Friday, February 24, 2017

Cherry to my Sundae

Happy Friday!

Gosh the weeks fly by, don't they???  Tomorrow is my Breakfast Stamping with my downline and tonight I'm hoping to meet up with one of my dearest friends and her husband for dinner.  They are up from Calgary for the Garth Brooks concert.  We've only seen each other a handful of times in the last 10 years which is RIDICULOUS given that they are only 3 hours down the road.  THAT has to be rectified!  So, as always, it's a busy day … starting off with posting THIS fab little card!
WOW do I love this card!  I used the Cool Treats Stamp Set with the Frozen Treats Framelits.  As always, you save 10% when you buy the two together (until May 31st, that is!)  Last weekend the family was watching a movie but I *needed* to create … so they watched, I listened from the comfort of my Craft Cave and I came up with this card.  Yes.  It's adorable.  Yes.  I love it.  Yes.  It was a TOTAL pain in the straka (I have no idea how to spell the Polish word for ass … that's my best attempt!) … BUT … I love the card so much and wanted to use it in my class next week that I found a quick hack so my stampers can make it too WITHOUT running pieces through the Big Shot 10 times, like I did.  Yes, 10.

So!  For MY card I pulled the colour palette directly from the coordinating Sweet Treats Designer Series Paper (DSP) in the catalogue - I used Watermelon Wonder, Pool Party and Peekaboo Peach.  FYI - I OFTEN use the DSPs in the catalogue to come up with my colour schemes … that and the (retired) colour coach.  That was by FAR my most used tool and I wish it still existed.  Alas …

So I ran all the ice-cream balls through the Big shot with the coordinating framelits.  I cut the bowl out with the framelits as well, using the Sweet Treats DSP for the great waffle pattern.  The spoon is Smoky Slate, through the Big Shot, and the Cherry on top … yup, framelit.  Oh!  The chocolate syrup is also made with the framelits - Early Espress card stock.  The white circle is ALSO a framelit piece, using the Stitched Shapes framelit.  All in all - 10 passes through the Big Shot.  I used my fine tip glue pen to glue all the pieces together.

I used a 5" x 1 1/4" piece of Pool Party card stock for the back piece and stamped it with the sentiment in Early Espresso ink.  Before attaching it I used the Gorgeous Grunge splatter and Peekaboo Peach ink for some background interest.  I attached the sentiment piece and popped the sundae up on dimensionals.  Done!

Now … as I said, I love the sundae but didn't love all the work to get it!  I wanted to make it in class but knew my stampers would want to stab themselves in the eye with the pokey tool rather than cut 10 pieces with the Big Shot and glue them all together sooooooo ……

Rather than making the ice cream balls with the Big Shot I used my 1" circle punch.  Bam!  3 fewer passes through the big shot!  I then used the chocolate syrup STAMP in Early Espresso ink to add the syrup to the circles.  BAM - 3 fewer passes through the big shot!  Now we only need to use the Big Shot for the Bowl, the spoon, the cherry and the Circle (which we COULD use the retired 2 1/2" retired punch for … but I like the stitched edge of the framelit so we're using that).  3 or 4 passes instead of 10!  MUCH more acceptable :)  As always, there is USUALLY more than one way to skin a cat (as Pa would say).  Use the framelits or use punches … or stamp the image and use SCISSORS!  You have options.  Different methods, same great card.

That's my share for today.  I hope you get some quiet crafting time in today.  Until next time - have a stampy Friday!


Tam

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Color Therapy

Happy Thursday!

A half day of school for the kids today = a fairly unproductive day for Mom!  Just enough time for a blog post, a shower a walk and a few quick chores before My People are back so I'll get right to it!

Last weekend I was determined to crack open my pack of Inside the Lines Designer paper (FREE with a $60 order during the Sale-a-brations promotion).  Mission accomplished!
I love colouring … but wasn't sure how to make a card using it that wouldn't take me 6 hours to make.  Combing through my brain for different ideas I remembered one of the very first techniques I ever learned - Spotlighting.  Perfect!


  • I cut my standard base and then the Designer Series Paper (DSP) at 4 3/4" x 3 1/2".
  • Next I grabbed my 1 1/4" circle punch and punched the DSP in 3 spots.
  • The 1 3/8" circle punch makes the mats for the circles to help "Spotlight" the smaller circles.  I used Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz and Perfect Plum.
  • I made a banner with a 1" strip of scrap and used the Triple Banner punch to flag the end.
  • The sentiment is from Sunburst Sayings, stamped in Rose Red.
  • I attached the DSP circles to the mats and popped each one up on dimensionals and coloured them
  • I added (retired) Candy Dots to the flag to tie it all together
Its a fun technique, if you like colouring.  If you don't … well … then it sucks and you'd hate it *lol*.  I find it very relaxing.  Not a card I would necessarily do in a class but a great one to mass produce if you are sitting watching TV.  I like it.  Good thing - I have 3 packs of DSP to use *lol*

I'm off!  Have yourself a stampy Thursday!


