What I have been doing ....

Well I have been MIA for a few days now.  I thought I would share with you what I have been doing .....

This is our sailboat "Maraya" and we were on a "cruise"!  Hubby and I set sail for the Broken Group Islands out in the Barkley Sound.  It is way out on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.  Next stop Japan!  There are numerous islands out there, and we have a few favourite hidey holes.  We were truly blessed this year with the weather.  We had lots of sunshine and nice warm days.  Because of the time of year, there was not a lot of boats out there, so we managed to find a hidey hole or two where we were all alone.  Ah the peace and quiet, no phones, no internet....

Here is a picture of "The Captain"  aka my hubby ....

And here is a picture of "The Admiral" aka me .....

These are taken at one of the small beaches we discovered a few years ago while cruising with some friends.  It is on Turtle Island and we nick named it "Bong Bay".  A truly funny story that involved a sticking out log, The Captain, and a forehead.  Bong is because of the sound it made contacting his forehead!  We try to get out there every year or so just to say hi to the log.  Yup it is still there after 6 years.

Thanks for being so patient. I will be back tomorrow with a card for you.  Don't forget the new Idea Book and Catalogue goes live tomorrow, July 1st!  Oh my it is packed full of awesome products just waiting to be adopted.

Bye for now, Happy Stampin'  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~    

Lovely As A Tree Masculine card

Hi, I'm back finally.  We had a wonderful week with our Grandson, James, it was way too short tho.  Oh well, they do live in town so it won't be long till we see him again!
I have another card for you today, this one uses the awesome set Lovely As A Tree.  I usually use the multi tree image, but this time I decided to use the one that looks like an oak tree ....

Oh it's good to be back crafting again.  I put some subtle texture on the River Rock strip but you can't really see it in the picture.
Stamps:  Lovely As A Tree, Afterthoughts, Woodgrain Background
Ink:  Garden Green, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, River Rock
Cardstock:  Garden Green, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Other:  Texture Plate
Thanks for visiting, Happy Stampin' .... 

Fabulous Florets - and A Sparkley Sneak Peek

Today was the day to get out a couple of the new In Colours for 2011-13.  I used Island Indigo and Calypso Coral on this card.  The other day Sandi MacIver posted a card she made using Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder on Basic Black cardstock.  I loved the card and decided to case it, with a few changes of course....

I took another picture hoping you could see some of the bling I added to this card ....

I spritzed the Island Indigo layer with Champagne Mist Shimmer Spritz before I ran it through my Big Shot with one of the Backgrounds #1 Texture Plates, the flower is stamped on Shimmery White cardstock and fussy cut out, and the Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder also has a sheen to it.  I love bling no matter how I manage to get it onto a card!
Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, sentiment unknown what set it is from
Ink:  Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, VersaMark
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Shimmery White
Other:  Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder, Champagen Mist Shimmer Spritz, Backgrounds #2 Texture Plate, Modern Label punch, Basic Black 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon
I will be MIA for a while, we have our Grandson, James, staying with us for a bit while Mom and Dad get a much needed (and deserved) vacation.  We have many exciting adventures planned.   I'll be back after our time together is over. 
Happy Stampin' ... ... ...

Flower Garden in Daffodil Delight

I decided to pair Daffodil Delight with Concord Crush for this bright and cheery birthday card.

I added a Concord Crush Glimmer Brad to the Daffodil Delight 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon to gather it just at the bottom of the emobossed image.  I added some Daffodil Delight ink to the flower centers using a dauber.  The sentiment is from Whisical Words which is retired, but it was calling my name to be used.
Stamps:  Whimsical Words
Ink:  Concord Crush, Daffodil Delight
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Concord Crush
Other:  Daffodil Delight 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, In Colour Glimmer Brad (Concord Crush), Flower Garden Embossing Folder
I hope you have a great weekend and Happy Stampin' ... 

Angel Bear Punch Art

I don't know who the originator of this cute Angel Bear is, so if it is you, please email me so I can give you proper credit.  Here's the card I made with the Angel Bear punch art ....

I made a Tent Topper card for this one.  HERE is the link to the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers.  Here is a picture of it from the side so you can see it open a bit ....

I also used the quilting technique on this card.  First I stamped the sentiment from Bring On The Cake in Basic Black, then I coloured it with the markers.  Then I ran it through my Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  Too cute!
Stamps:  Bring On The Cake
Ink:  Basic Black
Markers:  Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron
Paper:  River Rock Patterns DSP (retired)
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Other:  Angel Bear punchie image, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3" Circle die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder
Now the cards are done for my June Punchie Class.  If you would like to join us, please email me and I will get you on the list.  HERE is the Squatting Ladybug post which is the second card we will be making.
Happy Stampin' ... ... ... 

