Stampin' Up Convention next week!

The Stampin' Up Convention is next week and I'm so excited that I get to go again this year. They have absolutely wonderful conventions and I come away with lots of goodies and so many ideas, I just totally enjoy it! The convention doesn't start till next Wednesday but I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon. I have a class at Julie's in Mt. Juliet and it doesn't end until 11 so I'm getting a motel room near the Nashville airport so I will be able to get 2 extra hours of sleep. I have to be to the airport at 7:30 Saturday morning.

I'm bringing my computer and camera so I should be able to post often at the convention and share some of the fun with you :~) I have 75 swap cards for one swap mostly finished. I have my Wow presentation nearly finished. I have 2 of the 3 shoebox swaps done and have a good start on another 80 swap cards. Something tells me that 1400 miles on a plane won't be enough time to finish everything! There never seem to be enough hours in my day. What? You are saying that maybe I should have started all this more than a week ago? I reckon you are very right! Maybe one day I'll learn . . .


I got this adorable little card from Julie as a congratulations on my last recruit. It is so cute and made me feel so good when I got it. That is one of the great things about sending a homemade card. It not only lets the recipient know you are thinking about them, it also lets them know you think they are special enough for you to spend time creating that card yourself. Who can you send a card to today to brighten their day and let them know that you care?

Friends Never Fade

I actually found a few minutes to make a card. That happens far too rarely these days for me. I'm frantically working on my swaps for the Stampin' Up Convention next week too. The blackberries, corn and tomatoes are coming in so I've been busy not only in the garden but also in the kitchen. I really need a clone! Of course, I'd stick her in the kitchen and I'd head to the stamp room!

Speaking of my stamp room, when I'm busy like this my desk (and right now my chair) get buried in all kinds of paper, ribbon and other goodies. The busier I am the worse my stamp room gets. Right now I have been taking my stamps and supplies out to the kitchen table to work on my projects. My 7 year old grandson spent the night with us last night and he followed me into the stamp room to get something this morning. He looked around and said "If every room in your house looked like this you could get on America's Messiest Homes". I didn't know such a show existed but I'm afraid he is right. My stamp room is in dire need of help! I reckon it will have to wait till after convention though.

I love the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. I brayered some Tempting Turquoise ink over one side of the embossing folder and placed a square of Whisper White paper in it to get the background for this card. I really like the way it turned out. Then it was as simple as layering it on a piece of Pumpkin Pie and Tempting Turquoise cardstock, Tying 2 lengths of ribbon around it, stamping the image from Friends Never Fade in Pumpkin Pie and mounting it above the ribbons with Stampin' Dimensionals. I'm sure you will see a few more cards made with the Friends Never Fade set here very soon.

3 Beautiful Cards and Lawn Mower news

I have gotten 3 beautiful cards the past couple of days. I thought yall would enjoy them too. The first card is from Marisol Gutierrez and features the Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit, Finial Press Embossing Folder and Inspired By Nature stamp set. She brayered on blue and green ink onto Glossy White Cardstock to make the striking focal point of the card and added a couple of strips of blue ribbon for more texture. I think it is a beautiful card.

Second is a card from Diana Eichfeld. She used what is currently my favorite Designer Series Paper, the Island Oasis paper from the Summer Mini catalog. I just love the bright colors and cheerful designs in that pack! She also used the big flower from the Punched Posies stamp set, punching it out with the new XL Fancy Flower punch. Adding a border on the Tempting Turquoise strip with the Scallop Trim Border punch and a grossgrain ribbon were the perfect finishing touch for a very happy Happy Birthday card.

Third is another great card from Wendy Afflek. She used the fabulous new Because I Care stamp set to cover the background yellow paper and then ran it through the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. It makes a great background for the card. Also notice the 1/8" Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon. This new ribbon style comes in 13 of Stampin' Up's colors and is so pretty and fun to use.

Last of all, I wanted to show you what the Husquvarna Dealer delivered to our house. One of the things I've always loved about Stampin' Up is their great customer service. They are so quick to get any problems straightened out for me. Well, I reckon Husquvarna is the same way because they delivered our brand new, bigger and better model of riding mower today. They even hauled off the burned out mower. The driver was amazed at how burned the mower was. he wasn't expecting it to be TOTALLY burned out! It is great to find a company who stands by their product. Molly is checking out the new mower. She has to give everything the sniff test!

Tagged Again!

