Late Summer Garden

Do you get as much peace from your garden as I do from mine?  Many of you have seen my roses, hibiscus, daisies, petunias, black-eyed susans, and hydrangeas.  Of course, I have Rick’s Landscaping to thank for most of this, but hubby and I (well, 99.9% hubby) have watered and trimmed.  I have eaten the yummy tomatoes, basil and chives from our back door garden.  But don’t we ALL love a peaceful garden?

This is how I chose to create our late summer garden card.  I love the look and feel of  Chocolate Chip on the Baked Brown Sugar “back fence” which comes from the Hardwood background stamp ($13.95).  My method of stamping this image is a bit unique.  I don’t even mount it.  I simply lay it on a piece of scratch paper, ink it, place my Baked Brown Sugar cs on top, place a larger piece of scratch paper on top of everything, and rub.  This method works well for me.  The stamped and die cut flowers and foliage branch come from the retired Secret Garden stamp and framelits sets.  However, the single leaves were stamped and die cut from the Flower Patch Stamp Set ($25.95 for 19 stamps) and the Flower Fair Framelits ($24.95).  I like the detail found in the retired set. 

The focal point of these samples is a “big box” burlap flower.  I purchased these half-price earlier this summer.  There are 6 types you can choose from.  The “garden” is layered on the new Darling Doily Thinlit.  This die is much much easier to use than the Sizzlit die that was available last year.  There is still a bit of poking required with a toothpick to insure all the openings are cleared, but many of the pieces fall out on there own if you gently bang the thinlet against a hard surface (I use my desk).  The doily tames down the coarse burlap flower.  A few embellishments were added to the flower centers.  A bit of Calypso Coral Organdy Ribbon adds more texture to the burlap, doily, embellishments and appearance of the hardwood background.  I have stamped and die cut many of the flowers and leaves and plan to have many of the hardwood images pre-stamped for you.

One more project remains to be posted – the Holiday Box made with the new Gift Box Punch Board.  Now, I will admit I was awed by this new punch board.  You create a box that has its own closure – all done with one piece of paper.  I’ve fooled around with the smallest box (2 X 2 X 2) and the largest one (4 X 4 X 4).  How easy to make your own box, fill it with whatever, close it, tag it, and give it to a neighbor, family member, co-worker, etc.  This is a perfect Secret Santa solution!

Check back tomorrow for this last project for the September Stamp Camp – Thursday and Friday (Sept. 4th and 5th) from 2 – 9 PM, and Saturday (Sept. 6th) from 9 AM to 4 PM.  Come when it is convenient for you.  $12 is the cost for all the supplies and tools.  Give me a call if you need a different date or time.  I am very flexible. 

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Tis the Season

Whew!  Two blog posts in one day!  Am I ever behind!!!!!!

Many thanks to crafter Judy for our first Christmas cards of 2014.  She subscribes to several sites and purchases re-printable scenic prints from time-to-time.  I fell in love with this print and she offered to print enough copies for September Stamp Camp.  Thank you Judy!  We all appreciate your talent and generosity.   

“Tis the Season” gives us a very soft and peaceful Christmas card in Pink Pirouette and Whisper White.  The re-print has been sprayed with my “famous” home brew which is a combination of alcohol and retired SU Champagne Mist.  This gives the card a beautiful shimmer and sparkle.  I’m so glad I thought to purchase several small bottles of the Champagne Mist before they were retired!  The print has been layered on white cs and then on the Pink Pirouette card.  The border of the card  has been pre-punched for you with the Hearts Border Punch.  A bit of pink ribbon is added thru 2 holes you will punch on your card layers.  Finally, the envelope is lined with your choice of Pink Pirouette polka dotted or striped DSP.  This card is so elegant, yet so simple.  A big thanks to our Judy for making this card possible!

I hate to keep repeating myself in each blog, but I know many of you don’t subscribe to my blogs, and may have missed the previous one.  So, to those of you who are subscribers, you can stop reading here!  If you didn’t read read the Giggle Greetings blog post,  September Stamp Camp (Thursday and Friday September 4th and 5th from 2 PM to 9 PM) and Saturday September 6th from 9 AM to 4 PM.) We will also be making a holiday box (Christmas, Fall, or everyday) using the new Gift Box Punch Board (this is really cool), a Giggle Greetings card, and finally, a late summer garden card. All of this for $12.00 which includes all your supplies, tools, and even beverages to keep you cool!

