Canvas Cuts Class

On Friday, Vicki and I were playing with the new Canvas Cuts that are in the 2009 Spring Summer IBC, along with the Fashion District Rub-ons and Jumbo 5/8" Brads. We were busily planning the Canvas Cuts Class scheduled for February 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. In this class we will be making five projects. We also incorporated the Taste of Textiles paper and the To The Nines Specialty Paper in the projects. Oh goodness, did we have fun!!! I'm sharing with you one of the projects we will be creating. And yes, there is a story!!

Notice the green color in this card. It is Sage Shadow. Now, I'm not a big fan of this color; however, I'm in love with Chocolate Chip. I pulled out the To the Nines Specialty Paper and was getting really to pull out the Baja Breeze cardstock. As usual, Vicki kept me on the straight and narrow path and told me it was Sage Shadow. I didn't believe her so she pulls out the catalog and shows me! Alas, it really is Sage Shadow!!! I love the color combination in the To the Nines Specialty Paper and I now have a new admiration for Sage Shadow!

To sign up for this class, the fee is $35.00. You will be getting a package on the Canvas Cuts, Fashion District Rub-ons and Jumbo Neutral Brads. You can go ahead and sign up and pay below which makes it quick and easy for you! Payment is due by February 16, 2009. I look forward to sharing these new products with you, as well the projects we have planned!!!!

Canvas Cuts Class

Hope to see you there!!!!

Stair Step to Love

Well, I've pulled out that Valentine Bundle and played again! This is called a stair step card and there are numerous variations out there. I thought this was too darn cute and loved the 3-D look to this card and the fact that it fits in a regular envelope. Below is a list of the items I used to make this card:

Stamp Sets: Love You Much, Holidays & Wishes

Cardstocks: Pink Pirouette Textured, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Candy Lane DSP

Classic Ink: Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red

Other: Flower Fusion Two, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Silver Brads, Paper Piercer (from Crafter's Tool Kit), Button Bouquet Designer Series Buttons, Linen Thread, Dimensionals

I hope you've enjoyed this stair step project. I LOVE it!

Fan Fold Card

I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to when I can retire. No, not from stamping, but from my job at the law firm. My boss and I have a deal - I can retire when she retires. Hum .... since I'm about 5 years older than her, I hope she retires early! Well, either way, I hope I get a gorgeous card like this when I do retire. With the combination of stamp sets and DSP, just looking at this card relaxes me. I'll share with you some of the products I used to create this card.

The stamp sets are Gods Beauty and Congrats. Gods Beauty is a Level I hostess set and can be earned FREE having a workshop with at least $150 in sales! The Congrats set can also be earned FREE!! This set is a Sale-A-Bration set is you can get it with a purchase of $50 during the months of February and March. I also used the Raspberry Tart DSP, which is so gorgeous! It coordinates with Kiwi Kiss, Pretty in Pink, Kiwi Kiss and Rose Red cardstock. I'm not sure what it is about the color combinations, but I find them very soothing!!!!!

Book a workshop during February and March and earn both of these sets for FREE!!!

Lets Move and Shape!

Don't worry, this blog post is not about exercising. I would never do that. However, Stampin' Up! has introduced a new exclusive die called Movers & Shapers Curly Label die. To the left, is a picture of the die. Let me explain how it works.

You see the bottom portion of the die is exposed metal. There is a shape, which is the Curly Label shape, that is magnetized and adheres to the metal. Now, you can move that Curly Label shape anywhere on the metal meaning you can put the Curly Label shape anywhere. Also, if you cover the die with cardstock, it will create a standard size card (5-1/2" x 4-1/4") and you'll have a score line for the fold!! This die so excites me!!! I love it!!! And, does this shape look familiar? It is a tad bigger than the Curly Label Punch that Stampin' Up! carries and the Cute & Curley stamp set coordinates perfectly (it fits right inside). Below is a card I created for a recent swap. The first picture is the front of the card and the second picture is what the card looks like when it is open. I also used the new Organza Ribbon and Eyelet Border punch. I have to tell you, I truly love all the new products I have to play with .. there just isn't enough time!!! Please come back and you'll see more goodies!!! Remember, you can click on any of the pictures to see them larger and in more detail!

