The Stamping Dragon

It's nearly Christmas!

2010-12-14T08:53:00.006-05:00

About time I jumped back into the blogging scene! Here is one of a few Christmas cards I made recently. The ruffle around the greeting was made with a 1/2" strip of gold waffle paper. There are 5 yards on that roll...that's going to last me forever!

(click to enlarge)

If you have any questions about this card or would like to order any of the products used, please contact me. Or click "shop now" on the right to go to my website.

Check out my website!

New Ribbon Share!

2010-07-22T08:35:00.003-04:00

Here's your chance to try the beautiful new In Colors that Stampin' Up! is offering in the Idea Book & Catalog. You will receive 2 yards of each of the 5 colors shown below. This is 1/2" wide polyester ribbon with an edge stitched detail. Your cost is only $8.00. This includes shipping to me, cutting and packaging, and shipping back out to you.

Payment can be made via Paypal or credit card, or cash/check if you're local. Please contact me to sign up for a spot or if you have any questions.

Check out my website!

Retiring Lists Posted

2010-06-11T16:36:00.003-04:00

The end of the current Stampin' Up! catalog is nearly here. The current Idea Book & Catalog expires June 30, 2010. With that comes the retiring lists of stamp sets and accessories.

This year is a little different, however, because of the color revamp and new styling and packing of some accessories.

In the right margin you will see links to the retiring lists. Stamp sets will be available until June 30, 2010 at 11:50 p.m. MT. Accessories are available only while supplies last.

Items on the accessories list designated with a * are either being restyled (such as the punches) or reconfigured (such as some of the remaining cardstock colors.)

Go to my website today to place your order for these items before they're sold out. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Stampin' Up! Revamping Colors!

2010-04-06T20:20:00.017-04:00

Stampin' Up! announced today that they will be revamping the color families with the new Idea Book & Catalog due out in July.

Currently there are 48 core colors, plus neutrals, plus 6 In Colors. After the reorganization of the colors, there will be 40 core colors including neutrals, then 5 In Colors per year. The In Colors will last for two years now, and markers will be available for all the In Colors going forward.

Stampin' Up! will be keeping 25 of the current colors, bringing back (or keeping) 10 of the In Colors, and adding 5 new core colors. Lists of all colors are below.

These new color collections: Brights, Subtles, Regals and Neutrals; reflect more current and modern trending in colors. Just as most people don't decorate their kitchens with avocado and goldenrod appliances anymore, stamping and scrapping colors need to be updated once in a while too!

Stampin' Up! demonstrators will have a chance to earn the new paper, ink pads and markers absolutely free; so if that interests you, contact me today!

Please let me know if you have any questions about the new colors or what this means for you.

Also be sure to check out the clearance rack for some items in some of the returning In Colors!

Not listed are the 5 new In Colors that will be added July 1.

Click the image to view the pdf file of the new color collections!

Current colors that will be staying:

Old Olive	Always Artichoke
Pumpkin Pie	Bravo Burgundy
Real Red	Elegant Eggplant
Regal Rose	Garden Green
Tempting Turquoise	More Mustard
Basic Black	Night of Navy
Basic Gray	Not Quite Navy
Chocolate Chip	Bashful Blue
Crumb Cake (Kraft)	Certainly Celery
Sahara Sand	Perfect Plum
Very Vanilla	Pretty in Pink
Whisper White	Rose Red
So Saffron

Returning In Colors:

Melon Mambo	Pacific Point
Tangerine Tango	River Rock
Soft Suede	Riding Hood Red
Rich Razzleberry	Wild Wasabi
Pink Pirouette	Baja Breeze

New Core Colors:

Daffodil Delight	Cajun Craze
Early Espresso	Cherry Cobbler
Marina Mist

Colors Retiring June 30, 2010:

Pink Passion	Mellow Moss
Pixie Pink	Green Galore
Pale Plum	Gable Green
Orchid Opulence	Barely Banana
Lovely Lilac	Yoyo Yellow
Lavender Lace	Summer Sun
Almost Amethyst	Apricot Appeal
Bordering Blue	Only Orange
Brocade Blue	Really Rust
Ballet Blue	Ruby Red
Brilliant Blue	Cameo Coral
Taken with Teal	Blush Blossom
Glorious Green	Creamy Caramel
Handsome Hunter	Close to Cocoa
Sage Shadow	Going Gray

I realize this is a lot to digest! If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me.

Early Easter

2010-04-02T15:34:00.005-04:00

This is a card I did based on a design I saw on Splitcoaststampers. I don't know who did the original card, I just remember seeing it. The tulips were punched using two different sizes of oval punches, then I sponged the edges with a darker color. The leaves were stamped with the Sanded background and then cut freehand. The sentiment is from Well Scripted in the Occasions Mini catalog.

If you have any questions please contact me. If you would like to place an order, click "shop now" on the right or click my signature. Thanks for looking!

This is no April Fool's!

2010-04-01T09:14:00.003-04:00

Super cool signup special! If you purchase the Stampin' Up! starter kit in April or May, you will receive two free "Workshop WOW" DVDs! These are while supplies last, so the sooner the better.

These DVDs contain techniques and projects from top trainers and demonstrators. They eliminate the guesswork for those "WOW" projects for your workshops, classes and Stampin' Up! parties. These DVDs eliminate that nagging worry "if I sign up, will I be able to come up with cool projects?" Yes, you will, because here they are!

