COTTAGE WALL STATIONERY GIFT SET...

Today was my Cottage Wall Stationery Gift Set Class.  These little Gift Tin Sets are so easy and fun to make - plus they make fabulous personalized gifts!  The end of the school year is coming up.  Wouldn't these be great as a teacher thank you gift?  My girls are out of school now, so this one will be a gift for my mother-in-law.  Enjoy, everyone!

 

Here are 2 versions of the CAS cards for the inside of the tin.  You can use any of our beautiful embossing folders for a quick, yet elegant card

COTTAGE WALL STATIONERY SET SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Lovely Letters (#115030,  $43.95), Flight of the Butterfly (#111564 , $31.95)
• Card stock – Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Certainly Celery, Cottage Wall  DSP, Notecards Set (#107311, $5.95)
• Ribbon – Rich Razzleberry 3/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain (#115613, $9.95)
• Ink – Whisper White Craft, Rich Razzleberry Classic
• Punches – Scallop Circle (#109043, $15.95), 1 ⅜” Circle (#104401, $15.95), 1 1/4" Circle (#104403, $15.95), Butterfly (#116629, $15.95),
• Accessories – Iridescent Embossing Powder, Skinny Silver Tin (retired, but keep checking my Clearance Rack)
• Tools – Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die (#118138, $11.95), Scallop Circles #2 Die (#113469, $19.95), Serif Essentials Alphabet Dies (#113464, $149.95), Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (#115964, $7.95), Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder (#116824, $7.95)

I'M BACK...

Yeah!  The Dell guy just left and my computer is now up and running!  Sorry there have been no posts the last few days, but my computer died yet again.  One motherboard and power supply later, I am back in business.  You wouldn't know this computer is only two years old.  And it is already had the motherboard replaced twice now!  I am seriously considering a Mac for my next computer...  Unfortunately my desktop is the only computer that has a compact flash drive for my pictures and with my photo editing software and watermarks, etc.  Luckily I could use Mike's work computer for some of my work, but not everything.

I finally pulled the trigger today and ordered my new digital camera.  Only took me a month to make my decision!  I tend to be a little indecisive.  I am still reconsidering even now!  I ordered a Nikon D5000.  I really wanted a D90, but got a great deal on the D5k that saved me over $400 vs. the D90.  I couldn't pass that up as I could put that money towards lens.  I can't wait for it to arrive and I am able to share new pictures with you!  Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS...

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!  Remember that you can also purchase our digital images and download them in versions to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (jpgs), so you don't have to have My Digital Studio to use our beautiful images.

Item	Description	Price
121069	Go Graduate Plus stamp brush set	$5.95
122143	Jumbo Outline Alphabet stamp brush set	$9.95
122145	Contempo Alphabet stamp brush set	$9.95

122138	Ticket Corner Punch	.99¢
122139	Boho Blossoms Punch	.99¢
122140	Cog Punch	.99¢
122141	Itty Bitty Shapes Punch	.99¢

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these new images, and place your order today!

BRAYING #3, TROPICAL PARADISE...

This is the final card from my Beginner Braying Class last week.  As soon as I saw this stamp set, I knew it would be perfect for a Hawaiian themed brayed card and immediately pre-ordered it.  I had so much fun designing it and just love the way it came out.   

I did notice on Splitcoast that Michele Zindrof also came out with a card last week that is remarkably similar to mine.  I did not CASE hers at all as mine was designed a month ago and I had shown it to customers interested in the class, although I did learn how to do an island from her originally.  Just one of those coincidences.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

TROPICAL PARADISE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets –  Tropical Party (W #118515 $17.95  C #120081 $13.95)
  
• Card stock – Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Night of Navy
  
• Ink –  Bashful Blue, Almost Amethyst, Night of Navy, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel Classic, Really Rust and Chocolate Chip Marker
• Punches – 3/4" Circle (#107217, $10.95)
  
• Tools – Brayer, Stampin' Sponges, Paper piercer & mat, Post-it Notes, Color Spritzer

BRAYING #2, WINTER SOLACE...

