Sunday, May 31, 2009

My Picks...

Here's a list of the sets that I think will be on the Last Chance list tomorrow (June 1st). I probably haven't done so well but we'll see what my prediction percentage will be. It was a tough choice. I based my selections on how long the sets have been around, what's hot and what's not and, I think, just what I'm tired of seeing. This should be interesting. Here's my choices…

Happy Heart Day

Thoughts of Father

Blooming with Love

All Holidays

Snow Burst

Big Bold Birthday

It's A Stretch

Simply Said

Fun & Fast Notes

That's Funny

Life's A Breeze

Perfect Princess

Prehistoric Pals

Dreams du Jour

A Rose Is a Rose

Heartfelt Thanks

Bloomin' Beautiful

Doodle This

A Flower for All Seasons

Fresh Cuts

A Beautiful Thing

Best Kind of Friend

Stitched Exotics

Park Avenue Patterns

Seeing Spots

True Friend

Wanted

One of a Kind

Pick a Petal

Think Happy Thoughts

Sweet Celebrations

Big Flowers

Sweet Sampler

Classifieds

Celebrate Everything

Outlined For Fun

Wonderful Favorites

Sincere Salutations

Smarty Pants

Sweet Serendipity

Many Happy Returns

Happy Everything

Just B

Celebrations

Fun Flowers

Glad Friends

From the Dormant List:

Season of Joy

Shellebrate

Friend by Definition

Batty For You

Bugs & Kisses

Harvest Home

Holiday Trinkets

Grand Soiree

Punch Pals

Two Cool Dudes

Jolliest Time of the Year


So there you have it! Check back Monday for the Last Chance list to be posted. I'll let you know how well (or not) I did. The anticipation is beginning to build…

Thanks for stopping in today!

~Leslee~

Friday, May 29, 2009

A Few Deadlines…

I wanted to remind you of a couple of deadlines.

Last Chance Pick 10! list is due by midnight Saturday (May 30th).
Pick 10 stamp sets from the current Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog that you think will be included on the upcoming Last Chance retiring list (due out Monday, June 1st). The one who has the most correct picks will win the Level 1 Hostess sets Darling Dots and Sweet Little Sentiments. ALL who enter will receive $5.00 off their first order of $50.00 or more from the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (released on July 1st). So, grab your catalog, make a list and email it to me. Remember, deadline to enter is midnight Saturday.

National Scrapbooking Month Specials comes to an end Sunday, May 31st.

  1. Buy 3, get 1 FREE Designer Series papers or 12" x 12" textured card stock. Take advantage of this deal and stock up now (remember, any papers that have the current in-colors will be retiring).
  2. Become a demonstrator for only $75 with the limited-time, scrapbooking Starter Kit!
  3. Buy the new Jumble Alphabet stamp set at 20% off! This is a sneak peek from the upcoming catalog.

Check out all the specials HERE!

Book a workshop for June!
Hostess a workshop totaling $250 - $399.99 and receive $20 additional hostess free dollars. Hostess one totaling $400 or more and receive $40 hostess free dollars. What a great way to get all the Last Chance items one your wish list. Last Chance sets are only available for purchase until June 30th. Last Chance accessories are while supplies last!

~Leslee~

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Clean & Simple Color Challenge

Today's card combines SCS' CAS Challenge and Color Challenge both from this week. The CAS challenge is to 'make over' one of your own cards. Here is the card from my SCS Gallery that I chose to 'make over', One Of A Kind Ribbon. This is the finished product...
The Color challenge was to use So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie and Bashful Blue. I found it a little difficult using these colors together but that is why they call it a 'challenge'. I do, however, really like the out come! Being the CAS challenge (CAS stands for Clean & Simple), I wanted to simplify the card by eliminating a layer or two. Also, I used different stamp sets. Not that I don't like the One of a Kind Boho look, I just needed a feminine birthday card and the Embrace Life set hasn't seen much ink lately.
The flower is stamped in Pumpkin Pie on So Saffron card stock. I used the So Saffron marker to give the flower a little extra color (tone on tone). It's a nice subtle effect. This card is pretty simple...three layers, ribbon and a focal flower.
The sentiment is stamped in Pumpkin Pie. I used the Birthday Wish stamp found on the 'Under $10' page of the SU! Spring-Summer 2009 Catalog (page 208). I really have been reaching for this stamp a lot lately. It's both masculine and feminine and totally fun!

