Nicole's Stampin Spot

Blog has moved....

2012-01-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let you know I am moving my blog to a new location.... check me out here!

http://nicolemjcreations.blogspot.com/

I have struggled for a while to get the quirks out of this blog and troubles with sign-in.... I was advised to just move the location. So now you will see my creations instead of them not being visible! Let's face it what good is an invisible post!

Hope to see you there!
Nicole

Lots to catch up on.... First the kid's Baptism!

2011-11-21T22:28:00.002-05:00

So I realize this picture is not the greatest! I will change it out later. For now this is the Baptism announcement/invitation my friends and family received. The Baptism was held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint, MI. I am so happy our family has found a church that we love attending and where we are growing! Tim and I are going through RCIA classes, our kids are taking religious education classes and Anna is getting ready for First Communion and First Reconciliation this year! Its a very exciting time for our family! I now also make cards for the shut-ins (people who can't attend Mass any longer). I will post some of them a little later!

Enjoy! ~Nicole

Whew!!! Lost for a long time!

2011-11-21T22:06:00.002-05:00

Just a little humor to give us a boost! LOL
Well I was finally able to get back to my original blog!! After we moved and had some problems with Comcast email I had to delete some email accounts. That made it impossible for me to get into this blog and add any new posts since I couldn't retrieve the password changes they were sending. After several months I was able to get it all worked out!

Now I can FINALLY post what I have been working on! .... yes I have been stamping and scrapbooking again. I even have a new room in our home.. I took over the dining room and made it a very usable scrapbook/craft room! I will begin posting the scrapbook pages and cards I have made here soon! It's going to take me a day or so to get the pictures transferred to the new computer!

Hope you enjoy!!! I am SOOO glad to be back!

Valentines... in the making!

2011-01-24T16:19:00.003-05:00

Today my girls and I are working on their Valentines for school. This year they wanted to do treat boxes... We are using the Stampin Up! Milk Carton Sizzix die. I have to say we are working hard with Crunch 'n Much near by... but this is taking longer than we imagined. Two trips to the sotre to get more Sticky Tape... we are out yet again! I will post some pics tomorrow!

I also found a new way to mount rubber stamps and make them acrylic mounted! I took an old set I had planned to sell and gave it a try... I will let you see what I did and how I did it (and if it worked!!) when it all dries! I am so excited and hopful it will work. I found the idea on someone's blog so I can't take credit for the concept... but I can use it and give credit where credit is due! =)

Have a great day and stay warm!!! I am happy we are in the positive numbers for temperature today!! Woo hoo!!

Work in progress!

2011-01-21T12:20:00.002-05:00

Well, I am still working on unpacking my stuff... finding things I forgot I had! My newphew Hunter is offically a Marine now and will be home on Saturday so I am busy trying to make a sign for him...
but for your viewing pleasure check out this link to Kwerner designs. She has a beautiful card that I think is simply adorable! LOVE the buttons!! I would post a picture but I am not sure on the legalitites of that... so you can go check it out by clicking on the name! (do it really....its cute)
I will have more next week!

Nicole

It's been FAR tooo long!! But I'm Back!!

2011-01-12T11:41:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to be back and have my scrapbooking/card making stuff back!

I am still in the process of unpacking my stuff from 2009!! However, I have a dedicated space with a extra large table and I had to make something! So I made these two lunch box notes for my girls Taylor and Anna! They will be totally surprised at lunch today!

I found my ink pads are not juicy.. so I need to reink them. I also found I am out of practice on watercoloring... and I am dreaming of Copics! Those little buggers are expensive but they create a beautiful watercolor look with less work and more color options. So untill I find a tree that grows Copics, win the lottery or a Copic fairy sends me some I will use my stamp pads and water brush!

Enjoy... more to come!

Nicole

Anna's Invitations!

2009-11-23T10:52:00.003-05:00

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!!

2009-10-23T17:48:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-18T11:05:00.002-04:00

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!!

2009-08-13T12:42:00.005-04:00

***** 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

2009-08-08T22:56:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-07-28T11:33:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2009-07-27T11:28:00.007-04:00

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!!!

2009-07-16T11:59:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-07-09T14:24:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-07-08T13:33:00.006-04:00

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!!

2009-07-01T13:40:00.013-04:00

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!!

2009-06-30T17:45:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-06T07:13:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-05-04T07:03:00.000-04:00

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???

