Inkerbel's Inklings

Stampin' Up! Hostess Club - More March Projects

2011-03-24T01:05:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

Here are some more projects that we did at this month's hostess club meeting. I was inspired to make these sweet little boxes after seeing some that other demonstrators have shared. We embellished empty button containers using a variety of products from the Occasions mini catalog, including the designer papers, pom pom trim, buttons, and roses. Some of the papers and die cuts came from the Sale-a-bration paper pack, which you can still get for free for one more week! These are the samples I made to inspire my club members:

Here are some of the boxes the ladies made:

You can purchase the containers here, (or e-mail your order to inkerbel@hotmail.com). They are only $3.95 for 6, and they come in handy for storing all sorts of embellishments, earrings, loose change, candy, and probably a gazillion other little things.

We also did some technique sheets, which we do every month. Here are a couple of the ones we've done recently:

These are always a lot of fun. I have to punch a hole in the upper left corner before I can add these to my ring. I like to keep the format pretty simple and uniform. They are on 1/4 sheets of Stampin' Up! card stock, the sample size is 2.5" x 3.5" (trading card size) and the description is done on a business card template in Microsoft Works (2" x 2.5"). I was introduced to doing the technique sheets this way by Tracy Harp at one of the SCS gatherings, and I've been doing them with my club members ever since.

I have a bunch of work to do on my swaps for the gathering this week-end, so I'm off. I'll be sure to post pics of my projects when I get them done.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson ♥

Stampin' Up! Hostess Club - March Projects

2011-03-22T00:23:00.008-04:00

So- I had my Stampin' Up! Club meeting yesterday, and I have a couple of our projects to share.The first one is a card we made that I case'd from Mary Fish. Usually if I copy a card design from somewhere, I change it up a bit so it is not an exact copy of someone else's design, but this card was so fresh, clean

and beautiful just as it is that I did not want to change a thing.The only thing different is the greeting. (I did give the credit to Mary at my club meeting, though!) Here is the card we made:

Maria decided to change hers up a bit (I love that). Here is Maria's card, isn't it sweet?

I love when my club members get creative and change up the card designs. It's always so nice to see a fresh take on something. For this card we used the Stampin' Up lattice die for the Garden green die cut behind the sunflower.

Lattice Stampin' Up! Bigz Die 115958

Price: $21.95

Fancy Flower Punch 118073

Price: $16.95

To get the beautiful sunflower shape we used the Fancy Flower Punch and double punched the flower. First you punch the flower out of Stampin' Up! Daffodil Delight card stock, stick it on the end of a small post it note (to help you hold onto the flower), re-insert the flower into the punch and twist it so that the flower is off center and then punch again. We also did a technique sheet on double punching this month. Technique sheets are a bonus for being a member of my hostess club, and we do 1-2 new technique sheets each month. My club members love it!

Well, I have a couple more pictures from club to share with you, but I am suddenly having a little computer trouble, so I guess the rest will have to wait til tomorrow. See you then!

Thanks for stopping by,

Laura Albertson ♥

More samples from Springfest 3

2011-03-07T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I posted some samples yesterday from last year's Springfest (local SCS gathering). Friends have been asking about the gathering and what to expect. I never posted last year's samples here on my blog so I am sharing them now. Hopefully it will give you a good idea of what types of things are made for the swaps and shoebox projects. Feel free to ask any questions about these projects. Although I didn't create most of them, I did get to see them all in person, and I participated in the swaps,including 20 of the shoebox projects, so I may be able to answer your questions if you have any.

I am getting excited about the Stampin' Along the Lake SCS gathering that I am attending at the end of this month. Can't wait to see what great projects we'll be making then :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson ♥

Welcome Back!

2011-03-06T05:49:00.001-05:00

Hello there stampers!

It's been well over a year since I used my blog with any regularity. First I was plagued by a computer crash, then got busy with my family as a priority for a while. Last summer I had big problems with my domain name and got frustrated. Lately, the blog has been under a little bit of construction, and I've been busy making a few behind the scenes changes & freshening up the look of my blog a bit.
I hope you like what you see. It's still "under construction" (note the new header and blog buttons I made all by myself using My Digital Studio!) but I will be posting regularly again, so please check back often.

The 4th annual Springfest is coming up in April, so I have been getting a few questions from friends who have never attended about what the projects and swaps are like. Since I never posted pictures from last years event, I'm going to share some here now. Although some of these do not use all Stampin' Up! products, there are many great project ideas.

I'll post a few more tomorrow, so check back.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson ♥

My First {digital} Page!

2009-12-02T02:55:00.001-05:00

Okay, I decided to be brave and try a digital page. It took forever. Not because the software wasn't easy to work with- it's actually really fun to work with. I just haven't done much scrapbooking to begin with, and it always seems to take me forever when I am working with photos. I'm always worried about creating something perfect so that the photos really stand out. What I came up with so far is actually a very plain, simple layout, but I may edit it and play around with it some more. What I would like to do is print it out and add some flowers or something to embellish it a little more.
I will say that I really LOVE being able to change the size of the punches, like I did with the curly label punch to frame around Nicole's picture.
I chose to do an 8x8 page, because I like working in the square format but wanted to be able to print it out at home.

I suppose it would have gone faster if I had planned out what I wanted to work on, but really I just opened up the program with the intention of playing around and seeing what I could do. I would have fixed up the photos a little, but I haven't re downloaded GIMP since the computer crashed, and that is the program I have been using to edit my photos.

(click the pic for a better view)

This is my cousin Nicole at her nursing pinning ceremony, along with her husband and her two youngest daughters, Olivia and Sophia. (Sophia is my goddaughter, and she calls me her "fairy godmother". It's so cute!). I have some really great pictures of her sister and her daughter Brittany from the ceremony also, so I guess I will have to do a second page with those photos on it. I'm really anxious to try a blog header, too.

If David remembers to bring the camera home form work tomorrow, I'll have some pics of my club projects to post this week as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson ♥

Small things can make you smile

2009-11-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy. I just made a discovery. Remember I said recently that our computer crashed? Well, we were unable to fix it, but were were really lucky that my best friend Deb was able to retrieve our photos and document files before we erased everything. Just about everything else was lost, though, including all the links in my favorites.
I just got a little bit of happy news when I went to bookmark something a few minutes ago. All of my Google bookmarks are still there! I originally thought they might be, since they are saved online, but then someone told me they probably wouldn't be since they are accessed through my computer and saved that way.

Well anyway- they are still there! The big bummer is that the large majority of my favorites were saved to my computer, not Google. Guess what I'll be using from now on? (not to mention backing up my photos and files from now on. Yep, that is a big Duh, but it seems I usually have to learn the hard way.)

SO... since Debbie was able to rescue all of my photos, I'll have a picture for you tomorrow. I don't have anything recent uploaded yet, so I'll look for something I haven't yet posted. Maybe I'll be brave and attempt a digital scrapbook page!

Playing with My Digital Studio

2009-11-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

This is so much fun! No way this would ever replace traditional hands on stamping or scrap booking for me, but I am having a ball playing with my new ~~toy~~ software.
Look what I did today:

Look familiar?
This was so easy to do. All I did was was make a copy of the card I made yesterday by clicking "save as" under the File menu in MDS. Then I opened the copy (keeping my original nice & safe in it's file). I then edited the copy by deleting the sentiment rub-on, adding the picture of Tippy, fussed with the Not Quite Navy layer behind the photo of Tippy for about a second or two so that it fit behind the photo better, and moved the snowflakes around a little. I deleted one of the original snowflakes, and then made a copy of the smaller one by right clicking it and then choosing copy from the drop down box.

At this point I could have been done, but I decided I wanted to change the red color on my card from the original Riding Hood Red to the brighter Real Red. For the scallop square layer all I had to do was click on it and then change the color. For the ribbon, the ribbon knot, and the brads, I did have to delete them off the card and then re-choose the embellishments in Real Red, but it went really fast. Especially since I had already created the same design, I knew exactly what I wanted to add, and where I wanted to add it, so it only took another minute or two.

I am particularly tickled about the fact that I can create a card, and then go back and change it up just a little without having to re-create an entirely new card.
** I do want to mention that I did not lock anything in on my original card, and if I had, I'm not sure if I would have been able to do this. I am still learning, but as I do, I will share with you what I learn.

Have a great day!

hugs,

Laura

My Digital Studio

2009-11-25T01:49:00.000-05:00

My first card made with Stampin' Up!s awesome new digital stamping and scrap booking program, My Digital Studio (click the pic for a better view):

Nothing fabulous, to be sure, but I had fun playing around & creating it. Honestly, I was so excited to finally be able to play with this program that I just jumped right in & started creating without really learning about the program first. I was just too impatient to wait any longer- our computer crashed the day before my MDS arrived, so here I was with a fun new program and couldn't play with it. :(
I guess it's a good thing that it is so easy to use, but going forward I plan to actually learn something about the program so I don't mess anything up. Especially before I send an album off to be printed. (such as the background paper that is messed up on this card- yep, I saw that, but decided not to try to fix it as I really had no idea how it got like that-lol).
I definitely plan to get certified if SU! offers the certification again. I wasn't able to do it this time due to the computer crash, but I intend to become thoroughly familiar with this program very quickly so I can answer any questions you may have about it.

So, I'm sure you'll be seeing a new blog header before long- just as soon as I figure out how to create one in MDS!

BTW, I wanted to mention that the snowflakes and sentiment on the front of this card are rub-ons! how cool is that? It was really very simple to resize them and make them what color I wanted- so much fun!

Now that the computer is up & running, I'll be back soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura

2009-11-24T16:26:00.000-05:00

Blog under Construction

2009-10-01T16:54:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. I have been dealing with yet another family crisis for the past 2 months, but things are starting to settle down. I am in the process this week of restructuring my blog so that it is in compliance with Stampin' Up!'s new policies for demonstrators. Once I have fixed it up, I will be posting again.

In the meantime, check out my website for SU!'s current DEAL OF THE WEEK, which actually runs until 11 am on Oct. 12.

This week's deal is $4 -$5 off 3 of our large punches:

5-Petal Flower punch (109041 sale price $10.95) - Trio Flower punch (109183 sale price 410.95) - My Way (arrows) punch (110709 sale price $11.95 )

E-mail me to find out about an additional discount offer from me if you order by Friday October 9th. (inkerbel@hotmail.com)
See you soon!

Laura Albertson

Mini Magazine File Card Set

2009-07-27T18:33:00.001-04:00

I know I've been away a while, and I won't be back again until next week, but in the interim I have a cute set of cards I designed for class at BSS. The classes are done so I can post these now. The mini magazine file pattern was designed by Becky Roberts, and she has a great tutorial you can purchase for a small fee that includes the mini magazine file pattern.

I apologize for the quality of the photos, I had trouble with them being blurry. They also came out green, but I was able to fix that in GIMP.

Stampin' Up! has a really great tree set (Trendy Trees) that you can substitute for the trees I used. You can order it from my SU! website online.

Thanks for stopping by- I will be working on projects with new SU! products this week and will post them when I get back.

Laura Albertson

SPCA - Free and Quick - please do it

2009-06-29T12:51:00.000-04:00

Hi, all you animal lovers!

This is pretty simple... Please tell ten friends to each tell a further ten today!

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

(I've added a button to my blog, below right under the button you can click to help fund free mamograms, so you can click every day!)

AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!

Very last Chance for SU! retired items!!

2009-06-26T21:36:00.001-04:00

The retiring items from SU! will only be available for a couple more days! The retired accessories list (see the next post) has just been updated. Hopefully I didn't miss anything.

