My Therapy, My Creations

First one Down...

2011-11-18T11:59:00.004-07:00

Only 50 more to go... Christmas cards that is. It snowed a little last night, and it's really cold out, Brrr! I finally took all my stamp stuff out yesterday and stamped by the kitchen table, it was so nice to do again. My 7 year old daughter must have felt the same way because she made 3 cards while I made one, she'll be passing me soon with her creativity!

I bought this stamp set from Just Rite Stampers a while ago with the coordinating dies, love this set! Plus I finally go to use this designer paper from My Mind's Eye. I enjoy bright fun colours for Christmas but my eye is always drawn to colours that bring out the warmth and glow of Christmas so I almost squealed when I saw the warm colours in the DSP.

I saw this card layout on SCS a few days ago but know who it was made by, this is a case off of that card. The cardstock is all from Stampin' Up! and designer paper is MME. I stamped the ornaments in Cherry Cobbler and softened them with Soft Suede and a sponge. Before I adhered them to the card I sprayed them with some champagne shimmer mist (the best stuff ever created!). The sentiment isn't very visible but I hope it'll be ok.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you're having a great start to your weekend!
Tina

Have you Missed Me?

2011-10-19T10:30:00.003-06:00

You don't have to answer that, I might not like the answer, hehe. I look forward to the day when our house is done and my stamp room is all set up and all my woes will be gone. Sounds pretty dramatic doesn't it! Well in July after I said I would start posting again my camera died on me, I'm seriously not even making that up, lol. And to repair my DSLR is supposed to cost almost as much as just buying a new camera body. So for now I just purchased a cheap point and shoot that takes horrible indoor photos. I finally just threw my arms up in the air and said I'm taking a break.

We're in a rental right now until our home is finished but at least I have all my stamp stuff (but not set up) and I have high speed webbing again. I feel like I need to shout this from the roof top. Not kidding. I love my phone but after 3 months of using that tiny tiny (did I mention tiny) little screen I feel like I've moved into a super sized world with my laptop.

For those of you that are wondering, the building is coming along slowly, it took forever for us to get our blueprints. And it's such a hassle to get building permits for the area we're building. But things should start to pick up soon, and if all goes well we should be in our new home by the beginning of next year. I'm most excited about having a finished stamp room. I have it all mapped out, my finger is on the trigger ready to put it all together. I think this will require at least two trips to Ikea...

But enough of my blabbing, you'd think I had been in solitary confinement or something...
This card was made in July so I really don't remember enough details to tell you anything other than ta-da! I think it's time to start making Christmas cards and bombard you with those!

Sorry about the poor quality picture but it's better than nothing!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Summer Days

2011-07-20T10:15:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone! How I LOVE quiet mornings, the kids are outside relaxing (AKA horsing around) in the hammock and I have nothing on the agenda today. My parents have an abundance of strawberry plants in their garden so one day this week I plan on making a few batches of jam, but today might be a ‘nothing’ kind of day!

Here’s another card made over the weekend. It’s totally inspired by Amy Scheffer and came somewhat short of what I had envisioned. I used SU!’s postage punch and punched out some designer paper. The sentiment is from a Flourishes stamp set and the rose trim was white but I used a Copic marker to colour it, love how easy it is to change the colours to what I need!

Thanks for stopping by, hope you're having great summer day!
Tina

Let's Try That Again!

2011-07-18T10:09:00.004-06:00

So some of you might have noticed I never came back to post over the weekend like I said I would, I’m hoping to get my internet woes sorted out soon!

Gosh we had a warm day today, and with no breeze so it made it feel even warmer. I love summer but not the hot days, I love the days that are just warm enough to feel like summer but not hot enough to make you long for winter!

I’m posting a project today that I did with my club ladies a while back, the tutorial for it can be found at Splitcoaststampers in the resources section. It’s actually quite easy, I did revise it slightly so that I could use regular 8.5x11 cardstock. I also didn’t have the chipboard coasters so I used the cardboard that comes with SU!’s designer paper. I recommend using your corner rounder punch on the cardboard before you glue your paper together, otherwise the layers are a little too thick for your punch.

I also didn’t use ribbon to tie the book together like the original tutorial, I find that the recipients of these sorts of things prefer the Velcro closure over the ribbon. I simply glued the flap between the cardboard and cardstock and than add the Velcro.

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Yay! I'm back!!

2011-07-15T13:52:00.002-06:00

Yay, it’s nice to be somewhat back to the world again! Our move was successful, we’re having a blast camping right now and our home building plans are slowly coming along. I know it’ll be a while before it’s finished but I’m so excited to pick all our colours and fill it with new furniture!

My internet connection is a bit of a pain right now but I have been stamping in my free time and plan on posting regularly from this point. That’s what I say now, you can hold me to it, lol.

I have one card to share today using a stamp from the Pure Innocence line, so cute! I coloured her with my copics and paper pieced her shirt and purse. Faux stitching around the edges and the rest is easy peasy!

Thanks for stopping by, check back again tomorrow for another project!
Tina

Blue Lenten

2011-06-17T09:24:00.004-06:00

So we're two weeks away from moving, TWO weeks. And yesterday I did what any sane stamper would do, I hopped over to the LSS and bought some goodies, lol. I don't really have a lot of time to stamp these days, but that doesn't stop the buying! Last night our boys were at a Birthday party which left me and my daughter to spend time together in my stamp room. I had recently ordered the Lenten Rose stamp set from Flourishes and was excited to colour it in, although I don't know if they come in blue. I guess that's the beauty of colouring, you get to use your imagination. The center of the flowers have pearls which were coloured with copics.

Stamps: Lenten Rose (Flourishes)
Paper: Early Espresso (SU), Pool Party (SU), Lemon Party (PTI), White (GK), DSP- Prima
Ink: Black, Copics
Other: Pearls (SU), Lace Crochet, Satin Ribbon (Dollar Store)
Inspired by: Yvonne Anabelle

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Memories of Summer

2011-06-05T20:03:00.002-06:00

We had such a gorgeous day here today, perfect temperatures and a light breeze. Which means you HAVE to go for a bike ride followed by ice-cream, no counting calories! I love walking/biking to the local store during the summer months and sitting down for a nice treat, now if only our kids liked the cheap ice-cream, but alas the apples don't fall far from the tree, lol.

Today's card is completely cased from Teresa Mombers, what that woman can do with ink and a sponge is amazing!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Time for AC?

2011-06-03T12:06:00.003-06:00

We've had quite a cool Spring but today we woke up and it was warm and humid, but this a light breeze. It's actually a beautiful day!

I had some more time to stamp (yay) and felt like putting ink to one of my Flourishes stamps. I feel almost guilty when I see the stuff I haven't had the time to play with! The banner across the bottom got blown out in the photo, but it has grass stamped along it.

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Friends are Flowers...

2011-05-31T12:11:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone, most of you are probably wondering where I've been! Life is changing for us in the next little while which leaves me with less stamping time. We are in the midst of a big move, and it looks like we might be building a home this year instead of buying. So, this leaves me doubting how much room I'll have to stamp while we're building. My postings might be a little sparse from now until the end of the year, yikes! I'm hoping I'll be able to find a little nook to cram at least some of my stash.

I saw a card similar to this on SCS the other day and that led me to a free SVG file for this circle square frame that I cut with my cricut. But I, for the life of me can't find the blog that had the file. I like how the frame looks over the soft designer paper and pearls make everything look prettier, lol.

Thanks for stopping by!!
Tina

Sail Away

2011-05-13T22:51:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone, hope your day went well! Mine was pretty quiet which is my kind of day. When I saw this stamp set in the new SU! mini I knew I had to have it! So nice and detailed and all the images make it really easy to make a masculine card.

This card is a case from someone on SCS but I never saved the name of the maker. It showcases the faux metal technique which is one of my favourite techniques. The background pieces are stamped and aged. The ship was stamped once on the sentiment piece and than stamped again, cut out and glued down.

Stamps: The Open Sea, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Black
Ink: Sahara Sand, Black
Other: Silver EP, Black Brads, Baker's Twine

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

For The Newlyweds

2011-05-12T14:05:00.000-06:00

Hmmm, I really don't have anything to say today. And for those of you that know me, you can pick your jaw off the floor now, lol. I will say that it was so nice to just sit down and stamp without interruption, how often does that happen! I should be preparing for our moving sale at the end of this month but figured maybe I could sneak in a little time in my stamp room.

I woke up this morning and this card just sprung into my mind, seriously, that never happens. Usually I stare at my stuff forever until I can come up with something, but this time I couldn't wait to get down there and start. Of course I won't tell you how long it took me, even with a vision in mind.

Thanks a lot for stopping by!
Tina

Birthday Balloons

2011-05-05T12:49:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! I'm looking outside our living room window and I can actually see little bugs flying around in the sunshine! Dare we say that Spring is finally going to cooperate?! Life has finally slowed down a little, I let go of my part time job which is giving me a little more freedom, and sanity.

Our daughter has a Birthday coming up and she just loves all these cute little girl stamps so I thought this would be a perfect card for her. And since it's for her I'll probably add some stickles to the flower on her shirt since our daughter loooooooooves stickles. Every time she makes a card it gets a healthy dose of glitter, lol.

Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you're enjoying your day!
Tina

The life of a Procrastinator

2011-04-30T20:58:00.004-06:00

Yup, I am a procrastinator. And that led to a wisdom tooth getting pulled at the beginning of the week and a root canal towards the end of the week. It would be easier to take care of issues as they arise, but nope, I wait until it HAS to be done, lol. I feel like I've had so much going on in my life these days, I haven't really been taking any "me" time. We sold our home and will be moving, My husband will already be busy with his new job so I'll essentially be packing by myself. Plus we'll probably be building our next home so that will mean we won't be settled until the end of the year if we're lucky!

But enough whining, I thought it was way past time to post another card. I originally saw this card on Papertrey's gallery and changed the colours to purples and used the flower from Fifth Avenue Floral. Super easy!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Visions of Flowers

2011-04-19T20:43:00.003-06:00

We've had a few nice days that have me dreaming about a trip to the local greenhouse. I love greenhouses, so many flowers, so many ideas! Now if only I could make my plants look as good as theirs do, lol.

Recently I put in a number of orders from my favourite stores and I've been busy oohing and ahhing! So many stamps, where to start. But today I grabbed this Gerbera Daises set from Flourishes and coloured it in with copics. I've been struggling with a good purple combination but I think this one was a success. Once the flowers were coloured I cut out the whole bunch, yes, it took me a looooong time! But no pain no gain. I mounted the flowers onto the oval cutout and the rest is self explanatory.

