Thursday, August 28, 2008

Bind-It-All Address Book

This is something I have been wanting to create for a while now but just finally got around to it and I love the way that it turned out. I'm kind of glad I put it off for so long so I could use tangerine tango because I love it and this designer paper. As you can see I kept the cover very simple (without much layering or embellishments) just because I have only made one other project with my Bind-It-All and I wanted to make sure it all worked out. Once I get the hang of it better, I'll make things more fancy!

I used Marni's colour values to make tangerine tango print out from the computer for the "Address Book" title since I don't own alphabet stamps. I've used her values several times before and have always had them turn out and not require any editing. This is a shot of what you see when you first open the cover. Grant was great and made up the actual address book pages for me in Word since I don't have it on my computer! Then I just printed them out on regular computer paper because with people moving and the amount of pages needed I thought regular paper would be better than cardstock. Here is just open to the middle of the book so you can get a better view of the tabs down the edges and how the address information is on both sides of the page. The inside pages were cut just smaller than the covers at 4.5" x 7.25" so that the tabs would not stick outside the book when closed up.

Papers: SU tangerine tango cardstock and dp, Haiku dp
Punch: SU round tab
Misc: Bind-It-All Machine, Bind-It-All cover pages 5x7.5", 5/8" coils

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

SFYTT Thank Eastern Blooms

As you have probably noticed, I have been using stamp sets that are featured in the current Stampin' Up promotion: Never-Before-Seen Stamps, Never-Before-Seen Savings in which you can save 15% off select new stamp sets. Well, today is no different - I am using the Eastern Blooms set! I didn't even plan it, I just love these sets!

This card was my initial card for Jen's Sketch for you to Try (SFYTT). I loved the look of this card, except that Pink Pirouette is just too light to read easily. So I made the exact same card using Baja Breeze. I love the way this one turned out! These new In Colours are definitely growing on me!

Supplies

Stamps: SU Eastern Blooms, Curvy Verses
Inks: SU Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze
Papers: SU Pink Pirouette cardstock and dp, Baja Breze cardstock and dp, ww
Ribbons: SU Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze; 5/8" striped grosgrain
Misc: Creative Memories cutting system for ovals - note that SU now has oval punches!

Monday, August 25, 2008

SC190 Upsy Daisy

I LOVE this new Upsy Daisy set from SU. I think it is my favourite of all of the silhouette stamps (which is where the bulk of my stamping money went). Reminder that this image too is a part of SU's new promotion. This is the card I created for SC190. It's a quick easy card but it still looks great. The Upsy Daisy image is heat embossed using SU white embossing powder to make the white really stand out from the page. After experimenting with many different brands of white ink to see what turns out better on dark paper, I've decided white embossing powder is the best.

Stamp: SU Upsy Daisy
Ink: VersaMark
Paper: SU Georgia peach dp, so saffron, regal rose
Misc: SU white ep

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Two Sketches with New SU Supplies

Beate is back! I finally got a chance to play with my new SU stamps and papers from the new catalogue and what better timing then when Beate is back from her summer break with her Weekend Sketch Challenges (WSC). This is my card for Beate's WSC54. I'm really happy with the way that it turned out, it actually turned out the way I had pictured it in my mind (which doesn't seem to happen too often). The sentiment is heat embossed with white ep.

I love all of these new silhouette stamps from the new catalogue. Just a reminder too that some of these stamps, including the one in the above card, are included in the SU promotion to get 15% off never before seen new stamps. Check it out here, and email me if you would like to order (Canadians only).

I also got a chance to create a card for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #30(TECC30) using the new stamps and papers. I had to do this card very carefully since I still don't own any of the SU markers, but I like the soft look that it has. The main image is raised up on dimensionals.

Both cards are 4.25" square.

Supplies:

WSC54
Stamps: SU Pocket silhouettes, Short & Sweet
Paper: SU Main Blueberry dp, old olive, bashful blue, not quite navy, ww
Ink: VersaMagic, SU old olive
Misc: SU white embossing powder, circle cutter

TECC30
Stamps: SU Inspired by Nature
Ink: SU old olive, pretty in pink, so saffron
Paper: Georgie peach, so saffron, pretty in pink, ww
Brads: SU pretty in pink
Misc: SU dimensionals

Friday, August 22, 2008

I've Got an Award

I was so excited to see that I had recieved this award from Beverly aka Beestamper - thanks Beverly - and I am more than happy to extend it on to other great bloggers I enjoy

Here are the rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.

