weSTAMP APRIL MEETING & SWAP

Last night was our monthly Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Meeting & Swap, weSTAMP. Lorri and I had so much fun planning this meeting, we must have called each other 5-6 times that day with last minute things! Our weSTAMP group has only been meeting for a few months, and most of our members are new SU Demos and new to stamping! Let me tell you, these fine ladies just step up their swap cards each and every month! I am so proud to be sharing them with you!

First, I've got to share with you the excitement and anticipation of our swaps! It is very similar to opening presents on Christmas morning! Everyone gathers in a circle ... the first person starts their pile of swap cards around the circle with each weSTAMP member taking a card. You should hear the ooohs and aaahs as the swap cards are passed around! Lots of comments swarm the room like "OMG! That is so cute!", "How did you do that?", "Which stamp set is this?", "How did you come up with this great idea?", etc. The swap is definitely the highlight of the evening, and we always save it for last.

This pocket card was our Make 'n Take (the very first thing we do at our meetings) provided by Diana Knight ... This was the door prize provided by Jessica Blair, and won by Ginny Schembri ...

Our swap theme this month was Masculine Birthday or Father's Day. Here they are ....

by Pam Wood, Creative Inking ...
by Ginny Schembri ...
by Linda Bickley ...
by Lorri Heiling ...See instructions for this wallet on Lorri's blog, Confessions of a Stamping Addict.

Yes, this actually opens like a wallet with slots for gift cards, etc.!by Diana Knight ...

by Leah Sinatra ...
by Tammy Heiling ...
by Terri Guyman...
by Jessica Blair ...
I posted my swap card yesterday. Click HERE to view it.Can't WAIT for next month where we'll be creating swap cards using a sketch!

SCS FEATURED STAMPER CHALLENGE FS64 Sf9erfan

I played along with this week's SCS Featured Stamper Challenge a few days ago but couldn't share until now. You see, tonight is our SU Demo Group (weSTAMP) meeting, and I'm using this card for our Masculine Birthday/Father's Day Card Swap. Hopefully, they're all busy putting the finishing touches on their cards instead of reading my blog! Check back over the next couple of days ... I'll be posting the swap cards, along with lots of great RAKS I've received recently!

Anyway, this week's SCS Featured Stamper (FS64) on SCS is Michelle, Sf9erfan. I didn't even pay attention to Michelle's description of her original card until now. Turns out, her card was inspired by a card by Silke Ledlow, My Life, who's card was inspired by Faith Hofrichter, Stampin' With Markie's Mom. Funny how we all are inspired by each other!

HERE is Sf9erfan's beautiful SCS gallery. HERE is Michelle's card I chose to case. Instead of listing the things I changed, I think it's easier to list the things I didn't change which are the colors, the general layout, and the star theme.

The Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel was inked in Versamark and rolled along the left side of the River Rock background CS. To create the 3-D stars, the Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel was again inked in Versamark and rolled onto another piece of River Rock, then on to Chocolate Chip, then on to Always Artichoke ... and punched with the Small and Large Star Punches (which fit the images from this jumbo wheel perfectly!).

RECIPE
Stamps: All Holidays, Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Always Artichoke Prints DP, Chocolate Chip, River Rock, and Always Artichoke CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Embellishments: Pewter Brads, Chocolate Chip Poly-Twill Ribbon
Tools: Small and Large Star Punches
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals

I'M A GREAT SWAPS GIRL !!!

I received the most exciting news this weekend! Do you remember the new blog I talked about in THIS POST a few days ago? This new blog was formed by a group called Great Swaps Girls, a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who formed an invite-only swap group. This group began in August of 2007 after a thread on SCS bemoaned the quality of swaps demos were receiving at convention. High-quality, top-notch swaps is what GreatSwaps is all about. And great conversations, too. Well ...... I have been invited to be a part of this super-talented group of stampers!!!! I am just flyin' high with excitement! WOOHOO!!! What made the invitation even more fun is that my friend, Silke Ledlow, My Life, received her invitation from GSG this weekend too!

I'm so very much looking forward to seeing what this new adventure holds for me! Thanks for letting me share my news with you!