Sorry I have not been blogging. Both of our vehicles broke down within a day of each other. That was almost 3 weeks ago, and we are still trying to get things fixed/find new vehicles, and borrow transportation, so it's been extra busy around here. Not to mention school ending, moving up ceremony for Lucas, etc. Y'know- all the important family stuff that takes up all your time. I'll get caught up soon, though, I promise!

Oh, and I almost forgot (CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??)............

are you ready for this???

THE NEW CATALOGS ARE HERE!! yay!

call or e-mail me if you want one (inkerbel@hotmail.com)

Love & Hugs,

Laura

New Projects for June

2009-05-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update- I have the new project buttons for June up. You can find them on the left hand side of my blog. Click the picture of the project you want to see and it will take you to the directions.

I'm going to CKC at the Buffalo Convention Center this afternoon. Sadly, I only have half a day to spend there. All the better for my pocketbook, I suppose. I didn't get to take any classes this year, not even Carrie's book class (sniff, sniff). I really can't complain, I DO get to take a class from Michelle Zindorf in just 3 short weeks with my friend Claudia. I'm so excited, I just can't wait!! I'll probably be making brayered cards all summer long. You can expect to see a class on the Zindorf technique at BSS early this fall, too.

I'll be back later this eveing with an update on the show and some pictures.

Stay tuned!

Laura

SU jewelry- this is so cool!

2009-05-22T12:10:00.000-04:00

Wow- I can't beleive CKC Buffalo is almost here and I still have tons of pictures from last month to post. Here is something really fun. I was at the SCS gathering last month and when I saw Kelly with her homemade SU! "jewelry" on I just had to introduce myself and take her picture.
Kelly made her earrings, necklace/nametag and bracelet out of SU! cardstock, punches and accessories. What do you think? I thought her creations were SO clever:

Close-up of the bracelet:

Below is a picture of my friends Claudia and Lizz at the gathering, and below that is a close-up of Lizzy's can't-miss nametag!

Sorry I haven't been around much. Some very serious stuff is going on in my life right now concerning my youngest son and it takes precedence over all else. It has taken up huge chunks of my time over the last week + and we are trying to get it all sorted out as best we can. Feel free to say some prayers for us that things will work out and especially for me to have the strength and wisdom to make the best decisions I can for Loren.

Thanks!

Laura

Fun stuff at Craft Critique

2009-05-12T12:34:00.001-04:00

Craft Critique recently posted a couple of fun things. They published a review of the glue glider pro, which I have been using for a few months & really like. They left out a bit of information, however, so if you scroll down to about the 7th comment, you will see where I added a little info to help them out.
The other thing that I thought was so cool was a post about this not-for-profit organization: Chicago Lost and Found. If you are into altered arts at all, you must check it out. I think the whole thing is very cool. Make sure you check out the gallery.

Now, I have to add- I almost never remember to go to Craft Critique, even though they post lots of useful info. Who has time to check out everything all the time? Not me, that's for sure. Even if I sign up for the feeds or e-mail updates, it gets overwhelming with all the cool blogs out there. So I was really happy when I found them on Twitter. They post on twitter when they update their blog, and if it sounds interesting, I go check it out.

I'm really likin' the twitter thing, even if I am still a novice ;)

SU only swap cards

2009-05-08T20:26:00.000-04:00

Yep, these are still from the splitcoast gathering. At least it provided me with something interesting to post on my blog since I have been too busy the last 2 weeks to stamp anything myself. Welll, that's not entirely true- I have been stamping samples for my BSS classes, but I can't post those until after the classes run anyway.

So- in the meantime I am thankful I have these samples to show you. I've been so sleep deprived I couldn't stamp anything decent right now if I had to!
The first was created by my best friend & new downline Debbie Trouse. I absolutely love it:

I will have to edit to add the creators of the next 2 later- but I think they are both fabulous. The B&W one does have a teal metallic dew drop, so it's like 99% SU!, but I love that little splash of color. (Metallic Dew Drops are awesome- maybe we can get SU! to carry them?)

This last one would be perfect for the current LNS circle challenge! Maybe I can CASE it. I don't have this set but plenty of others would work for this layout.

Off to get some well-deserved rest. Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson

White Gel Pen Tip

2009-05-06T17:53:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled on an idea for how to repair white gel pens at Captain Crafter's Blog.

I haven't tried it yet, so I can't say how well it works, but it looks cool so i thought I'd share.

Other tips I have heard that work fairly well-
1.take the pen apart and blow hard into the barrel of the ink insert like it is a straw. I have tried this one & it works but sometimes it only works temporarily.

2. Shake the pen hard as if it were a Mercury thermometer- use a snapping motion with the tip pointed down. I have tried this one also and it too seems to work temporarily, but not all the time. I guess it depends on how old the pen is or how long it has been since it was last used.

To me, it seems the best thing to do is avoid the pen clogging up altogether, and the best way to avoid that is to use it regularly :)

That's it for now- I have some more pictures to post later tonight when I have more time!

bfn,

Laura

A couple more Recipe Swap pages

2009-05-05T19:16:00.000-04:00

Finally! All the craziness and fun of Loren's first Communion is over. I was so busy the last few days with making his banner, doing the retreat with him, shopping with him for a suit and getting ready for the ceremony and party Sunday. In between all that I took the most amazing altered bird class from Wendy Vecchi who came to BSS as a guest artist. it was amazing. I'll try to get those photos uploaded as well.

For now, here are just a few more recipes (click the pics for a better view):

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins stamped by Caroly Weichenthal. This one is 100% Stampin' Up! materials and stamped images- plus it's a quick & easy sample to make for your sample boards. (The recipe sounds quick & easy, too- yum!)

This one was created by Kristie Gross (SCS-KLGross). Isn't that stamp hysterical?

This next one was created by Sandy Wingate (SCS-pachyderm23) It's not 100% SU! but easily could be. i love how she used the "Favorite" stamp.

And how about this adorable name tag?

I really need to come up with something cute for next year. I always leave the name tag 'til the last minute. Wait til you see the one that my friend Lizz did - it was so "her". I'll post it tomorrow, along with lots more recipes and some card pics from the SU! only swap.

See you then!

Laura Albertson

Never leave your ink pads laying around...

2009-05-01T15:56:00.000-04:00

6x6 Recipe Swap Pages

2009-04-29T17:19:00.000-04:00

How about some more 6x6 recipe pages? These are from the SCS gathering I attended last week-end- so much fun! I'll indicate the name of the person who created the page whenever I can. If you did not sign your work but would like recognition for you page, just e-mail me (inkerbel@hotmail.com) or post a comment and I'll be sure to add it.
Beautiful work ladies, and I can't wait to try some of these great recipes, esp. the Tequila Cookies! (oops- not posting that one til tomorrow, guess you'll have to wait for that one, sorrry!!)

This one is jut awesome. When you open the 'oven door' the chicken pops out- very cool. Created by Michele Moran (SCS Tillyhead)

I don't know why these are called pink beach pancakes, but I love the page- I must get that sand castle border punch! This one was created by Elizabeth Jedynak (SCS ejedynak)

I'm loving all the pink-lol. This one is created by Lynn Englehart:

If you click the photos you will get a better view of the recipes. Read all the way to the bottom of the popcorn chicken. Too funny!

The kids want to go to the park- I'll post more later-Stay tuned!

Laura :)

Cat stamps for a Cause

2009-04-29T12:20:00.000-04:00

I was surfing one of my favorite blogs today, Understand Blue, and I saw these awesome cat stamps that were designed & are being sold for a fundraising project over at A Place to Bark. Here's more info, (which you can also find here along with the stamps if you want to purchase them):

"Thank you for your support of artist Bernie Berlin's "A Place to Bark" fundraising project. The stamp images were designed by Claudine Hellmuth (white cat), Suzi Blu (girl with cat) and Lydia Fiedler (black cat). 100% of the stamp sales, will go to helping Bernie finish off the cat house (kittys need a place of their own) along with the dog house."

I just love all of these stamps, and they are for a great cause!

Why don't you hop on over & check them out?

L.

Photo Holder for Shoebox Swap

2009-04-28T17:22:00.001-04:00

This is the project I made for my shoebox swap at the WNY SCS gathering last week-end. I got my inspiration from this adorable project.

(sorry for the weird Camera angles.)

I copied Mara's almost exactly but I couldn't find 2" cubes that were in decent shape so I had to cut my stamped flower smaller. (They carry 2" cubes at all of the craft stores around here- Michael's, Jo Ann's, Hobby Lobby and Ac Moore, but at EVERY store the cubes were either all cracked or crooked, or just generally yucky and certainly not worth $1.00 a piece.)

I finally came up with 1-3/4 x 1-3/4 inch cubes by purchasing whittler's kits that include pieces of 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" x 4" basswood, and had David cut them to 1-3/4" lengths so I wound up with 1-3/4" cubes. I got 6 cubes from each kit. The kits are $10.00 full price, but I used 50% off coupons to purchase mine, so they are very affordable. (The kits I bought are made by Walnut Hollow & available at pretty much all of the above mentioned craft stores.)

I sanded the cubes lightly with sanding blocks & painted just the edges white. The rest was pretty much all punching & layering. I used a double thickness of 3/8" wide red line tape (same as Sticky Strip)to attach the office clip to the top of the cube.
You need a double thickness because the bottom of the clips are slightly concave & won't come into full contact with the block otherwise.

Project Materials:
(all supplies are SU! except woodblocks & clips)
1-3/4" (or 2") sq. wood blocks
1" wide binder clips
CS: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, So Saffron
DSP: Sweet Slumber Specialty paper
Stamps: Seeing Spots, One of a Kind
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Circle punches: 3/4", 1", 1-1/4", 1-3/4" , Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Appricot Appeal 1/4" grosgrain.

Thanks for looking!

Laura

6x6 Recipe Swap - Hawaiian Wedding Salad

2009-04-28T16:31:00.000-04:00

This is the 6x6 recipe page I made for recipe swap at the WNY SCS gathering last week-end. It's not the most creative thing I've ever made, but I was running out of time & needed to get them finished. Hopefully I made up for my lack of creativity with neatness & choice of recipe-lol.

I will say that I made this salad to bring to the event & came home with an empty bowl, so I'm assuming people enjoyed it. It is a personal favorite of mine & my whole family loves it.

I have the recipe along with some very helpful hints on making it posted here.

Page details:
(all supplies are SU!)
CS: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Stamps: SU! Welcome Home set
Ink: So Saffron Craft Ink
Accessories: Scallop Circle punch,Spiral punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-1/2" circle punch, Word Window punch, Lots of Tags sizzlets set.

Stay tuned for my showbox swap post!

Laura Albertson

Cool Copic Tip

2009-04-28T13:35:00.001-04:00

Did you see what Kutis did recently with his Copic Markers?
Check it out.
Cool, huh? Gotta love those Copics. I recently attended a Copic Marker Certification class with Sharon & Marty from Buffalo Stamps & Stuff & got certified. I was transfixed by Marianne's artwork that she had brought for us to browse through. She showed us some of the new stamp sets she recently designed that have not yet been released. She had an adorable set of monsters that she drew & I am (im)patiently waiting for them to be made into stamps. They were so dang cute!

More fun stuff later today!

Laura

April Club Samples

2009-04-27T16:08:00.000-04:00

Here are the pictures of the projects we made in my hostess stamp club this month.

I learned how to make the star card from one of the presenters at the London, ont. regional last month. I didn't catch the name of the person who came up with & presented the idea. If anyone knows, pls e-mail me with that info. so I can credit her for the idea on my blog.
The cover design was cased exactly from Sue Selfridge (conv 2008 sample).