I've gotten several tags and the cards are all beautiful. I got another one today. I didn't share my last one with you either so I'll post both of the cards today. The one I got today was from Sharon Field, I love the Sage Shadow and Basic Gray colors and all the layers. The pattern paper is the Nouveau Chic from the catalog that just retired.

I got the second card a couple of weeks ago but never got around to posting it. It is another beautiful card made by Karen Barineau. It uses the Very Vintage wheel, probably my favorite wheel. I love the way she sponged the color on the card. A nice technique that brings muted color to the card.

July Classes and blog candy winners

I'm only going to have 3 classes in July but I do have a few dates left for workshops if you want to be one of the first to have a home workshop and get to use the new stamps and paper and a copy of the new catalog. It is a beautiful catalog filled with wonderful projects and products!

For a full schedule of classes and events, go to my website calendar.

Here is our July layout, perfect for a day in the pool, at the beach or on a cruise - pictures from just about any summer day would work! We will use the beautiful, bright and fun Island Oasis paper and the Tropical Party stamp set. Also, we will add texture with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder, paper beads and hemp twine. The Scrapbook Class will be Tuesday, July 13 from 10-noon. Cost is $15 or free to club members with their $25 purchase. I have room for a couple of more people in my scrapbook club so ask for details. I plan a great layout every month and provide a pre-cut kit. You can use my stamps and punches, just bring scissors, trimmer and adhesive. You will have the opportunity to be the hostess and get the free hostess set and $15 in other Stampin Up merchandise during the club's run.

Right before the Scrapbook Class I will hold a New Catalog Blast Off so you can see what is new, get your own catalog for the 2010/11 Stampin' Up year, enter for doorprizes and have a chance to buy some of my retired product. I will also have a make-n-take table with a fun project for you to make. This will be from 9-10 on July 13.

On July 15 I will have a Retirement Party. We will create several projects with my retired paper, ribbon, buttons and stamp sets. I will have what's left from Tuesday's New Catalog get together sale for you to purchase as well as more doorprizes to win. There will only be a $5 supply fee for this class. It will be from 2-4 on Thursday, July 15.

I'll be going to the Stampin' Up convention the week after that! I was shocked that airfare has almost doubled since last years convention. I'm sure it will be worth it though, I love the conventions. They are packed full of fun, swapping, inspiration and projects. After I get back from convention I will have a Card Class using some of the brand new papers, inks and stamp sets from the new catalog. That will be on Friday, July 30 from 2-4. Class fee will be $10 for a set of 3 cards and a fun card holder.

To sign up for a class or to order your new catalog, email me at wrightplace4@mindspring.com

I totally forgot to draw for the 200th post blog candy Friday so I finally got around to drawing today. And the winner of the set of 10 cards is: The Wheeler 5! I also had a card set for the 100th blog follower and her name is Mary B. Thanks girls, one for being a loyal follower almost from the beginning and the other for signing up to be my 100th follower. Email me with your address so I can get your cards sent to you.

And 2 more pictures, not of SU projects but of the main excitement around here for the day. My husband was mowing the lawn and had 1 more pass to make until he was finished. Then the lawn mower caught on fire! We couldn't get it out with 2 fire extinguishers and called the fire dept. I love all the advantages of living in the country but one of the disadvantages is that the volunteer fire dept that serves us is almost 15 minutes away. Even if they had been next door though, the mower would have been a total loss. Maybe not as total as it is but a goner none the less. We are hoping that since it is only 14 months old and still under warranty they will replace it without too much hassle.

Teeny Tiny Pink Cast

This is my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter, Malia. She broke her leg a few weeks ago and she choose a purple cast. After a week or so they had to put on a different cast and she chose pink for this one. She didn't really try to walk at first but is getting pretty good at it now. They are visiting from GA and I took a video of her this afternoon. I couldn't figure out how to change the orientation of it so you may just have to lay down to watch it! I also don't know how to edit out her daddy talking on the phone. I have sooooooo much to learn, I'll always have something to live for!

I am finalizing my July classes and will try to get them posted Monday. I think you will like the layout for my July scrapbook class, I know I do!

35 FREE gifts! Anniversary give away

July 1st is my 35th wedding anniversary. Wow, when I look at our wedding picture I am struck by how young I was! I was 20 but I looked about 15. I'm afraid I look my age now, 4 kids will do that to you!

Elaine's anniversary give-away - celebrating 35 years of marriage with 35 gifts to YOU! Here is how you can earn some:

The first 15 people who place a $25+ order with me will get their choice of a free inkpad from one of my retiring ink pad colors. Some are slightly used, some are still in the shrink wrap. First to order chooses her color first. You can order from my web site, email me (wrightplace4@mindspring.com) or call me with your order.