Sparking Pizzazz

On Sunday, I had my Scrapbooking with Phyllis class and we had a great time! As you can see from the prior post, the title on the page was die cut using the Sizzix Go Go Boots dies! I really love the ease of cutting out the letters with the Sizzix!! At the end of the class, we pulled out some of the new products for a little Show and Tell session. One of things we pulled out was the new Backgrounds I Stampin' Up! Texturz Plates. I love the look they create on cardstock!!! I used two different texturz plates on the card on the left. If you click on the card, you will be able to see a larger, more detailed picture. It certainly is hard to capture the texture using a camera! One has dots and the other has the Damask texture. Now, there is a difference between embossing folders and texturz plates. Texturz plates create texture. The images are not deeply embossed, that is where you would use some type of embossing plate. They are not to create the focal image of your project, but enhance the focal image on your project. They truly add an elegant look to this card!!!

Stampin' Up! carries two different packages of Texturz Plates. The Backgrounds I package is an exclusive Stampin' Up! package, which means it is only available through Stampin' Up! and sells for $11.95. The other pack that we carry is Texture Plates Kit #4 and sells for $9.95. Both can be found on pg. 193 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC. When you purchase the Texturz Plates, you will need two other tools to use them (other than the Big Shot machine) which are the Texturz Impressions Pad ($5.95) and the Texturz Silicone Rubber ($5.95). Don't forget them!!!

Remember that Texturz Plates are a quick way to enhance your projects -- you'll love them as much as I do!

Scrapbooking with Phyllis

Today is my January Scrapbooking with Phyllis class. Above are the two pages we are making. I love these classes for two reasons -- I get to share my love of scrapbooking with you and I get some scrapbooking done! My son is now 21 years old and no longer lives at home. Yes, this is a good thing. But, as many of you mothers know, I do miss him at times! But -- I get to re-live some of his childhood by scrapping his pictures!!!

When I started creating the pages for this class, I was focusing on a winter theme. Doesn't look like it ended up that way, does it? Well, depending on the pictures and the embellishments you use, this is probably one of the most versatile layouts and color schemes you could use. It would work great for winter, spring, summer, baby or wedding! I pulled out the stamp set Holiday Blitz which has stamps for every occasion to use with these pages and the people attending today's class will get to customize their pages! They can pick their theme and their title if they have something else in mind!

The next Scrapbooking with Phyllis class is scheduled for April 26, 2009. There is plenty of time to plan so put it on your calendar now so you can attend. The class fee is $20 and we always have a ton of fun. Also, keep in mind that seating is limited and payment of your fee will hold your spot!

Re-live some of your memories and create your page!!! You'll have a blast, I guarantee it!

Oh, on a side note, I have the pages we've created in a separate scrapbook and my husband came in this morning and was looking at them and talking about the Christmas pages I created. He really enjoys looking at the scrapbooks and they stir up many emotions and fun just talking and sharing details about the events!!!! Try it, you'll like it!

Manhattan Textured Impressions Diez

Did you miss me yesterday? Oh, it certainly was a busy day, but I'm all ready for the Stamp A Stack which is this afternoon and the Scrapbooking with Phyllis class tomorrow afternoon. I'm really excited about the projects we'll be making! I also received my order from Stampin' Up! of new products, but have only been able to play with just a few things so far. I can't wait!!

I bet it was hard to read my first paragraph because you were probably drawn to this absolutely gorgeous card, not weren't you!! Me too! This project was demonstrated by Shannon, a Stampin' Up! employee, at Leadership to show us some of the new products and there are quite a few on this project!

First, take notice (how could you not!) of the flowers on the cardstock. Yes, they really are raised. They were created with the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die. This is the first impressions die being offered by Stampin' Up! It is in the 2009 Spring Summer IBC on pg. 202, but take note that it is not available until March 1. You can bet I'll be ordering it that same day!! This die is exclusive to Stampin' Up! and coordinates with the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set. I love that Stampin' Up! has Sizzix products that coordinate with their stamp sets! How unique and wonderful is that!

Secondly, check out the cardstock!! This card is made from the Bronze cardstock which is part of the Taste of Textiles specialty paper offered on pg. 156 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC. I did get this product in my order and was surprised and delighted that it is 12" x 12"! Woo hoo!!!! I know, it says right in the description that it is 12" x 12", but like I would read that???!!!

