The Stampin' Goods

This year's Christmas Cards

2010-11-24T21:43:00.002-10:00

Here are some cards I've made for a local craft fair coming up in December.

Anniversary Card

2010-09-09T08:40:00.002-10:00

I made this for John for our anniversary in August. It turned out OK, a bit more rugged than I had envisioned, but oh well. On our anniversary I had the song, "Grow old along with me" in my head. It was my inspiration for the card, especially "the best is yet to be." Thanks for stopping by.

Baby Buggy Card

2010-07-12T08:25:00.002-10:00

A late night baby card for one of John's co-workers. I need to replenish my stock of cards and this one was fairly simple to make. It also makes good use of my Designer Paper.

Easter Basket Tutorial

2010-03-24T11:03:00.004-10:00

Here is my first attempt at a video tutorial. Hopefully this will make sense. I am not fancy or technical. You'll hear my little 2 year old and maybe even my 4 month old in the background. This is life in our house.

My recent stamping adventures...

2010-02-24T21:52:00.004-10:00

I turned this white hinged box into a doggy carrier for my friends little girl. It turned out so cute I was very happy.

A valentine train for my sons teachers at school. (by Gretchen Barron)

Back in the saddle again...

2009-12-14T10:17:00.003-10:00

I finally have my Christmas things ready to show. Actually, I've had them ready for a while but we had our baby on Thanksgiving so we've been busy.

First up are my boxes, same size as my Halloween ones. I can't decide on a favorite. You can purchase the kits for these boxes at My Card Store. There are more detailed pictures there as well.

Thanks for stopping by.

"Thank You's" from Matthias' B-day

2009-10-06T07:19:00.005-10:00

Here are the thank you notes I sent out for Matthias' Birthday. His b-day was in May but I don't think I posted this one. It was a very simple card to make. I really like this stamp set. The kids are so cute. Sorry the pictures are so dark, I didn't realize until just now.

I used black Staz-on ink and them colored them with markers. The boy is holding a sign that says "thanks".

Thanks for stopping by.

Selling my stamps

2009-09-25T13:44:00.004-10:00

**I just added links to the stamp sets so you can see what they look like. Look at the first picture, often called the index or sample in each gallery. You'll also be able to see what you can make with the stamp sets.**

I'll send you pictures if you want. All are SU! E-mail me with what you want to buy or with any questions at thestampingoods@gmail.com.

I NEED to get these stamps into the hands of others. Whatever doesn’t sell this week will be combined into one big ebay auction. I have held onto these sets for too long, and actually tried to sell them once before without success. I can’t keep them collecting dust.

MY LOSS=YOUR GAIN.

All stamp sets are complete sets. I've tried to accurately describe their condition. All images stamp beautifully, no interference from the staining. All stamps come from a smoke and pet free home. "VLS"= very light staining, maybe a touch of staining on one or two pieces"LS"= light staining, one or two stamps with slight staining on rubber or wood"like new"= used once or twice, most of the stamps in the set never used"some staining"= 3 or 4 stamps with light staining

A Little Love- $12 set of 12 (retired)
All About U- $12 set of 12, VLS (retired)
Around & About- $7 set of 4 (retired)
Big Blossom- $10 large background stamp, stain on wood (retired)
Event Full- $7 Set of 6 LS (retired)
Garden Whimsy- $10 set of 8, like new
Happily Ever After- $10 set of 6 (retired)
Happy Harmony- $10 set of 6, Like new (retired)
Heartfelt Thanks-$10 set of 9 (some staining)
In the spotlight-$12 set of 12, LS (retired)
Mostly Flowers- $7 set of 4 Like new (retired)
Noteworthy- $7 set of 9 VLS (retired)
Paint Prints-$5 set of 6, LS (retired) Does not come in a box
Polka Dots and Paisley- $10 set of 6, like new (retired)
Send A Celebration- $7 set of 4 (retired)
So Very- $10 set of 8 VLS (retired)
Tags So Much- $7 set of 6 (retired)
Very Punny- $10 set of 8 (retired) used once
Watercolor Minis- $10 set of 12 (retired)
Year-Round Fun II-$15 set of 28, LS(retired)(Plus a small penguin and snowflake stamp)

Artisan Project #6

2009-09-22T19:37:00.002-10:00

This card took FOR-EV-ER to cut out. But, I was grateful that I liked the result. (Sometimes that doesn't happen, ya know. You work and work and think "This is gonna be so cute!" and then it turns out ugly as sin. Ah, the creative process) I wanted this to look like a little posey of flowers and I think it comes across that way. I took a floral design class in college and a chapter we studied was about vintage posey holders. I always wanted to make one, but alas it never came to be. Maybe because I never had a reason to. I digress...

The card was made with Doodle This stamp set and another greeting set that I can't find the name of. I also used vanilla hardware and pretties kit (pearl) and kraft taffeta ribbon. The card stock colors are vanilla, blush blossom, close to cocoa, and sage shadow. Ink was sage shadow, blush blossom, and close to cocoa.

This has to be one of my favorite color combinations. It's so soft.

Thanks for stopping by.

Artisan Project #5

2009-09-20T07:22:00.003-10:00

The sets, Loads of Love and Boatloads of Love, are two of my favorites. It took me a while to get the masking right to make the boat trailer out of the truck. Now, Stampin' Up! has a set with a trailer. AHHH! oh well, I guess that's how life goes.

I was really happy with this card when I sent it to SU!, but now when I look at it I wonder what I could have done different. I think my favorite part about this card is how the car and trailer look rusty. Or at least, that was the idea! This was my first time using watercolor paper and I loved it. Watercoloring on regular paper feels so different. It certainly made me feel more like a painter. :o)

Halloween Boxes

2009-09-09T14:48:00.007-10:00

I saw these boxes on THIS blog and I had to try them. I created the witch and pumpkin on my own. But I just love the group of them. You can find kits to make these yourself at my store, http://www.mandyscardstore.blogspot.com/. They were so easy to put together. I will be making these for either the students in Matthias' class or the teachers (I haven't decided yet).

Grandmother Brag Book

2009-09-02T13:58:00.003-10:00

I made this for a friend of mine a while ago. Her first grandchild was born and I wanted to celebrate the occasion with a small gift. I've had this little book for a long time in my things, always wanting to recover it and make it cute.

All SU!
Ink- Wild Wasabi, Black Craft
Paper- Wild Wasabi, Real Red, and a retired Designer Series Paper from SU!
Stamp set- Toy Box, simple serif alphabet set

Artisan Project #5

2009-08-15T20:12:00.004-10:00

This was one of my 3D Items. I used die cuts from Build-A-Fairytale (now retired from Stampin' Up!) I saw this cute box and had the idea to make a travel case for a little girl. I just love how it turned out. I think I could have put more bling on the front, but it did have rhinestones along the handle. I used the negative of the large princess and traced another onto pretty in pink cardstock. Then after I cut it out I stamped some swirls from "Doodle This" stamp set to her dress, adding glitter too. I colored the Chipboard letters with white craft ink and then embossed them with glitter embossing powder. Old Olive ribbon was on the front as well.

I took each piece and added a magnet to the back of it so it would stick to the metal plate on the inside. I also added glitter to many of the pieces with a glue pen. I used the Pretties Kit to add pearls and such. It was a very girly project. (Being that my home is full of boys, it was nice. )Ribbon holds the box lid from falling backward.