The colors I have are:
*Pixie Pink
*Pink Passion (unopened)
*Cameo Coral
*Orchid Opulence
*Ruby Red
*Only Orange
*Marigold Morning
*Apricot Appeal
*Yo Yo Yellow (unopened)
*Gable Green
*Green Galore
*Handsome Hunter
*Ballet Blue (unopened)
*Close to Cocoa
*Going Gray (unopened)





The first 10 people to place a $50+ order with me will get their choice of a free pack of ink products from my retiring product I have on hand. (First to order chooses her ink products first) All packs include ink pad, marker. Some include both a reinker and a wheel cartridge and some have only a reinker or only a cartridge, as indicated below.

*Brocade Blue (large wheel cartridge)
*Lovely Lilac (large wheel cartridge but no reinker)
*Sage Shadow (small wheel cartridge)
*Glorious Green (small wheel cartridge)
*Lavender Lace (small wheel cartridge)
*Summer Sun (small wheel cartridge)
*Bordering Blue (small wheel cartridge)
*Brilliant Blue (no wheel cartridge)
*Pale Plum (no wheel cartridge)
*Really Rust (no wheel cartridge)

The first 10 home workshops booked with me that have qualifying sales of $150 will get their choice of a free stamp set and 2 markers from my retiring sets or free Designer Series Paper pack and 2 markers. All are retired stamps, paper and markers that I have on hand. Hostesses will get to chose in the order they booked, not the date of the workshop. Free stamps or paper will be delivered at the workshop. I will do a workshop within a 100 mile radius of Clarksville, TN. That includes a lot of KY. These free gifts are in addition to the generous hostess program that Stampin' Up! offers its hostesses. Workshops must be held by Sept 30 to qualify for free extras. Email me (wrightplace4@mindspring.com) to set up a date soon!

Stamp sets available:
*Of the Earth
*Organic Grace
*Happy Moments
*Patterned Pines
*Congrats
*Sweet Little Sentiments
*Botanical Blooms
*Polka Dot Punches

DSP available:
*Bella Rose
*Parisian Breeze
*Recollections

I've also got some goodies for anyone who wants to join my Stampin' Up team! With the $99 mini kit that is available, now is a great time to become a Stampin' Up demonstrator. Hurry though, the offer ends today. You can sign up on my website or contact me with any questions and I'll help you out. If you are a former demonstrator, there is a great deal coming up for the month of July for you to rejoin for only $35! If you've been thinking about rejoining, there surely will never be a better time.

I hope that is all clear. I've got a lot of retiring product on hand that needs to go. Not that my husband would leave me because of all my stuff (he would have left a loooonnnngggg time ago if that was the case!) but it will make him happier. Humm, I wonder what we will be doing in another 35 years! I reckon most couples don't make it to their 70th anniversary though.

200th post! Blog Candy!

This is my 200th post! I can't believe it has been so many, it doesn't seem like I could have posted that many times. My heartfelt thanks to my loyal readers and my new readers alike! I also noticed that I have 99 followers. I reckon my 1ooth should get a little blog candy too. Sooo, I'm giving away 2 assorted card packs I've made. They will each have 10 cards in them. One will go to one of the people who post a comment on this blog post (I'll draw a name on Friday), and the other will go to the 100th follower. I'll announce both blog candies on Friday after I draw.

When you comment, be sure to leave a blog address so I can know how to get ahold of you to get your address and send your cards! Sorry the colors are kind of washed out of the pictures. For some reason I couldn't get a good shot today. Maybe I should invest in one of those photo cubes. It is interesting how the colors of my veggies in the basket behind the cards look bright but the cards don't. Oh well, the veggies are beautiful! I jsut picked some of them about 1/2 hour ago. Now THAT'S fresh!

Good luck everyone and thanks again!

New Stuff, FREE Stuff and Swap Cards!

Here is a picture of some of the free things I have gotten from Stampin' Up the past month. I love it when they give me free stamps and stuff! The company is so good to it's demonstrators, that is another great reason for you to join my team! I got the 6 new colors of ink pads and cardstock and 13 markers, the 6 new colors and 7 from the past In Colors that are returning as permanent (at least until the next color renovation) colors to our palet. Since there were problems in production (not Stampin' Up's fault) they gave everyone a new hostess stamp set called Because I Care. That helped me be more patient while I waited :~)

I also got 2 free stamp sets from the Sale-a-Bration promotion we did Jan-March. I could have ordered something sooner but I wanted to wait until I could get some of the new sets when the catalog pre-0rder came out. I ended up getting an alphabet set and a level 3 hostess set. I used the alphabet set on the July layout that I will be posting in a few days, keep your eye out for it!

