Stampin! with Jaydee

Easy Events - Little Boy Blue

Hi Everyone.

Very quick post for you tonight.  Once again, I hope all my blog readers on the East Coast are safe and dry.  I continue to speak to colleagues who live out in upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and hear their stories.  I hope all of my blog readers are OK.

I promised to share the other colors that I made with the Easy Events set for the Paper Players sketch challenge #61.  You can see my original card here.  That was the really girl version.  I also made a masculine version.  I know that Lou hates it when I use ribbon on "boy" cards, but seriously, for babies... the card is appreciated much more by the Momma than by baby!  So, I think a little bit of ribbon is way ok!!!!

Once again, I love the repetition of dots and stripes!  I know... I have some kind of disorder!

Here's what I used on the card:

• Card stock:  Pacific Point, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
• Stamps: Easy Events
• DSP:  Patterns Back - Brights
• Accessories:  Pacific Point ribbon (retired).  Brights Button.  White Baker's Twine
• Tools:  Big Shot, Polka Dot embossing folder.  Stampin' Dimensionals. 

Now that you have seen the second of these cards... you know you are tempted to buy this fabulous set :-)  Funny thing... when I saw this set in the catalog I said... no way, Jose!  When I heard it was one of the sets from convention, I said. Oh.  No!  BUT.... I love it!  So... it shows that it's worthwhile going to a friend's house, or your demonstrator's house and trying something out... Or in my case, flying to Utah!

On a personal note

Thank you to all of you who left a message for me on yesterday's post.  I really appreciated your wonderful, warm comments.  It was the first - and only time I have actually submitted a card for publication.  I'm tempted to try again, but, it's really pretty stressful.  I know there are some people who really are amazing at knowing exactly what to design to be of interest to a magazine.  You learn what pops on a page and trying to think of what trends will be month's from now.  me... I get nervous enough just putting cards on my blog.  You would be surprised how many don't actually make it to my blog - never mind for submission!  Anyway, it was great and i really did like the card, and am so grateful to all of you.

Shout out to my hubby tonight who is, as always, on the road again!

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need it tonight.

Jaydee

French Foliage - My first publication

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday.

Before I get to my post tonight.  I hope that all of my East Coast blog readers are safe and dry.  So many people I spoke to on the East Coast today had been affected in one way or another.  Upstate New York seemed to have been hit pretty bad along the Hudson Valley.  One just doesn't think of Hurricane's that far north.  So, I hope you are all well and safe.  You were all in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.

Well, I finally did it.  I entered a card into Papercrafts for possible submission at the end of last year and was so pleased when I was advised that the card would be published!  I was so excited, but it has been a long time since I made the card and I haven't been able to show it to you.  Yep, I made this card sometime back in October last year!!! 

The card was created for the brand new Papercrafts special edition

This edition is chocablock full of ideas on how to use different layouts.  Of all the submissions, only 4 of each layout were chosen.  I loved this particular layout and had an idea on what to use immediately that I saw it.

It was so long ago, that I had only just gotten my French Foliage set and thought that the leaves from the set would work beautifully with the layout.  I also decided that I wanted to create a light and airy feel to the leaves, so stamped them onto vellum.  Once the ink was dry, I cut around the leaves with my paper snips and attached them to the square bases using plenty of mini glue dots.

I have to say, that the card doesn't look as vibrant on the page in the mag.  You really night the brighter lights that come with close-up photography to see that the leaves are stamped onto vellum.  You will notice that yes, I did... I did cut out the stems of the flowers, too!!!  The only thing that is not Stampin' Up! on the card is the sentiment.  The reason for that?  We didn't have a "thank you" sentiment that was just the right scale and my printer at the time wouldn't print on card stock.  So, I had no alternative but to use a different make of sentiment.

So... I loved this card.... what do you think?

You really should pop along to your local newsagent or bookstore and get your own copy of this special edition.  It really is so inspiring to see the various ways that the layouts were used.  So, for those of us (like me), who are often layout challenged - 288 cards based on the layouts, is a great way to find some inspiration.

Card ingredients - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Very Vanilla.  Vellum
• Inks:  More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy (center of the leaves).  Both are Stampin' Write markers.  Cajun Craze was used for the sentiment.  Versamark was used for the background stamping
• Stamps:  French Foliage.  Sentiment: Papertrey Ink.  Background: Confetti
• Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig.  Paper Snips.  Mini glue dots.  Snail.

As always, thanks for visiting my blog.  You know it means a great deal to me.

Hugs

Jaydee

Easy Events - Paper Players Challenge #61

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.

I hope you are all having a great weekend and that my blog readers in the path of Irene are safe and dry.

It's my pleasure to host the Paper Players Challenge this week and we have a sketch for you.  I first saw this sketch at convention and loved it.  We hope that you will join us this week.  Even though the sketch has a circular focal element, you can make it any shape you like.  You can also turn the sketch on its side if that suits you better, too.

I decided to stay with the Easy Events for this sketch, but make baby cards instead.  However, I couldn't decide whether to make a gender neutral card, a baby boy card, or a baby girl card.  So.... being the over-achiever (or nutter.. whichever you prefer :-)...)  I ended up doing all three.  I promise I will show them to you over the next week, but decided to go with the feminine and girly pink one for the challenge.

Isn't that cute?  Don't you just love all the pink?  I know pink isn't a color I normally lead with, but I do think the Melon Mambo goes so well with the Pretty in Pink striped grosgrain ribbon.  For the background, I used texture Melon Mambo layered over the Melon Mambo base.

I then chose Regal Rose for the square and ran it through my Big Shot with the polka dot embossing folder.  I love the fact that the polka dots on the embossing folder match the polka dots on the umbrella!  I used a white gel pen to make the dots on the umbrella pop.  A Regal Rose button finished off the card.

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Regal Rose, Melon Mambo
• Stamps:  Easy Events
• Accessories:  Brights Buttons, Pretty in Pink striped grosgrain ribbon
• Tools:  2 1/2" circle punch.  Big Shot.  Polka Dot embossing folder.  Stampin' Dimensionals.  (Both the square layer and the focal layer were popped up on Dimensionals.)

We really do hope that you will join us this week.  The entire design team loves visiting your creations.

I hope everyone stays safe and dry this weekend.  Prayers and hugs for those of you who need a little lift.

Jaydee

Nature's Pace

Hi Everyone

Very quick post for you tonight.  It has been a very long week.  Yesterday was a 14 hour work day and I am so far behind of everything this week because of work...  I really need to win the lottery.  If anyone has the winning numbers, just send me an email and I promise I will share :-)

Firstly..... big shout out to PATRICIA AND ANDREA.  Two boxes chocablock full of cards for Operation Write Home arrived today.  I am so pleased and grateful to both of you.  You know that you have made some troops and their family members so very happy.  My thanks, also, to Lori, who let me know that she is sending cards along, too.  I can't wait for them to arrive.

