Mmm. Mmm. DELICIOUS!!!!

Have you ever tried Raspberries, Celery and Orchids??? What an absolutely DELICIOUS combination of COLORS! Were you expecting a food recipe??? This IS a stamping blog after all. LOL! SU! Rich Razzleberry and Orchid Opulence harmonize perfectly together and then add just a touch of Certainly Celery and BAM!!! it comes alive!

I picked up a few new alcohol based markers last night and woke up early this morning so I could have a chance to try them out before I had to get ready for my day job. I chose this beautiful "Sweet Pea" stamp to try them on and when I finished coloring I realized that the markers match SU! Orchid Opulence PERFECTLY!

The image was stamped in black ink on WHISPER WHITE cardstock then colored with the markers in 3 shades of orchid and 2 shades of green. I outlined the image with pale grey to add a little depth to the image and help it stand out from the background. EGGPLANT ENVY ink was applied to ITTY BITTY BACKGROUNDS and stamped around the image. The vignette effect was created by sponging ORCHID OPULENCE from the outer edges in close to the image, then sponging EGGPLANT ENVY from the outer edges in about half as far as the ORCHID OPULENCE.

I used a CORNER ROUNDER to round all the corners on the base card as well as each mat then layered them into place. Next, I stamped a greeting in EGGPLANT ENVY from the same stamp set as the Sweet Pea. It was punched out using the SMALL OVAL PUNCH and then edge sponged in ORCHID OPULENCE. The hardware is from SU! SILVER HODGE PODGE HARDWARE and is attached with a length of orchid ribbon. The finishing touch is just one small orchid rhinestone in the center of the open Sweet Pea.

Simple, elegant, quick and most of all - DELICIOUS!!!!!

Thanks for stopping in today. Hope you enjoyed the card and will be inspired to get busy and be creative. A day is just not complete for me unless I've had a chance to "play" a little.

Until Next Time -

Happy Stamping!

Jill

TEMPLATE FOR SURPRISE PACKAGE CARD

Okay - apparently you liked this idea as much as I did when I saw it. CLICK HERE for a printable template. I used this as the starting point to create my own. Mine has some minor variations (e.g. I centered my points instead of off-centered them and I also trimmed about 1/2" - 3/4" from the bottom of the front, back, and inside to make the box short and squat). You CAN print my template - but you will have to resize it to 8.5"x11" so you might find it easier to just print and adjust the other one.

Directions to put the card together follow the photo of the template.



DIRECTIONS FOR PUTTING THE SUPRISE PACKAGE CARD TOGETHER:

1. Trace your template on the WRONG side of your paper with a pencil. Cut out the pieces and erase the pencil lines.

2. Holding your template in place over the corresponding piece of cardstock, fold along fold lines. The folds folded AWAY from you when the cardstock is faceup.

3. Stamp your image below the fold on the INSIDE panel.

4. Place adhesive on the BACK above the fold line and adhere the INSIDE panel to the BACK being careful to match the top edges.

5. Apply a thin line (1/4") of adhesive along the sides and bottom of the backside of the FRONT. Adhere the FRONT panel to the BACK panel matching the side and bottom edges.

6. Apply adhesive to the INSIDE panel along and above the fold line (in the shaded area). Adhere the LID to the INSIDE panel lining up all the edges so they cover the BACK panel.

7. Apply adhesive to the back of the LID LIP and adhere it to the bottom the LID matching the bottom edges and sides.

8. Add ribbon, bow and a tag if you'd like and VOILA! You are finished.

If you DO make a card using either template, please be so kind as to send me a link to your blog so I can see it. If you don't have a blog then send me a photo - I'd really like to see your creative ideas.

Have fun!
Jill

SURPRISE PACKAGE!

I saw this idea on a blog as I was surfing around last night and thought it was so cute I had to have a go at it. BE WARNED! If you don't like working with templates, cutting, trimming etc then this is NOT the project for you.
























I originally made my template so that the card was the traditional 4.25"x5.5" - and though it looked okay, I decided I like it much better shorter - it just looks more like a REAL present. (Yes - I do know that presents come in all shapes and sizes -but it just looks cuter short and squat. LOL!)

For the outside "box" I used Stampin'Up! Lovely Flowers Designer Paper (it's a Level III Hostess Item) and Rich Razzleberry cardstock. The ribbon is white organza.

For the insert I used the Stampin'Up! Dream a Little stamp set and the new In-Color markers in shades of Rich
Razzleberry and Melon Mambo.

The flower is stamped in Summer Sun because I don't have the Crushed Curry ink pad and forgot I had the markers until after I stamped the flower. DUH!!!!

If anyone is interested in the template let me know and I will post it.

Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping!
Jill

FUN WITH FOIL

Remember when Stampin'Up! first released the BigShot last Fall and one of the big selling points was the list of more than 50 substances/materials that it would cut? I LOVED that and after trying the machine just ONE time at a stamp event to cut cardstock letters knew I had to buy it.

Well - here it is a year later and guess what? I STILL love my BigShot! The only thing is, until last night the only things I'd cut with it were cardstock and felt. THEN I saw a challenge on the internet to use aluminum foil on a card. I had actually participated in that challenge a couple of years ago - before the BigShot was released - and sadly my attempt at being creative with foil failed miserably. This time however, I am much more pleased with the result.

This is a Christmas CAS card (Clean And Simple). I've seen embossed metal before on cards at scrapbooks stores - but they always used a spackle like substance on the back so the thin metal sheets would hold the embossed designs. There had to be a way around that. Enter the BigShot, the Stampin'Up! Impressions Folder: Petals a Plenty, aluminum foil and cardstock.

All I had to do to help the aluminum keep its design was to wrap it around a piece of cardstock cut to the right size for my design and run it through the big shot. The cardstock center keeps the design from smashing when you adhere it to the background.

What do you think? I love the high shine - especially for Christmas. A little silver accent piece, a little ribbon and one small stamp finish the design and make it the perfect, quick card to send to all the friends and relatives. It's another "10 minutes or less" card. And if you are one of those "bling" lovers you could always add 3 little red gemstones vertically along the top right side to balance the card and make yourself happy!

Hope you enjoyed today's post and will try your hand at this quick and easy technique.

Until next time -

Happy Stamping!

Jill

A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME!

I am loving this program!!!!! and I learned of yet another use for it.

Have you ever sat down to create a project, cut your cardstock, Designer Papers and ribbon, placed your embellishments only to realize you absolutely HATE the way it turned out??? Not only do you have a finished card you would NEVER send to anyone - but you've cut up perfectly good cardstock, ribbon and papers into scraps. I realized last night that that never has to happen to me again because I can use the program to design and preview what the card will look like before I even pull out the actual consumables! How great is that???? I see my scrap pile dwindling already. LOL!

I also found out that this program has multi-media capabilities too. You can use it to make DVDs, slideshows AND add music! That's a little farther than I will probably go with it - but it's nice to know it's available if and when I want to use it.

Just had to share that info with all of you. I really didn't think I'd use it much for card making - but for card designing - that's a whole new ballgame!

Sorry - no card to share today - I made one last night but it's for a class on Monday so I can't share it yet.

Until next time -

Happy Stamping. - Jill

THE "OFFICIAL" STAMP BRACELET

What EXACTLY is a stamp bracelet??? One that is made from stamping supplies!!!!.

Look at this!!! Isn't it cute????

Really - I think it's a "must have" for every Stampin'Up! demonstrator! I used the Filigree Floral Brads from Stampin'Up! in two sizes and placed a Stampin'Up! Rhinestone Brad through the center of each floral brad. Next I opened the prongs on the rhinestone brads and using needle nose pliers curled the ends making a half loop. Place the jump ring in the half loop and then using the needle nose pliers squeeze the loop closed.

This photo gives you a view of how the brad prongs are bent to hold the jump ring. If you make one yourself make sure to hold the floret facing up and bend the prongs so that the loop faces up - it just works easier. Once you have the jump ring squeezed into place, push the center of the brad so that the prongs lay flat against the back of the flower.

My bracelet took 11 florets and rhinestone brads but for you petite gals it will take less. To obtain the correct size for your wrist just keep placing the bracelet on your wrist as you connect florets.
When the two ends ALMOST touch, STOP. Once you add a jump ring and clasp to each end the bracelet will fit perfectly.

That's it! Quick, easy and totally unique! From start to finish my bracelet took 30 minutes to complete. That's faster than some cards I create! LOL!!!

I'd love to say this was a Jill Haddad original idea - but I can't take the credit. I saw a sweet little braclet using a premade chain from a retail outlet and some "Build a Brads" on another demonstrator's blog - but since I didn't have any "Build a Brads" I had to get creative and make do with what I had on hand.

What do you think? Do you like it?

Happy Stamping!
Jill

SCRAP HAPPY VACATION

I played in my studio ALL day yesterday until 5:30 a.m. this morning and did a get ALOT accomplished. I started out by making an Xtended Scrapbook Card then cutting the paper/cardstock to make 9 more for a class I am holding on the 21st. I was left with a 3" high stack of scraps that were approximately 3"x 1" glittery patterned papers. So what's a girl to do but figure out layouts that could use them. Some I left as they were - others I cut into 1" squares - but here are some of the cards I created with them.

I had fun playing. I hope you enjoyed looking.

Until next time -

Happy Stamping.

Jill

STAMP BLOTTER BACKGROUND

My husband, son, and I spent the Labor Day weekend out of state visiting my mom's relative's in Kentucky. We had such a wonderful time - but I missed my studio and getting to play with my stamps and markers and such. I really should be unpacking - but just HAD to create ONE thing first and post it to my blog.

This isn't at all what I sat down to create today - but when I sat at my desk my ink covered blotter was still there from before vacation and I really loved the colors on it. So - why not cut out the best part and use it for the background on a card. I love the way it turned out too. JUST ANOTHER REASON NOT TO THROW ANYTHING AWAY!!!!

All products used on this card are from STAMPIN'UP!

DIRECTIONS:

I started with a Whisper White card base and adhered a 4 x 5.25" piece of ink covered stamp blotter paper to the front.

Then I took the bird image from "WINGS OF FRIENDSHIP" and inked it using So Saffron ink. Using the "THUMPING" technique I added Cameo Coral and Ruby Red inks then used a Basic Black Marker to lay in some shading and outlines to the rubber. I lightly misted the stamp a couple of times with water then stamped it onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock. Next I touched up the outlines, eye and beak with the writing tip of the Basick Black marker then sponged Only Orange and Ruby Red starting at the corners and working in a circular motion toward the center of the card. I misted the image a couple of times with water to create water spots on the background. The ribbon is So Saffron Grosgrain and the image was matted on Basic Black and Ruby Red Cardstock then popped up with a double height of Dimensionals.

Once the ribbon and image were placed I stamped the sentiment from "MUCH APPRECIATED" onto the background using Basic Black ink.

That's it for today friends. I'm off to unpack, pay the heat bill and hopefully scrap some vacation photos using MY DIGITAL STUDIO.

Have a wonderful rest of your day -
and until next time -
Happy Stamping!

Jill

DECISION MADE AND MORE MDS PLAY

(Scroll down for today's project if you don't want to know whether I'm staying with SU! or not.)

I have finally reached a decision re: whether or not to sign the new SU! demonstrator agreement. It took much thought on my part and the counsel of some good friends to make this decision.

I WILL be signing and continuing as a Stampin'Up! Demonstrator. After much soul searching I came to the conclusion that I can still maintain an honest and forthright relationship with my customers AND Stampin'Up at the same time. The only change you (my readers) should notice is the removal of my blog roll on the right hand side of my blog.

I will continue USING products from other companies as they appeal to me, will continue trying new things, and will continue providing the how to information I have always provided.

That being said, let me show you the fun little scrapbook page I created before leaving for the office this morning.


Once again I used SU!'s new My Digital Studio downloads and created this little 8x8 scrapbook page. Since posting the Christmas Card last night I have received several email comments about cost of printing, needing to "feel" and "see" the actual papers, cardstock, embellishments, etc.

I have to admit, I am definitely a "hold it in your hands" person. Ever since I could hold a pencil in my hand and scribble on paper I have been a pencil/paper/pen/marker LOVER! My mother would keep me quiet in church by giving me a pencil and paper when I was 3 years old and I could sit for hours even at that age doodling quite happily! so don't expect me to give up the coloring, cutting and pasting. THAT will NEVER happen! You will probably NOT see many cards created with MDS here on my blog but you CAN expect to see more scrapbook pages - because I LOVE digital scrapbooking.

Here are just a few of the reasons:

1. REUSABLE PRODUCT
Think about it: How much do you spend to create ONE 12x12 scrapbook page. The page above is very simple but if made from 3 dimensional product would have 3 different colors of cardstock, one piece of DSP, 2 eyelets, a rub-on or sticker and the use of adhesive to hold it all together. That comes to a total price of about $4 - $5 (depending on the cost of the sticker) for just ONE scrapbook page. I can RE-USE these items a zillion times on other pages and it NEVER costs me more than the origianal purchase price.

2. COST EFFICIENT (somewhat explained in reason #1)
What about printing? My home printer doesn't allow me to print 12x12 (some do) but I CAN print 8.5x11 or 8x8 or 6x6 scrapbook pages on it. But if I don't WANT to print at home or I want 12x12 size pages, with the purchase of MDS I have access to professional printing services that can actually print all my pages into a hardbound book and STILL have less money invested than if I were buying the actual materials. Even printing at home the cost of purchasing the ink cartridge is MUCH LESS and LESS FREQUENT than purchasing the materials and embellishments.

You want to save more money? Think about this. You know those alphabet stickers you purchase for $2-$3 a pack? How many times have you needed a specific color in a specific letter and realized that you've already used it? Or been left with a kazillion x's (because really how often do we use the letter x?). With a digital program you can change the color, pattern, and size of an image. You can do the same with any of the images - you need a 1" butterfly but only have a 2" stamp or sticker - you won't have that problem with MDS.

3. PORTABILITY
I'm leaving on a mini vacation tomorrow and there is NO WAY I would consider dragging along all my tools, embellishments, papers, cardstock etc. But with MDS all I need is my laptop and I can design away in the motel each night while hubby watches t.v.

4. NO THICK, CUMBERSOME SCRAPBOOKS
Have you ever noticed how THICK and hard to handle your traditional scrapbook gets when you add ribbons, texture, metal embellishments and layers of cardstock and papers? Those books are HEAVY and take up ALOT of shelf space. Not so with a digital scrapbook.

5. NO RETIRING IN-COLORS!
Don't you hate it when SU! comes out with a FANTASTIC In-Color (think Pink Pirouette, River Rock, etc) and then retires it in 12 months! With MDS you will ALWAYS have access to even the retired colors in both solids and patterned papers. MDS has ALL of the current In-colors as well as a few of the retired ones. As new colors are released they will also be available for download.

6. NO MESS TO CLEAN UP!!!!!
For me this is a BIG plus. My craftroom is usually a mess because I'm not a "clean as you go" kind of gal. But after creating a Christmas Card and a Scrapbook page in different color schemes the only disruption to my craftroom was the water glass and box of Malted Milk balls sitting beside the keyboard on my desk. LOVIN' IT!

Really - what's NOT to love about this product?!?!

Okay - I know this was a REALLY long post today - but I wanted you to get the scoop and know what's so great about this product. And if you are worried about getting it and not knowing what to do with it or how to use it - DON'T WORRY! That's why I'm here!

Have a great day today and enjoy whatever it is you're doing.
Happy Stamping!
Jill

STAMPIN'UP! MY DIGITAL STUDIO PREVIEW

Stampin'Up! has released the "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" (MDS) program and downloads for preview by demonstrators. I will be purchasing the full program but I couldn't wait for delivery so I downloaded a few of the downloads (which are included with the full program) so I could play a little tonight.

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

The program will be available for customer purchase beginning October 1st - and is WELL worth the $79.95 purchase price.

For this card I used MDS Designer Series Paper in Riding Hood Red, Background "Cardstock" also in Riding Hood Red. MDS buttons in white and one of the digital stamp images from the Old St. Nick stamp set. I downloaded the buttons (every core color was included) for $3.95. What is so wonderful about this program is you get the same look but the product is not consumable. YOU NEVER USE THEM UP!!!

If you are like me you need to hold the paper, scissors, punches in your hands so you might not think you would like this. TRUST ME - if you enjoy computer work at all - your'e going to LOVE it. Even if you don't want to completely create your project on the computer think of the money you could save by just purchasing the Designer Paper downloads and printing out just what you need. I purchased the Small Polka Dot Designer Paper download for $3.95 and received the DSP in 34 core colors - (including KRAFT, ALL THE CURRENT INCOLORS and a even few past In-Colors.)

The fun in creating with this program comes from manipulating objects and playing with colors and textures and shapes. I LOVE computer graphics so I find it FUN. However, I also LOVE coloring, and cutting, and pasting, and punching so would NEVER give up my hands-on crafting. I will more than likely use MDS for scrapbooking and continue 3 dimensional card making and crafting. Adding buttons, ribbons, metal objects, layers etc to scrapbooks gets REALLY expensive and makes the books too heavy and cumbersome - not to mention difficult to store. Digital scrapbooking is a wonderful way to cut costs AND save room.

Keep watching - I'm sure you'll be seeing alot of projects made with this program in the next few weeks.

Happy stamping!
Jill

CHANGES TO MY BLOG

A few of you received a blog post from me yesterday about the Stampin'Up! Demonstrator Agreement. After I posted it I decided it was more a "vent session" than a real blog post so I deleted it before I sent it out through FeedBlitz. For those of you who did receive and read it - thanks for allowing me to vent and please accept my apology for the tirade.

