Hi,

I have been gone all week!! So sorry. Well to make it up, I'm going to share a project for each day of the week!! That's 5 projects today!!!!!

But first, a couple of reminders - Still openings for my Stamp-a-Stack and Spotlight class tomorrow and next Friday, respectively. I cut a couple of extra kits for the Stamp-a-Stack and will order the stamps for the Spotlight class on Monday. Let me know if you want to attend.  And don't forget Big Shot this Sunday! All details can be found on my calendar over there on the right side bar!!

Now for the sharing......
The first card is one I received at my upline swap this month. It's by Marie Leyva. It is just beautiful in person. Look out hostess clubs, you will see this one in class...with a slight change of course...you know I can't leave well enough alone!!

This next card is also one I received as a swap from the same upline meeting.
The creator is Kandy Kilgore. As demonstrators, we receive a monthly magazine called Stampin' Success. Sandy said she received inspiriation from a similar card in the magazine. Well, I looked through the same mag and didn't see anything as gorgeous as this. Goes to show you how we all are inspired differently.

This next card was received at the same meeting as the 2 previous cards. This particular card was made using our digital software program called My Digital Studio (MDS). If anyone is interested, I can get you a free 30 day trial of the program. Just send me an email. NEWS FLASH, for my team, I have a teacher coming in to teach us MDS!! More details soon.

Now, here is my swap. My card and the digital card above uses a new set called Bright Blossoms, which is coming out in the new upcoming catalog on June 1st. I got this set for FREE, (Don't you love FREE??!!), at the Manager's Reception, when I attended Leadership Conference back in January. SNEAKY PEAKY!!!!

My last card is also my swap, but this was for my down line attending my Can't Stop Stamping team meeting. This uses the Field Flowers stamp set. I sure hope this set is continued in the catalog next year.

Thanks for stopping by. I've got to finish up my class prep. Hope to see you in class!
Happy stamping!!!

Under the Spotlight

Hi My Friends,

I'm excited about a new class coming your way!! I've done this once before and thought it about time to offer it again. It's a Spotlight Class. The idea is to choose a product and make several cards/projects allowing you to see the versatility of the chosen product.

This class will be focusing on the new stamp set called Tea Shoppe. Here is a card using the set. This particular card will be done in this month club/class. The Spotlight Class will have 4 different cards/projects. 

 Here's a side view so you can get a glimpse of the inside. This set has so many potential uses making it a very versatile set.

Here are the details of the class:

You will complete 4 projects using this set. Cost of the class includes the purchase of the cling mounted stamp set. Set is $27.95 + shipping and tax to total $33.44. Class cost is $45.00, which is a steal since you will be coming home with a stamp set and 4 projects!!!

 If you already own the set, a set of your choice(same cost) will be ordered in it's place. Email your selection to me.

Deadline for class registration, which includes payment, is Jan 20th. Absolutely no late registrations. This allows time to order and have back for class. Please bring your standard stamping supplies including adhesives to class. 

ETA: class date - Friday, Jan 27th, 7:00pm, my studio

Sorry this info was not noted here. It is on my calender and i just thought it was automatic to look there. Thanks to all those who emailed and sent me a text.  In the future, I will put details in both places.

Please use PayPal button below to register for class.

Spotlight Class - Tea Shoppe

And don't forget Big Shot Class on the 29th. See THIS blog post to access PayPal button to register

Hope to see you in class!!

Easter Cross

I'm still alive!!! Just neglecting my poor little piece of cyberspace. I'm going to have to treat it better. I tell myself, I'll post tomorrow, but before I know it, tomorrow never comes and weeks have passed by. But I've been very busy teaching many classes and holding clubs.

The card today is one from a Big Shot class I taught at Stampin' From The Heart.  It is a very elegant Easter card that is easy to create. It uses a technique I call "quilted embossing". I don't know what the technique is really called or even if there is an official name! If anyone knows, let me know.

The technique is to stack your layers of card stock together in the embossing folder of your choice, then run them all through the Big Shot at once. So on this particular card, there are 3 layers - bigger yellow panel, brown cross, and yellow ring - that are adhered together, placed in an embossing folder, then run through the Big Shot. Have fun with this technique!