As much as I like to get free goodies, I love to give them away too! I'm going to be giving away free stuff starting June 30. I'm getting my post ready for the details of my 35th wedding anniversary give away. I have ink pads, markers, reinkers, wheel cartridges and stamp sets - 35 gifts for you! Check back Wednesday to see how you can earn free Stampin' Up products too. These products will be retired but they still work!

In the mean time, enjoy a few of the swap cards I got last week at my Stampin' Up team meeting. There were lots of cards with that beautiful free set Because I Care. I love that hydranga, I'm seeing so many ways to color the flower, I can't wait to try them all! The pink and purple hydrangia is from Sue Erickson. She used the 2 colors of ink to show the highlights and shadows as well as the different colors you can get from hydrangias depending on the soil, sun and moisture. Her flower is beautiful on a Crumb Cake embossed background.

Top right is another beautiful card. the creator didn't put her name on the back which is a shame, it is so beautiful I'd love to give her credit. I love how she made a lacy border and used the little long stamp in the Because I Care set down the middle of it.

The other 2 cards weren't signed either but show some other great ways to use this stamp set. Notice the background blue paper on the lower right one? It is stamped with a single hydrangia bloom stamp from the set. did I mention that I really like this set that I got free, hey, you can get it free too! It is a level 1 hostess set!

4 more swap cards and then I reckon I'll go start supper. Another no-name card on both the left ones, isn't the top on nice with it's neutral colors and simple design? And the talented lady who made the lower left one did a great job of coloring the Courage stamp. On the right side, the beautiful card on the top was made by Stacy Bowers. She used the new Greenhouse Gala paper and the Friends Never Fade stamp set which are both so pertty but her ribbon treatment makes this a fantastic card! I need to get my sewing maching out to use on cards more often!

The last card is a fun card that Linda Cathey cased from Mary Fish. I love the lollipop flower with the butterfly sitting on it, what a fun touch. I like how she embossed the Old Olive paper with the polka dot embossing folder before cutting the leaves and stems from it. Very nice touch.

Another Resist Card, New Kits for Great Prices, New Acrylic Blocks

There is a lot going on as Stampin' Up ends it's year and we get ready for the new catalog to begin on July 1st. I love the new catalog. As always, it is full of great projects and there are beautiful new stamp sets and accessories to add to your wish list! But first, we still have a few days left of June and the last chance list. Be sure to check it out and order before they are gone. Not only does the new 2010/2011 catalog begin on July 1st, it is also my 35th wedding anniversary. I'm going to be announcing something soon, I have to give YOU something for my anniversary :~)
My card share for today is another paint resist card. I used Cherry Cobbler this time, I have already decided that this is my favorite new color. Of course, when I use another one, I may change my mind! If you missed the instructions for the paint resist technique, it is in this post.

It's also a great time to join me in a Stampin' Up business. Until Wednesday you can join for only $99! What a great price for a mini kit that will get you going on a fun new business. Just click on the $99 starter kit icon on the right at the very top.

However, if you used to be a Stampin' Up demonstrator and have been thinking about getting back in the stampin' business, there will surely never be a better time, there is a $35 Rejoin Starter Kit available to you during the month of July. This special is available to all former demonstrators who left Stampin' Up before March 31st of this year. The Rejoin Starter Kit will have catalogs and the paper work you need to get started again. If you have been away for more than a couple of years you might want to get an add on kit to gain a few of the products you will need but if it hasn't been long you will still have all the current supplies you will need. What a great deal!

One more thing:


Other companies blocks, left - Stampin' Up block, right

I love the new Stampin' Up acrylic blocks! They are groved around all 4 sides. Most of the other acrylic blocks I have don't have a grove for a good grip at all, the non-SU block I have that is groved is only groved on 2 sides. No matter which direction you need to hold it, you find a comfortable grip with the Stampin' Up blocks. All edges are rounded too, as well as the corners so they are safer and more comfortable. The 3 blocks on the left are from various other companies that I have bought over the years. Now that Stampin' Up is carrying acrylic blocks, I'm going to get all their sizes and get rid of all the other blocks! They 9 sizes that are available individually or as a set and there will be a great new storage container in the new catalog too. There are other storage pieces in the new catalog for other things, more about that later!