Here's an ubber cute card using some of the new DSP (designer series paper).  It's appropriately called Berry Blossoms.  This card is full of brand new things;  Colors;  Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade  Ribbon:  Dotted Scallop (if you love it – check out my ribbon shares - I think there is 1 spot left!), Embossing folder:  Houndstooth.   With the heat this week, I hope this brings you some cool vibes!  The stamp set I used is called the Best of Everything.  This is another versatile set – you'll see some great samples done with it at my Open House Sunday and Monday.

I sure hope everyone is keeping cool out there!   My oldest daughter is off camping this weekend – with the heat, storms coming and high water, I sure hope they have fun and stay safe.  As for me, I'm happy staying home in the AC.  Got a 10 mile bike ride in this morning and now am settling in to do some more preps for the open house and upcoming events. 

I have some good news and bad news to share;  Good news – I have a job interview next week!  I am very hopeful that this one is fruitful.  The bad news, I have a heavy heart.  I have apparently broken a rule that I didn't even know about – what hurts about this are 2 things;  A.  I'm not a rule breaker  and B.  The person who discovered that I broke a rule didn't have the common courtesy to let me know personally.   So, I have fixed my boo boo and am praying for the person that I offended. 

So on to brighter things;  I promised more pics from convention make-n-takes.  I attended a fun extra class called Village of Cuteness – I think it turned out really cool – what do you think?

Isn't it fun what you can create with Stampin' Up! products?  Well, I am promising that there will be more FUN 3D items – and home decor coming very soon! 

Blessings!

Ohhhh lala!   I am workin on making the next 2 events super special!    First, the New Catalog Open House on Sunday and Monday July 24 and 25 from 4-7pm each day.  One of the new things is inspiration for you!   I have my display boards all set and ready for your camera's!   You will be inspired!

Chicks, Chocolate & Cards

The first from the new catalog – so you get to play with fun new sets, new colors, new accessories, etc.  Not to be missed!  Here is one card we will be doing.  It was a swap from convention made by Kathy Kuffel.

I love this new stamp set – Delicate Doilies.  The butterfly on the new lace punch is a perfect accent!   RSVP to hold your spot!

Blessings!

A great trip out to Salt Lake City today!   Uneventful flight.  Got into the hotel early, ironed my clothes, went to the store and got everything squared away.  My teammates arrived throughout the day and we all went to dinner this evening.  This amazing group of women are soooo excited for tomorrow!   The energy was really high! 

Tonight we walked around the temple square area smelling the beautiful flowers and remarking at the beauty of the city and the tabernacle area.  We had a tour of the Joseph Smith building which used to be the Hotel Utah.  Fascinating history.  Everyone loved it and said that we didn't have enough time to see and do everything they wanted so they are all making plans for next year already. 

Here are a couple of the downline gifts I gave my teammates – every girl needs a great purse!  This one is made with the Stampin' Up! fabric, and you might see some of them at my upcoming craft fairs.

Of course the girls are loving them!   Check out the posies on the front.  These posies are so cute and easy – just made with circles.  OK, off to get ready for the BIG day tomorrow.  We have momento mall, get our bags, go to the home office for a tour, swap and the best part – reconnecting with my girlie friends from around the country! 

Blessings! 

Wouldn't you love to swap for this card with me at convention?  You'll get to see exactly how to make this card in a soon to be released video.  The name of the set I used is called My Friend.  Imagine the various ways that you can use this set; 

Techniques;

• embossing
• with Stampin' Pastels
• Rock-n-Roll
• Watercolor crayons
• and so much more!

Looks;

• Multiple seasons – I can see using this set all year round because it isn't too "floraly"  (I don't know if that's a word or not!)
• Feminine and Masculine
• Vintage to simple stamping

Here's another idea that was one of the make-n-takes this week at hostess club;

So, there's your inspiration for the day.  I'm off to put some finishing touches on convention swaps, downline gifts and of course the last few samples for the craft fair in Lakeville this weekend.  Just a couple of reminders;

• Get your catalogs soon – you're missing out!   I have a bunch ready to be mailed this Friday!
• RSVP for the first Chicks, Chocolate & Cards event from the new catalog – fresh with convention samples!  July 21 6:30pm
• Details on the new catalog open house coming soon!

Blessings!!!!

and you could make it tonight or tomorrow at my hostess club event – come check it out and see what it's all about!  One of my new favorite stamp sets is the Delicate Doilies set – check it out on page 127 of the new catty.  (If you don't have your new catty yet, email me and I will get you one shipped out, delivered or ready for pick up ASAP!)   Here's what's new on this card;

• Wild Wisteria card base and ink – lovin' this new purple! 
• Delicate Doilies stamp set – a must have!
• Fancy Fan letterpress plate – yummo!
• I also used Victoria lace trim, vintage trinkets (safety pin), Pearls, Doily triple layer punch, Tiny Tags stamp set and punch.  The other colors used on this card are Basic Gray and Very Vanilla.

I was inspired by a card on Stampin' Connection – (available only to SU demos), changed a couple of things and voila – there it is!  If you are sad that you don't have access to the thousands upon thousands of samples available to SU demos, you can get access this month for only $99!   PLUS a $40 Christmas bonus kit and at least 20% off all of your purchases from the new catty – if your list is long, this IS the ticket for you! 

Here's the Christmas box you'll get!   Isn't it fabulous!!!

