Constantly Stamping

Make-n-Take Project #4

I am back today with another make-n-take display sample from leadership. Like I mentioned before, we were asked to use the kit contents (and only the kit contents) to make five projects of our choice. I created a small pizza-style-box using Twitterpated DSP. Then I created the flower with the Blossom Builders kit. I used a Poppy Parade ink pad to stamp the sentiment, but there wasn't any matching CS...so I made my own using Whisper White CS and a Poppy Parade ink pad. I also sponged the flower with the same ink to give it a richer color.

I didn't even know this project was on display. Somehow I missed some of the samples. I just happened to see some pictures that somebody else posted on our demonstator website. I was like "Hey! I didn't see that there." I still don't know where it was displayed. If you were at Leadership and know where these were, I would love for you to let me know. OK...well that's all for today. See you tomorrow!

Leadership Make-n-Take Project #3

Since I have been sharing my Leadership M&T projects for the past couple of days, I thought I would go ahead an show you another one. This is a card that I created from the M&T kit using the Twitterpated DSP and the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit (#125410). I've seen a lot of projects where the different colors are mixed & matched, but that really isn't my style, so I opted to stick with different patterns of the same color. Each flower in the kit is double-sided, so if you don't care for one side, just flip it over for a different look. I shaped the petals of the flower with a bone folder and then assembled it using dimensionsals so it would stand out.

 

Another Make-n-Take Display Project

Here is another one of the projects I made for the Leadership M&T display. Bear in mind, that our supplies were very limited, and by the time I got around to making this card, I was really starting to get a little desperate for ideas.

Afterall, we only had 30 days to make 24 projects and mail them AND it was smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. So, this is probably not my favorite card that I have ever made, I suppose it was pretty good under the circumstances. I do love that Twitterpated DSP and the stamp sets (Mixed Bunch and Loving Thoguhts) from the Occassions Mini are wonderful! Oh yes, and I think I cheated and substituted a Cherry Cobbler button for a Real Red one (wink) because it works much better with that particular DSP. Also, I used Island Indgo ink for the flower and the sentiment.

Make-n-Take Banner Project

One of the challenges we had as display stampers was the Make-n-Take projects. The M&T's featured products from the Occassions Mini Catalog. The theme for leadership was "My Way". In other words, SU is encouraging us to run our businesses based on our own personal strengths. They sent all the Artisan's the make-n-take supply kit without instructions and asked us to make five projects. We could make anything we wanted as long as it was lightweight enough to hang from the displays, but it had to be from the M&T kit. We were allowed to use stamp pads, a basic crafting tools, and adhesive, but that was pretty much it. (I think some of the gals cheated a little bit, because I saw a couple of projects that used a few additional items...but they were super cute projects...so all is forgiven.) Anyway, we received this wonderful printed quote in the kit. I really wanted to make something special...so I got the idea to make a banner. (Really original,huh!) I love this project so much that I am thinking about re-making it for my home office. The DSP is the new Twitterpated DSP (#125406) and the stamp is from the Loving Thoughts set (#125845).

I Wish I Was Still This Thin!

Can you believe that is a picture of me from my honeymoon? I sure wish I was still that young & skinny. I don't remember having short hair, so I think it must have been pulled up because of the warm weather there in the Grand Bahamas.

I will let you in on a little secret...one of the requirements for the Leadership display stamping was that we could only use photos of our immediate family. That way they didn't have to mess with photography releases and so-forth. Well, since I am the only female in my household, I had to dig out an old picture of me for this very feminine layout using the Fresh Vintage SAB stamp set (my very favorite SAB set). I have to be honest, it was really strange doing a scrapbook page featuring myself. It is much easier for me to make pages for other people. Truthfully, I am not much of a scrapbooker, although I probably should be. I always enjoy the finished product. I can't remember for certain, but I think this was an 8"x8" page mounted on Chocolate Chip card stock. I used the SAB Everyday Enchantment DSP (which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE). I also used a Beau Chateau Side Note for the page title. I didn't really care for the "bee" image on the tag, so I covered it with a stamped embellishment. OK...that's all for today. See you tomorrow with more goodies to share.

SAB Fresh Vintage Petal Cone

Today's projects was one of my favorite samples for Leadership. I used the Petal Cone die to create a box out of Real Red CS. Then I stamped it all over with Real Red ink and the flourish stamp from the SAB set "Fresh Vintage".

I used Real Red, Daffodil Delight, and Always Artichoke Stamp-n-write markers to color the image on the flaps. This picture from the display shows the detail much better. Yes, it did require more time, but it was so worth the results! I created the tag using the Tiny Tags stamp set (#118592) and the Jewelery Tag punch (#117190).

Twitterpated Hand Towel

I received the most amazing gift last week from my roommate, Natasha Zandbergen. Isn't this just adorable? Natasha is a super sweet and very talented demonstrator from Canada. We had a blast together in San Antonio. She used the new Twitterpated fabric from the Occassions Mini Catalog to make a hand towel that I can tie onto whatever I want. For now I have it on my die cut center. It is too pretty to hang in my kitchen. If there is one thing my guys know how to do...it is destroying kitchen towels.