The second project was the flowerpot card that has been so popular on all of the stamping groups I frequent (SCS, Sudsol, and LNS). You can find the directions here.
I used the Garden Greetings set from Stampin' Up! (I love this set & it is only $21.95 you can get your own by contacting me {inkerbel@hotmail.com} or clicking here to shop now)
I wanted stamped flowers rather than just die cuts so they would have more detail & curled them up & layered them for more dimention. The centers are drops of Crystal Effects mixed with Dazzling Diamonds glitter (home-made stickles- I love this because it dries SO much faster than stickles & keeps it's dimention better. The glitter is also a little finer, which I like better)

The Flowerpot was done in Creamy Caramel cs and inked using the DTP technique with a Really Rust Craft ink spot.

**100% of materials on these projects are by Stampin' Up. All images © Stampin' Up!**

Stars Card:
CS: Whisper White, Real Red Night of Navy
Ink: Night of navy
Stamp: Jumbo Classic Stars Wheel
Accessories: Lg & Sm. star punches, real Red striped ribbon, window sheets, sticky strip

Flower Pot Card:
CS: Creamy Caramel, So Saffron, Pale Plum, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Ink: So Saffron, Pale Plum, Regal Rose, Really Rust, Certainly Celery
Stamps: Garden Greetings, Bella's Bloom
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, 5 petal flower punch, mat pack, hobby blade, scoring tool, Crystal effects, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, retired (SAB) So Saffron Ribbon

Thanks for Looking!

Have a great day- it's beautiful here!

Love,

Laura

I'm Twittering

2009-04-24T03:03:00.000-04:00

okay- I finally did it. I'm finally on Twitter, I'll let you know how it goes :P
you can find me here.

"Super Fantastic" Never ending Card for Christopher

2009-04-24T01:20:00.001-04:00

About 3 weeks ago, SCS had a technique challenge to try making a never ending card. I made one once a long, long time ago when I saw it done on Carol Duvall. Way back then, I mostly worked with just stamps & ink, and not so much with scrapbooking papers or die cuts, etc. So I wasn't so happy with my plain white very simply stamped card that I made forever ago, and never made another. When I saw the challenge at SCS, though, my interest was renewed & I have tons of ideas for more cards like this.

The timing was perfect, since my brother Christopher's birthday was the same week as the challenge.
For Christopher's card, I wanted a masculine feel and I also was short on time, so I used a retired Simply Scrappin' kit from Stampin' Up. I knew that if I used a Simply Scrappin' kit, all the paper, die cuts & card stock would already be coordinated for me and all I'd have to worry about was design layout & assembly. I think it worked out great. Chris must have really liked it too, cuz he said it was "super fantastic".

I did not have great lighting to take the picture, and it was hard to keep the card flat, so it actually looks better in person, but you'll get the idea.

Here's the front view:

View 2:

View 3:

View 4:

What do you think?

While I'm at, check out the super cool cake that my SIL Nicole made for Chris:

She hand-painted all the "comics" on rolled fondant, and used shimmery glittery gel for the Happy birthday although you can't tell in the pic. the weird out-of place looking rice crispy creatures are actually dinosaurs, and they looked great IRL, it's just kind of hard to tell from the camera angle what they are. Apparently those were at Christopher's request-lol. He can be pretty funny, you'd think he was still 10 sometimes, and Nicole indulges him so he gets away with it :)
The funniest part was that Nicole had grouped the candles so close together we thought they they were going to start a fire- the flames were so close that they combined & started a little blaze before Chris could get them blown out. He had to blow them out so fast, Mom didn't have time to go into her eins, zwei, drei, vier routine- I was laughing so hard & yet a teensy bit worried that the house really would start on fire-LOL!!

ANYWAY, if you want to try a never ending card, HERE are the instructions. Dawn did such a great job with the video that it's worth watching rather than trying to follow written instructions.
The construction of this card is SUPER easy. The hard part is coming up with ideas to decorate 4 pages with the folded panels. Have fun!

HUGS,

Laura

More Cuttlebug sneak peeks!

2009-04-24T01:05:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this is pretty old news if you've been following the Cuttlebug Challenge blog, but I've obviously been away from my computer and hence my blogging has slipped again. Anyway... if you haven't already seen the second sneak peek of the newest cuttlebug folders, LOOK HERE.

There is a snippet of the A2 Flourish folder, and a picure of the Border Embossing Folder Flourish! Both look very cool to me. Check'em out.

Even tho' you can't tell from my blogging (or lack thereof), I have been SUPER busy. I have lots & lots to share- if I can only get some pictures taken & uploaded. Saturday I will be gone all day at the Splitcoaststampers Western NY gathering- I can't wait! David's job Saturday afternoon is going to be taking pics of my class & club samples & uploading them for me. Then on Sunday I am hoping he will take photos & upload all of the wonderful swap samples I'll be coming home with on Saturday night. Meanwhile, I'll be at a stamp convention in Ohio taking lots more pictures. Wonder which one of us should have the good camera?? LOL.

Looking forward to getting back to my blogging. I have stuff all set up to do another video, too. Just need to find the time to do it :)

Happy Friday!

Laura

Stamping Green

2009-03-31T10:56:00.001-04:00

Today I came across this great post by Penny Peterson. I thought it was very interesting & informative, so I decided to share it here.
I wonder if there is anywhere around here that we could donate our scrap rubber to? I'll have to look into it-it's a really great idea.
This reminded me of the playground that Patty posted last year at the Stampin' Up! manufacturing facility in Kanab, UT when she went to Founder's Circle last year. I thought that was so cool. (You have to scroll down a few pics to see the playground).

Hopefully I'll be back to post again later today with some pictures. Poor Loren is home sick with either the flu or food poisoning. Not sure which, but it's nasty. The poor kid is sooo sick.

Later!

Laura

Cool Artsy Brad Storage

2009-03-30T14:11:00.000-04:00

OMG- I love this idea! I was browsing Allison's Blog when I cam across THIS totally awesome brad storage idea. It knocked my socks off, so I just had to share.

Then, I read the post and wound up at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I absolutely loved their color inspiration archives, so I permanently linked it in my sidebar under Color Inspiration. Make sure you check out Kris's Color Stripes, too if you haven't already. Or even just if you haven't in a while. So much inspiration there!

Wow- looky me with the 3 posts in one day. I accomplish so much more when I am well!

Be sure to scroll down for the other posts.

Have a good one!

L.

Baby Boy Onsie

2009-03-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. I made this for a Mystery hostess party m&t last month. It was inspired by one I saw on splitcoast last year. I changed it just a little to make it 100% Stampin' Up! I've done tons of the girl onsies (see my conv 08 swap here), but this was my first boy onsie. I love how it turned out!

The tutorial for this came from Lauren Meader, and you can find it here. I also have it permanently linked on the right hand side of my blog since it is an oft requested link.

Here are the details of this onsie:
Baja Breeze & whisper white cs
white gel pen
white eyelets
1-3/8" circle punch
scallop circle punch
lg oval punch
Buttons #2 sizzlets die
crop-a-dile

Sizzix Sizzlets tip

2009-03-30T09:34:00.000-04:00

A discussion came up recently on sudsol about some people having trouble with sizzlets cutting all the way through. Specifically, we were talking about the little leaves die, but this would apply to any of the more intricate dies such as the swirls scribbles, snowflakes, etc.
I posted to the list that I was having the same trouble with my little leaves die. Not all the time, but often enough that I decided to do something about it. Now mind you, we are not talking about a defective die. It's more of a shimming problem. To correct the problem, I taped a piece of card stock the same size as the die (about 2" x 2.5") to the back of the die so that I don't always have to look for a shim, it's semi-permanently attached to the back of the die. It will easily come off if I need to remove it, but in the meantime I don't have to worry anymore if my leaves will cut all the way through.
That's it! Very simple tip, I know, but I figured I'd share in case anyone else was having trouble with their die and hadn't thought of it yet. I've sold a lot of this beautiful die & want to make sure everyone is able to use it easily and doesn't become frustrated with the leaves sticking or not cutting all the way through.

Have a great day!

Laura

More Cards

2009-03-29T00:28:00.000-04:00

These are not from swaps, but from the display boards at the regional seminar. Getting to go to the Stampin' Up! training events is one of my favorite perks of being a demonstrrator. I love looking at all the sample boards. I took tons of pics, but some came out better than others due to low lighting & me not getting along well with the camera at times. They'll just have to do.
Check out how well the kraft taffeta ribbon matched the kraft cardstock on the best wishes card. I love that stuff!

Well, thanks for popping in!

Love & hugs,

Laura Albertson

New OWL Cuttlebug Folder Sneak Peek!

2009-03-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

OhMyGosh! I am so excited- I just saw a sneak peek of one of the NEW yet-to-be-released cuttlebug folders (coming this July), and it has an owl on it- so cute!

You can find the sneak pic here.

You'll need to scroll down to see it.

You'll also notice that there is a quick survey from provo you can take regarding cuttlebug products. It's really quick & I encourage you to take it. Maybe we can impress on the provo people that we want more CB folders realsed more often.

If you continue down that post & leave a comment, you have a chance to win some great CB products.

Good Luck!

Laura

More swap photos

2009-03-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

More of my Regional seminar swaps. Enjoy!

Thanks for looking- hope you have a great day!

Laura Albertson

Swap Cards

2009-03-26T00:59:00.000-04:00

Wow! I've been neglecting my blog again, but I didn't realize how long it has actually been. Time gets away from you when you are sick twice in one month. I'm so sorry! I'm better now, and I can make it up to you with lots of pictures.

I went to the London, Onterio Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar this month. I brought my friend Debbie as a guest, and we had a lot of fun. Debbie had so much fun she decided to sign up. YAY! I'm so excited about that!

So- how about those pictures? The first one is designed by me. Debbie helped me put together about 30 or so of these to swap. I wanted to make about double that, but I didn't get started early enough. That's because I was sick the first time. (March is not my favorite month- seems I get sick about this time every year-ick.)
Still, I was pretty happy with what I(we) got done and very happy with what I got in return.

Here's my swap:

and here are a few that I got in return:

Thanks for stopping by!

Love & Hugs,

Laura Albertson

Thanks! and a Quickie Treat Project

2009-03-01T11:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for all the kind comments about the video. I'm really glad it was a help to so many of you, and knowing this has inspired me to try another one. I have a workshop tonight & everyone there is getting to make a card with the new Sticky Cuts. This week I plan to try another quick video with a couple of tips on the easiest way to use this fun product!

Now, on to the quickie (no, no! not that kind!) I have a couple of quick projects to share with you:

We made this cute topper at a Mystery Hostess Party I held in February, using the Top Note Die, Yummy set(SAB stamp set I got for FREE!) and the small flat cello bags from Stampin' Up!

I wanted to do the same project at my Feb. Hostess Club meeting, but it was after Valentine's day, so I switched the colors & used the Boho Blossoms Stamp set with the coordination punch.
I loved how easy it was to make this quick & easy project for two different holidays with a just a quick switch of colors & embellishments. I love the Yummy set, and I can see it getting a lot of use around here :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson

Accordion Fold Flower Tutorial

2009-02-26T09:07:00.000-05:00

I have gotten a lot of requests for photos, so I decided to make a quick video instead. It's my first video- I hope to do more in the future that will be better. I just decided to do this one off the cuff and we didn't do any editing, so you get what you get :)
My husband shot it with our point & shoot camera & we don't have a tripod so it's not the greatest, but hopefully you get the idea!
Here you go:

I hope this helps those of you who have had trouble trying to create ths flower.

Have a beautiful day!

