Anna's Invitations!

Well Christmas is approaching... which means my youngest daughter is going to be a year older!

She is turning 6 this year... also having her first birthday party with her own friends to invite! We let her choose 10 classmates and are having the event at Chuck E Cheese! I sure hope this all goes well.

Here is her invites! She wanted Blue invites and cupcakes... also no green! She is anti-green because its a Michigan State color! LOL My DH has trained her already!

I do have to say it was so nice to stamp again! Even if I was under stress when doing these.. I coudn't remember where everything was packed away at... that's what happens when you stampin area becomes a study area!

Enjoy!
Nicole

NEED TO STAMP!!

Hello Everyone! Is anyone still there??

I have been away working on my degree, managing my stay at home job with going back to college! I have been doing well but very busy. I still love to stamp just have not had an opportunity. My stamping space has now become a study space! Its a little sad to see... but someday when I have my degree... maybe I will have an office and a stamp room! LOL!

This is something I need to do! I will hopefully get a chance to stamp soon since the is our last week of travel soccer for 2 months! Although we have the holidays I am determined to get some stamping done!!

Take Care
Nicole

Thanks Marilyn for giving me the opportunity to fill in for you at Monday night card event! I made this card with the help from Jill and Maria! I just didn't know what color to make the frosting!

This card is made with the new SU in colors. Bermuda Bay, Melon Mombo, basic black and white SU cardstock. I used the Bermuda Bay polka dot ribbon which I have in 3 of the incolors... its so cute!! Used the eyelet border punch! I poked holes in the corners using my poker tool (ok its called paper piercing tool... poker tool sound more fun!), Mat Pack to make sure the holes are straight.

As you can see I love layers!! It makes the card heavier but it looks so sharp to me and helps the colors to pop when they are layered especially with black as I did with this card!

Don't forget I have a card class this weekend... August 21st Friday from 7 to 10pm and Saturday August 22nd from 3 to 7pm. Please RSVP by calling me or sending me an email. For Privacy reason I am not posting my phone number but most of you have my phone number or you can reach me by email! Hope to see you there! I got some neat things to show you!!!

TFL!

Nicole

Stampin Good Time!!

***** OK FOR SOME REASON THIS WAS SAVED AS A DRAFT AND NEVER POSTED*****
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN ATTEND.... IF I DON'T GET ENOUGH PEOPLE TO HOLD A CLASS I WILL RESCHEDULE!

Ok! Its offical! I have set a date... On Friday August 21st 7 to 10pm I am having a card class! You are welcome to bring a friend or 2! Please email me at stampinnicole@comcast.net to let me know you will be attending so I can have enough materials cut.

I will have specials for those who attend! You will be able to sign up for stamp clubs, marker clubs, workshops etc! So bring your friends and see the new catalog. I will have catalogs for sale for $5 if you want to take one home with you.

Wait that's not all!! I am also having a Stamp Class on Saturday August 22nd from 3pm to 7pm. We will be making 8 cards total for $15. 4 different designs and 2 of each card. We will be using items like the big shot, watercoloring, and the new yummy In Colors!! I offer speical discounts too. If you place an order of $50 or more you will get $10 off your class fee.

PLEASE RSVP!! Please bring your adhesive with you.

Nicole

Make and Take!! Movers and Shapers

I had a great time with some new stampin buddies!! I really enjoyed sharing ideas and making all sorts of new projects! You will see them later this week!!

I make this card for my make and take. It uses the SU Movers and Shapers XL Sizzix die and Big Shot. I also used the embossing folder. Then I used a white gel pen to add to the stiches, and centers of the flowers. I used a versa mark marker on the petals to help add demension!

I used the curly lable punch to add the flowers on the inside of the card and thats all!! Very simple card... but pretty!

Enjoy and thanks for looking!

Nicole

Swaps!

Ok... so I have more cards that I completed this weekend... However I am told I am not suppose to post them until everyone gets them.... so you will have to wait til the middle of August and September to see them!

So now I need to make some other cards that I can post for you all! Here is one I am not using as a swap! Its a simple card using the top note sizzix die. I cut one in whisper white and used fifth avenue floral stamp set. Then cut top note in black, cut it in half and used it as a layer. This is also show in the new catalog! Its difficult to see but I did use an embossing template for the red background. Added a simple ribbon and here is an easy 5 minute anniversary card... or which ever sentiment you choose for it!

TFL

I will work on some more goodies and post something new tomorrow!

Nicole

Happy Birthday Katie!!!

First things First!!! I have to say Happy Birthday to my daughter's BFF Katie!

Happy Birthday Katie!!!

