My Weblog

Finding Inspiration... through Challenges!

There are times that all of us run into dry spells in our creative thinking.... Yes, even me!  One thing that always inspires me is a card challenge that I find on the Internet, in a magazine or even one that I give myself.  This card was inspired by a challenge that I found on Sudsol... a group that is for Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  (If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and not already a member of Sudsol, then you can find more information here.)

In this challenge we were provided with the layout for the card.  It was up to us to change the card in some way to make it ours.  I chose to change the colors, papers, and stamp set.  To duplicate the card you will need:

Stamp Sets:  Vintage Vogue (Occasions Mini Catalog, pg.26)

Inks:  Rich Razzelberry, Old Olive

Card Stock:  Old Olive, Rich Razzelberry, Orchid Opulence, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper (pg.160), Earth Elements Brads (pg.179), Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.192), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (pg.156)

How about taking the time to see what can come up with using this same layout?  If you want to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything) this card but don't have all the supplies you need to make it, then click here and then on "Shop Now"!

Remember, this is the last month of Sale-a-bration, so place your $50 order now and earn FREE product... before it is too late!!!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Hearts 'N' Scraps, Part 2!

I played with my I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and my scrap stash again today to come  up with more creations using hearts in "un-Valentine" ways. 

 

 Here are two different  cards using the same elements.   It always amazes me how much changing just one or two things can change the whole look of a project!

The first card is a standard A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2" - half of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of card stock) greeting card.  The second card is 3" x 6" (a 6" square that is folded in half.)  I haven't made one with these dimensions in awhile, and decided it was about time that I did.

What do you think of my Heart Flowers?  I love the depth the shading gives them.  Yes, the Heart  Flowers were created from scraps of Whisper White and... No, although the Garden Green stems and sepals are from scraps... they weren't that small to begin with.  They were punched and trimmed from larger scraps.

Other than the dimensions of the cards themselves, there are three other differences  between the cards.  The first card has a Basic Black card stock layer, Sahara Sand sponging around the vase,  and Rich Razzelberry 1/2" polka dot grosgrain ribbon. The second card has a scrap of Razzelberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper behind the vase.

Some of the other supplies needed are:

Stamp Set:  I {Heart} Hearts

Card Stock:  Rick Razzelberry, Whisper White, Garden Green

Accessories:  Pretties Kit, Stampin' Write Markers, Razzelberry Lemonade DSP, Stampin' Dimensionals, Wide Oval Punch, Heart to Heart punch

These are just two of the cards you can make in my upcoming:

Un-Valentine Class

Saturday, March 13,2010

2:00 - 4:00 PM

    Reserve your spot now by clicking on the Pay Now link below!

Happy Stamping!

Mia

Hearts 'N' Scraps!

I am constantly having people say that they love sets like the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set in the current Occasions Mini Catalog, but that they don't think the investment is worth it for the one day holiday... Valentine's Day.  Well, there is no need to put those hearts away!  Hearts in all colors are always welcome in country decor... especially if they aren't pink or red.  I decided that this was a wonderful time to share some heart themed projects that can be used any time of the year.  Since I am a "Scrap Packrat"... who saves even the smallest pieces of paper, ribbon, etc... I decided to also give you some ideas on how to incorporate scraps into your projects.

I think this is the perfect thing to have on hand for when you need something special for someone!  Everything but the Rich Razzelberry card stock was a scrap from my scrap stash.

Supplies Needed:

Stamp Sets:  I {Heart} Hearts, Whimsical Words (FREE with a $50 order!)

Inks:  Rich Razzelberry, Melon Mambo

Card Stock:  Rich Razzelberry, Scraps of Whisper White

Accessories:  Scraps of Razzelberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, Scrap of Apricot Appeal 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals.

I love the look of Amish quilts and couldn't resist doing a paper version to share with you.  It is definitely a one of a kind... at least until you make one of your own.  Use the "You are One of a Kind" saying from the One of a Kind stamp set (pg.130) on the inside and it becomes the perfect greeting card for a birthday, anniversary, or just because! 

Supplies Needed:

Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Basic Black and scraps of Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango and Bermuda Bay

Accessories:  Scraps of Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Scraps of Apricot Appeal 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

For more ideas on how to use your scraps creatively read these postings as well:

Inspiration:  Scrap Quilt Technique

More Quilt Inspiration

As always, to order the products necessary for these projects click on the "Online Ordering"  button in the upper right corner and then click on "Shop Now"

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Projects: In Color and Thanksgiving!

