Saipanstamper

Adorable baby. . .adorable hat!

2010-12-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

I know it's silly to knit on a tropical island, but doesn't Shylah look too cute for words? And she is headed on a vacation with her parents to colder climates so I'm glad she appreciates my hobby, and well that she makes it look so darned ADORABLE!!

June 2010 Stamp Class

2010-06-25T02:15:00.000-07:00

Another month passes. School is out for the summer, and many folks are taking long vacations. We just have a short trip to Palau this year so I will continue to offer classes for those who remain on island.

This first bridal card (above) uses the scallop square die cut on my Big Shot machine. It makes for a smaller card but it's lovely. And if you mail the square card in a regular envelope, it won't cost any more than regular postage. Some of the gals in class added glitter instead of the versamark shading and it looked lovely as well!

Rich Razzleberry and Pretty In Pink are a fabulous color combination. The Petal Pizazz stamp set and large silver brads complete the card.

A sand shaker card! Even adults cannot resist the urge to shake this card whenever they hold it. LOL. Remember the trick to putting together a shaker card easily is to add the dimensional dots closely so that no sand can slip through any holes. To add the sand, remove the adhesive's backing on THREE sides only so that you can pour in the sand and then when it's all perfect, remove the backing from the last side and seal the sand inside!

The hydrangea is a NEW HOSTESS SET in the catalog debuting in July. It is lovely and *so* easy to get a great image. Fast, easy and simple! I love it. We ran the stamped layer through the Big Shot on a texture plate *after* stamping to get the diamond embossed background.

And this last card was CASEd from the Stampin' Up! demonstrator's magazine. It uses the new Pear Pizazz and Marina Mist colors (which I totally love.) And of course, more texture with the Big Shot.

Please join me for my next class! I will be doing TWO classes in July. . .one for Christmas cards, and one to debut the new catalog!

Sweet baby Shylah!

2010-05-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

I have the most wonderful dentist. Her name is Crystal and she's fabulous. And now she and her husband Ken have had their first child! To celebrate, I knit a cute little baby stocking cap in various yarns and stitches. It was a delight to make, and oh-my-gosh, doesn't she look adorable? Okay, with beautiful parents like Ken and Crystal, this baby was already destined to be perfect, but still, the hat helps, right?!

Birthday Card class

2010-04-24T20:24:00.001-07:00

Well, this was one of the MOST popular classes we ever did, and everyone loved ALL of the cards. I'm so happy when that happens!

The chef card uses the new scallop trim punch.

I love the embossing folders that fit through my Big Shot. I can get any design with any color cardstock and don't have to buy them in colors I won't use!

And this card uses the wood sheets from Stampin' Up! I can even run those through the Big Shot either to cut into shapes or in an embossing folder. What a great look.

MOM AND ME - 3D PROJECT CLASS!!

2010-03-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

For those of you who procrastinated or forgot, you missed an awesome time! The first project was a personalized sign with chalkboard area, decorative papers and embellishments. Below is the one Amy made for her room. . . of course, in blue and green. It's also made from foamboard so you can use the decorated parts to adhere sticky notes or use push pins to hold messages and reminders.

Then, Ms. Jodie didn't want to have her photo taken, but mom Patty was gracious enough to oblige. Jodie's personalized sign came out beautifully. She chose hardboard instead of foamboard so she can use sticky notes, and of course, her chalk!

Jennifer and Grace were delighted to show off both of their projects, and the last two photos are of the special box made by Jodie. The box project was fairly quick and by making this item, the participants know better how to take an ordinary household object and turn it into a beautiful treasure box or gift package.

Each person used the same set of supplies but all the results were indivudal and personalized. That's the beauty of stamping!

Saipan Southern High School

2010-02-10T23:51:00.000-08:00

Sudi Napalan, the librarian at Saipan Southern High School, has been a fan of Stampin' Up! for a while now and attends my events regularly. She asked me to consider doing a stamping demonstration during Teen Week and I was glad to do so. The more I thought about things, the more I wanted to work with these students again.

I agreed to donate supplies and time and expertise to show the students how to make simple cards. Every card will be sent to soldiers from the CNMI who are away from family and friends. The soldiers can use the blank cards to send home, keeping in touch better with the ones that miss them so dearly.

These are some of the wonderful creations the students have made with very little instruction from me! The talent is abundant, and the enthusiasm is very rewarding.

