A little late, but Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, Stampers!  I know Christmas is past, but it was a busy time with family, friends and such.  I hope each one of you had a Merry Christmas and are headed into a wonderful New Year!  I wanted to share my personal Christmas card with you.  I almost didn't get them done and distributed in time.  Actually (guilty look) some of them didn't get sent out at all.  Oops!  I will try to do better next year.

I will also try to post a little more often this year.  It has been a bit of an adjustment with a second child in the house.  Hopefully we have that all set now.

That's it for today.  Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

It's Begining to look a lot like Chrstmas

Click on image to enlarge

Good morning Stampers and welcome to the SU Stars Blog Hop.  This blog hop is all about Christmas decorating.  If you started from the begining, you probably came from  http://www.jaynestamps.com/ but if you are starting here, just follow the links and it will take you all the way through.  If you get lost, click here for a list of blogs on the hop.

I belong to a local group of stampers and we had our anual Christmas meeting'  We all make a gift with our Stampin' Up! products for a gift and then at the party we play Stampin' Santa.  It's a lot of fun and there are some awesome gifts.

I had a hard time deciding what to make.  Then inspiration struck!  I lollie (rosette, medallion or what ever you want to call them) wreat made of ...   VELLUM!  I hadn't seen one done this way yet and it seemed awsome.  I did use vellum cardstock so it woudl be sturdy.  I also used lots of shimmer mist, some rhinestones and some silver Glimmer Paper snowflakes.  I thought it turned out great! 

I hope you enjoyed your visit here.  Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!  Now off you go to visit www.stampindragon.blogspot.com  for more inspiration.

 

Nugget Turkeys with a new twist!

Hi Stampers!  I have been SO busy!  I have a craft fair this weekend, but I just had to show you my take on nugget turkeys for Thanksgiving.  I had seen nugget turkeys for a couple of years made with the scallop circle punch.  BUT - with lollies so popular, I decided to try to combine the two and here's what I came up with.

Isn't he the cutest thing?!?  A Hershey nugget wrapped in paper, a 1/2 lollie for a tail and a punch art face.  I made one for each guest having Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year, and made matching napkin rings.  It was so much fun.

Well back to my craft fair makings.  I promise to take photos and share later this month.  Until then, remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

NEWS FLASH!!!!

Hi Stampers!  I woke up this morning to a FABULOUS Stampin' Up! promotion!  I blew my socks off and that was pretty hard to do since I didn't even have them on yet. 

If you have ever even thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, now is the time!  During the month of October, all new recruits will receive a FREE BIG SHOT!!! or $100 worth of merchandise of your choice in addition to the products that come in the starter kit!  Talk about a sweet bonus!

I'd love to have you join my team.  Call me (405-659-8473) or email me (tabray@sbcglobal.net) to set up a time to discuss the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  Or if you know it's right for you, you can sign up online.  Just go to tory.stampinup.net and click "Join the fun."  Right now you can't go wrong!

New Stocking Punch and Stamp Set

Hi Stampers!  I hope you have been enjoying your weekend.  I hope you had today off, too.  I've been relaxing and stamping this weekend.  I played with some new items that can be found in the Holiday Mini.  Too much fun!

Aren't they adorable?!?  See how versatile this set/punch can be?  You can use it all year long.  The baby booties are just cut and the top re-attached to make them shorter and the horse is turned upside down.  I just love it when you can use a stamp set or punch for other things!

That's it for today.  If you need these items, you can visit my online store at tory.stampinup.net or give me a call!  Enjoy the rest of the day and remember if I can stamp, you can, too!

Finally, Another Project Post

Hi Stampers.  My August has been (as my sister says) "going 90 with my hair on fire."  At least there is only about a week left of the hecticness.  (I hope.)  I did take some time and try a new technique.  I saw the name of these flowers, but can't recall it at the moment. 

I made 12 flowers and glued them together into a ball.  I used some ribbon as a hanger and to add a little pizzaz.  Hope you like it.

This is all retired paper, but we do have some awesome new Christmas paper in the new Idea Book and Catalog. 

Well, the hecticness is begining for today.  Just remember if I can stamp you can too!

Have you ever thought...

about starting your own business?  About how great it would be to get all your Stampin' and Scrappin' supplies at a discount?  Well, you're in luck!  Through the end of July you can join Stampin' Up! for only $99.  That's right!  It's less than $100!  AND you get a bonus project as a gift!