As a reminder, you still have a few more days to let me know that you will be joining us on this worthy cause.

On to tonight's card.  Once again... it's my fall to layout and my favorite DSP.  I love these more formal wedding cards and thought that this one worked rather well.  Sometimes, formal just seems the right way to go.

I'm sorry it is a little out of focus.  All of the shots that I took of this card are like this... so heavens knows what was going on!  I do love this textured, flock Mocha Morning DSP.  It really is stunning!  I also love the Two Tags Die!

• Card stock:  Metallic Gold, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
• Stamps:  Nature's Pace.  Sentiment:  Occasional Quotes (retired)
• Accessories:  Basic Black Satin Ribbon.  Antique Brad
• Tools:  Big Shot, Two Tags Die, Stampin' Dimensionals
• Inks:  Crumb Cake, Basic Black

I'll be back tomorrow with my Paper Players challenge card.  We hope that you will join us.

Have a fabulous Saturday.  I hope all of you who are in the path of Irene stay safe.  Hugs and prayers for all in need tonight.

Jaydee

It's a Celebration for Moxie

Hi Everyone.  Hope you are all having a wonderful week so far.

Tonight's card was created from an inspiration photograph across at Moxie.  Cath always manages to find some interesting photographs - often very provocative.  This one was no exception.  The colors are strong.  The design statements very bold.  Always, there is one very unexpected feature.  Sometimes with images such as this, it is hard to find the features you want to focus on.

Here's the photo

My inspiration? This time... it was easy.  The pink background, the black and white carpet, the chartreuse stripe that literally (well visually) goes all the way across the middle of the room.  Finally.  bling.  Whatever happened, it was certain that this card had to have bling!

So, here's what I came up with

 

So, can you see the inspiration?  I even used up some of my exceptionally precious satin Kiwi Kiss and Vanilla ribbon for this card.  It really need the pop of green horizontally to pick up one of the key elements in the inspiration photo.  I decided to take some rhinestones and run them horizontally across the ribbon, and then wrap around the knot.  I thought that wrapping it around the knot helped pick up the chandelier from the inspiration picture.

Here's what is on the card - all components Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Blushing Bride, Basic Black
• Ink: Basic Black
• DSP: Timeless Portrait
• Ribbon: Kiwi Kiss and Very Vanilla satin ribbon (retired)
• Accessories: Basic Rhinestones
• Sentiment: Papertrey Ink

I also thought that, as this is supposed to be a girly card, a double bow on the ribbon was in order!

Don't forget to pop along to moxie and check out the fabulous inspiration and submission cards.  It's always interesting to see how others have interpreted these inspiration photos.

On a personal note:

Windy and warm here today.  The heat index certainly shot up and there were garbage cans flying everywhere up and down the road today.  It's always interesting when one lives on a hill, and its a windy day, and it's garbage day!  Needless to say, I had to go out during the middle of a meeting and secure the garbage can and pick up all sorts of flotsam and jetsam that had landed on the lawn:-)

Thanks to all of you who left such wonderful comments on our deck photos!  We really appreciated it.

Tonight, a huge shout out to KELLY.   Kelly let me know today that she is shipping off cards for our Operation Write Home card drive.  Kelly, thank you so much.  You know that it makes me very happy that you are contributing your time and creative effort to our card drive... but, even more importantly, you now how much it means to the troops and their family members that you have done it! 

Also, I'd like to answer Linda's question tonight... Linda wanted to know what "fussy cutting" is.  Fussy cutting, for me, is when I take a pair of paper snips and cut around every single piece of the image - including all the nooks and crannies and right up to the edge of the image, too.  It takes much longer to "fussy cut" an image, because you really are trying to get the entire image as free of "white space" as you possibly can.   Linda, I hope that helps explain it.

As always, thank you for stopping by my blog.  Your visits, and your comments, are greatly appreciated.  Have a wonderful Thursday, filled with love and laugther.  Hugs and prayers for those in need of a little lift.

Jaydee

Love & Care for Embellish

Hi Everyone.

Happy Tuesday.  I hope you are all having a great week so far.

The challenge across at Embellish Magazine was to create a card using a specific color scheme - and an embossed flower!   Here was the color scheme:

 
I really wanted to keep my image clean and simple.  However, I couldn't decide whether it needed an extra pearl or not... so... I photographed it without - and with - the pearl.  Which do you prefer?

 

The embossed element is, of course, the flower from Love & Care.  I finally got to use some of the fabulous Melon Mambo embossing powder that Brenda shared with me.  Thank you, Brenda!  I stamped the image with Versamark and then embossed it and fussy cut around it and mounted it to the base using Stampin' Dimensionals.  

Here's a closeup for you.  As you can see I placed the pearls onto a circle that I punched out of Very Vanilla card stock.

I stamped the background from Flores Suaves in Crumb Cake onto a Very Vanilla Background.  The sentiment is from Happiest Birthday Wishes, and was stamped in Wild Wasabi.  So, I managed to incorporate all the colors from the challenge, as well as the embossed flower, and still kept it clean and simple. 

Card deets:

• Card stock:  Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Love & Care, Happiest Birthday Wishes
• Inks:  Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Versamark
• Accessories:  Pearls
• Tools:  Melon Mambo embossing powder; Stampin Dimensionals.

On a personal note:

I promised to share the rest of the shots that I took of our deck this weekend.  This is a continuation of last night's post.  Here's a shot from the other side of the deck, our dining section.

 

Then looking back over the dining section, to the relaxing section.

Then, back to where we started.... looking from the garden back to the deck

and I couldn't resist a photo of my favorite little bistro table

Now, all I need to do is show you the before picture.  I need to go trawl through some old photographs and find one to show you.  Then you will realize just how amazingly different the after is.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday, filled with love, laughter and time spent doing the things you love.

Hugs and prayers for those who need a lift today.

Hugs

Jaydee

Petite Pairs meets Four Frames for Stamping411

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday night.

The operators across at Stamping411 have two sketches this week.  I absolutely fell in love with this one and had an idea of what I wanted to do almost immediately.  And, it all revolved around the Mocha Morning DSP.  I am absolutely completely and utterly in love with this sophisticated DSP.  I think it's one of the best that Stampin Up! has ever created.

Here's the sketch.  Isn't it great?  Why don't you pop along to stamping411 and check out the fabulous design team inspiration cards and play along, too!

And here's what I did with it.

