Baby Prints shower invitations

This is a fabulous article. Excellent points for all parents....tell your kids "no", read fiction to them, run errands with them....and 6 other suggestions.

http://nypost.com/2015/03/11/how-not-to-raise-a-narcissist-in-9-easy-steps/

This week I made some baby shower invitations for my friend Lauren who is having a baby girl this summer *SQUEEEEEP* so excited for her!!
She and her husband love beachy vacations...and anytime one of our "BFF" trips involves sand and water we take pictures of our feet on the beach. How fitting to have an invite with that theme! I loved making these! I used the "Baby Prints" stamp set.

Truly grateful...

As an RN I've had the privilege of working with many great doctors....and some not so great...but when I meet a doctor that exceeds my own expectations (rare), I'm quite impressed!
My husband had a recent scare--a mole that appeared very "melanoma-ish" was removed. (I need to write another post just as a PSA for skin cancer.) Long story short--we were referred to an amazing dermatologist who was able to fit us in the same week to excise a larger margin on Dean's shoulder.
I was so impressed with this doctor I of course HAD to stamp him a thank you card!! :)

I used Stampin' Up's new stencils with the new In-Colors Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon & Tangelo Twist. I inked up the stencil (with paper towels underneath), spritzed it with water then placed my watercolor paper down on top. I stamped the greeting in Blackberry Bliss, layered it on another color-washed piece of watercolor paper and a Lost Lagoon card base, accented with a Moonlight paper stack paper under that.
Thanks for stopping by!!

Stamp Carving

Stampin' Up's Undefined stamp carving kit (comes with 4 wood blocks, rubber, foam layer, 2 carving tools) has been sitting on my shelf, shrink wrapped, for MONTHS and I finally got up the courage to try and carve a stamp. I probably should have chosen a design with so much detail....but it was easier than I expected and also rewarding because I totally SQUEEE'd when I stamped the image on the wood block in Staz-On ink!

Want a stamp that SU doesn't carry...? MAKE IT!! :) so much fun! Ordering the refill kit!!

Why HELLLLLooooooo there, stranger!!!

I was quite horrified when I saw that it has been EXACTLY one year since I've posted on this blog!! HOLY CRAP! lol

Last year was a rough year....my dad was diagnosed with Stage III lung cancer (Thank GOD he is doing well right now!)....I changed jobs and went back to night shift nursing in the NICU. God Bless it I love those babies...but my body cannot work the mother truckin' night shift. But now....NOW thank GOD I've got a regular day schedule, life is good.
I held my monthly stamp class in June and it was FABULOUS to get back together with my friends and make some cards! So I have a lot to post! :D

But mostly.....look at the blinkie to the right of your screen....you see it? Understand Blue's UNWIND retreat that will be held before Stampin' Up's convention next Wednesday, July 16th! If you're going to be in Salt Lake City and want to learn some FUN crafty stuff, then sign up today! Space is limited!!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Obi-Wan for me

Hellllooooooo there!!!
Yes, I'm alive & well....I changed jobs earlier this year (I work nights in the NICU now!) and just now getting my bearings again!!
I've got several events I need to stamp cards for....but TODAY, May 13th is my wedding anniversary, so I really had to make a Star Wars themed card for hubby.
I wish I could remember where I got this idea of the R2-D2 card so I could I give credit...because this is a total CASE! But ERMAGERSHHHHHH how cute is he!!! And that phrase!! I used Stampin' Up's new all clear photo polymer stamp set Designer Typeset for the sentiment. I used SU's Clear Mount Perfectly Placed Guides to help line up my letters.

So...Happy Anniversary honey!!
Love,
Me

Happy Halloween!!!!

I used Stampin' Up's cute Ghoulish Googly Kit to make these! Love those googly eyes!! AND THAT BAT PUNCH!! (I can't believe SU discontinued that punch! *sad face*)

Tomorrow I'm making a Yoda jack-o-lantern and dressing as Wonder Woman....a zombie WW hahahaha!!
Have a safe & happy Halloween!!

One Layer Flowers...

