January Sneak Peek!

Did you miss us having classes during December? Even if you did, I doubt many of you probably had the time to come even if we had planned classes, right?! Even without the classes this month, December flew by like that! We've been working, though, on new ideas and projects and we're looking forward to a new year of creating with you!

One of the things we are planning on working on this coming year is getting our own website up and running! We want to be able to offer card kits online for our readers who want to make the cards we teach but don't live near by. We are also entertaining the idea of doing some videos. All of this will take time and is probably months (maybe even a year) down the road, but we thought we'd share what we're throwing around as possibilities this next coming year.

I promised you a sneak peek and I'm going to deliver! One of our January classes will feature handmade flower embellishments. We will be teaching you how to make 3 different kinds of flower embellishments. You can view our newsletter for dates and times for this class, which is called Creative Cardmaking: Flower Embellishments. It should be a lot of fun! Here's one of the cards we will be making.

Don't you love it? Those flowers are so dainty and lovely. =)

That's the sneak peek for today! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We're looking forward to the New Year!

October's Color Challenge Submissions

This is terribly late, but better late than never!

Here are the submissions we received for October's THS Color Challenge! Enjoy! Both of the submissions are from our regular stampers, Crystal and April. =)

Crystal submitted these really cute Thanksgiving cards!

April made a fun fall/autumn-themed card!

Thanks for playing along with us, stampers, and thank you for being patient! I haven't even posted the color challenge on our blog for this month. I'm so behind!

Have a nice weeked! =)

Clearance Rack Goodies

Stampin' Up! is having an awesome sale on discontinued items in the Clearance Rack section. We just ordered a few things of ribbon and a couple packs of Designer Series paper along with shipping for around $20! Definitely check it out and see if there's anything in there that you could use. Some items are discounted up to 80%! FYI, when you get to page 10, if you keep clicking the arrow on the side, it will take you to more pages. I don't know why they don't list more numbers, so you think you've reached the end of the clearance section. But you haven't and there's a bunch more so keep clicking!

The picture above will take you to Heidi's Demo site where there is a "shop now" button. When you get to the shop click on the "clearance rack" section to check out all the goodies for a bargain!

Happy Friday to you!

August Color Challenge Submissions

Here's the submissions we received for last month's color challenge!

All of them are from one of our regular stampers, Crystal!

She really went to town!

Check out her cute cards!

This was Crystal's favorite out of the 4 she made. It is cute, isn't it? =)

Crystal used the masking technique on this card. Way to go, Crystal! =)

Thanks for sending your pics to us, Crystal!

We've got a new color challenge up for September.

Click on the picture below for all the details.

Die Cut Masking Kit

We all enjoyed making the cards for this month's class, Die Cut Masking. If you missed it and weren't able to join us, or you live too far away to come, you can still enjoy this class! We have the instructions available and also a card kit with supplies to make the cards all ready for you. Here's a run down of the cards with the payment options following:

You can purchase the directions for all 3 cards for $5 using the button below. A PDF will be sent to you within 48 hours of purchase. This is a great option if you're a Stampin' Up! demo or if you already have a lot of supplies and just want the directions. Directions are such a time-saver!

You can purchase a kit for this class for $12 (which includes S&H) using the button below. Kit will include the pre-cut/scored/punched card stock, die-cut masks, ribbon, and pearls for 3 cards, 1 of each of the designs. You will need your own adhesive, stamps, ink, and shimmer mist.(Because of the angel policy for Stampin' Up!, we cannot pre-stamp for kits we sell.) Kits will be mailed in 1-2 days of purchase and should be received within 1 week. Kits are available only while supplies last.

Masking with Die Cuts

From Adriel:

I designed the cards for this month's card classes with a focus on masking, particularly using die-cuts. Many of us have at least one of the popular die-cutting machines. We personally own the Sizzix Big Shot and enjoy using the special dies that are available exclusively through Stampin' Up!. The fact is, none of the die-cutting machines are cheap and finding new ways to use them is a great way to get more bang for your buck! So I wanted to focus on using die-cuts in our masked cards class to give you more options for using your die-cutting machine. Each card employs a different technique on applying the ink to get that masked image, so we're also showing how to get different looks when masking with your die-cuts. A description of each card is below!

Elegant Top Note Card

This card uses the popular Top Note die as a mask. Stamping using the beautiful Fifth Avenue Floral set, along with sponging creates a beautiful frame around the die-cut. A large trimmed flower, a simple stamped sentiment and a lovely cluster of pearls adds just the right amount of extra to the card without taking away from the masking.

