Wednesday, July 28, 2010

“I Like Pie”

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     I’m almost embarrassed to even post this card but it is so simple and I had to make it.  You see, there is a story behind the whole thing.  My boys have picked up the phrase, “I like pie” from some cartoon on T.V.  I think it is Chowder but I won’t swear to it.  My oldest will say it in a very monotone voice and it really is quite funny when he uses the phrase.  Anyway, my sister, who lives across the country from us (in Denver) had told the boys that they can call EveryLittleBither anytime, for any reason.  My youngest jumps up from the dinner table one evening, calls Aunt Shash and his Uncle Manuel answers the phone.  He yells into the phone, “I like pie!”, laughs and hangs up.  Well, needless to say, it has started something between the guys.  So….when I received the new Every Little Bit set, the first stamp I had to use was the pie.  Aren’t they just the cutest images?

     It is on a Naturals Ivory card base, the pie and “I like” are stamped in Basic Black.  The pie is colored with markers.  “I like” was pieced together from an old, long retired set, I Like It A Latte.  The red gingham ribbon (retired) is wrapped and bowed…simply. 

     That’s it.  It is on its way to Denver!  I can’t wait to hear what my brother-in-law and sister have to say about it!  Thanks for looking today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to get a little silly today ;)

Hugs,

~Leslee~

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! ® and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Because I Care – Thank You

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     This is the final card we made at my New Catalog Open House.  This card was difficult to get a true color in the photo.  I’m not at all happy with the photo but I do like the card.  The card base is the new Pear Pizzazz.  I’m really going to like this new 100_1123In-Color.  I’m so glad that it will be around for two years :)  I stamped the hydrangea from the Because I Care set in Jet Black StazOn and colored it using the Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink pad and my Blender Pen.  I used Basic Grey along the outside edge to give the image some depth.  The card features the lovely new Rich Razzleberry Taffeta ribbon and self adhering Jewel Basic Pearls along the Scallop Trim punched edge.   It is very difficult to see in the photo but I spritzed the card front with the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. 

     This really was an easy card to do.  It, too, leaves a lot of room for self expression.  I really loved seeing the diversity in each of the ladies’ cards.  Inspiring you creatively is what I love to do!  Thanks for stopping by today.

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! ® and can be purchased HERE

Friday, July 23, 2010

Newsprint Occasional Quotes

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     This is another card that allows a lot of room for personal creativity.  Certainly a beautiful card…elegant in its simplicity.  It features the lovely new 1/8” Marina Mist taffeta ribbon, 5/8” Basic Black satin ribbon, gorgeous Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing folder, Marina Mist card stock and beautiful Newsprint DSP.  The sentiment is from the new Occasional Quotes (a hostess level 3 set).  I can’t wait to play some more with the Square Lattice folder and Newsprint DSP.  I love the music notes paper in the package and think that I’ll use it to make a note card set for my aunt’s Christmas present.  Yes, I’ll share it with you once it is done. 

     Until next time, may you find inspiration everywhere!

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

A Yummy Recipe for you…

100_1113      These cupcakes were served at my Open House.  Aren’t they gorgeous?!  I love to find yummy new recipes to share with my friends.  I wanted something light and summery.  Key Lime pie sounded soooo good but I didn’t want to make pie.  So, I searched the Betty Crocker website and found these yummies…Mini Key Lime Cupcakes.  And, yes, they are really super good!!  Click here to go to the recipe on the Betty Crocker website.  You can print it from there.  Both the boys helped me make these…each rolling Key Limes on the counter to juice them and squeezing them into a measuring cup.  Jesse added the garnishment himself.  He did such a nice job!  Maybe we’ll end up with a chef in the family? ;)

Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope your mouth is watering and you are inspired to try these yummy cupcakes (or anything new).

Hugs,

~Leslee~

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Presto Elements

     My New Catalog Open House was tons of fun!  I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with some super great ladies!  It is always so much fun to get together and stamp, laugh and create.  I love that everyone puts their own take on the cards that I design.  It’s such fun to see what everyone comes up with.

