Last Day!

Good morning, today is of course the last day to order from the Spring Summer 2009 Idea & Catalog. If you would like to place an order you can do so online or by calling me.
I have added a new button on the left side of my blog. It is a Stampin'Up! Color Combo Site. If you have ever wondered what color combo to use or just want to stretch yourself a little this is a fun site. You simply pick a couple of colors and then hit search and it will give you potential color combos. All colors are Stampin'Up! colors and you can even just click surprise me and see what color combo it gives you. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Now on to today's card. I started this card on Sunday night. With our days being so busy I have found that I do most of my creating late at night after the kids are in bed or first thing in the morning before they get up. I guess I just like it quiet. The base of this card is the In Color Melon Mambo(115320). The next layer is Kraft Card Stock (102125) which I stamped the stem from Fresh Cuts(111634) in Close To Cocoa Classic Ink (103139). I off stamped the Close to Cocoa first on in piece of scrap paper before stamping on the Kraft Card Stock. The main image is also from the Fresh Cuts stamp set and if a technique called Faux Linen. I am taking part in a Technique Swap at Convention this year and this is one of the techniques that I am doing. The Faux Linen is done with Glossy White Card Stock (102599). You sand the Glossy White Card Stock first one direction then the other. After you do this you wipe off the dust from the sanding and using a sponge and Craft ink you apply the ink to the card stock. I used Creamy Caramel Craft Ink (103034) on this card. After the craft ink as dried you can stamp over it which is what I did with Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Pad(104315). Using blender pens you can color the image using Melon Mambo (115656) and Rich Razzleberry (115658) Classic Stampin' Pads. The sentiment is stamped on Very Vanilla Card Stock(101650) and punched out with the Modern Label Punch(116630) which is available tomorrow and then layered on Chocolate Chip Card Stock (102128) which was cut out with the new Stampin'Up! Punch Windows (115953). This is the new items I mentioned yesterday that goes with the Stampin'Up! Movers & Shapers Curly Label Die. The Punch Window dies are used with the Curly Label Die and allows you to make four different window cut outs on your card fronts and the best thing is that they coordinate with four of our punches. How easy does that make them to use.
To finish off the card I matted the Faux linen image on a background of Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (115316). I used Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon(109065) around the center of the card and I attached the sentiment to the card with Vintage Brads(109109). I used my paper piercer and made the holes for the brads before I attached the Kraft card stock to the base. This allows my brad ends to be hidden between the two layers. I hoped that you enjoyed today's card. Tomorrow is of course the start of the new catalog and ordering doesn't start until Noon Mountain Time. Also do to some quality control issues the Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin'Pad and Classic Ink Refill will not be available to purchase tomorrow. The Stampin'Write Markers are available which is a great new items that Stampin'Up! has given us this year. As always thank you for stopping by today and I would love to hear what you think of the Stampin'Up! Color Combo Site. Have a great day, Tonya

Monday Morning Sneak Peak

Good morning! I hope that you all had a great weekend. We had two baseball games and two wins. One more game tonight and the regular season is over. Then it is tournament play next week.The summer is going by so quickly and of course in just two days we will kick off a new Catalog. If you would still like to receive a copy please let me know. I still have some extras. Now of course you didn't come by today to hear about baseball so I have a sneak peak card to share with you today. Actually some is new and some is old. I am loving this color combo of Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry. They look so elegant together. The base of the card is Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (115316) cut 4 1/4" x 11. The card stock is then placed on the Stampin'Up! Movers & Shapers Curly Label Big Shot Die (114506) and placed in the Big Shot (113439). This Die not only scores and cuts your card stock but it also cuts a window in your card so allow a message or image to show through. On this card the cut out matches with our Curly Label Punch and the cut out can be moved any where on the front of your card. How cool is that. I just recently bought this die after seeing one of the new items in the catalog. I can't say more until Wednesday but it made this die a must for me. Now I do want you to know that the die is going up in price on Wednesday by $3 so if you want to order one before the price increase please do so soon. Now back to the card. I stamped the Love You image from Dreams du Jour (111624). I used a blender pen and Rich Razzleberry (115658), Melon Mambo (115656) and Old Olive (102272) Classic Stampin' Pads to color the flower. The image was then punched out with Curly Label Punch (112208). I used SNAIL adhesive to attach the label inside the card so that is showed through the window. The Old Olive Patterns Designer Series Paper(112160) is in both the current catalog and the new catalog so I used a leftover piece on this card. I scalloped the edge with our Scallop Edge Punch (112091). Now those of you that have the new Catalog are probably wonder where the Rich Razzleberry Solid Ribbon is well is is actually the 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon that is Polka Dot on one side and solid on the other. This gives you two options and I really liked the solid on this card. It was pretty each to tie the knot so that the polka dots didn't show. This is just one of the wonderful ribbons that is included in my Ribbon Share (see post below for more info). All items are available to order after Noon Mountain Time on Wednesday. If you are ordering online please know that the system may be slow as there will be thousands of people ordering. If you want me to place your order please let me know by Wednesday as I will be placing an order Wednesday afternoon. As always thank you for stopping by my blog and if you have any questions please leave me a comment and I will be happy to answer them. Have a great day, Tonya

New Catalogs have Arrived!

