Clean and Simple

While going through lots of the blogs I read the other day, CAS kept coming up.  This is Clean and Simple for anyone who might be new to the stamping world.  A card with maybe one layer, a very simple message and a crisp clean look to it.  I was doing these cards often but like anything else another new trend came along and I just forgot about CAS cards.  With only 3 sheets of card stock, one stamp set and a couple of ink pads, you can design beautiful cards worth sharing. 

On this group of cards, I did use an old piece of chipboard as a mask while sponging but you could easily cut a simple square out of a piece of scrap paper.  I blended three shades of ink and stamped a sentiment in Night of Navy.  Thanks to Julie B for the inspiration!

Mojo Monday

I know I've already posted today but this was too cute not to share today.  It's been a bit of a rough weekend and the week isn't starting much better.  I feel like Eyeore!  It is raining out, still chilly and I'm still grumpy...  All I could think about all day was getting back to my work table to create something fun!  I pulled up the Mojo Monday Challenge and my favorite Just Buzzin' By set (yes, I'm using it again, Kylee!)  A little glitter and Melon Mambo paper and this is what happened.  I feel better already!

Thanks for stopping by & Happy Stamping!

Sunny Fun Pinwheel

The other night I was in a grumpy mood.  I didn't want to talk to anyone, look at anyone or listen to anything.  I curled up on my couch with my laptop and caught up looking at all of the blogs I follow.  If I hadn't been so lazy, I would have burst with creativity!  I did get up Saturday morning and jumped right in, though!  I loved the pinwheel card that Lynn did on My Creative Corner and thought it would work for the next swap challenge with our Clearly Creative group. 
I used the new Sunny Fun Stamp set from the upcoming Summer Mini catalog to make my own designer series paper.  Yes, it took a bit of time but it was only one sheet and I think the results are worth it!  I added a bit of Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight and Chocolate Chip Card Stock with a little Cherry Cobbler ink.  Boy, Stampin' Up! does not really consider the health of my hips when they name their designer colors!  I'm off to have dinner now...
Happy Stamping!

Happy Easter!

Good Morning and Happy Easter to you all!
The desserts are made, the house is cleaned, the kids have had their egg hunt and I took a little time for this card this morning.  I found this challenge on Create with Connie & Mary this morning and really liked the sketch, CCMC 147.  Let me know what you think!

 With a little bit of measuring and my 1 3/8" square punch this window frame was pretty simple.  I used the Nature Walk Stamp Set on some Crumb Cake card stock and the DSP is from Play Date and toned down with a bit of Crumb Cake ink sponged on it.  I know that the colors on the bird and butterfly are not realistic but just use your imagination! (Really, I was too lazy to go find the bird book by the kitchen window...forgive me...)

Happy Stamping!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...

Jingle all the way...Oh, wait a minute...is the Easter Bunny hopping on by tomorrow?  I'm so confused because it is April 23 and it is snowing.  Even for New Hampshire, that is simply unacceptable!

I guess I should just be quiet and be thankful because I was lucky enough to enjoy a full day stamping and creating instead of going to lacrosse and softball games.  We'll be making those up, don't worry!  I got so much done today I'm having a hard time deciding what to share first!
So...Sister Cruise it is.  I've been dying to make one of these little accordion albums since returning from regionals and I hadn't done anything with my pictures from the cruise I took with my sister a year and a half ago so put those two together and this is what you get...

Supplies:  Sunny Garden DSP, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight CS & DSP, Stitched Poly Ribbon and Buttons and the Sweet Serendipity Stamp Set (retired).  This was a project all for myself so there are a couple of random embellishments from my collections. 

Thanks for stopping by...I can't wait to make more of these!
Happy Stamping!

Easter Table Treats

So cute!  I love the Chocolate Bunny (retired, sorry) embossed with a bit of glitter.   The dinner table will be shining on Sunday!  All of the mini baskets are made from one half sheet of In Color cardstock and one piece of 6x6 In Color DSP in the Hostess section  of the catalog.  Really simple to put together.  Can't wait to fill them with some chocolate...

Happy Easter to All!

Decor Element Design!

I love Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements.  There are so many options and ideas, colors and styles.  I drive around in my "Barney Mobile" with our SU logo on the back...lots of people comment! (Especially when my husband takes my car to work...hehe:)  I have the Tree from Thoughts and Prayers in my living room.  I have put a quote above it and used black and white family pictures in black frames...Viola`...family tree!  Life is Good.  Don't you agree that right above my kitchen table is the right spot for that?  

There are a variety of options for the holidays for wall or window decor, frame making and gift giving.  The children's selection is pretty fabulous, too!
Check out my website for the latest Definitely Decorative catalog to spruce up your home!

My Elegant Eggplant PT Cruiser!  What Stampin' Up! color is your car?

Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Basket

I was asked to put together a basket for Teacher Appreciation Week coming in May.  I pulled lots of goodies together...some Stampin' Up! and a few scraps I had from a school designer paper pack.  Along with the desk set, I have a couple of SU Classic Stamp pads, Teacher's Pet stamp set and a packet of simple thank you cards.  I really love the acrylic frame...it was easy to put together and I'm hoping it will be a good craft fair item as well!  I've done lots of clipboards and the candy jar (I can't get the candy too early or I'll have it eaten before I give it away...) has some of SU's rub-ons and a bit of taffeta ribbon.  Let me know what you think!  I love all of the comments you send along...

Happy Stamping!

