BLOGGING HIATUS

Hi Stampers and Scrapbookers,


My blog is on hiatus for an undetermined amount of time.  If you follow my blog, you have noticed that I have not posted much for several months. Why? I have gone back to "school" and have been spending most of my time studying.  This life change does not give me frequent opportunities to stamp in my studio. 


You can certainly check my blog occasionally; however, my blogging for the upcoming months will be sporadic, if not infrequent. This is a sad announcement to make, since I truly love sharing my love of stamping with you.


I plan to continue stamping, when I can, and I continue to be a Stampin' Up Independent Demonstrator. You can continue to place your product orders with me directly via my email. You also can still attend my stamping events, though there will be fewer events. Planning, preparation, setup, and cleanup take quite a bit of time, and at this time in my life I must cut back somewhere.  Unfortunately, my hobby business takes the hit.


So, until I am back on track, I hope to remain in contact with you and I hope you check my blog occasionally to see when I return on a regular basis.


I hope you find time in your days to stamp!


So grateful for you,
Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Fresh Sprinkles

Hello!


You have another couple of weeks to contact me in order to place a Stampin' Up $50 product order so you can get {FOR FREE!} either the Fresh Vintage stamp set (the little postage-stamp style image on today's card is one of the stamps in this set) or the Sprinkled Expressions stamp set (the "You Make My Whole Face Smile" stamped image above is included in that stamp set)!  Contact me today for more information!


The color scheme for today's card is so cheerful and bright!  Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, and Rose Red.  If you are attending my March Simple Yet Stunning card camp this evening, you will be stamping this card!


Have a great day!


Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Christmas Snowman Scrapbook Layout

Oh, it has been quite a while since I posted a scrapbook layout.  If you've been reading my blog for a few years, you may recall that I previously used to post some scrapbook pages on Scrapbook Saturdays.  The glitch in that routine is that often I wouldn't post my favorite layouts because I would save those page designs exclusively for my scrapbooking group classes.

Well, last night I hosted a scrapbooking night and this is the two page layout that the ladies created.  Their finished layouts looked so pretty!

Colors on this layout are Real Red, Old Olive, retired Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White.  I drew the snowman freehand and the gals used it as a template.

We also embellished the tree with Stampin' Up's Mica Flakes, which is a product that was featured in the recently retired 2011 Holiday Mini catalog.  Dazzling Details glitter glue drips on the snowman's head give her an icicle appearance.

The Tasteful Trims Big Shot Bigz XL die and the 1/2" circle punch work well together to style the colored strips and attract attention.

I created the snowman nose with the star punch (only one of the points on the star)!  Two kinds of Stampin' Up Real Red and Whisper White ribbon also help to decorate the layout.

Let me know how you like the layout!  Next month on Wednesday, February 22, at my scrapbooking class, we will create a lovely mini vintage styled album.  This album makes a fantastic gift if you are looking for a special present for a special someone too!  You can register now with an email to lahinks@gmail.com.

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Crumple!

My tip for cards today is to do paper crumpling on a project.  That's right.....just crumple it up like you are going to throw it away.....but, wait, don't throw it away!  Instead, open it back up and semi-flatten it again. Today's card utilizes a Pear Pizzazz cs that has been crumpled as a mat for the snail image.

Why should you crumple?  Crumpled paper is a method of distressing paper.  The crumpled paper adds texture and dimension to the project.  It also adds a new design element.

If you are aiming for a project with vintage, romantic or masculine style, the crumpled element will exaggerate that style.  As a matter of fact, if you stamp a background stamp in second or third generation before crumpling, you can add another layer of interest and the distressing or aging affect is enhanced.


Other ways to use your crumpled elements:

• Try stamping on the card stock AFTER you crumple and flatten the paper
• Crumple a cs strip and adhere with Stampin' Dimensionals down the edge of a card
• Rub a distressing ink spot on the crinkled paper & you will see those crinkle lines pop!

It's very engaging to play with this technique.  You may even discover additional ways to use this technique on your projects!

