Sharing the Joy

Happy Thursday everyone! I pray you are all enjoying your summer so far? It sure has been a warm one, that's for sure, but I'm not complaining! It sure beats winter! Anyway, I just wanted to share the fun we had last evening making my God-daughters baby shower invitations! I think that is actually the BEST part of this craft! It's the bonds and the memories you make interacting with others in the craft and getting others involved with you.

Being a part of the SU family allows you to share so much with others and what a great feeling that is. We had so much fun last night, laughing, chatting and of course stamping and before you knew it, we had 40 invitations, along with 40 coordinating envelopes completed and ready to go into today's mail! How's that for coordination! We set everything up assembly line style and everyone was assigned a task, and together we knocked it out of the park! And look at those smiles! My very best friend in the world and my 2 gorgeous God-daughters! I'm so blessed! And here is the end result:

If you've never gathered to stamp with others, you have no idea what you are missing! Give it a try and share the joy! I promise, you won't regret it. Yes, there will be "mistakes" but you know what, if you're looking for perfect, buy a Hallmark! But if you're looking to make memories, bonds and connections, stamp with others. Attend a class, a club or just invite your friends and family to join you. I promise, you will have so much fun! So, go out there and share the joy!

Happy Stamping,

Katrina

An Oldie But Goodie - Faux Silk Technique

Happy Tuesday everyone! I do hope you are all off to a great start this week. Today, I want to share with you a great technique that's been around for some time, however, I think gets over looked often. It's the Faux Silk technique. For this technique, you need some scrap tissue paper, and the more wrinkled up it is, the better! So, after you open up those birthday and holiday gifts, don't throw out the tissue paper! Keep it with your card making supplies!
Ok, for this technique, all you need to do is stamp your image onto your cardstock, cover the entire piece with a glue stick....be generous here. This is no time for conserving glue! Be sure to cover it side to side and corner to corner! Now, crinkle and wad the tissue paper into a ball. The tighter the ball the better the crinkles, so wad it up tight. Now, carefully un-wad it and smooth it out but don't try to get rid of the crinkles....you want lots of crinkles and creases in the paper. Once you have it opened up and smoothed out, apply it to your card front over the top of your stamped image. Trim the tissue paper to even it out or fold to the back and glue down. Add this piece to your card front and you're done!
Here's my example:

I used the hostess set, Gift of Love with Flirty Flamingo and Emerald Envy as my color pallet.



Too cool right? Have you ever tried the faux silk technique? Show us what you have done, we would love to see.
Happy Stamping,
Katrina

An Elegant Thank You

Happy Saturday! I hope you are enjoying what looks to be a perfect weekend? Blue skies abound here! Anyway, today, I wanted to share with you a thank you card I created. I actually created this one for the sketch challenge taking place on my Facebook page. Yes, you should check it out and come join us, we have LOTS of fun. Anyway, I was really happy the way it turned out and wanted to share this with you. One of the reason's I love this card so much is that it really show cases just how gorgeous the Affectionately Yours Designer Series paper is, for real. The one that I used has the copper flowers scattered among all the other beautiful colors and it just sparkles! I am really loving the copper trend this season.

So, what do you think? Ok, here's how I did it. I started with a Night of Navy card base, 8 1/2"x 5 1/2" and scored it at 4 1/4" for a standard A2 size card. then I cut a piece of Daffodil Delight at 4" x 5 1/4" and ran it through the Big Shot with the Elegant Dot's TIEF to give it some texture. I then wrapped a piece of retired (insert sad face) Watermelon Wonder ribbon through the center and adhered it in the back with some scotch tape then adhered the entire panel to the card front with Fast Fuse. I then cute a piece of this GORGEOUS Affectionately Yours DSP 2" x 3" and matted it onto another piece of Night of Navy cut 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" and added that to the card over the top of the ribbon. I just used my Fast Fuse (I love this stuff!) I then stamped Thank You from the Happy Happenings stamp set in Night of Navy ink onto a scrap piece of Whisper White and cut it out using my Layering Circles Framelits and matted that onto a scalloped Night of Navy circle, also cut using the Layering Circles Framelits, and then added that to the top right corner of the DSP using Stampin' Dimensionals. Then just to add a little sumthin' sumthin', I added 3 little enamel shapes from the Regals package (Night of Navy)

