Blackberry Silhouette

Posted on June 14, 2014 by mauistamper

I’m pretty sure Blackberry Bliss is going to be my favorite 2014-2016 In Color, although when I first saw the colors I would have bet on Lost Lagoon (blue, you know.) I’m working on ideas for an In Color swap at convention, and this was my first take:

Stamps: Summer Silhouette, Petite Pairs
Color Palette: Baked Brown Sugar, Blackberry Bliss and Naturals White
Accessories: Gold Bakers Twine, Dazzling Details, Honeycomb TIEF, Stampin’ Dimensionals

You know, I should have used this design with Very Vanilla – it would have been good enough to eat!

The Gold Bakers Twine has a stinky little habit: the metallic threads untwist rapidly from the twine when it’s cut. I’ve solved the problem for the most part by tying a pair of quick overhand knots and cutting between them. It takes just a moment and it saves a lot of frustration.

Do you add a little extra on the inside? It’s one of the things that sets a hand-made card apart:

You’re likely to see more Blackberry Bliss before we get to convention. I have more ideas to work out. It’s just a month away!!!

Memories and messages from the guests

Posted on February 13, 2013 by mauistamper

My daughter’s wedding was a very personal event. She and Clarence had many choices to make, but each of them had a very personal touch. They were looking for a different sort of guest book – not the traditional “sign your name” variety. Since everything had to go back to Australia (boo!) after the wedding, we didn’t think one of those big photo mats would work. I came up with the idea to encourage each guest to write a little “love note” to the bride and groom, and of course they couldn’t write those notes on scratch paper:

Once again the fabulous Needlepoint Border TIEF added just the right touch!

I used stamps from the Summer Silhouette, Loving Thoughts, and Everything Eleanor stamp sets to embellish the cards. One was at each place setting along with a sign designed by Crystal:

These signs were printed 3×5 inches on Very Vanilla card stock and were put on small table tents, two per table. The guests drew, told stories, gave advice, and created a wonderful reminder for the bride and groom. I didn’t get a photo before they left, but when all the cards were gathered together I created a front and back cover and made a book to hold all these wonderful messages.

Stampin’ Up! Convention 2012 Day 2 Wrap-up

Posted on July 19, 2012 by mauistamper

Every once in a while my tendency for exuberance pays off:

My brand new, exclusive, Limited Edition MDS2 tee!

We had great sessions today – I was inspired by Tami White in “I Am…Doing Business My Way” with Bonnie Thurber from the Stampin’ Up! head office. Crystal and I found a little time to browse some of the displays and see some new projects, and this afternoon we participated in an enormous swap. Here’s the card I brought to the dance:

I used the Summer Silhouette set which is quickly becoming my favorite – and would you look at how all of the different elements coordinate? That’s why I am such a Stampin’ Up! fan! I have seen so many gorgeous cards and project ideas in my first 24 hours – it will be a busy fall!

Today at the morning session the company recognized demonstrators celebrating 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. I celebrated 5 years last August and this was my chance to walk across the stage. I was a little naughty, though, because the two women in front of me needed a little extra time down the steps and I kinda photo-bombed their picture:

Photobomb!

Loved my own moment in the spotlight – can you tell?

Celebrating 5 years at Stampin’ Up!

Our keynote speaker this morning was Jason Ryan Dorsey from the Center for Generational Kinetics. He got us all thinking about the differences between Gen X, Gen Y and the Boomers – who each group is and why they are that way. What an insightful and entertaining preesntation! His observations were spot on as Crystal and I represent Gen Y and the Boomers respectively – and there was a lot of laughter in the General Session as he told us some rather painful truths! I’m looking at my peers, friends, family and acquaintances in a whole new way.

Holly Linford from Stampin’ Up! did a great presentation on the enhancements coming August 1st to MDS2 for our final session at Convention this afternoon. This is digital scrapbooking at a brand new level!

There’s so much more to share – new merchandise at Memento Mall, MDS2, projects and friends old and new (and no, this is not a Gen Y/Boomer thing!!) I want to leave you with one last thing. This is how we started our morning, and when you listen to this I think it gives you a pretty good idea of the kind of fun that Stampin’ Up! brings to the table.