I love card challenges that are clean and simple. Too often challenges involve many layers etc and I find myself trying to outdo ANY previous card I've seen....and then it looks all too busy in the end! HA!
This Dare To Get Dirty Challenge was to make a one layer card with flowers. I embossed the roses from Fifth Avenue Floral with black embossing powder, then used my aquapainter with SU Rose Red and Melon Mambo ink to watercolor. Sentiment is from retired Warm Words. I dislike that SU retired this amazing stamp set. That rose is so gorgeous AND matches one of our current embossing folders! GAH!

Stamps: SU Fifth Avenue Flower, Warm Words; Ink: SU Rose Red and Melon Mambo reinkers; Paper: SU Glossy White; Accessories: SU Black embossing powder, Heat Tool, Aquapainter

 I love the effect of watercoloring on glossy paper...but man, is it hard to take a decent picture! My little orange light on the camera causes a little bit of orange to appear at the top of the card, and of course you can see the flash. The orange was more pronounced without a flash...so I endeded up taking several pictures before I finally settled on the one above. But I do like that the embossing came out pretty well.

Thanks for stopping by!

I love a Challenge!

I love a challenge....and this week is Splitcoaststampers' (SCS) Dare To Get Dirty (DTGD) week of Challenges!! The "Dirty Girls" of SCS are the best of the best papercrafters....so it's fun to play along as a fan club member! My friend Lydia gave us a challenge to make an all white card...sentiment optional...I opted for no sentiment:

Paper: SU Whisper White cardstock; Accessories: Big Shot, SU Butterfly Punch, SU Dots and Fancy Fans embossing folders, SU Embosslit Beautiful Wings

I'm having a stamp class on August 11th (with option to attend Monday night 8/13!) Details for the class and for upcoming STAMP CLUB (squeeeeee!!!) is on my Stampin' Up site www.darthsunshine.stampinup.net so take a look and then RSVP!
Hope to see you soon! Thanks for stopping by here!

Open House and Open Stamping!! SQUEEE

I'm getting ready for Stampin' Up's Convention next week and starting my swaps....and am opening up my home for Open Stamping if anyone wants to come by and stamp with me!

This is also an opportunity to pick up your FREE copy of Stampin' Up's annual catalog (if you haven't already received it in the mail) and to peruse what retired stamp sets I still have available for sale!!

Dates and times are on my Stampin' Up Calendar www.darthsunshine.stampinup.net

Hope you can come! :D

Happy 4th!!

This also happens to be my oldest daughter's 18th birthday!! Squeeee!!!

I'll miss this punch...

Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Nature's Path (thistle stamped behind sentiment); Ink: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze; Paper: Baja Breeze, River Rock, Whisper White, Paisley Petals DSP; Access: Big Shot, Framelits, embossing folder, taffeta ribbon, Ribbon Border Punch (retiring May 31st).

I got a peek at Stampin' Up's new catalog launching June 1st and am happy to say I LOVE IT!! I love every stamp set....and for the first time in almost 10 years I am not mourning retired stamp sets...there is something better/cuter in the new catalog!

This awesome Ribbon Border Punch is saying good-bye May 31st...so if you have to own one before they go away....you can shop at my site: www.darthsunshine.stampinup.net

:D
Thanks for stopping by!

Retired List of Stamps is here!!!

The. new annual catalog is right around the corner (June 1st release) and as always, Stampin' Up has given us the list of retired stamp sets from current catalogs.

Click HERE to see the list of over 300 stamp sets that will be retiring.

These stamp sets will be available for purchase THROUGH May 31, 2012!

The retired accessories list comes out April 25th.

If you plan to order any retiring stamp sets, be sure to check the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack for great deals on punches, designer series paper and more. Up to 60% off! 50+ new products added to clearance this past week! Clearance rack items can ONLY be placed through an on-line order and are available while supplies last!

How I save money stamping!!

BWHAAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! I'm sorry....did you think I'd have real tips for you crafters out there on how to save money on your most favoritest hobby EVAH?!?! While I can say I'm not in debt over this fun pastime of mine...I must share my blog post title did make me giggle!!

