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.

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!