2009-05-02T06:36:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-05-01T09:50:00.002-04:00

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....

2009-04-30T12:04:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-04-13T14:10:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-04-10T11:56:00.005-04:00

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!!

2009-03-20T14:55:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-02-16T21:57:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-02-16T14:52:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-01-08T13:55:00.002-05:00

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

ATG gun!!! GOTTA HAVE IT!!!

2008-12-31T13:53:00.003-05:00

Ok... First things first.... Where have you been? Seems to be what I am getting in my in box! I have been super busy, got sick, and now I am trying to play catch up after the holidays!! I promised more to come and then didn't deliver since I was sick! SORRY!!

However, I am working today on getting some goodies made to share with you! I actually have been working really hard on Christmas presents... but can you believe I gave them away without taking pictures? Talk about crazy!!

I am going to nicely ask for my mother in law to let me borrow the gift to take pictures... I think she will tell me to come over and take pictures of it... she has always wanted me to make her somehting so I am certain she won't let me have it back in fear I might not return it in a timely manner!

AGT NEWS!!!!
I recently decided to buy an ATG 714! For those of you who don't know its an adhesive tool that is used in framing but works great for cardmaking, scrapbooking, crafting, and anthing else that needs tape! LIMITED TIME ONLY!!! you can go to Crop and Stick and order a gun for $50.86 including shipping and 3 free rolls of 3M gold adhesive (acid free) this is an amazing deal! Most scrapbook stores sell if for $75 to $85 and adhesive runs $6.50 to $12 per roll. However if you order online you can get adhesive for under $4.00 a roll for 36 yards! yes thats yards not feet! Its a heck of a savings and this deal right now is awesome! So head over to the sight and Gina or Julie will be happy to help you! I personally spoke with Gina and she was amazing! Friendly, helpful, very accomodating, and very nice to do business with! Also check out there other deals of brads and embelishiments for only $1.00!!! ITS A GREAT SITE!!! They are a family store not a big box store. They do their best to have the lowest prices... For example they got free tape from 3M and are giving it away for FREE to their customers! How nice is that? The accountant side of me says charge for it and make a profit! The scrapbooker in me says "THANKS CROP AND STICK YOU ROCK!!!"

OK I am off to make some goodies!

More coming soon! Promise!!

2008-12-08T11:53:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to let you know I have been super busy and taking care of family. My hubby was really sick and then the holidays hit and I got hit with the flu! Our son also had a reaction to his formula so its been hectic!

I will hopefully make something today if I can stop coughing long enough!

Hope you are all well!
Nicole

Super Cute!!

2008-11-22T15:49:00.006-05:00

Ok, I got a chance to play with my new stamps again! YEA!! I absolutely LOVE my new stamps from All that Scraps. They have the cutest little characters! I have lots I want to play with but like most of you haven't had the time! This little bear was so cute and it comes with bumble bees, another bear and three sentiments in a set. GREAT VALUE & EXCELLENT QUALITY!! I decided to add crystal effects (SU) to his eyes to make it look like he was crying. I also made a puddle on the bottom. My 4 year old thought the bear had an accident! How funny!

Hope you enjoy!
Nicole

Cardstock: River Rock, Groovy Guava. Pattern paper: My Minds Eye.
Supplies: double stich groovy guava, metal clip older hodgepodge kit, robins nest dew drops, and nestabilities were used to cut and emobss the scappoled circles. Bear is watercolored with close to cocoa.

BUSY DAY!!!

2008-11-20T13:51:00.005-05:00

Things are a little crazy around here today! My hubby went to the doctor in horrific pain to thankfully find out he wasn't having a heart attach but has plurasy. I am told the membrane around the lungs dries and makes it incredibly painful to breath and feels like you are having a heart attack. I feel terrible he is in so much pain! I have not been working on anything... as you can understand! But here is one of the first scrapbook pages I did of my daughters. I caught them dancing a in front of the TV. It was so funny. So I ran for the camera and got these pictures. (they are not the greatest quality but they captured the moment!)

Have a great day!

Nicole

Monkey love....

2008-11-18T14:16:00.005-05:00

This is a stamp set I have been wanting since the first time I saw it! It came in the mail last night and boy oh boy was I excited to finally make a card with it. I think the monkey is absolutely adorable! Don't you? Its available at All That Scraps and is called Monkey love. I have a couple of other cards as well that Iwill share later.

