized boho-west feel to it.  I can definitely see devoting this scrapbook to a toddler, although it works for older kids as well (including the young at heart).

Why a picture of a Stampin' Write Marker you ask?  Because everyone who signs up for the fundraiser with me will get one FREE in the colour of your choice.  Featured is the marker in Basic Black, but you can order it in one of the colours of the kit, or any other colour if you prefer.  I really like the black one for journalling and writing messages in my cards.  The paintbrush end can also be used on your stamps to stamp a multi-coloured image!  If you think that sounds crazy, ask me about it and I'll show you sometime.

If you are interested in purchasing this kit, or attending the fundraiser CONTACT ME ASAP!  I will need to put the order in by midnight on Tuesday, May 13.

Cheers!

Recruitment Sale!

Calling All Stampers!

If you've ever considered becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator, or if you've ever admired the starter kit and all it has to offer, this sale is for you!!

Stampin' Up has just announced a sale on the Starter Kit!  The kit, which is valued at more than $400, usually sells for $260.  For this month the kit is on sale for $208, AND includes a free hodgepodge kit from the catalogue.  It usually costs $35.95, but you get it FREE!

This is a terrific deal that certainly wasn't offered when I signed up as a demonstrator.  Send me an email if you're even thinking about this deal, and we can get together and talk.  

Cheers,

    

Birthday Post

WHOA! Okay, so who's a bad blogger?  I'm a bad blogger.  I will try to make up for it by making today's post SUPER!  It seems only fitting that I should tell you all about the birthday card class from last night, as today is my birthday :)

The Pear card was the simplest, but I really enjoy it.  The colours just make it for me.  I may re-use this template for future workshop cards.  We used the water-colour pencils to add the yellow.

The Enjoy card was one of my favourites.  Not only do I love this stamp set, but I am really happy with the way the colour combination turned out.  I also chose to decorate the INSIDE of the card, which is something I seldom do.

The fall flowers envelope-card is one you've seen before, but I just can't get enough of it.  Love it. 

I'm calling the bird one "Boho Bird-day".  I really like the colours, and the bird from the "Pun Fun" set is just too cute.  I thinks it makes a nice " masculine birthday card.

Finally, the birthday cake card was probably the brightest of the cards we made.  I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but the girls seemed to really like it.  We used a rub-on on this one, and then punched a little window through it.  We also decorated the inside of this card, making it extra fun.