Thursday, May 31, 2012

The final day

Today is the last day that you can purchase retiring stamp sets and accessories.  If there is something you just need to have you can shop now.

The card I'm posting today was for my brother-in-law.  I made it over a month ago.  We went to see him for his birthday and I forgot the card at home.  Well, I was going through a stack of papers on my stamping desk and guess what I came across?!?  His birthday card!  I figure that it is so cute I had to post it before I mail it!
I didn't have the best light when I took the picture so there is some shadowing but you can get the general idea.  I CASE'd this card from another demo but unfortunately don't remember her website.  I added my own little touches but I thought it was too fun not to post.  I just love how the bear looks like he has broken through the paper.  The bear is from a retiring set called "Under the Stars"

I haven't played with water coloring in a long time and when I made this card I decided to do that with the bear.  I used Stampin' Up!'s water color paper and it is such a great material.  I think that is why I never really did much with water colors before - because I didn't have the right paper.

A little bit about water coloring:  you always want to use staz on ink for your images otherwise your image will run with the water.  A little goes a long ways so start light with your colors and if you want it to be darker you can always do a second pass.  The water color paper from Stampin' Up! works like a charm!  I used my classic ink pads and my aqua painter to do the water color however Stampin' Up! has many tools you can use for water coloring.  Want to know more?  Send me an e-mail!

Well, here's the recipe:
stamps: under the stars, birthday greetings
paper: baja breeze, soft suede, whisper white, water color paper
ink:  bashful blue, old olive, chocolate chip, soft suede, jet black staz on
accessories:  decorative label punch, aqua painter, sponge

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Oh Betsy!

I got some new stamping goodies on Friday and haven't had a chance to play with them until today!  At first, when I saw this set I didn't love it but after I saw what some of the more creative people had done with it I fell in love as well.

I used a base card of whisper white, my big flower was stamped in rich razzleberry ink, then the little flowers were stamped in baja breeze.  The DSP comes from a new pack called Floral District and the ribbon is also new.  It is the 1/4" stitched grosgrain in daffodil delight.  The "make a wish" stamp is from a set called a little birthday cheer and the square behind it is from an embosslits die called "Thanks."  I just used my stamp set and the modern label punch to change the phrase.  The embosslits die was from the clearance rack.

The new catalog will be available June 1st.  If you haven't ordered from me in the last year you can purchase the catalog for $5 or place a $25 order and get it free.  If you have ordered in the last year you will be getting your catalog soon!

You can always e-mail me with questions or shop on my website!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Life happens

I have been so busy between being out of town last weekend, work last week, and having family over for the holiday weekend that I have had absolutely no time in my stamping room! 
This weekend my sisters-in-law and I did some "tourist" shopping visiting some of the places that you wouldn't normally visit when you live in town.  Anyway, we went to this fun store called McKenzie Place and they just have fabulous things and I found this cute little saying and had to buy it.  I figured it would be perfect to hang in my stamping room!

We also had a little program for parents at Isaac's school today.  It was a "goodbye to Kindergarten" kind of program.  Now, he is my youngest so it was tough for me.  I had a hard time and almost cried but I was able to hold back the tears that were welling up in my eyes!  I can't believe he will be in 1st grade come fall!  He is thrilled to be done with Kindergarten because he thinks it is boring!  Anyway, here are a few pictures of him from earlier today.
Lauren and Isaac (he didn't want to be in the picture)  Lauren was a classroom helper and just graduated from BHS.


Tanner and Isaac (best buddies)

Grandma Sandy and Isaac (she was another classroom helper that came and did reading with the kids)

Isaac & Mrs. Kuleta
Okay, now one last picture because I can't leave Owen out.  I figured since I didn't get a picture of Owen and his teacher the first day I would get one today.  Mr. Adams was a great teacher and he and Owen became good buddies.  Mr. Adams and Owen decided to do a goofy pose.  The picture will say it all...

