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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thickers Giveaway!
I just wanted to let you gals know that Big Lots has THICKERS!!!!! OMGosh I spent a day's worth of paycheck buying Thickers at Big Lots. My mom took me to the BL in town on the day I was feeling bad as a pick-me-up and I got a few packs then. Then today, my dear friend Karen and I hit up another Big Lots and we tore the place up!! LOL We both got a ton!
Now, I am not as kind as my other dear friend Melisa, who is offering some of her Thickers as blog candy!!! Check it out here: http://melisascraps.blogspot.com/2009/05/big-lots-and-blog-giveaway.html
Now, I am not as kind as my other dear friend Melisa, who is offering some of her Thickers as blog candy!!! Check it out here: http://melisascraps.blogspot.com/2009/05/big-lots-and-blog-giveaway.html
Sketch Challenge #17
Here is this week's sketch:
I am going to a friend's house to work on it in a few minutes :O)
I am going to a friend's house to work on it in a few minutes :O)Saturday, May 30, 2009
Stamptivity #13
For this week's Stamptivity Challenge, Only color in one part of your Stamptivity stamped image to accent that part.
For my example, I only colored in the bouquet and left the patterned paper showing through for the rest of the stamped image.
These stamps are from the Stamptivity Wedding and Stationery Text stamp set. The paper is from K & Company and the cardstock and ink are Stampin' UP.
For my example, I only colored in the bouquet and left the patterned paper showing through for the rest of the stamped image.
These stamps are from the Stamptivity Wedding and Stationery Text stamp set. The paper is from K & Company and the cardstock and ink are Stampin' UP.
Friday, May 29, 2009
IBCC #19
IBCC stands for Idea Book & Catalog Challenge. The IBC challenges are intended to get everyone thinking about the Stampin' UP catalog as an idea book and not only a catalog (since it is intended to be BOTH). The Idea Book & Catalogs are all filled with great sample projects which you can use as inspiration for many different types of projects.The card above is from the current Idea Book and catalog. Use it as your inspiration for your card. This card features the stamp set called Friends 24-7. I have this set and love it!!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Fairy Tales LO
**I am on a ProvoCraft/Cricut Boycott! They won't get another dime from me! Got a Cricut? Well use it! Don't have one yet? Consider a different machine!! Click here for more details about my boycott and how I got here!! You can join the boycott too!**
Here is another LO I used my new camera on! I love how clear it is. I am telling ya, the camera makes all the difference!I whipped this LO out tonight and I wanted to share since I am working on my photography skillz. (Z means serious!!)
For this LO, I used Stampin' UP's Blush Blossom cardstock for the background. The photos are matted on Basic Black cardstock and then there is a stack of ribbon underneath the photos. The ribbon is from various places and from some very generous friends I have (Thank you Emily and Calia!!! I love you girls!).
The title reads "Fairy Tales do come true . . ." and then "4 years" The fairy tale part is from a stamp in the Stampin' UP Once Upon A Time stamp set. I love this little stamp set. I also used this stamp set on the mini dog book (but I haven't loaded that page of it yet). I used Thickers for the 4 Years part.
The birds and the journaling shape are from the Cricut Home Decor cartridge. I really wanted to use the birds on this page. Johnny is the top bird and I am the bottom bird LOL!! He wasn't very happy when I told him he was a little pink bird, but oh well.. .
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Stampin' UP Stamp Storage
My stamp sets have grown over the months, so I recently decided to reorganize my stamps. I am still using the Sterilite containers I was using before, but I have alphabetized my sets and labeled the containers so now I can find the sets I am looking for. I have 80-ish sets now and this system leaves some room for me to get more sets in the future without having to add more containers. Once I get many more sets, I will just have to change the labels as I add new containers.
I got all the Sterilite containers at Target for like $2 a piece. For summer, they have these cute lime green ones. During the fall, they offer dark red ones. I just love these containers and I use them for more than just my stamps. I have these containers all around my scrap room, in the kitchen and bathroom. They are great little containers.
For my stamps, each container holds 10 stamp sets, 9 straight in a row, and then one on the side. I put the large sets in their own containers (the first two containers at the top of the shelf are filled with large sets). For the larger sets, the containers only hold 6 sets.
I got all the Sterilite containers at Target for like $2 a piece. For summer, they have these cute lime green ones. During the fall, they offer dark red ones. I just love these containers and I use them for more than just my stamps. I have these containers all around my scrap room, in the kitchen and bathroom. They are great little containers.
