Sketch Template Series, Part 2

Are you up for another great sketch template?  Here we go for today's sketch #2 of our Team project.

I have several cards today, using this template.  You may notice that we are keeping these simple.  Our goal is to share that you can make great cards without them being overly complicated.  While it's fun to make a super fancy card with all the bells and whistles, the reality is that we don't have time to make every card be this way.  You may also notice that it is incredibly fun to make a simple card that looks really great.  It is very rewarding.

Sketch #2 has a border down the front, rather than covering all the front of the card.  Notice how Jenn used a cute little scallop border tucked into one side of the card.  This card showcases the pinwheel die, which works so well with the Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP.

This is a card I made from the Dude, You're Welcome Kit.  I'll be sharing more of these cards soon.  I also used the little 'speckled' stamp from the Paper Pumpkin Welcome Kit.  I just love that stamp!

This card showcases the Tea for Two DSP and the Oh, Hello stamp set.  I stamped over the En Francais background and then cut the layers out with our framelits.

I cut the embossed layer a little shorter for this card, to show how you can vary the design.  You could also change the card to a landscape orientation. 

So there you have it.  Some great cards that look great and feel great to make!  Have you tried a template sketch yet to jump-start your creativity?  Get going now and have a super day!

Sketch Template Series, Part 1

Today's post is the beginning of a series on how to use templates to design your cards.  This is a project that I started at my last Team Meeting.  There are many ways you can get inspiration for designing a card and using a template is a great way to jump-start your creativity.

At my Team Meeting (Inkin' in the Land of Lincoln), I presented everyone with 4 card sketch templates.  These 4 were designed by my daughter, Jenn.  The assignment was to choose 3 of the 4 sketches to create three cards.  I put out several choices of DSP, along with coordinating stamps and CS and let everyone get started.  I am always amazed at what everyone creates.  We had a lot of fun!  I actually created 2-3 cards for each template because I wanted to show how versatile a template can really be and I wanted to share it all with everyone.

Let's start today with our first sketch:

 

Here are the cards we have so far.  I should have more soon from out-of-state team members.  We sometimes take a while to get everything coordinated.  

I haven't always shown them in the photos, but I do make coordinating envelopes to go with all my cards.

So, if you're ever having a creative block, using a template sketch is one way to get a jump-start on your creativity.

Today's cards were all created using this same template, along with the coordinating stamps and DSP for Storybook Friends and World Treasures.  In case you are wondering, neither of these stamp sets is retiring.  There is a tab at the very top of my page that you can click to check out what all is retiring.  If there's something you're thinking about getting, do not wait.  Many items are already gone, so don't miss out on something from your wish list.

I hope today's post inspires you to try using this sketch (or others) to create some wonderful cards.  Please do me the honor of leaving a comment if you decide to give it a try and play along with us in this little series.

Next up:  I'll have 3 more templates for you, each in their own post.  Be sure to check back for more creative inspiration.

Be sure to check out my class schedules for upcoming events.  Have a great day.

Let Stampin' Up! Products Help You Create A Party!

Today is Olive Jane's birthday party and her mom and I have kind of a tradition going of getting together and making all her party decorations.  Olive Jane is all about Minnie Mouse right now, so that's our theme.  Years ago, I learned from a fellow church member that, once you do something for two years in a row, it becomes a tradition.  We're there now!

Using Big Shot dies and circle punches, it was easy to come up with our decorations.

We've had a lot of rain and/or wind here lately, so I had to shoot these inside.  I realize that I forgot to take a photo of the birthday hat and the thank you, so I'll have to post those later.

 

 These are the favor boxes.  They will have treats in cello bags inside them.

The banner is held together with dotted ribbon pieces between each circle.  It will hang from the window (curtain rod) behind the party table.

It should be a really fun party.  Can you keep a secret?  We're giving her a big wagon for her birthday.  Shhhhhhh!

Happy Birthday!

Today is the second birthday of my sweet little Olive Jane.  How did 2 years go by so fast?

We will celebrate tomorrow afternoon, but she already received her big birthday present.  Her daddy made this himself and her mommy painted it.  When they gave it to her, she said:  "No way!!!!"  She is becoming quite fluent in trendy ways to say things!

She has become quite fascinated by Mim-me Mouse, so that will be her party theme.  My DIL chose to use photo invites this year --- really cute ones --- so we just had a few other things to get ready for the party.  We made a banner, favor boxes (to put treats in), thank you notes... and I even made a birthday hat.  I don't know if she will wear it for even a while, but we can always hope.

