MEMORY KEEPING

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family . . . (drum roll). . .  Ladies and Gentlemen please meet my newest grandson, Riley!

Isn’t he about the cutest little thing you every did see!  I am now the proud Grandma to two adorable boys and it is the best ever!  Here’s my other little favorite guy, Sam.

Love these two!  Each visit with these precious boys along with their parents is sweet and leaves fond memories.  Of course we take tons of photos when we’re together but those photos rarely get printed and into an album to enjoy.

In comes Jenny!  Jenny is a new gal to my Stampin’ Style classes who wanted to make traditional scrapbook pages instead of cards.  I had so much fun making these samples for her to create!  The process has helped me to determine (again!) to record our family memories.  I’ve already uploaded and ordered photos from Riley’s first day in the world to put on these pages – perfect timing.  Thanks Jenny!

(Thanks to fellow Demonstrator Kay Kalthoff for her layout that I borrowed and made my own.)

Another, quicker memory keeping method which I will probably turn to for help in catching up on those piles of photos, is Project Life by Stampin’ Up!  I started an album when Project Life by Stampin’ Up! debuted this Spring.  See that blog post HERE.  I’m working with the Everyday Adventure Project Life Card Collection right now but can’t wait to start using the Seasonal Snapshot Card Collection for the holidays.  And, shhh, don’t tell anyone, but there is a certain daughter and daughter-in-law who will be receiving the Little Moments Project Life Card Collection and Playground Project Life Card Collection for Christmas!

Here’s a video showing just how quick and easy Project Life by Stampin’ Up! is to use.  The video showcases the Love Story Project Life Card Collection and Accessory Pack.  Gotta Love It!!!!

 

We just celebrated Labor Day which to some is the official end of Summer.  No better way to get over the end-of-summer blues than to start planning for the next season!  Although it was EXTREMELY hot here in Kansas City this weekend, I started pulling out all my fun Fall decorations and putting them out.  That process got me motivated to do a bit of freshening up and deep cleaning.  No more worrying about the “pop in” because, for today at least,  my house is guest ready!

Another reason to smile about the loss of Summer?  The 2014 Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalog went live on August 28th!  It is chock full of great stuff to make your holiday gatherings, greetings and decorating awesome!  Follow the link in the side bar of this post to view a full-color PDF copy of the catalog.  If you would like to get your hands on a paper copy I would be happy to send you one.  Just email your request to me:  Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com.

 

 Click on the Weekly Deals photo above to shop for this week’s specials!

BACK TO SCHOOL ENSEMBLE – DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Price: $17.95 $10.77

Take your passion for paper, stamps and ink to a new level!  If you’ve been waiting to join Stampin’ Up!, wait no longer! When you join between August 21–28 you will receive $150 worth of products in your Starter Kits for just $99! Talk about a sweet deal! Contact me today to learn how you can get in on this great offer, but hurry—it’s only here for a short time!

You can enjoy all Stampin’ Up! discounts and benefits! – here are just a few highlights!

• Customize! Choose up to $150 worth of any Stampin’ Up! products for $99!
• A 30 percent discount on your first order (minimum $150 order placed within 45 days) . . . Imagine getting 30% off all the new goodies!
• A 20 percent discount on all your orders.
• The starter kit ships FREE (another 10% savings).
• Although you’re going to want to there’s no obligation to host workshops or purchase anything further.

Hobby Stampers Are Welcome Here!

READY TO GET STARTED?

 

 

 

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while.  After a couple weeks of not feeling very well I finally broke down and went to the doctor yesterday.  Two prescriptions later I am feeling a little better this morning.  Do you ever keep waiting to feel better and then forget how better feels – lol!  I think that is where I was at when it dawned on me yesterday that I was tired of feeling sick and tired and maybe there was something I could do about it.

Even though I have been pretty sluggish this week I was able to do a little creating.  Here is a card that I made for a Stampin’ Up! Group Meeting I’m attending on Saturday.