In case you haven’t read my most recent E-mails, I will be offering 2 special workshops this fall – an Iris Folding workshop where we will learn how easy Iris Folding is, and we will make a Christmas and a fall card – and a Christmas Stamp-A-Stack workshop consisting of 5 totally different cards and you will make 3-4 of each card. This will give you a nice assortment of holiday cards. And it is faster to make duplicates of a card. I haven’t ironed out the dates yet but will do so shortly and will let you know. I am very flexible and can set up 1:1 dates/times if you cannot make it during the pre-set time period. I will, however, need a firm commitment for these special workshops.

Blessings to all!  Enjoy your labor day as we will all soon be laboring with the holidays approaching.  I hope to see you for September Stamp Camp!  Give me a call, or send me an E-mail with any questions, concerns, or gardening issues (just kidding).  Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Giggle Greetings

I absolutely love the Giggle Greetings stamp set.  Four cute stamps for $16.95!  For the September Stamp Camp, you can choose the image that works for you.  Here are the samples I did, but of course you can create your card however you wish!

Debbie created the samples based from a card shown by Laura’s Works of Heart.  Deb chose the colors Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight and Tempting Turquoise which would coordinate with the new Sweet Taffy Designer Series Paper.  I came up with the idea of following the zig-zag pattern of the DSP by snipping off the excess to follow the design (and I have already done that for you!)  Deb stamped the image in Black Memento ink on Whisper White and die cut the image with a Starburst Framelit .  We colored the images with the marvelous new Blendabilities.  I really appreciate the shading I am able to do with these markers.  The cut image is layered on a Basic Black circle, and then onto a circle of Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise or Melon Mambo.  Although you can’t tell, the Rich Razzleberry front layer has been embossed with the new Large Polka Dot embossing folder ($7.95).  We’ve added a small bow of Daffodil Delight or Tempting Turquoise ribbon and a punched heart embellished with a colored rhinestone and a bit of gold cording.  The inside of the card is layered with Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White.  We have appropriate messages for all four of these images.  I stamped the image on the envelope by masking out the verbiage. 

Too cute!  And this is just one of the items we will be creating at the September Stamp Camp (Thursday and Friday September 4th and 5th from 2 PM to 9 PM) and Saturday September 6th from 9 AM to 4 PM.)  We will also be making a pink and white Christmas card with a lined enveloped, a holiday box (Christmas, Fall, or everyday) using the new Gift Box Punch Board (this is really cool), and finally, a late summer garden card.  All of this for $12.00 which includes all your supplies, tools, and even beverages to keep you cool!

In case you haven’t read my most recent E-mails, I will be offering 2 special workshops this fall – an Iris Folding workshop where we will learn how easy Iris Folding is, and we will make a Christmas and a fall card – and a Christmas Stamp-A-Stack workshop consisting of 5 totally different cards and you will make 3-4 of each card.  This will give you a nice assortment of holiday cards.  And it is faster to make duplicates of a card.  I haven’t ironed out the dates yet but will do so shortly and will let you know.  I am very flexible and can set up 1:1 dates/times if you cannot make it during the pre-set time period.  I will, however, need a firm commitment for these special workshops.

Blessings to you all!  I hope to see you at the upcoming September Stamp Camp.  On a personal note, my Mother flew home safely on September 30th, and I saw my California sister for about 10 minutes at the airport.  My sister and brother-in-law had been in Pennsylvania while my brother-in-law umpired the Little League World Series.  Kudos to the Chicago Jackie Robinson team for winning the Little League USA title!  Give me a call or send an E-mail if you have any concerns, questions, or want to discuss the weather!

Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

A Button Garden

What better way to enjoy summer than out in your garden – or someone else’s garden.  I would love to go to the Botanical Garden about now but would probably appreciate it more in the dead of winter.  At the August Stamp Camp, we are going to create our own garden – with buttons!