Delightful Floral Card

This card combines the combination of brand new colors from Stampin' Up! along with a special floral background using a die cut flower and sponging. The two-tone sponging adds depth to the flowers and the background created is beautiful in itself. A simple stamped and punched sentiment along with some elegant satin ribbon gives the finish that complements the beautiful masking. I was inspired by Dawn's video tutorial for this masking technique.

Butterly Flourish Card

Butterflies are very popular in crafts lately and they get incorporated into this lovely card. Butterfly die-cuts create a mask over the cardstock, which gets a spray of shimmer mist, creating a sparkly background to the sweet butterflies. Stamped images from Vintage Vogue complete the elegant look of this card.

You can purchase the directions for all 3 cards for $5 using the button below. A PDF will be sent to you within 48 hours of purchase.

You can purchase a kit for this class for $12 (which includes S&H) using the button below. Kit will include the pre-cut/scored/punched card stock, die-cut masks, ribbon, and pearls for 3 cards, 1 of each of the designs. You will need your own adhesive, stamps, ink, and shimmer mist. (Because of the angel policy for Stampin' Up!, we cannot pre-stamp for kits we sell.) Kits will be mailed in 1-2 days of purchase and should be received within 1 week. Kits are available only while supplies last.

Let us know what you think about this month's cards and the kit! We'd love your feedback! =)

A Sneak Peek...

From Adriel:

Next month's Stamp-a-Technique class has two themes going. First, my mom thought it would be fun to do a "summer" theme for the cards, so they are a bit "summery". The technique theme for these cards is punching, so all the cards use punches and hopefully we'll be showing you some different ways to use your punches!

The sneak peek today is an adorable card that my mom, Heidi Tekunoff, made for the class. It is just darling, isn't it?

Summer Cottage Punch Card

She used a variety of punches and did some beautiful stamping with the Vintage Vogue stamp set. I think her card turned out so charming and I know those of you coming next month will enjoy learning how to make it. =)

More sneak peeks to come! Stay tuned! =)

May 13th Already?

From Adriel:

Can you believe that we're almost halfway through the month of May already? Craziness! Time is flying by in some ways, but in others, it seems to be inching by. My due date of June 2nd doesn't seem to be getting any closer... I'm in that stir-crazy phase of pregnancy, trying to keep myself busy and occupied. I know it's not a long wait now, but it still seems so far away and like it's never going to happen. Craziness (in a different sort of way... like mental)!

Anyway, that's a whole lot more than you came to hear today, I'm sure! LOL! I really began this post to show off what we're making today at our project classes today. This cute box w/ 5 note cards.

We're going to be using the Big Shot like crazy today! It should be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to teaching the class. We'll be seeing some of you later!

And for those of you who are not able to come, but would like the PDF of the directions, I will have that available to purchase later for $3. I want to double-check my directions first for any errors before making it available. =)

Entries for THS Color Challenge #3

From Adriel:

Hi there! I hope you are all doing well. I've been neglecting this blog lately, but life has just been very full (in a good way) the past couple of weeks, so that is my excuse! =)

I never posted the entries for our last color challenge. We didn't have as many as last month, but they were lovely and deserve some time in the spotlight. So here's the entries from last month's color challenge!

Kirsten Bailey joined us again this month! This time she painted not one, but two beautiful paintings!

Kristen made a lovely card for this challenge.

Thanks for joining us, ladies! Hope you enjoyed it. =)

Don't forget about this month's color challenge! You can get all the details by clicking HERE! =)

Have a wonderful rest of the week! We've got some classes going on this week where I'm sure we will be seeing some of you! Thanks for stopping by! =)

If I Had More Time and More Creativity...

I would give these challenges are whirl.


Unfortunately, I'm not feeling all that creative
and there are other pending matters
that demand my attention.

I can dream, right? ;-)

Hence, my Challenge Dream List...


Embellish Embossing Color Challenge - The colors for this challenge would definitely be too challenging for me right now... I'm totally not feeling loud and bright at the moment. However, if I was in the right mood, I can see this challenge being a ton of fun, so this one goes on my challenge dream list.



Shabby Tea Room "Comforts of Home" Challenge - So I'm not sure if I would be able to show what my comforts of home are in a card or other papercraft project (and honestly, my brain doesn't even want to think about how I would go about doing that), but I love the inspiration photo for this challenge and the shabby, victorian style. I would love to make something with those elements incorporated into it.