Third, Chocolate Glitter!!!! Yummy, isn't it!!! On the image that was embossed, Shannon applied two-way glue and dipped it in glitter. I wish you could see this in person because my mouth dropped wide open (not a pretty sight!) and I really couldn't take my eyes off the card. The Chocolate Glitter is found on pg. 180 (lower right corner) of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC. I do have a Glittery Sweet Class scheduled for May 23, so mark it on your calendar now. You won't want to miss it!!!

Fourth, there is the satin Baja Breeze ribbon .. umm!!! This is part the of the Valet Ribbon Originals package found on pg. 178. I really love all the ribbons in this package because they are so elegant!!!

I hope you enjoy this project as it really incorporates quite a few new products in a beautiful way!!! When I get this die, you can bet that I'm going to re-create this project. You know, one of my good friends, Susan, was the lucky winner of a door prize at Leadership that included this die. Hum .... I think I need to go pay her a visit!

Tweet Tweet

Oh boy, here's that bird again, huh, and another card from the Leadership boards. Can you believe there were so many beautiful projects on these boards? I still have tons left to share with you -- they are like the energizer bunny -- they keep going and going!!! Let me tell you about this card!

One of the elements that attracted me to this card was the use of the bird with the Bella Birds DSP. I remember when Stampin' Up! was a little weak on their DSP (background papers), but they certainly are on track now and everytime I see a new catalog, I want practically all of the DSP!!! The catalog just doesn't do the paper justice because it is so much prettier in person (I learned that over the past year or so). This year Stampin' Up! offered us a little sampler of all the DSP and yup, I want it all! Let me tell you also about two items used with this card -- the Good Friend Stamp Set and On Board So Tweet. If you remember, I showed another post earlier this week with the Good Friend Stamp Set and the bird. The difference in this card is that the bird is NOT from the stamp set, it is from the On Board So Tweet. The background flower and word phrase is from the Good Friend Stamp set. Yup, I heard you ask -- what is the On Board So Tweet. It's a new package on pre-cut chipboard! This really gives you such a great 3-D element to your card and is pretty simple to create! Just select your chipboard piece and trace it on your DSP, then cut it out. You then adhere it to your chipboard using adhesive. The Stampin' Up! Glue Stick is my adhesive of choice for chipboard. Once you do that, just take you rSanding Block and go around the edges to give you a nice and smooth look!!! Ta da!!!!

Below is a picture of the On Board So Tweet chipboard. You'll notice a few of the items missing, because it's so hard not to use when you get it!!!! You'll also see that you get birds and owls ... and this chipboard also coordinates with the Good Morning Sunshine DSP!!! Gotta love that!

The On Board So Tweet is located on pg. 183 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC and sells for $14.95. What a bargain for all the chipboard elements you get in this package!!!

I hope you are enjoying all these ideas! On a side note, don't overlook the layout of the card above -- I love that! Well, actually I love everything about this card!!!!

Have an awesome day!!!

p.s. My order is scheduled to arrive today with some of the new goodies from the 2009 Spring Summer IBC. I can't wait to play and I'll let you keep you posted on the goods!

Decorating Linen Albums

Stunning. Yes, that is exactly what this is! I bet you feel the same way.

I just never think about decorating the outside of the my linen albums, but I'm so anxious to try this I can't stand it. This album was created by Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s CEO. Don't let the title scare you because she is such an approachable and generous person! I've seen and spoken with her numerous times and she makes the Stampin' Up! demonstrators feel special and always makes time for us, no matter how many pressures and commitments she has. I urge you to visit her blog she recently started which is www.soshelli.com.

This album perfectly represents Shelli's style, which is elegant and vintage. Have you noticed the little hearts in the new 2009 Spring Summer IBC? That means they are part of the So Shelli Signature Collection which exemplifies her style!! She even showed us how to do this at our recent Leadership conference by using the new line of Stampin' Up! stencils found in the new Decor Elements catalog on the last inside page. If memory serves me correctly, I believe she used Craft ink and attached the hodgepodge hardware using Crystal Effects. Hopefully, my stencil will be here on Thursday so maybe I can find some time soon to play with this!!!! Oh, and check out how she incorporated the flowers from the Pretties Kit that she colored!!!

Well, I'm off to the legal world for another day! But I'll be home tonight and plan on completing the projects for Saturday's Stamp-A-Stamp. I can't wait because you know, I just love life when I stamp!

Enjoy your day!!!!

