Valentine Week - Day 3

This was a fun card to create although it was one of those where I had no idea in my head of where it was going. But I knew punches would be involved and they sure were. There are tons of great products used here, my favourites being the glimmer paper and rhinestone brads....love them!

Tips & Tricks:

• Plain chipboard can be a great addition to a project. Here I've glammed up the hearts with a couple of rhinestone brads.
• Punches are such a fabulous way to add to a card. The circle, oval and modern label all layered on top of each other give interest to the card.
• Don't forget about the very cool look that Whisper White craft ink can give, especially stamped on black cardstock!

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Valentine Week - Day 2

If you live in Canada and don't shop at Dollarama.....you are CRAZY! I find the coolest stuff there that I can come home and use fabulous Stampin' Up! products to make lovely. This little treasure was $1 and I knew exactly what to do with it. Check it out:

There was so much product used on this I can't even begin to list them here. For the extra shimmer I broke out the Smooch Spritz and used it on EVERYTHING. Okay so I forgot how much fun this stuff is....get ready to see lots and lots of it! ;)

Hopefully I've inspired you to get extra creative and make some altered items of your own!

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Sneakin' in the Mojo!

I totally did not plan to Mojo today but after taking a quick peek at the sketch my mind was changed. This sketch, by the uber talented Mary Fish, is spectacular! The size is 4x4 and is perfect for tucking into a little gift. I know exactly who this card is headed for...hope she loves it!

Oooh, these butterflies are just the best. They're making this card come to life, don't you think? The sweet pearls and gold embossing powder give this card the bling y'all know I need! ;)

Back to the featured Valentine's Week tomorrow!

Valentine Week - Day 1

I absolutely love Valentine's Day!! Now I know that there are a lot of people out there who do not share that feeling, and even some who *shudder* HATE Valentine's day. But I love the love and it's a great day to spread that lovin' feeling so just get on board with it already! ;)

This card actually came together because my 4 year old wanted to use glitter....sounds fun, eh? But it gave me the idea for this card so I have to be grateful to him for that! Very few products were used here but it's still sooo purty!

Tips & Tricks:

• After rolling the image onto my cardstock I used the 'direct to paper' technique with my Versamark pad and then covered it completely with Iridescent Ice embossing powder for that stunning sparkle!
  
• The scallop trim border punch makes a pretty frame for the main image.


• A little ribbon and button give this simple card a touch of extra sweetness...perfect for the holiday it will be used for!
  

Are you 'Sale-A-Brating' yet? Stampin' Up! has reported that sales from the first day of Sale-A-Bration doubled what it was last year! Must be the absolutely fantastic free products you get with every $60 purchase! Click the link on the left for more information...you DON'T want to miss this!
Altered Art: Tomorrow I'll show you a project that I made that I just can't stop staring at, hehe! Love 3D projects? Make sure to check back Tuesday morning!

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Alive and Well....at long last!

So after never, ever having had the flu in my entire life, of course I get it when I have three children. Which means? Yep, they get it too! So you can imagine what a fabulous January it has been around here.

But everyone is back at it...and that means I'm back stamping! And after having such a dry spell I've been stamping like a crazy mama. Using every tool, accessory and punch I can get my hands on and even placing big orders for new stuff to play with. *ahem*, thank goodness my husband doesn't read my blog. Hehe!

I'll be back this evening with a great for you and get ready for some Valentine projects to come at you next week. It's just around the corner ya know!

I'm Stamping!

It's like a miracle! Life has been so hectic lately with both Stampin' Up! related events and family life. Skyeler started school 2 weeks ago so that's been an interesting new addition to my schedule but he loves it so it's all good! Here is a picture of Skye on his first day...he was so excited!

The past few weeks have held a lot of fun things as well including club night, my 1st Annual Hostess Appreciation party, classes, workshops and more. I have pictures from some of these and I'll post them over the next few days.

Between prepping for my upcoming workshops and a 3 day craft show (yikes!) I haven't had any time for "me" stamping. You know where you just sit down and make a card because you feel like it? But I did that on Monday and I made quite a few! Here is my favourite one of the day. I've really been using my colour coach and experimenting with colours that I don't use often....or to be more honest in this case, never use! This is Crumb Cake which is a fave with Bravo Burgundy and More Mustard. WHAT?! But it's so pretty! Guess that's why the make the colour coach because I would have never put those all together. I love the way it turned out. This is the Level Two hostess set Apple Blossoms which you can earn by hosting a workshop and I have been dying to break it open and use it because there are so many cute and unique images in it.

