FEBRUARY weSTAMP SWAP

Earlier this week we held our monthly weSTAMP demonstrator support group meeting. This group consists of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators from the creative teams/downline of Lorri Heiling (Confessions of A Stamping Addict) and myself.

NOW is the ideal time to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator because during Sale-A-Bration (now until March 17) you can purchase the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Starter Kit (a $330 value) for just $159. That's 20% off the regular price! PLUS, you'll receive ANY FREE STAMP SET of your choice from the new Spring-Summer Collection - up to a $47.95 value! One of the perks of becoming a SU Demo on my creative team is the opportunity to participate in our monthly weSTAMP swap, whether local or out of town. Please contact me via e-mail for more details .... nrileycm@cox.net.

This first card was our Make & Take provided by our hostess, Lorri Heiling. The original design of this card came from our ever-so-talented friend, Chat Wszelaki, Me, My Stamps, And I ... aka nitestamper on SCS. Click HERE for all the details on Chat's original design.

In case you're new to stamping and wondering what a swap is ... each month there is a theme ... this month's "theme" was to make a card using ANY new stamp set from the new Spring-Summer '08 Collection, the Sale-A-Bration, or Occasions Mini. Next month's theme is to create a card or 3-D item with Mother's Day as the theme. There is a deadline for the participation rsvp, then a final count is done. If there are ten people participating in the swap, you would design or case one card and make ten of them to bring (or mail) to the meeting. Then, at the meeting we exchange (and ooohhh and aaahhhh over) our cards. Each participant goes home with ten cards of ten different designs. A great way to have numerous cards to display at classes!

Here are our swap cards for this month ...

by Leah Sinatra ....
by Pam Wood, Creative Inking ...
by Lorri Heiling, Confessions of a Stamping Addict ...
by Ginny Schembri ...
by Adriana Gray ...
by Anne Fundner ...
by Jessica Blair ...
by Linda Bickley ...
by me, but cased from Taylor VanBruggen, Taylored Expressions. See Taylor's original card HERE.RECIPE
Stamps: So Many Scallops (SAB), Polka Dot Background Stamp, Garden Whimsy, and Sincere Salutations
Paper: Ginger Blossom DP, River Rock, Ruby Red, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Ruby Red, Groovy Guava, and River Rock Classic Ink Pads, Versamark
Accessories: Gold Brads
Tools: ½” Circle Punch, Scallop Punch
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals

JUST CHECKING IN

Hi everyone! I know ... I haven't posted since Monday, but I've been "Nurse Nancy" instead of "Stamping Nancy" this week. Both Allie and Drew have missed school this week with colds/fevers, etc., and both are finally back in school today.

My poor husband, on the other hand, is one sick guy! I took him to the doctor today, and he has bronchitis. I don't think I've ever seen/heard anyone so sick! His cough is like a bark. Another clue as to how sick he is .... he was actually willing to go to the doctor!!!

On top of all the sick family members in my house, my Dad is in town visiting from Iowa. He too got the flu bug a few days ago but is doing better now.

We're definitely in the "winter visitor season" here in Phoenix! My aunt & uncle were in town last week from Iowa, and we're looking forward to my cousin's visit in a couple of weeks from North Carolina. Our weather is absolutely gorgeous this week ... 80's. We reluctantly turned the air conditioning on this afternoon because it was so stuffy in the house. Air conditioning in February??? It just doesn't seem right!

I do have a few things to show you, and hope to find time to post them very very soon!

PAPER PRETTIES SNOWFLAKE KISSES and SCS SKETCH CHALLENGE SC164

Last night, I made this card for SCS Sketch Challenge 164 using the mittens image and sentiment from the Paper Pretties stamp set, Snowflake Kisses. I used an unusual color combination of Elegant Eggplant, Soft Sky, and Basic Black. Odd combo, but I like it! I used Frosted Lace Stickles on the cuffs and snowflakes of the mittens, and the mittens are "hung" by a Lilac Ice Square Rhinestone Brad. The Ticket Corner Punch was used on the large Elegant Eggplant piece, then I Paper Pierced three holes to surround the punched corners. The horizontal Soft Sky piece is Paper Pierced above and below the ribbon.