Tam

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Rock Star Chickens

Happy Wednesday!

Ok.  Seriously.  Can you STAND how awesome these chickens are???  Seriously!
Hmmm - note to self.  Take better pictures!  I was just so giddy over this one I couldn't wait for decent daylight to snap a pic!

Hey Chick.  Free Sale-a-brations pick when you spend $60.  Canadian customers, click here to go to my online store to scoop yours.  Enter the hostess code KSR9B4DY at the checkout (for orders under $200) and I'll send you a thank you gift in the mail!

This card took about 10 minutes to design, colour and complete.  LOVE it!

The chicken wire doesn't show up very well in the picture but it's there.  To get this image I used my sponge brayer, inked it with Sweet Sugarplum ink and applied it to the inside of the Hexagon embossing folder.  I applied it to the side that has the black Stampin' Up! logo on it.  I then used the embossing folder like a stamp!  I just placed the card base on the folder and rolled a CLEAN sponge brayer over the brayer to get the stamped hexagon image.  Love!

The chickens were stamped in Basic Black Archival Ink.  I somehow forgot that the Archival Ink does NOT bleed when colouring with it and I DO like using it more than Staz-on (which dries out very quickly) so out it came.  A great, true black ink!

I coloured the chickens with my markers - Sweet Sugarplum, Rose Red and Perfect Plum.  I coloured their feet the same as their hair and they all have Garden Green beaks … cause, well, they're punk chickens so why not?!  A little Wik of Stella on the hair and tails and a single rhinestone on the middle chick to finish them off.

The sentiment is from Marquee Messages - stamped in Rose Red ink and punched out with the 1 3/8" circle punch.  I popped the chicken layer up on dimensionals.

BAM!  Done! A rockstar chicken card for a rockstar birthday card!

You need this set.

Seriously.

Have a stampy day!


Tam

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Mediterranean Scooter

*** THIS JUST IN *** - THREE NEW SALE-A-BRATIONS ITEMS HAVE JUST BEEN RELEASED!  Check them out by clicking on the ridiculously large brochure cover I added over on the right *lol*.  Wow.  Wayyyyy to early to be doing technical things!!!

Happy Tuesday!

No time to chat today - with Craig being off Friday and yesterday being a holiday I'm so far behind I think I'm first!  Luckily dinner is already sorted (can you say leftovers?) which frees my mind (and time) to do all those things on my to-do list!

First up - share this FAB little card I made a few weeks ago.  Yes, it's another 3-hour card.  It was a long process but I FINALLY loved how it turned out.
Yet again it uses the Mediterranean Moments stamps set.  I must say I have REALLY enjoyed playing with this set!   Oh sure, 2 of the 3 cards I made using it to fo-EVAH to create but I did enjoy the process!  This set is NOT my usual style so I really struggled with how to use it in a way that WAS my style.  It pushed me outside my comfort zone.  It pushed me creatively.  It took time and drove me a little crazy … but I enjoyed it!  Quick and easy projects are great but they do have their time and place. When you want to stretch yourself try something you aren't originally drawn to and go with it. It's relaxing (well … at least the first few hours are *lol*) and you just might surprise yourself with what you come up with!

Once again my ruler and card are in the basement … and I have a cat on my lap so, as anyone with a cat knows, I can't move until His Highness decides he needs to stretch his legs … so I'm going to have to go from memory on the measurements ..

As I said, I used Mediterranean Moments for the main card and then the sentiment is from the FREE Sale-a-brations set Designer Tee.  It just seemed to go so perfectly with this image!





  • Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizzazz inks, markers and/or papers - oh, and Basic Gray and Smoky Slate markers (for the tires and headlight)
  • Mediterranean Moments and Designer Tee sets
  • 1 1/4" punch and Flourish Thinlit Dies 
  • Brick embossing folder and Enamel Dot
Sizing …. maybe ….
  • Base - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • White (brick) layer - 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
  • Black layer - 4 3/4' plus 2 ticks x 3 1/2" plus 2 ticks :)
  • White stamped layer … hmmmm 2" x 3 1/2" rings a bell …
  • Daffodil layer - same size as white - 2" x 3 1/2"?
  • Black layer behind yellow - 2" plus 2 ticks x 3 1/2" plus 2 ticks
Something like that anyway :)  Don't you just love my precision?  Not my fault.  Blame the cat.

