I'm off, but another Sneak Peak

I'm off scrapbooking today, but here is a sneak peak at a set that will be available tomorrow out of the Summer Mini.  This set is out of my comfort zone.  Not really a set I would normally buy, but I'm glad I did.  It will be great for those masculine cards and scrapbook pages.  Well I'm off.  Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Renee

Busy Day

Well I have a busy day ahead.  I've been up since 6:30 am.  Had to get a little royal wedding fix.  Loved her dress.  Maybe it was the fact that the neckline and sleeves were very similar to mine?  Yes, classic elegance, that's me!  Although I would have chosen a hat. *wink* And looks like we both chose LARGE glasses

 Anyway, I have 3 cakes to get done today.  It's actually been awhile since I've had any cakes to do, but it's getting to be that season.  I need to get them done as tomorrow I'm going to an all day crop.  Going just as myself, not a demo, which is fun for me to have a little break.  And do I need a break this week.  I won't bore you with details.

Here is a quick card I made using the new embossing folder that will be available on Sunday and it matches the Fabulous Florets stamp set, which you will see in the nest card.  I love how SU's stuff all cooridnates, don't you?  I highlighted the embossed part with a little Whisper White Craft Ink.

Hope you enjoyed these and I'll try and post again tomorrow if I have time.

Blessings,
Renee

Such a Dreary Day

It is such a dreary day here in the Thumb of Michigan.  We have any rain for 4 days straight and things are getting a bit soggy including my stamp room.  Yes, our basement has water and it almost nevers gets as far as my stamp room, but this time it has.  I know things could be much worse and for so many it is.  Complete devastation in the south and many places around our world so I won't complain.  Well not too much anyhow.  *grin*  My hubby is here to help clean so that is a great help and I can now get some business work done.

So to take a break from all the what I call, "not so fun stuff", I've got somethings to share with you.  So let's get going.  This first one is a purse pattern I found on line.  I believe it was on a challenge on SCS.  I just knew I wanted to bling it up a bit so I adde lots of rhinestones. It's hard to tell by the picture, but I made score lines on the diagonal and then added my rhinestones to the center points.  Cut a piece of the soon to be released Beyond the Garden DSP, punched it with the Eyelet Border Punch and than ran it through the Paper Crimper to make it a little more pliable to add to the curved top of the purse.  The flower is stamped and cut out from the soon to be released Fabulous Florets stamp set.  This would make a fun way to give a gift.  Wouldn't a teenager just love this with maybe a gas card included? (ok, maybe it would be cheaper to buy them a fine piece of jewelry).  LOL!  Anyway, you could fill it with lots of goodies.

 This next item is a Altoid mint container.  One of my dear customers (thanks Ellen!) gave me a bunch of these so I decided the other day to get busy and make something with one of them.  I covered it with the Ice Cream Parlor DSP paper from SAB and then the stamped piece is from the new set in the Summer Mini Catalog called On the Grow.  It's a cute little 4 piece set and for only $15.95 in wood mount or $11.95 in clear mount you certainly will want to add this set to your collection.  After stamping and watercoloring on watercolor paper, I added Crystal Effects and let dry.  Yes, that's the hardest part for me.  I left it on my work table and didn't go back to it until the next morning.  It dries to a nice hard, shiney surface.  I attached it to the led with some dimensionals.  This also would make a nice little container for a gift card, jewelry or even some candy.

Hope you've enjoyed these little gift ideas and who knows my next hostess could be receiving one of these.  Would you like it to be you?  Contact me to become a Stampin'Up! hostess.

Blessings,
Renee

A Bird and a Flower

Is this just not the cutest?  I had bought a little papermache birdhouse eons ago and finally got around to doing something with it.  I in fact think I had bought this way before our fire.  Yikes!  2 yrs. ago?  Don't like to rush some things.  ;)  I know it's hard to tell by the picture, but it's only about 3" x 3 1/2".  Not real big.  I really had fun creating it.  The little flowers are from the Paper Daisy's pack and I colored them with the Pink Pirouette ink pad, dried them quick with the heat gun and I was ready to attach.  I again colored the tiny pearls with a yellow Sharpie marker.  Used the 2-step bird punch for the bird and leaves.  The DSP is from the SAB pack.  I had my DD pick me up some more from the Ben Franklin so I can make more birdhouses.

Here's a little sneak peak of the new 3 step punches that will be available on May 1st.  Thanks for stopping by.

