Here is a sample from August's Workshop Wizard. It showcases treats from our exclusive items especially for hostesses! Very cute indeed! We only had a small power outage from Hurricane Irene. Spent the weekend learning to crochet and then set to cleaning the house. Productive times!

I tried to coordinate a bird-themed swap on the Stampin' Connection but there were no nibbles. (oh well :) If there is a Stampin' Up swap theme like this out there somewhere that needs a space filled, let me know. I try to make cards that have at least one critter in them. I was hoping for a swap that was not stamp set (or punch) specific. I can understand why most people want to be set specific as it is the most fun way to make a varied set sampler.  I do this for fun so I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. I usually keep my cards really simple to show that stamping is not hard to do, but I can get really serious and fancy when the opportunity calls. Check out my Tags on the right here if you are doing a set/punch specific swap. I name all the sets and punches I've used here.

Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla colors.  Six pearl jewels, four punches, one DSP strip on the inside right. Miles examines and approves! Nightie-nite! p.s. Yes, those wires are far outside the cage bars (his nite lite rests atop his home).

This is a Workshop WOW à la Aimée. I dyed my white grosgrain ribbon in Concord Crush. I threaded it through a Stampin' Dimensional in the lower right hand corner after the white cardstock it was attached to was adhered to the Cheerful Treat DSP. It makes a corner-tied ribbon. I hope that is clear. I hope you like the idea! P.S. I added a Button Button set stamp to the DSP to fill it in with more pattern.

Here is another card you can make using Stampin' Up!'s Starter Kit. Here I have made a substitution for the kit's punch option. I've used the clover in the Punch Pack. If you cut away two adjacent petals you get a cute little heart that looks very alike to the one in the image. Sending you love on a great New England day. Sunny, fresh and 80 degrees today. Have a great tax-free weekend in MA and stop by my online store if you want to get a good deal on stamps and supplies!

Breaking news from the home office: it's official! Bookmark my online shopping site , make your list and mark your calendar! The big weekend begins August 13 at 12am and runs until August 15 at 12am. Let me know if you prefer the printed catalog and I will drive one over!

A bit late for the Christmas in July post I wanted to schedule. Here is a nice New England "Summer Sun"-set to surround this little holder...it made the taffeta ribbon shimmer. This is a CASE'd 3D template from another demonstrator, Linda C. My version uses the Short and Sweet and Every Little Bit stamp set. I also added the 2" oval punch and little flower punch. I'm sure you recognize the little mints peeking through the punched hole.

I was unable to attend Convention but my awesome upline, Rebecca, showed me this cool project the attendees got to do. This is my version with Chocolate Chip ribbon and the 1" circle punch. It is very easy to make. I liked the Chocolate Chip and Melon Mambo colors together. Maybe I was subconsciously thinking of food.

This layout might look familiar if you had last year's catalog. I modified the stamp set choice and color choices. I used Marina Mist ink on Baja Breeze paper for the bird. I stamped the inked image off once on scrap paper before I stamped the wing. Baja Breeze paper and ink for the card foundation and the sentiment.

This is a design from another demonstrator, Amy O. I found it on our demonstrator website in a special section where we share pictures of our work. I copied and stamped it exactly (CASE'd). Well, I used rhinestones instead of pearls and used a different sentiment stamp. But the colors and layout I loved the way they were. That's one of the cool things about getting ideas from other stampers, you can modify them like that!

A stamp set and  stamp wheel I've been waiting to use! I like the wheels that do not have clearly defined borders. That way, when I do not roll them straight, it doesn't matter so much. The ribbon is white grosgrain. I sponged Baja Breeze ink over it. Grosgrain is my choice to create my own colored ribbons. I also added a rhinestone embellishment. I consulted the Color Coach for Baja Breeze's color mates.

Here is another simple card that can be made from a Starter Kit. You are able to customize stamp sets and colors in your Starter Kit according to your tastes which is another great advantage to the purchase. Loads of Love is a set in which you can use the 2-Step Stampin' technique to build your own custom image. Loads of Love has two coordinating wheels and a few other add-on stamp sets available for purchase. I love its versatility. This would be a great make and take for a workshop or a way to demonstrate heat embossing by replacing the black ink with Versamark and black embossing powder.

This is a really simple yet sophisticated card that is able to be created from our Starter Kit. The kit has $345 of items for just $175 and it supplies you with all the stamps, papers, tools and accessories you need to start rubber stamping! Additionally, you gain access to a most awesome resource: Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator website. It's full of craft ideas and advice. You also get a monthly print magazine to further educate you on the latest stamping techniques! Email me for more details!

Getting all tidied up while looking at Convention 2011 Highlights video. Don't you want to come over and stamp in this awesome space? My favorite stamping partner created her own make-and-takes. Some more intensive stamp art made by me.