Betsy’s little pocket

Posted on July 10, 2012 by mauistamper

The Petite Pocket Bigz die cut has called my name for quite a while, but I’ve resisted…until now. Cheryl and I designed vintage monochromatic Pockets HERE, and that was it: I gave in and bought the die.

Betsy’s Blooms and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets
Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit and Primrose Petals FFIP (Firm Foam Ink Pads)
Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit and Raspberry Ripple card stock
Blossom, 1/2 and 3/4 inch Circles and Jewelry tag punches
Linen thread and Island Indigo 3/8 inch ruffled ribbon
2011-2013 Printed Designer brads
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Big Shot and Petite Pocket Bigz die

I try not to jump on the new Big Shot Die Bandwagon every time a new die comes out. Sometimes I’ll borrow it from another demonstrator to find out if I really like it. Sometimes I find it’s something I don’t really need to have. Most of the time, I’m hooked.

I filled this little pocket with a couple of yards of ribbon to say thanks to some kind friends. It’s just the right size for a little gift and it uses a half sheet of cardstock cut the long way. It goes together easily with a little Tombo (the wonder adhesive). Betsy’s Blooms is a great “go-to” stamp set. It’s versatile and the big round floral image fits perfectly in the Blossom Punch.

I’m getting ready for convention – it’s just around the corner – and things are getting a little wacky around here. Seems as if the whole summer has been a progression from one big event to another! Can’t wait to find out what Stampin’ Up! has in store for us. I’ll share as much as I can!

How did it take me so long to love something called MOCHA??

Posted on April 26, 2012 by mauistamper

Seriously. For someone whose life revolves around all things BEAN I should have “been” all over this paper. (groan!) No excuses. However, I’m doing my best to make up for it. These visual textures are fantastic! Don’t tell, but I’ve ordered a little more even though it’s on the Retiring List. This will make gorgeous Man Cards.

Today it’s not about a card, and it’s not about a man…although if there’s one in your life who makes you mad/sad/glad, you might want this:

Isn’t it yummy? Just the DSP over some Soft Suede cardstock with a couple of paper flowers and ribbons on the top.

Gotta have those Antique Brads…which are NOT retiring, thank you very much! Neither is that splendid First Editions Newsprint Designer Series paper.

Speaking of Retiring, if you haven’t looked – Get Thee to the LIST! I’ve heard a lot of groans about how long it is (12 pages, please and thank you!) and my 2 cents worth is that it is all good. Yes, some wonderful stamps and accessories are retiring. So if you really love them, buy them and keep them! In all honesty, don’t we usually hold onto too much stuff? (You know who you are – yes, I’m speaking to you!) It gets a little shabby and outdated but we have this emotional investment that keeps us from letting go. A Retiring List this long means only one thing: GOOD STUFF IS ON ITS WAY. No complaints from me.

Retiring Stamps List

Retiring Accessories List

Retiring Decor Elements List

If the Retiring Accessories and Stamps lists aren’t enough to get you hot and bothered, consider that the Occasions Mini Catalog will retire in 4 short days. Mixed Bunch. Blossom Punch. You’re My Type. Those dorky gnomes. The list goes on and on. Add the Summer Smooches sneak peek and it’s enough to make a woman pull out her hair. I do believe I’ll go have a cup of coffee.

Vintage Vogue

Posted on April 20, 2012 by mauistamper

Hostess Club is getting in on the Vintage action this month:

I’ve had a package of Morning Mocha Designer Series paper in my studio for ages and finally broke it open a week or so ago. What awesome papers!! They’re great for masculine cards, but I especially love the way they work with a vintage look. Those rich browns with the hint of metallic really work for me, and the images coordinate with Vintage Vogue.

This little photo wallet is quick and easy – I made a bunch of them a few years ago and decided to revisit the design. Of course, can’t for the life of me remember where I GOT the design, but that’s why I keep old projects! This has room for photos, embellishment and some journaling, but it’s small enough for a pocket or purse.

