Friday, April 30, 2010

Flower Pot Card





Hey guys!! Thanks for visiting me today. Well,I finally got around to trying out those flower pot cards that you see everywhere!! I'm always last to try new things,LOL!!! I used the template from My Scrap Chick for the base. They have some pretty cute cutouts that you can use on your Cricut Expression machine,(you have to have SCAL downloaded on your computer to use their templates). They are really affordable too,but it does take a bit of trial and error to figure them out!!! For the flowers I used SU! punches!! Here's the deets,have a great day!!
Recipe for card :
  • Card stock : Ruby Red,So Saffron,Blush Blossom,Cameo Coral,and Old Olive
  • Inks : Regal Rose,Close to Cocoa,Ruby Red
    Punches : 5 Petal Flower and Boho Blossoms
  • Well Scripted Stamp Set
  • Half Backed Pearls from Stash

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Technical Thursday (Digital Scrapbooking!)


Hello crafty peeps! Today I wanted to share a digital scrap booking page I made. This is my 9 yr old son,Hunter. I made this page in Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio,but most of the elements and papers were all freebies. You can find all sorts of free kits and stuff all over the web,just google 'digital scrap booking'. I like how easy MDS is,to edit and then be able to save and share your projects!!! The cute little birdie is from SU! MDS ,it's one of the birds from the 'Cheep Talk' stamp set. I hope you like my page and isn't my Hunter a little cutie??? I think so,but I am biased,LOL!!! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Operation Write Home Challenge!




Hey peeps! Two posts in one day is a WOW for me,LOL!!! I decided I had enough time to do the challenge over at Operation Write Home. You can use any wild animal on a card,click here to learn more about this challenge! Well,my card is pretty simple and took about 20 minutes to complete!!! Gotta love easy cards!! Here's the deets,thanks for taking a peek!
Recipe for card :
  • Card stock : Brocade Blue,More Mustard,Old Olive,and WW
  • Inks : Close to Cocoa,Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
  • Ribbon from stash(retired SU!)
  • Stamp Sets : Fox & Friends and Love Bandit
  • Welcome Home DSP
  • Punches : Word Window and Modern Label
  • Everyday Paper Dolls Cricut Cartridge for the grass border
  • 'Wild about you' saying is computer generated

Another Teacher Card!




OK,you are probably getting tired of my teacher apple cards by now!! I still have a few more to make,too!!LOL!!! Anyways,this is yet another easel card....I like the stand up type cards to give the teachers so if they want to put them on their desks to display them,they can! Here is the deets on the card,thanks for stopping by!


Recipe for card :
  • Card stock : Old Olive,Summer Sun,Real Red and WW
  • A Child' Year Cricut Cartridge
  • Welcome Neighbor and Summer Picnic DSP
  • Stamp Sets: Spring Solitude,Tart and Tangy
  • Scallop Oval Frame Die using Big Shot
  • Punches; Scallop circle and oval,large oval, 1 1/2 and 1 3/8 circle
  • Red Sheer Ribbon from Stash
  • paper clip and staples
  • Inks: Chocolate Chip,Basic Black and Real Red
  • Old Olive marker
  • ABC embellishment from stash

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Rose Easel Card





Hey guys!! Thanks for stopping by!! Well,I made a rose out of the ornament punch from Stampin' Up!. I have seen these around on other blogs and stuff and I thought I'd give it a go!! I have a loyal customer on my Etsy who is always having me do a custom order for her. Anyways,she needed a rose card and wanted me to put a saying on the inside and the outside....so I used my computer for that part. I did modify the way other people have done there roses a bit. Basically the base is the same....but instead of the inside like the ones I've seen....I played around until I could get a 'flatter' look....it seemed too bulky or high to be able to mail or even fit in an envelope...so I just played with it a bit until I felt like I looked OK!! I hope you like it and more so ,I hope my customer loves it!! Here is the deets on the card!! See ya'!
Recipe for card:
  • Card stocks: Blush Blossom,Regal Rose,Rose Red,and Old Olive
  • inks: Always Artichoke,Regal Rose,Rose Red,and Close to Cocoa
  • Large and scalloped oval punches and Ornament punch
  • Ribbon from Stash
  • Textile cuttlebug folder
  • StoryBook Cartridge for Cricut Expression(layered swirly mat)

Monday, April 26, 2010

Callie's card!





