Happy Birthday to You

What a difference a little bit of sunshine can do for my energy level!  I was up early, had a great breakfast, got groceries, shovelled, cleaned, straightened up my studio, and stamped - all before 9:30am!

On such a crisp clear day, I thought a crisp clean card would been wonderfully cheerful.  I am love love loving the Avant Garden stamp set from Sale-a-Bration and the Happy Birthday Everyone (a retired hostess set).

Sometimes I just burst with happiness because I get to do what I love.  And, that is creating what I love, whether it's cards, art, quilling...all my artsy endeavors.  I love teaching card making! And I'm thankful.  Thankful for my family, and friends.  What a great life!

I hope you're enjoying the sunshine, whever you are.


Sand

Enjoy Your Special Day!

There are times when I see a card and think, 'I can make that'.  This is one of those times, but like many card makers, I changed it a wee bit - just the sentiment and the balloon.  The original card had a  different sentiment and they stamped a candle for the 'egg' to leap over.  Unfortunately, I don't know which Stampin' Up! demonstrator posted the original, so I can't give her a shout out.  By the way, we call this a CASE - copy and share everything.  I like that!

Here's the card.  I stamped onto the card base - yup, once again, no layers - just a pop up for the balloon.  The egg and sentiment are from the 'Hey Chick' stamp set in the Sale-a-Bration flyer.(psssst...Sale-a-Bration ends March 31/17)

The lines and dots the card are (clearly) hand drawn - I will get better at lines 😥 ...with practice. Speaking of practice.... I actually made another version of the card with loads of colour, but it didn't like it, so I went back to a clean and simple look.  I just realized I'm still using white, black and red (check out my previous posts) LOL.

You can get this stamp set - free! 

Here's what to do.  Place a $60 order through me and you can choose this stamp set.  Or....host a party...or join my team.  Be sure to contact me for details or if you have any questions. Click on the image below to view your options and be sure to view the entire flyer because there are lots of stamp sets, and more for you to choose from.  You don't want you to miss out on Sale-a-Bration!

I'm also including a link to the new Occasions catalogue - so many fabulous stamps, papers...and more goodies!  Those items will be available only until May 31/17.  To view, click on the image below.

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That's all for today.  Thanks for stopping by!

Sand

Have a Happy Day!

I just can't get enough of this stamp set and how the images stamp so crisp and clean!  And lately, I'm loving' the colour combo of red, black and white.

By now you've likely noticed how much I like happy cards, and cards with a bit of whimsy.  The 'Hey Chick' stamp set fits the bill.  And the set was free!

Free? Yes!  I placed an order with Stampin' Up! for $60 and I got to choose a free item from the Sale-a-Bration flyer.  Awesome!!

Here's the low-down.  Sale-a-Bration can't last forever.  It ends March 31, 2017, and the goodies from the flyer will no longer be available.  😢  No worries....here's what to do....

...view the Occasions, Sale-a-Bration, and the Annual Catalogue by clicking on the images below.  You can place an order through me by leaving a comment and I'll get back to you asap.  Facebook friends, please pm me.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy crafting!

Sand

Avant Garden

Stamping doesn't have to be complicated.  My goal is to show you how easy it is to create a lovely card using just one stamp set., like I did with this card.  Also, from one 8 1/2 x 11 piece of card stock you can make two cards.  I'd say that's pretty awesome!

 

 Can you make this card - absolutely!

Thanks for stopping by.

Sand

Happy Birthday to my Son

It's amazing how quickly 18 years passes.  A big happy birthday to my son Brandon - wow 18. Gosh, 18!!  I'm saying it - - - time flies! ! !  Brandon is super smart with many interests; electricity, stars, satellites, photography (yay).....I won't list all of them.  I do have Brandon's birthday card to share with you, but first...below are a few pics from many years ago.  I didn't get the big okay to post a current pic...oh well.

 

Newborn Brandon with big sister Erin.

Fun in the snow!

It took me a while to come up with a card that would suit my son's personality.  He's not keen on cluttered up cards, as I've discovered after having him provide feedback on pretty much every card I've made.  And here it is - not too flashy, or busy, but with a punch of colour and shine. Not mushy gushy either, although I managed to sneak in some hearts.

