Not a lot has been happening - with the health issues we have dealt with over the last months - this is definitely a good thing! Judy and I have been preparing for our stamping day - November 2. We have a group coming over to make some cards for our troops. We will be using some of the same designs we used for the last batch we sent, but we want to include some Valentine's and Easter cards as well.

I did however make another of the fold out brag books from UStamp. I used Christmas colours and instead of using ribbon to close it, I made a belly band and embellished it with a medallion that is also a 'shaker'. I used - Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss cardstock; Holiday Treasures DSP and Kiwi Kiss ink. The little tree is from the Deer Friends stamp set (level 2 Hostess). This next card is based on one of the UStamp Holiday projects. I adapted it to be a gift card holder. I used Kraft cardstock; Ski Slope DSP; Chocolate Chip Ink; Soft Sky ribbon (retired); Snowman from the Just Celebrate stamp set and the greeting is from Flaky Friends set (both stamp sets are retired)

I will post photos of some of the cards from our Cards for the Troops day next week.

Marjorie

The last week has been pretty quiet as far as stamping and papercrafting go. One of my nieces got married on Sunday - an outdoor ceremony. Lucky for her the weather cooperated. It was a beautiful sunny day - a tiny bit cool, but overall great. I had woken up with a cold the day before and it got progressively worse as the evening went on. It has decided it likes me so much it is still with me even a week later.



Yesterday we took our great-niece to Build-a-Bear workshop for her birthday (she is going to be six on Wednesday). We did this last year for her birthday and she asked if we could do it again. So off we went. When we got there she had to choose her "bear" skin. She selected a kitty and then headed off to the stuffing station. Once the kitty was stuffed to her liking she went to the bathing station where she fluffed up the fur. As the kitty was orange with a pumpkin, she decided on a pumpkin halloween costume to dress the kitty in. That with the black pumps looked sensational. We also had to create a birth certificate and then we were ready to go.



The whole time she was working on her bear, we were taking pictures, so I made this cute little brag book for her. I got the directions as one of the teaser projects leading up to the release of the September UStamp projects. We filled it up with the photos we took and this will be her birthday card from us.



Here is the brag book all closed up and tied with some chocolate brown ribbon (nonSU). I used Tangerine Tango textured cardstock for the folder and all the DSP is from the Sweet Always pack. The little dew drops are nonSU (I just cannot get the Crystal Effects to stay as a droplet!)



This shows the brag book opened up. The pattern from UStamp used 3 envelopes - I adapted to allow for a fourth to accommodate the photos we had. The envelopes have been stamped with images from Crazy for Cupcakes.

And this shows some of the photos and how the "pages" flip out.

Thanks for looking.

Marjorie

Our great niece is celebrating her sixth birthday later this month and for her gift we are taking her to Build a Bear Workshop. She will be able to select her own 'bearskin' , she'll stuff it and select some clothes & accessories. This is the invitation we are sending her so that she can save the date.

The stamp is non SU. I used DSP from Sweet Always and Tangerine Tango cardstock. The centre panel is raised up on dimensionals.

My niece is getting married this weekend and this is the card I have made. It matches the scrapbook I gave her at the bridal shower last month.

I decided to participate in a swap hosted by Marie Kirkwood. The theme of the swap is Masculine cards. I have to submit 11 card fronts and I will receive back 11 different card fronts. That is why I decided to participate - it is always difficult for me to come up with ideas for cards for the men in my family. This is the card I submitted (sent off my package yesterday). I had to do two versions as I did not have 11 of the square silver 'buckle'. I had to send 11 with the square and 2 with the round. The rules of the swap are that cards are to be the same (but you could have a minor difference). We had to use all Stampin Up supplies, but it did not matter if some of the items are retired. I was going to colour in the image, but decided I really liked it just as it was. Hope everyone else likes it as much as I do!

Stamp Sets - Lovely as a Tree; It's Your Birthday (retired)

Paper - Chocolate Chip Cardstock; DSP from Home Again Simply Scrappin Kit (retired)

Ribbon - Old Olive Poly Twill (retired)

Hardware - Styled Silver Hodgepodge

Ink - Chocolate Chip Classic

Here are the two versions of the card front I submitted.