I lined the inside bottom and then attached more strips of magnets to the sides and metal to the bottom to hold the pieces that are not being used.

I should have taken a better picture of the handle because I glued so saffron ribbon to it and then added the brad rhinestones from the Pretties Kit (covering the backs of the brads with the ribbon as well). It turned out so cute, I hated to send it away.

So many supplies, but I tried to mention them above. Let me know if you have any questions.

The colors were Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Mellow Moss, Taken with Teal, and Old Olive.

Thanks for Looking!

Artisan Project #4

2009-08-13T11:15:00.002-10:00

This was also a fun card to make, once I figured out a few details. The worms are actually a part of the frame. I drew a frame in light pencil and then stamped the worms. I cut out the frame using my hobby blade and ruler. Not too bad, but it just took a little bit of patience. I love these greens together. I stamped the cupcake a few times onto different card stock to get the layers I wanted and to make room for the inside worm, see below.

I knew this was a cute card when I showed it to my 5 year old and he said... "Oh, gross!" with a smile on his face. He liked the worm coming out of the cupcake and asked that this be his birthday card. What a sweetie. I can always count on my little guy to give me compliments.

I used the window sheets for the front of the card, behind the worm frame, as well as the mechanism to bring the worm in and out from the cupcake as you open and close the card. I used the crystal effects on the red sprinkles.

Stamps- Bugs and Kisses, crazy for cupcakes
Paper- Real Red, Whisper White, Green Galore
Ink- Real Red, green Galore, Gable Green, Glorious Green, summer sun, black staz-on
Accessories- Window Sheets, White grosgrain ribbon, sticky tape, scallop punch, ruler and hobby knife, dimensionals, crystal effects

Thanks for visiting.

Artisan Project Entry #3

2009-08-12T16:51:00.009-10:00

This was the last of my projects that I saw on the Convention Sample Boards. I love these animals. I had the idea to do something with bubbles or gum with these guys and when I saw the lion I knew that his bubble had to pop. I love that he is looking forward too.
I embossed each of the pretty in pink circles and the lions face and mane with clear embossing powder and put them on dimensionals. Each animal has been popped up with a dimensional somehow as well.

This was the inside of the card. "No Lion!" Ha, I kill myself. You know it's bad when you are laughing out loud at the card you just made and there is no one around.

Stamps were Wild About You, and simple serif alphabet and numbers.
Card Stock- ruby red, old olive, so saffron, basic gray, creamy caramel, whisper white, pretty in pink.

Ink- creamy caramel, ruby red, so saffron, going gray, pretty in pink

Accessories- dimensionals, clear embossing powder, white gel pen, matchbox die from Sizzix, saffron brads, old olive grosgrain ribbon, 3/4" circle punch, and another smaller circle punch (I can't remember the size)

Thanks for looking!

Artisan Project Entry #2

2009-08-11T11:45:00.003-10:00

This was another project I saw on the Convention Display Boards, and one I submitted for the Artisan Award . Needless to say I was shocked to see it up there. I loved it, but you never know how others will see it.

This is a picture of my little boy from a year ago. He loves, loves, loves the rain. This picture captured the moment perfectly. I knew when I decided to submit items for this contest that this photo was going to be in one of them. I don't scrapbook, so I looked for pictures I adored. It made creating a moment in time not so difficult, because my heart was already in the project.

The phrase around the page is embossed in glassy glaze enamel so it really looks wet. There are also "water spots" all over the page, again I used the glassy glaze.

The phrase reads "Rain rain (don't) go away, (please) come again another day."

This is a 12x12 inch page.

Colors for this were Ridinghood Red(retired), Old Olive, Basic Black and Whisper White. I used striped old olive ribbon and brads, as well as the photo corner and round tab punches. Stamp sets were Big Deal Alphabet, Totally Tabs, and Yummy.

Thanks for looking. I'll put up another Artisan project tomorrow.

Excited for the simple things.

2009-08-10T09:26:00.005-10:00

About 4-5 months ago I started making projects for Stampin' Up!'s Artisan Award. They give it to 10 demonstrators each year. Hundreds enter. I did not win, but I was so surprised when I saw a few of my project entries on display at Stampin' Up!'s Convention sample boards. I wasn't at convention, but someone at Stampin' Addicts (photo HERE) published pictures of the boards. I about died when I saw them! Part of the reason I am so happy is because the first scrapbook page I saw, was one I did of my sweet niece ElvisAnn, and it was my favorite picture. The picture below is the one I took just before I sent them out.

Now, I'll be the first to tell you that there a hundreds, hundreds of cards and projects on display at Convention. But to see a piece that you put your heart and soul into was very exciting.

This was a 6x6 inch scrapbook page. I used Pink Pirouette (retired) for the background paper as well as whisper white and real red, very vanilla, basic black card stock. The stamp sets I used were Sock Monkey, Sock Monkey Accessories, Priceless, Snow Swirled, and a small alphabet set that is retired now as well. I borrowed some of my mom's sets so I'm not sure if the names are exactly correct. "ElvisAnn" is in chipboard letters that were painted in So Saffron ink and then emobssed with glitter embossing powder. I used the black and white gingham ribbon. I pulled the center part of the ribbon so it ruffled. I also used circle punches and the scallop border punch.

I'll put more of my Artisan Project entries on this blog each day.

California Card Day

2009-05-28T20:35:00.007-10:00

I am thinking of doing a card day when I visit my family in California in June. These are the cards we'll be doing. All the paper will be cut, and you get to stamp the images. Even if this is your first time stamping, don't worry, I will be there to help the whole time. Everyone that came last year loved it! The cost is a very inexpensive $2.00 a card. You will need to supply adhesive to glue/tape your cards together. This can be purchased at Michaels/Tall Mouse/Wal-Mart. There are many out there but "Tombo" is one to get, ask the sales clerk and tell them you need something to make cards or to scrapbook. It should only cost 4-5 dollars.

If you're interested leave me a comment. I need to have a rough estimate before I leave for Cali so I have enough supplies. Thanks!

By the way, I moderate the comments, so you won't see yours come once you submit it. I have to OK all the comments before they will actually show up on the blog page.

Anyhoo. On to the cards. I hope you like them.

Daddy Countdown

2009-05-25T22:09:00.005-10:00

My girlfriend's husband has just deployed to Afganistan. She let me make this for her son as she wanted some kind of countdown. I really like the way it turned out. There is a small clothespin just under and to the right of "daddy" for a picture.

(I finished the countdown and showed it to my husband, he said that it was too bad there wasn't room for a picture. Usually when he makes a comment about my cards and projects I smile and say "Yeah, well, I like it this way. Thanks though." Often his comments are about color choice or use of ribbon and hardware. But, the more I looked at my countdown the more I realized he was right!!!! So I pulled off a star and added the clothespin. And thanks be given to my husband, because I think it makes the piece perfect.) I hope my friend likes it as well.

This is the back of the countdown. I used the ends of coin envelopes to hold the numbers. This was the easiest way I could think of to keep everything organized and in one place. Hopefully it works out.

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know if you have any questions.

:o)

Note Cube

2009-05-12T07:53:00.002-10:00

A note cube I found on a blog I visit, www.paperpleasing.typepad.com. Her measurement is off somewhere so I had to adjust the pattern, but I really like it. I made a holder with some extra DSP on the back to hold my pen. This is going to a friend who got us into an attraction here with their discount card.