TART & TANGY TRI-FOLD POCKET CARD

Beate Johns recently wrote a tutorial for Trifold Pocket Cards on SCS, and I just had to try one! My card uses the very popular Tart & Tangy stamp set and Summer Picnic DP ... both from the Occasions Mini Collection 2008. Sales from this catalog have been extended to June 30. There's extra time to fill your wish list from this wonderful collection!RECIPE
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, sentiment from A Perfect Day Rub-Ons
Paper: Summer Picnic DP, Real Red, Whisper White, and Old Olive CS
Ink: Old Olive and Real Red Markers
Embellishments: Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Old Olive Poly-Twill Ribbon, Red Clip (non-SU)
Tools: 1 3/8" and 1 1/2" Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Plate or other rounded object

FEATURED SWAPPER CASE ... JACKIE PEDRO

There's a new blog in town called Great Swaps Girls, formed by an invitation-only swap group of Stampin' Up! Demos (lots of extremely talented stampers!). They've issued their first ever Featured Swapper Challenge, showcasing the gallery of my friend, Jackie Pedro (strappystamper on SCS)! I couldn't pass up the chance to case Jackie! You can view Jackie's incredible gallery on SCS HERE, and her blog, The Scalloped Edge HERE.

HERE is Jackie's card I chose to case. Things I changed: a) I used the color combo of Very Vanilla, Sage Shadow, and Basic Black ... Jackie's color combo is Whisper White, Soft Sky and Basic Black, b) I used the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, and Jackie used Diamond Rough Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, c) I used the Rub-On word "Dream" and Jackie used "Make A Wish", d) Jackie used pearls from the Pretties Kit, and I used gold brads and a non-SU pearl and gold brad.

No matter how many times I photographed this card, I could not get the paper piercing along the bottom to show up without distorting something else on the card. Just like Jackie's card, there IS paper piercing along the bottom edge. The large flower is a black Rub-On from Eastern Elegance on Very Vanilla CS.
RECIPE
Stamps: None. All images are Rub-Ons from Easter Elegance.
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Sage Shadow CS
Ink: None.
Embellishments: Gold Brads, Non-SU Pearl Brad
Tools: Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

TART & TANGY SUMMER PICNIC GIFT SET

This is a gift set I'm providing as a class for my local stamping friends. It uses the new Tart & Tangy stamp set and Summer Picnic Designer Paper in the Occasions Mini Collection 2008. My inspiration for this gift set started with Jackie Pedro, The Scalloped Edge. See Jackie's Tart & Tangy gift set HERE. Although my sample uses various birthday sentiments, class participants may also choose a thank you card theme for their gift set. This class will be held just in time to give this gift set as a Mother's Day gift.

HERE is a tutorial by Holly McMillen (Toy on SCS) for the Card Box.

EDITED TO ADD: I did make some alterations to Holly's tutorial ... the CS for my lid was cut 6 1/2" x 3 5/8", instead of 6 1/4" x 3 5/8". The CS for the strap was cut 11" x 1", instead of Holly's 8 1/2" x 1".

This card is cased from Joanne Basile, just a little something. See Joanne's original card HERE.
This card is an exact case from Jackie Pedro.

RECIPE
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, various "happy birthday" or "thank you" phrases from assorted stamp sets.
Paper: Summer Picnic DP, Real Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Bashful Blue CS
Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Classic Ink Pad, Real Red, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip Markers
Embellishments: Bashful Blue, Real Red, and Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Bashful Blue and Real Red Brads,
Tools: 3/4", 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack, Slit Punch for scallop border on box
Supplies: Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

If you live in the Phoenix area, please contact me for class details!

APRIL STAMP CLASS

I've been quiet this week because I've been in "stamp class mode".... which I absolutely LOVE! I've got the best friends that make it so fun to teach stamp classes! They are the most loyal bunch that love whatever projects I prepare for them, and are always bringing someone new to class! THEY are how my SU business grows! I appreciate them so-o-o much !!!!

Here are our projects for yesterday's classes ....

GREAT GRADS GIFT CARD HOLDER

RECIPE
Stamps: Great Grads
Paper: 12 x 12 Whisper White CS, 8 ½ x 11 Tempting Turquoise and Real Red CS, East Coast Prep DP
Ink: Versamark, Real Red
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, More Mustard Brads
Tools: 1 3/8” Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Slit Punch, Star Punch, Heat Tool
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Clear Embossing Powder
Technique: Embossing
Inspired by: Patty Bennett at Patty's Stamping Spot, Jan Tink at Stamp, Paper, Scissors, Tara at Stampalicious . Both Patty and Tara provide instructions/tutorials.
Note: The medallion on the front of the holder is embossed ... once on Real Red, and once on Tempting Turquoise.

CRAYON RESIST MOTHER'S DAY
RECIPE
Stamps: Time Well Spent (Level Three Hostess), All Holidays
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Certainly Celery, and Glossy White CS
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Certainly Celery, and Groovy Guava Classic Ink Pads, Jet Black Staz-On
Embellishments: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template, Stamp-a-ma-jig for Sentiment
Supplies: Sponge Daubers, White Crayon (non-SU)
Techniques: Crayon Resist , Paper Piercing
Cased from: Wendy Janson, It’s All About Stamping!

