RILEY THE BRICK MASON

I like almost anything that Riley the moose gets into, and he paired nicely with the "bricked" embossing folder  that I recently purchased.  The stamped image, I will admit, is overworked, and I clearly should have stopped "doing something else" to it long before I actually called it "done."  I still like how the card turned out, and this was a very different, unique color combo for me . . . Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, and Bashful Blue.  I colored Riley with Copic markers, sponged Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze ink on the embossed layers, and used Stampin' Up!'s linen thread to tie the tags onto the card.  To create the tags, I used the "Tiny Tags" stamp set and Jewelry Tag punch.

"GREETING CARD KIDS" MDS PROJECT

Since Stampin' Up!'s "Online Spectacular" (sale) ends soon, I thought I would show you one of the most fun ways to use "My Digital Studio" (MDS) to create any project.  Through November 30th, MDS is 50% off!!!!!!  One of the items included in the Online Spectacular sale is the "Greeting Card Kids" stamp brush set and, if you've looked into the products available during the Online Spectacular, then you already know that this download for MDS is cheap, cheap, cheap!  I couldn't resist this stamp brush set (that's what stamp set images are called in MDS), and this card is a perfect example of how I used one of those cute images.  I printed it onto Crumb Cake card stock, used an Aqua Painter and Watercolor Pencils to color it, added Stickles to the tree, and I used Crystal Effects to add styrofoam "snow" to the "fur" areas of the little girl's coat and hat.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Scallop Edge punch, Glimmer Brad, flat-back pearls, Square Lattice embossing folder, Antique Brad, "Deck the Halls" designer paper, Photo Corner punch, Mat Pack and piercing tool, distressing tool, and "Four the Holidays" stamp set.  The die-cut mitten is from a set of Spellbinders' dies that I used the Big Shot to cut and emboss.  I know that it may seem that I have been pushing the My Digital Studio software, but those of you who know me will know that I'm not a pushy person, and I certainly don't promote a product that I don't personally like or will use.  This is the last time (at least for a little while) that I am going to strongly encourage you to take advantage of the 50% discounted price for My Digital Studio.  I know that some of you want the "total hands-on" experience and/or want dimension to your projects, but your MDS projects can have as much dimension as you care to give them.  Did you know that MDS comes with:  61 stamp brush sets, 11 embellishment KITS (273 pieces), 13 background paper packs (442 patterns), 25 punches, 6 designer KITS (497 pieces), 7 designer templates (5 album/15 greeting card), 30 photo templates (available in photo album sizes and card sizes), 2 calendar templates, all of the Stampin' Up! colors (including some past In Colors), and other downloadable MDS products.  Stampin' Up! has been very consistent with providing new downloads as they expand their product line(s), and it seems like there are always new choices!  If I've talked you into purchasing MDS, you can go to my WEB SITE, click "Shop Now" (in the top right corner), and place your order!  ;-)

DECK THE HALLS WITH METAL AND PEARLS

Even though it's the biggest shopping day of the year, "Feminine Fridays" must go on.  Last week, Julie issued a mission for me to create a box with a floral theme and, while my box isn't nearly as elaborate as hers, it's a box nonetheless.  Earlier this week, I received a package of beautiful metal sheets and could hardly wait to use them, so I wrapped an embossed strip of metal around the box and created a poinsettia embellishment from a sheet of red metal.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this box include:  5-Petal punch (for the makeshift poinsettia), "Tiny Tags" stamp set, Jewelry Tag punch, "Deck the Halls" designer paper, 1/4" Early Espresso ribbon, vintage clip, tiny pearls, and Mini Milk Carton die.  The foam pad from the Mat Pack and a stylus were used to emboss lines on the flower petals. 

FULL-FIGURED CARDINAL

Isn't this a cute cardinal????  My friend, Laura, is the one who showed me how to use punches to make the little guy.  I'm always amazed at the variety of things that can be made from punches, but I don't normally engage in a lot of punch art because I don't really enjoy all of the assembly.  I've actually made quite a handful of these cardinals and will probably use them on some of my holiday cards to family and friends.  Speaking of which . . . I need to get cranking on those cards, plus several others that I've been commissioned to create.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include:  "Candy Cane Christmas" designer paper, Whisper White, Real Red, and Always Artichoke card stock, Petals a Plenty embossing folder, white gel pen, rhinestone jewel, and the following punches: Two-Step Bird, 1-3/8" Circle, 5-Petal Flower, and Heart to Heart.