Confessions of a Stamper

My name is Phyllis and I'm addicted to Stampin' Up! punches!!! There, I've admitted it to the whole world! Now really though, how can you not be addicted to SU punches!!! Check out this card from the Leadership boards. Do you recognize the four punches used? Well, they are the Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Round Tab Punch and Trio Flower Punch (oh goodness, I almost missed that one). Don't they make the cutest little purses!!! I love them. Also, notice the sparkling embellishments! They are from our Rhinestone brads. But wait, where's the brads??? (Hum, I'm thinking way back to a Wendy's commercial where this little old woman was saying "Where's the beef?" - that was Wendy's commercials, wasn't it?) Well, if you bend the prongs off the back of the Rhinestone brads, the sparkling center just pops out! How's that for bling!!! Oh oh .... and do you love the stamped word image? It's from the On Your Birthday stamp set that is absolutely awesome!!! You should check out the other stamps in that set when you get a chance -- it's on page 141 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC.

Well, it's late again and I'm still that same silly girl that was posting last night about this time. It's off to bed! (Oh, on a special note, I prepared five out of the ten cards for the Stamp A Stack scheduled for this Saturday --- whoa baby -- they too are awesome)!!!

Sweet stamping dreams . . .

Good Friend

There are many exciting things about attending Stampin' Up! events, one of which is getting a FREE stamp set! At Leadership, we received the Good Friend stamp set found on page 91 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC. At first, I wasn't too excited about this stamp set, but after we used it, I fell in love. You guys know how I am -- I stamp an image like a bird, frog, etc. and I just giggle because I think they are looking at me and actually winking at me. Okay, so I live in this fantasy world, but isn't that part of the fun of stamping? But you see, this bird is actually talking to me ... his mouth is open and can you see the sparkle in his eye? Ah ha -- you do!!!! Opps, it's a rhinestone brad!!! My bad!!!

Check out the patterned paper that is used on this card -- it's called Good Morning Sunshine. It is so bright and the patterns on each and every sheet are too freakin' cute!!!! There is a whole sheet of birds .. and also a whole sheet of owls!! They sure do make a lot of noise! he he!!!

Welp, this little birdy is just waiting to become a part of your family - he's already a part of mine!!

(side note -- it's my bedtime, I'm getting kinda silly. I'll stop posting now!!)

Elegant Organza Ribbon

Elegance, yes, that's what this ribbon is all about!! This is the new Organza Ribbon which only comes in Whisper White. It is 5/8" wide and you get 15 yards, which really goes a long way! It sells for $5.95 and is located on pg. 179 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC.

Also in the glass are the new 1/2" Library Clips in COLORS!!! Yes, they really are. The come in an assorted package with Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Whisper White. You get eight clips in each color for a total of 24 clips for $6.95. They are on pg. 176 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC.

Check out the lower right corner of the photo and you will see the Latte Designer Buttons. There are 30 buttons in each package with 3 of each button. The colors of the buttons are Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Very Vanilla and Whisper White. A package sells for $7.95 is is also located on pg. 176 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC.

Are you waiting to hear about that Pumpkin Pie Ric-Rac ribbon? It is part of the Pig Tails Ribbon Originals package which includes two different ribbons (one being the Pumpkin Pie ribbon you see in the photo). You get 5 yards of each ribbon for $13.95. These specialty ribbons are absolutely gorgeous. Check them out on pg. 178 of the 2009 Spring Summer IBC.

Orders from the 2009 Spring Summer IBC can be placed starting today at 2:00 p.m. eastern standard time! I can't wait because I have my list all ready to go!!!! Woo hoooooooooooooo!!!

Birds In Love

I look at this card and just think how adorable it is! Another card from our recent Leadership conference. This card uses two stamp sets. The Love You Much stamp set is in the 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog and is in the current Valentine Bundle special (which ends on January 31, 2009). The word phrases are from a stamp set Congrats which is actually a FREE stamp set! Yes, you can earn this set FREE during the months of February and March with a $50 purchase! So, mark you calendars because you won't want to pass up on this set!!!

Project Supplies for 2009 Spring Summer IB&C

Last Wednesday when I received my 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog, I diligently went through every page and "oohheeedddd" and "aaawwweeeddd" on practically every page. By the time I got to the end of the catalog, I was on cloud nine. Then, I saw the supplies list was not in the catalog! I gasped!!! I thought, what was Stampin' Up! thinking????? Are they crazy??? I use this section over and over and over again!!! I also know that many of you use this section.