I used my minds eye pattern paper, SU cardstock (really rust, chocolate chip, and tempting turquoise, very vanilla) I water colored the monkey using close to cocoa and creamy cramel) I tried choc. chip and close to cocoa first but the monkey was too dark for this card. Cute but I liked this color combo better. I love the addd touch of the robins egg dew drops. I have used them several times now and love it everytime. I used my nestabilities to cut the squares and emboss them. The teal was cut by hand. Again gotta have ribbon!!! Is a card complete without it?

Well diaper duty calls!

Nicole

Scrapbooking....

2008-11-17T13:55:00.007-05:00

Well I finally got a chance to get away with one of my sisters and scrapbook! I can't say I was too productive that day but it was nice to get away and spend time with her. Unfortunately our oldest sister Kim was sick and couldn't attend. I think I get more acomplished when she is around because she can put together pages faster than anyone I know. She keeps me moving... My sister Dawn and I take our time and think about each picture, cut, embelishment, and placement of each item. However, I have to admit I have the least done out of the 3 of us. I bought a CM album from my siter back in 2002 and didn't take it out of the box until last year! I still can't figure out how to work the straps!

Anyway here is the first page for my son's album... Thats still is strange for me to say... SON! I have a SON! WOW!! Anyway.... I also made my first page of my hubby and him. I love looking at these pictures of them together. I love seeing so much emotion in his face. My husband is a great man, awesome father, and we are very lucky to have him. I did leave off my journaling box which will be off center in the upper right corner of his page. To me this is personal and I prefer not to display it. However I will take a moment to explain the pics. The pic of my son on a single page is the first picture that was take of him in NICU. I was not away to see him at that time:( The picture of my husband holding him is my favorite. It is difficlt to get a good pic of my hubby smiling and with how tramatic our birth was this picture means the world to me. On the other page he is leaning over and talking to him softly. Lastly the picture of my hubby looking up... he is looking at the heart monitor on our son. Our daughter had a lot of heart problems and this is him chekcing to make sure it looks regular.

I used the book imagine by Jeanette R. Lynton for inspiration. Along with papers from Prima Marketing (baby boy, little one, moon & stars) and Basic Grey Granola collection. Gotta have chipboard on my pages, along with a little ribbon and metal.

Enojy! More cards to come this week... maybe a scrapbook page or two as well!

Nicole

Getting ready for the holidays!

2008-11-13T22:57:00.003-05:00

I am trying to get ready for the holidays…. But Christmas just seems too far away! I did however get out a stamp set and make this card! I wanted to see if Shimmerz blingz looked good on reindeer too! I know I am trying to make everything sparkle! My daughter wanted to know if she could pain her hair with it and make a "sparkling mini pony tail like Barbie". I quickly said no it will make your hair fall out! She loves her long hair so I knew that would make her not want to try it…. I know a little harsh but it worked! =)

I really like the color combo of real red and bashful blue. This was a simple card that I put together on the fly! Put a little ribbon and some snowflakes with the white craft ink and it was done!

Hope you like!
Nicole

Challenges....

2008-11-13T11:28:00.009-05:00

Ok, So I seem to be color challenged for lack of a better term! I will look at colors and think they can't possibly work together then I see a scrapbook paper and think well it works for them! HUMMMM.... So I found a great blog to help with the problem. Kwernerdesign.com offers color inspirations each week and you can post your creations on her blog. Its awesome to see how everyone uses the colors! This week she uses SU colors old olive, certainly celery, saraha sand, and whisper white! They are beautiful together. Go to a direct link of all her color inspirations here.
I was also told of a few problems... I seem to only be creating horizontal cards.... didn't notice really but now that it was brought to my attention that I am "vertically challenged" I will work on that! (laughing)! However todays card is also vertically challenged. The other issue is that my web page backround is not loading correctly. I am working on designing my own through Adobe... however I am still learning the program so this will need to stay for a while longer.

This card is using the Shimmerz Blingz I won!! I thought her bubbles could use a little jazz! This card seems to be missing something to me but I kinda wanted it simple too. This stamp set reminds me of a friend Lisa who sells the Body Shop at Home! Great products by the way! She doesn't have time to relax in a bath like bubble queen here nor does she like pink and blue.... however this card is sweet and relaxing which is what she does for other people! She is very sweet and dear friend and she provides people with the opportunity to pamper themselves. She is like the old calgon commercial! Anyway I made this card for her! So take some time out Lisa and relax a little and pamper yourself for a change!

