NICU is going great!  Very happy with my decision.  Extremely stressful at first, but every day it gets easier (not sure if “easier” is a good term to use).  I felt like a brand-spankin’ new nurse for the first three months.  What’s important is that I LIKE going to work & LOVE what I do.

Due to the weather here in Harrisburg (tons of rain from Lee and severe flooding), I decided to venture into my stamping studio to do some dusting.  No stamping.  How could I neglect such a happy area?  Well, that led me to browse blogs & stamping company sites all week.  I must say, it feels good to be able to “shop” where I want.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Stampin’ Up!, but I’m able to exhale and browse wherever my happy heart desires, and love other companies as well.

With my browsing, I’m starting to get that “stamping itch”.  I will be venturing back to my happy stamping space soon.  I’ve purchased some cute things from a couple different companies.  I’ve also concluded that I HAVE TO GET ME SOME COPICS (ok! ok!  all of them)!  

I’m researching all the stamp companies out there and their products.  I’m happy to see how much many companies have grown.  I think I’ve only touched the surface….every time I blog hop, I find MORE cute images.

Hopefully I’ll be back soon with some creations to share:)

Take care.

As of May 1st, I am no longer a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. I will always LOVE the products they carry. I am very thankful for the 6 years of creating, the friendships, conventions, the awards, and all the inspiration.

My heart leads me to focus on my nursing career. It’s so hard for me to sit down and stamp. It’s so easy for me to comfort and help someone who is hospitalized. I have been a nurse for 12 years, and I’m now working in a NICU….and so love the environment. This fall, I will be heading back to college to further my nursing degree.  So, I decided to let go of my Stampin’ Up! demoship.

ADDED INFORMATION:  I’m not done with creating.  NICU is a fabulous place for me to create.  They have all sorts of designer papers on the unit so we can make cards and scrapbook pages for the parents (we can take pictures while parents are not present to capture those smiles and moments the parents may miss).  With Mother’s Day right around the corner, there were nurses on the unit making cards “from baby to mom” ….isn’t that the sweetest thing ever?  So, I will bring my creativity into the environment once I’m oriented and 100% comfortable.

I will post if I create something:)
Thanks for all the comments over the years.

When I think of the SU! color Crumb Cake and Vintage-style, I instantly think of my dear friend Kimberly Van Diepen.  I wanted to create  some projects for her.    These are way overdue….I wanted some projects to be waiting for her at her new home.

I am extremely pleased with the turnout.  Like I said, I was afraid to stamp.  It does help when the creative ideas in my head can be executed.  

CARD DETAILS:

BOX DETAILS:

(PLEASE DON’T ASK FOR A TEMPLATE OR INSTRUCTIONS (smile).  THIS BOX IDEA IS FROM A GIFT BOX I GOT AT A “v-secret” STORE DURING THE 2009 HOLIDAY SEASON.  I DISASSEMBLED THE BOX TO GET A GENERAL LAYOUT IDEA.  I DON’T HAVE DIRECTIONS TO PROVIDE).

FRONT VIEW

TOP VIEW — BOX CLOSED

TOP VIEW — BOX OPENED

You open up the top and place a small gift inside.  Below is a birds eye view looking directly down on top of the gift box.

SIMPLY ADORNED CHARM FRONT:

SIMPLY ADORNED CHARM BACK:

I hope you enjoyed looking at these projects.  Hopefully, I won’t be gone for another 6 months.  Thanks for stopping by.

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN’ UP!

STAMPS:  Artistic Etchings, Tiny Tags, and Bella Toile Background.

PAPERS:  Newsprint Designer Series Paper; Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and White Vellum.

INKS:  Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Stazon Jet Black, Soft Suede, Early Espresso.

ACCESSORIES:  Mini Vintage Tags, Mini Library Clips, Simply Adorned Charm 1″ x 1-1/4″, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Stamping Sponges, Color Spritzer Tool, Aqua Painter, Chunky Essentials Stampin’ Glitter, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch, Curly Label Extra Large Punch, 1-1/4″ and 1/2″ Circle Punches, Big Shot Die-Cutting System, Square Lattice textured impressions embossing folder, Sewing Machine.

PROJECT #1:  The Crocus flower is my way of telling that spring is right around the corner.  I love these cute little flowers.  I researched all the types, all the colors, and studied their shape.  After gathering my information, I got started making my Paper Crocus planter.

I used Stampin’ Up!’s Small and Large Oval Punches for the Crocus petals.  My color palette for this project is Whisper White,  Rich Razzleberry, and Crushed Curry. 

