Mr. Brown - My Second Favorite Guy

If you are a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, (and if not, why not?), your favorite sound in the world is that of the UPS truck pulling up in front of your house. I am so lucky to have a wonderful UPS guy. We call them Mr. Brown. He knows how excited I get when I see he is delivering Stampin' Up! boxes of goodies! So when I saw this little punch art UPS guy on Heather Summer's blog, I wanted him! He is a combination of the talent of several people, Gina Gygert, and Ellen Kemper. After making several of these for special SU demo people, I think I am done with punch art for a while. But I just had to show you how cute he is holding that box of treasure. I used so many punches to make him, I lost count. But my favorite is the one used for his big old shoes...the Butterfly punch!
See that pretty card stock behind him? Yep, that is the new Daffodil Delight. It is yummy!
FYI......Steve's my first favorite guy!!!

My Favorite Things #3

I couldn't cut a straight edge if you paid me a million bucks. Same for stamping a sentiment. I don't know how many times I have worked hours on the front of a card (come on, you know you have too!) only to have the inside sentiment crooked because I can't stamp straight. It just looks better if it is straight. So that is why the Stamp-a-ma-jig is my favorite thing for this week. I use it all the time, and not just for sentiments. I love it when using letters from alphabet sets, or when I want a flower stem positioned just right.
It looks intimidating at first, but it is so easy to use. Slip the plastic sheet into the elbow of the 'T' shaped tool. (Works for left or right-handed people.) Insert your inked stamp into the same elbow to stamp your image onto the plastic. Lift out and remove the 'T'. Place the plastic sheet on your card stock wherever you want that stamped image. Bring the 'T' next to the sheet, move the sheet, while keeping the 'T' in place. Fit your re-inked stamp into the elbow and stamp. Voila! You have your image exactly where you want it.
I have been known to challenge myself, every now and then, to see if I can stamp straight. After a few choice words, I pull out my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig and make it right. Once you've used it you just can't live without it. Silly name, but serious tool!
See that pretty blood red card stock underneath the box? Uh-huh, that is one of the new colors, Cherry Cobbler. It is beautiful. I love the rich, deep color of it. I think you will love it too.

Springtime - Spring Cards

If your eyes are not swollen with allergies right now, you might enjoy this little tree that is blooming on the front of this card. Branch Out is one of my all-time favorite stamp sets, and it could very well be because of that tiny little birdhouse. My dad always had a bird feeder and several birdhouses spread around the yard when I was growing up, and still does! So, when I see a birdhouse, it grabs my heart. The sentiment, is from Bella's Blooms and is just perfect for Spring........unless you are sneezing.


Sometimes, I pull out stamps and use them so they won't get lonely. (Don't tell anyone, but they talk to me too!) For instance, the Polka Dot background stamp. Now that we have an awesome Polka-Dot Embossing Folder for the Big Shot, I forget to use this old stand-by. Yes, it's retired...pity. But I still love it. The butterfly is from the Flight of the Butterfly, a very versatile set, as well. I'm hearing voices that say you should show your stamps some love too!

Pieces of Heart Stampers - Susanne

Susanne Jeffery is one of the newest members of our Pieces of Heart Stampers group. I am so glad she is because she loves stamping and you can tell in her pretty cards. I love this one because it is so vivid and bright. Welcome to the group, Susanne! We are glad you are one of us!

Vintage Vogue - Judy

After seeing all the pretty cards Judy has made with this stamp set, I think I better order it along with the wheel. It's so pretty the way she used the black and white card stock and ink. Thank YOU, Judy. As the stamp set says, 'You raise kindness to an art!'

Pieces of Heart Stampers - Patty

Patty used Rich Razzleberry card stock and gingham ribbon along with the Designer Paper, Razzleberry Lemonade, to make this bright Easter card. I love the way she used the little paperclip to add the ribbon.

Pieces of Heart Stampers - Judy

Judy is at it again! This adorable little sheep Easter card is made using punches and the Scallop Circle Die. It's so cute the way it stands up on it's own looking all fluffy.

My Favorite Things #2

You know I'm gonna love something with the name 'Sweet Pea'! But I really do love using these Sweet Pea Stitched Felts #117266. The colors are so pretty, (love me some Rose Red!), and coordinate perfectly with the Designer Series Paper Pack with the same name, #117161. Both available until April 30, in the Occasions Mini Catalog. Add them to your project and you have added something really special. That is why they are my favorite things.

Happy Easter To You!

I am just in awe at the creativity and ingenuity of my fellow stampers. Who would have ever thought of adding ears and a tail to the 'E' on Easter? Julie Pitta! (http://www.thoughsthatstick.blogspot.com) When I originally saw her card, I wanted to hug it. (Okay, maybe I get a little too involved with my cards, but don't we all?) I think it has the beautiful feeling of Easter and the whimsical side all wrapped up into one. She used the corduroy buttons on hers. Since I didn't have any, (drat), necessity being the mother of invention, I pulled out my Big Shot and using my Buttons #5 die, I think I came pretty close to pulling it off. The paper is from the ginormous pad of designer papers, called Sweet Pea (!), available until April 30. The card stock used was Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, and Kraft. And of course, the Sweet Pea (!) Felts, which I just can't get enough of. I made a Pretty in Pink version too. The stamp set, which I think is gorgeous, is called Well Scripted, also available until the 30Th.
I hope you all have a wonderful Easter. And after cleaning up the ham and sweet potatoes, and trying to find that last hidden egg that didn't get found, I hope you get a chance to stamp a card you want to hug too!

