Spring Break!

Some people chose to enjoy the beach in Florida for spring break, but I would much rather paint, sew, or create something--with the occasional cup o' coffee/read a book/take a nap break.  I have had a rather busy, but productive break.  Some of the things I have been working on are a surprise, so I won't have many pictures yet.  Here are a few things I have been up to:

Here is the before picture of my dining room.  Honestly, it probably doesn't look that bad (well, perhaps the light is a bit tacky) but the paint was flat paint.  There were tons of holes and scratches on the wall, and it just had to go.

 And these are the two after pictures.  I had the paint color matched to Stampin' Up's! Pear Pizzaz--which looks great on card stock.  However, I am not totally lovin' the color on the walls.  The pictures don't tell the real story, it is much more bright green/yellow than I wanted.

 

  

The second project involves this wonderful material I ordered from Fort Worth Fabric Studio.  I was so excited to play!  It is the Robotics collection by Moda.  So cute....and a soon to be something for my friend Amy.

 Third up is my new shower curtain for my bathroom.  Now, I wasn't thrilled with putting up a shower curtain, however, I couldn't take any more tacky brass fixtures.  (And FYI, our house was built in '97, so they must have gotten a great deal on all the tacky brass here!)  I found this cutie pie at Target.  And while it was kinda pricey ($30) I think it does wonders to brighten up the space and give my master bath a "spa" feel.

 And last, these are a set of cards that are going in a silent auction basket for an event in a couple of weekends.  They are a multipurpose set of cards that combines the In Colors, Bliss stamp set, and So Happy For You set.  I found some that were similar on Splitcoast Stampers and had to give them my own twist.  I think they are kinda cute!

Exciting News!

Hello All!  I have exciting Stampin' Up! news.  Here are two of the latest deals that I am pumped to share!

First:
Grab a Bag of Stampin' Up! Products!

Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in my Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of  products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools.

Please keep the following in mind:
There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.
There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last.
All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
Not all grab bags will be unique.

 $5 Grab Bag (containing at least $20 worth of products!)
 $10 Grab Bag (containing at least $40 worth of products!)
 $15 Grab Bag (containing at least $60 worth of products!)

Second:

Spring is Blossoming

Promotion details:  Spring is Blossoming with Sneak Peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

• Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.
• Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

*Net sales before tax and shipping
Start planning your spring workshops now so can get their hands on these exciting, new products in April--three months before the debut of the new Idea Book & Catalog!
 
Four Frames Stamp SetW: item 123440 | $20.95
C: item 123442 | $15.95
Paisley Petals Designer Series Paperitem 122367 | $9.95


So I am really excited about both these offers.  And I must say, I preordered the Paisley Petals DSP and it is bea-u-ti-ful!  I am actually going to frame some of it and use it for artwork in my new dining room.

My first Quilt!

Ok, so I understand that I am a total nerd...and I am totally OK with that.  You should want to be as nerdy as me.  Really.  I am serious.

So, I told you that my friend Kelly created a monster.  I am obsessed.  I finally finished my first ever quilt, and can't wait to start my next one.  I know, you just want to see pictures.....

 

So this is how it all started.  I found this super cute pack of receiving blankets at Walmart for $10.  I really wanted to get some regular material, but couldn't find anything I really liked.  These colors are perfect for Campbell's "big girl" room she is getting for her birthday.  I cut the blankets into 6 inch squares.  

Next, I sewed an X across each flatbread sammie (I wouldn't consider it a sandwich since this was flannel material and didn't need batting).  After what seemed like doing that 4,345,783 times, I had a stack of squares that I sewed together.  All in all (can you see I am not that great--and patient--at doing tutorials??), it was fairly easy.  Once I was finished sewing everything together, I snipped the edges, washed it, and dried it to begin fraying the seams.  Totally awesome effect!

Here is a picture of the front.....

 

And one of the back...

For being only the second time in my life I have used a sewing machine, I am fairly impressed with myself....and you should be too!  Whatcha think???

I also want to give a shout out to two awesome fabric websites:

Fort Worth Fabric Studio

and

Hawthorne Threads

Check them out!

She created a monster...

My friend Kelly, that is.  Yep.....that monster is me.  She showed me this really awesome baby quilt she made and that night I was out buying fabric and cutting squares.  Ok...so I am sure you are anxious to see it...and I would love to show it off, but it is not quite finished yet.  Hopefully soon.

In the meantime, please enjoy this new blog I found.  She has awesome quilts and is a great inspiration!

Candles

A while back ago, I saw the neatest thing with candles.  It looked simple enough and after searching online for tutorials and youtube videos, I was able to figure out how to do it.  It has taken me a while to collect all my supplies (heat tool, white tissue paper, candles, and wax paper) but I finally did and attempted my project.  I was very surprised by the results. 