If you already own a lot of stamps, cardstock, or ink pads, it's OK.  You can customize your kit to suit your needs and/or personality.  Here's a preview of the items in the $99 kit (but remember you can substitute most of the items).

 

• My Stampin' Blog
• My story

• My Favorite Ideas
• Stampin' Up! Ideas
• Shop Now
• Product Lines
• Catalogs
• My Events
• Promotions
• Strength & Hope
• Host a Workshop
• hostess benefits
• What is a Workshop?
• Hostess Login
• Join The Fun
• Kit Techniques
• Demonstrator Benefits
• Career Plan
• About Stampin' Up!

Whether you are looking for some extra income or are just interested in a discount on your purchases, I would be more than happy to discuss the benefits with you!  Call me now to find out how easy it can be!   405-659-8473

Home Again, Home Again

Good morning Stampers!  I have to tell you that last week was AWESOME!!  I attended the Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City and I had a BLAST!!!  We had classes, fun demonstrations, beautiful make-n-takes, swapping with other demos, yummy food, and the list goes on!

I shared a room with a demo from Colorado.  Hi, Kimberley!  She was so sweet.  I made her a little gift and now that she has it, I wanted to share it with you.

Here it is closed.  It is a "rolling tote" but I forgot to take a picture of the back.  It has a cute ribbon handle and marbles for "wheels."  Here's a picture of it open and packed with some treats.

I thought it turned out so cute.  I know I will have to make another one.  If I can find the pattern again.  I found it somewhere out in Blogland.  I hope you all like it, too.

I have to say that I really did have a great time at convention.  I have so many great project ideas swimming around in my head it isn't even funny! 

Well, I guess that's it for today.  I'm still recuperating from the busy-ness that is convention.  All the walking and standing in line.  But it was worth every step and every line I stood in.  Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

I'm SOOOO excited!

I am leaving on Tuesday for the Stampin' Up! convention in Salt Lake City, UT!  I am so excited I can hardly stand it.  I hope I can sleep between now and then!  I'm going to get to meet a bunch of other demonstrators that I've gotten to know online, learn a bunch of neat new stuff, and make some awesome projects!  Any demonstrator can go to convention, and right now it's easier than ever.  Right now you can sign up to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for only $99! 

I bet you really came to see some picture of projects.  I actually have some to share with you today.  These are swaps I'm taking to convention.  I will trade mine with someone for one of theirs.  Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?  When we are all done, everyone has a BUNCH of great samples and ideas to take home.

Here are mine.  Let me know if you like them.

IT'S HERE!!!!!

 Those of you who know Stampin' Up! know what I'm talking about.  That's right!  The new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog!  They are here in my house looking for good homes.  LOL   If you want to look at the new catalog NOW you can find it on the left hand side of my blog.  See it over there?  

I know I haven't shared any pics lately, but boy have I been busy!  I'm leaving in 9 days for Salt Lake City and my firs Stampin' Up! Convention!  I'm so excited!  I promise to share something before I leave.  And I promise to bring back a BUNCH of great new ideas to share with you!

Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

Stylish Blogger Award

I was awarded the Stylish Blogger Award by the lovely and talented Eileen Lefevre.  You can view her blog "Eileen's Stampin' Fever" here.  Her projects are always top notch!

The only thing she ask me to do was to pay it forward.  I picked 6 blogs that I enjoy and that inspire me and am awarding them the Stylish Blogger Award.

Nancy

Creativewishes.blogspot.com

Elaine

Stampinreckon.blogspot.com

Tammy

Tarheelstamper.blogspot.com

Sharon

Stampingandmusing.blogspot.com

Sage

Stampingmadly.com

Holly

Rubberredneck.typepad.com

Take a peek at these blogs.  You're sure to find something you love!  Until next time!

Tory

Sunsets and Ships

Hi Stampers!  It has been a busy spring, that's for sure!  It's shaping up to be a busy summer, too!  I did have some time to play recently.  I made 2 sets of swaps, but I can't show you until everyone recieves their packages.  I can show you this card, though!