Each page opens out and the whole thing folds up to about 4 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Slide on the belly band and it’s ready to go! Designer Series Paper with its variety of textures is perfect for this project. Since it’s two-sided, it also allows you to view different patterns on both the inside and outside. This is a quick project!

Don’t know who Eleanor is, but I like her!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by mauistamper

I’ll tell you about Eleanor in a moment.

Yesterday morning while on my favorite walk, I spotted a new family. It was a mother Francolin with her flock of babies, and judging by their size they are fresh out of the shell. She was only 7 or 8 feet from the walkway that runs between the edge of the resort and the landscaping that keeps unsuspecting tourists from plunging down the rough lava rock to the coastline below, and she was making those “tsk tsk” noises that all mothers make when their assorted offspring start wandering off.

By my count there are five, including one who doesn’t want to stay with the group. (This isn’t the best photo I’ve ever taken as I had only my phone camera with me.) I was a little surprised to see mom on her own with the brood, as Francolins generally travel in pairs or even trios. However, once I resumed walking and got on the other side of the low vegetation you see here, I spotted dad watching vigilantly – and he spotted me. He immediately gave the warning and the whole family tucked quickly into the landscaping. I’ll be watching for them all week.

Now…on to Eleanor. She came home from San Antonio with me. She’s due to be released with the new catalog on June 1, but leadership attendees were given the chance to get to know her a little bit early. Since she hasn’t been formally introduced I’m not allowed to show you a picture of her, but I am free to share projects I make using Everything Eleanor:

SOMEONE (not me!) has been pinning a LOT of vintage projects on Pinterest lately, and you can see the results. This is the Petite Pocket Bigz XL die, and as of this exact moment it is not in my Big Shot Stable – but I’m going to fix that.

I think I like the Crumb Cake version better, although I’m still not sure about that torn Soft Suede cardstock behind the flower image. Eleanor is easy to please though – she doesn’t mind it either way.

The new catalog is coming a month early this year – don’t be caught by surprise. Let me know if you’d like a copy.

Summer Smooches

Posted on April 13, 2012 by mauistamper

Crystal and I are planning another day of classes – if you’re going to be on Maui on April 28, you are welcome to join us! We’ve been inspired by the Summer Smooches suite of products being previewed this month (through April 30!) and have totally fallen in love with the bright and cheery colors and images.

We’ll start the day making a set of 3 x 3 note cards with custom Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper envelopes, all tucked into a Fancy Favor box:

There’s also a couple of standard sized cards and one of the Petite Purses made from our new Big Shot die:

This class will include the Bright Blossoms stamp set – class plus stamps will be $25 for clear and $29 for wood mount stamps.

You can bring those stamps along for the next class – a flip scrapbook all ready for your photos and journaling:

Don’t you love these colors? Here’s a peek at the inside:

It’s hard to see all the pages, but trust me, there’s plenty of room!

The Flip Scrapbook class will be $25 and will include a full roll of Sticky Strip – you’ll use about a third of it on this project.

I hope you’ll join us!

Blossom Builder Kit Challenge

Posted on February 28, 2012 by mauistamper

At last week’s Maui Stampers team meeting, Peggy brought covered “sticky note” pads for all of us:

I apologize, because the colors are a little off – they’re Razzleberry, Coral, Daffodil, and I think Limeade and Not Quite Navy, but I’m not sure. She used the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit (#125410, $9.95) to embellish these. She had us all laughing as she explained how she got started with the first one, then challenged herself to see how many different versions she could make with one page of die cuts (there are two in the package).

Here’s a better look at the one I got to keep:

Now you can see the colors! Aren’t they gorgeous? I love the way these turned out, and Peggy said she put them together in a flash. She has a great eye for color and texture, and wait until you see what she did inside:

Wouldn’t these make great party favors? I need a little stash like this – how about you?

Announcing…Anne and Crystal’s Spring Extravaganza!

