Valentine's Day...Stampin' Up Style

I got word of a new Stampin' Up promotion for Valentine's Day.  These stamps are only available until January 27, so if you want to order anything, let me know ASAP!!!  You can either email me your order, or you can order directly on my Stampin' Up Online Store

Here are the flyers:

 

 

 



   Valentine’s Day is coming and Stampin’ Up! has everything

you need to make it a "lovely" day without any hassle: stamp sets, treat bags, cards, and even monster valentines. You’ll love it all!

ITEM	DESCRIPTION			PRICE
131850		Love You More Stamp Set	$21.95
131853		Love You More Stamp Set	$16.95
134611		Follow My Heart Stamp Set	$15.95
134614		Follow My Heart Stamp Set	$11.95
134617		Flowerfull Heart Stamp	$9.95
134610	Sweetheart Treat Bags—12 heart sacks, 12 die-cut labels, 12 pre-cut pieces of Pool Party Baker’s Twine			$4.95
132162	Monster Hugs Boy—18 boy monsters, 18 googly eyes, 18 adhesive hearts			$5.95
132163	Monster Hugs Girl—18 girl monsters, 18 googly eyes, 18 adhesive hearts			$5.95
134609	Sweet Sayings Cards and Envelopes—12 printed card bases, 12 envelopes (four Real Red, four Pool Party, four Crisp Cantaloupe)			$5.95

Ho Ho Ho

I've been so busy with general life stuff that put me waaay behind in my Christmas Crafting!!  I finally managed to squeeze in some time this past weekend and finished my Christmas cards, as well as a few cute stocking stuffers for my nieces.  This first project was so easy, but it's my favorite!   

This next project was a file from the Silhouette store.  I've seen it as a gift card holder, which I may do next year.  The back of the tag says, "Hope you're nice."  The stamp set was from Stampin' Up.

 

Here's a funky gift card holder; the snowflake is on an Action Wobble.  LOVE THOSE!!!

On to my Christmas cards.  I wanted to try a different type of card, and had just learned how to make a Shutter card that was so fun.  I used some pretty Stampin' Up paper that I purchased on a whim.  I really like how it turned out, but boy was it a lot of work!!  Each card called for 1 big snowflake and 2 small ones which had to be stamped, cut, glittered and assembled.  I didn't put moch fore-thought into it until I realized I needed over 20 cards. That's 60 snowflakes!!!   

 

 

About halfway into it, I ran out of paper.  I placed an order and my heart sunk every day when the mailbox was empty.  I got a little nervous that the new stack wouldn't make it in time, so I decided to make a few more different ones using new stamps and paper.  The first is a file folder card.  This was so much easier to mass produce and I love how it turned out.  The second one is using the same stamp set, but on a more traditional card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonder Christmas! 

 



 

Mad for Mosaic Madess

I'm so glad I ordered the Mosaic Madness stamp, embossing folder and punch.  I think this is my favorite set...today.  I scoured Pinterest for ways of using the set and I hit the jackpot!!  There are so many different ways!!!  Here are just 2 of the cards I've made:


 

I LOVE the one on the left, with all the different colors; it's such a happy card.  However, the mono-chromatic one on the right appeals to my OCD, "don't mix the colors" side.  I'm using the one on the right as a Christmas card, which is a major departure for me.  I've always said Christmas cards should be red and green.  Stampin' Up! has opened my eyes to so many different options.  I may be in trouble here!!!

If you want to order these, or any other Stampin' Up! supplies, go check out: 
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnacrary/

Halloween Goodie Bags

I made my first "All Stampin' Up" project and I love how it turned out!!  Every week I volunteer at the local animal shelter and this week was no different.  This week, however, the staff was even more stressed than normal.  I wanted to do something to let them know that they are appreciated.  Sooo....

I started with the Mini Muslin Bags (found on page 36 of the Holiday Catalog), grabbed a black ink pad and a few Halloween stamp sets.  Frightening Feline is a retired set, but Delightful Dozens is on page 27 of the catalog.  I stamped the images on both sides of the bag, filled them with some Halloween candy, put a piece of orange tissue hanging out the top and tied it closed.  Viola!  This was such an easy project, but I think it turned out pretty cute. 