That is what has been going on in my life over the last week or so.  It is my sister's birthday tomorrow and I still haven't made her birthday card so you can look for that tomorrow.  I'm going to use one of my new sets from the catalog that will debut June 1st!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Don't forget...

I just wanted to remind you that the end of May is drawing near.  For my family that means the kids are excited to be done with school, my little sister's birthday is coming up, Baseball will start in June, etc.  For Stampin' Up! it means that the retiring items will no longer be available after May 31st!

Here are some links if you would like to review the lists:
 Retiring Stamp Sets
 Retiring Accessories

I'm going to try to feature some of the retiring stamp sets in the next few days.  We have a bunch of family coming for the holiday weekend and I work the next two days so we'll have to see how ambitious I get before company arrives!

If you would like to order any of the retiring items you can feel free to e-mail me or you can shop now!

Feels like a Scrapbookin' kind of day

I am so far behind on my kids scrapbooks that it is sort of crazy.  But I really enjoy scrapbooking so I thought that today, I would share a picture of a simple page I just put together for Owen's scrapbook.  I have to admit that I don't use all stampin' up supplies when I scrapbook.  I have found such neat paper at my local Ben Franklin or JoAnn's or Michael's that it is hard to pass up. 

I use a lot of the Stampin Up' 12x12 cardstock when I scrapbook and use my stamp sets whenever I am able to do so.  Today I used Creamy Caramel which retired when SU did the big color change a little over a year ago.  The blue on my page is Marina Mist, then I used Very Vanilla behind my pictures and sponged them with soft suede to add a little effect to them. 

If you want to scrapbook but just aren't sure where to start feel free to contact me.  I am more than happy to help you get going.  For my page title "Hooked on Fishing" I used the Jumble Alphabet.  I also used my stamp-a-ma-jig to help me line up my letters.  There is some chocolate chip ribbon holding up my title and I just layered the paper so it wouldn't look plain. 

I will probably add some journaling at the bottom of my page but I didn't feel that part of my creativity yet today!

Well, off to the next page!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Fun at the museum!

Owen - working in the science lab!

Isaac - in the captain's seat of the tug boat

Owen and I being silly (I can't do crazy stuff with my tongue like he can)

Isaac with the pirates!
The boys and I met my sister Heather and her boyfriend Paul at the Science Museum of Minnesota on Saturday.  I had to share a few fun pictures!  The boys had such a great time.  We were there from 9:30am until 3:00pm and the kids were well behaved too!  It made for a great day!
The boys with Auntie Heather trying to open the mouth of the T-Rex

In Heather's defense I did catch her off guard when I took this picture.  Her and Paul were working so intently and just as I went to snap the pic she looked up.  She looks great anyway!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Off for the weekend

Well, we're headed down to the cities for the weekend.  We're spending some time with my husband's siblings and my sister as well.  I think we are going to take the boys to the Science Museum of Minnesota and then my sister is taking them to Lego Land in the Mall of America.  They are pretty excited about that!

I work Monday morning so there probably won't be any new pictures until sometime after that.  Enjoy your weekend!  The weather here is beautiful!
Tiffany

Thursday, May 17, 2012

One of my favorites!


I have always loved the Flower Fest stamp set.  I think that it debuted in the occasions mini last year but I could be mistaken.  Anyway, the way that SU showed off the use of the stamps and the colors they used really grabbed my attention and I have loved this set ever since.  I will be sad to see it go!
This picture really doesn't do the card justice.  It is hard to see but I did emboss a few of the flowers just to add a little dimension to the card.  If you would like to view the Retired Stamps list or the Retired Accessories list you can view them here.  As always if you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me!

card recipe:
stamp set:  flower fest, upsy daisy (the greeting comes from this set)
paper:  whisper white, melon mambo
ink:  wild wasabi, pumpkin pie, melon mambo, pacific point
accessories:  stampin' emboss powder, decorative label punch

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Another sneak peek

Well, I didn't end up in Fargo today.  Grandma LaRae is being well taken care of in the hospital.  She is getting some IV fluids and having more tests.  I've been told I'm being held on reserve which is completely fine.  I did have a busy day trying to get things in order around the house in case I do need to leave but I had time to do a quick card.
This stamp is from the Mouthwatering set.  It was in the occasions mini and will be available again in the 2012-2013 catalog.  The paper comes from the Summer Smooches product suite and unfortunately I purchased the ribbon off the clearance rack and it is no longer available.  And if only you could scratch 'n sniff on the internet because my cherry on top is scented with cherry embossing powder!!!