For my stamps, each container holds 10 stamp sets, 9 straight in a row, and then one on the side. I put the large sets in their own containers (the first two containers at the top of the shelf are filled with large sets). For the larger sets, the containers only hold 6 sets.
Emma Update
I am happy to report that Baby Emma has had her cast removed!! Her little leg is no longer broken and she is doing well.
This is one of the last photos taken with the cast (we covered her cast with a sock while indoors so we wouldn't mess with it and it wouldn't get dirty). She is playing with my robe which was on the floor. She wrapped herself up like this, LOL.
And here is one of the first photos taken with the cast off. Mya is in the upper corner. They were playing when Emma stopped and did whatever she is doing in the photo? I am not sure! I have got some other photos of her, but they are still on the camera.
She had a little swelling at first, but now the swelling has gone down and she is starting to use her leg more. She still walks with a limp and holds her leg up oddly, but she is getting used to it.
Thank you everyone for you kind words about Emma. She healed well and we won't be putting her on the bed again! :O)
This is one of the last photos taken with the cast (we covered her cast with a sock while indoors so we wouldn't mess with it and it wouldn't get dirty). She is playing with my robe which was on the floor. She wrapped herself up like this, LOL.
And here is one of the first photos taken with the cast off. Mya is in the upper corner. They were playing when Emma stopped and did whatever she is doing in the photo? I am not sure! I have got some other photos of her, but they are still on the camera.
She had a little swelling at first, but now the swelling has gone down and she is starting to use her leg more. She still walks with a limp and holds her leg up oddly, but she is getting used to it.Thank you everyone for you kind words about Emma. She healed well and we won't be putting her on the bed again! :O)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Welcome Serena!
My buddy Serena just joined my Inkalicious Divas team and became a Stampin' UP demonstrator! She is one of my newest stamping buddies and decided to join the team because she is in love with Stampin' UP products (like me!!). I am so glad to have her on the team. Serena is working on setting up a blog so when she has one, I will post in my sidebar along with the other Inkalicious Divas.
This is a great time to remind everyone that this is the best time ever to sign up to become a demonstrator. Stampin' UP is offering a $75 starter kit special. This is a starter kit geared towards scrapbookers. The normal starter kit is still available if you want the full starter kit.
I would love to have anybody join my Inkalicious Divas team. I am very supportive to my team. I am always available to them to answer questions if they have any. To join, simply go to my Stampin' UP website http://stampinwithsami.stampinup.net and click join now. You have to enter my authorization password: sstracha on one of the forms that comes up.
Here is a list of some of the benefits of being a demonstrator:
*Get a monthly magazine from Stampin' UP
*The ability to pre-order things before everyone else
*The ability to buy hostess stamp sets during the hostess pre-order (before every catalog)
*A community of demonstrators to share your ideas with
*The opportunity to win Stampin' UP sponsored contests every month
*A 20% discount on all your own purchases
*A guaranteed 20% instant income on all sales
*The chance to earn up to 40% on all sales
*The support of my me and the Inkalicious Divas team
*The chance to go to convention
*The chance to meet new people
*Be your own boss, schedule your own hours
*Run your own business how you want to
*Access to the demonstrator side of Stampinup.com which has templates, inspiration, and business ideas
*Access to the demonstrator side of splitcoaststampers which is a great place to learn how to help your business grow
*A chance to earn 9 FREE stamp sets in your first 6 months (I did it so I know it is possible!!)
*A chance to earn free stuff through a program called Great Rewards
*A chance to earn even extra money from growing your team (based on your downline's sales)
There is probably many more benefits, but I can't think of them right now because I had a migraine today :(
This is a great time to remind everyone that this is the best time ever to sign up to become a demonstrator. Stampin' UP is offering a $75 starter kit special. This is a starter kit geared towards scrapbookers. The normal starter kit is still available if you want the full starter kit.
I would love to have anybody join my Inkalicious Divas team. I am very supportive to my team. I am always available to them to answer questions if they have any. To join, simply go to my Stampin' UP website http://stampinwithsami.stampinup.net and click join now. You have to enter my authorization password: sstracha on one of the forms that comes up.
