Monday, November 26, 2012

Autumn Inspired

100_5581      I had a few extra leaves and acorns left on my desk from when I borrowed the Autumn Accents die from a friend of mine awhile back.  I draw a lot of inspiration from the autumn beauty that is all around me.

     This card is another quick and easy card.  The oak left is in More Mustard with the edges sponged in Cajun Craze.  I really love the look it gives to the More Mustard.  Again, I used the Naturals Ivory card stock, linen thread, Sq. Lattice Embossing folder and the Big Shot.  The veins in the leaf were just drawn in with my stylus on the piercing mat100_5585The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

     I’m hoping that this will be the last of the autumn cards for about a year.  We have quite a few autumn birthdays.  Although I draw a lot of inspiration from this time of year, I am ready to move on to Christmas cards and projects.  Put it this way, I must move on if I am to even come close to finishing before Christmas :)

     Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you’ve been inspired.

Hugs,

Leslee

Sunday, November 25, 2012

CASED From Shelli

100_5576     I saw this beautiful simple, yet elegant card on Shelli Gardner’s blog, So Shelli.  I knew it was one that I would have to CASE before too long.  Whether it is lack of mojo or simply short on time, having a few cards in the “CASE File” is always a good thing!  For this card, I was very short on time (as I seem to be running very behind lately).  It really is a quick card to complete.  I even had time left over to line the envelope :)  My brother-in-law thinks I slaved over the card for hours…I’ll never tell :)

     Thanks for the inspiration Shelli! 

     For those of you who don’t know, Shelli Gardner is the co-founder and CEO of our fabulous company, Stampin’ Up!.  Jump on over to her blog and check it out.  Leave her some love while you are there :)

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

Hugs,

Leslee

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here (except for the DSP which has been retired but I’m sure you can find something to replace it with). 

Supply List:  Naturals Ivory card stock, Linen Thread, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Crumb Cake & Early Espresso Classic Ink, French Foliage stamp set, Fabulous Phrases stamp set, retired Newsprint DSP

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!!

  100_2262

     Happy Thanksgiving!  Here in America, today is the day we set aside to give thanks for all our wonderful blessings.  Along with that comes a feast of turkey and all the trimmings with family and friends.  As always, I am hostess and in charge of the turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes and fresh rolls.  I’ve asked the rest of the family to fill in with veggies, desserts and whatever their heart desires.  Needless to say, if you go home hungry, it’s your own fault ;) 

     Today, I just want to take this opportunity to tell you how blessed I am to have you in my life.  Whether you are local, across the country or across the “big pond”, you are a blessing to me.  I look forward to posting hopeful inspiration for you and enjoy finding inspiration in your posts as well.  Through our blogging we get to know about each other, cry over the sad stuff, learn from each other and celebrate life’s special moments together.  This wonderful craft we share and the technology we share it on has opened up the world to each of us.  I’m not just thankful for you today, on Thanksgiving, but every day!  And I want you to know it :)  Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life.  I look forward to sharing more through the years ahead and may God bless you :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

CASED Christmas

100_5571      Isn’t this a beautiful layout?  I thought so too :)  This card was CASED direct from the uber talented Jan Tinklenberg (Stamps, Paper, Scissors).  You can see her card here.  Obviously, even the uber talented Jan Tink (as she’s affectionately known) needs a little outside influence every once in awhile too :)  Isn’t it great to know that even the upper echelon needs a kick in the pants gentle encouragement from time to time?  No…it doesn’t bother me in the least to learn that even the great Jan Tink can be influenced by outside forces.  Golly…if anything at all, it shows that she is…well…human (dare I say it).   

     Anyway, enough about Jan…let’s get back to my card :)  I changed up the card to fit what I wanted to show my stamp clubs.  The 100_5573new Cherry Cobbler Core’dinations Paper, Snow Flurry BigZ Die, Silver Glimmer Paper and just one use of the Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Tulle Ribbon.  It really was a great way to show so many different products on one gorgeous card.

     Thanks for stopping by today.  Stop on over at Jan’s blog and leave her some love too.  And, just so you know, I’ve been secretly blog stalking Jan for years now :)  I’ll admit it!  I love Jan, her work, her witty blog posts…she makes me laugh (maybe because I can relate on so many levels).  I think she’ll inspire you as well.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Online Extravaganza

OnlineExtravaganza12

     It’s only the biggest online sale of the year! 