And that my friends, completes the card! The picture just doesn't do the DSP any justice at all. This is one you have to see up close and personal in order to appreciate just how beautiful it really is. I do also want to remind everyone of the Bonus Days taking place for the month of July. If you place a $30 order with me using Hostess Code: FT9YEUVC, I will send you the materials for my Christmas in July Class along with the PDF instructions and access to an exclusive video to follow along. The kit provides enough material to create a total of 9 cards, 3 each of 3 designs. And, Stampin' Up! is giving away a $5 coupon code for every $50 spent for you to use on ANY purchase in August! And there are no limits on how many $5 coupon codes you can collect! Just don't lose them. Print them, write them down and save the emailed code. You do not want to lose them....they're quite valuable! (wink) So, visit my store today and and begin earning great things! (All kits will be mailed out by 8/5/16 for anyone that places a $30 or more order)

Happy Stamping!

Katrina

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.00

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
$6.50

Layering Circle Framelits Dies
$35.00

Regals Enamel Dots
$9.00

Fuse Fast Adhesive
$10.00

Stampin' Dimensionals
$4.00

Big Shot
$110.00

Happy Happenings Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

Happy Happenings Wood-Mount Stamp Set
$28.00

Elegant Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$7.50

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

Don't Miss Out on Bonus Days!

Hey there! I pray you have all been enjoying your week so far. I'm just returning to work after a nice staycation. It sure was too short. It's always hard going back after having a few days away from it all. I did enjoy my time at home, but like all good things, it must come to an end and it's back to the daily routine.
 I wanted to stop by here and make sure you know about the Bonus Day's going on over at Stampin' Up! For every $50 you spend, they will email you a coupon for $5 to spend in August on anything you want! That's a package of embellishments! Sequins, Basic Jewels, White Perfect Accents and even the Metal Rimmed Pearls are $5, so don't miss out on your opportunity!
And, for every order of $30 or more, using the hostess code FT9YEUVC, I will send you printed instructions and the supplies for my Christmas in July class! You will receive enough supplies to create 3 each of 3 designs for a total of 9 cards as well as the instructions. You will need to have the stamps and ink, because Stampin' Up! rules do not allow me to stamp for you, but I will provide the cardstock and embellishments needed to complete the cards.
Here is a look at the cards you will make:

Aren't they cute? I know it seems a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but, when you make your own cards and send as many cards as I do, you have to get an early start and I thought I would help you get an early start too.
Happy Stamping,
Katrina

Finding Your Inspiration

Hello again! I hope you're all fairing well in this heat wave? Me, I'm hanging out here with the air conditioners! A little wilted but overall fairing well! Anyway, today I wanted to revisit the topic of finding inspiration. In previous posts, I have spoke of finding inspiration from your Stampin' Up! Catalog and idea book as well as from your surroundings. Today, I want to talk to you about finding your inspiration from card sketches. There are sketches all over the Internet. Pinterest alone has a plethora of sketch ideas for you to refer to and get your creative juices flowing. As a matter of fact, I currently hold a weekly sketch challenge on my Facebook page where we have so much fun seeing what everyone comes up with each week. It's amazing to see each individual's interpretation of the weekly sketch. You literally have one sketch layout and a half dozen completely different card ideas! It's just so awesome. So, my challenge to you is, visit Pinterest, search card sketches and choose one you love then choose your favorite stamp set and go to town. You will be amazed at what you come up with. 

Here is this weeks challenge sketch: 

 

And here is my interpretation using one of my favorite stamp sets from the new 2016-2017 catalog, Jar of Love 

 

So what are your thoughts? Where are you finding your inspiration? Share with us in the comments below! Have a great day, stay cool and happy stamping,

Katrina

Falling Flowers

Happy Saturday everyone! Well today marks day 1 of my 10 day stay-cation! I have lots of crafting plans for this time here at home, but first, I must find the top of the craft table! What a chore! Anyhow, before I share today's project, I want to fill you in on a special deal from Stampin' Up! For the month of July, for every $50 you spend, you will be given a coupon for $5 toward ANY purchase in August! You must have a valid email account in order to participate, as they will email your coupon code to you. You must not lose that code as they are not maintaining records of these codes and they are not supplying demonstrators a list of mailed codes. They are leaving that up to you....but there is NO limit on the number of coupon codes you can earn! Those could really add up! And to sweeten the pot, for anyone that places an order using the Hostess code: FT9YEUVC for at least $75 before shipping and tax, I will send you a package of the brand new Metallic Enamel Shapes as a special gift from me, that is in addition to your coupon code from SU! This code will remain in effect until July 31st.
Ok, so on to today's project!

