Nature Walk

Here are the make and takes we made at the Branson Regional recently,
using the stamp set, Nature Walk.
I'm in love with this set!

I thought this folder holding 3 x 3 cards was so clever.

By making a few scores and cuts you are ready to insert the cards.

I think it would make such a thoughtful little gift.

With markers and the Aqua-Painter, we were able to bring variations in the color of that little Rosette.

This is my least favorite. Those eggs and I just did not get along.

Love this banner made with the new Petal Cone Die

Sweet little touches to make it personal.

Birthday Cupcake

If it was possible to eat this card, I would!
I saw the original card made by my fellow demonstrator, Diane Burns.
www.diburns.blogspot.com,
Since I kept going back to it, I decided I would make one too.
I changed a few things simply because I had to work with what I had on hand,
but I like the results just as much as I like Diane's.
If you click on the picture, you can see the Tiny Tags (#117190 Punch, #115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set) held by Linen Thread (#104199) on the pin. The new Build a Cupcake Punch (#121807) is just plain fun to use. When paired with the stamp set, Create a Cupcake, (#121915) the result is bound to bring a smile.
Thanks for inspiring me once again, Diane!

Stamp Case Notebooks

At the Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee,
we made this 'notebook' using the Clear Mount Stamp Cases.
(#119105, 4 for $4.95!)

I thought it was such a cute idea, and since I was attending the Regional in Branson with my downline, I thought it would be perfect and compact to use while taking notes there.

So here is the version I made for them to use.
(Click on the pictures for a closer view.)

Inside, I placed a calendar, (so important for scheduling those workshops!),
and a few Post-It Notes along with a pad of paper for note taking.
I had trouble finding notepads that would fit,
but my local office supply store was happy to cut it to my specifications for a nominal fee.
A skinny ink pen (without the cap) fits nicely inside too.
This makes such a cute, compact and inexpensive gift that can be personalized for the receiver.
Mine will be making the trip to the Convention in July!
If you become a part of my team, I'll make one for you too!

Pieces of Heart Branson Swaps

I received a lot of swaps at the Branson Regional, but some of my favorites were the ones I received from the ladies I traveled with!

Judy Sumner is known for her 'classy' cards. And this one did not disappoint.
Look at all the work that was put into this card.

This little cutie was made by Patty Schnell. Whenever I see this stamp set I think of her.
I told her it has become her 'signature' set.
See the rhinestones on that little bee?

What a rich looking card.
It is not showing very well because my camera leaves much to be desired, but the colors are Concord Crush and Very Vanilla, along with a 'pop' of Daffodil Delight.
My new friend, Mary Ellen Cope stamped this one.

The bright colors in this card just make you happy!
Deana Schultz ran the Naturals White panel with the stars through the Big Shot
using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
Reminds me of a party!

Somehow I got home without Jayne Singleton's cute 3-D swap
using test tubes filled with jelly beans. It was so cute.
I will post it as soon as I get one.

Thanks for the ideas, ladies! I love swapping with you!

How would you like a free stamp set?

Because I attended the Stampin' Up! Regional in Branson,
I get to offer you a
FREE stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog!
From now until March 6, when you become a part of my team,
The Pieces of Heart Stampers,
you will receive the new set called Sunny Fun!
Above are several examples of that very cute set.
(Click on the picture to see a bigger view.)
BUT wait, there's more!
The starter kit has been reduced by 15%! That makes it only $148.75!
Plus you will receive a Bonus Bundle worth over $50!
~And~
you can attend great Stampin' Up! events with us!
Let's talk!

Stampin' fun in Branson!

The Pieces of Heart Team is back from the Branson Regional full of ideas and throwed rolls!
(I'll explain that part in a minute.)
Put five Stampin' Up! demonstrators in a car for four hours down and four hours back and they are going to talk non-stop stamping! Although it was a quick overnight trip, we came home pooped, but revitalized at the same time!


Pieces of Heart Team plus two!