Not knowing how it would turn out I wasn’t too thrilled about this card at first.  When I finished it however it became one of  my new favorite cards!  I love how all the elements when put together make this a WOW card!  The colors used are the new Stampin’ Up! In-Colors – can’t get enough of them!  Also, the more I use the Hardwood stamp the more I like it.  The stamp really adds a lot of depth to this card.  The tag, which takes center stage, is a Framelit from the Chalk Talk Framlit Dies.  Stampin’ Up! is currently running a promotion for the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  If you’re interested see all the details HERE.

I would be happy to share the Project PDF for this card with you.  Just sign up for my e-mail list.  If you are already on my list send me a quick email requesting the “Hello” card PDF.  My email is Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

 

 

Big Shot and Bundles

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love when BIG opportunities come your way. And the Big Shot is a big deal Stampin’ Up! is offering for the entire month of August!

Two Choices:

1) Buy a Big Shot, Item #113439 and get a free bundle below.

  and/or

2) Buy a discounted bundle below at a 15% discount.

Bundles                                            Item #        Stamp Set                     Framelits                  Price

Sumthin’ w/Bubbly Words (C)    138920       Sumthin’ Sumthin’        Word Bubbles            $31.25

Sumthin’ w/Bubbly Words (W)   138923        Sumthin’ Sumthin’       Word Bubbles            $33.75

Decorative Goodies (C)                  138921        Oh My Goodies              Deco Labels                $35.95

Decorative Goodies (W)                138924       Oh My Goodies               Deco Labels                $42.25

Celebrating Chalk Talk (C)           138922        Day of Celebration        Chalk Talk                   $37.25

Celebrating Chalk Talk (W)          138925        Day of Celebration        Chalk Talk                   $43.25

Flowery Daydream (C)                  138910        Daydream Medallions   Floral Collection        $45.75

Flowery Daydream (W)                 138911        Daydream Medallions   Floral Collection        $54.25

Bright & Beautiful Stars*              138200        Bright & Beautiful           Star                              $43.95

Bright & Beautiful Stars*             138644        Bright & Beautiful           Star                              $50.75

*From Holiday Catalog

 

Last night I had the opportunity to participate in the Queen Bee Girls Night Out event at the Zona Rosa Town Center in my community.  Such a fun evening full of music, food and shopping!  Here is a photo of me with my table.  I apologize for the quality of the photo but the lighting was not the best.  The table appears to be a hot mess but up close and personal I think it was presentable – lol!

Guests who stopped by the table were able to make this cute little tag.  We used a stamp from the Work of Art stamp set creating an ombre effect by using the stamping off technique (a fancy term for stamping off on scratch paper before stamping onto project – lol!).  I absolutely love the Work of Art stamp set and use it a lot!

What Girls Night Out is complete without prizes?!  Each vendor supplied a gift to be raffled off.  There are so many beautiful products in the Stampin’ Up! Catalog I just couldn’t decide so my donation to the event was the catalog along with a gift certificate.  I’m so excited to see what the winner chooses!

As a show special I am offering FREE shipping for all orders placed by Monday, August 4, 2014 at 10 AM.  To receive FREE shipping you must place your order with me directly.  For FREE shipping email your order to Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com with your contact information.    If you have any questions or need help with your order please do not hesitate to email me with your contact information.  My email is leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

I took an extra early flight out to Convention last week so that I could attend an optional class.  We created this adorable favor using the Fry Box Bigz L Die.  Isn’t it cute?  This project convinced me that I had to order the die.  It will be perfect for creating all sorts of fun for the upcoming Fall and Holiday gatherings coming up!

The box was made using the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine along with the Fry Box Bigz L Die. The lid was made using the Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die.  The box clasp was made using a Mini Brad with a Pearl Basic Jewel attached. Hint:  Attach the brad “loose” by slipping the edge of your paper snips between the brad base and box.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to purchase a Big Shot, that time is August! When you buy a Big Shot during the month of August, you’ll receive your choice of one of five FREE exclusive stamp set and Framelits bundles (that’s up to a $60 US value absolutely free!).   If you already own a Big Shot, we’re also offering a 15-percent discount on these select bundles. Check back on August 1 to get all of the details!