So, don't miss out, call me today for;

• your new catalog
• come to class tonight or tomorrow – or to get this months schedule!
• get 20% or more off your wish list!

I know I haven't posted for a bit about other life events, so here is a quick update.  I have applied for what seems like hundreds of jobs – a couple of interviews but, no other news.  Jim and I went up to my dad's for a few days last week (I intended to post from up north but the internet connection was so slow – or perhaps I was too impatient!)  We had a great time relaxing and lots of fishing!   Jim was in a tournament and did very well in it.  I was thrilled for him.  I'm busy getting ready for craft shows the next few weeks – and convention next week!   You're sure to hear more about that very soon!

Blessings!

Isn't this cool?  I love the color behind the vellum cardstock.  Want to know how it's done?  Check out this video!

Looky what I got in the mail yesterday!  A sweet card from one of my downline, Julie O.  It's one of several I have received after learning of my lay off.  The message inside was exactly what I needed – and is exactly why we send handcrafted cards!  Thanks Julie!

Julie's creation used the new Fabulous Florets stamp set and the Flower Garden embossing folder.  They are so perfect side by side!

I know, I have lots of flower stamp sets.  The selling point of this one is that it comes with solid and line art images.  Thus you can use it for multiple techniques!  Here's a couple of other samples to tickle your fancy;

Each of these uses the new colored embossing powders (yummy!).  You'll find them in the summer mini in Tangerine Tango, WIld Wasabi and Melon Mambo.  So happy to have these colored embossing powers back!

Off to work on a video that I think you'll love. . . . see you soon friends!

Blessings!

So, have you been missing me just a wee bit?  Twas a busy week last week.  Of course there was a multitude of things to do at work. . . . then my dad came for a visit on Thursday.  Then assorted family gatherings and meals throughout the weekend culminating with Easter dinner (for 17) on Easter Sunday.  What a glorious day – besides the promise of a risn Saviour, the sun was shining, the kids were outside and family all around. 

I meant to take a few pics but, successfully didn't ever get the camera out.  Here is a peak at what some of my table decorations looked like. 

If I must say so, the table looked fantastic!  The napkin rings are actually shower curtain rings.  The flowers are from the Fun Flowers Die and the Island Blooms die (leaf).  As you know, I love texture – so, you can see that each piece is texturized.  One hint is that you need a little flexibility when you adhere the flowers with hot glue to the rings, so I used scraps of fleece.  The eggs had each persons initials on them and were setting on a candle holder decked out with a simple rich razzelberry striped ribbon.  Don't you wish you were here?

Tomorrow, you won't want to miss the Easter cards I made. Especially if you have been oogling over the summer mini catalog that has been delivered to your door! 

Blessings!

Love this gorgeous card inspired by my friend Tami White!  This is one of the great techniques I learned last weekend.    I love the new technique for using the Blossom Petals punch!  Each flower uses to of the petal punches – the top layer has the very top cut down to allow the cute ribbon stamen to show. 

Here's what you need to create this card; 

• Cardstock & Ink:  Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Pear Pizzaz, Blushing Bride, Ink Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray
• Sizzix:Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder
• Punches:  Blossom Petals, Two Step Bird
• Stamp Set:  Something to Celebrate (Level 2 hostess from Occasions Mini Catalog)
• Accessories:  Dimensionals, 3/8" Taffeta ribbon in Daffodil Delight

Tami created the embossed edge by placing a piece of our chipboard on top of the embossing folder just like we have done before.  I love this partial embossed edge.  To make the ribbon stamens, Start with a 3/4" piece of ribbon, cut the woven edge off the ribbon on both sides for the first 1/2 inch.  Then it is easy to fray the top to get the look created on the card. 

Another ahh haa moment I had came from Connie.  She showed how to use the Multipurpose adhesive sheets to put adhesive on small pieces.  I used this technique on the stems for the flowers which were created from the two step bird punch.  These sheets are available in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  You get 12 sheets – and I know that you are going to love them.  Check them out on page 39.

Stay tuned for my class date updates later today. . . . . you won't want to miss it, I have some exciting things in store!

On another note – go TWINS!   Home opener today,  wearing my Twins shirt to work. . . . . which is where I am off to right now. 

Many Blessings today!

Are you ready for this?  An awesome idea that we did the last 2 nights at club.   Love them!   Don't you wish you were there?  (hint:  there's always room!)  My friend Christy Harsch taught me how to make these cutie pies.    Here's what I used;

Cardstock:  Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight

Sizzix Dies:  Scallop Circle, Perfect Polka Dots

Punches:  5 Petal Punch, Boho Blossoms, 2 3/8" extra Large scallop

Accessories:  Fabric Designer Brads from Occasions Mini Catalog, Subtles Collection Glimmer Brads, 5/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Store Containers (103649 p 193 of IB & C)

Won't these be cute at your Easter table, for a shower, or just for fun?  I just have to say – they're Stinkin' Cute!  

In other news, there are no updates on Jim's job yet – maybe we're safe but, I don't feel very safe!  Your favorite door greeter (aka doggie Barlow) had his check up yesterday and with the increasing seizures, he is now on medication – so we'll see how that goes.  He's been a little more "clingy" lately which in part looks like laying right next to me in the stamp room!

Class Updates coming tomorrow – or later today. . . Plus, I have posts lined up for the remainder of the week that you won't want to miss!!!

Blessings!