I bought three white candles to go around my whirlpool tub in the bathroom.  I chose Early Espresso ink and some hemp twine for an accessory.  I picked out vintage type stamps to help tie into the paint color of the bathroom.  I was pretty happy with how they turned out.  Here are a few pictures of the final products.

I used the Very Vintage wheel on the first one, the Medallion stamp on the middle one, and a stamp from the Bliss set for the third.  You can see where I did the twine, and then on the medallion one I used a brad for a little bling.

Here is one tutorial I found on SCS.  There are also some good videos on YouTube if you search for "stamping on candles."

Blog Design

If you are a reader of my blog (and I give you a very big thank you!), you might have noticed a lot of changes in the look lately.  I am having a hard time figuring out what I want my blog to look like.  I subscribe to many different blogs and they all to seem to have their own "personality" and reflect that of their owner.  I have tried to find a blog background that is already created (wouldn't that just be easiest to do???) but nothing seems to be a good fit yet.  Also, I kinda want to show off my creative side by just making my own (but who has time for that?).  Anyway, I might drive you crazy changing the look of the blog over the next few weeks, and for that I truly apologize. Here's to finding my perfect match soon!

Edit:  Ok--so I played around this morning, and this is what I came up with.  Tell me what you think?

Ribbon Wreath Lust.....

Ok, so I need to wipe the drool off my chin.  I stumbled across this picture today and now I MUST have it.  Can't wait for spring break because I am totally going to attempt this.  My front door needs some decor love!

Oh, and if you think that is cute, you really need to visit her blog to check out her other crafty projects!

Some more digital scrapin'

Two more pages I have done recently:

Super Saturday

What a beautiful day outside!  I am so tickled to finally see some sunshine.  I really thought I would go crazy if it didn't come out soon.  So, what more than a little vitamin D to inspire my creativity!

First up is a baby blanket that I sewed for my friend that is expecting a girl.  This is the first thing that I have ever sewn in my life.  With a mini-lesson from my mom-in-law, and a great deal at Jo-Ann's on fabric, I present to you my finished product.

I realize the picture is dark (darn you iphone 3Gs....) but on one side it is abc fabric in bright colors and the back is a beautiful turquoise.  I also added a cute elephant on the back since she loves them!

Next is a birthday card I made for my brother-in-law.  I used my newest embossing folder and the inlaid embossing technique found here.  I think this is so cool and adds a unique element to an otherwise simple card. 

Anyway, I thought it turned out cute.  I am excited about using this technique more in the future.

Digital Scrappin'

I must admit--the main reason I started as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator was because I could get the digital starter kit for half price.  Anyone that knows me understands my need for a good bargain....and common sense told me I just couldn't pass this up!

After getting the My Digital Studio and playing around with it, I absolutely love it!  (I would add extra exclamation points, but I know how that bothers some people!)  Anyways....I have been playing with it more and more lately--really looking at samples, and knowing that there is a ton of stuff out there dealing with digital scrappin'.  Here are two of my latest creations using the software.  The first one uses all Stampin' Up items that are included in the software.  The second has some free downloads I found online. 

I think the more time I spend playing the better I will get.  Come on spring break....I want to play!

Thinking Spring...

I made a new blog header today using My Digital Studio in honor of spring coming right around the corner.  It makes me happy!

Birthday wishes

So I have been slacking in the creating department lately.  I can't wait until my spring break in a few weeks because I have all kinds of decorating projects in mind.  Ooooo....I am getting all giddy just thinking about it.  Here is a card that I made today for my mother-in-laws birthday.  It was case'd from one I saw on SCS.  I must admit that hers was much better, but after doing mine, hating it, and redoing it, I am happy with how it turned out.  I got to use my new versamark pad and heat tool to do some embossing.  I love the way it looks.  It allows me to make my own backgrounds matching the colors I am using.  Here is a picture:

I used the new SAB stamp set called Sweet Summer.  At first, I didn't know what to think about all the parts.  However, now that I have seen a few things with it, I think it is precious!  There are a few more weeks to get sale-a-bration rewards.  Visit my SU! website or drop me an email.  I would love to share with you how you can be creative (even all you that don't think you can!!) and earn free stuff at the same time!

Eat Chocolate

I am very excited to be teaching a class tomorrow night.  It is using the new "Eat Chocolate" set out of the Occasions Mini and it is super cute!  I love how I have taken one set, three basic colors, and created three unique projects from them.  Quite proud if I must say!

Here is a picture of what we will be working on.  I will report back how it went afterward.

Valentine's Flowers

I grew up with my mom working in a florist.  Each year when Valentine's Day rolled around, I knew it would be about a week before I saw her again.  One very important lesson I learned from her:  never pay for flowers at Valentine's day.  They jack up the price because they know people pay it.  Take your $80 and spend it more wisely.  Thanks mom!