Squatting Ladybug Punch Art

Here is another one of Bonnie Mountford's awesome little creatures.  HERE is a link directly to her blog post where you can purchase the tutorial.  Here is the card I made to go with the Squatting Ladybug .....

I used the new Flower Garden Embossing Folder and my brayer to create the image on the white layer.
Stamps:  Loads Of Love (part of one for the sentiment)
Ink:  Poppy Parade
Cardstock:  Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other:  1" Circle punch, Small Oval (the new one not the retiring one), brayer
Off now to create another punch art card using another one of Bonnie's creations.
Bye for now ...... 

Simple Friendship and Presto Patterns DSP Fond Farewell......

I pulled out one of the stamp sets I have been "crying" over since it was announced it is retiring.  This set is almost worn out (if you can wear out a stamp set) because I have used it so many times.  It has been my go to set when I wanted to add flowers or a swirl to the inside of a card or matching envelope, not to mention the front.  I also pulled out some of my shrinking stash of Presto Patterns DSP and this is the card I came up with .....

I added some Daffodil Delight and a happy surprise of a stamp set that is NOT retiring. It was in a recent mini catalogue and is not located in the new 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalogue!  Happy Dance being done over this one.  I sponged some Peach Parfait around and down the center of the butterfly and stamped (stamped off first) the flower from Simple Friendship in Daffodil Delight behind the sentiment.
Stamps:  Simple Friendship (retiring), Bring On The Cake
Ink:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait
Paper:  Presto Patterns DSP (retiring) - two different patterns
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Basic Black
Other:  Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon (retiring), Basic Pearls
Thanks for visiting, don't forget to hurry and get your retiring stamp sets and accessories before they disappear on June 30.  Some accessories have already sold out!  Click on the link to my Online Store, then "shop now" top right hand corner and go to the Stampin' Up! Online Store for all the up to date Last Chance items.  Or simply click on the links to the left and email me with your order.
Happy Stampin.      

Magnolia Card - Tilda With Umbrella

Today I decided to follow the instructions in the Splitcoast Stampers tutorial for a Center Step card.  I am still stuck in the Elegant Soiree designer paper rut, so out it came again.  I am excited that Stampin' Up! is not going to retire the buttons this year.  I have some and want to use them on more class cards.  Now I can!
This card uses a non Stampin' Up! main image.  It is Tilda With Umbrella from the 2010 Bon Voyage Collection. . . . . . .

I stamped Tilda in StazOn on Stampin' Up! watercolour paper.  Then coloured her with my Stampin' Write Markers and an Aqua Pen (colours listed below).  I used nestabilities Labels 4 Small (largest one) to cut her out, then used Labels 4 (largest one) to cut a mat, which I spritzed with Champagen Mist Shimmer Spritz (you can just see the shimmer a bit).  I added 5 Naturals Designer Buttons (Stampin' Up!) on each side of the step, and put a circle of Baja Breeze under each one before I glued it on the DSP.  I stamped "Dot Dot Dot" in Baja Breeze on a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and put it behind the mat.  The mat and the image piece are popped up on dimensionals.
Here's a closer view of the buttons .......

And a closer view of the stamped and coloured image ......

Inside I used another piece of Elegant Soiree DSP and cut a Top Note Die out of Very Vanilla.  I stamped a stamp that comes from a retired stamp set - Sweet Summer - in Early Espresso and coloured it with Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Markers.......

Marker colours used:
   Hair - Daffodil Delight
   Skin - Blushing Bride
   Pants - Not Quite Navy
   Shirt - Baja Breeze
   Shoes - Crumb Cake
   Umbrella - Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake
   Grass - Pear Pizzazz
Thanks for visiting, Happy Stampin' ... ... ... 

A Fond Farewell to Elegant Soiree DSP

I knew this day was coming, but did not want to think about my very favourite designer paper, Elegant Soiree, retiring!  Tonight I pulled it out to do some creating with it.

