Blogger's Challenge #27: Inspiration!

Today's challenge was to use something to inspire us. I usually run around my house until I find something that I can "copy". But today, I am going to use my dear friend, Lisa, as an inspiration! She does these amazing things with frames that she finds (usually relatively inexpensively) and turns them into amazing pieces. Click here to see some framed art that the girls in our online group were drooling over (including me!)

So, here's my feeble attempt to use Lisa as my inspiration. Number one: I kick myself for only buying two of these great frames at Target. They were 50 cents!!! Duh...of course two wouldn't be enough. But, sometimes, I go crazy and buy a zillion and never use it...

I covered the frame with some brand spankin' new DSP (Designer Series Paper) that SU has to offer! It's called Bali Breeze. I need more, please! (We can only order one pre-catty pack!) I lined the inside with some Tempting Turquoise ribbon and ta-da...my frame is done. Now, for the picture! I stamped the flower from a stamp set from the upcoming Spring/Summer catty called Embrace Life! I used Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Brilliant Blue, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive to color. I stamped the phrase from another new stamp set called A Beautiful Thing and my frame really is complete!

Just a plug...we can only order from the Fall/Winter Catty until January 1....Remember that once a stamp set is retired, it is gone! Call or email me with your last minute orders and I'll take care of it right away!

Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #26

I'm so sorry that I've only been posting on Fridays! Like you, it's been busy, busy, BUSY!

First, for the week of Christmas, I'll share what I've learned from my first and second grade students:

1. Jesus was wrapped in "swallowing" cloths.
2. Do you know why Mary and Joseph had baby Jesus in Bethlehem? After explaining it to one of my students that it was because Joseph's family was originally from there and they had to go to be apart of the census, etc... My student said, "Oh. I thought it was because they were having something done to their house."
3. Do you know what the wise men brought Jesus? Yep, Frankenstein and golden stuff.

I've hopefully retaught them the above stories correctly since they've shared their knowledge but boy do they bring a HUGE smile to my face!

Enough talk, here's my challenge. We were to include movement in the card. Lisa Somerville assured me that I could keep it simple as I am challenged with this type of card. I used the Flip-Flap Fold technique, an online bonus tech from Technique Junkies December newsletter. It was a simple, yet impressive technique.


Here's the details and pictures: Colors: Soft Sky, Real Red, Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla. Stamp set: Nursery Necessities

Blogger's Challenge #25

Our challenge this week was "Sympathy card". As a wife of a pastor, I often make sympathy cards so this was a good challenge for me. What I usually find challenging about sympathy cards is that I need them quickly. I actually cased myself for this one. I used one of the designs for my Christmas cards. (Even though I am not sending Christmas cards this year and will save these for next year!) I actually designed this one for National card making day. I used the set Star-studded Season from the Holiday Mini catalog and the layout on page 43 of the Fall/Winter collection


To case and meet my sympathy card challenge: I used Close as a Memory stamp set (the best sympathy set made! and the same colors (Blue Bayou stamped on Naturals Ivory cardstock.)

Sorry it's a quick post but thanks for looking!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #24

Our latest challenge was a fun and double-duty one for me! We were to watercolor! My hostess from my workshop last night and I decided that a "color it in" workshop would be fun. I showed LOTS of ways to color in images stamped simply in black. What a blast!!! Since I'm such a blonde, I didn't think of taking pictures of the projects BEFORE I left and had to scam them back from the hostess to film for today and I'll give them back to her tomorrow! Thanks to her, we have a blogger's challenge this week!!! Hello to her and to her guests!!! You can claim that you saw these projects first!

All projects use Stampin' Up! products and materials. Remember that the retirement list is up and active and those sets will only be available until the end of the month. The retiring accessory list should be posted on Monday and those items are get 'em before they are gone. Wheels are on that list!!!


The first was a simple way to "watercolor". Stamp the image with basic black or Staz-on jet black onto vellum. Flip over and scribble color with Watercolor Wonder crayons. Blend the color with an Aquapainter and flip the entire image onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock (adhering with glue dots) and ta-da! Stained glass!


The second way is another simple one. I used Stampin' Up's watercolor pencils to add the color to the image. I scribbled the color onto a piece of scratch paper and picked up the color and "watercolored" with a blender pen. Fun!


The final way is using Stampin' Up's Stampin' Pastels. I added the color with a plain q-tip and then blended the color with a blender pen to create the watercolor look. We did these as our make and take for the night. They were gift card holders perfect for the season.