Having learned that, I decided to try a new project tonight.  Once again, being a sucker for a good tutorial, I checked out Sarah's Ink Spot Blog and found this.  It was so stinkin' cute!  So....here is my version...

I used some random card stock I had in a scrap drawer.  I cut the petals out using my Cricut, but I know now after all the trouble, I will be investing in the Big Shot flower dies found here and here and here.  I used some scrap ribbon for the bow, glue dots (love those things) to attach it, and using the stamp set "For Everything" made a card to attach from the front.  It is hard to see in the picture, but I also cut out leaves and stuck the bamboo skewers (stems) through them to help hide the chocolate bars.

Campbell's Valentines

I can't believe my baby is old enough to have a Valentine's Day party at school!  Wow....where has time gone?  I guess that means I will just have to have another one.....yeah right!

I am an avid blog reader.  I guess that is one of the reasons I started one of my own.  Not only did I want a place to store all my cute creations so I would remember them, I wanted to be cool like all the other crafty ladies out there!

One of my favorite blogs is chic n scratch.  She has so many cool tutorials and even videos to help you out.  I am such a visual learner (there is the teacher in me coming out) it helps me to watch the video before attempting the craft.  Saves a lot of tears in the long run.


Anyway, after seeing this video, I thought "that should be easy enough....and would be precious for all of Campbell's school friends."  I of course had to add my own flair and twist to it (plus, I am still building my collection of Stampin' Up! products), but I am pretty proud of how they turned out. 

outside of the card

inside....and yes, the "whooo" is supposed to go along with the owl theme

Paper:  whisper white CS, valentines cs (non SU!)
Ink:  blushing bride, real red
Stamps:  Sprinkles (retired), Punch Bunch (SAB stamp set)
Accessories:  ribbon, dimensionals, sticky strip

Crafting drought....

So it has been a little while since my last post.  Life just gets so busy sometimes....how dare it.  I mean, I work as a full time teacher, I am a full-time mother and wife, and I have to get sleep in there somewhere.....I don't understand why I don't have time to be crafty!

In other news I placed a HUGE Stampin' Up! order just for sale-a-brations and got a TON of free stuff!  I am so excited about it all.  In fact, I got 8 new sets and the new digital studio disk with all the SAB stuff on it.

I am hosting a class on February 19th using the new "Eat Chocolate" set out of the new mini catalog.  I only have two ladies signed up for it, but I guess you have to start somewhere.  It is a bit discouraging, but I am sure it will get better.  I had some tell me that just wasn't a good night for them.

And finally, in super fun and exciting news....hubby just bought me a new laptop!  It should be here at the end of the week and I am thrilled to 1.  have a screen large enough to see and 2. have a computer that will actually allow My Digital Studio to run.  It's the little things!

Latest Projects

I haven't had much time this week to actually get upstairs and create.  However, I have been working on many projects.  I am still trying to get up the courage to share my blog with the world....and hopefully gain some followers in the long run.  I am so critical of myself that I fear what other may think.  I have posted some of my work on the Stampin' Connections website and Splitcoast Stampers and thought I was going to be sick each time I got a response.  Can you imagine the wreck I would be if people read my blog???

Monday night was our Stampers 10 meeting.  I volunteered my stampin' space and absolutely loved having everyone over!  It was so fun and I am glad that I got to utilize the top floor of my house!  I am hoping they decide to use my room every month.

With Sale-A-Brations starting this week, I placed a very large order and got a lot of goodies for free!  I am pumped and can't wait till Mr. Brown brings me my box (supposedly on Tuesday)!  I am also making a "getting started bundle" for my friends that are interested in stamping, but not sure where to start.  Basically, I have picked out a few essentials and put them in easy ordering options (can we say McDonalds???) and show them how easy it is to earn SAB items.  I am excited about sharing it with them.

A Crafty Saturday

Well, after a snow day yesterday, and freezing temperatures today, I have had a bit of cabin fever.  What better way to cure it then to spend the day crafting.  We just bought our new house about 2 months ago.  There were a lot of great things about it that were move-in-ready, but in buying this house we have doubled our square footage and also doubled the space we need to decorate (read--more stuff I need to go shopping for!).  Our kitchen has a nice little eat in nook with a HUGE picture window looking out onto our gorgeous deck.  However, I have felt that it looked so naked.  While at Walmart of all places, I found some material that wasn't terribly expensive and since I couldn't find curtains I liked, I decided to make some.  Now, this is coming from the girl that can't sew!  Heat bond to the rescue!!  With some material, my trusty iron, and an hour and a half later, I had dressed my indecent kitchen window.  Not too shabby if I say so myself.