I briefly toyed with using Cherry Cobbler or  Basic Black for the base, however Whisper White won out for the base and layer. which I embossed using my Lucky Stars embossing folder.  I used my Happy Heart embossing folder on Cherry Cobbler card stock, then punched it out with my Balloon Bouquet punch. Yup, I snuck in more hearts 💖  This was my first time using my Layering Squares and Large Numbers Framelits, and the first time I used Silver Foil Sheets.  For those sweet little hearts, I used my Owl Builder punch.

Handy tip - when working with white card stock and inks - be sure to check your hands and fingers for ink and before you touch any paper.  I goofed up and managed to get a bit of ink on the layer.  But, a few strategically placed mini  hearts and crisis averted!  What I've found is, little oops often turn into happy accidents. 💗

In this pic, I want to show you how easy it is to add a bit of depth to your cards. I used Dimensionals to pop up the balloon and square.  Love 'em!

Another view.  .

I'm super excited about this card, and this birthday milestone! I tried to give Brandon his card and gift just after midnight (I'm am such a big kid), but he wanted to wait until 'later'.  

Oooookkkaaay, I can wait. 😍  

Gads, the suspense!!

This sentiment & little heart are from the Any Occasion stamp set in the Sale-a-Bration flyer.  I popped up the layer and the Silver Foil balloon using Dimensionals.   I used a retired die to create the layer.

Here's a behind the scenes look at how I photographed this card.  Check out the 'professional' set up...tee hee.  My Ott Light, and four pieces of Whisper White card stock on my work table.  Stay tuned....any day now I'll have another spot in my studio for taking pics.


A few reminders
Sale-a-Bration end March 31, 2017
During Sale-a-Bration, you get a free item of your choice from the flyer for every $60 you spend.
Click on the pic below to view the Sale-a-Bration flyer.
Be sure to contact me soon to order your goodies!

The Occasions catalogue ends May 31, 2017.

You can view this catty by clicking on the pic below.

You are creative!  We can make cards together - I will teach you!

Sand

Stampin' Up! Balloon Pop-Up Thinlits

Happy Sunday to you!  We're enjoying a sunny crisp winter day in Southern Ontario which is lovely.

I wanted to get right into today's post because it features a short video from Stampin' Up! all about the Balloon Pop-Up Thinlits!  These are so cool. Let's get started by clicking on the image below. to view the video.

Everyone needs birthday cards and gift tags!  And what's better than the look on someone's face when they say 'You made this'.  It's priceless.   Book an event with me and we'll make Balloon Pop-Up cards.

To place an order or host an event you can contact me here (leave a comment -, it won't be posted to the blog), or, for my Facebook friends, private message me.

Let's be creative together!

Sand

Super Cute and Free!

I was having one of those 'what should I do today' days, when the obvious stuck me - I'm going to stamp!  And I did!

For this card I used a FREE stamp set (sorry for yelling, but FREE is good!).  You too can get this stamp set free!  Now before you say, I'm not creative, let me assure you - you are!  There are so many resources available at your fingertips, and when you book a workshop, I'll be there helping you bring out your inner creativity!

Super easy to make.  Cut, fold, emboss, stamp, punch, a wee bit of colouring, and adhere.  Ta da!

You can do it 😤  How do you get this stamp set FREE?  Read on....

a) Spend $60 and get a FREE Sale-a-bration item of your choice.
See the Sale-a-bration brochure in my previous post

Choose products from the brand new Occasions Catalogue!  Also in my previous post.

b) The BEST deal around is the starter kit!  You don't want to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? No problem,  You can still purchase the starter kit and never ever sell a thing.  Yup!  It’s only $135 and you get to choose $165 of whichever product you would like.  So... if your wish list is long, this is the way to go.  Or if you don’t have a Big Shot yet, and have been thinking about getting one, this is the way to go.  And there are awesome additional bonuses for you ** FREE shipping and NO TAX on the starter kit (wow!)  **Plus…2 FREE stamp sets…any two…any price!

or

c) Host an event during Sale-a-bration and earn an extra $35 in rewards when your event sales reach $330...that's ON TOP of the already awesome Stampin' Rewards!

