Exciting Spellbinders News!!

I am so excited and happy to announce that I made the Spellbinders 2009-2010 Design Team!! I am looking forward to another wonderful year of working with Spellbinders, they truly are an Amazing company!! Have you seen the list of all the wonderful and extremely talented ladies who are going to be on the 2009-2010 Spellbinders Design Team? If not you can check it out HERE. I can't wait for our retreat in April and to be able to meet all of the ladies in person!

I would love to share with you the card that I made for my final project in trying out for the Spellbinders DT. All of us in the top 24 were sent two sets of die templates Classic Scalloped Heart Nestabilities S4-137 and the Reflections Butterflies S3-038 . We were asked to use these dies on our final project and we could make a card or a LO.

Here is the card that I made.How do you like the pretty little flower? I used the Scalloped Heart diecuts as petals and made a flower with a couple of leaves. I used several different colors of ink for the flower and leaves (listed below) and used a skewer to curl the petals. Then once the flower was assembled I lightly misted it with Glimmer Mist. I also used both of the diecuts for the butterfly. On the bottom one I did the reverse stencil technique using cardstock and the top butterfly is vellum. I also added a little diamond stickles for some sparkle. The designer paper is from Chatter Box and I love it! The paper is flocked and I think it looks so pretty. I inked the edges just to make the flocked part pop even a little more.I made the banner at the bottom and for the sentiment I used the Special Occasion Font set and the NEW Times New Roman Lowercase font set along with my Harmony Rectangular Wood Stamper from JustRite Stampers. I just love using the new lowercase font set, it opens up so many more possibilities! I also added some ribbon with a little bow and a few tiny pearls in the corners.
Supplies~
Paper~Neenah-Solar White Classic Crest, Chatter Box-Artsy.licious Fine Flocked Paper Willow, WorldWin Double Mates Belgium Blue, ColorMates Deep Heritage Black, Vellum
Stamps~JustRite Stampers-Harmony Rectangular Stamp Set, Special Occasion Paper Crafty Font Ensemble, Times New Roman Lowercase Font Set
Ink~Ranger Adirondack Ink-Lemonade, Peach Bellini, Shell Pink, Cranberry, Butterscotch, Ranger Distress Ink-Vintage Photo, Tsukineko-Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Up Ink-Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Garden Green, Not Quite Navy
Other~Spellbinders-Wizard, Butterfly Reflections S3-038, Classic Scalloped Heart S4-137 Die Templates, Tattered Angels-Iridescent Gold & Red Velvet Glimmer Mist, Joann's-Green Ribbon, Pearls, Pearl Button, Krylon-Gold Leafing Pen, Ranger-Diamond Stickles, Beacon-ZipDry, GemTac, Foam Tape, Cotton Balls, Skewer, Button Shank Remover

Thanks so much for stopping by today and letting me share my good news with all of you! I am hoping some of the other ladies post their final projects, I would love to see what they did with the hearts and butterflies! It's always a lot of fun to see what people come up with using the same die templates. Congratulations to all of the 2009-2010 Spellbinders Design Team!!

Hope you have a Fantastic Day!!
Smiles!
Heidi

My 1st Color Challenge on SCS!

I know a ton of people do the challenges at SCS and I keep telling myself I have to give them a try, so today I took a leap and did the color challenge! At first when I looked at the colors, I wasn't too sure about the whole thing. But then I thought this is a challenge, right? This is something to make you think a little out of the box or out of your comfort zone. The colors for today are Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss (or Old Olive) and More Mustard. I don't know that I would have ever put these colors together but once I started working on the card I was really liking the color combo.

Here is my card for the Color Challenge.So what do you think? I don't have any of the Kiwi Kiss CS so I used the Old Olive. The butterfly stamp and the rose flourishes in the corner is from the All Occasion stamp set from Inkadinkado. I used the Wizard from Spellbinders along with the Labels Four S4-190 and Classic Frames S5-012 die templates to make all of the diecuts.

Here is a close-up of the butterfly. To do the butterfly I inked the body with Old Olive, then took the brush tip of the Rose Red marker and made brush strokes coming out from the body. Then I inked the wings with More Mustard and for the final step I did the Rock-n-Roll technique using Old Olive. I did the butterfly twice, once on the diecut and one that I cut out and glue the body down on top of the other one. I also added a little diamond stickles to the butterfly.

