CABLE-HUGGING LIZARD

This is one of my unwanted pets--and he's NOT the biggest one around here! Yuck! I noticed this one today looking like he was snuggling up to the cable on the chimney. He's almost cute. Almost.

MINI PRETTIES KITS

Recently, some of my customers decided to split a Pretties Kit. Since the kit comes with only one tin, I had to find a way to package the "pretties" for the other ladies. My first thought was to make a box, but then I decided that they would need something more durable and long-lasting. So . . . these are the tins that I decorated for them! In case you're wondering, I didn't use their flower and brad on the tin. Ha! The designer paper I used is from the Nouveau Chic collection.

STAINED GLASS

I needed to make a sympathy card this evening, and I decided to try my brand new (just received today) Sizzix "Lattice" die. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but the die leaves a lot of little marquise-shaped cuts that are perfect for creating a stained glass look! I don't know that this is a perfect sympathy card, but I love it! The sentiment that I used inside the card may not have been exactly perfect, either, but I kept coming back to it and hope that it will be of comfort to the one who receives it. The sentiment reads, "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." For this card, I used Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, and Bermuda Bay card stock. If you click on the photo of the card, a larger image will open where you can see more of the detail (and mistakes, too).

MONEY (TIME & ENERGY) WELL WASTED

I just can't stay out of this room but, since I'm really cleaning today, I thought I'd share an unpleasant experience and a warning to not invest in an attachment like this to vacuum the dust from your ceiling fan blades. I had my handheld vacuum and attachments out already and when I was putting paper towels in the closet, I uncovered a box of vacuum cleaner bags and an assortment of attachments. Hmmm . . . let me try this one, I said to myself. Clearly, I had enough attachments to reach the fan blades while keeping my feet planted on the floor, but just trying to get the attachment around a fan blade caused the fan to start swaying and turning (ours has a 2.5' rod connecting it to the ceiling mount). Argh! Okay, fine! I'll get the step stool! It didn't take long to realize that I didn't feel safe holding the vacuum in one hand, the attachment in the other hand, and trusting my balance to keep me on the stool while the fan kept moving side to side. That's a dizzying site, you know, when you're looking up! I stepped off the stool and slid a bench under the fan to hold the vacuum and then proceeded to clean. I still had trouble getting the attachment to glide over the blade, and the fan was leaning in all kinds of ways that I know can't be good. Guess what happened next? Yep! The dang vacuum slid off the bench, disconnecting it to the stupid fan blade attachment! In the picture, does it look to you like the vacuum sucked the dust from the brushes in this attachment? Doesn't look like it to me! All of the effort to make this one little (supposedly handy) tool work has brought me to conclusion that it's a complete waste of money, time, and energy!

SCALLOP CIRCLE ORIGAMI FLOWER

My husband is going to board up the entrance to this room if I don't get out of here! I spent most of the weekend (between mountainous loads of laundry) in here, and I was supposed to be cleaning up. It makes me so mad at myself that I get side-tracked so easily! I've made some progress putting things where they go, but you can't tell it from the things I've pulled out! I didn't know when my husband left for work this morning that he'd be coming home for lunch and then show up early a couple of hours later to stay. Darnit! Where did he find me BOTH times? In here working (aka playing/creating). I've been productive--just not in the way that I need to be. This card is one that I just whipped up (literally) using an origami fold to create the flower from the three scallop circles. I cut the "Nouveau Chic" designer paper circles from the Sizzix Scallop Circles #2 die and then embossed them with the Paisley texture plate. I swiped Apricot Appeal ink on the circles and then lightly sanded to reveal the embossing, but the designer paper is just too busy for the detail to be revealed. Swirls from the "Priceless" stamp set were stamped on the Basic Gray card stock, and I used the Go Go Boots Alphabet and Birds & Blooms Sizzlits to create the center for the flower and the greeting. I could probably count on two fingers the number of times I've used Basic Gray, so I'm glad it worked out for me to use it this evening. For now, I need to leave this room and dust the dining room. Shhh . . . don't tell my husband that I've been in here . . . again!

FINAL "DEAL OF THE WEEK"

No, I haven't lost my mind! I know it isn't February! I wanted to show a card today that features the Heart to Heart punch since this product is the last "Deal of the Week" that SU will offer this month. I don't know if they plan to offer these deals again, but I hope they do! It's always nice to save 30% or more on an item! The punch is pictured on the right side of my blog in the sidebar, and you can order the punch by clicking on the picture under "Deal of the Week"! Shown here is one of my favorite cards where I used the Heart to Heart punch, and I also used the Sock Monkey stamp set, Sizzix Petal Card die, and Bella Rose designer paper. Isn't that monkey adorable? You might as well go ahead and order him, too! ;-)

"AUTUMN DAYS" FAUX TORN VELLUM

For one of my August classes, I think I'm going to teach faux techniques. I started making a list of techniques to choose from, and this was one that I had not yet tried. I will definitely re-visit this one, though, because it produces a very striking look with minimal effort. Gotta love that! I know, I know . . . I used "Autumn Days" again, but I love this stamp set! Is there any card or technique for which it is not suited???? This isn't a perfect design, and my inky fingers left unintended smudges, but I love the technique and wanted to share this card on my blog! Which reminds me . . . have you called, emailed, or visited www.regina.stampinup.net to order your own "Autumn Days" stamp set yet?

