Friday, March 30, 2012

Butterfly Notes #2 & Retiring Info.

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     As mentioned in my previous post, this is another set of butterfly thank you notes to be included in with my stamp club orders.  Again, they use the Everyday Enchantment DSP.  I really have enjoyed this paper that we have been able to get FREE through Sale-A-Bration.  I am really going to miss using it.  Sale-A-Bration ends on March 31st. :(  I’d like to say that I’ve been using up all of this Everyday Enchantment paper, ribbon and brads but I still have quite a bit left.  I’m sure I will use it on something and you will see it again.  I am hoping that the new Summer Smooches DSP will be equally enchanting and fun to use.  That will be available for purchase on April 1st.  I can’t wait to begin using it but, for now, I want to use this Everyday Enchantment DSP as much as I can.

100_4608     Speaking of April, the Retiring Stamps List will be released on April 15th and the Retiring Accessories/Decor Elements List will be released on the 25th.  These lists will be available through May 31st.  However, the retiring accessories and Decor Elements will only be available while supplies last.  I will keep you informed as much as possible on availability.  Just don’t wait until the last minute to get what you want.  We know that the 2010-2012 In-Colors will retire along with many of the ribbon and brads of the same colors.  The Peach Parfait (which was used for these butterflies) is included in that list of colors.  Stock up on these In-Color items while you can.

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to fill your life with moments.  :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Peach Parfait & Very Vanilla card stock, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Elements of Style set, Soft Suede ink, Jewels Basic Rhinestones & Pearls, Simply Scored Tool & Diagonal Plate

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Butterfly Notes

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100_4595     Time again to create a little thank you note to go in with my stamp club orders.  Naturally, I gravitated to using the Everyday Enchantment DSP.  These little 3”x3” note cards are a great way to use up the little scrap pieces of DSP that you have.  Coordinated with the cute handmade envelopes…how can you go wrong?  The Simply Scored Diagonal Plate makes creating these little envelopes a breeze!  The most difficult part is stopping! :)

 ***    Sale-A-Bration is over March 31st.  Don’t miss out!  Place your final Sale-A-Bration order today!  Call me or order online at Leslee’s Creative Inspiration***

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I’ll have another version of these up next.  I hope you’ve been inspired to “SCORE”. 

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Everyday Enchantment DSP (Sale-A-Bration), Very Vanilla & Poppy Parade card stock, Soft Suede ink, Elements of Style stamp set, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Simply Scored Tool & Diagonal Plate

Monday, March 26, 2012

Sweet Pressed Flowers

...Cookies with flowers on them that is :)

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     The boys were bugging me to make something they could snack on.  I’ve been playing around with the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps since before Valentine’s Day.  Yes, I get an impression of whatever I’ve stamped.  I’m just not 100% satisfied with the outcome.  I’m sure it is the recipe I use and I keep trying something different each time.  Stampin’ Up! includes a couple of recipes in with the Cookie Stamps but I wanted to try some of my own tried-and-true cookie recipes.  For these, I used a popular bagged sugar cookie mix and used the rolled cookie recipe.  I had seen the colored sugar idea in the Stampin’ Success magazine.  Of course, the ones in the magazine are a lot prettier.  These will take some perfecting.  I first filled the stamp with the sugar and then pressed the cookie dough ball on top of the stamp.  Turn it over on the cookie sheet and lift the stamp off.  No matter how carefully or slowly I lifted the stamp off, sugar would sprinkle all over the cookie.  I was just too lazy to pick off these little flyaway particles.  Though, with a bit of patience, it can be done.  But, with my two boys crying for something “good” to eat…a few escaped sprinkle weren’t going to bother us at all!  :) 

     Let me tell you…these cute little flower cookies didn’t last long! :)  Thanks for stopping in today.  I’m sure you followed your nose :)  I hope you’ve been inspired to give these Cookie Stamps a try.  They can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Enjoy! 

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps – Occasions (#127081), bagged sugar cookie mix, blue sugar sprinkles, lots of love :)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Awash With Flowers

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     I’ve had this set for a year now.  I’d set it on my desk and the creative inspiration to use it just never hit me.  The flower images are beautiful.  I just found it difficult to put onto paper.  Finally, this purple coneflower (Rich Razzleberry) came to mind.  I love how it turned out.  I used the rock-n-roll technique…first stamping off onto scrap paper and rolling it back on the Razzleberry ink pad.  This simple card was a demonstration at a recent workshop.  Oh, I used the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate to lattice score the strip of Pool Party.  It just takes the card up a step :)  Love it when something so simple makes such a big impact on a project!

