Babies and Christmas in July!

What is it about baby cards that are just so stinkin' cute! Its funny, I joined Stampin' Up! because I loved their rubber stamps, but I had no idea that I would become a punch-a-holic. Gosh I love playing with these punches as you can see from these two cards I've made. I'd love to hear what you think about them. Both were inspired from various other cards I've seen lest you think that I am truly that creative. Not yet....




Plus, here are a couple of other cards I've been playing around with. I'm not totally sold on them yet, but I think they hold promise. Feel free to give advice as to how to make them "pop" more. I think my biggest problem often has to do with color choices. As a new demonstrator, my paper stock is still on the low side so I vary it as much as I can. I'm adding a variety as quickly as I can afford. It is so much fun though!

Cards for Upcoming Workshops

I've been having fun again playing with my rubber stamps and punches (do we ever really grow up)? Thanks to all of the wonderful talent out there to constantly inspire me, I wanted to share some of these cards:


I had more fun making this precious little card. It is surprisingly easy and I love having an excuse to use the coordinating envelopes. Andrea Walford is an amazing designer and she shows you how to make this card step-by-step on her blog. We will also be making one of these cute little devils in my workshops that I hold bi-monthly in my home. To join my notification list of upcoming workshops, just click on the join button to be added to my on-line complimentary distribution list.


This stamp set is so versatile I'm thinking of building a workshop around it. This is just one example but I plan on posting many more. There are tons of different kinds of stamps in this Crazy For Cupcakes set.


And finally, this is from the stamp set called Garden Whimsey, yet another set that is so full of choices that you could make tons of different kinds of cards with it. Here is where you go to see the original design. I just received eyelet edge and my scallop edge punches so I think I will make it again. I also forgot to add the cute paper piercing detail so that gives me the perfect excuse to play with this card again, and again, and again....

Some new cards

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend I thought I'd have lots of time to work on cards, but surprisingly I just wasn't that motivated. I actually spent most of that time on research for ideas to kick my creative mojo into gear. I did come across some really cute ideas that I hope to start implementing into my workshops soon. Of the three cards below, the third one I just love as an all-around occasion card so I will definitely be teaching that one in my workshop. Also because it implements the newest colors and the newest rubber stamps. The jury is still out on the other two cards.

By the way, I still have room in my workshop tomorrow evening if anyone would like to join us. For $20 you will learn new techniques and make four cards to take home. We have a lot of fun and all are welcomed. I just need advanced notice though so that I can pre-cut the cardstock. If you are interested, just go and sign up at http//www.meetup.com/Stampin-n-Stuff/.

Upcoming Workshop Designs

I've been so inspired by all the fabulous work I see out there that I worked on these cards. I'm hoping to use them for following workshops. Maybe not all of them. I'm curious as to which cards people would like to learn. I tried a different technique on each one so that I could be comfortable in teaching as well as to see the difference. Some of the cards I made multiple copies just alternating the techniques.

The first two are really favorites of mine. This Stampin Up set is called Inspired By Nature. I love the sunset card. My upline told me how to obtain that technique by using baby wipes! I love it!
























I used SU Markers for this second Inspired By Nature card.
























This adorable little gift bag was made with my Big Shot. Now I can't wait until I need some party favors.
























This cute little card used a retired stamp set called A Little Birdie Told Me. I will probably still prepare this card to be made in my workshops (at least the workshops where they take everything they make home with them) as I think it is so cute.

























This little Purse Card was made with Bigz Top Notes on the Big Shot. It could not have been easier and is one I will definitely be teaching in my workshops.
























Finally, yet another retired set, but I saw this technique on some blog and can't remember where now. Actually, I may have even seen it in the SU catalog, but I thought it was a cute idea. This one is a little bit more labor intensive. It was fun and easy, but I think I will hold off on teaching this card until I have some students who have attended some of my classes and I feel they are ready.


I went out and bought more baby wipes so that I can experiment more with that technique. I am also going to be sure and take advantage of the weekly sales that SU is offering so I placed an order this evening so that I could get the scalloped edge punch. I've been wanting it. I think it looks so good when it is used on a card.

I've retaken all of the photographs of these cards as the photos I have posted here are not very good. My camera is acting up and I'm using my husband's camera and of course, he can't find the cord to it. So, I've retaken all the pictures with the good camera and will go and have them put on a disc tomorrow so that I can load them onto my computer. What a pain.

New Sweet Pea Baby Card

Look how adorable this is!! I love it and it was so much fun to make.



I cannot take the credit for designing this. It was from the blog of fabulous designer, Andrea Walford, at . I've started scheduling workshops to make cards like this in my home once a month. Eventually I hope to be able to hold technique workshops once a week, but until I build a clientele of those who enjoy learning new crafts, it may take some time.

If you are interested in signing up for one of my workshops, you can RSVP through my Meet-Up Group site at .

End of Catalog Workshop

Today I took a workshop class with my fabulous Upline, Donna Ross. She is just a wealth of information and inspiration for me. These are the cards that we made in the workshop.










I also have been playing around with the pastels and found a lovely website that demonstrates how to make this adorable card at



Isn't it adorable! Unfortunately this stamp set will be retiring, but I think you could use this technique with tons of different images.

Anniversary Card

With some upcoming workshops scheduled, I've been busy trying to come up with some new ideas as well as borrowing inspiration from others to share in my workshops. Here are a couple of cards/projects that I will be teaching in my workshops:



We will be making the card on the right.



I think these little "Pillow Boxes" are perfect party favors, or perfect for giving a gift card. Why buy a box to give a gift card in when you can make your own and personalize it!




My 19th wedding anniversary is also coming up on June 30th, so I thought I'd attempt a special card for my husband. Now I'm no artist, but I enjoyed attempting to paint his favorite flower -- a Calla Lilly.