FEBRUARY weSTAMP DEMO GROUP MEETING & SWAP - SAB THEME

Tuesday night was our weSTAMP meeting and swap at the home of Lorri Heiling. This month's swap theme was, of course, SALE-A-BRATION! We were to make either a card or 3-D project using any stamp set and/or products from the 2009 Sale-a-bration catty.

I did not get photos of Tammy's awesome door prize - you can see photos of it on Lorri's blog HERE.

by Rachele Sanclamente ...by Barbara Welch ...by Lorri Heiling ...
by Tara Hilde ...
by Leah Sinatra ...
by Linda Rodenberg ...
by Linda Bickley ...by Ginny Schembri ... my swap (details HERE) ... our Make 'n Take by Pam Wood ... (don't look too closely at the quality of MY make 'n take ... I am a really bad stamper when surrounded by people - I'm one of those solo stampers!

RAKs from KELLY LUNCEFORD

I have been a HUGE fan of Kelly Lunceford's creations FOR-EVER! I recently had the opportunity to help her out a little with a technical blog issue, and look at the incredible "thank you" I received from her in my mailbox!!!! OMG! I can't believe that I am now the proud owner of Kelly Lunceford ORIGINALS, along with some awesome Martha Stewart products! You can see the original post for the Matchbook Box Bird Box on Kelly's blog, Flutter by Atomicbutterfly HERE, and the tutorial HERE. These items are even more beautiful in real life ... I smile every time I look at them!

BLAST FROM THE PAST

As this posts, I'm at our weSTAMP meeting and swap. Our swap theme for this evening is to use a stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration '09 catalog. I took this card on the left that I designed eons ago with Bud Basics, and brought it into 2009 with Polka Dot Punches stamp set, Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper, and Certainly Celery Poly-Twill Ribbon - all from the the Sale-A-Bration catalog.

Earn a free stamp set, designer paper pack, or ribbon bundle with every $50 purchase now through March 31. Contact me today to place your Stampin' Up! order and earn the free products used in the card below! nrileycm@cox.net
RECIPE
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches (SAB '09), Hugs & Wishes
Paper: Delicate Dots DP (SAB '09), So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Certainly Celery CS
Ink: Basic Black, Versamark
Embellishments: 5/8" Certainly Celery Poly-Twill Ribbon (SAB '09), Bashful Blue Brads
Tools: 5-Petal Flower Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

Card details:
* The Polka Dot Punches flower image was stamped with Versamark along the right side of the So Saffron cardstock base.
* The main image panel is from the Delicate Dots DP pack (Whisper White with So Saffron flowers).
* The flower from Polka Dot Punches was stamped in Basic Black onto Bashful Blue, and cut out with scissors. The So Saffron and Certainly Celery layers of the flowers were punched out using the 5-Petal Flower Punch. The 1/2" circle centers were punched out of more designer paper from the Delicate Dots DP pack. A Bashful Blue Brad adorns the center of each flower.
* The main panel and each flower is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

DESIGNER PAPER AND EMBELLISHMENT SHARES UPDATE

If you participated in the Designer Paper and Embellishments Shares and have not received your package yet, you should be receiving it within the next few days via USPS Priority Mail. The last of the shares left my house today. THANK YOU for participating!

After a long day at work, I'm looking forward to finishing my swap cards for tomorrow night's weSTAMP meeting and watching The Bachelor (I think it's the "tell all" episode tonight). Yes, that silly show sucked me in for another season! I'm rootin' for Melissa ... how about you?!

LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY

You would all just laugh at me if you knew how much time I spent dwelling over this simple little card! For me, it is pretty boring and needs something else. My problem is that I've tried everything I can think of for that something else! I give up, and it is what it is.

I used Taylor VanBruggen's Cupcake Challenge #56, along with Brocade Blue. I had to dust off my Brocade Blue ink pad -- can't remember the last time I used this color! The main stamped image is from the retired hostess stamp set, Punches Three. The Brocade Blue Patterns Designer Series Paper II is a current Level One Hostess gift. The main image was stamped twice, and the center piece was popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.
RECIPE
Stamps: Punches Three (retired)
Paper: Brocade Blue Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper II (Level One Hostess), Brocade Blue and Whisper White CS
Ink: Brocade Blue
Embellishments: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Self Adhesive White Pearl Stickers (non-SU)
Tools: Wide Oval Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

iPICKS, Week Fifteen

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week Fifteen ...