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you've been inspired to 'make over' one of your own creations. Sometimes, we just need a 'do over'!
Come back soon!

~Leslee~

Supplies:
Stamps: Embrace Life, Birthday Wish
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Bashful Blue textured, Bali Breeze DSP (ret.)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie classic, So Saffron marker
Accessories: Eyelet border punch, So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, Lt. Blue Rhinestone brad, 1/16" circle punch

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Congrats to Mercy...

Mercy Kerin is this week's SCS Featured Stamper. I've been blog stalking Mercy for some time now. You must check out her blog, Lord Have Mercy! and her SCS Gallery here!
As for the card I chose to case, well, that was a tough choice to make. Mercy has a beautiful style...clean, fresh, vibrant. She tends to use lots of layers...it was so difficult to choose just one. This is the card I picked first, ~Hello Spring~ and this is what I came up with...

I love the layout and wanted to keep it as it is. I changed the colors, the designer paper and the stamp set (since all I use is Stampin' Up!). I embossed my image using black EP and then colored the image using markers and my Blender Pen. I omitted the button and didn't take my paper piercing all the way around the large layer but filled in the corners. This card has many layers, nine (9) in all. Add to that the knot on the ribbon and this makes one very thick and heavy card. If I were to mail it (and I'm not), I'm sure it would cost extra postage. You could easily leave off some layers and it would still be a lovely card but I have to say, this is one of my favorites just as it is. Perhaps I like it because it does sport all the layers, which I don't do often. Knowing I will be hand delivering this to a sweet young lady allowed me to step out and add all the layers and dimension. Did I mention that the potted flower was cut out and placed on Dimensionals? The focal image AND the base panel are also on Dimensionals. It is a thick card! But it is good to splurge occasionally!

Tip: A couple of things I wanted to mention dealing with this card...
1) When the bow/knot is so close to the layer that it doesn't want to sit right, try using the slot punch on the layer and threading your ribbon through from the top, running it underneath the layer.
2) Blender pen on Whisper White card stock tends to pill the card stock if you work it too much. Be quick and don't let it get too wet. Ask me how I know...hmm.

Thanks, Mercy, for your inspiration!

I encourage all my readers to check out Mercy's blog. There's tons of inspiration there and lots of talent too! You just might be inspired to add on more layers and hand deliver a card or two!

Thanks for stopping by today. Make it a great one!

~Leslee~

Supplies:
Stamps: Wagon Full of Fun, Warmest Regards (ret)
Paper: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Pirouette, Flowers for You DSP (ret)
Ink: Craft Basic Black
Accessories: Black embossing powder, powder pal, embossing buddy, paper piercer and mat pack, Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon, slot punch, eyelet border punch, VersaMarker

Monday, May 25, 2009

More Scrappin'