Aren’t these flowers  just so delicate and beautiful to look at?  I’m so happy with the way my paper Crocuses turned out:)  

It did take a long time to cut out Old Olive cardstock to create the grass bedding for the base of this arrangement.  I wanted to create a plush dense grass base.  This helps with the shapes…the transition from the white ceramic planter up to the grass is smooth and easy on the eyes/easy to look at, making you focus up on the flowers.

PROJECT#2:   Since I love creating projects that are bright and eye-catching, I had to create another paper flower arrangement.  This flower is a late spring bloomer called ‘Allium Giganteum’.  This flower is purple….the great thing about papercrafting is that I can make my flower whatever colors my heart desires.

My original vision was to create three of these beauties.  Well, after 2 hours of pinning tons of little flowers to just one single styrofoam ball, my plans changed.  So I left the other two little pots with just the Old Olive grass.

There are approximately 250 small flowers used above to create this flower.  My color palette for this project is Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, and Bermuda Bay.  Several types of Designer Series Papers were used (supplies listed at end of post). 

It took hours to create these projects.  I had lots of cardstock pieces all over the place when I was creating the Crocuses.  I wasn’t paying much attention to my environment while creating and my little Ethan somehow managed to take some pieces of cardstock and created a little flower for me.  It’s definitely those little things that matter.  I probably won’t have these paper florals a month from now, but I will DEFINITELY have the little flower he created for me forever!  Look at his little flower below……

Have a wonderful day!

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN UP:

PROJECT #1:  Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Crushed Curry, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock; Rich Razzleberry 1/2″ Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Small and Large Oval Punches; Word Window Punch.

PROJECT #2:  Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock; Kaleidoscope, Razzleberry Lemonade, Sunny Day, and Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Papers; Big Shot Die-Cut Machine; SU! Floral Fusion sizzlits die; SU! Birds & Blooms sizzlits die; Boho Blossoms Punch; Old Olive 1/4″ and 5/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Sweet Treat Cup

3-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ piece of cardstock (Pretty in Pink used in this tutorial)

2-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ square piece of cardstock (Real Red used in this tutorial)

2-1/2″ x 4″ piece of cardstock (Whisper White used in this tutorial)

1-3/4″ Circle Punch

3/4″ Circle Punch

Hobby Blade and Setting Mat from Mat Pack

Paper cutter with scoring blade

Ruler & Pencil

Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive

DIRECTIONS:

With the 3-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ piece of cardstock, score long side at 3-1/2″ and 7″.  Score the short side at 1/4″ and 3-1/4″.  For simple creating purposes, I have numbered the sections on the piece of cardstock…this will help you while creating.

Cut away 1/4″ scored pieces from sections 2 and 3.  Leave the 1/4″ scored pieces on section 1.

Cut angles to the 1/4″ scored pieces left on section 1.  This is done so these tabs can be tucked within the card in the final step.

Like the picture states, you will need to use your Hobby Blade and Setting Mat to cut a 2″ opening on the score line between section 2 and 3. 

Using a 1-3/4″ Circle Punch, you need to punch a circle to section 1.  I punched this circle more towards the edge and just a tad off centered (this is necessary when using a punch, so later punching works with the paper size).

This is how your 3-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ piece of cardstock should look at this point.  Section 1 is the cardfront.  Section 2 is the back of the card.  Section 3 gets folded inside and will not be seen when assembled (this is where the Sweet Treat Cup adheres to).

Fold section 3 inside.  Then fold section 1 on top of that (tri-fold).  Using a pencil, mark  your circle from section 1 onto section 3.  Punch out with your 1-3/4″ Circle Punch. 

This is how your 3-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ piece of cardstock should look at this point.  With the dimensions used, you would never be able to use a punch to section 3 if the circle was perfectly centered.  It’s off a tad, but you can’t notice….unless a ruler is pulled out.  I’m sure you won’t encounter that.

Place cardstock piece in position above.  You will need your 3/4″ Circle Punch now to create the small hole where you gain access to the Sweet Treat Cup contents.

You need to slide your 3/4″ Circle Punch through the 2″ cut opening all the way till it stops.  Punch out a circle to section 2. 

This is how your 3-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ piece of cardstock should look at this point.

With the 2-1/2″ x 4″ piece of cardstock, you will need to make some cuts shown in the picture above.  You will need to cut away 1/4″ x 1-3/4″ sections from both sides to one end of the piece of cardstock.  These notches are what prevents the tag from pulling all the way out.  They become “stoppers” so to say.