Laura Albertson

Accordion Folded Flower

2009-02-25T14:45:00.000-05:00

Here is one of the cards I did at my club meeting on Sunday:

It uses the same folded flower technique that I used on my chat & challenge card, but I cut the paper strips wider, and it creates a much larger flower. Unfortunately, it is also harder to flip open.
The finished size of this card is 8.25" x 3.75"
All supplies are SU!- I used retired dsp for the blue background because my SAB DSP wasn't here yet.

You can see the basic steps of how to create this flower in the Sale-A-Bration brochure on page 5. If you don't have a Sale-A-Bration brochure, you can view it by clicking the picture of the brochure on the right side of my blog.

For this card, I cut the strips to 1-1/2" by 12", and scored every 1/2 inch. Then I folded on the score lines back and forth, accordion style.

***IMPORTANT TIP!

Make sure that the first fold you make is a mountain fold, with the side of the paper you want to be your flower facing up! If you do this, your last fold will also be a mountain fold with the color you want facing up.
If you are using card stock, then it won't matter which way you start folding.

**if you start folding the wrong way & then reverse your folds, you will have a VERY hard time getting your flower to flip open for you nicely, so it is important to fold it the right way on the first try! (guess how I know that?? LOL)

**(Obviously photos would be more useful to you at this point... I will see what I can do over the next day or so- it's a really busy week for me & we are all sick, so I'll try my best, but I can't promise. The Buffalo area weather has been crazy- warm one day & freezing the next, and everyone I know is sick, too!)

Okay now, where were we?
When you join the two end pieces together, you will want to make sure that you are joining a mountain fold to a mountain fold, with the color of your flower facing out. Now your strip of pleated paper should be joined so that the two end pieces that are joined together face in.

**At this point, you will want to make sure you have the supplies you need to glue or tape the flower together at hand. Otherwise, when you flip out your pleated card stock circle into a flower, it will just pop back open.

After playing with this for some time, I suggest the following supplies:

A 1" or 3/4" circle of card stock for the back of the flower (any color, this won't show)
A 3/4" to 1" circle of coordinating card stock for the front of the flower.

Craft glue dot (SU! doesn't carry this size), Pop up glue dots, or a hot glue gun (works great!)

**If using glue dots, prepare your card stock circles ahead of time by adhering the glue dots to them and setting them within reach before you flip your flower open.

The craft glue dots are flat like mini glue dots, but larger in diameter; the minis won't work well for this. I also tried sticky strip covering the back of my card stock circle, and it wouldn't hold well. The glue dots are stickier & have more give.
The hot glue works great, but you have to make sure you have the flower just where you want it, and be able to hold it in place with one hand while you put a blob of glue in the center of the flower with the other hand.

The Sale-A-Bration brochure shows the flower being flipped open in mid-air, but I found it easier to flip my flower against my work surface, then I could hold it in place while sticking on my circles. When I tried to open the flower in mid-air, it would try to flip itself back and wouldn't stay in a flower shape.

It doesn't matter if you glue a circle to the front or back of your flower first, just make sure you glue one on in the center of both sides of the flower to stabilize it. Once your circles are on you will be able to tape/glue it in place on your card. Embellish the front center of the flower with a button or layer a another card stock circle that has been stamped with a cute design & punched out with a circle punch just a little smaller than your center.

**I used a thinner strip of card stock on my C&C card (shown in the post below).
I cut the CS 1" by 12", and again scored at every 1/2 inch. It was much easier to open this flower, and the smaller size is better for a standard size card.
For the record, I do like the look of both size flowers, but next time I would probably use a larger circle for the center of the larger flower ;)

** I do suggest scoring at every 1/2 inch, although you could just do an accordion fold free hand. the scoring will make your life easier when creating your flower, though. If you have a scor-pal, the scoring is a SNAP. You just put your paper in the tray & score every 1/2 inch, you don't need to move your paper or do any measuring, it's so great. When I pre-scored for my club, I scored a whole sheet of 12x12 every 1/2 inch (took like 30 seconds!), and THEN cut it into strips- easy peasy.

So... if you are planning to make multiples, I definitely recommend pre-scoring your larger piece of paper first & then cutting your strips off across the fold lines.

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions, and if you have done these and have addition tips, please feel free to share them with us by posting a comment!

Have a great day!

Laura Albertson

Chat & Challenge card

2009-02-24T01:11:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I made this for the chat & challenge today. (C&C156 on sudsol) I haven't been able to participate in a very long time, so I had a lot of fun doing this.

This is a variation of one of the cards we did at my hostess club meeting/open house yesterday. I based the club card on the accordion folded flower card in the Sale-A-Bration Brochure. I'll post that one tomorrow, along with a few tips & tricks to make it easier to make this flower. There are basic directions in the SAB brochure, but I know a lot of people have been having trouble getting the flower cooperate & open up properly, so it will help to have the particulars.

I was going to post those tonight, but I can barely keep my eyes open, so I'll be back in the morning!

take care,

Laura

Keeping Busy

2009-02-20T00:24:00.000-05:00

Miss me? I just realized how long it's been since I posted!! Last week I was busy with classes & Valentines- busier than I thought I'd be! And this week the kids have been off, so I've been spending time with them. It's a bummer that the snow all melted just before their week off- we had planned to go sledding & ice skating during the vacation. I can say I didn't mind the break in the weather one bit, though.
Want to see what I made for the kids Valentine's this year? I didn't get to post them earlier because of technical difficulties, but they are cute, so I'll still share them with you:

You can click the pic to see the detail better. Ignore my bad cutting job- I knew I was cutting for kids & just needed to get them done-lol. Cards use SU! Just Jawing set + Bold Brights ink & cs. Shimmery black paper & Stickles are non- SU!

These were inspired by a sweetheart box valentine designed by Susan Wright. I originally was going to use her idea and do the sweetheart boxes, but it was getting close to Valentine's day & I had forgotten to pick up the sweetheart boxes, so I just said the heck with it and decided to make regular Valentines & send in suckers instead.

That decision was aided by the fact that it was also diversity week, and I had promised to send in Chrusciki to Luke's class to represent our Polish background (was going to send Pierogi but decided that would be too much work)- and they also needed ingredients to make salsa, so I had to send in food for that as well.

Unfortunately, since I decided to cut out the skulls so I could mount them to colored paper AND decided to put stickles in the eyes (just happened to have colors to match my SU! card stock), it still took FOREVER to make 40 of these puppies.
Dave said I was going overboard & spending way too much time on them, but when Loren came home and said that everyone loved his Valentine, it was worth it. Especially when he told me one little girl said it was "her most favorite valentine she ever got".

David sure didn't complain about the time I put into his Valentine this year. He loved it. I call it the heavy metal Valentine. Wanna see??

Click the pic to see the detail in the faux metal embossed piece. Looks like punched tin, doesn't it? I had the idea to do this as soon as I saw this set inthe SAB book. Since then I've seen it done a few times, so the idea to layer it to the scallop punched square came from other's I've seen. I did mine a little different though, and also added the brads. Any time you can add metal to a guy card, it's a good thing (lol).

It uses the new Taste of Textiles specialty papers from Stampin' Up! Specifically, the coated white pin stripe & black linen texture.
Also used:
SAB set Polka Dot Punches
Silver embossing powder
scallop edge punch
silver brads
Riding Hood Red card stock

I'll have more tomorrow for you so you can see what else I've been up to.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura Albertson

ps. my spellchecker is telling me I spelled "pierogi" wrong, but I didn't. Wikipedia even agrees with me ;) Who spells it pirogi???

anyway-- have a great day!

Sale-A-Bration Clarification

2009-02-05T14:04:00.000-05:00

Page three of the Sale-A-Bration brochure states: "For a limited time, you can earn any of the products in this brochure simply by placing an order, hosting a workshop, or becoming a demonstrator." Please note that only Sale-A-Bration products can be earned. While other catalog products are featured in this publication as coordinating products, they cannot be earned as part of Sale-A-Bration.

Sale-A-Bration is here!

2009-02-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

Sale-A-Bration is here! YAY!

Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives reason for everyone to celebrate!

From now until March 31, 2009:

Customers receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase.

Hostesses receive a free Sale-A-Bration product with a $300 or more workshop, in addition to the normal hostess benefits.

Recruits can choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $47.95) from the current catalog when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15% off the regular $199 price of the Starter Kit--that's $335 worth of products for only $169!

These are all great deals!

I love that in addition to 4 stamp sets, you also have the option of choosing designer series paper or ribbon as your free SAB item, and the sets, paper and ribbon all coordinate.

Here are a couple of samples designed by Janie Murphy. She shared these on sudsol & gave me permission to post them here for your viewing pleasure!
The first one showcases the Polka Dot Punches Sale-A-Bration (SAB)stamp set and the SAB Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper.
She also used the Top note die and a bind-it-all to create this adorable scrapbook:

For this card, Janie used the same SAB set and our new SU! exclusive texturz plates for the Big Shot. She inked the texturz sheet with (I think) Tangerine Tango ink and then ran it through her Sizzix Big Shot machine using kraft cardstock. I love this technique and espcially love how the Tangerine ink pairs so well with the kraft cardstock:

Great projects Janie, thanks for letting me share them here!

Almost Spring in Buffalo

2009-01-29T11:48:00.000-05:00

Winter is almost over, we can see the deer wandering around now.

(my brother e-mailed this to me. I just had to share. LOL)

Spellbinders/nestabilities storage

2009-01-28T10:56:00.000-05:00

Oh you are gonna flip when you see this!! (at least I did). I am so excited about this storage system, I cannot wait for mine to get here.

If you own spellbinders nestabilites die sets (or any spellbinders dies, really), do not walk--RUN over to Stampin' Kub's Blog and take a look at his awesome storage idea!

What are you still doing here? GO! NOW!

lol.

see ya later!
L.

Photo Clippie Cube and Beautiful Butterflies Die

2009-01-28T00:46:00.000-05:00

I'm sure there is better name for this! This is a really pretty photo holder that my convention roommate Mara made for a 3-d swap she was in. This is an extra she had.

I am thinking of making these for the 3-D swap at the SCS event this year.
I'm going to try to make one up for Valentine's Day using the Candy Lane papers and the Love You Much set from the new catalog. We had an opportunity to use these products along with the new heart to heart punch at Stamp club last week-end. I'll be posting those samples as soon as I can get David to take the pics with the good camera. The one I had been using is not working right for me :(

On the bright side, I got some of my NEW STUFF today- yeah!!
I think I am most excited about the new Butterfly die, I can't wait to use it. It is a sizzix die made exclusively for Stampin Up! Wanna see??

The die doesn't look like anything because it's hard to tell anything on the all black foam, but here is the index sheet that comes packages with the die... aren't they pretty?

The half butterflies are of course meant to be used with folded cardstock. You place the fold in the middle of the 1/2 butterfly so that when you cut it, it will open up to a full butterfly...like the pennant dies that were carried over from the last mini catalog.

There are even instruction on how to do it on the back of the index sheet:

Kind of hard to see on the scan, but I'm sure this will be very helpful to some people.

This die is part of Shelli's signature collection, and I was tickled to see her signature printed on the back of the die.

Tomorrow I plan to upload some projects I get made using my new stuff. Or at the very least, pictures of what results from my playing around with it.

See you then!

Laura

More Valentines...

2009-01-26T03:23:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple more swap cards that would make great Valentines.

Sock Monkey card by Tana Conley:

I know, people either love him or hate him. I don't exactly love him, but I have to say, this is certainly one of the cutest cards I've seen done with this set. The sponging onthe card base & on the monkey was done with waxed paper, and the monkey body was paper-pieced onto the card.

