From the Kitchen of... Layout

Before I get into todays project (which I hope I haven't shared with you yet), I just wanted to remind you that today is the last day to order from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue.  You can check the most up-to-date retired lists here.  I will have my last order going in early this evening, if there is anything that you'd like, just let me know.

Today layout - sorry about the poor quality photo, was one I did at my heritage scrapbooking class.  I actually made this while everyone was working on their projects.  The domestic goddess dsp (retiring) is perfect for those older, retro photos that you have.  And this particular design was perfect for some of my Grandma's recipes.  It's hard to tell but I also used the stamp set From the Kitchen of.  The three little embellishments at the bottom are from that set, as well as the 'from the kitchen of'.  This set is also retiring!  You can see that the recipes themselves were distressed.  What I did was typed them out in word, pringted them on vanilla cardstock, trimmed them to the desired size and then crumpled them.  After uncrumpling them, I used our distressing kit (also retiring) to add some tea stain ink to the wrinkles.  I love how it turned out!

Thanks for stopping by!  The new catalogue will go live at noon tomorrow.  I will try to have a link to it posted very soon after.

Sherry

Masculine Card Stamp-a-Stack

When was the last time you created a masculine card?  If you are like most card makers, masculine cards are a little more challenging to create.

If you are looking for ideas for the men in your life, join me at my annual masculine card stamp-a-stack and create 3 cards each of 4 designs, all designed for the men in your life (young and not so young). 

Monday June 11th at 9:30am OR 7:00pm

No experience is required.

Class fee of $30 includes all pre-cut supplies, including envelopes to complete all 12 cards. 

Please bring adhesive, scissors and bone folder to class. 

Payment and registration is due by June 4th.

Register Now by email or use the Paypal link.

Class Time

Morning (9:30am) Evening (7pm)

Thanks for stopping by today!  Don't forget there's only one more day to order from the current Idea Book & Catalogue.  Check out the most up-to-date retiring product lists here.

Sherry

It's a Mocha Morning

Good morning!  I have a beautiful card to share with you this morning that was cased with one minor change from the talented Teneale Williams, a demonstrator from Australia.  If you haven't checked out her blog, you should, her projects are AMAZING!
I unfortunately needed a sympathy card this weekend and found this design and decided to go with it.  The flocked paper is from the Mocha Morning dsp pack (retiring).  I got this pack later in the year and really regretted not getting it sooner - it is stunning paper.  Paired with a simple white strip with the greeting (this would make a great wedding card too), a bit of satin ribbon (retiring too) and a vintage brad - it makes for an incredibly simple but stunning card.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day.

Sherry

Saying Goodbye

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  Ours was crazy busy, but at least we had beautiful weather!  I've got several things to share with you today.  First of all, I wanted to invite all of you who live in the Edmonton, Sherwood Park and surrounding areas to my annual Retired Rubber Stamp Sale/Open House.  It will be this Friday June 1st from 6 to 9pm.

This year when you purchase any of my retired stamps (and I have well over 100!!! with two boxes still to go through), you will get to choose the equivalent dollar value in new catalogue merchandise absolutely FREE!  So you are getting twice as much for your money.  All the accessories, dsp etc. will be marked down.  I don't want to have to pack anything up - so it's all got to go!  I've spent some time this weekend pricing things and there are some FABULOUS deals that you don't want to miss out on.  With that being said, everything is while supplies last so the earlier you are here the better the selection.  Doors will not open before 6 though. 

I will also have the new catalogue available for pick up, a free make & take for all who RSVP and door prizes.

I also wanted to share with you the projects we made on Friday at my monthly card class.  Most of the stamp sets we used are retiring as of May 31st so if there are any you absolutely love, be sure to pick them up while they are still available.

This one uses a much loved and often used stamp set - Fox & Friends.  These little animals are just the cutest!

This one uses Fifth Avenue Floral - such a beautiful set - I love this rose.

This one uses the Charming stamp set - I love the elegance and vintage look of this set.  All three of these cards were inspired by cards that I've seen at different demonstrator events.