NOTES ON TODAY'S CARD:

stamp set:  Easy Events
inks:  Black Stazon; Stampin' Write markers - Marina Mist, Real Red, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede
cs:  Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz
dsp:  Marina Mist Patterns
other paper:  watercolor paper
punches:  Decorative label, scallop trim border
ribbon:  1/4" grosgrain ribbon - Marina Mist, non S U polka dot ribbon
other:  mini library clip, aqua painter


Have a great day!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Basic Black & Very Vanilla

Hi there,

It seems like I have seldom blog posted for the past month, so I will try to do better.  This week I feature the beautiful color combination of Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Basic Black and Very Vanilla.

This card is one of the "Thrilling Three" projects that guests made this evening at my stamping class.  How could a card made with both the Stampin' Up's new Labels Collection Framelits Die and Apothecary Art Stamp Set not be gorgeous?! 

The Very Vanilla card is the backdrop for the stamping the large flower spray from the Elements of Style stamp set.  The Apothecary Art image is made into a beautiful focal point with Stampin' pastels.

The message stamp is from the new Loving Thoughts stamp set in the Occasions 2012 Mini Catty as well.  The striped ribbon is actually a torn strip of the Twitterpated designer fabric from that Mini Catty.

Today's floral-styled card would be a lovely birthday card too!

Linda

Fast Friday - Alternative Easy Apothecary Art

So, have you seen the new Stampin' Up Occasions Mini Catalog?  Click on the link on this blog's sidebar to check it out!  It is absolutely gorgeous and I want many products in it!  One of the things I ordered first is the Apothecary Art stamp set.  The stamp set has new Big Shot dies that coordinate with it!  Awesome!

Today, I am posting a card we stamped at last night's Siimple, Yet Stunning stamp class.  The card offers an easy peasy card front alternative for using this stamp set.  I have simply repeat stamped the beautiful label stamp on a card front in first and second generation stamping.  How easy is that?!

I tried to capture the bling in the photo & perhaps was denied, but I have applied dabs of 2-way glue pen to the flower centers and then sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds glitter on it.  The glitter gives the card a romantic, chic look.

The tag is made with the curly label punch and the large oval punch.  Defined by Life is the stamp set.

Lovin' the snow today!

Linda

Map It Monday - Tangerine Scallop

Happy Monday!

Today I share with you a card that a customer has asked me to bring back.  We stamped this card at a stamping class and it quickly became a favorite. 

NOTES:
stamp set:  Flower Fest, Teeny Tiny Wishes
inks:  Classic Stampin' Pads - Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
cs:  Tangergine Tango, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
ribbon:  Tangerine Tango Double Striped Grosgrain, Bashful Blue
other:  Big Shot, Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, non S U tag die


Have a great day!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Embellished Treat Box

I am featuring one more project that the gals stamped at my recent "Christmas Buffet" stamp camp.  I found these large bakery treat boxes on clearance at a discount store and snatched them up to save for this particular stamp camp.   So many people like to give home baked treats for the holidays as a hostess gift or to neighbors and friends.  You can purchase plain Chinese takeout boxes or bakery boxes and embellish them yourself at a fraction of the cost of what it could cost to purchase giftwrap options at a retail store!

Here I simply adhered strips of dsp on all four sides near the bottom and then trimmed the dsp with paper snips so it would be angled like the box.  The dsp on the top of the box is a large diecut from the Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die.  Just add some ribbon and embellishments and fill with something yummy!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Matchbox "Double Drawers"

Here's a great way to give jewelry as a Christmas gift!  {Or anything else of similar size!}.....make a darling little two drawer gift box and add a special something in each drawer!  It is so easy to make this gift box if you have the Stampin' Up Bigz Matchbox Die and a Big Shot diecutting machine!  This little box is one of the projects the gals made at my recent "Christmas Buffet" stamp camp!

You will need to die cut two sets of the matchbox and sleeve.  The Riding Hood Red little tag is actually one of three tag shapes that are also cut in the matchbox die!  So that matchbox die is really both a matchbox AND a tag shape die!  I love the curvy shapes of each of the tags on that die!  Here I layered tag shapes and topped it with a round message!  Cute as a button!

Be sure to insert and secure the buttons {mine are pearly brads!} before assembling the matchbox if you want to hide the wings of the brad.  Adhere the two box "sleeves" together, then wrap around a strip of cs.  A wide ribbon secures everything!

Wouldn't it be terrific to hide a pair of earrings in one drawer and a necklace or bracelet in the second drawer and give it as a gift?!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Nugget Box

Four chocolate nugget candies in one box!

