Blackberry Butterfly

Happy Friday!

Ack!  I'm sitting here relaxing and just remembered it's Craft Night!  Perhaps I should go set up some tables! … soon … better finish my post first!  Yup - pretty laid back today.  The 1 hour back massage I had may have something to do with that!  I booked a massage for today as my UPPER back has been giving me grief all week - ever since our Family Fun Night game of Twister.  (Note to self:  Making game suggestions of this sort after a few glasses of wine is not a good idea!).  I figured I pinched a muscled DEEP beneath my shoulder blade as sleeping on my back hurt my LUNGS!  So today I went … and I'm going again Tuesday.  I was dreading the pain she was going to inflict on me but she eased me into it because I was so messed up it would make things worse if she went to hard to fast.  Phew!  I felt a million times better afterwards.  She thinks my RIBS are actually out of whack and suggested if it didn't feel better I should go to the chiropractor to straighten things out.  Ya.  No more Twister for ME!

So, while I contemplate dinner …. and setting up for tonight I wanted to share the card I made last night.

LOVE it!!!  It's a pretty gloomy day here today so I struggled with lighting but trust me when I say in "person" this card is SO striking!  The Blackberry Bliss (yes, I seem to be using that colour for EVERY card lately!) and Dazzling Diamond cad stock against the Whisper White is SO crisp - LOVE!

Before I get into it any further, let's watch the Stampin' Up! video :)

Now if you have attended any of my classes lately you know I use the wax paper for my framelits … but this die requires a NEW trick … dryer sheets.  Yup - I just stocked up on them so I could do THIS:

Thanks Deb Valder for sharing that with us … and yes, Demonstrators all over the world are now digging out their Doily Dies *lol*

So here is my card again …

So simple!  The sentiment is in the Butterfly Basics Bundle (I wasn't convinced I liked the stamp set but the bundle is 15% off so I HAD to get it - you know I can't resist a deal …. even if it's on something I don't like!!!).  I'm actually quite glad I bought the coordinating set - I love this font and I have the feeling the other images are ones I will use over and over again.  Stay tuned for more cards using them!

This will very likely be one of the cards we make in class this week.  The only "down" side to the card is that it won't fit in a standard envelope because I placed the butterfly off the card.  I tried to keep it within the 5 1/2" x 4 1/2" boundaries but it just didn't look as good (trust me - I tried moving it 4 times before I gave up!~).  No worries - My envelope punch board will help me make a custom envelope.  It's worth the extra work to have the crd "just so".

Ok - I really should rotate my backside of this chair (disturbing the cat who is curled up in my armpit in the process!)

Pop in again soon to see more projects.  Until then, have a stampy night!


Tam

Bow Builder Punch by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Wednesday!

Phew!  OK - a bit of a "catch up" day today.  I could use it!  Yesterday was non-stop!  I'm quite happy t hibernate today.  We had freezing rain last night and I'm in NO hurry to drive around on roads that are skating rinks.  I'll be quite happy when the temperature settles in to a steady below zero number so we can stop this nonsense.  Rain in January is just WRONG!  … and I can't tell you how many times I've slipped in the last week (only fell once though!)  Even Koda went down a few times!

Right!  So I finally had 20 minutes to spare … so thought I'd share a project I made back in early January, for my Open House.  Ready?

Ta Da!  Hee hee - love this card!  I made it just hours before my Open House.  I wanted to showcase the new Bow Builder Punch.  I punched out the pieces for the bow.  Within 30 seconds I figured the bow would just sit on the shelf for the next 4 years as life was WAY too short to be messing around with THAT nonsense!!!  Gluing little bitty pieces together.  Ya, no.  But wait!  Then I remembered our moustache thinlit!  I made a quick background using my Stylish Stripes Embossing folder, made a moustache and Wa-LOW!  I FUN card that took about 3 minutes to make … and 2 1/2 of it was for the stupid bow!  Now!  Fast forward a few weeks and this bow punch has grown on me.  True, you have to glue the pieces together … but rather than use my Tombow white glue I use my favourite adhesive - GLUE DOTS instead and I'm a much happier crafter!  I will be making a bunch of these cards for the boutique in the coming weeks.  A great card for the fellas.  Now here is the official video made by Stampin' Up! showing what *fun* this punch is *lol*

Is it just me or do you get twitchy looking at all the wasted card stock? *lol*

Okay - that's it for today - time to get a few things done around the house.  Pop in again soon.  Have a stampy day!


Tam

So You Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Tuesday!

ACK!  I'm CRAZY busy these days - it's a GREAT thing but I'm not standing still for more than 2 minutes at a time!!!  LOTS of projects to share but no time to do it … so here's another video for you!

Make sure you "Like" my business FaceBook page "Tamara's Paper Trail" for more frequent mini updates and project posts.  I've posted this weeks Weekly Deals (embossing folders and Textured Boutique machine!!!!) as well as Valentine Treats - go on … GO!

… after that check out this video on another project kits (you KNOWWWWW how much I love kits!!!)

Have a stampy day!!


Tam

Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Die by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Saturday!

As I sit here contemplating another cup of coffee I thought I would post a project!

