Blogger's Challenge #84 - Birthday Theme

I really love the Blogger's Challenge each week! It's great because it forces me to be creative each week even when I have very little time to stamp something. I especially love the weeks when the challenge theme matches something that I've already created and not posted! Ok, some would call that cheating a bit, but cut me a little slack here - between the new puppy, the ice storm and snow, and traveling here to New Jersey for Emma's skating championships - I've been a litle busy!


The card today was inspired by a card I'd seen on Laurie Schmidlin's blog about a year ago, but had never gotten around to doing my own version. Actually, my version doesn't look much like the original after all was finished, but I wanted to credit her for inspiring me.


My card starts with a card base of Basic Gray Cardstock folded lengthwise to 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". It's layered with Basic Black, Rose Red and Whisper White. The Whisper White layer is stamped with the Tres Chic background stamp in Basic Black Craft ink. Then I heat embossed with my Heat Tool and Black Embossing Powder to give it a really rich glossy look.


I layered all three pieces of cardstock and then wrapped a piece of Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon around the left side. The hat pin design element was created with clear jewel beads and pearls from the Pretties Kit and tied to the ribbon piece with another piece of ribbon.


To stamp the greeting, I used my Basic Black Stampin' Marker and colored directly on part of a stamp from the set "On Your Birthday". I didn't want the whole sentiment on the front of the card, so this method worked wonderfully.


We did this card at my stamp camp in December and the ladies loved it! I hope you do too! Please check out the other talented stampers in the Blogger's Challenge group by clicking on the icon in my sidebar. Your comments really make us smile!

Today Emma's team skates in the Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships. It's the semi-final round and the top 6 teams from each flight will advance to the medal round on Saturday. Our hopes are very high for the girls, they are looking really good!
Go National Blades!
Go Emma!

Happy Weekend everyone~
Robin

Pun Fun Bird-Day Card

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time coming up with cute cards for kids. I love bright, fun colors in all parts of my life, but they are the hardest color palette for me to work with creatively.

This month for my Just Cards stamp camp, I had a request for a kids birthday card, so I pulled out the Pun Fun stamp set and found a color combination from the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. I took it straight from the Hoppy Memories Simply Scrappin' Kit - Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise and Kiwi Kiss.
I love how easy the Idea Book makes color co-ordinating. That is truly not my stamping strong point, but all I have to do is just look through the pages of this great resource and there we go.

The card base is Pumpkin Pie folded to make a 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" card. The next layer is Whisper White stamped with the balloon from the Sock Monkey stamp set in Tempting Turquoise.

I then took a strip of Real Red cardstock cut at 2" x 5 1/4" and punched the left edge with the Scallop Border punch. This is layered with some Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. For my focal point, I started with the top piece of Whisper White cut to match the bird stamp block size at 2" x 2 1/4". That made it easy to measure the Tempting Turquoise layer and the Pumpkin Pie layer at 1/4" larger on both sides for each.

The cute little bird is stamped in Basic Black and colored in with co-ordinating markers (didn't I say it was easy!?). I had to add the little cupcake stamp from the Short and Sweet stamp set, the little bird looked hungry!

All the layers are angled for a fun feel and then popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals to add depth. I hope you like it and find it easy to CASE. We'll find out next Tuesday if my stamp campers like it! I do still have room in the evening class at 7 pm since I had to reschedule. Class is $15 for 5 projects - all supplies included. Just send me an e-mail to RSVP.

Remember, all the products I mentioned here today are available for order on my website 24/7 at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net Just click on the Shop Now button in the top right corner and you are there!

Happy Stamping~
Robin

Quick Valentine Candy Treat

Just a quick creative post today. Emma and I are headed to Morristown, NJ for her USFSA Eastern Sectionals Championships! Since her team's level can go no further than this, it's really her "nationals". Kwim? Can you say "Go National Blades"?

This cute little candy treat bag took no time at all and was actually completed by my friend Nancy! She came over last week to help me finish up getting ready for my Valentine's class and I said "Hey, Nancy. See what you can do with this. I want x and x." Well, I just love the result, don't you? She is so fab!

The small cello bag is filled with valentine candy corn (very sweet in a yukky kind of way, but just the right colors!) The topper was made with Real Red, Pixie Pink and Whisper White.