Isn't that luscious.  It's like a real Italian hot chocolate drink on a cold winter's day.  I love the Soft Suede and Very Vanilla paper with the Early Espresso textured card stock.  Of course, I couldn't NOT use the quilted satin ribbon from the new mini.  I stamped the Four Frames onto Very Vanilla using Early Espresso and "fussy cut" around it.  I then punched out the background to the frame using Early Espresso and the Decorative Label punch.    I was really happy with the way it turned out.  Sometimes, a sophisticated wedding card is exactly what one needs.  What do you think of it?

• Card stock:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
• DSP: Mocha Morning
• Stamps:  Four Frames, Petite Pairs
• Accessories:  Qulited Satin Early Espresso Ribbon
• Tools:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Decorative Label Punch, Snail, Paper Snips

On a personal note:

HUGE shout out to CAM tonight.  Her box chocablock full of cards arrived for the troops today.  WAY TO GO, CAM.  I really appreciate that you support each of my card drives.  You are an absolute star.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you!

Some of you have asked to see pictures of our new deck.  Well, last weekend we had to clear off the furniture and give it a clean.  Yes, even the low-maintenance environmentally friendly decks need more TLC than I had expected.  In fact, it seems that black mold loves growing on them.  Considering the deck is west facing, we were very surprised by the amount of mold that had attacked the deck.  So, out came the environmentally friendly oxy deck clean, the scrubbing brush, warm water and lots of elbow grease.  We put the furniture back on the deck this weekend and it was an ideal time to take some pictures for you.  The weather wasn't co-operating much yesterday morning as it was very dull.... but I did manage to take a couple this afternoon when I went out to sit in the shade of the tree and have a quick bite to eat.

Here's the deck empty..  you can blow up any of the pictures with your mouse. 

You can see the deck, and the fountain and hardscaping on the right.  The fountain and the tree provide a wonderful respite from the sun, as it is always shady and cool there.  We set up our little bistro table and chairs and its a perfect place to sit and contemplate.

Here's the pic from the chair looking out over the fountain

 

Then, if you turn slightly right, you can see over the bench seat and see the wonderful chairs that are so comfy to just curl up in.

Then... here's a pic looking over the chairs, the bench seat, with the fountain in the background.

I'll save the rest of the pics until tomorrow night.  But, I think you can tell why we love it so much!

We spent some time at the nursery yesterday buying more local perennials.  The plants really have to live through some tough conditions here, so we buy mostly locally grown plants.  We had many things come back after winter, but some did not.  Lou spent hours yesterday planting echinacea, and rununculus and honeysuckle and ladybells.... and all sorts of other things that the hummers and butterflies are supposed to love.  Lets hope that the deer/rabbit deterrent we put on works.

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday.  Hugs and prayers for those who need a lift tonight.

Jaydee

Paper Players Challenge #60 - Sketch Challenge

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.

The Paper Players have a sketch challenge designed by the very talented LeAnne this week.  I had a sneak peek at the design team cards whilst I was loading my card onto the challenge site, and you are in for another treat this week!  It's a great sketch and we hope you will play along.

For some reason, this sketch inspired me to bring out my Pennant Parade set.  I also decided it was time to pair it with the Snow Burst Embossing Folder and bring out some bling.  In my cupboard I found my Dazzling Details and some Mica Flakes.  Perfect for what I had in mind!

Here's what I came up with:

I stamped the holders for the trees using Versmark and then used my Cherry Cobbler embossing powder to give them color, and texture. 

I ran a Cherry Cobbler layer through my Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder and cut it down to 5-1/4" x 4" and laid it over the top of the card base using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I stamped the Pennant Parade Christmas Trees using Old Olive and adhered two directly to the card base and popped the middle one on Stampin' Dimensionals.  I stamped a little star using Gold Embossing ink, snipped around it and mounted it on a spare piece of Dimensional. 

The last thing I needed to do was to add some glue to the base of the trees and then sprinkle Mica Flakes over the glue.  I then liberally applied Dazzling Details to the card, over areas of the Mica flakes.  This helped secure the flakes to the card stock.

I used Sticky Strip to ruffle the ribbon and adhere it to the card base.  All that was left to do was to add the focal layer on top of that using Stampin' Dimensionals.

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
• Stamps:  Pennant Parade
• Accessories:  Quilted Satin Cherry Cobbler Ribbon, Mica Flakes, Dazzling Details
• Tools:  Big Shot and Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper snips

Don't forget to pop along to the Paper Players and check out the design team cards - and then play along with us.  We'd love to see what you create.

On a personal note:

It has been a long week this week.  Many hours of conference calls (up to 10 hours a day).  The worse thing about conference calls running all day, is that you have to find time to do the work that you should have done during the day whilst you were on conference calls!  Consequently, stamping time has been non existent this week.  I've also found it hard to keep up with personal emails, or even my blog.  It's unheard of for me to go two days without posting, but I hope you all understand why.

I am hoping to get some time in my stamping space today and tomorrow and just some time to chill.  The weather is gorgeous, and I would like to spend a little time sitting on the deck just appreciating the outdoors and our fabulous deck.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.  A Sunday spent doing the things that you enjoy.

Warm hugs and prayers tonight for those who need a little lift.

Hugs

Jaydee

Happiness is....

Hi Everyone.  Happy Wednesday!

very quick post for you tonight.... one photo and a quick card.  I've just finished work.  I was on conference calls for 11.5 hours.  yep!  My ear is ringing and I am all talked out :-)  Luckily, my fingers are still functioning enough to update my blog.

No-one appreciates SU boxes more than I..... except..... Bailey!

Happiness is the day when a new box arrives.... not only does he lurvvvv playing with the brown paper, but..... the empty box makes a wonderful sleeping place!

That look...."don't disturb me mother!!!!!)  Such a big cat, a small box, but it's amazing how a cat will curl up enough to make it work!

You might remember that I created this card for the troops.... well, I used the same set to create this card.... it's a fabulous image to color, btw!   and, I couldn't resist pairing it with the fabulous Indigo Island card stock, the Fancy Fan letterpress plate, and the border punch.

I can't wait to pair this with an "I miss you" sentiment, or "you are how old".   Question for you... what sentiment would you pair this image with?  I am really looking for new sentiments that I could use with this image and would appreciate your input.  Just leave me a comment and share your thoughts, we would all love to hear them.

In fact, to sweeten the deal... why don't I offer up a goodie from convention.  Yes!  I will do that.  Leave your thoughts on the sentiment you think works well with the image on this card - or this one either existing or one you made up, and I will draw a name  to receive a goodie from SU convention.

I think this should be great fun.  I hope you will play along.  I can't wait to read what you all come up with.

Have a wonderful Thursday and hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift.

Jaydee

Snow Much Fun and Frostwood Lodge

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday.  I hope you are all having a great day.

