Tessa's Birthday Invitations

Now for Tessa's birthday invitations.  As you know, she wanted a tea party and I wanted an excuse to buy Kimono kids.  The compromise?  A Hello Kitty Japanese Tea Party.  I convinced her that since Hello Kitty originated in Japan, we could totally make this work and use Hello Kitty for the goodie bags.

We decided to head to the Hello Kitty Store to see what kind of stuff we could find for party favors, games and decorations.  While there I came across this cute bank with Hello Kitty in a Kimono dress.  I was immediately inspired to change the Kimono Kids to look like Hello Kitty.

To achieve this, I inked all but the eyes and mouth of the stamps.  After stamping the image, I added round eyes and whiskers in Basic Black and an oval nose in Daffodil Delight.  Viola, Hello Kitty Japanese Tea Party Invitations!

I also used the following:

• Stamp Sets:  Kimono Kids and Morning Cup
• Card Stock:  Rose Red, So Saffron, Whisper White, and Pumpkin Pie
• Designer Series Paper:  Sweet & Sour Specialty
• Linen Thread
• Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon
• Classic Stampin' Pads:  Basic Black
• Stampin' Write Markers
• Watercolor Pencils
• Round Tab Punch

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity

Final Class Preview

Our final project for the August 20 class benefiting PAWs, a card for our dog lovers. This card features D is for Dog and is perfect for a simple note card to let a friend know you are thinking of them.



We still have room left in our class! Email me if you'd like to join us

Charity


- Posted from my iPhone

Location:Bothell, Wa

Class Preview

Here is a quick preview of two of our projects for our class on Friday, August 20th.  I will post the third and final project tomorrow after I complete the sample. 

The first card will be for our bird lovers.  It features the Aviary stamp set and is a design that I CASED.  The original design is by Heather Summers, which she demonstrated at convention.  I just loved the idea that I wanted to recreate the same thing.  I changed up a few of the colors and the punches, but essentially kept things the same.

The second card is for the cat lovers out there.  I used the C is for Cat stamp set and was inspired by several different cards on SplitCoast Stampers.  I used some of Tessa's favorite colors on this card.

Normally, I post all the details, but I just want to get a quick preview up for you at this time.  Later I'll post a follow up with a detailed list of ingredients and instructions.

There are still a few more spaces left for our class. Remember, instead of a workshop fee, I'm asking for donations for PAWs.  It can be as simple as a can of pet food for your workshop fee. 

Also, I'll be having a special drawing to win one of the stamp sets used during the show (Aviary, C is for Cat or D is for Dog).  You'll earn one entry for attending, entries for bringing a friend, entries for placing an order and entries for agreeing to host a show.  See you there!

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!

Charity

August Special Event

For our August Technique Class we are changing things up a bit.  My youngest daughter has a passion for animals.  Two years ago on her fourth birthday, she asked for a cat themed party and asked her guests to bring donations of pet food for PAWs (a local shelter for animals).  It was a great success and we made a wonderful scrapbook page celebrating the donation which includes her letter from PAWs.  Recently, she asked if we could do a Stampin' Up! event to benefit PAWs.  I said "of course."  And, since Tessa's birthday is in August, we will be doing this for our August class. 

So, for our August Class, we will do at least two projects featuring some of your favorite animal stamps.  We've selected Aviary, C is for Cat and D is for Dog as our stamp sets.  For the workshop fee, we are asking that you bring a donation to benefit PAWs.  To help you decide what to bring for a donation, please check out the PAWs Wishlist.  There are many things they need, everything from food to equipment. 

I'll also be sharing some literature about volunteer opportunities and services offered by PAWs.  I hope you all will be able to attend our class.  Join us on August 20 at 5:00 PM.  RSVP to me.  Everyone who attends will be eligible for a drawing to win a free stamp set.

Don't live in the Bothell area?  Make an effort to help out the animals in your area, then post me a message telling Tessa and I what you've done.  You'll be entered in the contest to win a free stamp set.

God Bless and Happy Stampin'
Charity

My Why

When I first became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator almost two years ago, I did so with a goal of attending convention.  I wasn't able to attend Convention in my first year, but I was so pleased to attend this year.  The experience was incredible!  The convention theme was "Share What You Love."  I've returned home ready to carry this theme into my Stampin' Up! business.

To begin, I joined a special training offered through Stampin' Up! called Recruit Crew.   Every two weeks we are given tasks which help us better approach our business in terms of growth.  During the first weeks, we were asked to create our Why Statement.  For me, I approached this as, "Why do I want to grow my business."  One of the largest reasons I want to grow my business is to earn the current incentive trip to Disney World in 2012.  So, using My Digital Studio, I created a little page which I have as the wall paper for my computer.  This is also the family's "why" when mom says, "Clean the house I have a workshop on Friday!"  They can remind themselves of Disney World.