This last card was inspired by a card that I found online created by Jennifer McGuire.  I loved the colourful use of dsp scraps.  It's hard to tell from the photo but the grass image from Inspired by Nature was clear embossed overtop.  The greeting is from Heard from the Heart another set that will be gone for good May 31st!

I hope you enjoyed some inspiration this morning! Thanks for stopping by!

Don't forget to RSVP for the open house!

Sherry

Look Who's Turning 3 Layout

Good morning!  I hope you have a wonderful day planned!  Ours is going to be packed - 2 soccer games, a ball hockey game and ball hockey photos.  Thankfully there are two of us - we will have to divide and conquer!

Today I am sharing the second layout I did for scrapbook club this month.  I LOVE this one.  All the dsp is from the Cheerful Treat pack (hostess exclusive).  These banners/flags (whatever you want to call them) are a great way to use up all those little scraps that you have laying around.

The balloons are from the Party this Way stamp set (retiring May 31st), as is the arrow for the title.

I also used up some odds & ends chipboard #3's.  I can't believe that these photos are from over 10 years ago!  Where does the time go?!

Thanks for stopping by today! 

Sherry

My Digital Studio Card

I've been itching to create a card in My Digital Studio with the Soft Blooms.  Man do I love these flowers!  I kept it simple - the flower is really all you need.

Here's what the inside looks like...

The dsp is from the Grad Party kit and the rest was created using the Soft blooms and punches.  Really easy.  You've heard me say it before but I LOVE mds for the quickness and ease of the program.  If you need something quick MDS comes to the rescue - every time!

With that in mind... have you given MDS a try?

My Digital Studio Express 30-Day Trial:
With the FREE trial, you’ll get:

• Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days.
• Full design functionality.
• Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express. See included content here.
• Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
• Access to our professional print services.

Once your trial period expires, simply contact me to purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue enjoying My Digital Studio.
What are you waiting for?  Give it a try!  Request your 30-day free trial here (order #129600).

Happy crafting! 

Sherry

Build a Bear

Did you know that the whole Build-A-Bear line will be retiring as of May 31st?  If you've got kids in your life - these are so fun to play with.  You can create your own paper 'bears', or cut them out of magnet or felt and dress them up.  There are so many possibilities! Take a look at these adorable samples.

Love the pirate!  And how about these?

How cute is that Buzz Lightyear?!
Wouldn't these be super fun to create?  Be sure to pick up these dies before they are gone for good!

Bear - #117977

Beary Essentials - #117978

Beary Dressy - #119986

Beary Bright - #119985



And there are even more accessories available on the clearance rack:

• Beary Boy
• Beary Girl
• Beary Hoppy
• Beary Lovely
• Kooky Spooky

These are only available until May 31st or while supplies last so pick up yours today and have fun creating with the kids in your life!

Sherry

Shop Online. or place your order by email.

Soft Blooms Digital Layout

On Tuesday when I saw the Soft Blooms digital download, I had to download it right away.  I LOVE these flowers!

I gave myself 15 minutes to create something in MDS and this is what I came up with.  These blooms definitely make the page!

I think I may go back and make the photo just a bit larger.  Now that I look at it, it almost gets lost.  Anyway - this was seriously super quick - that's what I love about MDS, you can get your scrapbooking done without spending a huge amount of time on them. 

Here are the other downloads I used on this layout:

• Grad Party (red dsp)
• Love Story (polka dot dsp)
• Downtown Grunge (frame)
• Bird punch (leaves)
• Antique Brads
• Fantabulous You (title)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sherry

Personalized WallArt

Here's a peek at another custom wall art piece that I made for a client a couple weeks ago.  The baby's name is Makinna - isn't that a beautiful name? 

This is the first one I've done with a monochromatic colour scheme and I love the way it turned out.  I love making these - the little 3x3 squares end up being their own little canvas'.

Sorry for the quick post this morning - busy day.