Stamped Blessings,

Renee

A Few Things to Share

Good Afternoon!  Since I didn't get time to share yesterday (housework--YUCK!) I thought I'd share several with you today.  Hope you enjoy them.  The first thing I have to share is my hydrangea that we purchased in memory of Frank's dad, Papa George.  Our church front is always decorated at Easter with all kinds of Spring plants/flowers and are purchased by those in the congregation in honor or memory of someone and then after Easter services we can take them home.  I absolutely love hydrangeas and this one is no exception.  They just make me happy so I thought I'd share a picture of mine.

This is a first aid kit that Brooke had gotten from somewhere and I decided to give it a makeover.  I used the Four Frames set along with the Paisley Petals DSP.  Remember you will only be able to purchase this set and DSP until this Saturday, April 30 as a sneak peak from the upcoming catalog.  Then you will have to wait until July.  You really need this set and this paper is so pretty for Spring.  You just have to make an additional $20 purchase and then you can purchase these sneak peak items.

I added some bling by adding some rhinestones along the Ribbon Border Punch.  And don't forget the Decorative Lable punch to go with this set.  No cutting out, just stamp and punch.  How easy peasy!

And last, but not least, in honor of this rainy day, here is a punched duck.  This idea has been floating around and I've seen it by several people so I just knew it was too cute not to case.  I believe Ellen Klemper did the original?  Recognize the beak and feet?  It's the Butterfly punch.  Now how cool is that?

Ok, I hope these make up for not posting yesterday.  I'm working on lots of stuff to share that will be in the Summer Mini Catalog so maybe I'll share a little of that tomorrow.

Dont' forget that you can still order from the Occasions Mini Catalog until Saturday, April 30.  I will be sending an order in on Friday if you'd like to order through me or you can order from my stamping store at http://www.reneeond.stampinup.net/ 24/7.  Don't miss out on those items you've been dying to get from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Blessings,

Renee

He Is Risen

He is RISEN INDEED!  What a joyous day it is for the Christian today.  I pray Easter Blessings upon you and yours.  Enjoy time with your church, family and friends this day.

Easter Blessings,
Renee

Happy Easter Eve

I'm late in getting this posted today.  I've had several things to do to get ready for tomorrow as I'm sure you all have too.  Just something really simple for you today.  Little baskets made with the Petal Cone Die.  This die is really so versatile.  Hope you enjoy them!

Blessings,

Renee

Hedgie Kindness

My dear sweet friend Vicki is coming over today to stamp with me so I can now show you this card.  She got me the little hedgie for my birthday so I'm giving this to her as a thank you.  I love hedgies too BTW.  I love the saying on this card.  "Thanks for sharing you with me."  Thanks Vicki for our times together.  Twice this week.  Yay!

I was asked about directions for the easel card that I posted the other day.  You can find a video HERE

Blessing,
Renee

It's been 2 years..........

It's been 2 years ago today that we had our house fire.  In some ways it seems like yesterday.  Going through something like that can be devastating, but I am praising God that we all survived and we have a beautifully renovated home now.  Beauty out of the ashes so to speak.  If you haven't been following my blog for that long you can look back to April/Nov 2009 and you'll see our journey.  We were displaced for almost 7 months.  This day will probably always bring back not so good memories, but it's part of us now.  I have lots of pictures from the beginning and all the process of getting us back in our house, but I'm just not ready to scrapbook them yet.  Maybe some day.

Anyway on to happier things.  It's Easter week and that in and of itself should be a good time because of the love the Lord had for us.  Praise Him!  I've been having fun making Easter cards and this is one of them.  I'm going to give it to my mom for Easter.

I just love to make these Tri-fold Shutter cards.  Once you see how they go together, they really are easy.  I believe that SCS has the how to's in their resource library or you could goggle it to find directions or better yet come on over and I'll show you how to make one.  What time should I expect you?

Blessings,

Renee

Chele's Birthday Cards

I had to take my uncle to the hospital for some tests yesterday so I didn't get time to post so I have 2 cards for you today.  I made both of these for my sister Chele's birthday.  One for us to give and the other for my mom.  Here's the one we gave her.

This easel card has several ideas that came from several different places and then I put my own spin on it.  Thanks to all those who share so freely and inspire me on a daily basis.
Here is the other card.

Hope you enjoyed these birthday cards.
Blessings,
Renee

Seriously.............SNOW!