I will show you the party decorations in one of my next posts.  I have to go now.  I have a little apron to sew, to match her new kitchen!  See that hook in the top photo?  That's for the apron:)

Don't forget to check out my previous posts for news of upcoming classes and exciting changes in future classes.  Come back soon to see sneak peeks of projects made with new products!

Retirement is Fun ... Changes are Good ... and my Last Try It Kit Journal

First up, I want to share my last Try It Kit journal with you.  This one is very vintage in style.  It was super fun to make it.  If you missed my previous posts, check back here and here.  

My previous post has all the details for making a journal.  For this one, I added some bits of burlap, crochet trim, linen thread and a fancy button from our Artisan Embellishments Kit.  I am not sure if I like this one the best or the one with the seashells and sand dollars.  I love them both.  After we lost my mother to cancer, in going through her things, we often found little notebooks and journals with notes jotted in them.  I must have inherited some sort of gene for loving little books and journals:)

The remainder of today's post is all about 'out with the old and in with the new.'  Retiring items are going fast and I'm knee deep in big plans for the remainder of the calendar year.  Throw out your old schedules and get ready to embrace the new --- new catalog, new products, new class events, new and improved class events ... and it's all good!

Even rubber stamps deserve a good retirement!  I love this guy.  This is just a reminder to check the retirement list frequently.  We have 2 lists going... one for stamps and one for accessories.  When items are gone; they're gone.  Also, I sometimes forget to mention that the retirement list includes discounts!!!  If you are planning on ordering to qualify to attend the May 5 Left-Overs Party, you can really stretch your dollars a long way.  You can order up a boatload of new goodies AND go home with a boatload of finished projects from the class, not to mention prizes!!!  It's a win-win situation!!!

Now, for the new!  Please note and save this information.  More details will be coming soon.

Our last Friday 3-4-5 will be May 10.
Our last Walk-In Wednesday will be May 22.
Our last round of Hostess Scrapbook Club will be June 3.

I am NOT doing away with all of these classes.  I am going about them in a better way; a way that will make better use of my time and yours and give us more for our money, as well.  

These new plans are based on comments such as:
"I love all your classes and wish I could attend them all...  I love being in a club, but don't know if I can commit for 6 months at a time... I love your cards and love making the cards with lots of layers and embellishments the best... I love projects --- all kinds of projects... I love making little albums... I need to win the lottery so I can come to everything... I have accumulated a lot of products and am outgrowing my space... I have accumulated a lot of products and need help using them all... I wish I could attend all your classes, but can only come so many times a month... "

I could go on and on but you get the idea.  You talk and I listen.

Here's a peek at what's in the works:

We will have a new club, starting July 1 --- a Stamp Club.

• We will make all kinds of things, from cards to 3-D projects to scrapbooking...  
• You will sign up for just 3 months at a time.  
• I will show you everything that we'll be making for the 3 months BEFORE you sign up.  
• You will be required to pay $40.00 at least 2-4 weeks prior to the date we meet.  
• That money will be used for ordering all the products we will need to complete our special class projects.  
• All products left over from kits and packages, etc. you will get to keep and take home.  
• Stamp Club members may still attend Scraps and Prayers for 1/2 price.
• All classes will now include adhesive in the price of the class.  You won't have to bring your own.
• I think you will love the variety of projects that you will get to create.
• Instead of feeling bad that you can't be in a club AND come to a stamp camp, this will be a combined type of event.  You can do it all!!!
• More details soon, as well as sneak peeks at projects. 

Instead of a Friday 3-4-5 Card Buffet Class, we will have a Friday Night Cards Class.  

• This class will still meet on the second Friday of each month.
• You will make 6 beautiful cards, that have layers, embellishments, perhaps a bit of bling...
• Envelopes AND adhesive will be included.
• I will spread the type of cards out to include all occasions and focus a lot on holidays as we near each special holiday --- particularly Fall and Christmas. 
• Class fee will be just $16. and you must pay to register at least 2 days prior to the class. 
• All classes will now include adhesive in the price of the class.  You won't have to bring your own.

Instead of 3rd Thursday or other types of Stamp Camps, I am moving those projects to the Stamp Club.  It gives everyone more opportunity to do more!

• You will see all projects ahead of time and can sign up for just 3 months at a time.  
• You will get way more in value than the $40. you'll spend each month for the 3 months; I'm positive! 

The one class I will no longer be offering is the Walk-In Wednesday.  I liked doing it, but it was not supported enough to merit adding it to the schedule on a regular basis.  It was an experiment.  If you miss a class, I will still make a kit for you and be sure that you get it finished.  You will not be left out in the cold. 