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     This card features the lovely Elements of Style set, the new Presto Patterns Specialty DSP, gorgeous Daffodil Delight card stock and 1/8” taffeta ribbon.  The image was stamped in Jet Black StazOn and colored using blender pens, Daffodil Delight and Garden Green Classic ink.  The Presto Patterns DSP was sponged in Daffodil Delight.

     Love this card and love the papers!  It reminds me of summer.  I hope yours is going great!  Be inspired.

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE

Monday, July 19, 2010

One more Pocket Silhouette

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I just wanted to share another quick Pocket Silhouette card with you.  I promise, this is the last of these…for awhile.  I have lots of new stuff to play with…and I have been playing!  What fun!  This will have to tie you over until I can get the new stuff photographed and posted.  Again based on the Open House Invites, I simply repetitively stamped the image across the 100_1043Whisper White card stock.  This technique is called many things.  Generation Stamping and Stamping Off come to mind first.  The sentiment is from the retired Kind & Caring Thoughts set.  I trimmed around it and secured it on Dimensionals. 

I sent this to my Dad, who recently had undergone quadruple by-pass surgery.  He is doing very well now…continuing his recovery at home.  Thank you friends, for all of your prayers.

Next time, I will start showing you make-n-take projects from my Open House.  Until then, keep those fingers inky!

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Because I Care Sympathies

100_1053      Once again, I was in need of several sympathy cards.  I used up what I had in my stash and decided to give my new Because I Care level 1 hostess set some ink and love.  It’s good to be able to “play” without the stress of time constraint.  These will replenish my stash box of sympathy cards. 

       Both cards are a very simple, 100_1065one layer card.  The card base is Naturals Ivory card stock.  The hydrangea was stamped in Basic Black classic ink.  I colored it using my Blender Pen, Garden Green and new Marina Mist classic ink.  The centers of the individual flowers have a dot of White Gel Pen.  I actually went outside and checked my hydrangea bush for inspiration :)  The sentiment is from Thoughts & Prayers.  The first card features paper piercing one two opposite corners.100_1076

     On the second card, I used Going Grey and my blender pen to add some depth to the flower.  I love how it turned out and will add that more often.  On the inside of the second card, I added a Marina Mist layer that I punched the corners with the Scallop Trim Corner.

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I thought I’d include a photo of my inspiration.  I gather inspiration from everything.  Knowing that God created everything…perfect in its own way…is a great source of inspiration for me.  It’s all around.  I only have to open my eyes to see it.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you can find inspiration too!

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Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sweet 16!

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     Happy Sweet 16th to my friend, Amanda.  When she first moved in, I went over, introduced myself and welcomed the family to the neighborhood.  Amanda, being the oldest of the children, stood and proclaimed that “third grade is soooo hard!”  I had to chuckle.  She really was sincere.  So, I just had to ask what she thought about third grade now?  She laughed and said that she’ll never live that one down.  She’s right.  I’ll remind her whenever possible :)  She’s a good sport and I wish her the very best in everything she does.

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     This is a very straightforward card.  It uses the Scallop Circle die, retired Raspberry Tart DSP, retired Cameo Coral card stock, Little Leaves in Garden Green, retired Pretties Kit flowers (I colored the smaller flowers by pressing them into Cameo Coral classic ink pad.  I mixed and matched my retired sets to create the sentiment.

     Amanda liked her card and had a lovely birthday party.  I was unable to attend but she did bring me some chocolate cake!  Yummy!

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired.

