Oh No! Last Day of Sale-a-bration!

It comes only once a year,
Today is the last day
to take advantage of the
free stamp sets
available through our promotion,
Sale-a-bration.
BUT...
it's not too late!
Place your $50 order with me today
and you could have this lovely stamp set called
Bliss
absolutely
FREE!
Tomorrow,
it's

GONE!
:o(

Petal Cone Die Carrot

Don't tell Farmer McGregor, but Peter Rabbit is at it again!
However, he is going to have a hard time dragging that carrot home.
The inside is full of jelly beans!
It's made by using the Big Shot and the Petal Cone Die.
(The uses for this die are endless! Put it on your must-have list!)

The top is secured with Certainly Celery Wide Grosgrain Ribbon.
It will keep that mischievous Peter from getting a stomach ache
and eating too many jelly beans.

We make projects like this at my monthly Stamp Camps.
We have a blast and would love to have you join us.
Check my schedule here:
http://www.pamdurso.stampinup.net
and make plans to join us next time!

Punched Wedding Bells

Isn't this pretty?
Can't you just hear the wedding bells ringing?
Those bells are made using the Round Tab Punch and the Wide Oval Punch.
After punching the Round Tab, turn the Wide Oval Punch upside down so you can see the hole. Insert the Round Tab piece into that hole and and punch, rounding off the top.
Voila', you have a bell!

I also used the Big Shot die called Swirls & Scribbles to get the curly-Qs.
The sentiment from All Holidays, was stamped in VersaMark and heat set with Silver Embossing Powder. I then punched it out with the 3/4" x 15/16" Oval and placed on the
Decorative Label in Brushed Silver Card Stock that I punched twice to make it smaller.
My designer paper is retired, but I couldn't resist using it for this card.
I think the Pearls and Organza ribbon make it all so pretty.
Inspired by Jan Tink

Pompom Fun

One of the new trims in our Spring Catalog is called Pompom Trim.
I am positive my mom added something like this to the dresses she sewed for me
back in the day.
(Way back!)
It's a fun addition when added in the strip-form,
but I saw potential elsewhere!
By cutting each individual 'Pom', you can add it to all kinds of things.
Like party hats as I did in the card above!

Or bunny butts!
This little box is made by adhering four pieces of the Petal Card Punch.
His ears are from the 5-Petal Flower punch,
his head the 3/4" Circle Punch
and his body is the 3/4" x 15/16" Oval Punch.
The Pom is placed over the Small Heart Punch.
A chocolate egg is sitting inside!
Inspired by Mary Fish.

Vintage Easter

Easter is just around the corner.
Time to think about your Easter cards.
I used the Springtime Vintage Designer Paper as the background
after running it through my Big Shot
(I seriously do not know how I could do without my Big Shot!),
and the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
Love that quilted look.
The stamp set is called Easter Blossoms.
That silhouette reminds me of a couple of little girls I know
who used to hunt for Easter eggs so many years ago!
(They still look for a treat every year!)
Inside her basket are three little Pearl eggs.
The bow is Victoria Crochet Trim.
Just perfect for the whole vintage look.

Aviary Card

This little bird looks so lonely.
Looks like all his friends have flown the coop.
Okay, I'm a stamper not very good at jokes.
This stamp set is called Aviary.
His birdcage has been cut out and popped up with Dimensionals.
Inside, the sentiment says,
"i miss you".
Poor little birdie.
CASEd from Sarah Wills.

Two For the Road (and a Designated Driver!)

I have never had a martini in my life,
so I don't know why this card appealed to me,
but I thought the embedded olives were just too cute.
They were made using circle punches and sponging the edges with ink.
I adhered them to the card stock and ran it through the Big Shot in the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The martini glass is from the Cheers To You set.
I added just a dab of Crystal Effects on the little olive in the glass to give a shine.
Inspired by Christy Butzen.

Here is the same stamp set only using the margarita glasses.
Now I am a big fan of the margarita, so I know why this card appeals to me!
I originally found it on my sister, Penny Thomas' blog
www.penguinstamper.blogspot.com.
Makes me want to kick off my shoes and run my toes through sand,
while wearing a big brimmed hat.
Those little umbrellas are cut out and set up a bit using a Glue Dot!
They are made shiny with Crystal Effects.
I punched that cherry out with our Red Glimmer Paper
using the Build a Cupcake Punch, it's the perfect size!
On the fruit and rims of the glasses, Dazzling Diamonds were added.
Thanks for the CASE Penny!

Being Green Isn't So Hard After All!