My Stamping Space

Sorry for the lack of posting lately.  Between the kids starting lacrosse and softball and finishing up volleyball...I just can't get a handle on this new schedule.  I had some time the other night to peek in on some other crafty people's creative spaces. Oh, the jealousy!  Or maybe envy is a better word... These beautiful rooms with cabinets and large counter tops, lots of fun containers and color...inspiration galore!  I stamp in my living room.  I don't have tons of space and I keep everything somewhat concealed so that if I need it to actually function as a living room, it can.  On days when there is lots of crafting going on, I can promise  that the floor, couch, coffee table and any other available surface is covered in paper, glue, buttons and glitter.  I did clean it all up to share some pictures.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Lots of my punches, embossing supplies and ribbons are kept in photo boxes I picked up on sale.  The big red cabinet is an old Canterberry candle display that used to live in my local CVS.  I rescued it on it's trip out to the trash.  My husband added the doors and I added a bit of color.  My table was made from two wooden stools and a piece of wood that I antiqued.  My dad made the frame for my foam board.  This was made from a piece of leftover foam core, a piece of scrap fabric and some Poppy Parade stitched-poly ribbon and twill tape.   I love having a spot for my laptop near my work center.  If I'm not watching someone's crafty YouTube video, I'm catching up on Grey's Anatomy or Parenthood! 
I can't wait to hit the yard sales...I'm sure I'll find some other creative ways to conceal my goods!
Happy Stamping!

Volleyball Success!

Last weekend, my daughter's volleyball team was in a tournament against 5 other teams and they made it into the playoffs!  Super exciting day!  The girls on her team are fantastic...energetic and determined...

I was able to get a few good pictures and thought I'd try my hand at some actual scrapbook pages.  Although I've been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for quite a few years, scrapbooking is not my strength.  I like cards and other 3D items..  When I originally started, my demonstrator told me to do the page with out the pictures.  That way it would be just like a giant card.  For the most part I still do it that way.  I did have certain pictures in mind, made sure it was balanced and just had fun with it.  I'm going to keep practicing, but here's the first result...

I love that I can just have the Printing Place at Stampin' Up! print my 12x12 pages.  I do like the idea that some people are then adding on real buttons or ribbon to keep that realistic look. 
Thanks for checking things out today!

My Digital Studio Journal

So I know I'm a little behind the eight ball but I finally did the latest update on My Digital Studio and there are some exciting new additions!  I designed my first journal and I'm working on a rivet swatchbook. Really fun!  I think anyone out there who uses a computer (and if you are reading this that means you!) would love My Digital Studio software!  It is such a fantastic addition to your stamp supplies. 

Since I am home with my sad little girl who had to come home from her class science camp because she is sick, I am hanging out on the couch watching What Not To Wear and Americal Idol.  I'm excited to have a bit of time to sit and play with MDS!  So...in the next few days you'll get to see my latest projects and scrapbooking pages! 
Click here to check out My Digital Studio!
Happy (Digital) Stamping!!

Baby Sparkles & Gifts

I feel like I've been doing lots of baby things lately and here's another...

The green paper is some retired mellow moss.  Funny how I used to love this color and now I think it falls kind of flat.  I do love the glass glitter around the edge of the scallop.  That was a surprise gift from Stampin' Up! at regionals.  Now I want the other colors, too!  If you could see my house, I decorate with lots of primitive furniture, clean and simple.  I think it's funny how glitter, sparkles and shimmer paint currently sit on my desk and I can't wait to use them on my next project!

And now the Gift...it's for you!  Stampin' Up! has grab bags available for online purchases...they come in $5, $10 and $15 options and include embellishments, accents and other surprise goodies that value $20, $40 and $60!  How exciting is that?  You'll have to get them quickly, they are only available while supplies last!  Click onto my website to place your order today! 

amywest.stampinup.net
#125873  $5 Grab Bag (+$20 value)
#125874  $10 Grab Bag (+$40 value)
#125875  $15 Grab Bag (+$60 value)

Remember...a $20 order qualifies you for sneak peak product from the upcoming catalog!

• Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.
• Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

 
Four Frames Stamp SetW: item 123440 | $20.95
C: item 123442 | $15.95
Paisley Petals Designer Series Paperitem 122367 | $9.95

Snow in April!

Last Thursday I was taking pictures of my crocuses and so happy that spring had arrived...then Friday we sat through a wet, heavy 9 inches of snow!  Someone should tell Mother Nature that spring in April is really not okay, even in New England! 

But...it did give us an unexpected day off from school so I got to play at the stamp table.  While at Regionals a couple of weeks ago, we learned some fun new techniques and great reminders of supplies that have been around for a while.  I've discovered how much I love Shimmer Paint and Glass Glitter.  I also brought out the bottle of Crystal Effects again.  Crystal Effects makes some beautiful faux brads.  Let me know what you think!

The Details...
More Mustard, Concord Crush and Garden Green card stock
Scallop Punch, 3/4 inch punch
Tulip boarder folder for Big Shot
More Mustard and Concord Crush Classic Stamp Pad
Always Elegant Stamp Set

I stamped the large stamp from Always Elegant  in Concord Crush on Whisper White and punched with the scallop punch.  I like crumpling and antiquing the little circles  and sponging a bit of ink on the raised tulips to make them pop a bit.  I glued on the 3/4 circles to the center and then applied crystal effects.  This took a bit of practice to get it spread evenly and not get air bubbles but overall they came out well.

And the good news...my crocuses survived the snow!  Please let it be spring now!
Happy Stamping!