This is card #2 from my Beginner Braying Class.  This card has a cool, wintry feel, almost eerie - very different from the first card.  I like the calm restfulness of it though.  This is also the card with the most embellishment of the three as I was trying to keep the cards very simple so that the brayed piece has all the focus.

Well, I'm off to the Skinny Dip for some of my favorite non-fat frozen yogurt - Mounds!   Mmmmm...  Enjoy what is left of the weekend!

WINTER SOLACE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Nature's Silhouettes (#111542, $22.95), Lovely as a Tree (#115026, $27.95), Branch Out (retired - how I miss this set!)
  
• Card stock – Whisper White, Basic Black, Bashful Blue
  
• Ink –  Bashful Blue, Going Gray, Taken with Teal, Night of Navy, Basic Black
• Ribbon – Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain (#, $4.95)
• Punches – 1" Circle (#109046, $10.95)
  
• Tools – Brayer, Stampin' Sponges, Paper piercer & mat, Post-it Notes

BEGINNER BRAYING CLASS, SUNSET SILHOUETTES...

Today was my Beginner Braying Class.  I have been planning the cards for a couple of months and was happy to finally be able to share them.  We started off easy, as most of the ladies had never brayed before.  I tried to set a different tone/season for each card.  This silhouette card has warm tones with an autumn feel - I bucked the black trend on it.  :o)  Hope you enjoy it!

SUNSET SILHOUETTES SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Inspire by Nature (#111656, $23.95)
• Card stock – Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust
• Ink –  Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke Classic
• Punches – Photo Corners  (#109042, $15.95), 1-3/4" Circle (#112004, $15.95)
• Accessories – Gold Brads
• Tools – Brayer, Stampin' Sponges, Paper piercer & mat, Post-it Notes, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die (#118138, $11.95)

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY - BLACK MAGIC...

This is the second technique from my Technique Thursday class.  For this one, I did the Black Magic Technique.  Again I used mostly Bold Brights to pop against the black.  I really wanted to get these two techniques in before the color retirement as many of the colors are retiring and they are just so perfect with these techniques.   

Don't you just love the new Square Lattice Embossing Folder?  It really rocks!  And it is be perfect for masculine cards.  I just love the added texture from our Embossing Folders!  Enjoy!

BLACK MAGIC WINGS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Wings of Friendship (#114308, Hostess Level 2) 
• Card stock – Basic Black, Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, Only Orange, Summer Sun, Whisper White, Pink Passion
• Ink –  Whisper White Craft Ink, Tempting Turquoise Classic, Watercolor Pencils, White Signo Gel Pen
• Ribbon – Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain (#109038, $4.95)
• Punches – Scallop Oval (#114889, $15.95), Large Oval (#107305, $15.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals
• Tools –Big Shot, Top Note Die, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#119976, $7.95), Paper piercer & mat, Heat Tool

Here is our technique card.  We used the Kind & Caring Thoughts Hostess Set and Watercolor Pencils for the technique card.  I also did a technique piece using our Watercolor Wonder Crayons instead of Watercolor Pencils. 

This was my sample card.  I outlined one flower only, to show it as option for the attendees to decide whether they wanted to outline or highlight.

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY - CHALKBOARD...

Tonight was my Technique Thursday class.  Our first technique was the Chalkboard technique.  For the technique card, we used the Circle Circus stamp set (#115778, $28.95 - FREE Brads with purchase in May ONLY!).   I made an extra piece of the Circle Circus for a future card...

For the card, we used one of my favorites - the Medallion stamp.  The sentiment is from the Elements of Style set from the new Summer Mini Catalog.  You can get FREE Brads when your purchase this stamp set as well.  I used mostly Bold Brights because they really pop against the black for this technique.  Check back tomorrow for our other technique card - Black Magic!