Paper Pretties has slashed prices in their sale section, and have added new Easter ribbon to the store! Click HERE to go to the Paper Pretties store. RECIPE
Stamps: Snowflake Kisses from Paper Pretties
Paper: Soft Sky Prints DP, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Sky, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On
Embellishments: Elegant Eggplant 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Lilac Ice Square Rhinestone Brad, Frosted Lace Stickles (non-SU)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS FEATURED STAMPER CHALLENGE FS55 MARY JO ALBRIGHT

Today's SCS Featured Stamper (FS55) is Mary Jo Albright! Mary Jo is one of my all-time favorite stampers! The woman's got amazing talent ... always creative and unique! HERE is Mary Jo's SCS gallery, and THIS is Mary Jo's card I chose to case. You can see more details about Mary Jo's original card on her blog, Beauty Lies Within.

I was surprised to discover that Mary Jo's original card measured only 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" ... it looks much larger in her photo! Part of the challenge of case-ing the Featured Stamper's card is to change at least two things about the original. The things I changed include:

a) I used different colors and designer papers ... Jersey Shore DP along with Brilliant Blue (can't remember the last time I used that color!), Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, and Wild Wasabi.
b) I used three Bashful Blue brads on the right of the center Pumpkin Pie (Jersey Shore DP) horizontal strip instead of Mary Jo's paper piercing.
c) The three flowers along the top of the main image panel and the large flower in the center of the medallion are rub-ons from SAB Love & Happiness (white onto Wild Wasabi and Brilliant Blue CS).
d) The sentiment is from SAB Friendship Blooms.
e) The ribbon is Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.
f) Mary Jo did some great things with vellum on her card, and I chose not to use any.

Like the look of the Bashful Blue CS piece on the medallion? Mary Jo shows how to do that with the Scallop Punch HERE on her blog.
RECIPE
Stamps: Friendship Blooms (Sale-A-Bration) and Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration)
Paper: Jersey Shore DP, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pad
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Bashful Blue Brads, Pumpkin Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad
Tools: Corner Rounder, Scallop Punch, 1/2", 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT ...

I was instantly attracted to THIS clear envelope brag book by mzrobin on SCS, and HAD to case it into a card (then a second card). I love how Robin's design incorporated so many NEW Stampin' Up! items: the stamp set, Enjoy Every Moment, Bali Breeze DP, Striped Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, and Antique Brass Build-A-Brad.

My cards measure 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", smaller than mzrobin's brag book. My first card is a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of Pumpkin Pie CS, scored at 5 1/2" then again at 6 1/2". The Rose Red CS piece on the scored end of the card measures 4 1/4" x 1". The Daisy Dash Jumbo Wheel was used on the Pumpkin Pie CS background with Versamark. The flower center of the Antique Brass Build-A-Brad is from the Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons.

RECIPE
Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment, Daisy Dash Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Bali Breeze DP, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Taken With Teal, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Rose Red and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pads
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brass Jumbo Brads, Antique Brass Build-A-Brad
Tools: Crop-A-Dile, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
Supplies: Easter Elegance Rub-Ons, Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC154 AND MOJO25 - FRIENDSHIP BLOOMS

Today, I combined the SCS Color Challenge #154 of Orchid Opulence, Certainly Celery, and Pumpkin Pie with this awesome sketch from Julee Tilman's Poetic Artistry Mojo #25 Sketch. This card uses the new Sale-A-Bration stamp set, Friendship Blooms. This is just one of the stamp sets you can receive FREE with any Stampin' Up! purchase of $50 or more, now through March 17. E-mail me for details! ... nrileycm@cox.net.

