Trust God with a beautifully simple card

 

This close-up photo shows how simply beautiful a single flower from the flower trim in the Spring Catalog can be. This one is sponged with a bit of Calypso Coral.

 

 

This Very Vanilla card was embossed on the front with the Lacy Brocade folder, then I folded a paper doily in half and adhered it under a strip of Tea for Two dsp. The sentiment is from the Trust God stamp set, punched with the Decorative Label and sponged with Calypso Coral, and adhered with dimensionals.

 

If you'd like to order any or all of these products, please visit my Online Store at http://therubberroom.stampinup.net. Thanks!

 

Unique-shaped card & trimming your taller embossing folders

Today, my bestie Kim shows how to create a unique card with the Labels Framelits AND how to trim down those newer and taller embossing folders so they'll go through your Big Shot either way. Also, Kim added the Sycamore Street dsp and butterflies to the card front before running everything through the Lacy Brocade embossing folder in the Big Shot.

Note: Please be sure to use Craft & Rubber scissors to trim your embossing folders - not paper snips. Kim followed the edge of the pattern at the bottom of the embossing folder. It's not perfectly straight, but it works!

Paper: Pool Party, Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit card stocks, and Sycamore Street dsp (a Sale-a-Bration freebie when you order $50+);
Accessories: Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Big Shot, Scallop Trim Border punch, Bitty Butterfly punch, Elegant Butterfly punch, basic rhinestone jewels.

You can order everything you see here through my Online Store (open 24/7) at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Have a wonderful day!

Ears to You single stamp cuteness

 

My friend and downline, Cheryl, created this bunny wonderful card, for me using the single stamp Ears to You. I sent Cheryl this stamp for promoting to supervisor. She's got two recruits now - congrats, Cheryl! Whoo hoo!!! I love the texture the embossing folder adds, as well as the rhinestone bling on the Pool Party satin ribbon.

Get organized with labels and photobook

 

Hello There Kit - Digital Download	Item #133374
Preferred Price: $9.95
This download was added on 2/19/2013 Download includes: * 17-piece SVG stamp brush set* * 13 Designer Series Papers * 26 embellishments Features: * Say hello to this adorable kit * Fun and versatile to help you make cards, pages, tags and more Colors: Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Going Gray, Primrose Petals * Note: SVG stamps do not work with the original My Digital Studio software     Label This Garage Designer Template - Digital Download Item 133270 Preferred Price: $4.95 This download was added on 2/19/2013 Download includes: * 3-page decor designer template (8-1/2" x 11") * 47-piece SVG stamp brush set* Features: * Digital exclusive * Tackle that garage and get everything in place with these organizing labels * Note: SVG stamps do not work with the original My Digital Studio software   Label This Playroom Designer Template - Digital Download  Item 133269 Preferred Price: $3.95 This download was added on 2/19/2013 Download includes: * 2-page decor designer template (8-1/2" x 11") * 29-piece SVG stamp brush set* Features: * Digital exclusive * Turn clean-up time into a game * Label the toy bins so the kids know where everything goes * Note: SVG stamps do not work with the original My Digital Studio software   Serene Silhouettes - Digital Download Item 133015 Preferred Price: $3.95 This download was added on 2/19/2013 Download includes: * 4-piece stamp brush set   Think Back Photobook Templates - Digital Download  Item 133021 Preferred Price: $19.95 This download was added on 2/19/2013 Download includes: * 4, 24-page designer photobook templates (8" x 8") * 39-piece SVG stamp brush set* * 12 Designer Series Papers * 2 embellishments * 3 punches Features: * Digital exclusive * Get to know your grandma, grandpa, mom, and dad with these interactive photobooks full of fun questions Colors: Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla * Note: SVG stamps do not work with the original My Digital Studio software You can purchase digital downloads anytime! And if you order $50+, you'll get to select a Sale-a-Bration item for FREE. Did you know you can add downloads to workshop orders? Just ask your demo for the code! It's that easy. If you don't have a SU! demonstrator, I'd love to be yours! You may order anytime thru my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Thanks!

My team makes some of the nicest make and takes!

 

These are the make and takes from my last team gathering a couple of weeks ago. I used the Madison Avenue stamp set - free with a $50 order - for the first time here. I started with In Color Patterned Paper (Wisteria Wonder), adding a strip of Vine-embossed (another SAB freebie) Elegant Eggplant, and a Whisper White apothecary accent diecut.

 

 

Kim's make and take used the same sketch I used on my chalkboard technique card here. She used the Hearts a Flutter framelits to diecut the hearts from More Amore Specialty dsp, and popped them up on an embossed strip of Pool Party with a designer-label-punch sentiment from Delightful Dozen.