MEDALLION CHALKBOARD MOMENTS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Medallion (#115223, $17.95), Elements of Style (W #118611, $27.95 C #120045, $19.95 - FREE Brads with purchase in May ONLY!)
• Card stock – Basic Black, Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, Only Orange
• Ink –  Whisper White Craft Ink, Lovely Lilac, Summer Sun, Only Orange, Green Galore Chalks
• Ribbon – Pumpkin Pie 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#115616, $8.95)
• Punches – Designer Label (#107590, $15.95), Trio Flower (#109183, $15.95) or Boho Blossoms (#110711, $15.95)
• Accessories – Summer Sun Corduroy Buttons (#114342, $9.95), Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (#112454, $29.95), Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (#109110, $10.95), Stampin' Dimensionals, hairspray

Here is the slightly different version I made during class and our technique card:

 

JEN'S CAS GRADUATION CARD...

Jenni made this CAS Graduation card for her roommate's Dad who is graduating this weekend.  Took her only a few minutes to throw it together and it came out great!  It features the Go, Graduate stamp set from the new Summer Mini.  Hope you enjoy it!

NOT QUITE NAVY CAS GRADUATION CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Go, Graduate (W #118519 $19.95  C #120054 $14.95), Sock Monkey Accessories (#111552, $21.95), Sanded (#109294, $17.95)
• Card stock – Whisper White, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy
• Ink –  Not Quite Navy, Basic Black

ALOHA, TROPICAL OASIS...

My last couple of projects have been quick and easy ones, so I thought I would show you one that is a "step-up" card.  It is not difficult, but due to lots of hand-cutting, it will be more time-consuming.  I do think it's worth it though.  Can't you feel the summer breeze in the air when looking at this card?  It really puts me in the mood for summertime...  and Hawaii!  This card features one of the new stamp sets from the summer mini, Tropical Party, and our gorgeous new Island Oasis Designer Series Paper.  I love these both - they're just so festive and they work beautifully together!

I made 12 of these cards for a swap at a downline meeting I have tonight.  Why do you ask would I chose a card with so much hand-cutting when I had to make so many?  Well, my hand is asking me the same question!  And I didn't even have to cut it all.  Jenni came up with the cute idea for the lei, but I didn't want to cut out 60 more flowers on top of all the other cutting, so she did it for me.  Thanks, Jen!  It does really make the card!  But my hand is still tired.  :o)   Enjoy...

ALOHA, TROPICAL OASIS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tropical Party (W #118515 $17.95  C #120081 $13.95), Jumble Alphabet Set (#115199, $43.95)
• Card stock – Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, So Saffron, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Island Oasis DSP
• Ink –  Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, So Saffron, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise Classic and Markers
• Ribbon – Pumpkin Pie 1/2" Striped Grosgrain (#113699, $7.95), Linen Thread (#104199, $4.50)
• Accessories – Fire Circle Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals
• Tools –Big Shot, Top Note Die, Paper piercer & mat

CIRCLE CIRCUS BIRTHDAY...

Our Circle Circus stamp set is one of the sets featured in our National Scrapbooking Month promotion, so I thought I would share some very quick, easy and colorful Circle Circus projects with you.  With the purchase of this stamp set, you get your choice of four Designer Brad sets for FREE!  Check out the details HERE.

I cased one of my own designs from an invite I did last summer for the card!  :o)  One of the circles and the sentiment are popped out on dimenisonals, but it's difficult to see here.    Enjoy...

CIRCLE CIRCUS BIRTHDAY CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Circle Circus (#115778, $28.95), On Your Birthday (#111664, $33.95)
• Card stock – Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry
• Ink –  Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango Classic, Markers
• Punches – Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Modern Label (#116630, $15.95), Scallop Edge Border  (#112091, $15.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals

I also made this super quick & easy gift bag and peppermint treat (2 different sides) with the same theme:

 

FONDUE FUN OPPORTUNITY NIGHT...

Fondue Fun

Opportunity Night
 Tuesday, May 25
7 - 8:30 pm

@ The Royal Chocolate

164 Central Park Ave, VA Beach

Join me for Chocolate Fondue and Stampin' Up! fun at The Royal Chocolate in Virginia Beach.  There will be a Make & Take, door prizes and information about joining Stampin' Up! as a Demonstrator ~ you will love the support and flexibility of this job. I would love to share it with you!  There is no cost for the evening so come, relax and have your questions answered.