The rest is just stamping, colouring and assembling.   Like it?  I love it.  Not one to mass produce simply because of the cutting paper aspect but the card itself assembles quickly.  We made this one at class last month.

Well … so much for a "quick" post.  I'm off!  I a have 3 new team members who I want to send cards to and I have a LOT I want to pack into my Breakfast Stamping gig on Saturday!  If YOU want to join the fun, either physically or virtually, you need to buy the Starter Kit by Friday!  I'd love to have you on "Team Trail Blazers"!  Go to my website here to get your kit or message me for more details.

Have a stampy day!


Tam

Monday, February 20, 2017

Punk Chick

Happy Monday!

It's "Family Day" here in Alberta so that means a long weekend - woo hoo!  Kids and Craig are still sleeping so more blogging time for me!

Today I'm sharing a quick, fun card made using the FREE Sale-a-brations set Hey Chick.  I CASEd the idea from Tamye Dunbar (my might leader) to come up with tis little cutie ...
Hee hee - that chicken!

I thought this card was faster to come together than it was in actuality.  I used it for one of the Stamp-a-Stack cards last weekend.  It was EASY but what slowed the group down was using the Gorgeous Grunge stamp in both Crushed Curry AND Smoky Slate.  Cleaning the stamp between splotches held things up again.  Wen I do it again (and I will) it will be using just the Crushed Curry ink.

SO - very quickly (so I can make the most of my quiet time!) …


  • Whisper White base 8 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  • Rich Razzleberry layer 3 1/2" x 4 3/4"
  • Whisper White layer 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" (I'm really digging' the smaller layers these days!)
  • To start you stamp the sentiment and the chickens in Staz-on ink (just to ensure the black doesn't bleed when we colour it)
  • Next you stamp the chickens again on a post it note and cut them out with your paper snips.
  • Place the cut-out on top of the stamped chicken on your layer to "mask" them i.e. cover up the stamped image on the layer
  • Ink the Gorgeous Grunge splotch in Crushed Curry ink and stamp the layer twice
  • Clean your stamp - ink it with Smoky Slate ink and stamp it again
  • Remove the post-it-note masks to reveal the chickens that do NOT have splotches all over their bodies.  Now, having said that, I was tired last week when mass producing these cards and I forgot to mask the chicks.  Oops .. now my chickens appear to have the chicken pox.  Hee hee - appropriate but not the look I was going for.  Craig DID point out I could use them as get-well cards saying something like "sorry you're under the weather.  Could be worse - you could have the chicken pox".  *lol*  He's so helpful ….
  • Next "ground" the chickens with a light shading from your Basic Grey water-colour pencil.  Then use a few strokes of the Rich Razzleberry water-colour pencil to put a few lines of colour on the chicken's hair.
  • Grab your blender pen and lightly pull the colour from the coloured lines you drew to shade the rest of the hair.
  • Use the Orange water-colour pencil to colour the beak and feet.
  • Use your blender pen to blur the ground you shaded 
  • Attach a few sequins with glue dots
  • Attach the white and Razzleberry layers and pop up on dimensionals
Done!

FAIRLY quick and easy … and lots of fun.  It's hard to use this set without smiling!  Remember it's FREE with a $60 purchase!  Go to my 24/7 store to place your order!

That's it for now.  Have a stampy Monday!


Tam

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Mediterranean Moments Cafe

Happy Sunday!

Pretty sure I'm not quite done sleeping yet alas …. I seem to be at "that age" where, regardless of what time I go to sleep I'm "done" after 6 hours.  I'm not happy about that at ALL but whatcha gunna do?  No point laying in bed thinking of all the things I could be doing - might as well get up and at em!

Had a lovely day yesterday. The kids and I went to visit my dad.  He had a pacemaker put in on Monday and I figured he could use some granddaughter cuddles.  I was right :)  He's doing well and says he does have more energy.  Not surprising given that at times his heart rate was as low as 36-38 beats per minute!  

It's been such a busy week at the computer I desperately needed some time to create and I got it!  Stay tuned for what I came up with.  In the meantime, here is another card I made using the Mediterranean Moments set.  
I love how it turned out!  I also love how I can change the colour of the card depending on my mood at the the time I make it!