Stampin' Up! Regional Make 'n Takes

2009-03-12T17:32:00.003-10:00

Here are the projects we made at regionals in February. The only one that is not pictured was a 6x6 scrapbook page. Since I don't scrapbook I saved the paper and chipboard for something else. The basket is a die to be used in the Big Shot. It was really easy to put together. I was thinking of ordering it at the end of the month. The blue square with the orange flower holds a baggie of candy.

Calling for Cards for the Troops

2009-03-07T19:49:00.007-10:00

My husband, John, is in the Army. He's been in Medical School and now residency so he hasn't been deployed yet. Moving to Hawaii there are many military installations here and so I have met many families in various branches of the service.

My friend's husband will be depoloyed to Iraq in a few weeks, where he'll stay for a year. They have 2 boys, 4 years and 8 months (I think). She and I work together with our boys' Preschool Co-op, and she's become a really good friend. I just love her, a wonderful parent and strong woman.

I have seen many people in the stamping community coordinate making and getting cards to service men and women in Iraq and Afganistan. When I heard that my friend's husband was deploying I immediately thought of sending him a bunch of cards that he can use to send home for birthdays, special occasions, or just because.

I guess I put myself in my friend's shoes. I can't imagine how it would be for my little boys to not have Daddy around every day. My 4 year old loves to get mail and if it came from his Daddy far away I know he would love it even more. I feel that even though I can't do much to help my friend, at least I can do this.

I will be getting cards together for the next few weeks and if you want to help as well, send me your blank cards and I will send them on to my friend's husband. He will be responsible for about 25 marines, so if there are a lot of cards I know he would pass them on to his men.

With each card I make I'll also be including an envelope. E-mail me at mghunnie@yahoo.co.uk and I will send you my address. Pass this on to anyone who you think would like to help out. Thanks!!!

Stamps for sale

2009-02-28T07:57:00.004-10:00

Here are the stamp sets I have for sale. They are all in great condition. If you click on the name it will take you to Splitcoast Stampers Gallery that has samples of the stamps. E-mail me at mghunnie@yahoo.co.uk if you would like any of these. Again, I'll be putting them on craigslist and ebay in the next week or two, but I'm checking with any of you first. Thanks! Be sure to check out my Totes below this post as well.

Around & About- $7 set of 4 (retired)
Basket Full of Fun- $15 set of 13, (retired lev.3 hostess set)
Big Blossom- $10 large background stamp, stain on wood (retired)
Happily Ever After- $10 set of 6 (retired)
Polka Dots and Paisley- $10 set of 6, like new (retired)
Send A Celebration- $7 set of 4 (retired)
Tags So Much- $7 set of 6 (retired)
Watercolor Minis- $10 set of 12 (retired)
A Little Love- $10 set of 12 (retired)
Sassy Suzie- $15 set of 9 (retired) used once
Very Punny- $10 set of 8 (retired) used once
Blooming With Happiness- $10 set of 6 (retired)

Always sad to say goodbye... to stamping stuff that is! :o)

2009-02-27T14:13:00.011-10:00

Before moving I would store all of my stamping supplies in these two totes. Now I have a place in our office to keep my things and I don't need these anymore. As I only used them to store my supplies they are in excellent condition, you can see in the photos below. I hate to sell them but I need to. I purchased both the rolling tote and the handled tote in Maryland, brand new, from an A.C. Moore Crafts Store. They have been wonderful!

I will post them on Craigslist and Ebay, but I wanted to see if anyone that visits my blog would like them first. My measurements are as accurate as can be and the adorable model seen in a couple of photos does not come with the totes. :o) I am asking $75 for the larger rolling tote (it was originally $120) and $45 for the smaller one (originally $80). I am in Hawaii so shipping would be extra, but if you happen to live on Oahu I can meet you somewhere. Please e-mail me at mghunnie@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested. Thanks for looking. (I'm also going to post some stamp sets I have for sale, but this post was long enough.) :o)

HERE IS TOTE NUMBER ONE:

It rolls on wheels

18" wide

18" tall

13" deep

The handle telescopes to 37" off the floor and works just like a suitcase. The wheels are great they are the kind you'd find on rollerblades and the handle works like a charm.

There is a large pocket on the front flap, and two small pockets and one long pocket on each side.

This is the front open.

5 slots each 15-1/2" long, 2" tall, and 11-1/2" deep (there is space between the edge of the slots and the front flap so as to accomodate 12"x12" paper without damaging the paper).

On the inside of the front flap there are 2 mesh pockets.

Open the top flap and there is another large mesh pocket as well as 4 containers.

The 3 containers in the back measure 2 at 5x4-1/2, and 1 at 3-7/8 x 4-1/2. All three are 4" tall

The long front container measures 14-1/2 x 4-1/2 and is 4" tall. It is divided in the middle. (see photos below). There is a small spot on the inside of the long container where some stamp cleaner spilled. You have to look inside to see it and it doesn't affect the container at all. I think this is the only spot on the whole piece that is not in perfect shape

HERE IS THE SECOND TOTE:

This tote has handles to carry it on your shoulder.

It measures :

15-1/2" wide

13" tall

7" deep

The handles are 13" from the top.

There is a large pocket in the front.

This is how it looks with the front open. There are two large plastic/vinyl pockets with velcro closures each are 10-1/4" tall x 13-1/4" long. There is a zippered pouch 13-1/4" long.

These containers stack up onto eachother.

The 2 larger ones on the top measures 5"x 4-7/8". The skinny one measures 2-3/8" x 4-7/8". All three are 5-3/8" tall.

They sit on top of 5" x 13-3/8"x 1-5/8" container. That also has a drawer that pulls out. The drawer measures 12-7/8" x 4-7/8"x 2-1/2".

There are side pockets on the inside.

The right side has slots for 10 pens. and another vinyl pocket below the slots.

The left side has 4 larger slots for scissors etc. and a mesh pocket below it.

Stampin' Up! Regional Swaps

2009-02-22T12:48:00.003-10:00

On the 21st I went with my mother to a Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar. It was great. Lots of ideas and wonderful swaps. Below are the 3 items my mother and I brought to share. We took 40 of each item, traded them with other attendees, and came home with some amazing cards.
I'll post some of my favorites this week.

3D item: Egg and Lollipop Flower
To make the egg and lollipop. Cut out 2 ovals the same size, one in Kraft and one in acetate. Cut the top of the acetate egg so it looks like a broken egg. Sew the two ovals together with a sewing machine. I stamped in white craft ink and embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat tool. The lollipop is covered with a scallop and circle punches to imitate a flower. I cut the green strips with my table top trimmer and then crinkled them in my hands. Stuff the green paper strips and the lollipop in the egg. Lastly, add the small flowers to the front of the embossed image.

Supplies (All SU!) Stamps- Priceless; Ink- Whisper White craft, barely banana classic(some lollipops had cameo coral centers); Paper- Kraft, Garden Green, Cameo Coral, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Cameo Coral, acetate; Accessories- clear embossing powder, heat tool, scallop punch, paper piercer, trio flower punch, 1-1/4 circle punch, sewing machine and white thread.

Hippo Card
Supplies (All Stampin' Up!): Stamps- Pun Fun, Polka Dots (on the SU! dormant list available until June 30th); Paper- Basic Gray, Pixie Pink, Very Vanilla, Kraft; Ink- Basic Gray, Close to Cocoa; Accessories- Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Glue Pen, Pixie Pink Marker, Aqua painter, Kraft Taffeta ribbon.