Yes, the new catalogs have arrived. If you would like to get a copy from me please give me a call or email me at todaball@wmconnect.com and we will work out how to get your copy to you. Yesterday was a busy day at our hosue but I did get a chance to make another card with the Summer Love Rub-Ons(114620) that I used in my last post. I again used the Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper(115123) but used the Baja Breeze, Cameo Carol, Basic Gray and Whisper White sheet. The layout is the same as the So Saffron Card but instead of using a butterfly I opted for the Flower, Daisies #2 Die(114520) and the Stampin'Up! Little Leaves Sizzlet(114511). The Baja Breeze Corduroy Buttons(114344) which I used as the center of my flower are available from the Occasions Mini also. The ribbon is Organza Ribbon in Whisper White(114319) and I again used the Scallop Edge Punch(112091) on the edge of the designer series paper. All supplies are available until June 30 to make this card. You can place an order by emailing me or just by going to my website and placing your order.

I am once again this year doing both a Ribbon Share and a Paper Share. I will continue to do the shares as long as I fill the spots. If I have enough interested by July 1st I will place an order on that day to be two day shipped with shares cut and filled within the week.

The Ribbon Share will consist of each of the new ribbons including two yards of each of the new 1/2"Polka-Dot Grosrain Ribbon in each of the InColors(pictured above). I can share the rest of the new ribbon names with you until July 1st but if you have recieved or are getting a catalog from me all the details are also in there.
39 yards total all for just $25.50

The Paper Share will also include all of the new Designer and Specialty Papers. There are two new Specialty Papers that are going to be done differently this year because of the patterns and contents.You will receive:
104 6x6" Sheets, 1 12x12" sheet and assorted die cuts for $28.50

If you are interested in either or both shares please contact me at the email listed earlier in this post. Thank you for stopping by today. Have a great weekend, Tonya

Last Chance List and A Sale of Retiring Accessories!

Edit: I have updated the list on Saturday June 20th and moved it back up to the top of my blog. It will stay up at the top for a while so please scroll down to see the new post. Thanks and remember these items are only while supplies last. Tonya


Below is a list of the Last Chance Accessories. As you can see many of them are marked down either 50% or 25% off. These are only available while supplies last. If you are interested in placing an order for any of these items please contact me or you can place your order online through my business website. If you would like to see the Last Chance List for Decor Elements or Stamp Sets that information can be found on my business website or to the left by clicking on the Last Chance List. If you have any questions please leave me a comment or contact me directly. I am always happy to help. I will be back later to post a card that I made using some of the Last Chance Accessories. Also I will be updating the Last Chance Accessories List everyday after 5pm so that you will know what items are still available. As always thank you for stopping by my blog and have a great day, Tonya