The card is quite simple to make … despite the fact that it took me about 3 HOURS to come up with! *lol*.  Yes, somedays what I'm going for comes quickly … other days not so much!  I was thinking this would be one of the cards I used for my Stamp-a-Stack last weekend but, around 9:00 pm, as I started cutting the templates, I realized it was WAY too much cutting for that many cards!  Easy … but not quick if you are duplicating it 36 times!


  • Whisper White base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • Whisper White Layer 3 1/2" x 4 3/4"
  • Basic Black Layer 3 1/2" plus 2 ticks x 4 3/4" plus 2 ticks :)
  • Whisper White strip 3/4" x 3"
  • Bermuda Bay strip of 1/2" x 3"
  • Stitcher Shapes Circle in Whisper White
  • Basic Black c2 1/2" circle (punch)
Simply stamp the street scene in black in of your choice
Stamp the "Enjoy" from Endless Birthday Wishes on the white strip and flag the end with the Triple Banner punch
Attach the Bermuda Bay strip to the back of the flag so just a hint of colour shows
Attach an enamel dot
Stamp the Cafe scene in Stazon-On onto the Whisper White stitched shape circle and colour the table cloth
Attach white circle to black circle
Pop up circles on dimensionals and attach to card

Done!

See?  Quick and easy … aside from the 3 hour design time *lol*

Here ar the sets I used …

Mediterranean Moments - $34 wood; $25 clear …


Endless Birthday Wishes - only $20! …  (A must have in your collection!)
 Right!  That's it for now.  I'm off to do a bit more paperwork (not the fun, creative kind … the behind-the-scenes planning kind!)

Pop in again soon and have a SUPER stampy Sunday!


Tam

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Mediterranean Moments meets Beautiful You

Happy Saturday!

My usual Saturday morning - I'm up while My People are all snoozing away.  I'm drinking coffee, they're dreaming.  I'm petting my Doodle Dog, they're chasing some much needed sleep.  Just the way I like it :)

Scrolling though my stash of projects I still have to share and realize I still have a few to go … and wishing I'd made a few more notes on dimensions, who I cased and what colours I used.  Oh sure, I COULD go a lllllll the way downstairs to get the card and a ruler but that's FAR too difficult at this point in the day *lol*.  I'll do my best to get it right!

Here is a card I absolutely LOVE ...
I CASEd the concept from fellow demonstrator Linda Geater atwww.paperscissorsink.com.
I absolutely ADORED the idea of pairing the Mediterranean Moments set with the Beautiful You set.  Inspired!

Mediterranean Moments - $34 wood; $25 clear
Beautiful You - $48.00 wood -  $34.50 clear
So … for my card …

  • Whisper White Base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • Basic Black layer 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
  • Whisper White top layer 4 1/2" x 3 1/4"
  • Ink the lady in Staz-on black ink and stamp her
  • Stamp her again on a scrap piece of paper or post it note and cut her out "old school" (i.e. with your paper snips!)
  • Place the out on top of the image on your layer
  • Ink the scenery stamp with Smoky Slate ink (or Basic Gray - I like it lighter so she really pops)
  • Stamp the scenery overtop of the lady
  • Color the lady with the marker colour of your choice.  I love the red … but I also love her in Bermuda Bay and Yo Yo Yellow.  Remember that colour??  A FAB bright yellow and looks great on this card!
  • I coloured the umbrella, her belt and shoes in Wink of Stella clear 
  • Stamp the sentiment on scrap whisper white, using Staz-on ink and punch out with your 2" circle punch. 
  • Pop sentiment up on dimensionals and add rhinestones for a little bling
Love love LOVE!  There are SO many possibilities - it's a quick and easy card!  Neither one of these sets was "my style" and I really was in no rush to buy them.  I knew the Beautiful You set would be one of those "glad I bought it" sets … and it sure is!  What thrills me the most is now that I've had some time to play with both sets … and TOGETHER … I love them both!  Pop in again soon to see what else I did with them.  Until then … have a stampy Saturday!


Tam

Friday, February 17, 2017

Dragonfly Dreams Simplicity

Happy Friday!

Today I'm sharing one of the quick and easy cards we made at the Stamp-a-Stack last Sunday.  I CASEd the idea from Mary Fish over at www.stampinpretty.com when she did a similar card using the butterfly thinlits.  Check it out ...
I just finished putting 10 of these together last night, with the leftovers from Sunday.  Seriously.  So quick!

