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.).

SALE-A-BRATION IS HERE !!!!

It's Sale-A-Bration time again at Stampin' Up! and free product is what it's all about!

Every year Stampin' Up! gives customers, hostesses, and new demonstrators the opportunity to earn fantastic, FREE, limited-edition stamp sets they'll enjoy for years to come.

When you spend $50 on Stampin' Up! merchandise, you'll receive a free Sale-A-Bration reward. There's no limit-for every $50 you spend, you can select another free Sale-A-Bration reward!

During Sale-A-Bration, anyone who joins as a demonstrator can choose any stamp set--a value of up to $47.95--from the Spring-Summer 2008 Collection ... FREE! Plus, new demonstrator recruits get 20 percent off the Demonstrator Starter Kit--over $350 of Stampin' Up! products and business supplies for only $159!

The Sale-A-Bration promotion starts on February 1 and runs through March 17, so don't miss your chance to earn free products! You can view the Sale-A-Bration brochure online HERE. Contact me for details: nrileycm@cox.net