Have I mentioned that I love to Blog Surf?
You find the most wonderfully talented stampers that way.
One being Dawn Olchefske.
She is one of the busiest demonstrators I have ever met. I love her style.
I noticed this card on her blog and since I have this stamp set,
Flower For All Seasons,
I jumped to 'lovingly' CASE it.
I changed a couple of things, but stayed with her awesome design.
Isn't it cute?
This stamp set is Free during Sale-a-bration with an order of $50!
But hurry, the promotion ends March 31!
Kermit wants to come home with you!

Hurry to get this stamp set FREE!

I am a BIG fan of Diana Gibbs.
I saw this card on her blog, and had more fun reproducing it.
So much so that I tried it in several different color combos using
the designer paper called Patterns Paper Stack.
The stamp sets used are called Sweet Summer and So Happy For You.
Each one is FREE when you place an order of $50.
But only until March 31 when the promotion, Sale-a-bration ends.
How can you resist that little bee?
Place your order with me now
and he could 'bee' yours, FREE!

Easy Easel Calendars

I had several little calendars left over from a past project.
Every time I would sit at my stamping table
they would stare at me as if to say,
"USE ME!"
So I finally did.
I fashioned an easel from card stock, so they could be easily seen on a desk.

I ran several colors of designer paper from the Patterns Paper Stack
through my Big Shot using the Top Note Die.
Topped it off with a pretty flower made from the Scallop Circle Punch.
Now I am ready to go whenever I need a little gift for someone special.
I think those calendars are finally happy!

Cupcake Boxes

You need a box to carry your cupcake, don't ya?
Here's a little box that is just perfect.

Using the Big Shot Bigz die called Perfect Setting #115961,
I made lots of paper cupcakes.
The box pattern I found on Wendy Hawkinson's blog,
www.gotrubberwillstamp.blogspot.com.
I went crazy with different color and pattern combinations from the
Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack-Subtles Collection #117152.
To keep my paper cupcake fresh,
I placed a piece of Window Sheet #114323 over the circle opening.

Cuteness all tied up with a bow!

Itty Bitty Strawberries

The weather, at least today, is warm and sunny.
Spring is peaking it's stubborn little head from behind the clouds.
Which means strawberries are not far behind!
I am a sucker for strawberries...
and
3 x 3 cards!
The little example reminds me of a tray of sweet strawberries at the Farmer's Market.
I used Crumb Cake card stock #120953, and scored the front at 1" and 2", turned it and did it again up to the center fold. I ran Real Red card stock #108482,
through the Big Shot #113439 using the
Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335 to form 'seeds'.
Then, using Stamping Sponges #101610,
I applied Soft Suede Ink #115657, to those raised dots.
The Small Heart Punch #117193, was used next to make the body of the strawberry,
The four petal punch from
the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack #118309 in Old Olive card stock #100702,
was used to make the leaves.
The sentiment is from the stamp set called
Tiny Tags #118592.

Bring on the Spring and bring on the strawberries!
Inspired by Erica Cerwin.

Altered Notebooks

The Pieces of Heart Team gets together once a month at an area restaurant
to catch up with each other and talk stamping.
This month we brought our notebooks that Jayne Singleton 'challenged' us to alter.
It was interesting to see how different each one was and how talented our group is.

Above is Jayne's notebook.
The designer paper she used is called Love Letter #117162.
The flowers were made using the Big Shot and the Fun Flowers die #121812.
She showed us a card she had made using the same theme and it was so pretty.
That paper really catches your eye.
Love it, love it, love it!

The next notebook is by Judy Sumner.
So beautiful!
The designer paper is called Greenhouse Gala #117167. The flower is stamped on Vellum #101856 with the new set called Build a Blossom #121923, and then punch out using the
new Blossoms Petals Punch #121808.
That little bird is from the stamp set called Nature Walk #121925

Because I Care #118384 (Hostess Level One) is the stamp set Patty Schnell used on her notebook. The way she colored that hydrangea was just beautiful. The card stock beneath it was run through the Big Shot using the diamond Texturz Plate #114512.
She used tiny Pearls #119247 to accent.
Such a soft look.

I think we met Jayne's challenge!
It was so much fun to do and so we are up for another!
Next month we will get together, once again, to see the results.
Stay tuned!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO YA!

I was just tickled to have received this card from my friend and downline, Patty Schnell.
What a great use of the stamp called Medallion #115223.
Placed in the middle and popped up with Dimensionals is the a' la carte stamp called
Lucky Shamrock #121939.
Thank you, Patty. I feel very 'Lucky'!

Jayne's Challenge

My good friend and downline, Jayne Singleton, issued a challenge to the Pieces of Heart Stampers. She handed us each a notebook and said "Alter this, and when we have our March dinner out, let's see what we have each done with it." I was so excited to meet that challenge, and immediately got to work on it.
This is what I came up with and I love it!
It was a bit time consuming, but the results were worth it.