Thanks for looking and have an awesome day!!!

Lisa

Stamper's Showcase!

Woo hoo! I made "The Big Show" as I like to refer to it as! Stamper's Showcase is a spot on our demo-only for cards to be shared with other demos. I made this card for a swap in which I was invited to participate. Robin Merriman was the hostess and boy! There were some awesome stampers and cards that I received. Robin sent in our cards and so far, I think there were 8 or 9 that already have been featured on SS!

Thanks for sharing this moment with me!

Lisa

Retired List is UP!!!!

Go check it out! Orders need to be in to SU by December 14 in order to be here before December 24. This is not completely guaranteed so don't wait and place your wish lists orders with me right away!

Here's the list....I've made it a link so you choose to see the list alphabetically or by page number!

Retired List! Fall/Winter Collection!

Blogger's Challenge #23

Different Point of View: Use the same stamp in two different ways

I finally took time to use my special gift from Stampin' Up! (Thank you, SU and Shelli!) Each active demo was sent a little surprise gift of a level 3 hostess set from the upcoming Spring/Summer Collection!!! It's called Time Well Spent.

In my first card, I used a wonderful product offered in the Stampin' Up Fall/Winter Collection. Staz On White! It is a permanent ink perfect for glass, plastic, whatever you think you can't stamp on!!! I used a transparency sheet, cut and folded like a card and stamped with the White Staz-On. Another product (if you are anal-retentive like myself and love a good clean stamp) you may want is the Staz-On Cleaner. Since the Staz-On is permanent, it leaves a residue on your stamp. It won't hurt your stamp at all....just makes it look messy. A problem for me!!! I stamped the phrase with Basic Black and colored it in with SU markers.

For the second card I tried out a new technique in the Technique Junkies newsletter. I've mentioned this newsletter before but it's worth mentioning again. Pat Huntoon and her wonderful design team provides awesome new techniques and samples of the techniques in her wonderful newsletter. I've subscribed for a LONG time! Hence...Time Well Spent! Check it out: Technique Junkie Newsletter The technique used is Faux Layers. This card has only stamping...no layers of any kind but with this tech, it gives the look of layers. I used Watercolor Wonder Crayons to color in the image and the words on the phrase.

Thanks for looking! BTW! The SU retirement list for December will be posted late tonight or early tomorrow!!!! I am so curious what it will look like with the two catalogs a year plan! I'm sure that I'll post the list here tomorrow!

Lisa

Pick a Pack Papers!

This is going to be a sticky at the top of my blog til the end of the month! Be sure to scroll down for new posts!

Remember the special from Stampin' Up! Buy any three packs of Designer Series Paper and get a fourth FREE!!!!!!!!!!!! Email me today to take advantage of this awesome special!!!

Block giveaway....

I wanted to enter to win these blocks so I'm mentioning it on my SU blog....Thanks for looking!

BEKA Blocks, St. Paul, MN

Wrapping up the Holidays!

Click here to see the awesome Wrapping up the Holidays special Stampin' Up! has right now! GREAT sale on the satin ribbon and other products from the Holiday Mini catalog! There are also some exclusive products are available now until December 15 or WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! I'll combine orders for whatever comes in by Wed. November 28. Also remember the Pretty Papers Promotion in which you buy three Designer Series paper packs and choose an additional pack for FREE!!!!

If you've had your eye on the All in the Family stamp set, now until November 30, every penny from the sale of this special stamp set will be donated to a fund for Dave Abbott's family. Dave was the General Manager for Stampin' Up! Austrailia and passed away in October from a rare blood disease.

You can place your orders anytime but I'll combine shipping costs if orders are to me and paid for by November 28. Thanks for looking and have an awesome day!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #22

Edit to add: I removed the card as I am using as an entry for something!
Challenge #22: Inspiration challenge! This one literally fell into my lap. I normally toss unfamiliar catalogs but this catalog from Seventh Avenue looked interesting, even though I wasn't going to order anything. I decided to look through it and found this great bed set as my inspiration for this week!

I chose the Priceless stamp set and used Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Ruby Red and Creamy Caramel ink. I stamped the word "priceless" onto the Chocolate Chip satin ribbon (which is BUY ONE GET ONE FREE UNTIL DEC. 15 OR SUPPLIES RUN OUT! YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE THE PURELY POMEGRANETE OR ONE OF EACH!) Then, I used a sponge dauber to make a flower from the Pretties Kit Ruby Red and added that with a pearl center, also from the Pretties Kit. Mounted the entire thing onto a Ruby Red card.

