More Sneak Peeks

I'm always excited to see the new Idea Book & Catalogue when it rolls out.  The 2011-2012 Catalogue is available on July 1st, but demonstrators are able to pre-order select products and showcase the items we have made using those new products--a sneak peek for our customers!

If you're like me, there's no shortage of excitement at this time of year.  And even though the kid in me is always excited when my orders arrive, this time of year is different.  Okay--it's vastly different!!  As the delivery date of my order drew nearer, I realized that I was becoming a stalker of sorts.  My UPS radar was on high alert, and I tell you I could spot a UPS truck a mile away!  Kind of like a shark in the water...  <<sigh>>

I knew I was in trouble when I found myself staring longingly at every UPS truck I saw; anxiously hoping it would turn into my neighbourhood and visit me.  So, it's probably a good thing that I was at work when my order arrived yesterday... it would have been embarassing for a grown woman to tackle the poor driver...  Embarassing for my neighbours to see, I mean.  I'm amazingly okay about admitting that I'm a stalker...  <<smile>>

I wanted to show you a couple of the new In Colors for 2011-2012.  The background of the first card is Lucky Limeade, and it's a cheery shade of green.  I love it!  The patterned paper is a Hostess product and is called Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (DSP).  The scallop circle is made from a polka dot pattern in the same DSP.  This is a must-have, in my opinion!  The papers I've used below coordinate well with Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink, which I've used in the card.  The stamp set is also a Hostess product, and it is called Happiest Birthday Wishes.

Now onto the second card.  I've used Wisteria Wonder for the background, which is another In Color introduced in the new Idea Book & Catalogue which launches on July 1st.  The new In Colors are so pretty!  (Have no fear, though, because the current In Colors will remain for one more year.)  The images in the background are from the new Delicate Doilies stamp set.  They coordinate beautifully with the Flirtatious Designer Series Paper--I've used a small strip near the bottom of the card, next to the strip of Elegant Eggplant, which matches so well with Wisteria Wonder.

I hope you enjoyed these sneak peeks... stay tuned for more 'sneak peek' cards and projects in the next little while.

Until then, take care, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Little butterfly...

The theme for this month's card swap was the Strength & Hope stamp set, and the creativity for my card was provided by Stephanie Uzee.  The images in the set are delicate and graceful, and the set supports a cause that is close to my heart.  Stampin' Up! has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and, until August 31, 2011, Stampin' Up! will donate $2 from the sale of each Strength & Hope stamp set to the BCRF.

If you haven't already done so, please consider supporting this cause by purchasing the Strength & Hope stamp set.  Thank you!
Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Strength & Hope (W 118100/C 123660)
Paper:  Early Espresso (119686), Rose Red (102544), Crumb Cake (120953)
Ink:  Early Espresso (119670), Crumb Cake (121030)
Accessories:  Crumb Cake & Rose Red Seam Binding (Carry-over items), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Linen Thread (104199), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), VersaMark Pad (102283), Eyelet Border Punch (119853), Heat Tool (100005)

Thanks for joining me!

Sail Away

It's sometimes difficult to come up with masculine cards that are suitable for the men in our lives, no matter what the occasion.  I CASE'd this next card from one shown in the Summer Mini Catalogue.  By changing the sentiment on the card (which, in this photo, is from a recently retired hostess set), you can adapt this card for most occasions.

I like the nautical theme, and the card is easy to make.  Seriously, though, I admit my water colouring skills need improving!!  They are definitely a work in progress...

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Sail Away (123013), Something to Celebrate (Retired Hostess Set)
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler (119685), Not Quite Navy (101722), Very Vanilla (101650), Nautical Expedition DSP (122343)
Ink:  Early Espresso Classic Ink (119670), Cherry Cobbler Marker (119681), Crumb Cake Craft Stampin' Spots (119719)
Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (123125), Postage Stamp Punch (122344), Brights Brads (119740)

Thanks for visiting!