Tonight's card showcases Snow Much Fun and, of course, I had to pair it with Frostwood Lodge.  I really am in love with this DSP - and this set.  Sometimes, you can look at a card and it's only when you see the photograph that you think.... what on earth did you do there?  Well, this is one of those times. :-)

I used my tag layout again - loving this layout - but at the last minute decided to add a vertical ribbon instead of my usual bow.  Mmm... that's where the problem came in.  It now looks as though the snowman as a ribbon coming out of his top hat!  Think I am going to have to re do this one..... but it has some very cute elements, so wanted to share it with you.

Isn't he just the cutest?  I colored him with my Copic markers and then applied Crystal Effects to his top hat and wellington boots to give that shiny feel.  It's a little hard to pick up in this picture, but it looks cool IRL.  I then took my Basic Rhinestones (what a deal these are) and colored them using my copics to match the blue in the DSP.  They make fabulous buttons.

Of course, I had to pull out my new Dazzling Details and apply a little strategic dazzle.  I also stamped the snowball and snowmen twice, once onto the tag and then again onto scrap card stock.  I cut around both of the focal images and mounted them onto the original stamped image using Stampin' Dimensionals.  I do like the addition of the sparkly buttons, the three rhinestones in the bottom corner, the Crystal Effects on the top hat and wellies... but really don't like how I positioned the tag with the ribbon!  I also think the tag should have either been straight - or tilted the other way.  On another positive note..... love this sheet of DSP.  Doesn't it look like winter flannel pajamas???!!

Card deets:

• Card stock:  Naturals White, Cherry Cobbler
• DSP: Frostwood Lodge
• Stamps:  Snow Much Fun
• Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Details
• Tools:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot, Two Tags Die, Paper Snips, Stamp-a-ma-jig

On a personal note:

Today was another glorious day with low humidity and reasonable temperatures.  So... loving the weather.   For those of you who have been kind enough to ask....My leg is progressing - the color is totally back to normal, no bruising at all.  It is still very stiff and I cannot put any weight on it, or do squats or lunges.  It's also tough either walking up hill or down hill and does tend to swell easily.  However, I still have another 6 weeks to go before we need to relook at it and see if anything needs to be fixed.  I'm hoping that over the next 6 weeks it continues to heal and I will be starting gentle exercise tomorrow to try to help it along.

We met with the plumber today to make sure that he could fit our new toilet and bath into the master bath.  Luckily the answer is YES... so we are very happy about that.  Our next meeting is with the electrician and the builder.  By Friday we should have everything locked down and then I can build a project plan of how all of this will roll out over the next few months. 

Warm hugs and prayers tonight for those who need a lift.

Have a wonderful Wednesday

Jaydee

You are a Star

Hi Everyone, Happy Monday night.

Tonight I have a very quick post for you.

As you may all know by now, I am busy creating cards for the Operation Write Home card drive.  Occasionally I find stamp sets that I wouldn't normally buy, but think work so well for the servicemen and women.  I found a stamp set recently, that fit that bill.  I thought these images were perfect to send home to children.

You saw that I used the new striped embossing folder on last night's card - and I used it on this one, too.  This is another one of those cards that I created a couple of weeks ago and haven't loaded yet.  I love it.  I love the bright colors, the striped embossing folder... yes, consider my officially in love with this new folder!!! and, of course, I had to use one of the new In Colors - Calypso Coral for the card base.  It works well with the Daffodil Delight scalloped border and the Cajun Craze sentiment.

Isn't that just super cute?  I think so :-)

To get the texture on the card stock, I ran the embossing folder through my Big Shot and then used my sanding block to distress the top layer and add that little bit of texture.  

Here's what I used for the card:

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight
• Stamp set: Gina K
• Inks:  Cajun Craze Classic Ink,  Copic markers used to color the star fish
• Tools:  Scallop border punch, Big Shot, Stripes Embossing Folder, Sanding Block, Stampin Dimensionals - used to lift the starfish.

On a personal note:

Lou and I finalized on the new tile for our bathroom.... I can honestly say that I am madly in love with the new tile for the floor.  We have slate down in the shower and love it, but it's a bit fiddly to have to keep refreshing it twice a year, so we decided to do a porcelain version for the bathroom floor... then we decided that as we were tearing out the floor tiles in there, we might as well put heating underneath, too.  Seriously, this all started because I HATE the bath in the bathroom... for 13 years I have wanted to change it... Finally.. I get the bath of my dreams and get to finish off the bathroom.....  oh.. and get warm floors in winter!  I can't wait to get started and show you the before and after.  Mind you, our bathroom isn't exactly the before and after - cos we have already changed much of it, but this reno takes it to an entirely different level!  Can you tell that I am excited :-)

Prayers and hugs for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

As always, thank you so much for your visit - you know it means a great deal to me.

Don't forget to let me know if you are going to be sending some cards in the for OWH card drive.

Hugs

Jaydee

 

 

Every Moment for Embellish Magazine

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday.

I don't normally post on Sunday's, but as I missed two night's posting this week, I felt I really needed to!  I also wanted to give you an update on the Operation Write Home card drive, too.

Let's start with a card tonight.  I saw this challenge across at Embellish Magazine and couldn't wait to bring out my Every Moment stamp set.  I was lucky to have a little stamping time last weekend to make this card, but wasn't able to load it before today!  In fact, I have ones I made nearly three weeks ago to show you still! Don't forget to pop along to Embellish Magazine and check out the fabulous design team and submission cards.

Now, the challenge was to 1) use the colors in the photo and 2) to use an image on your card that required coloring.  Now, y'all know that I never turn down an excuse to bring out my inks!!!!  The colors are not ones that I am naturally drawn to, but I decided to give it a try.

My first decision was that the card focal color would be Crumb Cake and that I would make the green, pink and yellow my highlight colors.  I also wanted to bring in just a tad of the darker brown used on the "flying house studios" to add a little grounding to the card.

Although Crumb Cake was my base, I wanted to darken the striped background a little, so I sponged it with a little Soft Suede.  This allowed the focal point to really pop from it's Crumb Cake tag.  (This layout really has become a fall to layout for me!)  Of course, the bird in the bulrushes needed just a little blue sky, but just enough to make him pop and took that inspiration from the little blue flower on the necklace.

