Would you like to Swing on a Star?

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours.  We've been spending time with family, reading, relaxing, napping, reading some more, napping, reading some more ... well, you get the picture.

It's been FOREVER since I have posted!  I know ... what have I been doing with all that "spare" time?  Brendan's birthday party in coming up fast and it is a Medieval theme.  So, we've been researching games and activities that from that era.  Did you know that they bowled back then?!  Of course a catapult is a must (with sheep and cows to toss - LOL) and Sabrina wants to be in charge of the stockade.  I'm still thinking on that one. 

On to the card!  Under the Stars is a great "outdoorsy" stamp set.  I think the bear is kinda scary but holding a string of stars he's adorable.  Especially paper-pieced in silly patterns.  Think of all the possibilites with colors and stringed shapes!  He could be holding hearts for Valentines and paper-pieced in reds/pinks.  (Real Bears Wear Pink!).  We have a wonderful heart punch that gives you three hearts in one punch.  And they are just the right size for "stinging".  Just click on the link to the left access our catalog and place your order!  The stars are made with our Star Punch from scraps of Designer Series Papers and the string is a natural hemp.  The buttons are simply a small one on top of a large one.  I tied them together with floss and stuck them on with a glue dot.  Both buttons come from our Stampin' Up collections.

As you can see the words are in an arc.  This stamp is actually from our Crazy for Cupcakes set.  I've always been puzzled by what to do with a stamp that have the words in an arc.  I have never really used them because I felt the arc had to match the image I was stamping around.  Yep, that's the perfectionist in me ... with a dash of engineer.  If the arcs didn't line up (meaning if they weren't concentric) well, forget it.  I just couldn't deal with that.  The stamp went back into the box.  But here's a solution to the problem.  I stamped the words on a scrap of Whisper White cardstock, punched it out with a Circle Punch, and added the buttons to mark the center.  I think it works well, what do you think?  See that "comment" thingy below?  Click on it and leave me a message.

Check back tomorrow, I've got a New's Year card that is just begging to be posted!

From Our House to Yours

I did it!  I FINALLY am going to mail some Christmas cards!  Of course this brings challenges that I am not used to.  I typically give my cards to people.  Sometimes on the top of a gift, or dropped off at a desk at work, or handed over in person at the school.  But mailing?  No way!  (I'm sure some of you are grinning right now ... and I deserve it!) 

You know how I like to layer and embellish!  "Just one more layer of pattern paper."  "Another button would look great in this corner."  Or ... here's a famous one ... "that bow just isn't big enough!"  No wonder I run out of dimensionals all the time!

You'd be proud of me.  I held back and came up with this.  I admit the house is raised on dimensionals and so is the greeting.  The button might add some bulk too.  Our Stampin' UP buttons lay so nice and flat that I hope it's not a problem.  And look, no big bow!  What do you think?  Does the card "lose" anything?

I'll let you know how it goes at the post office tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

Home decor with Stampin' UP!

Shelli Gardner started Stampin' UP over 20 years ago and she is GREAT at demonstrating new ideas.  Here is a video link to a short clip where you can learn to make beautiful heart shaped ornaments.  Use them on your tree this holiday season.  I think with the right color combinations they would make for wonderful Valentines ... with little gifts inside! 

Enjoy! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTIV2BcNATQ

I know what you are thinking ...

... doesn't that women own an iron?!  I mean REALLY, just look at those wrinkles in the background!  Shameless!

Yes, I do own an iron.  Actually I own two and one is a Rowanda.  You'd think I'd use it, huh?

And lose all that time away from stamping?  Are you crazy?

How do you like this card?  I think it's "simple elegance".  I'm really loving our wide striped ribbon!  You saw it in black and white a few weeks ago and here it is in Chocolate Chip.  It's sooooo easy to tie.  The buttons are just what I had laying around ... any of our button collections would work for you.  With so many different color combinations in our Designer Series Papers - it's simple to find coordinating buttons.  Before you ask me how I tied embrodery floss in the button holes (or whatever you think that is) let me tell you it's actually card stock.  Yep!  Cut thin strips of card stock, bend them in a "U" shape, and thread the ends thru the button holes.  Fold it flat in the back to hold it in place, snip the ends if it's too long, and adhere to the card front with a glue dot.  How simple is that?!  Gotta love it!

