A Basic Birthday– FMS104

Just a quick post today- I hope to be back tomorrow.  This week is busy, busy working on birthday, visitor and baby cards for my church.  I love being able to serve this way.

But I did take time to play in the current Freshly Made Sketches challenge.  I played a lot when they first started, but got out of the challenge mode.  Now….I am back!  Here is the sketch and my card.  If you take a moment to visit the Freshly Made website, you will find lots and lots of inspiration for your crafting.




I turned the sketch a bit and chose a Clean and Very Simple design.  It is almost monocromatic- one of my favorite color combos.  But, I love Coastal Cabana and our glimmer paper so much, I am adding a touch to almost every card these days.

All supplies are Stampin’ Up!  Shop my store 24/7.
Stamps:  Everything Eleanor, Perfectly Penned; Paper:  Basic Gray, Coastal Cabana cardstock, Silver Glimmer Paper, Coastal Cabana DSP;  Ink:  Basic Gray; Accessories/Tools:  Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 2-1/2” 
Circle Punch, Basic Rhinestones

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.  Our Bible Study group meets on Monday nights…so this a favorite day of the week for me.

Blessings,
Diane

We Remember

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:4

Twelve years ago terrorists attacked the U.S., killing hundreds at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.  Today we are facing yet another situation where evil has taken center stage.  Let’s take a moment today to pray for the families of those who lost their life twelve years ago, and pray for a revival in our country that will lead our decision-makers to choose the best and most Godly way to tackle the terror abroad.  This day should be one of  reflection on the blessings we receive each day because of our Savior.

Just a quick card to day for the Just Add Ink color challenge, but, unfortunately I forgot the time difference between here and Australia, so I missed the deadline.  But you can still check out the fabulous creations by the designers, as well as the terrific participant gallery.  Lots of inspiration, just for you!



And here is my card.  It’s a CAS (Clean and Simple) card and I love it. The sketch was inspired by mamamostamps.com and I will be using it for a quick WOW card in the future.  It would make a terrific design for a set of notecards.



Recipe: (all product available 24/7 at Diane’s Demo Site)

Paper: Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper; Stamps: Serene Silhouettes, Four You; Oh, Hello; Inks: Bermuda Bay, Stazon Jet Black; Accessories and Tools: Simply Scored and Stylus, Paper Snips, Basic Rhinestones

And now….Here’s Bella!



Blessings,
Diane

Truly Grateful

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17

Last night was our weekly Community Group Bible Study class.  Rather than have Sunday School classes, our church focuses on building relationships and personal spiritual growth through community.  Fourteen to sixteen people meeting in homes once a week for an in depth study of the previous Sunday’s message.  Part of the meeting is devoted to sharing what is going on in our lives and prayer requests.  This gathering is the highlight of our week.  We have very special relationships with these fellow believers and I am always blessed when the evening comes to an end. And also very grateful. 

Last night my contribution to the prayer list was to pray for our leaders as they make difficult decisions this week and also thanking God for our group and how he has blessed us with honesty and integrity.  We do not deserve his blessing, but through his grace, I gratefully receive.

So, as I pondered just what to do for the Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge, I knew that Truly Grateful would be perfect as it aligned with the way I am feeling this week.  Visit this terrific challenge and check out the amazing creations of the designers and gallery participants.  Maybe you will want to join in too. 

You can reach this weeks challenge, PCCCS057 here. The first sketch is the original and the second is the same sketch rotated.  That is the one I used for my card.  I love that we can play with the sketch a bit to suit our design.

And here is my card.  I embossed the wheat with Early Espresso embossing powder to give it a little pop.  The burlap banners are hand cut from the gorgeous ribbon in the Holiday catalog.  I used a strip of Adhesive Sheet on the back to give it some stability.  It also helps with fraying.  I absolutely love, love the DSP embossed with the Pretty Print Embossing Folder because a little white shows through- pretty cool, I think. 

And the sentiment is stamped on the 7/8” Cotton Ribbon in the Annual Catalog.  Love this effect.