Love you card by Susan Merrell:

Even though the brocade basics set used to do the background is retired, you could easily substitute the scroll from Baroque Motifs. The love you stamp is from the set Dreams Du Jour.
There is such a lot of beautiful detail in this card- I just think it's gorgeous, don't you?

See you tomorrow!

Laura

Valentines

2009-01-24T03:13:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted any card pictures. I still need to upload the stuff we did at club last week-end, but I found some swap cards from Convention that would make great Valentines and I believe they use all products that are still current, so I thought I'd share them with you.

Both of these cards use vellum techniques that are so pretty...

First up: From the heart card by Kathleen Innes

The vellum overlay and Pink Pirouette layer on the top are both cut to exactly the same size. The pink layer is stamped with the flowers a couple of times randomly in black, then the flowers are stamped in black once on the front of the vellum. It may be hard to tell from the scan, but it looks very cool in person.
The layers are then held together with a faux bow- no need to try to hide any adhesive showing through the vellum.

Next: Always heart card by Nancy Student

The vellum overlay on this card was cut to the same height as the red layer underneath it, but Nancy cut the vellum wider than the red piece so that she could wrap the vellum around the sides and adhere from behind. Again, this eliminates the need to hide any adhesive that would otherwise show through the vellum. Very clever!
The heart on this card was embossed in white on the front of the vellum and the center of the heart was colored from behind with a Real Red stampin' write marker.
I love this technique and really should do it more often!

I found a bunch of great cards that I never posted from convention and scanned them, so I'll be posting something every day or as often as I can. I was able to register for the London, Ont. regional & will have a whole new bunch of swaps from there in a couple of month. Then in April I'm going to the SCS WNY gathering again (it was such a blast last time!) so I should have plenty of eye candy for a while. Who knows, I may even get some of my own work up here now & then.
I get stuff made, I just have trouble finding time to take photos, crop/edit/upload etc. And now that David has started his own website, I have to fight for computer time. I need my own personal photographer/blog editor--LOL. yeah right! Right after I hire a housekeeper, nanny & personal stamping assistant-hehe.
(I am always joking after classes about how I hate the clean-up part and need a personal stamping assistant to clean up after me, fetch my scissors, etc!)

see you tomorrow!

Laura

2009-01-23T17:07:00.001-05:00

click the picture for step-by-step project directions!

Kristina's Color Challenge #39

2009-01-23T16:57:00.000-05:00

This is what I'm working on...

It's been forever since I had time to sneak in a challenge. I saw this over at Kristina's blog and I loved the bright colors. If I hurry, I'll just have enough time to get get something posted before the cut-off. I'll edit this post to add my card once it's done... see ya in a bit.

ETA: well, bummer- I suddenly started feeling sick shortly after this post, so I didn't get the card done in time for the round-up. I'm feeling a little better, though so I'll get the card uploaded tomorrow or Sunday. These colors were fun to play with!

New Catalog!

2009-01-21T00:22:00.000-05:00

Click here to download the Spring catalog in .pdf format!

2009-01-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

Updated Retired Accessories List

2009-01-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

These items are retiring & can only be ordered through the end of the week!

Retired Accessories List

Items on this retired accessories list will be available at regular price while supplies last or through January 18, whichever comes first.

If an item is marked unavailable, our supply is exhausted and the item can no longer be ordered.

Item # Product Description Availability
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6* Not Available
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY Not Available
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK Not Available
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI Not Available
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25 Not Available
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME Not Available
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT Not Available
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

Retiring Wheels
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO Not Available
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Custom Decor Elements

2009-01-12T03:35:00.000-05:00

Custom Decor Elements - yep, you heard right! I got this info. second hand of course, since I wasn't actually at leadership, but from a good source. If you don't know what Decor Elements are, you can view the brochure here.

They are vinyl designs that can be applied to a wall, mirror, door, car, boat etc. they can also be used on lots of smaller things like vases, decorative jars, candle holders, picture frames, etc. They can even be used on our linen covered scrapbook albums. Pretty much on anything you want to put them on, and they are removable with no residue.

Up to now, the line we offer has been very cool, but not customizable. I'm not sure when this will be available- I'm assuming soon. You'll be able to order the Decor Elements in custom phrases, words & or quotes. So you could put your child's name on their wall or door, or a beautiful saying or welcoming greeting over an archway in your living room...you get the idea. The possibilities are endless!

If you want to order anything out of the current brochure, just contact me at inkerbel@hotmail.com., or shop at my website. I can also send you a copy of the brochure if you send me your contact info. (sometimes these things are easier to look at on paper rather than online- at least for me).

Moving on- I also heard that there will be some sort of special coming in February that has something to do with a free catalog! I don't have the deets on that just now, but I'll be sure to post as soon as I know and am allowed to.

Speaking of rules- some of the pictures may have been taken down from the links I posted earlier with leadership pictures. That's because some people thought it was okay with SU! to post stuff & then found out later it was a no-no.
Not a huge deal, as it will only be a few more days before the new catty is here & everything will be online anyway. Gotta play by the rules!

Tomorrow I hope to actually have pictures for you to look at- I know pictures are a lot more fun than all my blah-blah-blah. Once my BSS samples are done for the store I'll have more time to post the fun stuff.

Have a great day!

Laura

More New Catalog Info.

2009-01-09T03:07:00.000-05:00

More links to Catalog spoilers and cool pics from Leadership.
Do not look if you don't want to know. Me, I can't get enough, and quite literally don't even have time.
So....
I usually don't post links without checking them out first, but I only got to the second one on this list. So far, I am giddy. I love everything. I want everything. And the excitement of the Leadership attendees just shines right through.
Really makes me wish I was there- I so hope I can go to the Reginal Seminar in Canada this March. (closest one to me).

Anyway, without further ado:

Where the Rubber Hits the Road
Understand Blue
Dina Anker's Photos
Kristinstamps
Stampin by the sea

(these are not all hyperlinked to specific posts- some have so much info on multiple posts that I just linked to the homepages. The most recent posts for jan08 are what you want, anyway.)

I'm sure all the links have cool stuff. I'll have to wait til tomorrow to find out. It is late. I am tired. My poor boy was up sick again until 1am, and I'm still working on my class samples for BSS.

Oh one last thing- I was reading the blog update at Understand Blue (above) and read this, which I just loved:
"There are two things that will serve you well in your life and your business - enthusiasm and sacrifice. Be enthusiastic about everything you do, and recognize you will have to sacrifice things for love."

If you want to hear more you'll have to check out her blog. Really funny & interesting reading, plus great pics of new stuff!

Check back soon-

Laura

The Singing & Dancing Cat

2009-01-08T15:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this a NSR post, which I know is horrifying considering all the new catalog info. flying around right now, but it was too funny not to post.

Overheard from the kids room:

(cat crying): meow...meeeow....rrrrroooowwww...meeeeoooowwww

Me calling in from the living room: Hey!! what are you doing to that cat!?

8yr old Loren: Nothing!! He's singing!

Me: No, he's not! He's crying...leave him alone!

Loren: No mommy, he's singing! Really. He started singing when I was teaching him how to dance.

LMAO!!!

Okay we now return this blog to it's regular stamping program already in progress....

P.S. For those of you non-stamping addicts who occasionally read my blog for it's content other than stamping, NSR= Non Stamping Related!

Back with more new catty info in a bit!

Digital Scrapbooking with Stampin' Up!

2009-01-08T15:43:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up! announced at Leadership that they will be introducing digital scrapbooking in the near future. It is going to be set up to work with Stampin' Up!'s existing products & color line.

I've never done digital scrapbooking myself, but it will be very interesting to see what SU! comes out with & learn about it ;)

If it's from SU!, it's sure to be good.

More info to come, stay posted!

New Catalog Sneak Peek!

2009-01-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

Link with photos & some descriptions- WOW I am so excited I can't even begin to tell you- Oh man I cannot wait for the catalogs to arrive!

If you don't want to see, don't look. For those who do, here's a link to a blog with some great sneak peek photos!

I'm so excited about the new papers & sizzix dies, and I cannot WAIT to get my hands on those trees!!

For those of you waiting patiently, (or maybe not so patiently) for the finished oragami project that I promised to post last week, hang in there. I wasn't able to finish it as quickly as I'd hoped, our New Year's holiday was quite eventful, and we are still getting caught up with real life.

Hopefully it will only be one more day before I have it up- it's a really cool project, I know you'll love it!

Christmas photos

2008-12-31T19:33:00.001-05:00

It was hard to get a good shot of the kids because they kept goofing around. Even though this one is blurry, it was the best one of the morning:

This is Pinky playing Santa (the boys dressed her up in their build-a-bear's Santa outfit- she wasn't too thrilled about it!)

And this is Sissy (the mamma cat) on Christmas Eve, all snuggled in among the prsents:

Last but not least here is a little preview of something I am working on, half finished. You are looking at the individual flowers of an origami project that I'm pretty excited about. Hopefully I'll get it done by tomorrow and I can post the finished project along with a link to instructions.

That's it for now!

have a safe & happy New Year's Eve everybody!

Lots of love,

Laura

ETAJuly 24, 2009: this is one of those projects that got set aside, but I'll work at them this week at the cottage & hopefully post the following week!

New Year's Greetings?

2008-12-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

If you were late (like me) in getting all of your Christmas Cards made, but you don't want your family & friends to think you forgot them or that you just don't care, why not send out grettings for a Happy New Year?
I found this in among my convention swaps, and I think it is a perfect wintery card to send. I love it because it works for any type of a winter greeting card, and you can make it with pretty much any snowflake stamp you may have.

This card was made by Karen Yeomans.
The set & paper used come fromt he retiring Level 3 hostess bundle Holiday Happenings. (you still have time to earn this set if you host a workshop/that qualifies for level 3 hostess benefits before January 18th!)
Karen embosssed the main image in white. The 3 snowflakes on the side were stamped in Baja Breeze ink and highlighted with dazzling diamonds glitter.
The glitter doesn't show that great in the pic, but it is very sparkly IRL.

I'm off to have a relaxing holiday afternoon with my family and give my sore finger a break. Back soon with some Christmas day photos & a couple more projects I worked on this past month.

Take care,
Laura

Christmas Eve in the ER

2008-12-25T14:27:00.001-05:00

Well, just a little post to say Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you all have a very blessed & joyous Christmas.

I can't type too fast because I did something **really** stupid last night. I stapled a 1/2" long staple gun staple right through the middle finger of my left hand! Oh I so wish I had thought to have Dave grab the camera on the way out the door to the hospital- you just wouldn't believe it. The staple went right through my finger one side of the bone, and the other prong of the staple hit the bone & buckled, but it went in so hard that it was tightly embedded in my finger- skin was bulging out on either side of the staple! OwwwwwCH!

So anyway, Dave was going to pull it out with pliers, but when he felt that the prong was poking out the backside of my finger, he thought we should go to the ER in case it needed x-rays, which they did. That was about all they did though, AFTER the doctor pulled it out with a pliers, just like David was going to do. I've had a couple of people tell me they could have come by & pulled it out for me. My friend Mark called it "the $1000 staple".

Funny thing was, it didn't hurt *too* bad or even bleed until it was yanked out- then it was instant blinding pain, which thankfully subsided to just 7 or 8 on the pain scale after a few minutes. After that it just throbbed all night, and it never really bled at all. I have two prong marks on my middle finger & it's all swollen & sore, but that's about it. Looks like a vampire bit me-lol.

I know you are all wondering how the heck did I even do it, but that's a whole 'nother story!

Enjoy your holiday!

With love from Laura & family

ps. got a great shot of Sissy snuggled in among all the presents under the tree- will share tomorrow!

