Hot Stuff Gift Card Holder

Every month a group of us women get together for a night of BINGO. Each of us brings a $25 gift that goes with the theme the hostess decided on. This month it's all about gift cards so I needed a gift card holder that would sufficiently hide the gift card. No peeking allowed!!

I modified a template I found at Splitcoaststampers and made it work for me ( I needed something a bit bigger and I had to have a flap).

A velcro dot holds the blue flap in place. When you open it up you see the small orange envelope with Sprinkles on it. You pull on the pink polka dot tab to reveal the blue cardstock which holds the gift card (see picture below).

I wanted my POOCHIE from the TCP set Smells Like Birthday to carry a gift instead of cake so I used the gift stamp from A Beary Good Year, cut it out and used it to cover up the cake.

The patterns are stamped using the Verve Bountiful Background set. It's one of my favorites!!

The finished size is 3.25"x4.25".

Stamps: Smells Like Birthday (TCP), Fun in the Sun (TCP), Big Sprinkles (TCP), A Beary Good Year (TCP), Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve)

Paper: Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie (SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Pumpkin Pie (SU), Taken with Teal (SU)

Accessories: Nesties, Copic Markers, Velcro Dots, Circle Punch, Paper Piercer, White Gel Pen, Brads, Mulberry Paper Flowers, Polka Dot Embossing Folder,

Score Board, Red Sticky Tape

I'm not sure if you're interested but if you'd like to see a tutorial on my little gift card holder, please let me know! I'll be happy to make one! Thanks!! :)

Edit 3/12/2010:

Click HERE for the tutorial of this gift card holder.

Beautiful You

It's been raining all morning here in LA and to me that is just the perfect weather for stamping! I love it!! I don't feel like going outside, I'm happy and content sitting here making my cards and what perfect timing because there is another SKETCH from SFYTT today!!

This week's sketch by Jen really had me going and I thought immediately of how cute it would be to make a Pocket Card?!

I've always admired the stamp divas who use fake little flowers on their cards. I thought they were so cute and it's something I had yet to do and experiment with. Anyway - I thought it was about time I gave it a try so I went to Michaels and got some flowers.

So then when I sat down today, thinking about colors it was real easy because I just picked up a flower and let that dictate my color scheme.

This card has quite a few things going on especially if you compare it to my Manly Kitchen Birthday Card from earlier today. I had to make up for the lack of whimsy in that card. ;)

The patterns on the paper were all stamped using Verve's Bountiful Backgrounds and of course there are plenty of polka dots - I'm sure you've noticed I like polka dots a lot. Don't really know why - I just think they're cute I guess.

I also did some faux and some real stitching on this card. The black stitches are faux and the white ones are real...in case you were wondering.

For the tab of the tag I used my Curly Label Punch, scored it and folded it in half.

Have a great weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Stamps: Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve), Beautiful You (Verve)

Paper: Crushed Curry (SU), Basic Black (SU), White (SU)

Ink: Crushed Curry (SU), Basic Black (SU)

Accessories: Rounded Corner Punch, Curly Label Punch, Hole Punch, Ribbon, Flower, Brads, Sewing Machine

Viva La Verve - a Manly Kitchen

I've discovered yet another blog full of challenges and goodies to win: the Viva La Verve Blog on Splitcoaststampers!

What fun: each week there is a new sketch and three photographs for you to chose as inspiration for your card. You upload all your creations for the month in the end and one lucky participants gets chosen as the winner and wins the next month's new release stamps from Verve.

Here is what I chose today:

Don't you just love that kitchen?? I know I do and it inspired me right away to make a masculine birthday card.

I really wanted this card to be manly, simple and elegant so I kept the different elements and embellishments to a minimum... well, I tried at least...it's so HARD!! No stitching, no girly stuff and just a hint of pattern and texture.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Tips & Tricks: Make your saying pop a little more by using a Marker (Copics in this example) to create a drop shadow.