Skunk Card

Supplies (All SU!): Stamps- Pun Fun, Doodle This; Paper- Pixie Pink, Basic Black, Whisper White; Ink- Jet Black Staz-on, Whisper White Craft, Pixie Pink; Accessories- Pixie Pink marker, Summer Sun Marker, Always Artichoke Marker, White Gel Pen, Photo Corner Punch, craft knife.

The regional was so much fun and spending that time with my mom was even better. We made 6 projects which I'll post this week. Every one from SU! was great and had so many fun things to demonstrate. It made me really excited to come home and stamp.

Inspiration Challenge on Splitcoast

2009-01-19T20:49:00.004-10:00

On SCS this last weekend they had an inspiration challenge; make a card inspired by the Pottery Barn Teen catalog. This is the picture I chose and my card follows. I hope you like it.

Supplies: SU!-Fabulous Flowers stamp set, the sentiment "you're on my mind" is a $ stamp from somewhere :o); creamy caramel, whisper white, pretty in pink card stock; versamark ink, chocolate chip and soft sky ink. 1/2" and 3/4" circle punch. Ribbon from "Michaels", the darker pink paper is from "AC Moore" an arts and crafts store.

Basket of Berries

2009-01-17T13:05:00.004-10:00

I saw this absolutely fabulous basket on Laura Canale's Blog, "Wish you were here." Check out her tutorial for this basket here. I added some strawberries that I saw on SCS, by Sunshineb8s here. I had previously downloaded the template for one of these berries and my template said Sherry Brickley. Sunshineb8s has the link to the templates as well if you click on the above link to her card on SCS.

I have a friend whose birthday is this month so I think I'll fill these little berries up with some candy and give it to her. I just love the basket. It took me a bit of manuvering to get the small strips on the bottom to turn out just right, but it finally did. The only thing that took long was sponging the edges of the strips, but I'm glad I did. I think it really made a difference.

Supplies: DP-Olive Persian Flower from Chatter Box, Red, brown and Green Paper from somewhere :o), Apple Green 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. swiss dots embossing folder for cuttlebug,
white large brads, and some ribbon from a present :o) (yes, I save ribbon from gifts given to me, but it looks great with this paper. Who cares if I've had it for 2 years!)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a nice holiday weekend.

For a Friend

2009-01-14T07:49:00.006-10:00

I like the colors in Kristina Werner's color inspiration challenge this week. My card below is going to a dear friend and mentor of mine that was just diagnosed with cancer. She has been on my mind and in my prayers. I hope she'll like what I've made for her and feel of my love and concern. It's hard to be so far away from family and friends, especially at times like this.

Supplies: SU! Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White card stock; Same ink plus ruby red craft in for embossing "faith", Pretty in Pink paper from paper pack, white grosgrain ribbon, silver brad, circle cutter, dimensionals.

Thanks for visiting!

Candy Heart Box Tutorial

2009-01-11T21:15:00.013-10:00

Many have asked me for instructions on making my Valentine Heart Box. I know there are quite a few pictures here, but I just wanted everything to be clear. I really hope this all makes sense. I've never written a tutorial before and so if there are any questions you can post them here and I will answer you. It may look complicated, but it is actually quite simple. I would love to see what you create with this. For SCS user, upload your picture with the key word VHB, if that does not work use "Valentine Candy Heart Box", then we can all see. I decided for this tutorial to make another box with not-so-traditional Valentine Colors. I just love Basic Grey's paper. Thanks for stopping by.

You will need:

Template for hearts A, B, and C (I can't get my template to print correctly from my blog, so give me your e-mail address and I will send it to you. Sorry. If anyone knows how to put an image into Adobe, then I can put it here. I just don't have that knowledge base.)
Adhesive (I used my ATG tape gun)
Paper Cutter
Scissors
Decorative papers and/or accessories

For Box Lid:
-Template B- one heart (I used Very Vanilla)
-Two Strips of cardstock= 9"x 1-1/2" scored down the length at 1/2" (cranberry crisp, as these sides will show when the box is closed)
-One strip of cardstock=11" long x 7/8"wide scored down the width at 1/2"(vanilla lining)
-One strip of cardstock= 6-1/2" long x 7/8" wide (vanilla lining)
-Template C- one heart (I used Chocolate Chip)
-To decorate the top of the lid I used another Template A heart, the 1/2" circle punch for the green scallop, vanilla ribbon, build a brad (SU!), 'Maya Road Chipboard Heart', Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Crisp Ink. The Decorative Paper was Basic Grey's 'Sugared'.

For the bottom half of the box:
-Template A- one heart (I used Very Vanilla)
-Two strips of cardstock= 8-1/8" x 1-7/16" scored the length at 1/2" (these are for the sides, I used very vanilla)
-Two strips of cardstock or decorative paper= 8-1/4" x 7/8" (lining, I used decorative paper)
-Template C- one heart (I used Chocolate Chip)

It's best to cut everything out and then sort them into two piles, your box lid and the bottom half of the box.
Here are my supplies organized: the top pile is for my lid, and the bottom pile is for the bottom half of my box.

*Start with the bottom half of the box.

Take your 2 strips that are cut to 8-1/8"x 1-7/16" for the sides, and with the Valley of the scored line facing you and starting about 1-1/2" from the end, make cuts every 1/8"-1/4" to the score line. DO NOT CUT INTO THE SCORED LINE AT ALL.

NOTE: You have 2 strips of paper used to make the sides for each half of the box. Cut at the left side of one strip and then start at the right side of your second strip. With the valley fold facing you this will give you 2 opposite strips. See second picture below for a more detailed look.

Put adhesive on the backside of Heart A, just on the edge.

Take the strip of cardstock (with the valley fold of the score line facing you) that has the 1-1/2" section on the left side.

With Heart A, adhesive side down, line up the left side of the strip with the tip of the heart. Keep the edge of the heart nestled into the score line and press the flaps of the strip under to the adhesive.

This shows the backside of attaching your side strips to the heart.

Go slowly around the curves. Press under the flaps a little at a time.

This is how the backside should look after one strip. Some of the tiny flaps don't get adhered but it won't matter in the end. Cut away any excess paper at the apex so the other side strip with lie flush with the edge of the heart.

Score the strip with the 1-1/2" section on the right at 1/2". This will fold around the tip of the heart. Cut the score line you just made, but again, cut it only to the longer score line, not through it. See picture below for a more detailed look.

Adhere the strip in the same way as the first, except wrap the 1/2" section you just scored around the tip of the heart. Apply adhesive to it so it will stay in place. See picture below.

Put adhesive on the back of the heart paying close attention to the edges and attach to Heart C, making sure to center it. See picture below.

For the decorative strips place adhesive every 1-2 inches as that gives you wiggle room when adhering it to the inside of your heart. I started at the apex of the heart and worked my way around.

This is the bottom half of the box finished.

Now repeat the steps above for the lid of the box. Using Heart B and the wider strips.

Cut away any excess paper at the apex of the heart as it will interfere with the next strip.

The inside strips for the bottom heart I scored at 1/2". I don't remember why I did this one differently than the bottom half. But at least it shows you a couple of ways to do the lining! :o)

IMPORTANT: Before attaching your lid to Template C heart, you need to decorate the top of your box so that ribbon and accessories can be hidden and not sticking through to the inside of your box lid. Does that make sense?