Here's what I came up with:

I used a mixture of my Stampin' Write markers and Copics to color the image.  Here's the deets of the card:

• Card stock:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Every Moment, Perfect Words.  En Francais (lightly stamped onto the tag).  Wonderfully Worn (lightly stamped onto the tag.
• Inks: Soft Suede classic ink.  Stampin' Write Markers:  Lucky Limeade (stalks), Crumb Cake (bulrush heads).  Bird colored with Copics
• Accessories:  Pear Pizzazz and Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon.  Naturals Button.  Early Espresso Baker's Twine
• Tools:  Paper snips for the fussy cutting of the bird.  Stampin Dimensionals - each layer is on dimensionals.  Bow Easy for the two toned bow, double tied to make 4 bows on either side. Sizzix tag die and Big Shot.  Color Spritzer tool - used with Crumb Cake Stampin' Write marker on the Striped Embossing folder layer to help add dimension and shadow.

So, what do you think?  I hope I managed to incorporate the colors and I really did enjoy coloring the focal point!

Operation Write Home Card Drive update:

Two weeks to go to get your cards to me.  As a reminder, these are cards that the service man or woman will choose on base to send home to a family member.  Just about anything goes in terms of requirements, but Happy Birthday, Love You, etc. are especially welcome.  You can check out my original detailed blog post on what to do and what is preferred.  A2 cards are definitely the preferred card size.  Cards can be made using any stamp products.  Don't forget .... every 20 cards with envelopes that you send, will give you one entry into the draw for Stampin' Up! product courtesy of MOI.  As an added incentive, everyone who does send me cards will receive a little thank you present from me, too.  So, even if you are not the main prize winners, you will still receive a little Stampin' Up! memento from Convention - just as my way of saying thank you.

If you have any questions at all on the card drive, need any advice, etc. Please just drop me an email.  You can find the link right under my photo - taken with my handsome hubby and the fabulous Fox the Camel!

As always, thank you so much for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere.  Warm hugs and prayers for those who need them.

Hugs

Jaydee

Baby Bundle - Paper Players Challenge #58

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday.  I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend.

Well, you all know what Saturday means!  Yep, it's the reveal of my card for the Paper Players weekly challenge.

The very talented Anne Marie has a great color challenge for us this week.

Now, I have to admit that I am not really a pinky type of girl, so this challenge pushed me waaaay outside of my comfort zone.  However, that's the greatest reason to do challenges that you aren't comfortable with.  They stretch you and grow you creatively.  It helps if you remember to use Pretty in Pink instead of Pink Pirouette.... don't ask me how I know that Pink Pirouette isn't as pretty with Regal Rose and Rose Red... nope...don't ask!!!  :-)

The colors screamed girl to me - and I immediately thought of a baby girl card.  I hadn't made one for OWH yet, so thought this was the ideal opportunity.  I have to tell you that Lou said he really liked this card... so... it was good to be pushed out of my zone!

 

So, what do you think... suitable for a boy :-)  Maybe not, but I think it's perfect for a baby girl and a mommy who loves pink!

Here's what I used:

• Card stock:  Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Baby Bundle, Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Inks: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
• DSP:  Patterns Pack - Subtles
• Accessories:  Bling.... of course.... I couldn't resist, so I pulled out my Basic Rhinestones, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon
• Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin' Dimensionals, Modern Label Punch (adjusted to make it short enough to fit the sentiment), I drew the little ribbon for her hair and cut around it with my paper snips and added a tiny little rhinestone. ****** I also used my Bow Easy to make the double bow. 
• Tip:  to tone down the Very Vanilla, I took a Sponge Dauber and some PiP classic ink and sponged the edges a little.

Now, it's over to you.  Don't forget to pop along to the Paper Players and check out the fabulous design team cards.  They really have gone out of their way to provide you with a wide variety of inspiration and I know you will find something you love.  Then, why not join us and show Anne Marie what great creations you can make with her color challenge?

You can check out the fabulous design team cards at their blogs:

• Ann Schach
• Anne Marie Hile
• Carrie Gaskin
• Lauri Ingram
• LeAnne Pugliese
• Lesley Groghan
• Nance Leedy
• Sandra Azzopardi

On a personal note:

Lou and I have been busy checking out tiling and what color flooring we want.... a new bath for me... oh yeah.... you have to see my new bath!  Of course, we needed a new toilet to go into the master bathroom, too.  Then ... new faucets... then Lou decided it was about time we really put in a heated towel rack.  We had great fun this afternoon arguing over granite choices.  It's so exciting and I promise I will share pics with you of the before and after as we finish up each of the spaces.

Today the weather was glorious and tomorrow is going to be even better.  Highs in the upper 70's, very little humidity, sunny..... GORGEOUS!

Hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.  Oh... and for those of you who have followed the story of Rachel, the little girl who wanted to help children in poor countries get access to better drinking water.... check out this link for the updated totals.  AWESOME... and if you ever thought $9 couldn't make a difference.... this proved us all wrong!

Hugs

Jaydee

***** at convention I met Carrie Gaskin, aka Artistic Avenger and she was wearing these fabulous little fascinators that she made out of SU products.  I thought of Carrie when I put this little bow in her hair... this morning I remembered why it reminded me of Carrie even more.... she put a bow in the hair of her monster card - if you missed it, you can check out her fabulous card here.  So, Carrie, thanks for inspiring me indirectly and directly!  While you are on Carrie's blog - check out this great card, too.  You will definitely be inspired to buy the Snow Much Fun set!

Love and Care

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday.  Yay... it's almost Friday!

I hope you are all having a great week so far and managing to stay cool!  Tonight, I am SOOO late with my post!!!

I seem to be hooked on the layout for tonight's card!  I think I might just need an intervention. :-)

I really wanted to play around with Wisteria Wonder and the Love and Care set.  I love it paired with Elegant Eggplant and Lucky Limeade.  This was another card I made for OWH.

Oooooo... and talking about the OWH card drive.  I have a huge shout out for Beth tonight.  I received another packet of wonderful cards from Beth.  Beth has supported every one of our OWH card drives.... WAY TO GO, Beth.... you absolutely rock! 

Also, I heard from Andrea tonight... she also has cards on their way.... I can't wait to receive them.  Thank you so much to all of you who have already sent me cards.... and to those of you who let me know that you have cards in production :-)

Here's one of my contributions:

I love the striped paper with just a little border of the Lucky Limeade.  Since SU released Wisteria Wonder, I have discovered Elegant Eggplant!!! It wasn't a color I used very much, but I really love it with WW.  The other thing I have recently discovered?  Naturals White card stock.  Yep... How on earth have I gotten thru all these years without using it! :-)

Card deets:

• Card stock:  Naturals White, Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant
• DSP:  In Colors Patterns Pack
• Stamps:  Love and Care
• Inks:  Elegant Eggplant, Lucky Limeade, Versamark
• Accessories:  Wisteria Wonder ribbon

On a personal note:

Well..we are really excited about the floors!  Now we just need to work out how long it is going to take them and just how much it is going to disrupt our daily lives.  In addition to the new hardwoods on the main floor, we are going to be finishing up our master bathroom - I am really excited about that, too. 