The next day at Leadership, I learned that the Supply section would be available online. Hum, okay, that's better -- I can handle that. I wasn't sure whether it would just be available to demonstrators or would be available to everyone, but this was definitely something that I could work with! I know that Stampin' Up! needed room in the catalog for all the new and wonderful products, so I was happy.

But, it gets better!!! I actually SAW the Supplies List and, well, was blown away. Not only is it available to YOU, it contains thumbnails of the projects so you can tell exactly what receipe goes to what project. See, after being part of Stampin' Up! for eight years, I should know better to trust their decisions as I think this is a spectacular feature. Do you want to see it? Okie dokie. CLICK HERE!!! After you open it, what I would do, really I did do this, is to save it to your computer so you have it at your finger tips!!!

I hope you enjoy this new feature, because I think you'll love it!

Inspired ...... by Nature

Do you recognize this stamp set? It's called Inspired by Nature. This stamp set was introduced in 2008 and is truly beautiful. They also used the word set called Absolutely Fabulous on this card. This is another card from the Leadership boards that is one of my favorites!! Again, I do not know who created it ... but if it was you, just let me know so I can give you credit.

I'm sure that the flower image was created using Stampin' Write Markers to color in different sections on the stamp, then, after breathing (to remoisten the ink) on the stamp, the image was stamped on the cardstock. Now, and this is the part that really sets this card apart, they took the grassy image and stamped that on top of the flower image towards the bottom. UMMMMM ... isn't it lovely!!!! It acutally looks like you are looking in a field of wild flowers. You know, I travel the interstate to and from my day job alot and I love the season when the wild flowers are blooming. The really look wonderful on the interstate and I applaud the State for planting them!! Yes, I do pay attention while I'm driving (he he), but when you are sitting still ... they are really nice to enjoy!!!

I think this card can be created in a matter of minutes!!!! Do you have 5 minutes??? Sit down and make this card!!! It will make you feel better, I promise!!!

Cameo Petal Pizazz

I wanted to share with you another card that was featured on the display boards at Leadership. Again, this was probably created by another demonstrator and if it was you, please let me know so I can give you credit!!! Your card rocks!!!

This card just "popped" off the board and caught my eye. I love the colors and the layout she used. Notice how the Scallop Circle coordinates with the inside image!!!! You do have to cut out the large image -- but that's what Paper Snips are for! There are two stamp sets used on this card -- Thank You Kindly and Petal Pizazz. Petal Pizazz is a new set featured in the 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog. I can share this with you because demonstrators were able to purchase this set in December. Along with being allowed to purchase the Petal Pizazz stamp set, we were also able to purchase some new Designer Series Paper, Raspberry Tart, which is also used on this card. This paper is very popular and was the theme for many of the products offered in Momento Mall. Did I pique your curiosity?? Momento Mall??? Well, this has got to be one of a demonstrator's favorite places!!! At Stampin' Up! events such as Convention and Leadership, they have a place where we can shop and purchase special items such as pencils, note pads, sweater and the like with the Stampin' Up! logo. At Leadership, one of the items was a file tote to carry around your 12" x 12" paper -- and the outside was covered with Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper!!!! Yummy!!!!!!

Remember, the catalogs have arrived so let me know when you'd like to come by and pick it up! Even it you didn't pre-order it, you can purchase yours for only $5.00 which is my cost. Then, make sure you have some free time, because you'll savor every moment you have the 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog and you won't want to put it down!

I HAVE BOXES . . . .

. . . . of the new 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog!!! Wooooo hoooooooo!!!! If you have pre-ordered your catalog or are a Stamp Club member, you are more than welcome to pick up your catalog. It's awesome and I feel confident that you'll love it as much as I do!!!! I'll be home tonight after 7 pm so if you would like to stop by, feel free to do so!! :-)

PJ Stampers Downline Meeting

On the second Tuesday of each month, I hold my downline meeting where we discuss business topics and we get to Stamp, Play and Create. I always look forward to these meetings because really, they are not meetings, they are a group of women who enjoy getting together. You know, during all Stampin' Up! gatherings, the one thing that is discussed is relationships --- that is what stamping is about -- relationships! In my before Stampin' Up! life, I pretty much stayed to myself. It's amazing that once you get that rubber stamp in your hand, you can't help but share it. As soon as you start sharing it, you realize that you are sharing yourself and this sharing develops into relationships -- ones that I will cherish forever!!! My downline is great -- and they put up with me!!! Definitely gotta love that!!!

