Downline Challenge Cards

AT my last downline meeting I challenged the CSL's to make their best card using our Sale-a-bration sets.  Here are two of the entries.  We had two more, but they asked that I not publish at this time do to other possible contest entries.  Good luck ladies!!

Diane's Card

Kathy B's CardS

 Thank you to those of you who played along.  ~Maureen

Downline Demonstration

A Big THANK YOU to Kathy B for demonstrating some fun ideas at last week's Downline meeting.  She stepped in at the last minute to help me out - and it was soooo appreciated.  First she demoed some great punch art for St. Patty's Day.

Here's a close-up of what she used to put her images together, so you can try them too.

Next she demoed color blocking with direct to paper technique.  She used post-it notes to block off parts of the cardstock.

Then using stamp pads she applied ink directly to the card, leaving a beautiful background palet to stamp on.

After completing the colors she wanted she stamped images in black to pop.  Look how pretty!!

Thanks again Kathy for your willingness to share with our group!! ~Maureen

Collage - bookmark

Here's the beautiful bookmark we made at Club using last month's technique - collage.  This project used one of my favorite Stampin' Up! nature sets "Nature Walk."  We softened the look by using lighter colors - Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery and Perfect Plum.  The bird is stamped, colored, cut out and popped up on dimensionals.  Added a lace trim ruffled along the bottom and a tassle at the top.

This bookmark (the perfect size to tuck into a card) would also make a lovely gift tag on a gifr for a special friend.  Thanks for stopping by.  ~Maureen

LaLaLoopsie Party

Today is Makai's LaLaLoopsie Party for her 5th Birthday - here are the absolutely adorable invitations my daughter Heidi made for the party - they are a combo of punches and free-hand cutting.  LOVE THEM!!  You can see more of her work at her link to the lower right of my blog - click on Stampin' King.

So in sticking with the "PINK" theme :)  I created this cute little birthday card.  It uses one of our SAB sets and the imbedded emboss technique.

 Here's the close of up the popped up scallop and the card detail.  The image was done with the direct to stamp technique using markers.

 For the inside I wanted to try out our new photo-polymer set from SU. These stamps are amazing as they stick like magic and make great images.  But - it was difficult with all the little letters (not difficult - tedious), as I had to take each one off and on and as I used them.  But it is a fun set to personalize with, and very inexpensive - see my post from yesterday.

So Makai wanted a Target gift card, but I really couldn't just hand her that, so I wrapped up a cute little "Hello Kitty" book and added some fun ribbon - note the "XOXO" on the envelope.  Hope she likes it.

 

I'll post pictures of her party soon.  
Today is also my daughter, Jenee's Birthday!! Happy birthday Hon - we love you.

Thanks for stopping by, Maureen

Photopolymer - what the heck :)

New Photopolymer by Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! is excited to announce that we now have wood-mount, clear-mount AND photopolymer stamps!  The new photopolymer will be an addition to our stamp line and will appeal to all types of stampers.  Our top-quality photopolymer has just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time and with the introduction of our firm-foam pads, let's just say they're meant for each other!  Photopolymer stamps will also be unique, fun designs that will inspire you and provide more versatile options you may not see in our traditional wood- and clear-mount stamp options.

What makes them so great?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time! 

• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last. 

• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks.

• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time. 

• They use FDA, food-safe material. How far can you stretch your stamping creativity? 

• We could go on, but we'll let you try them for yourself.

Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set Item 132956, Price: $13.95

Use this exclusive photopolymer alphabet set (with extras!) for titles or embellishments on scrapbook pages, cards, or any type of project. We recommend clear block sizes A, B, G, F, and I (not included in the set).  NOTE: this set can go away at any time - so if you want it - ORDER NOW!!  Let me know if you're interested.
The Fine Print

• Photopolymer stamps will be offered on a trial basis. Based on popularity, we hope to release more photopolymer stamp sets over the coming months. At this time we don't plan on offering a line of photopolymer sets as expansive as our wood-mount and clear-mount lines.

• Available beginning March 1, 2013. 

• Not available in wood-mount or clear-mount.  

• All photopolymer will be packaged in cello bag w/insert, but don't forget you can store them in our clear cases.

Collage Stamping

This month's technique for club was "Collage Stamping"  I love this beautiful and fast technique.  Here is the recipe card and the sample we made using "The Open Sea" stamp set.  A perfect set (and technique) for masculine cards. 

I'm currently restructuring my club for the new year and will be putting out the information soon. Hope you can plan to join us - either at club or by joining my new virtual club.  Stop back often so you don't miss the information!! ~Maureen

Club Hostess Gift

Hi All - thanks for stopping by.  Today I wanted to share the dry-erase board I made for my February Club Hostess - Ginny.  It's a frame from a local store - I added paper and DSP inside the frame.  Then added a pretty bow and a matching butterfly to the outside.  Included the blue expo pen -and voila!!  a beautiful hostess gift. 

Hope she liked it!  Thanks again Ginny for a terrific party!!! See you soon.  ~Maureen

Zamarah turns "3"

So last month we celebrated my youngest grand-daughter's (Zamarah) 3rd birthday.  I can hardly believe she is 3.  For several months now she's been obsessed with Mermaid's - that is the theme Jenee went with for her birthday.  Here's my sweet birthday girl before the festivities began.

Jenee had little underwater displays for decorations - the vases contained beta and gold fish - and all the beautiful blue tones of under the sea.

 Here's Zam soaking in the "Happy Birthday" wishes.

Blowing out her candle -

The cupcakes were decorated with the characters from the "Little Mermaid" and the flavors were pink lemonade and lime - delish!

Here Zamarah is with her brother Prince and sister Paisley getting ready for craft time.

Fun day of celebrating a fun little girl.  Happy Birthday Zamarah - we LOVE you!!  ~Maureen

February Christmas Card Stamp Camp II

Here is the second card we made at our February Christmas Card Stamp Camp - how cute is this - it uses one of my favorite Snowman sets "Snow Much Fun".  I love snowmen - but the images in this set are especially cute.  The background is made with our great Chevron Folder - and the image is water-colored with ink and blender pens.

Hope you like it as much as I did.  Our next Christmas Card Stamp Camp is March 17th (great way to celebrate St. Patty's day :)  Email me to come join us!!! ~Maureen

February Christmas Card Stamp Camp I

Today I'm sharing the first card that we made at our February Christmas Card Class.  This card uses the vintage stockings from "Open Sleigh" as well as the flourish and verse.  To give it an even more vintage feel the water spots from "French Foliage" were added. 

I love the look of this card and hope you do too.  Our next Christmas Card Stamp camp is Sunday, March 17 (note, this is a different Sunday of the month than normal.)  If you're interested in joining us contact me now - as this event always fills up.  Two new designs - you'll make five of each! ~Maureen