I don't know about you, but sometimes a girl just needs to revel in a warm bath, with dim lighting and just..... relax.  When I'm stressed there really is something incredibly relaxing about lying in a tub - it must be that who back to the womb thing :-)  So, I have new tiling to go around the bath (to match what we did in Lou's updated, snazzy, shower), a brand new spa tub and new faucets.  I really can't wait!!!  It's wonderful to get housing projects finished.  Rach and Jodi know all about that... Rach with her brand new laundry and updated bathroom, and Jodi with the great new floors she spoke about in her comment on last night's post!  Then.... there is Adelle, whose bathroom is, she tells me, a really good reason to stay put and not move!  I can absolutely understand that!

As always, thank you for visiting my blog.  Prayers and hugs to those who need a lift tonight.

Jaydee

Field Flowers Birthday

Hi Everyone.  Happy Wednesday.  I hope you are all having a great week!

Tonight's card was a quick one that I threw together for the Operation Write Home card drive.  For those of you still contemplating joining us on our card drive, you can find all the details here.  Shout out to Cindy who sent along her cards for the drive.  Way to go, Cindy!  You know you made the day for those troops who will benefit from your lovely creations.

For the card, I wanted to see if I could use the new embossing folder for something other than Christmas.  This embossing folder might be named Snow Burst, but the "bursts" have eight sides and, as most of you will recall, snow flakes actually only have six.  So, I decided to test out my theory of using the embossing folder for something other than Christmas.

I also thought it was a great opportunity to try out the new Cherry Cobbler embossing powder.  Love the stuff.... but.... it does tend to get everywhere, so make sure that you always use your embossing buddy when you are using it. 

Here's my card.  What do you think about the embossing folder - yes or no to something other than Christmas?  I'd really love to hear what you think.  I know you can't see it, but the texture on the embossed flowers is really pretty.

   


Card deets:

• Card stock:  Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler
• Stamps:  Field Flowers.  Sentiment:  Happiest Birthday Wishes
• Inks: Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler, Versamark
• Tools:  Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Snow Burst Embossing Folder

On a personal note:

The weather has been glorious today.  I had forgotten how gorgeous this weather can be.  In the 70's with low humidity and a slight breeze.  Ah!  Fabulous!  This run of really hot and humid weather has not made me a happy camper.  I hate running the air conditioning so much, but seriously, there was no other option!

Lou and I are going to be changing out the flooring on our main floor.  Right now it's a mixture of wood and carpet.  We really want to take out the carpet and put wood all the way through.  We looked at Lyptus flooring and fell instantly in love.  It is just gorgeous!  It's also a really hard, very sustainable, wood.  It also comes in three luscious colors.  I'll take before and after pics to show you what it looks like.  We are so excited and can't wait to get started.

Lou really enjoyed his birthday weekend and was very touched by all of you who stopped by to leave him birthday wishes.  Thank you to all of you who did!

Don't forget... I'm still looking for wonderful blog visitors to join my stamping family!  The first person who signs up before August 14 gets a wonderful gift from me.  I will include the fabulous new Spice Cake suite from the new mini catty.  That's fabric, matching buttons and DSP and a gorgeous new stamp set.  That's a gift of over a $50 value from me, in addition to the wonderful deal on the starter kit sign up.  All you need to do is send me an email ... you can find my email address under my photograph at the top right of my blog page - and I'll send you all the details.  I'd really love to have you as part of my team.... I'd love to be able to send you your fabulous thank you gift - and you'd make me happy!  :-)  In addition, there is no pressure to buy anything more if you don't want to.

Warm hugs and prayers to all of you.  I hope you have a wonderful Thursday.  A day filled with love, laughter and time spent doing the things you love - with those you love!

Hugs

Jaydee

Snow Much Fun

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday night.

I hope you all enjoyed our impromptu Birthday Blog Hop for Lesley!  If you haven't seen the card I made for her, you can click on this post.

I have been dying to use my new Snow Much Fun set and the sketch across at stamping411  seemed like the ideal one to try it with.   I paired the image with some brand new DSP from the new Holiday Mini.  I am absolutely in love with this new paper.  It's called Frostwood Lodge.  In fact, I made two cards with the same set and the same DSP this weekend.  Which shows you how inspiring a sketch can be!

Instead of the ribbon and bow, I decided to use some of the brand new Quilted Satin Ribbon - again from the new holiday mini.  It's gorgeous and rich and luscious.  Just like chocolate should be!  Instead of a bow, I decided to use a red Sharpie and color three Basic Rhinestones instead.  If you look closely, you will also see another new item from the holiday mini - Dazzling Details.

Here's what I came up with

You might be wondering what the background embossing folder is, too!  Ah... another new thing from the holiday mini.  It's the Snow Burst embossing folder. 

I know it's tough to see in this pic, but the Dazzling Details looks fabulous on top of the snowman.  I tried to put it in places where I thought snow would collect on him.  The top of his hat, the top of the brim. on top of his scarf, the tip of his carrot nose - and in the crook of the hand he's holding out for the bird.

Don't you love how the texture from the ribbon echoes the pattern on the DSP?  I do :-)

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
• Stamps:  Snow Much Fun
• DSP:  Frostwood Lodge
• Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones
• Tools:  Big Shot, Snow Burst embossing folder, Dazzling Details, wide oval punch for the sentiment

Don't forget to pop along to stamping411 and check out the fabulous design team inspiration cards - and I know they would appreciate it if you played along, too!

On a personal note:

Lou and I had a great weekend just relaxing and enjoying having him home.  Friday night we went to a jazz concert.  It was wonderful sitting outside watching the sun go down and listening to great music.  I must admit, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller and George Duke put on an absolutely fabulous show.  We then had a late dinner downtown and spent the night at a local hotel.  Much better than driving nearly 2 hours to get home.  Saturday was a relaxing morning doing some shopping and then we spent the rest of the weekend trying to avoid the humidity and heat.  Last night at about 11.15 it was only 75 degrees, but the humidity was 100%.  It still amazes me how the humidity can be 100% and it not be raining!  Thankfully, this morning arrived cool and the humidity had dropped considerably.  What a gorgeous day.  I hope some of this fabulous weather is coming your way!

To those of you who stopped by my blog and left a birthday message for my honey... thank you so much... he was absolutely chuffed by it!

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you tonight who need a little lift.

Hugs

Jaydee

Elements of Style - Birthday Girl Blog Hop

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday.

More importantly, Happy Birthday to the Birthday Girl!

Today is Lesley's birthday.  Anyone who has ever joined the Paper Players will know that the very talented Lesley was the person who started The Paper Players and, as a member of the design team, I can say that I am oh, so glad that she did!   Lesley is not only a talented crafter but an all round fabulous person and I am so happy to know her.