I truly cannot wait for you to see the new catalog!  Customer copies are supposed to start shipping on May 21st and you'll have your copy in your hot little hands as soon as I get them!

card recipe
stamps:  mouthwatering, teeny tiny wishes
paper:  tempting turquoise, rich razzleberry, whisper white, summer smooches DSP
ink:  real red, chocolate chip, crumb cake, old olive, tempting turquoise
accessories:  1 3/8" circle punch, 1 3/4' scallop circle punch, modern label punch, cherry scented embossing powder, paper piercing tool

May not be updates for awhile

My husband's grandma was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.  I will possibly be going to Fargo today to help out his mom and aunt as Grandma is currently staying there.  If I go I won't be updating the blog with any cards or projects.  I'm a nurse and going to help them care for her is just natural for me.  It's one way that I know I can help out.  One way you can help out is to keep the family in your prayers.  ~ Tiffany

Monday, May 14, 2012

Beautiful Day!

It is an absolutely beautiful day in MN... last I checked it was 79 degrees!  I figured with my excitement for the new catalog and the beautiful weather that a bright, cheery card was in order.



For the base card I used calypso coral which is a 2011-2013 in color.  The DSP is from the new catalog and will be available June 1st.  It is called Floral District.  I just layered different prints from the DSP to get a look that I wanted.  The rich razzleberry layer was punched with the scallop edge border punch.  The pretty ribbon will be available June 1st as well and it is 1/4 inch stitched grosgrain ribbon in daffodil delight.  I also used the 3/16 inch corner punch on my DSP.  The cut-out for the saying is from the Framelits Bitty Banners for the Big Shot.

The saying "you inspire me." is from a hostess set and is still currently available.  Would you like to earn this set before it retires?  You can do so by hosting a workshop or a book party.   Just e-mail me if you're interested.

Well, I'm off to enjoy the beautiful weather with my boys...

card recipe
stamps:  perfect words (hostess set)
paper:  calypso coral, whisper white, rich razzleberry, floral district DSP
ink:  rich razzleberry classic stampin' pad
accessories:  1/4 inch stitched grosgrain ribbon in daffodil delight, 3/16 inch corner punch, scallop edge punch, bitty banners framelits

New Catty!

I just got my new 2012-2013 SU catalog today and it is very exciting!!!  I'm going to make a project with some paper, ribbon, and a new big shot die from the new catalog so check back for a post!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

It's almost Mother's' day

A card to celebrate all the mom's today...

I used a few items in this card that will be available June 1st!  The paper is from the summer smooches DSP and the unique edge and embossing are from the edgelits dies and the textured impressions embossing folders.  These items were available in the occassions mini and are being carried over to the new catty!  You do need to have a big shot in order to use the die and embossing folder.  If these are items you are interested in you can contact me or check out my website!

card recipe
stamps: Loved Ones (from occasions mini)
paper:  Summer Smooches DSP (available June 1), Not Quite Navy, whisper white, rich razzleberry
ink:  rich razzleberry
accessories:  adorning accents edgelits die (available June 1), adorning accents embossing folder (available June 1), extra large oval punch, scallop oval punch, tangerine tango 5/8" grosgrain striped ribbon

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Well, I've been cleaning out my stamping stash and have posted pictures of retired stamp sets that I am going to part with.  Click on the tab at the top labeled "Retired Stamps 4 Sale" to see what I have available.  This is first come first serve!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Just as Promised...