Mojo Monday Sketch 136 - Even as uncreative as I'm feeling, this sketch has the potential to propel me toward making something! I love that there are two options... a square or a circle. I would probably go for the circle, just because I haven't made a circle card in almost forever and in addition, I would love to try making one with our scallop circle die for the Big Shot. So many things to try...


Technostamper Sketch Challenge #119 - I love how different this sketch is. It's mighty tempting... I am in the process of designing some thank you cards... hmmm... ;-)

Do you have any creative dream lists?

Wowzer! Wednesday: Beautiful Card

Today we're featuring another stamper and card maker's lovely work!

This card by Jenn D. is just beautiful! It just pops with those colors and the layout! It's a wowzer! Beautiful! =) You can check out Jenn's blog by clicking on the picture below for all the details about this gorgeous card. While you're there, leave her a comment! =)


Hope you're all having a great week. We had a busy day yesterday with two SAT classes... those went great and the cards turned out beautifully! We'll be repeating this class two times tomorrow also. There's still room if you're interested in coming!

Have a wonderful day!

Newsy Tuesday: SAT class & Altered Memo Board

We have been busy mainly with getting everything prepped for the SAT classes today and Thursday, as well as designing for upcoming classes. We're also putting the last details together for our Preparation Scrap-together for Allison next month. It should be a lot of fun! =)

Anyway, today's Stamp-a-Theme cards are girly-themed. We'll be making 3 cards. I only have pictures of two of the cards... the other card we're doing is a dress card my mom designed that is super cute! =)

We'll be doing an altered memo board class at Tumbleweed in May. We're actually making 2 different designs. This is one of the designs. I just have to tell you that the other design my mom did is just GORGEOUS! Can't wait to get some pictures taken to show you... it's awesome! =)

We had a great time last week making our shabby flower brooches and boxes. There are so many things you can do with the Big Shot! =)

Don't forget that the THS Color Challenge #3 is still open until the end of this month. You can click HERE or on the picture below to get all the details!

Sweet & Simple Monday: 3x3 Kraft Note Cards

These cards feature some DSP and colors that are no longer current, but you can easily take the dimensions and the idea and swap out the retired DSP and colors for current DSP and colors for the same simple and charming effect. Kraft (which will be renamed "Crumb Cake" in the new Stampin' Up! catalog coming out July 1st) is so versatile and will go with almost anything. I used this DSP paper because we had some sitting around. Use whatever you've got! =)

1. Fold a 3" x 6" piece of Kraft CS in half to form a 3" x 3" note card. Round bottom corners w/ corner rounder.

2. Attach a 1/2" x 3" strip of DSP toward bottom of card front with SNAIL, approximately 1/4" from bottom edge. Attach a 1-1/4" x 3" strip of DSP directly above first DSP strip with SNAIL.

3. Stamp floral image from Priceless stamp set with coordinating inks, depending on DSP you use. Punch out stamped image with 1-1/4" circle punch.

4. Punch a 1-3/8" circle out of a piece of cardstock in a coordinating color. Punch a 1-1/2" circle out of a piece of cardstock in a different coordinating color. Layer these circles with SNAIL, attaching stamped circle in center.

5. Attach the layered circle piece to card front w/ dimensionals toward upper right-hand corner.

Sometimes a simple scrap or stamped image can give birth to a sweet and simple design. I love how these cards look and they're one of the simplest cards I've ever made!

Thanks for stopping by our blog today. We hope you enjoyed the sweet and simple project. Leave us a comment if you like or show us some of your own sweet and simple projects you've been working on.

Have a wonderful day! =)

You can order all your Stampin' Up! supplies from Heidi by clicking HERE!

Supplies: Kraft CS, Stampin' Up! DSP, Classic inks or Stampin' Write markers, Priceless stamp set, corner rounder, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals.

This & That Thursday: One Year Ago

Let's take a walk down memory lane

and see what we were creating last year in April!

Bella Rose Card - I miss the Bella Rose DSP... this card makes me want a whole 'nother stack to play with. It was so delicate and lovely! I really like the layout of this card and it makes me think I should try it out again with a different color scheme and DSP for a new look.