Using three sizes of the circle punch, I made flowers from the
Springtime Vintage Designer Paper #121782,
accented with a bow in the Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon #121884.
A Trinket Key #121829, makes it look so romantic.

Using Very Vanilla Card Stock #101650,
I used these punches:
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border #119275
Pinking Hearts Border #117649
Scallop Trim Border #118402
Scallop Edge Border #119882
Eyelet Border #119853
I was so lucky to have our Spiral Border Punch #119872 exactly fit.
I used it along the edge.

The notebook came with an ugly elastic band.
I struggled with what to do with it, and decided to just go with it,
and added ribbon and a Trinket Crown #121891 to it.
A little bit of Victoria Lace #118481 on the ink pen.
I will post the other notebooks soon.
I can't wait to see them!
Thanks for the challenge, Jayne!
Inspired by Rochelle Gould.

Plane & Simple with Game Spinner

Yes, I am a bit ahead of myself here with a Father's Day card.
But I wanted to show you how to add a 'WOW Factor' to this stamp set,
called Plane & Simple #121903.
Believe it or not,
that designer paper is from the
Jolly Holiday package #117159, still current!

Look closely at the compass.
I used a Game Spinner Hand #121893,
found on page 10 in the Occasions Mini Catalog, to make it look real. These little spinners coordinate with the stamp set Take a Spin #121937. They are a bit long
and in order to make it fit onto my compass, I simply snipped it in two.

I heard this little tip at our Regional meeting.
That's what I love about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
They are always helping us with fun ideas.
I never have to worry about what to demonstrate.
I just worry about fitting it all in! There is so much to show you.
If you have thought about becoming a demonstrator, what are you waiting for?
If you love stamping, why not share what you love?
Join my team.

Happy Birthday, Judy!

This is Judy Sumner, and today is her birthday!
She is one of the warmest people I have ever met.
She makes everyone she meets instantly comfortable to be around her.
We tease her that she knows everyone in St. Louis, because, she does!
Not only is she a 'people person', but she is an awesome stamper
and Stampin' Up! demonstrator.
Her cards are just beautiful.
I am guilty of copying from her all the time.
See for yourself!
Her blog is http://www.judysstamppad.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday, Judy!
Thank you for being my friend!

2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - CUPCAKE!

Wow, cupcakes are all the rage right now. Such a fun idea to work with.
Everyone loves a cupcake!
Just the image of one makes you think of parties and happiness.
This tiny little bag is called a 2-4-6-8 Box.

Start with a sheet of 8 1/2 " X 5 1/2" card stock. Stamp your image, (I used the teeny cupcake from the Short & Sweet stamp set #115060), or use Designer paper. Score along the long side at 2", 4", 6", and 8". Turn it around and score at 2". You will cut the score lines on the shorter side up to the 2" score mark, that will be the flaps on the bottom.
(You can completely cut off the small flap on the end.)
You might want to adhere them so they stay flat and the bag will sit up nicely.
Assemble with adhesive and fashion into the bag shape, pinching the sides together.
Bring the top together and tie with a ribbon.
(It closes snugly if you notch the top edges and then pull the ribbon through.)
The cupcake tag is from the Level One Hostess Set Birthday Bakery.
It's small, but two chocolate nuggets or kisses would fit nicely,
or scrunched up $20 bill$$.
You get the idea.
:o)
Inspired by Julie Davison

Sale-a-bration Shamrocks

I have a hard time coming up with cards with a St. Patrick's Day theme.
This one kind of 'evolved' from the tiny shamrock in the
FREE Sale-a-bration stamp set called So Happy For You.
After stamping it with several different shades of green, it looked OK.
But, once I ran it through the Big Shot Embossing Folder called Square Lattice,
it really perked up!
The sentiment is from the Level One Hostess set called Afterthoughts
and punched with the Decorative Label.
With all those falling shamrocks, I am wishing lots of Good Luck to it's recipient!

Seeing Spots?

Here are two different sized cards with the same idea.
The round sentiment is from the Free Sale-a-bration set called Punch Bunch.
With this card I have now used every stamp in that set.
I just love it and had so much fun using it.
The designer paper is also Free, from the Hostess level One package
called Paper Patterns In-Color.

When you have a party with your friends, you could very well qualify for both the
Sale-a-bration stamp set AND the Designer Papers!
You can even have it at my house!
All you need to bring are your friends and a light snack!
I do all the set up and clean up.
How easy is that?
Come on, lets get you some FREE stuff!

Cards inspired by Erica Cerwin.