For some accents I also added tiny little pearls on the frame and in the corners of the card.
Supplies~
Stamps~Inkadinkado-All Occasion
Ink~Rose Red, Old Olive, More Mustard
Paper~SU-Rose Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other~Spellbinders-Wizard, Labels Four S4-190 and Classic Frames S5-012 die templates, Ribbon, Pearls, Diamond Stickles, Foam Tape, Sponge

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I had so much fun doing the color challenge, now I can't wait to see what the colors are for next week! Hope you have a Fantastic Day!!

Smiles!
Heidi

As promised--better late than never Mother's Day cards

I bet you were beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get these posted! LOL!

The first card is one that I made for my Mom. I started out with the stamped image from RubberNeckers and colored it with Copic markers. Then I started looking through my paper & I thought the image went perfectly with this designer paper Sultry from Basic Grey. On the flourish chipboard first I air brushed it using Copic markers and then I added Crackle Accents from Ranger. Just a Note ** adding the Crackle Accents on top of the Copic markers will give you a deeper color. The Flourish started out the same color as the dress on the stamped image. I used the Long Scallop Rectangle MegaNestabilities die (S4 143) from Spellbinders to cut out a rectangle in the BG paper and sponged the edges with brown ink. I used the ATC Card (S4 073) die from Spellbinders to make a corner accent on the rectangle and also on the flourish chipboard. The tag is a die cut from the Tags Trio (S3 150) die from Spellbinders and I did the Reverse Stenciling technique on the tag. The Reverse Stenciling technique can be seen by clicking HERE. The edges of the BG paper were distressed and then sponged with brown ink. For embellishments I also added some perfect pearls, trim, flowers, brads and a button.

Supplies~
Paper~Iced Kiwi, Intense Kiwi--Prism, Sultry--Basic Grey, Solar White CS
Stamps~Embrace Text (165SO), Brigette (237-07)--RubberNeckers
Ink~Coffee Bean Ink--Brilliance
Tools~Wizard Universal Die Cutting & Embossing System, Long Scallop Rectangle MegaNestabilities(S4 143) , ATC Card (S4 073), Tags Trio (S3 150)--Spellbinders Paper Arts
Other~Copic Sketch Markers, ABS--Copic, Pink Trim--Creative Impressions, Perfect Pearls--Ranger, Flowers-Prima & CTMH, Tiny Rhinestones, Flourish Chipboard, Button--My Stash

This next card is one that I made for my mom to give to my Grandma. My Grandma loves purple and lavender so I thought these papers would work wonderfully. Here is a view of the front of the card when it is closed.
Here is a picture of the inside.~I know it might not look like it but this card was actually very quick and easy. I used my Score Pal (thanks Ema!! *wink*) to quickly measure and score the card base and then I used three panels of K&Company designer paper to dress it up. I mounted the card onto a larger base using two different colors of CS, purple 6 x 6 and lavender 5 3/4 x 5 3/4 and then I stamped a flourish image on each side & added some touches of glitter using stickles. I cut, embossed & stenciled the butterflies using the Flying Beauties (S4 123) & Butterflies 2 (S3 146) dies from Spellbinders. To do the stenciling I used Copic sketch markers and the Copic ABS. I also added a little stickles to each of the butterflies. For the sentiment I stamped it using Brilliance Graphite Black ink and then I cut out the sentiment using the Large Classic Oval Nestabilities (S4 110) from Spellbinders.

Supplies~
Paper~Majestic Purple Light, Majestic Purple Dark, Iced Pink, Frosted Teal--Prism, Purple Butterfly Glitter Paper--K&Company
Ink~Graphite Black Ink--Brilliance
Stamps~Sentiment--Hero Arts, Flourishes (retired) --SU
Tools~Wizard Universal Die Cutting & Embossing Tool, Large Classic Oval Nestabilities (S4 110), Flying Beauties (S4 123), Butterflies 2 (S3 146)--Spellbinders Paper Arts, Score Pal--
Other~Copic Sketch Markers, Copic ABS--Copic, Stickles--Ranger, Rhinestones & Ribbon--My Stash

Thank You so much for stopping by!! I also wanted to say Thank You for all of the wonderful comments and personal emails from my last post!! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! I always love hearing from all of you!! I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Smiles!
Heidi

Copic Markers

I have been having so much fun with my new Copic markers!! I LOVE them!! Oh the possibilities!! This is my first finished piece that I have to share with you. I am working on a few other things but they but they are still in pieces. I hope to get them completed & share them soon. *wink* This is a post it note holder that I made for my Grandma. Her kitchen is decorated with grapes and I thought this would be a nice little added touch.

