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!

Tumbled Tiles...Nature Walk

I just can't figure out what is happening in my stamping world.  Suddenly I am choosing things that are completely surprising me...buying fabric, the Easter Blossoms Stamp Set, sewing...and I even fell in love with the Nature Walk stamp set.  Driving down to Hartford for Regionals last weekend, I did my share of complaining about the stamp set the Stampin' Up! chose to use.  Really not my style and it would just sit in my closet.  Well...I've added a card to my class this afternoon that uses it, I did these tumbled tile coasters and stamped on some fabric.  Who knew?  This vintage look is really growing on me and I enjoy doing a few new techniques I've learned.  I wish there were more time in my week to stamp and create, going to work everyday is a bit rough!

How to:  Tumbled Travertine 4"x4" tiles (Home Depot...9 for $3.97)
Stamp line art image in Black Stazon Ink...I used Nature Walk stamp set
Color in with Poppin' Pastels...I layered a number of colors on and blended with my fingers.  I was looking for a pretty organic look.
Spray with Matte Protective Finish
Adhere felt or cork on the bottom to protect your furniture.

This makes a great craft fair item or gift...They are quick and easy! 
Happy Stamping!