Beginning today (Nov. 19th)…for 10 days only, get savings of up to 50% off!

In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza-our very own doorbusters! Woot!  You won’t want to miss these!

You can visit my Online Store to see all discounted products or view this PDF.

Happy Shopping!

Leslee

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Water Stamping in Blues

100_5499 

100_5493     My husband and I just celebrated our 15th anniversary and my sister and her hubby celebrate their anniversary one month after ours.  So, naturally, I was in need of a couple of cards.  As I said previously, I just had to give Water Stamping another go in different colors.  I really love how easy and versatile this technique is. 

     On these cards, I used a Crumb Cake card base and a Square Lattice Embossed piece of Midnight Muse.  The water stamped panel is on Whisper White with 100_5496Midnight Muse and Baja Breeze sponged on it.  The water stamped image is the flourish from Elements of Style.  I took it one step further and added Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz on the panel (really pretty).  The main image is found in the hostess set, Happy You.

     I like how they turned out.  The colors are masculine yet the water stamping gives it a beautiful, feminine elegance.  Yes, I’ll be playing with this technique more.

     Speaking of techniques, Stamp Clubs are forming NOW for the next round (Jan. – June 2013).  If you are interested in learning new techniques, playing with new products and some fun chit-chatting with super ladies, don’t hesitate to call me.  Space is limited and fill up quickly :)  I’d love to have you join in the fun.

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to play with new colors and a favorite technique :)

Hugs,

Leslee

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

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Glimmer Star Birthday

100_5505     A real girly-girly I know (I won’t name names) just celebrated her 16th birthday :)  I wanted to create something that was pink and sparkly.  I think I accomplished what I set out to create :) 

     The stars are die cut with the Big Shot and the retired stars die.  They are Silver Glimmer Paper that I had sponged with Pretty In Pink.  I love that we can change the color of the Silver Glimmer Paper to whatever we want.  Keep in mind that it isn’t true to the color you sponge on it but it sure is close.  The sentiment and scallop edging is in Early Espresso.  I put Dazzling Details on top of the swirls. 

     Love how the card turned out and love the girly-girly who received it ;)

     Thanks for stopping in.  I hope you have a star-studded day today :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fit For A Monarch :)

100_5548 

     I love to include a “little something” in with my stamp club orders each month.  I had picked up these little chocolates…not having a clue as to what to do with them (besides stamp and eat).  Then, as my Black-eyed Susans came into full bloom out back, it came to me….100_5543

     What do you think?  Pretty cute, eh?  Of course they are :)

     I used the 2-3/8” Scallop Circle punch on Daffodil Delight.  Edges lightly sponged in the same color.  Cut between scallops to create petals, spritz with water and crinkle them up.  Adhere the chocolate to top center and add a little butterfly from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die.  The stem is simply a pipe cleaner.2012-09-25 07.42.11

     Here was my inspirational photo…

     The butterfly is a male Monarch.  He is only about 12 hours “hatched” at the time of this picture.  He chose to make his chrysalis just outside our front door.  It was on a stamp club night.  In the span of 5 minutes (between two of the club members arriving), he changed from caterpillar to chrysalis.  For two weeks, the boys and I watched him.  Almost two weeks to the hour, he emerged.  It was really an amazing thing to witness :)  You can check out more pictures in sequence below :) 

     Inspiration that prompts creativity can be found everywhere!  Thanks for stopping in and letting me share our story with you.  I hope you’ve been inspired to look around you for today’s inspiration :)

Hugs,

Leslee

From this…100_5475 to this in 5 minutes…2012-09-20 11.46.07

Two weeks later…2012-09-24 13.27.19

Newly “hatched”, wings still curled and wet…2012-09-24 16.18.35

First time to spread his wings (about 2 hrs. old)…2012-09-24 19.07.18[0]

Next morning (12 hrs. old), he let me carry him into the sunshine…2012-09-25 10.32.39

That’s how he ended up on my Black-eyed Susans!  So amazing!  How cool is that?!!   