Here is a list of some of the benefits of being a demonstrator:
*Get a monthly magazine from Stampin' UP
*The ability to pre-order things before everyone else
*The ability to buy hostess stamp sets during the hostess pre-order (before every catalog)
*A community of demonstrators to share your ideas with
*The opportunity to win Stampin' UP sponsored contests every month
*A 20% discount on all your own purchases
*A guaranteed 20% instant income on all sales
*The chance to earn up to 40% on all sales
*The support of my me and the Inkalicious Divas team
*The chance to go to convention
*The chance to meet new people
*Be your own boss, schedule your own hours
*Run your own business how you want to
*Access to the demonstrator side of Stampinup.com which has templates, inspiration, and business ideas
*Access to the demonstrator side of splitcoaststampers which is a great place to learn how to help your business grow
*A chance to earn 9 FREE stamp sets in your first 6 months (I did it so I know it is possible!!)
*A chance to earn free stuff through a program called Great Rewards
*A chance to earn even extra money from growing your team (based on your downline's sales)
There is probably many more benefits, but I can't think of them right now because I had a migraine today :(
Use IT Tuesday #9
Every Tuesday, I am digging into my stash and using something I have been hoarding. I have a room full of stuff and I am going to try to USE IT!! I hope you will join me and start using your own stuff more.
This week, I used some scraps that have been sitting on my desk. I also used another one of those chipboard stickers. The cherry is from the Stampin' UP Just Jawing stamp set. I colored it with my Stampin' UP markers so that it was two colors.
The Stampin' UP Baja Breeze cardstock is textured so the stamped image looks a little distressed. I really like the look of stamping on textured cardstock.
This week, I used some scraps that have been sitting on my desk. I also used another one of those chipboard stickers. The cherry is from the Stampin' UP Just Jawing stamp set. I colored it with my Stampin' UP markers so that it was two colors.
The Stampin' UP Baja Breeze cardstock is textured so the stamped image looks a little distressed. I really like the look of stamping on textured cardstock.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Photography Please!
First a little business to attend to:
** I still need some online Stampin' UP hostesses! Please email me asap sstracha@utk.edu!!
** Is my blog running slower than normal? I added a new widget so that there are related posts under each new post. Please let me know if it is loading too slow.
Now onto the goodies:
I thought my big birthday present this year was my Cricut Expression but I was soooooo wrong! My mom knows I have been displeased with my photography skills and I really want to improve. My mom got me this Olympus E-450 digital SLR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am psyched!
She and Johnny really went all out for me so I can become a better photographer. I got the camera, a photography book, Photoshop Elements, and a Photo shop book! I am blown away with their kindness and I am determined to become an awesome photographer. My real goal is to be a great photographer so when Johnny and I have kids, I will capture those memories. BUT my more immediate goal is to be able to take publishable photos of my LOs and cards.
This is my first attempt at photographing and editing a LO:
I don't think it was too bad for my first try. I used the white balance adjustment on Photoshop Elements and I plan on posting a tutorial sometime soon.
This is the LO I made for the sketch challenge this week. I used K & Company paper, SU stitched ribbon, some shaped eyelets with my new Crop a dile (tutorial/review coming soon!), some Alphas from a past VP kit. I inked the edges of everything including the alphas with brown chalk ink that came with my May VP kit. I love the look of the chalk ink.
Do you see that little owl on the circle near the title??? He is from the Stampin' UP Goody Goody Gumdrops hostess stamp set. This is a level 3 hostess stamp set. The current hostess sets will be retiring at the end of this catalog (June 30th) so be sure to get them while you still can! I am a hostess set lover!
And do you see that cute little brown flower with the jewel? The flower is from the Flower Fusion Too accents set and the jewel is a faux pearl from the Pretties Kit. I earned the Flower Fusion kit as hostess benefits. AND I got the Pretties kit for free based on my sales through Great Rewards. I say this because IT ROCKS TO BE A DEMO! I love getting free stuff!
** I still need some online Stampin' UP hostesses! Please email me asap sstracha@utk.edu!!
** Is my blog running slower than normal? I added a new widget so that there are related posts under each new post. Please let me know if it is loading too slow.
Now onto the goodies:
I thought my big birthday present this year was my Cricut Expression but I was soooooo wrong! My mom knows I have been displeased with my photography skills and I really want to improve. My mom got me this Olympus E-450 digital SLR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am psyched!She and Johnny really went all out for me so I can become a better photographer. I got the camera, a photography book, Photoshop Elements, and a Photo shop book! I am blown away with their kindness and I am determined to become an awesome photographer. My real goal is to be a great photographer so when Johnny and I have kids, I will capture those memories. BUT my more immediate goal is to be able to take publishable photos of my LOs and cards.