As an additional incentive, those signing up now won't need to meet their first minimum until September 30! So you would have all summer to practice with the great items in your starter kit.

Here is a sample of one of the techniques from the video. This is presented by Natalie Travis.

Please contact me if you have any questions or you would like to join my growing team, Glitter Gone Wild!

Signs of Spring

2010-02-22T10:44:00.005-05:00

This was a birthday card for my Mum. She loves daffodils because they're the harbingers of Spring, and boy, are we ready for it! The layout is very similar to the previous card (guess I still had it on my brain) but with the different colors it really changes.

The daffodil comes from the set abundant hope. Click "shop now" on the right or contact me if you would like to order this set or book a workshop!

Sample Thanks

2010-02-15T15:02:00.003-05:00

This was one of several sample thank you cards I made for one of my hostesses to choose from for her workshop. I used markers on an image from the Thoughts & Prayers set. I used the edge of my Designer Label punch to make a slot on the fold so I could slide the Certainly Celery satin ribbon in there.

If you would like to purchase this set or any of the supplies, click "shop now" on the right. If you would like to book a workshop to learn how to make this card yourself, contact me today!

Wood you?

2010-02-04T13:25:00.004-05:00

Here is a quick, interesting Valentine card that might be appreciated by the man in your life. I stamped the "wooden" heart from I {Heart} Hearts in Creamy Caramel on glossy white cardstock. I masked it off, then inked the background using Real Red, Pretty In Pink and Melon Mambo classic ink. Can you guess what I used? Scrunched up plastic wrap! Layered on a Creamy Caramel mat, adhered to a Night of Navy base, and added some brads. The inside reads "Wood You Be My Valentine?"

The heart is part of the set I {Heart} Hearts. From now until February 28, 2010, Stampin' Up! is donating $2 to the Red Cross for each set sold. Contact me today to purchase this set or any other Stampin' Up! products (or just click "shop now" on the right.)

Chalk it up to a good time!

2010-02-02T14:38:00.004-05:00

I applied my decorative sign chalkboard decor element this afternoon! This is in our kitchen right near the phone. I thought it would be a great place to jot down a phone number, or if I had to run out for a minute I could leave a note.

It was very easy to apply, and I think it looks really cool!

If you want to know more about these chalkboard decor elements or the regular vinyl ones, just contact me today!

Hope he didn't steal anyone's margarita!

2010-02-01T21:57:00.004-05:00

This is one of the little treats I made as a thank you for anyone who stopped by my table at the vendor fair on January 30, 2010 at Margarita's. He's from the "Love Bandit" set. There's a peppermint patty in between two scalloped circles. I used classic ink and a blender pen to color him in.

This set comes in either wood mount or cling mount. Contact me for details!

Get this reusable shopping bag free!

2010-01-25T15:13:00.005-05:00

Are you environmentally conscious? Or do you just like cute bags? Then check this out! You can't buy these, but you can get one free! The first 4 people to sign up for a Stampin' Up! workshop to be held in February will have their free hostess goodies delivered in one of these sweet bags! You can also "hold" an online workshop by gathering orders from your friends and submitting them to me all together. Orders totaling $150 or more will qualify. Contact me today for details and to book your workshop!

Satin Ribbon Share --10 Colors!

2010-01-11T11:18:00.004-05:00

Would you like to see the colors of the new satin ribbon in the Occasions Mini in person before you commit to a whole roll of one color? Do you find yourself needing a piece of special ribbon and you just don't have it on hand? Now you can get 2 yards of each of 10 gorgeous colors of 5/8" double-faced satin ribbon. This isn't stiff, papery feeling ribbon; it's heavyweight, yet has a soft hand. Perfect for bows on cards or scrapbooking, or even for that special hair bow or waist sash on a dress for a special little girl.

(click to enlarge)

Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, and Certainly Celery.

Each spot in this ribbon share costs $15, and will get you a total of 20 yards of this gorgeous ribbon; 2 yards of each color. This price includes shipping. I will keep the signups open until January 30, or until it fills up. Contact me if you have any questions or if you'd like to join!

Big Shot Dies and Vinyl (including chalkboard) on Sale!

2009-12-11T09:00:00.006-05:00

Stampin' Up! has just announced the 12 Days of Holiday Sales! From now through December 22, 2009, select Big Shot dies and all 22 colors of vinyl (including chalkboard and clear!) are on sale. Click the photo or HERE to go to my website, click "shop now", then "12 Days of Holiday Sales" on the left to see the great deals!

You can conveniently shop online 24/7, or contact me if you would like to place an order through me, or if you have any questions.

Sneak peek of new punches!

2009-12-09T16:17:00.003-05:00

This isn't a completed project yet; I just wanted to show the new punches! One is the pinking hearts border punch. I've shown it here punched down both sides of the paper (I started with an approximately 1" strip of cardstock)

The other is the scallop trim border punch. I started with a 1/2" strip of cardstock (approximately) and punched down both sides. You end up with this really cool trim. If you start with a slightly narrower strip of cardstock you will have open ovals instead of circles with the strip in between.

Both of these will be available beginning January 5, 2010; the pinking hearts in the new Occasions Mini Catalog, and the scallop trim border will be a selection in the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog. Contact me to get on the mailing list for these catalogs!

Gift Card Holder

2009-12-02T07:43:00.003-05:00

Here is a little gift card holder I made in the style of a purse. I used embossing powder to make it look like faux croc. There's a spot inside for the gift giver to write a message.