Howdy Y'all! It's been a few days since my last post. Family time is rare around the Holston Homestead so I had to take full advantage of the long weekend with the entire family. We got some much needed yard work done, my vegetable garden is planted (YAY!) and we all went fishin'! We did bring home dinner but all I caught was a bad sunburn, a huge oyster shell minus the pearl and a summer cold. Oh well, better luck next time. Now on to the project...
This 6 x 6 layout was inspired by my boys. Most of my scrapping is of them so, naturally, it will have a masculine theme. I love the rustic look and this color combo was perfect. Of course, I picked it straight out of Stampin' Up!'s Outlaw Designer Series paper (long since retired). I aged the edges by sponging on some chocolate chip ink. The chipboard medallion was sponged with Really Rust and layered onto a fussy cut piece of DSP. I added texture to the edge of the Really Rust strip by using my Crop-A-Dile to emboss the circles. The Twill Tape was given a chocolate chip sponge treatment and then stamped with the stars. The cowboy was colored using Watercolor Crayons and an Aqua Painter.
This next page is the same layout only turned 90 degress.
Because they both use the same elements, they look great standing side by side each other in the scrapbook.
Tip: What do I mean when I say "fussy cut"? Fussy cut is when you cut your paper so that just a certain portion of it is used. You may want a large flower to be center on your card, you would 'fussy cut' the paper to accomodate. In this case, I wanted the star on the DSP to line up exactly behind the die-cut chipboard star.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you took a moment to stop and say a prayer of thanks for those service men and women who have and are giving of themselves for our country's freedom. I hope you had a great weekend!
~Leslee~
Supplies:
Paper: Sage Shadow, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Watercolor paper, Outlaw DSP (ret)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Jet Black StazOn
Stamps: SU! Cowboy Kid, Background Basics
Accessories: sponges, Crop-A-Dile, Chipboard - On Board Essentials, slot punch, brads, Twill Tape

Thursday, May 21, 2009

A Little Something

...is always good when it involves chocolate! That's right! These cute little Big Shot Matchboxes are perfect for a little something! The boys each gave their teachers one of these adorable boxes for Teacher Appreciation Day.

It's no secret, I love my Big Shot die cutting machine! As soon as I saw the Matchbox die in the Occasions Mini catalog, I knew I had to have it. I see shower favors, party favors, teacher thank you's, valentine's for the classroom...the list is endless. The die makes mass producing these boxes a snap! Change the paper and change the theme. It's that simple!

Here, I used the Baja Breeze DSP to wrap the Hershey's Nuggets. Wrapping the chocolates is the added heartfelt touch that the recipient will certainly notice and appreciate. The base is Baja Breeze card stock. These are so quick to crank out and fold into the box base. The sleeve uses the Medium Window Sheets (7 mil), also found in the Occasions Mini catalog. I had to 'play' with this a bit to get the perfect 'sandwich' combination for the die. Simply using the cutting pad, die and Premium crease pad wasn't thick enough to give the heavier acetate (window sheets) a good score line to fold on. I ended up having to shim the 'sandwich' by using a couple of sheets of thin cardboard. Once I found the right combo, to crank and make the sleeves was no problem at all.

The die also includes 3 labels and Stampin' Up! offers a coordinating Matchbox Messages set to go with the labels. You can order yours today by visiting my SU! website here.

Quick tip: If you are going to stamp on the sleeve, do the stamping before you form them up. In this case, I stamped my sentiment "A Little Something" in White StazOn. StazOn is the perfect ink for use on the acetate.

You don't have to be 'crafty' to make these adorable boxes. Crank it out, form it up, add a simple ribbon and some chocolate and you have a lovely gift that would make anyone's day.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you've been inspired to make someone's day special!

~Leslee~
Supplies: Big Shot die cutting machine, Matchbox Bigz XL die, window sheet medium, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP, Baja Breeze card stock, Fancy Flexible Phrases (ret.), White StazOn ink, Baja Breeze striped ribbon, sticky strip