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Rose Mania

2011-04-14T13:08:00.003-06:00

We were so spoiled already with the warm weather, and now Mother Nature is reminding us that summer is not here yet, lol. I love Spring but that's because we usually see warming trend during, this week does not feel like a warming trend!

A while back one of the challenges was to make a trellis card, and I never had the time to partake in the fun. But today I unexpectedly had a little free time and I knew I wanted to make this. I love how easy it is to put a card together with the roses, so simple! At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to stamp a sentiment on the inside, but I kind of like it peeking through the trellis "window".

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant
Ink: Black
Other: Prima Roses

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!
Tina

What a Beautiful Spring day!

2011-04-06T10:22:00.003-06:00

The sun is shining and it's supposed to get quite warm today. It's too bad though that all three kids have come down with something and are really not up for a walk!

I recently sold about 100 of my stamp sets that I never used anymore, and I just ordered from some of my favourite online companies and it was a little shocking to see the final bill. Eeek, I really wish my hubby had more hobbies so mine wouldn't be so noticeable, lol.

Today's card uses a sketch (I think) but I really don't remember from where it was (I blame it on age). The scallop circle is from a free SVG file that I found a while ago to cut with my cricut.

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Easter treats

2011-04-05T12:46:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! My poor daughter is home sick today with a fever and I don't really know what else. Hopefully it will clear up soon for her, she was so miserable last night. But I do love it when she sneaks into our bed in the middle of the night, it happens so rarely so I cherish it when it does happen!

Today's project is one that I just had to re-create when I saw it originally made my Diane Zechman. Love the egg, although I think I made mine a little tight at the top. The oval "egg" and grass are both cut with the cricut and the smaller ovals are cut with Nestabilities. The image is from Stampavie, I just love that cute little chick!

Have a great day!,
Tina

Slowpokes Unite!

2011-04-01T13:38:00.002-06:00

I am such a slow stamper, slooooooooooooooooooow. Lol, and I hope I'm not the only one! After I finish a card I look at it and wonder why on earth it took me so long to make, it's not like there's anything complicated on it. But I constantly rethink my choices, switch things around, add or delete things and stare at it hoping some amazing idea will pop into my head, lol. Anyone else?

On to my card (the one that took me well over an hour to make!). I stamped the inspirational quote and than ran it through with a nestabilities, sponged Soft Suede on it while it was still in the die. I used vellum for the larger die, I really love the look of the vellum! The flowers are from Prima and I added the little branches from a Martha Stewart punch. Easy peasy, and yet it took me forever!

Have a great day!
Tina

Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2011-03-31T14:42:00.004-06:00

Lol, sorry I sat here for five minutes trying to come up with a post title, my mind isn't working today so that's what it is. It's been an unproductive day today, our daughter had a dentist appointment mid-morning which threw things off and can't seem to get going. But instead of stressing about it, I'll accept it!

I made another card today using a Stampavie stamp using one of Amy Scheffer's card as my inspiration. I just love those cute little girls! Not much to explain about the card other than I love colouring! My husband says it's the kid in me coming out, lol. I'm still not quite sure about the library clip, I can't decide if it looks out of place or not.

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Spring Break, Day 2

2011-03-29T13:08:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone, today is another great day! Took the kids out for lunch and than purchased the movie Tangled. We did see it in the theatres but we enjoyed it enough to purchase it. And I think this warm Spring weather calls for a nice walk, Spring has to be my favourite season. Life begins again, everything seems so fresh!

Ok, on to my card! I made it this morning and got to use more of my recently purchased goodies, who doesn't love new goodies! The stamp is from C.C. Designs and she is coloured in with Copics. I wanted her to have a mouth so I grabbed my SU! black marker and gave her a mouth after she was all coloured in.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you're enjoying your day!
Tina

Spring Break, Day 1

2011-03-28T12:58:00.004-06:00

And it's a great one! I slept in this morning, but I won't tell you how late, lol. The kids were up early, they don't know yet to take advantage of their break! They've been playing like mad ever since they woke up and I'm in the room next door creating, finally!

I made this using a Flourishes stamp and coloured it in with my copics. For the ribbon I grabbed SU! white satin ribbon and coloured it with a copic marker, so easy and it dries very quickly. The only thing I noticed was that it made the ribbon quite stiff, although it actually made it almost easier to tie a nice bow.

A quick tip that I read on a message board a while back: If you need to pry two layers apart after you've glued them, use the Cricut spatula! I tried that today for the first time and couldn't believe how easy the layers separated, and it didn't wrinkle the paper at all!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Changes...

2011-03-27T19:09:00.002-06:00

Some of you might have noticed a few changes on the side bar of my blog. I have decided to drop as a Stampin' Up! demo. I have been feeling a little stifled for a while now and decided that it was time.

I'll still be keeping my blog, I started it to share my work, but you will see a healthy mixture of all the great products that are out there! Life is way too short to limit yourself!

Sorry I have no card to post today, but I should have one tomorrow so check back then. The kids are on Spring Break so I'm excited for a week of sleeping in and stamping with my daughter!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Best Wishes

2011-03-18T13:54:00.003-06:00

I love quiet days. The phone is quiet, the doorbell hasn't rung and I get a relaxing day without interruptions! Which of course, makes it a great day for stamping!

I made this card last week and just haven't gotten around to posting it. The little girl was paper pieced with SU!'s Springtime Vintage designer paper and coloured with copics. I just love that designer paper, so soft and pretty!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope where ever you are, you're experiencing Spring!

Tina

Let the melting begin!

2011-03-17T13:58:00.003-06:00

Oh how I love Spring, the air smells fresher, the grass starts to peek through and I start to dream of flowers! We woke up to a quiet foggy morning, love those days! As I was driving into town I couldn't help but notice how quiet and peaceful it is driving and you don't see more than a few hundred feet in front of you. I don't care for the extreme fog where driving becomes dangerous, but this was just the right amount! Plus it was nice to having nothing on the agenda but stamping.

I was feeling a colouring urge come on today so I headed to our LSS and bought this stamp image by Sarah Kay, so cute! She was coloured with my copics and the rest is pretty self explanatory.

Stamps: Sarah Kay
Paper: Kraft, SU! Whisper White, Baja Breeze, DSP-My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Black, Copics
Other: Pom-pom trim, Linen Thread, Button

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Ruffled Ribbon

2011-03-14T13:34:00.002-06:00

Hi stampers, it's a beautiful day in our home! The kids don't have school today and they actually slept in a little so that means I got to sleep in as well! And the weather is finally warming up, now we'll just have to be patient while all that snow melts. The kids spent a few hours outside playing with this sticky snow, which meant a quiet afternoon for me!

This is one of the cards that we made at club last week. I kept the card simple so the ribbon rosette could take center stage. Very easy to do and gives a card a little extra wow.

Stamps: Simple Friendship
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, DSP-Love Letter
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Ribbon

Have a great day!
Tina

I'm ready for Spring!

2011-03-13T18:45:00.002-06:00

We had a blizzard come through Friday night and a little into Saturday. That's when you realize just how blessed we are to have a warm home, a pantry full of food and our family all safe inside. I am ready for warmer temperatures, the sight of grass, and the warm sun! And finally the weather forecast is agreeing with us, can't wait!

Here's a card I made a few days ago using my copics and a Pure Innocence stamp. My pictures always make my colouring look blotchy but in real life it looks much better. I think I'll have to find a way to get better photos.

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Forgive me!

2011-03-06T17:30:00.004-07:00

By now some of you are probably wondering if I've fallen off the face of the earth, and the answer is no, lol. I've been busier than I'd like to be finishing our basement so the home could go on the market. 30 days to finish a basement, and I did ALL the painting, walls, baseboards, doors and trim. I'm tired. But other than a few paint touch ups we are done! Yeah!!

The best part is, I spent a few hours getting my craft room organized. I won't be able to finish it like I had planned for two years but I already know what I'm doing in our next home, I can't wait!

Have you ever had such a long gap in between stamping that you actually feel like you don't know what you're doing? That was me today, lol. My first card was a complete flop, didn't even put it together. This one, I think I like it. I won this stamp set as part of a blog candy giveaway by ChristineCreations a few months ago, love this set! I used my copics to colour it in. For the blue cardstock I used a wheel and versamark which gives it a subtle design. This card is a case from Iwona Palamountain, although I changed it a little, it's still definitely inspired by her!

Stamps: Flourishes
Paper: River Rock, Basic Black, Bashful Blue
Ink: Copics, Memento Black, Versamark
Other: Black Brads

Thanks for stopping by, I'm hoping that I'll be able to stamp more now that the renos are complete!

Tina

Blog awards!

2011-02-25T09:09:00.004-07:00

This is my second post for today, scroll down for my first one. I recently received two blog awards, thank you so much! I love admiring all the blogs out there and I'm so flattered that someone likes my blog!

My first award comes from Dana Newsom , be sure to check out her wonderful blog! With this award I'm given the chance to tell you three things about myself and pass this award on to 5 other bloggers.

1. I love paper crafting (obviously, hehe). I started paper crafting about 11 years ago and haven't looked back since. I became a demo a few years ago because I love to teach women how they can use their creative side! And as my Blog name suggests, it really is my therapy, I won't say it's cheaper than therapy but we'll let my husband think it is...

2. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, ok I admit, I'm just plain picky. It's probably best if most if my friends and family don't realize just how picky I can be! It drives my darling Husband crazy some days, especially if we're working on a project together... My 6 year old daughter is quickly becoming a perfectionist as well, her poor daddy won't know where to turn in a few years, lol.

3. I'm an introvert living in an extrovertial (I don't think that's even a word) society, silence is golden. Don't get me wrong, I love getting together with friends or family, but at the end of the day I'm just itching to be back in my own home. My idea of a great day is staying home all day, no phone calls (or very few) and stamping til it's dinner time.

Here are 5 Blogs that I love to visit. If you time check them out!

Renee Van Stralen
Teneale Williams
Nancy Riley
CeeCee
Julie Marshall

And now to my next Blog award, The Stylish Blog award! This award was given to me by the talented Elaine Uhl, thanks Elaine! It's always so encouraging to know that people are enjoying your hard work!

When you receive this award you are to:
1) thank the person who gave this award and link it back to their blog
2) share 8 things about yourself
3) pass this award to 8 other individuals that you have recently discovered
4) leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!

So here's a little more about me:

1. I love to papercraft
2. I love Mexican food.
3. We don't have any pets, although if our daughter gets her way we'll have a small puppy by the end of this coming summer (ack)
4. I will soon have a stamp room with all sorts of goodies. Being a demo has really helped to fund my stamp budget!
5. I enjoy baking, but not the cleaning up part. I love home baked goodies, who doesn't!
6. I've been married for almost 12 years, we have twin boys and one girl with enough personality to make you laugh-scream-run, you get the idea, lol.
7. I hate worms, snakes, and bugs of any sort. Blech. Which can make gardening quite entertaining for my husband. :D
8. I loooooooove the rain. It could rain for days and it wouldn't be too much.