 

 

Mary Ann's make and take uses the Spring Sampler stamp set with Sunshine and Sprinkles dsp and a sentiment from Rain or Shine.

 

 

Barb A. followed a sketch challenge for her make and take. She used For the Birds stamp set and Sycamore Street dsp with the Cloudy Day embossing folder.

 

We have a fun group of demonstrators in my American Ink group. If you'd like to join us, let me know! You're welcome to attend a team meeting as my guest. There's never been a better time to buy a Starter Kit - you get $156.50 worth of high-quality Stampin' Up! product for only $99 plus tax (free shipping!). Contact me today if you'd like to take advantage of it at ericandterry@comcast.net or call/text (360) 509-8041.

 

And one more note, I'm hosting a 10-Card All-Occasion Class as a fund-raiser for the Poulsbo Middle School bands on Thursday, February 28, at 7 p.m. I'm donating 100% of the class fees, in addition to 50% of my retired items at the studio. I'd love your support! Donations are gladly accepted. Please let me know by Feb. 26 if you - and a friend - can attend. Thanks!

 

 

 

Sharing our February team swaps

 

With this group of swaps, I'm caught up. Of course I still have a handful of make and takes to show you, so look for those tomorrow. My swap is above. It uses the You're Amazing stamp set, along with the Chevron embossing folder, Sycamore Street dsp and ribbon, bitty butterfly punch and a rhinestone. I pulled the colors for the hot air balloon off of the paper - Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, and Summer Starfruit. I purposely left my cards blank so you could add whatever sentiment you need.

 

Sharlene's card uses Hearts a Flutter and Hearts Collection Framelits



Oh, Whale! by Mary Ann

Ciao, Baby! by Heather (guest demo)

 

Love and Sympathy by Ginette

 

Feel Goods by Barb A.

 

My American Ink team swaps show a myriad of ideas

Kathleen's (guest demo) Word Play card

Barb's love-ly buckle card

Michelle used canvas creations and natural trim

Cheryl's That's the Ticket owl punch card

Ginette's Summer Afternoon swap

Lots of love with Seasonal Sayings by Mary Ann

One of our newer team members - Simona - made this swap

Kim's More Amore dsp and paper doily swap

Sherry's hybrid card (uses MDS)

Puddin's red glimmer swap with unique opening

 

 

These swaps were from my American Ink team gathering in January. And though many of them are valentines, they have ideas you can use on your own projects throughout the year. I love swapping with members of my team because they bring ideas as diverse as they are.

I've got a Stampin' Up! party this morning with a big group of ladies - many of them brand new to stamping. Should be fun!!! (Isn't that why we do this?) I hope you have a terrific Saturday.

Unlimited card ideas? Here you go!

If you've ever sat down to make a card and have no idea where to start, this is for you! I regularly use sketch challenges to create the cards I need for my 10-card classes, clubs, swaps, and other events. I may not follow the sketch exactly, but who cares? It's all about getting you started. Where you go once you've started is up to you. :-)

To find these ideas, just Google "sketch challenge." I tend to like the simpler sketches, because I find it easier to add layers and embellishments, rather than starting with a more involved sketch.

Here are my Favorites I have bookmarked:
http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com
http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com
http://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com
http://stampinroyalty.blogspot.com
http://www.freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com
http://handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com
http://www.palspaperarts.com
http://retrosketches.blogspot.com.au
http://cleanandsimplestamping.blogspot.com
http://sundaystamps.blogspot.com

Now about the card in the video - I want to note that you get 40 sheets of 8-1/2" x 11" Very Vanilla card stock, which makes 80 cards when each sheet is cut in half. I only counted one 40-pack of Very Vanilla envelopes in the $55 price, along with the More Amore Specialty dsp, and Hearts Collection Framelits. Now thru March 22, for every $50 you order from Stampin' Up! (http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net is my Online Store) you may select the three ribbons and pack of buttons FREE (you can click on the Free Products graphic in my right-hand column to see other choices).

Thanks for visiting!

Have a sweet day filled with love

 

I hope you're enjoying Valentine's Day! I am. I started by visiting the local middle school with 85 of these treats to show the staff appreciation.

 

 

The most time-consuming part was pushing 10 ice cream-flavored candy hearts into the skinny cello bags. I used the Full Heart and Word Window punches with the valentine sentiment from Teeny, Tiny Wishes. I had to add a rhinestone for a little bling too. I made enough extra that I've been giving them out today as random acts of kindness (raks). I gave one to our mail carrier, the front office people at an eye clinic, the bank teller, and the cook at my Lions Club meeting. I've got a couple left to give to our host and server tonight because my hubby is taking me out to dinner! Whoo hoo!!!