Supplies: Stamp set: bubble queen.
Cardstock: pretty in pink, bashful blue, whisper white.
Accessories: Silver cord, pink grossgrain, glitter gellyroll pen used to trace around the white on the blue to give it a little sparkle, Blingz (pink poinsetta and december sky)
Below you can see the shimmer. Sorry the lighting is so bad but its been gloomy around here and not much sun! Bad for taking pictures.

Enjoy! If you are interested in The Body Shop at Home products check out Lisa's web site at Lisa's body shop site Even if you don't live locally you can order directly from her website and she is awesome at helping you find gifts for those hard to buy for people!
Have a great day!
Nicole

Sheetload's blog candy blowout!! CHECK IT OUT!!

2008-11-12T19:27:00.003-05:00

There is a great opportunity to win a LOT of blog candy! Check this out!! You can win it!!!

go to this site to check out all the wonderful ideas. http://sheetload.blogspot.com and check it out! There are only 3 easy steps to win goodies!! Gotta love that!

Here is the direct link to the awesome blog candy blowout!!!

Blow some my way!!!

Prima Flowers!

2008-11-10T13:30:00.004-05:00

Here is the first of some of my projects! I took the prima flowers and painted them with the Shimmerz Blingz! I used the December Sky and Gold Glimmer. The folwers were not the same shade of blue as my paper but after using the Shimmerz they all match really well! For cardstock I used Bashful Blue, blush blossom, and very vanilla cardstock. Inside the flowers I used the Dew Drops by Robins Nest. Additional accessories include crystal effects to glue the dew drops, scalloped border punch, vanilla ribbon.

I really love these goodies!!

Enjoy!! Nicole

THANK YOU!!! AREN'T THEY CUTE!!!

2008-11-06T14:10:00.004-05:00

LOOK what came in the mail today!! The Shimmerz I won!!! I think they are adorable!! The colors are beautiful! In order from left to right they are Spiced Cider, Gold Glimmer, Pink Poincetta, Wintergreen, and December Sky! I will work on some projects.... and post them soon! Can't wait to play with them!!

Speical BIG THANKS!!! to Stacey at http://shimmerzpaints.blogspot.com/

for choosing me as her winner! I love them!!! I want to put them on a shelf for color inspiration in my craft area!

Nicole

Get ready for turkeys!!!

2008-11-05T17:38:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the delay on getting a card made... But I did make a turkey! Seems like the cold bug got a few of my family members so I have been running around like crazy! I first saw this turkey on Splitcoast stampers and then found this tutorial...

http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/chic_n_scratch/2008/10/blessing-mix-tu.html

Its from a Stampin Up magazine for demonstrator called Stampin Success. However, Angie Kennedy Juda was nice enough to put together this tutorial video on making the turkey. Hope you enjoy!

The turkey I made above I did a little differently. I don't have the 3/4 square punch so I just hand cut a square. I also don't have the boho blossoms so I used the triple flower punch from SU and used my snips to cut into the petals to make them look like feet. I hand cut a triangle for his nose as well. So you can improvise as needed! Also I added a little ink to the edges of the scallop because it makes the layers pop out more!

I am working on something else and once I get it right I will post!

2008-11-03T12:14:00.001-05:00

I have great news!!! I won Shimmerz!!! As soon as I get them I will make cards and post them here! They are these amazing paints that add a lot of shimmer and beautiful colo to anything! They look awesome when you pain flowers with them, put them on snowmen or snowflakes...etc! A couple days ago a entered a blog giveaway and won! Check two posing prior to this and check out the link!

I also made a card to share... I found this cute little stamp at Meijer for$1.19! Can't beat that!! Its by Autumn Leaves. I used Basic Grey pattern paper, chocolate chip and regal rose cardstock and ribbon. I made polka dots using a versa marker and added the white dots with a white gel pen. I love these colors together.

Hope you are having a nice weekend!

Nicole

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T13:24:00.005-05:00

We had a great time with our three kids trick or treating! Our oldest Taylor was a witch, Anna was a twinkling princess(her costume actually had fiber optic lights in it), and Zachary was a Tootsie Roll (r). This is the first year I didn't handmake their costumes. I got to admit it made me sad to see the poor quality but they loved them none the less. They like the costumes but really don't care much about the candy! Which makes me happy!