Now is THE time to investigate this opportunity as I am trying to complete a challenge by May 26 and have great bonuses for you:  a FREE package of current and retired products (over $100 value) and a FREE stamp set (your choice of select sets)!  Plus Stampin' Up! has FREE Technique DVDs for you as well.  See post HERE.

If you can't make it, I will be happy to meet you at the Daily Grind for a Coffee & Chat or for those not in my area, I will call you for a phone conference to share the information with you.  Email or call me for more information on either event or to RSVP (required) for the Fondue Night!

JOIN MY TEAM NOW - LOTS OF FREEBIES FOR YOU...

I am part of a Training Program Stampin' Up! is currently running and have certain challenges I am trying to achieve through the program.  One of these is to have a new recruit by May 26.  That is only 10 days away, so I am offering an extra incentive if you sign up with me before May 26 - a FREE stamp set!  This in addition to my bonus at the end of this post!

Stampin' Up! also has an exciting special offer for you when you become a demonstrator!  Join my team as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator through May 31 (or while supplies last) and receive two FREE technique DVDs (2007-2008 and 2008-2009 Workshop Wow DVDs).

These DVDs are FABULOUS!  They include over 4 hours of technique demonstrations.  I paid full price ($50) for these DVDs and they are worth every penny - to get these for free is awesome!  You will learn so many great tips and techniques - these are perfect for those of you who just want to be hobby demonstrators (purchasing for yourself and family at a discount).

DVD		Description	Retail Value
		Workshop Wow DVD 2008-2009 (140 min.) Sampling of Workshop Wow presentations from Stampin' Up's 2008-2009 regional seminars. Includes 19 demonstrator presentations of "WOW" techniques.	$24.95
		Workshop Wow 2007-2008 DVD (117 min.) Sampling of Workshop Wow presentations from Stampin' Up's 2007-2008 regional seminars. Includes 18 demonstrator presentations of "WOW" techniques for use in preparing for workshops.	Sale $17.47
		Total Value	$42.42

*DVDs are in English only

Things to Remember

• This incentive available to all new recruits (first time joins, rejoins, etc.). 
• Free Workshop Wow DVDs will automatically ship with your new demonstrator Starter Kit.
• This special offer is good for both the standard Starter Kit and the Digital+ Starter Kit.
• This special offer is valid only while supplies last.

 
BONUS from me personally:  With this new offer from Stampin' Up!, I am extending my bonus offer!  Sign up to become a demonstrator on my team and receive this package of current and retired products (over $100 value).

Not sure if this is for you?  Here are some information .pdfs that you can click on and view:

• Join My Team Benefits
• Demonstrator FAQs
• What Kind of Demonstrator Would You Be?
• Starter Kit Contents

Contact me anytime for more info or if you would like to join online, just CLICK HERE and click on the join now button. You will need my password. It is mariestampsalot.

CAS FRIDAY, BUNCO ACCESSORIES...

For Clean and Simple Friday, I thought I would show you some of the very quick and easy things I made for my Bunco party tonight.  Earlier this week I shared my Tea & Chocolate Holder that I am giving to each attendee.  I couldn't resist "prettying" up some other necessities for tonight as well.  Enjoy!

Here are the straws.  Doesn't it look just like a floral arrangement?

Here are the nametag/scorekeeping tags for each player:

Here are the Table Numbers that will keep us moving in the right direction.

STRAW FLOWERS SUPPLIES:

• Card stock – Cameo Coral, Pink Passion, Bermuda Bay, Apricot Appeal, Lovely Lilac, Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Lavender Lace and other colorful retiring colors
• Ink – matching inks for distressing
• Punches –  Extra Large Fancy Flower (#118073, $15.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Island Florals Die (#118871, $21.95), Flower Die (#114534, $19.95)

TEA & CHOCOLATE TREAT POUCH...

I am hosting a Bunco group at my house on Friday night and wanted to make a little gift for all the attendees.  My theme was a Spring Tea Party.  I decided to make a Tea Bag Holder I saw a year or so ago to hold a Tea Bag and a Ghiradelli Chocolate Square.  I didn't have the directions for it, so I came up with my own.  Of course, I had to include a little Punch Art - especially as we don't have a tea/coffee stamp set right now.   I did use two of our fabulous new stamp sets from the Summer Mini though.  I'm really loving the Elements of Style set!  Plus you get FREE Brads when purchasing this set (and others) in May - double win!  Hope you enjoy it.  Directions for the Treat Pouch and Punch Art are at the end of this post.