EASY & QUICK "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" CREATION

What in the world are you waiting for????  Hop on over to my web site, click the "Shop Now" link in the top right corner, and order Stampin' Up!'s "My Digital Studio" now!  It's 50% off for a few more days, and you won't regret the purchase.  While you're there, go ahead and grab a couple of the discounted Digital Downloads!  This evening, I designed and printed this card using "My Digital Studio."  The images are from "Medallion" and "Thoughts and Prayers" stamp sets. Products added to my printed project are the antique brad and 1/8" Early Espresso ribbon, and I added an Early Espresso layer to the Crumb Cake card.  Even though Stampin' Up! recently reduced the cost of printing MDS projects, there are many projects that you can design and print at home, and your projects can have depth and dimension when you add a couple of embellishments (and card stock layers) to them.   

"FABRIC OF FRIENDSHIP" T-SLIDER CARD

Today was my sister's birthday, so I created this fun T-slider card for her.  One of my first obsessions when I got interested in paper crafts was interactive cards, and this one is actually quite easy.  Even though it wasn't a difficult card to make, I still managed to make a couple of oopsies--sometimes changing your mind just doesn't work--but one of them was covered by the stamped cameo-looking oval on the far left of the card.  Since Renee enjoys sewing and quilting, I used a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set ("Fabric of Friendship") and chose to only color the measuring tape and pin cushion on the main focal point.  Didn't everyone's mother and grandmother have a red "tomato" pin cushion????  It was a tomato, wasn't it?  Other Stampin' Up! products used include Early Espresso and River Rock card stock, Round Tab, Large Oval, and Scallop Trim Border punches.

FUN TECHNIQUE!!!!!!!!

One day last week, I stumbled upon a pretty card where the designer had used a clear acrylic block to create a lightly colored background for her stamped image.  I thought it was a wonderful idea, and then I saw tonight that SCS has a tutorial for this technique.  Of course, I didn't get the technique exactly right when I made this card the other night, but it still turned out okay.  For this very simple card, I used the following Stampin' Up! products:  "Pendant Park" stamp set, Scallop Oval, Large Oval, and Small Oval punches, River Rock, Not Quite Navy, and Whisper White card stock, and Not Quite Navy brads.

"CANDY CANE" RUB-ONS

Since the "Candy Cane Christmas" designer paper was still on my desk, I decided to make another quilt-ish card using the Top Note die and other Stampin' Up! products.  I love the non-traditional holiday colors in this paper collection, and this particular card design helps to show them off.  The tree image and the bird at the end of the Modern Label-shaped greeting are both from the "Candy Cane Rub-ons."  Other Stampin' Up! products used include that fun Tinsel Trim, Scallop Trim Border punch, and Real Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Wild Wasabi card stock.  I'm glad I pulled out the rub-ons because those sheets are full of cute images, I love that they're colored, and they make it a snap to whip up a card!

"CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS" QUILT CARD

To thank my grandmother for the beautiful quilt (pictures posted on 11/18/10) that she gave me for my birthday, I created this quilt card using Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Cane Christmas" designer paper.  Since the quilt mamaw made had blocks that were set on point, I "set" my scallop squares "on point" on the Crumb Cake card stock and then used the Top Note die to cut it.  I used the Square Lattice embossing folder  on the Blushing Bride and Top Note layers, which I think gives them the look of fabric.  The big buttons were sewn onto the Top Note layer with linen thread--yes, I actually used a needle and thread!  Other Stampin' Up! products used include:  Baja Breeze card stock, "Teeny Tiny Wishes" stamp set, satin ribbon, and Jewelry Tag punch.