I included a pic of them all ready to go trick or treating! They all looked so cute! Of course I am totally bias!

Off to Thanksgiving now!
Nicole

Calore free candy??

2008-10-30T18:57:00.002-04:00

What type of candy is calorie free and never goes bad? BLOG CANDY!!

check out Cuppy Cake! http://ohmycuppycake.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-about-some-blog-candy.html
you can win an awesome $25 gift certificate!! WOW!! Leave a post and let them know you saw it here on StampinNicole!

Thanks,
Nicole

Shimmerz Paints!

2008-10-30T15:42:00.003-04:00

Ok.... no card today. I found a really cool product called Shimmerz Paints!
go here http://shimmerzpaints.blogspot.com/2008/10/colors-and-candy.html to check it out and a chance to win the cool stuff! I can't wait to see if I won! I LOVE THINGS THAT SPARKLE!!

If you have used this product leave me a note and tell me what you think. I would love to see more projects made with it!

Have a great day!
Nicole

2008-10-27T14:13:00.003-04:00

This card was inspired by colors from the current stampin up catalog. I love certainly celery and any color blue. So This color combination is pretty but not pink... I like that! I also like pink... but now that I have a boy I am getting into blues and greens!

Cardstock: very vanilla, bashfull blue, certainly celery, not quite navy designer paper prints

Inks: not quite navy

Stamp set: A beautiful thing

Punches: 1 1/2 circle, round scalloped, medium oval (vanilla), trio flower, double circle punch (flower centers), scalloped edge border

Other: Paper piercing tool and mat/guide. I also used a white gel pen to fill in the holes I made in the scalloed edge. Not sure it did a whole lot put it added a little with the polka dot paper on top.

I am quite proud of this card. Not only did I complete it quickly but I did it on my own without CASEing another card! I am challenging myself to pick a color combo, stamp set, and create!!

Enjoy!

2008-10-25T15:31:00.003-04:00

I got a chance to get our last night and go to our stamp club event! It was nice to go and stamp! Crystal gave us a neat tip on how to use scrap pieces of ribbon... slip it into the middle of a knot and its so cute! Here is a card that I have been putting together for 3 days. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with it and then finally I came up with this! I used mini clear beads on the center of the flower. The stamp set is called eastern blooms. Its a very versital set (in my opinion) I also used in colors from stampin up that were from last year (river rock, purely pomegranet, groovy guava)... but I love!

I will getting the new in colors soon!

Enjoy!

Sweetest Day!

2008-10-20T16:42:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had a nice sweetest day! My husband forgot.... however its not a big deal since he don't acknowledge "Halmark Holidays" anyway. So this is the card I made for him.... we had a wedding to go to and it matched their wedding colors. Which seems to be a common color scheme right now. Anyway back to the card... I wanted to do a two color theme.... I think it came out pretty good! I also like the double fold with the hears on opposite sides when its open. This is unexpected which makes it kinda different! Chocolate chip and vanilla cardstock were used from SU. Along with the stamp set Always.

Have a great day...

Nicole

OMG!!! This is too funny!

2008-10-16T11:52:00.005-04:00

I discovered last night my son doesn't like bananas! We are working on introducing foods... (seemed early to me but doc suggested it) He LOVES to eat!

This face is priceless! (My husband makes the same face.... (not when he is eating) Typically when he doesn't agree with something... Its strange how much he looks and acts like my husband at such an early age..... I think I am in TROUBLE!!!

Just had to share this... more cards coming soon!

Card for a friend...

2008-10-15T22:45:00.007-04:00

Card for the grandparents to be.... Yes... this is a pregnancy test! I have it on the inside of the card. Its from QuicKutz! However now a days they are quite technical and have a digital display that actally says "Pregnant" or I am assuming not pregnant if its negative. The only time I took one of the digital ones it came back pregnant and I dropped it so it didn't work again! So in this case the old test would have been better even if you dropped them they still had two lines (laughing) It was quite a shocking result for us.... and now we have Zachary!