I have another video - this one hi-lights the new Mini Treat Bg Framelit Dies in the Occasions Catalogue.  Now I have to admit it took me placing a few orders before I caved and bought this item.  When I first saw it I thought "Life is WAY too short to be making my own little bags".  Heck - there are lots of stores out there selling ready-made bags for dirt cheap, right?  … and the $48.95 price tag was nothing to sneeze at - even at my demonstrator discount!  Alas … it was OTHER little dies in this set that kept begging me to buy them … and I eventually caved.  Have I made a treat bag yet?  Nope.  Have I made an adorable little card with the other pieces yet?  Yup.  Will I be making more adorable cards?  Yup.  Will I make a treat bag since I now have the die for it?  Likely.  Am I glad I own this set? Absolutely!  Check out the video first:

Right??!!
Now check out my card:

Key-UTE!  … and it took me about 2 MINUTES to make!  I seriously made it the day of my Catalogue Launch Open House - SO quick and easy!  I used the heart die three times to punch out all the hearts.  I punched out a red circle using the 1/2" circle punch.  I placed the white front on a black mat, figured out where I wanted the red heart to go, taped down the 1/2" circle and then taped the white layer on top.  I grabbed my Just Sayin' stamp set ad stamped the sentiment in Real Red.  DONE!  I will be making more of these to have on hand and to sell at the Boutique.  A great, fast, fun card … using the Mini Treat Bag die :)

OK - maybe I'll skip the coffee, grab some breakfast and take a nap - I don't think I'm done sleeping quite yet!  Until next time, have a stampy Saturday!

Tam

Hooray It’s Your Day Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Thursday!

So …. how is it that I can look through the catalogue about 19 times and still miss stuff???  Seriously!  About a week ago I saw a fellow demonstrator advertising for a class to make 20 cards.  I remember thinking how cute the balloon and sun rays card was and was trying to determine how she made the rays …. and then I realized it was part of a KIT!!!!!  I LOVE kits!  Have since I was a kid.  Well would you look at that …. here it is in a video!

I think I better grab another coffee and my catalogue and see what ELSE I may have missed *lol*

Pop in again soon and have a stampy day!



Tam

A Happy Thing with Masking Technique

Happy Wednesday!

NO time to chat today - off to the dentist this morning (I HATE the dentist - chalk it up to a BAD orthodontist when was in Grade 7 … didn't go to a dentist for 13 YEARS afterwards!!!)

I still haven't cracked open this set but after watching this video I want to!

Pop in again soon.  Have a stampy day!


Tam

Project Life® Album Club

Happy Tuesday!

Yes - I'm saying it again - I LOVE PROJECT LIFE!!!

I KNOW you've heard it before but I know I don't have you all convinced yet as I still have spots available in my new Project Life Album Club (that starts in a few weeks)!  

Check out these three videos using just a FRACTION of the Project Life items available:

This last one is a FREE item you can pick when you spend $60 (pre s/h/gst) during the Sale-a-brations promotion that is running right NOW!

So!  Are you ready to start getting those pictures in albums?  Seriously - if you use the 12" x 12" album you don't even need to cut your photos!  Just slide them in the pockets, journal something about them (or don't!) and you're done!  Here again are the details on my club.  Contact me if you want "in"!

***  NEW CLUB - my PROJECT LIFE CLUB

• Come over once a month, for 6 months to work on getting your pictures off your phones, out of your shoe boxes and into ALBUMS!  I cracked off my 2014 album in only 8 hours and LOVE it!!!
  • Starting Month:  February
  • We will meet:  The 3rd Wednesday evening of each month, for 6 months (Feb - July), at 6:30 pm
  • Commitment:  Spend a minimu of $32.45 (pre s/h/gst) per month for 6 months  (works out to $37.48 with s/h/gst)
  • What you get:
    • Each month you choose one of the 6 Project Life Card Collection and coordinating Accessory Pack (which comes out to $32.45 per month)
      • Each Card Collection has 100 double sided, colour-coordinated cards per collection in 3 sizes: 4" x 6", 4" x 4" and 3" x 4"
      • Each Accessory Pack includes (4) 3" x 4" specialty cards and (1) roll of Washi Tape
      • ** you can check out the collection on page 189 of the annual catalogue and/or page 47 of the Occasions Catalogue
        • yes, you can purchase ANY product you like if you don't want to choose the card collection and/or accessory pack - as long as the total comes to $32.45 or more
    • Each of the 6 months one of the 6 club members will be deemed the "hostess" for that month
      • During your "hostess month" you will receive the 12" x 12" Black Faux Leather Album (a $36.95 value!) OR
      • During your "hostess month" you will receive (2) 6" x 8" Espresso Project Life Albums + (1) 6" x 8" Variety Pack Photo Pocket Pages (a $32.50 value!)
    • MY FREE GIFTS TO YOU FOR JOINING:
      • (1) pack of 6" x 8" Variety Pack Photo Pocket Pages OR (1) pack of 12" x 12" Photo Pocket Pages AND
    • (1) Black Project Life Journaling Pen
  • ** Note:  You will have everything you need to start putting pages together at our first "class" but you won't get your photo album until your designated hostess month
  • As the first class is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30 pm I need to have the club members in place before February 1st so I can order the products for you.  Please contact me if you would like more information and/or want to join the club.  I can't tell you just how much I love this "Memory Keeping System" - it's not scrapbooking - this is faster, cheaper and lets you GET a Life ... with Project Life!

Sale-A-Bration Irresistibly Yours Specialty Paper

Happy Monday!

Just a reminder to my local stampers - I still have room in both my 12-Month Stamp Club and my new Project Life 6-Month Club and am looking for a few more members.  Drop me a line if you would like me to email you more information or if you would like to join the fun.  Both clubs start in a few weeks!

I'm posting a video for you today to show you the FUN paper you can get for FREE with the Sale-a-brations promotion that is going on right now.