Posted on February 11, 2012 by mauistamper

I do hope you are making plans to be on Maui in March 🙂

Crystal and I have been hard at work on projects for our First Ever Spring Extravaganza. It will be a full day of crafty goodness, but if you can only spare a couple of hours you’ll be more than welcome for that, too. Want to see what we’ll be doing?

There’s an embellished DVD case with goodies inside, a set of 4 note cards (3 1/2 x 5 inches) and 4 pretty little treat bags (we’re going to let you fill them yourself). More details? Here’s a look at the note cards:

We’re using the gorgeous Sale-a-bration Designer Series Paper Everyday Enchantment, along with the Fresh Vintage stamp set.

Here’s the inside of the DVD case:

Are you lovin’ it? We got the giggles, we were so pleased with this! This first class will run from 8am til 10:30am. Cost is $20 if you are PAID by March 8, $23 after on a space available basis.

After all of that Suite Goodness, we thought you might want to make a few cards – that class will run from 11am to 1pm and will be $10 before March 8, $12 after. You’ll have to check back this week to see the cards – I can’t show you absolutely EVERYTHING at once!

From 2 to 4:30pm, we’ll finish up with the cutest little Vintage Typewriter Suite you’ve ever laid eyes on:

Oh, yeah! Clipboard and pen, clutter jar, and another note card (3 x 5 1/2 inch) set. This would be a fabulous gift (Mother’s Day is coming…) or might be just the thing to give you the boost you need to get those dog-gone taxes done! Your class payment is $20 if it’s received by March 8, $23 after that.

Here are the note cards:

Our class will be at the Maui Masonic Lodge, 190 West Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului. We’ll have light refreshments, door prizes, and loads of good times! Please bring your own adhesive (we prefer SNAIL and Tombo) and any tools (snips, bone folder, etc) that you like to have right at your fingertips.

Now, you may be thinking “She showed us the projects – I could just make them myself.” Well, yes you could. And what fun would that be? Imagine sitting around a table with laughing, chattering friends, having everything you need at your fingertips – pre-cut and ready to go? That sounds pretty good to me!

I hope you’ll join us!

Checking in from San Antonio

Posted on January 19, 2012 by mauistamper

I’m attending my first Stampin’ Up! leadership conference in San Antonio, Texas. My trip started out with a quick visit with one of the most fun people I know. I met Karen within a week or so of moving to Maui almost 22 years ago with a 3 year old in tow and a baby due in 8 weeks. She took one look at me and said “You’re gonna need some help!” and a friendship was born.

She picked me up from the airport and we talked non-stop until she dropped me off at the Convention Center 24 hours later. I haven’t seen her in probably 8 years but it was as though we’d left off yesterday. Friends like that are precious gifts indeed.

When she dropped me off I hit the ground running: first order of business was my convention bag and Make and Takes. For the uninitiated, M&T is a Stampin’ Up! event tradition – projects and products for the demonstrators to make (and take home!) I never seem to finish all of mine – too busy gabbing – but I did manage to finish one:

Sorry -not such a great photo from my phone! I also snapped a shot of our special gift from Shelli – a fabric folio that could be used for anything from a junior legal pad to a Kindle – along with a fancy favor box full of white, milk and dark chocolate bark:

Our leadership tote bags are made from the same fabrics and we have gotten compliments as we have walked all over San Antonio – something tells me we’re going to see more of these cute fabrics 🙂

Last night was the Manager’s Reception – a fabulous performance by Chinese acrobats and a FREE NEW STAMP SET!! Can’t show you a picture but just as soon as I get home I’ll get some ink to that new rubber and show you what I’ve made! Those are the rules…

I did get a photo at Managers with Becky Evans, the #2 Rising Star last year and someone I look forward to seeing whenever I can. She rescued me from meltdown at convention last year – long story, but trust me, she was a true friend:

This morning Kay and I were up early – first timers at leadership got a set of Polka Dot brads for finding other first timers and checking in together. Our morning session was full of announcements including a DIAGONAL SCORE BOARD for the Simply Scored tool! I wasn’t sure what I would need that for, but Pam Morgan quickly answered that question with a whole bunch of projects. There was yet another NEW FREE STAMP SET – same rules, sorry my friends – and then an SAB give-away of One Big Sale-a-bration MDS plus loads of bling – good thing I filled with suitcase with stuff to give away here, because I’m gonna need that space to get all my goodies home!

