Wednesday, November 30, 2016

WOYWW 391 and Candy Canes

Winter is setting in as we are under hard freeze warnings.  Yesterday I covered our orange tree and 4 potted plants.  Some of those will come in after I get them pruned but I've not got room yet.  But today I'm giving you a glimpse of my desk as I head into Tucson, AZ with hubby to get his physical for his commercial drivers license and maybe do a bit of Christmas shopping. But I do need to tell you that this fun tour d' desks is put together by the cool Julia at the Stamping Ground.  My desk photo was take late yesterday afternoon while is was very busy.  I was trying to get kits made of my Friday morning class.


I hope I didn't shrink the photo too much but you can click on it to enlarge.  Far left in front of my red Cricut (which got a bit of use recenlty) a number of Christmas stamp sets and a couple ink pads.  Kinda middle is a package of circle dies sitting on top of a pack of paper which you can see far right being cut on the Platinum machine. There's a lot going on but about 2 hours later I was done and on to a nugget holder for the youngest granddaughter's birthday gift.

Last week you seen my desk busy making the last batch of a dozen Christmas cards.


I'll find out Friday if any of the 3 packages sold.  I have a class that morning of a trio of Christmas projects.


I still have to make my personal Christmas cards as I only have a few.  I did get some made for my personal recruits in the company I'm with but they'll get mailed Friday.  They've been in my car since Monday and I have yet to get to the post office.  Oh well.

So please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out the links to many other desks.  I'll hopefully hop along later this afternoon or tomorrow after I get home from work.

Monday, November 28, 2016

As American As Apple Pie

I FINALLY got my cards made from the November Bloom Box this past Saturday.  Angie and I worked on our boxes while our hubbies worked.  This fun Ala Mode stamp set is pretty cool and great for an Autumn or Thanksgiving card!


I enjoyed this first card as we made a bit of a basket weave piece for the 2 apple pies and the apple.  How fun!  I changed my card from the directions by sponging the Butter Cream piece with the sentiment with Hazelnut Blend ink. I also colored my apple red instead of green.


With a few swipes of Journey Glaze we added some Sparkle Cuts, kinda looks like sugar!


This card was so easy but I had an issue with my Glaze on the apples.  I was at the bottom of the bottle so added barely any water but that was too much!


We paper pieced the apples.  The tiny stem was a bugger to cut out but I like the overall look.

Card stocks:  Butter Cream, Cranberry Bliss, Oatmeal Cookie, Limeade Splash,
Black Licorice, and Hazelnut Blend

Inks: Black Licorice, Oatmeal Cookie, Hazelnut Blend

Silk: Dark Roast

Coloring: Color Burst Pencils

Embellies: Journey Natural Thread, Wooden Accents, and Sparkle Cuts

Other: Journey Glaze

Today when I get home from work I'll be cutting the kits for my class on Friday, A Trio of Christmas Projects (+1).  I have 4 signed up so far so I'll prep for 6. Busy, busy, busy!!  And I still have some more Christmas cards to make!!

Friday, November 25, 2016

Infinity and Beyond!

I'm a member of a large stampers group in Tucson, S.A.L.S.A. (Stampers at Large; Stamping Away). Last Saturday was our monthly meeting and I took part in a card exchange with the theme "The Sky is the Limit.' It just took a few minutes before my thoughts came together and here's my card....


I stamped the Starry Night background stamp on my background piece then used Denim Days and Gold PanPastels in a spiral design. The gold is so subtle but angle it in the light and it just glistens!


I used my Copic markers on the Infinity & Beyond ATS image.  Can you see the Denim Days oval it's adhered to?  I used the Gold PanPastel on it, too!  The text is stamped with Whip Cream ink.

Card stocks: Denim Days and Whip Cream
Stamps: Starry Night and Infinity & Beyond
Dies: Journey Ovals
PanPastels: Gold and Mother Nature
Other: Silver Sequins



Wednesday, November 23, 2016

My Desk and More Christmas Cards

Fall is finally arriving in southern Arizona if you go by the temperatures.  It's getting cooler and I have had the furnace checked to be sure it's ready for winter.  But today I'm going to share my desk and some cards from last week's desk for this What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.  This fun tour of desks is put together but head desker Julia at the Stamping Ground.  When you head over there from here you can click on her What is WOYWW? button and find out more about the desk hop.


I saved my picture a bit bigger but if you click on it, it should open up quite a bit bigger.  This is yesterday afternoon's project - cards for my team (I'll share them at a later date but the completed one is right in front of the red Cricut).  My desk is a mess with another project on the far right - wooden boxes primed for painting (1 under my ATG adhesive roller and 1 on the base of my Amaze machine with a stamp set in it). I hope to have the cards done this morning then work on the boxes as I need to get that stamp set back to its owner.

Since last week I've completed 2 sets of a dozen Christmas cards to try and sell.  They are NOT cheap like the boxed cards one can purchase at the big box stores. There's a LOT of work involved which many just can't  understand as many think handmade should be cheap. NOT!


