Best Wishes Card Creation

On Sunday I had a group of my gal pals over for the afternoon to make some cards using Stampin Up products of course. With David out of town, I really enjoyed getting ready for the party and creating some unique cards. I wanted to make sure that the cards would allow the girls to try different techniques but also fun for those at different levels of experience with card making. We made 2 cards and this was the first one.

Can you see all of the texture yumminess?

Polka dots and texture – it’s just too much!

Supplies Used:

• Paper: very vanilla, old olive, bermuda bay, patterned cardstock
• Ink: chocolate chip, regal red (used markers instead of inkpads)
• Stamps: oval all
• Accessories: corner rounder, pink ribbon (American Crafts), big shot with polka dot impressions texture plate

Note: all products used are Stampin Up unless otherwise noted.

Clear Stamps & New Punch Design by SU

A new year and new products available through Stampin Up and I couldn’t be happier with the improvements to the already fantastic product offerings.

I love the punches from Stampin Up but the flatter design will make it easier to store and also has a lock down feature to take up even less room in your scrapbooking totes when you go somewhere else to make cards, create scrapbook pages, or create something else. I used the new punch on my holiday cards and it was so much easier to punch and the new designs are so refreshing too.

Last but certainly not least, the option to purchase high-quality clear stamps is finally here. I tried them and love that they are the same quality as the regular wood stamps that has made them famous. The clear stamps are available at a lower price point than the wood stamps and the best part – they are stored in a cd/dvd case with the contents clearly labeled on the side for easy storage. I am in HEAVEN since I’ve run out of room in my closet where I currently store my stamps in baskets. These take up less space – so does that mean I can have even more stamps in my collection? I’m thinking hubby would say no. For those of you that love the wood blocks, don’t worry they will continue to offer them at this time.

Interested in trying these new products? I’ll be hosting a Stamping Open House at my home soon to celebrate the Sale-a-bration that will be going on. Stay tuned for details.

A Crafty Gift Card Package

I love shopping for Christmas presents for my family but as much as I try to fight it, sometimes I have to purchase gift cards because that is what they really want - especially those teenage nieces/nephew. I was trying to find a fun way to package those gift cards that just aren't the same when you give them in an envelope. Below is what I came up with - a stocking that holds those gift cards and it doubles as an ornament for the tree too.

The top of the stocking flips up to conceal the gift card inside.

(I love Target's gift cards with the cute puppy)

Supplies Used:

• Paper: real red cardstock, old olive cardstock, whisper white cardstock, Heidi Grace Designs Jolly & Bright patterned paper 
• Punches: eyelet border, scallop oval, large oval
• Accessories: white gel pen, bazzill red/white ribbon, silver elastic cord

Note: all products are Stampin Up unless otherwise notes

Craft Punch Crush

While I am very loyal to only buying Stampin Up punches for my crafting pleasures, I have to admit that these new Martha Stewart edge and corner punches have me swooning today. I have so many ideas on how I would use this but without a doubt these would look adorable in scrapbooks, party invitations, and even some framed art. Martha Stewart Crafts is offering this on their website as a combination where you save $3 - an even better off isn't it now? Happy crafting!

Mini Calendar Idea

While we have 4 1/2 months before 2010, I couldn't help but share this adorable mini 2010 calendar from Maya Road with all of you. It's the perfect way to use up all of your extra cardstock, patterned paper, and embellishments from scrapbooking to make a mini calendar for your desk. The cool part is that if you decide to include photos on the pages, you can easily take off the calendar part and put it into a scrapbook, it's like making a calendar and scrapbooking pages at the same time.

I've already looked to see if it's already available in stores but it's not so I'll have to wait a bit. Wouldn't this make a perfect holiday gift? Well at least I would love it as a gift. The Maya Road calendar which is 4" x 4.2" and the cool acrylic stand that you perch the calendar will be available soon.

She Really Likes Me

I was so ecstatic to see my picture from the "What was I doing at..." challenge on the one and only Elizabeth Kartchner's blog - Just Us. Seriously out of the 123 bloggers that participated in the contest, she thought my sexy turquoise blue pj's where too exciting to resist. That's me in the lower left hand corner digging through my closet trying to sort out my wardrobe picks for the following day. While I didn't win the give-away, I feel like a winner after Liz posted a comment on my blog (gush) and then included me in her "group hug" picture. What can I say, I love it when "famous" people drop by to say hi. If you aren't a scrapbooker you may be wondering what is the big deal but let me tell you ladies and gents that she was Scrapbooker of the Year from the all famous Creating Keepsakes magazine and is a force to be reckoned with. Need I say more? Don't believe me, check out her blog post here.

What Will You Be Doing on 07.08.09 @ 10:11:12

Elizabeth Kartchner from the Just Us blog came up with this cool idea to have everyone take a photo at the same time! Are you in? Here's how to play:

1. Have your camera handy on July 8th-this Wednesday

2. Take a photo of whatever you are doing when your clock says 10:11 am or pm. (we won't worry about timezones)

3. Challenge yourself to think outside of the box in how you take the photo or don't worry about that part and just snap one real quick!

4. Post the photo on your blog or an online gallery. Leave a comment on Elizabeth's blog linked to your photo and you are entered into her giveaway (it has scrapbooking goodies in it)

How simple is that? I think it's a fun idea and I'm infatuated with #'s and times like this. In fact did you know that every time I look at a clock and it says 12:29 (my b-day) I have to make a wish - I know I'm weird. Good Luck!