Stamps: Wishful Elegance, Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve)

Paper: Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: Lettuce (Adirondack), Chocolate Chip (SU)

Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Brads, Ribbon, Copic Marker

Faith Notebook

Something you probably don't know about me is that I'm a notetaker!! Yup - I looove to take notes! It is about the only thing that helps keep me focused. I'm kind of like the dog in UP, the movie?!

"Squirrel" - that is so me!

Anyway - I love to take notes in church for exactly that reason. Plus - then I have the luxury of refreshing my memory if I've forgotten something or need inspiration. **BONUS**

So that brings me to my project today: An ALTERED NOTEBOOK.

I got this little book at the $1 bin at Michaels. I opened the binder rings by just prying them open, took out the cover and the back and went to town.

The paper I used is from the Bo Bunny "Gypsy" Collection.

I love the colors and ethnic feel to it.

TIPS & TRICKS: when you cut the paper for your cover, cut it 3/4 inches longer on all four sides so when you glue it on, you can fold it over to the other side. No sharp edges and a much more professional look (in my opinion).

The tag is from the MME "Breaking Free" Collection. I used one of my favorite inspirational saying stamp from VERVE, some flower stamps and cardboard stickers to make it more unified.

Thank you for visiting and have a great rest of the week!!!

TIPS & TRICKS: to get a more faded look stamp your stamp first on a piece of scrap paper before stamping it on your image.

Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve)

Paper: Gypsy (Bo Bunny)

Ink: Soft Suede, Taken With Teal (SU)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Cardboard Stickers (Bo Bunny), Chipboard Journal Stickers (MME), Tag (MME), Sewing Machine, Scalloped Border Trim Punch, Scrappy Glue

a sunny Birthday Calendar

I stumbled across a really cute Birthday Calendar by Leigh O'Brien a few weeks ago and just loved the idea. I don't know if you're anything like me but I cannot remember a birthday to save my life! It's horrible!! I even forgot my mom's birthday one year!! Yeah - I know! I need help so a Birthday Calendar is a must for me and even better if I can make my own.

The weather has been really funky here in LA - nothing but gray today - so I was immediately drawn to my new, bright and cheery Bo Bunny Papers.

I love love love their collections. This one is called Popsicle.

I downloaded the template for the calendar pages from Leigh O'Brien's website. Click HERE for the link and her birthday calendar.

I used chipboard to make my calendar nice and sturdy and embellished the cover with MME cardboard stickers from the Breaking Free Series.

Stamps: TCP

Paper: Bo Bunny Popsicle Collection, Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday, Tempting Turquoise (SU), Yoyo Yellow (SU), Real Red (SU), Only Orange (SU), Pink Passion (SU)

Ink: Basic Black, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Lettuce (Adirondack)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Chipboard, Binder Rings, Cardboard Stickers (MME Breaking Free Collection), Scalloped Border Trim Punch, Hole Punch, Computer, Scrappy Glue

Here are a few sample pictures of the calendar pages:

TCP Tuesday 98 - Beary Easter Wishes & Catty Irish

Happy Tuesday, everybody!!! And it's not just any Tuesday - it's TCP Tuesday for the The Cat's Pajamas!

Time to get busy again and this week Susan is the "Hostess with the Mostess".

She lives in snowy North Texas and with that in mind I'm not surprised she called for a SPRINGTIME STAMPS challenge. (Quick reminder: for a stamp challenge, they must be TCP stamps). If you're unfamiliar with TCP Tuesday I posted more details on how to play along below.

All the stamps for my Beary Easter Wishes card are from A Beary Good Year. This set is a must have!!! You can use it for every occasion, all year 'round!! And you can even use some of the accessories with Sprinkles and Poochie, too!!

All the patterned paper for this card are from the MFT Digi Paper Pack Easter Daisies Collection. I just love how it looks and that it's always right there on my computer - all I have to do is hit Print. So handy!!

For this card I wanted a white PJ but I still wanted him to have some depth so I used a grey Copic Marker and did a little bit of shading. His belly and nose are paper pieced - love that technique!!

