Two Little Framed Projects and My Newest Treasure

I found the most wonderful vintage cabinet recently that was a perfect fit for my recently renovated studio.  After moving all my office furniture upstairs into my former nursery, I found myself wishing I still had a desk in my studio.  I didn't need much, just a place to sometimes use for paperwork, etc.  When I first saw that this cabinet, I knew immediately that it would be perfect.  Not only did it have the little desk space that I needed, it also would provide a wonderful display area for some of my art work.  I had a ball filling it with some of my newest projects, including this framed project I'm sharing with you today.  It will be so much fun to continue filling it with new projects to share with everyone.  Having art work on display is inspirational to me, as well, as I work in my studio on more projects.  Here's my framed project.

I've had this little girl with me for many years now.  I've updated the frame and all the background to coordinate with what I have in my 'new' studio now.  I used to have more reds, but now I like the Coastal Cabana and Lemon Lime Twist/Granny Apple Green accents.  It's fun to enjoy a fresh, new look to it all. 

... and here's my new vintage cabinet ...

My display has already changed since I added these projects.  I'll have to update my photo soon, so I can share it with you again.  In addition to the desk and wonderful display area, I love that I can use the 3 large drawers to keep larger items handy that I use during my classes, such as our pads of Grid Paper.

My 'wreath' project showcases all our newest In Colors, along with the cutest ever little embellishments (my flower centers).  The flowers were created with one of our newest punches.

How do you like our newest In Colors?  Which one is your favorite?  I can't tell you yet which one I like the best.  I'm actually having trouble choosing, but I'll let you know after my Summer Open House Party.  It's one of our favorite guessing games we play each year:)

Wow!  How's that for some fun new projects?!  

UPDATES ON WHAT'S NEXT:

JUNE HOSTESS CODE:

KG7BHGYD

MY Order Incentives:
- Orders of any of our Punch + Stamp Set Bundles
- Orders of any of our Dies + Stamp Set Bundles
- Orders of any of our complete Suites above $50.00.
Our BUNDLES may be found in our new Annual Catalog on pp. 4-11.

Qualifying Suites:
- Woven Threads (p.12)
- Noble Peacock (p.24)
- Magnolia Lane (p.37)
- Follow Your Art (p.53)
- Pressed Petals (p.73)
- Bird Ballad (p.91)
- Dinosaur (p.99)
- Perennial Essence (p.107)
- Mosaic Mood (p.119)
- See A Silhouette (p.132)
- Come Sail Away (p.145)

Any orders over $50.00 will also earn tokens, as well, and all orders during this time period will earn equal credit at my Annual Garage Sale.
Incentives will be given out at a date (announced here) soon after my June 23 Summer Open House/New Catalog Party.

There will also be game prizes and door prizes that may be won during the Open House.  Those winners will be announced here and have prizes available at a date (announced here) soon after my June 23 Summer Open House/New Catalog Party. 

JUNE HOSTESS CODE:

KG7BHGYD

June 10 -- Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $18. 
Pay to register by June 8 (deadline extended)
We'll be making some more beautiful cards and enjoying using some fun, new products.  I'll have a couple of really fun ways to use the Stamparatus to share with you, as well as a new fun fold card design.   I hope you can join us.

SAVE THE DATES: 

June 23 --- 2:00-5:00 / Get ready for fun!   

Summer Open House / New Catalog Party

June 28-20 --- 8:00-5:00 Friday / 8:00-Noon Saturday

MY ANNUAL GARAGE SALE 

I'll have lots of stamping and paper crafting products for sale.

Come and find a good bargain!

That's it for now.  Thanks for stopping by my blog neighborhood.  Have a beautiful day!

Fridge Displays In My Studio

Today's post will be brief because I'm trying to put the finishing touches on my prep for hosting my PEO group here next week.  I'll be teaching them how to make a couple of cards.  I'm really looking forward to it.
Today, I thought I'd share a couple of fridge displays I have in my studio.  Even though I have a pretty large studio, I still use every inch of space that I can find to share displays.  Being surrounded by previous cards and projects I've made helps inspire everyone when they're here and they inspire me when I'm working on new cards and projects.
These are two of my favorite projects I've made, along with some of my many spools of Baker's Twine.  I love when you can have supplies out and ready to use and are actually part of the decor:)

I love Scrabble tiles and thought I'd use a few to decorate the front of the fridge.  When I have time, I plan to add on a couple more words.  The button magnets are some of my favorite projects that I actually use every day.  Do you have any past projects that you use to decorate your home?

