Stampin’ Up! I Miss You (FMS #89)

June 6, 2013 June 9, 20136

Today marks two months and two weeks since I have been deployed. It also marks the day I got the mother of all care packages. I jumped up and down with so much excitement… I just couldn’t contain myself. I received my favorite flat bread from Costco… my favorite cool-aid packets (grape and cherry), my favorite Oreo’s (Golden), my favorite Crystal Lite (Appletini), my favorite nail polish (french), Chicken of the Sea, nail file (score!), and other goodies.

One thing we realize when we are deployed is just how much the little things in life we take for granted mean so much to us. A simple nail file will bring so much happiness it’s unbelievable. I have been blessed on this deployment. I have received cards, post cards, and letters in the mail. I’m not talking e-mails… we prefer hand-written notes that remind us of home.

I know I’ve written that before, but those are the things we take for granted with social media. I consider myself lucky and loved and this card is dedicated to my family & friends. I sure do miss talking to you, I sure do miss hugging you, I sure do miss seeing your smile, let me just say, “I miss you period!” Thank you so much for the cards, letters, coffee (YES!), and for the little things you do for me… they mean so much.

Almost forgot to mention, I’ve entered many sketch challenges in the past… and just a couple times my card was selected as the winner, but this card is my first challenge while in a deployed location. Freshly Made Sketches #89 (A sketch by Rita) is one of my favorite challenges and I’m so grateful I’m able to join the challenge from the other side of the world… LoL.

This week I was on my private FB pals page and I shared with my 300+ stamping friends that not only have I had a new member join my Circle of Pals, but I also get together with some of my friends here and we stamp while we are deployed! Yes deployed to another part of the world far far away from home.

My point was , I’m the furthest one away, yet I stay connected with them virtually. I AM living proof that this hobby can be taken anywhere in the world and we military folks get a little extra special treatment from Stampin’ Up!

So, if you want to try Stampin’ Up! and take it for a test drive… click here!

I used two new products from our new 2013 Catalog:
Quatrefancy Specialty Paper (130141)
Really Good Greetings Clear Stamp Set (130333)

If you don’t know a deployed military member leave a comment and I will share your thoughts, prayers, and comments with my co-workers. I know they will appreciate it.

Am I the only Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator that you know serves in the military and has a blog?

Pals Blog Hop: Retirement Party!

May 14, 2013 May 14, 20138

Thank you for joining us for the May Pals Blog Hop and our annual retirement party! It’s time to say goodbye to stamps and accessories that will not be available in the new 2013-14 Stampin’ Up!catalog. Although it’s always sad to see wonderful products retire, it is exciting to think about all of the new products that will soon be available. So enjoy the farewell tour for our favorite retiring products – and remember you have until June 3rd to order from the retiring product lists.

You should have just left stop number 19 on the Pals Hop – Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter. If so, you are in the right spot. If you get off track, the full blog lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.

Just in case this is the first time you’ve visited me, I serve on active duty with the Air Force for the last 23 years. I am Livin’ the Dream! I look forward to the day that I can retire and commit ALL my time making cards and working on my scrapbooks.

I am currently deployed and with each new post I talk about the deployment life from my perspective. I pretty much work 12 or more hours a day, but the time for me is flying by… I don’t know if it’s because of all the hours I put in or because this time around (3rd deployment) I’m making cards and finding others here who enjoy doing it too! =)

This is the first card I make on this deployment. One of our warehouse logistician’s became a first time uncle and greeting cards are a premium around here, so I used this opportunity to use one of my favorite retiring stamp sets, Moving Forward.

He will be sending this card off to the new parents and he is very excited to meet his nephew in five months and three weeks (but who’s counting)… LoL.

This stamp set is part of the Making a Difference program which Stampin’ Up! made exclusively for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). You can read more about the program here or view the first time I used the set here.

The next stop is Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping, stop number 21 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next month!

Stampin’ Up! Above & Beyond

April 3, 2013 April 4, 20131

Being the wanna-be crafter that I am… I visited where there is “More Saving. More Doing.” to buy some materials to make pendants inspired by one of my Pretty Pals (Kathleen). But I won’t reveal it for a couple days… I’m so excited about what I’m doing that I’m jumping up & down. You are going to LOVE it! Check back in a couple days.