Here is a close up of the flower. Can you believe that she did that without an embroidery machine? She actually used a tight zig-zag stitch and stitched all the way around the flower. Too Cute! Thanks Natasha...I LOVE IT!

Elegant Bird Bigz L Die

These are some projects that were on display last week at Leadership using the fun new Elegant Bird Bigz L die. I didn't make them, but I thought I would share them with you none-the-less. Isn't this just the cutest Birthday Bird card. (Disclaimer: I ihink they must have cut away a portion of the wings for this project.) I can just imagine how adorable this would be as a cake topper, on a gift bag, or even made into a banner...the possibilities are endless.

I've included a picture of the actual die so that you can get an idea of just how cute this die really is. Here is an adorable home decor project using this fun new die. I love they way they added the wings to the heart...that is so in-style with the trends right now.

I tried to get a picture of the project that was hanging above it, but it didn't turn out very well (sorry). They took a branch a dangled several birds from the branch (sort of like a mobile). You can click on the photos to get a closer look if you would like. This die is available in the Occassions Mini Catalog. I still have lots to share, so be sure to check back tomorrow.

Let's Have a Sale-a-Bration!

Let's admit it...if you are a Stampin' Up! fan, today is the day you've been waiting for. The day when your stamping obsession actually pays off and you can get even more fabulous stamps for F-R-E-E! I know that I have looked forward to this day each year for the past twelve years. Sounds silly, doesn't it? Well, that's just the way it is...we gals love a great value! Oh, and IMHO this year is the best Sale-a-Bration ever! The stamp sets are fabulous, the DSP is gorgeous, and there is even an option for those of you who love digital downloads....AWESOME!

In honor of Sale-a-Bration, I thought I would share another card that I created for the Leadership displays last week. This card features the Sprinkled Expressions stamp set, along with the Everyday Enchantment DSP, and the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack. I will be the first one to admit that my cards are not always "do-able" for the beginner, but I designed the layout on this card specifically to be workshop friendly, so I encourage you to give it a try.

Also, don't forget the beautiful Occassions Mini Catalog. This may very well be the very best Sale-A-Bration ever for Stampin' Up! customers.

Speaking of the Occassions Mini catalog...I thought I would show you some of the beautiful projects that were on display at Leadership Convention.

I did not make these pillows or quilt, but I had to show you what you can do with the new Dresden Designs Bigz L die, the Big Shot, and the Twitterpated designer fabric. Aren't they just beautiful? It almost makes me want to start quilting. Notice I said "almost". I do love fabric and sewing, but I don't see a quilt anywhere in my near future.

Here is another view of the quilt. I wish they had displayed the entire quilt. Did you notice the beautiful Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon around the center flower. LOVE IT! I really wish I had the patience to make a quilt...especially when I see one that is this beautiful. I come from a long line of quilters/seamstresses, so maybe one day.

Oh, and look at how they used the Elegant Bird Bigz Die on this quilt piece. I apologize for the shadow on the top portion of the photo...I should have used my flash. Ooops!

OK, that's all for today. See you tomorrow with even more beautiful projects to share! Oh, and don't forget to head on over to my on-line store to see all the wonderful new products Stampin' Up! has to offer.

Home from San Antonio Leadership Conference

Hi everyone! I got home late Saturday night from leadership conference and I have lots and lots to share. One of the big thrills for me (and the other Artisans) was having projects displayed. SU contacted us in November and asked us to create several projects using some of the 2012 Occassions Mini & Sale-a-bration sets/products. I have to admit, it was incredible getting to play with all those new goodies before they were released to everyone else. We had to sign a confidentiality contract and had a ton of guidelines we had to follow when creating our projects.

This card is made using the upcoming Sale-a-bration stamp set called "Fresh Vintage" and the "Everyday Enchantment" designer series paper. I LOVE how the stamp set and the dsp go so well together. So, you are probably wondering when and how you can get your hands on these beautiful new products. Well, starting tomorrow, January 24-March 31, 2012, for every $50 in product you order you can choose one of the Sale-a-bration products for F-R-E-E! If you don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I would really love to be your demo. You can order product from my online store by clicking the "shop now" button in the top right-hand corner of my blog.

Now, on to the conference itself. Here's a pic of me and my roommie, Natasha Zandbergen. Natasha is an incredibly talented and super sweet demonstrator from Canada. We didn't even know each other until our mutual friend, Becky Roberts hooked us up as roommates.

Speaking of Becky...here's a pic of the two of us together. You may recognize Becky as the incredible blogger from Inking Idaho. We became friends about four years ago when we both participated in the Catty Cruise Blog Hop and have been great friends ever since. She is a total sweetheart.

Natasha & I got to hang out with Becky and her BFF, Kim Sinclair quite a bit this week. Here is a pic of me with Natasha & Kim. (I think stamping superstar, Dianna Gibbs, is the one taking the picture.) I had to opportunity to sit and talk to Kim for over an hour one evening and I am so grateful to have the chance to know her better...she is beautiful inside and out and lots of fun to be around.

I can't even begin to share everything in one post, so I will be back tomorrow with more projects and pictures of friends.