Callie (my 7 yr.old DD) just got through making this card for her BFF!! I got the new Once Upon a Princess Cricut Cartridge in the mail today. So,after dinner I helped her put this card together! I think she did a great job!! thanks for stopping by!

Recipe for card :
Card stocks: BB,Close to Cocoa,Chocolate Chip,Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink
Once Upon a Princess Cricut Cartridge

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Blog Candy from Tammy!!


Hop on over to Tammy's blog here to get a chance to win her awesome blog candy!!! Good luck!!

Teacher Card and OWH Sketch Challenge








Hey fellow crafters! I hope you are having a great Sunday! I should be cleaning but instead I made another teacher card. I used my Cricut Expression to cut out the apple and made and easel card. I really like these type of cards!! I used Operation Write Home's Sketch Challenge as well. If you want to play along click here to learn how!!! Here's the deets on the card and thanks for stopping by!
Recipe for card :
  • Card stocks: Summer Sun,Real Red,Old Olive,and WW
  • Inks : Chocolate Chip,Real Red,Basic Black and WW Craft for doodling
  • Punches : Large and scallop ovals,scallop border
  • Stamp Sets : Tart and Tangy and Spring Solitude
  • Summer Picnic DSP
  • Real Red ribbon
  • green paper clip from stash

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Apple Teacher Cards







Hey Guys!! I hope you are having a great weekend so far. It's been raining since last night.....and it's going to continue until tomorrow!! So I have been making some Thank you cards for the kids teacher's. It's Teacher Appreciation during the week of May 3rd. Then there's Mother's Day the next week after that.....so I'm trying to play catch up on my to-do-list!! I made these cards using the video tutorial on Dawn's blog here. I still have lots more cards to make ,since most of my kids have more than one teacher!!! Whew!! I better get busy....Well,here's the deets on the cards!! Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe for Cards :

  • Card stocks : Summer Sun,Garden Green,Real Red,and WW
  • A Child's Year Cricut Cartridge for apple
  • Movers and Shapers Scallop Oval Die
  • Spring Solitude Stamp Set
  • Chocolate Chip Ink
  • Summer Picnic DSP
  • Real Red ribbon

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Going Through Hard Times...

I usually don't post too much info on my family. I am a private person and like to keep things simple. But I need to ask that if you are a Christian and believe in Jesus Christ,to please pray for my family and oldest son,Calin. I know what the power of praying can do.
I don't feel too comfortable sharing all the details....and that's not really important anyways....God knows our needs and prayers anyways.....just knowing other believer's that are willing to give a moment of time to say prayers for my son and our family,is what I really need at this moment. As a mom,there comes a time when you must let go and let your babies grow up and take responsibility of there own life.This has proven to be a difficult time for me. My son is 17......he's been dealing with major depression and some bulling at his school and always been a little immature for his age. He's been dealing with this for at least 3 years....along with some other various problems. I had no idea that he was feeling suicidal and absolutely zero self esteem and worth! My heart breaks for him in a way I know all mother's feel when you see your child in such a desperate state. He's been in and out of counseling since he was 5 years old. Was diagnosed with ADD when he was little....now they think he might be Bi-Polar or Aspergers Syndrome. He will get a psychological evaluation in May. This will help us learn how to deal with things a little better and how to treat him. I just ask for anyone who is willing to please pray for him and us.....things have been steadily getting worse the older he is getting......I'm running out of time,since he will soon be an adult in the eyes of the law and society. I will keep you posted and up to date once we know more. I thank you in advance because I have no prayers left within me....but I know The Holy Spirit Prays for me when I can't or don't know the words to say. I'm trying to stay strong....but feel so weak at times.
Many Blessings,
Holley

PS- I feel very vulnerable in telling such private family details....but like I said,prayer can be a valuable tool.....and we certainly need all the prayers we can get right now!! thanks so much!!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Operation Write Home Hardware Challenge





Hey there! I took on the Operation Write Home Hardware Challenge today. You can read more about the challenge here. Here is the deets on the card! Thanks for stopping by!!
Recipe for Card :
  • Inks : Bordering Blue,Pretty in Pink,and Chocolate Chip
  • Card stocks: Very Vanilla and Pretty in Pink
  • Stamp Sets : Vintage Vogue and Wonderful Favorites
  • Bella Birds DSP
  • Crimper for So Saffron DSP
  • Hodgepodge Hardware and Brads
  • Very Vanilla Ribbon layered with Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon

Monday, April 19, 2010

Monochromatic Monday and sketch card for Operation Write Home!