Spend $60 and the Irresistibly Yours Designer Series Paper can be your free pick.  Check out the video to see how easy it is to change the paper from white to any colour you like.  Love it!

Until next time - have a stampy day!


Tam

Hello Life

Happy Sunday!

I have deemed today official "Sweet Legs / Comfort Wear / Pajama Day".  No getting dressed around here.  If you drop in on us be prepared to be met with bad hair do's, yesterday's makeup and lounge wear everywhere you look!

Today I'm sharing another card we made at Wanda's party Friday night.  This card looks SO much better "in person" - the colours are amazing together!

LOVE it!!!  In fact I loved it so much I made 12 of them for the boutique (my cards are for sale at a small, popular leggings boutique that just opened in St. Albert - Sweet Boutique.  They sell primarily THE hot fashion leggings of the year "Sweetlegs" but they are also carrying other clothing that fits any figure and is VERY reasonably priced!)  … but I digress!

I used Whisper White and Blackberry Bliss card stock along with Blackberry Bliss and Crumb Cake inks.  This colour combination is my new favourite!  Looks ah-MAZING together!  I used the Hello Life stamp set - definitely in my top 3 stamp sets for the 2015 Occasions Catalogue.  I love the shape of the hearts and the script of the words.  Since I was mass-producing this card I decided to save some time and, rather than stamping each heart separately, I mounted all three of them on my second-largest clear bock so all 3 get stamped at once.  Clever, yes??  You just have to be careful when you ink them up to just gently lay the stamps on the ink pad - you seriously just place it on the pad, let go and then pick it up again.  If you press on it at all you will get ink on the block and there is a good chance you will transfer it to your card stock when you stamp it.  As always, with photopolymer stamps, make sure you use the foam pierce mat to stamp on.  I had a few stampers not use the pad and their sentiment was a little blurred - it tends to bleed a bit if you don't use the pad.  Use it!

I finally punched 3 hearts from the itty bitty punch pack and attached them with glue dots.  Three rhinestones finished it off. The added beauty of the punched heart is that if you didn't get a complete stamped image a strategically placed punched heart can cover up the error.    Oh!  I almost forgot - we rounded two of the four corners with the Project Life corner rounder for a little added interest.

So that's it for now.  Pop in again tomorrow for another video.  Until then - have a stampy Sunday!


Tam

Sheltering Tree Snow-scape

Happy Saturday!

A slow, lazy start to the weekend - as it should be!  We had a late night last night - I was at a stamping party with the fabulous Wanda and her friends - TOO MUCH FUN!  Naturally I got home later than I should have - and found Rebecca still awake (Alicia was at Grandma's for a sleepover).  I think we finally hit horizontal just after midnight so we're all moving a little slower than usual.  A few more cups of coffee and we'll be off to West Edmonton Mall.  Lord, give me strength!  Yes, I promised the girls we would go to Build-a-Bear Workshop today to use the Christmas Gift Uncle and Auntie gave them.   (If I don't make it home alive please make sure my stamping supplies go to a good home! *lol*)

So!  I wanted to share one of the projects we made last night.  Ready?

Ta-Da!  Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE.  THIS.  SET??  Yes, Sheltering Tree.  You must own it.  Resistance is futile.  Just get it.  It is SO easy to make fabulous cards with the set.  This one is a case in point.  It is so quick and easy!!  It was inspired by a card made by fellow demonstrator Valerie Perlin.  Here is her card:

I loved the snow scene she created - so I CASEd it.  For my card I used a Whisper White base, and Early Espresso mat and a Smoky Slate front.  I stamped the white craft ink snow/leaves first and THEN the Espresso tree.  That way the white didn't pick up the brown, if it was still wet.  The snowy ground was made with another of the images in the Sheltering Tree set but the sentiment is from Blooming with Kindness.  That's a 'must have" set simply for this one sentiment - you need it for all your winter birthdays!  Once the stamping is done 25" of Espresso Bakers Twine is wrapped and tied.  I added some frosted sequins for a little pizzazz and really like the stark white against the rest of the card.  I DID want some shimmer but couldn't find my Vanilla Shimmer mist … and couldn't be bothered to MAKE any … and really don't like taking spray-products to someone else's house … so I left it off.

So there you have it.  A quick fabulous card.  Love it!

Guess I should rotate my backside off the couch and get this day started.  Those bears aren't going to build themselves!  Pop in again soon to see more projects.  Until then - have a stampy Saturday!


Tam

Sale-A-Bration Lotus Blossom Stamp Set

Happy Thursday!

Yep - typing this at 5:11 am.  Been awake since 2:00 - again.  Sigh.

Never mind - I'm SURE I'll get to nap later … its a half day for the kids … and they are each having a friend over for the afternoon.  Ya - chances of a nap are slim to none … again.

On the bright side I get to meet a friend for coffee after dropping the kids at school.  Good thing.  I'm gunna need it!

Not much to do at 5:00 am so I thought I'd post a video on "THE" Sale-a-bration set everyone is dying to get their hands on - Lotus Blossom.  I LOVE this set!  You get a deep, layered image but you can do so using only 1 ink pad colour!  It's fun to play with two or even three colours but it's nice to know that you can still have a beautiful card even if you don't have many supplies on hand.  You can't BUY this set - you get it FREE with a $60 product purchase.  That's easy!  Order the cards stock, envelopes, ink pads and/or another of the great sets in the new Occasions Catalogue and you're at $60 … and you get this bad boy for free :)  Check out the video.

Fabulous, no?

That's it for today.  I'm off to find some toast … mmmmmm - toast ….