Friday, November 9, 2012

Autumn Accents

100_5566100_5555        A friend of mine (thanks Jen) allowed me to play with her Autumn Accents Die and coordinating Wonderfall stamp set for a couple of weeks.  I had so much fun with the die!  At one point, it looked as if a tree had sprouted and dropped its fall foliage on my desk :) 

     I used the “Happiness” card at a workshop and stamp club.  The leaf cluster features several simple, yet very effective techniques.  The large maple leaf is More Mustard with Cajun Craze sponged along the edges.  The two smaller leaves are textured with score lines.  The acorn features markers direct to stamp.  I like how a simple textured strip of card stock can make an extremely big difference to a card.  The Soft Suede was run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice100_5551 embossing folder.  The point I wanted to stress to my guests and classes is that something so simple…a touch of color, shading, texture…can make a big impact on an otherwise simple project.  I really like how this card shows just that :)

     The “Wishing You…” card was for my little brother’s birthday.  I wanted to give this pressed technique a try.  The sponged edges make all the difference on this particular card. 

     Thanks for dropping in today :)  I’m so grateful you did.  Have a super day.  I hope you’ve been inspired to add that special touch to your project today.

Hugs,100_5559

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Water Stamping

 100_5479 

100_5480     Always on the look out for fun new techniques to teach my stamp clubs, I came across this Water Stamping technique over on SplitCoastStampers.  It’s an easy technique and one I thought my clubs would enjoy.  They did!

     I started with a piece of Whisper White card stock.  I randomly sponged on ink colors of choice.  I used Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Primrose Petals.  Love these colors together!  I found that the technique works best when you sponge your inks on heavily…don’t be shy…get it on there good and bold!  Then “ink” up your stamp of choice using water instead of ink.  I used the flourish stamps in Flowering Flourishes.100_5482  I’m not sure whether the concept is you are lifting the ink off with the stamp or the water is simply lightening the ink up.  Probably the latter because as the water dries, your image becomes more visible.  It really is cool to watch.  Then simply finish your card as desired. 

     I really like how these two cards turned out.  I will be trying more of this technique in several other colors and styles.  What do you think?  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to get your stamps wet today :D  Enjoy!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Cute Little Gift Card Holders

 100_5468 

100_5472

     I am as guilty as the next guy in waiting until the last minute to buy a gift.  So, if you are like me, gift cards are the go-to-gift of choice.  I like gift cards because they mail so easily and the recipient can then get what they want.  Gift cards, however, are not very “fun” to open and the little envelopes they offer at the store aren’t very …well, let’s just say they aren’t much to look at.  So, I’ve created a quick stash of gift card holders.  These are much more “fun” to receive and you can never go wrong with a handmade touch!  Unfortunately, I didn’t photograph the inside of the holder but you can see it in this post, Simply Soft Card Holder.

     These are super easy to create!  I used my Simply Scored Tool to mass produce this bunch for a vendor fair.

     Here’s how I did it…

  1. Score 4 ¼” x 11” pc. of card stock at 3”, 5 ½” and 8”.100_5471
  2. Fold in half at 5 ½” score mark.
  3. Fold outer score lines back.
  4. Use sticky strip to adhere center folds together. This creates a pocket for gift card. Only adhere outer three sides.
  5. Mark length of gift card on inside center fold and punch using Word Window punch about ¼” into fold and just longer than length of gift card.
  6. Punch a half circle using the ½” circle punch in center of slot.
  7. Wrap ribbon around card and secure to back of card with sticky strip or SNAIL. Tie ribbon to securely close card.
  8. Stamp and embellish card for any theme or occasion as desired.

     Like I said, these are super easy and quick to create.  Thanks for stopping in today.  I so glad you did.  I hope you’ve been inspired to present your next gift card really pretty :)  Remember, it’s not what you give, it’s all in the presentation :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Fall Gratitude

100_5369

100_5364

      I wish I had a larger “Gratitude” stamp…but I don’t :(  This one just looks so small on this Triple Time Stamped card.  I love how the card turned out.  The collage look, natural textures and colors…beautiful card!  I just can’t get over how small and insignificant the sentiment is.  I really don’t think that covering it with a punched element would look right.  So, I’m just going to leave it as it is.  I always say, “There are no mistakes, only creative opportunities”.  I just can’t cover this one creatively.  Also, I always tell my customers that if the person that receives a “not-so-perfect-card” complains about it…then they don’t ever deserve another handmade card from you :)  I’m taking my own advice.  Somehow, I don’t think my sis will mind a “little gratitude”.  She knows all the “big love” that went into making this card :)  Love and miss you, Sha!