Online Extravaganza! Bundles up to 50% off!

2009-11-23T11:12:00.004-05:00

Click HERE to go to my website. Click "shop now" and then "Online Extravaganza" on the left to see all the great offers. You can also combine these offers with choices from the Clearance Rack.

Bundles include stamp sets, stamps and punches, and accessories. Shop now for best selection. Sale ends November 30!

I predict my Mom will yell at me for this

2009-11-02T10:24:00.003-05:00

photo! This is a card I did for the marker club ladies, showing the "multi-color" technique (I guess...that's what I called it!)

You ink up your image with the main color you want. Then taking a cotton swab (or a blender pen if it's a tiny area) you remove the color where you're going to change it. Then, using your markers, add in the new color(s) that you want. You may need to "huff" on the stamp to re-moisten the ink if it takes you a little while.

I took this with my phone in kind of a hurry, so I apologize for the awful picture (that's why my Mom will yell at me!) The red in the bottom is not part of the card.

This set is called "Berry Christmas" and it is #116509 from the Holiday Mini Catalog. The cardstock colors are Sage Shadow, Pretty In Pink, Soft Suede and Whisper White. Ink colors are Sage Shadow, Pixie Pink, Creamy Caramel, Versamark, and Whisper White craft (for the sentiment). The bow is Kraft taffeta ribbon.

Final Deal of the Week!

2009-10-28T13:58:00.002-04:00

This week (valid until October 31, 2009 11:50 p.m. MT) you can purchase the Pirate or Princess Party Kits for just $9.99 each! Get all the supplies you need for adorable invitations, favors and decorations! But don't stop there; use your imagination and add them to scrapbook layouts, a Girls' Night Out themed party, use them for card making,etc.

Click the image below to go to my site for this and other current promotions:

First Digital Layout

2009-10-16T21:33:00.003-04:00

Here is my very first digital layout ever! It took me less than 5 minutes to do using Stampin' Up!'s new program My Digital Studio.

You can get the program for free with a $400 workshop! (My Digital Studio is 50% off with a $400 workshop, and that is applied towards your free hostess benefits)

Contact me if you have questions about this program or promotion.

Online Hostess Club Open!

2009-10-05T15:16:00.003-04:00

Get all the great benefits of a $150 workshop with just $15 minimum monthly orders!

When you sign up to be in my online hostess club, you agree to purchase a minimum of $15 each month for 10 months (plus 10% standard shipping). Each month a different participant is the hostess and will receive the benefits for that month (a minimum of a free level one hostess set one of which is shown above, and a minimum of $15 in free merchandise of your choice.)

During your month, you can get outside orders to bump up your benefits. Each month you'll receive the great products you've ordered, plus samples from me (might be some new product, pieces of ribbon, punched shapes, etc.) All shipped from me to you at no extra charge (the 10% shipping is from the Stampin' Up! warehouse to me.)

Twick or Tweet

2009-10-04T15:34:00.002-04:00

This is the sample my marker club ladies were treated to this month. I used the watercoloring technique.

Hi Mummy!

2009-09-28T15:09:00.004-04:00

Here is a cute little mummy card that we will be making at the Halloween Workshop on Wednesday, September 30. Shoot me an e-mail if you're local and would like to attend this free event!

This card is quick and easy to make with torn strips of cardstock, sponging, and some cardstock eyes.

Ribbon Share is Back!

2009-08-25T20:18:00.005-04:00

I've had some requests to open this up again, so here it is! Pay just $10 (including shipping) and you will receive 2 yards of each of the 6 In Color 1/2" polka-dot grosgrain ribbons shown below. One side has polka dots and the other side is plain for more versatility.

(click to enlarge)

Payment can be made by check or money order, credit card, or Paypal. Payments must be received by September 15, then the ribbon order will be placed. I will divide it up and send it out to you (I will cover this shipping cost).

Contact me to sign up and get payment details.

Thumping

2009-08-09T20:40:00.003-04:00

This was the first technique provided for my marker club participants. I included a technique card and this sample.

To do the technique, choose around 4 similar colors, with colors varying from light to dark. Ink up a fairly solid stamp with your lightest color. Then using the brush end of your markers, "thump" the end of the marker on the stamp (like you're tapping a drum). Do this with each color, from lightest to darkest (so you don't mess up a light colored marker). If you feel the colors have dried a little before you stamp your impression, you can "huff" on the stamp (like you're trying to fog up a mirror) or spritz with a fine mist of water.

I left the right edge empty for people to stamp a sentiment vertically if they wish.

I Rock! (sorta)

2009-08-04T10:20:00.002-04:00

I had a couple friends over for scrapping/cardmaking last week. Here is one of the cards I made. I used the Just Jawing set, and inked everything except the heart eyes. Then I inked the cherry stamp with markers and used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line them up where I wanted. I stamped the "YOU" and "ROCK" by inking each word separately with my marker. I finished it by spritzing it with the red marker in my spritzer tool.

Ribbon is Mailed!

2009-07-09T23:00:00.003-04:00

The ribbon from my ribbon share is mailed!

Here is a picture of some of them. They're actually prettier, but my "real" camera was dead so this was taken with my iPhone.

Contact me if you'd like to get in on the next one! This was $10 for 2 yards of each of the 6 In Colors.