Stop by these blogs I am nominating and let them know I've sent you (in no particular order):
1. Stephanie at Steph's Stampin' and Stuff
2. Beate at Fresh and Fun
3. Mary at Stampin' Pretty
4. Jennifer at Jennifer's Sweet Designs
5. Amy at Prairie Paper & Ink
6. Nancy at iSTAMP
7. Laura at Scrapnextras
Hope you enjoy these blogs, I know I do!

On another note, I just got my new SU shipment yesterday and I have the weekend off so I'll finally have more time for stamping!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Finally...A Box in a Bag!

I decided that it was finally time I make a box in bag after seeing all the cute ones other people have made as well as having it bookmarked into a list of things I want to CASE for a long time now. These are SO quick and easy! And they are a great size for putting little treats in. I'll have to find more uses for these. If you want to make one of these, check out Diana's blog "Stampin' with Di" here. I modified the instructions because I don't have the round tab punch, so I used the scallop punch and folded it in half - I think it still works.

Supplies:
Paper: SU Berry Bliss, purely pomegranate, chocolate chip
Ribbon: Spool O'Ribbon
Misc: Scallop punch, Slit punch, Circle punches, Sticky Strip.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

4 More AVS Cards - The Last of Them

The next two cards are for todays sketch, AVS12. I liked the way the first one turned out so I made a second! They didn't photograph well at all though because of all the dots or something (they look way better in real life)!
AVS12 Card 1: AVS12 Card 2: All of the circles on the right as well as the scallop are raised on dimensionals because they looked a little funny laying flat with the swiss dots folder underneath.

This card is for AVS06. Grant really likes this card because of the colours and saying! I too LOVE this tangerine tango colour. I ordered tons of stuff to go with it yesterday! The ribbon looks bad in the picture because of the angle, but it is actually straight. If you can click on it on your computer, take a look at the way the colouring in the flower turned out - it looks so neat because of the way the rubon takes up colour!

Finally, saving the best for last, is my favourite card from all of the ones I have created. It is for AVS01. This card uses the new in colours kiwi kiss and baja breeze. I thought I would try using makeup sponges to apply ink to the stamp so that I could stamp in different colours and it worked. I just "huffed" on the image after sponging the colours on where I wanted them. It only required a few minor touch ups for the detailed area with a blender pen in the ink!

I also dyed the ribbon using my baja reinker to match. You can watch a video that shows two different techniques for ribbon dying here at Dawns Stamping Thoughts.

Supplies:

AVS12 Card 1
Stamp: SU So Many Scallops
Ink: SU Certainly celery
Paper: SU Certainly celery, ww, ? dp from Costco
Misc: circle and scallop punches, SU dimensionals, CB swiss dots embossing folder

AVS12 Card 2
Stamp: SU So Many Scallops
Ink: SU pale plum
Paper: SU pale plum, ww, ? dp from Costco
Misc: circle and scallop punches, SU dimensionals, CB swiss dots embossing folder

AVS06
Rubon: SU Love & Happiness
Paper: SU basic black, ww, tangerine tango
Ribbon: Spool O'Ribbon
Brads: Making Memories - they match so well!
Misc: SU dimensionals, circle cutters

AVS01
Stamp: SU Garden Silhouettes
Ink: SU kiwi kiss, baja breeze, night of navy
Paper: SU kiwi kiss, baja breeze, night of navy, ww
Ribbon: American Crafts grosgrain
Misc: Corner rounder punch, baja breeze reinker, SU dimensionals

Monday, August 11, 2008

New Stampin Up Catalogue and Amazing Promotions

I have just finished placing my order from the new Stampin Up Idea Book & Catalogue for Fall-Winter 2008. You don't even want to know how much I spent!

The new catalogue goes online today and as a result, I have lots of information to share with you. Click here to view the Canadian version of the catalogue. There are tons of great new stamp sets and designer papers available. You can view previous posts of mine to see some of the new sets and In Colours available. Email me at kaleenaf@shaw.ca if you are in Canada and would like to place an order. I would be more than happy to help.
Click here to see the Stampin Up promotion, the "Never Before Seen Promotion," in which you can purchase select, brand new, die cut stamps for 15% off the regular price. For a full list of the select stamps and the discounted price, . Several of my new purchases are from this promotion!
Click here if you would like to become an SU demonstrator for the amazing low price of $119! Stampin Up has created 3 different introductory demonstrator kits so that you can customize your kit based on what products you already own and your interests! Choose from a stamp-focused, scrapbook-focused or home-decor focused kit! Now is a great time to become an SU demonstrator if you love to stamp or have been contemplating the decision!