Hugs,

~Leslee~

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and available for purchase HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Pocket Silhouettes Invites

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These are the final card design for my New Catalog Open House invites.  All cards have the same basic elements… Crumb Cake card base, Basic Black cut to 5” x 2-7/8” and then edged using the Scallop Trim Border punch, Whisper White piece cut to 2-3/4” x 2-1/8” and a 3” x 2-3/4” piece of retired Bella Bleu DSP.  Each card base (front only) was sent through 100_0939the Big Shot with a Backgrounds 1 or Perfect Details Texturz Plate.  I stamped the flower from Pocket Silhouettes that I had inked directly using Garden Green and Brocade Blue (retired) markers.  The sentiment was stamped in Basic Black Craft ink.  I like how the ink sits on top the paper giving the image or sentiment a bolder, more vibrant look compared to the Classic inks.  With the basic elements all cut, stamped, textured and punched, the fun then begins!  Repetition is not my strong point…it’s just too boring.  I changed up the placement of the basic elements and the accessories vary from card to card.  Black ribbon on this, a button on that, the image placed over here on one and there on another.  I just had fun with it.  And that is what it is all about…right?   I made a total of twelve of these cards.  Each one different yet much the same.  I enjoyed this project!  I hope you do too.

If you are in the Virginia Peninsula area (Hampton Roads), you too can join in the fun!  My Open House is July 17th from 1 PM to 4 PM.   Just drop me an email and let me know you would like to come.  I’ll give you directions and have make-n-take supplies ready and available for you.  Check out my Open House page for more info.  It’s going to be a lot of fun!  I hope to see you there.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to change up the routine :)

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

 

Saturday, July 10, 2010

More Playing for Invites

100_0926     As I said in my previous post, I’ve been playing around for a quick card to mass produce for my New Catalog Open House.  Here again, I used similar elements, changed up the color of the flower (Melon Mambo marker on these).    The first card is my favorite.  Way, way simple!  Crumb Cake card base that was run through the Big Shot using the Perfect Details Texturz Plate (front only), wrap a Basic Black 5/8” Satin ribbon around the card, layer the Whisper White image onto the Basic Black card stock that was edged with the Scallop Trim Border punch.  Done!  This would be a nice one to show at a workshop or do as a make-n-take. 100_0974

 

     The second card was layered onto a Melon Mambo card base and, again, has the same basic elements.  This isn’t my favorite and didn’t make the cut for the invites but a nice looking card none the less. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to just have fun!

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

 

Friday, July 9, 2010

Crumb Cake Leftovers

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I’ve been playing around trying to come up with a quick card to mass produce for my New Catalog Open House invites. I utilized some of the elements that I had stashed in my “leftover” basket. You know I love it when I can do that! I used the Pocket Silhouettes set and stamped out some of this flower using Garden Green marker for the stems and various colors for the flowers. I used the newly retired Crushed Curry marker on these. The Barely Banana card stock (now retired) has been run through the Big Shot with one of the Backgrounds #2 Texturz Plates. The ribbon is Basic Black 5/8” Satin Ribbon. It is all placed on a Crumb Cake card base. I really love this neutral color…not too light, not too dark. Great for masculine cards too.

I’ll post the final invite real soon. By the way, I did use one of these layouts. You’ll just have to check back to find out :) I’m glad you checked in today.

Stay inky! Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Simple Thanks

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I’ve been into this super simple stamping groove.  Of course, I’ve been in need of several cards lately.  Most of the time, it is just as easy to make two cards as it is to make one.  All of the supplies are out and I usually start with one 8-12” x 11” sheet of card stock and cut it in half, thus creating not one but two card bases.  This simple card was inspired by some of the cards you’ll find on Susan Raihala’s blog, Simplicity.  She has a beautiful way of keeping her cards simple.  100_0901

I’ve scored a box right on my Naturals White card base using my paper trim and scoring blade.  The stamp set I used is, again, Watercolor Trio.  I inked the stamp directly using markers and stamped inside the box.  The sentiment is stamped using Basic Black Craft Ink.  I like the way it sits on top of the card stock vs. the classic inks.

When you are in a hurry, keep it simple!  I hope you’ve been inspired.

