Cool Cat!

This might be my new favorite stamp set.  Perhaps, it's because I'm always needing birthday cards for kiddos.  This set can be used for young and old, boy or girl.  And, since all boys love paper airplanes, that is all I have to stamp and suddenly it is cool for my 11-yr-old son.  Funny how that works.

Stamping Supplies

• 133122(wood) or 133125(clear) Cool Kid Stamp Set
• 101406 Black StazOn Ink
• 131171 Bermuda Bay Ink
• 131199 Crushed Curry cardstock 
• 131197 Bermuda Bay cardstock
• 100730 Whisper White cardstock
• 132995 Kaleidoscope DSP
• 130028 Designer Button...Brights Collection
• 130019 Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon
• 124262 White Baker's Twine
• Snail Adhesive, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Throwback Thursday...You're My Type

Do you find yourself gravitating toward stamp sets and images that bring back memories?  That is what today's stamp set does for me.  When I saw "You're My Type" in the Occasions Catalog last year, immediately I was taken back to my childhood and remembering the days of typing on my grandfather's typewriter.  He had a home office in which I loved to pretend that I was a secretary typing important documents.  I even remember when he upgraded to the typewriter that stored a line of typing and then printed when you came to the end of the line.  I was big stuff playing with that!  Those memories aren't so much about the typewriter as they are about my grandfather.  He was a wonderful man whom I adored.  He was a huge part of my life and I feel so fortunate to have had him for the 17 years that I did.  When I went looking for a picture of him, I found this one of him with me.  Despite the dress, I absolutely love the picture.   So, in memory of my sweet Pop Pop, I share with you today's samples.  

This first sample is one that I made and it is still one of my favorites.  I used paper piecing to make it look as though the paper had been typed on.  Between the vintage tags and the First Edition DSP, the whole look I was trying to achieve came together.  I really miss that DSP!

The next samples are ones that I received at Stampin' Up! events.  Unfortunately, neither has a name on the back so I can't give credit to the people who made them.  If you are reading this and they are yours, let me know and I will add your name.

In an attempt to organize my stamp room, I am going through my retired stamp sets and keeping only the ones that mean something to me or that I use often.  I am storing any samples that I have using that set in the case with the stamps.  How do you organize your samples?  I would love to hear!!!

A Beautiful Wedding Day!

Last spring, I had the privilege to plan and create a wedding ensemble for a special friend.  Katie gave me her colors of navy and pink and told me that she wanted an elegant beach theme.  She pinned a couple of things on Pinterest which helped steer me in the right direction.  I used Midnight Muse and Pink Pirouette with Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla.  She loved what I created and I have to say that I was extremely happy with how it all came together.  You can see pictures of the ensemble here.  Katie sent me an email this weekend to tell me that the wedding was featured on Wedding Row, the website for a Charleston, SC wedding magazine.  This is the first picture they have posted.  I love how they photographed the rings on the program.

They also have a photo of the program on the website.  I am really excited because I forgot to take a picture of the program before I sent them.  Unfortunately, I forget to do that often.  Anyway, thanks for letting me share!

Freshly Made Sketches #128 & Baby We've Grown

I never thought I would say it but I LOVE watercoloring!  I used to play around with the watercolor paper and inks but I was always disappointed with how it turned out.  In fact, it was so bad that I was pretty sure I could pass it off as my 3-yr old's work.  At our leadership conference in January, I finally learned how to watercolor and it is so much easier than I was making it.  Now, it is all I want to do.  Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of stamps that can be watercolored because I have always been drawn to the solid images.  The little bunny from Baby, We've Grown is my new favorite stamp.  I really need to order some line image stamps but until then, I will keep coloring this little guy.  He reminds me of the Velveteen Rabbit.  The sketch over on Freshly Made Sketches made me pull out the little rabbit again and I love how this card turned out.

Stamping Supplies

• 133086(wood) or 133089(clear) Baby We've Grown Stamp Set
• 101406 Black StazOn Ink
• 126986 Island Indigo Classic Ink
• 131174 Baked Brown Sugar Classic Ink
• 131296 Baked Brown Sugar cardstock
• 122959 Watercolor Paper
• 132994 Watercolor Wonder DSP
• 129327 Very Vintage Designer Button
• 132982 Natural Chevron Ribbon (reverse side)
• 125575 Island Indigo Baker's Twine
• 103954 Aqua Painter
• Snail Adhesive, Dimensionals

You can order any of these supplies by clicking the Shop Now button on the right.

Nautical Greetings

Winter is starting to wear me down.  I'm not sure how many more snow days I can handle.  At first, they were fun and I was able to get some cool pictures but they aren't fun any more!  I need spring but would LOVE summer!  Summer is my favorite season.  With all this dry air, I even find myself longing for the humidity!  Here's my attempt at creating a little piece of summer in my stamp room.  Now I'm ready to head to the beach!  