The flower is stamped in Pumpkin Pie on to Whisper White CS, then I used a sponge dauber with Orchid Opulence classic ink to color the flower in. The leaves were stamped in Versamark onto Certainly Celery, then cut out. The center of the flower was created by punching Certainly Celery with the Boho Blossoms Punch, adding a Pumpkin Pie Felt Flower Fusion, then a Lilac Ice Rhinestone Brad.
RECIPE
Stamps: Friendship Blooms (SAB)
Paper: Certainly Celery and Pumpkin Pie PRINTS DP, Certainly Celery, Orchid Opulence, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Orchid Opulence and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pads, Versamark
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Certainly Celery Brads, Lilac Ice Rhinestone Brad, Felt Flower Fusion
Tools: Boho Blossoms Punch, Paper Snips
Supplies: Sponge Dauber

PAPER PRETTIES SEALED WITH A KISS

This card uses another new Clear Art Stamp Set from Paper Pretties, called Sealed With A Kiss. There are many other stamps in this set ... more sentiments like "Happy Anniversary", "Happy Valentine's Day", "SWAK", and more. There are also items that can be placed in the couple's hands like a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, ballooons and more. Visit the Paper Pretties website to view the entire stamp set.

I combined this Paper Pretties image with the Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers, Berry Bliss. The man's suit and tie and the woman's dress and headband are paper pieced with a variety of patterns from Berry Bliss.

Tonight, Paper Pretties is releasing another new stamp set called Look Who's Perky! RECIPE
Stamps: Sealed With A Kiss from Paper Pretties
Paper: Berry Bliss DP, Close To Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate, Pretty In Pink, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Pretty In Pink, Barely Banana, Close To Cocoa, and Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, White Brads (non-SU)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template, Paper Snips, Heart Punches (non-SU)
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals
Techniques: Paper Piecing and Paper Piercing
Note: Card measures 5 1/4" x 10 1/2", scored at 5 1/4" .

My friend and fellow Paper Pretties Guest Designer, Dawn Easton, Treasure Oiler Designz, mailed this super cute RAK to me. Dawn's card uses the Paper Pretties stamp, Cuddle Me Sophia. I love the way Dawn layered the sentiment and added the bling ... so cool!

SCS WAYS TO USE IT CHALLENGE 153 ROUND TAB PUNCH PURSES

You're not going to believe this, but I actually put my Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit away in a cabinet last night. This morning, my wheels started turning for today's SCS challenge, and what do I do? ... I pull out my Crew Kids Girl SSK AGAIN! I am hooked on this color combo of Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi and Basic Gray! I have loved every single Simply Scrappin' Kit that I've purchased from Stampin' Up! Next card I post, I'll TRY to use something different ... I promise!

Today's Ways To Use It Challenge 153 on SCS was the use fashion as your inspiration. I have always thought that the purses others have made with the Round Tab Punch were so cute, and today's challenge was a perfect opportunity for me to try! My card was inspired by JenMarie's card HERE, and Londonblue's card HERE.

The body of the purse is created by punching with the Round Tab Punch and cutting in half, then the flap for the purse is punched using the 3/4" Square Punch, then cut in half. The "handles" for the purses are made with Silver Elastic Cord, and the pink rhinestone "snaps" on the purse flaps are self-adhesive rhinestones from Michael's craft store. (You could use a brad or eyelet too!)

The polka dot Basic Gray frame piece is a self-adhesive die cut from the simply scrappin' kit. Card measures 6 1/2" x 6 1/2", and scored at 3 1/4" ... fits Small Open-End Envelopes.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !!!
RECIPE
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Pretty In Pink, and Regal Rose CS, Designer Papers from Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit
Ink: Basic Gray
Embellishments: Pink Self-Adhesive Rhinestones (non-SU), Silver Elastic Cord
Tools: Round Tab Punch, 3/4" Square Punch, Scissors
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS SKETCH CHALLENGE 162, ENJOY EVERY MOMENT

This card was created for last week's SCS Sketch Challenge 162, and as you can see, I can't stay away from the Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit! The colors, designer papers, and self-adhesive die cuts are just awesome! Wish I could buy the designer paper in this kit by the ream! I felt the same way about the striped designer paper in the Winter Bright SSK from the last catalog!