The label comes from the Cute and Curly stamp set, punched out with the Curly Label punch. It's stamped in Real red and the greeting inside - from Short and Sweet stamp set - is stamped in Chocolate Chip. It's popped up on dimensionals over a piece of Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain ribbon.

The three little hearts are punched out of Pixie Pink cardstock with the Heart to Heart punch - part of the Love You Much Bundle Special good til Jan. 31st!
These would make great favors for a classroom party or Sunday School class. Very quick and easy to assemble too!

Remember, all the products used for creating this project - and all my projects can be ordered 24/7 by shopping on my website - www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
Just click the Shop Now button in the upper right corner and there you go!

Enjoy!
~~Robin

Suzie Finds a Home

Yes, this is our sweet little Suzie. Acutally, "little" does not really describe her - she is 30 pounds and is about 6-9 months old. LOL!

Isn't she sweet? How could we just NOT adopt her? She was an abandoned stray in our neighborhood a couple of days before Christmas and had made a home under our neighbors deck. They were feeding her but had called Animal Control because they just can't have a dog right now. Long story short, we left for our trip to Mark's family for the holiday and when we got back, she was gone. I assumed that she had been picked up and taken to the pound. BUT, our other neighbor had noticed that Suzie was limping badly and was able to get her to our vet (Buster, our other dog goes there too) for evaluation.

Well, they just fell in love with her at the vet's office and took her in as an Angel Adoption. They discovered that she had a fractured hip - unknown cause - and rehabbed her. After advertising her widely the whole month of January, there was no one claiming her - just so hard to believe - but I digress. This whole time, I just felt like we should try and adopt her but my hubby wasn't so sure - guess we know who won that round! LOL! So, last week, I took Emma and Buster up to the vet everyday to spend time with Suzie and on Friday, she came home!

She is definitely a rambunctious puppy, plays hard and sleeps hard, but she is keeping Buster on his toes and has endeared herself to all of us. She's pretty scared of any strangers, but we are sure she will warm up in time when she realizes that this is home and no one will ever hurt her again.

Puppy love, what can be better?
Happy Wednesday everyone!
~~Robin

Stamp Camp Snow Day!

Just a quick FYI - if you are registered for either of my stamp camps that were scheduled for today - they have been rescheduled due to SNOW (Uggh!) for next Tuesday, February 3rd.
So, enjoy your day and stamp something anyway! I'll see you next Tuesday!
~~Robin

Priceless in Pink and Brown

Wow, what a weekend! Our new puppy, Suzie is just a sweet, sweet girl; but she is keeping us on our toes! I'll post a picture later today or tomorrow so you can see her and tell you the story too.

The card today is actually one I'd done back in December for Just Cards class. I'd forgotten that it had never been on the blog, and since Valentine's day is just around the corner, I thought it might inspire some of you to break out your "Priceless" stamp set and make one of these for yourself!

I started with a card base of Close to Cocoa 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" folded. It's layered with Pretty in Pink then Whisper White and a piece of Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. The focal piece of Whisper White is matted on Chocolate Chip and both of these layers are accented with the Ticket Corner punch.

The Bella Rose layer is sponged with Pretty in Pink ink and along with the Whisper White it's on is wrapped with a piece of Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon.

I stamped my focal image in Close to Cocoa using the large swirl from the stamp set. The flower is stamped in Pink Pirouette on a scrap of Whisper White, trimmed out with my Paper Snips and mounted on a Stampin' Dimensional. The center is created with my fav - Rhinestone Brads in Circle Fire! For the greeting, I turned to my trusty, well loved stamp set - Small Script. The "Love You" is stamped in Riding Hood Red on Whisper White and punched out with the Small Oval Punch. It's edged in Pretty in Pink ink and mounted on Chocolate Chip punched out with the Large Oval Punch. I used another dimensional to mount the greeting to the card front.

It's actually a pretty simple card - the layers and sponging make it feel more luxurious which is the goal, right?

Have a happy Monday everyone. I have a very busy week here. Two card classes tomorrow; we leave for Emma's USFSA Eastern Sectionals Championships in New Jersey on Wednesday (Go National Blades!) and Suzie the puppy to make it all FUN! Whew!
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #83 - Color Combination

I just love it when a plan comes together! This week's Blogger's Challenge was the Color Combination of Red, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black and a neutral - I chose Whisper White. A FANTASTIC challenge! What makes it even better is that it worked with my downline team's Image Challenge that is going on right now.