UP NEXT:

June 10 -- Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $18. 
Pay to register by June 8
We'll be making some more beautiful cards and enjoying using some fun, new products.  I'll have a couple of really fun ways to use the Stamparatus to share with you, as well as a new fun fold card design.   I hope you can join us.

SAVE THE DATES: 

June 23 --- 2:00-5:00 / Get ready for fun!  

Summer Open House / New Catalog Party

June 28-20 --- 8:00-5:00 Friday / 8:00-Noon Saturday

MY ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

I'll have lots of stamping and paper crafting products for sale.

Come and find a good bargain!

 RETIRING PRODUCTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LISTS:
     Occasions Catalog Retiring Products List
     
     Annual Catalog Retiring Products List

Lots of products are already sold out so shop now if there's something you still want to try to get.  Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack, too.  You'll find lot of great bargains. 

A Little Framing for the Day

I have a cute little framed project for you today.  It works perfectly with my white frame.  I've created this project with one of our returning ink colors - Coastal Cabana.  I did a happy dance when I learned that this color was returning.  I love it!

Adding the layer of black behind the stamped piece always makes the stamped piece 'pop' as they like to say on HGTV:)  I added the die cut 'love' to finish off the piece.  The background stamp is called Bokeh Dots.  Love it!

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   Aug. Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift 
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

AUGUST 1 -31 --- BONUS DAYS --- 
    - SEE INFO ON LEFT SIDE OF PAGE.

REMINDER:
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER, YOU MUST PAY TO REGISTER AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO ANY CLASS. 

SEPTEMBER EVENTS: 

Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
       PAY TO REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
       PAY TO REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Dragonfly for My Birthday

Happy Birthday to me today.  It's so fun to be 22 again.  I hope I get some hand made cards for my birthday ... hint, hint, hint:)  In honor of my birthday, I'm posting a project created using one of my favorite things on this earth - a dragonfly.  If I were a tattoo person, I'd have a dragonfly or two ..... somewhere:)  Alas, that most likely won't happen, so here's my framed project.

Don't you love the vivid blue background?  That's Brusho Pigmented Watercolor Crystals.  I do love my Brusho!

JULY HOSTESS CODE:   

HPWJY6EF

 
My July Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift  
     (You'll choose your own from a special basket, when you shop!
--- First dibs on 'shopping day' for you to shop.   
     You will be a VIP shopper!  
     See shopping days listed below.
--- Equal credit from your order (before tax and shipping) @ sale.
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

My July Hostess Code Special runs through to the end of July.  We'll have a new code for August. 

Important dates to remember:
July 9 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 
     Notes of Kindness cards -- very pretty!!! 

     Pay to register at least 2 days before class.
Aug. 13 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
     Joy Sampler / Pay to register at least 2 days before class. 
Aug. 18 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
     Color Your Season Cards -- Brand new!!!
     Fall, All-Occasion, and Christmas cards!
Aug. 26 / Summer Open House Party  / PLEASE RSVP!!!
     2:00-5:00 / a no fee event
     Super fun fellowship, stamping, goodies, and shopping!
     It doesn't get better than this!
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.
Sept. 8 / FREE STAMPIN' BLENDS CLASS
      1:00-4:00 / Let's color!!!
Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
Sept. 29 / FREE BRUSHO CLASS
       1:00-4:00 / This should be the most fun ever!!!

If you've earned one of my Sept. Free Classes, contact me if you need to attend on a different date.

Shopping Days for my little sale:

July 9 / Before or after Scraps and Prayers
July 30 / 5:30-6:30 / VIP Shoppers may come at 5:00
Aug. 13 / Before or after Scraps and Prayers
Aug. 18 / Before or after Saturday Stampers
Aug. 26 / as a part of my Summer Open House Party
               2:00-5:00  
               (I cannot begin earlier than this.  
               You may stay until 5:30 if you need more shopping time.) 
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Happy July, Everyone!