I'm passing this award on to:
Becky Roberts
Martha Stewart
Diane
Leanne Griff
Sandi MacIver
Brandi Wiggins
Mary Fish
Carrie Gaskin

Painting is like Childbirth

2011-02-25T08:52:00.002-07:00

Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Lol, ladies we can all relate to how childbirth can be. While you're in it, you're miserable, swearing you'll never do it again. But once you're done you already start dreaming of your next bundle of joy. Well that's how painting is for me, you swear you're done painting for a very long time, but it doesn't take long before you volunteer to paint claiming that it's actually kinda fun. Fun? Yeah, ok. Our contractor finished putting up all the trim and doors yesterday for the entire basement, so that meant we had to paint everything before the floor guys come (they're here right now, wohoo!). Only a few more days and it's done. DONE! I feel like I should shout that from a roof top, lol.

So my card today is a bit of a remake from one I did a while back using the Because I Care stamp set. I love using the Music Notes wheel to make my own music sheet dsp, so easy!

Stamps: Because I Care, Something to Celebrate
Paper: Basic Black, Kraft, Very Vanilla
Ink: Black, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Corral
Other: Ribbon, Black Brads

Have a great day!
Tina

Box with... nothing?

2011-02-17T10:55:00.003-07:00

Right now it's so peaceful outside, but if I look at the local weather they have a blowing snow warning in effect. Ack, we're expecting the snow and wind to come any time now. I was getting a little spoiled with the warm temps, even the kids commented on the springlike weather we've been having.

Today's project has no stamping on it, none. How did I manage that, lol! I saw this free box template over at My Time Made Easy and couldn't wait to try it. It's a SVG file for the cricut, so fast and easy and I was super impressed with the detail of the file! It's meant to hold hot chocolate pouches but mine ended up too small for our hot chocolate, I made the box with the same dimensions so I guess the USA has smaller pouches. But all I would have to do is resize the template and it would work great.

Paper: Kraft, DSP-Prima
Other: Rose Red Ribbon

Have a great day!
Tina

Winds of Grace

2011-02-16T13:28:00.004-07:00

It's such a beautiful day out there today, the snow is melting! But Mother Nature must be laughing at us as she prepares to give us another blast of winter tomorrow. I love winter but I think it should be shortened by a month!

As I said yesterday, I finally had nothing on the agenda other than... nothing! And nothing leaves me more time to stamp! That's a good thing, lol. This card is a complete case from Laurie Schmidlin, (gosh that woman is talented!) although I can never get my case to look as good as hers but I sure have fun trying. I grabbed our Newsletter print dsp, sponged a little Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake to age the map a little. I ran the edge of my scissors along the hemp twine to fluff it up a little.

Stamps: Plane & Simple, Winds of Grace
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, DSP-Newsletter
Ink: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Other: Hemp Twine, Brads

Thanks for popping by!
Tina

In Those Times...

2011-02-15T19:16:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone, it's been a while hasn't it?! Life has been a little busy in our home, something that I plan on changing soon. I'm excited for the next two days, I have no plans other than to stay home and stamp!! Well I'll have to do some cooking and cleaning but you get the idea, lol.

I made this card this afternoon, I haven't used this set in a while and thought it was fitting.

Stamps: Refuge & Strength
Paper: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, River Rock, Very Vanilla
Ink: River Rock, Black
Other: Button, Linen Thread, Taffeta Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!
Tina

Echoes of Kindness

2011-02-05T12:59:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! We're finally getting a bit of a break in the cold temperatures, it'll be short but sweet! Plus we're making fast progress in the basement, in 3 weeks I'll finally have a finished basement. With kids it's really nice having that extra space, especially if they have their friends over.

I made this card a few days ago but just haven't gotten around to posting it so here it is!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

My Poor Husband...

2011-02-03T13:48:00.003-07:00

Lol, I think we would all agree that any man married to a stamper is probably poor! We're in the midst of finishing our basement and that's where I've had my stamping area, but I had to move it all upstairs for the next month. Into our bedroom to be exact, much to the thrill of my poor husband. He was helping me bring some of my stuff up, only the stuff that I can't live without (yeah right, it pretty much all had to come up). Well I don't think he's ever really noticed the size of my stamp collection, but he does now, hehe. He did ask if I use all these stamp sets, well I couldn't lie. So being the man that he is, he does the math right away on how much money I could sell them for, and he's shocked. I thought he might have a panic attack, but I explained that they are my babies, all earned, and you don't just give away your babies! And I don't even have that many stamps, some have over 1,000! I'm still far from that many! (((whispering))) but that's my goal (((whispering)))

Well today's card is nothing spectacular, I saw it on SCS this morning and thought it would make for an easy card after I finished organizing my new stamp haven. The butterfly is coloured with copics and I used one of the copics to colour the rhinestones.

Stamps: All a Flutter, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, DSP-?
Ink: Black, Copics
Other: Rhinestones, Linen Thread

Thanks for stopping by!

Tina

Refuge and Strength

2011-01-28T13:05:00.005-07:00

I've gotten a couple of requests for the free SVG file for the scallop circle. This LINK should take you straight to the SVG file, all you need to do is download it. You will need the Sure Cuts a Lot program to use with your cricut. If you have any questions you can email me at btdyck@gmail.com

Hi everyone! We had such a beautiful snowy morning, with a heavy snowfall warning. And I still managed to run into town! So I took our daughter to the ER last night (a 3hr visit, argh) and she tested positive for strep, I kind of thought she would. So she gets to be in charge of the TV today, always something to look forward to, lol. Thankfully she's feeling much better.

I made this card last night, love the colour combination. The flower is once again made with a SVG file for my cricut, the scallop circle is also a SVG file, you have to love free files!

Stamps: Refuge & Strength
Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, DSP-Springtime Vintage
Ink: Black
Other: Pearls, Jumbo Brad, In Colour Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by, hope you're having a great day!
Tina

For the Newlyweds

2011-01-27T12:30:00.003-07:00

We're off to a great start in our household! Right after my last post I got the horrible stomach flu, not fun. That lasted almost a week and our poor daughter has been dealing with some sort of flu/cold ever since the New Year. She had a few days where she felt better but now she has a fever again and a very sore throat, I think it's time for a trip to the ER. She's six years old and would rather do anything else other than to see a doctor, so she tries to hide just how bad she feels. Thankfully her brothers are healthy and my husband is one of those guys that never gets sick, lucky him.

Have you ever had a fog day instead of a snow day? Well that's what we're having today, lol. The fog was so thick this morning that you could barely see anything. Thankfully my husband phoned me from work to let me know that school was cancelled, otherwise I would have never thought to check for a school closure and I would have gotten the kids ready for school, packed their lunches, only to find out we could have had a relaxed morning!

On to my card. My husband bought me the Cricut for Christmas, ok, it was more like I gave him the receipt and said "thanks darling" hehe.Sad to say, I have used it that much. So today I used it along with my Sure Cuts A Lot program and made these flowers. The flowers are an SVG file that my sister prepared, less work for me, wohoo! I got the inspiration for this card from Card Maker, I loved the soft colours to the card, I just wish I hadn't been almost out of the larger pearls that the original card used.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue
Ink: Black
Other: Jumbo Brads, Pearls

Thanks for stopping by! My posts have been lacking with us all taking turns with the flu, hopefully things will pick up soon!

Tina

It must be Love

2011-01-15T16:32:00.002-07:00

Well it appears that all illnesses have left our residence, yay!!!!!! Lol, the kids were back in school on Friday and life has resumed like it should.

Doesn't it sometimes seem like all we do is hop from one Holiday to another? We just finished Christmas, now we're thinking about Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. Lol, I think I said the same thing last year too.

But my mind was on Valentine's Day and I made this quick card. I paper pieced the little girl's dress and the rest is simple! I used the new embossing folder out of the Occasions Mini, very nice.

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, DSP-Love Letter
Ink: Basic Black, Blush Blossom, Early Espresso, Gong Grey
Other: Rhinestones

Have a great weekend!
Tina

Hi There

2011-01-13T14:15:00.002-07:00

Argh, I love my kids but right now they're driving me crazy! When we got back from Christmas break, our daughter came down with the 24 hour flu, followed by her brother the next week and the other brother a few days later. You think they're doing better so you send them to school, nope. Plus our daughter now has a nasty cold which kept her up a good part of the night. So I kept all three kids home with the hopes that the rest would help. I'm sure the resting is doing it's job because it's been non stop bickering, shouting just for the sake of hearing their voice and tattling until I could scream. Tomorrow they are going back, if you're well enough to bicker, you're well enough to go learn. Phew, how's that for whining, I think the kids must be rubbing off on me, lol.

To get a much needed break from the noise level, I spent some time with my stamps and made a card with this cutie from the Pure Innocence line. I don't recall making a card with this stamp and I've had it for quite a while.

Stamps: Pure Innocence, Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Crumb Cake, Peach Parfait, Whisper White, DSP- In Colour paper pack and some from our LSS
Ink: Black, Copics
Other: Linen Thread, Button, Twill Tape

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Because I Care

2011-01-06T10:03:00.004-07:00

Good morning! The kids are back in school, the house is quiet and I have a card to share. Life is officially back to normal, wohoo!

There's not much to say about today's card, I embossed the flower with white embossing powder. I wanted to use the reinker technique on the flower but I didn't feel like getting a water spritzer out so I used my white shimmer spray instead. Definitely not the reinker technique since the alcohol dries so quickly, but it did make the rose very shimmery, lol. I think I might go back yet and add some shading to the rose for depth.

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Because I Care, En Francais
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Shimmer Paper
Ink: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Crumb Cake
Other: Pearls

Have a great day!
Tina

I love Routine!

2011-01-05T12:06:00.003-07:00

It feels so good to be back to a regular routine, well almost regular. Once the kids are back in school tomorrow I can officially say that our routine is regular. The kids are playing outside in the snow, my husband built the kids a huge snow fort, well you could call it Fort Knox, lol. He doesn't know how to go small, I think secretly he does it for his own pleasure, reliving his childhood, hehe.

I have another card for you today using the same stamp set as the previous two, only this time I'm using a different image. I really like this set, it comes with an Easter sentiment too so it becomes even more versatile. You'll find it in our new Occasions mini on page 17 (link on the left hand side of my blog).

Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride, DSP-Springtime Vintage
Inks: Copics
Other: Satin Ribbon, Pearls (coloured with copics)

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Springtime Greetings

2011-01-03T12:29:00.003-07:00

Hi everyone, another great day in our home. My husband went to work this morning not realizing that he's actually still on holidays, so he's back for the day and I took the kids to school this morning not checking my calendar so we also ended up at home again, lol. I guess you could say we're eager to get back to our routines! But darn, we could have all slept in this morning again! :D

I loved the designer paper and stamp set that I used yesterday, so I decided to make another. I had such a hard time getting a good shot of this card, I sponged the colours on the main image and then heat embossed the little girl in white. And for some reason the camera doesn't want to pick up the embossing as well as I'd like.

Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, DSP-Springtime Vintage
Ink: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Versamark
Other: Pearls, Seam Binding

Have a great day!
Tina

And a New Year Begins!

2011-01-01T15:09:00.003-07:00

The New Year is one of my favourite time of year. And not for the usual reasons, simply because that's when life resumes like normal again, lol. We had a great time visiting family over in Alberta, ate way too much food and did nothing to work it off. Thankfully we have a whole year to get back on track!

Right before we left my pre-order arrived for the new Spring mini, beautiful! And when it's so so cold outside it's nice to turn to your Spring supplies and pretend it's warm outside, hehe. This new designer paper is so pretty, love it!

Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, DSP-Springtime Vintage
Ink: Crumb Cake
Other: Pearls, Seam Binding, Neutral Button

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!
Tina

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T21:24:00.004-07:00

I say this every year but I can't believe how quickly the holiday arrive! It's crazy to think how quickly another year has passed.

I have a simple card to share today, I've been busy packing and preparing to go visit family over Christmas so my stamping has taken a bit of a hit. I'm looking foward to the New Year when life resumes again, lol.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Serene Snowflakes
Paper: Early Espreso, Very Vanilla, DSP-Deck the Halls
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Other: Ribbon, Brads, Shimmer Spray

Well that's it for me for the rest of the year. You can expect to see me posting again in the New Year. I hope very has a happy and healthy Merry Christmas!

Tina

How Time Flies!

2010-12-17T10:40:00.003-07:00

Some days I wish I had a machine where I could put life in slow motion! I remember growing up it seemed like forever for Christmas Day to arrive, now I blink and it's here with only half of my to do list completed.

I have found though, that some of my best Christmas's were when I had as little as possible on the agenda and just enjoyed the season. Snow sledding with the kids, Christmas movies, Christmas concerts. This year our kids will once again be getting their gifts from us early since we'll be visiting family over the holidays. So for us it seems even quicker, not that the kids are complaining, lol.

Here's a card that we made with my Club girls on Tuesday using the dryer sheet technique. So simple and pretty.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Basic Grey, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Grey
Other: Dazzling Diamonds, Dryer sheet, Satin Ribbon

Have a great day!
Tina

Have you seen my mojo?

2010-12-15T15:31:00.003-07:00

Arrrrgh, sorry about my lack of posting! I became ill and it's been really hard to get back to my regular stamping. It doesn't help that it's the busiest month of the year either. My Club members have threatened to "tar & feather" me if I don't update my blog, lol. (Hi ladies!!)

I have two projects that I'll post, that might make up for my absence? :D

The first project is a calendar that I saw in blog land and I made one for our fridge. It's on a full sheet of 8 1/2 x11 cardstock, the back has magnets glued to it so you can have it on your fridge, the little snowman is also on a magnet so every day you (or the kids) can slide it to the next day. My only mistake was using weak magnets, so I haven't been able to use it because it won't stay put. Next year I'll buy stronger magnets!

And the next project is a quick Christmas card that we did at a Stamp a Stack with one of my club girls. Many of the ladies that came out were new to stamping so I kept it a little simpler, but still with an elegant touch. The ornaments are sprayed with shimmer paint.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll try not to disappear so long again!

Tina

Why oh Why?!

2010-11-30T09:35:00.003-07:00

Why couldn't today have been a snow day! Now some of you must be cringing, lol, why oh why would a mother want to have a snow day with 3 kids cooped up inside. I love snow days, there's something to be said about having a snow day. We stay indoors, we watch movies, eat lunch in front of the TV, it's a relaxed sort of day. But alas, it was not meant to be, so I ventured out and brought the kids to school. Because of the wind and blowing snow we have a 2 foot snow bank all across our road so I almost got stuck, I think that should have been a sign... Ok enough whining, I'll get over it, hehe.

I feel like I should play a game with everyone, "can't you spot the mistake?" I'll let you look at it for a bit, lol. I saw this card on SCS and thought I could duplicate it using our Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set, can you believe this was my first time using it?! I really need to stop doing that, I buy, buy, and buy because I love it and than I don't use it. That just seems so wrong!

Stamps: Jolly Bingo Bits, Serene Snowflakes, Come to Bethlehem (for the sentiment)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Versamark
Other: Satin Ribbon, White EP, Linen Thread

So did you spot my mistake? The mittens should be the upside down since they're hanging! I know, minor but it's bugging me and I'll change it. OCD much? :D

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

How's this for shocking...

2010-11-29T13:32:00.004-07:00

Today's card is not a Christmas card, lol. By this time in the season I've made so many Christmas cards that I'm ready for something else. We made this card at a class that I hold every month in a nearby town. Making this flower is so super simple, everyone is always surprised at just how easy it is! The sentiment isn't really showing up well but IRL it's much more prominent, I promise!

Stamps: Occasional Quotes, En Francais
Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Peach Parfait, DSP-In Colour
Ink: Chocolate Chip

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Winter has arrived!

2010-11-25T12:55:00.003-07:00

Funny how quickly things can change, a few weeks ago it was above freezing and now we have a winter wonderland out there. It's still snowing, so beautiful!

Here's a card I made this morning using some "contraband" lol. It's a stamp from Stampendous called Lantern Light. I really enjoyed colouring this with my copics. To finish off the image I added dazzling diamonds to the snow on top of the lantern and crystal effects to the glass part of the post, it gives it a really pretty effect. I also added Crystal Effects to the berries to help them stand out against the red ribbon.

Stamps: Lantern Light
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, DSP-Bo Bunny
Ink: Copics
Other: Dazzling Diamonds, Seam Binding, Antique Brads

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!!
Tina

Some free time.. finally!

2010-11-21T21:20:00.002-07:00

Argh, you know how it goes, lol. We woke up this morning to a blanket of fresh snow and both agreed that a day at home would be perfect. So I ended up making roast beef for lunch and tried another batch of sugar cookies in the afternoon while the kids went skating with their dad. My kind of day. And of course while the dough was cooling I had time to make a card, finally.

I'm still not sure that I like the coloured rhinestones in the center of the snowflakes but buttons just didn't look quite right and I didn't want to leave it blank. I love the holiday buttons that SU! has but they're just a little too big to layer over a snowflake.

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Merry Crittermas
Paper: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, DSP-Christmas Cheer
Ink: Copics
Other: Ribbon, Shimmer Paint, Dazzling Diamonds

Have a great day!
Tina

Yay, it's snowing!

2010-11-18T22:34:00.003-07:00

It came a little later than was forecast but I'll take it! Perfect weather for Christmas activities.

It's been a busy week for me so far and it won't be slowing down until Saturday. But I have a card that we made at my Christmas SAS that I thought I would post. It's a simple card but it uses one of my favourite dies for the bigshot, the snowflake die. Love it with some shimmer painted dabbed over it. So frosty!

Stamps: Bright Christmas
Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, DSP-Christmas Cheer
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Rhinestone, Ribbon, Frost White Shimmer Paint

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

More Details...

2010-11-16T22:11:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone, sorry I have no card to post today. I had a class last night and this evening as well so I haven't had time to take photos of my latest creations, check back tomorrow!

Doing the Math on the Starter kits. Best deal ever! Get the MDS kit and $1 will get you 3 stamp set, 4 ink pads and MORE!

(Written by fellow demo Lyssa and converted to Canadian pricing by Alesha Walls on Friday, November 19, 2010) Do the math--best deal ever! What's in the two Starter Kits

Ok, by now you've all heard that the Starter Kits for joining Stampin' Up are HALF PRICE from November 15-30, 2010. The kit costs $107.50 total. Here's the deal:

Here’s what is in the CUSTOMIZABLE Standard Kit and the value of each:
1. Any $41.95 or lower Stamp Set
2. Any $35.95 or lower Stamp Set
3. Any $22.95 or lower Stamp Set
4. Any $9.95 or lower Stamp Set
Before we go on, note that the $107.50 kit cost has already paid for the 4 sets above valued at $110.80. That means EVERYTHING BELOW THIS LINE IS FREE!!!!!!

5. $24.95 Brights Patterns Designer Series paper stack (OR color of your choice) FREE
6. $20.95 Stampin’ Scrub® FREE
7. $12.25 Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon (OR ribbon at the same or lower price) FREE
8. $9.95 VersaMark® pad (OR ink pad at the same or lower price) FREE
9. $9.25 Card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Whisper White OR color of your choice) FREE
10. $9.95 Small Chocolate Songbird Tile Décor Elements® (OR Décor Elements item at the same or lower price) FREE
11. $8.50 Assorted color card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Getting Started OR assortment of your choice) FREE
12. $8.95 Clear Block C (OR clear block at the same or lower price)FREE
13. $9.75 SNAIL Adhesive® (OR adhesive at the same or lower price) FREE
14. $7.25 Fast Flowers Stampin’ Around® wheel (OR standard wheel of your choice) FREE
15. $4.95 Stampin’ Around Self Inking Handle (standard) FREE
16. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
17. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
18. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
19. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
20. $6.50 Uninked Cartridge (standard) FREE
21. $5.50 Stampin’ Mist® (OR StazOn® Cleaner) FREE
22. $5.25 Stampin’ Dimensionals® FREE
23. $4.50 Stampin’ Write® marker (color of your choice) FREE
24. $4.50 Stampin’ Write® marker (color of your choice) FREE
25. $3.32 Blender pen (single) FREE
26. $2.95 Marina Mist Classic Ink Refill (OR color of your choice) FREE
27. $1.95 Décor Elements Applicator Tool FREE
28. $1.17 Stamping sponge (single) FREE
29. Catalogs ($34.95 for 8), business forms, and other printed materials to get your business off to a great start! FREE

And were you thinking about getting My Digital Studio, maybe for Christmas?
The kit costs $107.50 total. Here’s what is in the CUSTOMIZABLE Digital + Kit and the value of each:

1. $106.95 My Digital Studio™ software
2. $5.25 Stampin’ Dimensionals®

Before we go on, note that the $107.50 kit cost has paid for the My Digital Studio software & dimensionals above.