Monday, May 18, 2009

Clean & Simple Birthday Wish

This birthday card is for my best friend in the whole world...my husband Don! I know I'm safe showing this to you days before his birthday because Don has no idea how to turn the computer on...much less how to find my blog! Today's SCS CAS15 (Clean & Simple) challenge was more of a color challenge - Black & White & one Bold Bright. A perfect challenge for Don's card. He's not into all the layers and could really care less whether I use watercolors or Crayola crayons. He will like the simplicity of the card. I love the way the bold, bright green (Green Galore) stands so striking against the black and white. Of course, this was just another excuse to use the black/white gingham ribbon that I love so much. Like I need an excuse! I used my Circle Scissor Plus again. This time, I drew a circle with my Green Galore marker around the sentiment, adjusted the Circle Scissors just a tic larger and cut the circle out. This added a visual layer without the bulk of an actual layer. Once again, I adjusted the circle larger and cut out the black circle and layered the two together. I added the large scallops by punching only half of the 1-3/8" circle punch along the straight edge of the card stock and butted them up against the layered strip. I paper pierced along both sides of the layered strip for some visual interest. This is a look at the cupcake I placed on the inside of the card (simply because I like it).
I'm sure he will love it! He has to...I made it, the boys approved of it and it will hold his present! I hope you've been inspired to use bold, bright colors. They really do look great paired with black and white. I think I'll try some of the other Bold Brights that I tend to shy away from.Have a great day,

~Leslee~

Supplies:
Stamps: Birthday Wish , Darling Dots
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Green Galore
Ink: Basic Black & Green Galore & Real Red markers
Accessories: Circle Scissor Plus, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, black/white gingham ribbon, paper piercer and mat pack

Creative Opportunity

Here is another extremely simple card. Again, this was inspired by the same napkin as seen in this previous post. I only changed the colors and used the ladybugs instead of the butterflies. The 'be happy' flower medallion is actually covering over a mistake a creative opportunity. My stamped flower smudged so I took the opportunity to add the flower with a happy sentiment! I added paper piercing for the ladybug trails. The flower is a punched scallop circle and I cut up each 'valley' to create the flower petals.


Like I always say, "There are no mistakes, only creative opportunities!" Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great day!

~Leslee~

Supplies (all SU!):
Stamps: Darling Dots, Best Wishes & More
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Scallop circle punch, 1-1/4" circle and 1" circle punch, paper piercing tool, scallop edge punch

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Inspiration....

....can be found everywhere! I've always said that you can find inspiration all around you. We just have to be open to see it. Colors from a grouping of flowers, textures found in a pile of laundry, a watercolored sunset sky...you get the picture. Well, this next card was inspired by none other than a napkin!
My son's kindergarden class treated us to a Mother's Day Tea. It was beautiful! The napkins caught my eye and inspired me creatively. Here is what I came up with...
I decided to make a set of thank you notes to give to his teacher as an end-of-the-year thank you gift. Of course, I'll make matching envelopes and a nice folder to hold them all. I'm sure she'll love them.
Thanks for stopping by today. Keep your eyes open and I'm sure you'll be inspired! Come back soon.
~Leslee~

Supplies (all SU!):
Stamps: Priceless, Best Wishes & More, Darling Dots
Paper: Whisper White, Gable Green, Regal Rose Patterns DSP
Ink: Gable Green, Regal Rose, Summer Sun, Tempting Turquoise, Perfect Plum
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Birthday Sketch

I've made this card for a young man's birthday. Adam has been invited to the party and his only request was that I NOT use flowers. Hmmm.... When I asked, Adam said that cupcakes are fine. I immediately pulled out the cupcake from 'Wagon Full of Fun' found in the Occasions Mini catalog. Also, I knew that I wanted to use circles. I recently received my new toy from Stampin' Up! - the new Circle Scissor Plus! I had to play, of course! Then, I checked out Jen's Sketch For You To Try. There sat a sketch full of circles! Perfect!! This card went together very quickly for me (and I needed that today).
Here's a look at the inside...
And a close up... I textured the background using the Big Shot Backgrounds #1 Texturz plate - sm. dots. The circles were all cut using the Circle Scissor Plus. I dry embossed the white circle by placing a smaller cut circle behind it and rubbing my stylus around it (I don't own Nesties...yet). The cupcake paper cup was paper pieced and the frosting top was colored using markers and a blender pen and I applied Crystal Effects to the 'folds'. I then cut it out and placed it on a Stampin' Dimensional. I should have stamped and colored it twice but I took a short cut today. The white brads were put through the Artichoke button holes (an Adam pick). It adds nice visual dimension to the card.