Item# Product Description Price Discount Sale Price Availability
113979 Accents & Elements Canvas Cut 7.95 0.5 3.98 Available
114019 Accents & Elements Fleurettes 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available
112006 Accents & Elements Flower Fusion Too 14.95 Available
111253 Blooms & Bulbs 6.50 Out of Stock
112092 Button Bouquet 7.95 0.25 5.96 Out of Stock
111352 Card Stock Baja Breeze 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
111346 Card Stock In Color 12 X 12 8.95 Out of Stock
111347 Card Stock In Color 8-1/2 X 11 7.95 Out of Stock
111353 Card Stock Kiwi Kiss 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
108590 Card Stock Naturals Asst 12 X 12 8.95 Out of Stock
111350 Card Stock Pacific Point 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
111351 Card Stock Pink Pirouette 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
111348 Card Stock Riding Hood Red 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
111349 Card Stock Tangerine Tango 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
111345 Card Stock Textured In Color 12 X 12 11.95 Out of Stock
111844 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Baja Breeze 2.95 Out of Stock
111842 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Kiwi Kiss 2.95 Out of Stock
111840 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Pacific Point 2.95 Available
111843 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Pink Pirouette 2.95 Available
111839 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Riding Hood Red 2.95 Out of Stock
111841 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Tangerine Tango 2.95 Available
111833 Classic Stampin Pad Baja Breeze 5.95 Out of Stock
111835 Classic Stampin Pad Kiwi Kiss 5.95 Available
111837 Classic Stampin Pad Pacific Point 5.95 Available
111838 Classic Stampin Pad Pink Pirouette 5.95 Available
111836 Classic Stampin Pad Riding Hood Red 5.95 Out of Stock
111834 Classic Stampin Pad Tangerine Tango 5.95 Available
102264 Coluzzle Starter Kit 19.95 Out of Stock
114338 Courduroy Buttons Kiwi Kiss 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available
114341 Courduroy Buttons Pacific Point 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available
104310 Crafters Tool Kit 39.95 Available
105143 Days to Remember 6 X 6 Fr 9.95 0.5 4.98 Out of Stock
114351 Designer Hardware Hooray 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available
114350 Designer Hardware Soho 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available
113981 Designer Series Paper Bella Birds 9.95 Available
112041 Designer Series Paper Bella Rose 9.95 Out of Stock
113980 Designer Series Paper Candy Lane 9.95 Available
113966 Designer Series Paper Good Morning Sunshine 9.95 Available
112464 Designer Series Paper Manchester 9.95 Out of Stock
112157 Designer Series Paper Patterns Baja Breeze 9.95 Out of Stock
112161 Designer Series Paper Patterns Kiwi Kiss 9.95 Out of Stock
112150 Designer Series Paper Patterns Pacific Point 9.95 Out of Stock
112150 Designer Series Paper Patterns Pink Pirouette 9.95 Out of Stock
112155 Designer Series Paper Patterns Riding Hood Red 9.95 Out of Stock
112153 Designer Series Paper Patterns Tangerine Tango 9.95 Out of Stock
112471 Designer Series Paper Rainbow Sherbet 9.95 Out of Stock
113975 Designer Series Paper Raspberry Tart 9.95 Available
113993 Designer Series Paper Specialty Parisian Breeze 11.95 Out of Stock
114039 Designer Series Paper Specialty Rockabilly 11.95 Available
114037 Designer Series Paper Specialty Sweet Slumber 11.95 Out of Stock
112468 Designer Series Paper Sweet Always 9.95 Out of Stock
112042 Designer Series Paper Urban Garden 9.95 Available
113978 Designer Series Paper Urban Oasis 9.95 Available
112461 Designer Series Paper Washington Apple 9.95 Out of Stock
112010 Die Cuts Blooms Again 8.95 0.25 6.71 Out of Stock
113950 Die Cuts Build-A-Fairytale 8.95 Out of Stock
110730 Die Cuts Pockets & Pieces 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available
109684 Doodle 8.50 Out of Stock
107288 Envelope Whisper White Extra Large 5.50 Out of Stock
100900 Gift Sacks White 2.95 Out of Stock
111257 Happy, Happy Birthday 8.50 Available
101259 Hemp Twine Black 2.95 0.5 1.48 Available
102875 Hemp Twine Red 2.95 0.5 1.48 Available
112970 Lo Mejor De Todo 19.95 0.5 9.98 Available
109692 Love 6.50 Available
109568 My ABCs 6.50 Out of Stock
112139 Notes Carousel II 11.95 0.25 8.96 Out of Stock
111337 Notes Gift Assortment II 9.95 Available
111336 Notes Scallop II 11.95 0.25 8.96 Out of Stock
111338 Notes Textured Love Assortment II 12.95 0.25 9.71 Available
109682 Perfectly Pretty 6.50 Out of Stock
107272 Punch Key Tag 15.95 0.25 11.96 Out of Stock
109044 Punch Snow Blossom 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
111847 Ribbon Double Stitched Baja Breeze 1" 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available
111363 Ribbon Grosgrain Pink Pirouette 1 1/4" 7.95 0.25 5.96 Available
111375 Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Baja Breeze 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Out of Stock
111370 Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Pacific Point 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
111373 Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Pink Pirouette 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
11374 Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Riding Hood Red 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111371 Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Tangerine Tango 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111372 Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Kiwi Kiss 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
114317 Ribbon Originals Dress Up 12.95 0.5 6.48 Available
114316 Ribbon Originals Pig Tails 13.95 0.5 6.98 Available
114318 Ribbon Originals Valent 12.95 0.25 9.71 Available
111364 Ribbon Poly Twill So Saffron 7/8" 8.95 0.5 4.48 Available
111879 Ribbon Satin Kiwi Kiss/ Very Vanilla 7.95 0.25 5.96 Out of Stock
111365 Ribbon Taffeta Riding Hood Red 6.95 0.25 5.21 Available
111277 Rub Ons A Perfect Day 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available
113887 Rub Ons Bright Delights 11.95 0.25 8.96 Available
111416 Rub Ons Chateau Bella 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available
113884 Rub Ons Fashion District 10.95 0.25 8.21 Out of Stock
111415 Rub Ons Greatest Moments 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available
112735 Rub Ons Hidden Garden 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
11414 Rub Ons Hidden Garden 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
113888 Rub Ons Many Occasions 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
109687 See You Around Wheel 8.50 Available
113943 Simply Scrappin 2 Sweet 19.95 Available
112054 Simply Scrappin Best Ever 19.95 Out of Stock
113936 Simply Scrappin Hoppy Memories 19.95 Out of Stock
112179 Simply Scrappin Love Stories 19.95 Available
112172 Simply Scrappin Rock A Bye Boy 19.95 Out of Stock
112165 Simply Scrappin Rock A Bye Girl 19.95 Out of Stock
113911 Simply Scrappin Sunshine Garden 19.95 Out of Stock
113925 Simply Scrappin Sweet Nothings 19.95 Out of Stock
114605 Simply Sent Card Kit More Thoughts 42.95 Out of Stock
109231 Simply Sent Card Kit Sending Happy Thoughts 54.95 Available
109683 So Swirly Wheel 8.50 Available
111260 Something Fishy Wheel 8.50 Available
109123 Stampin' Write Journaler Basic Brown 3.25 Out of Stock
106961 Stazon Refill White 4.95 Out of Stock
111262 Stems and Silhouettes Wheel 8.50 Available
101399 Stipple Brushes 6.95 25% 5.21 Out of Stock
113991 Taste of Textiles 9.95 25 % 7.46 Available
105668 Tattoo Kit I 13.95 Out of Stock
105669 Tattoo Kit II 13.95 Out of Stock
105516 Watercolor Joy Wheel 6.50 Out of Stock

No Stampin' Required

Hello to all! One of my goals this month has been to use the items that are retiring before they are actually retired. Because I am demonstrator once a stamp set, paper, or ribbon is retired I rarely use it. Something about having new things just seems to pull me away from the old. Now my DD of course loves that I don't use all the retiring items because that then means that they are fair game for her to use on school projects or cards of her own. So the three projects I am sharing today are all using items that will be unavailable after June 30 when the Occasions Mini ends.
This first card started with a base piece of So Saffron Card Stock(105118) that was out on my craft room table. The Summer Love Rub-ons (114620) were also out from the next project I am going to show you. I thought the Basic Gray would look great on the So Saffron and of course why not pull out the Walk In the Park Designer Series Paper(115123) which uses the same colors as the rub-ons. I scalloped the edges of the Walk in the Park So Saffron Paper and the Basic Gray Card Stock(108692) with the Scallop Border Punch(112091). With the guide it is so easy to get the two layers of scallops to match up. The ribbon I added is Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon(109064). If you haven't bought any of the taffeta ribbon I highly recommend it. It is just the perfect touch of elegance on any card. The Butterfly is cut out using the Big Shot(113439) and the Stampin' Up Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die (114507). The paper is the Basic Gray print from the Walk in the Park DSP also. I used a Big Clear Rhinestone Brad(113144) for the body and used the prongs on the back to make the wings stand up at an angle. The flight is just free handed on with the Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker(109126). A pretty card yet not a lot of time involved. I think I will make some more in other colors tomorrow, just to have on hand.

