Lovely As A Tree

Although I immediately fell in love with this stamp set, I didn't buy it right away.  It was released nearly 5 years ago but I didn't buy it until about  6 months ago.  There are so many great things you can do with the images in this set.  The card I'm posting today is relatively simple and didn't take long to make.  Actually, I made the first card several months ago and when I needed a thank you card this morning I picked it out of my stash and popped a thank you sentiment on it.  Then I started thinking . .  .

I really like this card, do I want to give it away?  Well, it always bugged me that there was that spot in the middle where I didn't get it stamped right.  I can send it.  It was for a man so he's not likely to notice anyway, right?  I just had to make another one (without the defect) before giving the card up!  I also hadn't inked the card before I put it together and I wanted to make that change too.  It didn't take me long to recreate it. 

I hadn't used the Bat Punch in quite a while, did you already guess that I used it for the top border?  I cut a strip of Whisper White cardstock 1 3/4" wide and Inserted it into the Bat Punch as far as it would go.  I lined up the tip of the wing with the last punch and punched again on each side of the first punch.  Kind of cloud-like, right?

First I used the scallop Circle punch to create a cloud-like background on the Bashful Blue cardstock.  Just use a sponge dauber to add a little ink around a third of the punch.  I used Bashful Blue ink but you can experiment with different colors or even a Versamark pad.  I didn't want there to be too much contrast so I wanted to use the same color.

I stamped the stamp with 6 bare trees onto the Bashful Blue background as well as a strip of Certainly Celery, you don't need the whole image on the green, just the trunks and ground.  I cut along the ground line and matched it up to the tree trunks on the blue piece.  On my second card I added a bit of ribbon too.  So, what do you think, is the second card better than the original card?

Hippity Hoppity, Easter's on It's Way!

Nope, no Easter Bunnies in this post.  I wanted to show you a little basket I made that is a perfect little Easter decoration.  I found the template online a few months ago on Linn, my downline's blog.  She has a link to a PDF file that you can print it directly on your paper and not have to measure and trace it.

It is a little hard to tell in the picture but the basket has "slats" on the sides.  It is easy to put together, no adhesive needed.  I just punched a hole at the end of each slat and on the handle and put everything together with a brad.

This is what it looks like before you put it together.  You can leave the top and the handle plain but I punched it with the Scallop Trim Border Punch before assembling my basket.  You just take a brad (I used a Clear Rhinestone Brad, item #113114, $10.95 for 84 of them, that's about .08 cents each!) and start with the triangular piece.  Alternate the bottom slats, then middle, then top and pull the brad prongs apart and the basket is done! 

As I mentioned, the pattern can be printed off right on your paper but for my basket I wanted it to be a bit more sturdy than the Designer Paper that I was using so I printed it on Whisper White cardstock and adhered it to my DSP with the Anywhere Glue Stick.  Some of the DSP is thicker than the Springtime Vintage set I used for this project so you wouldn't need to use the extra cardstock if you are using thicker paper.  I reckon you are probably wondering about the "Easter grass" in the basket.  I just took the scraps of the paper (before I adhered the cardstock to it) and cut them into 1/16" strips and then ran them through the crimper.  Quick, easy and I love to use up those scraps!  I love the Springtime Vintage paper, it is only available until April 30 so if you've been admiring it you need to order it soon! 

Speaking of good things coming to an end, Sale-a-Bration ends Thursday!  LMK if you want to place an order before the free goodies go away, or you can click on my website (the catalog on the right sidebar) and order directly online.  After you place your regular order it will prompt you to add your free product.  I'm thinking that I need more of that fun ribbon/button bundle before the promotion ends!

BPPV

Anyone out there know what that stands for?  I won't boar you with the whole thing but it is a type of vertigo, one of the p's stands for positional.  Basically, when I lay down my head does this wonky banging around kind of thing that scares the bejebbies out of me (my head isn't actually moving, at least I don't think it is).  It isn't spinning like regular vertigo, it's way worse.  When I am up I have the regular spinning kind of vertigo, when I lay down, well - I'm sleeping in a recliner because there is no way I could sleep with that going on.  What a fun week I've had!  I tried to make a card to post but by the time I got the paper cut I just couldn't do any more.  I had a picture of a basket I made a while ago I was going to post but I can't find where I got the template and I know yall are going to want it so I'm looking, which isn't easy with the vertigo going on.

Then it dawned on me that I could repost a project from last year.  Easter is coming (hence, the basket I want to post) so here  is a reminder of some cute projects you can do.  I've got some new ideas brewing on that proverbial back burner so when the vertigo is gone I'll have some very fun things to post.