The main image panel (layer #4 in the sketch), "enjoy every moment", is a case from Nancy Morgan's card HERE and HERE. Nancy is such an enabler ... her card is the reason I bought the stamp set, Enjoy Every Moment! I love how the "e" fit in the center of the large flower, and the dotted circle and small flower fit in the center of the "o" ... brilliant design! I couldn't have done this without my Stamp-a-ma-jig, using it five times for the main image! .... 1) large Wild Wasabi flower, 2) Going Gray "enjoy", 3) Pretty In Pink dotted circle inside the "o", 4) small Wild Wasabi flower inside the "o", and 5) "every moment". The dots around the large Wild Wasabi flower are paper pierced with the paper piercing tool/mat/template.

Layer #1 is Pretty In Pink CS layered on Wild Wasabi CS. The Daisy Dash Jumbo Wheel was inked in Versamark vertically on the Pretty In Pink CS.

The horizontal layer #2 is a self-adhesive die cut from the Crew Kids Girl SSK, mounted on dp from the same kit, then mounted again on Going Gray textured cardstock from the same kit.

RECIPE
Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment, Daisy Dash Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Going Gray, and Whisper White CS, Designer Paper from Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin'
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Going Gray, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink Pads, Versamark for Jumbo Wheel Background
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad, White Brads (non-SU)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Jumbo Wheel Handle, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

* SUGAR AND SPICE * AND EVERYTHING NICE *

I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' Kits! Not only are they great for scrapbooking, they're wonderful for cardmaking too! This card was made using Textured Cardstock, Designer Paper, and Self-Adhesive Die Cuts from the new Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit! I love the fresh color combination of Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Basic Gray, and Whisper White! The main image was created by layering Self-Adhesive Die Cuts from the kit. The only stamping on this card was the "congrats" sentiment from Fundamental Phrases. This layout was inspired by THIS RAK (the Merry & Bright card at the bottom of the post) I received from my friend, Karen Laub, nikesmom on SCS.
RECIPE
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Basic Gray, Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, and Whisper White TEXTURED CS and DP from CREW KIDS GIRL Simply Scrappin' Kit
Ink: Basic Gray
Embellishments: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretty In Pink Buttons
Tools: Word Window Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

RAKS FROM CAROLE AND DOTTIE

Gosh, some mail days make me feel like the most loved blogger and stamper in the world! You meet the nicest people in stamping blogland! Here's a couple more RAKs that showed up in my mailbox this week.

This first card is from Carole Burrage, Mother's Little Helper. As I mentioned in my previous post, Carole is a new blogging friend of mine and fellow Paper Pretties Guest Designer. I am so appreciative of all the time Carole took to write a mini novel in this tiny card! Her words were genuine, uplifting, and encouraging! Thank you, Carole!
This sweet card is from Dottie Kinnear (aka Dottie K in blogland). Dottie is one of the most loyal readers I have, and always leaving awesome comments to make my day! You're THE BEST, Dottie!
The other day I mentioned that my spell check isn't working .... it's still not working, and driving me NUTS!!!! Does anyone know WHY it's not working, and IF I can do something to make it work?

EXCELLENT BLOGGER AWARD

Two of my favorite stampers have awarded me with this Excellent Blogger Award; Nancy Morgan, Paper Smiles, and Jackie Pedro, The Scalloped Edge. It is such an honor to receive this from Nancy and Jackie, as THEY are the ones that inspired me daily with their stamping talent and friendship!