The second project is a Dry Erase Tile that I made just yesterday while playing with the same Summer Love Rub-ons. I had bought two tiles from Lowe's ( will show you the other one next) I like this one the best of the two that I did and it took just a couple of minutes to make. I first made sure that the tile was clean and dry. I cut out the rub-on that I wanted to use and applied it to the tile, rubbing it to attach it. After it was applied, I cut a piece of Double Stitched Baja Breeze 1" Ribbon (111847) which is not only retiring but also on sale right now while supplies last. I tied a knot in the ribbon and this Dry Erase Tile is done. How simple it that and it would make a great gift.

The final tile is the first one I made and is made with the same Rub-ons. No ribbon on this one but still just as easy to make. I used no stamps on any of the projects that I shared with you and I still have over a sheet and a half of Rub-ons leftover for other projects. Have you tried our rub-ons if not what are you waiting for? I love that we now have colors available and not just black or white. They really add to your projects. Who knows what I will make with them tomorrow but I will be sure and share.

Remember that the new 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog will be arriving this week. Have you reserved your copy yet? Contact me if you haven't. I will also be sharing the information about my Ribbon Shares and Paper Shares when I hand out the catalogs. I am doing a Paper Share that includes all the new Designer and Specialty Papers and one of my Ribbon Shares includes all the new Ribbon available in the new catalog. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog today. I love sharing with you and would love to hear from you. Have a great day, Tonya

3-D Card

After receiving my Stampin' Success Magazine (this is a monthly business magazine that all Stampin'Up! Demonstrators receive) I just knew that I had to give one of the 3-D Cards a try. The one I decided to start with is a Diorama Card and the perfect set was Forest Friends (113748). I wanted the card to still fit in a Medium Envelope so I started with three pieces of 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" pieces of card stock or designer series paper. I scored each at 3/4" on both short sides. For the middle layer I trimmed off half of the flap. To make the Scallop frame I used the Scallop Square Punch(112081) and punched it out four times. The top layer of the frame is the To the Nines Designer Speciality Paper(114038) that is in the current catalog. I used Tombow adhesive(110755) to attach the frame pieces together at the sides. The deer, rabbit, tree and owl were all stamped on Whisper White Card Stock(100730). I used Close to Cocoa Classic Ink(103139) for the deer and Going Gray Classic Ink(103274) for the rabbit. For the trees and the owl I used Stampin' Write Markers and inked up the stamps. On the trees I used Always Artichoke(105113), Close to Cocoa(100072) and Chocolate Chip(100071). On the owl which my oldest DS tells me is a Great Horned Owl, I used Chocolate Chip(100071), Close to Cocoa(100072), Summer Sun(100077), and Basic Gray(109126). I used dimensionals (104430) so attach all the stamped images after I cut them out. My oldest DS took great interest in this card (I think it was because he is the animal expert in the family) and he decided that I needed a moon in the scene also. So I used the 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004) to punch out a Summer Sun Moon. I sponged the moon with Summer Sun Classic Ink(100537), More Mustard Classic Ink(103162) and Really Rust Classic Ink(102549) to give it the glowing color that I wanted. We debated on what type of card this was and finally settled on a baby card. The Hello Baby is from the new Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set (115370) that is available to buy on July 1st. I stamped the sentiment on Whisper White Card Stock with Close to Cocoa Classic Ink then punched it out with the Small Oval Punch (107304). Sorry for the funny shadow on the card, I just realized that it was probably my shadow from the way I was trying to get the picture. So what do you think of this 3-D card it is really easy to make and I already have ideas for more. How about a Christmas one with your family picture in the back and with one of the new Big Shot Dies that is coming in July this card will be even easier to make. One more thing, according to the shipping notice I received today my cases of catalogs will be arriving Thursday. I do not know what time but I will be sure and email those that have requested one as soon as they do. As always thank you for stopping by my blog today. Have a great day, Tonya

My Kids' Father's Day Card

Happy Monday Morning! I hope that you all had a great weekend. Today is supposed to be super hot, what a great day to stay inside and stamp. At least that is my plan for today well part of it if you don't include the cleaning, laundry and trying to keep the kids quiet while DH tries to sleep after working all night last night.
Today's card to brought to you by my DD. This is the card she made for her dad for Father's Day yesterday. The layout is similar to the one we did at club this month but she didn't use ribbon or stamp a background. She instead used the Designer Series Pattern Paper. Funny thing about the pattern she picked after she was making the card we realized that DH has a shirt in almost the same color and print as the background. I guess that is why she thought is looked like her dad. I will add the product recipe at the end of the post since it is a pretty straight forward card. The remote does use the Retiring and Out of Stock Key Tag Punch but you could easily substitute a rectangle with the corners rounded.
There are only nine days left to get this set or any of the sets in the Occasions Mini or on the Last Chance List. I can't believe how fast the month has gone by but it does bring us closer to the new Catalog. I have not received my cases of catalogs yet but will post about it when I do. If you have not contacted my about joining my Stamp Club or about wanting to receive a new catalog then please leave me a post or email me at todaball@wmconnect.com I will be sure and put your catalog aside for you when they arrive. I am updating the Last Chance List daily as Stampin'Up! lets us know what has sold out so be sure and take a look. There are still some great items available. Well, I am off to create! Hope you have a great day and try and stay out of the heat. As always thanks for stopping by, Tonya

Card Recipe:
Certainly Celery Card Stock Base (105125)
Certainly Celery Patterns Designer Series Paper (112154)
Tempting Turquoise Card Stock (102067)
Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
So Saffron Card Stock (105118)
Blender Pens (102845)
Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink (100814)
So Saffron Classic Ink (105213)
Certainly Celery Classic Ink (105217)
Any Many Mower Stamp Set (113724)
Key Tag Punch
1/2" Circle Punch (104390)
Crop-A-Dile (108362)

New Stamp Sets!