Two posts in one day! I can't believe it. Judy and I finished our Dreams du Jour class (from the wonderful and talented Andrea Walford). The class included 4 different cards and a bag all using the Dreams du Jour stamp set.

And here is the bag.

We also made this snowman card - based on a card my sister had received last year.

Have a great day.

You don't hear from me for days (weeks) at a time and now I post a couple of times in a few days.

My parents asked me to design an invitation for their Christmas brunch (or maybe dinner - they did not give me the details yet). They love Christmas and decorate their whole place (they will start to decorate right around Halloween). I wanted something fun and not too traditional so this is what I came up with. The stamps are from Great Impressions. The cardstock, DSP and inks are all Stampin Up. I also used some stickles and my Sakura Stardust glitter pen.

I designed it as a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 pocket card - they can put the details on the insert. Hard to see in the photo, but I used the Signo White Gel pen on the scalloped edge of the red CS.
Here is the insert - I may have to modify it a bit depending on how much information they want to include. We will print the details onto the Whisper White CS before decorating. Depending on how many invitations there are, I may cut out the little penguin and attach him with dimensionals.

And finally this shows the insert partially out of the pocket.

Card Stock - Riding Hood Red, Whisper White; DSP - Holiday Treasures

Inks - Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black
Markers - Ruby Red, Old Olive, Bordering Blue, Summer Sun, Creamy Caramel, Purely Pumpkin
Scallop Border Punch; 1 3/4 inch Circle Punch; ticket corner punch
Non SU 2 inch circle punch
Stickles - Gold, Stardust and Candy Cane
Sakura Gelly Roll - Black and Stardust
Signo White Gel Pen

This afternoon Judy and I are going to finish the Andrea Walford Dreams du Jour class - we have one card to finish and we still have to make the bag. So, maybe there will be a second post today!

What's in a Name?

What Marjorie Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

This is pretty scary -- a lot of this is true (maybe not the Type A or agressive parts - but most of the rest describes me pretty well)

What is the meaning of your name? Check it out here.

I finally sat down and did one of the fun projects from UStamp. Project 3 was a card set with coordinating bag using the Wow Flowers Stamp Set. I decided to use Christmas stamps and do a couple of sets to give my sister and my sister in law as a little gift on their birthdays. There are six cards (and envelopes) in each of the bags (2 each of 3 designs).

These are the two bags. I used Riding Hood Red CS; Chocolate Chip CS; Watercolour Paper; Holiday Treasures DSP; Non SU chocolate ribbon and my SU Markers. The stamp set is in the Holiday Mini - A Cardinal Christmas. Available starting October 1. I used my Scalloped Rectangle Nestabilities.

All of the base cards are Riding Hood Red CS and the layout is the same for each card. The DSP used on all of the cards is from the Holiday Treasures pack. Non SU ribbon on all of the cards. Chocolate Chip classic ink was used to stamp the greetings using the Heard from the Heart stamp set (the french version for my sister in law).

On the first card I used the poinsettia image from A Flower for All Seasons. I stamped it on watercolour paper and filled it in using my markers and aqua painter. I used the 1 1/4 inch circle punch for the image; I cut out a circle of chocolate chip CS using the 1 3/8 inch circle punch and the scallop circle is Riding Hood Red. I used a little bit of godl stickles in the centres of the poinsettias.

On the second card I used the snowman image from Just Celebrate (retired). He is stamped on Whisper White CS and coloured in with markers. The 1 3/8 circle is Kiwi Kiss and the scallop circle is Chocolate Chip.

I used one of the ornaments from Hung Up on the Holidays (retired) for this card. I stamped it with Riding Hood Red and put some Candy Cane stickles in the centre for a bit of sparkle.

Six cards with their envelopes fit perfectly in the bags. This was a quick and easy project - for the two bags and 12 cards (including watercolouring and allowing stickles to dry) it took about 5 hours. I think a lot of the time was taken tying the bows!