My Favorite Things #1

Have I mentioned how much I love Stampin' Up! before, maybe in passing conversation? Yeah, I'm a Stampin' Up! groupie! I love everything they have, but some more than others. Starting today, I am going to start showcasing my favorite item every week, and maybe it will become your favorite too!



In my excitement over the Spring/Summer Mini catalog, I completely overlooked the Love Bots Personalized Name Stamp on page 17. One day while on the phone, on hold and flipping through the mini, I came across it. Wow, how cute, I thought, I NEED this! So, I ordered one, and now I can stamp my name on the back of my finished projects, and wherever I need a personalized touch. Love it. Where else can you get such happiness for just $9.95? That is why it is one of my favorite things! If you would like to have one too, let me know. The catalog runs through April 30.

SALE-A-BRATION ENDS WEDNESDAY!

Place an order of $50 in merchandise and get free stuff! But only until Wednesday, March 31, when Sale-a-bration is going, going, GONE!

I Almost Forgot This One!

I almost forgot this card! It's so bright, I don't know how I could have! The pretty designer paper is from the Cottage Wall package. The stamp is from the Birthday Bliss set. I am not a big purple fan, but this card changes my mind. The Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Orchid Opulence come together with a big POP! I think this covers both feminine and masculine categories. Who doesn't love thick frosting?

I found this at http://twofriendsstamping.typepad.com. The artist is Karin Menghini.

Easter Stamp Camp Samples

Look familiar? Yep,straight out of the mini catalog! I was drawn to the Top Note piece at the bottom of the card. The soft colors are so Easter and fresh looking to me. Plus, I got to use a bunch of punches!


When I saw this little note card on Heather Summers' blog, stampwithheather.typepad.com, I couldn't wait to make him too. In case you are confused about the sentiment, it's 'Just chicken In'. He seemed appropriate for an Easter camp.


Don't ya just want to take a bite out of this chocolate bunny? He was heat embossed with clear embossing powder. I love the way the ribbon lays above him like a cross. You may not be able to tell, but the Chocolate Chip card stock was run through the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder. Such a pretty card.


I stole this card from my sister, Penny, who stole it from Kimberly Van Diepen. (See, I come from a long line of stealer's!) I just love the tone on tone. Notice that the top panel was run through the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder for the Big Shot. The stamp comes from the set called Birthday Bliss. It is part of the Sale-a-bration additional options for Free when you spend $50!


This little bunny is supposed to be filled with jelly beans. I didn't have any when I made her, (no, I didn't eat them!), so I used filler paper. The punched pieces are attached to our Cellophane Bags, page 159 of the big catalog, which I always keep on hand. They are great for filling with little note cards or treats. I think I used just about every punch I have to make her, but like I said, I have a thing for bunnies, and she was worth it. There are several versions floating around. This one is from Dianna Cartwright.

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cottontail

I guess I have a 'thing' for bunnies! =P I made these little 'baskets' last year after seeing them on Splitcoast. They are so cute, I thought they should hop on over to my blog. I made the 'grass' using my crimper and tabletop cutter with scrap card stock.

Crayon Box of Goodies

Stampin' Up! demonstrators are some of the most sharing, giving, and HAPPIEST people I have ever been around. I can't imagine my life without these lovely women or the fulfillment they and this company bring me. (Why wouldn't you want that in your life? Join my team!)
I am part of a monthly 3-D swap, and was sent an adorable box of goodies by my Stampin' Buddy, Diane Burns, (her blog: To Stamp or Not to Stamp...what a silly question), and posted it March 8. I couldn't wait to use the template for my version below:


I used the Sending Love Designer Specialty Paper, #117153. The designs are just yummy and has a raised, glittery look to it. For the 'frill' under the monogram, I used the Pinking Hearts Border Punch, #117649, then ran it through the Crimper, #101618. That makes it easy to gather and take on the look of lace. I used the Filigree Designer Brads, #112577, and Linen Thread, #104199 wrapped around them to keep it closed.


Inside, I tucked four little note cards made with the same paper and Very Vanilla card stock, #101650. Also, accented the envelopes with that pretty paper. Thank you, Diane. Once again, you have inspired me!

Clean and Simple

You know I love a clean and simple card. Here are a couple of examples. They both have a 'WOW' factor, but are not difficult at all to put together. My kind of card!


When I saw this card by Tracy McCrae, I knew I wanted to make one too. There is absolutely no stamping on it, but I don't think it needs any. The birds say it all. The designer paper is called Sweet Pea. (Hello! Why wouldn't I love it?) It has two each of 24, 12" X 12" double-sided cute, cute designs, #117161. It could take you forever to use it up! The accent card stock colors are Sahara Sand, #105328, and Chocolate Chip, #102128, with Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain, #111367. What an easy, quick card to send to someone who might need a smile.