Supplies:

Cardstock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stacks 133703, Island Indigo 122923, Daffodil Delight 119683, Whisper White 100730

Stamps:  Tag Talk 134249 (W), 134252 (C)

Ink:  Island Indigo 126986

Accessories:  Fry Box Bigz L Die 132966, Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die 127005, 1-3/4″ Circle Punch 119850, Label Bracket Punch 132153, 1/8″ Circle Paper Punch 134365, 1/8″ Mini Brads 122941, Pearl Basic Jewels 119247, Mini Metallic Clothespins 133320, 1/8″ Gold Ribbon 134583, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just returned from five days of jam packed Stampin’ Up! fun!  The 2014 Inspire. Create. Share. Stampin’ Up! Convention was full of learning, celebrating and meeting new friends (along with eating way too much!).  The cards above were created using one of the stamps sets we received at registration.  Kinda Eclectic is going to be one of those sets I will turn to time and time again.  So many elements to be layered as I did on the cards above or used solo.  Notice how the card on the left is a simpler version while extra elements were added to the card on the right to take it up a notch?  Either way I think they are beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLIES:

• Stamps:  Kinda Eclectic 135347 (W) 135350 (C)
• Ink:  Hello Honey 133643, Mossy Meadow 133645, Tangelo Twist 133646
• Cardstock:  Whisper White 100730, Crumb Cake 126975, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack 133701
• Accessories:  Whisper White Medium Envelopes 107301, Honeycomb Embossing Folder 129378, Elegant Butterfly Punch 127526, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack 133787, Linen Thread 104199, Basics Hodgepodge Clips 133765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few photos from 2014 Inspire. Create. Share. Stampin’ Up! Convention.  So much fun I can’t wait until next year!

First morning waiting for the doors to open with my awesome Upline, Angie. (Please don’t mention the huge bags under my eyes – lol)

Stampin’ Up! Cofounder & CEO Shelli Gardner

 Inspire. Create. Share. Celebration!

 

WEEKLY DEALS!

Here are the Weekly Deals for this week:

Calypso Coral Celebration Add-On Kit Item # 133431
Regular Price: $9.95
Discounted Price: $7.46
Celebration Basics Kit Item # 133007
Regular Price: $14.95
Discounted Price: $11.21
Curly Label Punch Item # 119851
Regular Price: $16.95
Discounted Price: $12.71
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch Item # 119275
Regular Price: $15.95
Discounted Price: $11.96
Pumpkin Pie 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon Item # 130015
Regular Price: $8.95
Discounted Price: $6.71
Crushed Curry 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon Item # 130019
Regular Price: $8.95
Discounted Price: $6.71
Bitty Banners Big Shot Die Framelits Item # 129267
Regular Price: $14.95
Discounted Price: $11.21
Summer Happiness Kit – Digital Download Item # 130076
Regular Price: $9.95
Discounted Price: $5.97

TO PURCHASE ANY WEEKLY DEAL CLICK HERE.

If you’re in the U.S. you probably just finished one of my favorite kind of weekends – the three day kind!  We had all our chicks in the nest for the holiday.  On Friday the guys went golfing and the gals, plus Sam, went to the pool.  Here’s a photo of Sam telling Nonni all about it!  Isn’t he the cutest grandbaby ever – love that guy!

And here’s a photo me poolside:

 

Surprise!  You didn’t think there would be photographic evidence of me wearing a swimsuit did you?  As you probably noticed I don’t spend a lot of time in the sun – I’m having too much fun stamping!!!

After a relaxing day we all met back at the house for a fabulous Fourth of July cookout.  There’s nothing better than great food with people you love, right?!  I used June’s Paper Pumpkin Kit to create some great patriotic decorations and  cute little party favors for everyone.   My Paper Pumpkin Kits arrive with everything you need to make seasonally inspired cards, home decor and gifts.  Subscribe monthly and you are billed when the kit ships or purchase one, three, six, nine or twelve months at a time for yourself or as a gift.  Find out more about My Paper Pumpkin HERE.  I loved this kit and can’t wait to see what Stampin’ Up! has in store this month!