If you have been following my blog on a regular basis, then you know that family situations have kept me away for quite awhile. Traveling has made it even harder.  Finding a few minutes here and there has been easy, but finding enough time to post has been difficult.  That said... months ago I mentioned not being able to share my first project using items new to the current Stampin' Up! catalog because it was a blog candy for one of my readers.  Well, that project is/was the altered pad... shown below.  I visited Saipan (another island in the Mariana Island chain) last month and was able to hand deliver it to my good friend and fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Jill during her weekly stamping session at one of the local cafes.  She earned it by correctly guessing that the containers I altered during the Christmas season had been from Crystal Light.

I don't have my catalog with me right now, so I can't provide you with all the supplies used, but some of the supplies are Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper... and In Colors! 

The gift envelope shown above was also gifted to Jill.  I used this year's In Colors for this project as well.  I will try to add a list of other supplies when I get computer time and have my catalog with me.

This last project is the card I started while with Jill and her ladies/girls on Saipan.  Unlike most projects I had a difficult time getting this card just right... but I am finally happy with my end results.

I hope to share the Christmas Shaker Card that Jill's stamping session inspired me to create with you in the next day or two, but it will all depend on my access to computers... and time.  Be watching for it!

As always, I hope these projects have inspired you to create something yourself!

Happy Stamping!

Mia

In Memory Of.....

I'm back.... after a long absence.... and decided that this "first" posting should be in honor of my mother-in-law - Dolores I. Pobre - who passed away on August 31, 2009.  It is comforting to know that "Mama" is finally at peace.

Thank you to all who have shown me/us so much support.  I/We received a lot of sympathy cards from family and friends who kept us in their thoughts and prayers the past two months.  The card below was made by Nancy Tan, my good friend and Stampin' Up! demonstrator upline.

She used:

Stamp Sets:  Asian Artistry (Level 2 Hostess Set - pg 15), Close As a Memory (pg 52)

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green

Card Stock:  Apricot Appeal, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers

Technique:  Watercolor

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Mama loved lavenders and purples.  I used those colors for most of the cards that were made to show our thanks and appreciation to those who visited her in her final days and/or provided support during the difficult time.  This is one example of the many cards.  Simple, but nice!

To create this card you will need:

Stamp Set:  Taffy Alphabet (pg 149)

Inks:  Rich Razzleberry (In Color)

Card Stock:  Whisper White

Accessories:  Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper (pg 162), Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Marker (from the set of In Color markers on pg 155)

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Check back regularly for additional stamping ideas and inspiration.  I will be traveling for 6 weeks, but plan to continue to post regularly during that time.  If you have any questions about a technique or project I have shared on my blog, ordering supplies, or even joining the Stampin' Up! family then please feel free to email me at maria@stampingwithmia.com while I am gone.  I will have daily access to the internet... and will respond asap.

Again, thanks to all for the support the past couple of months and....

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Project: Island Wear Cards!

Today we celebrated Guam Liberation Day!  The people of Guam built floats for the annual parade, watched the parade, barbecued fiesta style and had lots of fun while honoring the memory of those who fought 65 years ago... many giving their lives... so that we could have the freedoms that we have today.  I don't have any of the new patriotic stamp sets (pg.67) yet, so I decided to pay homage to the local culture... as best as I could without a specifically tropical themed stamp set.  Below are my stamped interpretations of Island Wear... with bright colors.

This first card was made using Humor in High Heels (pg.55).  (Since I would like this posting to go live before the end of the day, I will wait until tomorrow to add in all the other supplies I used.)

I am a plus size and would not fit in these Island dresses for at least a year... probably longer.... so I knew that I needed to create another card to inspire those who are more my size.  If you have done any surfing of the Internet then you have seen the many cards where the Big Shot Scallop Circle die is used to create a dress.  Below is my Muumuu version of this idea.

(Again, I will add in more specifics tomorrow.)

On a somber note, today is also the 1 year anniversary of the crash of the B-52 bomber and it's crew of six who were scheduled to do a flyover of last year's parade.  There was a memorial for them unveiled yesterday during which there was a flyover where one of the planes broke formation.  This was followed soon after with the flyover of a single B-52.  Today's parade also included a flyover.  (If you would like to read more about the memorial and other activities then go here.)

I ask those of you who are so inclined to take a minute and remember those who have fought for our country, many of whom gave their lives.  While you are honoring them, please remember their families as well.  Without them we wouldn't have the freedoms that we have today!

Happy Guam Liberation Day... and thank you to all those who have sacrificed and/or continue to sacrifice so that we can have such a wonderful place to live!

Happy Stamping~
Mia

Event: Pizza Box Class & Stamp'N'Stack!