Christmas News / Christmas Retreat

• I am still, tentatively planning on a Christmas Retreat (Sat., Nov. 16) to help us prepare for the holidays. 
• Details for this event will be announced soon.  
• Save the date!  
• If you join the Stamp Club, we will make holiday creations, as we get closer to the holidays.  
• The Friday Night Cards Class will include some Christmas cards, as we get closer to the holidays.
• If you join Stamp Club, attend Friday Night Cards Class AND come to the Christmas Retreat, you will end up with way more than previously planned in the schedule AND at a great deal of time and savings to us all.

So, in summary, here's what will be on the calendar for each month:

• Stamp Club
• Scraps and Prayers
• Team Meeting
• Friday Night Cards Class
• Special Events will be added occasionally, if noted, such as the Christmas Retreat

So... that's a lot to digest for one day.  You may want to print this out.  It is tentative, so I will let you know if there are any changes, errors, or anything.  Please let me know if you have questions.

Another Journal from the Try It Kit

In my last post, I showed you a journal that was pretty much like the suggested version.  Today, let's step it up a bit!  Here's a vintage version with a little seaside thrown in for fun.

Here's how I made it:

• I stamped directly onto the journal, using Crumb Cake and Soft Suede inks.
• I sponged around the edges of the journal with Soft Suede ink.
• I wrapped linen thread around the front cover of the journal.
• I tied in some seam binding and crochet trim.
• I attached a piece of the gorgeous lace from our Artisan's Kit.
• I stamped a shell and some sand dollars, cut them out and attached them over the lace.
• Liquid Tombow holds everything securely in place.

That's it!  A beautiful, vintage journal in no time at all.

After all the excitement of getting to peek at the new catalog online yesterday, not to mention ordering a few of the new goodies, I am still kind of reeling.  My advise to you:  If you want to get something from the current catalog - DO NOT WAIT - get it now, because things will be going fast.  Once they're gone; they're gone.

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

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Try It ... a Wonderful Little Journal Kit

I love, love, love the little journals that come in the Try It Kit.  The kit is designed for those who would like a little taste of what our Paper Pumpkin Kits are all about... thus the name:  'Try It.'  The kit comes with 2 little journals and embellishments to decorate them, along with 2 stamps and even an acrylic block, not to mention a cute little Stampin' Spot so you have the ink to get stamping right away.

I decided to make the first journal pretty much like the kit suggested.  Then, I made 2 more that were totally different.

Today, I'll share the first one with you.

I did add a little extra stamping on mine.  I just couldn't stop!  I think I'll use this one to carry with me in my purse for those times when you need to jot something down and you're on the go.

Here's a closer look at what comes in the kit:

It is still available now, even though March is over.  I have 4 kits left now, here in my studio.  We are allowed to sell these directly, so you can get your hands on the fun right away.  Contact me if you would like a kit.

It comes in a cute little box like this:

You open it... and wow... Let the fun begin!

I'll be sharing my other little journals with you soon.  Now, I'm off to study the new catalog and figure out my demonstrator pre-order today.  One of the many perks of being a demonstrator is that you get to enjoy sneak peeks before everyone else and order selected products early.  Oh, the excitement!

Come back soon to see my other journals, along with what I'm making with the My Paper Pumpkin Kits.  I cannot show you any new products before the new catalog goes live, but I CAN share my projects with you that I make with new product, so be sure to come back and check it out.  Have a great day!

Sent With Love... a Cute Little Mini Album

Our Sent With Love Bundle is a lot of fun to use for making a little mini album.  I've made a couple of others using this same process and thought it would be fun to make one with our Sent With Love papers.

These are the very last of my stash of retired little scalloped edged paper bags.  I had just enough for 1 more journal.  I attached all the pages using Calypso Coral Baker's Twine.

... and ... Here is the back cover.

One of the sheets has all these cute little pieces on it.  I cut them out and used them to decorate the pages.  You can slip mementos into the open ends of each bag, or add pieces of CS with stamped images on them or attached photos.  This would be the perfect journal for a trip.

You can use most any paper to create your own mini album.  You don't even have to have paper bags.  You could just use CS or chipboard pages and attach photos and embellishments onto each one.  You are limited only by your imagination.  Of course, if you really like the paper bag idea, you can always look for different sizes of bags in the gift-wrapping section of local stores.  Try it!

In case you missed them, here is a link to the other paper bag mini albums that I made.   

By the way, I had all these little pieces left over, along with a lot of DSP.  I think I'll use them to make some cards!

I'll have to share those in another post.  Our Sent With Love Bundle promotion ends on April 30, so order one soon if you'd like to try this idea.

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

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.