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In the meantime, you can duplicate this quick & easy card with a snip and a punch. You can make several and keep them in your stash for those times when you suddenly want to tell someone you are proud of them. All items used are listed below. Don’t forget to stop by the last post BFF to enter to win FREE blog candy here.

Above and Beyond2

Until the next post…

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2013-14 COLOR REFRESH

Click HERE to view the new colors.

Take Me Out for a Spin on Fab Friday

March 7, 2013 March 10, 20134

I made my first ever rossette and it was easier than I thought it would be! I took two 4″ x 6″ pieces of paper and scored it with My Simply Scored at 1/2″ intervals length wise. I folded it at the score line as if I were making a fan and taped the two pieces together with Sticky Strip.

I used the 1″ circle punch on a scrap piece and put Tombow glue on the cirlce and held it for a few moments. To give the pedal the look like it is spinning, I simply used a white gel pen and placed dots and lines on the petals. Does it look like it’s spinning to you? LoL

On top of the rosette I placed a punched out flower and ran the Soda Pop Top through the Big Shot to flatten it. All the supplies I used are listed below to make it easy for you to order your supplies to make this cute rosette love card.

I’m on the lookout for you to join my Circle of Pals and get your stampin’ on with me while I’m deployed. I only need ONE more to get promoted to the next level. I’ve even put together a list of supplies for your starter kit, so you won’t have to stress about what items to choose. Check it out here.

The inspiration for this card is brought to you by the Fab Friday 13 card sketch. It’s the first time I’ve ever entered their challenge and I’ve added them to my favorites. I found this sketch purely by accident while surfing other stamper’s blogs. Here goes my first try. Wish me luck. =)

You can view all the other cards inspired by card challenges here.

Until my next post…

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In Your Time of Need I’m “Thinking of You…”

February 13, 2013 January 13, 20143

Sorry1

When I sat to make this card, I had a heavy heart. A dear friend lost her father and I was reminded that we are all vulnerable to so many things here on earth. She’s a pretty strong lady, but still needed to know that I was thinking of her during her time of sorrow.

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Although these are the kind of cards I HATE to make, I pour my heart full of LOVE into them. That is why I put the small heart in it. My heart is bigger than that =), but a bright red heart on any card brings a little bit of love and warmth… wouldn’t you agree?

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I punched out a scalleop circle to add a little cloud around the sentiment and used a white marker to represent my thoughts and prayers for my friend. Thank you for choosing to stop by my blog. You are simply beautiful and I appreciate you!

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Buy these items listed for $88.60, plus add an Adhesive ($6.95), Envelopes ($6.50), 2012-2014 In Color 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock And Classic Stampin’ Pad Kit ($29.95), Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad ($5.95), and One more stamp set of $18.55 value or less and I will furnish you with the needed clear blocks for FREE!

At this point, you will become a special team player with the Circle of Pals and you are NOT, I say again… WILL NOT have any obligation to lift a finger, but just make cards. YOU choose your destiny!

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Will You Keep Calm?

August 21, 2012 August 25, 20122

I was green with envy the day I saw this stamp on cards everywhere and I didn’t have one. Why was I so envious? Because for a hot minute Stampin’ Up! discontinued this awesome hostess set because of some legal issues a guy in Europe put a trademark on the iconic words. There were some illegal sales going on at eBay at the time for this highly coveted stamp and it was going for nearly $250. All I could say was, “there’s no way!” So, now that I have it, I made my first card for Pals Paper Arts Challenge #141.

If you are wondering what the heck the little white balls are on the top of the card… they are small drops of Crystal Effects to give it a little rain drop effect. LoL… I kindly ask that if you think I hit the mark please leave a comment below. Your comments keep me going and they mean a lot to me. Thanks a bunch!

I was dreaming of the day the stamp set was brought back and I decided to use it now. It reminds me of the time I was learning to drive and my mom (who drove for a short period in her life) said to me in Spanish the first time I drove in the rain… “Keep Calm.” She’ll never know how nervous I felt after that. I drove with “white knuckles” and didn’t even know that’s what it was called… LoL. Hilarious now that I think about it. The cool thing is that I now love the rain and have no issues driving in it… LoL.