I also just got some new Petite Scalloped Circle Nesties so this was the perfect challenge for them - don't they look like flowers?

My Catty Irish card is all about glitter and whimsical fun!! Sprinkles has a glittery glitter glue hat and naturally the coins are glittery, too. The Clovers are Foam Glitter Stickers and of course -- you guessed it, lol --glittery!! I got them at Michaels and have been itching to use them. The saying is from TCP and even though I'm not Irish I just love the sassiness of it all! ;)

To create a white border for your Nesties as you can see in this card is really simple. All you have to do is leave your paper in the Nestie and sponge some color in so essentially you're using your Nestie as a mask.

Want to play along:

1. All challenge entries will automatically be entered into TCP's monthly Swanky Stamper of the Month contest. This means you could win $25 in Cat Cash that you can spend on new stamps from The Cat's Pajamas!!!

2. Link your creation to the guestbook on Alma's Blog.

3. Usually TCP stamps are not required (unless the challenge is a Stamp challenge --which it is today ---when specific stamps are required), but of course highly recommended.

4. You can enter as many times as you want.

5. Please use the keyword TCPTUES98 when you upload your creation to Splitcoast Stampers.

Beary Easter Wishes

Stamps: A Beary Good Year (TCP)

Paper: Easter Daisies Collection Digi Paper (MFT), yellow & light purple cardstock

Ink: Basic Black (SU), Versamark, Elegant Eggplant (SU)

Accessories: Copic Markers, White Gel Pen, Paper Piercer, Ribbon (SU), Nesties, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Scalloped Border Trim Punch

Catty Irish

Stamps: Pot'O Sprinkle (TCP), The Irish (TCP)

Paper: Erica Hernandez Digi Paper, Kraft (SU), Green Galore (SU)

Ink: Lettuce (Adirondack), Meadow (Adirondack), Basic Black (SU)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Glitter Glue, Ribbon, Foam Glitter Stickers, Nesties, Sewing Machine, Scalloped Border Trim Punch, Sponges

Mojo Monday 127

Whew! What a busy day today!! I was gone for the weekend so I ended up making my SFYTT and my Mojo Monday card today.

Here's the sketch for the week:

I decided to make it a double challenge card and used the Sketch from Mojo Monday and the color scheme from the TCP Tuesday challenge, which was Olive, Light Blue and Ivory.

Stamps: Fun in the Sun (TCP)

Paper: Summer Collection Digi Paper (MFT), Old Olive (SU), Kraft (SU), Light Blue Scraps

Ink: Bashful Blue (SU), Lemonade (Adirondack), Old Olive (SU)

Accessories: Copic Markers, White Gel Pen, Nesties, Brads, Ribbon, Pop Up Dots, Sponges, Computer

What's New, Pussycat?

I'm back in town!! Yay - I was in Fort Lauderdale this past weekend for a conference from my church and did not have a chance to make my card for Jen's awesome sketch from SFYTT until now.

This card has a lot of things going on. I really enjoy playing around with different patterns and textures and this is just another one of those cards. ;)

Here's Jen's sketch for this weeks SFYTT challenge:

The stripes in the background are stamped using Verve's BOUNTIFUL BACKGROUNDS. The pink circles behind Sprinkles are from TCP's FUN IN THE SUN set.

I actually pulled out my old sewing machine and did some real stitching today!! I know right? I couldn't believe it either! lol

I'm a bit rusty I have to admit and my stitching is not quite as nice as I would have liked it to be but it's a start. :)

I used different size flower stamps from Verve's WISHFUL ELEGANCE set to make the flower and added some glitter glue to make it really sparkle and stand out.

After I added the flower of course I realized I needed something in the top left of my card to balance it (argh) so I pulled out my new TCP stamp WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT, stamped it on white cardstock, cut it out in a funky ribbon shape, added some shadow to it using my Copic marker, drew some faux stitches in, added a brad and finished!!!