As evening came it was off to grab a spot in the park for our community fireworks display in time to stand in line for fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade and kettle corn.  As Rachel Ray would say, “Yummo”!

It was a wonderful weekend of celebrating with the ones we love that ended way too quickly.

Stampin’ Up! Work of Art

Our June’s Stampin’ Style Classes focused on the Work of Art Stamp Set.  This stamp set comes with 11 huge stamps – I love them all and know this set will be getting a lot of use!  The cards also feature one of my favorite things from the new catalog; Stampin’ Up’ Thick Baker’s Twine.  Here are the cards we created.  Aren’t they cute?!

SUPPLIES:

• Stamps:  Work of Art 134111 (W) 134114 (C)
• Ink:  Coastal Cabana 131175, Crisp Cantaloupe 131176, Pistachio Pudding 131177,
• Card Stock:  Whisper White 100730, Crisp Cantaloupe 131298, Pistachio Pudding 131294, Silver Glimmer Paper 135314
• Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439, Chalk Talk Framelits 129983, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack 133787, Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker’s Twine 135636, Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246, Stampin’ Dimensionals 104430

 

Just Five More Days to Join for $50!

Take your passion for paper, stamps and ink to a new level! Now thru June 30th join Stampin’ Up! for just $50 and choose up to $55 in products with FREE shipping!

$99 STARTER KIT (choose up to $125 in products)
$50 STARTER KIT (choose up to $55 in products) – FOR A LIMITED TIME. Offer ends June 30, 2014
Choose up to $55 in product. This is a perfect way to REJOIN Stampin’ Up! or “test drive” all the perks of being a demonstrator with no obligation to purchase anything further!

With either starter kit, you can enjoy all Stampin’ Up! demonstrator discounts and benefits! – here are just a few highlights!

• Customize! Choose up to $55 ($50 kit) worth of any Stampin’ Up! products OR up to $125 ($99 kit) worth of any Stampin’ Up! products.
• A 30 percent discount on your first order (minimum $150 order placed within 45 days). The new catalog starts June 2 . . . Imagine getting 30% off all the new goodies!
• A 20 percent discount on all your orders.
• Free Paper Pumpkin Kit included with the starter kit.
• The starter kit ships FREE (another 10% savings).
• At a minimum, enjoy Stampin’ Up! discounts and benefits through October 31 (the end of the first FULL quarter plus a pending month) with no penalty to drop.
• Renew additional quarters if you reach $300 in purchases or sales.
• There’s no obligation to host workshops or purchase anything further.

Hobby Stampers Are Welcome Here!

Ready to get started?

Weekly Deals 6/24 thru 6/30

 

Here’s the Stampin’ Up! Weekly Deals:

• Regals Designer Buttons Item # 130029
Regular Price: $7.95
Discounted Price: $5.96
• Envelope Liners Framelits Die Item # 132172
Regular Price: $26.95
Discounted Price: $20.21
• Finishing Touches Edgelits Die Item # 127010
Regular Price: $9.95
Discounted Price: $7.46
• Window Frames Collection Framelits Die Item # 129021
Regular Price: $26.95
Discounted Price: $20.21
• Squares Collection Framelits Die Item # 130921
Regular Price: $26.95
Discounted Price: $20.21
• Smoky Slate Stampin’ Emboss Powder Item # 129396
Regular Price: $4.95
Discounted Price: $3.71
• Summer Possibilities Kit – Digital Download Item # 134705
Regular Price: $7.95
Discounted Price: $4.77

My Paper Pumpkin

I always look forward to my little orange box to arrive every month and June’s kit did not disappoint!

Subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin and receive a kit delivered to your door each month – you are billed when the kit ships.  You may also order pre-paid subscriptions to My Paper Pumpkin in the length of your choice (1, 3, 6 or 12 months).  When you order you will be given a redemption code to redeem on mypaperpumkin.com.