First of all, please excuse the poor quality photo.  If I get a few minutes later, I will try to remember to take another pic & repost.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show you this absolutely scrumptious treat project!  My friend, Ellie, and I made these the other day and can't wait to give them away!

I may give you an opportunity to make one of these decorated for Valentines Day at my Valentines Day stamp camp in late January or early February! 

Happy Thanksgiving prep!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Cutting Tools

Hi stampers!

When you have paper punches and cutting dies for the Big Shot diecutting machine, a trio like this one is created with ease.  Isn't the little mummy treat box adorable?  All of these projects are 3 of the 6 projects that the ladies made at last week's "Inspired by Autumn" stamp camp.  The spooky white card has a pop-up window created with the new Stampin' Up Peek-a-boo frame die.
When you open the peek-a-boo window on that spooky card.....

What a hoot!  Love it!

The pumpkin card is made with a Crumb Cake cs base, Pumpkin Pie cs punched with the large oval punch, and a diecut scrap becomes the stem!  The edges of the pumkin are sponged with Soft Suede classic ink to soften it a bit.  The "ribbon" is actually a cut strip of Stampin' Up's Spice Cake Designer Fabric!  The dsp is also from the same Spice Cake suite.

I hope you can join me at my November stamp camp when we will make six more lovely projects!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Boxer Shorts

At this evening's stamp camp, this boxer shorts card was one of the great cards we stamped!  Isn't it cute?

The Valentine Defined stamp set's clothesline of hearts stamp is the perfect width for the waistband! To soften the brightness of the waistband strip, I sponged the edges.

The "fly" is made by punching  a large oval and  then cutting it in half lengthwise.  I also sponged the edges of the "fly".  Faux stitching is done with a Stampin' Write marker.

I showed the gals at stamp camp the secret to drawing a straight "faux stitching" line.......rest the pinky side of your hand on the table while you draw short dashes down the paper, as far as is comfortable, which should be only a few inches at most.  At that time, slide the side of your hand downward on the paper & draw another inch or two of dashes.  Pretty soon, you've drawn a long row of stitches!

If you are wondering how the card itself is made, I drew a pattern for the boxers, traced it onto the wrong side of dsp, cut it out & adhered the dsp boxers onto a standard A2 card.  I then used a scissors to cut along the boxer sides & between the legs so the card itself was shaped like boxers!

Linda

Map It Monday - Triangle Trifold

At this week's Fabulous Folds stamp camp, we will be stamping six cards, each with a different fold style.  Today's post is one of those cards, featuring a triangle trifold card created with Stampin' Up's new Big Shot Peekaboo Frames die and beautiful Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper.

The inside of the card reveals a Peekaboo Frame.  The frame's flap lifts up to reveal the interior message.  So cute!

Call or email me today if you'd like to attend this stamping event on Wednesday evening at 7pm!


Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Lattice Quilting

A handmade quilt is a thing of beauty.  So is a handmade quilt card.  Tonight at stamp camp the ladies made six cards, one of which was today's card post.

NOTES:

stamp set:  2011/2012 IB&C Faith in Nature Hostess Set (on page 15 of the new big catalog!)
cs:  So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
dsp:  retired Le Jardin dsp (retired 2008 IB&C)
other:  Big Shot diecutting machine, Lattice Bigz Die, Textured Impressions Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 2-way glue pen, Stampin' Dimensionals
How did she do that?  First, I die cut a lattice with the Stampin' Up Big Shot Lattice Bigz Die from both So Saffron card stock and Le Jardin double sided designer series paper.  The So Saffron lattice is adhered onto an Always Artichoke cs square.  Then, it's time to insert the tiny quilt pieces of dsp into the So saffron "puzzle base", just as I would put a jigsaw together.  The 2-way glue pen works well for this task - just a dab under each puzzle piece is all it needed.  The last step is to crank the completed quilt "puzzle" through the Big Shot machine inside the Square Lattice embossing folder.  That last step is called "embedded embossing", because the process actually embeds the little pieces into the base.


Wouldn't this card be a fantastic choice to give to a quilter or seamstress, or to a quilt collector?!


Thanks for visiting my blog!


Linda

Map It Monday - Artichoke Artistry

Doesn't the Ornate Blossom stamp resemble an artichoke?  I paired it up today with the artichoke from the Homegrown Stamp Set.   And who said that red and green are only paired together for the Christmas holidays?

