Monday, April 30, 2012

Sweet Pressed For You

 100_4809       I’m not one to give up easily.  When I set my mind to something, I go until I get it right.  The Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp is no exception.  I just had to give it another 100_4793try.  This time, I used the cut-out recipe on a popular brand Sugar Cookie bag mix.  I added an additional 1 TBSP of flour to the dough.  I really am pleased with the way they turned out.  The flower impression is very defined…the look I was looking for.  It certainly helps to know that I can eat the evidence…you’ll never know that there is a bad one in the bunch :)  Of course, it isn’t helping my waistline any at all! 

     I saw this packaging idea in our February 2012 Stampin’ Success magazine.  I used the beautiful new Summer Smooches DSP and the Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die.  They can be 100_4823found in the Summer Smooches Sneak Peek Promotion and the Occasion Mini Catalog respectively.  Today (April 30th) is the last day to purchase from either of these.  The DSP will be seen again in the new 2012-13 Idea Book & Catalog that will be released June 1st.  The mini catalog items may not be seen again (although I hope so).  The sentiment is from Elements of Style and don’t you just adore the Designer Button flower?  I stuck a Jewel Basic Rhinestone in the center :)  It beats threading a piece of twine in each button.  I did one of these little goodie packages to include in my Stamp Club orders.  I’m sure the ladies will love it!

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you get to order everything you want from the Summer Smooches and the Occasions Mini.  There is still time…go shopping!  :)

Hugs,

Leslee

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

Friday, April 27, 2012

Celebrating Elements

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     Adam is celebrating his birthday with some of his buddies this weekend.  It’s his first sleepover and he’s been looking forward to this for a couple of years now.  This is the invite we sent out…

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     All he could tell me he wanted was a Royal Blue card.  Pacific Point was the perfect choice.  Now, if I could get him to call it by the real name…hmm.  The Extreme Elements set is my go-to set for cards for the fellas.  I am soooo bummed that it will be retiring!  I sure hope Stampin’ Up! brings something really awesome and cool to replace it.  (My boys would cringe if they read that last sentence…shhh!)  My oldest said to me, “Well, Mom, that doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of the set.”  He’s right!  And I wouldn’t dare!  It is definitely a keeper!  The sentiment on the front is from the retired Afterthoughts hostess set.  See…hanging on to some of those sets is worth it!

     Thanks for stopping in today.  Wish me luck!  A house full of 9 year old boys…what was I thinking?!  :)

Hugs,

Leslee

All supplies but Afterthoughts can be purchased here.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Retiring Lists

     They say “change is good”!  I keep telling myself that anyway.  I, like many of you, am a bit overwhelmed by the size of the Retiring Accessories List.  Wow!  Not to mention some of the fabulous products that are listed on the list!  My jaw hit the floor on dozens of items that I can live without.  What will I ever do?!  For as floored as I am over this list, I am equally excited!  Stampin’ Up! has yet to disappoint me with a new catalog.  I can’t wait! to see what new, exciting, cutting edge goodies they have in store for us!  Can’t wait for June 1st!

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     In the meantime, get them before they are gone! The retired accessories and Definitely Decorative (including Décor Elements) lists are now available and won't stay around for long--these items are only available while supplies last!  Some items are at a discount—supplies will sell fast.  Click the links below for a PDF of each list.

Stampin’ Up! Retiring Stamp Sets List (PDF)

Stampin’ Up! Retiring Accessories List (PDF)

Stampin’ Up! Retiring Definitely Decorative (PDF)

     When you look at the retired accessories list, you'll note that all of our Stampin' Pads are listed. This is for two reasons: (1) Craft Stampin' Pads will now only be available in black and white; and (2) we are introducing a new Firm Foam pad in our Classic Stampin' Pads with the 2012-2013 annual catalog.  The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images.  Watch for more info. on this in the coming soon.

     In addition, please note the following about the new catalog:

  • Only select Stampin' Write Markers will be available individually (Stampin' Write Markers in color collections will continue to be offered)
  • 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered
  • 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colors and color collections

     Visit my Promotions Page to view the Retiring Lists.  While you are there, you can place your order.  Remember, accessories are only available while supplies last.  DO NOT WAIT!  Place your order asap!

     If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  I’m here to help :)  And, YES!  Change is good!