Have a stampy day!


Tam

My new Project Life Club!!!

Happy Wednesday!

What a great week.  I'm just crafting, catching up on paper work and hooking up with friends for coffee.  LOVE it!

Today I'm not sharing a project, but another e-mail I send out to my customers a few days ago.  It's regarding my new Project Life Club.  I'm SO excited to start this club - getting together with friends to put our photos in memory books.  I don't know what I'm more excited about - the getting together or the fact that I will have a dedicated slot every month to stay on top of all my photos.  Either way - I"M EXCITED!!!  So here is the e-mail I sent out.  If you would like to BE on my e-mail list drop me a line.  If you are in the Edmonton area and would like to join the fun, drop me a line.  the more the merrier!!!

Pop in again soon for more projects and videos!  Until then - have a stampy day!


Tam

***  NEW CLUB - my PROJECT LIFE CLUB

• Come over once a month, for 6 months to work on getting your pictures off your phones, out of your shoe boxes and into ALBUMS!  I cracked off my 2014 album in only 8 hours and LOVE it!!!
  • Starting Month:  February
  • We will meet:  The 3rd Wednesday evening of each month, for 6 months (Feb - July), at 6:30 pm
  • Commitment:  Spend a minimu of $32.45 (pre s/h/gst) per month for 6 months  (works out to $37.48 with s/h/gst)
  • What you get:
    • Each month you choose one of the 6 Project Life Card Collection and coordinating Accessory Pack (which comes out to $32.45 per month)
      • Each Card Collection has 100 double sided, colour-coordinated cards per collection in 3 sizes: 4" x 6", 4" x 4" and 3" x 4"
      • Each Accessory Pack includes (4) 3" x 4" specialty cards and (1) roll of Washi Tape
      • ** you can check out the collection on page 189 of the annual catalogue and/or page 47 of the Occasions Catalogue
        • yes, you can purchase ANY product you like if you don't want to choose the card collection and/or accessory pack - as long as the total comes to $32.45 or more
    • Each of the 6 months one of the 6 club members will be deemed the "hostess" for that month
      • During your "hostess month" you will receive the 12" x 12" Black Faux Leather Album (a $36.95 value!) OR
      • During your "hostess month" you will receive (2) 6" x 8" Espresso Project Life Albums + (1) 6" x 8" Variety Pack Photo Pocket Pages (a $32.50 value!)
    • MY FREE GIFTS TO YOU FOR JOINING:
      • (1) pack of 6" x 8" Variety Pack Photo Pocket Pages OR (1) pack of 12" x 12" Photo Pocket Pages AND
    • (1) Black Project Life Journaling Pen
  • ** Note:  You will have everything you need to start putting pages together at our first "class" but you won't get your photo album until your designated hostess month
  • As the first class is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30 pm I need to have the club members in place before February 1st so I can order the products for you.  Please contact me if you would like more information and/or want to join the club.  I can't tell you just how much I love this "Memory Keeping System" - it's not scrapbooking - this is faster, cheaper and lets you GET a Life ... with Project Life!

Hello!

Hello!  … and Happy Tuesday!

I'm having a wonderful week.  Ya, I know it's only Tuesday but I'm just in a great mood this week as my calendar doesn't have anything on it that stresses me out.  In fact, it's quite the opposite - I am fairly busy … having coffee with friends.  MY kind of busy!

Today I'm sharing another card I made using new products.  It was SO quick and easy … and I love how it turned out:

It's just so darned bright and cheery!!

Do you know what stamp set I used?  Well if you tuned in yesterday you'll know it was the set that coordinates with the perpetual birthday calendar called … wait for it ……. Perpetual Birthday Calendar!  *lol*  Clever, yes?

Even if you do't buy the calendar kit (first of all SHAME ON YOU!) I highly recommend this stamp set.  Check it out:

Just look at all those fun and seasonal splotches!  It's got every season and occasion covered!  I love it!

For my card I used the large brush stroke in Crushed Curry and then used my Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry markers to colour directly on the stamp, huffed on it and then stamped it.  I added a strip of wash tape. also new in the Occasions Cataogue (page 5, Stacked with Love) and then added the Hello which is from the Hello You Thinlit dies in Melon Mambo.  Using a piece of wax paper to punch it out is a must .. and I glued it down with my 2-way glue.  A few rhinestones finished it off after mounting it on a black mat.

This is a great card - send it out "just because".

That's it for today - Guess I should go get things started.  Until next time, have a stampy day!

Tam

Perpetual Birthday Calendar Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Monday!

Stampin' Up! has released a SWACK of videos using products from the new Occasions Catalogue and Sale-a-brations (SAB) brochure … so I thought I'd share them with you over the coming days (mixed in with my own projects).

Today I'm sharing one of my favourite kits found in the new Occasions Catalogue (click on the picture on the right hand side to check it out if you don't have a hard copy!).

I have been using a perpetual calendar (that Stampin' Up! sold a few years back) for years now … and I love it.  Of course the DAY of everyones birthday/anniversary/special occasion changes from year to year but the DATE doesn't … so if you use a perpetual calendar (i.e. one that only lists dates, not days of the week) then you only need one calendar forEVER to keep track of those dates you want/need to remember.

Check out this video on the NEW perpetual birthday calendar KIT (I love kits!)

Hee Hee - how distracting were his hand movements?  

I love that this can be made and given as a gift or simply GIVEN as a gift, as a "raw" product!  I have shown the kit to a few friends and they love it too … so I'm holding a class so we can all get together and make one.