I don't know how it got here so fast, but here we are at the start of another new month -- an opportunity for a fresh new beginning of a series of happy summer days and lots of creative fun, especially in the world of stamping.  I'm ready!  Be sure to read all this post so you don't miss out on a super special sneak peek at the very end.  I love it! 
I completed my physical therapy (3rd round) just last week and am now working to gain increased strength, through what they call the Bridge Program.  I'm working in the Wellness Gym and that's just what I need.  I think of it as working towards a new and improved me.  It's very slow going, but it's still progress.
I'll be catching up on a few more projects I made several months ago and never got them posted, but I want to share some new fun, too, so I'll just mix them all in together and enjoy a variety of projects and products.  That's life in the world of rubber (or photopolymer:)
We have several promotions starting now or coming soon, so that's an exciting time.  I'm back to teaching classes again.  Yay!  I've missed teaching and sharing and seeing my friends so much!!!
Check over on the left side of my blog for all the latest info to keep you up to date.
Today, I'm sharing a little peek at our July 9 Scraps and Prayers projects.  We'll be making 4 cards from the Notes of Kindness kit.  It's a wonderful kit and I know you'll love these cards.

Here's the info, if you'd like to order your own kit.

And now, for your very special sneak peek.  I ordered a class kit from a fellow demonstrator (Ronda Wade) who has the Creating in Christ series of classes, videos and project kits.  Shown here is a sneak peek at her project.  I'll be coming up with my take on it, including a tweak on the colors.  I want to add some soft blues to it:)

We'll be making our 'Joy Sampler' at my August Scraps and Prayers class and I know you'll want to join us for this one.  I'll have you make it and then you can frame it on your own, which I'll explain at the class.  I truly can't wait for this one!!!

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Yes, I love making framed decor projects!

I have always loved making home decor projects.  I've used them to decorate my home, give as gifts, sell on consignment ...  You get the idea:)  My latest projects took on a fun little twist.  I have a fairly large home, but no matter the size of a home, you only have just so much wall space or table space to hang or set out your projects on display.  I wanted to make a couple of new framed projects to hang in my studio for Christmas and came up with the idea of reusing 2 frames I already had on display.  These 2 frames have actually been home to at least 3 or 4 projects by now. 

I actually got out a couple of favorite retired Christmas sets that I saved and enjoyed making new projects to have on display in my studio.  Once Christmas was over, I switched back to my butterfly framed projects.  I had new mats cut for the Christmas projects, so I could let the projects hang out over the mat a bit.  You can go to a hobby store and they can cut mats for you in whatever size you may choose.  Enjoy seeing my butterfly AND Christmas framed projects below.  I am sure they'll change again, when a new  inspiration pops into my head. 
Here are my butterflies:

Here are my 2 Christmas projects:

I'm already working on another framed project and I can't wait to finish it and get it on display to enjoy in my studio.  This one will feature a Brusho background!  Oh what fun!!!

MARCH HOSTESS CODE:

3DXZ62JF

Click to see info on free class using Stampin' Blends.

Upcoming classes and events:

March 18 / Spring Open House / 2:00-5:00

Come and join in on the fun, see displays and demonstrations of our new Stampin' Blends and Brusho products.   RSVP by March 16, to help me prepare for our super fun party.  Use my March Hostess Code to order along with our party orders.  Online orders placed using my Hostess Code will be sent directly to you!

April 9 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.

We'll be making some beautiful Spring cards, using some fun coloring techniques on them.  You'll love them!

April 21 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.

Brusho!!!  We'll make a Swatch Book and a couple of beautiful cards using this gorgeous new product.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Last Month's Scraps and Prayers Class Christmas Project

Today's post is brought to you by some of my Scraps and Prayers group.  We made a Christmas decor project at our last class.  We had SO much fun!  I love this group.  It's open to anyone so, if you live in the area, you might want to give this one a try.  You'll leave with a smile on your face.  I promise. 

Our frame is an 8" round embroidery hoop.  The group loved this project - except for using some of my old adhesive sheets:)  Getting the backing off proved to be a bit of a challenge.  I assured them that the new sheets were much easier to use.  As I've said, I'm trying really hard to use up my 'stash' instead of hoarding it all.