I couldn't sleep last night. So I decided to combine Operation Write Home sketch challenge and my personal challenge for Monochromatic Mondays! I made a Mother's Day card. Even though the sketch was pretty simple,I will admit I struggled with it some. But, I finally was happy how it turned out! I used my big shot to make my paper Rose,I crumpled it up and distressed it with ink! Well,here's the deets! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!


Recipe for Card :
  • So Saffron Card stock
  • Morning Sunshine DSP(retired)
  • So Saffron Ribbon(retired)
  • More Mustard Playground Designer Button
  • Thread
  • Stamp Sets : Well Scripted and Doodle This (retired)
  • Chocolate Chip Ink
  • Sizzix Bigz XL Table Setting Die for Paper Rose

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Stampin' Up! Color Renovation

You may have already heard by now that Stampin' Up! is doing a color make over called Color Renovation!!! I have seen mixed reviews about this. I believe that it is because SU! has built up a great reputation for it's exclusive colors and let's face it...change is hard!! I'm personally very excited about this and can hardly wait! I think this change is long overdue.....but I can respect those who aren't so sure about this. The colors I will miss the most will be Blush Blossom,Creamy Caramel,and Close to Cocoa.
Not too long ago I mentioned that I don't have all of SU! colors. It takes time to build up your stamping supplies.It has taken me 6 years to have all I have now.....and I still want it all!!!LOL!!! (Don't we all!?!!?)
Anyways I wanted to share some info on this change. If you have any questions just let me know!!! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

New Color Chart * Coming Soon *
New Color Chart

Farewell Color Chart
Farewell Color Chart

Color Renovation Q&A


Q: Why have some of the carryover colors changed families?


A: While our new collections have similar names to our previous families, you’ll notice the intensity of colors in our collections is different from that of the similar family. The Brights, for instance, aren’t as bright as Bold Brights were. With the change in intensity, we found that some colors fit better in a different collection. We also organized our colors to be more complementary within each collection.

Q: Why are so many colors being discontinued, and why are there fewer colors than before?

A: We retired colors based on sales history and focus group feedback. Members of our focus groups indicated that they had some colors they didn’t use; for instance, they purchased a whole family of ink pads and then rarely used some of the colors in that family. In addition, sales on many colors were very low, and the cost to support those colors was not worth the return. We were careful to choose the most popular and up-to-date colors.

Another reason we reduced the number of colors is that we wanted our collections to be less overwhelming to new demonstrators and customers—we wanted it to be easier for new stampers to get started. And with fewer colors in each collection, demonstrators and customers can save money and use that money to purchase more of what they love—stamps, accessories, and other items.

Also keep in mind that in addition to our 40 core colors, we’ll have 5 new In Colors each year, and In Colors will have a lifespan of two years instead of one. That means after the first year, there will be 10 additional colors to mix and match and play with, for a total of 50 colors (5 In Colors the first year for a total of 45 colors).

Q: Are other card stocks outside the four color collections retiring?

A: We will continue to offer the following: Brushed Gold, Brushed Silver, Confetti Cream, Confetti White, Glossy White, Naturals Ivory, Naturals White, Shimmery White, and White vellum card stock, as well as White vellum paper.

Q: What are the new core colors, and what are the In Colors that are returning as core colors?

A: The five new colors are called Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Cajun Craze, and Cherry Cobbler. The ten returning In Colors as core colors are Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Rich Razzleberry, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, and Baja Breeze. Also, we’ve renamed Kraft to Crumb Cake, and it is a core color in the Neutrals collection. You’ll want to check out the color chart PDFs, as well as Stampin’ Success, to see these colors displayed in their new collections!