Once you have made the top of your box using Heart C (see below picture) you can attach it to the lid of the box you just made above.

This is the finished box. I put a small heart inside using a cuttlebug die. It is stamped with "A little something."

That's All Folks! :o)

Color Inspiration Challenge

2009-01-07T23:33:00.009-10:00

I am a daily visitor to Kristina Werner's Stamping Blog. I love to see what she creates and find constant inspiration from her work. She hosts a weekly Color Inspiration Challenge and since I needed to make some birthday cards, and my babies are sleeping, I thought I give this a go. I really wanted to make something that was clean. I feel I achieved that with this card. It will go to my Aunt back east. On the inside it reads "Happy Birthday from across the sea." I thought about putting the sentiment on the front, but I didn't want to mess up the card. :o) The photo is a touch gray, so I'll try to take another in the morning light.

Supplies: All SU! except the ribbon. Whisper white cardstock; orange ribbon from Michaels; Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, stazon black inks; Blender Pens for coloring

Loving these colors

2009-01-04T19:45:00.006-10:00

I saw these colors put together on a card and just loved them. They are so soft. I haven't used much of blush blossom, but having been shown this combo I will probably look to it more. I made these for one of my best friends that has just been through a crazy and very scary birth of her baby boy. (Michelle, don't look at the cards) I had her in mind, as I have been making her baby's announcements. Her recovery will be quite a while as she was in ICU following her delivery. There have been many people helping her and her family out and so I made these for her to give away.

Supplies: (All SU!) Basket Full of Love, canvas, and Thank you by Card Maker's Dream stamps; Blush Blossom, Sage Shadow, Naturals white, Chocolate Chip paper and ink; Stazon black ink; linen thread; dimensionals; word window, large oval, small oval, corner rounder and spring bouquet flower punches; blender pen for coloring flowers and pail

Supplies: (All SU!) All About U, canvas, stamps; Blush Blossom, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip paper and ink; white grosgrain ribbon; dimensionals; word window, large oval, corner rounder and spring bouquet flower punches;

Valentine Candy Heart Box and One More Journal

2009-01-02T21:13:00.003-10:00

I made this valentine's candy box for a Stampin' Up! contest, they hold several monthly. I didn't win :o( but that's ok. I love this box anyway, it looks so cute with candy kisses inside. I came up with a template and had a lot of fun decorating it with some new die cut flowers from sizzix. When I saw that SU! wanted Valentine's Day projects, my first thought was to make a candy heart box. The small scallop circle card came at the end. It is one of my favorite parts of this project. The small envelope came from the Mini Envelope Template. I hope you like it. It was truly a labor of love. I used the 1/2" circle punch to create the white border on the top of the box.

The small hearts are cut from the trio flower punch.

Supplies: All SU!- Big Deal Alphabet and Happy Everything stamp sets; Pink Pirouette(textured and regular), Riding Hood Red(textured and regular), Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Kraft Papers; Black craft ink, Riding Hood Red classic ink; Kraft taffeta ribbon, linen thread; Scallop Circle, trio flower, 1/2" circle, 1-3/8" circle punches; Birds and Blooms Sizzlits Die 4-pack.

I sell my Journals at a store here in Kailua called Under a Hula Moon. Bonnie, the owner is so nice, you feel like you are family when you walk in. She mentioned the need for a sign-in book for memorial services and I really struggled with it. I saved it for last because I wanted it to be perfect. I really like the way it finally came together. The lei is exactly what I wanted it to be and the new In-color from SU!, Baja Breeze, was perfect with the So Saffron, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive. When I visited with Bonnie a week later, this book was the first one to be sold. I'm not glad someone needed it, but more pleased that it could be used to remember a loved one. I kept thinking as I was making it, "What would I want if I lost someone I loved here?" Somehow my hands were able to make what my heart wanted to express.
Supplies: All SU! Typeset Alphabet and Beautiful Batik stamp sets; So Saffron, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White papers and ink; Trio Flower punch, 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon; Lined thread; corner rounder; Old Olive brads; Bind-It-All

You've got to check out this ebay store!!!

2008-10-06T12:29:00.004-10:00

Remember my friend's vintage clothing blog, Curby's Closet, that I talked about in THIS post. Well I often go to her ebay store, and you have to see some of the cute items she has right now. Oh, how I wish I had a little baby girl to buy these cute dresses for!! The thing I like about her store is that she has things paired, a dress with shoes to match and maybe a cardigan as well. So cute and well priced. I bought something for Ezzie when I was home earlier this year, and I love it.

She is trying to build her business and exposure. So if you can think of people you could send this link to of her store please do, I know she'd appreciate it a ton, it's difficult to get your name out there. All of her items are top notch. Everything she touches is amazing and crisp. You can depend on her for one of a kind, sweet clothes for you little ones, or for a shower gift. (if I am ever pregnant with a baby girl, I will be registering with her!) haha-I'm serious. :o)

You can get to her store on etsy, ebay or her blog by going to www.curbyscloset.com. Ebay has the cutest raincoat from baby gap, with shoes to match!!!! (oh heavens I'm gonna die if I have all boys! At least for now I have a niece to spoil)

Some Christmas Cards to Share

2008-10-04T22:38:00.005-10:00

I have been working on some cards for upcoming craft shows. It's strange to think about Christmas when Halloween isn't even close. But this afternoon I found myself singing... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." (I love Bing Crosby!) Crazy I know, but it's been on my brain this week. Have you ever found yourself doing this? -Am I the only one :o)

This one is my favorite, because it was inspired by my favorite Christmas China by Spode. It's so simple and I love how clean it looks. The "Merry Christmas" is embossed.
You can find all of these cards at my bisi store http://www.mandy.mybisi.com/.

Grand Opening at My Store!!!!

2008-10-02T21:56:00.005-10:00

In celebrating the opening of my store, mandy's cards, I wanted to offer a discount to those that make purchases of $10.00 or more during the month of October. Type in "GRANDOPENING" at check out and you'll get 30% off your total. Please feel free to share this coupon code with others. I'm excited to finally have a place to showcase my work. The site is very user friendly, so come on by and see what I have for you.

My Store: Mandy's Cards at http://www.mandy.mybisi.com/

Come and see....

2008-10-02T12:02:00.003-10:00

My new online store at www.mandy.mybisi.com. I just started a great online store for selling my cards and other projects. I'm not fond of my blog as a means for purchasing my cards so this is the solution I've found. It makes it much easier for me to track orders and payments, as well as giving me the ability to create variety packs of cards and larger projects. Visit my store and let me know if you can navigate the pages well, and if there is anything confusing. Thanks for your patience!

New Cards... Finally

2008-09-25T08:18:00.008-10:00

I have been filling orders and haven't had a chance to post my newest cards.

I just love my "Do the Hula" and "Beautiful Batik" stamp sets that I used to create this card. I also used "Canvas" background stamp. The Aloha is embossed with Chocolate Chip ink.
I have had this heart stamp, which comes from the stamp set "Always", in my stash to use. I just love it.
This card was inspired by a stamper on SCS. You have to see this card in person because the flowers look like they are popping off of the card. I embossed tempting turquoise and then punched out tiny circles for the middle of the flowers. I believe the other card used brads, and I didn't have any in that color.

Vacation

2008-08-04T22:48:00.001-10:00

I'll be on vacation for the next couple of weeks. Please allow for 3-4 weeks for delivery of your cards/journals. Thanks!!!