Several of us have gotten together to create this impromptu blog hop as a way to say thank you to Lesley, and to celebrate the wonderful person she is. 

Please pop along to Lesley's blog - Alwaysplayingwithpaper - and leave her a little love.

Creating a card for today's blog hop was tough.  I wanted to pay homage to Lesley by using one of her favorite sets - Elements of Style.  Lesley has created some amazing cards with this set, so it was pretty tough trying to find something she hasn't done with it!

I decided to use the Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper as it has a sheet of Elements of Style.  I paired that with a perfect sentiment, a little ribbon and a crown trinket.

Lesley, here's my card for you:

  

I decided to repeat the pattern on the inside, so inked up the Elements of Style main image and stamped it onto Whisper White card stock using Marina Mist.  I then covered it with a layer of vellum to soften the overall effect.  I finished it off with a strip of Marina Mist stamped in En Francais - another of Lesley's favourite stamp sets!

Last detail to show you...... a closeup of the fabulous crown.

Card details:

• Card stock:  Marina Mist, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Vellum
• Stamps:  You're a Gem, Elements of Style, Four Frames
• DSP:  Beau Chateau
• Accessories:  Crown Trinkets, Marina Mist Satin Ribbon

Don't forget to pop along and leave a little birthday love for Lesley and check out the fabulous creations from the other LesleyFans on the blog hop.

 
Anne Marie Hile - Stampin’ Anne
Carrie Gaskin - Artistic Avenger
Cindy Beach - Stamps, Paper and Ink
Jen Mitchell - I Create
Joan Jeffery - JJ Creations
Lauri Ingram - Paperville
Laurie - Hiding in My Craft Room
LeAnne Pugliese - wee Inklings
Nance Leedy - Canopy Crafts
Rita Wright - Cards by Rita
Sandra Azzopardi - Sandra’s Stamping Spot
Tui Nathan - Stampin’ Time

Talking about birthday's - a huge thank you to those of you who left Lou a little birthday love this weekend!  He really appreciated it... as did I! 

hugs

Jaydee

Happy Birthday, Handsome Hubby

Hi Everyone. 

I just wanted to take a few moments to wish my darling hubby a wonderful birthday.

And, of course, I couldn't leave without showing a couple of photographs!

 

Happy Birthday, Lou.

All my love

Jaydee

Word Play - Challenge 58 for the Paper Players

Hi Everyone. Happy Saturday night.

The Paper Players challenge this week is hosted by the fabulous Ann Schach and she has a theme challenge for us this week.  The Theme?   School Daze!

Now... this challenge had me flummoxed, so much so that I ended up doing the card for the wrong week!  Mmmm.... I was so tempted to do a younger school inspired card, but, I just don't have the elements that would work for that.  Not having school aged children and all that :-)

I got to thinking about my teachers.  Those teachers who had most inspired me and how I would create a card to thank them.  I realized that my most inspirational teachers were from high school and I would have created a card for them in my final year.  So, I went with a more mature approach.  An approach that included a sentiment that really did reflect how I felt.

My thanks to Mr Clarke, Mrs Tucker, Mr Carter, Mr Epstein and Mrs Bingham.  Without them, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today!   A shout out to all of my blog readers who are teachers, currently employed, retired, taking a break... doesn't matter! :-) and that includes you Adelle and Rach!

After much angst and anguish - here's what I came up with

I really wanted to create a blackboard effect.  Yep, in my day it was blackboards and white chalk!  So, I hope I created that effect with the white embossing powder on the black card stock.  I found this retired paper in my stash and thought it was perfect.  Of course, I had to cut out one of the apples and cover it in Crystal Effects.

So, what do you think?

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Real Red, Basic Black
• DSP:  Retired Summer Picnic
• Inks: Versamark
• Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
• Tools:  White embossing powder, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimensionals

You really need to pop along to the Paper Players and check out the fabulous design team cards this week.  I know you will find some incredible inspiration.

On a personal note:

It's Lou's birthday this weekend, so we are taking some time to enjoy the whole weekend together - it's rare these days!

Don't forget - I would love to have you join my team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators and, if you do, I have a special offer for you over and above the great deal on the Starter Kit. If you would like some details on the offer I have, just send me an email by clicking under my picture at the top of the page.

Some of you may remember my post where I talked about Rachel, the young girl trying to raise money for charity to bring water to children in poor countries.  I thought you might want an update on how much has been raised.  It still astonishes me how a single donation of $9 can add up to so many donations of $9 and multiples thereof.  Here's a link to Rachel's contribution page.  What an amazing way to honor such a wonderful young lady.

Hugs and prayers for those who need a little lift tonight.

Jaydee

 

Simply Soft meets Sweet Floral and an offer :-)

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.  It is almost the weekend.  Oh! Yeah!

I have a card for you - and an offer, too!  More on the offer after the card!

I have a quick card for you tonight.

I played around with some of my new catty goodies.  I wanted to make something really girly.  Not something I do terribly often.  But the Simply Soft is such a fabulous feminine set and I wanted to use it with the new ribbon and fabulous polka dot brads. 

This is another one of the cards for the Operation Write Home card drive, so I decided to let go of my obsession with HAVING to add a sentiment, and leave it blank for general use.  (Thank you for curing me of this obsession, Brenda!)

Here's what I came up with:

 

I really love this color combo together... Blushing Bride and Wisteria Wonder!

Card deets - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Wisteria Wonder
• Inks:  Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write markers.  Versmark for the Sweet Floral background.  Image stamped in StazOn black.
• Stamps:  Sweet Floral background stamp, Simply Soft for the main image
• Accessories:  Wisteria Wonder ribbon and In Color Designer Printed Brads (LOVE THEM!!!)

So, what do you think?  I really like the colors, they really are soft and feminine and I love the Simply Soft set.  It's a great spend for hostess dollars, I think and is going to become one of my favorite floral sets.  As for the Sweel Floral background stamp - I have some ideas on how I am going to play around with that.  It's such a striking image, that I think it deserves to be in the spotlight, as well as in the background.  I need to do some thinking about that.

Well, you can't say that I haven't brought you a variety of cards this week!  I really love it when I can show you a different variety of cards.  It means I actually got some time in my stamping room :-)  I also really enjoy making cards for the troops.  There's something very satisfying about that!

Now.. on to my offer.

You know, that I don't often "sell" on my blog.  I like to be able to provide you with inspiration in a no pressure environment.  Pretty much how I run my blog is how I run my Stampin' Up! business.  :-)

However, tonight is an exception.   I REALLY want to grow my downline.  Whether you are looking to earn extra money for things for the family, or yourself... or just great discounts on Stampin' Up! products, now is a great time to sign-up.  Even if you are just looking for a 30% off a one-time order out of the new catty.... and never order again, it's a great deal. 