That means EVERYTHING BELOW THIS LINE IS FREE!!!!!!

3. Any $32.95 or lower Stamp Set FREE
4. Any $22.95 or lower Stamp Set FREE
5. Any $9.95 or lower Stamp Set FREE
6. $20.95 Stampin’ Scrub® FREE
7. $10.95 Brights Designer buttons FREE
8. $9.95 Small Chocolate Songbird Tile Décor Elements® (OR Décor Elements item at the same or lower price) FREE
9. $8.95 Clear Block C (OR clear block at the same or lower price)FREE
10. $8.50 Assorted color card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Getting Started OR assortment of your choice) FREE
11. $9.75 SNAIL Adhesive® (OR adhesive at the same or lower price) FREE
12. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
13. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
14. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
15. $7.25 Classic Stampin’ Pad® (color of your choice) FREE
16. $6.75 Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon (OR ribbon at the same or lower price) FREE
17. $4.95 Glue Dots® FREE
18. $5.50 Stampin’ Mist® (OR StazOn® Cleaner) FREE
19. $4.50 Stampin’ Write® marker (color of your choice) FREE
20. $4.50 Stampin’ Write® marker (color of your choice) FREE
21. $8.50 Card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Whisper White OR color of your choice)
22. $1.95 Décor Elements Applicator Tool FREE
23. Catalogs ($34.95 for 8), business forms, and other printed materials to get your business off to a great start! FREE

Seen enough? Call me today--do not wait--(204) 320-5971--and I'll get you hooked up and answer any questions you have about being a hobby or business demo, our low quarterly minimums, and what happens if you don't decide to stick with it. Or, if you're already convinced, just click on the Stampin' Up! logo on the left side of my blog and click on Join Now. My authorization password is My Therapy and the whole process will only take you about twenty minutes total if you already know what you want in your kit. This offer ends on November 30th at 11:59pm.

Have a great day!
Tina

Guess what I did today...

2010-11-13T19:55:00.003-07:00

Yup, we set up the Christmas tree. And my husband helped...there must be something in the water. :D We had such a nice day today, a relaxed morning, lunch I didn't have to make, than we headed over to the Craft Show and admired every one's work and finished the day with Christmas music while the kids helped decorate the tree. Although I always end up moving the decorations up since they can only reach about 2/3 of the way up, lol.

I also have a card to post today using a cute penguin stamp set by Stampavie. I once again used my copics to colour the image, the snowflakes are covered in Dazzling Diamonds and the rest is pretty basic.

Stamps: A Pile of Penguins, Tiny Tags
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, DSP-My Minds Eye? (I think)
Ink: Copics
Other: Button, Linen Thread

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

NOW is the time to become a DEMO!

2010-11-12T22:52:00.005-07:00

Hi everyone, I don't normally try to push my business too hard on my blog since this is my therapy, lol. But this deal is way too good not to mention! Read on and let me know if you're interested!

THIS AMAZING OFFER IS AVAILABLE FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME FROM NOVEMBER 15-30. PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY WITH YOUR QUESTIONS OR TO JUST SIGN UP!

What do you call it when you get over $375 in crafting and business supplies for only $107.50? You can call it an amazing deal, but we're calling it an amazing opportunity! From November 15-30, you can purchase either our Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits at 50 percent off the regular retail price of $215 (plus free shipping!), and enjoy these great benefits as a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator.

You may be asking yourself, what are some of the benefits to being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Here are just a few of the many perks:
· Earn additional income while sharing creativity.
· Make new and lasting friendships.
· Enjoy access to nearly unlimited creative ideas.
· Receive a free subscription to an exclusive monthly magazine.
· Receive two free months subscription to your own business website.
· Opportunity to earn free products and incentive trips.

If you have ever considered purchasing Digital Scrapbooking Software like our My Digital Studio Program, signing up for the starter kit is actually CHEAPER than the program itself! Cheaper is better right?!

If you decide you'd like to give this a try, there is no obligation to continue. You can simply enjoy the amazing products at a HUGELY reduced rate and never do anything beyond this. Alternatively, you can also continue to make personal purchases and enjoy the constant 20% discount (and 30% off your first order!). You can give the business opportunity a shot and earn a bit of extra income to help cover your purchases. Or you can give it your all and make this a full time business.

You may also be wondering, what does it take to remain a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. If you decide to join our team and it isn't for you, no big deal! You'll never have to have anything sent back, or return anything or pay anything! After you "drop" you simply won't get access to the Stampin' Up! website and you'll no longer get the magazines mailed to you:) So, here's what it takes:

•You have to sell (or buy:) $400 per quarter. Hold one class or party every few months and you're set!
•Your first quarter doesn't end until March (which means you have about 4 months to reach this minimum!)
•Signing up now will allow you to partake in the Sale-a-bration perks of being a demonstrator....who doesn't love free stamps!!!
•Signing up now also allows you to participate in the preorder of our next mini catalogue and Sale-a-bration preorders!!! (I love the pre-orders!)

So if this is something you're interested in, even if it's just for the product, give me a shout at btdyck@gmail.com.

Thanks, have a great weekend!
Tina

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-12T12:12:00.003-07:00

Brrr, it feels like winter out there! My darling husband is out there hanging up Christmas lights, the tree is going up tomorrow (or tonight!) and I've been making Christmas cards. I think it's safe to say, we're in Christmas mode over here, lol.

I couldn't believe how many houses were all decked out before Halloween even! I say honour the War Veterans first and than move on to our next holiday. Although if I was an American I don't know if I would be able to wait for Thanksgiving Day before moving on to Christmas! How do you wait that long, ack!

Today's card is using a mixture of Stampin' Up! and Stampendous. The house nestled in the trees is so similar to what we used to sell, HOW did I not buy that stamp! Seriously, I so regret not getting it. But this set is so similar you could easily use whichever one you have.

I brayered the sky in Baja Breeze, then I tore a piece of scrap paper and lined it up for the horizon. Using a sponge, I added So Saffron to the horizon. While the mask was still in place I stamped the trees from Plant Hope, making sure that only a portion of the stamp actually made it onto to scene. I removed the mask and stamped the house. Using my blender pen I coloured in the trees and home. For the snow I added some Dazzling Diamonds, although I think I'll go over it again with Crystal Effects to get a puffier snow. You can barely see it in the photo but I used that same mask to lightly sponge some Baja Breeze in the snow for snow drifts.

Stamps: Plant Hope, Snowy Retreat (Stampendous)
Paper: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Ink: Black, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Copic browns (for the house)
Other: Dazzling Diamonds
Inspiration: Barbara Anders

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Christmas Tissue Box

2010-11-10T14:16:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone! I am really looking forward to the next few days! The kids are home from school for the next few days, we're supposed to get some snow (yay!) and there's a local craft show in town this weekend that I did not join this year but look forward to checking out every one's great work! Oh and my Christmas tree is coming up this weekend, should be a great time!

This is one of the projects that we made at club last night. It's a covered tissue box, so neat. When the box is empty you just simply slide a new tissue box in.

Stamps: None (how did that happen?!)
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, DSP-Deck the Halls
Ink: Soft Suede
Other: Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Simple Christmas

2010-11-08T15:03:00.003-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice if we actually could celebrate a simple Christmas! Every year I have the best intentions but somehow things are always busier than I would like by the time December rolls around.

This card took my only 30 minutes to complete, I think that's a record for me, lol. I know some of you are going, huh? How is that fast! Trust me, they usually take A LOT longer!

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Bright Christmas
Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Black
Other: White Gel Pen
Inspiration from: Charlene Driggs

Non-Traditional Christmas

2010-11-05T14:15:00.003-06:00

There are super duper talented stampers out there that can create a card in less than 30 minutes and yet it looks like it took them hours to make. There are also stampers out there that can make a card that looks like it would have only taken less than 30 minutes to make but in reality it takes well over an hour. Now which one am I? The slow poke of course! Lol.

This card was a case so you would think it would have been quick! Nope, I went back and forth between paper choices, this was my final decision, take it or leave it, hehe. Totally not a traditional Christmas card, but I think it's nice to throw something else into the mix every once in a while.

Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, DSP-Christmas Cheer, (the blue panel is from a retired pack)
Ink: Black
Other: Glimmer Brads, Black Ribbon
Inspiration from: Amy Sheffer

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your weekend!
Tina

Yay, I'm back!

2010-11-04T08:06:00.004-06:00

You don't realize just how much you rely on your Internet until it's not there! Of course my husband teases me that I start getting a twitch if I can't check it in the evenings, lol.

I'm supposed to be busy creating for a local craft show but so far I'm not getting far, so I'll post another card using my new copics and a cutie pie. The stamp that I used on this card is not Stampin' Up!, but how can you resist the cuteness! I will say that even though I might post a card here and there that doesn't use SU!, my love of SU! is as strong as ever! The only problem is that I'm so used to not looking at what company I'm using that I forget and then leave out some details below, I'll have to remember to check those things.

Stamps: Tiny Talk, ?
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, DSP-?
Ink: Copics
Other: Silver Brads

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

I am such a dork

2010-11-01T18:12:00.003-06:00

Why you might ask? I am sitting in front of my sisters house (they're not home) with my laptop using their wireless Internet, lol. Our Internet provider had some vandals knock down one of their towers on Halloween, the tower we use! Arghhhhhhhhhhhh, how am I supposed to work under these conditions. Ok, how am I supposed to browse my favourite blogs now! I can't sit here at 10 o'clock at night, my husband would really think I'm off the rocker, hehe. But on to my card...

I have entered the land of Copics, wohoo! Well my budget doesn't say wohoo. My husband's eyes almost popped out of his head when I told him how much my stash cost, lol. I think he's starting to realize that this hobby we women have is not cheap! But here's my first card with these markers, still learning but I love them!

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

How Bad is it...

2010-10-29T09:29:00.004-06:00

That I bought the Christmas Cheer scrappin' kit just so I could get my hands on that designer paper?! :D I'll make sure I use up the other contents of the kit but I love that designer paper!

Stamps: Merry Crittermas, Greeting Card Kids
Paper: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Water Colour, DSP-Christmas Cheer
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Black, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Other: Cherry Cobbler Button, Twill Tape, Linen Thread, Silver Brads, Dazzling Diamonds

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Vintage Birthday Wishes

2010-10-27T15:07:00.005-06:00

Brrr, it's windy and chilly out there! It's days like this that I am so grateful for our home!

Here's one of the cards that I made yesterday, I had a lot of fun with this one. I stamped the En Francais background stamp in Crumb Cake, and than stamped the flowers. I created a mask by cutting out an extra flower and than used the mask where ever I was stamping the leaves. I kept the colouring simple by just outlining the flowers and leaves. And the ribbon is one of the many rolls I bought from SU's clearance rack!