Adam likes the card and I'm sure his friend will too (I know his mom will appreciate it).

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you've been inspired to stop by Jen's and give her sketches a try! They are awesome! Thanks for the inspiration you've given me Jen!

Come back soon!
~Leslee~

Supplies (all SU!)
Stamps: Wagon Full of Fun, Birthday Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Ruby Red, Choc. Chip, Buckaroo Blue (ret.), Holiday Treasures DSP (ret.)
Ink: Basic Black, Choc. Chip
Accessories: Circle Scissor Plus, Stylus, Big Shot & Texturz plate, Fresh Favorites 2 buttons, 5/16" brads, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Top Note Mini Scrapbook

This project is a great combination for National Scrapbooking Month and Stampin' Up!'s awesome special on Designer Series papers! The special is a buy three, get one free deal! Check out more details on my website!

Here's the project...

Using the Sizzix Big Shot Top Note Die makes this project super easy and quick to complete. I ran some thick paper through the Big Shot. To be honest, I used an old cereal box. You could use the thick sheets that come in the Designer Series paper package, chipboard or whatever you'd like. I then ran my designer paper through and adhered it to the thick paper board using Stampin' Up! Anywhere Glue Stick. The glue stick works great and it's not as messy as Mod Podge and it dries quicker too! The faux filmstrip was created using the SU! Spiral punch. I just cut the width to fit the Top Note and punched the edges. You can make this as long or short as you want, as long as you fold it to fit inside the Top Note. You may need to attach more than one sheet of card stock to get your desired length. Add your photos (or not), wrap a coordinating ribbon around it to hold it closed, embellish as desired (or not). You're done!

Here's another use of the Top Note and DSP...

I embellished each Top Note as I went with ribbon and brads and hardware. Punched a hole using the Crop-A-Dile in the corner. The Crop-A-Dile will punch a hole through chipboard like it's butter! I then slipped the Top Notes on a jump ring and embellished the ring with coordinating ribbon. Who wouldn't love to receive this as a gift?

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you've been inspired to try this simple mini scrapbook. Come back soon for more projects and ideas.

~Leslee~
Supplies:
Project 1-Big Shot, Top Note die, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP, Whisper White & Basic Black card stock, Baja Breeze Satin ribbon (Valet Originals)
Project 2-Big Shot, Top Note die, Holiday Treasure DSP (retired), coordinating card stocks, coordinating ribbon, assorted hardware, jump ring from Wal-mart

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother’s Day…

…to all you wonderful mom's out there! May you have a relaxing day with your family (or without). Enjoy yourself! Personally, I'm spending the day with my boys. They all let me sleep in (something I rarely get to do). They woke me up around 10AM. Breakfast was ready and they were "starving"! Coffee was excellent and so was the meal! The boys actually thought that dad makes it "better than mom". Hmmm…I think that Don will have to cook more often (haha)! The weather is perfect today and I think we will head outside for some fun in the sun! Now, on with a card…
A good friend of mine was sweet enough to let me borrow her Simple Friendship set. I really wanted to use the large butterfly on this card. This is a lovely set to use and there are numerous ways to use it. I featured this card at my Mother's Day Stamp-A-Stack yesterday. The layout was from an early morning, blurred vision that had popped into my head. Once I got to actually putting the card together (I had to have my coffee first and get the boys off to school), the colors I had pictured didn't work at all. So, I pulled out the tried and true Baja Breeze and Basic Black. This is a color combo that works every time! The flowers are stamped and masked directly onto the Whisper White card base with only a couple flowers cut and popped up on dimensionals for visual interest. The butterfly is on dimensionals too.