Here's a quick overview of the Starter Kit:

• The value of the Starter Kit--Valued at over $310, the Starter Kit is a steal for only $175! Read more here. Remember, you can customize the contents of the Starter Kit to suit your style of stamping.  Not sure what your customized order should look like, I'd be very happy to help you with that.
• 20 percent discount on all products.
• 30 percent of your first order over $150 dollars in the first 45 days of sign-up.
• See and purchase new Stampin' Up! products first.
• Access to myriad project ideas on the Demonstrator Web Site and in the monthly Stampin' Success magazine.
• Invitation to Stampin' Up! events, where you can learn from fellow successful demonstrators and Stampin' Up! staff.
• Become part of a world-wide stamping family!   Access to special regional events, Convention and amazing incentive events!
• My personal support whether you want to be a business demonstrator, a discount demonstrator or someone who just wants to take advantage of the discounts for a one time purchase.  Whatever your goals are,  I will support you in every possible way.

Jaydee's special if you sign up with me by August 10:

In addition to the great reasons above, I will be providing new recruits with a special welcome gift including free product and a workshop in a bag.  I really would love to have you as part of my team and have an information package ready to send off to you, all you need to do is click THE EMAIL ME LINK - right under the picture of me with my hubby and Fox the Camel!

In the meantime - you can download a pdf from Stampin' Up! on the demonstrator program

Click on the video below to hear Shelli Gardner, Co-Founder and CEO sharing her passion for crafting, and Stampin' Up!

So, whether you want to take advantage of of a one time 30% discount to buy the things on your wish list, or start a business where you, too, can share what you love, all you need to do is click the email link and let me know.  I'll send you all the information.  I do hope you will join me!

As always, thank you for spending time in your day to visit my blog!  Hugs and prayers to those who need a little lift tonight.

Have a wonderful Friday

Hugs

Jaydee

Mocha Morning Occasional Quotes

Hi everyone.  Happy Wednesday night.

A very quick post for you tonight, as I intend to go spend some quality time with my hubby!

I think I've already told you this... but I am totally in love with the Mocha Morning Specialty Paper from the new catalog.  It is absolutely fabulous. 

For this card, I really wanted to showcase the DSP and add a sentiment.  It's so rare that I actually get the chance to do that.  This sentiment, deserves to be featured - because, it is oh! so true!

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

• Card stock:  Layer 1: Early Espresso.  Layer 2.  Gold Metallic.  Focal layer 1: Early Espresso.  Focal layer 2: Crumb Cake
• Stamps:  Occasional Quotes (retired hostess set); En Francaise (stamped behind sentiment)
• Specialty Paper: Mocha Morning
• Accessories:  Early Espresso Satin Ribbon.
• Inks:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Versmark.
• Tools:  Gold Embossing powder (for the butterfly).  Butterfly punch.  Circles cut from nestabilities (non-SU)

On a personal note:

Ruth Ann... thank you so much for asking about my leg.  It's doing so much better... at least it is a more normal color and most of the brusing has gone.  The swelling has started to go down, too... So all good news!  I really appreciate you asking!

Hugs and prayers tonight for those who need a little lift.

Now... you will have to excuse me... I have a handsome man just begging to take me out to dinner :-)

Hugs

Jaydee

Button Buddies for Simplyless - Clean and Simple

Hi Everyone.

Happy Tuesday - hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Tonight's card is for simplylessismoore.  The challenge is to create a clean and simple card with FRUIT as the theme.  Oh... this was just the greatest excuse to pull out my new Button Buddies set.  I didn't hesitate on this one.  Within minutes I had the layout, the image and the sentiment all in my head.

Here's what I came up with

 

I mean, seriously, were not this image and sentiment meant to be together?   And the buttons - just perfect for this image.  I think I am going to really enjoy this set!  I had originally done a square in Real Red behind the focal image, but felt it needed something a little softer, that's why I went with the scalloped square instead.  The round edges echo the round cherries better!

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Real Red
• Stamps:  Button Buddies.  Sentiment:  A Word for You
• Inks:  Real Red, Lucky Limeade
• Buttons:  Brights
• Tools:  Paper Snips (I stamped the leaf again and cut it out and popped it with dimensionals).  Mini glue dots for the buttons.  Stamp-a-ma-jig for the sentiment.  Nesties for the squares

So, what do you think?  I love it.  If you haven't checked out the Button Buddies set, you really should.  You can see the whole set below.  The set number is 122737

Also, if you haven't seen it... there is a Stampin' Up! special for August.  Buy 3 lots of the Designer Series Paper from the 2011/2012 SU catalog and get a 4th one free.  That's a 25% discount effectively.  Of course, it was a deal that I couldn't resist!  You can check out the details here.

Don't forget to pop along to simplylessismoore and check out the amazing array of design team cards and submission cards.  You are bound to find inspiration.

Warm hugs and prayers tonight for those who need a little lift.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and, as always, thank you so much for popping by!

Hugs

Jaydee

Up, Up and Away - for Casestudy

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday

hope you all had a great weekend.

I did manage to get a couple of challenge cards made this weekend!  Yay!  I really do like doing challenges when I can as they stretch me and make me look at my supplies a little differently.

I saw the challenge across at Casestudy this week.  It's an inspiration challenge - as always with Casestudy.  The challenge is to take a card and create something different but take some element(s) from the original.

I liked the layout of the card.  The strong focal image, the vertical element, and the sentiment in an unexpected place.  I also took inspiration from the colors of orange and green.  However, I came up with something entirely different - and managed to use my new Up, Up and Away set, too!

Here's what I came up with.  (This card is another one for the OWH card drive.)

So.. you can see the strong focal images.  You can see the orange and green.  You can see the vertical element - and the sentiment stamped in a very different place for me... However, I think the sentiment works really well where it is, especially with these images.  You know.. up in the air :-)

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted!

• Card stock: Indigo Island, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade
• Stamps:  Up, Up and Away
• Inks:  Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Indigo Island, Lucky Limeade
• Tools:  Big Shot, Stripes Embossing Folder, Punch (nonSU)

I double stamped all of the balloons and cut one copy of each out and mounted them onto the original using dimensionals.

I think its kinda cute and I love these colors together.  I really was tempted to go with a flower theme when I saw the inspiration card, but decided to go in a whole different direction instead, and I am so pleased I did.

As always, thank you so much for visiting my blog.  You know your visits - and your comments mean a great deal to me.

Hugs and prayers for those in need tonight.

Jaydee