The stamp set is Thoughts and Prayers.  It's a wonderful sympathy set and the verses are thoughtful without being "over the top" - if you know what I mean.  It's the perfect set when you need a card such as this.  Don't you agree?   

I Robot

Don't you feel just terrible for this little guy?  He's falling apart and he has a headache!  Sound familiar?

I used our latest In Color palette for this adorable card.  The Rasberry Lemonade design series paper made it easy!  You'll find Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, and Pumpkin Pie along with splashes of Basic Black to really set off the colors in this project.  The Lots of Bots is a perfect stamp set for this house ... everyone knows robots abound in our family! 

Did you recognize the grid paper in the background?  Yep, you guessed it ... a piece of our pad paper punched along the edge with our Spiral Punch! 

That is actually a very nice bow created with our Melon Mambo polka-dot ribbon.  I kept standing it up and it would fall over, I'd stand it up and it would fall over, etc.  I just couldn't snap the picture fast enough!

I hope you enjoy this post!

12 Days of Christmas Sale!

From December 11 – 22nd Stampin’ Up! is offering a 12 Days of Holiday Sale on Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets. These vinyl sheets are offered in 18 new colors plus there are now clear sheets! You can mix and match colors and images to create vinyl elements of your own to place on picture frames, vases, mirrors and walls. The possibilities are endless. Don’t miss out on this sale as it is only good through December 22nd.  Click on the link at the left and shop thru my website!

Things to Remember:

• Orders may be placed online or in person.
• The sale begins Friday, December 11, 2009, 12:01 AM (MT), and ends Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 11:50 PM (MT).
• Items must be ordered by December 15, 2009, in order to arrive in time for Christmas.
• Discounts range between 15-25 percent.
• All items on sale will be posted on the first day of the promotion and can be purchased for all 12 days.
• There are no quantity limits.
• There are no qualifiers to receive the discount.
• For online orders, discounts will be reflected in the “regular price”; “catalog price” will show the non-discounted price.

WAHOO! I'm back on-line!

Oh my gosh, I've missed you guys!

My wonderful husband has the computer (actually the NEW computer) up and running.  I am sooooo thankful that he is good at the technical stuff because I know absolutely nothing about it!  I can handle office software packages but hardware and such?  Forget it!

Here is my latest creation.  I hope you like it! 

I used Sage Shadow and Basic Black.  It's a really strong color combination and that may be why I like it so much.  The background papers are from Nouveau Chic package.  Aren't they great?!  (You'll recognize them from my "Rhino" card below.)  I just love those Designer Series Papers.  The primary colors in the patterns are Basic Black, Basic Grey, Sage Shadow, and Apricot Appeal.  The button is in Apricot Appeal and from our Fresh favorites I collection.  And I'm sure you recognize the stamp from Baroque Motifs.  I can't tell you how many times I've used that stamp!

Enjoy your evening ...

Where did I go?

Hi  Everyone!

You are probably wondering "What about the Sunday Sketch?" and "How come there aren't any new posts?"   Well, it's not for lack of trying!

Our computer decided to take a vacation.  I think it is someplace warm.  And it took all my files, photographs, and stuff with it!  So ... my wonderful husband bought the pieces and parts to fix it.  He has it running again (that's obvious or I wouldn't be able to post this note) but I have no ability to upload my photo's yet!  ARGHHH!

I can't wait to show you what I've been working on!  Check back soon, you'll love the projects!

December Card Kit Offer

It's card kit time again! You will LOVE this stamp set and these cards!

In this kit, you'll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown below - so you will receive all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total.

You will also receive 2 additional full color samples of "alternative" cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit, as well as step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs.

Card Kit Price is just $15--that's 12 cards, plus envelopes for just $15!
(plus $4.95 shipping if you need it mailed)

Each month, the card kit also features both a Stamp Set of the Month and an Accessory of the Month. If you purchase the card kit, you may also purchase these items at 20% off!

