Layout copying

This is a great way to come up with a design once and use it in a variety of ways. This particular Pick a Petal set is one that I purchased then rarely used. This one idea has given new use for the entire set!

Making a set of these with different greetings would make a great gift for teachers or Christmas!

I also added a 1 inch circle to the middle and, using our Stampin' Dimensionals, popped it up for height & interest. I covered it in 2 way glue than glittered. Then came back with the TomBow adhesive and outlined the edge and put a center dot and glittered again. Since the TomBow is thicker it gave an added dimension to the glitter effect and I LOVE my glitters!

Using Templates

This is an example of using templates to create pretty different looking cards. I was inspired by one of the latest "A La Card templates" from the magazine demos get from Stampin' Up [Stampin' Success].

I encourage you to look at cards in the Idea Books and other places and pick out the basic set up of the card and then replace with your own stamps, inks, colors & accessories! You can always copy a card exactly if you have all the exact materials [which I never quite seem to have]. But this is way to utilize what you have and not have to come up with it completely on your own!

Just some detail pics:

These cards utilize the new In Colors 09-10 but retired punches & sets. ;) I also used watercolor wonder crayons, aqua painters, glitters, brads & crystal effects.

Mom's Birthday Gift

This is a gift for my mom's birthday and my first hand at using SU's Decor Elements. I put the words on the outside of the frame [11X14] and then got to work on the background. I wanted it to be decorative but muted at the same time and the Designer Series Paper I thought I would use just seemed like it was more the star than the words.

So I decided to use Very Vanilla 12 X 12 paper [cutting off 1 inch] with the large swirl stamp from Baroque Motifs, versamark ink & clear embossing powder. Then for the sides I wanted another muted color that would blend with my mom's house. So I pulled out Blush Blossom which, admittedly, I never use for some reason. I used the cherry blossom stamp from Eastern Blooms, along with the VersaMark ink and Clear Embossing Powder again. This time I added some glue and microbeads to some of the flowers for a little detail if you looked up close. Couldn't be too embellished since it was a normal flat frame. I know she will love it and can't wait to give it to her today!

Pop- UP Gift Card Holder

This is a gift card holder for a fun wedding shower we went to for dear friends. Wanted to make it something special. I have to admit that in the process of figuring out the measurements and the look, etc, I spent 2 hours on this one card. I have gotten used to quicker cards but it was nice to squeeze out my creative juices, so to speak!

This is a close up the details. The popcorn used a [retired] 3 flower punch from SU. I highlighted the So Saffron paper with White Craft ink to add a little depth. The green peppers & design on the cups were made with green Stickles.

The pop-up part used 8 inches long of Whisper White, scored at 1 inch intervals, than accordion folded. We included a gift card to Blockbuster & Papa John, put in the appropriate pop-up, of course. I used tiny manila envelopes as the base and covered them with the design on the front

and finished with plain CS on the back.

I will generally only use SU paper & products [investing in my own business, don't ya know!], but indicate where it is another brand, when necessary.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Things I Learned on Vacation

Things I have observed & learned while being away from home for 4 out of 9 weeks this summer in no certain order:

• Doing 2 trips of 2 weeks, 3 weeks apart, was a dumb move but done as an honest mistake..thought we were making the right decision for the right reasons.
• It is quite difficult to plan a party 1800 miles away without help..in fact, it didn't happen. Next year..note to self, ask for help!
• Though the "going away party" planned for the first leg of this trip fizzled..I wouldn't trade anything for being able to see my guys in concert with those amazing seats!! It is always great to be "Young & Insane" every now and then!
  
• You never know how much you take things for granted like consistent internet access, holding your hubby's hand, and your own bed ~ till you are gone for that long away from them.
• I didn't realize I was as protective a mother until I got around so many random relative's children [diff ages, dispositions, upbringing, etc.] ...I also took for granted how well our friends' kids treated each other, & that I didn't worry there.
• I really miss hanging and talking with Yabette [or as I knew her growing up, Beth Ann ;)]. Time just goes too fast but we pick up a conversation like it was yesterday.

• It is sad to see some of the older relatives and how much they age each year. You never know who won't be here next year...
• It was nice to have little responsibilities while there and I got to work on my own stampin' projects that have been neglected for too long. I took classes, went to crops, paper crafted until 1 am some nights, and leave here feeling creative and ready to get back to business!
• It is hard to be in a house with 3 women for 4 weeks. No matter how much you love each other..
• Everyone has their own story if you take some time to listen.
• I love having a church home-away-from-home. Thanks Crossroads Community Church in Doylestown for making us feel welcome each year!
  
• I miss my dogs, my computer, my house, my friends, my church, my stampin supplies, but most of all my dear sweet husband! Can't wait to get home and into his loving arms.
• I will come back next year but for one week only probably..after that, you just wear out your welcome no matter how much they want you there! ;)
• It was great to take off and explore the day with my son..need to make more time for that.
• I am ready to go home!

• 

AmyD

Altered Stone Coasters

Making a Set of Altered Stone CoastersI use Stayz-On permanent ink, which soaks in enough that you don't need to seal it and it won't run when wet. I used Upsy Daisy as the main stamp and various greetings. I do put it in the oven at 400 for about 10 minutes for my own satisfaction, though I have heard it is not needed. The tiles are bought in packs of 9 at Home Depot for about $5. i sell them at Art Festivals $14 for the set of 4.


Have to add my Hand Stamped stamp on the back, both to comply with SU policy when selling AND so you know it was hand crafted by me, too! :) Finished with felt tabs so it doesn't damage anything. TFL.

ReCycled File Folder

This is a rough draft of this project. As a SU demonstrator, we receive a magazine each month with great ideas and one caught my eye this month. I altered the idea by using a plain [used] Legal size File Folder. I am on vacation so I don't have my paper stash so I made due with what I could find! ;)VERY Bland inside..can you tell it was used?! ;) I would stamp and embellish the inside and outside more if I were at home. Look forward to doing a "prettier" version of this later!

I would add some kind of mantra or whatever on the label, too. This was actually made for a possible craft for our MOPS group so [if this was used] we would put the logo/theme for this year there. TFL.

Julia's Shower Gift

I wanted to make something special for a personal bridal shower for a dear friend. I have kept this pop bottle in my window for probably a year, just knowing it would be a perfect Altered Gift using her new intials! I used "You're Fabulous" [Retired] SU set, water color wonder crayons, Pearl Ex powder, & various ribbons/accents. It is filled with handmixed bath salts with lavender buds. I incude a "Bath Tea Bag" to fill with the mixture to steep in a bath.

I also used a small candle and did a belly band around it with matching accents.