Marker Club is Reopened

2009-06-23T11:27:00.006-04:00

I just had someone drop out on me. Contact me if you would like to get in on this great deal. Read on to find out how it works:

If you've been thinking about getting the Stampin' Up! markers but can't shell out the full amount at once, but you still want the marker case, this deal is for you! For $43 per month for 4 months, you will receive one color family of markers and the matching family of cardstock per month. Plus for one month you are the "hostess" and will receive the marker case, a free hostess set plus at least $15 in free merchandise of your choice. You can also get outside orders during your month to bump your hostess benefits. The $43 covers cost of the product and shipping to me. I will cover the shipping to you.

You will also receive a new technique and sample every month to help you use your new markers to the fullest!

The markers are fantastic because they give you all 48 of Stampin' Up's core colors in an easily portable container. You can write and color with them, plus because they are waterbased, you can safely color directly on your stamps, like I did on this quick little card:

The marker club will begin July 15. Payment is due by the 15th of the month, and can be made by Paypal, credit card, or check/money order (as long as it arrives by the 15th). Please contact me if you would like more information.

Special Sale until June 30! 10% off Retiring Stamp Sets!

2009-06-15T09:14:00.003-04:00

From now until June 30, 2009, I will take 10% off the list price of all Last Chance Stamp Sets. Click HERE for a list of these sets.

One of the last chance sets is Heartfelt Thanks. This has been a popular, versatile set over the years, and one that I stamped with first. Below is one of my first cards. I didn't have any colored cardstock at the beginning, so I made my own with sponging and the faux layering technique:

Contact me to take advantage of this promotion, or if you have any questions!

Sour Flower

2009-06-13T14:46:00.001-04:00

Here is a little sour cream container we did at a workshop last night. We used a baby wipe and added stripes of color to use as an ink pad for the "fast flowers" wheel.

A little ribbon finishes it off. A super-quick favor!

Father's Day...done early!

2009-06-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

OK, this isn't for my husband. But maybe I'll give it to my Step Dad, because I know he won't read this!

Squares were punched from Taken with Teal and To the Nines Specialty paper. Sentiment stamped on Close to Cocoa, torn and sponged with Chocolate Chip ink. Hearts stamped in Ruby Red Craft ink and embossed using the Love You Much set and punched with the matching punch. A little hemp twine and glue dots to hold the hearts on finishes it up.

Last Chance Stamps and Accessories!

2009-06-01T06:47:00.007-04:00

Check this list daily for updates on what accessories are still available. Some of them are also at 25% or 50% off! Use your mouse wheel to scroll through the listing.

Click here for the Last Chance Stamp List Alphabetical

Click here for the Last Chance Stamp List by Page Number

Click here for the Last Chance Decor Elements List

Please contact me if you have any questions about any of these lists.

Schedule your June Stampin' Up workshop now!

2009-05-27T11:05:00.003-04:00

Hostesses will receive even more free merchandise with a qualifying workshop for the month of June! You can sign up for a workshop to create beautiful cards such as the one shown below.

This was a card we made at my upline's meeting a couple of months ago. It is made with the Manhattan flower embossing folder.

Thank You (for your patience)

2009-05-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in a while; I appreciate you checking back!

Here's a really quick and easy thank you card. I made this for a shoebox swap with my Upline/Sidelines at last month's meeting. The squares are from punches, so it goes fast. I punched the scallop oval from the middle of the red cardstock before I assembled, so I saved a bit of cardstock. The patterned paper is Stampin' Up's Rockabilly.

Friend to Friend

2009-04-09T15:27:00.002-04:00

This card was made with the God's Beauty hostess set. I used masking to get the leaves behind the flowers without overstamping. But I had an "oops" on one of the flowers, so I stamped it again, cut it out, and popped it up on a dimensional.

I inked up the butterfly in basic gray, then added different colors with markers. Then I used my stamp-a-ma-jig and stamped again in Versamark, then heat embossed with iridescent ice emboss powder.

Celebrate Spring

2009-04-02T16:21:00.002-04:00

Ssshhh...don't say it too loudly though...you might scare the nice weather away! I designed this card as a make & take for my upline's stamping meeting last month. I used the 5-petal and star punches for the flowers, and the double rectangle punch to make holes for the ribbon.

Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill

2009-03-13T19:23:00.002-04:00

To fetch a pail of kisses! I made this as a thank you gift for the hostess of a recent workshop (I hope she doesn't see this too soon!) I got the pail at Target. I used the "Dear Friend" hostess set on the band and watercolored the images. I used my scallop eyelet border punch and double rectangle punch. I didn't have any turquoise ribbon, so I dyed some white ribbon with a marker. The tag was made with the Sale-A-Bration "Yummy" set. The cello bag is filled with Hershey's Kisses...definitely yummy!

Another version of the 2-4-6-8 Box

2009-03-05T17:01:00.003-05:00

This is the same design as the bridal shower favors I did back in September. The base is white cardstock. I used the Upsy Daisy set and sponged pretty in pink on the flowers. Then I sponged Regal Rose on the tips. I used my Green Galore marker to color in the stems. Then I "huffed" on the stamp (breathe on it like you're fogging up a mirror) and stamped. Used my cropadile for the holes and added some ribbon.

Free Catalog!

2009-03-03T10:47:00.002-05:00

From now until April 30, 2009 (or until 22,000 free catalogs have been given away), Stampin' Up! will send every customer who places an online order a free Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog! This is not only a fun catalog to drool over, it's a great resource to get ideas for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and home decor.