If you want to order these, or any other supplies, go to my Stampin' Up page: 
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnacrary/

My new Stampin' Up page is all ready!!  If you want to order anything, clicking on this link will bring you to my home page. 

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnacrary/

I will be adding new content regularly, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often.  One of the coolest promotions going on now is that you can join Stampin' Up for only $25!!  It's an awesome deal, but it's only good for a short time.  Go to my page, click on "PROMOTIONS" and learn all the details!! 

This is an exciting new chapter in my life and would love some company.  Join up and we can enjoy this adventure together!!

Stampin' Up

Oh my goodness, what have I gotten myself into now??  After months of hemming and hawing, I decided to take the plunge and join the Stampin' Up community.  I'll be updating my blog with all new projects made with Stampin' Up products.  I love all their products, especially how easy it is to create beautiful cards, layouts and gifts.  I have to admit, the OCD in me LOVES how everything coordinates, from the papers to the embellishments, ink pads, ribbons and even stamps.  Yup, I am hooked!!!  Be sure to check out my Demonstrator page (it's a work in progress) to see why I'm so excited (and a little scared).  As soon as I figure this all out, I'll be hosting workshops and classes, so stay posted.  In the meantime, if you need anything crafty, please let me know!! 

New Pad

My parents have retired and their house is finally ready for move-in.  They've been in a small apartment with their big old dog for a few months now and I know they are excited to be in a  home again.  I wanted to use a new stamp set I just bought and knew this was just the occasion!  I used more supplies for this card than any other project!!  I'm always amazed at how people can use 3 or 4 different stamp sets on one project.  Well, for this card I used stamps from 5 different sets.  Wow, that's got to be a record!!  The frog, lily and pad came from The Stamps of Life "Froggy2love" set.  I spritzed some Goosebumps Texture Spray on him to make him bumpy, added some google eyes and then popped him on an Action Wobble.  The lily was stamped with Stampin Up Melon Mambo ink, 2nd generation and colored in with chalks.  I think it turned out so pretty.  I also folded the edges up so that it's coming off the paper.  The little fish at the bottom are from Close To My Heart "Noah's Parade" stamp set that I've had forever but never used.  oops.  The "Congrats" was from a mini stamp set I had at the bottom of my drawer and the rest of the title came from another Close To My Heart mini alphabet set.  I thought it needed another critter, so I stamped a butterfly in each corner from yet another mini stamp set.  I should have left well enough alone, because I hate them!!  Maybe I can figure out some way to cover them up.  Knowing me, I'll just trash it and make a new one.

Cricut(s) for sale

After attending an organization class this past weekend at CKC, I got inspired to have a good look at my craft room.  I have so much stuff, I have bought duplicates (more than once) because I simply forgot I already owned said items.  And don't even ask me how many different die cutting systems I own.  That said, I decided I really don't need everything in my stash.  So...I decided to start with my different Cricut machines.  If you are interested in anything, let me know.  I will be adding more sale items as I make my way through my craft room.  Here's the first round:

 

Cricut Mini   $50   Includes 2 unopened 2pk mats (4 in total) 

 

 

Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition    $150 Includes and 4 cartridges:  Cricut Decals, Cricut Essentials, Cricut American Alphabet and Just a Note.

 









Cricut Imagine (used less than 5times)      $200  Includes unopened 2pk of mats, Imagine AtoZ DVD and 10 replacement inks (4 color and 6 Black).