The BOGO (Buy one, get one) is not the only special item SU has until Dec. 15 (or supplies run out!) go to: www.stampinup.com and click on Specials and promotions and see what else is available with the Wrapping up the Holidays promo along with the other specials SU is running with the Designer Series Paper and the All in the Family promo.

Schwan's Fundraiser has begun!

We have officially begun the Schwan's fundraiser. I know that after eating all of that Thanksgiving feast, the last thing that you want to think about is ordering food but...it's for a good cause!

Go to http://www.schwansfundraising.com/ and enter the code # for our school: 1004670 Then start shopping! You will be asked for which student to give credit to. I guess you could just put my name in as I don't want to publish any student's name on the web. But if you know the name of a student, please enter it as they get credit and prizes!

PLEASE NOTE!!!! Schwan's will deliver this to you right to your door. If they can't get it to you, they will pack it on dry ice and ship it to you! IT WILL TAKE 4-6 WEEKS FOR YOU TO GET YOUR ORDER! We have to total our end of the deal and put it in after Nov. 30 and they process it.

Thanks for thinking of our school and helping improve our playground!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #21

First of all, I apologize for being late. My first excuse is that my dh and I celebrated our 7th anniversary yesterday! So, little stamping was done! I should have done my challenge early but I got myself out of that good habit and formed a new habit of waiting until the last minute to complete the challenge. With a couple of days off from school for Thanksgiving, maybe I can change back to the good ways!

This week's challenge was a color combo challenge! I LOVE color challenges, especially when I forget to put certain colors together. Lisa came up with a brilliant combo: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Brocade Blue. We could also add in a choice of Whisper White or Very Vanilla, if we chose. I did...

The first card started to be my anniversary card (which dh got today...oops) but I'll share the real one next! I chose the set "Wild About You" because I'm wild about him. But in the end, it looked more appropriate for a younger person...even though Steve is young at heart! This card uses the satin ribbon from the Holiday Mini catalog (which you can still order from until November 30!)

The second card is more appropriate for my dh...the cowboy in a pastor's body! I used MANY stamps for this one including: Wanted, Bronc Buster, Weathered. I guess only three but it seemed like more. I used Naturals Ivory for my "neutral" choice instead of WW or VV.

BTW...the Schwan's fundraiser begins tomorrow. BUT!!! DON'T EXPECT ANY PRODUCT TO ARRIVE UNTIL 4-6 WEEKS ONCE WE CLOSE THE FUNDRAISER. I didn't mention that in the original posting! Make sure to include the "code" for our school so we actually get our portion!

Thanks so much for looking!

Lisa

Stamper's Showcase!

Well! It was a wonderful surprise to see this card on the Big Show today!!! Hooray!!!! I had completed it earlier for a Blogger's Challenge and then sent it in to SU! Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Schwan's Fundraiser!

Just wanted to share this with all of you in blogland...in case you already order from Schwan's and want to help our school purchase new rubber mulch for our playground!

Our Savior’s Lutheran School Schwan’s Fundraiser

Monday, November 19th to Friday, November 30th

We are excited to tell you that Our Savior’s School is doing a Schwan’s Fundraiser. We are raising Funds to replace the wood chips that are currently in our playground with a new rubber mulch.

We will have a kick off event with students on Thursday November 15th to explain how the program works. They will be given a packet of information (including order blanks & books). We will ask all students to contact friends and family only and not go door to door.

You can also order via the internet, and it’s so easy and convenient!!
Order online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
NO shipping fees
Convenient home delivery – right to your door by the Schwan’sâ Home Delivery Truck!

To order, simply go online to http://www.schwansfundraising.com/ click on “start shopping” (near the truck on the left side of the screen) and you will be asked to enter a campaign ID#. Please enter the campaign ID# 1004670, Click the “Start Shopping” button on the welcome page and begin placing your order. You will be asked to provide the name of the student you are supporting upon checking out. (This is above the area where you will enter your credit card information.)
Our school will get credit for each order received from you!
This Schwan’s Fundraising Meal Solutions catalog is designed to give you a variety of great products to choose from! Pizza, appetizers, lunch, breakfast, kids favorites, novelties, dessert combos and more. There is something for everyone!

Thank you in advance for supporting Our Savior’s Lutheran School. We really appreciate your support!