Anyway, we made four projects tonight, two of which I can share with tonight that we made using Sale-A-Bration sets and two were made with a new Stampin' Up! set (I'll share those with you next week).

This card was created using the Yummy stamp set. Believe it or not, the image on the Whisper White cardstock is one stamp!! I inked the filigree with a Certainly Celery Stampin' Spot, then the words with the Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker. I also added a large Filigree Brad and used the 3/4" circle punch to put a circle behind the Filigree Brad! I really love the look that adds to this card. For the bottom of the card, I used the So Swirly Jumbo Wheel. This is one of my favorite wheels and I was thrilled that I still have at least another six months to share this wheel with you.

I wanted to incorporate two of the Sale-A-Bration sets on this card and used the Congrats and Botanical Blooms stamp sets. It is a 3" x 3" card. These are two of my favorite Sale-A-Bration sets. First, I love the Congrats set because it celebrates so many different occasions. One of those is a stamp for retirement, which I haven't seen in a long time! Thank you Stampin' Up! The Botanical Blooms set is gorgeous because it is a two-step stamping set and the solid images are, oh shoot, I'm not sure how to explain it! Notice on the card that the solid image stamp is different shades .. yes, that's it ... you get differents tones or shading on the image, just by inking it. Stampin' Up! introduced this type of stamp a couple of years ago and you get such an elegant look with simple stamping! The red and black color combination is a classic one -- perfect for this card!!!

Remember, Sale-A-Bration starts on February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009. For every $50 purchase (prior to shipping, handling and tax), you can get one FREE Sale-A-Bration set! There is no limit neither!!! Woo hoo!!!! I hope you can earn them all!!!

Just Buzzin By goes Under the Stars

Do you love this card as much as I do? Unfortunately, I was NOT the creative artist that did this. This card was featured on one of the Stampin' Up! Project Boards at Leadership. If you are the person who created this project, please let me know so I can give you credit!!!

This card uses two stamp sets -- Just Buzzin' By (which is a new set) and Under the Stars (which is in the 2009 Fall Winter IB&C). I love how she cut out the bees and honey pot -- that bear looks like he is just guarding that honey pot!!! Don't you think the colors and layout are also perfect!!! When you look at these Project Boards, sometimes the cards blend together and then you have cards that just pop out at you -- this was one!!!

I definitely want to re-create this card because I think it's adorable! Don't think you are the only ones that copy projects because you know, I'm not that creative! Stampin' Up! demonstrators love to share their projects with you and with other fellow demonstrators and that is what I love!!

Class Schedule Updated

I just wanted to let you know that my class schedule has been updated through June 2009. This doesn't mean that additional classes will be added, this is just what I have scheduled right now based on some of the exciting new products in the 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog. If you take on look in the right column, you'll see the Upcoming Class Schedule! I'm looking forward to seeing you at these classes!!!

Creative Options with the Big Shot

In the event you were wondering, the Sizzix Big Shot is definitely here to stay. You'll see a variety of new dies in the upcoming 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book and Catalog which I want to tell you about!

Texturz Plates: There are two packages and each package contains three texturz plates with a different design on each side giving you a total of six designs. They are large enough to completely texture a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card! What do they do? They create a pattern on your cardstock. You'll love this effect!!!

Textured Impressions Die: This is a folder type die where you insert the cardstock into the folder and run it through the Big Shot. Right now, Stampin' Up! has introduced one Textured Impressions Die which will be available some time in March -- but look for more to come after that!

Embosslits Dies: Like the Impressions Die, they are also folders, but smaller and in addition to embossing the image, they cut out the image. When I first saw these, I was so excited to be able to combine embossing and cutting in one quick step!!! Oh, and they still excite me!!

Sizzlets: You are probably familiar with these, but they are small dies that cut your cardstock and Designer Series Paper. They come in sets of four, as well as packages of one die. Love, love, love them!!

Originals Dies: These dies measure 4-3/4" x 5-1/2", cut through various materials such as paper, plastic, and chipboard and are used with Standard Cutting Pads.

Sizzlits Decorative Strip Dies: They measure 2-1/4" x 12" and are thin like the sizzlets. They cut through cardstock and Designer Series Paper. They are used with Extended Spacer Platform and Decorate Strip Cutting Pads.