I love the little bunny basket.  He is so cute hopping away and I absolutely loved the idea of using the Trendy Trees set for the carrot!  I found the idea on "Stampin' Connection", a website for Stampin' Up demonstrators with lots of ideas and discussion about stamping, scrapbooking and 3-D projects.  It is such a wonderful place to go for ideas!  

The little square bag is made of fabric using the Square Scallop die.  It takes 5 quilted squares and is so quick and easy to make.  Doesn't it make a great little Easter basket?  I've made them without the handle too so I could use it as a mini trash can for my scrapping table. 

Hey, if you've been wanting a Big Shot so you can make these fun creations, you should get it during Sale-a-
Bration.  That way you can get 2 of the Sale-a-Bration exclusive stamps or that great scrapbooking kit or the adorable (and plentiful) ribbon and button bundle.  There is also a digital special this year.  You can use it if you don't have Stampin' Up's digital program but if you aren't in the market for a Big Shot, how about getting the MDS program to earn those fun freebies??  There is a week left of Sale-a-Bration so be sure to order what you need before the clock hands turn to midnight on March 31!  I'd be glad to answer any questions you have, wrightplace4 @ mindspring dot com.

One more thing, if you have ever thought about joining Stampin' Up as a business opportunity or just to get your products at a discount, there is a great special on the Starter Kit until March 31st also.  It is 15% off PLUS you can get $50 worth of additional product that isn't usually included!  You can also pick which stamp sets and colors of ink pads you get in your kit.  The kit is a $310 value plus the $50 so you will get $360 worth of Stampin' Up supplies for $148.75.  I'm no math genius but that is more than half price!  Email me if you are interested and I'll guide you through the very easy process of becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator!

OK, so I lied.  There is one more thing.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY WENDY!!!!
Today is my oldest daughter's birthday.  I won't tell you how old she is because that would be giving away how old I am too! 

Cards for card class

I've been having a scrapbook group for several years.  The group is a lot of fun, I prepare a 2 page 12X12 layout for the group members and they order $25 worth of Stampin' Up product to pay for that layout and the class instructions.  I try to use some of the latest supplies and a new technique in the layouts so the class members really get their money's worth.  I get 12 layouts a year for my own pictures as well - win/win situation!

The class members also get to trade off getting hostess rewards so they really get their money's worth from the club.  I recently had a new member join who doesn't want to do scrapbook layouts, she wants to make cards.  I used the same supplies we were using in the layouts to create the cards for her to copy.  She will make 2 of each of these 3 cards so she will be getting 6 cards (with envelopes) a month with her club membership.  I have room for at least one more member to the club so if you want to make a 2 page 12X12 layout or 6 cards a month, let me know and I'll include you in our fun club!

Here are the cards:

Ice Cream Parlor Layout

The March scrapbook club met yesterday.  We did a layout with the Ice Cream Parlor paper on Certainly Celery.  I love the bright colors and patterns of the Ice Cream Parlor paper.  I used so much of it on other things that I didn't have a lot left for the club layout!  I chose to go with circles, they are always fun on a layout.  I also love the ribbon and button pack in the Sale-a-Bration catalog, they add a lot to a layout or card.

Here is a close-up of the bottom border of the layout.  You can see how I took a 1 1/2 inch wide piece of Rose Red cardstock and punched each side with the Scallop Border Punch, then added the ribbon down the middle of it for a fun border.

Another close-up, you can see the difference of using the sponge dauber to add a little ink around the edges like I did on the right hand page and not inking like on the left page.

Note card and Sweet Stitches card

This cute little 2X4 inch card fits perfectly in the Scallop Envelope die.  I love all the embossing and fun butterflies in bright colors and the small size makes producing a card quick and easy.  This card was made by

Doris Estes.  Just add a nice note in it would brighten anyone's day! 

The Sweet Stitches Designer Series Paper makes a great background for this Thinking of You card.  I really like the color combinations on this paper.  Designed by Sue Erickson, the Sweet Buttons Embosslit and Sew Suite stamp set finishes off this card wonderfully.  Whether the receiver sews or not, they will enjoy this card.