December Featured Products:
A Happy Heart Stamp Set ($22.95) $18.36 with the purchase of the Card Kit
Basic Small Grommets ($6.95) $5.56 with the purchase of the Card Kit

What else will you need? See the list below for items that were used to create the cards in this kit. If you already have everything--just buy the card kit and you are ready to create!

If you don't have everything--place a product order with your kit (don't forget about the discount on the "featured products!")

Or--you can use the card kit to create your own designs using other stamps and inks that you already have--the choice is yours!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by December 10th if you need them by the end of the month.

Email me today to order at jlleddy@hotmail.com

Products you will need to complete cards as shown:

• Basic Black Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
• Real Red Classic Ink Pad ($5.95)
• Real Red Stampin' Write Marker ($5.95)
• In Color Stampin' Write Markers ($17.95)
• Neutral Stampin' Write Markers ($10.95)
• Mat Pack ($9.95)
• Paper Piercing Tool ($3.50)
• A Happy Heart Stamp Set ($22.95) $18.36 with the purchase of Card Kit
• Basic Small Grommets ($6.95) $5.56 with the purchase of Card Kit
• Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95)
• Bone Folder ($6.95)
• Paper Snips ($9.95)

Baby Rhino and Holiday Sale!

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

I am soooo excited about our Holiday Sale at Stampin' UP!  Fantastic items at 30 - 50% off!  Ribbons, brads, punches, Decor Elements, and we have "bundles" too!  We have card making bundles, scrapbooking bundles, and accessories also on sale.  CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE LEFT!  Be sure to list me as your demonstrator for preferred pricing!  The offer is only on-line and only thru November 30th.  Can you hear the Corduroy Button Bundle calling my name?  Kraft, Summer Sun, Basic Grey, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Chip corduroy buttons at 50% off!  WAHOO!  For online orders, discounts will be shown in the shopping bag at checkout.


Make your Holiday shopping easy, place your order today and have your goodies shipped right to your door.  What could be better?

Now, on to my featured card.  How cute is this?  If you could see the words ("One little baby ... many happy hearts") you would know this is a gift for a soon-to-be mother.  The rhino is just adorable - especially when he's paper pieced.  And I just LOVE this Designer Series Paper!  It's called Nouveau Chic and it's gorgeous.  Basic Black, Basic Grey, Sage Shadow, and Apricot Appeal.  I would have NEVER thought to put those colors together and that's why I always leave the mix/matching to the professionals!  It's so easy to pick one of our beautiful Designer Series Papers and pull colors from it.  I added Soft Suede which is a neutral offered as one of our In Color selections this year.  The polka dot ribbon in this color is perfect for the "feel" of the card.  Basic Black eyelets (something I haven't used in ages) anchor the corners. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and I'll see you back here on Friday! 

Super Sketch Sunday

I'm back with my second installment of Super Sketch Sunday.  It is still Sunday, isn't it?

This sketch is the layout we used yesterday at Stamp Camp.  You can see it's fairly simple in design with an element down in the lower right corner. 

In my project I was able to incorporate something I had not done in quite a while...embossing!  It is so fun to watch the powder melt into a glossy image I don't know why I don't do it more often!  The ship I used is from our Beware Pirates stamp set.  I embossed the image on our super cool Night & Day Specialty Paper.  This black and white paper is fantastic.  I've used it for Halloween, masculine themes, and it's elegant enough for weddings too.  However, it is only available for a limited time in our Holiday Mini Catalog so don't miss out!

Oh, and the wide striped ribbon ... LOVE  IT!  It's perfect for large square cards like this one.  (5.25" x 5.25" by the way).  The ribbon comes in Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Basic Black.  It's so soft and easy to tie.  I didn't want a bow on this card since it was to be masculine so I just tied a loop instead. 

Black brads across the top add the "hard detail" to the card.  Something every project needs.

So, what do you think?

Easy Peasy Snowflakes

Sometimes you just need a super simple project that goes together with little effort.  A card that is seasonal but can be used for any occasion.  Something you can "have on hand" for when you need it.  I'm sure you know what I mean ... and I can tell you that these two fit the bill!