For the post it note holder i used a 4 x 6 acrylic photo frame turned upside down. These are so fun and quick to make & they make a nice little gift for someone. I haven't used this grape image for some time but after coloring it with the Copic marker I think I might be using it a little more often. I just love how the grapes turned out! I know I have only used my markers a few times & I still have a lot to learn with all of the blending techniques but the markers really are so fun to work with. They are unlike any other marker I have used & I love being able to blend the colors.

Click to enlarge image~
I also used the Copic glitter pens to add touches of sparkle. I was kind of in a hurry when I took the pictures so the glitter didn't show up the best, but IRL it is all sparkles!

Click to enlarge image~
The letters that spell out notes are stone stickers and they are on the outside of the frame. I also used the Copic markers in the letters and added a little purple.
Supplies~
Paper~SU-Whisper White, Almost Amethyst, Always Artichoke, Lovely Lilac
Stamps~Grapes (unknown), Autumn Leaves-flourishes
Ink~SU-Lovely Lilac, Color Box-Black Craft,
Other~Copic Markers, Glitter Pens, 4 x 6 Acrylic Frame, Stone Letter Stickers, SU-Clear EP, Ribbon & Post It Notes

I am leaving on Wednesday to go to Phoenix, AZ for the big Spellbinders Design Team Retreat!! I am soooooo excited--I can hardly wait!!! I will try to get a few more things posted before I leave. Thank you so much for stopping by & I hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!
Smiles!
Heidi

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers

I joined a new group a couple of days ago called Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers. I am in Group #3 and I am very excited to meet all of the sisters! I happened to come across the SBS link on Flossie’s Blog and I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. I think this will be a great way to meet some new friends, see some amazing design work, leave comments & encourage each other in our creative journey. Thank you to all of the sisters stopping by!! I can’t wait to check out all of your blogs, see your design work and get to know each of you!!

Here’s a little bit about me~

My name is Heidi and I live in Southern MN with my wonderful and very supportive DH (Eric) and our two boys (Dusty and Evan) and in the summer my step-son (Chase) comes to stay with us. I guess you would say we have a blended family-yours, mine & ours. Eric & I have been together for almost nine years & married almost six years. I have lived most of my life right here in MN and Eric is originally from WV, but lived in FL for almost ten years before moving here.

I have always loved crafts for as far back as I can remember. Over the years, I have been introduced to several different crafts. I am a floral designer, a painter, a stamper, and I have made jewelry. I started painting when I was 12, my Mom asked me if I would like to take a painting class with her. I loved it & have been painting ever since. I am now 36 and I started stamping when I was 17, back in 1988. Man that sounds like another lifetime ago! *gasp* My Mom gave me some stamps and ink pads for Christmas that year. To be honest I thought they were really neat but I wasn’t sure what exactly I was going to do with them. Back then we didn’t have any stamping stores around here. I can remember making some stationary & stamping on envelopes (mail art—who knew!). I still have some of those first pieces and they are kind of fun to look back on at times. There have been so many changes with stamping over the years and I love stamping now more than ever! Before my youngest son was born I was a manager at one of the local floral shops. It has been sometime since I have worked with fresh flowers (other than from the garden) but I still do some silk arrangements every now & then and I still dabble with jewelry making too.

For the past few years I have been a SAHM and teaching stamping classes in my home. I have also taught classes at two LSS and for Community Ed. This January will be my two year anniversary as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. Also in November I received one of the most exciting phone calls from Stacey Caron, President of Spellbinders Paper Arts. I was asked to join the Spellbinders 2008 Design Team!! I am so excited and honored to be given this opportunity!! I can’t wait until January when we will all get to meet in Phoenix, Arizona!!

Well I guess that’s me in a nutshell! Most of my time is spent with family, friends, teaching classes & stamping whenever I can! *wink*

Thanks so much to all of the sisters who have already visited my blog and all of your Wonderful comments--WOW!! I hope to check your blogs out very soon & catch up with all of you!!

Smiles!
Heidi

Angel Snow Globe

So did you all have a nice Thanksgiving & lots of yummy food? I hope it was a wonderful day for all!

How many of you hit the stores for Black Friday? I didn't make it out at all on Friday, our little guy ended up getting sick Thursday evening so we spent most of the weekend at home. But Eric was up early and hit the stores for some good deals. He bought some presents for the boys and a new Christmas tree--a pre-lit one! The tree that we had was still in great shape but it took forever to get it put up and then add all the lights & decorations! This was so slick it was up and fluffed out in about an hour--gotta love that! The ornaments took a little longer but for the most part the tree is decorated but I am still trying to figure out what to do for the top. What does the top of your tree look like? Do you have a star, angel, ribbons or nothing at all? We have been looking for a really pretty star or angel for the last couple of years but just haven't had much luck. It seems like most of the trees that you see all done up in the stores just have ribbons or nothing at all on the top. I would love to hear what you do for your tree top! Once I figure out what we are doing I will take some pictures to share with you.