When I first began stamping I justified to myself that I was saving SO MUCH MONEY because I would make my own cards instead of paying $120 for a beautiful card elsewhere. My fellow stampers will laugh out LOUD at that because honestly, the hobby part of my obsession with paper crafting means that I'm lucky if I save any money. When Stampin' Up comes out with a new catalog it is VERY hard to restrain myself because I LOVE IT ALL!! My stampy friends and I tweet and email each other "WHAT DID YOU GET?!" and then try not to tackle the UPS Man when he pulls in front of our home.

While I may not save a lot of money....I thoroughly enjoy making custom cards for my friends. Many times I'll make an extra set of cards from my class or club to have ready....but my amazing friend Stephanie loves the color yellow and I wanted to make a special card for her birthday. I don't stamp many yellow cards, but she is the person I think of when I see yellow.  So, here is a pic of her birthday card I sent her:

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts; Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Silver Glimmer Paper (DSP); Ink: Daffodil Delight, So Saffron, Summer Sun (retired); Accessories: Simply Scored score board, Small Heart Punch, Full Heart Punch, Fashionable Hearts embosslit

I should have taken a picture of the inside--I used a stamp I found at a stamp show last year:

"If you were a cow, you'd be a belt by now." 

Since we're in our 40's now we can send cards like that to each other and laugh. Out loud.

Have any irreverent stamps? I only have a handful....I need more.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Did I mention I'm a procrastinator?

This is procrastination at its finest....I have 2...yes, TWO...Valentine's Day posts I saved here in blogger and W T Heck...I totally forgot about them. Pffffffth. So...let me share my cute Valentine Cards with you...AFTER VALENTINE'S DAY when no one cares! Oy!

My Big Shot was used significantly for this card...Dots Embossing Folder, Fashionable Hearts Embosslit...stinkin cute! Stamp is from the PS I love You from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Paper is Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White...and of course some of that awesome Silver Glimmer Paper punched with the small heart punch!
Thanks for looking at my late post!
XOXO

Stampin' Up Leadership Conference...AND Spring Stamp Club is coming!!!

I've had a wonderful week here in San Antonio at Stampin' Up's Leadership Conference and Regional event!  I got some wonderful ideas for projects and cards for us to make!  It was great to hang out with Lydia and Kim, and to meet my Twitterverse friends Sue and Linda who live in Canada!!!

Sue and I at Rosarita's Cantina...of course I had to take my Canadian friends for real Tex-Mex food!

Lydia, me and Melanie...so glad Mel came down to Texas!

Spring Stamp Club is beginning Saturday, February 4th at 10 am! Club will run for 5 months, through June....
What is Stamp Club? I provide all supplies for the projects and cards we make each month...and club members promise to order $30 each month for the next 5 months (a great way to build your stamping supplies). Hostess Benefits rotate each month so everyone will get ALL the Hostess Benefits for one month! On the month you're hostess you could take a catalog and get outside orders to build the monthly total for MORE free Stampin' Up! Product! SQUEEE! If the order is over $400 you get ANY ITEM in the catalog for HALF PRICE!!!! (like...the Big Shot!???!!)

Please RSVP before Jan. 29th to reserve your spot...space is limited!

Yay! Occasions Mini Catalog is here!!!!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE!

This is the best catalog yet! LOVE everything inside!!!

Shop online at www.darthsunshine.stampinup.net

SQUEEEEE!!!!!!

Thinking of Tom Selleck....

Tom Selleck. That man can WEAR a moustache. That is a nice moustache and I'm not a huge fan of facial hair on guys. Ok this post is already getting too weird...  When Stampin' Up came out with these moustache stamps Tom Selleck was the first thing I thought of.  That makes me giggle.  A lot of people are "getting" the moustache thing. I don't really "get it" either. But I'm a mom of teenagers/tweeners and this stamp is COOL...according to my children. Bwahahahahaha!!!

So my youngest turned 12 on Sept 1st and she LOVES this moustache stamp. (She loves Stampin' Up's Out on a Limb set that has the jack o lanterns with moutstaches, too.)  So I made her a little moustache card. (Are you sick of reading MOUSTACHE? Because I'm tired of typing it! LOL) 

All supplies Stampin' Up! - Stamp: Many Mustaches; Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise; Cardstock: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Blushing Bride (In Color);
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon in Blushing Bride

 My corners are trimmed with the Decorative Label punch...a neat idea I learned at our Stampin' Up Convention this summer.  Instead of inserting your paper as you would normally to punch the design....turn your punch upside down and insert just the corner of your paper into the punch and VOILA!!! I SQUEEEE'd when I saw this!