If you love this set and want to earn it before it retires all you need to do is host a workshop or book party...  You can view the entire set here.  The posy punch stamp set is designed to work with the fancy flower punch.

I don't have too much energy to explain all the details about the card.  I have been painting for 2 1/2 days and I'm just exhausted!  But I'm excited for Tony to come home tomorrow and see the big change.  He knew that I was eventually painting but he didn't know I was going to get it done while he was gone this week.

If you want to know more about this card you can certainly e-mail me!
card recipe
stamps:  posy punch (hostess set, retiring)
paper:  tangerine tango, tempting turquoise, whisper white, summer smooches DSP (available June 1)
ink:  tempting turquoise
accessories:  fancy flower punch, 1 inch circle punch, 1/4" whisper white grosgrain ribbon, textured impressions square lattice embossing folder

Monday, May 7, 2012

I know it has been a couple days since I've posted and unfortunately I don't have a card for you today but I had to share that SU demos are now able to view the 2012-2013 catalog and in colors!!!  I love the new catty and the way that they have redesigned it.  I can't wait for you to get your own copy.  If you've purchased from me in the past year you'll be getting a complimentary copy from me.  If you haven't ordered in the last year and would like a catalog for free I'll give you one with a $25 order.

My husband is out of town on training and I can't really work when he is out of town because I work shift work.  Since I have a few days off in a row I decided to get busy painting our basement.  I painted the wall where my fabulous hubby put up a 12 foot workspace for me a few months back so now it is the ceiling and the rest of the walls.

So, come back tomorrow for a new card!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Saying Goodbye...

I had to work yesterday afternoon and I didn't get home until almost midnight.  I was so tired when I climbed in bed.  My husband let me sleep in this morning!!!  That doesn't happen too often. So I'm feeling very refreshed today!

Today I thought I would post a card with a stamp that is retiring (not retired yet).  You can see it here.  I just love it because it is such a simple stamp and it uses two of SU's punches (and I love punches).  I also really love this paper.  It was featured in the Holiday Mini and I wish it was still available! 

Without further ado...
Enjoy your weekend!  If you have any questions please e-mail me.  If there is anything that you see today that you love feel free to visit my Stampin' Up! store.  All the retiring items used today will no longer be available after May 31st, 2012!

Card Recipe:
stamp:  triple treat flower (retiring May 31st)
paper:  pear pizazz (2010-2012 in color retiring May 31st), spice cake DSP (retired), very vanilla
ink:  soft suede, more mustard
accessories:  fancy flower punch, 5-petal flower punch (retiring May 31st), brad from everyday enchantment (this is no longer available and I have no idea when I purchased them!), 3/8" pleated satin ribbon in pear pizazz


Friday, May 4, 2012

It's Graduation Time!


Well, this is a new journey for me… blogging!  I hope that you will be able to enjoy the content I post here and I hope to update it a few times a week.  Are you ready for my first project?
Graduation at the University and the Technical College in Bemidji, MN is this week so I thought it fitting to start out with a graduation card.  This is a simple stamp but sometimes those are the best.  Unfortunately it is a retired stamp however you can search my online store and see the other graduation sets that Stampin’ Up! has available.
 I made this pretty card with my mom in mind.  She recently graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's in Nursing and I am so very proud of her!  Anyway, my sister's and I have finally put together a gift for her and what is a gift without a card?

I guess if she looks at my blog and views her card ahead of time it will be okay... she still doesn't know what the awesome gift is that we got for her!

I think that is it for my first post.  If you have any questions you can contact me anytime.  If there are items that you saw today that you love I hope you'll visit my Stampin' Up! Store.

Card Recipe:
stamp:  Happy Grad
paper:  whisper white, basic black, Summer Smooches DSP
accessories: 5/8" black grosgrain ribbon, glimmer brads basics collection, Top Note Bigz die

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

This site is a work in progress... please check back soon.  In the meantime you can find out more about me here!