Stamping Supplies

• 133275(wood) or 133278(clear) Hello, Sailor Stamp Set
• 126951 Pacific Point Ink
• 131181 Soft Sky Ink
• 131179 Smoky Slate Ink
• 131203 Soft Sky cardstock 
• 111350 Pacific Point cardstock
• 100730 Whisper White cardstock
• 132992 High Tide DSP
• 133319 Basic Metal Button
• 132976 Silver Baker's Twine
• 130911 Pacific Point Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Snail Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Cool Kid!

The Freshly Made Sketches challenge this week is a cool layout.  I'm always looking for ways to use up the DSP that I hoard.  Using it as a focal point not only uses it but eliminates a lot of the work.  This sketch is the perfect example.  All I had to add was a stamped image and a greeting.  I did reverse the layout because I wanted it to look like the dog was saying "awesome."  When I had it the other way, it just didn't look right.

Stamping Supplies

• 133122(wood) or 133125(clear) Cool Kid Stamp Set
•  101406 Black StazOn Ink
• 101731 Whisper White Craft Ink
• 131295 Strawberry Slush cardstock 
• 121045 Basic Black cardstock
• 131202 Smoky Slate cardstock
• 100730 Whisper White cardstock
• 132995 Kaleidoscope DSP
• 117191 In Color Boutique Details
• 118874 2-3/8" Scallop Punch
• 130911 Circles Collection Framelits
• 131260 Strawberry Slush Stampin' Write Marker
• Snail Adhesive

Paper Pumpkin Refill Kits are Available!

If you’re a current Paper Pumpkin member, this deal is for you—and if you’re not, you’ll want to sign up just so you can take advantage of it!

Only while supplies last, active Paper Pumpkin members have the opportunity to purchase a selection of past kits and refill kits (refill kits do not include stamp set or Stampin’ Spot ink).

Here are some ideas on how to use the kits and the stamp sets:

 

 

 

 

Is there a past kit that you just loved or wanted more of? Now’s your chance! See all the details at www.mypaperpumpkin.com/pastkits. Then call 1-800-STAMP UP to place your order.

Not a Paper Pumpkin member? Visit www.mypaperpumpkin.com/ to sign up—and get a FREE set of In Color Stampin’ Write Markers when you join Paper Pumpkin before March 31.  With your subscription comes an invitation to join me for a Primp your Pumpkin class!  Just be sure to designate me as your demonstrator when you sign up.

Snow in NC

It's not often that we get snow here in NC but this year has been different.  We just had our second snowstorm in 3 weeks.  And, it doesn't take much snow for life to come to a standstill.  I've been able to get a lot done but I have also had fun eating snow cream and drinking hot cocoa with my boys.  I don't spend a whole lot of time in the snow but I managed to go out for a little while to take pictures.  Over the last couple years, I've gotten away from taking pictures.  Scrapbooking is daunting to me.  I'm a list girl and scrapbooking is something that I can never check off my list, much like laundry!  Back in December, I learned about Project Life and I love the concept.  Basically, you just take pictures and add them into an album with some journaling.  I don't have to be creative and I don't have to pull out a room of supplies.  Photos are grouped by week instead of by event which really helps me.  I'm actually excited to take pictures!  I wanted to share some of my snow photos with you.  I was really happy that I even got one of myself in my new hat.  

Me!

The boys with their snowman

Daddy sledding with the littlest

Now, you know I have to share a fun snow card with you so here it goes.  I love the Best of Snow set because of one stamp, that adorable hedgehog.

When I first started to create this card, I was headed for Marina Mist and Real Red but I changed my mind and used Sweet Sorbet DSP.  I love the colors, Sahara Sand and Crisp Canteloupe.  I cut a 2" strip and punched it with the tag topper punch, my new favorite tool.  I then added some of the canteloupe twine and silver and white twine for a touch of shimmer.  The greeting is from the Happy Day stamp set and is stamped in black Staz-on.  Happy Saturday!
--Kim

Shared on Strut your Stuff linky party

To a Sweet Teacher

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hope you are feeling some love today!  It took my husband several years to figure it out but he now knows that the way to my heart is not with flowers, it is with food!  Edible Arrangements is his store of choice these days instead of the florist.  Because I like chocolates, fruit and candy for Valentine's Day, I tend to give the same to others.  I found this idea for my littlest's teachers and can't wait to give it to them.  Such a practical way to give candy.  Everyone can always use a new measuring cup!  When I saw the idea, I knew I could make it really cute in MDS with the Domestic Goddess DSP.  Check it out.

 I went into MDS and created a custom sized project, 3x6.  I used to make tags but I love using the new topper punch so I just make a project that can be cut into a 2" width.  I made sure to leave a good border around the outside so it could be cut to 2".  I used the square punch and covered the area of my project, filled it with this sheet of Domestic Goddess DSP and then zoomed out so I would have more of the sheet.  I added a text box for the message and printed.  So simple!  I filled the cello bag with chocolate, tied it off with some Calypso Coral and Basic Gray ribbon and added the punched tag.  The preschool party was postponed due to snow so I can't wait to give these to his teachers on Tuesday!