Isn’t this a cute way to celebrate summer and use up spare buttons?   I’ve used a color scheme of Pool Party and Crisp Cantaloupe with retired Designer Series Paper.  The scallop border punch adds interest to the bottom of the card as well as the “grass” for the garden.  The flower stems were stamped in Wild Wasabi and Pistachio Pudding from the new Flower Patch Photopolymer Stamp Set.  The buttons were added with a micro Glue Dot and a bit of liquid adhesive.  The gems were added with liquid adhesive.  I love the message “HAPPY BLOOMING BIRTHDAY” which is part of the Flower Patch set. 

For those of you who want to try something a bit different – why not tie your flower on with a bit of embroidery thread as I did here.  I simply held my button in place with a micro Glue Dot and threaded my needle thru the front and back up.  I’ve even pre-threaded 3 large needles!  Note the use of Pool Party ribbon on this card versus the retired Crisp Cantaloupe ribbon used on the first card.  You will choose your buttons, your choice of ribbon, and how you choose to attach your “flowers” to the garden – adhesive with gem centers, or embroidery thread.  The choice is yours!

Hope to see you on August 7, 8 or 9.  Mark the September Stamp Camp dates on your calendar now – Sept 4, 5, 6.  If  you can, let me know which date you will be coming or if you need to schedule an alternate date/time.  Keep an eye out for your holiday catalogues which should be arriving shortly.  I will have extras if you need to pick one up or want me to send it to you.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Male Elegance

In June, I mentioned we would be seeing more of the Wetlands.  This is an absolutely elegant card and perfect for a guy – a boss, neighbor, brother, or friend.

This simple masculine card is right for any occasion.  I also did a sample as a sympathy card.  The colors used are Blackberry Bliss and Whisper White.  Although hard to see, there are 3 scored lines on the upper right side of the card.  These lines add texture and interest and are simple to add with the Simply Scored Tool.  The ducklings and wheat images were stamped in Blackberry Bliss on Whisper White and areas were punched out with the 1” square punch.  These squares were then layered with dimensionals onto a 1 1/4” white square and then layered (again with dimensionals) onto a 1 3/8” Blackberry Bliss square.  The card remains very simple, yet very elegant.  It is easy to see how how landscape-type stamps could be used like this to create a very simple card such as this.

As a reminder, August Stamp Camp is just around the corner – Thursday, August 7th from 2 – 9 PM, Friday, August 8th from 2 – 9 PM, and Saturday, August 9th from 9 AM to 4 PM.  The cost of $12 covers everything needed for you to leave with 4 beautifully handcrafted cards and envelopes.  Rumor has it that several retired stamps will be out for sale and a copy of the Holiday Catalogue will be available for you to peruse.  I must admit I LOVE the Holiday Catalogue and am having to keep myself from purchasing almost everything being shown!  If you know when you will be attending the August Stamp Camp, it is helpful if you let me know.  However, this is NOT a requirement. 

Christmas will be introduced at the September Stamp Camp which will be held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday – September 4, 5 and 6.  I’m also planning on a card featuring a burlap flower (from a big-box store).  On the agenda for October is a Halloween card created with beautiful Graphic 45 designer paper and embellishments.  I’m also planning a pop-up card for December – perfect for the mantle yet can be folded flat and sent thru the mail (padded envelope).   Lots of fun things coming up including the new box dies SU is showing.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

p.s. – check back tomorrow for the final post – A Garden of Buttons.

A Perfect Blend – just for Coffee Drinkers!

Now who doesn’t drink coffee?  OK – I can think of a few folks namely my sister and one or two of my sons.  But most people sip on coffee every now and than.  At our August Stamp Camp, we are going to create a card honoring those who drink coffee. 

“Given enough coffee, I could rule the world temporarily.”  What a perfect message to go with the coffee cups from the Perfect Blend stamp set.  The color scheme for this card is Mossy Meadow, Pistachio Pudding, and a touch of pink.  However, you could stamp the cups and message in any of the 50 Stampin’ Up colors.  The cups are stamped and easily cut out.  The label and top are stamped a second time on the back of your choice of DSP from the All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack (48 sheets – 4 each of 12 double-sided designs 4 1/2 X 6 1/2 for $6.95).  The label and top are cut out and the fronts adhered to your coffee cup.  How cute and simple!  The background is rather unique – the Chevron Border is punched along the border and the layer is then run thru the Big Shot with the arrows embossing folder.  A bit of gorgeous grunge was added to the message which was shadowed with a Mossy Meadow “cloud” die cut from the Word Bubbles Framelits.  I chose to add a pink dahlia in the corner to bring out the pink in the DSP, but other dahlia colors are available as well as a full selection of candy dots.  The message from the set that was used inside the card reads:  “coffee & friends are the Perfect blend.”  This cute stamp set is $10.95 and found on page 116 in the 2014-15 catalogue.  A small Starbucks gift certificate would be perfect inside this card for a friend celebrating an occasion. 

