Quarterly Shoebox Swap

This morning was my Quarterly Shoebox Swap and Brunch where I meet with other local demonstrators and get ideas and inspiration. So I will be sharing a few of the things we made today with you over the next few days..

This cute little book was made with the Scallop Envelope Die for the Big Shot. This is an exclusive SU! die. You might think you can only use this die to make envelopes--WRONG! I have seen baskets, boxes, and so much more made out of it. Michele came across this idea online and decided to share it with us. The DSP used is Bella Rose.

Coming Up Roses

I love the Manhattan Flowers Texturz Plate but I must admit, once it was in my hands I was stumped. This tends to happen to me a lot. I fall in love with a stamp set or accessory so I buy it. Than once it arrives I am creatively stumped. This is a card that slowly evolved.

I knew I wanted to use Regal Rose cardstock and Cardstock Vellum. So I ran the plate through my Big Shot and embossed the flowers onto the Vellum. That created a beautiful, frosted looking rose. I than stamped more roses onto the pink cardstock in Regal Rose ink. Although I think that using the VersaMark Pad and clear embossing powder would of given a very pretty look as well. I attached the cut out roses to the front of the card with 2-Way Glue Pen. Than I added Dazzling Diamonds to the embossed lines using the 2-Way Glue Pen. I really like this card. I think it would make an elegant wedding card.

A Walk In the Park With Mom

This was the card we made at my Stamp Club for April. Since Mother's Day is just around the corner I knew this would be a perfect card. It features a fun way to use the Texturz Plates for the Big Shot as well.

Brayered Texture:
1. Ink up your Brayer in the coordinating ink as your cardstock or a darker shade.
2. Roll Brayer all over the Texturz Plate.
3. Build your "sandwich" carefully laying your cardstock over the Texturz plate.
4. Roll "sandwich" through the Big Shot.
5. Pull out cardstock. Thoroughly clean Texturz plate.
6. Your cardstock will now be dry embossed in the color of the paper and the rest of the paper will be covered in ink.


RECIPE: Stamps-A Bunch of Love; Ink-Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Regal Rose, Basic Gray & Black; DSP-A Walk in the Park; CS-Baja Breeze, Whisper White & Basic Gray; and Ribbon-Regal Rose.

Regional Make n' Takes!

Today I am going to share with you some of the incredible Make n' Takes we made at Regionals. We had so much fun! I love the projects that Stampin' Up! comes up with for their events (plus it is one of the rare times that I don't have to prep anything, I can just stamp!). I am not going to post the recipes but if you want to know about a certain project or product leave a comment and I will answer your questions.

This project got me hooked onto our chipboard letters. They were so much fun to work with and they look fabulous on this scrapbook page. Now I just have to find the perfect picture!

This is a little treat pouch. The flower is embossed, using the Big Shot, and I sanded the embossed parts of the flower to turn them white. So sweet!


Look for some more pictures tomorrow and the next day!!

Faux Frosting

"Faux Frosting" is not a new technique and I have no idea who invented it but I think it is so much fun. This was the February Technique for my Stamp Club. It is so much fun! It really is like icing a cupcake but I don't recommend eating it =). It is a great way to add texture to a card.

***If you missed out on Stamp Club and want to make this card or the others we did, contact me to set up a time. ***

Here is an up close look at the frosting. I got a little glitter happy so it makes the texture hard to see but in person it looks awesome!


This is a very simple technique but it does get a 10 for level of messiness! Here is the card we made...


RECIPE: Stamps--Crazy for Cupcakes; Ink--Whisper White; DSP--Sweet Always; CS--Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Regal Rose; Big Shot--Big Bold Cupcake Sizzlet (SU! Exclusive Die) and Large Dots Texturz Plate (SU! Exclusive); Chocolate Chip Ribbon; and Pumpkin Pie Flower Brad.

Baby Cards With Texture

I have been playing with my brand new Texturz plates for the Big Shot. They are wonderful! I love textured paper but hardly ever use it (why I am not exactly sure). I also love the look of dry embossing but once again never really take the time to do it. That is why I love these texture plates. They add so much to the look and feel of my cards.

Here are two cards my mom made (with some inspiration from moi) for some friends at work who are expecting. I thought they were adorable and had to share. The color combinations are so beautiful--Pale Plum, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue. These are from retired stamp sets but these sets were way too cute to part with.