JULIE'S BEAUTIFUL "FEMININE FRIDAYS" PROJECT

Pictured on the right is Julie's very pretty "Feminine Fridays" project, which you can see in full on her blog.  As usual, she has presented a new "mission" for me, but she found a cute and clever way to convey it.  Be sure to visit Julie's blog for more details about her beautiful project!  You'll even get to see and hear Agent Frankii, say hello to me!!

LOTS OF STITCHES, LOTS OF LOVE

 Just wanted to share one of my birthday gifts . . . this AWESOMELY GORGEOUS "State Bird" quilt that my grandmother made and gave to me.  I sooooooooooooooooo love and cherish it!!!!!!!  I have other quilts that mamaw has made, but this one is extra special because I kind

of remember when she was doing the embroidery of each state's bird and flower.  Can you imagine all of the stitches and hours that went into this quilt????  Can you imagine giving it away????  I've made cards that I didn't want to give away, but what a treasure this is . . . what a treasure mamaw is!

"NOTABLY ORNATE"

Oh-so-fun is the best way to describe the creation of this card!  No fuss, no muss . . . just a pretty color combo, a vintage flair, and feminine flower layers.  This card features Stampin' Up!'s "Notably Ornate" stamp set, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White card stock, Concord Crush designer paper, Modern Label punch, flower brad, Eyelet Border punch, large flower from the retired Pretties Kit, "Floral Fusion" Sizzlits die, white taffeta ribbon, and delicate pearls.  And it's a SQUARE card!!!

HIS & HERS "YOU'RE THE BEST"

This card was created for my sweet parents who made my birthday really special . . . again and again and again.  When I started designing this card, I was anxious to use the antique car image from Cricut's "Wrap It Up" cartridge, so I used some rose colored card stock so my mother wouldn't feel that it was an all-masculine card.  After I cut the images for this card, it occurred to me that they both deserved to be on the front, but there wasn't room.  And so this easel card was born.  I love easel cards, but I had never made one this size before.  All in all, I was pleased with how it turned out!  To add extra interest to the card front, I used  a Stampin' Up! texture plate, which I thought mimicked the interior of some old cars.  The satin ribbon and antique brad (both from Stampin' Up!) lended a soft, feminine finish. 

"JUST BELIEVE" MEETS "PARISIAN BREEZE"

One of my all-time favorite paper collections from Stampin' Up! is "Parisian Breeze" and, when this paper retired, I kept a little stash.  For this card, I used the awesome "Just Believe" stamp set, selected Oval punches, Photo Corner punch, and Crochet Trim--all from Stampin' Up!  This card was made for one of my customers who also loves "Parisian Breeze." 

SOMETHING TO "CHIRP" ABOUT!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!  I just have to share . . . in the 11/16/10 issue of the "Cricut Chirp" newsletter, my re-purposed cabinet door was one of the messageboard highlights!!!  I still haven't finished sanding it or added a glass knob, but it's always a good feeling when a project is recognized!

PERFECT "LITTLE SOMETHING" TO TAKE TO HOLIDAY PARTIES

Last night, while re-organizing in the stamp room and looking to see exactly WHAT is taking up all of the space in here, I uncovered some glass plates which I'd purchased with the intention of glass-etching.  It occurred to me that one of Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Cane Christmas" Decor Elements vinyl images would be perfect to decorate the plate!  I had just received the vinyl images last week (still knew where they were), and any of them would have been so cute on this plate!  Wouldn't this be a perfect hostess gift for those upcoming holiday parties and get-togethers . . . just place some goodies on the plate, and let the hostess keep it!  I adhered the vinyl to the back of the plate, so it can be hand-washed without scratching or peeling the vinyl.  In looking at the sheet of vinyl, I estimate that you could get at least 10 or 12 holiday plates decorated from the one sheet. 

FOR ELIZABETH

My grandmother has a really sweet quilting friend, Elizabeth, who has had (for the past three or four years) several battles with cancer, grueling treatments, and all of the emotions associated with facing, fighting, and surviving cancer.  Recently, Elizabeth learned that she has an inoperable brain tumor, and it is taking quite a toll on her--quickly.  The following Stampin' Up! products were used to create this card for her:  "Country Morning" and "Teeny Tiny Wishes" stamp sets, Oval punches (large and scallop), Heart to Heart punch, Square Lattice embossing folder, white Craft ink, Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, and Orchid Opulence (retired) card stock.  If I remember correctly, the name of the technique used on the stamped image is Black Magic.  Prayers for Elizabeth and her family would be appreciated.