I know the picture is crooked, but it was the best I could do tonight.  this is from the stamp set Open Sea from the new Summer Mini.  I used my brayer to create an ocean and a sunset.  I hope you like it.  It is only my second attempt at making a sky with my brayer.  I also learned how to make a reflection using my Stamp-a-ma-jig.  It was so much fun.  My DH said it looks like my ship is sinking, but...

I think this is a technique I'm going to work on.  They do say practice make perfect.  I probably won't be perfect, but maybe better. 

Let me know what you think.  Until next time remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

First VC_Rocks Blog Hop of the Season

Hi, Stampers!  I know I have been less than great about keeping my blog current.  Life has been WAY too busy lately.  But here I am with a great project for the VC_Rocks blog hop.  What is VC_Rocks?  It is a celebration of all things Stampin' Up!  It actually stands for Virtual Convention.  Now....on with the hop!

If you started at the begining, you probably arrived from Mary Campbell's blog http://mimitojett.blogspot.com .  Weren't her projects darling?

Our theme for May is Color My World and we are all showcasing coloring techniques.  Here is the card I made just for you today.

The image is from the stamp set The Nicest Things and the sentiment is from Great Friend.  I used Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise cardstock and Sunny Garden DSP along with some Organza ribbon.  I aslo used the Curly Label punch and the Designer Label punch and some Stampin' Deminsionals.  I colored the girls with my Stampin' Pastels and a Blender Pen.

I hope you enjoyed my little contribution to the blog hop this month.  Please leave me a comment so I know you were here!  Your next stop is with Angela Khan at www.scrappin-for-sanity.blogspot.com .  Don't you just love the name of her blog?  I'll bet you will love her project, too!

If you get lost or find a broken link, you can hop on over to the VC Rocks blog here and find where you left off.  Enjoy the trip!

Until next time, remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

VC Rocks Preview Challenge

Hi, Stampers.  I have a card to show you, but it will require some explanation.  I belong to a yahoo group that runs through the summer every year.  It's called VC_Rocks and is a celebration of everything Stampin' Up!  Each year the returning members get to start about 2 weeks before they let the newbies in.  We have some preview challenges to "warm up".  This card is actually 2 of the challenges.  The first part was to use 3 quarter sheets of cardstock, 2 colors from one color group and one from another color group.  We could add texture or smooch spritz, but not paint or ink.  I chose Night of Navy and More Mustard from the Regals collection and Real Red from the Brights collection.  I pierced the Night of Navy, Crimped the More Mustard, and used a Texturz plate on the Real Red (but you can't really tell now that I'm done).  Here are what it looked like after the first part.

After this challenge there was one day in between before we did anything to these pieces of paper.  Then we were instructed to make a card of congratulations or praise with these pieces.  We could cut, tear, punch or die cut them at this point.  We could use one sentiment stamp and a cardbase and white or vanilla with it.  Only one stamp.  No ink on the paper.

Here is what I came up with.  It really was quite a challenge.  It had been a while since I had relied only on texture to make a card!  It is really hard to tell from the picture, but I crimped the More Mustard both ways to make a "waffle pattern".  Since I had pierced the Night of Navy in a circular pattern, I thought I should carry on with circles.  I hope you enjoy looking.

That's it for this time.  Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter.  Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!



Paisley Petals

Is this not some gorgeous paper?!?  It is so pretty that I didn't want to cover it up!  This is the new Paisley Petals DSP that is available for the month of April with a $20 order.  You can also purchase the stamp set used here.  It is called Four Frames.  These items will be available for purchase (after a $20 purchase) in April. 

This is the card we will be making in our class on Sunday afternoon (April 17).  I'll have the rest of the paper from the pack available for you to see. 

I know it is hard to tell from this photo, but I have paired this paper with Bravo Burgundy for this card.  The only embellishment is a strip of white 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.  Of course I had to use the Decorative Label punch to punch out my stamp and then I adhered it with Stampin' dimensionals. 

I hope you can join us.  We are going to have a lot of fun.  Drop me an email or give me a call.  Until next time, remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

Cutest Little Gazebo Box

Hi, Stampers!  I hope you had a lovely week.  Mine was busy, but when haven't they been lately.  LOL  Last weekend I took some time to go play with my friend, Gwyn.  Hi, Gwyn!!  She was making cards, but I had seen a cute little box and wanted to try to figure it out.  I was inspired by Martha Lucia Gomez and while my box isn't just like hers, her idea got me started.