Well, I'm heading back down to my stamping studio to finish up my swaps for the Hamilton Regionals this Saturday. I've been waiting for the new Spider Web embossing folder to arrive and my man in brown just dropped it off so I can finally get them all done!

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Stamps: Apple Blossoms (Hostess only) Ink: More Mustard (103162), Whisper White Craft (101731), Black Staz-On (101406)

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953), More Mustard (100946), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Confetti Cream (102835) Cool Tools: Scallop Trim Border punch (118402) Embellishments: Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480), Designer Buttons (119747), Linen Thread (104199)

TOTE-ALLY Awesome!

Stampin' Up! has done it again, offering an amazing incentive to those considering joining the demonstrator family. When you sign up in the month of September, you will receive this gorgeous Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote bag absolutely free!

The center section holds 12x12 cardstock, Craft keepers and even your paper cutter. The open outside pockets fit the new style punches perfectly and the closed pockets offer a secure spot for all your accessories. The back zipper pocket can even hold up to 7 Stampin' Pads!

If you have been thinking about joining Stampin' Up!, now is definately the time. Stampin' Up! is a fantastic company that offers hobbyists the ability to build their collection at a discount but also offers those who would like to build it into a business an amazing career plan and fabulous bonuses.

Just a few of the perks you'll receive are:

• a 20% discount on every order!
• a career plan that includes instant income on all orders and volume rebates!
• free catalogues and mini catalogues!
• you'll be the first to see those same catalogues and mini's!
• the ability to attend Stampin' Up! events like Convention, regionals, and more!
• a chance to earn free product, cash bonuses, and even the annual incentive trip!

If you have any questions about the demonstrator opportunity please feel free to contact me or find out more by clicking on the Join My Team button on the the right. If you are ready to get started on the fun right now, click the Join My Team link and use my passoword recruit2009 and you're on your way!

Paper Flower Tutorial

Here is a video tutorial on how to create paper flowers. In this video I'll show you how to create the flower you see on this card, which is the same as the one on my box project from yesterday.

I'll also show you how to make one in a totally different style. Enjoy!

So this video is a little interesting....lol! About halfway through Skyeler decided to join me in my stamp room while I was filming. He kept letting me know that he was "being quiet" but you'll see that his version of quiet is somewhat questionable! Just watch, you'll get what I mean. :)



Leave me a comment and make my day!

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Check out the Clearance Rack here and find amazing deals! Updated often, this is the place to grab retired stuff for a discount!

Fancy Vintage Favor

I must confess something to you. When the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue came out I saw all the vintage stuff in there and kind of went, "Uh-oh". I'll be the first to admit that I don't do vintage very well which is why you don't see a lot of it on my blog. Bright colours and collections like the Playdate one are what really float my boat. But since papercrafting is totally on the Vintage boat and sailing away I thought I would make an attempt at going along.

What I have for you today I do like, it's not my favourite thing ever but I do think it's purty.

I also thought it would be fun to make a little 3x3 card to go with it. I have used A LOT of product on these two projects but it is okay...in fact, I'm happy about it. I've had a revelation and here it is: I am actually much happier and have more fun when I use all the gorgeous embellishments than I am when I look at them just sitting on my desk.

In fact, I've actually taken them all out of their containers and put them in cute little dishes (I heart you Dollarama!) right on my desk so that when I'm creating they're in front of my face screaming "Use me!"

I also wanted to point out the 'friend' stamped on the bag. This is from the new set Fabulous Phrases and it really is fabulous! It contains 29 words and one symbol that you can mix and match or use individually like I've done here. If you haven't noticed it take a minute now. You'll find it on page 149 of the catalogue.

Loving the flower on the Fancy Favor bag? Me too! I'm filming a video today to show you how to make one. They add so much dimension and pizzazz to any project.