I used Awash With Flowers and did some paper piecing as well.  It is hard to see, but I did the stamping on Shimmery White cardstock, ah so much subtle bling.  I love it! 
There was no word about the Seam Binding ribbon retiring, I am so jazzed that it will still be around and in all the current colours.  Could it be they are bringing out more colours????  Guess we will have to wait until later this month to find that out.  If you would like one of the new 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalogue email me and I will make sure you get one.
Stamps:  Awash With Flowers, Create A Cupcake (sentiment)
Ink:  Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz
Paper:  Elegant Soiree DSP (2 different patterns)
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Shimmery White
Other:  Baja Breeze Seam Binding
Thanks for visiting today, I hope you have a super day.
Happy Stampin' ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 

June Thank You Cards - the second one

Yesterday I posted one of my Thank You cards for June, and today I have the second one for you....

This one is also made from the Petite Pansies Simply Said Card Kit pieces I received in my grab bag.
Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, Confetti, Because I Care (sentiment)
Ink:  Perfect Plum, Old Olive, Basic Black
Cardstock:  Close To Cocoa, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive
Other:  Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon
Don't forget the Last Chance Lists have come out and we are bidding a fond farewell to lots and lots of stamp sets, ribbons, papers, wheels and accessories.  You can order yours through me by emailing me or shopping through my online webstore.  I hope to hear from you soon.
Happ Stampin' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

June Thank You Cards

I purchased one of the grab bags from Stampin' Up! and decided this month to use some of the goodies I received in it to create my monthly thank you cards for my customers.  If you would like to receive one of my hand stamped cards for your very own, all you have to do is place an order with me for any amount.  You can do that by emailing me, or going through my online store website.

The cardstock I received was from last year's Petite Pansies Simply Sent Card Kit.  The grab bag did not include the stamp sets, so I used Fabulous Florets a new set in the Summer Mini Catalogue. 
Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, Confetti, Because I Care (sentiment)
Ink:  Perfect plum, Old Olive, Basic Black
Cardstock:  Elegant Eggplant, Close To Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Other:  Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
I stamped the flower on Very Vanilla cardstock with Perfect Plum ink and cut it out.  I will have the second one I created on my bog tomorrow for you to see.
Happy Stampin' and hope to see you soon In My Craft Room. 

Sail Away Masculine Card

A couple of years ago a very dear friend, and talented stamper, sent me a card that I fell in love with.  It was very simple, but very eyecatching.  I have held onto that card (physically as well as in my minds eye) until I found a stamp that I could recreate the card with.  Here is the card I cased ....

I was so excited when I first saw this stamp, called "Sail Away" in the new Stampin' Up! Summer Mini catalogue.  I knew it would be perfect to recreate Mi Ran's card.  This card takes about 5 minutes to make, and that includes cutting all the paper and doing the insides and a coordinating envelope!  The lines I drew by hand with my black Stampin' Write Marker.  The sentiment is from Starring You a set I aquired during Sale-A-Bration in 2010.  It fits the bill perfectly.  The card is very flat and very light, so it is easy and inexpensive to mail. I popped up the sentiment, but you don't have to and it would still look great.
Thank you Mi Ran for your inspiration.  I absolutely love this card.  It is so verstile, you could make it in any colour your want.  I think it would be awesome in Not Quite Navy, or Pacific  Point, or even Real Red!
Stamps:  Sail Away, Starring You
Ink:  Basic Black
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White
Other:  1-3/4" Circle Punch, Circles #2 Die (1-1/2" circle), Black Stampin' Write marker.
Happy Stampin' and I hope wherever you are that you are safe and sound from the horrible storms and flooding happening all over the world!
...........................................................   

The Open Sea Expedition - Masculine Birthday

The new Summer Mini from Stampin' Up! has some really, really awesome masculine stamps and designer papers.  I finally got around to mounting my new stamp sets and got right at making a card. 

I love how these stamp sets go together to create a really fun masculine birthday card.  It is hard to find stamps, DSP and ribbon that create a non-feminine feeling on a card.  These 3 items do that quite well, I think.
Stamps:  The Open Sea, Swirls and Curls Verses
Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Bashful Blue
Paper:  Nautical Expedition DSP
Cardstock:  Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Other:  Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine
We have finally had a couple of days of spring like weather.  It has been a long time coming.  I keep seeing all the pictures from California of the flowers in bloom on other blogs, and when we were down there I got to see them in real life.  Now I hope our flowers will struggle through the cold winds and produce some blossoms.  Right now the Lilacs are in full bloom and while walking around our neighbourhood all you have to do is breath in as you walk by and the smells are so awesome.  Much, much nicer than the Skunk Cabbages that bloom in March!
Bye for now, Happy Stampin' . . . . . .