This card is for a baby girl. I don't generally think of hippos when I think of baby girls but this one is so cute! I love the purple.


Here is the texture plate we used--Eyelet (a SU! exclusive).


This adorable giraffe is for a baby boy. We didn't want to add a bow (too girly) so we wrapped the ribbon around the corners to add some dimension and a softer baby look.


Here is the texture plate we used--Harlequin (a SU! exclusive).


RECIPE: CS--Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Pale Plum and Whisper White; Stamps--Bundle of Joy & Bundled in Love; Ink--Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, & Apricot Appeal; and the Big Shot with Texturz Plates.

Die Cutting Machine Comparison

I have so many people ask me what the real difference is between die-cutting machines. Here is a wonderful article that shows the differences, perks and cons to four of the major die-cutting machines on the market: Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, Big Shot, & Cricut Expression. I hope this helps some of you out there who are trying to decide what machine will work for you!

Gift Card Ornaments

I CASEd this idea from Lynda Glassmoyer. She shared a sample at our demonstrator meeting last month. It was such a cute idea that I couldn't wait to make one. I have been wanting to use the "A Cardinal Christmas" for quite a while now and thought it would look great with the Top Note Die. The back of the ornament is where you tuck the gift card into the slot.




RECIPE: Stamps-A Cardinal Christmas; Ink-Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichock, So Saffron, Real Red & Old Olive; DSP-Fall Prints Hostess Pack; CS-Whisper White, Real Red, Always Artichoke and Bravo Burgundy; Tools-Big Shot & Crop-A-Dile; Die-Top Note; Punches-Scallop Edge & Wide Oval; Embellishments-Jumbo Eyelets (Brass), Kiwi Kiss Striped Ribbon and Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon.

Glittering Snowflakes

Here is the last card we made at Stamp Club. This card used the Big Shot and the Snowflake #2 Originalz Die. We also adhered the glitter with Heat N' Stick Powder which was a new process for me but I love the final result. The snowflake is so beautiful! I may make some more for some ornaments for our tree.



Oh...The background: We stamped the background using a scrap snowflake and stampin' sponges. We layed the snowflake down and sponged around it. I started with the lightest shade of blue and gradually got darker. I added some silver and white snowflakes to the background to finish it.

If you would like detailed instructions on how to create this card, e-mail me to receive a pdf file with instructions.

RECIPE: CS-Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Brushed Silver & Chipboard; Ink-Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Encore Silver, Whisper White & Not Quite Navy; Stamps-Snow Swirled; Big Shot; Dies-Snowflake #2; Embossing-Dazzling Diamonds & Heat N'Stick Powder.

Scarecrow Treat Pouch

As soon as I made the Pumpkin Treat pouch I wanted to make a scarecrow one. I couldn't wait to get started trying to create this little guy. I have to admit-I am very proud of this project. When I think of what my cards looked like a year ago versus now- what a huge difference. To be honest I never even would of attempted a project like this last year. I would of assumed it was too hard. Now I know that is not true. My six-year old made one of these as well and had so much fun creating it. If she can do it, anyone can.

We made this adorable pouch at Ladies Stamping Night Out. If you missed this fun event this time you can join us next time on February 7th!!

This is such a cute project. I have someone very special in mind to pass this on to. I know that she will love it and I can't wait to give it to her.




RECIPE: DSP-Bella Rose; CS-Tangerine Tango, Creamy Caramel, So Saffron, Pacific Blue, Basic Black, & Old Olive; Ink-Close to Cocoa & Really Rust; Punches-1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle, 3/4" Circle, Round Tab, and 1 3/8" Square; Tools-White Gel Pen & Black Marker; Big Shot; and Dies- Birds & Blossoms Sizzlets & SU! Exclusive Top Note Die.

Pumpkin Treat Pouch

This was the 3-D project we made this month in Stamp Club. I have seen lots of Frankenstein versions of this project but I wanted to do something else. This is such a great gift! It would be cute to give out at Thanksgiving as well as Halloween. This project used punches and the Big Shot, still my favorite new toy. It was a lot of fun to create.

I know you can't see it but this is a candy pouch. There are two Top Note Die cuts attached to each side of a small box. You can tuck a small bag of candy between the notes into the box.



If you would like a pdf file with instructions on how I made this project please e-mail me and I will send them to you.