A Funny Story

Meet Ugly Santa.
He was made by my youngest daughter when she was a Brownie, so many years ago, (she is now almost 27)! When she brought him home, she was so proud of him and wanted him displayed. So, I stuck him in the bathroom. As far as I was concerned, it was not an insult to put him there, because I decorate the bathroom at Christmas. But she was very insulted. Somehow, Ugly Santa started showing up in odd places around the house, and it became a game between the two of us to see if we could surprise the other with his appearance throughout the year. Over the years he has traveled to and from Texas several times, and been in the most unlikely places. It always generates a smile and a feeling of "OK, game on...now where can I put it this time?"
Kim, who now lives in Katy, Texas, visited over the Christmas holiday, and I worried about where I might find Ugly Santa. After she left, I searched everywhere and couldn't find him, until I reached into the refrigerator for a drink, and there he was with that silly little smile, waiting for me. I have to admit this was the best hiding place ever for him, and for some reason I just can't remove him. I think he has finally, after all these years, found his home. Whenever I reach into the fridge, I see him and he makes me smile and makes me a bit sad too.
Kim is so far away, but yet I feel her presence with that silly thing.
Touche', Kim.
I love you, and miss you like crazy.
I'll take good care of Ugly Santa.

Punch Bunch Owl Bookmark

Every time I see this little owl guy, I have to smile.
He is just too cute.
He is from the Sale-a-bration stamp set called Punch Bunch.
Placed on a piece of Old Olive card stock that has been folded
and inserted in the Decorative Label Punch #120907.
In order to get the continuous piece,
place the folded card stock just under the top of the opening,
so it is not being cut when you punch it.

Inside are two magnets which,
when placed over the book page,
will adhere
and keep your place.
Inspired by Jenny Young.

Hello Baby

Doesn't this card just melt your heart?
I CASEd it from Heather Klump's blog,
www.hlkdownstairsdesigns.blogspot.com.
Using the free Sale-a-bration stamp set called
Punch Bunch,
that little mobile seems to be hanging there waiting
for a baby's smile.
Ahhhh!

Melon Mambo Birthday

This cheery birthday card has so much going on, I don't know where to start.
I usually gravitate toward a more clean and simple look.
But this card makes me happy and reminds me of a party.
The FREE Designer Paper is called Ice Cream Parlor,
from the Sale-a-bration mini catalog.
The ribbon and buttons coordinate!
They are FREE too!
The Pacific Point Scall0p Square sentiment is from the
Sale-a-bration set called Punch Bunch,
and also FREE.
The sentiment 'birthday wishes' is from the SAB set called So Happy for You, and
...did I mention the word
FREE?
You need to take advantage of this fun promotion before it's too late to get your
FREE stuff!

Shamrocks, Irish Lace and a Bit O'Gold!

Here is another card made from the FREE Sale-a-bration stamp set called Punch Bunch.
(Do you have yours yet?)
In honor of St. Patrick's Day in March,
I thought this layout had all the elements to wish someone Good Luck!
The base card is Wild Wasabi #108641,(I like to say that with gusto - WASABI!).
The layer on top of that is Brushed Gold, #102935.
I don't get to use that very often and fun to work with.
Versa-Mark was used to create a soft background for the popped-up shamrocks.
The 'lace' was done with the Eyelet Border Punch, #119853.

Poppies in Poppy Parade

I guess I need a new camera.
The vivid colors are just not coming through in this picture.
Poppy Parade does just that, it POPS!
This is from the FREE Sale-a-bration set called Punch Punch.
To get it, place an order of $50 and you can add it free!
Inspired by Twila Davis.

Jayne's Regional Swap

I stated in an earlier post that I got home from the Branson Regional without getting Jayne's cute 3-D swap. So when I saw her recently, I stole one from her to show you.
It's a little 'test-tube', filled with jelly beans. She matched those jelly bean colors to coordinate with the Sale-a-bration ribbon and designer paper called Ice Cream Parlor. The owl is from the SAB set called Punch Bunch.
Isn't he a cutie-patootie?

As Demonstrators, we love to 'demo' to others,
but sometimes it's fun to get together and stamp! That's just what we did recently!
From left to right is: Donna, Patty, Jayne, me, Kristine, Judy, and Mary Ellen, not shown, Theresa.
Had fun with you ladies, and those jello shots had nothing to do with it!
:o)

Plane & Simple Masculine Card

My sweet husband, Steve, is an aeronautical and astronautical engineer.
So whenever Stampin' Up! releases an airplane stamp, I snatch it up.
He told me what kind of plane this is, but I don't retain that kind of information.
I just thought it was cool.
It is from the set called Plane & Simple #121903, in the Occasions Mini Catalog.
That newsprint designer paper in the background is called First Edition #121878.
I don't make nearly enough masculine cards, but I think this one works very well!
Inspired by Mary Davidson.