I'm proud to say that we meet every other Wednesday, and the students make 10 to 20 cards per session. They learn more and more each week about the art of stamping! I challenge you to do one small thing in your life that reflects a gift from your heart. . .

Love and kisses?

2010-02-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, maybe I don't scan very straight, but my card is definitely not off kilter like this. I got a fancy scanner/printer from my buddy Janet when she left island and I'm too lazy to read the manual so this is as good as it gets for the moment. There is glitter on the birthday cake and candles. The bottom edge is done with the new scallop edge punch. These new punches are easier to use than the previous style, and I love them!

I felt really good today. I got lots of compliments on my latest creations and will attempt selling them at the retail stores of several Shell service stations on island. Please go in and see them!

The front of this red card shines because the dots are actually printed on a transparent window sheet (attached with glue dots under the ribbon.) This is simple but packs a big "WOW!"

Much thanks to Kerry for letting me use her "love" sayings with my cardstock. I am hooked on the embossing and cutting that can be done with the Big Shot and I totally love how easy it is to make great cards with these pieces!

This card is actually my favorite. The flower was done with the watercolor technique I did at a recent class. . .stamp with white ink on shimmery white cardstock, emboss with white powder, spray with water, and loosely brush the aquapainter dipped in ink from a refill bottle. Easy and fun, and oh, what marvelous results!

Time passes. . .friendships remain!

2009-10-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

It was a long time ago when I first arrived on Saipan and met Lecia Eason and Patricia Halsell. They were starting their own law firm and I interviewed with them at Coffee Care when it was down in Garapan (on what is now called the Paseo.) It was a wonderful office, filled with many diverse personalities, and we became family.

Ruth had a way with babies 14 years ago when I had my Amy and she's still "got it!" She settled Susan's new baby Mikaela within mere seconds.

And we finally got to meet Ruth's "Amy"! Definitely doing a lunch together again soon. Hugs to all.

Shakin' It!!

2009-10-10T17:42:00.001-07:00

I love shaker cards. Love to hold them and shake them. Just like a kid.

The top card holds small beads. The ghost card has chunky green glitter and micro beads, and the bottom card has only micro beads. Shaker cards are so fun for all ages. . .

Talented friends from across the world

2009-10-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, I totally love the friendships I've made by sharing my passion for stamping. Paige has moved to the states but a part of her heart stays with us. She tried my "To Go" class kit and here's a photo of her metal tin. Isn't it beautiful???!!!

September's Stamp A Stack with Gift Tin!

2009-10-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

I found these great tins to embellish! The top one was done in class by Mili, who intends to add a die cut gecko to finish it off. The one below was completed by Jodie, and the third by Daisy. Aren't they too adorable? Use them as gifts or to hold YOUR own stamping embellishments and doo-dads!

The one I made below is for my desk at Delta Management. It certainly brightens up my work hours! And the cards included with this stamp a stack included clear heat embossing, watercoloring, and a new Tri-Shutter Fold.

Enjoy my Stamp-A-Stacks!

2009-09-02T22:16:00.001-07:00

The new In Colors are fabulous. This first card uses Soft Suede and Rich Razzelberry with the Always stamp set. A white taffeta ribbon is attached with a glue dot at the top of the stamped heart.

A new watercolor technique! And so easy!! Use Shimmery White cardstock. . .stamp with white craft ink and emboss with white powder. Now spray your cardstock with a fine mist of water, spraying enough to make small puddles on the paper. Use an aquapainter and color with ink refills. Just swish it over the image with no talent at all and let it puddle naturally. You will look like a genious! I love that the new Dusty Durango color has a slight yellow tinge when watercolored this way!

This card also uses the new watercolor technique. . .only using Crushed Curry in the centers and Melon Mambo at the outer edges of the flower. Don't I look talented?!

You will love these new polka dot ribbons that coordinate with the six new In Colors. . .they are so fun and lively!

This last card used markers to color the rubber of the stamped image. Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay. . .new In Colors of course!

I'm still a rebel...

2009-04-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Ruthi showed up with this stamp one Friday. I love this chick! No, it's not Stampin' Up! (gasp!!!) While many of you would never dream of mentioning a non-SU product in my presence, I had a life before SU and I'll have one after. . .although I'm not quitting for a long time yet! I probably have more non-SU products than all of you! Yes, I'm obsessive.