RECIPE: CS-Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, More Mustard, Basic Black, & Old Olive; Ink-Tangerine Tango; Punches-1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle, 3/4" Circle, Round Tab, and Large Oval; Tools-Blender Pens; Big Shot; and Dies-Originalz Leaves #2 & SU! Exclusive Top Note Die.

Cracked Glass Leaves

October's Stamp Club's technique was "Cracked Glass". I enjoy this time of year with all the leaves changing colors. The time of year inspired this project. The intricate veins and lines on leaves are so beautiful. I wanted to imitate that look with the "Cracked Glass" technique. I had a great time making this project and I hope to play with this technique more in the future.




If you would like a pdf file with the instructions for this technique, e-mail me and I will send it to you!

RECIPE: CS-Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango; Ink-Chocolate Chip; Big Shot; Dies-Originalz Leaves #2; Embossing Powder-Glassy Glaze and Tools-Crop-a-Dile, Heat Gun.

Shelli's Creations

How cute are these place settings? The CEO of SU!, Shelli Gardner, created these for a tv show. Click on this LINK for great ideas on how to recreate these products. There is also a list of all the SU! products used to make these beautiful table decorations.

Faux Metal Hardware

Here is another project from September's Stamper's 30 Meeting. We learned different Faux Metal Techniques. This card features a faux metal piece of "hardware". Faux metal is a great technique to achieve the popular look of metal without the cost and bulk of real metal embellishments. This card also features one of my favorite new stamp sets Upsy Daisy. It is so much fun and you can do so much with it.

Tip: The Top Note die perforates the cardstock around the edge of the shape. Cut around the perforations and you can layer the dies for an elegant look.

RECIPE: CS--Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Brushed Silver and Not Quite Navy; DSP--Urban Garden; Ink--Baja Breeze, VersaMark & Not Quite Navy; Stamps--Upsy Daisy; Dies--Top Note Bigz (SU! Exclusive); Other--Silver Embosing Powder.

Big Shot! Big Deal!

The Stampin' Up! Exclusive Big Shot is finally available for YOU! This is such a fabulous product. If you didn't get a chance to use mine during my open house than check out this video and see the Big Shot in action.

Did you know that the Big Shot can cut through 50 different products using Bigz dies? How incredible is that? No other die cutting machine on the market can boast that!!

Still not quite sure what you would use a Big Shot for? Than check out this list of incredible projects that were made using the Big Shot. The ideas and projects are endless! For me personally, the big shot has added a whole new dimension to my card making. Keep checking my blog as I make more and more projects using the Big Shot!

I am offering a SEPTEMBER BIG SHOT SPECIAL!!! This is only available through me (US Customers Only Please). Purchase the BIG shot Special Edition Starter kit and recieve a FREE BIGZ Die Your choice ( $19.95 value). But the deal gets even better...You will also receive a FREE Hostess ONLY level 1 stamp set and $20.00 to spend on whatever you want out of the new catalog or on other dies for your NEW BIG SHOT.

Check out all of the great new Sizzix products Stampin' Up! is offering for you!

Here is what comes in your Special Editon Starter kit:
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Pads
2 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive BigzTM Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note, shown on page 3 in the brochure )
1 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack (Birds & Blooms, shown on page 3 in the brochure )
1 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip (Join in the Cheer, on page 4 in the brochure )
Decorative Strip Cutting Pads and Extended Spacer Platform

Don't forget to add...
1 FREE Bigz die ( Valued at $19.95)
FREE Hostess only stamp set level 1
$20.00 in FREE money to spend in the catalog

This offer is only good from September 2nd to September 30th. E-mail or Call me NOW to take advantage of this limited Demonstrator Special on the Big Shot!!

Sweet Frame

Here is another project inspired by the "Sweet Bella" Style Watch in the new catalog. This is my version of the picture frame pictured in the catalog. I am not really a flower person (hard to believe since I do make a lot of cards with flowers) I don't use a lot of flowers in my home decor or in what I or my girls wear. But the "Sweet Bella" line has me addicted to roses. I made this frame to put a picture of my new baby girl in. She is my "joy" with a sweet smile and joyous laugh. So I had to add that to her picture frame.