Click the box below to go to my site. Then click "shop now" at the top of my site to start browsing. Contact me if you have any questions about this or any other promotion.

Stamping Tip

2009-03-03T10:18:00.003-05:00

When you are making a card or scrapbook layout with several layers, try this tip to save paper, and cut down on weight and bulk. Take different punches and punch out shapes from the under layers that are not going to show. Not only will your cards and layouts be less bulky and heavy, you will have a supply of pre-punched shapes for use elsewhere! They can be fun to play with and move around too; sometimes you can come up with different ideas for the shapes by doing this.

Have fun!

Sign Up Special

2009-03-02T12:30:00.003-05:00

Until March 31, 2009, you can sign up with Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator for just $169. You get all of this (you can customize your stamps sets, papers and inks) plus an extra free set of your choice from the catalog (excluding hostess sets)

Demonstrators enjoy a 20% discount on products. Additional benefits can include volume rebates, great rewards, sneak peeks and pre-orders (often at an additional discount), and much more! If you decide you don't want to hold workshops or continue as a demonstrator, there is no penalty for dropping your demonstrator status; you won't owe any money, and you don't have to give the kit back.

Signing up online is fast and easy. You get your login information right away and can start browsing the fantastic demonstrator website!

Contact me today for further details!

Lazy 24-7

2009-01-31T14:07:00.003-05:00

I have not been stamping much of anything. However, here is a card I finished recently with one of my sets from the new catalog. It's called Friends 24-7.

I used Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla, and Vellum cardstock. Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Garden Green ink. I dyed some white taffeta ribbon with my Sage Shadow marker.

Anniversary Card

2008-10-05T08:18:00.004-04:00

Here is the anniversary card I made for my husband. The stamp is Pocket Silhouettes. I used Baja Breeze for the base and stamped the image in versarmark, then embossed with clear powder. I stamped it again in Baja Breeze on whisper white, then matted with blue and black. A simple but effective card, I think!

Can you say Carpal Tunnel?

2008-09-13T21:30:00.001-04:00

I made 70 bridal shower favors this week. It took me about three days because I had to do it in shifts. Between the scoring, wheeling, embossing, punching, etc. it was murder on my wrist/arm. But here they are in all their glory! There are three Hershey's Nuggets in each box. The nuggets have cranberry colored labels on them with the bride and groom's initials and little hearts in white. The round tags say "Showered in Love" on one side and the bride and groom's names on the other. The swirls on the boxes are done with Versamark embossed with clear embossing powder.

Skeeterific

2008-09-09T21:01:00.002-04:00

The mosquitoes are finally starting to leave with some cooler weather. Yipee! Not that I miss them, but I thought this skeeter wheel was super cute and it matches the Under the Stars set that I used for this card. I used markers and a blender pen to color the bear, and just the markers to color the "skeeter spray". Versamark on the Skeeter Wheel.

Online ordering is now live! Go to my site and on each page near the top right is a "shop now" button. You can shop in your jammies 24/7! I will still be available by phone or e-mail. This is just another convenient option for you in this technological age.

K.I.S.B.I.I.A.R.

2008-08-17T20:06:00.003-04:00

Keep It Simple Because I'm In A Rush:

"Happiness" is from the Heard From the Heart set. Flowers from Fabulous Flowers. Lines and dots used markers.

Christmas in July

2008-07-16T13:39:00.002-04:00

Here's a quick Christmas card I whipped up this morning. The base is the new Pink Pirouette cardstock. I also used shimmery white. Ink is Pink Pirouette, versamark and silver embossing powder. The snowflakes are from the retiring set Snowfall, and the new Heard from the Heart. It's much prettier and more sparkly IRL.

Dreamy Sneak Peek

2008-07-12T17:16:00.003-04:00

We made this card today at my "sneak peek" workshop. The layout came from here. I wanted to showcase several of the upcoming "in colors" so I chose Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango and Kiwi Kiss. The images on each of the cardstock colors are stamped in the corresponding ink color. The butterflies in the background are stamped in Versamark. The base cardstock is Kraft.

Monkey Love

2008-07-08T19:57:00.006-04:00

I am in love with this monkey! He is from a new set, "Sock Monkey" which will be available in the Fall/Winter 2008 Stampin' Up! catalog. In this little sneak peek card I am posting you can also see the "Riding Hood Red" and "Baja Breeze" cardstock. These are both new "In Colors" in the F/W catalog. In addition, I used a sentiment stamp from "Heard from the Heart" (the stamp has tiny words above and below, I just inked up the "Happiness" using a marker). The scallops at the bottom were done with the new Scallop Border Punch that Stampin' Up! will be offering next month.

To recap, all of the items used in this card will be available beginning August 11, 2008 in the Fall/Winter 2008 Stampin' Up! catalog (the watercolor paper, black cardstock, and markers are available currently). Contact me if you have any questions or would like to be put on my mailing list.

Life is VERY Good!!

2008-07-03T17:06:00.004-04:00

Just got my new shipment of goodies today, including some of the new decor elements. Here's a picture showing my kitchen with one of the phrases (this is the small one, BTW) What do you think?

I will be posting some of my other new goodies, including peeks of the new in colors, in the next few days.

New Product Line...Decor Elements!

2008-06-18T08:02:00.002-04:00

Stampin' Up! just announced a new product line...decor elements. These are high-quality vinyl designs and phrases that can be applied to walls, furniture, gift items, etc. They look great, and can easily be removed if you want a change.