Looking for vintage?

2008-07-27T21:32:00.003-10:00

I have been meaning to post this... My mother's good friend Chris, finds and sells vintage kids clothes. You should see some of the adorable things she has found. I bought a sweet little outfit for Ezzie for church and I love it. Take a look at what she has. Her website is www.curbyscloset.com. She also has stuff on etsy and ebay. In fact it was Chris that made Ezzie's cuter than cute baby towel. Seen here. A wonderful Lady, and someone I love dearly.

A Blast From the Past

2008-07-25T07:02:00.005-10:00

My Card Club Gals might remember this one from a while ago. We did this at my house for a card club night in Maryland. I just love the colors together. This card was taken from Jeanne S on Splitcoast.

My most recent venture

2008-07-21T12:08:00.008-10:00

Here are some books/journals that I made for a store in Kailua called "Under A Hula Moon." I've had so much fun designing aloha styles for this store. The owner, Bonnie, is wonderful and has been so supportive of my work. The square ones are 8x8 and the small one at the bottom is roughly 5-1/2 x 8-1/2. I put about 25 pages of parchment paper in each of them.

Trying something new

2008-07-18T23:52:00.003-10:00

So I have been trying to figure out a way to make it easier for my customers to purchase cards. I'm trying out something new and I want to know what you all think. Using Paypal I've added "add to cart" buttons next to some of my cards. All you have to do is click on the button next to the card you want and it will add it to a cart with paypal. It works like every other on-line website. I've also put a "view cart" button in the left panel of my blog. Let me know what you think.

Let's share!!!

2008-04-18T20:57:00.012-10:00

O.K. for all my girlfriends out there, scattered across this great country...

I want to see what you've been creating!

Cards, scrapbook pages, or projects. I don't care what it is, just send me a picture and I'll put it up on my blog for all to see.

I am needing to pretend that I am not so far away from you. I was remembering our card nights out in MD and wishing that we were all sitting around a table again, laughing. Good times, good times. :o) How I miss you... (can you feel my hugs from across the Pacific?) Ya'll need to move to Hawaii... gosh this moving stuff stinks to high heaven! Anyways... send me your pics! -I love you

Here are some of my most recent cards...

Some Cards for Cali

2008-02-25T16:04:00.009-10:00

I am doing a card making day in California when I go out to visit in March. Here are some of what we'll be making.

Valetine's Day Cards, Get 'em while they're HOT!

2008-02-03T10:02:00.003-10:00

I took the idea for this card from a stamper on Splitcoast, beate. She makes some beautiful cards. I changed the layout, stamps, and colors to make it my own.
I cased this card from another splitcoast stamper. I changed the colors and patterned paper.

These ones were inspired by my favorite blogger, kwernerdesign.com

Let me know if you want any of these for your special Valentine. :o)

Sketch Challenge on Splitcoast

2007-12-28T22:12:00.001-10:00

You can find the thread to this challenge here. I had a hard time with this card. I couldn't decide how to decorate the background. The challenge specifically said that you weren't to put any other panels of cardstock on the card besides the circle. It wasn't until I change the orientation of the card to vertical, that I liked what I was doing. I was excited to use my new Christmas presents, specifically my Cuttlebug (THANK YOU MOMMA!) and my circle cutter. (I was so good by the way. I had my gifts early and I waited until Christmas to open them and play)

Once again, I used my watercolor crayons to color my flowers. Honestly, I wanted to use my inks, but I needed to be downstairs with my boys and the thought of hauling all of my inks with me was not an option.- therefore, my crayons made the team. This is a set, Time Well Spent, that was given to Demonstrators from SU!. It is a hostess set, so if you want it I'll tell you how to get it.

Stamps: Time Well Spent, small sayings?
Paper: Kraft, Naturals White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Basic Brown, Pixie Pink
Accessories: So Saffron and Green Galore brads, pink grosgrain ribbon, Coluzzle circle cutter, Cuttlebug with tag die cut, Watercolor Wonder Crayons-pixie pink, green galore, summer sun, pretty in pink

2008 Calendar

2007-12-23T20:14:00.000-10:00

So this is a calendar I made for a friend of mine. I used an 8x8 calendar I found out here at our local craft store. It had 14 months and so that is why there are 2 pages for Jan and Feb. With how I uploaded the pictures to blogger they were out of order and that is how they will have to stay for now. But you get the idea without them being in order, right? I like the 8x8, a nice size for pictures. I had some of the cutest pictures to choose from!! I especially like the first January page picture. Such a sweet and good lookin' family don't you think? If you have any questions about what stamp sets or colors I used please leave a post and I'll answer you. Thanks for looking.

Heart Thank You

2007-11-24T13:43:00.002-10:00

I loved this card on SCS. I had to add the glitter and brads. The hearts are from a complimentary stamp set from SU! to Demonstrators. I finally got the hang of using a sponge for the edges of paper. I know, I know... How long have I been doing this?

Stamps: Doodle this, so many sayings

Paper: Rose red, pretty in pink, chocolate chip, whisper white

Ink: same

Accessories: brads, sponge, glue pen, glitter

Treat box

2007-11-24T08:49:00.000-10:00

On SCS they have one holiday idea each week on their site. You should check it out. This one is the treat box. I made this for a lady at the city who helps us with our preschool and such. We all wanted to give her a little something to say thank you. I used Chocolate Chip 12x12 cardstock and the DP is by American Crafts. It was so easy to make and I like the way it turned out. They have some real cute ones in the SCS gallery.

Love this paper!

2007-11-12T16:22:00.000-10:00

When I was at my local craft store, thank goodness they have one close by, I was drawn to the colors on this paper. I believe it's by "Chatterbox." It has shades of rose that I just love together with the green and pumpkin. I made this for some sweet friends out here that helped me when I had my baby. I love using the black craft ink.

Stamps: Wonderful Favorites

Inks: Black Craft

Paper: White, Chatterbox DP, Old Olive

Accessories: Black grosgrain ribbon, window punch, 3 flower punch, corner punch, 1/16 punch, silver brads

Baby Announcement

2007-11-09T19:28:00.000-10:00

So this is the announcement for my little guy. I was so excited about it that I finished them (except for the picture and tabs inside) at least a month before he was born. Which I'm grateful for because there was SO much stamping (backgrounds, coloring--- what was I thinking?--- It's obvious I only had one child at the time). :o)

Unless I get super excited about the next one I will probably just send a mass e-mail instead of a card. So if you really want to see my work, you'd better pray for a girl, that's the only way I will spend the time to make a darn, stinkin' cute card!!

I'm kidding, I'll probably do it again. And you know why? Because just like we forget, over time, the pain of labor and delivery (heaven only knows how that happens) I will forget the hours and hours and hours I put into making this one card celebrating my little one's life. But it sure will look cute in his baby book!!

I saw this file folder style card on SCS.

I typed up his measurements and printed them on the white paper (seen below)

Stamps: Buggies and Booties, Weathered BKG, Linen BKG, So Many Sayings, Fancy Flexible Phrases

Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Naturals White, Stazon Black, going grey (for stork)

Paper: Same

Accessories: Blue Bayou stitched ribbon, Aquapainters, Window punch, scalloped punch, 1-3/8 circle punch, tab punch, corner rounder(ahh the corner punch-so much fun!)