I bought my Starter Kit back when it cost $175 and I am now envious of the new offer of only $99, but you truly get $125 in product. When I got my kit I did’t have a choice with some of the stamps and paper that it came with. What’s makes the new offer different? You pick ANYTHING you want. If you have no idea what you want, Starter Kit Suggestion is available. Or you can let me help you by telling me what type of themes you think you would like to do. All of this just for taking a Test Drive regardless of where you live in the U.S. Money back guaranteed to have NO STRINGS ATTACHED!

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set: Carry On
Paper: Gumball Green, Soft Suade, Whisper White, International Bazaar
Ink Pad: Gumball Green
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Crystal Effects

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK
Copy & Share my cards on PINTEREST

Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR for retired stamp sets.

Click envelope to help a friend ‘Keep Calm”

Sweet Summer Sunshine Blossom

July 15, 2012 July 20, 20120

Sweet Summer sunshine is rich in color and sweet as honey. How can you not smile and almost feel the warm rays of the sun when you see this card. I put this card together for my friend Mindy Franks. She is a sweet lady that is always smiling and is a joy to be around. I met Mindy at work when I was transferred from a different job center to the medical center. We are both busy people at work and making her a card for her birthday was a great reason to eat at the hospital dining facility. Who likes hospital food?

Mindy likes it for sure. She’s worked there so long, she pretty much knows the menu schedule… LoL… I must say, I love talking to her. So, I will eat hospital food anytime we both have a chance to chat. Love ya Mindy!

To make quick clean and simple cards one does not ‘have’ to be creative… simply have a creative coach (like me). If you are itching to start this fun hobby and find yourself overwhelmed not knowing where to start, start by downloading a few simple layouts that have been created by the Pals Paper Arts design team. I keep the sketches handy for the days I have no idea what to do or if I’m short on time. Go ahead give one a try. If you need help… send me an email.

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set: Easy Events
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red
Ink Pad: Real Red
Ribbon: Daffodil Delight Binding Ribbon
Punches: Boho Blossoms, Blossom Punch
Accessories: Basic Pearls

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK

Get to know me through Blog Updates.
Want to thumb through a paper catalog? Get yours now!

Looking for one of a kind cards or an almost new stamp? Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR.

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Question is… Nothing vs. Something

July 12, 2012 July 20, 20120

This stamp touches the hearts of many of us in the military. Why? Because when the one’s we love are deployed far away our friends and co-workers try to make sure we are okay. They make us dinner, invite us to a show, and offer to hang out. But whatever it is you are doing with others just isn’t the same without your loved one. Do you agree?

Since joining Stampin’ Up! I stopped buying different colored pearls. I keep basic pearl packets handy along with different colored Sharpies. I simply find a matching color and color the pearl. Great way to SAVE money without buying tons of different colored pearls.

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set: From My Heart
Paper: Perfect Plum, 2012-14 In-Color DSP Gumball Green
Ink Pad: Perfect Plum
Ribbon: White Baker’s Twine

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK

Get to know me through Blog Updates.
Want to thumb through a paper catalog? Get yours now!

Looking for one of a kind cards or an almost new stamp? Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR.

Pals July Blog Hop: Summer Sunshine

July 10, 2012 August 17, 20120

It’s time for some fun in the sun with the Pals! Glad you could join us for the Pals Summer Sunshine Blog Hop! You’ve probably hopped over from the fabulously talented Mary Fish, the Pretty Pals Fearless Leader, I’m stop number 10 on the Pals Hop and I’m glad you hopped in! I’ll help you “hop along” from blog to blog where you’ll find great ideas for summer themed Stampin’ Up! projects from the Stampin’ Pretty Pals! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the Pals Hop Line-up below and you’ll be back on track.

My project includes not just a card, but a coaster made out of a simple white tile. It is my first coaster of many more to be made. We all know that handmade gifts are not just very personal, but they mean the most to the receiver because they were made especially for them. Taking the time out of our busy day to hand make a special gift will bring tons of joy to the receiver.

