Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing everyone a great Memorial Day! - I want to say thank you to all of the men and woman who put their life on the line every day so that we can enjoy the freedom we have!  Without you, where would we be?  Thank you!!  May God Bless you all and keep you safe!

Manhattan Flowers

Everything is much more beautiful when it is pink!  This card was created with Pink Pirouette and Basic Gray!  It is absolutely lovely!  It was done by Tammy S. - a member of my "Coffee Clubbers" group.  She is a very talented stamper!  Thanks for sharing Tammy

Bridal Shower Beauty

We all know that we are approaching the busiest time of the year with regards to weddings!  This gorgeous card was created by Jan T. - a member of my downline - from Thompson, CT.  She used the Petals of Plenty embossing folder and the flourish from Baroque Motifs.  She finished it off with some 1/2 pearls and the white Organdy Ribbon - Item # 114319.

I absolutely love it!

Love Beyond Measure - Happy Father's Day!

Today's sample is courtesy of Denise B. from Moosup, CT. She is one of my "Coffee Clubbers"! She created this card using the Totally Tool Stamp Set as well as Teeny Tiny Wishes (greeting). She added texture using her texture plates in her Big Shot and finished it off with a few brads! Another sample using monocrhomatic color scheme -- basic gray! Love it Denise! Thanks for sharing!

Bird with Texture - Using the Big Shot!

This one is one of my own.  I made this card as a swap for my recent downline meeting.  I just can't get enough of the XL Bird Punch from Stampin' Up! - Item # 117191 - $15.95

In addition to the punch, I used my Big Shot machine and the Top Note Die (another customer favorite).  I added texture using the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder!  I wanted to use up my retiring cardstock and therefore created this card using Brilliant Blue and Glorious Green.

Big Shot Flower Pot

Today's post is the creative work of one of my club members...and maybe one day one of my downline...? Her name is Chris O.  She loves working with her new Big Shot machine!  She used her texture plates and her new flower die to create this great work of art!  Thanks for sharing it with me Chris!  Plenty of room for you on my team when you are ready!

Bouquet Bunch - Summer Mini Catalog

This card was created by Jenn T from Canada.  She was part of my demonstrator only card swap for the new Summer Mini stamp sets!  Jenn created this card using Certainly Celery and Ruby Red. She used the new stamp set: Bouquet Bunch - Item #118529 $13.95 - Wood Mount  or Item #120039 - $10.95 - Clear Mount as the focal point of the card.  She used watercolor paper and did a great "coloring" job on her flowers!

Love Note

This little "love" note was created by using the scallop envelope Sizzix Die for the Big Shot!  I cut the envelope from vellum and tied it closed with Pretty In Pink Satin Ribbon!  The stamp set I used was Vintage Vogue.  Ink colors are Mellow Moss and Perfect Plum!

It will make the perfect card for that special wedding gift!

Totally Tool

Father's day will be here before you know it!  Here is a very simple idea for using your Totally Tool stamp set!  Cardstocks are Kraft and Not Quite Navy.  The stitching is done using the Chocolate Chip Marker.  Nothing shows you love him more than a handmade card!

Bird Punch Flowers

Bet you never thought of creating anything but a bird with Stampin' Up's! newest punch...The XL Bird Punch!  Well, if you really look at it and think outside the box, you will see more than just a bird!  Using the "wing" of the bird and the branch and leaves, you can create beautiful roses!  Have a look at these!

Sesame Street Count

Today I thought it would be great to showcase the adorable card created by Diane G. from Thompson, CT!  Diane created this card using Stampin' Up! punches!  It is the count from Sesame Street!!  Isn't she talented?

Ever thought you could make something so cute with a bunch of punches!??

Caribbean Cruise Highlights

Well I have finally gotten a chance to make a little collage to share with you all about my recent Southern Caribbean Cruise...courtesy of Stampin' Up!  I can not even tell you what a wonderful time we had!  I met and actually got to know some of the best people in the business!  For my new buddies - Dawn Griffith and her daughter Jessie, Mary Amar and her wonderful family Bill, Ben, and Katie, thank you all sooooo much for making our time together so awesome!  To Kristyne, I only wish we had more time together!  Max, thanks so much for being such a great SAM!  Lots of love to you all!  I will see you all at convention in Salt Lake City in July!!  Until then... LOTS OF LOVE! and Rubber Hugs!

Here is a little smattering of our trip.  I created it in My Digital Studio!

Watercolor Trio

This sample was created using the new Watercolor Trio stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog!  It was created by my friend and downline member Marlene!  She is such a talented stamper!  Gotta love this one!  It is regal rose, rose red, and old olive!  She finished it off with a butterfly from the beautiful wings embosslit!

Island Oasis

Today's card is courtesy of Megan S. - a member of my downline - from Plainfield, CT.  This card was created for my recent Summer Mini Swap!  She utilized the new Island Oasis Designer Series Paper!  Doesn't it just scream summer!  Colors are Burmuda Bay, Old Olive, Crushed Curry.  In addition she used the brand new stamp set, Tropical Party!