Standard card base of 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Top Whisper White layer of 3 1/2" x 4 3/4"
Sweet Sugarplum Layer of 3 1/2" plus two ticks x 4 3/4" plus two ticks :)
Any DSP of your choice cut 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" - I used patterns from the Falling in Love pack

Step 1: Run the top Whisper White layer through the Big Shot using the Dragonfly Dreams thinlits.  I used the magnetic plate plus the precision plate for this cut but be warned - you aren't SUPPOSE to use the magnetic plate with the precision plate.  Why? The pressure is a little too much for the clear cutting plate and it warps it quite badly.  Why do I use it?  This one particular die just needs the extra pressure to cult all the way through.  With other plate combinations I need to keep adding card stock shims underneath and … well … it's just a pain … so I sacrifice a clear plate and if it warps it warps.  It's ok … I can buy another one *lol*
Step 2:  Stamp your sentiment using Rich Razzleberry ink - I used the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Rose Wonder set
Step 3:  Tape the DSP square to the back of the white base - TIP - apply the tape to the back of the white layer, not to the DSP … I can pretty much guarantee if you put the tape on the DSP you'll end up with tape showing through the hole you just cut!
Step 4:  Use your bone folder to curl the dragonfly wings up.  You have the wing between your thumb and the bone folder … like the old days when we used to curl ribbon with our scissors …
Step 5:  Use a small piece of foam strip on the dragonfly torso and attach it to the DSP
Step 6:  Attach the white layer to the Sweet Sugarplum layer with dimensionals
Step 7:  Attach the Sweet Sugarplum layer to the white base using snail adhesive.
Step 8:  Attach some rhinestones to finish it off

Done!  LOVE how quick it comes together.  This is a great card for most occasions making it a great one for a Stamp-a-Stack!

OK … guess I should run.  I'm in the middle of  figuring out a new videoconferencing system (called Zoom) so my long distance downline members can join me virtually for my Breakfast Stamping Spectacular Feb 25th.  Wanna join us?  Canadian crafters who buy the Starter Kit through my by Feb 24th and you can!  Message for more info.

Enjoy your Friday - I hope it's a stampy one!


Tam


Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Valentine Treats

Happy Tuesday! … and Happy Valentine's Day!

Sorry my posting has been a little more erratic than usual.  I'm getting lost with what I've posted when and where!  Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Blogger …. so much social media so little time! *lol*

As happens EVERY treat-filled-occasion, I found myself finishing off my treats at 8:00 pm the night before.  Doesn't matter that I started them in January.  Nope.  Always finishing them last minute.  That's just the way I rolllllllllll!

Her is what I made 16 of for my customers, 30 for Alicia's class and 30 for the teachers ...
(ok - so the teacher and kid ones actually said Happy Valentine's Day!)

I'll keep this brief as I need to do some paperwork (and have been VEY successful at procrastinating on that today!) … so I'll show you a QUICK video on how to make these little cuties!  They are "Diaper Fold Pouch" treats.  SUPER quick and easy … as you'll see in my 1:23 minute video! … only catch is I can't upload it (MAN I spend a lot of time trying to figure out why I can't do what I want to do!)  SO!  IF you want to see the video you have to pop over to my business Facebook page.  Head to Facebook and search for "Tamara's Paper Trail".  You'll see the same smiling face you see at the top of this page :)  I have my video posted there.  Oh!  WHILE you're there why not "like", "follow" and/or "get notifications" and then you'll get ALL my crazy videos (cause Lord knows I don't have the patience to figure out how to link them here *lol*)

…. I'll pause here while you head over and watch the video …

*insert elevator music playing here* …..

……


Did you watch it?  Did you "like" it?  (see what I did there? hee hee … I think I need a nap ….)

Easy, right?  Our 6" x 6" designer paper series stacks are GREAT for these treats!  Click on the image over on the Right Hand Side to access my on-line store to get yours.  Remember, with every $60 spent you get a FREE Sale-a-brations item of your choice!

Gotta fly.  Have a stampy night!



Tam

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Any Occasion Stamp Set

Happy Sunday!

TOLD you there were a lot of videos!

Have a stampy Sunday :)


Tam

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Mediterranean Watercolor

Happy Saturday!

Lots to do today.  Putting the finishing touches on my stamping club, clean up from class last night and prep for my Stamp-a-Stack tomorrow morning.  All fun stuff!

Today I want to share the "technique" card we made last night.  This year I'm doing a "one set three ways" theme to my classes to show you how versatile a given set can be.  This month I chose to use the Mediterranean Moments set.  Why?  when I first saw it I didn't like it.  Nevertheless I bought it (I really do think I have an addiction to owning EVERY item SU releases *lol*) and, once I started playing with it I realized I DO like it.  That made it the PERFECT set to spotlight to show how great it can be!