Clean & Simple

There's something about a clean and simple card that can be really eye-catching.  I CASE'd this card from Mary Fish, and I love its simple elegance.

Sometimes a simple card can feel unfinished, but the beauty of it is that you can add more elements if you choose to and dress it up, or keep it clean and simple.

Thank you for visiting!  I hope your day was wonderful!

Sunny Days

It's a gorgeous Sunday morning and the sun is trying to make its come-back!  We've had cooler temperatures and a smidge of rain the last three days, but it's a beautiful day nonetheless.  I actually don't mind cooler temperatures, and I love when it rains, so I've been a happy camper.  Besides, the way the weather has been wreaking havoc on many parts of the world, the weather is something I don't really complain about.  Yes, folks, even when it's -30 degrees Celsius (that equates to 'darn cold' in Fahrenheit) I'm pretty much okay with that!  I know it could always be worse, and better days are always around the corner.  The only thing I'm not crazy about is driving on icy roads in the winter.  Although I live in Edmonton, I work in a small community nearby, which means having to drive on the highway to work.  It's not a long distance, and I'm a very confident driver, but for me it occasionally means a bit of white-knuckle driving after a winter's storm.

It has been awhile since I've had the time to post anything I've made.  I find this to be such a busy time of year with school events and other activities winding down, not to mention all the other 'life stuff' that keeps us hopping.  But I am very blessed to have children, and I wouldn't have it any other way...

Here are some cards that are bright and cheerful, and easy to make.  When I fashion a card after someone else's work, I try my best to give credit where credit is due, but sometimes it is difficult to know or remember where that credit rightfully goes... so, if I've CASE'd your work and not given credit, please let me know and I will happily set wrong impressions right!

This card is so cheerful--it is based on a card we made at a recent We Can Stamp business event in Millet (sorry, I don't know who created this card).  It's adorable.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Happy Greetings (W123311, C123313)
Paper:  Daffodil Delight Textured CS,  Rich Razzleberry Textured CS and Old Olive Textured CS (Brights Textured CS 121077), Playful Polka Dots DSP (122346)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink (115658)
Accessories:  2-3/8" Scallop Circle Extra Large Punch (118874),  1-3/4" Circle Extra Large Punch (119850),  1-3/8" Circle Large Punch (119860), Brights Designer Buttons (119747), White Baker's Twine (124262)

I'll post more cards this evening--I'm off and running for a few hours.  I hope you enjoy your day!

Time to Say Goodbye (to Some Retiring Products)

It's that time of year again, when we say goodbye to some of our favourites and await the release of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue that brings with it hundreds of new products.  You have until June 30th to place your order, but since most items are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, please be sure to order the retiring products at your earliest opportunity to ensure you aren't disappointed.

To view the retiring products or place an on-line order, simply look at the right side of my blog and click the "Last Chance" product line you want to view, and you'll see the images and details for each item.

The Open Sea

When I first saw the stamp set 'The Open Sea', I liked the images but I wasn't sure if it would really work for me.  I decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did.  It seems many of us struggle with creating masculine cards, but whether you're trying to create a card for Father's Day, or a masculine card for the men in your life, or even a card with a vintage or old world feel to it, I think this set will serve those purposes quite well.

The following card is the one I made for my Upline group's May Card Swap--the theme was products from the 2011 Summer Mini Catalogue.  I came home with beautiful cards and a heap of inspiration!

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  The Open Sea (W 123030/C 123032)
Paper:  Nautical Expedition DSP (122343), Crumb Cake (120953)
Ink:  Early Espresso (119670), Crumb Cake (121030)
Other Great Stuff:  Baker's Twine-Early Espresso/White (123124), Stampin' Emboss Powder-White (109132)/ Clear (109130), Smooch Spritz-Vanilla Shimmer (118772), Heat Tool (100005)

Thanks for visiting!  Take care...