God Bless and Happy Stampin'
Charity

Just for You Pouch- Last Convention Make and Take

Here is the final Convention Make and Take, a pouch which holds six small mini cards.  For this project, you will need:

• Just Believe Stamp Set
• Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White card stock
• Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso, and Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
• VersaMark Pad
• Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Markers
• Small cellophane bags
• Chocolate Chip striped 1 1/4 striped grosgrain ribbon
• Linen Thread
• SNAIL adhesive
• Mat Pack
• Paper Piercing Tool
• Jewelry Tag Punch
• Word Window Punch
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch

• Stapler with Staples

Instructions:

1. The Pear Pizzazz card pouch is made from a 3 1/2" x 12" piece of card stock.  Score at 5 1/4" and 10 1/2".  On the flap opposite the short flap, punch a hole using the word window punch.  Trim the corners of the short flap such that the flap fits inside the word window hole.
2. Repeatedly stamp floral images in VersaMark on the front of the pouch.  Stamp the sentiment on the front using the Early Espresso.
3. Stamp 2 each of the circle image on Whisper White using Daffodil Delight, each Parfait and Pear Pizzazz inks.  Add the Friend sentiment to each one using Early Espresso.  Punch out circle images using the 1 1/4" circle punch.

4. The mini cards are made using 1 1/2"x3" pieces of Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, and Pear Pizzazz.  Each piece is scored at 1 1/2" to create a square card.  Adhere each of the circles to the card fronts. 
5. Staple the ribbon to the short flap and tie in a knot.
6. Ink the flower image with Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz ink and stamp on Whisper White card stock.  Punch out using the jewelry tag punch. 
7. Pierce hole in tag using Mat Pack and paper piercing tool.  Thread the linen thread through hole and tie around ribbon.

8. Use SNAIL to adhere cellophane bag to the inside of the pouch and fill with your tiny cards.

This is a fun little gift to give to a friend which then allows them to share the gift with others by passing along a card.  Once all the cards are sent, the pouch can be used one last time by filling it with some candy and passing it along again.

I hope that you enjoyed all the convention make and takes that I've shared.  Maybe next year you will be sitting next to me at the make and take tables.

God Bless and Happy Stampin'
Charity

Convention Cards- Paisley Prints

Here are two more Make and Takes from convention, both using images from the Paisley Prints and Paisley Party Stampin' Around wheel from the upcoming Holiday Mini.  This set and wheel will be available for purchase on September 1, 2010.  In addition to the images in these cards, there is also a small tree and a leaf in the set.  So this post also offers a bit of a preview of things to come!

The first card is the Paisley Prints Pumpkin Card.  You will need the following:

• Just Believe and Paisley Prints Stamp Set
• Paisley Party Stampin' Around Wheel
• Old Olive and Whisper White cardstock
• Early Espresso and Peach Parfait Classic Stampin' Pad
• VersaMark Pad
• Cajun Craze, Old Olive, and Peach Parfait Stampin' Write Marker
• Pumpkin Pie 5/8" grosgrain ribbon
• Linen thread
• Brights Designer Buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL adhesive
• Stamp-a-ma-jig (optional, for placment/position of stamps)

I like this card because of it's simplicity.  The pumpkin stem/squigly leaf is stamped in the Old Olive onto the larger piece of Whisper White.  Then the pumpkin is colored in both the Peach Parfait and Cajun Craze, the main stem in Old Olive and stamped on a separate piece of paper.  It is then cut out and mounted on top of the stem which was previously stamped using Stampin Dimensionals.  This is a very fun way to add layers to your cards.  The wheel is added to the card front using the VersaPad.  Once the Whisper White is layered onto the card front and the sentiment is added, the card is finished by embellishing with ribbon, button, and linen thread.  The ribbon is ruffled using glue dots when folding it back and forth.  Another fun look that is easy to create once you get the hang of it.  It is also something that looks better when it is not perfect.

The second card featuring the Paisley Prints stamp set is the Paisley Prints Heart Card.  For this card, you will need:

• So Many Thanks single stamp and Paisley Prints Stamp Set
• Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede, Whisper White and Peach Parfait card stock
• Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
• VersaMark Pad
• Early Espresso and Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker
• Linen Thread
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Mat Pack
• Paper Piercing Tool
• Full Heart Punch
• Jewelry Tag Punch
• Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

Stamp the small heart image in VersaMark three times on the Soft Suede card.  Pierce a row of holes in the peach parfait cardstock strip using the paper piercing tool and Mat Pack.  Adhere the Pear Pizzazz and Peach Parfait onto the card.