Supplies:

Tropical Party Stamp Set - Item #118515 - Wood Mount - $17.95

Item #120081 - Clear Mount - $13.95

Island Oasis DSP - Item #117173 - $9.95

Elements of Style

Today I want to feature the work of two members of my downline!  (Rachel and Judy)  I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful stamping event in Nashua, NH on Saturday, May 8, 2010 with six members of my downline.  We entered a card competition and both Judy and Rachel placed!  Judy's design tied for 3rd place; and Rachel received a 2nd place finish!  I really feel that she should have won!  I honestly feel that the only reason she didn't win was because no one could see the dimension that was on her card because of the way it was positioned on the sample board!  I am showing you two views of her card so that you can appreciate the time and effort she put into it!

I am extremely fortunate to have such wonderful girls on my team!  LOVE YOU GUYS!!  Keep up the great work!

Smooch Spritz Tips

To help you get the best results with Smooch Spritz, please follow these suggestions:

• Before each use, shake vigorously until the particles are fully mixed. The sprayer can become clogged if particles get sucked up into the tube.
• Spray in the direction of the arrow on the nozzle top. For best results, spray six to ten inches from your project. For a heavier application of color, spray closer to the project.
• The Smooch Spritz bottles are made of glass. When you demonstrate this product, place the bottles on a towel or cloth to prevent them from rolling and possibly breaking.
• If the ink dries outside of the nozzle, remove the nozzle and submerge it in a household cleaner (such as Windex or 409) for 20 minutes. Rinse, replace the nozzle, shake well, and spray.

Motorcycle Mania

I can not even tell you how ecstatic I was when I opened the new Summer Mini Catalog and found the new "Motorcycle" stamp!  Those of you that know me well can probably guess why I created this card!  For those of you that don't know me as well....I am a motorcycle enthusiast!  Next to Stampin' Up! it is my next major addiction!  I ride my own bike!  It is a 2005 Harley Davidson Deluxe and can you guess what color(s) it is?

Yup!  That's right!  Black and White!  It was the inspiration for this card!  This card showcases new product from Stampin' Up!'s new summer mini catalog.  The products include:

• Square Lattice Embossing Folder - Page 24 - Item #119976 - $7.95
• Motorcycle Stamp - Page 31 - Item #117657 - $8.95
• Favorite Thoughts Stamp Set - Page 19 - Clear Mount #120048 - $11.95 / Wood #116968 -$15.95

My Digital Studio Card

This card was created by a customer/friend of mine - Joan B. from Putnam, CT.  She created this card using Stampin' Up!'s - MY DIGITAL STUDIO.

I can not tell you how impressed I was!  She just received the software, never called for assistance and quickly went to work and created this beautifal card!

I LOVE IT!  Thanks Joan!

Remember, May is National Scrapbooking Month!  If you purchase My Digital Studio this month, I will take 10% off and in addition, SU! will send a FREE package of designer brads of your choice!

Contact me today!

May is National Scrapbooking Month

Find more videos like this on Stampin' Up!

Elements of Style - Monochromatic

Some of you may be wondering... What is monochromatic.  It is when there is the use of only one color.  Technically this sample isn't monochromatic (because I have used basic black paper and ink); however, the primary color used is apricot appeal.  I used it in the background as well as the focal point.

This stamp set is called, "Elements of Style" and can be found on page 12-13 of the new Summer Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up!  If you are NOT on my customer mailing list or you are and haven't received your new mini catalog, please be sure to email or call me ASAP so that I can get one to you!

Elements of Style - 5-piece set from Shelli's Signature Line
Wood Mount - Item #118611 - $ 27.95
Clear Mount - Item #120045 - $19.95

In addition to Elements of Style, I used the greeting from the new set, Watercolor Trio!

Watercolor Trio - Summer Mini Catalog 2010

Today's post is to highlight one of the new stamp sets in Stampin' Up!'s new 2010 Summer Mini Catalog!  This set is called, "Watercolor Trio" and can be found on page 16 of the mini.  The set is available in clear mount as well as wood mount.  One of my favorite parts of this set is the beautifully scripted words/phrases that accompany the images!  These phrases are From the Heart, Thanks So Much, and Birthday Wishes.  It is a 7-piece set.                                                                       

Clear Mount - Item #120084 - $16.95 / Wood Mount - Item #117050 - $22.95

Here are the two samples that I have created using this set!  Both of them are completed using the pre-cut/scored whisper white note cards that are sold in packs of 20.  The first sample is done in old olive and uses the 1-1/4" and the 1-3/8" square punches.  The second sample uses old olive classic in and the pretty in pink and old olive markers!

If you'd like to get your hands on this beautiful new set, order through my 24/7 website!  You could also earn it for free by hosting a workshop!  Contact me today!

2010 Summer Mini Spotlight

Greetings from Antigua

I'd have to say that this was our favorite place on all of the islands!  Church Valley Beach in Antigua.  Caribbean BBQ, Tiki Hut, and the beautiful Caribbean ocean and sunshine!  The best rum punch too!  Doesn't get any better than this!  I'm going to work on a Caribbean album to share with you all!  Just got home and need to get some zzzzzzz's.