Stamps: Vintage Labels, Growing Green, Happiness Shared
Paper: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke
Ink: Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist
Other: Mellow Moss Ribbon, Pearls

Have a great day!
Tina

Stamp Day!

2010-10-26T10:45:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! The weather forecast says we're in for a very wet couple of days, possibly even snow, wohoo! Parts of Manitoba might be getting a foot of snow, a FOOT! Now my only complaint is, I wish we were getting that foot of snow, lol. I know, who wishes that?! :D

So as some of you know, when it's raining, I like to stamp. And I finally have a day where I have the time to stamp. Last week was such a busy week for me so I'm really happy that this week is looking a little slower.

A few days ago I was in our LSS to satisfy my need for another Nestabilities set, and I picked up a Paper Crafts magazine and to my delight, it came with a free single stamp! I'm not even sure who it's from but I thought it was nice, especially paired with my new nestabilities. You can't see it in the picture but the sentiment piece has shimmer paint sprayed on it, gives it a really nice shimmer, perfect for the holidays.

Stamps: ?
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla,
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Inspired by: Laurie Schmidlin

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

I'm staring at...

2010-10-19T18:54:00.003-06:00

Allllllllllllll the kid's lego scattered over the living room floor! But I guess that would be considered imaginative play, lol. Thankfully they're really good about cleaning it up afterwards.

Surprise, I have another Christmas card for you. I was planning on posting something else today but I got home a little tired today and so I haven't made it downstairs yet.

Paper: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke
Other: Early Espresso Ribbon, Silver Brads, Dazzling Diamonds

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Sparkly

2010-10-15T15:44:00.004-06:00

What a lame title, lol. What can I say! My mind is on sparkly since I've got Christmas classes and Stamp a Stacks that I'm preparing for.

Here's a card that we made at club on Tuesday, it's so sparkly in real life. We applied versamark directly to the embossing folder which allows you to add Iridescent Ice embossing powder only to the debossed areas, so pretty. The snowflake has shimmer mist sprayed on it, I think that stuff has got to be one of my favourite products!

Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Versamark, Early Espresso
Other: Antique Brad, Iridescent Ice

Still Here...

2010-10-12T11:38:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the lack of posting, I guess you could say I took a small break, lol. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner with family yesterday and even managed to get a good game of cards in as well. It's nice to just take a break every now and then.

Here's a card that I've had on my computer for a while and just haven't gotten around to posting it. One of my favourite colours SU! now carries is Cherry Cobbler, it works so well for Christmas cards but also looks so pretty when you pair it with neutral colours. Love it!

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Grey, DSP-Love Letter
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Rhinestones, Seam Binding

Have a great day!
Tina

Come to Bethlehem

2010-10-06T23:17:00.002-06:00

This is the one and only card that I made this afternoon, I stopped by at our local scrapbook store and fell in love with this elegant paper and knew I could pair it well with my SU! cardstock. I wrinkled the seam binding before adding it to my card, love that look and will be doing it again!

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, DSP- ?
Ink: Early Espresso, Soft Suede
Other: Seam Binding, Antique Brad, Striped Ribbon, Crochet Trim

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!
Tina

Clearance Rack!

2010-10-06T18:45:00.003-06:00

Ladies if you haven't headed towards Stampin' Up's clearance rack you will want to race over there! They added tons of new stuff for up to 80% off! I just stocked up on ribbon and embellishments for a long time, lol.

All clearance rack merchandise is while supplies last only so don't delay! All orders must be placed online, you'll find the link on the left hand side of my blog.

Please note: There are more than just 5 pages of clearance stuff, click on the 3 little dots next to the 5 and it'll take you to the rest.

Check back soon for another card!

Tina

Thanksgiving Wishes

2010-10-06T13:33:00.003-06:00

I should be cleaning my windows... but I'm not, lol. We've had such beautiful weather and I still haven't gotten out the ladder and washed all the summer dust off of them, maybe tomorrow. (yeah right! :D) Why clean windows when you can stamp!

Here's another card that we made at club, masculine cards can be so hard to make, I love all the ribbon, flowers and girly stuff and I don't know of a lot of men that would appreciate that. The truck was stamped with black StazOn ink and than coloured with various colours. Then we grabbed the colour spritzer tool and a brown marker and gave it a speckled look.

Stamps: Countryside, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, Watercolour, So Saffron
Ink: Black Ink, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, Always Aritchoke, So Saffron,
Other: Brads

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Timeless

2010-10-05T14:04:00.002-06:00

Phew, I feel like I should have an afternoon snooze! But no time for that, my husband would say I should get more sleep, but I love my evenings!

Here's another card that I made yesterday. I think I like this one, it has a soft warm feel to it. The colours are a little off but you get the idea. The pink flower was made with the scallop circle punch and the other two are from our paper daisies. The front piece was sprayed with shimmer paint before it was adhered to the card base.

Stamps: En Francais
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride
Ink: Soft Suede
Other: Taffeta Ribbon, Pearls, Paper Daisies

Have a great day!
Tina

Christmas Mittens

2010-10-04T23:28:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Well after a day of stamping, here's one of the cards that I made. It's so nice to have those days every once in a while where you stop everything you're doing and do something that brings you happiness!

It's a little hard to see in the photo but the layer of Crumb Cake paper was run through my bigshot with a texture plate. The mittens were coloured with a blender pen and than covered in Crystal Effects, makes them purrrrrrty in real life, lol.

Stamps: Cute Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Black
Other: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Crystal Effects, Linen Thread, Button

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Happy Monday!

2010-10-04T08:41:00.003-06:00

What a beautiful Monday morning! The sun is shining, counters are clean and it looks like we might finally have our yard repaired from all the constuction that took place on our street, wohoo!

I plan on stamping the day away today, but until then here's a card that we made at our last club meeting. Simple yet elegant, and it showcases how to make carnations with our scallop circle punch. Soooooooooooooo easy and yet it looks like it could be complicated! I think I might have given one or two of my club members a panic attack when they saw that we would be making another 3-D flower (hi heather, lol) but they soon all learned just how fast and easy these are, especially compared to the rose we made a while back.

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Occasional Quotes
Paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Soft Suede
Other: Pearls, Shimmer Paint (on the flower)

Thanks for stopping by, have a great Monday!
Tina

Christmas Cutie

2010-10-02T14:30:00.003-06:00

Happy weekend everyone! We're getting ready to head out to the skating rink with the kids, and that's probably where we'll be every weekend until spring, lol. We bought the kids skates last year and it's turning into a great way for them to burn off some energy during the winter months. Thankfully we have one right in our community that we can normally go to.

I finally had a chance to ink up one of these cute stamps from the "Greeting Card Kids" stamp set, isn't she cute! I used our Idea Book for colour inspiration for this card, I'm not normally a fan of pink for a Christmas colour but it's nice to get out of our comfort zone every once in a while.

I paper pieced her jacket and the rest is coloured in with a blender pen and ink. I also used one of our new wheels, Music Notes. I used heat & stick powder to adhere the dazzling diamonds glitter to the snowflake.

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Merry Crittermas, Music Notes (wheel)
Paper: Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Watercolour, Always Artichoke
Ink: Always Artichoke, Black, Blushing Bride, Basic Grey, So Saffron
Other: Dazzling Diamonds, Crochet Trim, Jumbo Brads

Thanks for stopping by! Hope your having a great weekend!!
Tina

Happy Friday!

2010-10-01T09:37:00.003-06:00

It's nice to have a day with nothing major on the agenda! Wohoo for quiet Fridays, well sort of, lol.

Here's a quick card I made last night, ok, it should have been a quick card but I usually ending up going back and forth for the longest time and changing things up multiple times. I dare you to admit that you do the same, lol.

Stamps: Unchartered Territory, Vintage Labels
Paper: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Watercolour, DSP-Elegant Soiree
Ink: Black, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Baja Breeze
Other: Hemp Twine, Brads

Have a great day!
Tina

Time Flies

2010-09-29T08:21:00.002-06:00

I'm staring out through our patio door and can't believe how fast the leaves changed colour, it seems like yesterday that we were camping and it still looked like summer. According to one of the farmers that my husband was talking to we'll have snow by the end of October and it will be here to stay. He claims that from the time the leaves start flying off the trees we have 30 days until winter arrives. Eeeeeeek. Is it bad of me to say that I'm actually looking forward to the snow? I love snow, at least through my living room window, lol.

Today's card is one of the cards that we did at Stamp Club on Monday, the inspiration came from Renee S. I love this designer paper! We sprayed the ornaments with shimmer paint and the rest is pretty self explanatory.

Stamps: Tags til Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, DSP-Deck the Halls
Ink: Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Other: Seam Binding

Have a great day!
Tina

The Opposite of Clean & Simple

2010-09-24T10:10:00.007-06:00

I've had a bit of a chaotic week and so last night my husband took the kids out for a pie and I had some time to unwind, and what does a stamper do to unwind? Stamp! Hehe.

I've been wanting to make a holiday planner for quite some time already and last night was the night. It took me an embarrassing amount of time to complete this but I'm happy with it! My last post is a card that is very simple and I have to laugh at how this project is completely on the other side of the scale, I guess you could call me a bi-polar stamper.

I won't list all the colours and supplies used, I basically used all colours that coordinate with our new designer paper, Deck the Halls. I added Crystal Effects to the berries on the front which I think adds a nice elegant touch and the snowflakes are all covered in the Champagne Shimmer paint. I'm not sure yet, but I might do a class with this planner depending on the interest. I told myself that I was actually going to use it, and not let it collect dust because it's too pretty to ruin with my handwriting, lol. Ask me again at Christmas time if I actually used it!

This planner includes the month of November because most of us are already busy planning like crazy during that month! I added a small envelope for receipts and covered it with some more designer paper, the back flap is left open so you can add receipts as you shop.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!
Tina

Clean & Simple

2010-09-23T09:02:00.002-06:00

Ack! Where does time go, seriously! I had back to back classes this week which left me with less time for my personal stamping, thus the lack of posting this week. I'm hoping to finish a Christmas planner today, time will tell!

Here's a really quick Clean & Simple card that I made last night. I love a card with tons of layers, bling, and dsp, but I can also really appreciate cards with clean lines and less is more! I stamped the flower in both the Peach and Kiwi Kiss, but the green looks very yellow in this photo, just envision it to be green, lol.