Pocket Card

2007-11-06T08:18:00.003-10:00

I made this card for some baby thank yous. I've been wanting to make a pocket card for a long time. They made me nervous for some reason. But I've conquered my fears and here is what I have to show for it. I love this paper from Basic Grey, this line is called Blush.

Stamps: Spotlight

Ink: chocolate chip, ruby red

Paper: same, close to cocoa, cool Caribbean, natural white, DP basic grey -blush

accessories: brads, corner rounder, scallop punch, 3/4'' circle punch, color spritzer (chocolate chip), dimensional for scallop (it's attached to the white)

Another Challenge, Featured Stamper (FS39) on SCS

2007-11-05T13:15:00.001-10:00

This card is one for a challenge on SCS. Featured Stamper (FS39) Go here for more info on the challenge.

I took this card from the featured stamper's gallery for inspiration and made my card-see photo below. I wanted to make a simple card without much stamping. The only thing that took time was distressing the edges of the paper. I curled the edges of the flower with my fingers and then used a dimensional to adhere it to the card. The card also opens vertically.

Here's more detail:

Stamps: Delight in Life, So Many Sayings

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue, Cameo Coral, DP (designer paper) from a simply scrappin' kit from Sell-a-bration. (***by the way, SU! just changed "sell-a-bration" to "sale-a-bration")

Ink: Black craft ink, cameo coral, brocade blue, white craft ink

Accessories: window punch, distresser for paper edges, tag punch, celery grosgrain ribbon, stapler, silver stickles for flower center, dimensional for flower.

Thanks for looking! Happy Stamping!

My first Sketch Challenge (SC148) on "Splitcoast Stampers"

2007-10-31T13:32:00.001-10:00

This is the first time I've actually participated in a challenge. It's just for fun, no rewards/winners. Every Wednesday a moderator chooses a sketch (see below) and then all that want to participate make a card and post it on splitcoast. You can check out their website (look to the side bar on the right) for more info and the rules for each challenge.

Since it's my hubby's birthday tomorrow I figured this would be a good way to make him an original card. And since the sketch was done for me, it was actually pretty easy to make. (Of course I was still working on it for an hour and a half) :o) I figured posting this card before his birthday was a safe bet as I would die of utter shock if my dear sweet husband actually read my stamping blog. :o) He's wonderful, just doesn't understand my insane addiction to stamping.

Alright enough chit chat... here's my card.

Stamps: Loads of Love, Boatloads of Love

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Basic Grey(I absolutely love this paper)-non SU!

Ink: Same as above, more mustard, pretty in pink, Stazon-on black

Accesories: Chocolate ribbon, mustard brads, color spritzer-chocolate chip marker

Simple boy birthday

2007-10-03T21:08:00.001-10:00

So I once again need simple boy birthday cards. I made this for some of my nephews and then embossed their age on the cupcake. I think they turned out cute. I totally copied it from SCS. What else is new. I should just put that at the top of my blog... "everything is cased unless otherwise noted." :o) There is glitter on the blue cupcake part. I just smeared the glue pen all across the cardstock and dunked it in my glitter container. Not a very glamorous technique, but it worked.

Stamps: Eat Cake
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Bashful blue, white
Ink: Chocolate chip, Certainly Celery
Accessories: paper piercer, stapler/staples, glitter/glue, punch, scallop punch (used for the white and the blue cupcake topper)

This little piggy went to market...

2007-09-25T18:50:00.000-10:00

This little piggy stayed home.

So this card was also one I saw on the internet, I think SCS. I'm glad that I haven't had the need for many "get well" cards but figured I should have some on hand just in case. I used my watercolor crayons to color the image. I like that it has bright colors to cheer someone up.

Stamps: Farm Fever, Looks like Spring
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, white, green galore?-I'll have to check
Ink: same, plus close to cocoa, lovely lilac, pixie pink, pretty in pink
Accessories: brown satin ribbon, green eyelets, sponge, watercolor crayons

Midnight Bloggin

2007-09-18T04:50:00.002-10:00

OK!-so it's not midnight! I have been awake since 3 though, (no I'm not in labor!) and after failing to reach dreamland again by reading a book and relaxing, I've decided to post a card I made.

-Stamping, by the way, is the answer to so many problems... just so you know.

I made this card after I saw a similar one on a random blog I came across. I just love my IN FULL BLOOM stamp set, daisies are one of my favorite flowers. I used my aquapainter and ink to color the images. It also seems like a simple thing, but I forget how nice a card can look when it is folded at the short (4 1/4) end.
Stamps- In full bloom, Fancy Flexible Phrases

Paper- Old Olive, White, Cameo Coral, Pretty in pink

Ink- same, plus summer sun and black craft ink

Accessories-White gel pen, aquapainter, dimensional

For my Granny

2007-09-15T17:13:00.000-10:00

So hopefully my grandma doesn't see this card, although I don't think she's really on the net so I'm probably safe. I made it for her birthday coming up. I took the design and color combo from SCS, but used different stamps. I also added some glitter to the flowers because, well, I love glitter!!!!! -stamps-polka dots and paisley, linen, wonderful favorites, big blooms, best blossoms

-paper-so saffron, close to cocoa, regal rose

-ink- same plus black craft

-accessories- grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, dazzling diamonds glitter

ROARRRRRRR!!!!

2007-09-14T14:07:00.000-10:00

A friend of mine made this card and I absolutely fell in love with it. Side note= I worked on this last night as John and I watched the USA Women's World Cup Soccer team defeat Sweden. And although the majority of my ancestors are Swedish I was very happy to see the victory. The card is very simple to make. The only time consuming thing is to stamp and cut out the lions mane and head, as they are layered. I hope you enjoy it. You can see my friend's other cards on SCS under her screen name "mom maerten."stamps-wild about you, aida cloth, itty bitty backgrounds

paper- more mustard, so saffron, brocade blue, not quite navy, white

ink- same, plus close to cocoa marker for nose/eyes/toes

Aquapainter, Earth Elements brads, and I roughend up the edges of the not quite navy with the distressing tool

ALOHA!! (2nd post today)

2007-09-11T11:08:00.000-10:00

If one is going to live in the Aloha State one must at least make one Hawaii themed card! This one came from a stamper at http://www.servingtheking.net/.

-Do the Hula and eat cake stamp sets
-green galore, natural white cardstock
-same ink
-watercolor crayons with the same colors.
-hemp twine frayed
-dimensionals, sponge for edges

As I was working on my baby announcements I was frustrated to no end in trying to finish them. I figured out how to scrape the edges of cardstock without going crazy. I am sure I'm not the first one to do this but as I was trying to explain it to Tami over the phone I decided a picture or two were necessary. I hope they are clear enough...

It adds just enough color to the edge of the cardstock. And it saves brain cells!!!!

Birthday Cards

2007-09-11T10:55:00.000-10:00

So in Hawaii they celebrate the 1st birthday of a child with a luau. We were invited to one for a little girl at our Church. They had a fair before hand for the little kids, which included a bouncy castle/slide. It was fun for Matthias and the food was great. The theme was Princess and as I didn't have any cards that were appropriate I came up with this guy. Of course I used the layout from a great stamper (http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog) she has great stuff, look under her tutorials). I put dazzling diamonds glitter over the crown- it was so pink and so sparkly!-
I have been in desperate need of male birthday cards and loved this idea. I used "Loads of love", "loads of love accessories" and "lively little ones"

ENJOY!