This fundraiser runs from Monday,November 19th to Friday, November 30th

Thank you!!

Staff & Students
Our Savior’s Lutheran School

Blogger's Challenge #20

Our challenge this week was to use a photo or magazine pic as the focus for our project. After much difficulty in finding the right pic and being able to print it on my computer (I won't go into that!) I am happy with my cowboy! This is my dh, Steve. He was on my mind all week as he had been at a conference since last Friday. He has arrived home, safe and sound and is now resting as he drove a LOT in the past two days. I'm off to spend some time with him in a bit!

This 6 by 6 scrapbook page proves how wonderfully fast and easy our Simply Scrapin' kits are! I cut the background 6 by 6 from the Really Rust textured cardstock from the Round Up SS kit. Added a smaller piece of the enclosed background paper. Trimmed one of the die-cut sticker borders and added another die-cut to finish it off. I layered my photo after distressing a bit with chocolate chip ink. I added a couple more die-cuts and ta-da! I'm finished! NO STAMPING! YIKES! I had a 'title' of sorts stamped and was going to put in on the picture. Then, I realized it would cover the fringes...the very thing that makes him a cowboy in the pic! So, no 'title' but one of the die-cuts say "one of a kind." He sure is!!! Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Pick a Pack Papers..then pick more!!!!

Stock up for all your upcoming projects with Stampin’ Up!®’s exclusive double-sided Designer Series paper. We’ve got so many pretty patterned papers to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect patterns to help you show off your unique crafting style. And the best part is, you’ll get a FREE pack of Designer Series paper ($9.95 value) for every three packs you buy—no limits, no restrictions!
See pages 170–173 of our Fall-Winter Collection 2007 or our Holiday Mini Collection to see all our Designer Series paper. Or visit us on the web at www.stampinup.com for free fall Designer Series paper project
ideas, and start picking your patterns today! CLICK HERE to see the papers online! Then contact me right away to place your order!

Do you want coordinating cardstock to go with your papers? Here is a list of the papers and their coordinating card stock and ink colors: I have this printed out, you may want to do that too.

Outlaw - Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla

Brocade Backgrounds - Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, River Rock

Fall Flowers - Old Olive, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Soft Sky

Linen Prints - Always Apricot, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Pink Passion

Porcelain Prints - Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi

Le Jardin - River Rock, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Uptown - Almost Amethyst, Basic Gray, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi

Wintergreen - Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow, Soft Sky

Flowers for You - Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

Petals & Paisleys - Certainly Celery, Taken w/Teal, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron

Creepy Crawly - Basic Black, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust

Notations No. 2 - More Mustard, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi

Charbon - Basic Gray, Very Vanilla

Cerise - Real Red, Very Vanilla

Dashing - Old Olive, Real Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla

Cutie Pie - Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron

Darling Doodles - Brocade Blue, Groovy Guava, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi

Apple Cider - Close to Cocoa, River Rock, Really Rust, Wild Wasabi

Holiday Harmony - Always Artichoke, Purely Pomegranate, River Rock

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #19 Embellishments!

I remember when I first started making cards. I thought it was such a shame to have more than one layer because I would be "wasting" cardstock. Now, I add layers and embellishments whenever it seems right (and even not so right!)

The challenge this week was to use embellishments. Usually, I like to take the challenge and take it to my extreme. (I use the term "my extreme" because it's pretty lame compared to what other's extreme's would be!)

When I add an embellishment, it tends to be the focus of the card or project. I usually add something when I think a card or project "needs" something. I'll share two cards today!

I started with the stamping as focus for this card. Instead, your eye goes right to the oval Hodgepodge frame. The colors I chose for this card are Wild Wasabi, River Rock and Whisper White.

The second card started out the opposite way. I just received my new Build a Brad kits from Stampin' Up! and wanted to use them. So, with a piece of Dashing DSP split in half and adhered to the Wild Wasabi card, I Built my Brad with a stamp from the Merry stamp set. I punched it with the 1/2 circle punch and adhered it to my brad with a Glue Dot. Layered it with an add'l piece of Dashing paper layered onto a piece of Real Red cardstock. After adding a strip of RR to "divide" the card, added the circle piece with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Wishing You Cheer!

From now until November 3, Stampin' Up! is offering the "Wishing You Cheer" stamp set for 20% off!!! Your cost (before tax, shipping and handling) is $11.16!!!