Q: Will I have to purchase all new Stampin’ Write markers, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Stampin’ Pastels, and a new Color Caddy?

A: No. We are offering color kits, including Card Stock and Classic Pad, Stampin’ Write Markers, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and Stampin’ Pastels New Color Kits, to help you make the transition.

There will not be a new Color Caddy; however the existing Color Caddy will hold all of the 40 core color Stampin’ Pads and up to 8 additional Stampin’ Pads. (After this year, you can still fit all of the In Colors with the extender kit.)

Q: Will ink and accessories be available in all 40 core colors?

A: Ink will be available in all 40 core colors. However, based on sales history, Craft Stampin’ Pads will only be available in Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White. Craft Stampin’ Spots (available in collections) and Craft Stampin’ Ink refills (available individually) will still be available in all of the core colors to use for embossing, coloring chipboard, and scrapbooking.

Basic accessories will be available in a selection of core colors from each collection, including all of the colors in the Getting Started collection. All ribbon types will be available in the colors from the Getting Started collection. Ribbon in other colors may show up in mini catalogs. Also, a blank Craft pad will be available in an upcoming mini catalog, so those who regularly use Craft pads can create their own by purchasing the blank pads and Craft ink refills.

Q: When can I tell customers about the color renovation?

A: You can begin telling customers about the color renovation immediately. For details about what you can show customers and what images you can display online, see “Use of Stampin’ Up! Photography and Graphics for Advertising Policy” and “Internet/Web Site Policy” in chapter 6 of the Demonstrator Manual.

Q: How much is this going to cost me as a demonstrator?

A: Cost is a factor that we heavily considered in our decisions because we recognize the need for you to keep your costs down as a demonstrator as much as possible. We encourage you to invest in the new color products at a rate that works for you—you don’t have to get everything all at once! However, if you want- to purchase the new products for all the new colors, including the returning In Colors, your total cost would be under $200 US (not including tax and shipping). This cost includes all of the new Classic pads, card stock assortments, Many Marvelous Markers, Stampin’ Pastels, and the Watercolor Wonder crayons. All of these “color kits” include the new core colors, the returning In Colors, and any colors not previously offered in those products, such as the Crumb Cake ink and marker.

Remember that you can pick and choose what you would like to invest in up front, and what you can fit in at a later time. And don’t forget the recruiting incentive for April and May—you can receive some of these products for free! See the Products & Promotions section of the Demonstrator Web Site for more information.

Q: Will Stampin’ Up! offer any discounts on the new color products to make the transition easier?

A: We will not be offering any discounts on the new color products, however, there is added value built in to some of the color kits. When you purchase one of the Classic pad and card stock kits, the card stock actually comes free! And if you recruit in April or May, you will receive some color products free, which can be a significant benefit in this color transition.

Also, we encourage you to not discount the new color products. Having exciting, new products is a great incentive to buy from you, and a great opportunity for income from your sales. Why not let your sales on new color products pay for your personal investment into the new colors?

Q: When will the new color kits be available, and will they be available to customers, too?

A: The new color kits will be available for your customers starting July 1, and several will be available to demonstrators during the demonstrator preorder starting June 1. These kits will be

available through the catalog year, and will be shown on a downloadable flyer that you can share with your customers.

All other new color products will be available with the new catalog on July 1, with select products available for demonstrator preorder on June 1.

Q: Will the stamp pad cases be redesigned? If so, when?

A: Yes, but the new packaging will be phased in over time, so there is no exact date when each ink pad will be changed. The new packaging will not have the dot indicating the color family.

Q: Why is the free sample of card stock that comes with Stampin’ Success 8" x 10"?

A: We really wanted you to see the new colors up close and personal as soon as possible, and sending it with the magazine was the quickest way to do that. Because of size and mailing constraints, we had to trim the paper to be 8" x 10".

Q: What about my new recruits? If they sign up between now and the end of June, will they still receive old colors?

A: Remember that the Starter Kit is mostly customizable, so you’ll want to make sure your new recruits only add colors that will carry over into the next catalog. We realize that there are some cases, such as with Stampin’ Pastels, which will result in the new recruit receiving colors that will be retired at the end of June, but you’ll want to encourage her to still use those products, and eventually purchase the updated color bundle when she is able.