 

 

 

 

Cricut Imagine Cartridges (Colors and Patterns) $30 each

          Audrey, Berries & Cream, Black & White, Blossom, Bubblegum Stripes, Hopscotch,   Industrial Glow, Mr. Frosty, Snapshot: Everyday

Cricut Imagine Art Cartridges                 $30 each

          All Wrapped Up, Baby Boutique (Theresa Collins), Best Friends, Better Together,  Blast Off, Buccaneer, Enjoy the Seasons, The Good Old Days, Greeting Cards Inside & Out,   Hey Diddle Diddle, Imagine More Cards, Kate's Kitchen, Lori's Garden, Nursery Tails, Snow Angel, Word of Mouth, Yummy

 

We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board  $25

 

Showin' my Cajun Pride

This afternoon I ventured back into the pit craft room after almost a week.  I had to do some major cleaning from the last time I was in there and it was like Christmas.  Do you ever discover things you've had but forgot about?  Um, yeah, me too.  I found a ton of old Cricut vinyl in a rainbow of colors just sitting under a pile of cardstock, that I'll use some day...if I don't loose it again.  Anyway, I was wondering how the Cameo would cut Cricut vinyl, as if the brand made a difference.  I played with different designs before deciding on a Fleur de lis. 

 

 

Because it was too big to put on any of my water bottles, I decided my car, Franz, needed a little Cajun Pride.  I think it looks cute on the window.  I  had to put it on the outside of the window because I didn't flip the image.  I'll have to see how long it lasts against the Houston summer.

 

 



Summer Reading

 

I am in a monthly card swap group that has a different theme each month.  Let me tell you, these are some REALLY talented ladies!!  Most of my cards fall well short of the other creations, but the ladies are so supportive and patient with my skills.  I like to think I am getting better, but who knows.  The theme for the month of June is Bookmarks.  We are to make 2 different bookmarks, any theme/style/design.  At first I really struggled until I turned to good old Pinterest.  I found the cutest card and wanted to downsize it to a bookmark.  Well, as usual, my vision was a bit ambitious and I had to revamp the design.  Here is the first one, a beach theme:

I used the Cricut Cartridge Life is a Beach for the chair and umbrella.  I also used the Everyday Paper Dolls Cartridge for the book.  Finally, the sunshine came from Doodlecharms.  Everything I make has to have some bling, so I blinged out the sun with some Diamond Stickles. 










For the second bookmark, I found inspiration in a Moroccan lantern I made with a SVG cut from the Silhouette store.  Here is the lantern:

 

I put one of those electric tea lights in the center and love how looks at night.  In order to make it into a bookmark, I had to do a lot of cutting and resizing of the pattern.  After it was cut, I decided it was too flimsy, so I cut a contrasting color for backing.  Here is the end product:

 

Friday Mashup Challenge

Amy White is hosting the Friday Mashup challenge this week.  I've never done a Mashup challenge before and had a lot of fun with this one.  She provided a sketch to follow and even included a tutorial.  How cool is that?!  The rules are:

     Here's your Mashup Challenge:

1. Create a project using "the sketch".
2. Create a "set of cards".
3. Or Mash it Up and create a "set of cards using the sketch".

 

 

 

 

I created a set of cards using the sketch, so I did a "true" mashup.  Here is my take on the sketch:

 

 

These were so easy and I'm really happy with how they turned out.  Check out her page to see the other participants.  It's really cool to see how different they are, even though it's the same sketch!! 

 

 

 

 

Fishy Love

Have I mentioned that I love Stampin Up treat cups?  I've used both the round shaped and heart shaped cups and I don't know which I like better.  A while back, I the heart shaped cups on major sale and I bought, like, 12 packs of them.  Now I wish I would have bought the same number of round cups too!  The possibilities are endless with these cute cups!  I used the heart ones for Valentine's Day (duh) on these cards:

I love both styles, but my OCD was driving me crazy with the different colored candy hearts.  After I put them in the cup, I had to quickly seal it up because I wanted to sort the colors so badly.  Can anyone relate??

For the round treat cups, I obviously thought they would be perfect as centers of a flower.  I'm not exactly as thrilled with how these turned out, so I'm working on another style. 