Becky Roberts' Gift Set and Big Shot Purse and Stampin' Mist Bottles (Inking Idaho).

Lynn Put's Hello There! Card (The Queen's Scene).

Kendra's Best Ever Simply Scrappin' Kit Cards (The Dog Ate My Stamps).

Deb's Fifth Avenue Floral Card and Bella Bleu Card (ARTfelt Impressions).

Chat's Die Cut Blossoms Card, Rose Red Roses Card and Together Forever Collection
(Me, My Stamps, and I).

Kay Kalthoff's Party Hearty Card (Stamping to Share).

Julie Buhler's Sending Thoughts Your Way Card and Easter Basket (Paper Pleasing Ideas).

Mercedes' Punch Art Hippo Card (Share~Inspire~Create).

Jodi Collins Prettie Colorful Wednesday Card (Stamping A Latte).

Laurie Froehlich's Easter Round Top Box (Inspired Designs).

Jessica Rone's Praying For You Card and Dear Friend Card (Can you say?....Addicted to Stamps?).

Tracey Old's Wild About You Card (A Stampers Touch).

Lisa Brown's Delightful Pouches (ink and inspirations).

GOOD MORNING TRENDY TREES

Beate is back with her Weekend Sketch Challenge! Today, she posted WSC#69 which I paired with the stamp set, Trendy Trees, and the designer paper, Good Morning Sunshine. It was also a great opportunity to use the new 5/16" Chocolate Chip Jumbo Brads.



RECIPE
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Paper: Good Morning Sunshine DP, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, and Summer Sun
Embellishments: Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip 5/16" Jumbo Brads
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Border Punch

SHARE UPDATE

Sorry ... no original artwork this week. I've been spending my evenings cutting designer paper, sorting embellishments, and preparing packages of shares for shipping. One package of designer paper has been backordered and is due to arrive tomorrow. Soooo ... all shares will be out the door no later than Monday, 2/23.

I have tried to create a couple of times this week with no luck. So frustrating! My poor fellow weSTAMPers are expecting a swap card early next week. yikes! Let's hope that this weekend brings on a change in the mojo!

iPICKS, Week Fourteen

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week Fourteen ...

Connie Collins' Spring Flower Pot (Constantly Stamping).

Jennie's Punch Girl Card (Simply Caffeinated).

Dakotastamper's Polka Dot Hearts Card (dakotastamper on SCS).

Jackie Pedro's Love You Much Card (The Scalloped Edge).

Conversation Hearts iPOD (FamilyFun.com).

Dawn Easton's OCC Cheep Talk Card (Treasure Oiler Designz).

Rochelle's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge Card (I stamp, I create, I have fun!).

Cindy Major's Golf '06 Scrapbook Layout (Encre, paper, ciseaux).

Pam Speidel's WSC Valentine Card (Stamping with {Serendipity}).

Amy Fleming's Kwerner Color Challenge Card (Me & Mi Stamps).

Kris Kilcoyne's Blue Brown & Beautiful Card (Kween Bee Kreations).

Lisa H.'s Good Friends Card (My Little Creative Escape).

Gretchen Barron's Jackpot! Designs (Utah Divas International).

Angie Tieman's Emma Puzzle Card (schwooo!).

Anthonette Chavez' Love Card (Chavez Designs).

Silke Ledlow's OCC Love Card (My Life).

Jodi Collins' Fifth Avenue Floral Card, Prettie Love-y Wednesday Card, and Happy Heart Day Card (Stamping A Latte).

Monique Hawrelluk's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge Card (Self Expressions).

SALE-A-BRATION for FS106, JULIEMLACEY

Today's Featured Stamper #106 on SCS is JulieMLacey. Julie's gallery is full of clean, crisp designs. THIS CARD in particular jumped out at me. I've had my Sale-A-Bration stamp sets and designer paper on the brain and knew I could use them to case Julie's card. I used two Sale-a-Bration stamp sets - Polka Dot Punches and Congrats - along with the Sale-a-Bration Designer Paper Pack, Delicate Dots.RECIPE
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Congrats
Paper: Delicate Dots DP, Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, and Certainly Celery CS
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Styled Silver Flower Brads from Hodgepodge Hardware
Tools: 5-Petal Flower Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SWEET SLUMBER WITH PIZZAZZ

I've been in a creative slump all week and thought I'd give it another try this afternoon. My day job leaves me wiped out in the evenings so I was thrilled to have this three day weekend! Hopefully, there will be much more stamping happening!