Contact me if you would like to receive a copy of the brochure.

Bon Voyage!

2008-06-15T07:58:00.002-04:00

The retired list for the Spring/Summer 2008 catalog has been posted! Here is a link to view the sets that will no longer be available after August 10, 2008.

If you would like to place an order for any of these sets, simply call or e-mail me. I accept Paypal and credit cards for your convenience.

Happy retirement!

Congratulations and a New Drawing!

2008-05-02T12:25:00.003-04:00

Congratulations go out to Dawn from SC...she is the winner of the "Stamping Queen" tote bag!

Now for the new drawing! For the month of May and June, anyone who orders the die-cut set "Tart & Tangy" from the Occasions Mini will not only receive a set of three mini cards with envelopes and a technique card for scratch 'n' sniff, their name will be entered in a drawing for a brand new "Mix & Mingle" stamp set! This is a highly sought after retired set.

If you want to be notified of future specials and drawings, be sure to sign up for my newsletter (link at top right).

Recruiting Special and Chipboard Sale!

2008-05-01T09:34:00.003-04:00

Wow! Lots of news coming down the pike! From now until May 31, 2008 when you purchase $35 in Stampin' Up! products, you will receive 25% off all of our chipboard!

Also from now until May 31, 2008, when you sign up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you will get 20% off the starter kit (which drops it to $159), PLUS you will receive your choice of Hodgepodge Hardware kits from the Spring/Summer catalog! How great is that? But the BEST thing is that I would be your upline! *insert cheesy smile here*

Contact me to take advantage of either special.

Be the Queen of Stamping!

2008-04-01T13:37:00.003-04:00

For every $25 you purchase from me during the month of April, your name will go into a drawing for a black canvas tote bag with this adorable design embroidered on it:

I mean, come on. Who doesn't want to be Queen?

Click the links to the right to sign up for my newsletter, check out my Stampin' Up! site, or browse the catalogs.

Contact me if you have any questions!

This could be YOUR kitchen table!

2008-03-18T12:07:00.005-04:00

Doesn't this look like fun? This is what my table looked like before the start of my St. Patrick's Day workshop on March 15. Why, I almost look like a professional demonstrator! =)

(I just noticed my dog's paws in the picture. The rest of her is just as cute!)

I'm So Distressed

2008-03-13T16:45:00.003-04:00

OK, not me, my card! This was one of 68 (!) cards I did for a swap. A mega swap, actually. I started out intending to stamp the "dude" stamp and then cut it out and mat it on some other cardstock. I had pre-cut my close to cocoa cardstock, and after I stamped the image, I said to myself, "Huh, looks kinda like a leather patch". So I proceeded to turn it into leather! I pierced the edges, used my versamarker to make "stitching", folded and creased the edges, then sponged them with chocolate chip ink to make it appear leather-like.

Hubby's Valentine Card

2008-03-01T18:14:00.003-05:00

The infamous "panty" card! I got the idea on Splitcoast. I cut everything freehand though; I didn't use the template because I was too lazy to walk across the room to the computer, find the template, print it out, etc.

Inside I wrote "a good husband always stands behind his wife". Might be a little racy for some people, but he liked it!

And no, I'm not telling you if the tattoo is a replica of a real one!

Everyone Wants to be Me!

2008-02-25T16:48:00.004-05:00

I am holding a "Be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for a Day" Sale! On Thursday, February 28, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time you can order anything from the Stampin' Up! catalog and receive the demonstrator discount of 20% through me! Click the catalog below to see the beautiful, high quality products available:

Because Sale-a-Bration is also going on, you can choose a free stamp set or set of new rub-ons for each $50 in merchandise. Free sets are chosen from the catalog below:

All orders will be sent directly to you via UPS. Orders must be paid for through credit card, Paypal or cash (if you are close enough to get it to me!) Since I will be entering the orders on February 28, I won't have time to deposit checks.

Any single orders of $150 or more (before discount!) will also receive hostess benefits!

Please e-mail if you have any questions or would like to place an order.

stampingdragon@gmail.com

Thank you and happy stamping!

Happy New Year (and technique)!!

2008-01-07T11:27:00.001-05:00

I made this card for a swap using the products available in the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer preview brochure. My choice was the Bali Breeze Designer Paper (which can be viewed Here.) I used Tempting Turquoise as my card base, with a layer of old olive on top of that. The background flowers are stamped in Versamark and the flower from the Spring Solitude Hostess Set (level 2). The "o" in Thank You is a rhinestone brad. I drew up a pattern for the paper cutting and cut with scissors, not a craft knife.

Patty Cake, Patty Cake

2007-12-07T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've been a little lax in posting. Gathering momentum for Christmas. Well, attempting to gather momentum, but failing rather miserably. Oh well. I did make these really cute stocking stuffers, treats for co-workers, things to shut your kids up, whatever. They are York Peppermint Patties with cute little snowmen stamped and colored. Another brilliant idea I found on splitcoaststampers.com.

Let's hope I don't eat them all before Santa gets here.

Rewarding

2007-11-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

This morning my daughter and I went to a local nursing home and helped the residents make a Christmas card. (My son came along but was glued to the computer, the lazy bum.) Another demonstrator in my "sideline" was there as well (her contribution was a Thanksgiving card). The residents didn't do much of the stamping themselves, but they really enjoyed watching the card designs unfold.