     I hope you have been inspired to show a little gratitude towards someone you love today :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Sanitizer Holders

100_5453     Oh my goodness!  Time certainly does have a way of flying.  I can’t believe how long it has been since my last post!  That’s not to say that I haven’t been busy…on the contrary.  As you may know, I’m extremely active with the elementary school PTA (Parent Teacher Association).  October is our fall fundraiser…our only fundraiser (thank goodness).  I’ve been up to my eyeballs with our annual Spell-A-Thon.  Anyway, by the time I get home and caught up with concrete work and the day-to-100_5389day business of family, I’m just too tired to move.  Unfortunately, my blog (and a few bill payments) is what suffers :(  Well, happy to say, Spell-A-Thon is coming to an end, my bills are paid and I’m back to writing up blog posts :)  So, welcome back!!!

100_5395     You may have seen these cute little mini hand sanitizer holders around in blog land before.  I cannot take credit for this design.  As a matter of fact, I found a great tutorial on Pink Buckaroo Designs.  Erica Cerwin did a fabulous job at directions.  Thanks Erica!  The only thing I did was to purchase the little hand sanitizers and create the coordinating holders to show them off in.  Better yet, they are perfect for gift giving.  What a nice alternative 100_5391to Halloween candy…although the kiddos may not think so ;)  I know that I will be giving these as teacher gifts and they will certainly appreciate them…maybe along with some candy :)

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I’m so glad you did.  I hope you’ve been inspired to try a few of these handy holders for yourself.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! (some retired) and most can be purchased here.

100_5381100_5377100_5387

Monday, October 1, 2012

Ghoulish Treats

100_5372

      Have you heard about bundling?   It’s only the bestest thing to happen to the Holiday Catalog!  When you bundle, you save.  Buying coordinated products in bundles not only saves you money but makes it fun and easy to create projects with stamps and accessories that work together.  This years Holiday Catalog has many bundles to choose from. 

     Today’s project features the Ghoulish Googlies Bundle.  You get the Googly Ghouls stamp set (in wood or clear mount) and the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit together.  The kit includes 20 printed double-sided tags (two designs), Pumpkin Pie/Whisper White Bakers Twine (10 pcs.), 10 glassine bags and 50 self adhesive googly eyes.  Perfect for quick treats for 100_5374Trick-or-Treaters, classroom parties, customers, etc. 

     I ran my glassine bag through the Big Shot in the Spider Web Embossing Folder.  It takes the embossing very well and gives it a very festive look.    Word of advice…go slow opening the bag as the embossing is “locked” together and you don’t want to tear the bag. 

     I love these bags!  They are just frosted enough to show the candy inside.  So get creative!  Eyeballs, worms, body parts…creepy fun!!  Enjoy!  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to bundle and get creative!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Jr. Legal Pad Folder

100_5458     I had said in my previous post that I would show another use for these cute and crafty Pentel® RSVP pens.  While they are still “stuffed” with a strip of DSP, I’ve added them to a Jr. Legal Notepad Folder.  This is such a nice way to tote around a legal pad for taking notes.  Who wouldn’t want to show off one of these? 

100_5464     Now, I can’t take credit for the folder design.  I found a great tutorial on Melissa Stout’s blog, The Stamp Doc.  You can find that tutorial here.  Melissa gives fabulous directions and these are extremely easy to put together.  The most difficult 100_5419(and most fun) part about these is deciding how to decorate them.  And you must not forget the inside too :)    

     Here are a few of the designs I had made for the vendor fair.

  100_5409100_5408100_5412

100_5443      I made a few mini ones as well.  I had found a package of mini gel pens in the discount bin for .50 cents and just had to try.  I had to reconfigure the folder dimensions but that wasn’t difficult.  These were super easy because there isn’t a lot of room for decorating.  A simple punched Elegant Butterfly and some Jewel Basic Pearls and it’s done!   

100_5461     These would make lovely teachers gifts, hostess gifts, or just about anything you can think of.  Occasions and themes can be easily changed simply by the DSP and images you use.  Gotta love versatility!  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to make one (or more) of these for your next giving occasion.  100_5398Of course, you don’t REALLY need an occasion to make someone’s day :) 

Hugs,

Leslee