Sail Away!

Ready to go sailing?

 I am.... not off into the sunset quite, but for a little break from the colder weather with the scattering of snow flakes that we've been having on and off recently. Seriously, what's that all about? I'm wearing flip-flops today - just because I can and I feel like spring.

Meanwhile, I've been stamping away. This delightful little boat is part of the stamp set Moving Forward. It's this years stamp that was created as a fund raiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Read a bit about it on the inside back cover of your Stampin' Up! catalog.

Skies aren't always blue, so I added just a few clouds using the

Cloudy Day Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Love it, but not as many clouds ..... so I decide how many I want each time. Did you know you could choose and pick your clouds? It's a great little trick! Check back tomorrow and I'll give you a quick tutorial on it along with another cute card or two.

I 3-D'd the sail, adhering it with a Glue Dot under the little flag and set the embossed boat on a sea of polka dot waves.

Isn't it cute?

And you know where to order from right? Click here!

The Basics - a download!

The Basics
Do you ever wish you could have a Stampin' Up! pro show up in your craft room when you felt like learning something new?
You could stay in your jammies, the house doesn't have to be clean, no cookies to bake because, well, 

they're not really there but.....

there is an amazing new product from Stampin' Up! that does just that. It's a download and it will help you:

• Learn innovative ways to get the most out of your supplies (from stamps to the Big Shot)
  
•  Clever tips and all the techniques you need to start creating with success.
  
• Divided into six sections focused on a variety of topics
  
• Includes videos, step outs, and supply lists for 30+ projects.
  Download it here today!
  
  The Basics Kit - 13338514.95
  There's no shipping on downloads, but you can combine it with additional products to receive your free Sale-a-bration products! Now, how cool is that?
  
   Order your download from my online store here!

Ten Minute Tuesday!

How would you like to watercolor with me today?
It's simple and quick and you don't have to paint inside
the lines.
(who's idea was that anyways?)

Using the wonderful stamp set, Secret Garden, an Aqua Painter and beautiful colors, these cards remind us that Spring is just around the corner. Can we complete them in ten minutes.... I think so! But, please, feel free to take your time and enjoy the process.

 As always I have a free tutorial download for you.

                                                                              

Secret Garden Bundle
131100w

131099c

Purchase online today!

Cute Shoes!

Aren't these about the cutest shoes? I love em!
 

 I also love what can be tucked away in a box like this!

How about you? 

So.... what if there were $158.00 worth of product?

Fill it with whatever you choose - a new Stampin' Trimmer, a couple of new stamp sets, paper, ink, a little bling..... maybe some buttons and ribbon.

 

Now, what if you only paid $99 for it and no shipping!
Almost as sweet as the shoes now, right?

 

So let's keep adding:

 

Free tutorials every month - from me

30% off of your next order

20% off each additional order

A fun magazine bi-monthly in the mail

A private FB page to interact with our group

 

And I'll also show you how to make some fun decor items from the packing paper! Too fun!

 

Here's the cool part - receive all the benefits for 3 months without doing anything extra. Then you choose:

I'd like to learn how to have an online business

or

I'd like to remain active as a hobby demonstrator

or

 that was fun, but I'm done.

 

I'll be here stamping away, having a great time and ready to support you in whatever direction you choose.

 

Begin your journey here or contact me at stampsnsmiles@gmail.com for more info

 

Signing up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is easy, do it online here and have your new products on their way to your doorstep (don't forget to put on your cute shoes!)

 

Need for Speed

Just in case you're needing a masculine card - here's one for you today.

Using the Oh, Hello! stamp set (it's my Online Only Class stamp this month) to create chevron images that remind me of tire treads.

The background oval design was first stamped in Basic Grey. Using the chevron arrow design I "bleach stamped" it onto a strip of card stock, also Basic Grey.

The card was finished off with three metal brads which I spaced using the Paper Piercing Pack. It's my favorite way of getting it just right.

Need for Speed

122717c

Forgive Me!

Forgive Me?

Or, it could be any sentiment that needs to simply be said and said simply. I love cards with an expanse of white and just a touch of color. This one works for me!

The lovely little splatter from French Foliage (one of my favs) is stamped in Island Indigo and Summer Starfruit. The sentiment... from So Sorry. It has a number of sayings that would work well with this card, including - "I'm late"

And a little plug for French Foliage - have you ever noticed all the cool images that are included in that stamp set? Six amazing stamps and only $14.95! I consider it a bargain set!

And, did you know? You can shop 24/7 online at my store!

Click here to access.

And a simple white card should never be sent in a simple white envelope. Nope... give it some kick! Create anticipation in the receiver as they open it. Simply created by adhering Designer Series Paper along the flap of Stampin' Up!'s quality envelopes. Just takes a minute, but they're going to want to keep the envelope! Well, the card too!

  I created this card for the CAS Theme 207 Challenge. I love clean and simple, so this was right up my boulevard. 

So Sorry
126525w
126527c

French Foliage
120845w
121166c

Ten Minute Tuesday!

Raining Flowers...

I haven't played with this set for awhile, but thought it would be fun to use for today's Ten Minute Tuesday. Even if you've never stamped before I believe you could complete these two cards very quickly.