Sherry

You & Me MDS Layout

Good morning!  I hope you had a wonderful long weekend (if you had one).  We spent lots of time with family this weekend - always good times.  I also managed to get through 2 piles for my scrapbook organization project!  You can actually walk into the room now.  I'm kind of at a stand still though because I've used up all my albums.  I need to wait until I can order from the new catalogue to get a few more.  In the meantime, I will work at sorting each pile by month.  That will make it a lot faster when it comes to inserting them into the albums.

On to todays project... I had a bit of time last night to work in my digital studio and had seen a layout similar to this in a magazine and thought it would be a perfect one to copy using MDS.  I started with a heart shaped punch and just increased the size to a full 12x12.  Changed the colour to white and added a mat so I could see where the shape was.  Then it was just a matter of adding punches and embellishments. 

• Patterned paper for the punches is from the Day in the Life Kit
• Bakers twine
• Bold & regals buttons
• Basic pearls & rhinestones
• Greatest Moments II - you & me

You notice that in the lower right corner I have the year the photo was taken.  All my layouts from now on will include that either in the journalling, in the corner or on the back.  After working on organizing my pages that is something that has been driving me crazy.  I have to try to guess at what year the photos were taken by looking closely at my kids.

Anyway, I'm hoping to have more digital projects to inspire you over the next few weeks, time permitting. 

Don't forget that you can download a FREE 30-day trial version of My Digital Studio on my website.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sherry

Nannie's Visit Layout

Happy Saturday to you.  I hope you have some wonderful plans for this long weekend!

Today I have one of the layouts I did for scrapbook club this month.  I used some dsp that I've struggled with in the past - it is bright and very floral - not really my style.  But I thought it would go well with photos of Nannie with the kids. 

My title (which needs an apostrophe added to it!) was cut using the Alphabet Simple Letters (115960) for the Big Shot which are retiring:( and only available until May 31st.  To dress them up a bit, I added some of our Dazzling Details to the rounded parts of the letters.

The bouquet was created using the Awash With Flowers stamp set (CM 120549/WM 117062) and some free hand cut stems with a bit of celery ribbon wrapped around to hold them together.  I love this two step stamp set, which sat neglected in my cupboard for quite some time!

The border under the patterned paper was done using the lace ribbon border punch (122362) which I am sad to see go.  It was only available for a year! 

For other retiring products, you can check the lists here.  Thanks for stopping by today!

Sherry

Order Stampin' Up! product online 24/7!

Betsy's Blossoms Sneak Peek

I have another sneak peek for you today.  This card showcases the bird image from the set Betsy's Blossoms, another new in colour - Gumball Green and some new ribbon.  All these products will be available to order June 1st when the new catalogue goes live.

The flourish is from the Everything Eleanor - can't get enough of this set!  It is stamped using the Summer Starfruit ink.  The new ink pads make stamping bold images and larger images soooo easy.  Just a couple taps on the ink pad and the stamp is well inked.  I can't say enough about them! 

The inside of the card gives you a peek at a couple other new products.  The flower is from the Betsy Blossoms set and the Happy Birthday banner is from the Bitty Banners (I think) stamp set and there is even a set of Bitty Banners framelits that will cut these out for you! 

Thanks for stopping by today and have a fabulous weekend!

Sherry

Monthly Card Class & New Catalogues

Join me on Friday May 25^th (9:30am OR 7pm) to say goodbye one last time to some favourite stamp sets from the current Idea Book & Catalogue.  Class fee of $20 includes all pre-cut supplies to create 4 cards, envelopes and step-by-step instructions to create the projects (emailed to you after the class). 

No experience is required.

Please bring basic tool kit to class:  adhesive, dimensionals, glue dots, scissors and bone folder.

RSVP by May 21^st!

I should have my catalogues labelled and ready to hand out by then so attendees at this class will be the first to receive their new catalogue! 

Just a couple quick reminders – the last day to order from the current catalogue is May 31^st.  Great deals (up to 70% off select items) on the retiring accessories list and don’t forget to pick up your favourite retiring sets – they will be gone for good after May 31^st.  View the retiring product lists here:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampingtreasures/promotions

Mark your calendars - Retired Rubber Stamp Sale – June 1^st from 6 to 9!  Two for one stamp sets (buy retired stamps and get the equivalent dollar value in new product free!) and fabulous deals on accessories.

 
I hope to see you in class on the 25^th!  RSVP today!

Have a wonderful day!

Sherry

New Firm Foam Stampin' Pads

With the introduction of the 2012-2013 annual catalogue, Stampin' Up! has made a very big change to their Stampin' Pads.

Introducing firm foam pads! They change your stamping experience for the better.
You're going to love these new Stampin' Pads! 

• Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
• Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!

In addition, their new Stampin' Pads

• Create wonderfully solid images. The Firm Foam releases more ink onto your rubber stamp than the felt pads. When using the Firm Foam pad, your stamp will get an even, solid covering of ink that you may not have been able to achieve with the felt pads. Please note: if you are using the ink pad frequently you may need to re-ink your Firm Foam pad more often.
• Have a crisply printed, glossy label on the top of the pad that is easier to read and that will not fade or chip off!
• Come with colour name labels in all four languages (English, Spanish, French, and German)-just choose your language, peel it off the back, and add it to the side of the pad for easy identification!
• Use the same patented flip-top case design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist!
• Are available in all colours, including our exclusive In Colors!

I just received my new in colour pads that are in the new firm foam format and I LOVE them.  In fact I love them so much, I will be replacing all my old pads.  It is now so easy to stamp solid image stamps and the colours are so fibrant - they are amazing!  This format will be available June 1st in the new catalogue!

Have a wonderful day!
Sherry

Everything Eleanor Sneak Peek

Good morning!  I have a little peek at a couple new colours for you today.  This is another card created using the Everything Eleanor stamp set (available June 1st).  I love this stamp set! 

Do you notice the new colours on the card?  The yellow/green is called Summer Starfruit and the blue is Midnight Muse.  There's a little peek at some new dsp in the background as well! 

This was the card that I made for my mom for Mother's Day and then since everything was still out I made a bookmark with her initial to coordinate.

I also designed my swaps for an upcoming organized swap that I'm participating in but can't show you those just yet.  I hope you enjoyed a little peek at a couple of the new in colours. 

Have a wonderful day!
Sherry

Masculine Birthday Card

Masculine birthday cards (masculine cards in general) are one of my most requested card types.  They are a little more challenging to create so when Tammy brought this SUPER card to class the other day to show me, I had to take a photo and share it with you.  She was inspired by a card that she saw on Splitcoaststampers - isn't it a perfect masuline (teen or adult) card!

She used some of the Well Worn dsp (retiring) and the Extreme Elements stamp set (retiring) and a stamp set that I think was in a Sale-a-Bration mini years ago.  I absolutely love it.  I'm thinking I will have to case it - maybe for a father's day card.

Thanks for sharing Tammy!

Sherry

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of my blog readers who are mothers!  I hope you have a wonderful day filled with things you love!

I am posting a little on the late side today because this is my Mom's mother's day gift and I'm meeting her for lunch.  I figured if I posted late, she will have already received it and it wouldn't give anything away. 

I created this Mother subway art in My Digital Studio and then had it printed at Wal-Mart.  I'm not completely happy with the way the colours turned out - they aren't true SU colours but that's my own fault for waiting until the last minute to make it.  I MUCH prefer the look of printing from the Stampin' Up! printer.  So here's what it looked like before it was framed...

Doesn't seem like much but framed, they look amazing.  Thanks for stopping by today!

Sherry

Crayon Canvas

If you are on Pinterest, you've likely seen lots of these melted crayon canvas' or something similar.  A family member had asked if I could help her make this for her niece as a graduation gift.  So she came over this morning and created it.  We also cut out the letters so that she could add her niece's favourite quote to the top.  We didn't have time to stick the letters on before she had to leave though. She said she'd send me a photo once it's done so I will share it then.

It looks FABULOUS  even just like this and was so easy to do.  Here's a quick rundown of the steps.

1. Decide on the colour order for the crayons - we did rainbow colours
2. Hot glue them to a canvas.
3. Stand the canvas up and use a heat tool to melt the tips of the crayons. 

A couple tips - make sure you don't hold the heat tool too closely otherwise it melts and blows the melted wax at an angle.  Secondly, make sure that you're wall is protected behind the canvas on either end because they splatter.

Jordyn has been home sick for the last couple days with strep throat (again).  She watched us make it and thought it was the coolest thing ever.  She wants to make one for a friend for her birthday with her favourite bible verse at the top. 

Thanks for stopping by today!
Sherry

Scrapbook Album Organization - Part II

Last week I had posted about my HUGE scrapbook album organization project and said I'd update you with some more information.  I thought it would be better to explain in a video than photos. 

I am SOOO excited that Stampin' Up! will be carrying divided sheet protectors in the new catalogue (available June 1st).  I'm anxiously awaiting June 1st so I can stock up, I've run out of the ones I was using.

The spare room is still a disaster and likelywill be for the next couple weeks.  I pretty much spend an hour organizing a pile so that eveything is chronological.  The next hour (the next day) is spent adding them to albums - this generally runs over two days (two hours) because I need to determine if I want to scrapbook the photos or add them to divided page protectors.  So it takes three days to eliminate one pile!  It's coming along slowly but surely. 

It will feel like such an accomplishment when it's all done.  It'll be easy to tell what has been scrapbooked and what needs to be scrapbooked - no more duplicating! 

The years I've been working on, as far as adding everything to albums (1999, 2000, 2001), are prior to my digital camera - when I get to the digital camera years, I will let you know how I'm taking those photos into account, so that nothing is forgotten.

One of the questions I did get was how I'm incorporating my digital layouts.  I've printed my digital layouts and am just including those as pages in the album just as I would traditional layouts.  I love mixing digital, traditional, hybrid and even page sizes in my albums.  Some of them include 8-1/2"x11" layouts that I created.  The 8-1/2"x11" album inserts are also great for the kids certificates that they've received and as you saw in the school album, for their report cards.  I love it!

Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, I'd be happy to answer them.

Thanks for stopping by!
Sherry

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Yes - it is almost that time of year already! The school year begins to unwind as lazy summer days bark on its heels. But before it’s time to toss the backpacks into the closet for the summer, don’t forget to let the teachers know how much you appreciate all that they did the whole year through. Do you need some ideas? Check out these suggestions:

 -  Create a mini scrapbook that the teachers can fill with memories from the school year or keep on their desk as a reminder of what THEY did on summer vacation.

-  Help put some fun into grading papers and student recognition by getting your teachers a set of the From Your Teacher stamps (#122730 wood/#122732 clear). These stamps and the coordinating wheels (Elementary Alphabet #123229, For Teacher #123230, and School Colors #123228) are also great for creating cards and tags to go along with the teacher gifts.

-  Create a handmade gift card holder and embellish it with stamped images, accessories, and a bit of ribbon. Top it off with a gift card to a place they are sure to enjoy all summer long.

Want more ideas? What about a box of handstamped note cards, a coffee mug decorated with Decor Elements, a calendar created in My Digital Studio (#118108), or any of the various chalkboard Decor Elements?

Until next time,

Sherry

Everything Eleanor Sneak Peek & New Catalogue

Today I thought I'd share a sneak peek project with you.  The flower image and the scalloped image are both from a new set called Everything Eleanor that we received at Leadership back in January.  I've inked it up a couple times but not much. 

The bottom of the crumb cake card base was wheeled using the Music Notes wheel (120327).  This is my favorite wheel.  I'm not musically inclined AT ALL but I just love the look of music notes.  It just reminds me of old sheet music. 

As demonstrators we had a little peek at the new catalogue today - I am SOOO excited.  On May 1st we also had the opportunity to pre-order some new items - my order should be in later this week, I can't wait to get my new goodies.  The launch of a new catalogue is like Christmas.

Did you know that with the new starter kit that you can choose sneak peek items during the month of May as part of your customizable kit?  Wouldn't be great if you could get $155 worth of new in colours, stamps, markers and big shot accessories for only $125 and NOT pay shipping or GST?  If you are interested in more information, let me know.