"Photographer 2 Be" Scrapbook Layout

I must say that I am quite proud of this scrapbooking layout that I completed of my niece Katie. She is at the age where she loves to imitate adults and I was no exception. I was shooting pictures of her from the backseat because the light was just perfect for snapping pictures. She was very observant and decided that she wanted to take pictures too. Well luckily I had a disposable camera in my purse from my trip to San Diego so I passed it to her. Notice that she still keeps her eye on me while also trying to look through the viewfinder.

In creating this layout, I decided to bring out the red, pink, and purple that was in her sweater and notice all of the cute hearts too. I decided to use her sweater as my inspiration and I think that is what really makes this layout pop. Most of you know how much I love scrapbooking using neutral or fall colors so when I stretch my creativity I think I go all out. I'm thinking about possibly submitting this layout for publication in one of the many scrapbooking magazines so if you have any constructive criticism to make it better before doing so please let me know.

So Very Thoughtful Paige Marie

I've inspired another friend to try scrapbooking and it's so much fun to see their work. My dear friend Paige that lives in Idaho made this card for me for my birthday. Yes I know it was a month ago but I always know that she'll be a tad bit late......:) But it was worth the wait she put her scrapbooking goodies to work and made me this adorable card. Thanks so much Paige, I love it!!!

Thinking Outside the Box - or in the Box?

I have to admit that my friend Paige's birthday was over a month ago and I got her card in the mail a bit late last month. December was a VERY busy month and since Paige is such a special friend, I knew I really needed to do something very special to make up for my tardiness.

This card is actually a box with a lid and when you open it, you notice that there are 3 layers within it. All of the sides are decorated with stamps, patterned paper and other embellishments. Now you are probably thinking, "wow, that is really a creative idea you came up with" but I must admit that it wasn't my idea. A colleague at work received a similar box for her birthday that her mother had made and knowing how much I love crafty projects, she let me borrow hers so I could duplicate this awesome card.

This was so much fun to make and I look forward to making many more. So next time you think about sending a friend or family member a birthday card, just remember that sometimes all you need to do is to think outside of the box!

The Paper Doll House - Here we Come!

The beautiful house above is where I am heading off to for the weekend to scrapbook. Yes, we actually do scrapbook all weekend long and I will be up very late into the night working on my next masterpiece. This will be our 3rd year going to this Bed & Breakfast that caters to just us crafty folks. I am looking forward to working on some projects and catching up with some friends and sneak in a massage on Saturday as well. Dave gets to be a bachelor all weekend long but I'm sure he'll still miss me, especially since the Wii we ordered didn't arrive this week as planned. I'm sure he'll manage to find something to do without me.

For more information on this Victorian Home or the B&B visit their website:
http://www.thepaperdollhouse.com/

A Gift Made With Love and Oh So Sweet!

I made this cupcake shaped mini album for my SIL and Niece for Christmas. Katie turned 1 in March and the theme of her party was cupcakes - my favorite! I had a blast scrapbooking her birthday but decided that it would be nice to make an album for my SIL to have as well as a keepsake. I had a lot of fun making it for them since my niece is the "sweetest" niece ever. What will the them for her birthday be this year??? Hmm....maybe I should make a few recommendations?!?! I also will have another niece or nephew arriving in May and while I don't know the sex yet, I know I'll have a blast scrapbooking for that child as well.

As you can see on Katie's bib - She Loves her Auntie!!! Alright don't laugh I did buy the bib for her and didn't realize that these types of bibs are only for little babies, my response was that well the new arrival can wear it beginning at birth. I always have a solution and have alot to learn!

Where I Like to Create

I love scrapbooking, making cards, and creating other crafty projects for around the house. However I must admit that you need a good space to create because usually you can't start and finish a project in one sitting. Creating something that I love takes a lot of thought and oftentimes I have to come back later and having a place to keep it all in place is a necessity.

I have the perfect spot in the house for my projects but it makes my hubby crazy when my table is a "mess", however I don't think of it that way and in fact the messier the space the more creative the project turns out.

Before

As you can see, I make quite the mess when creating a masterpiece but I wouldn't be able to create without a mess. I can't show you what I'm working on because someone is getting it as a gift for Christmas this year. However, in order to be productive and creative on my next project, I have to clean up afterwards. It actually doesn't take that long and I discover things I had forgotten that I had in my stash. It's amazing what you can find when you do a little clean-up.

AFTER

I wanted to provide a little sneak peak to my creative space but there's more to see...stay tuned and I'll post more soon. You're probably wondering where I store all of my goodies, let's say that it's out of sight but definitely organized. I once was a big slog (just ask my parents) but now I love organization - I guess my hubby has rubbed off onto me.

It's Frame Time Again - Christmas

So now that Thanksgiving is over it was time to come up with a Christmas idea for my black frame since the leaves had to go away until next year. I decided to use one of the pictures that we recently took of us last week for our Christmas card.

To be honest the pictures don't give it justice because it's much cuter and has more details that didn't get picked up on the picture. The roof is made out of red paper that I used a scallop punch on to make it look like shingles. Also the brown chimney has snow on the top of it and there is also snow around the window as well. To draw attention to the window I lined it with some twine ribbon and put some glitter snow on the top of it.

At the bottom it says "Anderson Family Christmas" in red and then our names in green and the year in black. But the coolest part (at least I think) is that you can open the house and the picture of us is inside.

I'm not sure if I am completely "loving it" but unless I come up with another idea this will be hanging by the door for the next month or two. I think my mother is working on a little mini Christmas quilt for me so I may be hanging that up soon as well.


Tomorrow I am going to a Holiday decorating class at Pottery Barn so I'm really hoping to get some ideas from that because I feel like I keep decorating the same each year and I want to do something different.

I've been working on a few other crafty projects for Christmas but I can't post them because who knows - maybe you'll be getting one as a Christmas gift. One in particular I must admit is just so "sweet" looking that I can hardly wait to show you.