Here are all of the pieces you need to finish the card at this point.

Place the 2-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ square piece of cardstock on section 2, along the score line centered.  I marked my piece of cardstock so I could keep track of which side is to be aligned on the score line.  This is important so your circles line up.  Holding the pieces in place with your hands (or use some Dotto if you need to…so you can rub off adhesive), flip over.

 Using a pencil, mark  your circle onto the Real Red square piece of cardstock. 

Punch out using your 3/4″ Circle Punch.  You want the circles to align perfectly.

Slide the tag into the 2″ opening as shown in the above picture. 

Slide this tag all the way till it stops at the notches.  Make sure it’s centered.  Holding the pieces in place with your hands (or use some Dotto if you need to…so you can rub off adhesive), flip over.

Using a pencil, mark  your circle onto the Whisper White tag cardstock piece.   Punch out using your 3/4″ Circle Punch.

This is how your pieces of cardstock should look at this point.  You are now done punching, and it’s time for assembling.

Attach your Sweet Treat cup to the circle on section 3. 

Adhere the 2-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ square cardstock piece to section 3.  This piece keeps the contents in the Sweet Treat Cup. The circle gives you access to the contents. 

Slide the tag back into the 2″ opening (make sure all circles align).  If they don’t by this point, try flipping over your tag….this is why I mark my pieces so I know which sides go where.

Tri-fold your card closed.  Bring section 3 in first followed by section 1.

 Tuck in the 1/4″ tabs on section 1 to the inside of the card.

Sticking the tip of your Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive between the layers, apply some adhesive to the tabs that a tucked in and apply pressure (wipe away any that may seep out while applying pressure).  You will also want to make sure your tag functions—-because if you apply too much adhesive, it may seep inward and cause your tag to adhere to the inside of the card—-preventing you from being able to pull on tag.

This is what your cardfront looks like when assembled.  When the tag is downward (not pulled up), you have a circle that is closed on the back of the card.

When the tag is upward (pulled up), you have a circle that is opened on the back of the card.  You now have access to the Sweet Treat Cup contents.  You take what you need and then push the tag back down to close your opening.   Stamp and embellish as desired. 

 Here is the outside of the box.  I used Soft Suede cardstock to create the box and lid.  To keep the lid secured on the box, I used small white grommets to the sides of the lid and threaded Melon Mambo ribbon through so I could tie a bow on top.  The added strips of Soft Suede cardstock running vertically on the outside of the box is a nice subtle touch of detail……it also adds extra strength to the box making it sturdy.

I added details to the front of the lid only.  This is the theme that continues to the goodies that are inside the box.  I kept the details just to the lid as to not take away from the Soft Suede cardstock strips.  It all works so well together.

Untie the ribbon and remove the lid to expose 8 cards and envelopes inside the box. 

I’m the first to admit that it is extremely hard for me to create simple cards.  I FORCED myself to try and keep the 8 cards simple.  I think they turned out just right.  Easy to re-create.  Above is the cardfront.  I used the same layout on all of the cards.

Above is a picture that shows the inside of the cards.  Enough Whisper White cardstock so my mom can write a personal message inside.  I wasn’t wasting any of the butterflies that were die-cut, so I added them to the insides.

Using Tiny Tags stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog, I was able to use these tiny little sentiments….2 cards for each sentiment in the box.   I stamped the sentiments using Tempting Turquoise ink on Whisper White cardstock.  Punched out with my Word Window Punch.  I used my My way punch to create the cuts to the right.

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN’ UP!:

STAMPS:  Tiny Tags (Occasions Mini Catalog)

PAPERS:  Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack; Soft Suede, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Whisper White, and Melon Mambo cardstock.

INKS:  Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin’ Pad.

ACCESSORIES:  Basic Small Grommets Designer Hardware; Playground Designer Buttons; Melon Mambo 1/2″ Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Linen Thread; 1-3/4″, 1-3/8″, 1-1/4″ Circle Punches; My Way Punch; Word Window Punch; Scallop Circle Punch; Mat Pack & Paper-Piercing Tool; Big Shot Die-Cut Machine; SU! Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die (Occasions Mini Catalog); SU! Pennant bigz xl die.

This is the front view of the locket.  The glass is beveled so some areas in the above image look a bit distorted.  So, below is a pic of my little piece of art outside of the locket.

Thought this would be a cute little image for a keychain.  I used Sale-A-Bration stamp set Good Neighbors to create the scene.  How about the coordinating Designer Series Papers for this stamp set?  I had to use the Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper Pad on this project. 