I paired today's OCC Sketch Challenge hosted by Laurie Schmidlin with the stamp set Petal Pizzazz and the new textured designer paper, Sweet Slumber. I think everything is pretty self-explanatory, but did want to point out that I used alot of stampin' dimensionals to give different depths to the flower arrangement.
RECIPE
Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Sweet Slumber textured DP, Baja Breeze and So Saffron CS
Ink: Ruby Red, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, and Basic Black
Embellishments: Ruby Red Brads, So Saffron Button, Flower Fusion Too
Tools: 1" and 3/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

RAKs from CHAT, NANCY and SANDY

These are some fantastic RAKs I received in my mailbox this week ...

SHARE UPDATE

* If you are in Embellishment Share Group #1, #2, #3, or #4 and/or Designer Paper Share Group #1, #2, or #3, your order has been shipped or will be shipped 2/14 or 2/17.

* If one/some of your shares are in the previously mentioned groups, and the other share(s) are in the following groups, I'll be holding on to it until all product is ready to be shipped together.

* If you are in Embellishment Share Group #5 or #6 and/or Designer Paper Share #4 and #5 the product order from Stampin' Up! is due to arrive at my doorstep on 2/16. I'll have these ready to ship out within a few days, and plan to ship no later than 2/21.

EMBELLISHMENT SHARES

Group #1 Embellishment
1. K. Loewenstein
2. C. Smallsreed
3. K. Brancato
4. K. Brown
5. G. Donnelly
6. G. Donnelly
7. N. Olson
8. M. Fowler

Group #2 Embellishment
1. J. Seiter
2. C. Seiffert
3. S. Hartsock
4. S. South
5. M. Flieg
6. H. Brueck
7. L. Callahan
8. J. Sturgill

Group #3 Embellishment
1. L. Hickson
2. L. May
3. J. Hartman
4. M. Thompson
5. M. Johnston
6. J. Portonova
7. C. Collins
8. T. Camp

Group #4 Embellishments
1. W. Bond
2. K. Roberts
3. K. Zehnder
4. L. Barutha
5. N. McHale
6. L. Hays
7. G. Contor
8. N. Olson

Group #5 Embellishments
1. L. Gray
2. L. Gray
3. L. Gray
4. L. Gray
5. J. Keyes
6. R. Davis
7. K. Motz
8. K. Motz

Group #6 Embellishments
1. A. Hanaoka
2. A. Hanaoka
3. J. Waller
4. M Samson
5. A. Chavez
6. T. Ayala
7. A. Currier
8. D. Vaughn

DESIGNER PAPER SHARES

Group #1 Designer Paper
1. W. Bond
2. K. Brown
3. S. Hartsock
4. S. South
5. J. Seiter
6. D. Vaughn
7. N. Olson
8. M. Flieg

Group #2 Designer Paper
1. H. Brueck
2. R. Holmes
3. Irene
4. L. Hickson
5. L. May
6. J. Hartman
7. M. Thompson
8. J. Portonova

Group #3 Designer Paper
1. C. Finley
2. C. Finley
3. G. Yip
4. T. Camp
5. M. Fauque
6. M. Fauque
7. K. Roberts
8. N. McHale

Group #4 Designer Paper
1. N. Riley
2. G. Dickinson
3. G. Contor
4. L. Rinehart
5. L. Gray
6. S. Braddock
7. R. Davis
8. N. Olson

Group #5 Designer Paper
1. J. Williams
2. A. Hanaoka
3. A. Hanaoka
4. M. Samson
5. T. Ayala
6. B. Ramey
7. L. Allen
8. K. Laub

DESIGNER PAPER AND EMBELLISHMENT SHARES UPDATE

Just a quick note before I head out the door for my day job ... the groups of eight for the Designer Paper Shares and Embellishment Shares are now closed. I will not be starting any new groups.