Would you like to learn how to make this cute little Pizza Box with four 3x3 cards and envelopes?  Then you don't want to miss my Pizza Box Class!

                    When: July 25, 2009
                    Time:  2:00-4:00 pm
                    Where:  Yigo, Guam
                    Class Fee:  $25.00

Those in attendance will make the sample shown above and one additional Pizza Box with four matching cards.  The focus will be on the new In Colors.  Call, email or use the PayPal button (below) by noon on Thursday, July 23, 2009 to reserve your space in my Pizza Box Class.

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Additionally, those of you who attended my Open House asked about a Stamp'N'Stack using the cards I had on display... so I have added the class to my calendar.                

                    When:  August 1, 2009
                    Time:  2:00-5:00 pm
                    Where:  Yigo, Guam
                    Class Fee:  $25.00

Those attending will make 12 cards... 3 each of 4 different designs... featuring Animal Stories and the new In Colors.  Call, email or use the PayPal button (below) by noon on Thursday, July 30, 2009 to reserve your space in my Animal Stories Stamp'N'Stack.

Sign up for both classes by noon on Thursday, July 23, 2009 and/or bring a "new to me" friend to either class and receive a free gift!

Space in both classes is limited so register now!

Class Fees

Pizza Box Class $25.00 Animal Stories Stamp'N' Stack $25.00

I look forward to seeing you there!
Happy Stamping~
Mia

Tutorial: Card on Page 190... Part 2!

This is the card I made today using the tutorial I posted yesterday.  I used a 3 1/2" square of Soft Suede card stock, drew the inner circle at 2 1/2" and cut the outer circle at 3 inches... as stated in my note at the end of the tutorial.  I decided to punch the 1/2" circles by lining the edge of the punch along the drawn circle - centering the line in the opening - instead of centering the intersection in the opening.  When done this way the openings are further in from the edge and closer together.  (Be aware that you can't use the 3/4" punch if you punch the circles this way, but you may be able to use it if you center the intersections in the opening.  I haven't tested it yet so I'm not sure.)

Supplies needed are:

Stamp Set:  Simply Said (pg.51)

Inks:  Jet Black StazOn, Soft Suede (In Color!)

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Melon Mambo (In Color!), Soft Suede (In Color!)

Accessories:  Circle Scissors Plus (pg.191), Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (pg.162), 1/2" Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.182), 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Up! Big Shot Exclusive Birds & Blooms Sizzlet 4-Pack Die (pg.197), In Color Stampin' Write Markers (pg.155),  Designer Brads Flower Assortment (pg.179), Stampin' Glitter Dazzling Diamonds (pg.180)

Now that I have made the card, I have some additional information/tips to share....

1.  The Melon Mambo card stock circle used to mat the Soft Suede Circle is actually a ring.  I cut the inner circle at 2 3/4" and the outer circle at 3 1/2".  (Be sure to cut the inside circle first and then the outer one.)  This is partly to conserve card stock, but also so that it doesn't need to be punched with the smaller circle punch and then lined up with the openings on the Soft Suede circle.

2.  You will also need to cut a Whisper White circle that is 3"or 3 1/4" in diameter to stamp your images on.  Assemble the punched and the Whisper White circle before stamping... and use a Stamp-a-ma-jig if needed for ideal placement.

3.  The piece of Razzleberry Lemonade DSP is 5 1/2" x 2".

4.  I found I got a smoother circle if I drew and cut in a counter-clockwise direction instead of clockwise.  For some reason the lock on the drawing handle would loosen when I drew my circle clockwise.

Ironically, once I punched and assembled all the parts for the punched circle accent I realized that I didn't own very many (current) stamp sets that had images small enough to stamp inside the 1/2" circle.  I found only two in my collection.  I used this small flower from the Simply Said set and love the way it turned out.

I hope that my tutorial and this card have inspired you to make some of these punched circle cards yourself.  When you do, you will not only see what a wonderful product the Circle Scissors Plus (pg.191) is, but you will also see that it is quick to make and assemble the card.

I'd love to see what you create.  You can share your cards with me by emailing your pictures or scans to me at maria@stampingwithmia.com.  I look forward to seeing how you put the tutorial to use.  If I receive enough of your creations then I will post them and hold a vote on which one is the favorite... and offer up a prize to the winner.  So I challenge you to get out your Circle Scissors Plus, circle punches, card stock, inks and stamps and let us see what you can do!

Happy Stamping~
Mia

Tutorial: Circle Scissors and Card on pg.190!

How do math and stamping relate?!?  Well my most interesting example follows....