Stamp the large heart onto the Pretty in Pink.  You could use VersaMark for this step or substitue Blushing Bride.  I did this because someone else at my table was using the VersaMark and I happened to have my Blushing Bride in my bag.  It creates a similar tone on tone effect like the VersaMark, just with a little darker.  Punch out the heart using the heart punch. 

Punch the flower from Pretty in Pink using the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack and adhere a pearl to the flower.  Curl the edges of the flower and adhere to the Pretty in Pink heart using mini glue dots.  Adhere to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

For the little thank you tag on this card, you'll need to ink the small thank on the So Many Thanks single stamp using Early Espresso and then stamp on some scrap Whisper White card stock.  Punch using the Jewelry Tag Punch. 

Tie a small bow in the linen thread and adhere to the tag.  Add the tag to the card using Mini Glue dots. 

I hope you enjoy!  I know I had fun making the cards while at convention.  I'm still inspired by everything I saw.  I look forward to sharing more stamping with you!

God Bless and Happy Stampin'
Charity

Convention Card- Thank You Watercolor Card

I thought I'd share another Make and Take from convention.  This is a watercolor card using the Just Believe Set.  You will need:

• Bashful Blue and Not Quite Navy Cardstock
• Watercolor Paper
• Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive and Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Markers
• Small Open End Whisper White Envelopes
• Certainly Celery 5/8" satin ribbon
• Linen Thread
• Brights Designer Buttons
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Paper Snips
• Stamp-a-ma-jig
• Spray bottle and water

Use the markers to color the image to your liking, balancing the lighter and darker colors.  Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig for proper position.  Spritz with water and stamp onto the watercolor paper.  Set aside to dry.  After it has dried, stamp the sentiment in Not Quite Navy on the bottom of the page.  Tear the the top edges of the watercolor paper and Bashful Blue cardstock.  Layer the two pieces together, embellish with the ribbon, button and linen thread.  Adhere to the Not Quite Navy card.  Stamp the flower stamp onto the envelope using the Bashful Blue.

I should note that the original directions at Convention called for us to use the Color Spritzer Tool and Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write marker to add color to the image.  However, I ran out of time and wasn't able to complete that step.  I think it turned out ok without that step.

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity

Convention Inspirations

I wanted to share some projects inspired by projects, make & takes, and SWAPs from conventions.  First, our July technique class make and takes.  The Thank You card was inspired by one of our convention make and takes using the same stamp set.  The Just Believe Card is a complete CASE of a convention make and take.

Beginning with the Thank You card.  Here is the inspriration, our Thanks So Much Card Pocket Make and Take from convention.  This set holds three mini cards and envelopes inside the larger pocket.

This card insprired me to create a 5x5 square card using the So Many Thanks single stamp.  For my card I used the following:

• Play Date Designer Series Paper
• Tempting Turquise and Whisper White cardstock
• Real Red, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers
• Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon
• Itty Bitty Buttons
• Linen Thread
• Snail Adhesive

For the card, I colored the stamp direction using my four different marker colors.  I pleated my ribbon just by folding it back and forth and adhering it the to the card front as I went along.  Other than that, the card is quite simple.

The second card is an exact copy of a convention make and take card.  You will need the following items:

• Just Believe stamp set
• Whisper White card stock
• Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, and Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pads
• Mini Square Envelopes
• Big Shot and Circles #2 Originals Die
• Stamp-a-ma-jig
• Stamping Sponges
• Scrap Cardstock

This card requires you to create a mask by cutting the scrap card stock using the circles dies.  You will use the reverse pieces as your mask setting the circles aside.  Place the mask over the card front using the 2nd largest circle.  Using your stamping sponges and a dabbing motion, apply Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, and Pair Pizzazz.  Always start with the lightest color first.  For the stamped leaves, dab your stamp on scrap paper first a time or two before stamping onto the card.  Use the Stamp-ama-jig for proper placement of the leaves and then the sentiment.

The last item I want to share are notecards that I made as gifts for my hostesses in August.   These were inspired by ones that Julie Gunhus made for her downline attending convenion.  This is a simple and easy way to make a gift for a friend or teacher.  Simply cut your card stock to the desired size for your note cards.  Cut your favorite Designer Series Paper to the note card width by 1 inches.  Score the DSP along the width at 0.5" and then fold over to adhere to the front and back of each note card.  Then package 4-5 together in a clear envelope with a nice pen (I used the Stampin ' Up pens from Momento Mall).  This is the gift that I will be giving to each of my hostesses in the month of August when they book their show.  If their show totals at least $150, they will also earn a Stampin' Up! reusable shopping bag.  Also in August, hostesses will earn additional free merchandise for all shows totalling $350 or more in sales.  August is great time to host a show!

God Bless and happy stampin'
Charity