ANIMAL STORIES

I don't often participate in challenges, but Beate Johns shared a beautiful card that she had made for a sketch challenge (WSC90) on SCS. I finally got around to trying the challenge and, wouldn't you know it . . . it's a square card--my favorite, of late! This design features SU's "Tall Tales" designer paper, "Animal Stories" stamp set, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana, and Whisper White card stock, and SU ribbon. I used the Big Shot and some Spellbinders' Nestabilities dies (Small Classic Ovals and Small Scallop Classic Ovals) for the center layers. This is a really fun and simple sketch. Give it a try!

BEACH

Yesterday was a perfect day here at the beach. Today, however, has been too hot! We started out setting up at the ocean (in the hot, hot sand), but I only managed to read one chapter of my book before I declared that I could not stay there any longer. When my husband and son came back from the ocean and said they'd "been whipped" by the waves, we loaded ourselves like mules to bring back three chairs, drinks, an umbrella, and an over-stuffed backpack to the pool. This was nice; however, this is a picture of my empty chair. Why is it empty? Because I had to dip myself--almost permanently--in the pool. My towel didn't even get dry from my first dip before I had to get back in. Actually, it's probably not "too hot" for most people, but I have the hardest time being still. I've never been one of those sun-worshipers who can spend hours basking beneath scorching rays. Tomorrow we'll head back home, and I think we're all ready. There's no place like home!!!!

RAZZLE DAZZLE . . . AGAIN

I noticed that I have been using Soft Suede and Rich Razzleberry a LOT, so it's good that I have this Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo card to share. This is another EASY and quick card! Isn't that little flower as sweet as can be? All of the stamped images are from the Razzle Dazzle set so, as you can see, it's a handy one! When I attended my first SU workshop, I wasn't too happy to learn that stamps weren't sold separately, but it didn't take long for me to realize that a set of stamps is a good thing! This is definitely one of those that you can pull off the shelf and easily create a quick card with a main image, background, and sentiment! Colors used on this card are Crushed Curry (card, ribbon, and ink), Melon Mambo (card stock and ink), and Always Artichoke marker.

RAZZLE DAZZLE

Can you say "EASY" to make? That's what this card was! I used SU's In Color markers (Soft Suede and Rich Razzleberry) to color the floral image from the "Razzle Dazzle" stamp set, punched a quick border with the Eyelet Border punch, and tied a scrap strip of Rich Razzleberry ribbon to one of SU's clips. The only thing left to do was stamp the sentiment! The clip is from the "Clips Assortment" pack, which I just got yesterday. Until then, I had never purchased or used the clips, but they're adorable!

JUMPING FOR JOY!!!

The idea for this cute little frog was originally designed by a demo named Heather, and you know I had to make one for myself! My frog is quite wonky and his brads aren't placed perfectly, but that doesn't inhibit his ability to jump! This is one of the easiest interactive cards I've ever made! The frog is created from several punches: 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle, 1/4" Circle, Wide Oval, Small Oval, Trio Flower, and 1-3/8" Circle. I used the Heart to Heart and Trio Flower for his birthday hat (used to pull him to a jumping stance), and the Trio Flower punch was also used to create his hands (holding the star) and his feet. Other SU products used to create this little guy are 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon, "Tall Tales" designer paper, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, and Barely Banana card stock, Old Olive brads, Tag punches, white gel pen, and "Sincere Salutations" stamp set. And yes, this is another square card! I just can't seem to exit square mode!

THIS PHEASANT'S SO PLEASANT!

You must be wondering if I haven't noticed that it's Summer since I've made a Christmas card and yet another Fallish card this evening (morning). There's just something about this little pheasant that says, "Ink me up!!!" I think I secretly enjoy the challenge of coloring him. For this card, I stamped the pheasant with Soft Suede ink and then used a Blender Pen to add Garden Green and Rich Razzleberry to color him. He looked a little washed out after all the color blending, so I clear-embossed the whole piece of card stock, and that really livened up the colors! I then cut the stamped layer to size--leaving the tail feathers to blow in the wind. Who am I kidding? There's no wind! This card also features a Jumbo Grommet, the Eyelet Border, Word Window, and Modern Label punches, and Rich Razzleberry dotted grosgrain ribbon. Be sure to click on the card to see the color detail!

FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD FOR 2009

I love this card, and it was soooooooooooo easy to make! I used SU's brand new "Vintage Ornament I" stencils--yes, stencils--to create the image for this card. I say that it was easy, but you can clearly see that the card stock slid under the stencil just a little. Two words, Regina . . . Stencil Adhesive! I have some of that spray adhesive sitting right here on my desk, but I didn't think I'd need it. Ha! The Vintage Ornament I stencils actually come as a set of four stencils--two ornaments and two decorative accents for the ornaments. I used a sponge to apply Rich Razzleberry ink to the Shimmery White card stock for the ornament, and I sponged VersaMark ink for the areas that are silver-embossed. Isn't this a neatly elegant card? You probably can't tell, but the brad (from the Styled Silver Hardware kit) has a glittered center. Other SU products used include the All Holidays stamp set and Silver elastic cord. I really wanted the ornament to have a shadow effect, but I wasn't sure where--or how--to make that happen. I figured it was best to leave well enough alone. ;-) ETA: You can see all of SU's decor stencils HERE.

I CHANGE MY MIND . . . "THIS" IS THE CARD FOR MAMAW!

Earlier today, I posted a scallop square card that I made to send to my grandmother. Well, I needed to make one for my great-aunt who has been having a terrible time lately. Bless her heart, she's had two car accidents in two weeks, and the last one totalled her car (which may have been a blessing). That's not the worst of it, though . . . poor thing was at fault--and cited--for both accidents. As I started the card-making process, I ended up making this quilt card from 6x6 designer papers that were left from the Designer Paper Sample Club that I coordinated after the last catalog came out. All of the punched papers for this project are from the "Tea Party" paper collection. Since my grandmother is a VERY talented quilter (she makes the neatest, most tiny stitches), it seemed only fair that I send this card to her and the scallop square card to my great-aunt. The white border on this card was a leftover, too, from the Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Borderabilities dies, and I added the Swarovski crystals to it. In case you're wondering, I used SU's Linen Thread on the buttons. Considering the fact that this card was created from leftovers and thread and has a quilt design, it seems that it's truly meant to be the card for mamaw, huh? She's gonna love it!

SIZZIX STORAGE

Some demonstrator friends and I were discussing how to store Sizzix dies, and I took this picture to show them and thought someone viewing my blog might also benefit from my storage idea. If you click on the picture, a larger one will open so you can read the text that I added to the photo. These storage cubes, which I purchased while Christmas shopping in Dec '08, have been the best addition to my stamp room! Not only do they store my 12x12 card stock and designer paper, they also house a BUNCH of other products! Best of all, they present a very clean look to the room! I have several Bigz XL dies that SU doesn't carry, but the majority of Sizzix products stored in these cubes are my SU "stash". I have a carousel CD/DVD holder where I store old Sizzix dies, as well as Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, and other dies, and it holds a LOT! If you have space in your stamp room and are looking for storage ideas, I highly recommend these cubes!

SCALLOP SQUARE CARD

Yesterday, I went shopping with my mother and had a GREAT time! We don't take shopping trips often enough! After dinner, we went to visit my grandmother who hadn't been feeling well, so I decided I needed to make a card for her today. This is where the muse took me . . . to the Scallop Square and Scallop Circles #2 Sizzix dies and the "One of a Kind" stamp set. The flowers were punched with the Boho Blossoms punch and adorned with rhinestone brads. This really isn't a very good picture of the card, so trust me when I say that it really looks better in person.

MY "BeRIBBON'd BOX"

The other day, I made one of these boxes--a little smaller--and I loved it so much that I was determined to make a larger version. How hard could it be? Two days later and with a heap of scored-for-nothing card stock, here it is! I love this box!!!! Do I dare hate it after all my efforts to get it right? For some reason (perhaps love), I instinctively reached for the "Autumn Days" stamp set to decorate it, and I'm satisfied. I wasn't at all sure what I wanted to do, but that's the beauty of "Autumn Days" . . . it's too dang hard to mess up with that set! The pheasant had already been stamped and colored on white card stock, so I used sponges to hide all the white. I believe this will be one of my class projects next month!

BUTTERFLY BOX

This cute butterfly box is a Cricut creation. The cut file was designed by Sara P, whom I don't know, but she did a great job on this file! SU products used to create this box include Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, and Kraft card stock, 1/4" Circle punch, Watercolor Pencils, and Blender Pen. I think I'd like this box better if I had decorated the back side of each butterfly, which I will do the next time. The box is 2" x 3-1/4" so it's a generous size!