From left is Judy Sumner, Patty Schnell, Jayne Singleton, me, Kristine Thurber, Mary Ellen Cope, and Deana Schultz.
Mary Ellen and Deana are demonstrators from our area and attended with us. I'm so glad they did. Two very sweet ladies.

Jayne, swapping her adorable test tubes with jelly beans.

Kristine with her finished banner made with the Petal Cone Die.

Deana and Mary Ellen working on the Make and Takes.

Here are the staff presenters that made it so much fun and informative for us. On the left is Holly Linford, then Brian Pilling, and Carrie Cudney. I didn't get a picture of Ellen Richardson, and I wish I had. She is one of the warmest, sweetest people I have met. She always had a bright smile, and made us feel like she had known us forever.

Okay, here is the 'throwed roll' explanation.
On the way home, we wanted to have lunch at the famous Lambert's Restaurant in Ozark, Missouri. One of the reasons they are famous is because of their home-style, comfort food, which is awesome. The other reason they are famous is because they THROW rolls at you! They are huge and hot, and oh so good. Believe me, we filled up on them too. We caught them every time!
Thank you, ladies, for attending with me and making it so fun!

Pieces of Heart Team off to Branson Regional!

We are so excited to be attending the Stampin' Up! Regional
in Branson, Missouri, Friday, February 18.
We will hear guest speakers on how to make our businesses better.
See product demonstrations.
And STAMP!
But best of all we get to spend time together talking stamping!
Every demonstrator likes to do that, plus
SWAPPING!
Here is my swap.
The colors are so vivid, they just POP!
I used Poppy Parade, Old Olive and Whisper White Card Stock.
The stamp set is called Tiny Teacup from the a 'la Carte selection.
It's been embossed with Clear Embossing Powder to give it a shiny teacup look.
The 'steam' coming from the cup is actually from a Christmas set called Season of Joy.
I just love it when you can incorporate holiday sets onto a regular card.
The Whisper White Card Stock was embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
Makes me want to sit down with a cup of coffee and talk stamping with a friend!

Have a Seat!

Wouldn't you just love to find this sitting on your bench?
I have always used Very Vanilla and Whisper White separately, not together. But putting them together makes the card look so rich and classy. The bench is from the stamp set called Have A Seat # 116696, and the cake is from the Hostess Level One set called Birthday Bakery #117034. That second stamp set could be yours! Just host a Stampin' Up! party of a few of your friends and according to your sales, you could receive free merchandise!
Especially now, during Sale-a-bration!
So contact me now and let's get YOUR party started!
pamdurso@sbcglobal.net

Top 'O the Mornin' to Ya!

I was part of a calendar shoebox swap where I was responsible for the month of March.
I thought this idea was a perfect way to reflect St. Patrick's Day.
By using just three punches,
you can fashion a Leprechaun's Derby hat right down to the lucky shamrock!
I used the 1 3/8" Circle Punch and the Word Window Punch for the Derby.
Then used the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch for the Shamrock,
which is tucked into the 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon.
A little rhinestone spot of 'dew' sits on that shamrock.
The calendar page fits into a CD case which, when opened, sits up nicely on your desk.
Luck 'O the Irish to ya!
Inspired by Linda Callahan.

Inspired by Nature

This is just a soft, quiet card using the stamp set called Inspired by Nature #111656, and Tiny Tags #118592. I like the way the flower is popped up on top of the grass so that it looks like it is growing there.
Inspired by Linda Keal

Yep, I Did It Again!

I just can't seem to help myself.
I have once again, shamelessly, CASED a card
made by Heather Klump,
one of my favorite stampers.
www.hlkdownstairsdesigns.blogspot.com
I am part of a letter-writing group called Soldier's Angels, www.soldiersangels.com. Weekly, I send cards to military. So I am always looking for a card that will, hopefully,
bring a smile to a hero, and get my appreciation across.
This little card does all of that and more.
What makes it so special is that I know Heather, in another life,
actually drove a tank!
The tank stamp set, Words By Wilson, is retired.
The other set is called Thank You Kindly.
And that is exactly what I would like to do, Heather/Hero.
Thank you Kindly!