Pss. Can't believe I am posting this but thought you might get a kick out of it. I found this polaroid which I scanned into my computer. It is me on Christmas when I was about 11 or 12. Go ahead- laugh, I did ;)

Lucas update

2008-12-22T22:09:00.000-05:00

Well, this morning went great, once we actually got to the hospital. The drive in was terrible! Our truck that has 4 wheel drive decided not to start this week-end, so I had to take the car with the bad tire that is aweful in the snow. The 33 and the 198 were a mess, and Delaware Ave going in to the hospital was actually worse. Thankfully we made it there & back just fine.
So many people had cancelled due to the weather conditions that the doctors were practically dying for something to do when we got there. It went really quick. The doctor was really nice (and totally hot! -he could give McDreamy & McSteamy both a run for their money-LOL).
Lucas did awesome. He was done with the procedure & awake from anesthesia within a half hour of going into the room. He was SO sick this morning, he looked just aweful. I asked the doctor if the anesthesia would take away any of his pain, and he said no, it shouldn't make him any better or any worse than before the procedure. Well, happily, he was dead wrong. Lucas went into that room crying in pain and looking terrible, poor baby, but when he woke up, he was like a whole new person!
It was amazing. He was smiling, no pain what-so-ever, and he looked well rested and happy. He was chatting and going on & on about the anesthesia- he said after the doctor put the mask on everyone turned into cartoon characters and then the room started spinning. (lmao!)
I asked him how he felt and he said good! It was really incredible. Sick as a dog one minute, bags under his eyes, face all pale & grayish looking and crying in pain, and 1/2 hour later he was all pink & rosy, smiling and feeling fine.
So far he is still feeling well, so I am crossing my fingers he can make it in to school tomorrow!

Keep praying- it must be working!

Thanks-

Love, Laura

Snowflakes & Christmas Cards

2008-12-22T02:49:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I have to make this quick- I'm pretty exhausted, and I have to take my Lucas to the Hospital in just a few hours. We are buried under a ton of snow, all the schools are closed, and I don't get to sleep in!. What a bummer! If we make it downtown & back safely, I'll be happy though.
It's looking pretty Christmas-y around here, so I thought I'd share a little. Loren and I made these snowflakes the other day. He got distracted after making 2. He's usually up for a half-dozen or so, but when I get going, I can cut away for an hour or more. It's addicting & tons of fun, but let me warn you, it can get pretty messy with all the little tiny clippings. Here's some we came up with:

(Sorry they're all wrinkly, they still need to be ironed flat. You can click the pic for a larger view).

Next I'd like to share a couple of hand stamped Christmas cards that my friends sent me. This one is from Elisabeth- isn't it gorgeous? I absolutely adore it!

This one is from my friend Sara in the UK. I just love it! I was so excited to recieve it, and I love the color combo that she used. LOVE those pink ornaments with the baby pearls in the centers ;)
Sara sent a message along for stamp club, which included Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2009- Love from Sara. Sara- we miss you too!

Last is a card that we made at a recent Stamp Club meeting. I case's the layout from Beate's stained glass tutorial on SCS. I used the die cut bird from a sizzix die instead of the Christmas Cardinal stamp, though, and I was pretty happy with how it turned out. Hope you like it!

That's it for now. I'll post an update on Lucas when we get back from Children's. He's getting general anethesia for the first time. Also, he doesn't know that they will be putting a tube down his throat, so I'll have to explain to him when he wakes up why his throat is sore. Generally I am for telling him everything & keeping him informed, but the doctor thought that knowing what the procedure was in this case would just stress him out unnecessarily, since he'll be asleep for the whole thing anyway, and this time I agree with her.
I'm sure he'll do fine, but prayers are always welcome :)

Have a great day!

Laura

Tag Card

2008-12-21T04:35:00.000-05:00

Remember those tags? Well, I wound up with not as much time to play as I thought I'd have, but I did manage to play around with them a little. here's one of the cards I came up with:

Here are a couple of other fun & easy projects. The Rudolf box was designed by Samantha Parisi, isn't it adorable? The only thing I changed was to add the die cut swirls for the antlers- Samantha did hers a little differently. Mine also happens to be chocolate chip instead of close to cocoa. That's only because I was out of close to cocoa at the time I made my sample. We did these in stamp club this month using the Cocoa and they came out great!

There is a tutorial for these boxes on splitcoast- I'll add the link to this post tomorrow. In the meantime, you can just search "triangle box" on SCS. I used different measurements than Beate's. I used cardstock cut to 4.25 x 11. You can follow Beate's directions from there.

Next up is an easy little gum holder I made. My girlfriend gave me the directions for these a while ago. They are also very simple & easy to make. It was harder to find the right size gum packets than to actually make the holder! (btw- I found the gum at Target in the candy section- it comes in packs of 8)

Here's the open view:

I have lots more to post tomorrow- including the beautiful Christmas cards I recieved from Elisabeth and Sara- wait til you see!

TFL!

Laura

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2008-12-20T17:42:00.000-05:00

My friend sent this to me, I thought it was so cute!

I know it's been going around SCS, so I'm sure some of you have seen it, but for those who have not, here ya go:

Twas the night before Christmas,
I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.
Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?
Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him,
"Hi Santa, " I said
"You know....good little girls
Should be in their beds."
"I know I should Santa,
And now I've got caught.
But I was just so excited
To see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look
In this room where you work.
He shook his head quickly,
And left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim
As he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap,
I'll see you next year!"

Too funny. Dave said yep, that's you! LOL!!

Pretty Tags & Tippy Cat

2008-12-17T13:43:00.000-05:00

Check back later today to see what I am making with these pretty tags:

And just for fun, I thought I'd introduce you to Tippy the cat. He may have made an appearance on this blog in the past- (can't remember right now)- but this is definately his first appearance as Santa. We rescued a pregnant stray a couple of years ago, and Tippy was one of Sissy's babies. However, the papa cat was HUGE, and so is Tippy! He weighs in at 18 lbs, but he's not overweight, according to the vet. He is just one huge, strong, muscular cat. His head is about 3 x's the size of Pinky's. (Pinky will make her debut here soon!).

Anyway- Merry Christmas from me & Tippy!

Don't foget to check back for those tag creations ;)

Quilted Washi Paper Cards

2008-12-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

last year I took a washi paper class from Sharon At Buffalo Stamps & Stuff. Below are some washi paper cards that I made. The first one is the Christmas card I sent to my in-laws last year.

Here are some others. The Poinsettia was the hardest, but really, none of them are difficult to make, just a little time-consuming.

This was of course, the easiest design, but I love the simplicity of it:

I'll be posting back a little later with the stamp club samples from this month. I need to get them uploaded first!

Thanks for looking!

Laura

Quick update on Lucas

2008-12-13T12:37:00.001-05:00

Just quick update on Lucas, for those of you who are wanting to know. He is doing slightly better. By that I mean, he is making it to school more often than he did in october & November, but not by a lot. He definately seems to be having more good days than he was, though.
We still do not know anything concrete. All of the doctors who have been working on his case had a meeting at Children's Hospital last Friday to review all of his tests & scans & confer with each other. I haven't really heard anything much about it, though. So far, they have nothing new to tell me.

On Wednesday, I am taking him to Children's to have an endoscopy. If that comes back negative, then they will be sending him for a psycological evaluation to see if he pain stems from somthing emotional. All of the Doctors have expressed to me that they belive he is having very real severe pain, and that the cause of the pain may very well be from an actual physical condition but that the physical condition causing his pain might have been caused by stress.
All I can do at this point is wait and see what the test results show next week. In the meantime, please keep praying!

Oh- something I forgot to mention in my pinecone ball post, below- once you have the pieces cut & folded, pinning them onto the ball to make the ornamnet is perfect activity for sitting in hospital waiting rooms- or even just while watching tv, for those of you who don't spend your days running frm doctor to diagnostic testing facility to hospital ;)

Thanks again for all of your prayes & concerns for Lucas- we most definately appreciate it!

love,

Laura

Pinecone Ball Ornaments

2008-12-13T10:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back. I've been too busy in the mornings to post, and too tired in the evenings. The good news is, though, that not only have I been busy cleaning like a mad woman & running kids around, I've also been busy creating, so I will have lots of good stuff to share all week long.
I'm addicted to making these pinecone ball ornamnents. I just think they are so pretty, and I have a lot of fun picking out papers that I think will work well.
Here are some I have finished up from last year:

Click here for a tutorial.
Here's another I did last year but never posted. Sorry it's a little blurry:

I used the retired Cerise paper from Stampin Up! I really loved that paper- I was so sad to see it retire. I have a whole pack left, but now I'm always afraid to use it because then it will be ALL GONE! lol. Isn't that silly? Especially when there are so many, many beautiful papers. ( I should know, I have a HUGE stash of them ;)
I will note that although I absolutely love SU! papers, there are some others on the market that are easier to use for this project. Double sided is nice, because then you have coordinating solid or pattern to overlap with your first pattern, but lightweight papers are much easier to fold crisply and precisely. I am working on one now that uses Chatterbox scrapbook walls paper. The Chatterbox paper is perfect because it is light weight, double sided, and folds beautifully. They also have a lot of papers that have smaller patterns, which work well for these ornamnets.
Another company that makes this weight paper is Daisy Bucket.

I have a couple more I have done with current SU! dsp, and when I finish the chatterbox ornament, I will post them all together.
However, I do have lots of other good stuff to post in the meantime, as promised, so keep an eye out!

Take care!
Laura

Christmas Flip Book Pictures

2008-12-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

Someone who had taken pictures of my flip book before it went missing was kind enough to e-mail them to me. Here are a just a couple of them- a little better shot of the cover & a couple of the inside pages. I can't post pictures of all the pages until the class has finished running, but this will give you an idea of how cute this book is! I used papers & die cuts from My Minds Eye, they were a joy to work with :)

If you don't know what a flip book is, I have a post with pictures of another I did last year here. Take a peek, it will give you an idea of why it is called a flip book!

Retiring SU! stamp sets on sale

2008-11-28T03:54:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone had a safe & happy Thanksgiving!

I just want to quickly point out that there are a few retiring stamp sets included in the Holiday Extravaganza sale. Click the flyer to the right and you will see the list of bundled items that are on sale for a limited time only.
Some of the stamp sets have a small asterisk (*) next to them. Those items are going to be included in the retired list for the current catalog- meaning they will no longet be available when the current catalog ends on January 18, 2009.
Hope this info. is of use to someone. I'd hate to see someone miss out on a deal if they are planning to buy a set before it retires anyway. Better Hurry- the sale ends Dec. 1, 2008, and the sale items are only avaialble while supplies last!

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions (inkerbel@hotmail.com)

Happy Shopping!

Laura

Holiday Extravaganza Sale 20-50% off bundled items!

2008-11-27T14:03:00.000-05:00

Have you seen my Christmas Flip Book?

2008-11-26T19:45:00.001-05:00

This is the cover of the Christmas flip book I made for Buffalo Stamps & Stuff. It was the class sample, and took a lot of time and effort to make. It was really cute. I had to teach my class last Saturday without the sample, because the book has gone missing. I am just sick about it. If you've ever made one of these, you know how long they take to put together, not to mention the miles of adhesive and red line tape it takes to put it together.

We've looked all over the store for it several times, but so far it hasn't turned up. I am really hoping that the book is just missing and was not taken. It's also quite possible that it was picked up by mistake along with someone's class supplies or purchases. If anyone has seen the flip book, or perhaps finds it mixed in with their things, please let us know asap. This is not the easiest sample to re-create, and I really need to have a sample in the store so that people can look at it when they sign up for the class.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the book other than the cover. I brought my camera in to photograph the book on Saturday- figured I'd do it after the class, but by then the book was missing :(

Thanks for listening!