Bigz Dies: These dies measure 5-1/2" x 6" and again cut through various materials such as paper, plastic and chipboard. They are used with Standard Cutting Pads to create ornaments, boxes, embellishmnets, tags, envelopes and more!!!

Bigz XL Dies: These dies measure 6" x 13-3/4", so you can imagine how long the are! They cut through the same materials as the Bigz Dies and you need to use the Extended Cutting Pads to create boxes, bags, pennants, envelopes and more!

Bigz Clear Dies: Oh, these soooo excite me!!! They measure 5-1/2" x 6" and cut through the same materials as the other Bigz dies and are used with the Standard Cutting Pads. However, they are clear based dies so you can easily position the die over your cardstock to see what you are cutting!!!!! There is one that is just like a Rolodex card ... I can't wait to get that one!!!!

It is so nice to have a machine that is affordable, portable and can do so many different things! At the February Stamp, Play and Create, we will be using a Bigz XL Die called Movers & Shapers Curly Label which has a unique feature where there is a piece on the die you can move to cut the curly label where you want it!

There is a video on my Stampin' Up! website which will show you project you can make using the Sizzix Big Shot! Click here to view it and enjoy!!!!

Stamp, Play and Create - January 2009

Doesn't this card just take your breathe away!??? I love how the Baja Breeze coordinates so nicely with the Chocolate Chip cardstock. Oh, but wait, that is not Chocolate Chip cardstock!! Okay, so I have a story!!

Once upon a time, there were two demonstrators, let's call them Phyllis and Vicki, and they were creating projects for an upcoming workshop. Trying to use some products that we haven't used in a while, we pulled out the Carousel Notes II. They are large scallop notes in Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze cardstock. They also come with large square Chocolate Chip envelopes. Now, we started with the scallop notes and created an adorable project. (to be published in a future post). However, once we created the project, we realized that we would have all those large square Chocolate Chip envelopes left over! What to do? Well, we created a secret message card!!!! Here's the scoop on how to make the card!

First of all, fold in the flap on the envelope and fold the envelope in half so the flapped edge is on the right and on the inside of the envelope. This creates the bottom of your card. We stamped the images on the Naturals White cardstock and Baja Breeze cardstock and adhered them to the front of our card (envelope).

Now, let's decorate the inside!!!! We cut a piece of Baja Breeze cardstock and inserted it where we tucked in the flap to the envelope -- our secret pocket! On the top of the envelope, we attached the inside of the card. The Baja Breeze cardstock just slides underneath the Naturals White cardstock so you can't see it (except for the Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon that just begs to be pulled). You put your secret message on the Baja Breeze cardstock!!!!

Both Vicki and I were thrilled when we were done creating this card. I hope you enjoying making it!!! You can also experiment with different size envelopes!!! Oh, and one of the great things about this card, is that it can be mailed in the Small Open End Envelopes!!! Woo hoooooooo!!!

Pull out those envelopes .. and create!!!!!

Update from Orlando

Good afternoon everyone! I'm finally resting and relaxing after a wonderful day in Orlando. Vicki and I slept in and were absolutely lazy this morning! Well, not really, because we have done so much planning for the upcoming months for classes and workshops, so we are really excited. Of course, we really work well with nourishment so Vicki took me back to this crepe shop that she and Tanya visited earlier this trip. I have to share this picture with you because it truly shows you how much Vicki loved these crepes!!! Really she wanted to get the recipe for them, but they wouldn't share it with us!!! So, sounds like we need to schedule another trip to Orlando!

We spent the rest of the day walking around the hotel area and enjoying the 76 degree sunny weather before we head for home early tomorrow morning. The flowers are so beautiful and I just love taking pictures of them!! Below are just a couple of pictures of them and I can't wait to scrapbook them!!

During our travels, we met a cute manatee and she allowed me to have my picture taken with her!! Isn't she just adorable??? I had told Vicki and Tanya I was surprised not to have seen any lizards and lo and behold, we saw several of them today! I was excited to be able to get a great close up picture of this little guy!!! When he scrambled away, I certainly jumped!!!

I'm sad and excited to be coming home tomorrow because it is so beautiful here, but I miss my home and my hubby and my cats and ... my stamps!!!!! I am eager to stamp and place an order, but I'll be waiting until the 19th to order from the new catalog!!

Also, I was hoping to be able to post some pictures on my blog of new products; however, it is against Stampin' Up! policy. I appreciate your patience and will share them with you as soon as I can!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!!!