 

 

My son's birthday was yesterday. Have I mentioned he's the best kid ever? He's smart and funny, thoughtful and kind. He didn't want anything for his birthday, including a party or any friends over. He just wanted his family. I thought it'd be fun to blow up some balloons to stick up around the house. I used a skewer to roll up some bills and put one each in 14 balloons. He first had to choose 14 balloons from the many I'd hung up, then use the skewer to pop them to get the money inside. It was fun and different! We laughed about it and had a great time last night. My son said he'll give me the money to put in his savings account. I love this kid!

 

Well, I hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day! The kids will be home from school soon, so I have their valentines and chocolates ready for them.

 

If you'd like to purchase the supplies used to make these treats, here's a list:

Stamps: Teeny, Tiny Wishes (item 127802, $26.95);

Ink: Basic Gray pad (item 126981, $5.95);

Paper: Riding Hood Red (item 111348, $6.95) and Whisper White (item 100730, $8.50) card stocks;

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals (item 104430, $3.95), Word Window punch (item 119857, $15.95), Full Heart punch (item 119883, $16.95), basic rhinestone jewels (item 119246, $4.95), 1" x 8" cello bags (item 124134, $2.50 for 50).

 

You may order anytime, day or night, thru my SU! website at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Thanks!

 

 

Creating hearts within hearts for valentine fun

You can make so many terrific things with the Hearts Collection Framelits. This is just a quick video to show how to make hearts within hearts for cards and other projects!

Big Shot "sandwich" for framelits: Multi-purpose platform with a cutting pad on top, then the card stock and framelit(s) and the second cutting pad.

Supplies used: Hearts Collection Framelits, Big Shot, More Amore Specialty dsp (2013 Spring Catalog), Silver Glimmer paper, Real Red and Pool Party card stock, white organza ribbon, Lovely Little Labels, Little Labels Punch Pack, white baker's twine.

You can order these supplies and more through my Online Store (open 24/7): http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Free digital download AND last day for $1 content discs

Item 133267 - Free Label This Designer Template - Digital Download

Download includes:
* 5-page decor designer template (8-1/2" x 11")
* 88-piece SVG stamp brush set*

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Organize your craft room with all the Stampin’ Up! colors (even the retired ones)
* Free download

 

Item 133019 - Make A Wish Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download

 

Item 133266 - Label This Craft Room Designer Template - Digital Download

Download includes:
* 4-page decor designer template (8-1/2" x 11")
* 108-piece SVG stamp brush set* 


Item 133271 - Up To Date Planner Template - Digital Download

Download includes:
* 26-page designer photobook template (11" x 8-1/2")
* 106-piece SVG stamp brush set*
* 7 Designer Series Papers
* 10 embellishments

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Plan your days, weeks, and months with this handy planner template
* Includes places for notes, lists, party plans, etc.

Colors:
Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Primrose Petals, Pumpkin Pie, Raspberry Ripple, Sahara Sand, Summer Starfruit

 

Note: These are svg stamps, which do not work with the original My Digital Studio.

 

Don't forget--today is the last day to snatch up content discs on the Clearance Rack for just $1 each.  Please order your digital downloads and all other Stampin' Up! products through my Online Store (open 24/7) at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Remember - You get to pick one item for FREE from the Sale-a-Bration Brochure for every $50 you order (thru March 22).

Feel Goods pewter heat-embossed card for a friend

Join my friend and downline Barb as she heat embosses a sentiment from the Feel Goods stamp set for a beautiful - and quick - card. Most of the product used comes from the Spring Catalog - Tea for Two dsp, 7/8" Natural Trim, Silver Designer Buttons, and the stamp set.

To heat emboss:
1. Rub embossing buddy over card layer to be embossed to remove any static.
2. Stamp image or words in VersaMark ink on card stock.
3. Pour embossing powder (pewter, in this case) over stamped area and tap off excess.
4. Using a heat tool, heat powder until you see the image get shiny and raised.

To order any of the products used here, please visit my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net.

Doodling a little love on chalkboard valentine for sketch challenge

 

Here's a taste of the chalkboard technique with a valentine, with a doodle!

 

 

For the chalkboard technique, I started with Basic Black card stock, stamped hearts from Hearts a Flutter in the Whisper White craft pad, covered them with white embossing powder, and heated it with my heat tool to emboss. I then used a white watercolor pencil and ruler to make the lines around the hearts, doodling the arrow through one (who hasn't done that?). Finally, I used a sponge dauber in the white pad to add faux chalk dust to my "chalkboard." That makes it more real, doesn't it?