     I hope you’ve been inspired to pull out a set that hasn’t seen ink yet.  I know you’ll be glad you did.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply list:  Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party & Very Vanilla card stock, Awash With Flowers Two-Step stampin’ set, Sincere Salutations set, Simply Scored Tool & Diagonal Plate, Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede inks, Jewel Basic Rhinestones

Monday, March 19, 2012

Simply Soft Card Holder

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     A hostess (and good friend) asked that we do a gift card holder for make-n-take at her workshop.  I always try to accommodate my hostess’ requests.  As a matter of fact, I love when my hostesses request a technique or product!  It helps to narrow down what I show or do at my workshop presentation.  Let’s face it…there is so many different techniques, colors, products, mediums, etc. and it is so difficult to pick just a few.  I want to teach and share it all!  Anyway, this was perfect! 

     The Simply Soft Two-Step Stampin’ set is so much fun to use.  It’s perfect for both the novice and the more experienced stampers.  It lends itself to so many different uses and can be used with so many different mediums.  For this one, I chose the straight forward, ink it and stamp it two-step approach.  I had a couple of new stampers in the group.  The ease of this quick technique was perfect. 

     This project was able to feature the Simply Scored Tool and showcased just how simple it is to use.  I love letting workshop guests use the “big and intimidating tools”.  It helps them to see just how easy it really is and how quick these tools make the project. 100_4552

     Every one LOVES the Everyday Enchantment DSP…including me!  I find that I have to use up ALL the little pieces.  Of course, it really does add that extra little something to the inside of this gift card holder.

     Thanks for stopping in today.  If you have any questions about the “how-to” of this project, let me know and I can get the details to you :)  Like I said, I love to share!  I hope you’ve been inspired to put a little two-steppin’ into your day!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  (can be purchased here)

Simply Soft Two-Step Stampin’ stamp set, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade & Very Vanilla card stock, Everyday Enchantment DSP & Ribbon/Brad Bundle, Boho Blossoms punch, Word Window punch, Jewel Basic Pearls, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party & Early Espresso inks 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

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100_4527     I don’t send too many St. Patrick’s Day cards.  I don’t know why.  It is the “kick-off” to spring, right?  Perhaps I’m so ready to get to spring that I skip right over the St. Patty’s Day cards?  Whatever the reason, I made a card for the occasion this year.  Mainly because it showed an alternative use of the Small Heart punch.  I just love getting double duty use out of our punches!   You know, as a customer, I am merely justifying the expense of the punch.  As a demonstrator, I am merely justifying the expense.  It is win, win!  :)  I textured the “clover leaves” with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder and the Big Shot.  It simply adds visual appeal to the project.  And, yes, once again I’ve used a strip of Everyday Enchantment DSP :)  

     I hope you’ve been inspired to use your heart….punch that is :)

     Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Very Vanilla & Garden Green card stock, Everyday Enchantment DSP and Ribbon, Jewel-Basic Rhinestone, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots & Framed Tulips – Textured Embossing Folders, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (love this set!), Basic Black Classic ink, Garden Green marker, Dimensionals (all supplies can be purchased here)

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Springtime Birthday Wishes

100_4543     I really look forward to springtime!  Everything is fresh and new.  The new growth is bright green, the sunshine is golden and the birds start singing a different tune.  It’s time!  Springtime is upon us!  I always seem to turn my stamping style to the natural look of sponging or braying this time of year.  It’s a natural look and one that is different every time you do it!  

     For this particular card, I started by sponging a 2” x 4.25” panel with a fresh sunrise scene.  After adhering it to the 4.25” square card base, I stamped on the spring blooming tree from the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set.  Any areas that didn’t get a good contact, I colored in using a marker of the same color (I used Early Espresso on this card).  The sentiment is found in Sincere Salutations.  Of course, I had to create an envelope with the new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate.  I started with a 7” x 7” piece of Daffodil Delight card stock and scored it at 3-1/8” on all four sides.  I really am enjoying the Simply Scored Tool and the Diagonal Plate accessory to go with it.  I love that I can make all sorts of odd sized cards and an envelope to go with it :)

     I really like how this card came together.  I will be featuring it throughout my March workshops.  It’s simple to do and packs a real “WOW”.  The envelope is the ‘frosting on the cake’.  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to set a sponge to some card stock :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Whisper White & Daffodil Delight card stock, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede & Early Espresso Classic inks, Stampin’ Sponges, Brights Brads, Sincere Salutations stamp set, Thoughts & Prayers stamp set, Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, 1” circle punch     

Monday, March 12, 2012

Soft and Simple

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100_4509         Again in need of some quick thank you notes, I pulled out the much neglected Simply Soft set.  I love the Two-Step stamping sets.  Most all of these sets have that soft watercolor feel to them.  The sponging on these simple little notes give a serene feel to the card.  When I started sponging the background, I wasn’t quite sure just where I was headed.  It all sort of took on a direction of its own and I just went with it.  I love how it turned out and I was able to turn out six of these 3”x3” note cards in very little time.  Also, I was able to use up more little scraps of card stock that has been stashed in my scrap box for a year (or more).  LOVE when I can do THAT!!