Happy Easter to all,

Two Shares

Okay, I know, it's been awhile. So sorry. Just been swamped with prepping for my stamp-a-stacks. I had one already and will have three more this weekend. Plus the thing we call LIFE has poked itself into my stamping world. So you have to deal with life while fitting stamping around it.

I'm bringing you two shares today to make up for my absence! Does that make you happy??? I hope so. The first share is my last for Halloween. My Sweethearts' daughter's birthday in on Oct 30.  Each year her party revolves around Halloween activities. We had a party here with about 7 girls ranging in age from 5-9. Our project was an 8x8 scrap page, which included a picture of each girl with the birthday girl. So, as they worked on their pages, each girl posed for the pic. We printed them right on the spot. By the time their pages were done, the pic was ready to be put on the page. It was a big hit. Amazingly, the 5 year old did the best stamping!!! She absolutely blew me away.

The page the kids did was a simplistic adaptation from this page, which I believe I have previously posted......

 Here is the kids page....the two cuties are my granddaughter, Alorah, on the left and my Sweeties' daughter, Hannah, the birthday girl, on the right. They are also in costume, hence the reasoning for all the lipstick and grownup makeup. This is Alorah's page so she did all the stamping and decorating on her page.

For the second card, it is one we did in Big Shot class this past Sunday.

Tried to go for somewhat of a shabby chic look. We used the new Joyful Season letterpress plate found on page 42 in the Holiday Mini. It is paired with the also new Tasteful Trim die on page 17 in the Holiday Mini. I will come back later and post the full list of supplies used. I've got to run out for my appointment now.

Thanks for stopping by. Go create something wonderful today!

Halloween Treats

 

 Hello My Friends,

Aren't these the cutest!!! They are little treat pouches holding a piece of chocolate inside. I used 2 of the largest tag on the Two Tags die. The little piece of whisper white cs is embossed with the Spider Web embossing folder, then sponged with Basic Black ink.  I added a small piece of the Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Paper. Too bad you can't feel it...the black circle spots are fuzzy! Then of course, I add the Bitty Bat Punch (I LOVE that punch! I know you're getting tired of my using it on everything.)

Here's a close up and side view pic.

I'm passing them out to people I meet throughout my journeys of the day. Just to put a smile on someone's face. Maybe make their day go a little better. Spread some love!!!

All supplies can be purchased in my on-line store. Product numbers are listed below.

And don't forget the Clearance Rack. Items are up to 80% off!!! Deals are sooo good, I had to pick up a few things myself! Go check it out.....

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

SUPPLIES:

stamps - Teeny Tiny Wishes - (115370)
ink - Basic Black (101179)
paper - Basic Black (121045), Wicked Fun Specialty DSP (117400), Whisper White (100730)
Big Shot Die Cut Machine - Spider Web embossing folder (120889), Two Tags Bigz Die (115954), Big Shot (113439)
misc - Bitty Bat punch (119279), sponges (101610)

Snowflake Tea Light Candle

Hello My Friends!!

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I have a treat for you. It's a project that has been very popular out there on the 'net. It's been done by soooo many people, that I have no idea who was the actual creator.

But anyway, I had to do one myself. So several of us got together on Saturday and "played" all day. Even Richard got involved! He was working the Big Shot, both the manual and the electric, trying out all sorts of sandwiches to determine which is the best for each machine. I honestly can't tell you the sandwich other than you need shims - sometimes one, sometimes 2. You have to play with your own machine.

So here is the snowflake tea light.

How do you like it? It's made using aluminum flashing from the siding department at Home Depot. It comes in a roll 6" x 25'. We took the time to cut it into 6"x6" squares using the red Tim Holtz scissors. (proper name escapes me at the moment.) There's two snowflakes, glued together with a hot glue gun. The candle is also adhered with the hot glue. Stampin' Up!'s chunky silver glitter is added to the tips using Tombow mono adhesive glue. Now, I see I should add glitter around the base of the tea light. I will definitely go back and add some. Don't you love glitter?!! Just gets me all excited. LOL!!