Hugs,

Leslee

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Easter Bits

100_4671         I know that Easter is long been past but I thought I’d show you a card that I created out of my Bits And Pieces pile.  The yellow tulip was created for a recent project showing how to alter some of our punches to create a different look.  I opted to go with a different color on that project but didn’t have the heart to toss this Daffodil Delight tulip into the trash bin.  Once again, I’m glad I didn’t.  It looks lovely on this Square Lattice textured background with Concord Crush sponging and detail.  The stem and leaves were done freehand using the Cutter Kit.  I love that handy little tool :)

100_4653     I, also, had to make up some of these oh so adorable bunnies.  I used the 1” x 8” Cello bags and filled them with jelly beans.  Then attached the Jelly Bean Prayer to each bunny.  Lots of ews and ahs 100_4652over these punch art bunnies.  If you need a list of the punches used, let me know and I’ll see what I can do :)

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve found some inspiration.  If not for now…perhaps for later :)

 

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.100_4612

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Scenic Bits

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     I’m so glad that this gorgeous image panel didn’t get thrown out!  I couldn’t find a nice fit for it when I made it but it works great now!  A friend of mine recently said, “It is amazing how we can utilize things that may have ended up in the bin when we use a fresh eye.”  Thanks, Paula!  That perfectly sums up what this Bits And Pieces utilization is all about.  A fresh eye and new perspective can make all the difference.

   A few points of interest: 

  • The image is on Watercolor Paper that was misted with water and sponges were used to “brush” on Classic inks
  • The grass is from the Inspired By Nature set that is, sadly, on the Retiring Stamps List and available only until May 31, 2012. 
  • The sentiment is found in the Loving Thoughts set which is in the Occasions Mini Catalog available until April 30, 2012.

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     Remember, this is what I was picking my Bits And Pieces out of.  A daunting task to say the least but it has been so very rewarding.

     Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to step away and return with a fresh perspective :)

Hugs,

Leslee

All supplies can be purchased here.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Case of the Birthday Fishes (FS272)

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        My baby turns 9 today!  He’s always been my “difficult” child.  Extremely trying of my patience.  Pushes me to my limit.  On a daily basis, he can make me want to scream and the next moment he’s making me laugh.  He is witty and quick to crack a joke.  His smile is infectious!  I’m truly blessed to call him my son and I’m so proud of the young man he is becoming.  Happy Birthday, Adam!

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     Naturally, I made him a card :)  I was running short on mojo so I turned to SplitCoast Stampers Featured Stamper #272.   Karen has a super gallery and finding inspiration there didn’t take long at all.  I chose to case this card from her gallery, Birthday Fishes.  The curved bottom caught my eye immediately!  And how perfect to just happen to have the fish!  Adam’s a fisherman through and through so I thought it only natural to case this card.  Here’s my take on it:

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100_4778     I stamped the grass from Inspired By Nature (I’m really going to miss this retiring set) in Certainly Celery and a few in Soft Suede.  The retired Slot punch was used to create the Soft Suede cattails.  A quick strip of Everyday Enchantment DSP (nope, still can’t put it away), Pear Pizzazz (retiring soon) and the curved Pool Party was then added below the grasses.  I curved my Pool Party freehand with the Cutter Kit.  The fish is from the long retired Very Puny set and the sentiment was pieced together from the fish stamp and another retired set, Birthday Bakery.  I added some Dazzling Details 100_4770to the fish bubbles.  Not too much because then it wouldn’t be “cool”!  I love how this card turned out.

     Thanks for the inspiration Karen!  There are a few more I’d like to case from Karen’s gallery.  I hope you can find some time to browse through yourself.  Thanks for stopping in today!  Now I’m off to make brownies for my birthday boy!  Enjoy your day!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here with the exception of the retired items.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Marvelous Medallion

100_4755100_4750        This is the final project we made at Stamp Club this month.  Again, it shows how we can add additional ink color to a single stamp image.

100_4757     On these cards, we inked the background stamp, Medallion (sadly, it too is on the Retiring Stamp Set List), using Daffodil Delight.  Then we inked up a Textured Embossing Folder (Snow Burst or the Square Lattice folder was used on these) with Tangerine Tango ink.  Lay the folder onto the background stamp, give it a roll with the brayer to “kiss” the ink onto the stamp.  Just like you would leave your lipstick on hubby’s lips when you 100_4754give him a smooch :)  And now you know how I tied the first project, Birthday Smooches, into this month’s “theme”. :)  Strange how it all fits, isn’t it?