     I, once again, used my Simply Scored Tool.  I’ve been using that a lot lately…and my Diagonal Plate accessory just arrived today…YAY.  Needless to say, I’m 100_4519sure I’ll be using my Simply Scored Tool a bit more in the coming days!  Anyway, I created the cute little envelopes to go with the note cards.  These are made using a 6”x6” piece of DSP.  I can’t wait to use the Diagonal Plate to make these.  It was super simple without the plate.  I can only imagine how much simpler it will be with the plate…hehe…can’t wait! 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to make a handmade envelope.  Warning:  they can be addictive! :)

Hugs,

Leslee

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Supply List:  (All supplies can be purchased here.)

Whisper White, Old Olive, Wisteria Wonder card stock, Basic Black, Pool Party, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede & Pear Pizzazz Classic Inks, sponges, Simply Soft stamp set, Kindness Matters stamp set, DSP is retired (and I can’t remember the name of it anyway)

 

Friday, March 9, 2012

“Tea”rific!

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     Always on the look out for cute little projects to make and share, I came across this on 100_4501Becky’s blog, Inking Idaho.  She calls it a Double Pocket Valentine.  I’ve heard them called Double Pocket Tea Bag Holder.  Whatever its name, it is “double pocketed” and a lovely little idea!  So, I figured out just how-to and made me a bunch.  I should have waited a couple of days…Becky’s got a good little tutorial posted up on her blog now.  I couldn’t wait and did one of my own.  I shared this little project with one of my clubs.  It is so easy to make using the Simply Scored Tool and you can mass produce them very quickly.  It is also a great way to use up the DSP you’ve been hoarding :)

     Mine features the Everyday Enchantment DSP and coordinating Ribbon & Brads Bundle 100_4500from Sale-A-Bration (of course!).  I created my pocket to be 3” wide, starting with a 6” square piece of DSP.  I threw in a little note card that measures 2-1/2” square (another great way to use up scraps).  I, finally, inked up my Morning Cup stamp set and colored the image in with my Watercolor Pencils.  The second pocket holds an individual bag of tea or you could slip in a gift card (though it might stand a little tall).  

100_4497     I used these as a thank you in club orders (the club that didn’t get to make their own).  So, they too can have one.  Great quick and easy project for little teacher gifts, get well goodies, church groups, etc.  It makes a nice stamp club project too!  :)  If you need directions, let me know.  I’d love to share it with you. 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you enjoy your day…have a cup of tea :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List (can be ordered here unless otherwise noted as retired):  Simply Scored Tool, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Bundle, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Boho Blossoms punch, Mini Glue Dots, Slot punch (retired), Very Vanilla cs, Lucky Limeade cs, Crumb Cake cs, Watercolor Pencils, Basic Black Classic Ink, Morning Cup stamp set   

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Cherry Thanks

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     Did you every buy something only to have it sit around for months until you unbury it and ask yourself, “why did I ever buy that?”  I’m sure I am not the only one!  Fess up…we all have those crafty impulse buys.  Well, the Cherry Scented Embossing Powder found in the Occasions Mini Catalog was my latest impulse buy.  I didn’t know what to use it on.  I have no stamp sets with cherries (however Stampin’ Up! does carry several).  So, it sat…untouched…until I came across this card on Mary Fish’s blog, Stampin’ Pretty.  Of course, I put my own spin on it…remember, I own no cherry stamps. 