So, I love this card. Love the color. Love that I could use my new flower die cut. Love the coordinating button. Love the chick, and love the saying. THANK YOU, Ruthi, for letting me borrow from you. I love you too. Thank goodness for my friends, and for Friday mornings at Coffee Care.

Retired but Not Forgotten

2009-04-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite baby sets. It's retired now but I love it so much that I haven't parted with it yet. SU has got to come out with something pretty fabulous to top this! Funny though, I'd never thought about stamping the bear on patterned paper. . .he's adorable that way!

In Certainly Celery, Pink Pirohuette, and Chocolate Chip with a small flower brad...

Two bears are better than one, right?

The Barely Banana background is dry embossed for texture. Difficult to see in the scan but very lovely in real life.

And with a die cut flower. These were so much fun and they used up some patterned paper that I had laying around!

What a BIG SHOT!!

2009-03-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I finally splurged during Sell-A-Bration and ordered myself a Big Shot die cut machine. Now, mind you, and don't tell my husband, I have TWO die cut machines already (a Cricut and a QuicKutz). Both are gathering dust. The Cricut has only been used once. Too much bother and too many settings to jiggle with. And the QuicKutz needs some serious muscle.

But this Big Shot is FUN to use, and easy, and good for the weak muscled. I love it, and so far my friends do too! The top card uses the Top Note and some flowers; the bottom card uses Top Note with colored cardstock. Don't forget that you can stamp on colors other than white!!

The above card uses a die cut flower with those CUTE floral brads in the new SU catalog. Simple card with big impact. The bottom card uses the Top Note layered! The die cut has a stitched border that can be cut away and then you can layer it on another Top Note. . .isn't that clever??
This last card uses the birdie die cut with the little wing that attaches separately. Totally cute. And the top border is punched with the new Eyelet Border punch. So many things I have to have!!

Coloring on the rubber. . .technique!!

2009-03-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

There are two ways to do this technique. One way is to use the fat end of the SU markers to color directly on the rubber of your solid image stamps. Start with the LIGHTEST colors first and lead to the darker colors so that you don't get your markers all messy. Then HUFF on your stamp to re-wet it. Huffing is breathing hot warm breath on your stamp. It is a bit silly but is the most efficient and easy way to do that!

The other option is to use your aquapainter to pick up color (either from your ink refill, your markers scribbled on plastic, or your ink spots dabbed on plastic). Paint the color on the rubber of your stamp. Also with this technique, use the lightest color first and then go to the darker colors. This method is wetter and does not require huffing. Sometimes you can stamp an immediate second image and get two images for the work of one!

Easter is on its way!!

2009-03-13T00:42:00.001-07:00

I used the patterned DSP from the free hostess merchandise. Becki was kind enough to lend me her A Good Egg stamp set and it's so much fun. Stamp the chick twice (once on patterned paper to cut out and layer on top for color!) Easy and quick.

Bee happy!

2009-02-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

I'll have to say that More Mustard is not one of my favorite colors, but it's perfect for these cards!

I love the Chocolate Chip double stitched ribbons. . .delightful!

Just buzzing by to say. . .have a honey of a day!

2009-02-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

I got this stamp set on pre-order. I don't know if I would have purchased it normally but it's really cute and I'm having a great time making these cards. All of these cards use Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and More Mustard and/or Summer Sun.

The bees get glitter on their little wings, and the honey dripping from the pot has Crystal Effects so that it looks REAL.

The flower has Crystal Effects on this one as well!

Okay, this turned out to be one of my favorites. Easy and simple though!!

More Valentines!!!

2009-02-06T01:49:00.001-08:00

I think this one is my absolute favorite. I *LOVE* this new Designer Paper. It uses Kiwi Kiss and Pink Pirohuette. If I had enough pink brads, I would have included this in this month's Love You Much card class.

Baja Breeze and Kiwi Kiss. With a coordinating button, and a little taffeta bow on the corner to balance it out.

Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango and Black. Love the vibrant colors. I'm *so* not a pastel color gal. . .

Same color scheme. This one has dots made with the white gel pen. If you haven't tried SU's white gel pen, then you have not tried the very best. I have tried bunches of them, and this one far surpasses the rest.

Uh, yeah, same colors. What can I say?!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!

2009-02-06T01:39:00.000-08:00

This card uses Pink Pirohuette and Bravo Burgundy cardstock. The lovebirds are coated in Crystal Effects to add dimension, and the scallop edge punch makes a wonderful bottom edge.

Tangerine Tango and Pink Passion with a touch of black for drama. I love these double striped ribbons in the In Colors!!