I used a snowflake embossing folder for the background and Fun Stampers Journey stamps, inks, embellishments.


I found some sparkly embossing powder in one of my drawers and it might have to be tossed (it's over 10 years old).  It barely sparkles or sticks.  But it works at this times and does look very pretty in real life.

Please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out the links for the other desks on review.  There will be links added all day so you may want to check back.

And may all of you have a very blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving celebration!

Monday, November 21, 2016

It's a Surprise Pop Up!

I've been busy getting my samples made for my GVR classes and here's another.  It's the card I'll be teaching Jan.19, 2017 in Green Valley at Las Campanas.  (For more info contact Green Valley Recreation to register.)


I've taught this card before years ago at the AZ Scrapbooking store.  It's relatively easy.


When you pull the string at the top a flap pop ups as it slides toward the top and a hidden message is  revealed!


I made the star very blingy with our Stardust Glitter.  I hope to make a second sample this week.

Stamps:  Simply Amazing Bundle and Yummy Party stamp set
Papers: Be Amazing printed paper, Sour Lemon, Orange Rave, Black Licorice, and Whip Cream
Inks: Black Licorice, Electric Lime, and Turbo Teal
Other: Journey Glaze, Sparkle Dust,  and Black Licorice Thread

I used a small 1/8" hole punch from my stock but our Press Punch would work great!

Friday, November 18, 2016

Building Blocks.... A Card

I turned in my contracts to our local Green Valley Recreation department last week to get on the winter calendar.  I had to submit my class ideas back in April for the 3 that I hope to have.  This card was also submitted this week for a challenge on FaceBook from a fellow coach for a card with different folds.  Yep, it definitely qualified!!



I'll start with the cover.  Just an unassuming card, nothing to make you think it has different folds involved.


But open it....  Oh yeah!  I learned this card on Splitcoast Stampers and LOVE it!


Here you can see the folds better.  If you look at the back you would see some faint pencil marks I made to cut my card to do this design.


Here's a closer look at the Building Block section. 

Card stock: Whip CreamWatermelon Fusion, and Slice of Life Prints
Inks: Limeade Splash, Black Licorice
Stamps: Make Lemonade set, Marquee Type Bundle
Coloring Medium: Color Splash PencilsBlending Brush

This card was easier than I expected and I'll probably make another for a 2nd sample.  So many of my "students" don't have alphabet sets or stickers so I will not use the Marquee Type for the 2nd sample.
This class is scheduled for Feb. 15 at 1 pm at Las Campanas Social Center in Green Valley.  If you are in the area please contact G.V.R. to reserve your spot at the table.  There is a supply list for the class that you should get when making your reservation.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

My Desk and a Pack of Christmas Cards

I think we may be finally getting some fall temperatures here in southern Arizona.  We're supposed to have a high tomorrow of about 70*F and Friday my furnace guy is coming to make sure it's ready for winter.  But today,  not only is it still in the 80s but it's Workdesk Wednesday!  Yeah, you have to opportunity to see my desk in all it's work glory!  And I've been busy.  But this fun glimpse of my desk and many others is brought together by head desker Julia at the Stamping Ground.  This is week 389.  Yep, that's a LONG time and I've been involved since about week 189.  Are you ready?


Last week I was working on a pack of 12 Christmas cards and I am again!  Far left is a pile of my Christmas stamps and coordinating dies in front of my Cricut (which I did use recently for something else), then a stack of card bases.  On my Scor-Pal is a pile of scrap paper and a card base being folded.  Next right are card bases waiting to be folded.  Far right, my ATG adhesive roller, scraps of paper, and my Amaze die cut machine.  At the back of my desk are shelves, Copic markers, and ink pads.  Lots of goodies.

 I have a pile of embossed snowflakes ready (at the top of my Scor-Pal) and a prototype of the cards I'll be making just to the right of those next to my lamp base.  I hope to finish these today and move on to some more.  The cards from my desk last Wednesday are in my previous post.

Ok. Did you look around good?  You can click on the picture and enlarge it for a better look.  But now that you're at the end of my post please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out all the fabulous crafters who are brave enough to share their work areas.  I'll grab another cup of coffee and maybe we'll cross paths along the way!

Monday, November 14, 2016

Deck the Halls

I finally got a set of 12 Christmas cards completed and packaged to sell last week.  Amazing how long it took me!  But they turned out great (to my way of thinking) and should sell for $40.  Though the card is relatively easy, making 12 was time consuming!





I used my Black Stardust Gel pen on the berries and the close up pic you can see the shimmer from the pen.

