Beautiful Banner

I am sure you have noticed that banners, in all shapes and forms, are uber-trendy in papercrafting right now and I am in LOVE with them.  I made banners for Isabella’s first birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day…and many for absolutely no occasion.  Shelli Gardner, co-founder of Stampin’ Up! loves them too and so much so that banners are her Creative Challenge for this month.  So….I really wanted to join in.  An excuse to make one more.  Don’t need excuse really, but did enjoy making something for me after all the decorations I just finished for my niece Jill’s baby shower.  Check out the next post for lots of pictures of our fun time.
Until then, enjoy my heart banner.  All supplies by Stampin’ Up! and you can purchase them in my store 24/7…

I {Heart} Banners VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I have this on the big mirror over the fireplace in the den so I had to take it down and put it on a contrasting color for the photo.  And, I still haven’t finished my new picture-taking place, so the photos are not the best.  But, I am sure you get the drift.
I can’t sign off without sharing a memory from yesterday of sweet Bella and her Poppy checking out the Camellia she plucked from the bush in our backyard.  My loves. 
And, I wouldn’t be offended if you left a comment on her cuteness!

Stampin’ Up! Louisville Regional–How Fun is That?!!!

My sweet friend and my upline Lisa and I attended the Stampin’ Up! full day Regional Event in Louisville, Kentucky the last weekend in October and it was wonderful!  Our trip was so fun and we saw some amazing color on the trip.  God is truly in the details.

The demo demonstrations were awesome and I truly appreciate the time that my fellow demonstrators gave to teach us new tips and techniques.  And the home office gals- well what can I say.  Terrific as usual. 

One of the traditions at all Stampin’ Up! events is the “Swap.”  Many of the attendees make a number of “swap” cards or other items and swap with other attendees…well, you get the picture.  And here is a photo of the two tags I made for the swap.

I made about 75 of the first tag as my general swap and then around 10 of the more detailed tag.  Both tags use Creative Elements and Established Elegance and on the general swap I used the fabulous Morning Mocha Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I had so much fun making these and can’t wait to get started on my Leadership swap item that will be held in January in San Antonio. 

AND, at each we could add our swaps to be taken back and shared with the Home Office staff.  From those the Stampin’ Up! staff attendees chose their two favorites and announced the winners at the end of the day.  Boy was I honored when Bonnie Thurber called my name and flashed a photo of my more detailed tag on the big screen!  What an honor when she said that one reason they chose my tag was it looked like one that Shelli would make.  (Shelli Gardner is the co-founder of Stampin’ Up!).  I managed to make it to the stage to receive a beautiful card and gift certificate.  I absolutely loved the tag and am so pleased that others did too!

Well, not gonna toot my horn again for awhile.  But I had to share that with you.

We spent the weekend in Franklin with a little “under the weather” sweetie.  More about her on my next post.

Blessings to all,

Diane

I’m in Love!!! with Stampin’ Up! fabric

Today was my first try with the gorgeous fabric from Stampin’ Up!’s Occasion Mini Sew Suite.  Actually this is my first try at doing something with our fabric at all.  I got both sets of Holiday fabric and admired it for months but didn’t actually attempt using it on a project.   Now I have two more great sets from the new mini.  Plus the buttons, brands and all accessories.  I even have the Big Shot dies to make cool fabric flowers.  I’ve studied samples made by my favorite stampers and fellow demonstrators, but just didn’t take the plunge….until today.

Shelli (Stampin’ Up! co-founder) has challenged us this month to try something new to celebrate the new year.  So I decided it was time to pull out my fabric and do something- start small and then I can work up to bigger projects.  So I did.  I took a small strip of the gorgeous garden pattern of Springtime Vintage, crinkled it and frayed it a little bit and accented my card.  And I am in love.  The sewing machine has been dusted and a corner of my dining table cleared.  So, watch out, I hope to be able to showcase this beautiful fabric along with other items from our Occasions Mini. 

I think this will be a great workshop make and take.  It’s fairly simple and I love, love the colors.

All supplies can be purchased on my Stampin’ Up! website:

Stamps: Button, Button (Occasions Mini), Trendy Trees

Paper: Rose Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Always Artichoke, Rose Red

Accessories: Circle punches- 1/2, 3/4, 1”; Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric, Springtime Vintage Designer Buttons, Regals Buttons, Antique Trinkets, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

We are getting ready for a little snow in West Tennessee.  It’s very exciting because just a few inches shuts down the town and it’s a wonderful time to be retired and enjoy being at home. 

Blessings,

Diane