Here are two cards I have made for a friend and her family! I like the stamp sets used here.... you grow girl and the beautiful prego lady is from All That Scraps. The little birdie card is stampin up. The paper set used was part of a scrapbook kit fromSU in an older catalog. I am working on getting some ideas together and figuring out how to create card sketches in Adobe and post them. I too often get caught up on dulpicating a card and lose sight of making it my own. So for me lately... picking a sketch and a color combination has been a lot of fun. I will share them with you once I get them all complete!

Happy Stamping!

Nicole

Another scrapbook page!

2008-10-10T07:50:00.004-04:00

This was the second two page layout that I completed when I was away for my mommy time! This is my favorite new saying "Mommy's New Little Man"! My son is really a momma's boy right now. He is with me 24-7 so he really has no other choice!

I dress him in all sorts of little man outfits! I hate how stores have so much more clothing for girls than they do for boys! Also having two girls and four generations of all girls in our family it is difficult to find cute boy stuff! So I make sure he has cute little outfits and plaid shits, matching hats and socks, matching blankets etc. Its not like I get to put bows in his hair..... which is a shame since he actally has hair and has more than my oldest daughter had!

I am working on some cards today and over the weekend so I will have some new cards to post! I got a really cool stamp set from Stampin Up called Always! LOVE IT!! Check back soon!

Just a note on how I did this page.... I used aquarius 4x8 alphabet dies from Quickutz and the rest was a really cool paper line that happened to match his shirt! Of course from Capture a Memory! I will need to look up the company name for the paper line and acryclic accessories!

Thanks,
Nicole

QuicKutz!!! I LOVE THEM!!!

2008-10-09T08:34:00.004-04:00

Ok... So I haven't had a lot of time to post but I finally was daring enough to leave our son with my husband for a few "mommy time" hours at my favorite local scrapbooking store Capture a Memory. I went to a Friday night crop and complete two layouts( I will post the second 2 page latout tomorrow!) .... I know it may seem like not much to get done in five hours.... but hey.... I completed them, got out of the house and these little animals take time to cut out. Also I kept losing their noses and spots! But it was so worth it in the end. Its adorable!!

The grass, vines, and all the animals are QuicKutz!

Thanks to the wonderful people at CAM!! I am in love with QuicKutz once again! You must check them out if you don't know what I am talking about. http://www.quickutz.com/

I am also working on cards and can't wait to share them!!

Hey also check out Crystal's Blog! http://www.stampwithcrystal.blogspot.com/

She is a great inspiration and has adorable cards! She also has links to other great designers like herself! I have to say that for her because she don't! She is awesome!

Winston has a new home!

2008-09-25T12:19:00.002-04:00

Winston has a new home! This was a difficult decision but I am truly confident that we made a great choice and he will be happy. His new family has about 20 acres, a lake, and a 4 year old son. Winston took to their little boy immediately and it made our decision much easier. Winston now has two other dogs to play with and can be out of his crate most of the time. After a lot of tears and sadness I just have to remember that he is in a happier home where he can live without confinement to a crate and has a new loving family to care for him.

It was amazing how we found the family. The father works for a durable medical supply company and was at our home delivering equipment. We began talking about Winston and several days later he called us back! It was simply ment to be!

So saddly we miss Winston but we get phone calls from his new family and are able to keep in touch and can even take our kids out to visit him! They are a wonderful family for Winston!

Nicole

Winston still needs a home...

2008-09-15T23:20:00.004-04:00

I am still looking for a home for winston! I have had a few interested people but nothing has resulted in an adoption! I am sad that we have to give him up and nervous that I won't find a good home. His pictures are shown below... he is awesome! I wish there was some way to show him playful and cute things he does in pictures.

Winston!

2008-09-09T11:13:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures of my Lab Winston! I am looking for a home and many people want to see what he looks like. So here he is... I never realized how hard it is to take pictures of black dogs without sun!

Time Flies!!

2008-08-01T10:43:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Boy its been a hectic time around our house! Since my last post in February our baby boy has arrived! He is 2 months old now and about 10 lbs! We are getting adjusted still and trying to find formula that works for him. He has a severe milk protein and soy protein allergy problem. But he is beautiful and his sisters love him to pieces! They constantly want to hold him!

I won't be stamping for a while since we are so busy and he requires so much time (which I absolutely enjoy every minute of!) So sorry for the lack of ideas! All I can offer right now is burping techiniques for a baby! LOL

Sincerely,

Nicole

Amazing Week!

2008-02-15T19:22:00.002-05:00

WOW!!! What a week our family has had! We just found out that we are expecting..... a baby boy! He will arrive in June. This has come as a total shock to all of us but as you can imagine we are overly excited right now! We have a lot to do in a short amount of time.

I do have some new cards to show you.... They were done last week before all the excitement broke my creative mindset!

Still Stampin!!

2008-02-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

I am still stamping! I can't pull myself away from my new goodies! Today my daughters and I will be making valentines... so I will post them later today or tomorrow! She (Taylor) is so excited to see her stuff on the internet.... funny how excited stamping can make us! Event at 8 yrs old!

Hope you enjoy today's card!

Nciole

Look at the birdie!!

2008-02-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

Ok I gotta admit... that was a little wierd! But I have been playing with the Stampin Up set called "a birdie told me"!! Here are the results of my stampin time!!

I have seen these color combos used elsewhere like splitcoast and other stamper's bloggs so I though I would give it a shot! Its Rose Red, Bashful Blue, and So Saffron! The images are watercolored.

Nicole

NEW info added!

2008-02-04T23:15:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to add a few new links to the blog for you to check out! I added Claudia's blogg. She has some cool ideas and got me hooked on the Elzybells stamps! That link is also listed now. You have got to check it out so you can get hooked too! No stamp collection is complete without these cuties!!

My new shipment of stamps was sent today! I am hoping I will get them Thurs or Friday. When I do I of course will have to play and have new projects to add. My daughter Taylor is going to make her class valentines too so be on the look out for Taylor's special additon to the blogg!

Have a great week!

Little Jar of flowers!

2008-02-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

This is a cute little jar I picked up from Wal Mart! I have been buying them for about a year! They are filled with fruit like mandarin oranges, fuji apples, strawberries, and pears. They sell for 97cents! No lables come on them so I don't have to fuss with Goo Gone! Now don't go rush out and buy them.... I am still collecting! (just kidding)

I simply put the jars in my dishwasher and let them sit out for about a week to make sure they are good and dry! Then you can decorate and fill with whatever you choose! I put buttons, ribbon pieces, flowers and clips in them! I just decided to add this to the top because I got tired of looking at the fruit lable!

I plan to decorate some and fill them with M&M's for my daughter's teacher as a valentines day gift. Of course her's will look better than this! I made this one really simple so I could see what was in it and not worry about throwing it in my scrapbooking/cardmaking tote!

Have a great weekend! I gotta get back to statistics homework! UGH!!

Nicole

Just because you requested Tammy!

2008-01-31T14:02:00.000-05:00

Here are two cards I created today! But now I gotta get to my homework....
My friend Tammy couldn't wait to see them so I posted them early!

With so much snow on the way I wanted to think of spring! I usded the Ronald McDonald set for this year... I used matching ink and paper to add texture. So saffron and cercently celery. Then used markers to color on the flowered stamp and get the multi colored look. I then heat embossed the image with glitter emobssing powerder from SU.

The second card was similar to one created by my friend Teresa! This is not a stamp set I would typically purchase but I really like how it turned out. Sometimes you gotta play around with it to see how great it can be! It is one of the two step stamping sets! Again I heat embossed the glitter embossing powder..

Hope you like!

Here's a start...

2008-01-31T13:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to share with you a couple of cards I made at a recent event.

The first card was a make and take I created for a special group of people who do events for their relay for life group called "Hands for Hope"! I used a slit punch to create the scalloped edge on both of the cards! Thanks to Crystal for that awesome idea! Another technique is the faux stitching also around the image! This is so easy to make. For this card I used night of navy, whisper white, and rose red cardstock. I used whisper white craft ink, rose red, and night of navy classic inks.

The second card is a copy of a 6 x 6 card in the new Stampin Up! Spring Summer 08 catalog. I reducted the size to make it fit on a standard (4 1/2 x 5 1/4) card. I used the ruby red, groovy guava, river rock, very vanilla cardstock. For ink I used old olive and ruby red! I like how you don't always need to stamp on white paper!

Enjoy!

welcome!

2008-01-29T11:08:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone & Welcome to my new blog!

This is the first time I have ever created a blog so I am looking forward to getting started! I will be adding material to the site over the next couple of weeks and hope to have it up and running within that time!

Hope you enjoy!
Nicole