THANK YOU, JULIE!

When I checked the mailbox this evening, I had to swipe a spider to the outside and, in the process, one of my envelopes hit the ground.  Yep!  It was the one with this card from my sweet friend, Julie.  She mentioned on her blog that she'd mailed a Rich Razzleberry birthday card to me, and isn't it sweet?  I love the vintage image and the stacked layering and, of course, the Rich Razzleberry!  Thank you, Julie!

STENCILS & VINYL FOR "FEMININE FRIDAYS"

Last week, Julie issued a mission for me to use a Stampin' Up! stencil on a gate fold card, and I chose two of them for my projects . . . the smaller stencil from Vintage Ornaments I and Kind Thoughts Brocade.  On the front of this square card, I sponged Concord Crush ink on the ornament stencil and used a sponge dauber to apply Frost White shimmer paint for the detail.  Rhinestone jewels and tinsel trim were used to embellish the card, as well as the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and Brushed Silver card stock.  Frost White shimmer paint was again used with the Kind Thoughts Brocade stencil inside the card, and I used "Four the Holidays" stamp set for the sentiment and an image from "Tiny Tags" on the signature tag inside the card.  For my second project, I re-purposed an old cabinet door.  I used gold stencil paint creme and the Kind Thoughts Brocade stencil and added house numbers and keys, which were cut  from a Stampin' Up! Chocolate Decor Elements sheet of vinyl.  I used my Cricut Expression and the "Sentimentals" and "Storybook" cartridges for the images.  The door isn't quite finished, though.  I plan to add a glass knob and use sanding paper to further distress the door in the areas where there isn't stenciling or vinyl.  Julie, this was a GREAT mission, for one reason, because it prompted me to go ahead and do something with one of the cabinet doors which, until now, has been collecting dust.

THE CARD THAT PRACTICALLY MADE ITSELF

I keep a jar on my desk for die-cut and punched shapes that I end up not using at the time I cut/punch them, and it really came in handy while making this card for my aunt.  The butterflies and tags were ready to go, and it was a coincidence that the colors coordinated with the Bashful Blue and Pear Pizzazz that I had used to create the background for my stamped image, which is from Stampin' Up!'s "Just Believe" stamp set.  When I opened the drawer to get Bashful Blue card stock, would you believe that I found the card already cut and scored?  If not for the embossed white layer, I think this card could have made itself while I hopped in the shower!  You just have to love it when a card comes together so quickly and easily!

SMOOCHED AND SQUARED

Smooch Spritz.
Square card.
"Notably Ornate" stamp set.
Antique Brad.
"Newsprint" designer paper.
Pretty much what you've come to expect from me, huh?

A "BELLA BLEU" HELLO

I'm a bit late sending cards to special aunts, so I decided to make a few today.  This is one of the four, and it features Stampin' Up!'s "Bella Bleu" designer paper, "Tiny Tags" stamp set, Eyelet Border, Jewelry Tag, and Spiral Border punches, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, and Not Quite Navy card stock, and vanilla taffeta ribbon.  The main image was cut with the Cricut and "Sentimentals" cartridge, and I sponged the edges of most of the layers with Early Espresso ink. 

FAMILY ALBUM

This fun little album is my work in progress.  There's a lot of  area to cover (literally), and I can't possibly decide on all of the embellishments right now.  I've got my photo sections, some of them with mats, but I've left everything else until after Christmas when I plan to place photos and complete this family album.  When the album is opened, there's a gate-fold section at the top (held closed with a designer paper "latch"), and a small flap at the bottom (the clock layer) which flips up to reveal two accordion-folded pull-out panels with swinging photo mats.  At the base of the album is a generously-sized area for a large family photo.  (In the photo at the bottom of this post, the clock layer is covering the base section.)  I'm so excited about completeing this album, but I plan to take my time and get it right.  ;-)  You'll notice that I used Stampin' Up!'s "Sense of Time" stamp set, which I love!  Speaking of time, have you changed all of your clocks yet?