Here is a picture of my design:

GNISSOBME

2007-11-03T21:34:00.000-04:00

Yes, folks. It's reverse embossing. This was one of the techniques demonstrated at the Christmas workshop earlier today. This card was actually made by my 13 year-old daughter. I can't post mine because it wasn't finished.

We also made little "nugget boxes" to hold Hershey's Nuggets candy. Really cute and oh so yummy.

"Joy" is mine and "Peace" is my daughter's. Her candy stayed inside the box for about 10 minutes. That's a record, I think. The wrap on the box was made with the "dashing" designer paper. All of Stampin' Up!'s designer paper line is part of a special sale the entire month of November. Buy 3 packs of designer paper and get the 4th pack free (no limits per customer)

Cowboy Christmas

2007-10-30T21:15:00.000-04:00

This was a card inspired by one I saw on splitcoaststampers.
I changed the stamps so it would resemble a cowboy's bandana. You can't really see in the pic, but I embossed the ornament with clear embossing powder so it looks shiny like glass IRL. I used hemp to "hang" the ornament from the branch. I stamped the sentiment in silver in the hope that it looks a little like barbed wire. Use your imagination. If you're not seeing barbed wire, at least think about cowboys for a second. Now do you see it? No? Who cares, at least I got you thinking about cowboys.

Shaving cream card

2007-10-25T18:48:00.000-04:00

Here is a little "pick me up" card I made with my shaving cream experiment. I stamped the butterfly in versamark, used heat and stick powder, then added glitter. It looks much prettier IRL (IMO) KWIM?

The family that shaves together...

2007-10-25T08:21:00.000-04:00

...OK, that's kind of weird. And not true. We didn't actually shave, just used shaving cream. This is a cool technique that we tried last night. All of us. Except the cat and dog. Although the dog tried to eat the shaving cream at one point. The technique involves shaving cream, a chopstick, bottles of Stampin' Up! ink, and paper. Lots of fun, and amazing results.

First there's mine:

Then my daughter's:

And my son's:

And even my husband's:

Lots of fun was had by all. And we're baby-smooth too.

Thankful for Blender Pens

2007-10-23T11:07:00.001-04:00

Here is a fall card I made with one of the sets featured in the Fall Frenzy promotion (which is over, sorry! But there's a great one coming up in November for Designer Paper!) I stamped the image in Versamark, then embossed with black powder. This gives raised lines, which make it super easy to stay in the lines while coloring. I used watercolor pencils, then blended with a blender pen. I wanted to stamp orange leaves on the chocolate chip base, but orange doesn't show up on brown. So I used a super secret trick of stamping in whisper white craft ink, then brushing on orange pastel. I added a little ribbon on a piece of hodgepodge hardware.

Simply Sent

2007-10-12T19:24:00.000-04:00

I recently purchased a Simply Sent kit from Stampin' Up! I chose Simple Delight. This is the first card I made. I really like how all of the colors go together really well. And I LOVE that the stamps are die cut! You just pop them out and you're ready to stamp! The kits include the stamps, card stock, Stampin' Spots, and embellishments for several cards.

Bats In My Belfry

2007-09-11T19:51:00.000-04:00

This was a fun card to make. I stamped the bats in Versamark and embossed with black powder. I punched little holes for their eyes. After I finished the rest of the card I taped a light-up swizzle stick behind the bats. So now their eyes glow in the dark. It only lasts about 6 hours, but it's fun while it lasts! I'm trying to rig up something so the swizzle stick can be replaced easily.

Here it is in the dark:

Flapping off to stamp some more...

Watercolor Weirdness?

2007-09-04T18:50:00.000-04:00

I just made my second sample for my website. I love the technique (watercolor) but I'm not sure I'm crazy about the colors. Also the picture doesn't show the true colors (I finished the card at dusk so wasn't able to take the photo in good natural light.) Here's the link again.

Maybe I'll retake the photo. Or remake the card!

Stamping off...

I have an Art Gallery!

2007-08-29T10:56:00.001-04:00

I just created my first project with my newly received stamps. I uploaded it to my Art Gallery on my Stampin' Up! website. You can view my gallery here. I don't think it's too bad for only using two colors. I didn't want to overwhelm myself (read I'm being lazy).

Stamping off to the next project!

It's HERE, it's HERE!!

2007-08-28T12:19:00.000-04:00

My kit was just delivered. I'm obviously super excited, but also a little disappointed in the way it arrived. The order was in two shipments (as I already painstakingly explained). One weighed less than a pound, and one weighed 32 pounds, and the heavy one had one end packed much more heavily. The whole corner of the heavy box had popped open. When the UPS guy handed me the box, the huge grin on my face turned into a grimace of horror! He didn't want to wait around for me to see if anything was missing, but he noted that it was open and roared off. I think he didn't want me trying out my new craft and rubber scissors on anything he considered valuable.

I've looked through everything, and I believe everything is there. It just put a little tarnish on my bright and shiny day.

Stamping off to read my getting started info...

OK, getting excited

2007-08-27T17:12:00.000-04:00

Now my stuff really is in New Jersey and Massachusetts (I mis-read the tracking info because it says "Location: Shrewsbury, MA" and then over on the right it says "Description: In transit to") I just saw "Location: Shrewsbury, MA" and couldn't read any further because my eyes glazed over.