     I just want to note, I used the Naturals White card stock on this project.  It leaves a more textured look to the image.  I’d like to give this technique a go on Whisper White.  I’m sure it will be gorgeous and look very different.

     Thank you for popping in today.  I’m so glad you did.  I hope you’ve been inspired to give this folder-kissing technique a try. :)  It is so cool.  One of my customers said, “So, we can buy these folders without owning a Big Shot!”  Absolutely!  Then you’ll have them for when you do get the Big Shot :)  Now that is really cool!  Have a great day!

Hugs,

Leslee

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Supplies can be purchased here.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Thumping Thoughts

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     I try to “theme up” my monthly Stamp Club projects.  Whether using similar products, holiday or occasional themes or any other stretch of my imagination, it seems to be working for me and helps me to plan out my monthly meetings.  This month, I wanted to show ways that we can add additional color inks to individual stamp images.

     For this card, I used both the “thumping” technique and the “rock-n-roll” technique.  Both are fun and interesting and deserve to be explored by everyone :)  Using the floral stamp from Thoughts and Prayers set, we inked it up in Certainly Celery and thumped on Garden Green and Concord Crush marker.  The “flower” in Baroque Motifs (on the Retiring Stamp Set List) was inked with Pale Plum and rock-n-rolled in Concord Crush.  We then punched the flower with the 5-Petal Flower punch and re-punched the points off with the 1-1/4” circle punch.  The sentiment is from Word Play.

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you can thump and rock-n-roll throughout your day :) 

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Birthday Smooches

100_4728      I really do like the new Summer Smooches DSP that is available for purchase this month as part of Stampin’ Up! ‘s new catalog product sneak peek promotion.  You can check out all the Summer Smooches on my Promotions Page.  With colors so vibrant and tons of things to coordinate with it, how can you go wrong.  I used the new Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon on this card.  All the Seam Binding Ribbons are so easy to use thanks to the sheerness and light weight. 

     This card was one of the projects we did at this month’s Stamp Club meeting.  Not only does it show off some of the Summer Smooches products but it teaches the technique for using the Scallop Trim Corner and Scallop Trim Border punches.  There is a technique to creating this beautifully trimmed layer.  It’s one that certainly takes some practice and it is a good technique to teach.  If you’d like to learn how, I’ll be happy to get together with you and your friends and teach you :) 

     I can’t wait to play with more of this pretty paper!  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired get some Summer Smooches of your own :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Bits of Enchantment

     Life certainly has been throwing the curve balls here in the Holston household over the past couple of weeks.  Between the everyday things, concrete company things, school things and just “things” in general, I’ve been stretched thin and blogging is usually always the first thing to slide :(   Even my day-with-nothing-to-do is filled with plenty of things to get caught up.  I’m sure you have all been then/done that and will surely understand.  Thanks for letting me vent.  On with a card! :)

100_4681     I still have plenty of Bits And Pieces to show you.  This one uses up some more of the lovely Everyday Enchantment DSP that I have so been missing.  I do have to say that I do really like the new Summer Smooches DSP and have used it in this month’s stamp club meetings.  The ladies all seem to love it too.  I will switch gears, take a break from the many Bits And Pieces projects and show you club projects beginning tomorrow.

     The Pool Party and the Everyday Enchantment DSP really stands out on the Basic Black card stock.   Not much more to say about the card…it’s scrappy, vibrant and fun!  The sentiment brings it down a notch but it is still a beautiful combo.  Keep in mind, this is all from my pile of leftover, unused pieces.  I love it when I can use up these bits and pieces.

     Thanks for stopping by today.  I’ll show my club projects over the next couple of days…before I go back to showing more Bits And Pieces :)  I do have lots more to show.  I hope you are inspired to use up some of your leftovers.

Hugs,

Leslee

All but the DSP and stamped images, all of which are retired, can be purchased here.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Bits And Pieces for Mom

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100_4620     I have really been enjoying playing with my Bits And Pieces!  I unburied this lovely Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.  Of course, I have close to 20 of them all cut and colored and ready to go.  They were going to be used on a swap but I went with a butterfly instead.  The Square Lattice textured background was a left over from a project.  I was simply playing with colors and this one didn’t make the cut.  Just goes to show that just because you can’t or don’t use an item when you make it that it isn’t of any use.  The only thing I actually made at this sitting was the rolled flowers.  I just needed something to complete the card visually. 