Stamps: Growing Green, Inspired by Nature
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Peach Parfait
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Peach Parfait, Basic Black
Other: Button, Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Hemp Twine

Have a great day!
Tina

Elegant Thank You

2010-09-18T11:22:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! I hope you're all have a great weekend, ours is going well, the kids are with their dad in town and that gives me time to quickly tidy up the home. And sneak in another blog post, lol.

The medallion is embossed with whit embossing powder, and I used one of our new glitter brads for the middle, adds a nice touch. The rest is pretty basic.

Stamps: Medallion, Because I Care
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Early Espresso, Versamark
Other: Glimmer Brads, Striped Ribbon, White Embossing Powder

Have a great weekend!
Tina

Frosty Flakes

2010-09-17T08:48:00.004-06:00

I don't know how the weather is in your neck of the woods but here it's definitely feeling like Autumn has come. The mornings are quite chilly, I've even turned on the furnace a couple of mornings now! Brrr, but just means that my favourite time of year is just around the corner, yup you guessed it...Christmas!

I bought this snowflake embossing folder waaaaaaaaaaaaaay before Stampin' Up! started selling them, and wouldn't you know it, this is only my second time using it. You know how you buy something and afterwards you just can't get it to look ok on a card? Well that's what kept happening with this folder, until of course I saw this card on the web. I believe this card case is from Laura Schmidlin but I could be wrong.

I ran the Crumb Cake cardstock through my bigshot with the embossing folder, and then using a sponge I lightly rubbed white craft ink over the raised snowflakes. In the photo it looks like I got the craft ink over the entire piece but the snowflakes are a little whiter then the rest. I think next time I would use my brayer and see if that would help to get mostly just the raised snowflakes inked with the white craft ink.

Stamps: Bright Christmas
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black
Ink: White Craft Ink, Basic Black
Other: Grosgrain Ribbon, Button, Hemp Twine

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Fast & Fabulous

2010-09-15T20:30:00.003-06:00

This card was inspired by a fellow demo from Stampin' Connection, unfortunately I don't remember who. So thank you, whoever you are!

I created a mask first and then sponged Crumb Cake inside the rectangle, then before I removed the mask I stamped the background stamp. For the flowers I used a Level 2 stamp set, Fast & Fabulous.

Stamps: Fast & Fabulous, Elements of Style
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Other: Lace Trim

Have a great day!
Tina

Silence is Golden

2010-09-14T09:54:00.003-06:00

I love my kids, love their laughter, the conversations we have, and I smile when I listen to them interact with each other when they don't think I'm listening. Some days they're busy arguing and tell each other that "You don't love me, brothers that love their sisters let them do this or that" and then there's the times where in the midst of playing with their lego one will say to the other "I love you, you know because you're my brother" and then we have the days where everyone is mad at everyone, hehe. But as much as I love them, I love my silence, lol. Everyone went back to school last week and I still can't believe how blissfully silent things are during the day. Of course I look forward to our kids coming home everyday, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the SILENCE!

I'm also a little happy that summer is over, now I feel like I can get back to my regular routine. I've been mentally planning and preparing for some really great classes, and one of those is this month, next week to be exact. We'll be making these super cute CD Envelope Photo Purses, love them! If you're in the area and would like to join us give me a call or an email and I'll reserve a spot for you! You can see my full events if you click on the link on the left side of my blog.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you're having a great day!
Tina

Happy Weekend!

2010-09-12T09:00:00.001-06:00

Hmm, Blogger won't let me schedule this post for Sunday like I planned so you get two posts in one day, lol.

One of the things I purchased while shopping today was a notepad size paper pack, perfect for cardmaking! And I couldn't wait to dig into it so I used it on this card. Such pretty paper! The flower is made with our new paper daisies, I dyed them with Baja Breeze and added just a little bit of So Saffron with an aqua painter to match the dsp. I'm not sure if I went a little overboard with the pearls but it's hard to stop with those things, lol!

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, DSP -
Ink: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Other: Paper Flowers, Pearls, Lace Trim

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Friendship

2010-09-10T21:38:00.002-06:00

Hi stampers! Today was a fun day for me, it's my Birthday and I was spent the day in Winnipeg shopping while the kids were in school and then my husband took me and the kids out for dinner followed by Birthday cake. I was spoiled today!

I made this card a few days ago and just haven't had time to post it. It's a very quick and simple card but I like it, and it's the kind of card where you could very easily change the colours and get different looks.

Stamps: Simple Friendship
Paper: Very Vanilla, River Rock
Ink: Basic Black, River Rock

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

You're Too Kind

2010-09-08T11:14:00.003-06:00

Today is one of those really quiet peaceful days. Why you might ask? The kids have their first day of school today, lol. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, I would die for my kids but once they reach a certain age they seem to need the structure that school gives them. We spent 5 days camping over the long weekend. It was so nice just to get away for a little bit and have one last hurrah before Fall arrives and judging by the chill in the air, it's around the corner!

Today's card is another case from Theresa Momber, I really liked the vivid colours of this and so I kept the colours similar. First I stamped the rose from Fifth Avenue Floral with versamark and then embossed with clear embossing powder. I sponged Daffodil Delight and Peach Parade all over, then I added Riding Hood Red to just a few spots. The Flowers are stamped on water colour paper and I once again used all three colours to colour the image. I will be adding Crystal Effects to the centers of the flowers to finish it off.

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, SAB set
Paper: More Mustard, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Watercolour
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Versamark
Other: Black Ribbon, Brads

Angelic Joy

2010-08-31T12:56:00.002-06:00

It's a bit of a Monday in our home today, and it's not Monday! So I figured maybe a card might turn it into a better day and I think it helped, that's what I'll tell myself anyway, lol.

Today's card is showcasing another new stamp set out of the Holiday Mini, this Angel is perfect for a little bit of subtle colour. I finally used some of our new Glass Glitter, which is supposed to tarnish a little as it ages which makes it great for those vintage kind of cards. I used it sparingly to keep the card from looking gawdy, hope it worked.

Stamps: Angelic Joy
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, DSP-Elegant Soiree & Deck the Halls
Ink: Crumb Cake, Black, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Blush Blossom
Other: Glass Glitter, Lace Trim, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Pearls

Have a great day!
Tina

Merry Crittermas

2010-08-28T11:00:00.001-06:00

Now before some of you ask if I'm blogging on our Anniversary... no I just scheduled this post to get posted today, I don't think my husband would be too impressed if I delayed our date over a card, lol.

This cute little beaver is one of many in a new set from the Holidays mini, it comes with an assortment of cute little critters. I stamped the images on water colour pp and then coloured them in with my blender pen. The circle ruffle that's at the bottom is made by first running the paper through my bigshot with the Polka Dots embossing folder and then punching out circles with the 1 1/4" punch. Glue the tops down and slightly curl the bottoms. The twill tape is something that I've had in my stash forever, a gift that I received a few years back had this wrapped around it and why would I throw that out when I can reuse it!

Stamps: Merry Crittermas
Paper: Baja Breeze, Garden Green, Whisper White, Water Colour pp, DSP-Candy Cane Christmas
Ink: Black StazOn, Blushing Bride, Real Red, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight,
Other: Brads, Twill Tape

Have a great weekend everyone!
Tina

Fireside Christmas

2010-08-27T09:08:00.004-06:00

I can hardly believe that tomorrow will mark the day that I've been married to my sweetheart for 11 years, it sounds so cliche to say "where does the time go" but seriously! It seems like only a few years ago that we said I do, but realistically we have almost 8 year old boys and a 6 year year old daughter to remind us that we are indeed getting old, lol. But I wouldn't trade it for anything, I love my life and I embrace getting older, well I might have a panic attack when I hit 40 but I still have a few years to brace myself, hehe.

Are you getting sick of Christmas cards yet? Well I'm not so I guess that means you'll have to put up with them, yes I'm getting a little cheeky here! I promise I will get back to your regular scheduled programing soon with only small doses of the Holidays thrown in to keep us on our toes.

Can you believe I had this set sitting in my stash for weeks already and had not inked it up yet until last night?! This was one of the first ones on my list, I love the warmth you feel just looking at it. It took a while to colour this in but it was fun.

Stamps: Fireside Christmas
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, DSP-Deck the Halls, Water Colour pp
Ink: Black StazOn, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Wild Wasabi, Basic Grey, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze (phew, I think that's all)
Other: Lace Trim, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Pearls

Have a great day!
Tina

Embossed Tree Trimmings

2010-08-25T16:46:00.003-06:00

I'm a little late with dinner today so I thought that would be the perfect to post my card while waiting.
I am such a strange stamper, I buy a bunch of the new stamps out of the new Holiday mini and then what do I get inspired to use? Last year's stamp sets, lol. Go figure, I LOVE the stuff in the new mini but suddenly I'll see a colour combo or sketch that I really want to try and it just so happens that one of my other stamp sets is perfect for the project.

This card started as a case, but I ended up changing it so much that it's definitely my own, hehe. I stamped the ornaments with versamark and then used white embossing powder. I coloured the insides of the ornaments with Baja Breeze which kind of looked greenish when I was done. I originally was going to use Baja Breeze Ribbon and cardstock instead of the green but I'm so happy I went with the green, love that ribbon! I used White Craft ink to soften the edges of the Crumb Cake cardstock and then to finish it off I sprayed the front piece with shimmer paint, you can see a little of it in the picture, I dread the day Stampin' Up! is going to retire the shimmer paints!

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Tiny Tags
Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake
Ink: Versamark, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke
Other: Shimmer Paint, Always Artichoke Seam Binding

Have a great day!
Tina

True Friend

2010-08-24T09:46:00.003-06:00

Another windy day in Southern Manitoba, I hate the wind. Now that's being positive, lol. The card that I'm posting today is one of the projects that we made with my Club ladies (I love my Club ladies), it's showcasing the emboss resist technique and it gives everyone a chance to practice their colouring as well. Full credit goes to Theresa Momber for this card, I'm always amazed at what she can create with ink and a sponge!

First we clear embossed the swirly images, and then sponged Daffodil Delight over the entire piece. Then we took More Mustard and sponged just in the bottom right hand corner, now you really start to see the swirly images start to stand out. The flowers were stamped on water colour pp and the first coloured with DD and then we added More Mustard to the center. The flowers all got cut out and mounted on dimensionals.

Stamps: Simple Friendship
Paper: Early Espresso, More Mustard, Whisper White, Water Colour pp
Ink: Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Basic Black, Versamark
Other: Clear Embossing Powder

Have a great day!
Tina

I Love Saturdays

2010-08-21T22:11:00.002-06:00

I love weekends, Saturdays are one of the best, well the evening anyway. I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, etc. And then the evening rolls around and it's time to relax. We spent the evening over with some new friends, had a blast and then it's nice to end the day with a movie. My kind of day!