First I stamped snowflakes in three different shades of blue all over a sheet of our Whisper White cardstock.  The stamps in our Serene Snowflakes set (currently available for a limited time in our Holiday Mini Catalog ... don't miss out) are just beautiful.  The detail provided in each stamp makes me think of more than just snowflakes.  I'm sure that big one could appear on a future project as a large medallion!

Next I used our Snowflakes Dies #2 and cut out different shaped flakes.  The great thing about die cut snowflakes is that you can snip off the "arms" and make the shapes into something entirely different.  A snowflake arm could become a branch, or a reindeer antler, or more!  Of course each snowflake got a dusting of glitter - has anyone ever seen a snowflake that doesn't sparkle?!

A decorative punch along the edges, cutting cardstock to size, some layering, and TADA ... an Easy Peasy card!  I'm sure you could come up with even more ideas for this great set and the coordinating dies. 

Enjoy your evening and I hope to see you back soon!

Super Sketch Sunday

Here's a feature that I hope to offer every Sunday to get your week off to a great start.  We all know that coming up with a layout can be one of the most challenging (and frustrating) parts of creating a project.  In fact it can be a roadblock!  I have started, re-started, and started again many projects all because I can't develop the right layout.  No one should have to go through that.  So, welcome to Super Sketch Sunday!

Check back later for my card using this layout.  You'll see how easy it is to pull colors out of our fantastic Designer Series Background Papers (a must on all of my projects) and apply the sketch template to create a handmade gift for someone special.  I'll be back soon with another Just Buzzin' By stamp set idea!

Our tree is up, lights are lit, and ornaments are hung.  It's been a good day!

And I finished the card I wanted to share with you.  Here's my view of today's sketch.

I used our Just Buzzin' By stamp set again.  This time I "paper pieced" the flower heads.  I stamped them first in Chocolate Chip on my white circle then I stamped them again on two different background papers.  Don't throw out those small scraps...this is a PERFECT use for all those little pieces we have floating around.  After you cut out the shape from your background paper, adhere them over the top of your stamped image.  I raised the center cup of the flower on a dimensional and put glitter on the pistals (is that what you call those things on the flower?).  As for the bow - looped scraps of ribbon were tied tight with twine.  The button is from our corduroy collection and matches the Designer Series Paper.  That's what I love about Stampin' UP ... everything is color coordinated.  Glue Dots hold the button bow in place.  Don't forget about the inside!  The greeting is from our Full of Life stamp set.

 

I hope you enjoyed today's sketch.  See the "comment" selection below?

Click on it and tell me what you think!

Hive Sweet Hive

We have new neighbors! The kids and I delivered a gift basket to welcome them to our little community. It's the simple acts of kindness that make everyone feel good inside. That goes for both the gift-giver and the gift-receiver! Don't you agree?

I enjoyed creating this "Hive Sweet Hive" card with our Just Buzzin' By stamp set. The greeting was perfect for the occasion. Some color coordinated background papers and matching buttons made the whole project come together. And have you ever wondered what to do with those big round chipboard pieces? Well, cover them with pretty paper and tie a ribbon on top!

Of course it wouldn't be complete with out some "bling". I tried to take a close-up picture to show the sparkle of glitter and it's obvious I need to work on my photography skills (blush)!

Now it's you turn to go create something "from the heart" and make your day too!

Fall Leaves

Sometimes the best way to express our love is with a handmade card or gift. A dear friend just lost her mother so I created this "gift" to let her know she means a lot to me. Hugs can be given in different ways.

I used the leaf stamp from our Lovely As A Tree stamp set. The image was stamped with Jet Black Stazon ink on watercolor paper then colored with Watercolor Crayons and an Aquapainter. This technique is so easy to blend colors!

Some autumn background papers and Really Rust, More Mustard, and So Saffron card stock made for a wonderful color combination. A touch of ribbon and a few embellisments were all that was needed to add a little bling.

I hope you are inspired to create something special today.