Because I Care…..about Cleo- it’s Elemental!

My dear friend and stamping buddy Cleo celebrated her birthday last week and I regret I wasn’t able to join in the festivities.  She and her precious daughter Leisa Jane live about 2-1/2 hours away and I don’t get to see them nearly often enough.  But, I did take the time to make a special birthday card for her.  I think I’ve mentioned before that making a card for a fellow stamper puts a lot of pressure on the creative process.  It’s just got to be perfect!  Well, this card isn’t perfect, but I was very pleased with the way it turned out.

I used the terrific new Level 1 Hostess set, Because I Care.  It is truly one of the prettiest hostess sets that Stampin’ Up! has ever offered.  I love hydrangeas (who doesn’t) and have already made a box full of cards with the image.  Lots of new stuff on this card- at least new to me.  The punches, butterfly embosslits, paper and ink.  Tell me how you like it…..here are a few techniques I used:

• Watercolored the main image and a bunch of little flowers
• Added flower centers using a white gel pen
• Clear embossed the whole lot
• Cut out the main image and all the little flowers and the leaves
• Sponged the edges of the two embossed butterflies

I used the same techniques on the Elements of Style card (first ink on it), plus used the little flowers from the Because I Card set.  I’m pretty proud of myself and, since I usually make two of every card so I have one to keep, I can admire my creations all day long!  (insert a chuckle here)

 

 

Here’s another tip that I learned from Cleo and Leisa Jane…..your card is not finished unless the inside and the envelope is decorated.  I’ve included photos of the inside and I also decorated the envies just as nicely.  I hope the recipients smile when they see a card from me in their mailbox and know I was thinking of them when I made it.  That smile is my reward!

I would love to show you how to make these cards.  Just give me a shout and we will get together.  In the meantime, you can get all the supplies in my online store.  Just click here.

Supplies: Stamps:  Because I Care – Hostess Level 1, Elements of Style (current Idea Book and Catalog)
Paper:  Early Expresso, Very Vanilla, Concord Crush, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant
Ink:  Perfect Plum, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Accessories:  SU! Pearls, Punches: Oval and Scallop Oval, Dies for Big Shot: Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Big Circle, Scallop Circle, Signo White Gel Pen, Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL, Versamark, AquaPainter,

Technorati Tags: SU!,Birthday,Flowers,Embossing,Butterfly,Big Shot

Terrific Weekend! New Baby and the Name Game….

Oh, what a terrific weekend!

All my children were here visiting and we were also blessed with a new addition to our family.  Sons Scott and Bo and sweet DIL Jennifer arrived at various times during the week and we had such fun.  We celebrated (a little late) Jennifer’s birthday- she turned 29 on July 4th, and niece Marcie and hubby Michael’s first child, Easton James Williams, arrived at 5:12 a.m. on July 10.   I cannot believe I was holding this sweet angel just 30 minutes later.  Things have really changed since my fellas were born.  All went well- God is good.  I’ve added a few photos – isn’t he adorable?

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It was so nice having my boys and Jennifer around for a few days.  We ate great and large and visited family and laughed and just had a great time.  It was totally a baby weekend because Bo and Jennifer are having our first grandchild in early December!  And it’s a girl!!! Jennifer is doing great and we are all so excited about this miracle baby.   At Jenn’s birthday get together we all got to “vote” on the name.  Bo posted the “top ten” on a chalkboard and everyone voted for their top three.  Scott assigned a value to each place and tallied the official results.  And the winner?  ISABELLA….with AnnaKate and AnnaBelle coming in 2nd and 3rd.  I guess we all knew that Bo and Jenn’s top name has been Isabella from the get-go and they hadn’t even heard of Twilight when they picked it!   So, as of today and, maybe subject to change, we will be welcoming Isabella Song Stader later this year.  Sweet!!!

Sure hope your weekend was wonderful too.

 

 

Technorati Tags: Bo,Jenn,Marcie,Michael,Scott,Baby,Isabella,Easton

New Idea Book and Catalog is Here! Check out this hostess set…..

The brand spankin’, hot off the press, new and gorgeous Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog is here and you can order from it right now!  My Wish List is pages long and I am waiting very impatiently for my first order and recent workshop order to ship.  Take a look- you’re gonna love it just like I do. 