Hello to all! Yesterday I received four new stamp sets FREE! Yes, I am shouting and I want to thank all my wonderful customers and downline for making it possible. You see Stampin'Up! rewards its demonstrators for our sales and recruiting during Sale-A-Bration with free stamp sets. I got to pick four this year. They could be from the sneak peaks we have received for the new catalog or they could be from the Mini and Current Catalog. I debated and debated which ones to get (it seems like Free rubbah is harder to pick than anything else) and finally picked Branch Out (113200) and Wonderful Favorites (115114) as two of my sets. Well if there is a uninked stamp set in my house it must meet ink soon. I just can't help but play with a new set, they seem to inspire me! I waited until the kids were in bed to start my card (I mounted all the stamp sets to their blocks as soon as I opened the box, I am just funny that way) and the idea came to me pretty quickly. Now I must say that the card isn't all that complicated by I like it. I started with a piece of Whisper White Card Stock (100730) that I cut out with the Stampin'Up! Top Note Bigz Die (113463) and the Big Shot (113439). Now both of these are also available in the Big Shot Starter Kit (116314) which will not be available in the new catalog. If you would like to order the Big Shot Starter Kit contact me today so we can place your order. After I had the top note cut out I proceed to take a tip from my DD's card yesterday and I sponged a sky and grass using Bashful Blue Classic Ink (105209) and Mellow Moss Classic Ink (102774). I left a little bit of white between the two sponge lines to give a horizon line. I then was ready to stamp my tree. This is such a fun stamp set and I can't wait to try some more cards with it. First I inked up the tree with three Stampin' Write Markers, Always Artichoke (105113), Close to Cocoa (100072) and Chocolate Chip (100071). I stamped the tree in the center of the top note. Next comes the leaves. They are stamped with Mellow Moss Classic Ink (102774) and Always Artichoke (105219). The tire swing was inked up with the Chocolate Chip (100071) and Basic Black (100082) Stampin' Write Markers then using the Stamp-a-ma-jig I lined it up with the tree limb that I wanted it to hang from. The Wonderful Grandfather is from the Wonderful Favorites Stamp Set and were stamped on Whisper White Card Stock. They were inked with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink (100908). The Wonderful was then trimmed down to the size I wanted and the corners were rounded with Stampin'Up!'s 3/16" Corner Rounder (109047). The grandfather is actually two stamps and I lined them up with the Stamp-a-ma-jig to say what I wanted. I love that this set is so versatile. You can send a card to anyone with all the choices it offers. I punched out the grandfather with the Word Window Punch (105090) and mounted it on the new punch that is available in July. The Vintage Brads were still out from my last Father's Day Card so I used two of those on the sides of the Grandfather sentiment. I decided the base of the card needed something so I ran the Close to Cocoa Card Stock (101341) through the Big Shot with the Distressed Texturz Plate from the Texture Plates Kit #4 (114531). I then used a technique called direct to paper and using Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad I dragged the pads across the textured card front. This caused the raised image to pick up some of the ink and I think it gave the card I tree bark appearance which adds to that manly card look. I then just mounted all my pieces to the card using Tombow (110755) or Dimensionals (104430).

I hope that you enjoyed today's card. Remember that all the items to make this and all my cards are available to purchase through my Stampin'Up! Website. Hope you have a great day and thank you for stopping by, Tonya

Warning: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig required!

Good morning, everyone. Today we have a guest designer. This card you will notice was made by my DD. She spent quite a bit of time getting this card just like she wanted it but I am happy to report that the birthday girl was thrilled with her All Sports Birthday Card. The theme of the birthday party was sports and since the birthday girl plays a wide variety of sports DD decided to use the All in the Family Stamp Set (113488) and Family Accessories (113494) to make the card. She started with a base of Brilliant Blue Card Stock (100721) and then cut Whisper White Card Stock to fit the front of the card. This next step is where the Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) is required. Each of the body parts are separate on the little girl so in order to line them up correctly she used the Stamp-a-ma-jig. If you haven't tried the Stamp-a-ma-jig before give me a call and I will give you a lesson. I love mine for sentiments! She also stamped the dress and legs on a scrap piece of paper and cut them out to paper piece the image, but before I jump ahead of myself the face was masked and the whole card was sponged with Bashful Blue Classic Ink (105209) which is the complimentary color to Brilliant Blue. This gives the card a sky background. The dress and shoes were then applied using Glue Dots. The grass was made from a strip of Green Galore Card Stock (101768) that was cut to create grass. This was attached to the card with Dimensionals. The various sports items were stamped on Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, and Pumpkin Pie Card Stock and then cut out. Some were put on with Dimensional and others with glue dots. The Happy Birthday Sentiment is from All Holidays (114916). The little girl's face and hair were colored with Blush Blossom Classic Ink and Close to Cocoa Classic Ink with a blender pen. I must admit that this is one of my most neglected stamp sets. I just never tend to pull it out so I am glad that my DD did for her card. Maybe while the set is still out I will use it to create something. I want to thank my DD for letting me share her card with you. I think she did a great job on it and hope that you like it too!
If you notice the post above has some more red items which means that there are more accessories that have sold out. Please do not hesitate to call me if there is something on the list that you want. You can also place orders online for all catalog items. Thank you for stopping by my blog today and we would love to hear from you. Tonya

And Many Mower!

