Bright and Simple

There is a great card layout over at Clean&Simple this week--FTL125.  I've got lots of ideas for this one, and here is my first card with it.  I hadn't used Tart n Tangy in a long time, and I just love the citrus look of this card!  Each stripe of paper is 1-1/4" x 3", and I used Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait,  Certainly Celery and Real Red on a base of Whisper White.  I inked the fruits in the corresponding color for each stripe, and used Fabulous Phrases to create a sentiment--it could say anything!

If you're coming to Super Stamping Saturday this weekend, this is one of the cards you can make.

Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: Tart n Tangy, Fabulous Phrases
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Early Espresso
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Whisper White

Love and Sparkles

Last year, you might remember that I was having trouble coming up with Valentine cards and so I went with the bold and obvious approach--just say it!  I liked that card so much that I decided to make it again, but step things up with a little bling, since I have the great new Red Glimmer paper to use.

I used the Timeless Type sizzlits to cut out the lettering, then mounted it on the retired Groom Speciality paper.  It was really easy to keep things straight with these lines!  I put it on a base of Real Red cardstock, and this is ready to send.

The only problem is that I don't want to waste any of this great Red Glimmer paper...so I came up with a second card that uses all the scraps.  Before using the sizzlits, I had punched out 1-1/4" squares, so I decided to use these to make a negative card that has a very positive message!

Cheers!

~Melanie

Paper: Real Red, Groom Speciality paper, Red Glimmer paper

Extras: Big Shot, Timeless Type sizzlits, 1-1/4" Square punch

Birthday Cupcakes

It's been mostly quiet here...which might have something to do with the tremendous amounts of shoveling necessary over the past few days.  With the promise of more shoveling next week (it is winter, after all), I plan to spend this weekend enjoying the great indoors and all its warm wonders--heat, blankets, hot chocolate, homemade soup, fresh baked bread...

And stamping!  I'm very excited to use some of my yet-untouched treats from the Occasions Mini, and today's card continues the new product exploration of the past few weeks.  As you know, I love Stampin' Up!'s punches, and today's card just reinforces my ardor.  The new Build-a-Cupcake punch creates everything you need for an adorable paper cupcake, right down the cherry, candle, and sprinkles (not seen here).  There's also a coordinating stamp set, so you can dress your cupcake up right and add plenty of birthday cheer.

For this card, I went simple and used some of the things I already owned, like the stamp set Fabulous Phrases, my trusty Big Shot, and the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.  I started with a base of Crumb Cake, and ran that through the Big Shot with the Framed Tulips folder to create a lovely edge.  To make that stand out a bit more, I sponged it with Chocolate Chip ink.

On to the fun part--my cupcakes!  I started with the Build a Cupcake punch, and punched all of its pieces in Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, and Bashful Blue.  Then I got out the Red Glimmer paper so that I could punch out two cherries, and a tiny scrap of Daffodil Delight to punch the candle flame.  I assembled the cupcakes on my card, and used dimensionals to pop the frosting up for a little 3D action.

My finishing touch is the sentiment, which is inked in Chocolate Chip and comes from the individual, mix and match words of Fabulous Phrases.  Since the end of January is a popular time for birthdays, this card is already in the mail.

Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Pink Pirouette, Daffodil Delight, Red Glimmer
Extras: Build a Cupcake punch, Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder

It's Time to Sale-A-Brate!!!

You'll see a new catalog on the sidebar--be sure to check it out, because it is time for Sale-a-bration!  This is Stampin' Up!'s biggest sale of the year, and it's all for you, the customer, the hostess, the future demonstrator.  Read on, shop on, and be rewarded!

First up, for every $50 you spend, you get to choose a free item from the Sale-a-bration brochure.  There are lovely stamp sets (of course!), as well as accessories, digital crafting options, and a HUGE list of stamps from the Idea Book and Catalog for you to choose from.  I've already received my first order...will you be next?

As a hostess, you'll receive your regular hostess benefits as well as a little extra.  With every $300 in workshop sales, you can choose an extra item from the sale-a-bration offerings...and there certainly is something for everyone.  I have a number of workshop dates available; email me to reserve one for you and your friends!