What helps keep these cards from being too plain is the wonderful torn edges. One of my favorite ways to simply add some interest to a card.

I chose two simple stamps from this stamp set, two colors of ink, two colors of card stock.

Two small rhinestones, "Sharpie-colored" with bright pink, add just enough bling to a simple card.

The flowers were stamped in Tangerine Tango and Melon Mambo. Set on Whisper White with a background card of Melon Mambo (oh, I love that color), it gets a little extra wow by dressing up the envelope with Floral District DSP.

Stampin' Write Markers work perfectly for using two colors of ink on one stamp.  And don't you love this little saying, 'bloomin' marvelous'. Perfect for all sorts of occasions!

And, yes, I have a tutorial which you can download for free...

but, honestly, these cards are so straight-forward that I decided to post the dimensions for all you gals that can take it from there.

Free tutorial download

                                                                                

Missed a couple of tutorials? Just click on the tab at the top of my page.

              Melon Mambo c/s                4-1/4" x 11"

              Tangerine Tango c/s            5-1/2" x 8-1/2"

              Whisper White c/s          (2) 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

              Floral District DSP          (2) 2-1/4" x 5-3/4"

Tear edges on one piece of Whisper White along both 4-1/4" sides and along the 5-1/2" sides on the other piece.

The clever little sayings on today's cards came from a wonderful stamp set, Bloomin' Marvelous, that you can receive for FREE during Sale-a-bration when you place a $50 order. Just click to shop at my online store now!

Just Dressing...

Well..... some of us are getting together to stamp today. How about you?

We meet one Monday a month at a local coffee shop, where tables, pre-cut kits and coffee are waiting for us.

We stamp, we chat, we stamp, we chat .....

and then we're on our way with our newly

completed projects.

 A perfect Monday get-away!

If you live near or far you can join us!
Click here for more info.

I created this 3-D banner by stamping it twice, cutting the ends off of one of them and the center out of the other.

Glue Dot them together and tada!

The other wonderful time-saving part of this card is by using Designer Series Paper you can just flip your die-cut dress form over and it's ready to place on your card - no need to cut two of them.

All Dressed Up Bundle

Shop online today!

Laura's Card

I would like to share a special card with you today, that was shared with me by one of the gals in my Online Only Class. 

 I just love how Laura took an idea, added some embossing and a few more stamps, changed the colors and created a card that was uniquely her own. 

And, thank you, Laura, for giving me permission to share it on my blog. I'm thinking you need a blog of your own to showcase all your fantastic work on!

There's still time to be part of this class! Kits have mailed  but I have a few waiting in the wings just for you!.

Check it out here!

And don't forget that Sale-a-bration is still going strong! Earn free product with each $50 order. It's a great time to have a Stampin' Up! party, because everyone wins!

And along with this amazing offer, is the brand new feature from Stampin' Up! that allows you to add online orders to your party! That's right - if you have friends that live too far to attend a party locally, they can still be part of your party with a new Hostess Code.

Contact me today at stampsnsmiles@gmail.com for more information. Let's get your free product on it's way!

Let's Go To Paris!

Planning a trip to Paris!

I've had this dream that has lingered in the back of my mind for some time now of going to Paris with a couple of my daughters, grand-daughters and a couple of very good friends. So....

well, it's still lingering in the back of my mind, but,

someday I'm going to make up a few more of these cards, pop in an invite to Paris, (along with the tickets of course) and post them. How fun would that be? Very!

Meanwhile, I love this card, the rhinestones, the tickets, the flower and most of all the Eiffel Tower. Still using Fan Fair DSP - I've been stashing this piece for a bit. I chose to use the flower from Secret Garden as it's so similar to the flower on the paper... the tickets, well, that goes without saying. How else would a gal get to Paris. A bit of bling and we're almost there!

and FYI: (just had to look it up!)

"Enjoy dinner at the "Le 58 Tour Eiffel" restaurant, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, then take a relaxing scenic Seine river cruise. At the end of the evening, witness the Moulin Rouge fabulous show FEERIE with its famous French Can-Can.  $281.76 pp"

okay, back to work now....

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you an amazing day filled with love, laughter and those who are dear to you...

really, just wishing you a day as perfect as you are!

I've been going through my Designer Series Paper the last day or two and using some pieces that were looking a little lonely - they've been sitting there awhile. So today and possible the next few days I'll be using Fan Fair. It has a wonderful vintage, travel-to-far-places feel (tomorrow we're going to Paris.... be sure you're here!)

I decided to ink up the DSP just a tad more using the  same stamp from Vintage Verses I used in the sentiment, but this time the entire stamp in Crumb Cake ink.
Very subtle, just a touch.

What are you doing today to celebrate?
Ourselves - just a quiet day at home with our daughter-in-law and grands coming over to join us for dinner.

Artichoke souffles, steak'n'lobster with roasted veggies and rice, followed up with flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Our son is away with work (miss him much) so we're kind of filling in for him...

which we don't mind doing at all!

What I used:

Fan Fair DSP 126918
Apothecary Accents Framelits 127003
Vintage Verses 129636c

Oh Hello! 130733c

and a little cup of coffee!