A customer's question (not one of my customers) about how to make the circle card on page 190 started a discussion among demonstrators.  Being fond of geometry and having the Circle Scissors - but not having used it yet(!) - I couldn't stop thinking about the engineering of how to create a circle with the 6 evenly spaced punched circles like the one pictured below.

Here is what I came up with....

Supplies Needed:

4" Square of Card Stock in color of your choice (I used Bermuda Bay!)
Glass Mat (pg. 191)
Circle Scissors Plus (pg. 191)
3/4" Circle Punch (pg.186/187)
Pencil
Protractor
Ruler

Step 1:  Cut a 4 inch square of the desired card stock.  Center on the Glass Mat (pg.191) as shown below in Figure 1.  (See the note at the end of the tutorial.)

Step 2:  Put the drawing handle in the opening on the base of the Circle Scissors and turn the dial so that the handle is positioned at the 2 3/4" ruler mark (along the opening).  Place the Circle Scissors on top of the card stock square using the intersecting lines on the Circle Scissors and the grid on the Glass Mat to center it on the card stock as shown below in Figure 2. Insert a pencil in the drawing handle and lock in place.  Draw the circle.

 

Step 3:  Remove the drawing handle.  Place the cutting handle in the base and adjust the setting to the 3 7/8" ruler mark.  If the paper or Circle Scissors has shifted then re-center them on Glass Mat.  Cut the circle.  Your card stock circle will look like the one in figure 3... minus the protractor.

Step 4:  Use a straight edge to draw a line across the center of the card stock circle.  Make sure to keep the card stock circle centered on the Glass Mat and use the lines on the Glass Mat as your guide for the ruler placement.  (See figure 3, above.)  I used one of my children's well used protractors because it is needed in the next step.

Step 5:  Position the protractor on the pencil line matching the center of the protractor to the center of the card stock as shown below.  Make a pencil mark at the 60 degree markings on both the left and the right side... as well as the center as shown by the pointing fingers in the picture below (Figure 4).

 

Step 6:  Use a straight edge and pencil to draw lines from each of the marks you made in Step 5 through the center of the circle.  Your circle will now look like Figure 5.

Step 7:  Position the circle punch where one of the straight lines intersects with the drawn circle... as shown in the figure 6... and punch the circle  (If you need to mark the bottom of the punch to help you center the lines then use a Sharpie to do so.)

Step 8:  Repeat Step 7 at each of the intersections until you have punched all six circles.  The back will look like the one pictured below and....

Your circle of evenly punched circles is now complete!

You can use the same template for the 1/2" and 1" circle punches by lining the edge of the desired punch with the bottom of the already punched circle (as shown in the picture below), but a larger circle of card stock is needed for the larger circle punches.

Added Note:  This tutorial produces a circle larger than the one that was used on the card on page 109 yet small enough that it fits on the front of a standard size card.  If you want to make a smaller version like the one in the catalog then start with a 3 1/4 inch square of card stock, draw the inner circle at 2 1/2 inches, cut the outer circle at 3 inches.... and use the 1/2 inch Circle Punch.  The rest of the instructions remain the same.

Also... I recommend laminating the template so that you don't have to go to the trouble of making a new template each time and so that it will last longer. 

My math teachers would be so proud and happy to see that 35 years later I am still using what I learned in their classes!  Colleen (one of my downline) will be happy to see that I finally put my Circle Scissors to use!

Come back tomorrow to see my version of the completed card!

Happy Stamping~
Mia

Event: Yesterday's Open House!

Yesterday was my new catalog Open House.  As usual I forgot to take pictures to share with all of you so I can't show you how much fun everyone had, but they did!  Everyone left with at least one raffle prize... my way of thanking those who came and made it a fun time for us all!

Here are the projects everyone made..... using the new In Colors, of course!

Stamp Set:  Razzle Dazzle (pg.94)

Ink:  Melon Mambo

Card Stock:  Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Accessories:  Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper (pg.162), Scallop Circle Punch (pg.186/187), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (pg.186/187), 1" Circle Punch (pg.186/187), Soft Subtle Brads (pg.179), Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.192), 1/2" Polka Dot Melon Mambo Ribbon (pg.182)

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence

Accessories:  Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Eyelet Edge Punch (pg.186/187), Stampin' Up! Exclusive Big Shot Sweetest Stem Embosslit Die (pg.195), Stampin' Up! Big Shot Cherry Blossom Embosslit Die (pg.195), Orchid Fine Cosmos Stampin' Glitter (pg.180)

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I will be sharing some of the samples that I created for my display during this coming week... along with information about upcoming classes... so be sure to check back again soon.

Happy Stamping~
Mia