Have you been thinking about the Stampin' Up! opportunity, but were shy to dive in?  Now's your chance!  During sale-a-bration, which starts today and goes until March 31, you can join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator for 15% off, and get an extra product bundle for free.  That means that the Starter Kit, which is worth over $320 and usually costs $175 is yours for $148.75, plus $50 more in product.  That's everything you need to jump-start your own hobby and business, plus you'll have me as a supportive upline and Kiran as a sister-demo.  We'd love to welcome you to our creative corner.

Please get in touch with any questions you may have.  I look forward to hearing from you, and sharing more of my love for stamping.  Stay tuned and be sure to sale-a-brate.

Cheers!
~Melanie

Robin Eggs

TIP:  To make a really simple card, let the paper take center stage.  I did no stamping for this card, though I'll add a sentiment to the inside when I'm ready to send it.  Instead, I'm featuring one of the beautiful designs from the Botanical Gazette designer series paper (pg. 26 of the Occasions Mini).  I trimmed the corner with the robin and her eggs to 4"x 5.25", then mounted this on two coordinating colors--a 4-1/8"x 5-3/8" piece of Early Espresso and a Marina Mist card base.  Very easy!

The Botanical Gazette dsp is the only item I ordered out of the Botanical Gazette Suite, since I'm not sure how to use "natural" stamps, as I admitted on Wednesday.  But now that the coordinating stamp, Nature Stamp brush and the Botanical Gazette dsp are available as digital downloads (for $5.90 total!  what a steal!), I think I'll spring for both and put together a little scrapbook of my favorite flower photos.  What would you do?

Cheers!
~Melanie

Paper: Botanical Gazette dsp, Early Espresso, Marina Mist

Take Note

This card may look simple, and it is, but it was a big challenge for me.  I usually skip right past the nature sets that Stampin' Up! offers, but my best friend since preschool is getting married this summer, and she asked me to make her stationery that reflects her Western, outdoorsy, casual but classy wedding.  Look for invitation ideas in the coming weeks.  

Since I am stepping outside my comfort zone, I decided to start simply and design a thank you card.  This is my first attempt, and it is a winner with the bride!  Just what she was envisioning, she tells me.  My inspiration came from Chris Twing's year-end round up--her feather card is so simple and stunning.  As soon as I saw it, I had an aha moment and got right to work.

My first step was to create a mask to use to make the shaded box.  I took a piece of regular notebook paper and ripped it into strips, then glued the strips together in the corners to make a frame of sorts.  Next, I adhered this to the Naturals Ivory card base with Dotto (removable adhesive--a must!), and sponged Certainly Celery ink inside the box until I got a shade that I liked.  Then I removed the mask, rubbed off the dots of glue, and stamped the bison from In Wilderness in the center.  I saved the frame so I can mass produce these, because I certainly will be making LOTS of them!

Cheers!

~Melanie

Stamps: In Wilderness

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery

Paper: Naturals Ivory

Go Digital!

As part of my New Year reorganization, I've decided to take weekends off from blogging projects--but that doesn't mean I can't tell you about some great offers from Stampin' Up!  Today is all about My Digital Studio (MDS), which offers a variety of crafting opportunities.  It seems that one of Stampin' Up!'s goals for the new year is to make MDS as versatile and up-to-date as the rest of their crafting line up.  There have been new digital downloads released each week, and this week's release includes a stamp you now know I love, Valentine Defined:

124026  Valentine Defined Stamp Brush Set    $5.95 Check out the rest of this week's downloads, as well as their great prices, and start thinking about the fun YOU could be having with your computer.  "Lots of Love" is a personal favorite of mine, so look for some projects featuring that VERY soon. Item  Description  Image  Price  124034  Pink Pirouette Patterns Designer Series Paper    $1.95  124032  Rose Red Patterns Designer Series Paper     $1.95   124037  Wild Wasabi Patterns Designer Series Paper    $1.95   124035  So Saffron Patterns Designer Series Paper    $1.95   124024  Letterpress Alphabet Stamp Brush    $1.95    124025  Lots of Love Stamp Brush    $1.95  124026  Valentine Defined Stamp Brush Set    $5.95   124029  Be My Valentine Stamp Brush    $1.95   124020  Seam Binding II Ribbon Pack   $3.95   124488  Extra Postage Stamp Brush Set    $3.95   124491  Motorcycle Stamp Brush    $1.95   124492  Printed Petals Stamp Brush Set    $3.95   125157  Chat Room Good Thoughts Stamp Brush Set    $5.95  124541  Chat Room Celebrate Stamp Brush Set     $5.95 Cheers! ~Melanie

Thoughts of Love

I'm a big fan of this heart-filled thought bubble, and thought about using it with the fox on yesterday's card...but decided the owl punch would be an even better fit.  This cute little card is 2"x3"--just perfect to fit in Scallop Envelope and give as valentines to everyone in your class (if you're in 3rd grade), or tuck into a brief case, lunch bag, box of chocolates, etc (for us older folk).