Well, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and  we couldn't have another holiday without a cup of coffee!

This little tag was created in Pool Party, Primrose Petals and Real Red for the Pals Paper Art challenge. Truth be known, I've had it done for awhile now, I just popped in a red heart so it would qualify. Please don't tell.... and I really like it better this way, so I'm glad for the inspiration!

To date, I believe my coffee cup cards and tags have been my most popular posts ... no addiction tho', nope, no way.

If you'd like the directions for creating this size tag, check out my "free tutorials" at the top of my blog , and for a card, click here. You'll know how to change it up to suit your fancy, I'm sure.

Speaking of your fancy.... I have five more spots available in my Online Only class... kits will mail on Friday morning and they're beautiful! Check it out here! Here's a sneak peek...

Thanks for stopping by today .... and have a wonderful day tomorrow!

Embellishing a Ten Minute Tuesday

Welcome back to another Ten Minute Tuesday!

It's so nice to have you here and I hope you find time to emboss along. This week I've chosen  scrumptious two-tone ribbon and lace tape to embellish my cards. A bit of embossing in White and Pool Party and we're pretty much done. Most of the supplies are from the Spring Catalog, which I dearly hope you have a copy of by now. If not, I'd be glad to send you one!

Free Tutorial Download

I'm pretty sure this is the quickest card I have ever made.
I love how the ribbon makes such a statement and just a little sponging over the embossing makes it blush a little. Oh, my!

Missed a Ten Minute Tuesday - just click here!

Secret Garden Bundle
131100w
131099c

Pink Pirouette Two-Tone Ribbon
129294

Delicate Designs Lace Tape
130966

Click here to shop at my online store 24/7!

Getting All Dressed Up for Mocha Monday!

Oh my, ladies!

You're not going to want to miss this class.... we're getting all dressed up! We're going to have so much fun with this set. It's easy to use and it looks great with Tea for Two Designer Series Paper. I'm just plain excited about it and hope you can join us!

Here's the scoop:

Moxie Java, corner of Ustick & Eagle Rd
Meridian, ID

Monday, February 18 @ 6:30 pm

Kit fee: $5.00 (includes tutorial)

Reserve your kit today @ stampsnsmiles.blogspot.com

And just in case you may think I forgot the chocolate...

no way! It's just hiding away in this great little purse.

You know how it's hard to take photo shoots of a large family? Someone is looking away, or not smiling, or a collar is crooked. Well, it can be like that with cards, also. While they're not misbehaving, it's just hard to get the lighting and angle right on all of them so I let the purse stand alone this time. I figured forty minutes of photo shoot was wearing these little cards plumb out!

Can't attend? Order your tutorial and/or kit today!

Tutorial comes as a PDF download with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions including photos to help you create these projects with ease. Kit includes the download along with all the pre-cut supplies for the four projects shown.

Tutorial Download             Kit and Tutorial incl.s/h

                              $1.95                                     9.95

                                                                                   

                            
                                                                                                                           

I love this All Dressed Up stamping bundle and especially the 15% discount you receive.... order one here 24/7 and receive the tutorial and kit for free!

All Dressed Up Bundle
131096w
131095c
Card Base Pop'n Cuts 130099

Dress Form Pop'n Cuts 130100

Guest Designer, Brittyn

I am so pleased to introduce you to my guest designer today, our grandson, Brittyn, age nine.

He is definitely a cutting edge stamper, utilizing my basket of scraps to create a stunning card.

No one layer card for this little gentleman, no siree! He's a Big Shot! pro which is clearly seen in his use of hearts, leaves and flowers. A little bling to bring it all together and you have the perfect Valentine card.

And in his own words "well, a heart can be broken but beautiful things can grown out of it, like this flower!". Nicely put, Brittyn and I love the detail you've added!

Please note the watermarks which we carefully added to protect his design.... smile.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 12th Anniversary, Brandon & Todesa!

(and are you wondering about the amazing black blob in the background? Me too!
Actually it's a rather cool "&" sign I bought, because I liked it and I thought it would make a great backdrop (not!) and kind of tie in with this card. No such luck. But the card has been given and so I can't take another picture. Oh, well!)
 

 Congratulations to an awesome couple -
our son and his wife.
And speaking of pictures, I didn't get one of them before they left for their weekend away, so here's one from a 2011 birthday! Wow, I'm doing great on this post so far!

And while Mom and & Dad are away...

Mixing up gluten-free brownies!

making their anniversary cards.

And, you two, if you happen to read this while you're gone, the kids have been to bed early and had absolutely no sugar, lol! We're having a blast, as usual, and we'll save the funny stories for when you get home.
(and you haven't seen their cards, right?)

 I die cut the '&' and then used the negative part for the background of it. Backed it with a bit of DSP and popped it up with Dimensionals - well, everything on the card really. But it wasn't being mailed, so the layers worked fine. 

 

And a little tattoo.
Just wanted a touch of Primrose Petals down in the corner.
Is that what people say when they get inked?
"I'd like a touch of Marina Mist just about there"
I'm not sure....