The map is composed of simply an angled main image with an angled embellishment!


NOTES:
stamp sets:  Homegrown, Ornate Blossom
card:  Poppy Parade
other cs:  Whisper White
inkpads:  Classic Stampin' Pads - Always Artihoke, Poppy Parade, Real Red, Pear Pizazz
ribbon:  1/4" grosgrain - Always Artichoke, linen thread
punch:  spiral (oooh, just noticed it has retired - I hope you have one of these!)
other:  distressing kit, Stampin' Dimensionals,
Technique Talk:  Shadow stamping for the artichoke was done in Always Artichoke and Pear Pizazz, and the tomato was shadow stamped with Real Red and Poppy.

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Pop Up Every Other Image AND Long Tag Layering

Hi Stampers!

Tomorrow is stamp camp and we are stamping cards for every age group.  The new baby card we will create is my posting for today.  My tip for the week:  Use a Stampin' Dimensional on every other image when you have a row of images to add interest!


The ducks and teddy bears here are adhered across the card front, however, a Stampin' Dimensional pops up every other image.  Fun!  The message is also layered onto Stampin' Dimensionals.

NOTES:

cs:  Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron
other paper:  Pear Pizzazz Patterns DSP, watercolor paper
ink:  Black Stazon inkpad; Stampin' Write markers - So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Creamy Caramel (retired), Soft Suede
punches:  1" circle, Decorative Label
other:  Stampin' Dimensionals
How I created the layered tag:  So Saffron cs strip is 1 5/16" wide.  Pear Pizzazz dsp strip is 1 3/8" wide.  I stamped the message onto the So Saffron strip, centered the message & punched one end at a time with the Decorative Label punch.  The trick to punching a longer message with a punch that isn't quite long enough is to insert the paper from the bottom of the punch through the center.  I was using the Modern Label punch today & thought some photos of this technique would be helpful for you.  The Decorative Label punching that I did for today's card followed the same technique as used with the Modern label punch.  After both ends are punched separately, I adhered the message onto the Pear Pizzazz dsp mat & punched both ends again.   Adjust both ends to allow for a thin or thick outer mat style.

Insert paper thru center of punch bottom & punch

One end after using modern label punch

then punch other end in the same way

I guess I've given you two Tuesday tips today!  Why not give both this "long tag layering" AND "adding dimensionals to every other image" a try!

Linda

TUESDAY TIPS - Create A Thing of Beauty with Stampin' Up's new 2011/2012 "IN COLORS" !

ANNOUNCING..........................  drum roll, please.................

Pretty, aren't they? !  Yippeeee!   Hooray!   Woot, woot!  These five new "In Colors" are featured in Stampin' Up's brand new Idea Book & Catalog that was introduced this week!  Be sure to check out this "must-read book" at my New Catty Open House on Wednesday, July 6 from 4 until 7:30pm and page through the online copy at www.stampinup.com!

I found this adorable little gift box on the Stampin' Up website.  It combines a continuing In Color, Blushing Bride, with two of our new In Colors, Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade.  What a fun, colorful 3-D treat to make!


See these beeeeeeeeauuuuuutiful colors of card stock and inkpads at my New Catalog Open House.  For details, see my June 23rd blog post or contact me via email at lahinks@gmail.com!


Linda

Map It Monday - Sophisticated Scrapbook Album and Open House

 

 Look at the sophisticated mini scrapbook that I made from a sturdy CD case!  I think the black and white color combination is very chic and trendy!   Did you notice the pearl embellishments?!   A third color can be incorporated into the album if desired, such as pink or red, and your album photos can be matted onto Whisper White card stock so the pics really pop off the page!   I've mapped this project out & would love to share it with you at my July 20th scrapbooking event in my home studio at 7pm!  Cost is $15; bring your own favorite adhesive.  Photos can be added later or at the event.  Email lahinks@gmail.com to register!


One more thing.......if you are on my monthly email list, you may remember that my annual New Catalog Open House & Gently Used Retired Stamp Sale will take place this week on Wednesday, July 6, from 4 until 7:30pm.  Please stop in & bring a friend!  Stamp two cards for free & hopefully win a door prize!  Email if you need additional information.

Happy Fourth of July!


