Spotlight Technique Swap

I rarely ever join in on swaps,, except one-on-one swaps, but I have decided I will try to do more swaps. So, when Linda Z. on FB wanted to do a Spotlight Technique swap and it was only 5+1, I decided this was the one to start with. I borrowed the "Music Expressions" stamp set from my best friend and customer, Margarethe and made these. The one with the rose spotlighted is the one I sent in, I had extras and liked the bird, so I decided to do a few for myself with it.

Cole's Baby Memory Pail

Well, it has only taken me 9 months to finally get the Baby Memory Pail made for Risa's new little boy, Cole (Dec. 2008 post). She was doing the same theme her twin sister, Roxie had done for her little boy, Jake and I made him one (my first - April 2008 post) using the "Wild About You" and "Monkey Business"stamp sets. I was going to use that set again, but do something different and before I got started, Stampin' Up! came out with this new wonderful Designer Series Paper called "Tall Tales" and then Denise Jorgensen shared this bag she made with it on one of the LNS groups. I now had a completely new vision in my head and had to change everything and get the new paper. I finally got it and finally got a chance to sit down and get serious and make it.

First, here is the bag by Denise that inspired me:

And now, the pail I made for Cole...

I love the way it came out and can't wait to send it to her, but first I need to finish one I am working on for her first son, Patrick. He is 3 y.o. now. I wasn't making these when he came along, so I am going to make him a small one with his favorite theme - trains. I am using the Choo Choo stamp set. I also wrote a new little poem (with the help of some stamping friends) since he is older, I decided he needed a different poem on his. I will post a picture of it when I finish it, which should be within the week - I hope!

New Marvy Uchida Metallic Pearls Ink Pad Giveaway

Check out http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/Metallic-Pearl-Inkpads-Giveaway for a chance to win 3 NEW Metallic Pearls Ink Pads by Marvy Uchida. I haven't tried these yet, but hope to win some. I have other types of Marvy Uchida ink pads and like them, so I am sure these will be just as nice for something a little different. Good Luck!

MORE SUMMER FUN!

From Aug. 1st - 31st, spend $35 on stamp sets from the Growing Up section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (pages 74-90) and receive a FREE package of Designer buttons--a $7.95 value! Eligible buttons are: Playground Designer buttons (#116313), Sherbet Designer buttons (#116312) and Button Latte Designer buttons (#114333)

Purchase the brand-new Décor Elements Growth Chart(#117519, $24.95), only available August 1-September 30, and as an added bonus, receive a free applicator tool with your purchase (a $1.95 value).

40% OFF Summer Cook Out Kit

Stampin' Up! is excited to announce that beginning August 1, the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit (#118070) is being offered at a 40% discount--making it just $14.95! And with plenty of summer left to celebrate, it's a great time to take advantage of this huge discount. The Summer Cookout Refill (#119193) is also still available at its regular price of $9.95.

This special offer only goes through August 31, or while supplies last, so contact me a.s.a.p.--and make your summer an occasion to celebrate!

Dream Garden and Razzle Dazzle

On Saturday, I finally held my Open House. So, I thought I would share the make-n-take we did with you. I couldn't find my Ticket Corner punch, so my sample was not punched, but I asked one of friends/customers that was coming to bring hers and we were able to punch the corners for it. It definitely made a difference in the look. The punched corners give it a little more of an oriental flare, I think. The background for the stamped images is done with the "Polished Stone" technique, using Real Red, Rose Red, and Gold reinkers. I dabbed the paper twice to deepen the color as the alcohol does cause the colors to lighten. The stamp set used is "Dream Garden". This is my new favorite set.

For those that RSVP'd by a certain date, I promised a gift. So for that I made each person a pocket-size notebook decorated with the "Razzleberry Lemondade" DSP and the "Razzle Dazzle "stamp set. I also used the new "In Colors" that were in the DSP for the bound edge and the scalloped circle. This one is using "Rich Razzleberry". Love that color. They also received a small pen with their notebook.