Laura

C&C card and Lucas update

2008-11-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

I managed to squeeze in time for a chat & challenge- must've been like two weeks ago already, just no time to blog. I was lucky I had the time for the C&C. Actually, I just stole some time to myself even though I didn't have it to spare- I really needed it.

I'm still running back and forth to different doctors and the hospital for Lucas. We still don't know anything. We saw the only other pediatric urologist in the area, Dr. Williot. He is Doctor Greenfield's partner, and the two are like night and day. Man, what a difference! We loved Dr. Williot. He was awesome, but couldn't really tell us anything new. Monday we saw Anita at Dr. Bakers office, and she is sending him for an endoscopy. I'm waiting for Children's Hospital to call and set it up. Hopefully this will tell us something.

We've also been to the surgeon and had another sonogram on the liver to determine if anything had changed with the spot they found. That is looking good so far. No change in the spot. It hasn't shrunk or gone away, but hasn't grown or changed either, so they've decided to call it an incidental finding.

Luke managed to make it in to school 2 days last week, would have made 3 but of course, one of the days he felt well was Veteran's Day. This week he has been home all week, but was able to make it in for the state social studies testing, which was a good thing. We're very lucky he is such a bright kid, otherwise he would really be falling behind right now.

So that's about it. I hope to start blogging again more, I do have stuff to show, just no time to share it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laura

Holiday Decor Video

2008-10-28T12:38:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

My son is still very ill and I just haven't had time to blog in between taking care of him at home and running him to the hospital for tests.
I've been feeling very guilty about not posting anything new, though. You may have seen this already, but for those who haven't here is a great video featuring Stampin' Up! CEO Shelli Gardner and some fabulous Holiday place settings that she created using SU! products.

It's about 7 min. long, so grab a cup of coffeee or tea (or hot cider- yum!) and kick back for a few minutes.

Holiday Place Settings

Enjoy!

Laura

Hawaiian Wedding Salad

2008-10-06T13:50:00.000-04:00

After numerous requests from family and friends, I am finally posting my recipe for Hawaiian Wedding Salad.

The orignial I use was copied by mother from my grandmother. (My mom has great handwriting). I posted a picture of the front of it below, so you can see how well-loved it is. You'll see a little note on the original recipe card from my mom to "make 1/2 batch for Guzdek's at a time". I'm guessing that means my dad's side of the family doesn't care for this as much as the rest of us because even though this recipe will fill a whole Tupperware Thatsabowl (holds 36 cups), when I make this for a party, there is never any left over. If there is, it doesn't last more than a day past the party.

Here's the recipe. If you follow it exactly, it should turn out great. Just be sure to watch the custard very closely.

Hawaiian Wedding Salad

3/4 C sugar
2 eggs
6 TBSP flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 lb. Rosa Marina #37 pasta (also called Orzo)
2 cans pineapple chunks in juice
1C mandarine oranges
marachino cherries cut in 1/2 and drained
1 (12oz) or 2 (8oz) containers of cool whip

1. Drain oranges & pineapple in a colander over a bowl and reserve the liquid.
2 Cook noodles & drain, rinse well & cool.
3. In a med. sauce pan mix sugar, flour, salt & beaten eggs.
4.Pour juices slowly while stirring into sugar mixture.
5. Cook over med. heat until it boils, stirring constantly. It will look like a custard. Let cool.
6.Mix custard mixture with pasta, oranges & pineapple.
7. Put in bowl and cover. Refrigerate overnight.
Next Day
8. Mix cool whip with previous mixture; top with cherries and keep cool until served.

Here are a few tips from me:

•I usually beat the eggs right in the saucepan, then add in the dry ingredients. (saves cleaning an extra bowl). Turn the heat on after the eggs and dry ingredients are mixed, and start adding the liquid immediately.
•We were never sure if the mandarin oranges were supposed to be one cup, or one can. I use two small cans- works great.
•You may need to sprinkle in extra flour if you don't think the custard is getting thick enough, although it will thicken upon cooling.
•If your not sure how the custard is supposed to look, think about the consistancy of the custard in a custard donut.
•The custard takes forever to cool off, so make it early. I usually get it out of the hot pan asap and into a bowl. Then I will periodically stir it to help it release the heat.
•You don't need to chill overnight if you don't have time, but at least plan on a couple of hours.
•I like it best with only 12 oz of cool whip, so if you buy 8 oz containers, only use 1- 1/2.
• If you can't find marachino cherries past the holiday baking season, look where the drink/cocktail mixes are. That's where I found them this summer.
• If you have an Aldi market nearby, you can get all of the ingredients you need there with the exception of the orzo pasta. It will cost you about 1/2 as much at Aldi than at a regular supermarket. However, if you want the pineapple cans with a pop-top so you can alter them, you will have to look elsewhere. Most large supermarkets have them, but they are often cheapest at Target. Sometimes they are even on sale at Target.

Enjoy!

Stamp Club Projects

2008-09-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

These are the projects I did with my stamp club this month.

I cased the ides for these from various places, and I got the pattern for the box in a bag from Paula Goff's blog.

Here is the link to directions for the bag in a box

GTG- have a great day!

Love,

Laura

Update on Lucas

2008-09-25T10:08:00.001-04:00

I've had a few inquiries as to how my son is doing. I haven't posted anything lately because I was hoping to be able to post good news. I don't have too much of that, with the exception that we don't have to go see Dr. Greenfield, the ped. urologist anymore. If you are in the area and need a pediatric urologist, find someone else if you can!
I have heard repeatedly that he is brilliant but his bedside manner sucks. Well, all I have to say is that his bedside manner is beyond sucky, and you would never know that he works exclusively with sick children by the way he treats them. I would say that you'd think he works with dogs and not kids, but every vet I've ever met has more compassion than this guy. And as far as being brilliant, he basically gave up when he couldn't figure out what was wrong with my son, so I have my doubts there, too. This is only my opinion, based on only 2 visits with the man, but there you have it.

Anyway- in the past week I have taken Lucas for more blood work and x-rays, and we have appointments with a surgeon for the spot on his liver and a GI specialist for his on-going acute abdominal pain. He had some tests done to rule out celiac disease, but it was inconclusive (so far). His IgA antibodies are a little low, and so far that is all we know. I imagine the GI doc will order further blood work, even if it is at my insistence.

We are so thankful for all of your concern and prayers. Hopefully I will have better news soon!

Love,

Laura

Card for today

2008-09-22T18:34:00.000-04:00

This is the card I made for SUDSOL Chat & Challenge 135:

I sadly do not have the A Rose is a Rose set from Stampin' Up!, so I cut the main image out of the Bella Rose dsp. This paper is just gorgeous- I love every pattern in this pack of paper.
The sentiment is from the level 1 Hostess set Best Yet.

I also used:
Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White
SU! tag punches & corner rounder
1/2 pearl from Pretties kit
Retired old olive twill (because that's all I had to match, but the Kiwi satin ribbon would work great instead.)

Enjoy!

Laura

Die Cut Star

2008-09-15T14:43:00.000-04:00

More fun with the sizzix 5-point 3-d star die. This one was done using the .008 tin that is on the 50 approved materials list for the Big Shot & sizzix dies.

My original thought was that I would be able to bend the star on the score lines and make a 3-d star like this one, only in the tin.

No such luck. The tin is too stiff to bend easily by hand without distorting the shape or the star points. If I had a mini brake, I could bend it perfectly. I asked my husband about it, and he made some suggestions. I'll be playing around with the idea again when I have more time, and let you all know what I figure out.

In the meantime, here is a picture of the flat tin star I wound up making:

Even though it is not 3-d, it is still gorgeous, and will make a very sturdy and durable holiday decoration for years to come.

I used Baroque Motifs again, and silver embossing powder to emboss the image on each point of the star separately before assembling the star.

TIPS:

**Use an alligator clip tool or clothespin tool to hold your tin pieces as you emboss them. The tin gets very hot and you will get burned if you try to emboss them while holding them in your bare hands.

**Make sure the tin is clean and free of fingerprints before stamping and embossing. The ep will stick to fingerprints on the tin otherwise.

**I used the color spritzer tool to blow away the stray bits of embossing powder before embossing. It worked beautifully, and was much easier than trying to use a paintbrush with this intricate design.

**I haven't done it on mine yet, but the cropodile wil easily punch a hole in the top of the star so I can thread some pretty SU! ribbon through it and hang it.

**Cut away the flap on one side of each point, and then glue the flap on the other side under the piece next to it to create the star. (I am realizing I should take some pictures for a tutorial maybe...but it will have to wait until Wednesday).

All images © Stampin' Up!

All products to make this project (except the tin)can be purchased through me- click here. Choose "shop now" to order online, or "contact me" to e-mail me.

I hope you enjoyed this project! I plan to be busy making many more fun holiday projects this fall, so stay tuned!

Have a great day!

love,

Laura

Punch Art

2008-09-13T21:34:00.000-04:00

These are 2 of my favorite swaps from Convention.

I love punch art, and this clown is just adorable:

It was created by Landa Cartwright.

This next one, I really love the simplicity of the card, yet it is still a wow. I love the use of scraps paired with the punchies, and I also like how the image was stamped on the card first, so that all the stars and swirls are still around the rocket, right over the stripes. The rocket was stamped a second time on a scrap of white cardstock, then colored and only the rocket cut out and popped up over the original image.

Really cute card, too bad there wasn't any info. on the back so I have no idea who made it.

All products on both of these cards are by Stampin' Up!
stamped images © Stampin' Up!

Thanks for looking!

Laura

Cuttlebug Flower Card

2008-09-13T21:20:00.000-04:00

Okay ladies, here's the picture of the card, like I promised:

This another card I made for my cuttlebug birthday card class.

Here's the flower on the inside corner of the card:

Enjoy!

Laura

p.s. Nancy: Try e-mailing me again- I'll keep a watch for your e-mail. L.

Order Stampin' Up Online !

2008-09-11T11:17:00.000-04:00

Online ordering is here! I'm so excited- the new interactive catalog is so easy to use, and the pages load very quickly- I'm psyched!

All you have to do is click here (or use the pink button in the upper right corner of my blog)and you will be linked to my SU! website. Click the SHOP NOW button, and start shopping!

That's it! Well, what are you waiting for... go check it out! It's so much fun!
(can you tell I'm just a little excited!! LOL)

Thanks for stopping by-be sure to stop back soon for more fun projects :D

Have a great day~

Laura

Way tooo cute!

2008-09-11T11:10:00.001-04:00

I got this in an e-mail today, and it was just way too cute, so I had to post it:

LOL!

have a great day~
L.

Order Stampin Up Online !

2008-09-10T10:26:00.000-04:00

Cuttlebug Birthday Card

2008-09-09T13:07:00.000-04:00

This is one of the cards we'll be making in my cuttlebug birthday card class Saturday at Buffalo Stamps n Stuff.

Elsa's Vikings

2008-09-08T09:08:00.000-04:00

I'm posting this to help support my cousin Michael and his wife Elsa.
This is a letter from Michael:

Dear Friends and Family,

Almost one year since Elsa was diagnosed with Brain Cancer.
We will be participating in the Brain Tumor Society's Race for Hope - Philadelphia on Sunday, November 2, 2008. We have formed a team to help with the fundraising effort, and we set a goal of $2000.

Will you join our team? You can join as a virtual walker if you live far away. The Race for Hope - Philadelphia is a 5K run/walk and is both a fun and inspirational event.