     Now, perhaps MY “wonderful mother” won’t see this and I can still send it to her for Mother’s Day?  I’m glad you stopped in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to hang on to some little bits and pieces.  They can eventually find a perfect fit.  I have lots more of my Bits And Pieces cards to show.  Please stop back for more soon :)

Hugs,

Leslee

All Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.  The sentiment is a retired set, all else current.  Hummingbird found in Elements of Style.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Forgotten Flowers

100_4647     I have not a clue as to when or why this trio of flowers was created.  Brads already in the centers, buried deep in the Bits And Pieces bin, just waiting to be used!  They look like they were stamped in the old, retired Pink Passion ink.  I remotely remember this stamp set but I couldn’t tell you its name.  It can’t be but so old…it coordinates with the Boho Blossoms punch.  Anyway, the trio makes a really nice arrangement in the altered Ornament punch vase along with the Little Leaves die cut.  The Whisper White circle with sponged edge makes a very nice backdrop for the arrangement.  It all fits very well inside the Edgelits Adorning Accents trimmed card base of Marina Mist.  The DSP is in the Twitterpated pack.  Both the Edgelits and the Twitterpated DSP can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog available through the end of April.

     So glad I found these forgotten flowers a fabulous home!  You just never know what you might find or end up with when you sift through your bits and pieces bin.  I hope you find a smile or two.  I know this trio will put a smile on someone’s face.  Thanks for stopping in today :)

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Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

More Use of Bits And Pieces

100_4635     Did you spot these bits and pieces in the mess on my desk?  They were in there.  You can see the photo of the mess at the end of this post.  I’m so pleased with the card these elements ended up on :)  I do love when I can use up my pieces and parts.

     I have a customer friend who recently got engaged.  Congratulations are certainly in order and that is what I had in mind while I picked through my “Bits And Pieces” bin.  The retired Newsprint DSP makes a cute statement…this is BIG news! :)  I even lined the inside of the envelope with this paper.  A super quick and easy card…all utilizing pieces I’ve been hiding in my bin.  I added the paper piercing for the butterfly trail and the brown colored Jewel Basic Rhinestones for the butterfly body.

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     Thanks for flitting by today.  I hope you are inspired to save a few pieces and parts to create something beautiful at another time :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up!  Some retired but most can be purchased here.100_4612

Supply List:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black & Certainly Celery card stock, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Jewel Basic Rhinestones, 5-Petal Flower punch, Little Leaves Sizzlits Die, Paper Piercing Tool, several Bits And Pieces :)

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Utilizing Bits And Pieces

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     Several years ago, a good friend of mine made me a “ Leslee’s Bits And Pieces” bin to hold all those little bits and pieces that I just don’t have the heart to get rid of.  Now, this isn’t my scrap box.  It is pieces and parts…elements that never made it onto a card.  I’m sure you have a bin of your own.  Well, my bin was overflowing and I decided to do something about it.  I dumped it all onto my desk.  I flicked through it, sorted this with that and began to create card after card.  Some, I would have never thought to pair the colors or elements together.  But looking at them all out on the desk, it just seemed the likely choice.  For the next several posts, I will feature the cards I’ve created that utilize the bits and pieces that I’ve been hoarding for several years!  You know…it makes me REALLY happy to be using these pieces and parts!  I haven’t cut into a new sheet of paper and very little stamping has been done.  It’s all been done and waiting for just this very moment.  Take a good look at the above photo.  You’ll see those same elements used in the next several posts.  Enjoy!

100_4613     I was still in need of a couple of Easter cards.  So I picked through my pile and found this beautifully colored floral image from Elements of Style.  I remember using a Blender Pen to color in the image but I can’t remember for what.  Could have been a swap card or technique for a workshop.  Whatever the reason, I had this element waiting to be used.  The DSP is the retired Newsprint that I had leftovers from a make-n-take project.  I stamped the sentiment found in Teeny Tiny Wishes, found the Scallop Oval punch in my pieces bin and placed it on Dimensionals.  Done. 

     I love this card.  Too bad I only had one of these floral images in my bin.  Oh well.  On to the next!  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope to inspire you to go through your “Bits And Pieces” bin and create beautiful things!  BTW…thanks for my bin Sue!  It really has been put to good use :)

Hugs,,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up!  Some are retired but most can be purchased here.