The backordered Manchester Designer Paper for DP Share Groups #1, #2, and #3 will be arriving at my doorstep today. If you are in one of these groups, I'll be mailing your share(s) this weekend.

If you are in DP Share Groups #4 and #5 or Embellishment Share Groups #5 and #6 ... the SU order has been placed but has not shipped yet. *waiting, waiting, waiting*

I've tried to stamp in the evenings after work but my mojo isn't there this week. I'll keep trying!

Have a GREAT day and thanks for stopping in!

TRENDY TREES IN HAWAII PAPAYA

Trendy Trees was the first stamp set on my wish list from the new Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer '09 Idea Book & Catalog. I HAD to have it, and after working with it last night I love it even more! I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #29 and flipped it on it's side without layer #5. Hope I didn't stray too far! I used the retired designer paper, Hawaii Papaya with the colors of Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, and Kiwi Kiss. The Stamp-A-Ma-Jig is a must with this stamp set!
RECIPE
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Paper: Hawaii Papaya DP (retired), Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, and Kiwi Kiss, Versamark
Embellishments: Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Word Window Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

I still have one spot left in Embellishment Share, group #6 and Designer Paper Share, group #5. E-mail me to reserve these spots ... nrileycm@cox.net. This is the last call, and I will not be forming any new groups after these are filled.

iPICKS, Week Thirteen

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week Thirteen ...

Deanna's Love You Much Heart Card (DeStampin' Corner).

Jen Tapler's SFYTT Seeing Stars Card, 2nd card in post (JenTapler Designs).

Kelly Lunceford's It's A Boy! Card and Thoughts and Prayers Card, (Flutter by Atomicbutterfly).

Vera's 70th Birthday Card (Vera Stamps).

Laura Fredrickson's Inspired Valentines Cards (Scrapnextras).

Heather Summers' Cheep Talk Thank You Card (Stamp With Heather).

Selene Kempton's Praying For You Card #1 and #2 (Stampin Fun with Selene).

Julie Buhler's Bright Botanicals Card (Paper Pleasing Ideas).

Kay Kalthoff's 2 Sale-A-Bration Wedding Congrats Cards (Stamping To Share).

Christine's Goin' Buggy Card (ChristineCreations).

Card Crazy's Love Challenge Card and All White Card (Card Crazy on SCS).

Deb's Sale-A-Bration Heart Card (ARTfelt Impressions).

Kathie Bailey's Birthday Quilt Card (Just an Inkling).

MY CREATIVE HUSBAND

So, you think I'm creative? I just had to show you what my husband does! These images are a sampling of his artwork which are computer generated images (CGI) using Vue and Photoshop software programs. John's occupation of landscape designer and professional photography background only enhance the keen eye he has for detail.

John just recently submitted some of his work in a gallery at www.zazzle.com/jrdesignsaz where you can purchase posters, mouse pads, etc. with his images. Expect more images to be added in the future! If you have any questions about his work, you can e-mail John at jrdesigns@cox.net.
Thanks for looking! I'll be back this evening with this week's iPICKS!

ANOTHER SHARE UPDATE

My apologies to those of you stopping in to be inspired by some original artwork. The job of coordinating the Embellishment Shares and Designer Paper Shares is huge, and the easiest way for me to communicate with the share participants is by posting here.

* Designer Paper Group #4 and Embellishment Group #5 are filled and I've started one more new group in each. It's not too late to get in on the awesome sampling of new product from the new Spring-Summer '09 Idea Book & Catalog! E-mail me right away to get in on these groups! nrileycm@cox.net

* For more information about the Designer Paper Shares and Embellishment Shares click HERE. (I've gone back and labeled each post "Shares Spring-Summer '09" so you can see all the information and updates with one click.).

* All the embellishments are sorted for Embellishment Group #1, #2, #3, and #4. If you ordered an Embellishment Share ONLY, I will ship your order out on Monday.

* All the designer paper is cut for Designer Paper Group #1, #2, and #3. Waiting on the backordered Manchester DP to ship from Stampin' Up!.

* I will be placing a Stampin' Up! order this weekend for Embellishment Group #5 (possibly for group #6 if it fills quickly) and for Designer Paper Group #4 (possibly for group #5 if it fills quickly).