This is my first attempt at photographing and editing a LO:
I don't think it was too bad for my first try. I used the white balance adjustment on Photoshop Elements and I plan on posting a tutorial sometime soon.This is the LO I made for the sketch challenge this week. I used K & Company paper, SU stitched ribbon, some shaped eyelets with my new Crop a dile (tutorial/review coming soon!), some Alphas from a past VP kit. I inked the edges of everything including the alphas with brown chalk ink that came with my May VP kit. I love the look of the chalk ink.
Do you see that little owl on the circle near the title??? He is from the Stampin' UP Goody Goody Gumdrops hostess stamp set. This is a level 3 hostess stamp set. The current hostess sets will be retiring at the end of this catalog (June 30th) so be sure to get them while you still can! I am a hostess set lover!
And do you see that cute little brown flower with the jewel? The flower is from the Flower Fusion Too accents set and the jewel is a faux pearl from the Pretties Kit. I earned the Flower Fusion kit as hostess benefits. AND I got the Pretties kit for free based on my sales through Great Rewards. I say this because IT ROCKS TO BE A DEMO! I love getting free stuff!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Lesson 25: Embossed Sanding Technique
In this lesson, learn how to use a sanding technique on your dry embossing.Supplies Needed:
Embossing folder or texture plate (Stampin' UP's Manhattan Flower folder used here)
Machine to run the folder through (Big Shot used here)
Sand paper
Cardstock
Markers (Stampin' UP's Tempting Turquoise and Not Quite Navy markers used here)
1. Emboss your cardstock (I am assuming you already know how to do this, but if you need help, please send me an email scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com and I would be glad to walk you through it)In the photo above, I have embossed the left side of the embossed image, which is showing up a lighter color with the cardstock I am using. For true core cardstock the color won't change. For white core cardstock, the sanded part will turn white. I am using Coredinations cardstock which has a coordinating color in the core so mine looks a little lighter than the outside.
The photo above shows the fully sanded effect. You can stop here if you like the color of the core of the cardstock.
2. Use your markers and color over the sanded part of your cardstock. I alternated colors for the various petals.
And here is the finished effect. The color and sanding make the embossing look distressed and it gives dry embossing a whole new look.I finished the card off with some Stampin' UP Taffeta Ribbon, the Oval All stamp set, Not Quite Navy ink, and the coordinating Scallop Oval Punch.
To order the Big Shot, Stampin' UP Markers, the Manhattan Flower embossing folder, or any of the other Stampin' UP Supplies used here, please email me at scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com !
Sketch Challenge #16
I still have 5 spots left on my upcoming online Stampin' UP hostess club. Each spot is a $15 per month commitment for 10 months. Each spot receives hostess benefits of a free level 1 hostess set AND $15 in free products on their month. PLUS every month, I send free goodies with the club order! Everything is mailed right to your door!
You pick how many spots you want. I have many hostesses who take 2 spots (meaning a $30 per month commitment and 2 sets of hostess benefits!)
I am now offering a free 6X6 designer paper sampler with your first club order for anyone who signs up!! Email me today with your contact info to sstracha@utk.edu or scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com !
Here is this week's sketch challenge. I know I haven't had one in a while, and I am working to get better at getting these posted on time. I hope you like it!
I will be working on my example later today.
You pick how many spots you want. I have many hostesses who take 2 spots (meaning a $30 per month commitment and 2 sets of hostess benefits!)
I am now offering a free 6X6 designer paper sampler with your first club order for anyone who signs up!! Email me today with your contact info to sstracha@utk.edu or scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com !
Here is this week's sketch challenge. I know I haven't had one in a while, and I am working to get better at getting these posted on time. I hope you like it!I will be working on my example later today.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Stamptivity #12
For this week's Stamptivity challenge, use the following colors on your Stamptivity project: orange, brown, pink, and green. These colors remind me of summer :)
Here is the card I made for this week:
This card features the Bella Panels stamp set and the Thank You is from the Wedding Stationery and Text stamp set. Both sets are from Stamptivity.
Here is the card I made for this week:
This card features the Bella Panels stamp set and the Thank You is from the Wedding Stationery and Text stamp set. Both sets are from Stamptivity.IBCC #18
IBCC stands for Idea Book & Catalog Challenge. The IBC challenges are intended to get everyone thinking about the Stampin' UP catalog as an idea book and not only a catalog (since it is intended to be BOTH). The Idea Book & Catalogs are all filled with great sample projects which you can use as inspiration for many different types of projects.