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Stamps: Fabulous Phrases (120501), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370) Ink: Black Staz-On (101406) Paper: Love Letter DSP (117162), Newsprint DSP (117166), Riding Hood Red (111348) Cool Tools: Big Shot (113439) Fancy Favor Die (115965), Modern Label Punch (119849), Word Window punch (119857), 1 3/4 Scallop Circle (119854), 2 3/8 Scallop Circle (118874) Embellishments: Victoria Crochet Trim (118481), Basic Black 1 1/4 Striped ribbon (115615), Basic Pearls (119247), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Antique Brads (117273)

My New Favourite

So I'm the type who tends to latch onto a new technique, fave colour combination or stamp set and just run it into the ground with use. My new favourite is using white Craft ink on Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake cardstock...sooo pretty! Look:

I used the Whimsy roller which is such a fun design to create the background pattern and that's where I used the Whisper White craft ink. While I tend to create mostly with the Classic pads I do occasionally like to pull out the Craft pads because they give such a different look to your images. That ribbon is the brand new Marina Mist 1 1/4" striped and it is so much fun to work with. This has always been my fave ribbon and now that we have it in 11 colours I am so happy!

If you don't have a 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue and are living in Canada please let me know and I will be thrilled to send you one!

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Stamps: Whimsy Jumbo Roller (109688), Happy Moments (Retired) Ink: Whisper White Craft (101731), Stampin' Pastels (120962) Paper: Crumb Cake (120953), Whisper White (100730), Marina Mist (119682), Basic Gray (121044) Cool Tools: 3/16" Corner Punch (119871), Scallop Edge Punch (119882) Embellishments: Subtles Designer Buttons (119745), Basic Rhinestones Jewels (119246), Marina Mist ribbon (119772), Linen Thread (104199)

Mojo Monday 153

Good morning and a happy Monday to you! Put on your stamping caps and get ready to Mojo with me and this gorgeous card! The sketch this week was clean and I knew I wanted to make a Get Well card since I never seem to have one when I need it.

The colour combination was inspired by my Colour Coach which is just the best thing ever. It's Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze and Night of Navy.

I used 3 different punches plus the Beautiful Wings embosslit to cut out the butterflies. I love this die! It's so dainty and versatile and a great addition to your collection.

Have fun with it and make it your own!

UPDATE: So I was stamping away while the two little boys were napping and Skye came in and wanted to "help". He was playing nicely but kept coming around and taking paper out of my drawers to cut....good paper, not scraps! I was getting somewhat annoyed so turning around, I noticed a piece of Old Olive scrap laying on the floor and said, "Skye, stop taking out good paper! Just cut that scrap." About 30 seconds later I hear, "Uh, mummy, I think this is a card." Sure enough, I had told him to cut this card! It had been laying upside down on the floor somehow so I thought it was scrap paper. So much for having a get well card to add to my supply. *Sigh*

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Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370) Ink: Night of Navy (102977) Paper: Old Olive (100702), Daffodil Delight (119683), Night of Navy (100867), Cajun Craze (119684), Greenhouse Gala DSP (117167) Cool Tools: Curly Label punch (119851), Modern Label punch (119849), Word Window punch (119857), Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings embosslit (118138) Embellishments: Old Olive Satin Ribbon (117292), Brights Designer Buttons (119747), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144)

Busy, Busy

Sorry to have left you hanging for so long! I've been super busy these past couple of weeks. I'm trying to completely organize my basement in order to overhaul my stamping area (which I am VERY excited about!).

Plus I'm working on swaps for the Stampin' Up! Regional event in Hamilton. As you can see by the pictures, it is a lot of work! It didn't help that I chose a rather labour intensive design but I love it and hopefully the other demos will as well. I'm starting with 50 and may do more time permitting. I'm also working on cutting for my upcoming classes and workshops.

Speaking of workshops, GET YOURS ON THE CALENDAR! :) Yes, I was yelling because I am sooooo psyched for the new Holiday Mini. It knocked my socks clean off I tell ya. My September and October workshops will be focusing on fall and Halloween projects and they are just darlin'....well, and a little spooky as the case may be.

Most of all, I have been getting my stamp on baby! I have created more in the past few days than I have in a long time and it has put a huge smile on my face. If your stamp stuff has been collecting dust, pull it out! I'm telling you, it does wonders to hear the tap-tap of that rubber. So, long story short, I will have some fab projects to post for you in the upcoming days. I won't be around tomorrow since I'll be helping my sis-in-law (to be!) put together favors and whatnot for her wedding but I will be back to MOJO with ya'll on Monday!