I just got the cutest Stampin up stamp set and knew right away that the round treat cups would come in handy.  My 4 nieces (triplets plus one...my sister the Breeder) love anything fishy/sea/water so I made these for them.  I think they went over quite well.  The sentiment  and inside fish are from a Close To My Heart stamp set that I've had forever but never used.  How sad, right?  I just LOVE this card and will be making more in the future.  I think the next card will have the whales on Action Wobbles.  Can't you just see them swimming through the water?

 

 

Mother's Day

Who says competing machines can't play nicely together?  I used both my Cricut Expression and my Cameo to make this card.  The card base was from the Artiste cartridge, the inside hearts were from Art Philosophy and the sentiments were from a Silhouette cut file.  I love how my Cameo can cut fiddley text perfectly.  I still love my Cricut, but when it come to cutting thin flourishes, it just falls flat. 

Gift Cards and Gifts

I love making gift card holders and am always looking for different ones.  Here are a few I've been working on:

Don't you just love popcorn?  I know I do, especially with lots of "diet" butter.

When you pull out the popcorn, the gift card is attached with repositionable adhesive.  I can't wait to use this one.

This little cupcake box is perfect for any occasion. 

This is the back side of the box.  I think the tag may be a bit too big.

 

I just love this little purse.  I have 4 nieces, so this will be used often! 



At a SWARM recently, one of the demonstrations was using a file folder to make a small portfolio.  I loved the idea for hostess gifts, teacher gifts...the possibilities are endless.  I bought a box of pretty folders and this is the cover of the first one I made.  Under the button is a Velcro dot to open/close the book.



A little notepad fits perfectly in one of the pockets.  I'll have to find a cute pen to put in the opposite folder.

 

Here is a pink one I made.  Instead of Velcro dots, I attached little buttons and wrapped some pink and white string.

The inside of the pink one.  I LOVE this one!!



Keep calm and...

My husband is the biggest Star Trek nerd, so I made this card for him.  I got the idea from a friend on a FB site and knew it was perfect.  I love my Cameo!!

Spring / Easter Projects

It's almost Easter and here are a few projects I've been working on using my Silhouette Cameo. 

A little flower tag to hang on these cute little pretzel treats I found at a local shop. 



I've seen many different variations of this hiding bunny card.  I tried to put him on an Action Wobble, but the paper was too heavy.  I think he is just as cute without wobbling.

 

I was able to put this little chick on an Action Wobble.  This is just a simple little card, but I love when he wobbles.

Spring Card

Is it spring yet?  It did rain for a bit today, but the temps are back in the upper 70's.  Houston does not have much of a spring, just hot and hotter.  The rain put me in a spring-frame of mind so I grabbed a cartridge that I've never used and tried to challenge myself.  The vase was from the Art Nouveau cartridge that I thought was just so pretty.  I grabbed some paper from my stash, a Cuttlebug folder, some Stickles and a bottle of Liquid Pearls and this is the end result.  I think the sentiment tag is a bit too big, so I may make it smaller on the next card.  The vase is popped up to give it some dimension. 

Silhouette, LOVIN IT!!!!

I was so frustrated with ProvoCraft that I decided to buy a Silhouette Cameo machine.  I played around with it for a while and thought it best to find an online class on how to use it.  I was referred by someone to Jessica Sprague's website for different Silhouette courses.  I bought every course available and have learned so much!!  Kerri Bradford is an amazing teacher!!  I watch the video on my old laptop computer and have my other computer hooked up to my Silhouette so I can follow along with the video.  One of the video's covers importing digital papers into your designs.  LOVE THAT!!!  I wanted to see if it was possible to fill a card design with a pattern paper I had saved a while ago.  I opened the Baby Bottle Card I bought from the Silhouette store and filled the base with purple, the top layer with the Mardi Gras paper and the top part with a gold color.  I haven't been this excited in a long time!!  The possibilities are totally endless!!  I have no idea what I'm going to do with the card, but it was a fun start.

Another video class touched on designing an 8.5x11" page in the Silhouette Designer Edition program.  I followed Kerri's directions, step-by-step and this is how my page turned out.  It needs a bit more work, but I don't think it's bad for a first try.