Date:  Friday, February 6th

Time:  7:00 pm

Where:  My House

Cost:  $25

What you get - the kit.  You will use my stamp set and inks for all the stamping - the kit contains everything else you need to complete your project.

I need to order the kits next weekend so if you would like to join us please RSVP no later than next Friday, Jan 16th.

That's it for today. Pop in again tomorrow when I'll share another card using some of the stamps that coordinate with this perpetual birthday calendar kit and some new "Hello You" thinlits.  Until then, have a stampy day!

Tam

Sheltering Tree Bundle

Happy Sunday!

Ahh Sunday.  My second favourite Day of the week (we all know MONDAY holds the #1 spot in my heart!)

So yesterday was a TOTAL down day, as I recovered from the epic fun that was my Open House Friday Night.  You know you're getting older when simply going to bed 2 hours later than usual kicks you in the head harder than an all night bender did when you were 20!  I was a serious wage of makeup yesterday!  I also know that I have continued to embraced my new-found "relaxed-mode" by ENJOYING it *lol*.  I got up at 8:00, drank coffee and sat on my tut until 11:00.  It then took me 2 hours to brush my hair, feed the small people and put on some socially acceptable clothes to be seen in public in.  I then took Child #1 to Grandma's house for a sleep over and Child #2 to the mall to get some clothes that fit (and return/exchange 4 Christmas presents).  I then took her to a sleepover, picked up some chinese food, put on my new pair of SweetLegs leggins and watched a movie with My Love.  It's now 9:14 pm and I'm just killing another 20 minutes before going to bed.  (It just seems WRONG to go to bed before 10:00 when there are no kids in the house and it's date night!!!)  So - YOU are my time killer.  Don't you feel special???

Today I'm sharing my #1 favourite stamp set from the new catalogue, Sheltering Tree.  It's quickly becoming EVERYone's favourite, once they use it!  Here are some of my projects to date:

I LOVE this colour combinations!  Pool Party, Whisper White and Early Espresso.  I could just LICK this card!!!  I started this threesome with a purpose in mid - I wanted to bundle some products WITH the Sheltering Tree set to hit the magic $60 (CND) price point so customers could earn free SAB set.  My logic is this:  "You're going to order this set … and it costs $30.95 … so you might as well spend a little more and get something for free"!  As we all know, free is my favourite!  So the above is what I came up with.  I bundled the Sheltering Tree set ($30.95) with our (20) notecards + envelopes ($7.50), some neutrals card stock ($.8.50) and 2 ink pads - Pool Party and Early Espresso.  That all comes to $61.45 before s/h/gst.  Since we hit $60 we get something for free … and in the top card I used the free SAB set "Simply Wonderful".  I love how the top card uses just what is SUPPOSED to be leaves to be fun splotches - makes the stamp set more versatile!.  I used a a version of the "triple time stamping" technique for the ground … I placed the white layer on the white base (without the espresso layer), stamped the ground and THEN taped the espresso layer down.  I ties the whole image together despite the layering.  Love it!  The only thing NOT included in the above costing is the little red heart.  For that I used the Owl Builder punch.  (I think I have only ever used that punch for an actual owl once - life is WAY too short for building that little guy … but I use the punch ALL THE TIME for the little circles and the little heart .. like here).  I attached the heart with a glue dot and used my glue pen to add a little Dazzling Diamonds to the snowflakes.

I loved these little notecards so much that I wanted to make a full-grown size … so I just mounted the whole shooting match to a whisper White base with an additional Pool Party layer:

Freaking LOVE it.  LOVE IT!  I could sit and stare at it all day … and then make 11 more … which just mayyyyyyy have happened!

One top tip for this card and stamp set - since it is photopolymer I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend stamping on our pierce mat.  It only costs $5.50 and ensures a crisp, clear stamped image.

Today I'm hoping to be slightly more productive than yesterday.  I MAY unpack all the stuff that was on display Friday .. but I don't want to commit to too much *lol*.

Pop in again soon - more cards to share.  Until then - have a stampy day!


Tam

I LOVE my job!!

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Don't know if I've mentioned it lately but … I LOVE MY JOB!!

Yes, last night was a TONNE of fun and, as every year, gets me SO excited for the coming months, classes and parties.  I LOVE my customers, stampers and friends.  I love getting together with them.  I love stamping with them.  I love laughing with them.  I love having them in my life.  My "job" is anything BUT work for me.  I think of it more like being a party planner … where "stamping" is always the theme of the party.  Freaking LOVE it!

Alright - enough gushing - it will give me a headache *lol*

I have a number of projects I want to share with you but today I'm just going to post the e-mail that I sent out to everyone on my list a few days ago.  It's that time of year again - the time of year when I put together a FABULOUS group of stampers for my 12-Month Club (I really SHOULD come up with a more glamorous group name!)

If you life in Edmonton and would like to join my group I would LOVE to have some new faces.  A number of spaces will be opening up in February but space IS limited … so get in touch soon if you would like to join!

I am looking for members to join my 12-Month Club that starts up in February ... and I have a FREE DRAW for everyone who joins by January 30th ...  One lucky winner will receive 6 Assortments of the Blendabilities Markers!!! Yes, someone will win ANY 6 of the assorted markers of their choice from those that are offered in the new 2015 SAB brochure - a total value of over $110!!!

 

Here are the details of the club:

What are the benefits of joining the club?

