Challenge from our downline meeting...

Trying to catch up on my posting - so far behind.  This retiring and packing is hard work - lol!  So the creative challenge at our last downline meeting was to create a card using an image designed for coloring and show an alternative way to color it now that blendabilities are no longer available.  So here were the entries - 

Heidi's card with a broad-stroke watercolor wash and a few splatters.

Paula's card with watercolored image of tulips.

Sarah's flowers using a puddling watercoloring technique.

Close-up of Sarah's image.

All of these cards are beautiful and show that using Stampin' Up's inks, pads, brushes, and aqua painters you can achieve amazing looks on your hand-crafted cards.  Hope you enjoyed and got some inspiration!  ~Maureen

Heidi's Creations

Today I want to share with you a couple creations made by my daughter, Heidi.  The first I should have shared a while back when I shared the Ninja Birthday party she gave - but somehow I missed it.  Here is the adorable invitation she created for the boys' party.  To see more of the Ninja party stuff she created -click here.

But what I really wanted to share are these amazing flowers - she made them for a wall display for the teacher's lounge for teacher appreciation week and I think they are simply, as I already said  - AMAZING!!

 

You can order your own flowers in any color combination from her directly at her Etsy shop - LavendarLaceLemonade.  To see more of her work visit her blog - www.stampinking.blogspot.com  Thanks for stopping by - see you soon!  ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday .....

Had an amazing Gramma Day with this pretty girl - my grand-daughter, Makai.  We had such a fun time together - we went to the mall where she got these cute earrings that glow in the dark.  When we got home we quickly went to a dark closet to check out the claim, and sure enough - they glow!  Isn't she adorable!

She wanted lunch from one of her favorite places - Jersey Mike's subs  - so Jersey Mike's it was.

Then we went off to paint at a local creative store - she picked out this heart placque for her room and painted it in vibrant neon colors -finishing it off with a glaze of sparkles!  Turned out great!

Then finished the day by getting some frozen yogurt that was really, really yummy.  She was so much fun to be with and talk to and just hang out.  Can't wait to do it again - love you baby!!! ~Gramma

50% off First Two Months of Paper Pumpkin

                               
If you haven't tried Paper Pumpkin yet, now is a great time to sign up and get 50% off of your first two months. With a deal like this, you'll want to invite everyone you know to give it a try too!

Offer Dates: May 12-June 10, 2015

Offer Details: Use the code SAVE50 to join Paper Pumpkin before June 10, 2015, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included) as long as you want.  You can cancel or even take a hiatus - any time you'd like.

The Fine Print:

• For new subscribers only.
• Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.
• Discount applied to one kit per month for the first two months of a new subscription. After the first two months, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $19.95.
• You and your customers need to visit PaperPumpkin.com to join.
• Enter the Promo Code, SAVE50 when you sign up. Be sure I am showing as your demonstrator.
• New subscribers must join by Wednesday, June 10, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT).

That's it - what are you waiting for - these kits are completely ready to go and create.  They come right to your door.  They are perfect for a crafting party with your besties - or to put together with your children and grand-children - and NOW you can get your first two months at 50% off - go - now - order.

Here are a few pictures of previous kits I've put together - 

Few recent kits

Having Paper Pumpkin fun!

Valentine's kit

Christmas card/tag kit

It's time to get crafting!!! ~Maureen

April Christmas Card Stamp Camp - Part II

Here is the second card we made - it is a "Z" fold card.  Adds just a little character to a simple card.  The center panel was stamped and we added torn Whisper White for snow.  Then stamped and punched 3 trees to add in the snow banks.  We layered this on green and adhered the left portion to the folded back section of the base.

Finally we stamped the sentiment and added a few little sequins for some bling.  Very happy that this set is coming back in the new catalog.  ~Maureen

Here are the products used on this card - you can order directly from me by clicking the SHOP NOW banner on the right side of this page!

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Festival Of Trees Photopolymer Stamp Set

$15.95

Tree Punch

$16.95

Snail Permanent Adhesive

$6.95

Glue Dots

$4.95

Stampin' Dimensionals

$3.95

April Christmas Cards Stamp Camp - Part 1

Sharing the first card we made at my April Christmas Card Stamp Camp.  It's a little non-traditional for a Christmas card - but I really like it.  I used Snowflake Soiree and stamped the Snowflake in Coastal Cabana, then punched out with the flower punch.  To give it some pop, I stamped a small snowflake with Momento Black and punched just the center to add to the center of the large snowflake.  Then added a gem in the middle.  Some of these items are retired - but its that in-between time on our catalogs that I end up doing that.  Good thing is the new Catty that starts in June has some Christmas card sets this year - woo, hoo!!!

Added my sentiment, layered it up, popped on some ribbon and all done - beautiful!!  ~Maureen

Shoebox Swap - Final Installment

So today I am going to finish sharing the cards from our last shoebox swap.  I've gotta tell you - these were all great cards and so much fun to make.  This first one was designed by Paula - and so springy, really liked it -  you can see more of her work at - http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/thehappyfulstamper/blog

Then here is Sarah's card - I love all the little details on this one - hope you can see it all in the picture - very fun card to make.  Sarah's work is showcased on her blog here -http://projectstamp.com/

And finally Virginia's card - if was such a great card, and I love the fold technique.  I think it is called the Joy Love Fold.  Here is my version - it was the last card of the night, I was tired, don't think I could find all the components - but I still think it turned out great.

 There you can see how the fold is done.

 And here is the copy of her original work  -

Thank you again Sarah and Virginia for a great night of food, stamping and fellowship.  Had a great time!!! ~Maureen

To some of the very specialist women in my life - my Mom, Bernice, who is now in heaven.

My Mother-in-law, Gloria, who continues to inspire me at 94 years of age.

My oldest daughter, Jenee, amazing mother to three of my grandbabies.

And my youngest daughter, Heidi, also an amazing mother to my other four grandkids. 

So much love goes out to these amazing women - and to many others who have had an impact on my life - my sister, Sharon, for one.  But there are too many to mention here.  You all know who you are - family and friends - who have been there for me in so many ways.  This may be Mother's Day - but even though you may not be my Mom - you have touched my life in amazing ways!  So this day is for YOU!!!!   Love you all, Maureen

More Shoeboxing

So today I'm sharing a couple more of our Shoebox Swap cards - thought I'd be done today - but nope - still have at least one more day of sharing some of these great creations.  Her is Kathy B's card - just cannot go wrong with this set.  Kinda sad it's not coming back in the BIG catalog ;(

And then my card.  I was really, really happy with how it turned out.  Sweet, clean, simple - but ADORBS!!  This flower and punch also will not be in the new catalog.

Here is a close-up from the top so you can see some of the dimension of the card.  Kinda sad the flower set and punch are going away, as I just started using them.

That's it for today - see you soon with the final Shoebox installment :)  ~Maureen

Shoebox Swap Part II

And the fun continued with our Shoebox Swap - 
Here is Devin's card and you can see more of her work at http://devinstamps.blogspot.com -

Below is Diane's card - she also had a little tag and very on the front.  But I stamped my image too far to the left, and it didn't fit.  Leave it to me to not follow directions.

Finally for today - here is Heidi's card - I really love it in so many ways -  you can also see more of  her work at - http://stampinking.blogspot.com

Hope you liked the cards so far - stop back soon to see the final cards we made.  ~Maureen