Are you ready???

There was a hint of coolness in the air today. A welcome surprise in this normally stifling month and a short preview of what lies ahead.... FALL- the best season of all in my opinion!! Here's a little bit of fall stamping to get you excited as well!!

Try #2....

I was dwelling on the fact that I didn't use a diamond on my previous Saturday Sketch Challenge, so I tried again while the crew were all out getting their hair cut...(I'll deal with my nappy locks for a little peace and quiet!!! :-) ) Anyway, that being said, here is try number 2.

The photography leaves a lot to be desired, but I wanted to get this card up here sooner rather than never. For some reason the bottom right corner looks off in the picture, but it is straight as an arrow on the card itself. Go figure. I used my Scentsational Season stamps and framelits --- bought as a package!!! Happy Stamping!

Happy Birthday Wishes!

After FINALLY, receiving my freebies during sale-a-bration, I was excited to start using them. I decided to use some inspiration from the brilliant stampers at Stampin' 411. Here is the inspiration....

Of course, in my exhaustion, you can notice the flaw in my use of the inspiration, but I like the way it came out regardless. I used all of this year's in-colors... and the new stamping pads are to die for!! They are so much easier to use. Well, until next time... I better tend to the chores and bed so I can use my inspiration a little better in the future! ......

I'm baaaaack.......

Ok, seriously... how could 5 months have slipped by???!?!?!?!? I could lay out the excuses, but why bother... none of them are worthy.... I vow never to let that happen again!!! I was inspired by a friend's birthday to create a new card....

I really struggled with this one to begin with. However, I went to my favorite stampers at Stampin'411.com and was inspired by the Saturday Sketch Challenge #264. Of course, it my sloth like state that I have been in for the last few months, I didn't post. Regardless, I think it brought me a very satisfactory design!!! If you need the specifics, let me know. My two little ones are demanding my attention and my concentrations is elsewhere. I will tell you this, however. I just received my many freebies in the mail from my sale-a-bration recruitment and I am VERY excited to start with them. After the kitchen, laundry, etc are completed.... ugh.... I'll do it. Ah heck, stamping is more important than cleanliness!!!

"Tea Shoppe" -- Sketch Challenge

The lovely folks at Stampin' 411 (http://stamping411.blogspot.com/) had another wonderful Saturday Sketch Challenge. Here is their sketch for this week:

Since I needed to break out my "Tea Shoppe" stamp set FINALLY! I decided to use it and some other items from the Occasions Mini Catalog and the Sale-a-bration catalog. Here it is:

I decided to use a lot of the 2011-2013 In Colors. I used Pool Party textured card stock, as well as Calypso Coral and Simply White. The inks were Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, and Marina Mist (not in color -- I wish I had Wisteria Wonder to have used!). I used the Lucky Limeade bakers twine, pearls, and the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit; Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders and several punches. (Two small children are beckoning, so I'll have to finish up later!).

Here it is... my "Type Set" Valentine!

A bit delayed... (can you say non-sleeping children and visiting relative!), but here's the scoop: Early espresso, marina mist, and cherry cobbler card stock; cherry cobbler dazzling details, pearl embellishments, chantilly 1/2" lace; marina mist and early espresso ink. I used the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge for inspiration (although I didn't get it done in time to post -- see above excuses, I mean reasons!)

I strayed a bit from the sketch, but I'm happy with the result. I found the dazzling details a bit hard to manage, but it adds bit of shimmer that I like. Next I have to get to the "Tea Shoppe."

It's Here!!

My "You're my Type" and "Tea Shoppe" stamp sets are here!!!! I'm so excited to get started!!! Unfortunately, the husband is in my stamping space right now, so it's going to have to wait.

Stay tuned!!

Valentines Galore!!!

As a Stampin' Up Demonstrator, I receive a brilliant newsletter/magazine called "Stampin' Success" every month. It has brilliant ideas each month that I've started trying to copy. While the publication doesn't list techniques, it does list all of the supplies. It's a great way to expand my personal inventory!!

Here are pictures of two more valentines I made based on designes found in the January issue:

I changed them slightly based on my supplies, but all in all I love them!!! I'm hosting a workshop on February 9th and I'm hoping to make one of these two as well as my Saturday Challenge (see below) design!

Excited about a Stamp????

Yes!!!!I can't believe I'm saying this, but I ordered the "You're My Type" stamp set and I'm so excited for it to arrive! Have you seen it????

It is the perfect mix of whimsical, romantic, and classic all rolled into one in my opinion. I want to try and use it in a Valentine ASAP!!!! Wish me luck!!!

Saturday Sketch Challenge Inspiration!!!

As a new Stampin' Up demonstrator, I've been pressured to be inspired and the pressure brought my creativity to a screeching halt!! Desperate, I contacted my upline and she pointed me in the direction of Stampin' 411!! You resourceful types out there probably already know about this brilliant blog, but I've just discovered it. They have this brilliant idea called the Saturday Sketch Challenge; once I realized it's potential I gave it a shot.

The brilliant creators at 411 come up with a basic sketch and you get to let your imagination run wild. Well, this is exactly what I needed to kick me in the pants!!! I had so much fun creating this valentine and while, it's not showcase quality like so many other people are capable of, I think it's a good start!!!

The Attic Boutique designer series paper was my inspiration. The colors and styles are so romantic, I thought it would be great for a valentine. I used Blushing Bride and Pear Pizazz for the ink colors (I used the markers because I didn't have the pads.. note to self, by the pads!!)
The stamp sets were P.S. I Love You and Take it to Heart (adorable!). Wisteria Wonder was my basic card stock and I used Whisper White for the stamping base. The Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, a pearl, and Baja Breeze 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon. It's amazing how so many little items I bought for different purposes, come together to make such a cohesive look!!