Third and final sneak peek for August

Can you guess what this is??? I'll never tell - some people really like surprises!

Run for the Cure

I've gone and done it! I've signed myself up for the CIBC Run for the Cure in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, October 4th. I haven't run 5 Kilometers in a LONG while (more than half my life ago??), I've had two kids, a back injury, a knee injury and many, many ice cream sundaes and potato chips since last I ran that distance! Do you think I can do it??

If you would like to help me raise money for the cause, please visit my personal donation page HERE. Thanks for your support!

Sneak peeks...

Here are some extreme close ups of a couple of our stamp club projects for August - Fun with Envelopes. More coming soon....

These are a couple of examples of the little case we made at our last club meetings. I made them a few different ways, but all with a pocket on the front and handles. The one on the left is made with Certainly Celery and Soft Suede cardstock, Tall Tales Designer paper, gold brads, medium twill tape and D rings from the fabric store. The one on the right uses Old Olive cardstock, still the Tall Tales dp, gold brads and Chocolate Chip cardstock for the handles. You could put a lovely treat (chocolate sounds nice!), a note pad or some small cards in the front pocket and some nice monogrammed blank cards, some all-occasion cards or a paperback book in the main part of the tote. There are so many ways to dress up a simple box like this. I kept this one really simple, but I'll have to post some others I've been churning out for fall craft sales when I get a chance. They're really fun to do.

My hostesses got a covered sticky-notes pad with a pencil and an assortment of cards to fill the box - only one of which I've pictured here, all using the Tall Tales designer paper and coordinating cardstock. I constantly kick myself for forgetting to take pictures of my stuff before I give it away!!! sigh.

I took this case idea from Leigh O'Brien's "totally totes" tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers - a link won't help you unless you're a fan club member there so I won't try. I can send you directions for my version, which is very simple, more of a jumping off point really, if you wish. Just drop me a note.

Stamp club projects from July

Here are the two cards we made at our last club meetings. The one on the left is made using the Upsy Daisy set, Melon Mambo paper and ink and Crushed Curry paper and ink. We rubbed the inkpads on a sheet of transparency and then brayered it over the image - which had been stamped in VersaMark and embossed with white ep. Sadly, the stamping with bleach technique didn't work at the first class. The bleach was diluted just a teeny bit in the container and it was a dud. Next picture is the sample WITH the bleach technique. I hope you'll try it on your own, it is LOADS of fun. (***note, I don't know about you, but I can't get this one to work on Not Quite Navy cardstock. Might be just me, not sure.)

The one on the right is the 'famous' re-inker spread technique. This technique originated with Crystal French from Denver, and was demo'd at the Stampin' Up! Seattle Regional Seminar by Connie Ingram. Then Sandi MacIver shared the directions on a yahoo group and Patty Bennet did a fabulous tutorial on it. I just love it - I can't stop making them! Just remember, you have to use shimmery cardstock, regular Whisper White won't work.

I'll post the 3D we made in a bit, and I hope, a sneak peek. (I know, I always say that and I *never* get around to it, but this time I'm determined!!!)

toodles!

New Promo for August

Here are a couple of really great deals for August! If you spend $45 on stamps in the "Growing Up" section of the catalogue, you get to choose a FREE pack of designer buttons.

Also, available until September 3oth, is this super cute growth chart Decor Element. It's a big rub-on for walls that is really easy to install and great for boys or girls. Too cute!

Click on the image to see them on my website and get more details. Both offers are available at workshops AND through online orders.