• At least $55 in free product
• A 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 2015 through until January 2016.
• 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 $40 in free merchandise ... but I will personally top the pot up to $330, if need be, to get the free spending up to $55!!
• 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, 2015
• 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 (4) Snail Adhesive Refills will be ordered on your behalf (totalling $26.00 + 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 $13.50!) 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 $7.25!) of their choice as a "Thank You" for joining
• As I stated above ... all members of the club will be entered into a draw for 6 Assortments of the Blendabilities Markers!!!

This club is a LOT of fun and I like to treat my "Club Gals" really well.  Of course a full club (i.e. 12 members) means more free product for everyone so I'm hoping to fill it again this round. 

 

If you are interesting in joining the fun please get in touch with me in the next week or so, or for SURE by January 30th so you can get in on the draw for the Blendabilities.

  

 

Tamara

Big Day - by Rebecca

Happy Friday!

All systems "go" around here today.  Tonight is my Open House / Occasions Catalogue Launch / SAB Premier / Sweetlegs Party!!!!  All the new toys will be on display - nd a Sweetlegs rep will be on hand selling those FABULOUS leggings.  6:00 pm can't come soon enough for me!

Just a quick one today before I get moving.  I HAD to share the card my 11 year old daughter, Rebecca, designed for my class this week.  Ready?

Fabulous!  She did SUCH a great job!  And no …. I didn't change it … much *lol*.  The only input I had was to run the Bermuda Bay piece through the embossing folder (to give it some textured interest and coordinate with the icing on the cake) .. and I added the rhinestones … and (not seen here) I added a second banner using the Dazzling Diamonds card stock.  The rest is ALL HER!  The only stamp set used is the FREE Sale-a-bration set "Big Day".  It is free with a minimum $60 CAN purchase.  She stamped it in black Staz-on and colored it with the Bermuda By, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight markers.  (You use Staz-on rather than Memento ink so the ink doesn't bleed with the markers.  Use Staz-on with the markers, use Memento with the Blendabilities).  That's really it! Clean, simple and lovely.  I'm so impressed with what she came up with and she was THRILLED when I told her I was going to use it in my class.  it REALLY gave her a shot of confidence.

Right!  Off to set up!  I hope to see you all tonight!!  Until then - have a stampy day!


Tam

Doula & First Birthday Cards

Happy Thursday!

I suspect today is going to be one of those "I THINK I should get a lot done today but likely won't get much beyond brushing my teeth" kind of days.  Apparently the Catholic School Board figures today should be a Professional Development Day for the teachers.  I suspect they realized that the teachers are all ready to take up drinking after having the kids back at school for three days and needed a break from them.  They seem to have forgot that us parents have had the little "angels" under foot for the last two weeks and are only now just getting OFF the booze!  Today might just throw us all into a tailspin *lol*.

A PD Day on Day 4 after being off for 2 weeks.  Seriously.  Who comes up with this stuff????

Oh well - no lounging around for MY kids - nope - they have DENTIST appointments!  Fun!  Hee hee - no I'm not so evil that I specifically planned a trip to the dentist on their day off - we have to book our paediatric dentist at LEAST 4 months in advance - this one was on the calendar since last summer!  … and truth be told my kids LOVE going to Dr. Kurjhi.  Seriously!  They ask when they "get to go again".  This woman is fanTASTIC and I'm not kidding when I say if she moved to Red Deer I would make the 3 hour drive to go see her.  She is amazing with kids (and their moms!).  I'm actually glad we are going to see her - I have been working on a little present for her since … umm … August!  This will force me to actually FINISH the darned thing before 12:30 today!  (and yes, I'll share a picture of them soon!)

Speaking of finishing things, that leads me into today's post!  In early December my friend Pam asked me to make her some cards.  Pam is a Doula and I have custom made cards for for a few years now.  This is what she gives her clients:

Once the babies are a year old she sends them a special birthday card:

I think that's such a lovely, heartfelt gesture on her part and I'm thrilled to be a part of it!  The Doula card is SO quick and easy to make.  I simply used our Note Cards and Envelopes for the base and run it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder (this one above is retired but there are few similar ones currently available).  I have used a variety of colours for these cards - the one shown is Pool Party.  I printed the sentiment off on my computer and then stamped it with the flourish from the retired "Bliss" Sale-a-bration set from a few years back.  A few rhinestones and I'm done!

The birthday cards are a lot more time consuming but they are still one of my favourite cards.  The blue one is Marina Mist and Chocolate Chip.  The pink one is (retired) Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip.  The circles are 1 1/4" and the cupcake is 1".  The cupcake is long retired - can't recall the name of the set but it was one of the sets that has about 35 different small images like this one.  The "1" is punched out with the Big Shot and the (retired) chocolate chip ribbon is attached with glue dots.  I used dimensionals to pop up the solid circles for some added dimension … and added Dazzling Diamonds to the cupcakes after colouring them with my markers.

Guess I should fly - I need to go finish those dentist gifts!  Until next time - have a stampy day!


Tam

Christmas Cards From Friends

Happy Wednesday!

Well, I survived yesterday and seem to be on the mend.  Phew!

Last weekend, as I was putting away my Christmas decorations and cards I sat and studied all the lovely hand-made Christmas cards I received this year … so I thought I should share them with you!!   They are all so lovely!

The first one was a CASE we made at DIVA day ... so we'll say this one was from Tamye ...

Lin B and Gert C ...

Teresa H ...

Wanda C ...

Claudine D ...

Darlene S ...

Corina M ...

Alicia M

Lucie V

Love them all!  Thank you Friends!!

Pop in again soon - until then, have a stampy day!

Tam

Sheltering Tree Take 1

Happy Tuesday!