Isn't it the cutest little thing?!?  I just love it!  I used the Springtime Vintage paper from the Occasions Mini to decorate it along with some Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon and a Key Trinket and the 2 step Bird Punch.  Wouldn't this make a magnificent Mother's Day or Graduation gift? 

We will be making this project at my next class on April 10th at 1:30.  If you'd like to join us, let me know.  You can call or email me for more information.  Until next time, remember if I can stamp, you can, too!  If you don't believe me, come to the next class!  :)

Edited:

My class has moved to a new date.  It will be Sunday afternoon April 17th at 1:30.  If you'd like to attend, please give me a call or drop me an email and I'll send you the address and directions.

March club projects 2 & 3

Hi, stampers!  I finally got the photos of the other 2 projects we make this month.  We sure did have a good time.  We made some Easter themed treats/treat holders.

First up is a cute little chocolate bunny made with a cupcake.

Isn't he just the cutest little thing?  I think these will make their way into Easter baskets at my house.  We also make him a little carrot.

Doesn't it look like the perfect container for some yummy jelly beans?

Well, that's it for today.  I hope these have inspired you to make some fun Easter projects of your own.  Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too.

March club project #1

Hi, Stampers.  I can't believe it's been a month since my last post!  Things didn't slow down much.  Well, in a way they did.  We all took turns being sick at my house.  I hope we are finished with that now that it's getting warmer out.

Here is one of the projects we made last week.  It uses one of the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets.  If you like the set, hurry and order it.  Sale-A-Bration ends March 31!!!  You can find the supplies for this project as well as all the Sale-A-Bration items here on my website.  Just click on the "shop now" button.

This set is SO versatile and lends itself to vintage projects.  We used the First Edition DSP from the Occasions Mini, some Victorian Lace trim, and classic ink pads in More Mustard, Soft Suede, Peach Parfait, and Pear Pizzaz.  We also used Stampin' Sponges to get the "old" and distressed look.  The card stock is also Pear Pizzaz.

We had a couple more projects, but I will have to show them to you another day.  I promise it will be soon.  That's it for today.  Don't forget, if I can stamp, you can, too!

When it Snows it Pours?

Hi Stampers.  It has been a wild and woolly February here in OK.  We had a blizzard the first week of February with 12 1/2" of snow, another big snow the 2nd week (about 6") with temps in the single digits for several days, and this week it has been as warm as 75!  At least it is is sunny and mild today.

I had the unfortunate business of creating sympathy cards over the last week for several people.  Here is what I came up with.

click image to make it larger

Being that it was a sympathy card, I wanted to keep it clean and relatively simple.  I used Marina Mist and Very Vanilla as my colors.  The stamp set is Clearly For You from the Occasions Mini and I added a piece of the Chantilly(oops!) Victoria Crochet Trim as my only embellishment.  I though they turned out really pretty.

I also had to keep them easily replicable as my gals came last weekend, AND my dad was in the hospital.  It was quite a busy week.  I hope this week is a little less hectic. 

That's all for now.  I hope you have a lovely weekend.  Take time to stamp something.  You'll be glad you did.  Remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!

Not Really a Valentine, Yet...

Hi, Stampers!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  It was way too busy in my world.  There were chores to do, errands to run, and my dad is in the hospital.  But I did mange to have some time to stamp.

My gals were scheduled to come stamps this weekend.  It was a lot of fun, and I really needed the time to relax a bit.  If you weren't here, you missed a lot of fun and some cute (imho) projects.

Here is the "Not Really a Valentine" card we made.  I totally got this idea from the Occasions Mini catty.  I also saw a video on how to make the medallion here on Christina Bagne's blog.

Stamp Set:  Take a Spin; Cardstock: Real Red, Very Vanilla,
Pretty In Pink: Accessories:  Spinner Hands, Satin Ribbon in Pretty in PInk
First Edition DSP, Love Impressions Rub Ons (inside),
 Scallop Circle #2 Die, and the Big Shot

What a fun card.  I thought that image in this stamp set *could* be for a Valentine card, but it could be for everyday, too.  The spinner hands make it so much more fun!  They are so reasonable, too!  You get 12 for $3.95!  What a deal!

I will try to post the other projects later this week.  Until next time, remember, if I can stamp, you can, too!