Click here to see this set or look on page 33 of the current Fall/Winter Collection. Email me today to order!

Also, don't forget: I'm participating in the Fall Extravaganza this Thursday, Nov. 1 from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Northland Inn in Crookston. LOTS of retired sets for sale plus don't forget my ordering special! For every $50 you spend (before tax, shipping and handling), you may choose an additional $5 in free merchandise! I will honor the ordering special by email or phone as well!!!! Orders must be placed by Friday, November 2.

Also! Stampin' Up! is having a DSP special!!! From Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, buy any three Designer Series Paper packs and get a fourth FREE!!!! This is a spectacular deal!

Happy Sunday!

Lisa

Roses? For me?

Yes, this beautiful bunch of roses is from my dear, sweet husband! Our local rotary has a rose sale every year and this year, my dh bought some for me! Hope you enjoy them...probably not nearly as much as I do!

Blogger's Challenge #18 Designer Paper!

The challenge: Use Designer Paper!
Did you accept? I did!

I saw this idea floating around last year using plain orange cardstock and just did the same thing but with DSP! I used the small and large oval punches (from Stampin Up, of course!) to create the pumpkin. To make the stem of the pumpkin, I used the small 5 petal star from the Spring Bouquet punch. The DSP is Apple Cider available in the Holiday Mini catalog.

Thanks for looking! BTW...Do you love DSP? Then, contact me right away! The SU special for Nov. 1-30 is if you buy 3 DSP paper packs, you get a fourth FREE!!!!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #17

Our challenge this week was to find an inspiration and use it to create. I had NO idea what to use and then just sat down at my stampin' station and there it was! My box of toothpicks! I used the toothpicks for last week's challenge to mix the crystal effects with the reinkers. This week, I'm using the box!

This box of toothpicks has been in my kitchen cupboard as long as I've been married. It's maybe even from Steve's single days before I entered the picture! There isn't any special technique here that's visible! I heavily relied on my Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the letters even close to being straight! I used the Short Order Alphabet, the ABC lower alphabet and the Three for You punch box for my stamping portion. I added brads and used the corner rounder on just one corner of each layer. Be sure to check out all of the challenge participants. Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Okay!

I'm too much of a perfectionist to let that ornament stay on the top. That blob is bothering me so I'm making it up to you by posting a scrapbook page I sent in recently to SU. This is our niece, Leah, aka the miracle child. She had heart surgery this summer. She was supposed to be in the hospital for a week or more to repair a hole in her heart...they opened her up...no hole and she was home in a matter of days!

Be sure to check out the other blogger's cause their ornaments are SUPER!!!!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #16: On Time!!!

Our challenge was to make an ornament. That was our only limit. I began by cleaning the glass with glass cleaner, and allowed it to dry. Then, I used the embossing buddy all over to avoid any extra stray emboss powder. I used Gold Detail Embossing powder to add little Frosty to the ornament. Now, it takes much more time to heat and melt embossing powder on glass.

I allowed it to cool and then it was coloring time. In my palette, I dumped sections of Crystal Effects. Then, added the appropriate dye inks. Mixed the colors up with a toothpick and I'm so fancy, I used the toothpick to "paint" the picture as well! When covering the larger area, I sprang for cutting one end off of a Q-tip and using that to paint!

Now the most important step: ALLOW TO DRY FOR A LONG TIME! Anyone who knows me, knows that patience is not something I was blessed with. So I will share with you my first attempt...see the smudge marks in the sky? Yep...ALLOW TO DRY! I also like the colors of Frosty better! But, being the perfectionist that I am, I'll share the mistake I made on Ol' Frosty: See his hat? Yep, I thought he was dry...put him Crystal Effects side down on top of a pack of SU cardstock (unopened...) That black blob is a part of the label. So, my apologies that it's there. It didn't bother me until I got ready to post and now I'm out of time (and out of ornaments) to do another.

Thanks for looking at mine and be sure to see what the other bloggers were up to this week!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #15?

I think it's 15! I'm still recovering from WCMD and my open house! Thanks so much to those who were able to attend or to order! Congrats to Lori H. for winning the hostess set! She's checking out which one to get as I type and then I'll place the order after school

Anyway, back to the blogger's challenge. Our challenge was to use black and orange and boy, did I take the easy way out! I made a card from Basic Black cardstock and layered a piece of the (Halloween...I forgot the name) DSP. Then, added a strip of black onto which I stamped Congratulations from the Hugs & Wishes stamp set. Then, using the rectangle handheld punch, made holes to add some Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain ribbon. Thanks for your patience...I'll be on time this week, I promise!