We need your help to raise critical funds for brain tumor research and support services, so please either join Elsa's team or make a donation. The links are provided below.

http://bts.convio.net/goto/elsas_vikings

Please note that the deadline for online registration is October 20th at 5 p.m. or you can register at the event.

Thank you so much for all of your support and I hope to see you at the Race for Hope - Philadelphia!

I want to personally thank all of you for the support, encouragement and love you have shown Elsa and the whole family. You have helped us in ways you can never know.

Truly,
Michael Rosenwald
Click here to visit my personal page.

Click here to view the team page for Elsa's Vikings

I'm adding this note from Aunt as well:

Thanks for reading. If you cannot or choose not to donate, I ask that you please pray for Elsa & Michael and their family. Prayer works!

Blessings, and much love to you all,
John & Victoria/Judy

Thanks for listening!

Laura

They grow up so fast!

2008-09-04T12:48:00.001-04:00

First day of school, September 2006:

First day of school, September 2008:

I must have 2007 pics somewhere- we take one every year. I'll have to look for it. maybe I'll do a scrapbook page of these pics one of these days!

Have a great day :)

Laura

Look what you can do

2008-09-04T12:30:00.000-04:00

...with the sizzix 5-point 3-d star die!

I used So Saffron cardstock, die cut the pieces, and then stamped each piece with the scroll stamp from Baroque Motifs. I used More Mustard craft ink and embossed it with irridescent ice ep. it was a very fast and easy project.

If you would like to own this or any other of the Sizzix dies that Stampin' Up! carries, contact me (inkerbel@hotmail.com) and I will get it ordered for you right away!

Thanks for looking!

Laura

Me at the SU! Convention

2008-09-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

Julie, me and Mara:

This is a picture of me with my friends at the SU! Convention in Utah last month. We are standing in front of a display with a sneak peek at the new 2-step and 3-step Decor Elements! These are so cool- they will be coming out this fall. You can see all the Decor Elements that are currently available here, and you can order any time!

Julie and Mara were two of my roommates at the Convention. We had a great time swapping and taking photos of each other's swaps- here a couple of pictures I took of Mara's swaps:
This was done by Robin Griffin, and it uses the serigraph technique. Hard to see well because it is in a cello envelope, but it is just stunning in person.

I am in love with this patchwork heart card. The info is included in the picture below the card:

I thought this button bracelet was so cute! I have seen the rhinestone brad bracelets, but I hadn't seen them done with the buttons before this:

The crazy girl joined 14 splitcoast convention swaps in addition to her regular floor swaps, so I have many pictures of Mara's swaps- she did beautiful work herself, and recieved many beautiful things in return. I have tons more to post, so stay tuned!

Big Shot Materials Swap & Big Shot Special

2008-09-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

My friend Julie has a swap going on over at splitcoaststampers right now for the 50 types of materials you can use with the Big Shot. It is for demo's only, and you have to be a member of the demo side of splitcoast, but I thought I would post the info. here to try and help her fill the swap.
The materials swapped out will be used to make sampler rings to show all the materials you can cut with your Big Shot- it will be a great business tool to have when demo'ing your Big Shot!

Look here for details.

So..did you know there were this many different materials you can die cut using the Big Shot and the steel rule Sizzix dies?

Here's a list:

50 types of materials you can use with the Big Shot!

Brass (.055)
Light weight steel
Aluminum (.016)
Tin (.008)
Aircraft plywood (1/64")
Basswood (1/16")
Balsa (3/32")
Paperwood
Mat board (adhesive or none)
Chipboard
Fabric
Silicone
Foam with chipboard (.1)
Corrugated pad
Adhesive-backed cork
Fine sandpaper (.00)
Strene
Extra thick template plastic
Template plastic
Plastic canvas (7 mesh)
Bubble wrap
Sheet foam
Friendly (jewelry) plastic
100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax)
Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
Ruffleboard
Static cling vinyl
Warm & natural batting
Fusible fleece
Quilt batting
Adhesive and non-adhesive flexible magnet
Heat n' shrink plastic
Adhesive and non-adhesive felt
Pop-up sponge
Shiny self-adhesive and non-adhesive paper
Iron-on fabric
Poly foam adhesive and non adhesive
3-D illusionary plastic
Glow in the dark adhesive and non adhesive
Suede paper
Funky fur
Personal Embossing Plastic (PEP)
Shaggy plush felt
Canvas
Vinyl flooring
Shelf lining
Placement
Embossing rubber
Thin leather
Gasket material

I'm also running a SPECIAL for the entire month of September on the Purchase of the BIG shot Special Edition Starter kit!

Purchase the Starter Kit and recieve a FREE BIGZ Die of your choice- a $19.95 Value!

You will also qualify to receive a FREE Hostess ONLY level 1 stamp set
AND
$20.00 in FREE catalog merchandise!

Contact me for more info. or to place an order!

**Side note- with the kids stating school tomorrow- I am back on track and will be updating my blog regularly again! I did finally get all my pictures uploaded (had a bit of trouble with the computer, but it's all good now!) So I have lots of fun pictures to start posting again.

Oh- I almost forgot!! I have a Big birthday coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for some AWESOME blog candy in October- trust me, you won't want to miss it :D

thanks for stopping by!

Laura

Home

2008-08-15T23:35:00.000-04:00

I'm home, and I'm (FINALLY) back to blogging. Unfortunately, it won't last long, because I'll be gone all next week. My trip to Utah was excellent, but exhausting. I came home with a sinus infection due to sleeping near the air-conditioner, so I've been battling that. Plus, my internet access was interrupted twice the first week I was home, and by the time I figured I could do a little blogging, I wasn't sure what to start with.

All the fun SU! convention info. had been posted all over the 'net already (we're carrying the Big Shot, with exclusive dies-YEA!!), and I didn't want to post old news. However, in case you missed it, here's a really fun thing that happened the last day of convention. Dannie blogged it perfectly, so I'll let you check it out here.

I'm also starting to get my photos edited, so I'll post a few fun pictures in the morning.

Oh- and just in case you didn't hear it all already, I'll be sure to include some info. as I go along. Like, for instance, did you hear that Shelli started a blog? it's called soshelli.

Check back for those photos later- I have tons to share.

Thanks for sticking with me!

Laura

Color Inspiration

2008-07-26T00:56:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I haven't been able to participate in Kristina's Color challenges for some time now, and I just missed the last one. The Inspiration picture and colors are so gorgeous, though that I just had to post it. Hopefully it will inspire one of you!

Once I get home from convention, I will have tons of fun stuff to post. I have still been taking my Lucas to the doctor with no luck as to a diagnosis, but his symptoms are not easing up at all. It is heartbreaking to see my poor boy miserable and in pain with no way to help. We go to the liver specialist Monday morning, so maybe I will come home with good news.

In the meantime, be sure to hop over to Kristina's blog in the next day or two to see the round up for this color challange. I've seen some already and they are gorgeous! (just follow the links in the comments.)

take care!

Laura

My Mosaic

2008-07-25T14:34:00.000-04:00

Saw this on someone's blog, so I decided to do one. It's a pretty cool idea. if you look at the photo mosaic you can learn a little more about me:

These pictures answer these questions...
What is your first name?
What is your favorite food?
What high school did you attend?
What is your favorite color?
Who is your celebrity crush?
What is your favorite drink?
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
What is your favorite dessert?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
What do you love most in life?
Choose one word to describe you?
Your Blog name?

My Answers: Laura, lobster, Lancaster Central, pink, Matt Dillon, Margarita, Paris, Creme brulee, artist, mykids, introspective, inklings

If you want to make one, here is how...
Answer each of the questions below.Surf over to Flickr (set up an account if you don’t have one–it’s quick and easy) and type your answers (one at a time) into the search bar. (I guess you could search google photos if you wanted...)

From the choice of pictures shown only on the front page, click on the one that moves you.

Once the page with your picture opens, copy the URL.

Surf over to the Mosaic Maker, set up your mosaic, and paste your URLs.Click “Create!”

Links to the shots I chose...
1. FINALVIII (for lauras myspace), 2. spring lobster, 3. Rainbow over Lancaster NY, 4. tulip, 5. Chillin' like Matt Dillon!, 6. Wasted away in Margaritaville, 7. Eiffel Tower, Paris, 8. Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, 9. Little Artist, 10. Product Of Our Parents, 11. Introspective, 12. inkling

Had to use 'inklings' instead of 'inkerbel' for the last one, because nothing came up on flickr for inkerbel, but the photo I found under inklings is way cool!

Also found this while searching the creme brulee pics:

Link to Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Recipe-Yummy!

Barn Stars

2008-07-12T01:14:00.001-04:00

A big thanks to my friend Deb for sending me these pics. Now at least I have something new for you all to look at. These are stars that Deb is selling at a craft fair this week-end in West Seneca:

Deb, these are fantastic!! Love them- thanks for sharing the photos.

Love,

Laura

4th of July card

2008-07-09T21:31:00.000-04:00

I had hoped to get this posted last Friday, on the 4th, but we were running late for the parade. Then a bunch of crazy stuff happened at our 4th of July party (what's new!-more on that in a bit). We were gone all week-end, and the last 2 days I had unexpected company, so here it is 5 days late:

If you frequent BSS you may have seen this one already- it is a card I made using the gamsol technique for a Paula Best class a couple of summers ago. It actually looks better in person- the dang scanner picks up all the imperfections that are not noticable to the naked eye!
I love this stamp image, since you can use it for any occasion. I have another one of her images that is similar in style- they are a lot of fun.

So- what happened on the 4th this year? The first thing was when I got wacked full force in the neck with a baseball bat. It was an accident, of course, but it took my breath away and scared the heck out of me. It's still swollen on the inside, but fortunately there wasn't any major damage.
I was just recovering from that when my brother's friends showed up and told me to call the paramedics since they thought Jay was having another heart attack! SO we had to call an ambulance and off they went to the hospital. Thank God, it was not another heart attack, but he does have a myocardial infection. Not good.
All this happened just before dusk. After the ambulance left, my other 2 brothers began setting off all the fireworks they had purchased out of state. Every year we have a big party on the 4th and do off fireworks, and no one has ever called the cops. This year, they showed up not once, but twice! I thought for sure Nick was going to get arrested the second time, but he lucked out. The cop was none too happy, though!
Our family rarely makes it through a holiday without at least a little drama and we weren't disappointed this time, either.
I'm still having attacks of stomach pain and my son is doing about the same, but we are hanging in there. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. I'll be back tomorrow with some new stuff.

Thanks for dropping by!
Laura

Decor Elements Video

2008-07-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

View the new VIDEO on how to use, apply and remove our new Decor Elements vinyl wall decor!

e-mail me at inkerbel@hotmail.com to order and request a brochure!

The brochure can also be viewed online here.

Hodgepodge hardware 25% Off!

2008-07-02T16:55:00.000-04:00

Copper, brass, and pewter Hodgepodge Hardware is retiring! Stock up now while Stampin’ Up! is offering 25% off (no limit!). But don’t wait too long—this offer is only good while supplies last!

You an view the Hodgepodge Hardware in the catalog HERE.

E-mail me at inkerbel@hotmail.com to order!

Baby Onesie

2008-07-02T13:11:00.000-04:00

This is a card we made in club a couple of months ago. I'ts been hanging around, so just ignore the dirty marks it's picked up. The tutorial for this is on my blog in the upper R corner, if you haven't seen it already. I'm thinking of doing this as one of my card fronts for convention swaps. What do you think?

It's nice and sunny today, so I'll be taking pictures of more recent work to upload this evening.

back in a bit,

Laura :)

ETA: hmm- now that I look at it here, I really should re-take the pic with a dark background. I think you can get the idea, though. TFL!