Have you seen the tutorial on Splitcoaststampers for these adorable little Snow Globes? Vickie Garrett has a wonderful tutorial for the Snow Globes and you can click HERE to check it out! I made one of these a few days ago but I didn't have all of the materials so this is my own little version. *wink*
I have looked at a few different stores here in our town & I haven't been able to find the bigger clear ornaments. I have found a ton of the tiny ones & standard size so I have been thinking & thinking what could I do to alter this a little & still make it work?? If I use the standard size over 1/2 of it ended up in the little can and it just didn't look right. So I got an idea and went with it! What do you think? Instead of using a can I used a clear votive holder.

Here's what I did~
First I lined it with silver paper, filled it with snow and then used clear silicone to adhere the two pieces together (ornament & votive holder). Once it was dry then I brushed crystal effects over the votive holder and sprinkled dazzling diamond glitter over it.

Supplies~
Paper~3M-Transparencies Here's a little tip*If you aren't planning on heat embossing but would like to stamp with a permanent ink and do other techniques with transparencies buy the Write-on Transparency Film. It is a lot less expensive (about $10-$15 for a box of 100).
Stamps~SU-Holy Triptych
Ink~SU-Stazon
Other~SU-Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, WM-Snow, Clear Votive Holder, Sharpie Markers, Jo-Ann's-Clear Glass Ornaments

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are having a great week and enjoying the beginning of the Holiday Season!

Smiles!
Heidi

Spellbinders DT Submissions Part 2

As promised Part 2~

As soon as I found out we needed to submit something with stamping I knew exactly what I wanted to do! Stampscapes!! If you haven't used Stampscapes or maybe if you haven't ever seen them before I strongly urge you to check out the website. They have some truly amazing design work on there and so many beautiful stamps to choose from!

My husband, Eric is the one who introduced me to Stampscapes. I have to be honest I'm more into the girly & artsy stamps so several years ago when I was first introduced to them I didn't really know if they would be my kind of stamp. But with some encouragement (ok a lot!) from Eric I started working with them and I have grown to LOVE them!! After working with them I found out they are not as intimidating as they look! LOL! They are actually what I would call very user friendly. When working with Stampscapes your imagination is your only limitation!! You can use just one stamp or half a dozen to create some beautiful art! Over the years I have taught several classes using Stampscapes and people are always amazed at what they can create. *If you check out the the slide gallery you can see a Stampscapes card (with a wolf-the wolf isn't stampscapes) that I taught for one of my classes.

Stampscapes Shadow Box Card~
Awhile back I found a wonderful tutorial by Dawn Griffith on SCS for the Shadow Box Card. Click HERE for the link. I knew it would be perfect for this card! I used 9 stamps from Stampscapes to make this card.

Fishing Vest~
Fish~

The die cuts were made using Spellbinders Wizard-Embossing & Die Cutting System. To add the fine details to the Gone Fishing sign, vest and the fish took five steps--1-Embossing, 2-Chalk, 3-Markers, 4-Inks (sponge & brush), 5-White Gel Pen. After I cut out each piece I left them in the die & used the die as a stencil for adding detail.

Looking up to the sky~

Supplies~
Paper~SU-Very Vanilla, River Rock, Mellow Moss, Kraft
Ink~SU-Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip (pad & marker), River Rock, Mellow Moss (pad & marker), Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke (pad & marker), Jet Black Stazon, White gel Pen
Stamps~Stampscapes-Oak Branch-203G, Fisherman in Boat-187B, Lakeside Cove Lg-049G, Cascading Falls Lg-015G, Tree Duo-085A, Rocky Peaks-188F, Cloud with Sun-108G, Cloud (Cumulus)-018E, Geese in Flight-039A
Other~Spellbinders-Wizard Embossing & Die Cutting System, Gone Fishing S4 037 Embossing & Stenciling Die, SU-Crystal Effects, Sticky Strip, Pastels (chalk), Linen Thread, My Stash-Shells, Sponges, Pop Dots, Eyelet & Q-tips

Ok here is the last item--the altered item. I think I might be doing a few more of these! *wink* But before I can show you what I did I want to share the before picture with you. I have also included a picture of the designer paper before I distressed it.