Recipe: (all product available 24/7 at Diane’s Demo Site)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla, Champagne Glimmer Paper, Sweater Weather DSP Stamps: Truly Grateful Inks: Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip Accessories and Tools: Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Versamark, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Brights Candy Dots, Designer Naturals Buttons, Linen Thread, 7/8” Cotton Ribbon, 1-1/4” Burlap Ribbon, Chalk Talk Framelits, Adhesive Sheets

Thanks for staying with me on this long post.  I leave you now with a sweet photo of Princess Bella.  I am working with a new photo program and blurred it a little.  I think I like the effect.  Of course, I had the perfect subject!


Blessings,
Diane

Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge Card–PCCCS056

I am a big admirer of Justin Krieger and when I learned he was a designer for a new to me sketch challenge blog, I knew I wanted to play along.  You can see Justin’s fabulous creations at JK Cards.  Here is the sketch and my card for the Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge # 56.



I {heart} this card!  My inspiration came from another terrific designer and fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Cecile Ortiz at Lezards de Cilou.  I clear embossed the seashell and fish after stamping in black, then sponged various color inks to highlight ocean colors.  Then did a little fussy cutting (which I love).  Using Cecile’s technique, I added depth with my stylus and double mounted the pieces.  You really can’t see it, but it is pretty darn cool IRL.  I hope you enjoy.

Supplies (all Stampin’ Up!):  Stamps:  By the Tide; Paper: Rich Razzelberry, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Silver Glimmer Paper, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla; Ink: Pool Party, Soft Sky, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Wisteria Wonder, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzelberry and Black Stazon; Accessories and Tools:  Oval Framelits, Basic Rhinestones, Stylus, Paper Snips, Clear EP, Versamark, Heat Tool, Circle Punches, Fancy Fan EF.

There is so much going on everyday in my life.  I never dreamed that being retired meant having something to do pretty much all the time.  I think we retired folks take on projects because we think…”well, I am retired so I have all this time…”

Well, I don’t!  I finished this card yesterday afternoon, but didn’t have time to post because of doctor visits.  Then today we had a house showing in the morning (house is for sale-downsizing like retired ppl should do) so we had to get out and roam awhile; then a visitation at the funeral home for a friend’s mother; then a meeting with our financial advisor this afternoon.  All of which interferes with my stampin’ time.
But I always have time for the sweet Princess Bella.  Here’s a cute pix of her all ready for the pool.  I just love this cutie.

Blessings,
Diane

Love, Love, Love the new Stampin’ Up! Expressions Thinlits!!!

I should be working on a baby shower invitation job this morning, but decided to continue with my challenge streak (this is the second day!).  Today’s card is for the ColourQ # 204 challenge to use Concord Crush and Lucky Limeade, (both retired) and Bermuda Bay.  My card is a quick, clean and simple card focusing on the Expressions Thinlit Dies in the Holiday Catalog. 

All supplies by Stampin’ Up!  Paper:  Bermuda Bay, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White; Ink: None!  Accessories:  Big Shot, Expressions Thinlit, Circle Punches;

Have a wonderful day and as always,
Blessings,
Diane

P. S.  A little Princess Isabella to give you a smile…..

Christmas In August? Merry Monday # 72 and Just Add Ink # 179

It has been much too long since I participated in a card challenge.  A few years ago I would stay up at night waiting for the various challenges to be posted.  Then life (and Princess Isabella) and blog readers came along and unfortunately I spent more time reading blogs than creating.
So what motivated me today?  With September approaching, it is time for my favorite crafting time of the year- the holidays.  So I am beginning with Merry Monday and Just Add Ink sketches.  They were similar and a chance to use my new favorite element- WASHI TAPE!


Recipe: (all product available 24/7 at Diane’s Demo Site)
Paper: Whisper White Cherry Cobbler, Champagne Glimmer Paper Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge, Ornament Keepsakes, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks: Versamark, Gumball Green Accessories and Tools: Season of Style Washi Tape, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Big Shot, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat tool, Modern Label and Word Window punches, Basic Rhinestones, Linen Thread, Dimensionals
 
Before I sign off, here is a sweet photo of the Princess brushing a llama at a Fun Fair event here.  We read a Llama, Llama book at bedtime when she is visting and she just squealed when she saw one in real life.

I hope your week is off to a great start.  Have fun and thanks for visiting.

Blessings,

Diane

LET’S WASHI! CLASS/WORKSHOP–STAMPIN’ UP!

*** To my out-of-area friends:  The kit is available with all the supplies and instructions.  Please contact me for pricing and postage.