The star of this show is definitely punches, since that thought bubble is the only stamping on this card.  I used the Two-Step Owl punch, and borrowed the branch from the Two-Step Bird punch.  The extra special pop on this card is the owl's belly, which I punched out of Red Glimmer Paper (pg 7 of the Occasions Mini).  I thought I loved Dazzling Diamonds...and I do, but this is even better!  I didn't have to do any work to create this shine, and it doesn't rub off or shed glitter on everything it touches.

Would you like to make some cute cards like this?  Well, just send me an email and set up a party for you and your friends now.  I still have a few January dates left!

Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: Valentine Defined
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Very Vanilla, Red Glimmer, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Old Olive
Extras: Two-Step Owl punch, Two-Step Bird punch

Forest of Love

Yeah, so I didn't know what to call this.  Bear with me; as I mentioned, I'm not much of a sweet and sappy person!

However, I just adore these heart-filled trees, which are also from Valentine Defined.  The cute clothesline of hearts is from the same set, making it a winner in my book (note...with the flamingos and the love you sentiment, you've now only seen HALF of this great set!).

This is another sweet and simple card.  I used Riding Hood Red for the trees, and Soft Suede for the clothesline.  After much searching for a forest animal that would be the right scale for this forest, I settled on the fox from Fox and Friends, and stamped him in Soft Suede as well.

My finishing touch is the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes, which I stamped on Very Vanilla and then popped out with the Word Window punch.  I matted this on a Modern Label of Soft Suede and that was that.  What do you think?  Not bad for someone who doesn't "do" Valentines, right?

Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: Valentine Defined, Fox and Friends, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Extras: Word Window punch, Modern Label punch

Flamingos Take Two

I thought it would be fun to step up yesterday's super simple card, and use more of the complimentary Love Impressions rub ons from Stampin' Up!  [Want the real story behind this card?  I misjudged on my first try for yesterday's card, so the flamingos weren't centered.  Not a problem!  I cut out these three flamingos and recycled them onto this card.]

For my color scheme, I went with the soft colors Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla.  I used the Scallop Edge Border and Corner punches to make the Pretty in Pink mat, and there was no measuring required!  Since I already had my flamingos piece cut, I used that as a guide for where to make the corners.  TIP:  When using these punches for a full mat, make sure your sides are square...otherwise the corners won't match up!

I used Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon for some interest along the bottom, and decided that I wasn't up for making a bow.  Instead, I decided to embellish the ribbon itself.  DID YOU KNOW that you apply rub ons directly to ribbon?  You can, even if it's ribbed, and this is one of my favorite effects for a neatly pulled together card.  My finishing touch is four large Basic Pearls to space the hugs and kisses, and this card is ready to go.

Cheers!

~Melanie

Stamps: Valentine Defined

Ink: Melon Mambo

Paper: Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla

Extras: Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Love Impressions rub ons, Scallop Edge border punch, Scallop Edge corner punch

Flamingo Love

Usually I don't get the Valentine/love stamp sets because I don't really get excited about them.  (See last year's attempts to come up with a Valentine card if you don't believe me!)  For some reason, the cute hearts and sweet sentiments don't call to me in the same way that the other stamp sets do.  But the Occasions Mini has a FANTASTIC set, Valentine Defined, on page 9.  I like ALL the images in this set, so expect to see lots more cards made with it.

This card actually features my least favorite image, the lovebird flamingos.  But aren't they cute?  And this card is SUPER simple--no cutting, no layers, just stamping!  I inked up the flamingos in Melon Mambo and did my best to put them in a straight line across the card (thank you, clear mount!)  Then I chose the "love you" sentiment from the same set, inked it up with Basic Gray, and stamped it on scrap paper before putting it to the card, so I'd have a softer shade of gray.  My final touch is a large Basic Pearl to cover the O.