This is the second card we will be creating at the August Stamp Camp.  I noted the dates and times in yesterday’s blog so I won’t repeat myself.  The cost which covers all the supplies and tools remains at $12.00.  You only need to bring yourself! 

EXCLUSIVE NEW BIG SHOT BUNDLES HAVE ARRIVED!

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love when BIG opportunities come your way. That’s why Stampin’ Up has brought you the chance to receive one of five free stamp set/framelit bundles below (your choice!) with purchase of a Big Shot.  And if you get a Big Shot now, you’ll be ready for all the new Big Shot accessories in the holiday catalog. If you already own a Big Shot, you can still purchase these discounted bundles at an amazing 15% off!  This is one deal you won’t want to miss-only available from August 1-31-as these bundles are one-time only exclusives.  Two Choices:

 

 

Let me know if you have any questions.  I look forward to seeing you on August 7th, 8th, or 9th!  Post #3 will magically appear tomorrow so check back!

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

A Little Smile for our August Stamp Camp!

I absolutely love this hedgehog stamp.  What a great way to get back to stamping after a summer off!  A Little Smile is $12.95 and is on page 113 in the 2014-2015 catalog.  A color scheme of new colors Blackberry Bliss and Hello Honey are perfect for this smiling card.  I used the Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack which will allow you – the crafter – to pick your own designer paper.  The Moonlight stack is WONDERFUL and full of exciting DSP – 48-4 1/2 X 6 1/2 sheets.  There are 4 each of 12 double-sided designs.  A bit of Hello Honey ribbon sets off the card.  However, the most exciting part of this card is the coloring!  You will use the new Stampin’ Up Blendabilities.  The card was colored using Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie and the Coastal Cabana Blendabilities.  I just unpacked the remaining Blendabilities – Calypso Coral Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Smoky Slate and Wisteria Wonder.  The only color I don’t have is the 6-piece set of the Skin Tone Assortment.  I am pleased with all the colors except Old Olive which is very drab.  Perhaps a Garden Green will come out in the future. 

A quick word about Paper Pumpkin.  I don’t believe I have ever mentioned this Stampin’ Up product.  However, as there is a half-price special, I want to bring it to your attention.  What is Paper Pumpkin?   Paper Pumpkin comes to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage) and will help you to escape your life with some paper fun.  This product comes in a sweet box, but you’ll really love what you find on the inside:  All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!  Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!  Check out some of my past Paper Pumpkins at August Stamp Camp.  Now is a great time to sign up–get 50% off your first two months.  If you are not satisfied, you can simply cancel.  Offer Dates: July 16, 2014–September 10, 2014.  Offer Details: Use the code HALFOFF2 to join Paper Pumpkin before September 10, 2014, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included).  Visit MyPaperPumpkin.com to join. Enter the Promo Code, "HALFOFF2" when you sign up.  New subscribers must join by Wednesday, September 10, 2014; 11:50 PM (MT).

I hope you can join us for the August Stamp Camp – Thursday, August 7th (2 – 9 PM), Friday, August 8th (2 – 9 PM), and Saturday, August 9th (9 AM – 4 PM). Come when it is convenient for you. All materials and tools are provided and the cost remains at $12.00.  We will be doing 4 fun cards and you can experiment with Blendabilities, pick up my end of year calendar, look thru the exciting Holiday Catalogue, check out Paper Pumpkin and the new items I have ordered from the 2014-15 catalogue.  And who knows – I may have a few retired stamp sets out for sale!

Give me a call or send me an E-mail if you have any concerns or questions.  I can always accommodate you at an alternate time if you are unable to make the days/times mentioned above. 

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

p.s.  Check back tomorrow for another post!