When: Saturday, September 7th from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where:  My house, 27 Epperson Drive (Northpointe)
Class Fee:  $35.00
Deadline to enroll:  Saturday, August 31st. 
Payment due:  Wednesday, Sept. 4th
What is Washi Tape? Washi is usually a narrow, thin, almost transparent tape that is respositionable.  It comes on a roll in various patterns and designs.  It is FUN!


What do you do with it? That's the fun part.  You can decorate anything- greeting cards, tags, personal items, pictures, journals, mirrors, picture frames, furniture- just search on Pinterest for Washi and you will be amazed at what people are doing with it.


What is included in the class fee?  Here's what you get:
1.  All 12 rolls of Stampin' Up! Washi Tape (pictured above).
2.  10 notecards and envelopes (5 to use in class, 5 to take home!)
3.  Full size and gift cards and envelopes
4.  5 yards of White Baker's Twine
5.  2 yards of Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon
6.  5 Lace Paper Doilies
7.  Gift bags and Treat bags
8.  Miscellaneous Embellishments (candy dots, buttons, ribbon, rhinestones)


What type projects will we make?
* Notecards, gift cards and full size cards
* 8X8 Scrapbook page that can also be framed
* Gift tags and bags
* Treat bags (with treats!)
Here are some examples:

BONUS!!!!

• $5 Gift Certificate that can be used on your next $30 Stampin' Up! order

$5 Gift Certificate for each guest you bring that is new to me (can be used on your next $30 Stampin' Up! order)

Full color project instructions

Lots of snacks and beverages

10% off all orders placed in September

DOOR PRIZES

What do I bring?  Please bring your favorite adhesive, bone folder, scissors, paper piercing tool or tweezers (if you have them).  Let me know if you need adhesive and I will order with the other supplies.
Note: If you are excited about the class, but are unable to attend, kits will be available for the same fee. Plus the perks. You can substitute the stamp images with those in your collection. (or pop over here someday and pick from my stash)  Same deadlines apply.
The projects will move quickly and I know you are going to love this new way of decorating.  Please let me know as soon as you can if you will be attending.  I will need to order the supplies on September 1st.
I am so excited about this class, but more than that, I have missed our fun times together and am so very ready to get together and play.  I have two other workshop/classes planned- jot these dates down, October 5th and November 2nd. 


Blessings,
Diane

Spread More Joy with Stampin’ Up!

The first “In To You” stamp set Spread the Joy is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  Here are a couple of cards that showcase this cute set.  Find out more about In To You here.

This was such an easy card- it turned out just like I imagined.  The background is an acrylic stamping block inked up with Soft Sky.  Loved the way it looks.  I colored the rhinestones with a red Sharpie.  I stamped the ship first in Real Red, then in Midnight Muse and cut it out and popped up with a dimensional over the red ship. 
Recipe: (all product available 24/7 at Diane’s Demo Site)
Paper: Whisper White, Midnight Muse, Real Red, Soft Sky Cardstock; Red Glimmer Paper; Stamps: Spread the Joy, Tape It
Inks: Real Red, Soft Sky, Midnight Muse
Accessories and Tools: Bone Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals; Tombow adhesive; Sticky Strip; Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine; Circle Punches; Basic Rhinestones; Acrylic Blocks;

Another quick and easy card. This is a CASE from one of the blogs I read- but I cannot locate the source.  I will keep trying, because I would love to give credit to the designer.  I changed the colors and stamp set she used.  I just cut banners (some tiny) from the Sweater Weather DSP and glued them randomly to the card front.  Stamped the tag (from my price tag box) a couple of times with Tangerine Tango and Crushed Curry, added the trinket and then the tiny banners.  Added it to the card front with dimensionals and layered with the Spread Joy element that I had stamped and hand cut.  Threaded the button and adhered with Glue Dots.  Stamped the top side with Gorgeous Grunge in TT and CC.  You could also use our new Season of Style Washi Tape with coordinating colors and a cute Christmas sentiment…..cute, cute, cute.
Recipe: (all product available 24/7 at Diane’s Demo Site)
Paper: Whisper White Cardstock; Sweater Weather DSP; Stamps: Spread the Joy, Gorgeous Grunge, Crumb Cake Inks: Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry Accessories and Tools: Bone Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals; Tombow adhesive; Neutrals Button; Linen Thread; Vintage Trinkets; Stampin’ Sponge; Glue Dots; Price Tag;
Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy.
Here’s another picture of Princess Isabella…I know you wanted to see her again!