Stamps: Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve), Wishful Elegance (Verve), Fun in the Sun (TCP), big Sprinkles (TCP)

Paper: Melon Mambo (SU), Basic Black (SU), Whisper White (SU)

Ink: Basic Black (SU), Colorbox Pink

Accessories: Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch (SU), Brads, Sewing Machine, Square Punch, Scalloped Square Punch, Cuttlebug Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Black Marker, Glitter Glue

Stamp Inventory Log Book

I don't know if you feel the same way as I do but since I've accumulated a sizeable collection of stamps I've been having a hard time remembering what sentiments or stamps I have so I've come up with the idea of making a STAMP INVENTORY LOG BOOK.

This book has all the stamps I have in it. They are logged/organized by different categories. I'm a bit of an organizer neat freak so I ended up with about 11

different categories but the great thing is that you can customize this to fit your needs and your preferences. Some stamps I categorized under season, occasion and other's by company because they are so distinctively different in style I wanted to keep them together as one e.g. The Cat's Pajamas, Stampscapes.

For the COVER: I was inspired by a card that AMY ROHL made. I'm a big fan of her work and I just loved the whole Bingo card idea. Click HERE to see what I'm talking about.

I downloaded the BINGO CARD from DREAMSTIME, where I also sell some of my photographs as stock images (see the link on the side of my blog). I printed it out on Kraft paper, distressed it and stamped some confetti from the TCP set SMELLS LIKE CAKE in soft suede.

I used TCP stamps for the whole layout of the book because for one they are quickly becoming my favorites and I wanted a cohesive look over all.

I also used quite a bit of chipboard to add some texture and dimension to the book. I found the chipboard word IMAGINE at Michael's in the $1 bin. I glued a light turquoise paper on it, shaded it a bit with Taken with Teal and stamped it with my VERVE background stamp from the WISHFUL ELEGANCE set.

I used PJ from the TCP set HAPPY CAMPER and added accessories from the A BEARY GOOD YEAR set. Sprinkles sipping her margarita is from the set FUN IN THE SUN. I used the NIGHTIE alphabet stamp to stamp the title "STAMPS". I love how the "s" is kind of falling off at the end. Yes - that was done on purpose. It's just more me that way. :) I also used some CRYSTAL EFFECTS on PJ's accessories and on Sprinkles to add a little shine.

This is how I stamped the DIVIDER PAGES: I wanted to keep them relatively simple and yet fun and funky so this is what I came up with. I used either images or sayings from my different TCP stamps and created this almost wrapping paper look.

For the TABS: I typed my different categories in the computer and printed them out on different colored cardstock.

Since I didn't have a TAB PUNCH yet I simply used my CURLY LABEL PUNCH from SU instead. I lined it up so that the Category Title was in the middle of the Curly Label and then I folded it over, added adhesive and there you go, a tab. :)

For the LOG PAGES: They were created in Microsoft Word. The header on each page tells you the name of the set, the company and what type of stamp (clear or wood). The box, in which I stamped all the stamps, is actually a text box I created in Word as well.

I haven't quite figured out how to upload a template to this blog but once I do I will add it.

I can't even begin to tell you how handy this little book has been already. I have it right next to me on my stamping station and I constantly go to it whenever I'm looking for the perfect image or saying to go with my card.

Thank you for stopping by!! :)

Stamps: various TCP, Wishful Elegance (Verve)

Paper: Kaiser Distracted "La La Land", "Dazed"; American Crafts Blue Skies "Zip A Dee Doo Dah", Kraft (SU), Real Red (SU), Tempting Turquoise (SU), Plain Chipboard

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Taken with Teal (SU), Soft Suede (SU)

Accessories: Imagine chipboard piece (Michael's), Chipboard Journal Stickers (MME - Bountiful), Curly Label Punch (SU), Crystal Effects, Paper Piercer, Scalloped Edge Punch (SU), Nesties, Pop up dots, Ring Binders, Hole Punch, Computer, Copics, White Gel Pen

MFT and Digi Paper - a new discovery for me

I was browsing some of my favorite stampin' blogs and came across some very cute cards featuring stamps from My Favorite Things, a company I was not familiar with.