My hubby just came in and said it's starting to snow.  You have got to be kidding me!  Will Spring ever come to Michigan?  Last Sunday it was actually 80º, but dropped by that night.  This has to be the longest winter ever.  We had cold weather at Halloween time and it hasn't warmed up since.  Ok, enough weather whinning. *Ü*

Here is why you came...................

I just cannot get enough of this set.  I love it and certainly hope it makes it into the catalog come July1, but we never know so if you haven't purchased it, I suggest you not wait.  You have until April 30 and then it could be gone forever.  Now that would be sad! :-(

Have a blessed Sunday!
Renee

What to show you................

I've been taking some time for myself and stamping quite a bit lately.  I've decided the guilt thing has got to stop in my life.  I bring it on myself and always feel like I shouldn't do fun stuff until my work is done.  Well let's face it, my work isn't going to ever be done so let's stamp.

I have so many things I could show you and I know I had promised you some other things, but I have to show you what I made this morning.  I got the inspiration from Cindee Wilkinson from Just Sponge It!   I thought her's was so cute and knew I had to try one this morning.  When I saw Cindee's I got the idea of using some of the coasters that I've had like forever. You know if you buy several, well a whole bunch is better. ;) I then thought this deserved a matching pen as well. So what do you think? Pretty cute huh?  Thanks Cindee for the inspiration.

And because I'm so nice and all. ;)  I thought I'd share a cute tote I made last week.  I got the idea from

Amy Celona at Ustamp4fun.  She has all the directions that you can just print off.  I remember when I first joined SU how helpful Amy was and she continues to share so much.  Thanks Amy!

 

Ok, that's it for today.  The rest will have to wait.  I have that problem of  wanting to show you everything all at once, but know I need to save for future postings.

Blessings,
Renee

Birthday and Easter Cards

I thought I'd share the lovely card my sister made me for my birthday.  Yes, my birthday was 3 weeks ago, but I just saw my sister last week.  I thought the card was adorable.  And yes, that is an antique button.  Apparently the disapperance of my grandmas button box has been solved.  Someone might have taken it.  Hmmmm????

And the second card is something that came about from lots of scraps on my workspace.

I made the chain looking piece with the Scallop Border punch and using a piece just a hair under 1/2".  You can get different look by using a piece a hair over 1/2" as well.  Punch one side, line it up and punch the other side.
Oh and BTW I have to mention what a great day I had yesterday with my friend Vicki.  We stamped and I scrapbooked and got Lindsay's graduation portraits all scrapbooked and done for her.  Now to make me one.  I know she graduated 4 yrs. ago this May.  I'm a little behind.  I'll be sharing those in the next few days as well.

Happy Stamped Blessings,
Renee

It's been a week again...........

I'm so sorry that my blogging has been so sparatic of late.  I know there are some of you that look forward to my posts and I hate to disappoint, but I'm just going to be honest with you all.  I've not been well.  You see I have fibromyalgia and have had it for quite a few years, but the last few months symptons and pain have really increased and it's been tough.  I don't talk about it much because I don't like to be a complainer, well at least not about my health. ;)  Anyway that has been why I've had a lot of hit and misses over the last few months in my blogging.  I'm not looking for sympathy, it is what it is and I could have something much worse, but I sure would appreciate your prayers if you feel so inclined.  Thanks!

Now onto the creative part.  My DD Brooke bought this wooden puzzle at a craft fair because of course it was a turtle and I had told her I would cover it with some paper for her.  She has a huge turtle collection and this will be a nice addition.  Something a little different that her other turtles.

I covered it with the Greenhouse Gala DSP, added a googlie eye and then a grosgrain bow.  Cute huh?  Isn't it neat how the paper worked out around the mouth.  Almost looks like I planned it that way.

And since it's been awhile since I posted I'll add another today.  This is a card I thougth I had shared already, but apparently not, so here you go.

I absolutely love this Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.  It's available in the Occasions Mini catalog and you can order from that catalog until April 30.  This embossing folder is a must have.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Blessings,

Renee

A Little Downline Bragging

Good Morning!  It's a pretty gloomy day here in the Thumb of Michigan and doesn't look like it's going to get any better so I'm thinking it sounds like a good creating day.  And speaking of creating I just have to share what I made this morning for breakfast.