Metal Clutch Handbag (before)~
Designer Paper~

Before I could really get into altering the handbag I covered the entire piece with two coats of Gesso. I used a white acrylic gesso which helped to adhere the paint, designer paper, die cuts and embellishments.

Altered Metal Clutch Handbag~
So what do you think? I really, really want to use this!! But I am also afraid of something happening to it! My Husband, Eric works for Hormel Foods and the Corporate/Management Christmas Dinner & Dance is just around the corner--maybe I will have to find an outfit to match the handbag! lol!!

Here's a few close-up pictures so you can see all of the details~

Click on photos to enlarge~
To alter/distress the the designer paper I started out by using an old gift card and some gesso. I swiped the card with gesso back and forth across the paper covering most of the paper. Let it dry. Then I took about a teaspoon of water and added several (30-40) drops of SU creamy caramel ink, took a sponge brush and quickly brushed across the entire piece of paper and let it dry. In the areas where there wasn't gesso it tinted the paper and gave it an aged look. Also once the handbag was altered I brushed Perfect Pearls (Perfect Gold) by Ranger over the entire piece and then sealed it.

Supplies~
Paper~Anna Griffin-Designer Paper, SU-Very Vanilla, Mellow Moss, Regal Rose
Ink~SU-Creamy Caramel (pad & refill ink), Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Rose Red (pad & refill ink)
Other~Spellbinders-Wizard Embossing & Die Cutting System, Embossing & Stenciling Dies-Nestabilities-Classic Scalloped Oval Lg S4 111, Rose S3 001, SU-Pastels (chalk), Crystal Effects, Deco Art-Cloud White Patio Paint, Daler/Rowney-White Acrylic Gesso, Ranger-Perfect Pearls (perfect gold), Crackle Accents, The Robin's Nest-Dew Drops (poinsettia), Jo-Ann's-Gold Trim, Gold Rose Button, Swarovski Crystals-Light Topaz, Flat Pearls, Plaid-Mod Podge, Zig-Gold Metallic Paint Pen, WM-Metal Clutch Handbag, My Stash-Sponges, Q-tips


Once again Thank You so much for stopping by & checking out my blog!! I always love reading your comments!! I hope you don't get too sick of hearing me say I can't wait until January!! This next year is going to be a wonderful journey full of new friendships and creativity!! I hope you are having a Terrific Week!!
Smiles!
Heidi

Spellbinders DT Submissions Part 1

I think I am still floating in the clouds!! I am so excited about being on the Spellbinders 2008 Design Team!! I have to say WOW I am so very fortunate to be in the company of all these very talented ladies!! I can't wait until January when we will all get to meet in Phoenix, Arizona .

I wanted to share with you the designs that I submitted for the DT. For the submissions we had to design four items, a 12 x 12 scrapbook LO, a card, an altered item & something with stamping. I am going to show you these in two different posts (part 1 & part 2) so make sure you check back! *wink*

As most of you know I'm somewhat new to the scrapbooking so this is going to be my big challenge of the year! But I am looking forward to it and most of my friends that scrapbook keep telling me to think of it as a huge card with pictures-lol! So that's what I did and I was really happy with how it turned out.I made the leaves and the tag using the Wizard and the Assorted Leaves
(S4 076) embossing & stenciling die and copper craft foil. I took these pictures of the boys a couple of years ago on a beautiful autumn day.

Click on the picture to enlarge~Supplies~
Paper~CTMH-DP Free Spirit, SU-Ballet Blue, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron
Ink~SU-Chocolate Chip (pad & marker)
Other~Spellbinders-Wizard Embossing & Die Cutting System, Leaves (S4 076) & Tags 5 (S4 081) Embossing & Stenciling Dies, Cricut-George & Basic Shapes (Alphabet), SU-Ticket Corner Punch, Michael's-Copper Craft Foil, Copper Brads, Maple Leaf Brads, Horizon Fabrics- Brown/Gold Ribbon, My Stash-Pictures of my Angels *wink*

I had so much fun designing this card!! I knew I wanted to do something with the Butterfly Reflections (S3 038) embossing and stenciling die. I LOVE butterflies!! I thought about it for a couple of days, sketched it out and went to work.To add some dimension I rolled the petals of the flowers and some of the leaves. I also used silicone adhesive to attach all of the die cut pieces.