Throwback Thursday

I am so excited to show you my project today.  Monkey Business was one of my very first stamp sets back in 2005.  I love these monkeys and have used them so many times.  When I got the idea for my little guy's valentines, I knew I would be pulling these monkeys back out.  On Pinterest, I found an idea to put a container of banana flavored pudding and a package of Nilla Wafers in a cello bag with a cute little tag.  I love making tags for cello bags and here is what I created.

It was so simple but I love the way it turned out.  I used the new tag topper punch at the top.  It's such an easy way to give it that finished look.  I also love the Sale-a-Bration twine.  The color I used here is Summer Starfruit.  Enjoy!

--Kim

A New Embossing Tool

Check out this new little beauty!  When they showed this at Leadership, I knew I had to have it!  The embossing folders are one of my all-time favorite products.  They are great for texture and make card-making so much simpler.  I know lots of people that love the folders but can't justify the price tag on the Big Shot.  Or, if you have the Big Shot but can never remember how to "sandwich" the layers, this may be exciting for you.

Mine is arriving next week and I can't wait for it to get here.  It's not like I can't emboss on the Big Shot but I'm just excited to get my hands on it.  Growing up, I always made fun of my dad for having to have the newest tools.  I understand now, sorry dad!  If you want to order one, visit my online store and enter the code for the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine #132657, $29.95.  And, don't forget that it is Sale-a-Bration!  Place a $50 order and get a FREE Sale-a-Bration gift of your choice.  There is even an embossing folder that you can get!

I found this video on the Stampin' Up! website to show you how it works.  Even if you know, you should check it out because there are some adorable project ideas that Brian shows in the video.

The greatest thing about using embossing folders is that it frees you from feeling the need to create a patterned background using stamps and/or designer series paper. The embossing folder gives enough visual interest that you don't have to do a lot of other stamping to "fill" the background.  The card here is an example.  I only stamped one small stamp but my card doesn't look empty (at least I don't think so).  

Supplies:

• Stamp sets: Tag It #130300w or #130303c
• Card Stock: Crumb Cake #120953, Basic Gray #121044, Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
• Ink: Basic Gray Marker #131261, Cherry Cobbler Marker #119681
• Accessories: Woodgrain Embossing Folder #127821, Occasions Paper Piercing Set #129387, Full Heart Punch #119883, Ovals Collection Framelits #129381, Linen Thread #104199, Very Vintage Designer Buttons #129327

More Leadership Swaps

Here are some more of my favorites.  I am missing a name for the bottom card. If you made that one, tell me in a comment and I will add your name to your card.

 Lori Brausen

 Susie Wood

 Carrie King

 Jodi Reinert

 Alicia Motyka

Leadership Swaps

One of my favorite parts of any Stampin' Up! event is the swapping.  I made 100 cards to swap/trade with others and I got some amazing samples in return.  Here are some of my favorites.  Enjoy!

 Twila Mooneyham

 SCS name: Thyme

 Maureen Hallman

 Kathie Rotti

 Linda Madison

 Rene Watson

Jarmila Vik

Petite Petals

I am a sucker for a stamp and matching punch.  There is nothing better than stamping an image and punching it out in a matter of seconds.  When SU introduced Petite Petals stamp set and the matching punch in the Occasions catalog, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  To make this card, I combined stamps and punch with a few of my favorites: Natural Composition DSP, Crisp Cantaloupe, vintage buttons, linen thread and a doily.  Enjoy!

Inspiration

Inspiration can strike me in the strangest ways.  This morning, it happened as I was driving my boys to school.  Once in a while, they change the radio station without me noticing.  Today just happened to be one of those mornings and before I could change it back, I realized I was listening to music that I loved in high school.  When I questioned it, my oldest told me that it was Throwback Thursday.  You realize you're old when the music you thought was cool is now chosen for Throwback Thursday.  Instead of letting it bother me, I decided to sing along and an idea hit me.  Throwback Thursday would be fun for my blog.  I keep lots of my retired stamp sets and I use them when an idea hits me.  I never think to share them because they are retired.  Not anymore!  Starting today, it is time to say hello to some old favorites.  To kick-off Throwback Thursday, I have 2 of my favorites cards to share with you.  Enjoy!

As a mom of boys, this first card showcases one of my most loved stamp sets, By Land.  This was the 2nd birthday invitation for my little guy.  I used the truck to create the belly band.  When you remove the belly band, the flaps open to reveal the party details.

The next card uses a set that I had a lot of fun with but it never seemed too popular.  Totally A-maze-ing appeared in the Occasions Catalog in 2012.  I created this card as part of a contest for our annual Leadership Conference and won!  I had to keep it because it brings back memories of a fun trip to San Antonio.

Now, I want to offer the opportunity to win some blog candy!!! 

I'm giving away an Artisan Embellishments kit perfect for Valentines' Day along with some Dazzling Details.  Tell me your favorite retired Stampin' Up! stamp set in the comment section to have your name entered into the drawing.  You have until 11:00pm on Sunday evening to leave a comment.  I will randomly choose one name and then post the lucky winner on Monday morning.  And, I may even use your favorite retired set on a Throwback Thursday!