You know what happened next, right? You are so right: I had to go and check it out. What cute stamp sets they have!!! I just love the WHO'S THAT GIRL

collection!!

But that's not all they have, they also have a blog and challenges!!!

This weeks challenge is all about:

* using either the Easter Basket template or another MFT template

* create something for Easter or Spring

* use any MFT Digi Paper Pack.

This sounded like a lot of fun - especially since you can win a $15 gift certificate!!! I'm in!!!

I decided to make a gift card holder. The template was so cute and simple at the same time, I couldn't refuse.

So I was a bit suspicious of these Digi Papers but I figured - they are only $3.95....why not give them a try?

I downloaded the Easter Pack because I just adored those colors and I printed them out. Let me tell you - they ROCK!!!

I was so pleased with the way they look and with how easy they were to use I bought a few more. I also didn't have any MFT stamps just yet and I

really wanted to use one of their images for their challenge so I downloaded a DIGI STAMP.

Again - they are soo cool!! I couldn't be happier although I do enjoy having a real stamp in my hand.

As soon as I spotted this Digi Stamp, which is called SAY CHARGE, I thought of Spring cleaning and the only reason I like to do Spring cleaning is because it makes room for new things so that's the idea I went with here. :)

I printed the gift card holder template from MFT on light yellow cardstock. I did some paper piecing on the ladies and their bags. I typed and printed the sentiment off of my computer.

WSC Keyword: MFTWSC02172010

Stamps: Say Charge Digi Stamp (MFT)

Paper: Easter Daisies Collection Digi Paper (MFT), generic light yellow cardstock

Ink: Bashful Blue (SU)

Accessories: SU Markers, Word Label Punch, Nesties, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Ribbon, Red Sticky Tape

Mojo Monday 126

Before I tell you all about my Mother's Day card to the left here I have to tell you how this week's Mojo challenge really challenged me.

I don't quite know why but Monday was not a good stamping day for me even though I really loved the sketch Julee came up with.

I tried and tried and nothing worked out so I eventually just went through my favorites gallery on Splitcoaststampers, picked out a card and applied it to the new sketch from this week.

The result of that you can see below. If you'd like to see the card by Julee that inspired me, click HERE.

Now I could have just left it at that and be done with it but somehow I felt like I cheated the challenge so today is another day and I thought - let's give it another shot!

A Mother's Day card was born!!! Yay!! Sometimes you just have one of those days or I have one of those days I should say and best thing for me to do is to let things go and pick them up another day! :)

About my card:

I've always liked the color combo light yellow

and dark chocolate brown and to my
surprise I found a stash of pastel patterned
paper in my paper pile, which had a patterned light yellow paper in it.

How could I resist?

I used my Verve Bountiful Background stamp to create the pattern you see behind the flower.

I stamped the flower multiple times and cut out different sections of it. Then I layered them on top of each other and fluffed them up a bit to create this beautiful flower. I also sponged

the edges of the petals with yellow to create a little

bit more depth to the image.

Inspired by Julee

Stamps: Because of You (Verve), Beautiful You (Verve), Wishful Elegance (Verve)

Paper: Kraft, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Whisper White (all SU)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry (all SU)

Accessories: Sizzix Background Texture Plates, Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Piercer, White Gel Pen, Copic Markers, Glitter Glue, Sizzix Embosslits Beautiful Wings, Pop up dots, ribbon

Happy Mother's Day

Stamps: Because of You (Verve), Beautiful You (Verve), Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve)

Paper: MPS-12 Pastel (M&MGI), Blue Skies (American Crafts), generic light yellow and dark brown cardstock

Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Lemonade (Adirondack)

Accessories: Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Brads

Another PJ Card

If you have followed my oh-so-new blog you know that I'm still pretty new to stamping so I just received my first bigger shipment of Nestabilities last night!! I was so excited I had to try them out for a card right away and what better than to use them on another cute PJ card?!