Click on the picture to enlarge~Supplies~
Paper~K&Company-DP Roam, SU-Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou, Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Barely Banana & Vellum
Stamps~Outlines-Sentiment, Autumn Leaves-Rhonna Farrer-Word Flourishes
Ink~Ranger-Distress Ink Frayed Burlap, SU-Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi, Green Garden (pad & marker), Cameo Coral (pad & marker), Close to Cocoa (pad & marker), Ruby Red (pad & marker)
Other~Spellbinders-Wizard Embossing & Die Cutting System, Butterfly Reflections (S3 038), Flower Creations (S4 072), Assorted Leaves
(S4 076), Bugs (S4 008) Embossing & Stenciling Dies, Ranger-Stickles Diamond, Perfect Pearls, Swarovski Crystals-Crystal & AB, Horizon Fabrics-Brown/Gold Ribbon, My Stash-Silicone, Sponges & Pop Dots.

I want to say "Thank You" for all of the wonderful comments you have left over the past few days!! I hope you enjoyed part 1 of my DT submissions and don't forget to check back to see the altered and stamping projects. I hope you had a Marvelous Monday!!
Smiles!
Heidi

Angel Baby

This is one of my all time favorite stamps! I know it's not a newer one but I have used it on so many cards & for so many different occasions. The image of the Angel Baby just gives me a sense of peace and innocences. Sometimes with photography it can be so hard to capture the shimmering details. I keep playing around with the lighting trying to get the perfect picture and I think this one shows detail but also the softness of the colors. The Scalloped Oval is made using the Nestabilities Die Cuts from Spellbinders. I used watercolor paper for the embossed oval. The angel image is stamped using black stazon ink. To achieve the soft coloring I started out by picking three pastel colors of ink, Barely Banana, Pretty In Pink & Bashful Blue. I lightly misted the watercolor paper with water, inked up a sponge with barely banana and blotted off most of the ink. *If you were painting something and used this technique it would be known as a dry brush.* Then starting in the center of the image I very lightly began to work in a small circular motion with the sponge. With each color I kept working the ink out to the edge of the oval. I also kept misting my paper which makes it easier to blend the inks. Once this was done I wanted to add a soft shimmer so I came in and highlighted different areas with twinkling H2O's. To finish off the oval I edged the scallops with a gold metallic pen, punched holes & wove the ribbon through. Also to add some shimmer to the background paper I lightly rubbed a versa mark ink pad over the embossed paper (Cuttlebug) and added some pearlex.

Supplies~
Paper~SU-Very Vanilla, Barely Banana, Watercolor Paper
Stamps~Stampendous
Ink~SU-Barely Banana, Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue, Stazon-Black, Versa Mark
Other~Spellbinders-Nestabilities (large scalloped oval), Twinkling H2O's-Iridescent Gold, Iridescent Blue, SU-1/8" Circle Punch, 3/16"Corner Rounder Punch, Cuttlebug-Embossing Folder, Pearlex, My Stash-Ribbon, Popdots & Gold Metallic Pen

I hope you are having a wonderful first half to your week & thanks so much for stopping by!
Smiles!
Heidi

Sleigh Bells Ring Class

This past Saturday I had a stamping class here at the house and we made several project using just one stamp set. The set we used is SU Sleigh Bells Ring which can be found in the Fall & Winter Catty. The stamp set was included in the cost of the class & all of the sets had been ordered a few weeks before so each of the ladies had their own stamp set to work with. They said they really liked doing a class this way. They had new ideas & already had the stamp set so they didn't have to wait for an order, they could go home and keep creating.

For the class we made a card with a matching envy, a gift bag with matching tissue paper, a little chocolate treat bag & a glass Christmas ornament. But I am going to be saving the Christmas ornament for a different post so today I will be sharing the card, gift bag & treat bag with you.

The Card~
The images were stamped with versa mark ink unto vellum & then I used gold EP & added some color with markers on the backside of the vellum. I really like the look when you color on the backside of the vellum, it gives a much softer look. For a touch of sparkle to the front I added some dazzling diamond glitter with a 2-way glue pen.

Supplies~
Paper~SU-Hunter Green, Real Red, Whisper White, Vellum
Stamps~SU-Sleigh Bells Ring
Ink~SU-Versa Mark, Hunter Green (pad & marker), Real Red (marker), Chocolate Chip (marker)
Other~SU-Gold Brads, Dimensionals, My Stash-Red Ribbon

The Gift Bag~For the background piece I used the images from the Sleigh Bells Ring set & Night of Navy ink. I stamped off twice to get the really faded look. Also on the Night of Navy CS I inked the edges (direct ink to paper) with SU White craft ink. Once you do this you need to set it aside to dry for a few minutes but it will give your paper a frosted look.