I had the oatmeal from McDonald's the other day and loved it so I thought I'd try to duplicate it at home.  It was yummy and the perfect ingredient was the maple syrup my friend Anne had given me for my birthday.  Thanks Anne!  She actually makes it herself.  I made this all in the microwave so only one bowl to clean.

Now to brag a little on my downline.  I've had quite a number of girls under me in Stampin'Up! over the last 11 years, but those numbers have dwindled over the last few years for lots of different reasons, but right now I have two wonderful ladies in my first level and I just want to say to them congrats on a great Sale-a-bration.  You did an awesome job.  I know I'm not very good at praising my downline like I should, but I'm going to try and do better in that department.  These are the cards that I sent them.  Hopefully when this posts they will have already received them.  They are very special ladies and hold special places in my heart not only as my downline, but as friends.  One of the great perks of being a Stampin'Up! demo is the friends I've made.  Thanks girls!

Blessings,

Renee

 

Telescoping Circles Easter Card

I have to tell you that making this card was so much fun.  I could see them becoming very addicting.

Here is the card all in it's nice neat pile and then you pull the ribbon and swivel it up and this is what you get.

How cool is that?  Huh?  I got the idea from fellow demo Lyssa Zwolanek.  Thanks Lyssa!  What a cute idea.  I can't wait to make more.  I didn't have the Big Shot Circle dies so I used my Circle Sissors Plus to cut the right size circles.  The large scallop circle is a Big Shot die and the the smallest circle is the 2 1/2" circle punch.  All supplies are Stampin'Up! of course.

Would you like to learn how to make these?  If so book a workshop for April and this can be our make and take.  I still have dates available so contact me soon.

Blessings,

Renee



With Sympathy Faux Mother of Pearl

I had to make a sympathy card yesterday and well I still had another butterfly laying on my work space so I thought, why not use that.  I knew how I wanted this card to turn out, but had a hard time getting it come together.  Do you ever have that problem?  Well eventually it did come together and I'm happy with the results.

Blessings,
Renee

Three Little Words

When does a tree and a snowflake turn into a carrot?  When you use cool Stampin'Up! products of course.  The carrot was stamped with the Trendy Trees stamp set and cut out.  The carrot top was made from the snowflake punch.  Pretty cool huh?

The words are from the set Three Little Words.  It's hard to tell, but the words are heat embossed with black, so they are shinny.  The DSP is Pear Pizzazz from the In Color DSP pad.  I stamped the trees on Peach Parfait with Pumpkin Pie.  Wow that sounds like some good desserts doesn't it? No wonder I always feel the urge to snack when I'm stamping. *grin*  The Top Note Frame piece was a leftover from cutting a Top Note and I ran it through the Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  It's all layered on Peach Parfait cardstock.  And inside it says....................of course three little words..................................

Blessings,
Renee

I know 3 posts in one day............

........but this was too good to not share.  Check out the new Clearance Section in my Stampin'Up! store.  New items have been added along with 3 different grab bags priced at $5, $10 & $15.  How fun!  Check them out!  I'm sure they won't last long.

Blessings,
Renee

Awesome April Promotion

Spring is Blossoming Promotion: April 1 - 30, 2011


The Stampin' Up! Spring is Blossoming Promotion offers customers the opportunity to purchase two sneak peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

1) •Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met. Ordering another $20 of Stampin' Up! products resets the limit and allows you to purchase another five Designer Series Papers and/or stamp sets.

2) •Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!
 
*Net sales before tax and shipping

Faux Mother of Pearl Butterfly

I found this technique over at Frenchie Stamps and just knew I had to give it a try.

The stamp set I used is Elements of Style.  I used the Butterfly Big Shot die, the Decorative Lable punch for the sentiment, Frost White Shimmer Paint, SU markers, Soft Suede Ink Pad, Glossy Cardstock.  I colored the Self Adhesive Pearls with a tan Sharpie marker.  Do you know you can do that?  Yup you can!  How cool is that?  The base of the card is Regal Rose as in the ink for the background.  The black used is Stazon.  Here's a close up of the butterfly.

Isn't it gorgeous?  So how did I do it.  Well you can watch Frenchie's video to show you how or how about you book a workshop for April and I will show you in person!  Hosting a Stampin'Up! workshop is so much fun.  A great time with friends and you can earn free products to boot.  You can even have it at my house.  You supply the snacks and I'll provide everything else.  Contact me today to book yours. 

Blessings,

Renee