WEDDING CARD
RECIPE
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Whisper White and Going Gray CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On
Embellishments: Going Gray Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Fancy Corners Cuttlebug Embossing Folder and Cuttlebug Machine, Scor-Pal
Supplies: Rhinestones from craft store, Glue
Techniques: Dry Embossing, Scoring
Inspired by: the many Cuttlebug projects by Sharon Johnson, No Time To Stamp.

WELCOME BABY CARD
RECIPE
Stamps: By Ones & By Twos (Occasions Mini)
Paper: Whisper White and Pretty In Pink or Bashful Blue CS, Pretty In Pink or Bashful Blue Prints DP (Level One Hostess), Vellum
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Embellishments: Pretty In Pink or Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals
Techniques: Paper Piecing, Paper Piercing, Dry Embossing
Cased from: Lisa Hoekstra on SCS. See her card HERE.


PICK A PETAL GET WELL CARD
RECIPE
Stamps: Pick A Petal, Sincere Salutations, Polka Dot Background
Paper: Blue Bayou, Cameo Coral, Soft Sky, Basic Black, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black, Cameo Coral, and Soft Sky Classic, Versamark for background stamp
Embellishments: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals, Pencil Eraser for eyes, Post-It Notes for masking mouth
Technique: Masking
Inspired by: justcrazy on SCS HERE

RAK from BECKY ROBERTS, INKING IDAHO

I am continually amazed over the friendships I've made with other stampers through blogging! I'm even more amazed each time I receive an unexpected hand stamped RAK in the mail from a fellow stamper. This RAK from Becky Roberts, Inking Idaho, came as a complete and pleasant surprise! I was immediately attracted to Becky's stamping style when I recently discovered her blog. Not only is her artwork gorgeous, but she produces high quality projects. See what I mean ....


These 3 x 3 notecards (with coordinating envelopes not shown) were created using Bloomin' Beautiful stamp set and Afternoon Tea DP, both from the Occasions Mini Collection. Aren't they gorgeous?!

SCS FEATURED STAMPER CHALLENGE FS63 SPARKLEGIRL

Another one of my favorite stamping artists is Featured Stamper on SCS today (FS63)! ... Silke Ledlow, known as Sparklegirl on SCS! Silke's work is a constant inspiration to me and it is so fun to be able to case her work "legally" ! I'm really hoping to get one more case in today, but I really need to start cutting cardstock for my upcoming classes.

Related Links:
SCS FS63 Challenge Details
Sparklegirl's Gallery
Silke's Blog, My Life
Silke's Card I chose to case.

When playing along with the Featured Stamper Challenge, you copy the Featured Stamper's card but change at least two things. In this case, I changed the colors and dp, the main flower image, and the sentiment is from a different stamp set.

My designer paper and textured cardstock are from the Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit. The large Wild Wasabi polka-dot flower and the Pretty In Pink/Regal Rose piece on the metal edge tag are both self-adhesive die cuts from this SSK too. RECIPE
Stamps: "happy birthday" from Eat Cake
Paper: DP and Regal Rose/Wild Wasabi/Whisper White Textured Cardstock from Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Embellishments: Pink Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Metal Edge Tag
Tools: 1/2" Circle Punch for the Wild Wasabi circle under the Rhinestone Brad
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SUMMER PICNIC BIRTHDAY - WSC44

Thanks to all of you who tried to help with my Blogger and Feedblitz problems! They are still not resolved ... I'm assuming for a couple of more days that it's their problem, not mine. What's a girl to do? Stamp, of course!

This card is my attempt at Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #44. I just got this stamp set, Big Birthday Candle, the other day and was anxious to use it! I also challenged myself to use Summer Picnic DP with a stamp set other than Tart & Tangy.

To me, the upper right hand corner of my card seems a little empty but every time I went to add something to it, it cluttered the card up. My candles were meant to be staggered and random (which bugged my DH). I just don't know if this card cuts the mustard or not ???

RECIPE
Stamps: Big Birthday Candle
Paper: Summer Picnic DP, Whisper White and Basic Black DP
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Pumpkin Pie Classic
Embellishments: Old Olive Poly-Twill Ribbon, Black Brads
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals
Techniques: Color Blocking, Paper Piecing

Don't forget about the What You've Got (WYG) Challenge making a long card using Bali Breeze DP! See all the details HERE! Hope you'll play along!