For the birthday cards I used Baja Breeze and Basic Black CS; Baja Breeze Classic Ink and Whisper White Craft Ink. The technique used is Faux Embossing. I think they look pretty good. The Upsy Daisy stamp set is perfect for this technique. Used my Top Note Die (exclusive to Stampin Up)

I went to The Scrapbox on Wednesday afternoon and did my second class using Great Impressions Stamps. Here are the cards I made

Last Monday Judy and I got together and started one of the class projects created by Andrea Walford. It is her class using the Dreams du Jour stamp set. We made 3 of the 4 cards, so will finish the 4th card and make the bag on Monday when we get together.

Until the next time - thanks for looking.

It has been a while I know, but I have been working in my craft room. Not a lot to share as I was trying to get the rest of my Christmas cards done. I think I am done now. Now to make sure my address list is up to date and the cards will be 'Mailable' (i.e. standard postage rate). I just mailed out a couple of cards and had to pay extra postage because of the thickness of the envelope.

Judy and I got together last week and made this treat holder that is supposed to hang on a door knob. I like the DSP we used (non SU) so much that I don't want to punch the hole! Here it is - it is based on one we saw on Andrea Walford's site.

I am going to make little halloween treat bags and baskets for my little grandnieces and grandnephews. I saw on SCS an adorable little bag topper using the Top Note die for the big shot. Iused close to cocoa CS and sponged the 'face' and the edges using close to cocoa ink. Only Orange for the beak and the eyes are from the dollar store. Can't remember who it was, but I have now seen several versions on various blogs I visit. Here is my version along with a little treat basket I made using a 6 x 6 piece of DSP (non SU); some basic black, orange ribbon and a few brads.

I attended a class at The Scrapbox (well I purchased the class and then Jenn let me go in when the classroom was not being used) to make 6 christmas cards. The stamps are all by Great Impressions. I loved making them, and am now looking forward to adapting them using Stampin' Up products. Here they are:

Last week we sent off 234 cards to A Card for Home - a program started by two young military wives. They collect handmade cards (blank inside) that are then shipped over to our troops in Afghanistan so that they have a selection of cards to choose from to send home to their loved ones. We are planning a stamping day with my sisters and hopefully a few friends so that we can get more cards made to send off.

Until the next time, thanks for looking

Marjorie

Although I had no photos to share last time I have made up for it in this post. I had been working on some things with my friend Judy and had not taken the photos - I also wanted to confirm the addresses so I could give credit for the ideas.

We made this Reindeer Treat Holder (Judy found the template on Heather Summers Blog - http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/ - see the October 29, 2007 post). Is it not the cutest? I think I may use larger google eyes and a glittery pompom next time. We also thought we should maybe have a sprig of holly on the 'Forehead'.





We also made a darling card Judy found on Dawn Griffith's site. You can find it in her August 14, 2008 post at http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/. Dawn got her inspiration from convention (I think on a display board, or perhaps in a swap).











Although I do not consider myself to be a scrapbooker, I did make an attempt at scrapbooking to create a memory album for my niece who is getting married in October. It is a gift for her bridal shower so that she can display some of her wedding photos. When making the pages, I was thinking more in terms of the candid shots, rather than the formal ones from the photographer. I probably should have just written a note inside the card saying an album was coming and waited for the photos. I think it turned out OK and will be giving it to her tomorrow. We can always make adjustments according to the pictures she chooses to showcase. Here is the card I made for the shower. I used the Top Note die and outlined it in gold between the Eggplant and beige layer. I also used my dauber and eggplant ink for the edges of the base card. In the scrapbook I used the same flower and butterfly images from the Life's a Dream stamp set.

I have also been playing with my new Cuttlebug embossing folders - snowdots, lace tree and the border sets. They are so fun!

I have made a few Christmas cards. The card on the left uses the Lace Tree Folder. I embossed it on SUS Shimmery White and enhanced it with a half pearl on the top and Stickles on the tree. The one of the right uses the Snowdots and Swiss Dots folders. I also used the ScorPal. The greeting is a non SU stamp.

The next two both use Snowdots and Swiss Dots. The gorgeous red velvet ribbon came from The Scrapbox here in Ottawa. I love how just a small change in embellishment changes the card.

Last year my sister received a lovely Christmas card from her friends that I was quite taken with. The card on the left is the one she received and the one on the right is my version. Are they not fun? I used my oval nesties for the snowmen (I don't have it yet, but I think the wide oval punch may be just a bit too big).




Until the next time - thanks for looking.

marjorie

Well I do not have a thing to share this week. I have been working on Christmas cards - only the end of August and I already have 48 done. I need to made another 24 and I should be good to go for my personal mailing list. Last year I was scrambling and making cards at the very last minute.

My first order from the new catty arrived as did my new Cuttlebug folders and some nestabilities that I had ordered. Too much all at once - I just don't know where to start. I have all these ideas, but can't seem to get them to work out.

I did play with my new cuttlebug folders - Lace Tree, Snow Dots, Ice Crystal (Cut and Emboss) and some of the new border folders. As soon as I take some photos I will post them. I also used the Top Note Die from Stampin Up. Not as a feature on the front of a card, but to print the sentiment for the inside of some of my Christmas cards.

Still wavering about whether I should get the Big Shot or not. I love my cuttlebug and everything I am reading says that I should be able to use even the BIGZXL cutting dies in the CB. Just need to use a little creativity with the plates. I have 3 sets of B plates, so I think I may have to use my 40% Michael's coupon to get another A plate.

I may be back in a day or two with some photos.

Marjorie

Christmas on my Mind

This week I have been making some Christmas cards. I always try to get them done in plenty of time, but this is the first year that I am almost finished all of my cards before the end of August. I am usually finishing them up as I address the envelopes. I have also been playing around with ideas for little give aways or stocking stuffers.

I love this little bookmark. I used Deer Friends Stamp Set (Level 2 Hostess set); Chocolate Chip, Real Red and Whisper White CS; Chocolate Chip Ink; Real Red Marker; Real Red Ribbon; Signo Gel Pen; Scallop Punch, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 circle punches; crystal effects and a giant paper clip from Staples. Oh and the little google eyes! I coloured his nose with the real red marker and then put on some crystal effects for dimension.

For this card I assembled the medallion as above, except I used Riding Hood Red CS instead of Real Red. The base card is Riding Hood Red and the DSP is from the Bella Rosa pack. The greeting is from Flaky Friends (retired).

I participated in an ESwap initiated by Josée Smuck. This is my copy of Josée's card. The pine tree from Lovely as a Tree is stamped in White Craft on Night of Navy CS. The sentiment is from Wonderful Words and is stamped on Whisper white using Night of Navy ink. The white CS is torn, mounted to the card and then the torn edge is enhanced with glitter (I used chunky glitter for this card).You can go to Josée's blog to see the rest of the cards submitted. http://stampingjo.com/christmas-card-ideas-hohoho/

This next card is CASED from Andrea Walford. I used Kraft CS and sponged the edges with Whisper White craft ink. The tree was stamped with WW craft ink on Kraft. I mounted this image onto chocolate chip and then onto the main card (Andrea used a layer of Old Olive). I used my 2 way glue pen to adhere glitter to the tree and to the edge of the smaller Kraft panel.

You can see Andrea's original card at http://andreawalford.com - see her August 15 post.

Here is a version of the ever popular bag in a box. I followed the instructions given by Paula Goff on her blog - http://inkingaddict.blogspot.com. I did not use the round tab punch - I used the horizontal slot punch to slide the ribbon through. I used Bali Breeze DSP and Felt Fusion flowers to decorate. I also used my 5 petal punch and Taken with Teal CS to make the middle flower. Non SU brads were used for the flower centres.

I was just playing around and decided to try to duplicate the reindeer displayed at convention. I made a small triangle using Chocolate chip CS and cut 2 of the sides using my Fiskars scallop scissors. The sides all measure 2 inches. I made the antlers from Caramel CS using my Cuttlebug and the vintage die set and attached it to my triangle. I then glued on the silly eyes and the red pom pom. I think with a bit of modification he will make a really cute gift tag!

Thanks for looking

Marjorie