Until then, take my advice and get a little bit stampy....I promise you, you'll be so glad you did!

Playing With Colour

I am a HUGE fan of colour....bright ones are usually my favourite but every colour has it's time and place. Even when I was younger I used to drive my mom crazy insisting that it was time to change the colour scheme in my bedroom, and even trying to convince them to change the decor colours throughout the entire house!

Now that I have my own home, I've been able to bring my love for colour to life! I'm sure my house would drive those "neutral lovers" crazy but it's mine and it expresses me. :) My kitchen is a soft yellow, my family room is called Grasslands and is a gorgeous shade of green. The dining room is painted a colour titled Red Point Sand and I always get tons of compliments on the colour! Upstairs is even more colourful with the older boys sleeping in a camoflauge scheme room, the baby in two shades of blue and my husband and I in two shades of purple.....yup, told you I'm a colour lover!

Stampin' Up! has gorgeous colours and my blog design is based on several of them including Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi and more. Here are some of my favourite combinations:

- For bright and fun cards such as birthday or party invitations I love Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight and Pacific Point

- For baby cards, get well soon or anniversary I favor Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Perfect Plum and Pretty in Pink

- For a more masculine look or for sympathy I like the regals and neutrals, especially Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, and Night of Navy

Using the Explore Colour section of my website I've put together several colour combinations that I think set the mood for certain types of cards and you can too!

Simply follow this link and it will take you directly to a page that looks like this and from there you're ready to get started creating gorgeous colour combinations that you can then transfer to your cards or scrapbook pages. Have fun!

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It's A Party Every Day!

It's a party every day when you're a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! Not only are you part of a great organization but you're part of the Stampin' Up! family of demonstrators which connects you with amazingly creative women (and men!) across North America.

With the new catalogue came a fantastic new Starter Kit at a lower cost than the previous kit but with even more amazing product! Click here to see the contents of the new kit.

Now is the time to join my team! And for anyone in Ontario, if you join before August 4th you will be able to attend the Stampin' Up! Regional event in Hamilton exclusively for demonstrators for HALF THE PRICE! Regional's are amazing and a fantastic kick start to your business.

Members of my team can include demonstrators from all across Canada so don't let your location hinder you from signing up today! Here are just a few of the benefits of being a demonstrator:

• 20% discount on all orders plus a 30% discount on your first order placed within 90 days of signing up!


• sneak peeks of new product all year long!


• a fabulous career plan - plus incentive trips, bonuses, free stamp sets, and more!


• lasting friendships built with other demonstrators, hostesses and customers

Stampin' Up! has the ability to make a huge difference in your life so contact me today or visit my website for more information or sign up right now online with my password recruit2009.

The 2010 Incentive Trip is an all expenses paid vacation for two to the Disney Boardwalk Resort and park tickets! Join Stampin' Up! today and together we'll work to achieve this amazing opportunity!

Emerging Colour Technique Video

Here is a video I filmed on how to do the Emerging Colour technique. This technique makes beautiful cards and can also be used on scrapbook pages. It takes no time at all but the result is so gorgeous!



Thanks for watching!

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Colour Video from Stampin' Up!

Hey everyone! I wanted to share this video with you from the Stampin' Up! home office on the new colours. I'm so excited about the colour renovation and the awesome new colours it has given us plus the old favourites it brought back.

Many of you have expressed that you don't know too much about all the colours including how to use DSP or what colours of cardstock and ink to buy so I'm hoping that this video is of help to you and will get you excited about the gorgeous colours that are exclusive to Stampin' Up!



Have a fabulous day!

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Extra! Extra! Hostess Benefits!

From July 27 to August 31st as a Stampin' Up! hostess you can earn an EXTRA $35 to use towards Stampin' Up! product of your choice when you host a workshop of $450 or more!

This extra benefit is in addition to all the regular hostess benefits which include: a FREE 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue, FREE stamp sets only available to hostesses, and FREE Stampin' Up! products of your choice!

Click here to view a fun flyer with more information on this special offer!

This extra hostess benefit is only being offered for a limited time so contact me today to schedule a workshop!

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