Happy Monday! Today I am posting yet more retiring items from the Spring Summer Catalog and items from the soon to be ending Occasions Mini. This card came together really quickly and just like I had sketched it out. I love it when that happens. :) I started with a base (which you can't see) of Kraft Card Stock (102125), the Designer Paper is the soon to be retired Manchester DSP (112464). It is perfect for manly cards with the Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Kraft and Very Vanilla colors. I used two different pattern pieces for the top and bottom of the card front. Before I attached them to the card I used the Mat Pack (105826) to mark where I want the Baja Breeze Corduroy Buttons ( 114344). By using the Mat Pack I an insure that the buttons are spaced evenly a part and in a straight line. I added a piece of Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (109068) along where the two designer papers meet. This ribbon is so pretty and elegant. I keep adding colors with each order I place. The stamped image and sentiment are from And Many Mover (113724) that I used last week for club. Both are stamped on Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650) with Basic Brown Classic Stamp Pad (104315) I used the Blender Pens (102845) and watercolored the golfer with Baja Breeze Classic Ink (111833), Close to Cocoa Classic Ink (103139), Always Artichoke Classic Ink (105219) and Sahara Sand Classic Ink (105208). The sentiment was punched out with a new punch that won't be available until July 1st. One of the advantages of being a demonstrator is that Stampin'Up! lets us have sneak peaks of new products and lets us order some early to get ready for the new catalog. I just couldn't resist using it today. I matted it on a new Big Shot Die that matches it perfectly. If you would like more info on these new products then contact me and I will be happy to tell you more about them. I used Vintage Brads (109109) to finish off the sentiment. Since my DH is a golfer this will be his Father's Day card from me. I still need to have the kids make one for him but at least one is done. Sorry the picture is a little dark, there isn't much sun today so it is harder to take a good picture. If you have any questions about this card or any of the Last Chance List items please contact me. Thank you for stopping by my blog today and have a great Monday, Tonya

Wild About You!

Today I am sharing with you another Stamp Club card from this week. I love the stamp set Wild About You (115110). I have used it several times for Kid's Birthday Cards, Baby Cards and even Valentine's Day Cards. It is a set that I will miss having in the catalog, because retiring this month. We used a 5 1/2"x 8 1/2" base of So Saffron Card Stock (105118) but before we folded it in half we scalloped the edge with the Scallop Edge Punch (112091). We then folded the base in half. This makes the card slightly smaller than usual but not enough to notice. I used the Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP (114037) this is also on the last chance list and only available while supplies last. After attaching the Sweet Slumber paper, we cut a 4" circle with the Circle Scissor Plus (112530) and So Saffron Card Stock. Because I love the Big Shot (113439) and just can't seem to not add a little texture to my cards. We texturized the circle with the small polka dots in the Stampin'Up! Backgrounds I (114512).

Now to the stamping, we stamped the elephant from Wild About You using Baja Breeze Classic Ink Pad (111833). We then masked the elephant. Masking is simply stamping your image in our case the elephant on a post it note then cutting out the image. After you have done this you place the post it note image over the image you just stamped on your card stock. Then you stamp a new image over part of the existing one. In our case we used the little flower also from Wild About You! and inking it up with the Ruby Red (100075) and Certainly Celery (105106) Stampin' Write Markers. By masking the image it looks like the elephant is holding the flower and the stem doesn't show were his trunk is. Hope all that makes sense to you.The elephant is then attached to a Ruby Red Card Stock (102030)mat and attached to the card with Dimensionals. The Sweet Little One is from the Holidays & Wishes Stamp Set (114984) also on the Last Chance List for this month. We stamped it on Whisper White with the Ruby Red Classic Ink Pad (102259). We used the Word Window Punch (105090) to punch the Sweet Little One out and attached it to the card with SNAIL adhesive and that is our second Stamp Club card.

Just a couple of reminders, first if you are interested in purchasing either of these stamp sets they are available until the end of June. Since Stampin'Up! makes it own stamp sets they will make more to fill orders until the end of June, while the accessories that are on the Last Chance List are only available while supplies last. Also the hostess special is still going on through the end of June were anyone hosting a workshop has the opportunity to earn extra hostess rewards. It isn't to late to host either a book party or a party at your house or mine. Just give me a call to set a date. I want to thank you for taking the time to stop by today. Hope you have a great day, Tonya

Don't forget Dad!