See the supply list below
Instructions:
Cut Melon Mambo 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at4 1/4" for the card base.
Blushing Bride cut 3 3/4" x 5" and embossed with the Elegant Dots TIEF and adhere to the card base
Cut Very Vanilla with the largest Oval Framelit from the Layering Ovals Collection and stamp the flourish from the Falling Flowers stamp set in Melon Mambo ink and adhere to front of card.
Cut a piece of Pink Pirouette 2 1/2" x 3/4" and stamp Congratulations from the Flourishing Phrases stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and adhere to the front of the card. Finally stamp the flower from Falling Flowers in Melon Mambo ink onto a scrap piece of Blushing Bride cardstock and cut with the coordinating framelit and adhere to the front of the card with Stampin' Dimensionals and finally add pearls to the center of the flower and to the pods in the Flourish.
Happy Stamping!

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.00

Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
$6.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
$6.00

Falling Flowers Clear-Mount Bundle
$45.75

Elegant Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$7.50

Flourishing Phrases Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

Big Shot
$110.00

Big Shot Platform
$26.00

Pearl Basic Jewels
$5.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
$35.00

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

Bonus Days Ahead!

Hello everyone! I truly hope that you all had a wonderful 4^th of July holiday for those of you here in the States, enjoying all that BBQ! Yum! We had a great time at my sister-in-laws. Every time I see my great nephews and great niece, I’m blown away by how much they grow while I’m not looking. Ugh, time stands still for no-one! Which brings me to my point here, I have a very time sensitive promotion to bring to you! Bonus Days! It all starts Thursday the 7^th of July! You actually earn a $5 coupon for every $50 you spend that you will be able to redeem in August toward ANYTHING you want! How cool is that?

See below for the details and don’t miss out on this great opportunity! You could earn LOTS of coupons which translates into LOTS of discounted goodies in August!

Use Hostess Code: FT9YEUVC and spend $75 to get a free package of the Metallic Enamel Shapes from the new catalog in addition to your $5 coupon code!

Details

·         An email address is required to participate in this promotion; Bonus Days coupon codes can only be delivered to participants via email.

·         We strongly recommend that participants both save emails containing their Bonus Days coupon codes AND write down the coupon codes in a safe place—the codes cannot be resent if the participant loses the email, and Demonstrator Support cannot recover lost codes.

·         Participants will receive a $5 USD/$6 CAD Bonus Days coupon code via email for every $50 USD/$60 CAD they spend in a single order (catalog price before shipping and tax). There is no limit to the number of coupons participants can receive per order or throughout the duration of the promotion. There is no limit on the number of coupons participants can use on an order during redemption.

·         Bonus Days coupons codes can be used in the checkout process during the redemption period.

·         Bonus Days coupon codes can be redeemed for any product, excluding Starter Kits and Paper Pumpkin subscriptions. New prepaid Paper Pumpkin codes can be redeemed.

Dates

·         Promotion period: July 7–31, 2016

·         Promotion Deadlines:

o    Phone/Fax/Mail: July 29, 2016 by 6:50 PM (MT)

o    OEX/Online: July 31, 2016 by 11:50 PM (MT)

·         Redemption period: August 2–31, 2016

·         Redemption Deadlines:

o    Phone/Fax/Mail: August 31, 2016 by 6:50 PM (MT)

o    OEX/Online: August 31, 2016 by 11:50 PM (MT)

 Happy Stamping,

Celebrating Our Freedom

Hello everyone! Today I wanted to share a card I put together a little bit ago but thought it was perfect for this weekend as we celebrate Independence Day here in the States. It happens to be a thank you card which adds to it being a perfect card as it is because of the brave men and women of our armed forces that make it possible for us to celebrate such an occasion. 

 

This card was created using stamps from the Work of Art stamp set, Real Red ink and cardstock, Night of Navy ink and cardstock along with Whisper White cardstock. The "stars" are from some flower shaped rhinestones I had picked up in Michaels years ago and had on hand. This was a simple card to make and I hope it inspires you to make your own patriotic cards that can be shared with those responsible for our freedom. I wish you all a very happy 4th of July.

Happy Stamping,

Katrina