"Life happened" to a lot of my regular stampers this week resulting in a small class last night.  Perfect opportunity to try Facebook Live for the first time.  It's not a polished demo, as usual, it's authentically Tamara *lol*.  First up the card ...
I don't play with water-colour nearly enough.  Must rectify that!  This turned out so pretty!

Heres the stamp set … Wood $34, Clear $25
I also used (for the sentiment) Timeless Love ($30 wood, $22 clear)


  • Very Vanilla base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • Watercolour Paper top layer 3" x 4 1/4" 
  • Black layer 3 1/4" x 4 1/2"
  • Stamp your image with Black Staz-on (so it doesn't bleed!) on the water-colour paper.
  • Once image is dry, spritz some water on the paper.  Watercolor the page using your aqua painter, reinkers and water.  I used Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango and Melon Mambo.
  • Use your heat gun to dry the layer and attaching to the card.
  • Decorate as desired
It's easier to see what I mean than to type it so … watch my video of the technique.  It's ALMOST like being here *lol*.  Click here to see it!


I kinda LIKE this new video feature.  Think I'll do more in the future!  Be sure to head over to my business Facebook page "Tamara's Paper Trail" and "like" it.  You don't wanna miss out on my crazy, now do you??  (Oh - note to self - next time try to remember to post it on you BUSINESS page and not your personal page!  Doh!)

Gotta run.  Koda wants a walk and I need to get on with prepping for tomorrows SAS!  Enjoy a stampy day!


Tam



Friday, February 10, 2017

Birthday Blast

Happy Friday!!!

Just waiting for my morning Coffee and Cards gals to arrive for a little … well … coffee and cards!  Thought I'd throw you another quick and easy project!  Ready?  Here we gooooooo!
Pretty, yes?  I love how ridiculously quick and easy this card is to make!  I used the Birthday Blast stamp set and *may* have CASEd the design from none other than the annual catalogue! That's right - total copy, just changed the colour.  I've said it before, I'll say it again - a grey card is a great card.  Why reinvent the wheel??  It's the perfect card for my Sunday Birthday Stamp-a-Stack.  Quick and Easy!  It's one of the very few cards I have EVER made that doesn't have a top layer!!

Here's the set … it comes in wood mounts ($31) or clear ($22).
It also has a set of coordinating Edgelit dies for $27 …
OR you can buy the two in a bundle and save 10% ($52 wood or $44 Clear)
I'm all about the bundles and saving money … and just look at the cute box topper you can make with the edgeless.  They're fun to have for sure!

So!  The card! …

  • Whisper White bee of 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • Stamp the image SIDEWAYS (using your stamp-a-ma-jig if you like) on the left hand side in Whisteria Wonder ink - flip the image and stamp it again on the right hand side
  • Cut a large silver doily in half and attach it to the card
  • Punch out a 2" circle with your 2 circle punch and adhere it to the card
  • Cut a strip of Whisper White measuring 1 1/4" x 4 3/4" and use your Triple Banner Punch to make flag ends
  • Stamp the sentiment in Whisteria Wonder Ink
  • Pop the banner up on dimensionals
  • Add a few rhinestones for a bit of glitz
EASY PEASY!

I think this set is being grossly overlooked!  It rely is one to "keep" and use for birthday, anniversaries or anything you want to celebrate.  Give it another glance.

Gotta run - have yourself a stampy Friday!!

xoxo  Tam

SaveSave

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Balloon Pop-Up Thinlits Dies

Happy Thursday!

OK - in a never-ending attempt to get my s*** together here I am posting a post! *lol*

I have been working on hard on getting a) my new club "behind the scenes stuff" organized and b) by downline/"team stuff" organized.  Making headway on both and over the MOON excited for things to come!  Although I've been with Stampin' Up! for over 11 years now (ack!) and I have sold close to 100 Starter Kits I have rarely coached/led my team.  Things they are a changin'!  Whilst I'm not planning to bully my "Trail Blazers" into doing the business I DO plan to inform them more, interact with them more and STAMP with them more!  We have a "Breakfast Stamping" get together at the end of the month and I'm excited that I'm going to have a "virtual" aspect to it for my long distance gals.  Lots to learn but it energizes me and makes me happy!  If you're looking to buy the kit and get in on the fun I'd love to have you join us!  Head to my website here, click on the "Join the Fun" tab, then on "Join Now" in the middle of the page and you're off!  Remember you get TWO FREE STAMP SETS OF ANY VALUE when you buy the kit … and that's o TOP of the $165 in product (of YOUR choice) for the flat charge of $135.  Do it!  You WON'T regret it!