I have been paper crafting since 1995 and have tried a lot of different ways to organize my card stock and papers.  8-1/2″ x 11″ paper is pretty easy to contain using items found in the office supply departments of any big box store.  Stacking paper trays are a relatively inexpensive choice if you have the space and can keep the papers out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Because my craft space is shared with a common living area in our home I like to keep my card stock out-of-sight but handily available at the same time.  This is how I am currently storing my 8-1/2″x 11″ card stock:

 

8-1/2″ x 11″ Stampin’ Up! Card Stock Filed by Stampin’ Up! Color Collection

 

I found this cute little file storage boxes at Target.  I bought up several along with coordinating accessories at the same time because Target  refreshes their inventory often and it is hard to find matching items later.

Here are the file boxes on the open shelves that house a lot of my paper crafting supplies.  I wish I could tell you that the shelves look this good today but I can say that they are still organized and functional if not as neat, tidy and empty!  The file boxes look cute and are easy to tote over to my workspace when I’m creating.

Storing 12″ x 12″ card stock and papers gets a little trickier.  You can purchase stacking trays but usually need to go on-line to find them and they are not as inexpensive as the 8-1/2″ x 11″ size.  For several years I used these to store my 12″ x 12″ card stock:

I’ll be honest, this method frustrated me A LOT!  I stored the card stock side-by-side using the Roy G Biv color coding system for solids and sorted patterned paper by collection.  This system was hard for me to maintain and return papers to the proper spot.  Also, the papers would wrinkle and curl at the edges.

When I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator I began storing my 12″ x 12″ card stock and designer series papers in large zip-lock bags by color collection like this:

This worked fine and kept the card stock in good shape but was still a hassle to find what I was looking for or to know what I had.  The hanging file storage was working so well with the 8-1/2″ x 11″ card stock that I decided that would be the best way to go with the 12″ x 12″.  Yesterday, while at Hobby Lobby I found this:

Scrapbook File Box by Iris

Eureka!  This Scrapbook File Box by Iris holds 12″ x 12″ paper and came with three acid free file folders.  I was able to use my 40% off coupon so triple word score!  Because Hobby Lobby only had one on the shelf I headed over to Michael’s.  Michael’s did not have the file box but did have packages of the hanging file folders so another coupon later I am well on my way to a system that I like.

My next organizing project involves a solution for my punches.  This is how they are currently stored:

Looks tidy enough but there are punches behind punches that can’t been seen and consequently are forgot about.  It’s also difficult to pull a punch from the bottom of a stack without upsetting the whole system.  I would welcome any and all suggestions!  How do you store your punches?

Today is my 33rd wedding anniversary!  It really seems like we should be a lot older than we are to have celebrated that many years of wedded bliss!  I was 19 when we married – who has the maturity to make that kind of decision at 19?!  I tell people it was the best dumb decision I ever made because I could not imagine spending the years with anyone else by my side!  Bruce’s motto is, “God had a plan.”  Our faith has kept us.  God has gone before us, been in the middle of us and had our backs always.

This is us May 30, 1981:

 

And this is what has become of us:

Our daughter Ashley, her husband Josh and their son Sam (our grandson – woot woot!), along with our Son Jonathan, his wife Brooke (and a baby on the way – woot woot!).

And we shouldn’t forget these two:

Love my life so much – feeling blessed (and a little weepy) today!  Oh, and since this blog is about paper crafting below is a photo of the card I made for Bruce today.  I used the elements from the May My Paper Pumpkin kit but substituted the stamps to suit the day!

Thanks for strolling down memory lane with me today!

 

Masculine cards can get a little tricky especially for gals like me who enjoy a whole lot of bling on their cards!  With Father’s Day just a couple weeks away though it’s best to think manly man right?  This card fits the bill with the neutral colors, the sponging and a great stamp set!  Check out the video tutorial below to see just how easy this card was to put together and let me know what you think.