Just look at this Level 1 Hostess gift- just one of several you can choose from with a $150 workshop or individual order (plus you get $15 in free merchandise).  It is Because I Care and is a set of 5 available in wood or clear mount.

Tomorrow is July 4th and I want to take a moment to say thanks to all the brave men and women who are leading the charge for our freedom.  I am humbled by your loyalty and service.

To all of my friends- thank you for taking the time to visit me and I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Supplies: Stamps:  Because I Care – Hostess Level 1
Paper:  Pear Pizazz, Early Expresso, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Expresso
Accessories:  Pearls, Antique Brass HPH, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Oval punch, non-SU ribbon (waiting on my order of Early Expresso), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Technorati Tags: SU!,Punches,In Colors,Sympathy

Fabulous Friday! Free For All Challenge # 17

It’s Fabulous Friday at the Stader house and we are giving thanks for a wonderful week and looking forward to a great weekend and especially Father’s Day.  I hope you and your family are getting ready to celebrate this special day honoring Father’s who are still with us and those who are with Jesus. 

The F4A (Free for All) Challenge today is to create a tribute to our best animal friend.  Well, as you all know, her name is Shelby and she is just about the prettiest dog you will ever see. She’s 14 and even though she doesn’t act like a puppy anymore, she still LOOKS young.  And, when she goes to the doggie salon for a trim, she looks 10 lbs. lighter.  Maybe I should start going to her salon – lol!

This card is one of my favorites.  I love this little boy loving on his best friend.  I am so glad that I am blessed with many friends, aren’t you?

 

Designer paper, cardstock, brads, twine, ink and markers all by Stampin’ Up!. 

Technorati Tags: F4A17,SU!,SCS,Best Friend

Wonderful Wednesday!!!

A wonderful Wednesday at my house today.  My BFF and stamping friend Lisa and her mom JoAnne drove two hours to spend the day with me.  We had such fun stampin’ , creatin’, laughin’ and eatin’!  Lisa showed me how to make those gorgeous paper flowers made with Stampin’ Up! punches.  I can’t wait to make a whole bunch more.  One of God’s great gifts is that of good friends and I am so thankful that he blessed me with my sweet Lisa.  Here are a few pix from today.

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Technorati Tags: Lisa,JoAnne,Punches,SU!

Do What You Love!!! Join Stampin’ Up! for only $99 in June!!!!

I’ve been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for almost a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it.  I love to be “on the inside” and be among the first to know about new products, promotions and other cool stuff.  There are so many perks on the demo side, but the most important benefit is sharing and creating with people you love and love to be around.  It’s just grand.

During the month of June you can join the Stampin’ Up! family for only $99 and just look at what you get for your $$!!  Any item, other than business items, can be changed for a similar product of equal or less than value.   So if you already have the Watercolor Trio stamp set, you can substitute for $22.95 or less.

Item	Description	Price
117050	Watercolor Trio stamp set (wood-mount-Summer Mini)	$22.95
118571	I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear mount)	$18.95
118486	Clear Mount Block C	$6.95
116978	Homemade single stamp*	$8.95
100730	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2 X 11)	$8.50
119706	Brights Collection assorted card stock (8-1/2 X 11)	$6.95
115656	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Pad	$5.95
119667	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad	$5.95
115658	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin’ Pad	$5.95
100814	Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin’ Pad	$6.95
119261	Basic Black 1/8” taffeta ribbon*	$6.95
121620	Color Coach*	$14.95
104332	SNAIL Adhesive	$6.95
	Retail value of products in kit	$124.90

*Sneak peek items! from 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog

The Mini Starter Kit also includes the following business items:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
• 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (8)
• Summer Mini Catalog (8)
• To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
• Recruit Folders (5)
• Recruit Brochures (20)
• Hostess Brochure (20)
• Hostess Benefits Form (10)
• Customer Order Form (50)

I would love to talk to you about it…give me a buzz or email.  You can read more about this special limited promotion here.

It’s a great day in Jackson, Tennessee and I hope you are having a wonderful week.

del.icio.us Tags: Demo,SU!