You know what ELSE makes me happy??  Stamping Bingo!  Yes!  Last Friday night 8 fanTASTIC friends came over for an EPIC night of Bingo (of course using stamps and ink instead of bingo daubers!), make-and-takes, food, prizes … and *maybe* a wee bit of wine and a boat load of laughs.  OMG was it fun!







Even Koda was exhausted by the end of the night (or was that the start of the next morning??!!)
Too.  Much.  Fun!  If you are in the Edmonton area, have 7 friends who need a night out why not have a private party of your own?  Get in touch and we can work out the details!

Now!  How about a quick video before my project share??  Check out the Balloon Pop-Up Thinlit dies ...



These dies and stamp set make for a SUPER quick and easy card.  I was going to use the pop-up but I loved the punched out image so much I decided to make it the front instead.  Check it out ...
SO easy!


  • whisper white card base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • whisper white layer 5 1/4" x 4"
  • Run the layer through the Big Shot with the pop up thinlit - it does all the work for you!
  • Stamp the striped balloon in Basic Grey ink on whisper white scrap and punch it out with the Balloon Punch
  • Stamp the polka dot balloon in Island Indigo on whisper white scrap and punch IT out with the Balloon Punch
  • Punch an Elegant Eggplant Balloon with the Balloon punch
  • Adhere all balloons with snail
  • Stamp on the banner section with the banner stamp (in the set) in Elegant Eggplant.  Since the stamp is photopolymer (see through) it is relatively easy to stamp it accurately.  Having said that it took me three tries to get it right *lol*.  The Stamp-a-ma-jig is your friend!
  • Stamp the sentiment in Eggplant Ink
  • Pop up the layer with dimensionals and add a rhinestone to the Eggplant Balloon
LOVE this card!  We are making it at my Stamp-a-Stack on Sunday … and I will be making about 20 extra for my stash.  This card works for males, females AND kids - doesn't get any more versatile than THAT!

OK … off I go to call my mother.  I've been so busy lately I only speak to her about twice a week.  Unacceptable!  Time for a phone coffee date.

Hope you get some crafting in today.  Make it a stampy one!


Tam

Sunday, February 5, 2017

LAST CALL TO JOIN THE CLUB!!

Happy Sunday!!!

Holy COW do I have a lot to share with you!!!  When it rains it pours!  I had a RIDICULOUS amount of fun Friday night at my first ever Stamping Bingo night … but I'll have to share more about that in my next post … along with cards I've been creating for my upcoming Birthday Stamp-a-Stack next weekend.  It's going to be a CRAZY busy week ahead so time is of the essence!  

Tonight I just want to put out one final call for anyone who is still on the fence about joining my 12-Month-Club.  The deadline to register is this WEDNESDAY, to allow me time to do all the "behind the scenes" details in place before our first February 15th order deadline.  So ..


Now - anyone in CANADA can join the club but know that there is a minimum shipping charge of $9.95 for your order each month.  If you live in the Edmonton, Alberta area then your order will be shipped to my house and will only be 10% of your order total.

Details of the club are …

Here are the details of the club:
What are the benefits of joining the club?
  • At least $45 in free product
  • FREE Ink Pad (for new members) or Designer Series Paper (for returning members) of your choice
  • 20% discount on your order during your hostess month
  • Entries into free draws
  • Free Catalogues
  • Discounts on classes
  • Buying the craft supplies you need on budget
  • A little "Thank You" card or treat in your bag each month
 
Here is how it works:
  • 12 members commit to making a minimum $25 (+ GST and s&h) purchase each and every month for 12 months from February 2017 through until January 2018.
  • Each month, one stamper gets to act as the hostess and earns the free hostess benefits. Everyone gets to pick the month they would like to be the "hostess" on a first-come-first served basis (with Sale-a-bration months being chosen by a draw.) If 2 members want the same month a draw will be made to decide who gets that month.
  • With 12 members adding at least $25 to "the pot" each month, each hostess is guaranteed a minimum of $300 in the pot, providing her with a minimum of $30 in free merchandise (10% of the club sales) ... but I will personally top the pot up to $375, if need be, to get the free spending up to $45!! (12% of the club sales)
  • The hostess may increase her hostess benefits by hosting a workshop and/or collecting outside orders (but is NOT required to do so)
  • Members receive a free current Idea Book and Catalogue and all seasonal Mini Catalogues and the new Idea Book and Catalogue when it comes out in June, 2017
  • The monthly orders (along with payment) must be submitted by the 14th of each month. If for some reason your order is NOT placed on time then an order for (3) snail refills and (1) pack of  mimi glue dots will be ordered on your behalf (totalling $25.00 + s/h/gst)
  • During your hostess month you will receive 20% off your personal order
  • *** There will be exclusive, monthly draws for products - everyone will win!!
  • Club members receive discounted rates for attending my technique classes and craft nights and get priority at these events if they reach capacity seating
  • Returning club members receive a free package of Designer Series Paper (a value of over $14.50!) of their choice during their hostess month as a "Thank You" for re-joining 
  • New club members will receive a free Classic Ink Pad (a value of over $8.50!) of their choice as a "Thank You" for joining