Click here to check out some upcoming Stampin Up promotions as well as samples using products from the new catalogue.
August 11-Oct 11, 2008: New Recruit Incentive - If you become a new demonstrator by purchasing the standard $249 starter kit, choose a stamp set from the new catalogue for free.
Oct 1-Nov 30, 2008: Hostess Incentive - Host a $460 workshop and choose one stamp set from the new catalogue for free (on top of the regular hostess benefits)
Dec 1, 2008 - Jan 18, 2009: Product Offer - Spend $20 and get 20% off one stamp set from the new catalogue.

Email me at kaleenaf@shaw.ca with any questions or if you are in Canada and would like to purchase SU merchandise or become a demonstrator!

3 More Anni-verve-sary Cards

Well, I'm still super sick. Went back to the walk in today ('cause I was supposed to be able to go back to work) and my throat is not much improved at all he said. So more days off! Sounds good to most, but I'm going stir crazy in the house.

This is my card for today's sketch, AVS11. Because of the jewels and colours, this card also applies to WT178 and CC178. I love this card. I did, however, eliminate the bow from the left hand side just because I thought it would look too busy with it.

This is my card for AVS02 I like the way this card turned out but I'm still not too sure about the bow. I had tried a new kind of bow, the tiered bow, but ended up cutting the bottom ribbon so you can't see it because it looked too big.

Finally, here is my card for AVS03. It too is based on CC178. It didn't turn out quite as I had imagined, but I'm sure my Mommy will still like it anyway because she loves penguins!

Supplies:

AVS11
Stamp: SU Full of Life
Ink: SU groovy guava
Paper: SU going gray, groovy guava, ww, blossom dp
Ribbon: SU groovy guava
Jewels: Heidi Swapp bling
Misc: SU dimensionals

AVS02
Stamp: SU Full of Life
Ink: SU ruby red
Paper: SU river rock, groovy guava, ginger blossom dp
Ribbon: SU groovy guava

AVS03
Stamp: SU Lots of Thoughts, Wild About You
Ink: SU soft sky, wild wasabi
Paper: SU wild wasabi, ww, soft sky, fall flowers dp
Ribbon: Spool O'ribbon

Sunday, August 10, 2008

4 Anni-VERVE-sary Cards

Lots to share again today - 2 cards I love and 2 that are ok! So I'll get right to it with supplies at the bottom again.

This is my card for todays Anni-verve-sary sketch challenge 10, AVS10.
I don't overly like the way it turned out. This was a tough sketch for me. I think I tried about 20 different combinations before finally just sticking with this one! Now that I have seen what others have posted in the gallery, I don't know why I had such a hard time with it as others made some amazing stuff!

August 17th is the bridal shower for the wedding I'm in and made the cake and invites for that I shared last month on my blog. I used AVS04 as the inspiration for the layout and I love the way this card turned out.

For AVS07, I used this card I made earlier in the year as inspiration because I loved it.
Unfortunately, I like the original version significantly more. I tried out the kiwi kiss paper and I'm just not sure about it yet - I love the other In Colours though.

I heat embossed the embrace life image as well as the kindness sentiment. Kiwi Kiss is a classic ink pad not a craft pad so to make it so you can heat emboss it, just stamp in the VersaMark then in the classic pad and onto the paper!

Finally, this is my card for AVS05.
I love the way that this card turned out. I'm definitely enjoying my new Stamping Bella stamps (I'm sure you could tell)!