Now it's my turn to give this award to some fellow bloggers. I've chosen two NEW stamping/blogging friends who happen to be co-guest designers for Paper Pretties with me; Danielle Lounds, Fat Cat Stamper, and Carole Burrage , Mother's Little Helper. Danielle and Carole are super talented, and incredibly nice ladies!

Thanks for stopping by!

PAPER PRETTIES SNOWFLAKE KISSES TENT TOPPER

This Tent Topper card uses the penguin, snowflake, and "Happy Winter" from the Paper Pretties stamp set, Snowflake Kisses. This time, I cased myself! ... very similar to THIS SU Garden Whimsy card.

Don't miss Paper Pretties' Stampin' In Your Jammies TONIGHT starting at 7:00 p.m. PST! It's like a mini Virtual Stamp Night with three different challenges ... one each hour. Hope you can make it!
RECIPE
Stamps: Snowflake Kisses from Paper Pretties
Paper: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, and Whisper White CS, Four Seasons DP (retired)
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie,and Basic Black
Embellishments: Bashful Blue Brad
Tools: Aquapainter, Priceless Classy Brass Template (for paper piercing circle), Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Creative Memories Custom Cutting System for Circles (3", 3 1/4", and 3 1/2")
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals
Notes: CS base is cut 4.25" x 8.5", and scored at 4.25" to create a 4.25" square. Overall card measures 4.25" x 5.5".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

Today is my Dad's birthday, and when I saw THIS CARD on Wendy's blog, It's All About Stamping!, I knew I had to case it for my Dad. I fell in love with the simple, clean lines of this layout which could be used with any of Stampin' Up!'s designer papers. The stamp set, Circle of Friendship could easily be used in place of Riveting. Be sure to check out Wendy's blog ... LOVE her stampin' style!!!!!

I am really bad at using my retired stamping supplies like designer papers, ribbon, and cardstock, and am trying very hard to stop hoarding them. Pretty much everything on this card is retired except the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from the stamp set, It's Your Birthday and the Naturals Ivory and Chocolate Chip CS.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD !!!!RECIPE
Stamps: It's Your Birthday, Riveting (retired)
Paper: True Thyme and Blue Bayou CS (retired), Sentimental Journey DP (retired), Naturals Ivory and Chocolate Chip CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad
Embellishments: True Thyme Stitched Ribbon
Tools: Corner Rounder, 1/2", 1 1/4", and 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals
btw .... can anyone tell me why my spell check isn't working all of a sudden when I'm creating a new post?????

RAKS FROM JANA AND PAM

Yesterday, my friend, Pam Wood stopped by. Look at this FABULOUS card she gave me! You've GOT to visit her brand new blog, Creative Inking! (leave her a comment with a warm welcome to blogland, and tell her I sent you!)This sweet card found it's way to my mailbox from Jana Weaver, Jana's Creative Pursuits in Stamping. Jana is on the Paper Pretties Design Team, and this card uses the new Paper Pretties stamp set, Cuddle Me Sophia.

FEBRUARY STAMP CLASS PROJECTS

These are the projects I offered at my stamp class the other night. All the projects for this class have a Valentine's Day theme. Normally, I offer more cards than 3-D items, but can't help myself when it comes to Valentine's Day (and Halloween)! As you'll see, each project was either cased or inspired by other stampering artists, and links to their original artwork are provided. Also, three of the five projects use the stamp set Happy Heart Day. For more detailed information about how I prepare for my classes, see THIS PREVIOUS POST.