Before I handed the set back to its rightful owner, I had to create a second card. The layout is the same as the first only I turned it 90°. I left off the Mother's Day sentiment and added the line of 'true friend' above the black strip.

Thanks for stopping in today! I hope you've been inspired to give the blurred visions you have in your head a try! You might just like how they turn out!

Enjoy your day,
~Leslee~
Supplies: Stamps-Simple Friendship, All Holidays Ink-Basic Black, Baja Breeze Paper-Whisper White, Basic Black, Baja Breeze Accessories-Wide Oval &Scallop Oval punches, paper snips, Dimensionals

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

National Teacher Appreciation

This week, May 3rd - 9th, 2009 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Today, May 5th is Teacher Appreciation Day. Teacher's everywhere need to be recognized for the hard work and dedication they put forth for our children. I, for one, certainly appreciate what they do and have done for my boys throughout the year! It takes a special person to do what they do everyday. God has blessed them with a gift and, now, it is our turn.
Here's a very simple gift that any teacher, staff member or just about anybody would love! This note card set is quick and easy to make and the recipient will LOVE it!
Here's the how-to...Score an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of card stock at 5-1/2" on the long edge. Score at 2-1/2" on the short edge and fold that up to create a pocket. Adhere outside edges of pockets so that the note cards won't fall out. Fold in center. Wrap a length of ribbon around the folder to hold closed. I've used Bella Rose Designer Series paper and Baroque Motifs to coordinate both the folder and the note cards. Of course, you can use whatever you'd like and you can embellish as much or as little as you'd like too.
Teachers are always in need of thank you notes. It is something they really will appreciate receiving and will truly enjoy using. Let your child give you a hand in designing the note cards to make it even more special for their teacher.
Please don't forget our fabulous teachers and para educators. Even if it is just a simple card of thanks. I hope you've been inspired to thank those that inspire the mind of a child.
Thanks for stopping by,
~Leslee~
Supplies:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Echoes of Kindness, Much Appreciated
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Bella Rose DSP, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP
Accessories: Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, scallop edge punch

Saturday, May 2, 2009

May is...

National Scrapbooking Month! I thought I'd show you some of my scrapbook projects this month.


Here, I've done a 6" x 6", two page layout for one of my son's pre-school teachers. She was having a baby and the class threw her a baby shower. Everyone signed the page on the left and there was plenty of space to place a photo of "Baby Paige" on the right. I used one of Stampin' Up!'s now retired Simply Scrappin' Kits - Just Delightful. These kits come with coordinating papers and die-cut adhesives and they coordinate with many of SU!'s stamp sets. It makes scrappin' so easy!

Most of my pages are 6 x 6. I like the size of them. They are easy to complete without too much fussin' over it. If I wanted to make it larger, I could then use the original 6x6 and do what is called a "progressive scrap page". That is where you start with a 6x6, mat it onto an 8-1/2 x 11 and then onto a 12 x 12. It's a fun technique and you can do the same starting with a card front. And why not? Our cards are scrapbook worthy to begin with...aren't they? I'd love to hear what you think.

Here's a treat just for you! To help you celebrate National Scrapbooking Month, Stampin' Up! has three great offers!

  1. Designer Series paper packs and 12" x 12" textured card stock: Buy 3, get 1 FREE!

  2. Become a demonstrator with the limited-time, Scrapbooking Starter Kit for only $75!

  3. Purchase the new Jumble Alphabet stamp set (a sneak peek from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog) at 20% off the reg. price!

All great deals just for you! You can check out more on my demonstrator website here!

Thanks for stopping by today! Come back soon for more cards and projects. I hope you've been inspired to scrap a special moment in your life or for someone else!

~Leslee~

Supplies: Brushstroke Alphabet set, Delight in Life set, Simply Scrappin' Kit - just Delightful, Pretty in Pink card stock, Certainly Celery classic ink, pink organdy ribbon