     Here is what I did…

     I used the new Cherry Scented Embossing Powder to heat emboss a scrap piece of Cherry Cobbler card stock.  Let me just say, it really does smell like cherries.  It holds its scent for about two weeks.  So, if you are going to send it off, send it straight away so the recipient gets the full smell :)  I used my 1” Circle punch to make the “cherries”.  The “stems” are simply two small pieces of Hemp Twine that I knotted together at one end.  The leaf is a petal that I snipped off a 5-Petal Flower punch out.  Really cute cherries and they smell good too!  :)  

     This whole project was so cute, simple and sweet smelling that I decided to use it as a make-n-take.  I just had to share this scented embossing powder with everyone and everyone loved it!  I hope you enjoyed it too.  I encourage you to give one of the new Scented Embossing Powders a try.  It comes in Cherry, Melon and Vanilla.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  (orders can be placed here)  Cherry Scented Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Powder Pal, VersaMark Ink, Basic Black classic ink, Sincere Salutations stamp set, Whisper White cs, Pear Pizzazz cs, Cherry Cobbler cs, Twitterpated DSP, Hemp Twine, 1” Circle punch, 5-Petal Flower punch.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Pencil in some Happiness

100_4442     I’ve been wanting to try my hand at coloring on Crumb Cake card stock for some time now.  I’ve been seeing so many beautiful pieces all across the internet as of late.  I grabbed one of the 100_4448easiest coloring mediums that Stampin’ Up! has to offer…Watercolor Pencils.  I started with the lightest color first and worked my way in towards the center of the flowers, getting darker with my color as I go.  I didn’t feel the need to blend my colors together…although you could by using a Blender Pen, Aqua Painter or Watercolor Brush.  Each would give a slightly different look to your project.  I like how this turned out and it shows very nicely as a workshop demonstration.  The size of the floral stamp, found in the Bordering On Romance set, is not too big and not too small.  This card also shows how easy this little sentiment banner is to create using the Simply Scored Tool along with the scored border.  The sentiment is from the Loving Thoughts set.  This card really does make me happy :)

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      Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to color something today :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Bordering On Romance set, Loving Thoughts set, Whisper White cs, Basic Black cs, Crumb Cake cs, Basic Black Classic Ink, Watercolor Pencils in various colors, Neutrals Brads, Simply Scored Tool  

Friday, March 2, 2012

Celebrate Sale-A-Bration!

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     This is not a new idea.  I’ve seen it done all over the internet but I’d been itchin’ to do it with the awesomely gorgeous 100_4438Everyday Enchantment DSP and coordinating Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brads package!  It is so yummy together!  Can you tell that I am really liking this paper?  You might think that I haven’t ventured any further back in the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Well, you’d be wrong.  I flipped two pages and found the lovely Outlined Occasions stamp set :)  A perfect compliment to these adorable presents! :)  I colored the sentiment in with coordinating markers.  The card base is Very Vanilla and the sentiment strip is Pool Party.  Presents are punched with the 1-3/8” Square punch.  I would like to point out that the present bows (not the ribbons) are made using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch.  Yet another use for our wonderful punches :)

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I’ll be working on an email subscription for my sidebar.  Just for Andrea :)…but anyone is welcome to use it.  I pray I won’t mess things up too terribly bad.  Fingers crossed.  I hope you have a blessed day and get your fingers inky!

     Sale-A-Bration lasts only until the end of this month!  There is still time to book a party and earn some free goodies?  This is the only time you’ll be able to get the DSP, ribbon & brads and the stamp set that I’ve used here today!  Don’t let a good thing pass you by.  Call today to schedule :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Flowered Gift Card Holder

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100_4419     I love giving gift cards and love making pretty packaging for the gift card to be presented in.  It just makes me “happy”! :)  It is even better when the gift card is for Stampin’ Up!® goodies!  This is a service I offer as a demonstrator.  It’s great for hubbies to give to their wife, Moms to give to their daughters and everyone crafty to give to their friends!  After all, sharing this wonderful craft is what it’s all about :) 

     This gift card holder is a simple tri-fold of Crumb Cake.  I scalloped the edge with the 100_4413new Adorning Accents Edgelits Die and then embossed above that with the coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I still can’t put the Everyday Enchantment DSP down :)  Can you blame me?  I just love how it brings so many lovely colors together.  The Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon holds the card closed and adds some pretty along with the rolled flowers.  I had them on my desk from a recent project and they fit the card holder very nicely.

     The friend I made it for loved it!  I hope the friend she gives it to will love it too.  I can’t see why she wouldn’t??  Thanks for stopping in today.  If you have questions about this project, let me know.  I hope you can share your crafty side with someone today.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supply List:  Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Peach Parfait, Certainly Celery cs; Everyday Enchantment DSP; Big Shot, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die; Simply Scored Tool (love this!); Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon; Corner Rounder punch, Slit punch – retired, 1-3/4” Scalloped Circle punch, 5-Petal Flower punch, Word Window punch; Craft Knife; Tombow Multipurpose Glue; Just Believe stamp set; Poppy Parade ink

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.