HAPPY HEART DAY ELEPHANT FRIENDSHIP CARD
This card is simply a version of THIS CARD that I made a few weeks ago for Featured Stamper #51, Pam Varnell ... just changed up the colors and designer paper (Cutie Pie). See Pam's original card HERE.RECIPE
Stamps: Happy Heart Day, Circle of Friendship
Paper: Cutie Pie DP, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Rose Red, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Rose Red and Certainly Celery Marker, Jet Black Staz-On Ink Pad, White Gel Pen (for Elephant's nails)
Accessories: Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template, Priceless Classy Brass Template for piercing on circle behind Circle of Friendship image, 1/2", 1", and 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

ALTERED VALENTINE TARGET MAILBOXES
Class participants chose to alter one mailbox from the three designs. The mailboxes are from the Target $1 Spot, and the designs were completely inspired by the Target Mailboxes that Lorri Heiling designed a year ago for one of her classes.



RECIPE
Stamps: Little Pieces
Paper:
Pink Mailbox~Twitterpated Love Petals DP 7-5705 from s.e.i. (non-SU), Tempting Turquoise Prints DP, Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, and Real Red CS
Red Mailbox~Heidi Grace Designs Love Blossoms Jersey Stripe DP 12-70424 from Fiskars(non-SU), Black & White Polka Dot DP (non-SU, unknown manufacturer), Basic Black, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, and Real Red CS
White Mailbox~Smitten: Posy Paisley and Heart Paisley DP PS07103 & PS07104 by Paper Salon (non-SU), Chocolate, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, and Real Red CS
Ink: Real Red Classic Ink Pad
Accessories: Self-Adhesive Rhinestone Hearts (non-SU) by Hirschberg Schultz & Co. found at Michael’s wedding dept., Pink and White Tulle (non-SU), Ribbon: Basic Black, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip (retired), Real Red, and Pretty in Pink ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon, Light Pink and Red Gingham Ribbon
Tools: ½” and ¾” Circle Punches, Heart Punch (retired), Postage Stamp Scissors (non- SU), Stapler (non-SU)
Supplies: Sticky Strip, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Note: Mailbox from Target $1 Spot

VALENTINE LOLLIPOP HOLDER
This cute little Valentine's Day treat is cased from Dawn Griffith's original found HERE (along with a video tutorial) on her blog, Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. This is a fast and easy idea for large quantity, mass assembly treats, and I love that Dawn used Pixie Pink, a color I haven't used for a very long time!
RECIPE
Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Pixie Pink, Pretty In Pink and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black and Pixie Pink Ink Pad, Pixie Pink, Blush Blossom, Pretty In Pink, and Real Red Markers, White Gel Pen
Accessories: White Brad (non-SU)
Tools: Slit Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Anywhere Hole Punch & Hammer with Mat Pack, 1/16” Handheld Circle Punch
Supplies: Mini Glue Dots, Jolly Rancher Lollipops
Notes: Pixie Pink CS measures 6 ½” x 3”, scored at 2 ¾” and 3 ¼”.

VALENTINE CUTTLEBUG CELLO BAG TOPPER
More super easy and fast Valentine's treats ... this one cased from Sharon Johnson, No Time To Stamp HERE. You may not be able to tell right away in the photograph, but the Whisper White CS has been dry embossed with the Hearts Cuttlebug embossing folder.
RECIPE
Stamps: Holidays & Wishes
Paper: Real Red or Regal Rose CS, Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black Ink Pad
Accessories: Real Red or Regal Rose 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Stapler, Cuttlebug Machine and Dry Embossing Folder
Supplies: Medium Flat (4 x 6) Cellophane Bags

VALENTINE TAG TREAT
Cased from Nancy Morgan, Paper Smiles. See Nancy's original with details HERE. Nancy made her tag treat holder to hold Hershey's kisses ... mine hold Hershey's Nuggets. Yet another very quick and easy project!
RECIPE
Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Regal Rose, Real Red, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black Ink Pad, Regal Rose and Real Red Markers
Accessories: Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Small Tag and Tag Punches, Crop-A-Dile, Scissors
Supplies: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Notes: Regal Rose CS measures 1 ½” x 4 ½”, scored at 1 ¾” and 2 ¾”.