 Also this evening, I had to make a card for a baby shower gift.  I loved how it turned out.  I got to finally use a set that I have been dying to try.

Cardstock:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive
Stamps:  Fox and Friends
Accessories:  Buttons (brights collection), adhesive, glue dots

First Workshop

I am a little late in getting this posted, but Monday night I held my first workshop up in the Crafting Cave (read--it should be a "man cave" but the estrogen won out an I took over!). I have 7 beautiful ladies come and we made two great projects. The first was a monogram tile using Decor Elements from Stampin' Up! I ordered them in brown, bought 12 x 12 tiles at Lowes, and in about 4 minutes we had a beautiful project. I think they were very impressed with how it turned out. I kept hearing "wow...that is all you have to do?" and "that was so easy!"

The next project we made was a 3D treat box that could be used for Valentine's Day. For a tutorial on how to make this, click here. (I love all the fun stuff you can get on splitcoaststampers.com!) I used Whisper White CS, the I {heart} Hearts clear mount set, and inks in Real Red, Pink Pirouette, and Basic Gray. I randomly stamped the CS, folded the box according to instructions, and tied it with Real Red ribbon. On the outside, I cut Real Red CS 2 3/4 by 2 3/4 and layered the pink cs 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 on top. I then stamped some cute hearts, cut them out, and added them using dimensionals. We also stamped a sheet of address labels with the stamp set, and used them to cover some chocolates. It added a cute touch and nice surprise for when you open the box.

Birhtday card

So....should my husband expect anything other than a handmade birthday card for his upcoming day of birth? I would think not! (Read--he has allowed me to spend all this money on Stampin' Up! stuff, I should make him a card for every day he is alive!)

I played around in my crafting cave last weekend, and this is the card I came up with. I am still learning on how to let my creativity flow with the materials I have on hand. Trust me, it is hard. The stamps I used and inks were all from SU, but the cardstock was some that I had bought at Wal-Mart.
Stamps: Celebrate You, Owl Together Now (retired), Fast and Fun Notes, Make a Monster
Inks: Pacific Point, Real Red, Basic Black
Papers: Walmart cardstock

New blog header

When I joined Stampin' Up! it was during the time where you could get the digital plus starter kit for half off. I was PUMPED! I had been wanting MDS for a long time and thought this was the best time to have a job (read--hobby/addiction) that I love. I have been playing around with the MDS program it is a lot of fun. My computer is kind of slower, so it takes some patience, but over all, I am totally diggin' the ability to sit in my rocking chair on my labtop, listen to some Zac Brown Band, and let the creative juice flow.

Tonight I played around and created a new blog header. Some people may not be impressed, but I am. It is clean and simple (the way I like things) and shows off my sassy side.

Color Challenge attempt....

One of my goals for the new year is to attempt to challenge myself with card making and actually sending out those cards. The first thing I thought I could do was a color challenge on SCS. I was excited because it used my three favorite colors: red, black, and white. However, I have now realized how challenging it is when you are given colors and no direction! I am not extremely pleased with the card, but I supposed that is part of being an artist. I was in a bit of a rush, and you can tell--some of my stamping is not lined up and looks messy. But, I am happy that I did something, allowed myself to be creative, and completed the challenge.

One big thing I realized though is even with a ton of Stampin' Up! stuff that I have, I don't think I have enough. Guess I will just have to buy some more!

Paper: whisper white, basic black
Ink: basic black, real read
Stamps: Long Fellows (hostess level 1), Dot, Dot, Dot, and Bohemian Backgrounds
Accessories: Adhesive, Dimensionals, red ribbon (non SU!)

Thanks for Everything

One of my goals in this new year is to take advantage of my new crafting space (read--I have to prove to my husband that it was a great idea to buy a bigger house where I could have the entire upstairs for all my crafting goodies....). Being a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator has also inspired me to create more, teach more, and blog more. I have tons of blogs I read on a daily basis and often tell myself "I could do this....I would call it cheap therapy!" So, here I go. I hope to make good on those three promises. Plus, having all these news toys and a place to play, I want to be more of an encourager this year. I love making cards, and yes, they are pretty to have hanging all over my room, but I want others to take joy in them as well. Here is to sending out more of my handmade things!

Today I made a card that was CASE'd from the January Stampin' Success magazine (page 16). I have had this stamp set (For Everything) for a while now, and have had tons of ideas on how to use it. It seems very versatile. When I saw this particular card, I knew I had to try it. Since I am still a newbie (mostly as a demonstrator, not necessarily to stamping) I had to improvise with some of the colors and products. While I still need to learn how to take great photos of my work, I don't think this card turned out too bad.

Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzaz
Accessories: Brights Buttons, blender pen
Non-Stampin' Up!: Yellow ribbon