Simple and fun; I like it!
Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: Valentine Defined
Ink: Melon Mambo, Basic Gray
Paper: Very Vanilla
Extras: Basic Pearls

Love Balloons

When I received my new goodies from the Occasions Mini, I found a surprise in my package--a sheet of rub ons that Stampin' Up! sent as a gift to all demonstrators.  The sheet is from the new Love Impressions rub ons (page 8), and I adore the heart hot air balloons.  I've always wanted to go for a hot air balloon ride...so maybe this will be a nice hint for that certain someone.  Wink, wink!

I got my color scheme from the rub ons themselves: Real Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White and Basic Gray.  One of the great things about rub ons is that they are sharp and bright, even against dark colors, so I decided to adhere my rub ons to a piece of Basic Gray, which I layered on some Pink Pirouette.  I used the Scallop Trim Border and Corner punches to add interest to the pink frame.

For the card itself, I got out one of my favorites from last year's Occasions Mini, the jumbo wheel I {Love} Love (it's still available--see page 46 of the idea book and catalog).  I used a Real Red ink cartridge, and decided that this stripe of sentiments was all the card needed.  Sweet and simple!

Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: I {Love} Love jumbo wheel
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Extras: Love Impressions rub ons, Scallop Trim Border punch, Scallop Trim Corner punch

Oh Sew Suite

Now that you've had a chance to check out the Occasions Mini, don't you just want it all?  I love each of the different "suites" or styles in this Mini, and for entirely different reasons.  But, like you, my wishlist outstrips my stamping funds.  Instead of ordering everything, I chose a favorite item from each of the suites and will build from here.

First up, from Oh Sew Suite, are the adorable Sweet Stitches Rub Ons (pg 36).  It's been a while since I've raved about rub ons, so I think it's ok to indulge--these things are fantastic!!  First of all, there's no ink and no mess, which I appreciate every once in a while.  I also love how sharp the images are, and the fact that you get true color on color with these (see that yellow measuring tape?  I couldn't have done that with a stamp unless it was on white paper.)  And the process couldn't be easier--you cut out the image you'd like to use, remove the backing paper, and then literally rub it on to your cardstock, where it sticks and stays.  I'm going to use these all up in no time!

On this card, the pins, the measuring tape and the little girl are all from Sweet Stitches.  I also borrowed my palette--Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip--from the Oh Sew Suite line up.  The other new Mini item on this card is the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (pg. 28).  I almost missed this great new embossing folder, which is perfect for adding a sharp edge and dimension to your card front, so be sure to double check your Mini for this and other hidden gems.  My sentiment is from Fabulous Phrases, which I punched out with the Word Window (and then hand trimmed the Chocolate Chip for a thin border).

Thanks to Mojo Monday for the great layout--Mojo172.

Cheers!

~Melanie

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases

Ink: Melon Mambo

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Extras: Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Sweet Stitches rub ons, Circle Scissors Plus, Glass Mat, Word Window, Paper Snips

Welcome Occasions Mini

Over on the sidebar, you'll see the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  Click to see all the fabulous new offerings from Stampin' Up, and check back later today for a card that is sew suite.  Enjoy!

Cheers!
~Melanie and Kiran

Last Day for Holiday Mini!!!

Today is the last day to order from the Holiday Mini--do you have all your favorites?  Here's a look back at a few of my favorite things...

Jolly Old Saint Nick

Day of Gratitude

Jolly Bingo Bits

Northern Flurry Decorative Strip Die

To order your favorites, email or call me today!  And check back tomorrow for your first long look at the Occasions Mini--you'll love it.

Cheers,

~Melanie

New Look for a New Month and a New Year!

As always, our blog has a new look for January--hop on over from your reader to check it out.  Once again, we made both the background and header with My Digital Studio.

The background was really easy--it's a background paper, Wild Wasabi Polka Dots.

The header started with a square punch (elongated to a rectangle) of Pacific Point, with a slightly smaller punch of Whisper White on top.  All the images are from Cheep Talk, and the colors are Wild Wasabi and Soft Suede (pears), Concord Crush (little bird) and Melon Mambo (bigger bird).

Stay tuned for fun projects and a new mini catalog starting on January 4th.  We are excited to share more with you.

Cheers!
~Melanie