I used the brand new set A BEARY GOOD YEAR from TCP for the bear. The little lucky charm in his hat is actually a butterfly turned upside down. :)

Love what you can do with this set!! The possibilities are truly endless. The clouds came from the TCP set HAPPY CAMPER.

To shade in the blue sky I wanted a little bit of a white frame around them so I left the nestie on my white cardstock as I shaded in the blue.

To finish it all of, I added a little bit of Crystal Effects on the tummy and nose of my bear and the lucky charm and buckle of the hat.

Stamps: A Beary Good Year, Happy Camper (all TCP)

Paper: Bloom & Grow (MME), Glorious Green, Green Galore, Basic Black (all SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bashful Blue (SU), Lettuce (Adirondack)

Accessories: Crystal Effect (SU), Nestabilities, brads, Word Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Paper Piercer, Green Marker,

TCP Tuesday 97

Yesterday was Tuesday, which means there was another TCP TUESDAY challenge from The Cat's Pajamas. This week's challenge, thought up by Joanne is all about colors: Olive, Light Blue and Ivory. If you'd like to play along and find out all the details, click HERE. You can win $25 in Cat Cash!!! And who can say no to that?!

Anyway, I had so much using these colors I had to make two cards. I started off with this one...

I just got some new cuttlebug embossing folders and couldn't wait to use them so

I decided this card was going to be all about texture. For this card I embossed both the olive and blue cardstock using my cuttlebug folders and my Big Shot. I used my paper piercer and white gel pen to create the stitching effect all around the card and I used sponges for shading and Copic markers for coloring in PJ, the bear.

Then I had some time on my hand and I had come across the FAUX POSTAGE tutorial on Splitcoaststampers so I thought - why not?!

Here's what my second card looks like...

This little card turned out to be quite work intensive!! I used my Nightie alphabet stamp set from TCP to spell out MEOW and the stripes from Verve's bountiful background set to stamp the background. I used Colorbox Frost White ink for that and then I embossed everything with clear embossing powder.

I didn't have a christmas SPRINKLES, the cat or a small Sprinkles so I simply took my Nurse Sprinkles from my TCP set You Sick Thing and the hat and scarf from A Beary Good Year.

Voila!

I also applied some Elmer's Glue on the Sprinkles hat, sprinkled some christmas wonderland embossing powder over that and heat set it so it gives you a nice glittery texture. Here's a closer look at that:

Cheers

Stamps: a Beary Good Year (TCP)

Paper: Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Kraft, Sahara Sand, Thoroughly Modern DP (all SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Suede (SU)

Accessories: Copic Markers, White Gel Pen, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Paper Piercer, Brads, Word Label Punch (SU), Nestabilities (Spellbinder), Circle Cutter, Sponges

Meowy Postage

Stamps: a Beary Good Year (TCP), You Sick Thing (TCP), Big Sprinkles (TCP), Nightie (TCP); Serene Snowflakes (SU), Cold & Cuddly (SU); Bountiful Backgrounds (VERVE); G Studio

Paper: Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Kraft, Sahara Sand (all SU)

Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Basic Black (all SU)

Accessories: Copic Markers, White Gel Pen, Computer, Decorative Edge Scissors, Ribbon (SU), Brads, Clear and Christmas Wonderland Embossing Powder, Nestabilities (SPellbinder), Paper Piercer, Scallop Edge Punch (SU), Elmer's Glue, Heat gun, Sponges

Who's this bear?

Did I mention I was one of the runner up winners of TCP's Who's this bear contest? YAY!!! I was one of the lucky winners that all came up with the same cute name for TCP's adorable little bear and that is P.J.

As a runner up winner I received the brand spanking new clearly swanky stamp set A BEAR GOOD YEAR for FREE!!

I was so excited when I found out, I jumped up and down - literally!!! I also stayed up until midnight to find out who the winner was. It was crazy!

Anywho... here's one of my very first P.J. cards.

This card also doubled as my entry to another TCP Tuesday challenge. The challenge was all about PAPER PIECING.