 

 

Dimensions:

Card Base = 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inch Crumb Cake Card Stock

First Layer = 4 x 5-1/4 inch Early Espresso Card Stock

Stamped Layer = 5 x 3-3/4 inch Very Vanilla Cardstock

Third Layer = 3-3/4 x 1-1/2 inch Early Espresso Card Stock

Sentiment Layer = 3-/12 x 1-1/4 inch Very Vanilla Card Stock

 

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Gorgeous Grunge 130514 (W) 130517 (C)

Ink:  Crumb Cake 126975, Midnight Muse (retiring) 126860

Card stock:  Crumb Cake 126975, Early Espresso 126974, Very Vanilla 101650

Take your passion for paper, stamps and ink to a new level! Beginning today (for a limited time only) you can choose from one of TWO Stampin’ Up! Starter Kits!

$99 STARTER KIT (choose up to $125 in products)
$50 STARTER KIT (choose up to $55 in products) – FOR A LIMITED TIME. Offer ends June 30, 2014
Choose up to $55 in product. This is a perfect way to REJOIN Stampin’ Up! or “test drive” all the perks of being a demonstrator with no obligation to purchase anything further!

With either starter kit, you can enjoy all Stampin’ Up! demonstrator discounts and benefits! – here are just a few highlights!

• Customize! Choose up to $55 ($50 kit) worth of any Stampin’ Up! products OR up to $125 ($99 kit) worth of any Stampin’ Up! products.
• A 30 percent discount on your first order (minimum $150 order placed within 45 days). The new catalog starts June 2 . . . Imagine getting 30% off all the new goodies!
• A 20 percent discount on all your orders.
• Free Paper Pumpkin Kit included with the starter kit.
• Free registration to our annual Convention (must be registered by the 20th of June and subject to availability). SEE BELOW!
• The starter kit ships FREE (another 10% savings).
• At a minimum, enjoy Stampin’ Up! discounts and benefits through October 31 (the end of the first FULL quarter plus a pending month) with no penalty to drop.
• Renew additional quarters if you reach $300 in purchases or sales.
• There’s no obligation to host workshops or purchase anything further.

Hobby Stampers Are Welcome Here!

READY TO GET STARTED?

 Retiring Items Sale!  

Get your favorite products before they’re gone for good! 

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

• Retiring Stamps (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

  PDF

Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack Item # 130132
3-1/2 Inch Circle Originals Die Item # 121811
Sweet Buttons Embosslit Die Item # 121813
Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper Item # 126917
Full Heart Punch Item # 119883
Typeset Alphabet Bigz Die Item # 127553
Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die Item # 123128
Spring To Life Kit – Digital Download Item # 133026

 

My Paper Pumpkin

Subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin and receive a kit delivered to your door each month – you are billed when the kit ships.  You may also order pre-paid subscriptions to My Paper Pumpkin in the length of your choice (1, 3, 6 or 12 months).  When you order you will be given a redemption code to redeem on mypaperpumkin.com.

Don’t forget to check out the New Arrivals and the

Clearance Rack as well!

Okay folks, this is my first attempt at using the new Stampin’ Blendabilities markers. These exclusive alcohol-based marker sets, come in a 3-pack of light, medium and dark shades (of the same color ) and provide your projects a more saturated look with blended colors.  Stampin’ Up! is currently working with their manufacturer to determine when the markers will be made available for purchase to our customers but as a Demonstrator I was allowed to pre-order select colors.  The man in brown delivered my box of goodies today and I couldn’t wait to open these up and give them a try!  The stamp set is called In This Together and will be available when the 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog goes live on June 2nd.  If you would like a catalog find out how you can get one for FREE HERE!

Supplies:

Stamps:  In This Together 133866 (W) 133869 (C) Available June 2nd!

Ink:  Momento 1432708 Available June 2nd! Stampin’ Blendabilities Availability to be Determined

Card Stock:  Rich Razzleberry 115316, Brights Designer Series Paper Stack 130134

Accessories:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack 133787 Available June 2nd!, Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246