HAPPY MAIL

I was completely taken by surprise with all the beautiful RAKS I received in the mail from stamping and blogging friends while I was not feeling well. You have no idea how much these cards brightened my days! .... THANK YOU, my friends!!!!

This first card is from JenMarie Taylor, Taylor~Made by JenMarie. Jennifer was the winner of my most recent blog candy, and she sent me this adorable thank you card. The main image panel is very sparkly in real life ... Jennifer used Clear Embossing Powder then Dazzling Diamonds.
This card is from Libby Hickson, Libby's Little Addiction. Libby is expecting a baby girl whose due date was two days ago!!!
From Charmaine Ikach, Oodabug Alley. Charmaine used one of the new Paper Pretties' clear art stamps from the set, Snowflake Kisses on this super cute card! Charmaine is a member of the Paper Pretties Design Team!
From Ginny Schembri, a fellow member of our weSTAMP Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Group.
From Danielle Lounds, Fat Cat Stamper. Danielle is a fellow Paper Pretties Guest Designer.
From Jill Hilliard, Jill's Card Creations. I've GOT to order this stamp set, Boatloads of Love, so I can case this adorable card!
From Corie Foster, Creations by Corie.

From Nancy Morgan, Paper Smiles. Nancy sent me a CD filled with inspirational Christian music. Awesome!From Linda Bickley, a fellow member of our weSTAMP Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Group.Yep, I am very blessed and loved .... that is for sure! My eyes tear up just thinking about it! In addition to these lovely cards, I've had friends who have called daily to check in on me, and a few friends who have gone above and beyond by doing things for me that have consumed much of their time .... LORRI, TAMMY, and TAWNI !!!!

PAPER PRETTIES WADE E. BUG

Happy Superbowl Sunday! It's hard to believe such a big event is being held "in my backyard"! (The University of Phoenix stadium is about 12 miles from my home). Between the Superbowl and the FBR Open in Scottsdale, there's a whole lot going on in the Phoenix area this weekend! We'll be attending two Superbowl parties this afternoon .... one during the first half, and one during the second half.

This card uses one of the Paper Pretties' new release stamps, Wade E. Bug. HERE is the Paper Pretties' website where you can order Wade E. Bug and other exclusive Paper Pretties Clear Art Stamps. Wade's vest, bow tie and top hat are paper pieced, and the silver buttons on his vest were created with Silver Stickles.
RECIPE
Stamps: Wade E. Bug by Paper Pretties, Celebrate Everything by Stampin' Up!
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White CS, Black Pinstripe DP is called Formal Paper from Sandylion
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Watercolor Pencils
Embellishments: Real Red Brads, Silver Stickles (non-SU)
Tools: Word Window Punch, Ticket Corner Punch

TAG CATCH UP

I am behind on many things, and acknowledging blogger tags is one of them. My apologies to all my blogging friends who have tagged me. Because I am so behind in responding, it seems most other bloggers have already been tagged. If you haven't been, please feel free to consider yourself tagged!

First, there was a tag from Patty at Patty's Stamping Spot waaay back in December. Thank you for the tag, Patty!

The second tag is from Debbie at Debbie's Doodles. Debbie nominated me for a You Make My Day Award. You made MY day too, Debbie! Thanks!

I received a third tag from my good friend and felllow Paper Pretties Guest Designer, Dawn Easton, Treasure Oiler Designz. Dawn nominated me for a Spread The Love Award. Thanks, my dear friend !!!!

Last but not least .... A tag from my friend, Fran Sabad, Franticstampers. Fran shares a great tip for the new Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons HERE.

My tip --- StazOn Cleaner! I recently started using this fine cleaner, LOVE it, and don't know how I ever lived without it! I often choose to use Jet Black Staz-On versus Basic Black Classsic. The StazOn Cleaner cleans my stamps up so nicely! You can find StazOn Cleaner on pg. 183 of the new 2008 Spring Summer Catalog & Idea Book (U.S.).