To place an order or host an event!  Contact me here (leave a comment, it won't be posted to the blog), or, for my Facebook friends, private message me.

Here are a few more images from the Hey Chick stamp set:

Thank you for stopping by!

Sand

THE OCCASIONS CATALOGUE & SALE-A-BRATION EVENTS ARE HERE!

Who doesn't love free products!  A show of hands please.  Excellent!  Read on....and be sure to read to the bottom of the post.  That's where you'll find links to view the Occasions & Sale-a-Bration catalogues!

There are three ways to earn your free Sale-a-bration products:

SHOP

Place an order and receive a free item of your choice from the Sale-a-bration Brochure with every $60 (before shipping and tax) you spend. That means you can get your hands on all the fabulous new products from the Occasions Catalogue AND get bonus freebies too!

HOST

Host an event during Sale-a-bration and earn an extra $35 in rewards when your event sales reach $330...that's ON TOP of the already awesome Stampin' Rewards!

JOIN

Now is the perfect time to join Stampin' Up!  During Sale-a-bration your Starter Kit will be extra-special. Not only will you get your choice of $165 worth of product for just $135 (tax and shipping included), you'll also get to your choice of TWO FREE STAMP SETS as an added bonus. That's a value of up to $136!!

Click on the pic below to view the Occasions Catalogue

Click on the picture below to view the Sale-a-Bration catalogue.

If you plan to place your next order through me and need copies of these catalogs, please request via the methods below...

Leave me a comment  with your info (won't post your info on my blog).  
Facebook friends please message me.

Sand

Dragonfly Dreams from Stampin' Up! and a New Camera!

Once again it's a blustery winter morning, and I'm bundled up under my favourite blanket, admiring the snow from my comfy couch.  I heard the snowplow go by earlier today, and my first thought regarding the end of the driveway was, shovel or drive over it.  Having peered out the window, drive over it wins...again.

Today I have for you a card I made for a card swap last weekend.  The pictures you'll see below are the first taken from my new camera.  These were taken at night, in my studio, using only my OttLight and ceiling light.  Eventually I'll get the lighting and camera figured out.

The card I designed features the Dragonfly Dreams Bundle from the new Occasions Catalogue.  I love this set.  Seriously, who doesn't love dragonflies - they are so cool.

I used a stamp from the Sheltering Tree set for the greenery.

My attempt at getting the background cards to be blurry in the background, while focusing on the card in front.  

Almost done!

Here's a handy tip.  When stamping the inside of the card, be sure you're not stamping in the wrong place.  Notice where I placed Happy Birthday - yup, that's where I stamped the inside sentiment.  No worries though, my little solution covered up the oops easily.

Dragonfly Dreams set from Stampin' Up!

Here are some ideas shown in the catalogue.

Not only is there a new Occasions Catalogue, it's also Sale-a-Bration!!

What is Sale-a-Bration?

Place an order and receive a free item of your choice from the Sale-a-bration Brochure with every $60 (before shipping and tax) you spend. That means you can get your hands on all the fabulous new products from the Occasions Catalogue AND get bonus freebies too!

You don't have a catalogue?  Leave comment and I'll send the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration cattys to you.   Canada only.

Thanks for stopping by!  Keep warm and happy crafting!

Sand

So Long 2016 - Welcome 2017

Many people make resolutions for the new year.  

I'm not one of them.
However, I do have an abundance of ideas for the year.

As I look back on 2016, - happy times, family, friends, retirement, and I'm a great aunt!
Sad times - the passing of my mother.
Grateful for a treasury of memories.

This is my favourite picture of mom and I.  Look at us, so prim and proper.

I'm not sure where this picture was taken - perhaps a family vacation

This picture was taken about 17 years ago.  We're in Fiji after our trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Life inspires me!

I'll be back to card making, mixed media art and whatever path my arts and crafts lead me.

I look forward to an awesome 2017.  

Positive  

Creative 

Imagination

Courage

 Energy

Brave

Unique

Kindness

Peace and love, 

Sand