FLEUR DE LIS EASY CARD

Just wanted to share this superdeeduper easy card that I made a few minutes ago with some SU products, the Big Shot die cut machine, and Spellbinders' new "Fleur de Lis" Pendants dies. One of my favorite things about the Big Shot is that it will cut most manufacturers' dies! The card stock used for this quick card is Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, and Whisper White, and the card is 4.25" square. I'm really loving these square cards! The ribbon used is SU's brand new Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot 1/2" Grosgrain. That's a long name, huh?

ANIMAL STORIES & BUILD-A-BRAD

How cute is this card???? I had the image stamped already and, for some reason, had not used it, and I had the ribbon snippets laying on my desk. I decided to try to make a card from these pieces, and I think it turned out really cute! I like that it has no sentiment because I can use it for any occasion, such as thinking of you, hello, hope you're feeling better, sorry your pizza was delivered without peppers, etc. Notice the Build-a-Brad? I used one of the brand new "Circle Circus" images for the center and love it! I have a lot of those Build-a-Brads because they're so much fun to use! I also used "Tall Tales" designer paper, Soft Suede, and Melon Mambo card stock to make this 4.25" square card. It's just an easy-peasy quick card!

PIZZA AND PEPPERS

Ever since I first ordered a pizza from "this" place and they included a pepper with it, I have enjoyed peppers with my pizza. I always order extras, but they almost always neglect to put them in the box. Argh!!!!! I try to remember to check the box when the pizza is delivered, but sometimes I forget, which means I have to make a call--or just do without. The pizza arrived last night with only one pepper in the box, but I wasn't in the mood to do without. Called the store, complained that this ALWAYS happens, and--YES--as a matter of fact, I DO want the peppers brought to me now. This is the box of peppers that was delivered. LOL!!!!! I hate to tell them, but this will not suffice as my next 10 orders! Even though a delivery fee is charged, I always give a generous tip and I hate that the driver had to come back out, but maybe they'll soon realize that Regina wants her peppers! I just laughed when I opened this box, and I wondered if there was spit all over them or if they had been rolled on the floor before being placed in the box. LOL! All I ask is that the pizza place be consistent. They manage to get the pizza in a box, so I don't know why they can't always get the peppers in there. The next time I order peppers and they bring me four, should I show them this picture and say "That's only one-eighth of my order!"

CIRCLE CIRCUS TOPIARY

Circles are usually very challenging for me, so I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the new "Circle Circus" stamp set. This design just sort of evolved, and I love it when that happens! I can offer no explanation for the colors used on this card--they chose themselves! ;-) Now that I've got my first card made with Circle Circus, I'm looking forward to creating with this set again! There are ten stamps in the set, various circle sizes, and it looks like the possibilities of layering these images are endless! BTW . . . this card features the Scallop Edge punch, which is 30% off this week!

GENIUS!!!!

So Chadrick came in here as I was trying to find a new image for my "shop 24/7" link, and I asked if he could just design a picture for me. I showed him a picture of a neon sign that I was looking at, and he said he could make it the way I wanted it AND that he could make it flicker. Awesome!!!! Even though he was tired and ready to go to bed, he customized a neon sign with a little flicker for me, and isn't it cool????? I LOVE IT!!!!!! He's going to the beach tomorrow but, when he gets back, I might just have some blogger jobs for him. ;-) Thanks Chad!!!!! I love you!!! Now that it's nearing 4:30 a.m., I think I will lay down for a while, too. I feel a little too energetic to sleep, but I'm probably only fooling myself. ;-)

NEW CATALOG & OTHER NEWS

Guess what? Today is July 1, and SU's brand new catalog is in effect!!!! If you look at the top right column, you'll see a picture of the new catalog and, around noon today, the link to the online catalog should be live. SU has some sweet "Summer Fun" deals going on this month! DEAL OF THE WEEK is one of them and, beginning today, the Scallop Edge punch is the featured deal at $10.95 (a savings of $5). Next week (and each week this month), a different product will be discounted so check back here or be sure to visit http://www.regina.stampinup.net/. The other promotion is an $85 MINI STARTER KIT, which includes "For All You Do" stamp set (p. 118 of the new catalog), all six of the brand new In Color ink pads, a pack of Whisper White card stock, and a pack of assorted In Color card stock. This mini kit also includes ALL of the business supplies that are included with the Standard ($199) Starter Kit, and the stamp set, ink pads, and card stock can be substituted with like items if you so desire. If you love SU products and would like to purchase them at a discount and earn a few dollars by demonstrating them to others, the $85 mini starter kit will get you on your way! Even if you just want the product discount and don't really care to work the business opportunity, that's perfectly okay! As I always say . . . with SU, it's "no harm, no foul"! You can even sign up for the mini starter kit at http://www.regina.stampinup.net/. The password you will need is "signupnow". Whatever you do, be sure to take a look at the catalog. If you have any questions about anything related to SU, let me know!