I am VERY ready for Spring, and with Spring comes, Strawberries! This is from Dawn Olchefske, (DOstampingwithdawn), who was inspired by a card done by my sister, Penny, (penguinstamper), last fall. The stamp set is Tart and Tangy, #111514. The ribbon is Old Olive 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain,#115618. All it needs is some whipped cream!

WARM AND FUZZY ALERT!

Every time I see this little fella, I just have to smile. He is so sweet, you just want to hug him.
His ears are from the Pick a Petal stamp set that I have found is one of the most versatile sets ever. His face is the Large Heart punch turned upside down. The nose is the small heart from the Heart to Heart punch. His feet and arms are made from the oval punches. All that is layered on top of the 1 3/4 Circle punch for his tummy. I sponged Pretty in Pink all over to soften him up a bit. His whiskers are actually Whisper White card stock that I was able to cut that tiny with my Tabletop Paper Cutter. Love that tool. Makes such nice crisp cuts, especially with the Whisper White paper. Black brads and a ribbon around his neck finishes him off.
Believe me, I had real trouble giving him away. Thank goodness I remembered to take a picture. Now I can 'visit' him whenever I need a warm and fuzzy feeling!

Answering the Stampin' Up! Challenge!

As part of a challenge from them, I have been asked to tell my Stampin' Up! story. I think most of you know how much I love what I do, but you may not know how I got started.

My sister, Penny, is a demonstrator. Back then, she would call and tell me what she was learning and making. She told me I needed to become a demonstrator too. She kept trying to get me interested. I resisted. So, she started sending me little 3-D projects and cute cards in the mail. I was intrigued...but still resisted. Then, she started sending me stamp sets and ink pads. Hmmmmm. (She plays hard-ball!) Pretty soon I was stamping with them and sending her cards. I was having fun! One day, it just made sense to become a demonstrator and I shocked her when I told her "I want to do this!" When she picked herself up off the floor, I told her "I am only doing this for the discount". (Yes, you get a DISCOUNT for having fun!) That satisfied me ~ for a while. But, Penny lives in Texas, and I couldn't show her the cute things I was making. I started fantasizing about stopping cars coming down my street to show them what I had made! That's when I decided I needed to have a Stamp Camp so I can show others the cute things they can do with Stampin' Up! products. At my first camp, I had two people...my daughter and her friend. My next camp, I had three people...my daughter, her friend and her friend's mother. I was off and running! That was about five years ago! I have not regretted a single day and love every minute. It just makes me so happy to get up every morning with the realization that I can, once again, create and share what I do with others who love it too! Stampers are a special group and I love being with them.

If you would like to bring this kind of fulfillment to your life, I would love to talk to you. You can become a part of my group, The Pieces of Heart Stampers, for 15% off the regular starter kit price until the end of March! Plus, Stampin' Up! will throw in a stamp set of your choice of $47.95 or less, for FREE!

LET'S TALK! pamdurso@sbcglobal.net

Lucky Me!

I had a great weekend! Not only was my youngest daughter in town for a few days, but I received these surprises from friends too! Lucky Me!


I have such talented stampers in my downline! I received this punch art note card from Judy Sumner. Isn't he just the cutest little puppy you have ever seen? I have him sitting on my desk and he makes me smile everytime I see him. If you would like the recipe for him, let me know by email and I will send it to you. pamdurso@sbcglobal.net


Sometimes the smallest things just make me happy. This little note was given to me by Theresa Tesson, a very sweet, talented stamper. I love receiving cards as much as I love giving them, and this little one grabbed me right away. I plan to use it as a bookmark too. So sweet.


This adorable little box was made for me by my Stampin' Buddy, Diane Burns, www.diburns.blogspot.com. I think it is perfect for a set of little note cards and envelopes. The corduroy buttons hold the hemp twine to keep it closed. Once again, it is all about the 'packaging', and I am all over this one! Thank you, Diane, you are the best!

Not Quite a Pot 'O Gold But Cute None the Less

I have no idea who originally came up with this variation of a box. I have used this pattern so many times and it never occurred to me to use it this way. The points in the center were to be taped down inside for a nice little cube. But some clever person went 'outside the box' (sorry I couldn't resist that pun!) and came up with a basket. So, of course, I have to jump on board and make it a St. Pat's basket. The dimensions I used were 8 1/4" x 8 1/4", scored at 2 3/4" on all four sides. Score each corner square diagonally in the center stopping at the center square. Then simply fold on scored lines.


I wanted to place a shamrock on the panel, but didn't have a stamp that big. So...I pulled out my nifty new Small Heart Punch, from the Occasions Mini catalog, and made my own!


You can see how the points come together in the center. I punched a small hole in each one and threaded the ribbon through and tied with a bow. Now each little compartment is ready to fill with 'gold' or chocolate...same difference!