Here is her birthday card... this is a retired stamp set from SU that I CAN'T GIVE UP! It's perfect for little girl's birthday cards or when you have a daughter that would love to be a princess! (Anna Banana) Here is the card that I made for her. I gave her dark brown hair to match Katie... and a little sparkle! Taylor said she enjoyed the card which always makes me happy!!

Well I had a semi productive weekend at the Crop Mania Event at Capture a Memory! I got 4 scrapbook pages done and 10 cards. I did learn that I can't go on 4 hours of sleep anymore! Those days are long gone!

I met some wonderful ladies this weekend and I would like to say HI!! to all the new visitors to my blog. I hope you enjoy. You can click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of this page and view previous postings. Feel free to leave a comment, say Hi, or just let me know you are there... I discovered I have very silent visitors... my counter is going up but no one is leaving comments. HA! I know your there... lol

PS. I have added some new items that are for sale. Pictures will be posted on photobucket as well. you can go back two posts to view the updated list. or click here STAMPS FOR SALE

Take care!

TFL

Nicole

Greetings Stampers!!!

Sorry I had to remove this because it is for a swap! I will post it later!


I am so excited about this new stamp set called Greetings Earthlings. Its new to Stampin Up in the 2009/2010 Annual Catalog! I am really into robots, aliens, trains, cars, etc now that I have little Zachary! I get to bust away from the tradiditonal girlie flowers and make some boyish stuff. I have to admit I struggle a big as to what is girlie and what is boyish!





Here is my first card with this new stamp set! I used the Top Note sizzix die exclusively from SU, rhinestone brads, checkered ribbon, brilliant blue, yoyo yellow, basic black, whisper white cardstock. I also used the new movers and shapres zissiz dies from SU by Sizzix. It created the black portion of the modern lable. I then took my modern lable punch and creaed the inside! I am also excited about the movers and shapers sets because they match up the SU punches to create these borders! They have a heart, star, modern lable, and scalloped oval!! I will have a card soon using the scalloped oval... its a MUST HAVE if you like scallops!!





Enjoy!


TFL!!


Nicole

Mojo Monday.... on Thursday!

I am trying something new.... I am going to use Mojo Monday (found by clicking on the flashing icon on the right) to give me a jump start into creativity each week. Although I didn't get it done til Thursday I still completed it! Check out their site its quite neat and they get a TON of entries because its open all week! So even if you need a little Mojo boost on Thursday you can still do it!

This was MOJO 94 but my first entry!

I used the new in color for SU! Can you guess which one? Melon Mambo!! Also used current colors ballet blue & certainly celery. Stamp set used is called pocket sillouettes. I love this set because it is small so you can do just a little flower or group them together to make a bunch! I watercolored these... little tip... I used ruby red to watercolor the flowers since MM is on backorder! I also used a little so saffron to create a sun look on top.

Enjoy! I am off to get my hair cut!!! YEA!!!

Nicole

A look at the past!

Ok I have a card for you... however its not what I normally produce.. actually I don't even like it! If you have stopped by my house this week to pick up your stamps etc. you have seen it in many different forms. However I finally just glued it all down with the help of my 10 year old Taylor. She loves it... so I am posting it for her! Here you go T!

I feel guilty posting something I don't like... so I found a few samples of cards that I made when I was playing around with the stamp set Embrace Life. If some of these are duplicates I appologize! However I just wanted to show how one stamp set and a simple idea can make several different cards. The colors are sky blue or something... it was a in color a few years ago. (Its hard for me to remember since we had several catalogs.) I really love this stamp set. I have seen it used many different ways and for all different occasions. Hope you enjoy.

PS I got new goodies in the mail and I am working with them today. I am SUPER EXCITED about my new Stampin Up Exclusive Sizzix goodies!!

TFL

Nicole

Retired stamps and other scrapbooking items for SALE!!

Out with the old and in with the new! I have a lot of stamp sets and scrapbooking accessories for sale. I have pictures listed on photobucket.com so you can look at the stamp sets and paper packs. Please contact me via email if you are interested. stampinnicole@comcast.net

All items are sold on a first come first serve basis. All items are in perfect working order and like new condiditon. Paper packs are comlete and no papers or items were removed. If you have questions email me. I can ship items but you will need to pay the shipping costs. I ship via USPS priority. Its the most efficient and cost effective!

So here are the items! Check the photobucket album because there are additional items there that are not listed!