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! ® and can be purchased HERE.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Watercolor Trio Gift Set

 100_0864I needed an extremely quick set of cards to give Don’s aunt for her birthday.  The set that I wanted to use was the lovely Watercolor Trio set.  This set just exudes simple elegance.  I started with a Natural White card base and the stamped layer which measures 5” x 3-3/4”.  I inked the stamps directly using Stampin’ Up! ® markers in various colors.  The sentiments are from various sets: Watercolor Trio, Whimsical Words, the fresh retired Kind & Caring Thoughts, Thoughts & Prayers and the long retired Warmest Regards.  Most all of the Basic Black accents are pieces and parts leftover from other projects.  I really do love it when I can use up those bits and pieces.   Of course, I had to “dress up” the envelopes by running only the flap through the Big Shot, each using a different Texturz Plate.  I love the elegant look it adds to the gift set.

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I wrapped the entire set with a Large Cellophane bag, lovely Basic Black Satin Ribbon and a large flower from the Pretties Kit with a blue button and a black ribbon center.  The perfect elegant finish to this gift set. 100_0914 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a look at each card individually.  Enjoy!  And may you be inspired. 

Hugs,

~Leslee~

 

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All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

Friday, July 2, 2010

She’s 40!!!

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My little sis is 40 today!!  Happy Birthday, Sha!  I love and miss you!

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What an awesome set to create an elegant birthday gift set with!!!  I LOVE the Elements of Style set, which you can find in the Summer Mini Catalog.  

100_0805I began by making the card.  Isn’t it simply gorgeous?  I stamped the floral image in Jet Black StazOn onto Naturals White card stock and colored it in as desired using Stampin’ Up!’s Marvelous Markers.  I want to mention that I always start with my lightest colors first and then add the darker colors to accent the image.  The hummingbird was created the same way only I used my White Gel Pen to color the underside of the bird.  It is up on doubled Dimensionals.  The sentiment is from the lovely new Watercolor Trio set (also in the Summer Mini).  The ovals were cut using the retired and forgotten Coluzzle Cutting System and Stampin’ Up! Scallop Oval and Large Oval punches.  It’s difficult to tell in these photos but the Crumb Cake layer was run through the Big Shot using the Perfect Details Texturz plate.  I added a little Shimmer Paint to the pink flowers…just to add a little sparkle to the card. 

My sister had asked that I make her a bookmark.  She loves to read and she said that it will remind her of me each time she opens her book (like I let her forget ‘me’—ha!)  Well, I had never made a bookmark before now.  I started by browsing SCS for ideas and came across this lovely idea, Lovely Botanical Blooms Bookmark by Lori Mueller.  Now this is thinking outside the box.  I love it!  So, I cased it and came up with the following…100_0832

100_0817I used Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, the new Basic Black Satin 5/8” ribbon and my fav Black Gingham ribbon.  I put a good thick coat of Crystal Effects on the ‘face’ of the bookmark.  As you can see, it does mute the color a bit.  It may be that my Crystal Effects is old and slightly yellowing, not sure yet.  Anyway, it turned out absolutely lovely!  I couldn’t resist doing a second, more traditional bookmark.  I was just having so much fun playing!!! 100_0839100_0843

 

Thanks for stopping in today.  Let me know what you think of today’s project.  I love to hear your comments and suggestions.  I hope you’ve been inspired to try something new.  Make a bookmark and curl up with a good book! 

Again, Happy Birthday to my little sis.  May she never lose her place again!

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.

 

 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Trio Wishes

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I am really loving the Watercolor Trio set.  This was a super simple and quick card to make.  I had the Basic Black and Whisper White circles already cut and laying about on my desk.  I had cut them using the Circle Scissor Plus for another project and ended up not using them.  Well, I love when I can use pieces and parts.  Nothing goes to waste at my desk…lol.  I colored my stamp directly using Crushed Curry and Garden Green markers.  The sentiment is stamped in Basic Black Craft ink.  Of course, my fav Black Gingham ribbon and Vintage Black brads.  A piece of old retired Le Jardin DSP was layered onto a Naturals White card base. 

Simple, simple…yet very elegant.  Thanks for checking it out.

Until next time, keep those fingers inky!

Hugs,

~Leslee~

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased HERE unless otherwise noted as being retired.