We attached our DSP to a piece of cardboard backing from a DSP pack.  They're handy for so many things.  I then hot glued the DSP piece to the back of the hoop.  Speaking of hoops, there are some teeny, tiny hoops coming out in our upcoming Occasions Catalog.  They are adorable!!!  I hope to place my pre-order today and it will surely include some of these cuties.

We used up some of my old Sticky Tape by attaching it all around the outside edge of the hoop.  We peeled off the backing and attached some bright red ribbon.  Our old, retired bitty heart and star punches were very handy for this project.  I don't often part with a punch.  We used Red Glimmer paper for the hearts and Silver Foil for the stars.
NOTE:
There is a downside to hoarding retired products.  I recently made a large quantity of large gift bags for my daughter to use in her Christmas Shoppe at our church tomorrow.  I thought this would be a good time to use up the rest of my Sticky Tape.  Wrong!  I had several rolls left.  They were very old and absolutely stuck tight together.  I tried and tried and could not get them to unroll so I could use them.  I had to throw them all away.  I ended up using Fast Fuse ... and it was fast:)

I gave each person a Green Sprig to use on their project, but they didn't like how they wouldn't stay where they wanted them to be.  They'll use them for something else later.  No, the sprig below was not left like that.  I had a bit of cute/sassy actions going on that night.  My adhesive sheets brought out the best in everyone:)  Like I said, we have a lot of fun.

Below are two of their finished projects.  I love them!

Aren't these pretty?

The Latest Scoop:
I HAVE 2 REMAINING KITS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS RETREAT. / EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE 18 CARDS! / $40.00

December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
It's going to be a party atmosphere at our last class for 2017.  I've even been working on a hand made present for you!  The class is filling up fast, so be sure to reserve your spot right away!

Tentative 2018 classes and events schedule, coming soon!

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Simple 'Joy' Project ... A Joy to Create and A Joy to Display

I am over half-way finished with making up the kits and gift totes for the Christmas Retreat.  Since we've had to go to 'kits only' for this class, I'd suggest that you come up with your own ways to make this into your Retreat.  I know you'll enjoy making all 18 cards.  If you're wondering why it takes so long to make up your kit ...
When I'm finished, I will have put together enough kits to make over 180 cards.  Whew!  I look forward to hearing how your Retreat went and how you enjoyed finding your little surprise gifts.

While you're waiting on your kit, enjoy today's post.  It's one of my most favorite projects that I've ever made.  It brought me joy to create it, and now joy to enjoy having it on display ... and ... it will be a joy to reuse it as a part of my Christmas decor for years to come.

I've had this idea to create this project for a couple of years now.  It's lived in my head all this time.  This year, I finally took the time to make it happen.  I love it!  I've combined silver and gold embossing (mostly silver) and the word 'Joy' is cut from black CS and then silver foil.  I wanted the blue behind the beautiful star to be lighter than the DSP, so I layered it under a piece of vellum CS.  I wanted mostly silver on this project because I created it to pair with a gorgeous trio of silver angels.

Love, love, love it!  I added the light touches of gold to my project so it would tie in with all the silver and gold already on display.  The library cabinet that has the angels atop is right next to my mission style library table, where I have all the silver, gold, copper and even champagne.  I'll share an update on that soon, too.  Library cabinet?  Library table?  Gee, do you think it's that obvious that I used to be a teacher.  Seriously though, I love this style of furniture.

One thing I learned from this project is that I can go to my local craft store and have them cut a mat exactly the size I want, as well as the dimensions for the opening.  I never would have found a frame already on sale with these exact dimensions.  This is actually my second most favorite project for this year.  Wait until you see my number one!

 UP NEXT:

November 18 -- Christmas Retreat / KITS ONLY
     10:00-3:00 / NOW $40.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes all materials to make 18 cards. 
NOTE:
We are having a TON of conflicts come up with this date.  I am doing 'kits only' for this class.  I'm thinking that there is NO 'good date' in November for a big Saturday class.  I will have to  rethink this for next year.
   
I only have 3 kits remaining, so sign up fast to reserve yours. 

December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.