Blessings,
Diane

Stampin’ Up! Spread the Joy with Spinner Card Thinlit Dies

We just finished up a weekend with our sweet Isabella.  Every minute was wonderful!  She is a delight and learning new things every day.  She loves her Mimi and Poppy. Here she is at our Sunday morning tea party.  So intent on pouring our tea just right….

At annual convention last month several new products were introduced and the one I was most excited about are our Thinlit Card Dies.  There are two versions right now and I could not choose between the two – so I ordered both….and I can’t quit making cards.  I absolutely love them. 
Here’s a short video introduction – look how cute and easy:

See all the elements included in the die set?  Just too cute.  Here’s a card I created with the Circle Card Thinlit Die and a new sweet stamp set….so easy peasy. 

For this card I used the Circle Thinlit Card Die and the new Spread the Joy stamp set – the first In With You project designed by Emily Montoya.  You can join the fun- read about it on the Stampin’ Up! Blog -.In With You

Recipe: (all products available at my 24/7 website:  Diane’s Stampin’ Up! site)

Paper: Crisp Cantalope and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Subway DSP (Designer Series Paper)
Stamps: Spread the Joy; January Paper Pumpkin sentiment; Daydream Medallions
Inks: Crisp Cantalope and Chocolate Chip                                                            Accessories and Tools: Circle Thinlit Card Die; Big Shot; Basic Pearls; Tea Lace Paper Doilies; Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Sticky Tape; Bone Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals; Tombow Adhesive; 

I will post more of these fun cards later today.  I hope your week is off to a great start and thanks so much for dropping by.

Blessings,
 
Diane

Stampin' Up! Convention Swaps

I wanted to share my convention swaps with you and for those who aren't familiar with swaps...here's the 20:  Attendees at any demonstrator function can choose to swap card fronts or entire cards, 3-D items, tags, etc. with one another to get new ideas for workshops and personal stamping.  For instance, although I will swap with anyone who asks, if given a choice of cards, I will choose one that features a stamp set that I do not have so I can add that one to my current catalog card collection (and it will probably be on my next order!).  All projects use only current catalog or promotional products.  It is also a terrific way to get to know other demonstrators.

I made one general swap card front and also made a tag for an organized tag swap. My cards feature the new In Colors, which I absolutely love, love.  I used A LOT of supplies for these projects...but they were still came together pretty fast.  I really wanted my swaps to be an example of my best work.

Supplies (all Stampin' Up!):  Stamps:  Chalk Talk, Tape It, Daydream Medallions, Shop Around, Notable Notions; Paper:  Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantalope, Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White, Cardstock Vellum; Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Crisp Cantalope, Pistachio Pudding, Coastal Cabana; Accessories:  Adorning Accents and Designer Frames Embossing Folders, Large Oval Punch, Basic Pearls and Rhinestones, Vintage Faceted Button, Small Butterfly Punch, Champagne and Silver Glimmer Paper, Paper Doilies, 7/8' Burlap Inspired Trim, Paper Snips, Big Shot, Linen Thread, Adhesives

I will post some of the terrific swaps I got in return in a day or so.

Thanks for staying with me and Blessings,

Diane

Stampin' Up! Convention 2013 - So Fabulous!

(I know I have been AWOL for way too long.  But I am back and energized!)

I never thought I would have the opportunity to go to convention, but all the planets aligned just right and I made my way to Salt Lake City a couple of weeks ago and joined with 5800 demonstrators from across the world to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this great company.

Sweet hubby enjoyed Salt Lake City (beau-ti-ful) while I was celebrated and overwhelmed with the talent of our Home Office crew. The training was awesome, as was the new products and promotions introduced during convention.

Here's CEO and Co-Founder Shelli Gardner during opening session looking as fabulous as she is sweet and caring.  I am always inspired just being around her.

And here we are raring to go....

I will keep this short, but stay tuned for several more posts about convention and the upcoming exciting announcements I can share with you about moving forward with Stampin' Up!

Blessings and thanks for looking!

Diane