New Catalogue Update
The new catalogue will soon be available - it begins June 1st.  It will be free to all my active customers and available to pick up at my annual Rubber Garage Sale/Open House on June 1st (6 to 9pm).  You don't want to miss this event where you can expect 2 for 1 stamp sets and FABULOUS deals on accessories. 

If you would like a copy mailed to you, I can do so for a fee of $5, payable by Paypal or Visa/MCRD.  Or place an order with me of $75 (or more) during the month of May and you will receive one shipped to you for FREE. 

Reminders
Today is also the last day to get free card kits with your order of $50 or more, I still have a few left.
View the retiring product lists here.

Until next time,

Sherry

Question & Answer Time

	Q&A Q: Recently I saw a cute card with a small, patterned paper envelope on the front. How do you make those? A: Envelopes in a variety of sizes have become all the rage since the Diagonal Plate for the Simply Scored Scoring Tool was introduced recently. The Diagonal Plate makes creating envelopes a breeze – no more templates to trace and cut by hand! Hooray! Plus, envelopes are a great way to show off our beautiful double-sided Designer Series Paper without feeling guilty that we are covering up one of the patterns! While the Diagonal Plate comes with instructions and measurements to make four popular envelope sizes, one of my favourites is the small envelope for love notes! Here’s how you can make the 3-1/8” x 3-1/8” envelopes to hold 3” x 3” love notes: Step 1: Cut a 5” x 5” piece of Designer Series Paper or card stock. Place the Diagonal Plate on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Place the paper on the Diagonal Plate. Score the first side at 2-1/4”. Rotate the paper 1/4 turn or 90 degrees. Score at 2-1/4” again. Repeat until all four sides are scored. Step 2: Fold and crease all four score lines. Use a Bone Folder for crisp folds. Use Paper Snips or Square Punch to cut out the triangular scored sections. Step 3: Fold in two side flaps to create the sides of the mini envelope. Add SNAIL, Sticky Strip, or Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the very edge of the bottom flap. Fold that flap up over the side flaps and adhere. The envelope is now complete! You can add the envelope to the front of a card or a scrapbook page. Or use it to hand deliver a special little love note. You can use adhesive to close the top flap, tuck the flap inside the envelope, or use a button or brad and a bit of Baker’s Twine to create a fastener. Have fun discovering all of the fun envelopes and envelope projects you can create with the Diagonal Plate!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! If you have a question, you would like answered, feel free to leave a comment and I'd be happy to do my best at anwering it!  Have a wonderful day! Sherry Order your Simply Scored and diagonal plate online!

Mini Catalogue Carryover Stamp Sets

Wow did we ever have a great heritage scrapbook class - it was so much fun and everyone LOVED the pages.  Stay tuned, I will share SOME of them with you this week, but some are just for them.

Just thought I would pop in and share a list of stamp sets that will be carrying over to the new catalogue from the Occasions mini catalogue and are still available to order!  I'm so EXCITED that Mixed Bunch is carrying over - LOVE that set!

Don't forget, there are still a couple days left to take advantage of the FREE card kits.  Check out the details here.

Thanks for stopping by!
Sherry

Update Retiring Accessories List
Retiring Stamp Set List
Retiring Definitely Decorative List

The Sky's the Limit Card

I started something new at our last team event.  I gave everyone who was there a package of supplies to create a project.  The rules were that they could use any current stamp set, add any embellishments (ribbon, brads, buttons etc.) but had to use the papers and cardstocks that I provided.  Anyone who chose to participate would bring it to the next meeting and then their name would be entered to win all the cards. 

Last night was our team meeting, it's amazing that everyone started with the same supplies but each card was very different.  This is the card that I created.

The card base was created from a 5-1/2"x8-1/2" piece of tangerine cardstock and scoring it at 2-1/8" from either short end.  This gives you two flaps that open up.  This was the first time I used the Up, Up & Away stamp set - it is soooo cute!  I might replicate this card design but switch up the colours and use it for Jordyn's end of the year card. 

Sorry to keep it short but I have to finish setting up and prepping for my heritage scrapbooking class tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping by!

Sherry