Supplies:

AVS10
Stamp: SU Full of Life
Ink: SU Ruby red
Paper: SU river rock, ruby red, ginger blossom dp
Ribbon: SU river rock
Misc: SU dimensionals, 1/2" circle punch

AVS04
Stamps: Stamping Bella sposabella, Inkadinkadoo sentiment
Ink: SU basic black, real red, glorious green
Paper: SU ww, basic black, real red dp
Misc: CB swiss dots embossing folder, circle punches

AVS07
Stamps: SU Embrace Life, Define your Life
Ink: SU kiwi kiss, StazOn Jet black, VersaMark
Paper: SU basic black, ww, kiwi kiss
Ribbon: Spool O'Ribbon
Misc: Embossing powder, Corner rounder punch, crop-a-dile (for small circles)

AVS05
Stamp: Stamping Bella pregabella
Ink: SU basic black
Pastels: SU chocolate chip, pretty in pink
Paper: SU pretty in pink, barely banana, spring fling dp
Ribbon: Spool O'Ribbon
Misc: SU dimensionals, corner rounder punch

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Sick so Stamping!

Well I'm at home sick with strep throat. I've been sick since Monday and am not to return to work until this coming Monday - which sucks when you're in a new job so have no sick time built up. The only good thing is since I can barely talk I'm getting tons of stamping done! This will be a long post with lots to share!

This week over at the Verve forum in SCS, they are celebrating their one year anni-verve-sary with sketches, prizes and sneek peeks of their soon to be released stamp sets. I've decided to try to do all 12 of the sketches and have made decent progress so far. The only sucky thing is my Verve Stamps I've ordered have not yet arrived so I'm using other companies' stamps. I'm not showing them in the order they go but will share a few every day.

This is my card for today's sketch, AVS09. I love the way this card turned out!
This was also my first attempt at the paper tole technique! (A list of supplies for all cards will be at the end of the post)

This card is for yesterday's sketch, AVS08. This card also doubles as a card for CC178 as I only used river rock and white (well black if you count ink but white doesn't show well on river rock). I paper pieced the flowers since I didn't buy the river rock ink to be able to colour in the image.

For something different, I tried out one of Taylor's Sketch Challenges, TECC28, for the first time. This is the card I created - and I think it is definitely one of my favourites! Notice the shine on the cupcake - that's my first attempt at really using Crystal Effects as part of an image!

Supplies:

AVS09
Stamp: SU Wild About You
Ink: SU barely banana, certainly celery
Paper: SU barely banana, certainly celery, spring fling dp
Brads: SU barely banana
Misc: SU dimensionals

AVS08
Stamps: SU Lots Thoughts, Embrace Life
Ink: SU basic black
Paper: SU ww, river rock, ginger blossom dp
Ribbon: SU river rock
Eyelets: Provo Craft
Misc: Corner rounder punch, oval cutter

TECC28
Stamps: Stamping Bella cuppacakeabella, SU so many scallops
Ink: SU basic black, pretty in pink
Pastels: SU pretty in pink, barely banana
Paper: SU barely banana, pretty in pink, spring fling dp
Brad: SU pretty in pink
Ribbon: Spool O'Ribbon
Misc: crystal effects, circle punches

Thursday, August 7, 2008

CC178 Goodbye In Colours

There's only one more week of the 2007-2008 In Colours from SU so the Colour Challenge (CC178) at SCS was to use any number of them in a card with a neutral and no other colours. I edited it a little and decided to use only the In colours not even a neutral - using blue bayou, river rock and soft sky - and I quite like the way that it turned out!

I am going to miss these In Colours. Although I like the new in colours, they can't top these outgoing ones in my opinion! The Prima flower and brad match much better in person too!

Stamps: SU Garden Silhouettes, Short & Sweet
Ink: SU Blue Bayou
Paper: SU blue bayou, soft sky, river rock
Ribbon: SU river rock
Flower: Prima
Brad: Making Memories (I think)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

SC188 Presentahbella

Last Thursday was a great day for mail! I got my new SU fall-winter 2008 catalogues and a bunch of Stamping Bella stamps that I ordered. I just only now got a chance to play with them, 'cause I've been away, sick, and spent a ton of time picking out what all I want from the new catalogue!

This card is for SC188 over at SCS. I'm not too happy with the way it turned out - it looked better in my mind! I need to get the SU markers to make colouring easier - I'm still just using my blender pens in the inks and pastels which doesn't always look too great depending on the image!

Stamps: Stamping Bella Presentahbella, SU Short & Sweet
Paper: SU real red, tempting turquoise, ww, more mustard, east coast prep dp
Inks: SU basic black
Supplies: SU blender pens, SU inks/pastels in more mustard, chocolate chip, tempting turquoise, real red and wild wasabi