I have decided to plan an Open House/Pseudo Workshop on September 15. I will be posting an event on my Stampin' Up! website and inviting everyone I know and most of the people I don't. I will probably have to order some more cardstock in the meantime to make sure I have enough on hand, so if I make any mistakes it will be on my own order (remember I apparently don't read online very well: see above)

Wish me luck!

Stamping off...

Sweetest words ever spoken

2007-08-22T08:01:00.000-04:00

"Your order has shipped." Well, except for those other three wonderful words that my husband whispered in my ear four years ago. "Quit your job." Anyway, I received an e-mail last night that my starter kit order had shipped. It shipped in two orders, and they gave me tracking numbers. One is now in NJ and one is in MA. I had thought they might have broken the shipment down into stamping stuff and business stuff (catalogs, forms, etc.) but one shipment is the scissors, versamark and blender pen, and one shipment is everything else. Weird. I'll take it how I can get it, though. I'm curious, not stupid.

Stamping off to stalk Big Brown again...

And the P.O. comes through!

2007-08-21T08:16:00.001-04:00

Hooray! I got my e-mail last night with my Stampin' Up! demo number and password. I'm all official-like. Now I need to read all the info on the demo area. That will take quite a while!

Happy dancing off...

More non-patience

2007-08-20T17:18:00.000-04:00

Well, the August/September Stampin' Up! sign up incentive was announced (free set of ink pads in the color family of your choice) while I was on vacation heres the link . I sent my paperwork in as soon as I got back (Thursday 8/16). I've been checking my e-mail all day and nary a one from Stampin' Up! I'm afraid my postmaster dropped my envelope on the floor. (I paid for a stamp and handed him the envelope...he set it aside and said he'd "take care of it")

So, great promotion! Can't wait until I'm officially an "Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator". Keep it in mind if you ever thought of being a demonstrator (even a hobby demonstrator) because the promotion runs until September 30. I will be more than happy to help anyone out (once I'm able!)

Pouting off...

Not crabs, but scallops

2007-07-11T15:28:00.000-04:00

OK, my order did come yesterday, but I looked at all those stamps and just did NOT want to trim the rubber with the scissor selection that I had. I think I'm going to wait until I get the correct rubber-trimming scissors with my starter kit from SU.

So here's a card I did with a set that belongs to my daughter that she received for her birthday:

I used her Cuttlebug to dry emboss the blue cardstock. I stamped the octopus with black stazon and colored him with certainly celery and bashful blue reinkers. You can't really see it in the picture, but I heat embossed some clear bubbles around him for just a hint of sparkle. He looks happy about it. The orange strip is cut from a paint chip. The scallop shells are punched from the same chip. The greeting was printed on my computer using a font called "Annie". I also popped the octopus up on some foam dots that I cut from some extra rubber pieces. Hey, I don't have my pop dots yet! (I wonder how they taste mixed with soda? Oh, I think that's something else)

Squishing off...

Re-routed, Re-scheduled, Re-diculous

2007-07-10T07:32:00.001-04:00

I just checked the UPS website and my tracking number shows that a package was rerouted and is rescheduled for delivery tomorrow. I think it's not the one I'm REALLY waiting for, because I have two packages that were scheduled for delivery today, and they're BOTH from Utah, so it's kinda hard to tell which is which. But the one that's on time is much heavier, so I think it's the good one.

Stamping off to go stalk the UPS man...

Virtuous, that's me! (NOT)

2007-07-08T09:22:00.000-04:00

Patience was never one of my virtues. I'm waiting for my SU order to get here and ineffectively refreshing the UPS page. It says it will be here on July 10, but it could miraculously show up early, right? RIGHT? I know it can't show up on Sunday though, which is why my refreshing is ineffective. I hope to have some cute samples to post once my order gets here. I need to figure out how to take good pictures so they don't look flat and dark. Any tips?

Stamping off...

Decisions, decisions

2007-07-05T14:04:00.000-04:00

I just received a packet of material to become a demo for Stampin' Up. I need to decide whether to sign up now (no extra incentives) or wait to see if there will be any incentives coming down the pike (possibly extra stamps...who doesn't like those?)

So, I'm a stumped stamper right now. Somebody sway me!

Stamping off...

Case of Crabs

2007-07-03T10:27:00.000-04:00

Stampin' Up retired quite a few sets from their 2006-2007 catalog. One of them was Crab & Co., which I just loved. I bought it anyway (along with the matching wheel) even though I couldn't demo with them. I figured I would just use them for personal cards and such. I just heard through the grapevine that they will be bringing the set and the wheel back in the next Spring/Summer catalog, so I will be able to demo with it! I sure hope the grapevine is right! Click HERE to see a gallery of cards and stuff made with this set.

Stamping off...

Blogger Virgin

2007-07-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Stardate 4047...sorry, wrong world. It's July 2, 2007. I just created the first post in my first blog ever. I will soon be embarking on a new adventure...a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I went to my first home workshop back in March and had a great time and bought a few things. Then my daughter wanted a stamping party for her birthday, so we hosted one at our house in June and I bought a few more things. My demo let me know about this wonderful world called splitcoaststampers and the rest, as they say, is history! So let's make history together, shall we?

So far I've made about 3 cards. Not too many, but I hope once I gain demo status that I will be in a few swaps to get a bunch of card fronts to show at workshops. I don't have many current sets to make cardfronts from, so I will definitely need to do some swaps.

I'm really excited, and I hope the excitement will rub off on my customers (I need to start a customer base...anyone wanna be my future customer?)

Stamping off for now...