MY TIME PARISIAN BREEZE VASES IN VOGUE

I could really get used to this summer gig of stamping almost every day! I'm in heaven! This card uses Lauren Meader's My Time To Create Sketch Challenge 33. I've used two retired hostess stamp sets - Vases In Vogue and Best Yet, along with the current Parisian Breeze Designer Paper. The Baja Breeze Corduroy Brads are currently available through the Occasions Mini Catalog.

This is my first attempt at this kind of ribbon treatment. It took some trial and error, and I still wonder if there is an easier way to do it but I really like the end result! I used a small piece of hemp twine to tie the two ends of ribbon together, then punched a hole through the ribbon and cardstock with my Handheld 1/16" Circle Punch near the tie for the Corduroy Brad to go through.
RECIPE
Stamps: Vases In Vogue (retired), Best Yet (retired)
Paper: Parisian Breeze DP, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Embellishments: Baja Breeze Corduroy Brads, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Blender Pen, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

iPICKS, Week 30

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 30 ...

Teresa Kline's Shabby Chic Card (enjoy the va.sunshine).

Tessa's Simple Circle Circus Card, Upsy Daisy Card, and Wings of Friendship Card (1st Photo) and Simple Friendship Card (2nd Photo) (Crafty Girl Designs).

Jen Tapler's Grandpa Card (JenTapler Designs).

Stephanie Hargis' For The Love of Cupcakes Card (Steph's Stampin' Stuff).

Joanne's Celebrate Summer Patchwork Style Card (...just a little something...).

Christine's Doodle This Card (ChristineCreations).

Monika Davis' Embrace Life Card (M.A.D. Stamper).

Jo's Congratulations Cards (Stampin 'n Stuff).

Diana Gibbs' Party Hearty Card (Stampin' With Di).

Kerri's Butterfly Box (Cards By Kerri).

Kerry's Designer Paper Squares Card (Kerry's Paper Crafts).

Amy Sheffer's World's Best Father Card (Pickled Paper Designs).

Lynette's Baby Shower Banner and Decor (Netter's Notables).

Andrea's Mojo Sketch Card (Andrea's Scrap-and Stempel-Blog).

PARISIAN BREEZE SWEET SUNDAY SKETCH

This card uses Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 21 with the sentiment from All Holidays and Parisian Breeze DP. A great sketch for Stampin' Up! designer papers!

I'll be back tonight with iPICKS!



RECIPE
Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Parisian Breeze DP, Kraft, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Baja Breeze Satin Ribbon from Ribbon Originals, Flower Fusion Too, Light Blue Circle Ice Rhinestone Brad
Tools: 1 1/4" Square Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

RETIRING INDEPENDENCE DAY

It feels so good to stamp again! Here is another stamp set about to retire on June 30 - Independence Day. I used Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try 6/06/09. This is not one of my favorite designs, but I'm still warming up! Please bear with me, stamping friends!




RECIPE
Stamps: Independence Day
Paper: Washington Apple DP, Rockability Specialty DP, Kraft, Night of Navy, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Riding Hood Red and Night of Navy
Embellishments: 5/16" White Jumbo Brads, Star Designer Brad
Tools: Large Star Punch, 1/2", 3/4", and 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

CASEing RENEE

Today, I came across THIS CARD (third project in post) by Renee at Stamping for Sanity. I fell in love with the main image and knew I just had to CASE it! I don't think I've ever seen this soon-to-be-retired stamp set, Heartfelt Thanks, stamped in these bright, cheerful colors. This sentiment is from the stamp set, Hugs & Wishes. It will also be retiring on June 30, 2009.

I've been asked frequently if I'll be attending Stampin' Up! Convention this year. Again, and unfortunately, the answer is "no". I'd soooo love to be there but financial limitations keep me from attending.RECIPE
Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Hugs & Wishes
Paper: Sweet Always DP, Summer Picnic DP (retired), Pink Passion, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black Staz-On, Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie, and Close To Cocoa
Embellishments: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, White Brads (non-SU)
Tools: Scallop Border Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SINCE I'VE BEEN GONE ....

* I've ended my school year at work.
* Tested, interviewed and accepted a new position within the same school district at a new school for the upcoming school year.
* Drew promoted from 8th grade.
* Allie graduated from high school.
* Held a graduation open house for Lord knows how many people were there! (It was awesome!)
* My mom, four aunts, and two uncles visited Phoenix from Iowa & Nebraska for one week. (had an incredibly good time with them!).
* John and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary.

Needless to say, the last few weeks have been very busy and very special at our house! Here's a photo of Allie in her cap & gown, along with the awesome hand stamped cards Allie received from my stampin' friends and family!
by Karen Laub ...My amazing sister-in-law Norene made the next three cards. One is from her & my brother-in-law, one is from her parents, and one is from her daughter's family. Norene made all three, and made all three different knowing Allie would be the recipient of them. So thoughtful!by Gaylene Dickinson ...
by Leah Sinatra ...
by Sandy Braddock ...
by Lorri Heiling ... (more information about Lorri's projects HERE)

an anniversary card from Lorri Heiling ... (more information about Lorri's card HERE).
For those of you that follow the monthly weSTAMP swaps, I had to sit out of the May meeting and swap. If you'd like to see the swaps cards you can see them HERE on Lorri's blog.

I'll be stamping quite a bit this weekend and coming week ... hope to be sharing frequently!

NEW IN COLORS

Stampin' Up! has done it again this year! - introduced another collection of In Colors we're all sure to fall in love with! (available July 1, 2009) In addition to the usual Ink Pads, Reinkers and 8 1/2 x 11 Cardstock, you'll also find 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, and Textured 8 1/2 x 11 AND 12 x 12 Cardstock in the new In Colors!

LAST CHANCE LISTS

A new Stampin’ Up!® catalog is right around the corner (July 1), which means it’s time to say farewell to dozens of stamp sets and accessories in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the last chance products! They are only available until sold out or June 30, 2009, whichever comes first. Check the list to see if any of your favorites are there—then buy them now by e-mailing me at nrileycm@cox.net, before they are going, going . . . gone. Supplies are limited and run out very quickly. Be sure to place your order promptly.

Last Chance Retiring Accessories List and Sale (up to 50% Off)
Download Last Chance Retiring Stamp List Alphabetical
Download Last Chance Retiring Stamp List By Page #
Download Last Chance Décor Elements List

iPICKS, Week 29

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 29 ...

Lynn's Hello There Eastern Blooms Card (LW Designs).

Stacey Schafer's May All Your Wishes Come True Card (Stacey's Stampin' Stage).

Christine's Spring Beauty Card (ChristineCreations).

Crystal's A Flower For All Seasons Card (Crystal's Crafty Creations).

Heather's Welcome Little Sprout Card (Witty Title Here).

Vera's Pick A Petal Card (Vera Stamps).

Jen Sannes' Living Life at the Beach Card (Simple & Sincere).

Anthonette's 3 Cute Robots Card (Chavez Designs).

Andrea Walford's Bella Rose Friendship Card (Sunny Stampin').

Jill Hilliard's Manchester Masculine Card (Jill's Card Creations).

Kirsten Kennedy's Fifth Avenue Floral Card and Wild About You Card (Kkennedy Design).

iPICKS DELAY

Hi everyone! I'm unable to post my iPICKS this Sunday evening. We had Allie's graduation party last night, and have family in from out-of-town. I'll try my best to get them posted tomorrow (Mon. 6/01). Sorry for the delay.