Again, with the work area being rather small, I wanted the front to showcase stamping.  For the back, I wanted to showcase my love for papers!  I created a small woven sampler for the back (the glass is flat on the back–not beveled).

You must have patience if you are going to attempt the above!  It took about 30 minutes to create this small woven sampler area.  I used several small strips of the patterned paper measuring 1/8″ x 6″.

Here is a picture of the woven sampler outside of the locket

I used my Small Heart Punch, Pretty in Pink cardstock, and a Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Write Marker to create the heart.

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN’ UP!

STAMPS:  Sale-A-Bration Good Neighbors stamp set

PAPERS:  Sale-A-Bration Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper Pad; Shimmery White cardstock; Pretty in Pink and Pumpkin Pie cardstock.

INKS:  Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pads; Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, and Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Markers.

ACCESSORIES:  Simply Adorned Charm 1″ x 1-1/4″; Small Heart Punch (occasions mini catalog).

I wanted to make a vintage-ish lovey card with masculine bright colors.  This card can actually be for anyone special, but it’s appropriate for an anniversary card.  The cardfront sentiments and pull out tag with written words reinforces that I’m always here for him 24-7.

The bird image was stamped on Watercolor paper, colored with inks using an Aqua Painter, and cut out.  Added some vellum and Pretties Kit pearls here and there.  Below is an upclose to show those details.

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN’ UP!:

STAMPS:  Friends 24-7 stamp set

PAPERS:  Watercolor Paper; Vellum; Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Bermuda Bay, and Basic Gray cardstock.

INKS:  Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, and Bashful Blue Classic Stampin’ Pads.

ACCESSORIES:  Pretties Kit; Aqua Painter; Spritzer Tool; Stampin’ Dimensionals; Small Oval Punch; Scallop Edge Punch; Bermuda Bay 1/2″ Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon.

What do you think?  This cardfront will definitely reinforce just how I feel about him.    Below is an upclose pic of all the elements.  I used four different stamp sets to create this cardfront.

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN’ UP!:

STAMPS:  With All My Heart (occasions mini catalog), Admit It (hostess stamp set), Certified, and A Happy Heart stamp sets.

PAPERS:  Real Red, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White cardstock.

INKS:  Real Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Pads.

ACCESSORIES:   Clips Assortment; Mini Library Clips; On Board So Tweet; Wide Oval Punch; My Way Punch; 1-1/4″ Circle Punch; Spiral Punch; Crystal Effects; Stampin’ Dimensionals; Mat Pack and Paper-Piercing Tool.

I had an idea in my head for a while as to how I wanted Ethan’s school valentines to look like.  And I had to use the gumball machine images from the Something Sweet stamp set.  Not wanting to send gumballs to school in his valentines, I had to come up with another idea.  Yep!  I splurged and ordered some personalized M&M’s.  How cool!  I even ordered colors to coordinate with my project:)

All I have to say is, “Thank goodness I only had to create for a Kindergarten size classroom!”.    They were time consuming, but soooo worth it!  Ethan loves them too.  The card measures 3″ x 3.5″ and is just the perfect size for a kiddo to pass out at school.  

Here are the personalized M&M’s.  There are 3 Ethan’s in his class so my Ethan is now known as “Ethan A”.   I didn’t want a sentiment on the front of the card, so the other two M&M’s say “Happy Feb 14th” and “V-Day treats4U”.   I do have to admit that a handful of the M&M’s were smeared and not printed perfectly.  

How do I get to those M&M’s?  The Whisper White cardstock tag at the top of the card has two purposes…..it reveals a sweet sentiment and opens a circle on the back of the valentine card.  The Whisper White cardstock tag does not come out all the way.  I created it to stop at a certain point. 

Above is a back view with the Whisper White tag inside the card (not pulled up).  I used my 3/4″ Circle Punch to create the whole. 

Above picture is Whisper White tag pulled half way up

Above picture is Whisper White tag pulled all the way up till it stops.  You now have an open circle that exposes your treat.

ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN’ UP!:

STAMPS:  Occasions Mini Catalog Something Sweet stamp set

PAPER:  Pretty in Pink, Real Red, and Whisper White cardstock

INK:  Pretty in Pink and Real Red Classic Stampin’ Pads.

ACCESSORIES:  1/4″ Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon; Sweet Treat Cups; Bold Brights Brads assortment; Soft Subtles Brads assortment; 1-3/4′, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ Circle Punches; Big Shot Die-cutting machine; SU! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder; 3/16″ Corner Rounder Punch; Crop-A-Dile Tool.