NEW CARDS, NEW CARDS, NEW CARDS!!!

2007-08-13T21:38:00.001-10:00

So I've finally gotten around to posting these babies. I took some supplies with me on my vacation, but wouldn't ya know it... I didn't bring all I needed. Oh well, I guess that's what I get for trying to pack stamping supplies at 10pm the night before I left. :o)

Anyhoo... Here are some cards that I've made and I hope you enjoy them. I really needed some kid birthday cards and I liked the black and red card I saw on SCS (Splitcoaststampers.com). I used Watercolor crayons to color the kids as well as the yellow and green card with the flowers. I was on a Watercolor crayon binge... couldn't get enough! I've heard of stampers using "Staz-on" black ink for their watercoloring and so I tried it. I love it! The black doesn't run at all! And although Stampin' Up! will say their black doesn't run on white and vanilla paper, my experience has shown me otherwise. I will have to buy the "Staz-on" cleaner as it stains the rubber on your stamps, I really think I will be using it a ton more!! The other two cards that are the same in design are different only in that one is done in pixie pink (the first) and the other in regal rose. They were more complex on SCS but I wanted one that I could personalize (b-day, anniver., etc) so I made it simple.

Two Week's Notice

2007-08-01T12:06:00.000-10:00

I have officially started my service "Two Week's Notice." You can read all about it on my other blog at www.2-weeks-notice.blogspot.com. When you refer someone that buys cards or utilizes this service then I'll send you 2 cards as a thank you. Thanks for your support!!!

New Slide Shows

2007-07-29T15:24:00.000-10:00

I just discovered a new element to add to my blog. Check out my slide shows to the right and at the bottom of my blog for some of my creations. :o)

2007-07-16T17:01:00.000-10:00

Here's another one. Like I said, I'm trying to catch up. Although now, Matthias and I are going to a family reunion for the next 2 weeks. Maybe I'll get something posted while I'm gone. It depends on my time and if I can get some supplies together before leaving. I hope you enjoy this one. I really like the color combo of Rose Red, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery and Brown.

Finally On-line Again!!!

2007-07-14T09:20:00.000-10:00

So after way too long I now have access to the Internet. Be it known if you move to Hawaii call your cable/phone provider as soon as you have an address. It took them 3 weeks to get to us! Ahh!! Are you kidding? Oh, well... life goes on. So... Next time you see your new neighbor down the street from their house and typing on their computer don't call the police. They might just be trying to pick up a wireless signal to check e-mail or stamps :o). Needless to say we have had a slow start but things are picking up now. I'm just a bit behind when it comes to stamping, but I'm catching up.

Here are some cards I've made in the last week. Enjoy!

Still in Transition to Hawaii

2007-06-02T13:17:00.000-10:00

We will be in Hawaii soon and I am hopeful to have more cards to post in the coming week.

I am excited to get settled into our new home so I can get going on "Two Weeks Notice" (see right column),

and the other cards I am selling.

Please check back in a week or so and view my new cards.

Tell your friends!!! :o)

Heartfelt Fun

2007-05-04T14:52:00.000-10:00

I really like the way this card turned out, especially since it wasn't lookin' very pretty for a little while there. I started with some inspiration from Splitcoast and then since I didn't have a color she used on her card I started improvising. And for those that don't know this, it takes me FOREVER to create a card on my own. After multiple trials I eventually came out with this combo. I hope you enjoy it!

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Linen Background, French Script Background

Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Sage Shadow, Barely Banana

Markers for the flowers: rose red, regal rose, barely banana, summer sun, sage shadow, garden green

Ink: Chocolate chip, Close to Cocoa for slight shading over flowers, Sage Shadow

Accessories: chocolate grosgrain ribbon, black brad

Sparkling Wedding Cake

2007-05-03T16:31:00.000-10:00

This is a card I had for a card club. I really like the sparkles on the edge of the cake. This is a favorite of mine.

More details on the card soon...

Peaceful Flowers

2007-05-01T06:34:00.000-10:00

I am making these for a convention my friend is speaking at.

I got the butterfly idea from barefootstamper.com

To make the butterfly I stamped it twice and then glued them back to back, cut them to match better, and finally used my Rose Red marker to color the edges. I then used a glue dot to hold the butterfly securely to the flower. I have been wanting to use this flower for a while now, and I like how it turned out. I used my markers for the flowers, to give them a two-toned effect.

Stamps- Happy Harmony, Wonderful Words II

Paper- Very Vanilla, Barely Banana

Ink- Brocade Blue, Rose Red, Regal Rose

Markers- Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue

Accessories- Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter, Corner Rounder to make scallops, distressing tool from Cutter Kit

Celery grosgrain ribbon

I Heart YOU

2007-04-29T14:49:00.001-10:00

This card was featured on a Stampin' Up! Magazine. I changed it a bit so it would be quicker to make.

Stamps- Sweet On You, Typeset Alphabet Lower

Paper- More Mustard, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink- Basic Black, Rose Red, More Mustard, Old Olive

Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Staple, Paper Piercing

The flowers are on dimensionals and stand out from the page.

Paisley Birthday

2007-04-29T14:02:00.000-10:00

Another Card Club Card copied from SCS

Stamps- Polka Dots & Paisley, It's Your Birthday

Paper- Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink

Ink- Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink

Rose eyelets

Bodacious Birthday

2007-04-29T03:27:00.000-10:00

Another Card Club Success cased from JanTInk on SCS

Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Amazing to Zany

Paper: Cool Caribbean, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Same as above + Old Olive and Summer Sun

I used the Bodacious Bouquet, Classy Brass Template to dry emboss the

flowers, leaves etc. on the main image

The only thing that takes time with this card is the embossing.

I'll be adding more new cards so check back soon!!!

2007-04-27T16:15:00.000-10:00

Pocket of Hearts

2007-04-27T15:38:00.000-10:00

A card I made with my lovely Sister-in-law!

Stamps- Pocket Fun, Happy Hearts, Everyday Flexible Phrases(?)

Paper- Black, Ballet Blue, White

Ink- Pixie Pink and Night of Navy (I think-we used some older colors and I can't recall)

I like the simplicity of this card a lot!

Sympathy in Blue

2007-04-27T15:20:00.000-10:00

This was one of my Card Club cards

Stamp Set- Wild Rose, Brighter Tomorrow

Paper-Buckaroo Blue, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink-Close to Cocoa, Buckaroo Blue

Taupe grosgrain ribbon, Celery brad, Paper Piercing, Dimensional for flower

Happy 4 U

2007-04-27T03:43:00.000-10:00

I made this card for a swap a couple months ago.

Stamp Sets- Polka Dots & Paisley, Big Deal Alpha, Typeset Numbers

Paper- Regal Rose, Barely Banana, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Ink- Same plus Craft Black ink and rose red

Rose grosgrain ribbon and paperclip

Spiral Punch

I also put dazzling diamonds on the flower and embossed the "4"

Blooming Wedding Card

2007-04-27T03:15:00.000-10:00

This is similar to a card I found on SCS. I modified it a bit. I used dazzling diamonds on the skirt and the black and white paper is on dimensionals. A bit time consuming, but cute to make!

Stamps-Blooming with Happiness

Paper-White, Regal Rose, Black

Ink-Black, Regal Rose for watercoloring

Pink gingham ribbon, and black grosgrain

Silver eyelets and paper piercing

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