I wanted to make the tile exactly the same as the card, but realized that I could not add dimension to the coaster because it would cause the drink to not sit flat on the tile. I used the First Edition Designer Series Paper, Mixed Bunch & From My Heart stamp sets, with Basic Black, Real Read, Daffodil Delight inks, and used Soft Suede to sponge around the card to give it a slight antique finish.

Now hop along for more inspiring ideas from the fantabulous Angela Curry at Kindred Stampers, stop number 10 on the Pals Summer Sunshine Blog Hop! Thanks for “hopping” by!

A School House Friend (FMS #42)

July 7, 2012 July 20, 20120

This weeks Freshly Made Sketches #42 was perfect to use my new Story Time designer series paper. After completing the card, I was reminded of my childhood best friend, Gabriela Gomez. I met her on the first day of school in 1st grade and we where like peanut butter & jelly. She was wearing a yellow chaffon dress patiently waiting for our teacher Ms. McCarthy. Gaby went home to be with our Heavenly Father seven years later and I still miss her to this day. Kenny Chesney reminds me of Gaby every time I hear his song, ‘Who You’d You Be Today.’

FUND RAISER FOR AUSTIN MOORE: A little boy in my community is fighting leukemia. You can read about him on his Facebook. A local company is sponsoring a CHRISTMAS IN JULY for Austin Moore Fundraiser on July 14th at the Courtyard by Marriott in Vacaville, California. I will also contribute by donating ALL profits for any Stampin’ Up! purchases made through me during the month of July.

TO PLACE YOUR FUND RAISER ORDER:

Call me (707-646-1972), email me directly with your order, browse though the catalog, or shop on-line directly.

ALL profits during the month of July will go directly to Austin Moore’s family to help with medical costs.

CARD CLASS: TWO seats left my friends. If you live in Solano, Sacramento, or Yolo Counties… and want to have an hour of fun making a FREE card while learning basic card making techniques… sign up now.

MY DIGITAL STUDIO: The new download is here… see it now by clicking here. If you don’t have MDS, download it for a 30-day free trial.

MAGGIE MADE TIPS: The actual stamp has a little girl next to the little boy. I covered the little girl with tape and inked up the boy. Before stamping it, I peeled the tape off and only used the little boy.

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set: Greeting Card Kids
Paper: Story Time, So Saffron, Real Red, Water Color Paper, Basic Gray
Ink Pad: Basic Black, Real Red
Ribbon: Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon
Punches: Word Window Punch

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK

Get to know me through Blog Updates.
Want to thumb through a paper catalog? Get yours now!

Looking for one of a kind cards or an almost new stamp? Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR.

Home is Wherever I’m with You

June 28, 2012 July 20, 20120

This stamp set has become my all time favorite in the new 2012-2013 catalog. Have you ever heard Dionne Warwick or Luther Vandross sing “A house is not a home”? Well, Stampin’ Up! made a stamp with a different twist… a home is wherever I’m with you. The love that is exist in a house with those we love is what makes what we call home.

Have you seen the new My Digital Studio (MDS) downloads? Look no further but to the link on the left… LoL. You do not have to have MDS buy them. But, if you want to try before you buy… download it for FREE right now! I used MDS to create my blog banner and buttons. It’s super easy and fun!

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set: Forever With You
Paper: Comfort Cafe, Crumb Cake, Soft Suade
Ink Pad: Midnight Muse
Ribbon: Daffodil Delight 1/2″ Seam Binding Ribbon

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK

Get to know me through Blog Updates.
Want to thumb through a paper catalog? Get yours now!

Looking for one of a kind cards or an almost new stamp? Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR.

Tag: handmade cards

Stampin’ Up! I Miss You (FMS #89)

Pals Blog Hop: Retirement Party!

Stampin’ Up! Above & Beyond

2013-14 COLOR REFRESH

Click HERE to view the new colors.

Take Me Out for a Spin on Fab Friday

In Your Time of Need I’m “Thinking of You…”

Subscribe by email for Blog Updates

Explore Your Creativity Now

Current Promotions

Will You Keep Calm?

Sweet Summer Sunshine Blossom

Question is… Nothing vs. Something

Pals July Blog Hop: Summer Sunshine

A School House Friend (FMS #42)

Home is Wherever I’m with You

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