These lovebirds are stamped with Craft White ink and layered with Crystal Effects. A button adds dimension. Here's a hint, instead of trying to jam a ribbon through the button holes, use a short strip of cardstock. It easily coordinates, is a cinch to get through the holes and is always handy.

I love this Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon because it has such a very cool white edge. I think it looks terrific and have already used one full spool of ribbon and am near the end of my second! Kiwi Kiss is the fabulous green on the card.

Getting in the groove again...

2008-08-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Summertime is over. My girls are back in school, and I just had my first Stamp A Stack in a while. Thanks to the really fun gals that attended. . .you are all so special to me! (Even those cranky whiners and you know who you are!) We laughed so much and had a great time. We even produced some fabulous cards and found out how to fix some minor oops and make the card even better. . .

Now this first card uses the new In Color "BAJA BREEZE" and you just know that I was tempted by my compulsions to put these flowers all in a straight line across the white but I thought of my friend Zandra and conceded a little.

The easy part of this one is that the five petal punch perfectly trims these flower images from the Ginormous Flowers stamp set!

And this card uses PINK PIROUETTE and Baroque Burgundy. The wonderful new Silver Hodgepodge kit and round scallop punch add terrific dimension!

Ah, the Crab & Co. stamp set never fails to amuse me, and well of course the googlie eyes do help. KIWI KISS and PACIFIC POINT are the new In Colors here.with the scallop edge punch used on the designer paper below.

The Sock Monkey stamp set. . .very popular with teens. A saying with the white craft pad and the white gel pen on the flowers brighten the RIDING HOOD RED design. Check out all the new designer papers in the catalog. . .I want ALL of them! Oh No!!
And TANGERINE TANGO is the punch of color with Not Quite Navy and Old Olive on this simple card. The huge brad from the Silver Hodgepodge kit really makes this a special card.

Enjoy. And remember, next month is CHRISTMAS CARDS. It's never too early to start!!

New technique for awesome dragonflies!!!

2008-07-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I borrowed Sylvia's Pick A Petal stamp set (Page 115 of the Idea Book) and made these lovely cards. Use WHITE STAZON to stamp on clear acetate sheets for the dragonfly wings. The body of the bug is the stick-pin from the Pretties kit with several beads from the same kit. Use glue dots to adhere the body and wings to your card. These are just too cute and so fun to make. Try it!!!

And this one uses a borrowed saying from Janet, and a lovely sparkly background provided to me by Ruthi. "Sharing is caring!!" And I have the BEST friends. Thank you, girls!!

May Stamp A Stack cards

2008-05-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

Well, this color combination was inspired by Becki. . .I never would choose Apricot but now I love using it. Together with Groovy Guava and Barely Banana, it's a fabulous combination!

The original card had a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY stamp in the background but I'd already done one for my dad so this one just has the Not Quite Navy ink smooshed for the background. My dad loves bird watching so this one was particularly special for him.

Back to a favorite color combination of Always Artichoke and Elegant Eggplant. Circles repeated in the small circle punch and flower for the "O" and the circular clip in the corner.

Now Sylvia is to blame for this one. . .I hadn't noticed the CHUNKY GLITTER in the SU catalog but Sylvia purchased it and I had to have it too. It looks SO awesome on cards. I used Tombow adhesive on the candle flames, and sticky strip along the edges of the white cardstock to hold the glitter. It stays on really well!!

And my Friday morning gang was responsible for collectively helping with this one. Burgundy, Pumpkin and Moss are a totally different color combination for me but they look terrific together. Add some hardware from the new Hodgepodge Kit and it's an easy but beautiful card.

Oh, and the sixth design was a Double Pocket card, which I am totally addicted to. They are fun and easy. I'm hoping to take photos soon and post directions for you all.

Many thanks to Missy!

2008-04-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

At our last knitting night, Missy showed me these incredibly cute stitch holders that she made. And so, well, since I have a surplus of beads and beading supplies, I ran home and made some too. They are super easy, and fun to make, and now I don't have to use tacky plastic stitch holders but have elegant ones to adorn my knitting. Ah, I'm so easily amused. . .

Patting myself on the back. . .

2008-04-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

Well, miracle of miracles. . .I knit a sweater! And it came out lovely. And it fits. And it is the most deliciously feeling sweater. Malabrigo yarn in dry blue. . .very soft and warm. Okay, not ideal for Saipan, but a lovely sweater nonetheless.