TEA & CHOCOLATE TREAT HOLDER SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets  – Elements of Style (W #118611, $27.95 C #120045, $19.95 - FREE Brads with purchase in May ONLY!), Itty Bitty Buds (W #117056, $11.95 C #120060, $8.95)
• Card stock – Apricot Appeal, Bermuda Bay, Pink Passion, Whisper White
• Ink – Apricot Appeal, Bermuda Bay, Pink Passion Classic, Bermuda Bay & Pink Passion Markers
• Ribbon – Bermuda Bay 3/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain,  Linen Thread or Hemp Twine (I used retired Silver Elastic Thread)
• Punches – Large Oval (#107305, $15.95), Small Oval (#107304, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Horizontal Slot (#105089, $5.95), 1 3/8" Circle (#104401, $15.95), 1" Circle (#104401, $15.95), ¾” Circle (#107217, $10.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
• Accessories – Paper Cutter/Scorer, 2-way Glue Pen, Stampin' Sponges

TEA & CHOCOLATE TREAT HOLDER DIRECTIONS:
Click pictures to enlarge (on blog)

1.  Cut your base cardstock to 7.5" x 3.5".  In landscape position, score at 3.5" and 4".  Stamp your outside and inside of folder as desired.

2.  For the inner pouch, cut your patterned paper to 7" x 6".  With your paper in landscape position, score at 2" and 5".  Fold flaps inward (one over the other) and adhere to each other, but not the inside paper.  Score the folded piece in the landscape position at 3".

3.  Using the 3/4" Circle Punch, punch one half of a circle in the center of each open end of the pouch.

4.  Using your paper piercer, make a hold in the center of outer folder and the center of inner pouch.

5.  Fold your linen thread in half and feed the loop through the pouch and then through the folder (from the inside toward the outside).

6.  Take the loop and pull around folder and pouch to the inside until it is in the center of the two ends as last picture shows.

7.  Pull tight, tie a knot and then a bow to secure.

8.  Adhere your ribbon to the outside of the folder, centering it.

9.  Attach your front panel or decorate as you wish.

10. Insert your items into the pouch pockets and fold and tie your treat holder.

11. Enjoy!

PUNCH DIRECTIONS:
As in previous punch art cards, many of my punches are done "on the edge" of cardstock with second punches done above and/or around the first cuts.  See previous punch art cards like the Christmas Elf Card  for pictures of these methods.

• Teapot  – Punch a 1 3/8" Circle.  Trim a small amount off bottom and top of each circle to look as pictured.  
• Teapot Base  – Punch about 1/3 or less of 1 3/8" Circle and glue under bottom of the pot for the base of the teapot until it "fits".  Trim the bottom if needed.
• Teapot Handle – Punch the about half of a Small Oval on the edge of your cardstock at a slight angle.  Punch over and around this punch with your Large Oval 
• Teapot Spout – Punch end of Small Oval at an angle on the edge of cardstock.  Punch around and above with the Large Oval swinging your left side up quite a bit to make the base of the spot much wider than the spout side.  Use the Crop-A-Dile to punch the tip of the end of the spout to give it a curved appearance.
• Teapot Lid – Punch a 1" Circle almost 1/2 way on the edge of cardstock.  Punch 3/16" Circle with the Crop-A-Dile for the knob handle.
• Teacup  – Punch a 3/4" Circle about 2/3 of the way on edge of cardstock. Trim a bit off the opposite (rounded) side of the circle so it is straight for bottom of the cup.  
• Teacup Base – Punch one half of a 1/2" Circle on the edge of cardstock.  Glue under the bottom of the teacup for the base of the cup as teapot base above.
• Teacup Handle –  First punch about 3/4" of Horizontal Slot on edge of cardstock.  Then punch again evenly around the Slot punch with the Word Window Punch.  Make longer than needed so that handle can be adhered under cup.