Hello, this week is club week and our final meeting time for this catalog period. I love club and getting together with all the ladies. We always have a great time. Many of them are coming back to Stamp Club when the new catalog starts but there is always room for more so if you are interested please contact me.
Since June 1st when the Last Chance List was released that has been my main focus and I was neglecting the Occasions Mini and all the wonderful set that are in it. Now of course many of these items are also only available until the end of June. If you have not yet view the Occasions Mini just click on the picture of it at the left of my blog screen. I decided to pull out And Many Mower Stamp Set (113724), now this is a set that I knew I needed as soon as I saw the mini. I don't have a lot of sets just for the men in my life and this one was just to funny and fit them all to well to pass up. For club I decided to do some In Colors because of course they will soon be leaving us and I couldn't help but use Seeing Spots Stamp Set (115058) this set is also on the Last Chance List. It is a great set for making backgrounds. I used Pacific Point Card Stock for the base of the card and with Versamark (102283) and Seeing Spots I randomly stamped spots all over the front of my card. Now whether you are a beginner stamper or a advanced Versamark is a great tool to have in your craft area. Not only does is add a watermark effect to any color of card stock (like my card above) but you can also heat emboss with it. After I stamped I stamped my main image on Confetti White Card Stock (102835) with Basic Gray Classic Ink (109120). We used blender pens (102845) to color in the image with Pacific Point (111837), Kiwi Kiss (111835), and Tangerine Tango (111834) Classic Stampin' Pads. The image is mounted on Kiwi Kiss Card Stock (111353) and attached to the front of the card using dimensionals. We added Tangerine Tango Striped Ribbon (111371) and the outside of the card was finished. Inside the card we stamped RELAX and either Happy Father's Day or Happy Birthday (all three sentiments come with the stamp set) in Jet Black Stazon Ink (101406). Not a difficult card but one that lets Dad know that you are thinking of him. Tomorrow I will be back with the second card we made at Stamp Club.
You will notice that more of the Last Chance Accessories are selling out. I will continue to update that post through the end of the month. As always thank you for stopping by today. I love to hear from you when you do. Have a great day and I will see some of you tonight. Tonya

Baby Shower Diaper Cake

Last month I shared with you some baby shower invites that I did for my cousin's shower. Well, I was also inspired to do a Diaper Cake for the center piece of the table. It was really a lot of fun to make and I wanted to share the finished product with you. I used
Susie's Diaper Cake Instructions to make this amazing cake and was inspired by Amy's Cake for the topper and icing. For the icing I used the same four colors that I used in the napkin, Tempting Turquoise (102067), Lavender Lace (101614), Certainly Celery (105125) and Barely Banana (102701). I cut strips and scalloped the edges with our Scallop Edge Punch (113091). The bibs that spell out baby were made with the Big Shot (113439) and the Scallop Circle #2 (113469). I used the Big Shot Pennant Die (113483) also to make the white scallops that are in the center of the big. The oval was punched out with the Large Oval Punch (107305) and I embossed the letters with White Craft Ink (101731), White Embossing Powder (109132) and the soon to be retiring Big Deal Alphabet Set (114928). We decorated the sides of the cake with assorted punches including Large Star Punch (110710), Star Punch (109045), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004), and 1" Circle Punch (109046). The topper on the cake is Big Shot Die 5-Point 3D Star (113473) I made two stars and used a dowel rod to mount them to and add to the top of the cake. I also texturized the star points before I made it with the Large Polka Dots in the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates (114512).I used over 100 diapers on this cake and there is a tube of tub toys in the center for support. I am happy to report that everyone liked the cake and I am sure that the diapers will come in hand once the baby arrives in July.
I hope you enjoyed today's post. I love trying new things and this cake was definitely something different but really not difficult. If you have any questions please let me know. Also just a reminder that I will be updating the Retiring Accessories List everyday. There are more things that have sold out so please do not wait to place your orders. This week is also our last week of club for this session. Thank you to all the ladies. I love club time and look forward to it each month. As always thank you for stopping by my blog and Have a great day, Tonya

Baseball and Birthdays

Good morning, it seems as if baseball and birthdays do go hand in hand around this household. We had another baseball game last night with baseball practices and another game today. That is if the weather cooperates with us. My youngest DS is going to his first friend birthday party today and since the two boys play on the same baseball team I just had to pull out my Sporting Stamp Set (115072) and Just Baseball (115002), since I bought these two sets they have been my go to sets for all boy cards. Now I know that not all boys play baseball which is why we have Just Surfing (115012), Just Soccer (115010), Just Football (115006), Just Basketball (115004) and Just Riding (115008). I really think we have the sports covered. I started the card with a base of Pacific Point Card Stock (111350), added a mat of Basic Black Card Stock (102851) and since I still had the Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper (113966) out on my workspace I decided to use it also. I stamped the sentiments and star from the Sporting Stamp Set all over the Good Morning Sunshine DSP with Versamark (102283) and poured the Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (109130) on the versamark. I used my Heat Tool (100005) to emboss the images. I decided to use a technique that we were taught at Regionals last fall. I used the Pacific Point Classic Ink Pad (111837) and Stampin Sponges (101610) and sponged ink all over the designer paper. This allows the embossed images to pop as I cover the design on the paper. The embossing resists the ink and the designer paper shows through. I didn't completely cover the paper so that some of the image does show through but rather it is more subtle. Using the Circle Scissor Plus (112530) and the Glass Mat (112531) I cut a circle out of Whisper White Card Stock (100730). I created the baseball by hand drawing the stitch lines on with the Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052). I then used Black Stazon (101406) and the Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) to stamp All Star onto the baseball. The baseball bat was stamped on Close to Cocoa Card Stock (101341) with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad (100908). The hat was stamped with Green Galore Classic Ink Pad (102122) on Whisper White Card Stock. Both were cut out using Paper Snips (103579). I used Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) to mount all the images to the Good Morning Sunshine DSP . After I attached the DSP to the basic black card stock I used Mat Pack (105826) and pierced the right bottom corner were I wanted the Black Brads. They are in the Vintage Brad Collection (109109). I used three on the corner then I attached the Basic Black Card Stock to the Pacific Point Base. I put the brads on first so that they didn't show through on the inside of the card. After looking at the card I decided it needed something in the upper right corner so I added a Photo Corners Punch (109042) punched in Basic Black Card Stock and attached with Stampin' Dimensionals. I am not 100% sure that I like the corner but it will stay that way.