Supplies~
Paper~SU-Night of Navy, Whisper White
Stamps~SU-Sleigh Bells Ring
Ink~SU-Night of Navy, White (craft), Real Read (marker)
Other~SU-Dimensionals, Ranger-Stickles, Jo-Ann's-Ribbon

Chocolate Treats~
The Chocolates are Hershey Nuggets with a stamped mailing label wrapped around them. Sorry the colors look a little off in this picture, I'm not sure why. On the mailing labels the red berries almost look pink but IRL they are red. To color in the berries I used a Q-tip and picked up ink from the ink pad. The tip of the Q-tip is just the right size for doing this.

Supplies~
Paper~Walmart-Mailing Labels
Stamps~SU-Sleigh Bells Ring
Ink~SU-Handsome Hunter, Real Red
Other~SU-Small Celo Bag, Walmart-Hershey Nuggets, Q-tips, Ribbon & Crinkle Paper

Thank you so much for stopping by & I hope you enjoyed looking at some of the Sleigh Bells Ring designs!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!
Smiles!
Heidi

~Love Much~

Just a quick post to share a wedding card with you. I made this card today & really like the outcome! Yesterday I received my package from Prickley Pear so I thought I would try out some of my new stamps--gotta love fresh rubbah!! I made the background paper with one of the larger stamps. I think it almost looks like printed paper. For the cake I cut out three rectangles using Fiskars Shape Cutters. Then I used the Textile Embossing Folder from the Cuttlebug & ran it through the Wizard. I thought this would give it the appearance of frosting. I also rubbed a Versamark ink pad over each piece & then added some pearlex. I still wanted to give it a little bling so I punched out several tiny flowers, adhered them & added a pearl bead to every other flower.

Supplies~
Paper~SU-Whisper White, Very Vanilla, The Luxury Stack-Pearlized PP
Stamps~Prickley Pear-All Stamps
Ink~SU-White Craft Ink, Pale Plum, Versamark, Distress Ink-Antique Linen
Other~SU-Gold EP, Lg. Oval Punch, Crystal Effects, Pearlex, Fiskars-Shape Cutters, EK Success-Flower Punches, Cuttlebug-Embossing Folders, Wizard, My Stash-Ribbon & Pearls

I hope you all had a Wonderful Wednesday & just think the week is already half way over!! Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles!
Heidi

Wonderful Weekend

Hello!! I know it's been a few days since my last post! I hope you all had a great weekend! How many of you were able to take a little time for yourself & enjoy World Card Making Day? I hope each of you were able to do something fun over the weekend & enjoy some creative time!!

We had a pretty busy weekend around here. On Saturday I had a Stampin' Up! Open House with make-n-takes to celebrate WCMD. I really enjoyed the day & it's always fun to be able to visit with the ladies! I want to say Thank You So Much to all of the wonderful ladies that came on Saturday!! Later that evening I went to a Surprise Birthday Party! One of the ladies (Miriam) that comes to my stamping classes had her 60th Birthday on Saturday & her Daughter had a surprise party for her! It was a really nice party with family & friends & really yummy food!

When I came home I had my own surprise!! I received an email from Liz at CHF (Cornish Heritage Farms) letting me know I had won a 'mini treasure' from the Worldwide Treasure Hunt!! I won the Summer Fun stamp set!! I can't wait to play with it!! I already have a few ideas sketched out-LOL-so I will be ready!! You should hop on over to CHF and check out the new line of stamps by Kim Hughes!! She has some really fun designs!! I have to say the Treasure Hunt was so much fun!! Along the way you had to look for CLUE WORDS & throughout the journey the Treasure Hunt took me to some wonderful sites with some amazing design work!! I thought it was a great way to celebrate a new stamp line.

On Sunday after church we spent the day at the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival. It's a great way to spend the day with family and find out what life was like 150 years ago! They have entertainment, merchants, & lots of yummy food!! I will post more about that tomorrow...

Here are a couple of cards that I made this last week. They were for customer orders but they were also for my friend Miriam (Surprise BD Party). I love how both of them turned out!! I didn't realize it until I was going to do this post but I forgot to take pictures of the card I made for her from myself! LOL!
Supplies~
Paper~SU-Elegant Eggplant, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Stamps~SU-Flourish, Lace (both retired), Hero Arts-Lady, A Stamp In The Hand-Script, Anna Griffin-Sentiment
Ink~SU-Elegant Eggplant, Versamark, Black Stazon
Tools~SU-Distress Tool, (Punches) Ticket Corner, Circle 1/8, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, Heat Tool, Sponge
Other~Pearlex, Twinkling H2O's-Royal Orchid, Iridescent Gold, Stickles-Diamond, Brenda Walton-Adhesive Rhinestones, My Stash-Black Velvet Ribbon, Gold Ribbon, Chipboard & Pop DotsSupplies~
Paper~SU-Regal Rose & Very Vanilla, The Luxury Stack-Printed Paper
Stamps~SU-Cherish, Me & Carrie Lou-Dress
Ink~SU-Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Rose Red, Versamark
Tools~SU-Distress Tool, 1/8 in. Circle Punch, Lg. Oval Punch, Spritz Tool, Aqua Painter, Fiskars Embossing Corner Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Wizard, Heat Tool, Sponge
Other~Gold & Pearl Pearlex, SU-Gold EP, Brads, Ranger-Crackle Accents, Joann's-Pearls, My Stash-Ribbon, Lace, Pop Dots