Of Cupcakes and Science Fairs

I wasn't sure about the Cupcake Punch and Stamp set at first but the more I see them the more I want them!  Look at this cute card that Jane Mykleby sent me.  I love the bright colors, the unconventional size and the cute cupcakes with glittery cherries on top!  It would brighten anyone's birthday, wouldn't it?  The bright colors are Rose Red, Certainly Celery and Tempting Turquoise.  Aren't they a great combination??  The Cupcake punch and stamp set are from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Here is my Grandson, Dalten.  He got second place of all the second graders in his school at the Science Fair today.  He goes to the local university to compete against all the other elementary schools in the area next.  He did a great job and was pretty excited about it.  He is a sweet and very smart 8 year old, I love being his grandma!

A Cute Little Note Card and a Thank You Card

FYI, at the end of this post is info about a friend's blog candy, read on!

It's late and I have to get up early, very early tomorrow but I wanted to share a couple of more of the swap cards from our last team meeting. 

First is a round card, cut with the Scalloped Circle die.  The creator didn't put her name on the back so I don't know who to credit for the card but it is a sweet little card and the interesting shape makes it all the more interesting.  She folded a piece of Whisper White cardstock and cut the die so that the fold wasn't cut.  Then the Bravo Burgundy cardstock circle was cut to match the top fold.  She even took the time to go around the whole card with the 1/4" hand held circle punch and punch each scallop on the top layers.  You can't really tell by the picture but the little girl from the Easter Blossoms set is covered with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. 

The Whisper White and Concord Crush card was made by Kathy Brown.  She embossed both layers, the Whisper White with the Polka Dot Embossing Folder and the Concord Crush with the Elegant Lines Embossing folder.  Some of the circles have tiny little Basic Pearls in them as well as the little butterfly's wing on the Thank You sentiment from the Oval All stamp set. 

A good friend who's blog is not stamping or scrapbook related is giving away a $25 Bath and Body Works gift certificate plus a gorgeous red handmade scarf that is way cool.  She is choosing Friday morning so go check it out and sign up!

http://thebeverlybuzz.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-you-ready-yes-im-ready.html

Card Case

Another one of the projects we made at our team meeting was this fun card case.  This would make such a quick and easy gift that would look fantastic!  We used one of the plastic stamp cases and placed a piece of the Love Letters Designer Series Paper inside.  We decorated it with a strip of red cardstock and a length of lace on the inside of the case and a red flower cut with the Fun Flowers die was attached to the outside of the case.  I hadn't bought any of the Love Letters paper yet but I really like it.  Yet another thing to add to the list of things I want!

There is room in the cases for quite a few cards and envelopes.  It might be nice to add a book of stamps in the case if you are giving it as a gift.  I think it is a gift nearly anyone would appreciate and be able to use.

The Best Wishes card uses a Sale-a-Bration set called Bliss.  It is a free set you can get for hostessing a workshop or for placing a $50 order.  The Sale-a-Bration ends at the end of March, don't miss out on the best sale of the year!  I have space for a couple of more workshops before the end of the month, just email me to reserve a time to have your friends over and have fun stamping and creating. 

3 Rather Elegant Swaps

I got some great swap cards at the meeting last week!  These 3 are very elegant and beautiful.  Sometimes when I have to do a swap in a hurry I feel a little guilty when I get great cards in  return for my so-so card.  This was definitely the case with these 3 cards!

First is an Easter Blessings card with no name on the back of it so I don't know who to give credit for it.  She used the Abundant Hope set from last year's Occasions Mini catalog.  The set is no longer available but you can substitute a different flower for the buttercup.  Why oh why didn't I order that set last year?  If you read yesterday's post (yes, I'm posting 2 days in a row!  That seldom happens) then you know how much I love buttercups.  I also love the way that wide ribbon adds such a unique touch to this card and the DSP behind the eyelet border punched card front is another great technique.  I love this not-to-bright but very sunny card!

Next is a beautiful Thinking Of You card made by Patti Keitzmn.  She said it is CASEd but didn't say where she got the idea.  The big shot for the embossed background and our fantastic Basic Pearls are a quick way to add an elegant touch.  She also used the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch and stamped her floral image and punched it out with the Wide Oval punch.  You know how I like to add a bit of texture through inking so I love that Patti inked around the oval before attaching it to her card with Stampin Dimentionals.

Last is a beautiful sympathy card made by Linda Cathey.  I had 2 funerals Saturday so I really needed this idea.  The stamp set is called Thanks for Caring and is in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The Sympathy sentiment and the butterfly are both in this set.  I love the Very Vanilla/Chocolate Chip color combination for a sympathy card.  It is soothing and warm.  Linda also used a length of the 1 1/4" Striped Grossgrain Ribbon and Basic Pearls and layered it on a Tulip Frame embossed background.  I think it is a very tasteful sympathy card.