Lisa

Weekend Wait

So, did you keep checking all weekend to see when I finally would post my blogger's challenge? Well, I finally finished it...but the cord for my camera is at my school! So I'll post it sometime tomorrow!

Thanks for your patience!

Lisa

WCMD & Holiday Glitz Promo!

See you on Saturday, October 6!!!! World Card Making Day! While you're here, take advantage of this special:

October 1-while supplies last
Make your holiday cards glitzy this year with a little help from the Holiday Glitz card kit. With our precut card stock and Designer Series paper, festive zigzag ribbon, and Rhinestone brads, spreading handmade holiday cheer has never been this easy!
Each Holiday Glitz card kit makes 15 handmade cards and includes:
Precut card stock and Designer Series paper (15)
Whisper White Envelopes (15)
Rhinestone brads (15)
Real Red zigzag ribbon (15)
Full-color instruction sheet (1)
There are two ways to take advantage of this fantastic kit while supplies last:
Purchase one of holiday stamp sets (below) and get the Holiday Glitz card kit for the special price of $24.95, or
Purchase the Holiday Glitz card kit for $28.95 with no additional purchase required.
Qualifying stamp sets include:
Item
Stamp Set
Price
109234
Snowfall
$23.95
106786
The Snowflake Spot
$20.95
109266
Big on Christmas
$18.95
110359
Love & Joy*
$23.95
* Holiday Mini Collection 2007
CONTACT ME TODAY TO PLACE YOUR ORDER!

Go Pink!

I'm keeping my post simple. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and bloggers are being encouraged to go pink....I love pink so what a simple thing to do.

My Dr. wants me to get smooshed, too! I told her that I was going to wait until I was 40...she said, "no..." so I'll be getting my apointment and I challenge anyone reading this to get smooshed, too... (Okay, email me if you don't know what I mean about getting smooshed!)

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #14!

This week's challenge was to use spectrum stamp pads in our designs. I chose to FINALLY try out a technique featured in Technique Junkies August/September Newsletter. (For more info on Technique Junkies, please go to http://www.patstamps.com/ and check it out! Pat Huntoon, one of the Blogger's Challenge members is the guru of techniques and publishes a technique newsletter every other month and it's AWESOME!)

I chose the Pumpkin Patch spectrum pad from the current Fall/Winter Collection. The technique used is called Rainbow Double. I used Olive Wide Grosgrain ribbon and isn't that a lovely knot? I watched a short video featured on Kristina Werner's blog (http://kwernerdesign.com/blog/) to pick up some hints on making it lie so flat. One of the gals at the SU convention tried to teach me, too but I think I finally got it! The brayer (rubber attachment) helps to make the spectrum blend together so nicely. I used Garden Silhouettes (a hostess set) and It's Your Birthday stamp sets. The colors are Only Orange and Old Olive and the top layer is on Glossy White.

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out the other bloggers!!!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #13....Let it snow?

NO! But I have this little snowman looking up and wishing that it was! I've seen a couple of stamper's blogs lately that had been using a stamp made by a company other than Stampin' Up! which had a whole new perspective of a snowman. When I saw it, I immediately thought of Cold Play, SU's build a snowman set!

Our challenge this week was embossing...any kind any way. I love the look of heat embossing and always have. Even back in the day when I would use my toaster and my clothes iron to melt the powder! I now have much better tools! I stamped the hat with Real Red CRAFT ink and sprinkled clear embossing powder and heat to melt and set. Then, I masked the hat and stamped the snowman circles around it and added the face. It needed something more, so I added a carrot nose with Only Orange CRAFT ink and clear embossed that, too. I mounted it on Real Red cardstock and trimmed it with the Perfect Layers tool...the best tool when layering! I embossed the snowflakes on the Soft Sky background and checked it out....it still needed something else. So, I got my hobby blade out and cut a slit along the snowman's neck and added the Soft Sky double stitched ribbon. I adhered the piece to the Soft sky background and I really like it mostly because it's different!

Make sure to check out the other Blogger's Challenge participants...They are just super stampers! Each week, I am humbled!

Have a super Friday!

Lisa

I better share...

Or you'll stop checking! I have a limited number of cards to share so I'm stretching them out until my computer is right again. Here's one I downloaded when I did blogger's challenge last week.