Patchwork Top Note Card - We still haven't made one of these in our classes yet! That's terrible! This definitely needs to get put on the list, because this card has great results with minimal effort. We've gotta do this soon! =)

Victorian Fifth Avenue Card - My mom used the versatile and beautiful Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set to create this card. I called it the "Triple Decker Rose" (I thought I was being pretty clever). The rose is stamped three times and she cut out parts of it from two of the images and layered them to create that fun 3-layer effect. Another idea we should try again!

Happy Hi Card - I made this card for one of Kristina Werner's challenges. Boy, was this one fun to make and it's still one of my favorites, even a year later. I just love those flowers and the colors! The vase was made by punching a wide oval and then trimming off the top. Then the top is used for the bottom of the vase! =)

Sometimes old ideas can be great for new ideas!

Have you revisited your craft or art recently

from a year ago or more and found some old ideas

that you want to try again?

Tell us about it.

Sweet & Simple Monday: Masculine Card

Today's Sweet & Simple tutorial is for a masculine birthday card. We all have those guys in our lives that need cards too, right? Sometimes just keeping the card simple and low-key without a bunch of fluff can be challenging. I like all that girly stuff! =)

Here's a card that is really simple, really easy and really sweet (even though it is for a guy)! Hope you enjoy! =)

1. Fold a piece of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Sahara Sand CS in half at 4-1/4". Use Sahara Sand ink and stamp image from Circle Circus in a random pattern several times on card front. Use Chocolate Chip ink pad and lay the ink pad directly on the card front edges. Do this several times in a random pattern all around edges.

2. Stamp a couple of the Circle Circus images in Taken w/ Teal and Chocolate Chip inks on Whisper White CS. Punch out these images with corresponding circle punches (varies with images).

3. Use Chocolate Chip and Taken w/ Teal Stampin' Write markers to ink up image from Birthday Bliss stamp set. Punch out with 1-1/2" circle punch.

4. Punch out:

- (1) 1" Taken w/ Teal CS circle (I punched mine out of an embossed piece of cardstock)

- (1) 1-3/8" Chocolate Chip circle

- (1) Taken w/ Teal Scallop Circle

5. Attach stamped and punched birthday sentiment to Taken w/ Teal scallop circle with SNAIL adhesive.

6. Use SNAIL adhesive to attach all the circles (except for the scalloped sentiment circle) to the front of the card in a random pattern, allowing some of the circles to go over the edge of the card. After attaching, trim edges of circles in line with the card front edges.

7. Attach the scallop sentiment circle to card front with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Supplies: Circle Circus stamp set, Birthday Bliss stamp set, Sahara Sand CS, Taken w/ Teal CS, Chocolate Chip CS, Whisper White CS, Chocolate Chip classic ink, Sahara Sand classic ink, Taken w/ Teal Stampin' Write marker, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker, Scallop Circle punch, 1-1/2" circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stampin' Up! supplies can be ordered through Heidi by clicking HERE.

Here's another variation of this card... just a couple changes for a little different look. =)

Thanks for stopping by on this Monday! Hope you're getting a great start to your new week and we hope to see you back here again soon! Have a great day! =)

Happy Weekend!

From Adriel:

The weekend is here again! And my husband got the taxes done last night, which means he doesn't have to spend the weekend working on them, which means he gets to spend more time with me! =D <------- BIG smile It's definitely a HAPPY weekend! =)

I've got a card to share with you today that I made last week. I used a few challenges to help me get a head start on it... challenges can be helpful in that way.

For my thank you card I combined two challenges:

1. I used the Play Date Cafe Challenge #24, which was to use the beautiful color combo of Plum, Lavender, and Cream. I would love to play more with these colors... they're just so beautiful together! =)

2. I used the sketch from Just Add Ink #12. It was a simple layout and very easy to work with and be creative with. =)

Here's my card!

Some new Stampin' Up! goodies were recently delivered to us and one of them was this cute new set called "Sweet Scoops". It will be in the new Spring/Summer Occasions Mini catalog. It was perfect for the card theme I had in mind, which was "treat yourself" and included a gift card to Starbucks. ;-) This card was very easy to put together since the colors were already figured out for me and the layout... I wish it was that easy all the time! =)

Supplies: Pale Plum CS, Perfect Plum CS, Very Vanilla CS, Sweet Scoops stamp set, Sahara Sand classic ink, Pale Plum Stampin' Write marker, Perfect Plum Stampin' Write marker, Scallop edge punch, Large oval punch, Scallop oval punch, Sponge, Corner Rounder, Cream-colored satin ribbon.