Thanks for stopping by & I hope you have a Marvelous Monday!!
Smiles!
Heidi

Email--UGH!!

Sorry but this is going to be a little vent!

Last night I received an email from one of my customers and she had some questions & said she hadn't heard from me in a while. I thought this was a little strange since I had sent her a few emails in the past several days & some of the questions she had I had already answered in previous emails. So instead of starting a new message I just replied to hers & it went through, she received it in just a few minutes. I started thinking about it & realized I had only heard from just a few people, so I was wondering if other people hadn't received the emails I was sending out. It was getting kind of late but I quickly sent out a few emails to ask some of the ladies if they had received any emails from me in the past few days.

This morning I checked my email & I heard back from a few of the ladies. Some said yes they had received it but just hadn't replied back yet & the others said NO, but when they went & looked in their junk mail and there it was!! For some reason the past few times I have sent out mass emails about SU classes & workshops some of the computers are filtering them out as JUNK mail!!!

The worst part is I am having a make-n-take here at my home on Saturday for the World Card Making Day and now hardly any of the email flyers were received!! So this morning I will be spending my time sending out individual emails to everyone & make several phone calls. Not what I had planned for the day!! :(

Anyways--thanks for listening to me vent! I guess I have to look on the upside & hope for the best!

It's Wednesday & the sun is shinning!! We have been having RAIN RAIN RAIN so it is nice to see the sun!! I hope you all have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!!

Smiles!
Heidi

Tiger Tote

Busy Busy!! Today is one of those days where every second counts!! I have a class tonight that I am getting ready for and I wanted to make a quick post to share with you what we will be making.

We will be making this little Tiger Tote along with four matching cards and envies. I just adore this little tote!! These are so fun to make and you can fill them up with all kinds of little goodies or a matching set of cards. Sorry I don't have a picture available for the cards (I haven't taken pictures of them yet).

Supplies~
Card Stock~SU-Apricot Appeal & Only Orange, Black Texture
Stamp~Tiger Print Background (sorry the company is no longer in business but you would be able to use just about any kind of tiger print for the background).
Ink~SU-Black StazOn, SU-More Mustard & Pumpkin Pie
Other~SU-Stipple Brushes, Metal Tag, Jo-Ann's-Faux Leather or Velvet & Faux Fur, SU-Spring Flower Bouquet Punch, SU-Silver or Gold Cord, Gems, SU-Crystal Effects, Black Sharpie Marker

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Smiles~
Heidi

Vintage Style Box

Do you ever design something and you get so excited about the outcome, because you know it is turning out even better than the vision you had in your head or your sketch? Well for me this was one of those times!! *wink* I am in love with this little gift box!! Plus--BIG BONUS--it is soooo easy to make!! The box itself is made using 2-8-1/2 x 11 sheets of CS. I will try and get the instructions posted for it really soon, but for now I just had to post a few pictures.

I started out with Very Vanilla CS and used three colors of ink--Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and River Rock to achieve the look I wanted. For the bottom piece I randomly stippled using Chocolate Chip and River Rock inks. Then I stamped 2 different Flourishes & Swirls (Autumn Leaves-Rhonna Farrer) . One was done with Close to Cocoa and for the other one I used River Rock. After that I used the Spritz Tool from SU along with a Close to Cocoa marker. Once the piece was put together I use the Chocolate Chip ink pad along all of the edges to distress it. For the Top piece I folded the sides in and then ran it through the Wizard using the Cuttlebug Textile embossing folder. Then I did all of the same steps as above except for the stamping. I also made a slider for the box using Chocolate Chip CS and Brocade Background (SU- Designer Series Paper). Then I embellished it with a piece of green velvet ribbon, petals from a hydrangea with a button in the center and some swarovski crystals & ivory pearls.

Side view~Top of the box~
Front of box~I hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by & hope you have a great week!!