After lunch – and at leadership, it’s sit-down – I went to my first session. Carrie Cudney talked about Why Women Buy – and I learned plenty but we laughed plenty too. The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to brief but really useful presentations from everything from Express Workshops to using Google Analytics! Very very cool.

Now, if you’ve stayed with me this far I have a reward: one of the things I love about a Stampin’ Up! event is seeing all the samples, and I’ve got a few of my favorites to share:

Look! Little spools of Bakers Twine! So cute!

The color is off but you get the idea – a heart made from the Twitterpated buttons from the Occasions Mini.

I really love these little buttons, and that stitching is the perfect touch – but that new diagonal plate for Simply Scored would make those diagonal lines in a heartbeat!

Little flags made with our new Hatpin Embellishments from – yes – the Occasions Mini!

I loved the Vintage look of this Fancy Favor box…

This is brilliant – the Fancy Favor box turned into a gabled box-top!

Kay and I finished the evening at a RemARKable gathering – our upline Janet Wakeland invited 20 or 30 of her nearest and dearest demo friends to her room for pizza and swaps. I’m surprised the management of the hotel (and I won’t name names but it’s a very nice hotel) didn’t throw us all out on our ears. We were loud – and we were all sure the bed would crash down 2 or 3 floors when ALL of us piled on for a group photo. Don’t have one of those to show you, but here I am with Jan:

Leadership has been a great experience and there’s one more day ahead. I’ll just close by saying if you are a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, this is something well worth striving for.

2012 – the last three months

Posted on December 30, 2011 by mauistamper

October features my all-time favorite stamp set. When this set went on the list to be retired, I told everyone I knew they should buy it or be sorry. Now, I don’t want to say I told you so, because maybe you weren’t around then and you didn’t get the news. I will say this: I can make any kind of card at all using Branch Out:

November was easy – I pulled out Gently Falling, the beautiful two-step leaf stamp set:

Gently Falling is from the Holiday Mini and you know what that means – you have until January 3rd and that’s not long! Clear stamps are # 123804 and wood are #123802.

The last month of the year – December – echoed my Snow Globe card for 2011:

Love that sweet little Baby Jesus stamp from 25 and Counting…yes, another Holiday Mini stamp set! (#123794 clear, #123792 wood).

There’s one more piece to the calendar – Tracy designed a cover too!

I pulled out Baroque Motifs and used my favorite color combination – blues and greens – in this case Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Island Indigo.

Don’t forget that this calendar template is available from Tracy over at Inky Doodles. Hope you enjoyed 2012!

The second half of 2012

Posted on December 29, 2011 by mauistamper

I have such a good time designing these calendar pages. It’s sort of like designing inchies, except you have a little more space to work with – but not much! Here’s July done in Buttons:

For the August calendar, I pulled out an old set that I keep for special occasions – Classic Pickups:

And to round out the quarter, I did September without stamps – instead, I made pennants with the Pennant Builder Punch:

I just love that Spice Cake Designer Series paper, and if you love it too you’d better hustle yourself off to my Online Store and order # 124003 because it will turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of 11:50pm Mountain Standard Time on January 3, 2012!

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: 3-D

Betsy’s little pocket

How did it take me so long to love something called MOCHA??

Vintage Vogue

Don’t know who Eleanor is, but I like her!

Summer Smooches

Blossom Builder Kit Challenge

Announcing…Anne and Crystal’s Spring Extravaganza!

Checking in from San Antonio

2012 – the last three months

The second half of 2012

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