And at this point I feel like I should say "tricked ya", ha. You thought I was all done with Christmas cards for a while, lol. I figured I would give you a break and then start again, hehe. This card is a very simple card to make but I really like the results.

For the thread on the buttons I used slivers of cardstock and just wrapped it through and glued it to the back, easy!

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, DSP-Deck the Halls
Ink: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Other: Buttons

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Happy Weekend!

2010-08-20T23:14:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! our Internet was down for 2 days, my husband loves to laugh at me when that happens, I tend to get a little skittish or restless if I can't have my daily fix, lol. But thankfully everything is fixed and running!

My card today is not a Christmas card, you can all breath a sigh of relief, hehe. It's a very simple card with really not much to explain. I bought the rhinestone flourish at one of our local stores (the kind where you usually don't need much more then loose change :D).

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Paper: Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, In Colour Designer paper
Ink: Soft Suede
Other: Rhinestone Flourish, Ribbon, Hemp Twine

Have a great weekend!
Tina

Another Box and a Tutorial

2010-08-18T18:16:00.012-06:00

A while back I posted a circle box that I made and some of you asked for a tutorial, so here goes! If you're in my club and you don't want a preview of what we'll be doing on Monday then you need to walk away from the computer... you've been warned, lol.

You'll have to ignore the horrible pictures, my stamping area is not the best place for photos but it'll give you the idea.

For the top and bottom I used the cardboard that comes with Stampin' Up! designer paper packs, it's perfect for these kind of projects! You could even use cereal boxes or anything similar.

Cut your cardboard into two 4"x4" squares, you'll also want to cut four squares of the same size in the cardstock of your choice, you will be covering both sides of the cardboard. Glue the cardstock to the cardboard on both sides, I use SU! glue sticks, it seems to work really well at covering the entire piece and it's not so wet.

Now take a scallop circle die, I used the Scallop Circle Die #2 out of our catalogue on page 207. I tried it with a nestability and it did not cut through all the layers, you could first cut the cardboard, then cut the cardstock and glue the pieces together, it's not as quick and easy but it works.

Now take your sponge and ink and lightly sponge the edges.

For the sides of the box you want two strips of Designer paper. One piece is 1 1/2" x 9 1/4" and the other piece is 1" x 9". Take your scoring tool and score all the way down the long side at 1/2". You want to make short little cuts close together on the 1/2" just up to the score line, see picture.

Fold over the score line and glue the sides together forming a circle.

Cut two circles, one slightly bigger than the other, they should fit nicely inside the box. I used my nestabilities for this but any circle cutter will work. Put glue on the outer edge of the circles and adhere this to the inside of your box, making sure to center everything. In the photo you'll see what the box looks like from the bottom.

The rest is super simple! Run glue all the way around the bottom of your box and lid, turn it over and adhere it to the scallop circle.

Now decorate it any way you want! Easy peasy!

More Mini sneak peaks!

2010-08-18T11:41:00.003-06:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! The sun is out and it's feeling a little warmer today, like we're still in summer. My husband mentioned turning on the furnace yesterday after he came home, turning on your furnace in August is just wrong! Lol.

I have another sneak peak for you today from our Holiday Mini, for those of you that are on my mailing list you should start to see them any day now! For this card I used Bells & Boughs, such a pretty stamp set and some of the new Christmas designer paper called Deck the Halls, also so pretty.

I stamped the image on water colour pp and used my blender pen to colour it in, I used Cherry Cobbler on the poinsettia and then deepened the shadows with Bravo Burgundy. As you can see it took some time cutting out that image! I stamped the poinsettia part twice and cut it out to adhere on top with a dimensional, it gives it a nice effect, I also added crystal effects to the poinsettia centers. The ribbon that you see is new in the mini, it's really seam binding but you treat it like you would ribbon, love this stuff!

Stamps: Bells & Boughs
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Water Colour pp, DSP-Deck the Halls
Ink: Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Daffodil Delight, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Early Espresso
Other: Antique Brads, Seam Binding, Crystal Effects

Have a great day!
Tina

Merry & Bright: Take 2

2010-08-16T22:41:00.005-06:00

Brrr, it's been a cool couple of days. You can almost feel Fall in the air, and it's not Fall yet! Personally I don't mind having a couple of cool days after the heat wave we had! What would we do without our AC or Furnace, lol. Well, probably whine even more then we as a society already do!

Today's card is one of those that looks better IRL, the photo is making it look a little blah. I used gold embossing powder for the sentiment and the photo doesn't really show it, but it's there. I cut this one to be a 8 1/2 x 3 card. The ornament stamp is one of the many included in a new set from the Holiday Mini called Tags til Christmas. You're going to love this set, they all coordinate with punches. And that includes 3 NEW punches, well two coordinate with the stamps and one is a larger circle punch!! The one in particular is my favourite, it's sort of like a curvy label punch and the stamp set has two matching stamps to go with it. LOVE it!

Stamps: Bright Christmas, Tags til Christmas
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, DSP-Jolly Holiday
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versamark
Other: Gold EP, Glimmer Brads, Gold Elastic Cord (can't believe it's not in the Mini!)

Have a great day!
Tina

Merry & Bright

2010-08-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

Here's another card for you using some of the new product out of the Holiday mini, the dsp is retired but fit well with what I wanted. I have wanted to CASE this card by Amy Sheffer for a long time already and the snowflakes from Stampin Up's new die is perfect for this. The snowflake that I used is the smallest one from the die.

I roughed up the edges of the designer paper and then inked them in black. The snowflakes all have shimmer paint sprayed on them, very shimmery IRL. I also sprayed shimmer paint on the sentiment which also happens to be out of the mini, the sentiment is mounted with dimensionals.

Stamps: Bright Christmas, Serene Snowflakes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, DSP- ? Retired
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Champagne Shimmer Paint, Pearls, Satin Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Ooh La La

2010-08-13T18:57:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone! I had such an accomplished day today, did the laundry, cleaned the basement, and still managed to make a few cards using the product out of the new Holiday Mini, you guys are going to LOVE it! It's full of beautiful Fall and Christmas stamp sets, gorgeous new accessories, and new Bigshot products too! Love the selection.

The card that I'm going to show you today is a very simple one but I like it. I even managed to use a button on it, I am seriously button challenged. I see so many great ways to use buttons on a card but when I make the attempt it just looks wrong. The designer paper that you see is one of the new holiday dsp that will be in the mini, very cute. The snowflake is also a new die for your bigshot, it's a long die with 8 different snowflakes, yes you read that right, 8 snowflakes! On this card I dabbed white shimmer paint over it to create a really nice effect.

Stamps: Bright Christmas, Tiny Tags
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Real Red, Baja Breeze, DSP-Candy Cane Christmas
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Button, Hemp Twine

Have a great day! Check back I should be posting more sneak peaks of the mini all weekend!!

Tina

Masculine Birthday Wishes

2010-08-12T08:42:00.004-06:00

I love that Stampin' Up gave us so many masculine stamp sets in this catalogue, I love the floral sets but let's face it, we all have men in our lives and I don't think they would appreciate the floral as much!

There's not much to explain about this card, others then it was not a 5 minute card, lol.

Stamps: Countryside, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Water Colour pp, DSP-Newsprint, Woodland Walk
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Garden Green
Other: Antique Brads, Ribbon, Hemp Twine

Have a great day!
Tina

Fast & Fabulous

2010-08-10T23:12:00.002-06:00

It's been a really hot week, and I mean hot. Which also means that I've been super grateful for our AC, what would we do without it?! Well I know what we would do but I really don't have time to take 5 showers a day, lol.

Here's another card I made yesterday during my "stamp my mojo back" day, hehe. It's simple but I like it. I wasn't sure if I needed this set since I already own a similar one, but now I'm really glad I chose it! I was also happy to finally use my new antique brads, they're so beautiful!

Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze
Other: Antique brads, Taffeta Ribbon

Have a great day!
Tina

Just what I Needed

2010-08-09T22:32:00.003-06:00

How nice it was just to stamp the day away, with breaks of course. I finally had the chance to put ink to these cute little girls. My six year old daughter pleaded for this set the first time she saw them in the catalogue and has enjoyed colouring them!

I stamped the image on water colour paper and used a combination of blender pens and aqua painters with various colours. I paper pieced one of the dresses, love the look! Once I was done colouring I ran the paper through my big shot with a circle Nestability and sponged Baja Breeze for the sky before I removed the paper from the die. I added faux stitching to the designer paper pieces with my Chocolate Chip marker. I realize that I forgot to add a sentiment to the card, (who does that?!) I'll add one before it gets used, this will probably make a good Birthday card for one of our daughter's cousins or friends.

Stamps: The Nicest Things
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Water Colour pp, DSP-Sunny Garden
Ink: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Blush Blossom
Other: Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Have a great day!
Tina

Shhhhhh! Can you Hear it?

2010-08-09T11:03:00.002-06:00

If you listen really carefully you might just hear might husband groaning in the background! Why you might ask? Because I made a few Christmas cards, lol. Every year I go through an early Christmas mood and every year you see my DH shaking his head at me, hehe.

As most of you know we were on holidays last week and of course when you get back you have so much to catch up on, and then to top it off I've lost my mojo, aaaack! All these pretty stamps and no motivation, and not to mention that I EXPEDITED my new Holiday Mini pre-order and it should be here tomorrow. And it's mostly Christmas stuff that will be in that brown box, wohoo! I think my husband might want to take up fishing or something. :D

But, no fear! I have a plan of attack for my getting my mojo back. I'm going to stamp it back, yup I will be stamping today, all day and I won't feel bad about it. So if you happen to drop by today I will warn you already that there will be dishes in the sink and the kids "might" be watching TV on this warm sunny day. You can either judge me for it or you can do the same! (Doing the same would be way more fun, lol)

Ok, on to my cards, yes I made two Christmas cards. Both are not cards that I'm super excited about but like I said I'll stamp until my mojo reappears! The first one is made with a new stamp set called Come to Bethlehem. I know this set has great potential, I just need to tap into it! The second card uses Serene Snowflakes and the emboss resist technique, you can't see it in the photo but I sprayed the main panel with Shimmer Paint.

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Early Espresso
Other: Clear Rhinestone, Ribbon

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Occasional Quotes
Paper: Marina Mist, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Marina Mist
Other: Clear Rhinestones, Shimmer Paint

Thanks for stopping by!
Tina

Vacation Time!

2010-07-27T12:18:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I was really hoping to have some more posts for you before we go for holidays but time ran away on me. Check back again at the end of next week and I should be up and posting again!

Thank you to everyone that stops by to visit my little world, I truly do appreciate it!

Tina