The card above is from the current Idea Book and catalog. Use it as your inspiration for your card.
The stamp set beside the card is called Branch Out. It is super cute and it is definitely on my wish list. It is so versatile. Click on the photo to make it larger.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I love Cricut!!!
**I am on a ProvoCraft/Cricut Boycott! They won't get another dime from me! Got a Cricut? Well use it! Don't have one yet? Consider a different machine!! Click here for more details about my boycott and how I got here!! You can join the boycott too!**
While I have been happily and ever so IMpatiently waiting for my Expression, I have found two new cartridges coming out in July/August. Take a peek with me. . .
Simply Sweet Font cartridge: Cute little font!
Stand & Salute Shapes cartridge: Very military and patriotic!
I don't know anything at all about either cartridge, but I came across these photos. I hope to post more about them when I find out.
Samantha's Frequent Stamper Card
This is another lovely program I am starting for my Special Stampin' UP customers: The Frequent Stamper Card!
I will keep up with the cards so that there is no issue with things getting misplaced and it is easy on everyone because you don't have to keep up with anything. I do any of the "work" involved in the process, but you get all the benefits :O)
How it works is, for every $25 you spend, you get a space on your card stamped off. Once all 8 of the $25 spots are stamped, you receive a 6X6 paper sampler from me AND a $5 off coupon to use on your next purchase.
I made this program as a special thank you to those of you who have helped my business to grow. Without you, I wouldn't have a business at all! THANK YOU!
I will keep up with the cards so that there is no issue with things getting misplaced and it is easy on everyone because you don't have to keep up with anything. I do any of the "work" involved in the process, but you get all the benefits :O)How it works is, for every $25 you spend, you get a space on your card stamped off. Once all 8 of the $25 spots are stamped, you receive a 6X6 paper sampler from me AND a $5 off coupon to use on your next purchase.
I made this program as a special thank you to those of you who have helped my business to grow. Without you, I wouldn't have a business at all! THANK YOU!Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Birthday Girl
This is a LO I made using the Vintage Plum May Kit. Be sure to order yours at www.vintageplum.com!
I love this shaped paper included in the kit. The big bird is on the paper. All these awesome items were included in the May kit with the exception of the Stickles and the stamps used.
Up in the corner, I used some stamps from the Stampin' UP Cheep Talk stamp set. This is my Stamp Set of the Month for May so be sure to order it for 10% off from me this month only!!
I am loving these alpha stickers that came with the set! They are just too cute! I also really like the journaling shapes that came with the May kit.
I inked the edges of the paper and then embellished the puzzle pieces and bird with Stickles (distressed for the puzzle pieces and regular for the bird).
I love this shaped paper included in the kit. The big bird is on the paper. All these awesome items were included in the May kit with the exception of the Stickles and the stamps used.
Up in the corner, I used some stamps from the Stampin' UP Cheep Talk stamp set. This is my Stamp Set of the Month for May so be sure to order it for 10% off from me this month only!!
I am loving these alpha stickers that came with the set! They are just too cute! I also really like the journaling shapes that came with the May kit.
I inked the edges of the paper and then embellished the puzzle pieces and bird with Stickles (distressed for the puzzle pieces and regular for the bird).Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Use it Tuesday #8
Every Tuesday, I am digging into my stash and using something I have been hoarding. I have a room full of stuff and I am going to try to USE IT!! I hope you will join me and start using your own stuff more.
This week I used a stamp set and a chipboard sticker that I haven't used before!
This week I used a stamp set and a chipboard sticker that I haven't used before!
The roses and couple are from the Stampin' UP To Have & To Hold stamp set. This is just such an elegant stamp set for wedding cards, announcements, save the dats, invites, or thank yous! I got it because I just loved the couple stamp. Someday, I will have wedding invites of my own to make, but for now, I am plan on making cards to sell :O)The roses are colored with my Pink Pirouette In Color Marker. IN COLOR MARKER??!!? Yes, I made it myself out of a reinker and a VersaMarker! Tee hee hee, find out how here: http://stampinwithsami.blogspot.com/2009/01/lesson-13-make-your-own-in-color.html
The Just Married part is a chipboard sticker from a set I got at Target. I can't remember if it is made by Making Memories or K and Company right now. LOL
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