"WINTER POST" TREAT & GIFT CARD HOLDER

I found this project on SCS and was very anxious to create one.  My first one was a flop, but that's okay because it gave me some ideas of what I wanted to do.  First and foremost, I wanted the top of the treat box to be easy to open without having to tear the paper and ruin the project.  I used Sticky Strip around the sides and bottom of the box and tied a bow on top.  Inside the box, I placed a candy bar that I wrapped with Stampin' Up!'s "Deck the Halls" designer paper and decorated with a tree from the "Merry Details" Sizzlits die.  The window of the box was created with the Modern Label punch, and there's a piece of acetate covering the window.  Stampin' Up!'s "Tasteful Trim" die was used to cut the two decorative strips of designer paper located under the window--just below the row of pearls.  I used the "Winter Post" stamp set to decorate the front of the card and the gift card holder in the pocket.  Other Stampin' Up! products used include Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, and Cherry Cobbler card stock and the following punches:  Snowflake, Decorative Label, Designer Label and, to create the holly berries and leaves, Wide Oval, 1-3/8" Circle, 1" Circle, and Itty Bitty Shapes circle.  I also used Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz on the punched snowflake.  I adhered my finished project to a piece of Early Espresso card stock for added stability.

"FEMININE FRIDAYS"

Happy Friday!!!!!  Pictured on the left is a sneak peek of Julie's "Feminine Fridays" project, which you can see and learn more about on her blog.  She has a fun gate-fold and a clever flower created with punches, plus some stencil art on her project!  Sometimes I get nervous about the missions that she sets forth for me, but I'm kind of excited about the one she posted this week.  ;-)  I am learning that Julie's missions can be challenging but, at the same time, they give me a set direction when I sit down to create.  You might want to try her missions, too!

VINTAGE "SENSE OF TIME"

Can I just say that I had such a fun time designing and creating this card?  Ever since I first saw this stamp set, I have wanted it but, for some reason, I kept bumping it off of my orders.  "Sense of Time" arrived on my porch this week, along with Stampin' Up!'s "Tasteful Trim" Sizzix die, which I used to create the Early Espresso scallop and ric rac trim, both of which have been swiped with Champagne Mist shimmer paint.  There are several layers of detail on the clock image.  I began by stamping it with black ink onto Very Vanilla card stock, dirtied it up with Crumb Cake ink, stamped and gold-embossed the floral swirl image from "Elements of Style," and then sponged Early Espresso ink around the edges, very heavily on the absolute edge.  Finally, I sprayed Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz on the clock, which has a mat from the Scallop Circle #2 die.  Beneath the clock is a piece of "Newsprint" designer paper which was crumpled and distressed with Early Espresso ink and embellished at the top with Crochet Trim and, at the bottom, cuts from the "Tasteful Trim" die and Eyelet Border punch.  That just about covers the details for this card, other than the Antique Brad on the left edge of the sentiment.  If vintage is a style that you embrace, visit my web site http://www.regina.stampinup.net/ and order it ASAP!  You will NOT regret it!

SIMPLE DISTRESSED PACKAGE

Recently, a good friend (who happens to also be a customer) ordered one of Stampin' Up!'s embossing folders and, since I wasn't sure when I would see her, I decided to mail the item to her.  I couldn't just put it in an envelope, though--I wanted to make a vintage-y package for it since that style appeals to her (and me).  I can't remember how wide I cut the card stock for this envelope, but it's 12" long, folded in half.  I used Stampin' Up!'s "Newsprint" designer paper, which I crumpled and then sponged with Early Espresso ink.  I also used the Scallop, Large, and Small oval punches, as well as the "Tiny Tags" stamp set and Jewelry Tag punch (love this punch).  This project was complete after I placed the rhinestone jewel on the tiny tag.  Being a demonstrator is really fun, but the biggest perk has got to be the friends I've gained along the way.  The one who received this package was one of my very first customers almost 7 years ago!!!  That pretty much makes her a sister!  ;-)