Here's a closer look at PJ. I love how the red dot of the paper looks like his tongue is sticking out! Isn't he just cute?

Stamps: A Beary Good Year (TCP), Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve)

Paper: assorted cardstock and patterned paper (I'm sorry but I can't remember which company makes this paper)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Red Pepper (Adirondack)

Accessories: Copic markers, Ribbon (Michaels), Brads, White Gel Pen

a Whole New World

I lead a very sheltered stamping life. I had my Stampin' up catalog and was happy as a clam until I found myself searching the internet for new ideas and somehow I came across this lovely site called Splitcoaststampers.

I couldn't believe my eyes!! There were soo many ideas and projects, tutorials, templates. I didn't know where to begin! I was in heaven...and a little bit overwhelmed but I took it in stride. I only sat in front of my computer exploring until 2am that morning. Oh yes...I couldn't stop!

I loved that Stampin' up had it's own section and everything there was organized by stamp sets so if I had a stamp set I wanted to use but couldn't think of how - I could find inspiration there. Awesome!!!

So all was well in my not quite so little world anymore but things were about to change: I started browsing the big, general gallery and I spotted the most amazing landscape cards. I had discovered Stampscapes.

After watching numerous online tutorials and videos on how to use your stampscapes stamps and how to shade them, I was finally ready to order my first stampscapes stamps.

I could hardly wait for them to arrive and let me tell you the beginnings were not as easy as everyone made it seem in their videos but after the third attempt I finally ended up with the image you see above. :)

My humble Stamping Beginnings...

So it all began about six months ago when my friend Stacy mentioned going to stamp camp. My ears perked up: stamp camp?! What was that? Instead of trying to explain to me what a stamp camp was, she simply took me with her and I was introduced to Stampin' up.

Needless to say it was love at first sight!!!

Here are some of the cards we made at that very first stamp camp of mine. Yes I still have them! I haven't found it in me to part with them just yet! :)

My first blog

so this is my very first blog. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see how this works and if it works. :) Wish me luck! Why am I blogging you might ask? Well, I'm currently unemployed so I have plenty of free time on my hand, which means I've been stamping a whole lot and I would like to share some of my work with you.

I hope you enjoy it and come back often. Thank you for visiting!

Stampin' It Up in LA

Available Stamps

Well - who would have thought the time would come so fast that I need to clear out some of my older stamps that I have to make room for the new ones coming in. lol

The following stamps are available to go to a good home:

(Please come back and check periodically for updates)

** Holiday Best **

- Stampin' Up Hostess Level 1 Set

- wood-mounted rubber stamps

- minor staining

Sentiments: "Valentine - please be mine"; "Give Thanks"; "Merry Christmas"; "Trick or Treat"

Price: $10

Shipping (US): $5

International: please contact me

** On the Beach **

- Stampin' Up (retired)

- wood-mounted rubber stamps

- some staining

Price: $12

Shipping (US): $5

International: please contact me

** Fabulous Four **

- Stampin' Up (retired)

- wood-mounted rubber stamps

- minor staining

Sentiments: "For Baby"; "Thank You"; "Happy Birthday"; "Congratulations"

Price: $7

Shipping (US): $5

International: please contact me

** Miracle of Easter **

- Stampin' Up (retired)

- wood-mounted rubber stamps

- stained

Sentiments: "Rejoicing with you in the miracle of Easter"; "Christ is Risen"

Price: $10

Shipping (US): $5

International: please contact me

** Peace & Comfort **

- Stampin' Up (retired)

- wood-mounted rubber stamps

- stained

Sentiments: "May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, bring comfort to your heart and mind"; "Thinking of You"; Hope ever tells us tomorrow will be better"

Price: $10

Shipping(US): $5

International: please contact me

** Furnished with Love **

- Stampin' Up (retired)

- wood-mounted rubber stamps

- like new

Price: $10

Shipping (US): $5

International: please contact me

Please note that all of these stamps are used (unless noted otherwise) and vary in degrees of staining. Staining will not affect your ability in using these stamps!

Happy Shopping!