Linda

THINK ABOUT COLOR THURSDAY and SUMMER EVENT NEWS

THIS WEEK'S COLOR COMBO:  Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise & Wild Wasabi

Today I not only have a card to share with you, but I have a few stamping reminders and an invitation to extend to you!


First, the card features the color combination of the week:  Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, & Wild Wasabi.  Isn't the stamp so cute?  This stamp is an a la carte stamp called "Hello Blossoms" from the Summer 2011 Stampin' Up Mini Catalog.  I didn't even use an inkpad.  I'm thinking you might get to stamp a free card using this sweet stamp at my annual Open House on July 6!   Can you guess how I stamped this card?  If you guessed that I colored Stampin' Up Stampin' Write Markers directly onto the rubber stamp, you are correct!  A little bit of Rich Razzleberry polka dot grosgrain ribbon and the Scallop Trim Border punch add some dazzle to this greeting card.


Next, I want to give you a gentle reminder that you have one week left to place a product order if you want Stampin' Up products from the current 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog.  Our new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog will be going live on July 1st, 2011!!!!!!!!


And........register by email today at lahinks@gmail.com for the following summer events!


7/6 Wed., 4-7:30pm GENTLY USED STAMP SALE & NEW CATALOG OPEN HOUSE

• Free Make-n-Takes 
• Prize Giveaway Drawings, including full stamp sets!
• Free new idea book/catalog with any order placed 7/6
• Browse thru Gently Used Discounted Retired Stamp Sale
• See my Stamping Studio
• View upcoming camp projects
• Win door prizes & get door prize entries for:  Attending, Bringing a Friend, Signing up for future stamping events, Booking a Workshop, Placing a Stampin' Up Order
• See the new “in colors”
• RSVPs are appreciated  but not required.  You are welcome to just stop in & bring a friend!

7/16 Sat., 10:30am-4pm SUMMER STAMPING RETREAT 
Create unique projects, stamp oodles of cards, and amaze yourself at technique mini-classes, all while you kick back & relax.  Nothing but fun – just a day with the gals!  Bring a friend! Cost of $55 includes delish lunch, snacks & beverages.  Spots limited so hurry & register by email! Why not gather a few girlfriends & spend the day together!  Please bring adhesive & refill, scissors, and paper trimmer, all labeled with your name.

7/20 Wed., 7pm July Scrapbooking Project Night 
Reserve the date!  It’s time again for a mini scrapping project – ooooohhhh, soooooo cute!  I hope to have a picture of this album posted on my blog very soon, so check back frequently!  $15   NOTE:  During July the registrants asked to change the camp time to daytime, so that's what we did & it worked out great!  If you are interested in creating this mini scrapbook album but want to attend during the daytime, please let me know & we can make that happen!

7/27 Wed., 7pm Beautiful Butterflies Class 
Make 6 stunning cards featuring butterfly everything - stamps, diecuts and the butterfly punch!  Pay $15 for the class OR  purchase “stamps & class” for $25 to (1) attend the class, (2) take home your 6 cards PLUS (3) take home the new "Touch of Kindness" stamp set!  "Touch of Kindness" Stamp Set (clear mount) sells for $16.95 in the Summer Mini catalog and is one of the stamp sets we will be using.  Registration before 7/1/2011 ensures that I can give you the new stamp set on class day.

8/3 Wed., 7pm From Youngster to Oldster Stamp Camp 
Stamp six cards for every age in life, from new baby to praying for you during your illness.   $15

8/10 Wed, 7pm August Scrapbooking Night 
Reserve the date!  Any theme or style requests?  $15

8/17 Wed, 7pm Teach Me a Technique Class 
Be among the first 4 customers to request a specific stamping technique ahead of time & I’ll teach it to you! {I have a few up my sleeve if there are no requests!}  Please request a technique before July 28 so I have plenty of time to prepare.  $15

I hope to hear from you soon!


Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Top Note Mini Scrapbook

Tonight I have a stamp camp to make these cute mini scrapbooks!

We will create a sturdy chipboard cover for durability and load it up with cute, coordinating ribbon ties!

This is a sweet little scrapbook that fits inside your purse.  And, who wouldn't love to receive this little ditty as a gift?  Can you tell I am excited about it?  I have a few extra sets ready if you want to attend tonight - let me know asap if you want "in"!

Linda