Home decor and stamping has always seemed a little daunting to me. I was not sure how to incorporate my love for paper crafts into my house. Now that I have done it though, my eyes are open to all the possibilities! This was such an easy project to make. It was a bit of trial and error as I moved things around and played with how I wanted everything positioned. I love the final project and cannot wait to get Brenna's sweet picture in place. My oldest wants one for her picture too. So I guess I will have to get busy and make some more. :-)

RECIPE: DSP--Bella Rose; CS--So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss & Chocolate Chip; Ink--So Saffron & Chocolate Chip; Dies--Join In the Cheer Decorative Sizzlet.

Big Shot Blossoms

I knew I wanted to show what the Big Shot can do at my open house but I will admit, I was a bit stumped on how to do it. This is the card that I came up with. It is based on this card I saw on Patty Bennet's blog. I just repositioned the flowers to the top (which I personally liked better) and used another stamp for the saying.

I had so much fun making this card. It was late at night, all the kids were in bed and the house was quiet. I probably should of been in bed but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be creative without being interrupted. I got to experiment with the Big Shot (I didn't have to share it with my mom, who loves to play with the Big Shot every time she comes over LOL). I really like the colors in this card which are from the "Sweet Bella" Style Watch in the new catalog. I will admit that I didn't really like the new Heard From the Heart stamp set when I first got it. I thought it was too wide. But the more I play with it the more I like it.



RECIPE: DSP--Bella Rose; CS--So Saffron, Whisper White, & Riding Hood Red; Stamp--Heard From the Heart; Ink--More Mustard & Chocolate Chip; Dies--Top Note Bigz, & Birds and Blooms Sizzlets.

It's HERE!! Where's My Paper?

It arrived!!! Yeah! My brand new big shot has just shown up on my doorstep!! I am so excited, I just had to share! I have been shopping around for a die-cut machine for the past month or so. I wanted one to use with my scrapbooking (in the hope that it would help me get caught up a little faster, we will see how that goes :-) ). I have been doing research on which brand I wanted to buy. So you can imagine my excitement when SU! announced that we were going to begin selling the Big Shot. I love it when I get to buy "toys" and than get to write it off as a business expense. This baby will be well used I am sure! ;-)

Anyway...Here is a picture of my new toy and the box of goodies that came along with it!



I dragged out some cardstock I had on hand (not the best color choices) and started playing. I didn't get to do much before the baby woke up and the other two were demanding dinner (isn't that how it always works?). But here are a few things I managed to make before I was interrupted,


I will be playing with it this weekend and will try to post more pictures later!

HUGE Convention Announcement!!

I have HUGE, EXCITING and FABULOUS news for you!! I was unable to go to Stampin' Up!'s annual convention last week in Salt Lake City this year, bummer I know, but there were a bunch of fabulous ladies who kept the "Breaking News" coming through e-mails. One of the news was so MOMENTOUS that it brought 6,000+ demonstrators to their feet cheering and clapping and some were even in tears. What can I say? We are passionate about our business!

So what is this huge announcement? Maybe you can tell from the bag...





Any ideas? Let me tell you! Stampin' Up! has just announced a brand new product line and partnership with another company! This is a product line that demonstrators have been asking for and the company listened! Stampin' Up! is partnering with Sizzix and selling the Big Shot die cut machine, Sizzix dies and EXCLUSIVE STAMPIN' UP! DIES.



What are "Die Cuts"? some of you may be asking. Die cuts are shapes, images, letters, words, etc. cut out of cardstock, DSP, foam, felt and other materials using a die (which cuts or embosses the image when put in a die-cutting machine). The Big Shot is a manual die-cutting machine that cuts over 50 different products including card stock, Designer Series paper, fabric, chipboard, plastic, and more. Stampin' Up! will be releasing dies that are SU! original artwork that coordinate with our stamps, papers, etc. along with Sizzix dies. If you have dies for other machines (i.e. the Cuttlebug) they are compatible with the Big Shot.



How can this help with your cardmaking, scrapbooking and other crafting needs? It can add simple embellishments for all your products. It will also make mass producing cards so much easier. Your scrapbook pages will take on new flair with die cuts. You can even use some of the die cuts to make 3-D projects in a snap. Come to my open house on August 17th and I will have a Big Shot for you to play with! Keep checking back on my blog as I will be making posts of all the great things the Big Shot can do for you!

Special thanks to Dianne Shiozaki and Patricia Weitzel for supplying the pictures for me to share with you!