Hope you're all having a GREAT weekend! Thanks again for making these shares so successful !!!

EMBELLISHMENT AND DESIGNER PAPER SHARES UPDATE

In this post, I am referring to these posts regarding my offering of Embellishment Shares and Designer Paper Shares from the new Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog. Additional updates can be seen HERE and HERE.

* There are a few spots available in Group #5 Embellishment Share and Group #4 Designer Paper Share. Please contact me via e-mail at nrileycm@cox.net to be a part of these share groups. A fantastic way to receive a sampling of the NEW embellishments and designer papers! I'll get the products ordered as soon as the groups are filled, and everyone has paid (through Paypal).

* The Stampin' Up! order for the first four Embellishments Shares and first three Designer Paper Shares arrived today. The embellishments are sorted and I will begin cutting the designer paper into 6 x 6 sheets tomorrow. One paper pack (Manchester) is backordered from Stampin' Up!. Therefore, no designer paper shares will be mailed until Manchester DP is received. If you ordered and paid for an embellishment share ONLY, I will ship those out on Monday 2/09.

* While sorting the embellishment shares this evening, I realized that I have a couple of typos in my original Embellishment Share post. Luckily, they outweigh each other - I must have reversed the numbers. Instead of 10 Latte Buttons you will receive three to five, and instead of 4 Jumbo 5/8" Brads you will receive 10. My apologies for this mistake!

* In case you're wondering what group you're in ...

EMBELLISHMENT SHARES

Group #1 Embellishment
1. K. Loewenstein
2. C. Smallsreed
3. K. Brancato
4. K. Brown
5. G. Donnelly
6. G. Donnelly
7. N. Olson
8. M. Fowler

Group #2 Embellishment
1. J. Seiter
2. C. Seiffert
3. S. Hartsock
4. S. South
5. M. Flieg
6. H. Brueck
7. L. Callahan
8. J. Sturgill

Group #3 Embellishment
1. L. Hickson
2. L. May
3. J. Hartman
4. M. Thompson
5. M. Johnston
6. J. Portonova
7. C. Collins
8. T. Camp

Group #4 Embellishments
1. W. Bond
2. K. Roberts
3. K. Zehnder
4. L. Barutha
5. N. McHale
6. L. Hays
7. G. Contor
8. N. Olson

Group #5 Embellishments
1. L. Gray
2. L. Gray
3. L. Gray
4. L. Gray
5.
6.
7.
8.

DESIGNER PAPER SHARES

Group #1 Designer Paper
1. W. Bond
2. K. Brown
3. S. Hartsock
4. S. South
5. J. Seiter
6. D. Vaughn
7. N. Olson
8. M. Flieg

Group #2 Designer Paper
1. H. Brueck
2. R. Holmes
3. Irene
4. L. Hickson
5. L. May
6. J. Hartman
7. M. Thompson
8. J. Portonova

Group #3 Designer Paper
1. C. Finley
2. C. Finley
3. G. Yip
4. T. Camp
5. M. Fauque
6. M. Fauque
7. K. Roberts
8. N. McHale

Group #4 Designer Paper
1. N. Riley
2. G. Dickinson
3. G. Contor
4. L. Rinehart
5. L. Gray
6.
7.
8.

Thank you so much for the wonderful response to these shares!

DELICATE POLKA DOT PUNCHES

I've been struggling with this card for days! I think I tried to add a sentiment to it in about every way shape and form I could think of. I've given up and it is what it is.

I used Jen del Muro's fantastic Sketch For You To Try, along with several new items from Sale-A-Bration 2009 - Polka Dot Punches stamp set, Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper, and 5/8" Certainly Celery Poly-Twill Ribbon. Earn FREE stamp sets, designer paper, and/or ribbon bundle for every $50 purchase - no limits! Sale-A-Bration runs from February 1 to March 31, 2009. I'm happy to fill your Stampin' Up! order ... just e-mail me ... nrileycm@cox.net.
RECIPE
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches (SAB '09)
Paper: Delicate Dots DP (SAB '09), Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Sahara Sand, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, and Sahara Sand
Embellishments: 5/8" Certainly Celery Poly-Twill Ribbon (SAB '09), Bashful Blue Brad, So Saffron Brad, Certainly Celery Brad, Pewter Brad
Tools: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals