Seaside Notions Swap Card

Today I'm sharing the swap card I made for our team. The theme this month was a tic-tac-toe challenge which was an awesome way to get the creativity flowing! It was interesting because as I created the card, at one point I HATED it and was about ready to throw it in the trash! I forced myself to keep going until I ended up with something that I absolutely love! The moral of today's story? When you're ready to throw it in the trash, DON'T! It just isn't finished yet!

The key to turning this card around was that seahorse! Can you believe I wasn't even planning on using him? I was focused on the Mosaic DSP and Embossing folder but then thought of the seahorse and it took on a completely different feel! To keep it from being too busy, I grounded all the focal point pieces together by adding the tree ring from Rooted in Nature as the base. At first glance, it even looks like a large sand dollar...but it's not! I just inked it up in Sahara Sand ink, stamped it on my scratch paper and then stamped it on a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock to get that subtle image. The seahorse was colored in with Calypso Coral Blends, which coordinate so nicely with the Terracotta Tile cardstock! The seahorse, sand dollar and sentiment (from Rooted in Nature) were all stamped in Early Espresso ink.

Here are all the products I used on the card. You can purchase them simply by clicking on each image which will bring you to my online store. 

Product List

Seaside Notions Cling Stamp Set

[149278]

$23.00

Rooted In Nature Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146482]

$42.00

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper

[149478]

$14.50

Terracotta Tile 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[150884]

$8.75

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[101650]

$9.75

Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes

[107300]

$7.50

Mint Macaron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[138337]

$8.75

Mosaic 3D Embossing Folder

[149575]

$10.00

Everyday Label Punch

[144668]

$18.00

Sahara Sand 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Woven Threads Trim

[149499]

$8.00

Gingham Gala Adhesive-Backed Sequins

[148561]

$7.50

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

[147114]

$7.50

Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pad

[147117]

$7.50

Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144045]

$9.00

During the month of July, you can get a BONUS coupon to use in August! You'll get $5 for every $50 that you spend!

Free stamps! Yay!

Speaking of free stamps, there's an AMAZING deal going on during July and August where you can get $155 worth of product for just $99! You can find out more here. I'd love for you to become a preferred customer and get the discounts, but if you're not ready, you can use this month's hostess code KHM4JECD for a free gift from me.

If you like the beach theme of today's card, be sure to join us Wednesday at 2:00 CDT for this week's Facebook Live!

I'll have some Paper Pumpkin alternative projects and several more fun beach themed projects for you! Each of these projects will have it's own post this week so you don't miss out on any of the details!

I hope you enjoy creating this summer and thanks again for stopping by!

Paper Pumpkin and Facebook Live

We have a special pink dinosaur birthday party tomorrow!

Even though it has been so much fun to plan together, her birthday means:

A- she's another year older,

and B- summer is winding down! 

Just a few more weeks of staying up late, sleeping in, and basically complete freedom! The good news is this also means we're getting back to a regular schedule and routine! PHEW!

What does this mean for you? Well, starting next week I'll be back to a weekly Facebook Live schedule! 

Mark your calendars! 

EVERY Wednesday at 2:00 Central Time you can join me for FREE video tutorials, creative ideas, and even prizes!

JOIN ME next week when I will be sharing alternative projects for July's On My Mind Paper Pumpkin kit. If you don't have the kit, don't worry! I'll show you some other stamp sets that will also work for the projects we'll be making! But be sure to signup for your August kit so you can create with us next time! Once you're a subscriber you can also buy past kits and refills when available, and the July refill is now available!

Oh you haven't heard of Paper Pumpkin? Let me introduce you... It is a monthly ALL INCLUSIVE paper crafting kit in a box! For only $22 you get ALL the cardstock, embellishments, adhesives, ink pad(s), AND stamps you'll need for a creative break! Each month is different but will include cards or another paper project that you can make from start to finish right out of the box! Your first kit will also include a clear block that you will need to save to use with your stamps each month. Can't get enough of it? Don't worry, every month I will show you other projects you can make with those awesome stamp sets and I will give you a printable case insert so you can store those stamp sets and continue using them again and again! 

Here is a video showing you what is in this month's kit and what you get to make:

Don't forget to join me on Facebook next Wednesday for alternative project ideas! See you then!

Third Thursdays Blog Hop: Christmas in July

It's Christmas in July for this month's Third Thursdays Blog Hop!

I'm all about Christmas ANYTIME, but I haven't been ready to play with my Christmas stash yet. It might have something to do with the over 100 temperatures. Whenever I feel stuck for whatever reason, I tend to look outside the box! And that is just what I did for today's card! 

That beautiful Royal Peacock image makes such a stunning focal point! To make it just a little more magical, I stamped it in Versamark ink and then embossed it with that AMAZING Shimmer White Stampin' Emboss Powder! I love how it sparkles like freshly fallen snow! To pick up that sparkle even more, I added a layer of Sparkle Glimmer Paper and also used that to add the "Merry" die from the Merry Christmas Dies.

Let's see what other festive things are in store for you today! Hop on through to all the Third Thursdays participants!

Kimberley Morris
Angie McKenzie
Krystal Roberts (you are here)
Anne Marie Hile
Susan Legits

DIY Party Favors

Happy Independence Day! I hope everyone enjoyed the celebration last night! Dylan has the flu so he rested while I took the kids to see the amazing fireworks show our neighborhood puts on every year! (Gotta love living in Texas!)

I never get great pictures of the actual fireworks, but I love this one I took last night that captures the kids with a neighbor watching the show!

It's always such a fun and relaxed holiday for us, which makes me reflect on those who sacrifice(d) so much for our freedom. Which in turn causes me to be a little more present and grateful to those in my life at THIS moment.

I know it's just a small thing, but I like to make little gifts of appreciation for people I come across from day to day. Here is a fun treat I made in honor of yesterday's celebration.

I used the Broadway Birthday stamp set to stamp "Hooray" and the candles (which I'm hoping look like firecrackers?) in Blueberry Bushel and Real Red. The coordinating Broadway Lights Dies cut out the candle fireworks perfectly!

One fun technique I used on this project was stamping the dots for "hooray" in Versamark and then using our new Shimmer White Stampin' Emboss Powder! I LOVE THAT STUFF!!!! You really can't see the sparkle in the photo but trust me, it's AMAZING!

For the tag, I used the Everyday Label Punch but needed it to be a little wider to fit the sentiment. So, I cut a 1 1/2" strip of Whisper White Cardstock and stuck just one edge into the punch with the other side sticking out. I then stamped hooray and stuck the other edge into the punch to get it the perfect size! I added the firecrackers on with mini dimensionals.

I adhered the tag to a pentagon treat pouch (also known as the diaper fold - which isn't a very appetizing name for a treat in my opinion but does explain how to make it!) This is made by:

1. Taking a 6-inch square piece of scrapbook paper (DSP) and folding it on a diagonal.
2. Then, bring one point up and across.
3. Do the same with the other point.
4. Fold one triangle layer down then decorate and add treats!

Got it? Great! If not, here's a step by step picture tutorial for you:

Here are the supplies I used. If you would like to purchase them, just click on the picture and you will be brought to my online store! Just add it to your basket! If your order is $50 or more, you will receive a $5 coupon that you can use in August! (This promotion goes throughout the entire month of July! Earn as many $5 off coupons as you want! OR if your order is more than $99, why not get $155 worth of your choice of products for $99? Seems like a no brainer right? Talk to me if you have any questions!)

Product List

Broadway Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set

[147067]

$17.00

Broadway Lights Dies

[146317]

$29.00

Everyday Label Punch

[144668]

$18.00

2018-2020 In Color 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[149618]

$11.50

Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad

[147138]

$7.50

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

[147084]

$7.50

Versamark Pad

[102283]

$9.50

Shimmer White Stampin' Emboss Powder

[149511]

$6.00

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.00

Imagine this EXACT same design in different colors!  I'd love to see your version shared in our facebook group! These DIY party favors could be used for graduation out of your school's colors, or for a birthday in the special guest's favorite colors! Which colors would you choose?

It's finally here! The new Stampin' Up! 2019 Annual Catalog

Oh my goodness! I've been waiting to order some of these BEAUTIFUL products for MONTHS! Ever since I first drooled over it at San Antonio Onstage! As a demonstrator, I was able to order some of the good stuff early, but I want it all!!!

I've been playing with the Above the Clouds stamp set and coordinating Hot Air Balloon punch, and it just might be my favorite hot air balloon set EVER! It's so easy to use in SOOO many ways, and the sentiments included cover every occasion you can imagine!

I used it over the weekend at my Catalog Kickoff/Retiring Sale with a quick and easy card featuring the brand new in-colors!

They were a big hit for both beginner and advanced stampers! Here is a quick video tutorial:

I hope you love these fun cards and make a few of your own! You can start ordering new products TODAY! Check out the Above the Clouds stamp set, and all the other new things available in the new annual catalog! Just click on the image below and add these products to your cart! Use hostess code: R99AAKSC and I will send you a free class kit to go!


Product List

Above The Clouds Bundle

[151135]

$36.00

Above The Clouds Photopolymer Stamp Set

[149404]

$22.00

Hot Air Balloon Punch

[149520]

$18.00

Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies

[148551]

$35.00

2019–2021 In Color 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[149617]

$11.50

2019-2021 In Color 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[149701]

$9.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

[104332]

$7.00

Simply Shammy

[147042]

$8.00

There are so many fun new products in the new annual catalog and I am so in love with these new in-colors! Which one is your favorite? Purple Posy might be my favorite at the moment, but it's hard to choose just one! They're even more beautiful in person!

Catalog Kickoff and 50% Retired Product Sale

Third Thursdays Blog Hop: Make New Friends But Keep the Old

This time of year is always filled with mixed emotions. Looking forward to the long days of summer while making the most of the last few structured days of school. The giddy excitement spent using NEW products, woven into melancholy moments of saying goodbye to retiring favorites.

This month's Third Thursdays Blog Hop theme is exactly that! Make new friends, but keep the old!

I love blending the old with the new. It breathes new life into those dusty, forgotten, stamps on the shelf. My favorite way of reviving them (and therefore convincing myself I need to keep them a little while longer!) is mixing old stamps with new COLOR!

Wouldn't this card be perfect for the recent grad embarking on a new life adventure? Or as a birthday reminder to live each moment to the fullest? It's surprisingly versatile and inspires adventure don't you think?

I am IN LOVE with one of our newest in-colors "Purple Posy". It's soft but vivid at the same time! I couldn't wait to try it with a bold pop of Pineapple Punch and the retiring Lemon Zest stamp set was PERFECT!

This "recessed panel" card reminds me of the excitement of summer - peeking at us from just around the corner, ready to burst through the door at any minute! Just like the new catalog! Bursting with so many gorgeous new products! Are you ready for it??

Let's take a peek at the next blog, and see what inspiring projects Anne Marie has for us this month!

Be sure to click through to all the Third Thursdays Blog Hop participants for inspiration on those retiring products as well as the fun new ones we have to look forward to!

Kimberley Morris

Krystal Roberts

Anne Marie Hile

Susan Legits

Sarah Fleming

Kim Fee

Angie McKenzie

Here are the products I used in creating today's card:

Lemon Zest Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143808]

$20.00

Lemon Builder Punch

[143712]

$18.00

Pineapple Punch Classic Stampin' Pad

[147141]

$7.50

Purple Posy Classic Stampin’ Pad

[150084]

$7.50

Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad

[147104]

$7.50

Purple Posy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[150881]

$8.75

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Everyday Label Punch

[144668]

$18.00

Share What You Love Artisan Pearls

[146927]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Thanks again for stopping by this month's Third Thursday Blog Hop! I hope you're as excited as I am to see all the new products in the upcoming Stampin' Up! 2019-2020 Annual Catalog! Don't forget to get those retiring favorites before they are gone forever!