What I CAN tell you is that....

• sandwich - cutting plate, snowflake bigz die, aluminum, possible shim, cutting plate, possible 2nd shim - depends on your machine
• run through big shot 2-3 times for best results for easy removal
• you need to dedicate a die if making a lot for gifts or sell items at a fair. - metal gets caught in the die and also can tear foam

One of my friends, Pat, also made tea lights using the dies Daisy #2 and Flower Folds. They turned out beautifully. Sorry, didn't think to take pictures. I will try to get together with her and take some pics to post later. Just a note - if using the xl bigz die like Flower Folds, cut your aluminum at 6"x12" to fit the full size of the die.

Take the time to play with your Big Shot with different materials. Have fun!!!

Acrylic 3 Tier Hanging Picture Frame Class

Hi My Friends,

I have a new class coming up on May 8th at Stamping from the Heart. We will be making a 3 tier hanging picture frame. This is a project that when finished, looks like you spent hours making. We will use the Spellbinders Die Label 8 in the Big Shot. If you need a gift to give to a mother f0r Mother's Day or use it for a friend's birthday gift. Also great to give as Christmas gifts.
Hope to see you in class. Check out this blog post for Stampin' form the Heart for more details. Sample is in the store. Stop by to see.

Hope to see you in class!!!
Gayle

Basket and Blooms Tutorial

Would you like to learn how to make this basket? It uses the Big Shot (oh how I love the Big Shot!) Basket and Blooms XL die. The design of the basket is originally round, but this basket is altered to make it larger in size and squared. Change up the stamped images and sentiment to easily make a basket for any type of gift such as birthday, bridal, baby, valentine, etc.

Introducing my first tutorial! I'm too excited!! The tutorial is 8 pages and full of color pictures providing step by step instructions. Cost of the tutorial is $5.00. Please click on the Paypal button below to order. Within 24 hours, you will receive an email with an attachment to download the tutorial.

You can also order the supplies needed to make this basket from my on-line Stampin' Up! store or click on the "shop now" button on the left sidebar.
Supplies:
116980 Chocolate Bunny stamp
117072 Well Scripted stamp set
112154 DSP Certain Celery
107080 Certain Celery card stock 12x12
105568 Soft Subtles Assorted card stock 8-1/2x11
101816 Chocolate Chip Craft ink pad
109130 Clear embossing powder
107305 Large Oval Punch
100005 Heat Tool
113439 Big Shot
113484 Basket and Blooms XL Die

Thank you for stopping by. Now.....go stamp something!

A New Class

Hello My Friends,

Thanks so much for all the well wishes. I'm doing much better and back to working at my desk. I have a new series of classes coming up at Stampin' From The Heart. The first is actually a week from Sunday, on March 7th. It's called a Big Shot Class. You will learn how to use other companies dies, such as Spellbinders Nestibilities and Cuttlebug, in the Big Shot. Call the store at 310-391-0466 to register. Here is the project for the first class. It's a new take on the star book using the Nestibilities to make cutouts to place dangling messages. Cute? I think so.

If you are local, hope to see you in class, but in any event......

Keep on stamping!

Boxes and Flowers

Isn't this box cute? I thought it turned out pretty well. It uses the Scallop Box Bigz Die, the new Butterfly Wings embosslit from the mini catalog and the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die. Did you know the Butterfly Wings embosslit layers beautifully with the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die?

This is the gift inside the box. One of those fabric flowers that are everywhere on the internet. I used the Daisy #2 die to cut the jean fabric. Works like a charm. I added a pin back to make this into a brooch. Do you think she will like it? I hope so.

Just loving my Big Shot. Enjoying discovering all the things I can make with it.

Happy stamping!

Happy New Year!

The New Year is already passing quickly. It's already the 9th and this is my first post of the New Year. I've got a lot planned for this year, so stay close, and hang on for the ride.

Well, let's start with a very cute card I received for the New Year. I have never made New Year cards before. Don't think it has even crossed my mind. But my friend Carole sent me this cute card. I just love it.