Thanks for stopping by! I'm going to go watch some Magnum P.I. now...

XOXO

Thou Shall Not Whine...yeah right.

I have a sign in my home that says "Thou Shall Not Whine"...apropos since I have 3 girls and they can sometimes be whiny. (My hubby says I can get this way too...I choose to ignore this comment.) Bwahahaha. But bear with me while I rant for a moment...

I AM SICK OF BEING BUSY!!!

My kiddos aren't even in sports yet this year and I am dealing with major busyness. I'm tired of driving my kids everywhere. Sheesh. Even my busy weekends...which have been FUN...are not relaxing! I feel like I need a mental health day! GAH! Now, this weekend hubby and I decided to try and watch ALL SIX Star Wars films on blu-ray (because of course we had to own that set when it came out!! SQUEEE) We only got through Episode IV (the "original Star Wars from 1977 for all my non-geek readers) because I also had my Stamp Camp and a Thirty One Party this weekend (I know, I bring this on myself for scheduling so much on the weekend....I know)

....but here I am on Sunday night and even though I got to SIT and watch (or snooze, since I was so tired--I suffer from cinema narcolepsy LOL) I am lamenting that I didn't have time to organize my bathroom closet.

Wow. Am I SICK?!? Because that is just wrong. ORGANIZE MY BATHROOM CLOSET?!? Bwahahahaha.

Ok. Rant over. Sorry. Now on to our regularly scheduled progamming. HA!

So I'm overdue in sharing a card with you....my busyness has prevented me from participating in some of my favorite challenges...but this was a fun card to make. I would NOT have put these colors together originally, but aren't they fabulous?!? My Color Coach is my friend!

All Supplies from Stampin' Up! (SU) Stamps: Circle Circus; Paper: Lavender Lace (retired), Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant; Ink: More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace (retired), Summer Sun (retired); Sentiment: rub-on; Accessories: SU button, Circle punches

I hope you have a fabulous week!  I have one more month of the current Stamp Club. The next Club will start up in January.  I've also scheduled my Christmas Stamp A Stack of cards for November 5th! SQUEEE! Hope you can make it!
Thanks for stopping by!

Clean and simple...

I love clean and simple (CAS) cards...my customers are loving them during our Stamp Club, too.  I made this card several weeks ago for a Splitcoaststampers CAS challenge...and I think I got the idea from my friend Lydia (Understand Blue) to use punched DSP or embossed paper...how easy is THAT?!? I had scraps of it in and just punched out the squares and sponged it--I've used Wisteria Wonder, Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo (all Stampin' Up) here....sentiment is from Hope Happens.

 

You have to come back on Monday...my crafty twitter friends and I have put together a blog hop!

So be sure to see all the stampy goodness on Monday! ....and I'll have

BLOG CANDY again!!! SQUEEEE!!!!

Pennants...and MORE BLOG CANDY!!!!

It's time for more blog candy!!! This week I'm giving away the background stamp Hello, Doily! Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win!

This week's card I did for Splitcoaststamper's VSN flag/pennant challenge. I love VSN because part of the challenge is not working more than 45 minutes on a card. ISN'T THAT CRAZY!!! Believe me...that is a serious challege for me!

Stamps: Pennant Parade; Paper: Real Red, Pacific Point, Whisper White; Accessories: Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Big Shot, Dots Embossing Folder, White Satin Ribbon, Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Silver Brads, Baker's Twine in Cherry Cobbler

 I've got my Stamp Club meeting this Saturday and I'm offering lots of stamps and accessories for SALE!!! SQUEEEEE!!! Once my club members have their chance to shop...I'll be listing what's left...so be sure to check my tab on the top of the blog page for what you can shop for!

Comment before midnight this THURSDAY August 25th for your chance to win Hello, Doily!!!
Thanks for stopping by!