I made this for a Halloween swap this month. I was privileged to be invited to be in a stamping group with a wonderful group of stampers. I met a lot of the members at convention and talk about a GREAT group of women!!! Anyway, this was my humble contribution to a recent swap. It uses the Booglie Eyes set (which I have mislabeled on the set at Boogie Eyes!!! I'm leaving it cause it makes me laugh everytime I see it!) The background is Sanded and I used the DSP Pumpkin pie for the middle. On top of that is a piece of Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon finished off with a silver brad. The cardstock colors are pumpkin pie, river rock and basic grey (one of my new favorites!!!) Thanks for looking! I'll be having a special customer event on October 6...keep a lookout for some information in the mail next week!

Lisa

I've been tagged!

My friend, Stefanie (www.stampwithstef.blogspot.com) tagged me to play this blogger name game. Since my computer is uncooperative and I adore Stef, I'm playing along. Feel free to try it out yourself and consider yourself tagged!!!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) -Spike Tucsan Spike was my dog when I was just a toddler. I only remember him by pictures but we have good family stories of this faithful four-legged friend. He used to let me crawl all over him and I'd say "Giddy-up, Pike!)
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Chocolate Malt Ginger Snap
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) L-Boh (hee hee...it says elbow!!!)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) - Green Beagle
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)- Marie Estherville
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) - Bohli...would it be pronounce "Bo-lee" or "Bo-Lie?" Hmmm....
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) The Blue Diet Dew
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)- John Elmer
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) Happiness Kit Kat or Happiness Twizzler
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Ann Eric Christ (Actually, my mom doesn't really have a middle name...her first name is Mary Ann. My dad has two middle names: Eric Christ (after a German uncle, pronounced Chris). I always thought it meant that they were meant to be...

Blogger's Challenge Number 12!!!

Today's challenge was to find something that inspires you. My inspiration comes from so many places. Sometimes, I'm just sitting somewhere and an idea pops into my head. Sometimes, I'll be laying in bed and an idea will come to me. Today's idea came from a pack of kleenex in my stampin' area!

The colors are Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise, and Only Orange. I used Hugs and Wishes and Just for You stamp sets.

No news on my computer yet. I'm not worried yet as they said it would take a long time.

I'll try to post more but don't hold your breath until this computer is fixed.

Remember to check out the other participants in the Blogger's challenge group. I've seen a couple already today and they are GREAT!!!

Lisa

My computer is so sick....

She'll be in the "hospital" for a couple of weeks as the place is way behind schedule. So...I don't back up everything...I may have "lost" many of my creations that I sent in to SU as they were just on my computer....bummed if I think about it. They may be able to save it all but then, if it breaks down in 6 months, I'm right back where I started...but with EVERYTHING backed up...

If you gave me your email address within the last year, I've probably lost that, too, as I am not good at backing up.

I'm on my old micron and found this card from 2004! The only stampin on this is the phrase, which is retired, but you could sub it for another from the catty...This old computer doesn't have enough USB ports and I have to install my printer/scanner so it'll be OLD photos til my "new" computer is healthy again!

Thanks for looking!

Blogger's Challenge #11!!!

Picture problems! I'm not satisfied with my photo taking skills...good thing I don't need to earn a living taking pictures! So, sorry for shadows and such. The one without shadows was blurry and I'm running late this morning so....

Our challenge this week was to use the layout on the top of page 12 of the Holiday Mini Catalog...do you have yours, yet? Stunning sets and remember...all are die-cut, ready to mount in minutes!

This card uses the Dashing DSP, Artichoke ribbon, gold elastic cord (available in the mini). I also added a little bling with Red Rhinestone brads. The phrase is mounted on a piece of chipboard, "painted" with red craft ink.

Be sure to check out the other blogger challenges. We have added four new members! Welcome to those four girls!

Thanks for looking !
Lisa

Fall Frenzy..again!

I found a way to post the flyer from the Fall Frenzy promo from Stampin' Up...Which of these sets are on your wish list?

Thanks for looking!

Lisa

School is in session!

Boy...am I tired these past two days! Having a real schedule is tough on a person. I figure that I've been going "back to school" for 30 years now!!! (I started first grade in 1977....hence, going back to school after my first summer "off".) You would think a person would be used to it!



Are there enough colors on this card for you? This was another entry for the embossing category. I had TONS of fun with this one! It uses Big Pieces, Little Pieces and Be Happy stamp sets.

Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Fall Frenzy!