Scrapbooking gifts. . . .

2008-04-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

I met a new gal at the Artists Holiday Bazaar last December where she purchased one of my pre-made scrapbooks for her baby. She recently invited my husband and I to her sweet child's first birthday party where she had the album filled with photographs and on display. She did an incredible job finishing the album into a work of art.

I've made her this one to highlight Joanna's second year of life! The outside of the album has the wide grosgrain ribbon adorned with rub-ons, and a chipboard heart covered with designer paper and embellished with a cute flower.

Remember that you can click on any photograph so see a larger and more detailed image!

I used HALF of a Simply Scrappin' Kit (Crew Kids Girls) and a sheet of rub-ons. It took just a few hours, and they are SO MUCH FUN TO MAKE!!!

Be yourself. . .nobody else is better qualified!

2008-02-20T18:36:00.001-08:00

I love the saying on this card. . .it's from the Smartypants stamp set in the current SU catalog. Love it!

New Fold for Cardmaking!

2008-02-18T04:19:00.001-08:00

These two cards are done in the same style. Use 12" x 12" cardstock. . .cut at 5.5" (resulting in a 5.5" x 12" piece.) Then score at 4" from each side. Carefully cut from the bottom corner to the scored line on each side. Adhere with sticky strip! These cards are decorated with the Designer Paper in the current catalog "Bali Breeze".

Ribbons or thin cardstock can be added at the bottom with a decorative embellishment. Insert a 3.75" x 5.5" tag and you're done!

Bits of cork add texture to your cards!

2008-02-12T21:24:00.001-08:00

Here I stamped the pears on designer series paper and cut them out. . .no coloring required. The cork adds nice texture, and the brads provide the balance of color.

This was easy with the beautiful felt flowers in this current catalog. And my new Smarty-Pants saying set. . .perfect for me!!

And this one stamped on cork, colored with markers and white gel pen, with a punched circle of designer paper in the middle. Great texture and easy to do!!

Knitted wool scarf

2008-02-08T04:08:00.001-08:00

Okay, I live in the tropics and I made a wool scarf. . .I'm sure I'll find a use for it. I love this yarn. This was the first project I made after I took my lesson at the yarn store in Dennis, Massachusetts. Isn't Amy a cute little model?!

Did I tell you I learned to knit??!!

2008-02-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Omigoodness. . .I took a knitting class on Cape Cod when I was home this past November. I've crocheted since I was practically in kindergarten but never could get the knitting to be loose and straight. The gal that taught me was fabulous and made it so easy. This scarf was the first project I blocked (since the knit got kind of curly). I used Patons SWS wool/soy yarn which is so lovely to work with. This one is going to my mom, who loves this color palette and hopefully loves me too.

Coordinating matchbook and candle for Sylvia's birthday!

2008-02-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Sylvia's birthday was February 2nd. I had a Yankee Candle in Lotus Blossom scent (dontcha love Yankee Candles?!) and used Stampin' Up! Designer Paper (Bali Breeze) to decorate both the glass jar and the matchbooks to go with it! The large flower is cut from the design on the paper, and then we added some of the new felt flowers from the catalog. I'm pretty happy with our design. Amy and I made it together for the very special Sylvia!!
(Sylvia, I hope you have lots more birthdays in store with us!)

Gift from Elly

2008-01-30T19:27:00.001-08:00

My wonderful downline Elly gave me this adorably decorated box. It's made from regular drink coasters covered with Designer Papers. The cropadile tool easily punches holes in the coasters (and many other items) to wind ribbons and keep the box in place.

This is SO darned cute! Thanks, my dear friend.

Gifts from Maria

2008-01-12T02:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Maria in Guam sent me these lovely items. The top photo shows a note card holder and four coordinating note cards. It's really a wonderful gift! I'm hoping she remembers to send me the pattern so I can make some for myself.

This shows the note card holder closed with the note cards inside.

And this is those cute pencil holders that I've made. They can also be done in an asian theme and used for chopsticks. . .perfect for that dinner party you've been planning. Well, Maria took it further and used them for gifting candy (umm, what are they called? the sugar in a paper tube?? , well they're yummy, and totally a blast from the past.) Thank you to Maria!!!

Visiting on Cape Cod with Rebecca!