Not much time to "chat" today.  I have class tonight and I haven't set up yet.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I haven't even cut the paper yet!  Sure - I SHOULD have done it yesterday … but I was in my glory putzing around in the peace and quiet that was my empty house.  Yes, silence is golden.  Then it happened.  It was approximately 10:42 am … I was walking the dog … and I sneezed … and sneezed and sneezed.  It appears I caught a cold.  I'm not too happy about it, I must say. I don't GET sick!  Alas … in my denial I went down to the Craft Cave last night to cut paper for class … but there was a yummy new stamp set calling to me … so the bad news is I didn't get the paper cut or the tables set up … the good news is I came up with a Valentine card that I absolutely LOVE!  …. but then I had to go to bed because I'm sick.  SO!!!!  No time to "chat".  Gotta hit 10% Tuesday for some groceries, pop over to moms to help her with her new iPad then home to cut paper and set up (and I'll share that Valentine card with you another day!)

So what am I sharing today??  This is a card I made with my favourite new stamp set - Sheltering Tree. OH!  That reminds me!!!  THE NEW CATALOGUE IS NOW IN EFFECT!!!  AAAAAANNNND - SALE-A-BRATIONS starts today - oh Lord - now I'm all spazzed up again!  … and unfocused (perhaps a little too much cold medication???!!!)

AAAAAAAAnywayyyyyyyy - back to our card - here it is:

This isn't my favourite card made with this set - it was just my first swing at bat.  I DO love the colour combination - Pool Party and Earl Espresso.  The tree, sentiment and snowflakes are all from the same set.  I added the snowflake sequins from the Holiday catalogue and a few rhinestones for some sparkle. I LIKE the card, but don't love it … the NEXT few I made with this set I LOVE … so pop in again soon to see those.  Meanwhile, I'm off to wake the kids, take some more cold medicine and get this day started.  Wish me luck!

Have a stampy day :)


Tam

Wish List Booklet 2014

Happy Monday!

Ahhh Monday - sweet, quiet, back-to-normal Monday.  How I love you!

Craig is back at work - the kids are back at school and I am back to normal.  Holidays are great but I DO love routine!!

A busy week ahead with classes and my Open House / Catalogue Launch on Friday.  You DO realize the new catalogue and Sale-a-Brations start TOMORROW, don't you????  Ska-WHEEL!  LOVE new catalogue time!!!!!

Yes, I have plenty of samples to share using my new toys from the new catalogues … but first I have to get caught up on projects made using my "old" toys!

Today I'm sharing what I (finally) made for the girls to log their wishes in.  Yes, Christmas Eve I managed to put together their annual Wish List Books.  It's a tradition I started when Rebecca was very little.  It's a little 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" booklet with 6 pages where they write down what they want and we leave it on the coffee table for Santa to read.  In the past we also wrote/e-mailed Santa our lists … this year we skipped that step and went straight to the Wish List books.

They write what they WANT on one side of the page and then, Christmas Day, I flip it over and write what they GOT on the other side of the page.  I LOVE that they have a permanent record of their sans and gifts over the years.  SUCH a great keepsake!

Here is the version I made this year;

I can't take all the credit for the design.  I CASEd  a card we made at our demonstrator DIVA day in early December.  I don't know who came up with the original layout but Tamye Dunbar CASEd a card from Pinterest … and this is what the card looked like:

The base is Whisper White.  There are two strips of All is Calm DSP taped down and then a piece of vellum that was heat embossed in silver powder with snowflakes from Endless Wishes set.  We used some Silver Glimmer paper and some Dazzling Diamonds paper (which I didn't know EXISTED until DIVA day!!!!  Rest assured I have now purchase two packages of this yumalicious stuff and will be using it in classes from now on!!!)

The sentiment is from the Good Greetings Hostess set (which FLEW off the Clearance Rack shelves last month!) stamped in Lost Lagoon.  A few sequins finish it off with a dash of bling.

Love the card (we will be doing a winter birthday version for class this week) and love the Wish List booklets.  Wanna know how to make your OWN booklets?  Okee Dokee - here's a picture tutorial!

Here are all the supplies you need to make 2 booklets:

12 sheets of Whisper White card stock, cut 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

• score 5 of the sheets at 1" (score on the short side i.e. have the 5 1/2" length facing you)

2 pieces of Lost Lagoon card stock cut 4 1/4" x 2 ", scored in half, at 1"
2 pieces of vellum cut 5 1/2" x 4 1/4", scored at 1"
4 strips of All is Calm DSP, cut 4" x "3/4
2 strips of Dazzling Diamond paper, cut 3"x 1"
2 strips of Silver Glimmer paper, cut 3/4" x 1"
4 pieces of Whisper White DSP cut 2 1/4" x 1/2"
8 jumbo eyelets
crop-o-dile tool
Silver Satin Ribbon

The below picture is the vellum - you can see the 1" score line.  We score the sheets so that when you open the booklet the pages bend easily and cleanly, without cracking the paper.  Here  have stamped the snowflakes in versa mark and heat embossed with the silver embossing powder.

The brow picture is the "binding", jumbo eyelets and crop-o-dile:

Put all the pages of your booklet together in a oil and then wrap the 2" 'binding" around them.  Punch two holes using the crop-o-dile.  These jumbo eyelets that I use retired about 4 years ago.  I hoarded a few packs knowing that I would be making these booklets for years to come.  You can buy them on-line but I can't find any here in the city :( 

The eyelets are slightly bigger than the hole made by my crop-o-dile so I punch each hole twice, making it slightly bigger:

Put the eyelet in the hole ….