So that's all I have time for tonight.  I hope I can get a full club again this year.  More members means more free product for EVERYONE!

Pop in again soon.  Like I said, I have LOTS to share!!  Have yourself a stampy night!


Tam

Friday, February 3, 2017

Beautiful You

Happy Friday!

BOY am I excited for tonight!!  It's my very first Stampin' Bingo Event!!  8 FUN ladies are coming over to play 10 games of Bingo, scoop up a minimum of $52 worth of product and prizes and have a night full of belly laughs.  I can't WAIT!

In between our games and laughs we will be making two quick and easy projects.  One of them will be made using the new Beautiful You stamp set.

Check these out!


Aren't they awesome?  Not gunna lie - these took me about 5 minutes each to design.  Seriously.  Five minutes!  This set makes quick and easy cards …. well … quick and easy! *lol*.

Niw I MUST give credit where credit is due.  I got the inspiration for each of these cards from my best friend Pinterest.  I usually start with a card I like and change it along the way.  These three really are very close to the originals.  Here is what and who I CASEd …

My card …
Inspired by Tracy May's card over at  www.bedlambutterflies.co.uk
My card ...
Cased almost 100% exactly from someone who goes by "hobbydujour" that I found over on www.splitcoaststampers.com


My card ...
 Inspired by BJ Peters over at www.stampinbj.com
This is SUCH a great set!  Clear is $34.50 or $48 for the wood …
Just Google "Beautifull You Stampin' Up" and see all the fantastic, creative ways this set has been used.  It's a keeper!  Hoping my Bingo Stampers love it as much as I do!

Pop in again soon.  Have a stampy Friday!


Tam

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Anniversary Card - Sheltering Tree

Happy Thursday!

Super quick card today … and one that I can take no credit for.  It's from the Stampin' Up! Canada office.  Check it out ...
Isn't it lovely?  It used the Sheltering Tree set ($31.00) and lots of glitter.  Ooooo … glitter ….
They mailed it to me to congratulate me on 11 YEARS with Stampin' Up!  ELEVEN YEARS!  And to think … it all started because I needed a night out … and then wanted to get some craft supplies at a discount.  Instead of placing an order I simply bought the Starter Kit.  The rest, as they say, is history.

If YOU live in Canada and would like to get some craft supplies at a discount I highly recommend YOU try the Starter Kit.  Who KNOWS where it will take you!  Worst case scenario is you get some great products at a great discount (that's the down side???).  Best case scenario is you get a LOT of great products at a discount (or free, as I have done!), a business where YOU are the boss, LOTS of new friendships … and on and on and on.

$165 in products of YOUR choice.
$135 flat charge (no s.h.gst!)
2 free stamp sets of YOUR choice … of ANY value
ME as your mentor to show you how to save money or how to make money.

Give it a whirl.  There really is no downside … at least no one who has bought one of the 96 Starter Kits I have sold has ever mentioned any …

Click here to order your kit.  Click on "Join the Fun" then "Join Now".

Drop me a line if you have any questions.  In the meantime … have a stampy day!


Tam

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Conference Make & Takes

Happy Wednesday!

Today I will "rambled" a little less and just share!  *lol*

When we were at the conference last weekend we got to take a little break from all the learning to do a little stamping - wa-hoo!  Fellow Alberta Demonstrator (and current Stampin' Up! Artisan) Allison Okamitsu designed three fun cards for us to make with the That's The Tag set.  Check them out ...


Quick, easy and fun!

The stamp set can be purchased alone - $21
 The coordinating Thinlits, Timeless Tag Thinlits are $33 ...
 … or, until May 31st, 2017 you can purchase the bundle and save 10% at $48.50

It's not a set I really noticed before … but of course now that I've played with it I *may* own it ;)

That's it for now.  Pop in again soon …. and have a stampy day :)



Tam