Card stock: Whip Cream
Stamps: Holiday Sparkle Bundle (no longer available) and Classic Ornaments Bundle
Dies: Banner Parade
Embossing Folder: Yummy Dots
PanPastels: Rich Sorbet and Mother Nature
Inks: Black Licorice and Kiwi Slice
Other: Silver Thread & Silver Sequins

I need to make about 4 more sets of 12 so will be busy plus I'm working on cards for upcoming classes with Green Valley Recreation.  Got 2 class samples completed but ideas for the Scrap Happy class are flying through my mind.

Friday, November 11, 2016

A Christmas Dove

Today I'm showing you the 3rd project I'll be teaching at my Dec. 2 class.  I still wanted to do a card and I love this layout!

I decided to use mostly Whip Cream card stock for the simple elegance it has.  The striped layer is embossed with the Beach Towel folder.  I then layered the Summer Branch die cut over that.   I added a length of our beautiful Silver thread for a bit of bling.  I die cut the Pool Play card stock with our Circle die and added the piercing element. I used our (still available) Classic Ornaments bundle for the dove and to die cut it.   Oh, I stamped the phrase from our Oh Holy Bundle on the circle using Beach Breeze ink.  I added some Silver sequins to the card front before attaching it to the base.  A lot of Foam Squares were used but the effect if fabulous!  I stamped the dove with Rock Candy ink for a softer look.

Today I'm having a medical procedure since my mom had recurring colon cancer the 3 years before she died. Would appreciate prayers that no polyps or problems are found.  Thanks!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Christmas Stocking and Messy Desk

Well, it's Wednesday.  Yep, no denying it.  Hump Day.  And all that jazz. But today I'm going to enjoy day as the day we share our work spaces and possibly a project through Julia at the Stamping Ground.  If you are new to this "What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday" please head to Julia's at the end of this post and click on the "What Is" button at the top of her blog.  But now, you get to see my desk, and....  Oh my!



I am currently working on a dozen Christmas cards for the store where I sell my cards.  The people working there want cards to send to their clients.  I hope to get about 5 dozen done in the next week or two. Hmmm... better make that at least 2.  Oh, but my desk!  left to right... coordinating dies for the stamps I used sitting on top of the stamp packages.  My PanPastels that I'm using to color an image for the cards.  My actual working area where I'm assembling the bases of the cards.  And far right, my Platinum die cut machine with a completed card on its base next to the box of glue dots.

I've not taken photos of the cards yet but will share the 2nd of the 3 projects for my class.


We will be making a little Christmas Stocking Money Holder (money not included, of course).   I did add another sequin to the bottom right as it looks a bit off balance here.  All supplies are by Fun Stampers Journey.  My class is Dec. 2 at 10 am in Green Valley, AZ.  If you are a local from Tucson to Nogales and are interested in attending please contact me.  I just got my class email sent out Saturday and have 4 already!

Ok, now please head over to the Stamping Ground to connect with many other crafters from all over the U.S. and Europe!!  I missed last week as my brother and his wife were here.  And please say a prayer for me that no polyps will be found during my colonoscopy Friday morning.  Thanks!!!

Monday, November 7, 2016

A Treat Bag for Christmas

I have been busy working on the projects I'll be teaching December 2 at the Earth School in Green Valley, AZ.  Here's a picture of all 3 projects.



The Treat Box is big enough to hold a cupcake or something of that size.


It was relatively easy to make and I love how my die cuts came together so nicely! I used a couple Copic markers to color the ornament.

Card stocks & more:  Advent BoxKiwi Slice, Limeade Splash, Whip Cream, and Candy Apply
Dies: Everyday Tags, Wedding Sprig
Stamp Bundle: Classic Ornaments
Ink: Black Licorice
Other: Silver Twinkle Trim, Stapler & Silver staples, Paper Clip Elements, and Silver Sequins

If you live in the Tucson, Nogales, and points between and are interested in taking this class, cost is $18 and you must bring a basic stampers kit and a coloring medium of choice.  Please contact me through the button in the sidebar.  I will need your email.


Friday, November 4, 2016

My Anniversary Card to Hubby

My hubby and I celebrated our 35th anniversary recently.  I struggled trying to decide what kind of card to make him and decided on using our Hello Lovely stamp set.  I seen a cool design on Pinterest and gave it a whirl.


Only 1 thing is not from Fun Stampers Journey and that is my embossing folder, Swiss Dots.  It's one of the few that I didn't sell when I got rid of most of my non-FSJ items.  Making the diamond took a couple tries but I think it turned out good. I used my Copics to color.


I added Journey Glaze to the little buzzer's wings and added some Sparkle Dust.  It's a beautiful fine glitter.

I had to laugh when I got hubby's card.  The front was a bee hive with lots of little bees!!  Boy, how funny that we are starting to think alike after all these years!

Stamps: Hello Lovely
Dies: Snapshot Frames for the Love
Card stock: Denim Days, Summer Days, and Whip Cream
Other: Journey Glaze, Sparkle Dust, and Beauty Blooms (a Bloom Benefit that you can get FREE with a $50 or more order)

I have been working on items for my Dec. 2 class but hope to get some cards made soon.