Q: What should I do with my color products that will retire at the end of the year?

A: Promote them! Featuring them in your workshops and events through Make & Takes and samples should help you deplete any stock you currently have of those colors. You can also give retiring products away as door prizes or hostess gifts. And remember, retiring products are a great reason to contact your customers so they can get what colors they want and need while they’re still available.

Q: Will colors be retired in My Digital Studio?

A: We do not retire colors or products from My Digital Studio. All retiring colors will stay in your color palette.

Q: Will the new colors be available in My Digital Stuidio?

A: Yes. A download will be available on July 1 to add the new colors free of charge. Watch for additional downloads for accessories in new core colors after that time.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Technical Thursday with MDS!

Here is a scrapbook page that I made. I used all freebie digital images from the web.....just google free digital scrap booking and you'll find lots of stuff! Anyways I edited and created it using Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio,I think one image is from MDS........everything else was a free download! Gotta love that! This is my nephew Liam with my Dad.  Well,thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Operation Write Home Combined Challenges


 

 
Once again I am doing two challenges in one for Operation Write Home! I also did two cards. The sketch challenge was super easy,which I love. The other challenge was to create cards using his/hers general theme.Like thinking of you,I love you,miss you....stuff like that. So here's what I came up with. Hope you like them....thanks for stopping by!

 
Recipe for His Card :

 
  •  Card stocks : Kraft,Close to Cocoa,Creamy Caramel and Chocolate Chip
  •  hemp twine from stash
  • Close to Cocoa ink
  • Wanted Stamp Set
  
Recipe for Her Card :

 
  • Card stocks: WW,Certainly Celery,Orchid Opulence,So Saffron
  • Inks: Certainly Celery and Close to Cocoa
  • Certainly Celery Ribbon
  • Embosslits Beautiful Wings
  • DSP : Shades of Spring
  • Stamp Sets : Fine Flourish and Botanical Blooms

Etsy Custom Orders







Hello Wednesday!! Thanks for stopping by! I've been really blessed with my Etsy store lately! I've had 4 orders in the last month.....so I've been more busy with that than I usually am! But I'm not complaining!! So,I thought I'd share a few of the projects!Have a great day!!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

A Teacher Card for Hunter




I made a quick card today for Hunter's teacher! It's an easel card....I'm really liking those type of cards,because they are quick to make but have a WOW factor to them.....something a bit different than your everyday standard cards!! They also fit in a standard A2 envelope too!! Anyways,here's the deets.....thanks for stopping by!
Recipe for card :


  • Card stocks :certainly celery,ww,bashful blue
  • Retired DSP Delicate Dots
  • Stamps Sets : Happy Moments and Whimsical Words
  • Inks : Certainly Celery,Black Stazon
  • Markers : So Saffron,Rose Red,Bashful Blue
  • Curly Label and Scallop Trim Border Punches
  • Movers and Shapers Curly Label Die
  • So Saffron Ribbon

Friday, April 9, 2010

Proud of myself!!

WA-HOO!! I'm proud of myself!! I made my own Blog Header using MDS from Stampin' Up!.....it was a little tricky as to how to load it onto blogger.....had to figure out how to save the pixels right,just trial and error......lots of error!! LOL!! YAY ME!! Oh,and I made my own two buttons on the left side as well! I made the Order from my SU! Website button and the email/contact me button as well!! It takes a little time ,but I'm very happy with it!! I also made a background to match the rest ,just have to figure that out!! Might have to see if my older sis will give me a hand with that!! PLEASE,PRETTY PLEASE,sissy! ;)
Have a blessed weekend!

Two Challenges in One!!!




I've been busy lately so I combined two challenges over at OWH!! One was a super fast great little sketch......and the other was a color challenge to use browns and blues!! This was a throw together card for sure!! The kids have been on Spring Break this week and I've had two custom orders on Etsy!! YAY ME!! LOL!!! Anyways....here's the deets and thanks for stopping by!

Recipe for card :

  • Stamp Sets : Fox and Friends and Tiny Tags
  • Chocolate Chip Ribbon
  • Creamy Caramel Card stock
  • Chocolate Chip ink
  • DSP from Stash