2007-12-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

Rebecca lived on Saipan a few years back but has since moved to my home state of Massachusetts. While I was back for a short visit in November 2007, Becca was kind enough to drive the two hours to visit me on the Cape. We didn't "do" much, just chatted and ate at my favorite restaurant (Sam Diegos) but it was wonderful to see her. Good friends are those that you can see once in a great while and yet feel like no time has passed. Thanks, Becca, for travelling to see me!

Chipboard Names!

2007-10-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Aren't these adorable? Nicole's room is yellow and pretty in pink and gable green with flowers, and so her name has been done to coordinate with her room. Amy's is bashful blue, chocolate chip and celery with circles. With a little craft ink, stamps, and brads, you can decorate chipboard letters to hang anywhere. I used pop up glue dots to adhere them to their doors, or you could put them on the walls or windows.

You could also add ribbons and other embellishments, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Oh, I'm so busy patting myself on the back for this cute idea. Oh, well, Amy actually made them but I thought of it!! LOL.

MORE THAN A SNEAK PEEK. . .PLEASE JOIN US!

2007-10-09T00:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, let's try something new. I'm going to show you ALL the projects for the Stamp A Stack scheduled for October 20th and 21st. You'll make two cards of each design (complete with envelopes) and one pumpkin garland for only $25.

I supply everything! You just come and have a great time. Prepayment is required before October 17th so let me know asap if you plan to attend!!

Don't ya wish you came to the Soft & Sweet Stamp A Stack?!

2007-09-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the cards we made. . .

Stamp A Stack events are the best way to learn new techniques and to stock up on fabulous cards without having to make a major purchase. Everything is already provided for you. The supplies are pre-cut and all you need to do is follow the sample idea! You get lots of great cards (complete with envelopes) for only $25. . .what a great deal!! The same class is offered on both Saturday and Sunday on the third weekend of each month so you can pick whichever day is more convenient for you, or do it both days for double the cards.

Thank you to those who attended. You are the heart and soul of my stamping business!

Christmas monkeys?

2007-08-21T03:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, well I've made about 30 different designs with my Monkey Business stamp set from Stampin' Up! I don't know why I love this set so much but he's darling to mix with other items and, well, it just gives him such an interesting little life.

Santa hat and gifts are from the SU Crab & Company set. And of course I added glitter. Yeah for glitter. I love glitter!

Melinda's greatness

2007-08-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Okey-dokey. Perhaps I shouldn't show you cards done by my talented friend Melinda. Really. She has a wonderful style that I cannot copy or steal.

She loves a challenge. And when I got my new Double-Line Doodles set from Stampin' Up!, she was ready to create! Now, the color More Mustard is one color I don't find myself using a lot. Yet, see how Melinda managed to make it look trendy and cool?! Add some Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip cardstock and she in a zone all her own.

Thank you, Melinda, for the inspiration you share!!

Christmas Stamp A Stack

2007-08-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

Well, thank you to Angela for coercing me into having a Christmas In July Stamp A Stack. It was well attended and so much fun! I had homemade goodies for eating, and Christmas tunes playing, and it was really a good time. Here are five of the six cards we did!

The first card here is a melted snowman from Saipan. . . guess our hot weather wasn't too kind to him!

My surfing Santa Claus comes to me from a Stampin' Up! friend in Australia. I do hope SU gives us girls some tropical images too!

My Crab & Company card has googlie eyes, which make any card just perfect, right?

The Purely Pomegranate and River Rock card swings when opened to reveal either a personal message or a photograph in the middle section.

I cannot take credit for the Bordering Blue Cheers card. Melinda Crockett designed it for me! Elegant, isn't it?!

Finally some cards. . .

2007-05-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

I've been making cards with my tropical stamps lately and thought I'd share a few. It's been a long time since I've used my non-Stampin' Up! supplies!!

The Kliban hula cat is adorable. . .I've smudged the background with an ink spot. It's generally my favorite background technique lately. It's easy and quick, and brainless. Perfect for me, right?

This one is sage and eggplant, using twill tape and an SU saying with a Stampendous pineapple/flower. I've had this stamp forever and still love using it.

Vietnam Page 2

2007-05-10T03:26:00.000-07:00

This is our first dinner together as a group in Vietnam. We had the longest table I've ever seen! The left side is all the children and the right is all adults. Nearly 40 of us in all.

Cover page

2007-05-10T03:23:00.000-07:00

This is the cover page for my scrapbook album on Vietnam. We took a family trip with the girls' school from March 31, 2007 through April 14, 2007. What an adventure!