Go here to view them!
http://s678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/stampinnicole/


Stampin Up Retired Stamp Sets For Sale!
Quick Thinking (4) $6.00
Much Appreciated (4) $6.00
Kanji (4)$5.00
So Very (8) $9.00
Sweet Shapes (12) $13.00
Monogram T $5.00
Monogram A $5.00
Monogram F$5.00
Monogram N $5.00
Business Memos (8)$8.00
Holiday Print (Background) (1)$7.00
Classic Alphabet (56)$24.00
Polka Dot Posies (8)$12.00
Simply the Best (10)$10.00
All I have Seen (4)$5.00
All Year Cheer III (12)$15.00

Additional Items for Sale
Zutter Personal Binding System IN BOX retail $62.00
$ 45.00
Brand New Quickutz Revolution **Current retail sale price $49.99
$ 40.00
12" stick cutting mat for QK Revolution retial $14.99
$ 10.00
Stampin Up Saddle Stitch Book Kit (NEW)
$ 5.00
Stampin Up Accordian Book Kit (NEW)
$5.00
Quick Quotes Powder Puff Inks ALL NEW AND SEALED Retail $26.99
$ 16.00
SEI 12x12 scrapbook kit in a box Retail $39.99
$ 20.00
Mimi Red Suade Sholder Tote for scrapbooking BRAND NEW retail $59.99
$ 30.00

ADDED 7/27/09
Burst into Bloom (4) 6.00
For a Friend (6) 9.00
Pocket full of Posies (4) $6.00

Additional scrapbook paper and kits will be added later this week.
THIS LIST HAS BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT ITEMS SOLD
TUESDAY JULY 28TH 11:56AM

Thanks for looking! =)

Items in yellow have been sold. I will update this daily. Don't forget to check the photobucket link it has many more stamps and supplies than what is listed here. Last updated 7/27 11:46AM

I'm Back!!

Ok I know it's been a while! I have been busy packing and unpacking and repacking again! No we didn't move unfortunately! However we went to Mexico and just got back from Myrtle Beach! The beach was fun! The kids had a blast but now I need a vacation from the vacation! It is a lot of work for a family of 5 to go on vacation!

My goal today was to see some of my paper crafting peeps! I got my order from SU! and stopped by Capture A Memory and seen the lovely ladies there! Zach got to see them again too! Yes he likes going in there... ok not as much as he use to but he loves Pat! Pat loves Zachary! Its so cute!

So Now I am back! I made a card! Its not my greatest creation but I am playing around and wanted a simple 5 minute card! this took longer than that since I can't ever decide... but here it is. I used the Fifth Avenue Floral embossing folder by Sizzix made exclusively for Stampin Up! I then used versa mark on the raised flowers and chalked them with grey and black Stampin Up Pastels chalks. I added a little ribbon and used fundamental phrases to add LOVE and FOREVER to the top. Incase your wondering the grey paper is basic grey from Stampin Up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this grey!

Promise more to come! I am trying to get reaquainted with my supplies and will start putting more creations up soon! Does this look squatty to you? The card is 5.5 x 4.25 .... looks squished!

i know this is not proper english... its just my words! =)

Best Wishes!

I made this card for a swap from my upline. The group is called where the rubber hits the road! I thought that was neat! Anyway.... I used pink pirouette, black, and whisper white! I love these colors together. Its one of my favorite color combos! The theme for the swap was spring, weddings, showers, etc. So I chose the butterfly and leaf stamp from the set called Forever friend and the Best Wishes came from Oval All. I love the new scalloped oval punch and this stamp set works perfectly with it and the medium oval. I used Stazon black because I like how dark the black is! For a little added embelishment I tucked folded ribbon pieces under the oval and put dazzling diamonds glitter in the open areas on the butterflies! This picture is not that great at showing how well the butterflies and glitter look! It was a cloudy/rainy day when I took the picture =(

TFL!
Nicole

Sweet and simple!

This is a card I CASEd from Crystal... We got together to stamp and I basically rummaged through her swaps to find the ones I wanted to have in my basket! Ironically most of them were ones she created! It was a 4 x 4 sized card and I just made it a little bigger and left off a stamp inside the scallop! I really like this simple stamp set. Its called sweet stems of course by SU! I used pink pirouette, baja breeze, and kraft cardstock. Watercolored the flower using aqua painter and ink pad.... and that was that! Pretty easy when someone else did the difficult part! Thanks Crystal!!

TFL!
Nicole

Which way is up???

It's been crazy busy around our home! Soccer season is in full mode... however it's year round so it is just getting crazy since we are back to our normal outdoor season. Two game a weekend end and practice four days a week! Sometimes I wonder which end is up! I keep thinking something has gotta give! So I am doing some thinking as to what changed we should make as a family to include everyone! Not just soccer! Being a parent is not always fun... making tough decisions is hard!

So this card really seems to sum up a lot! Which end is up? Which way does it look best! I can't decide but it bugs me that the flower is upside down in a couple of the views... which is just how the embossing folder puts it. You can leave me a comment to say which view you prefer!

I am thinking about adding a little dazzling versa mark to the embossed flower.... just to add a little something! I used the embossing folder from SU, Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set, rose red, riding hood red ribbon, and black cardstock. Pretty simple yet elegant card!