Just a reminder I am updating the Retiring Accessories List as items sell out and I will be placing an order on Wednesday. Of course you can always order online anytime 24 hours a day at tonyaball.stampinup.net Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you have a great weekend, Tonya

Good morning SunShine

Good morning Sunshine isn't just the title of this post it is also the name of the Designer Paper that I used on this card. It is one of the papers that is retiring at the end of this month. I also used Say it with Scallops Stamp Set(111678) which is our this years Ronald McDonald House Charities stamp set. Each Stampin'Up! has one set for this charity and for every set purchased they donate $2 to RMHC. It is not to late to purchase this set and help out the great charity that helps so many people. I should also let you know that the Say it with Scallops Stamp Set works perfectly with Scallop Square Punch (112081). The Good Morning Sunshine DSP (113966) includes the colors Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun and Chocolate Chip. I used the Kiwi Kiss Card Stock (111352) and created the base of the card. I also used the Kiwi Kiss Textured Card Stock (111345)which comes in an assortment with the other In Colors. The Textured Card Stock has a scallop edge that I did with the Scallop Edge Punch (112091). The image is stamped with Pacific Point Classic Ink (111837) on Whisper White Card Stock (100730) then I colored in some of the details with the Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker (100077) and the Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker ( 101425). After I punched out the image I mounted it on a square of Summer Sun Card Stock (103124) the has the corners rounded. This is mounted with the Pop-Up Glue Dots (104183) on the Chocolate Chip 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (111849). If you are interested in placing an order and you are local I will be placing an order next Wednesday. Just let me know and I will be happy to add your order to the rest and possibly save some shipping. As always thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog today. I would love to hear from you. Have a great day, Tonya

Same layout Different Direction

Today's card is the same layout as yesterday's card I just turned it up and moved the ribbon over. I used the retiring Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper and cut it into panels. I layered it on Basic Gray Card Stock and used a base of Baja Breeze. The sentiment is from the Oval All Stamp Set that is in the Occasions Mini. The sentiment is embossed with White Craft Ink and White Embossing Powder. I used the Scallop Oval Punch to make the background also in Basic Gray. The ribbon is Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon with a Baja Breeze Corduroy Button. Several of the items are set to retire at the end of this month so be sure and take a look at the list and make sure you don't miss out on something that you love. This month as a special thank you I will include a handmade card in each of your orders. If you order online or have your order directly shipped to you I will send your card to you. If you order through club then I will include your card in your club order. Also it is time to start sign ups for the new round of club if you are interested joining us please let me know. Thank you for stopping by today and I hope that you have a great day, Tonya

Retiring Spots!

Good evening, first I want to let you know that I have updated the Retiring Accessories list. There have been more items that have sold out today. If you are wanting to take advantage of the sale please contact me or you can place your order online. The card I am sharing today is one that I made some time ago when the incolors first came out. I was trying out color combos and playing with the new colors to see which ones I liked best. I will start with the base which is Summer Sun. I used the stamp set Seeing Spots (which is retiring this month) and randomly stamped with Summer Sun, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango Classic Ink. After I stamped the images I cut the piece of Whisper White Card Stock into three panels and matted it on Chocolate Chip Card Stock. I used 5/8" Grosgrain Chocolate Chip Ribbon around the center of the card and used my circle punches to punch out at Tangerine Tango circle. The sentiment is two separate stamps which I punched out. I attached the sentiment to the 5/8" ribbon with Linen Thread. This card is a little out of my comfort zone as I don't tend to use bright colors but I do like to try out new color combos so this was a fun card to make. If you would like to purchase the supplies to make this card please let me know. I am always happy to help. Thank you for stopping by and be sure and come back tomorrow as I will have another card using Retiring items to show you. Tonya

Vintage Flowers

Good evening, we have had a busy day again at our house and I am finding myself posting later instead of earlier like I intended. Last week after cleaning up my craftroom, I decided that I would try and use up some of the miscellanous pieces that I had stamped or cut out and then did nothing with. Somedays I can enter my craftroom with a card in mind and then a couple of hours later I have just what I had envisioned while other days I just go in and stamp and play around with things until something comes to me. This is were all the scraps come from. I hate to throw them away even after they don't become the card for the day. So I have been using those pieces and have been trying to not cut any new cardstock besides the bases and sometimes those are already cut for me to. I love the Big Shot Daises #2 die. I think it makes great flowers for cards and is so much fun to layer. These flowers were made some time ago when I was making a gift certificate holder. The colors ended up not being right for the card but I didn't throw them away. Fast forward to today's card. I really used a lot of retiring items on this card. The flowers are Riding Hood Red Card stock.The vines are Kiwi Kiss Textured Card Stock, I used both Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red Classic Ink, the background paper is Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. Of course the accessories are also retiring at least the ribbon which is Riding Hood Red Taffetta and the Kiwi Kiss Corduroy Buttons are. Both are on sale while supplies last. You may notice that the hardware that my sentiment is in is a chocolate color that is because I used Chocolate Chip Craft Ink to sponge our Very Vanilla Designer Hardware. After I sponged it I poured Clear Embossing Powder over the piece and heated it up. It gives the hardware an aged apperance that I really think adds to the card. I also sponged Chocolate Chip Craft Ink on the tips of the flowers and along the edges of the vine which is the Swirly Die Cut for the Big Shot. I also used the Top Note Die to cut out the Very Vanilla background piece. It was nice to use up some of those scraps that were laying around the table so I will probably be posting more of these scrap cards as I work through my pile and if you are a stamper like me that has scraps that get discarded why not take a second look at them and see what you can make. Thank you for stopping by my blog and if you have any questions please let me know. Have a great day and don't forget to check out the Last Chance List for all the retiring Stampin'Up! items. Tonya