Upsy Daisy Notebook

I love my little Notebook computer. Because it is small and compact, I can take it with me wherever I go. At first, Steve pooh-poohed the whole idea of such a small computer, trying to persuade me to get a larger one. Nope, I knew what I wanted! Once I had it, and he could see how convenient it was, he started making comments about how he might want to take it out of town when he goes on business. Uh-Oh! I knew how to fix that! I pulled out my PINK Upsy Daisy Decor Elements and applied them to the front. Now it is ALL mine! Plus, I think it looks really neat! So easy to use and so many possibilities. I have the Decor Elements word happiness, in white, on my wall in my stamping room. And that's just how I feel when I walk there.

Get Ready To Play In The Water!

Is this not adorable? I have used the Treat Cups before. They are so fun to use and add such interest to a card. But look at this! That is actually WATER in there, with a sprinkling of Dazzling Diamonds!!!! I originally saw this made by Leslie Sollars on the March 14th post of Julie Davison's blog, http://wwwjuliedavison.blogspot.com. I dropped everything, grabbed my Treat Cups and ran for the sink! After punching a hole (1 3/4" punch) on the front of the card and inserting the cup, I poured water into it, careful not to drip on the adhesive, then sealed the opening with a piece of window sheet. I stamped the little fish on card stock and placed him on top of that. It looks like he is swimming in there!

See the Dazzling Diamonds? I wish I had filled it just a tad bit more, but this little card is just so cute, who cares? You wouldn't mail this, of course. It should only be handed to the recipient. Possibly in one of our pretty, padded envelopes! These fish always make me hungry for the cheesy Goldfish crackers. And I don't even like those! But I love these! Glub, glub!

Blog Award!

I have been given a blog award! The Sunshine Award was given to me by my sister, Penny Thomas. Her blog http://penquinstamper.blogspot.com/ is just amazing. So for her to say that mine makes her smile is such a compliment! Thank you, Penny.

The rules are that once you receive this award, you must continue spreading the sunshine by giving it to other bloggers who inspire you and who's blogs you admire ( or are addicted to! ).
So my choices are:
Andrea Walter - http://creativelycrazy.blogspot.com/
Diane Burns - http://diburns.blogspot.com/
Kim and Hemali - http://katycakegirls.blogspot.com/

Thank you, ladies, for bringing sunshine to my life everyday!

YOU Design It! April Stamp Camp

I have to admit, I am L - A - Z - Y. I came up with a wonderful idea to have the stampers design the camp this month! I received some great suggestions. Here are the projects I came up with for those requests. FYI ladies, you all would make wonderful Demonstrators! Hint, hint!

Didn't I say I was through with punch art? Well, I saw this fella and pulled those punches right back out again. I had a request for a child's birthday card. I'm not sure a child is going to get mine! I like him too much! We used some of the retiring colors and about 90 punches! He is just too cute. Sorry, I misplaced the name of the artist. I will post it when I find it.

One of the requests was for a patriotic card and how timely! The new Summer Mini catalog has an excellent stamp set, July Fourth and wheel, Red White and Blue, perfect for the task. I took the idea straight from the catalog itself. This would be great for thanking a military hero or sending someone 4th of July greetings.

A very observant stamper saw a magnet similar to this on my fridge and requested them for this camp. Using the laminate samples from one of the big home improvement stores, we made these mini clipboard magnets. Love those colors.

I love the look of stenciling. I thought this card could do double duty for both requests of a sympathy and get well card. Using the Bird Punch to make a template, we sponged ink on the card stock and placed that little bird on his limb. The front edge is torn slightly to show the designer paper from the Sweet Pea paper stack peeking out underneath. I saw a variation of this card on the blog chicnscratch.

Of course we needed a Mother's Day card and the new Two-Step Awash With Flowers was perfect for Mom. Melon Mambo ribbon and ink with Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper set it off for a card that Mom will love to receive.

This one was made in response to the request for a masculine birthday card. We used the Big Shot Polka Dots embossing folder and the Little Leaves die. I just love the Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware and ribbon together. Found a version of this card on Mary Fish's blog.

Happy April Stamp Campers!

Are these happy campers or what? From left is Cathy, center, Sara, and at right is Donna. The camps are just not the same if these ladies can't attend! They make it such fun for me.

More happy campers, even though they are very serious at the moment. Making cards is very serious business! Bottom left is Dulce, then Lynn, and at top is Phyllis, and Ruth at right. I love these ladies because they keep me on my toes. Ruth is famous for helping me out of a jam when I make a mistake. She is so sweet to tell everyone I did that on purpose so they won't do the same! Love that!

Caught Josh concentrating. That's hard to do in that seat...notice the food just over her shoulder?

Sweet, sweet ladies. I feel like they are just as much family as campers. Bottom left is Michelle, next to her is Kelly, then Stephanie, and Karen. Before the camp started I asked Karen to help me remember to take pictures. As I was demonstrating, I found notes at each project reminding me. It really became funny. Thank you, Karen!

I love you all! Knowing each of you has made it so rewarding for me. I knew I would have fun, but I never dreamed the wonderful friendships that would come along with this job. Bless you.

Sweet Pea Matchbox

I am sending this cute little Matchbox filled with mini tags to my Stampin' Pal in Texas. I just love putting together little items like this. I used my Big Shot with the Matchbox die along with the wonderful Sweet Pea Designer Paper. I saw this little gem on the blog, chicnscratch, made originally by Danielle. Anyone would love to receive this and find little trinkets in each drawer. For example...Simply Adorned charms? I think so!

My Favorite Things #4

I am a woman, so, therefore, I love jewelry. I am a stamper, so, therefore, I love stamping! How perfect is this...Stamped Jewelry! That is why the Simply Adorned Charms are my favorite things this week. I have stamped images in mine, but they would be so special with a photo inside for your mom for Mother's Day. You can change the image whenever you feel like it or any holiday. It's like getting a new piece of jewelry whenever you feel like it! These can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog. Hurry, Mother's Day is coming!!!!!


Pictured above is the Simply Adorned Bracelet with both the 5/8" circle and 5/8" square charms. I used the stamp set, Tiny Tags, colored with markers to bring out the tiny flowers.


This is the 1" x 1" beveled square Simply Adorned Charm that I have hanging from the 34" chain. On the front I used the Sweet Pea Designer Paper as background and placed a Sweet Pea felt flower on top. Needless to say, it is sweet.

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.