TFL!

Nicole

More technical difficulties!

I appologize if you come to check out my blog and see a white screen! I am trying to redo this blog with an amazine template I bought. However it simply is not working for me!! I hope to have it up and running today.... wish me luck. HTML is giving me fits!!

Stay tuned... I have more cards coming!

TFL
Nicole

Trees....

Its just been difficult when our trees look like sticks outside! Now they are starting to bud and my lilac bush is struggling (again)... Its a dwarf deep purple lilac. Each year it blooms early and we either get a late frost or a wind storm takes them. I have had this stamp set Trendy Trees by SU for a while... just never got around to using it. So with trees budding I thougth now was a great time!

On this card I wanted to use my in colors from SU! I love the baja breeze ridinghood red and kiwi kiss.... so I thought why not put them all together! I had to use my stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the trunks with the leafy parts! These are two step stamps and I have to admit I am a perfectionist when it comes to them. However if you look closely they are not perfect! My son woke up from his nap early so I only did them once. My friend Crystal gasped in shock that I hadn't used this ridinghood red taffeta ribbon.... so I am using it here for her!! Its strange... I make cards and I am not in love with them right away... after a few days of pondering on them and looking at them they grow on me.

TFL!
Nicole

Swap time!

Here is a swap I did for March. The topic was clearly clear. We were asked to use atleast one clear element from SU! For example clear embossing powder, velum, clear buttons, crystal effects, window sheets etc.

I used crystal effects and clear emossing powder!

Stamps: Bella's Bloom, mathing wheel

Cardstock: basic grey, lavendar lace, whisper white

inks: versamark, basic grey, stayzon black

Other: Grey tafeta ribbon, crystal effects, clear embossing powder, pastels, oval punch, oval scalloped punch, top note sizzix bigs die by SU.

I am doing two swaps this month so I am excited to get going! I will share those once they are swapped!

TFL!

Nicole

Got Mail?

My two daughters each had a friend over last night and I let them decorate the mailboxes I found at Target two years ago! I think I am becoming a collector instead of a crafter! I am producing much less then I seem to be buying! So my new challenge is use my stuff before I can buy anything more!

I got to say it was so much fun watching the girls decorate the mailboxes and decide on which materials to use and where.... children are absolutely free... they don't worry about perfectionism, everything matching just so... if they like it they use it and they do what they want! Maybe we should all take a day to be like this! I will have to learn how to let go and relax and just create freely! I am too much of a perfectionist when it comes to creating!

I promised the girls I would post these for them! Enjoy girls!

stamp club!!

Last night I went to my stamp club!! Claudia was a hostess with the mostess despite her injury earlier this week. Thanks to her hubby for his help! These are the two cards we made last night! I LOVE the top note die offered by SU.... it works perfectly in a cuttlebug!


The first card Crystal took two top note die cuts and put them together to create a spring looking card! Isn't it cute!! I loved it!!
The second card we used a stamp set that got mixed reviews! I personally like it... after Crystal showed some samples on how it was used I had to add it to my must have list! I like the color combo here... not something I would pick but after it was together I really liked it. Again we used the top note die but this time added a piece of patterned paper to it, then ran it through the cuttle bug. Perfect fit, looks great!

Thanks Crystal for another fun evening! I love getting away and talking with adults!!
Nicole

Valentine Baby!

This is February for the calendars I made my mom and mother in law for Christmas!

I love this picture of Zachary!

Enjoy!

Nicole

Technical difficulties resolved!

Ok... After a lot of computer issues and trouble with SD cards I finally got it figured out!

However, I am having trouble figuring out Adobe Fireworks, CS3. If you know how to get is to design a web page drop me a line!

This is letter I made to hang on my son's wall. I covered them with paper and made them to match his nursery decor! It was difficult doing boy stuff.. no flowers!

Promise more to come!

Whew.... Time Flies!

So its already 2009! This past year has been really busy for our family! We (as many of you know) welcomed our 3rd child Zachary who is now 7mts old! I am amazed that I have three beautiful children, wonderful hubby, and ready to hit 2009 and hopefully get back to school. This is definately affect how much crafting time I get but its something I REALLY want and need to do for my own personal satisfaction! I want to graduate from college! So that is my resolution. Its kinda weak since I am not guaranteeing I will do it in 2009 but I will atleast get back to school!

Back to crafting!!

I created a sign for my son's room that is the word baby spelled out in letters. Along with a scrapbook for my husband's grandparents. I would love to post pictures but everytime I put in my SD card the computer crashes. So I am trying to post using my laptop and its SD drive and it needs a driver.... so I will work on that tody or maybe get my hubby to do it. As for now take a look at the wonderfully creative people under the blog list on the right!

Thanks,
Nicole