 

Like yesterday, I used a sketch - this time over at RetroSketches:

 

 

There's still 1-1/2 days to participate! You can see how literal I was with the sketch, using hearts where the sketch shows hearts. I used the Fancy Fan folder on my Pretty in Pink card front, and a sentiment from the Sale-a-Bration stamp set Vintage Verses, punching a 1-1/4" circle of Raspberry Ripple to highlight the word "only" behind the banner.

Spring Sampler ladybug in smooshed soda top for challenge

 

This Real Red ladybug from the Spring Sampler stamp set just makes me happy to look at! I punched him out with a 1" circle punch and adhered him into a soda pop top I ran through my Big Shot (the same sandwich you use for an embossing folder).

 

 

I used the Create with Connie and Mary sketch challenge. These sketches are a great jumping off point for one-of-a-kind creations! There's not much time if you want to participate in this sketch challenge, but go for it.

 

 

I've got a card club meeting tonight at my studio, and this is one of the projects. They haven't seen the paper doilies or soda pop tops in person yet, so it'll be fun to make a card using both.

 

 

I started with a Pool Party card, embossing it with the little hearts strip from the Adorning Accents Folders, then adding a couple of 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" pieces of More Amore Specialty dsp. The doily and a laser-cut Primrose Pink heart from a sheet in the More Amore pack are on top of that, and finished with the smooshed soda pop top and banner with a sentiment from Petite Pairs.





Essentials designer fabric scissor holders - so practical!

 

When placed together, these fabric scissor holders look like a flower, don't they? I made a dozen of these holders - perfect for Stampin' Up!'s paper snips - for my latest order (thanks, Rhonda!). They were all made using the Essentials designer fabric, Petal Cone die and Fun Flowers die for the Big Shot, SU! fabric adhesive roll, and with antique brads.

 

I don't know about you, but when I have a class, people typically put the snips black plastic guard on the wrong way. I've also had these guards go missing, so a fabric snips holder not only protects the ends from going through a bag or purse (if you need to carry them with you), but also look stylish. Gotta love that!

 

I hope you have a wonderful day. I will be prepping for my clubs this month, along with swaps and a make & take for my American Ink gathering this Saturday. So much stamping! Whoo hoo!!!

New video for making an adorable baby onesie card

I got together with my besties Kim and Barb a few days ago to make some Stampin' Up! videos. We have so much fun! In Kim's video, you'll see how to make the onesie, with directions below.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Use 4-1/4" x 11" piece of Whisper White card stock, folding it in half for the card.
2. Use 1-1/4" circle punch in the middle of the fold for the neck of the onesie. Use the same punch for the arms (girl card only), going in less than halfway. Then use same punch for leg holes, going in at the corner till corner hits other side of the punch.
3. Use 1-1/4" circle punch with a favorite 2" strip of designer series paper (Sycamore Street in the video - a freebie for Sale-a-bration when you order $50), leaving about an inch inbetween each circle. Then use the scallop circle punch over the circle so you get a scalloped ring. Just apply adhesive to back of the ring and attach to neck and arm and leg holes, trimming off excess.
4. Use a cute stamp like this elephant from Patterned Occasions (another SAB freebie option) in coordinating ink (Tangerine Tango or Rich Razzleberry).
5. Add mini silver brads to the bottom front of the card to mimic snaps. Cute!

Please leave a comment! We'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions for future American Ink videos. You can see our previous ones under the tab above. Thanks!

Video tutorial: Making a fabric flower

Kim shows how easy it is to make a fun fabric flower you may use to decorate a gift, or make a few as the gift! All it takes is some fun fabric (Stampin' Up! Essentials here), Sticky Strip, and a bamboo skewer. Easy!

Sent with Love stamp set and paper available

Introducing our exclusive Sent with Love Stamp Set and Designer Series Paper—also available in a bundle with Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine for 20% off. Hurry! Only available February 1–April 30.

 

Sent with Love stamp set and designer series paper
(Bundle $25.50, Item 132851)

 

To order these items, please visit http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net (my Online Store). Thanks!

Best of Love stamp set for February!

 

Continuing with its Best of 25 Years promotion, Stampin' Up! has released the February stamp set - Best of Love. The stamp set only comes in clear mount, and is $14.95 (Item #132897).

 

What else would you expect from a February set than images that will help you make that perfect Valentine? Share the love with the Best of Love set!

Note: Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and D needed for this set.

Heart Block D
Read my Lips Block B
Olive You Block B
Love You Much Block B
Love You Block C
Love Block D

 

As with other current products, Clearance Rack items, and digital items, you may visit my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net to place your order today! With every $50 you order, you'll get to select a free item from the Sale-a-Bration brochure. Happy Shopping!!!