Here is a little teaser for you to come to the Big Shot classes. This is one of the projects we made this month. I call it Love Notes. It's a clear box with a set of Love Notes and envelopes made with the Top Note die. The little heart decal is made using the a stick pin from the Pretties Kit and the new scalloped heart embosslit in the new Occasions Mini Catalog.

This picture shows how the envelopes are tucked in the back.

The next Big Shot class is scheduled for February 28th. Come see what projects I have planned. Send me an email if you want to attend or order a kit.

Keep on stamping...

First Class of the New Year

Well Hello My Friends!!!

I have been enjoying a long and much needed rest. I trust the holidays were as wonderful for you as they were for me. Spending time with the grand kids is always pleasurable. They are so funny. Just watching the girls play and interact, learning to talk, is amazing. They are so full of surprises. Then to see Joshua roll over for the first time was the icing on the cake. Here is his debut onto my blog. He is my one and only grand son and a sweet, sweet boy. Isn't he a cutie!!! Yup, yup, proud Grandma here.

So, when I wasn't playing with the grands, I was somewhere with my laptop, playing Mafia Wars on Facebook. Oh my word, I am so ADDICTED to this game! Being a mobster, and all that goes with it. Just think of the old movies and such. Anyway, I've got to put it aside and pick up life again!

SOOOOoooo, onto stamping business. For 2010, I've come up with a few ways to improve the business and developed some new and interesting classes. Stay tuned as they are revealed throughout the year.

The first class of the new year will be on January 3rd. It will be a Big Shot class. I have some great projects planned. Also have some of the new products from the Sprng Occaisions 2010 mini catalog, which begins on January 5th, to show off . You should be receiving your copies in the mail soon, if you haven't already. You should also receive the 2010 Sale-a-Bration Mini Catalog.

The details of the class follows:
Date - Sunday, January 3rd
Place - my home in Highland Park (email for address)
Time - 1:00 pm
Cost - $25 flat fee or place a $35.00 (subtotal) order. Please register by paying the $10 non-refundable registration fee. This charge will be credited towards class fee or order the day of class. If class is full, only registration secures your spot. The balance of class fee is to be paid at the class. Please click the PayPal button below to register.

See you soon,
Happy stamping!
Gayle

12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY SALES!

These might be the most exciting 12 days of December with select Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets for the Big Shot on sale! The 12 Days of Holiday Sales begin today and runs through December 22.



Some of the items introduced in this sale are new colors of Décor Elements vinyl sheets. There are 18 new colors to choose from, and they make great projects when you use them with Big Shot dies. Consider pairing the Clear Décor Elements vinyl sheets with the Tulipe Bigz die to create an etched-like design on a vase. Or use the Decorative Accent Bigz dies with the Old Olive Décor Element vinyl sheets to enhance a frame. The combination of Big Shot dies and Décor Elements vinyl sheets is sure to take your creativity to a new level!



Tell your husband!!! Shop now --- sale is only until Dec. 22nd!



Click here to view the Big Shot Specials list!

Medallion Card and Weekend Special

Love the Medallion stamp! This is a quick and easy, well easy, card. It doesn't show too clearly, but there is Dazzling Diamonds glitter on each of the three dots on the "spokes" and on all the white areas and dots on the center circle. The In-Color Bermuda Bay ink, cardstock, and polka dotted ribbon is used. Punches are the word window and modern label. The center circle is cut-out and raised with dimensionals.

WEEKEND SPECIAL



In honor of Deals of the Week (see here), I'm offering a weekend only special of 20% off the BIG SHOT!

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
113439 Price: $99.95
With the Big Shot machine, you can create die cuts with any of our exclusive Stampin’ Up! dies—or any Sizzix die. The Big Shot machine comes with Standard Cutting Pads and a multipurpose platform so you can start cutting immediately.

Combine this with the dies that are currently Deals of the Week, and you will also earn hostess benefits and freebies!!! Send me an email if you want to take advantage of the special. Hurry, offer expires at midnight Sunday, October 18th.

Also, don't forget my Big Shot class coming up on October 25th! We will be making great cards and holiday projects. Check HERE for registration details.


Happy Stamping!














Don't forget to shop at the Clearance Rack.....just click the graphic below.