… and squeeze the eyelet using your crop-o-dile:

Flip your booklet over and place another eyelet on top of the one you just secured:

Ta-da!  A nice, clean, finished binding!

So far so good!

I then threaded the silver satin ribbon through the eyelets and tied a bow.  I stamped "Sparkle" on one strip of white card stock and placed it on top of the silver and dazzling diamonds paper (using glue dots) and then tucked a "believe" sentiment on the other strip of Whisper white underneath the vellum.  I added some sequins to bling it up a bit and about half an hour later I was done:

This is my favourite holiday tradition.  Yes, I left it until the last minute this year but it got done - and will for a few more years yet!

These little books can be used for so many different things - a little recipe book, a brag-book for grandma, a gratitude journal, a sign-in book for a wedding - the sky is the limit!  You don't HAVE to have the eyelets - you can just punch holes and tie with ribbon - I just use the eyelets because I always have … and I like the look.

Try making one - but be careful - they are a little addictive!

Pop in again soon.  Until then, have a stampy Monday!

Tam

Shaker Cards - Paper Pumpkin Style

Happy Sunday!

I TOLD you I had more projects to share!

Today I'm showing you some FABULOUS shaker cards - Paper Pumpkin style!

Aren't they great??!!  Yes, these were the projects that arrived on my doorstep, ready-to-assemble, mid December.  the Paper Pumpkin subscription kits ($flat $24.95) have REALLY improved over the last year and I highly recommend them!!!  These cards are AWESOME and they only took about 45 minutes to put together.  There are 9 cards and envelopes in total - 3 of each style.  You get everything you need - pre cut paper, envelopes, stamps, ink, embellishments - EVERYTHING!  Once I was done it took 2 minutes to tidy up and I was done!  I love these kits when I'm in the mood to make something but my brain isn't into creating and designing …. too much work.  These are just fun in a box!

I scooped up 10 extra kits last month (that's how much I love these cards!!) and I will be holding a get-together this month.  It will be a fun, easy night catching up with friends that I didn't get to see over the holidays.  Fun!

Pop back tomorrow - I have my kids' Wish List Booklets to share with you!  Until then - have a stampy Sunday!


Tam

Petal Cone Candy Cane Treats

Happy Saturday!!

WOW, where did the week go???  I guess that's holidays for ya - you blink and it's over!  It's been a bit of a blur of lounging around, napping and chocolates!  Yes, I am actually looking FORWARD to purging the house of all the half eaten boxes of sugar bombs, making healthy soups and exercising!  That's right, I said it - the E word!  The last two weeks I've worn nothing but leggings and/or my new "onesie" until dinner at Mom's New Year's Day.  Let's just say the jeans didn't stay done up for more than about 1 minute once I hit the car *lol*. 

What I have LOVED this week is that I really don't have much of that "I should be … " feeling.  It's still there a little … but I have been sleeping through the night and getting 7-8 hours of shut eye in.  That's good enough for me!

What's niggling at me is class this week - I have a number of projects designed, I just haven't 100% decided which ones we'll be doing yet … then there is my Open House Friday - I need to decide on snacks, door prizes etc .. but what is starting to fill my mind most is Teacher's Convention.  Tamye and I are sharing a booth this year.  It's not until the end of February but we are showcasing Project Life and I have a lot of work to do in order to be "ready".  Since I could feel it start to weigh me down I hauled my butt down to the Craft Cave yesterday and spend 4 HOURS getting my albums caught up.  I couldn't BELIEVE how much I got done!  I've been procrastinating on it since our Florida holiday in JUNE!  I'm thrilled to say that 41 pages later (yes, 41!!) I'm almost there!  I'm up to Alicia's epic birthday party in October.  The pages aren't 100% done - I still want to embellish them and do some more journalling but the HUGE stack of pictures that have been printed and sitting there for months is now only about 2 inches high.  Result!  I can't wait to get back at it this week to "play" with the embellishing - THAT'S the fun part!

So how about a show-and-tell?  Ok!  These are the Club Member treats I made for December. 

LOVE!  Thanks to my downline member and friend Teresa Hafso for the idea!  They were VERY quick and easy to put together (a MUST when you make 20-30 treats every month!)

I used the retired Petal Cone Big Shot die for the cone shape, in Lost Lagoon card stock.  I then stamped some snowflakes from Endless Wishes and splotches from Gorgeous Grunge using white Craft Ink.  I used my 2" circle punch for the sentiment - "Mingle All the Way" was used (which is currently in the Clearance Rack!!!) with Los Lagoon ink.  I had some leftover DSP from the delicious All Is Calm paper so punched that out with the 2" circle punch as well.  I used my handy-dandy little stapler (from the holiday catalogue) to staple them on - doesn't get any easier than that!!  Oh - to lee the cone together I used Fast Fuse tape.  That was a lot easier, and more economical than using Sticky Strip - alas - after a few days of the candy canes being inside some of them did pop open - the pressure was just too much.  The Fast Fuse will be fine to use if you don't put the candy cane in until your are giving them out - but a few days and they will likely pop open.  Oh - I tied the large candy canes together with a strip of the silver 1/8" ribbon - a nice little touch and some sparkle.

That's it for today … but pop in again soon as I have a number of projects to share in the next few days.  If you can't wait to see them pop over to my business FaceBook page "Tamara's Paper Trail" and hit "like".  I generally post projects as I make them over there … it takes a lot longer for them to hit here :)

Have a stampy Saturday!


Tam