For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about - I have to decide if I want to sign a new demonstrator's agreement with Stampin'Up! by the end of the month. If I don't sign it I can no longer sell product. If I DO sign it I can no longer share information with you about products that aren't Stampin'Up! It is a very difficult decision for me. It pretty much comes down to INTEGRITY and I'm afraid if they don't amend the agreement before the end of the month they will force me to resign.

So, putting that behind us for now, lets get on with today's works of heart - 3 to be exact.

The first one is a remake of yesterday's attempt at a Zindorf. I'm STILL not 100% satisfied - but getting closer. I realized that with the moon coming up from behind the trees you would only see light on the very tips of the right side branches of the trees - so there is a bit too much white on my pines. Other than that - I'm basically happy with it.

PRODUCT USED - ALL SU!

Brayer

Sponges

SU! Brilliant Blue Ink

SU! Lavendar Lace Ink

SU! Almost Amethyst Ink

SU! Basic Black Ink

SU! White Gel Pen

SU! So Saffron Ink

I get Christmas Card magazines at my day-job office this time of year and I love to look through them for ideas. This next card was inspired by a card in one of the magazines. Theres used a lovey pine bough but I LOVE this stamp set from Stampin'Up! and wanted to use it.

PRODUCT USED:

SU! Scenic Seasons Stamp Set

SU! Whisper White Card Stock

SU! Real Red Card Stock

SU! Markers - Handsome Hunter, Real Red, & the retired Forest Foilage

SU! Heat n Stick Powder

Crushed Glass Glitter

NOTE: When I received this stamp set I cut the sentiment apart from the image to make it more versatile and easier to use.

The last card I made last night is also inspired by Michelle Zindorf. I've found I really like using the large craft sponges and brayer to create backgrounds. If you haven't tried her technique yet you've really got to give it a whirl. LOVIN' IT!!!

PRODUCT USED

Pumpkin Stamp

SU! Christmas Set (I forgot the name - Snow Swirls maybe????)

SU! Whisper White Cardstock

SU! Real Red Cardstock

SU! So Saffron Ink

SU! Pumpkin Pie Ink

SU! Ruby Red Ink

SU! Craft White Ink

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Versamark Pad

Versamark Pen

Detail Clear Embossing Powder

SU! Markers - More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa

Hope you enjoyed the post today. I know there was alot to look at - guess I'm making up for the lack of recent posts.

Until Next Time -

Happy Stamping - with WHATEVER product you use!

Jill

ZINDORF INSPIRED . . .

ZINDORF INSPIRED MISTAKE THAT IS!!!!!! Are you familiar with the work of Michelle Zindorf? She does these AMAZING scenic pieces of artwork with a brayer and sponges. I was inspired to have a go at it - really - how hard could it be right??? Hah! Harder than you might think!!!!!

I have to admit I debated on whether to post this card or not - but then thought if I could point out my mistakes it might actually help you to NOT make the same ones!

This card was quite beautiful when I finished it and I was very proud of it - so much so I showed it to hubby who thought it looked like a painting. ORIGINALLY this card wasn't quite so dark. The sky was a deep, brilliant blue and beneath it a line of amethyst mountains lining a quiet, blue lake surrounded by pine trees. There was also a lovely, clear moon rising in front of the mountain ridges. What?!? There's the PROBLEM!

ERROR #1: Have you EVER seen a moon rise IN FRONT of a mountain range????? Of course not - the moon rises behind the mountains and therefore the bottom third of my moon should have been covered over by the amethyst mountains. The more I looked at it the more it bothered me so I decided to "fix" it. The only way to do that was to cover the mountains with more night sky. (If you look closely you can still see the diagonal line of my mountain range.)

ERROR #2: Do not add sponging to your card if it is already assembled! DUH! Notice the blue sponging on my white mat?

ERROR #3: As I was adding more night sky, I sponged too hard against my post-it note moon mask and ended up smudging the edges. My advice - be careful and if you DO smude the edges of your moon DON'T try to fix it with a white gel pen. It looks like . . . well you know what it looks like. My mother doesn't let me say that word! LOL!

Okay - so enough picking on myself for one day. I hope you learned from my mistakes and won't make the same ones if you try your hand at a "Zindorf". Come back tomorrow - hopefully I'll have corrected my errors and have a beautiful moon rising BEHIND my amethyst mountains.

Thanks for visiting today -
and until next time -
Happy Stamping.

Jill