The Stampin' Up special for Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 is AWESOME! For every $30 in regularly priced merchandise that you spend, you can choose one of six stamp sets at 30% off!

http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/8756.asp

I'm not too saavy at adding links to my blog but you should be able to click on the link above and see what 6 six sets are available for this special price of 30% off!!

If you would like to place an order, contact me and we'll take care of it right away!

Also, I'm trying to start a Stamper's Five club. When I have five interested stampers, I'll put together the first club. Each member is responsible for ordering $30 in merchandise (before shipping and handling) each month for five months. The fun part is that each member gets to be the hostess one time during the five months. During her hostess month (or any other time) she/he can collect outside orders or host an in-workshop to increase the total for the month and increase their hostess benefits for the month! Contact me if you would like to sign up or have other questions about this program!

Lisa!

Stamper's Showcase!

Well, on Friday there was a nice surprise when I went to the SU Stamper's Showcase! There was this card!

I tried to upload at my mom and dad's over the weekend but I couldn't get it to work on their computer!

To make this card, I embossed each petal with white embossing powder onto Certainly Celery cardstock. Then, cut each petal out...sounds like it would take a lot of time but doesn't really with this set. I put the petals onto the Blue Bayou cardstock and embossed the Birthday wishes, also in white.

The little picture of the card is right from SU...it comes out really small on the blog so I'm adding the scan that I made of the card before I sent it off!

Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Friday's Blogger's Challenge

Here it is! We were challenged to use the layout on the top of page 92 of the Fall/Winter Collection. We didn't have to make it a pocket card and I wasn't going to. As a matter of fact, I was going to wimp out on this week altogether. Then, the other night just started and here are the results. I ended actually liking it! And it ended up being a pocket card after all.

The Boho West theme is definitely an influence for me this fall! I used a set from the Holiday catalog (which you can place orders from starting tomorrow!!!) called True Friend. I also used a new DSP (Designer Series Paper from that same mini catalog called Apple Cider. I LOVE the colors on that paper! When I first started stamping years ago, I thought I hated Really Rust....have you seen how much I use it now? I LOVE IT! Just proves that you should always keep your ideas open to change!

I'm also going to pre-prep a post...I am on Stamper's Showcase today!!! But, I'll save that card and post it tomorrow...I hope...from my parent's house. I'm going for a turbo visit!

Thanks for looking!

Want to win knitted dishcloths?

Well, I did. I like to wash dishes with knitted dishcloths. To enter the contest, I needed to leave a comment on this blog: http://teatimeramblings.blogspot.com/2007/08/knitted-give-way-contest-ii.html and then post a link on my own blog! If you don't have a blog, she is allowing you to still enter.



So check it out if you like knitted dishcloths!



Lisa

Kind

Thought I would share a "kind" card today! This card uses the new In Colors, Wild Wasabi and River Rock. The base of the top layer is whisper white. I stamped some images with River Rock. I then embossed images with clear embossing powder and sponged (or brayered...I can't remember) over it with River Rock. It was fun to make and I hope you like seeing it!

Lisa

A Card to share!

I will continue to share the card that I entered for the July contest for SU.

I used the same color combo as I did for one of my previous posts. I did this one first as a thought for the workshop and boy...am I glad I changed it! I liked the other one much better! But, I'll still share this one with you!

Thanks for looking!

Lisa

Joe Mauer!

Last Saturday night on our vacation, we were blessed with FREE tickets to the Twins game. With the winning tickets, we also got to watch the Twins (and the Rangers...) take batting practice right from the field on the Metrodome floor! It was really cool. The only autograph that we got was from former Twin and now radio broadcaster Jack Morris. He was really nice about it, too!

Here's Joe Mauer. He seems like such a sweet kid (and I mean kid...I'm old compared to him!) He made sure to sign autographs for all of the kids there...guess I don't look as young as I feel!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #9

Good morning! The challenge for this week was to get PUNCHY! So I did...overdid! The card base is Soft Sky. The flower is just one of the three punches from the Spring Bouquet punch (I saved the others for something, someday!) I placed the flowers on a piece of Blue Bayou cardstock and lined that with Blue Bayou Double stitched ribbon. Finished with a little stamping in Blue Bayou ink. The happy is from Happy Everything and the Birthday is from Fundamental Phrases. Thanks for looking and be sure to see all of the other Blogger's Challenge participants. Just click on the links on the sidebar of my blog! Happy Friday!

Lisa