I've started a new, fun activity for my team of stampers. Each month, they receive a set of two stamped images from me. Their challenge is to create two identical projects with the images, one to keep and one to send me. The ones they send in will be posted to our team Yahoo group for inspiration and I'll be posting a few of them here on the blog as well. Plus, all the projects will be posted on one of my display boards in the studio and my clients will choose which one they like the best. The winner, gets a prize from me!

So, I want to play along as well (not for the prize of course!) and I used the image this month on my card today.

I started with the Thanks a Bunch image from "A Little Somethin'" hostess stamp set (in the NEW Idea Book!) it's stamped in Basic Black on Whisper White. It's punched out with the 1 3/4" Circle punch, sponged with Kiwi Kiss ink and layered on a Real Red circle cut with the Coluzzle. I don't have my amazing NEW Circle Scissor yet from the NEW Idea Book, but it's coming!

Then I popped it up on Dimensionals and layered it on another circle cut with the Coluzzle out of the NEW Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper. This Kiwi patterned layer was perfect! That paper is very versatile - I used it with Perfect Plum last night for Big Shots class and it was YUMMY!

Anyway, this layered medallion was layered onto a Whisper White Scalloped Circle cut with the Big Shot and Scallop #2 Die. It's also sponged with Kiwi Kiss ink. The floral images are stamped with a NEW Sale-A-Bration Stamp set called "Botanical Blooms". You'll be able to get this FREE beginning February 1st!

I stamped the outlines in Kiwi Kiss and the flowers were filled in with Real Red stamped off to tone them down a bit. The leaves were also filled in with Kiwi Kiss stamped off once as well.

This layer is on a Basic Black Circle also cut with the Coluzzle and then layered on a Real Red piece cut with the Big Shot and the Scallop Circle Die. The card base is a 4 3/4" square of Whisper White which was sponged with Kiwi Kiss as well. I then stamped some of the outline flowers and leaves in Kiwi Kiss along the bottom and only filled in the leaves with Kiwi Kiss ink stamped off once.

I love the contemporary feel of this color combination and I especially love the mix of the vintage greeting and designer paper with the color combo. Eclectic, like me! I hope you like it too!

Please be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge Players this week by clicking on the link in my sidebar. These wonderful stampers are sure to inspire you!

P.S. We are getting a new puppy today - another rescue dog! Oh, my. Please say a prayer that all goes well - Emma has her heart set on her. Her name is Susie and she is so sweet! I'll share some photos next week and her story too.

Happy Stamping!

~~Robin

Just One More Skating Card

Yes, I know that this stamp set is GONE, but I just love those skaters from Winter Post and I MISS them already!

This is a Christmas Card that I created for a custom client in December and I'd forgotten to post it here for you to see, so since I'm busy working on Valentine's stuff, I thought you'd like to see it now. Besides, it's a very WINTRY card, don'tcha think?

I started with a card base of Chocolate Chip and layered it with Very Vanilla edged in Chocolate Chip ink with the Stamping Sponge. The words were stamped with Bashful Blue ink (stamped off once first) at the top and bottom to give it that vintage feel.

I then used my Big Shot and the Scallop Circle Die to cut the large Bashful Blue circle. The Scallop Circle #2 Die was used for the Very Vanilla circle. The blue one was sponged in Chocolate Chip ink and then the snowflake was stamped with Close to Cocoa ink.

The skaters were stamped once on to a post-it note and I cut them out making my mask for the card. To create the scene, I stamped the skaters once in Chocolate Chip on the Vanilla cardstock scallop. Then I placed the post-it note mask on top of my stamped skaters to protect the image on the card front. Next I stamped the tree line from the Lovely as a Tree stamp set in Night of Navy ink, partially covering the skaters. When I removed the post-it note mask, my stamped skaters appeared to be skating on a pond in the woods.

To create the icy pond, I colored on the vanilla cardstock under their feet with my 2-Way Glue Pen and sprinkled on Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, tapping off the excess. This whole vanilla layer was sponged as well with Chocolate Chip ink.

The inside of the card was layered with Very Vanilla as well, sponged and stamped with the snowflake image. I added a greeting from Many Merry Messages too.

This is probably my favorite card that I created this past season, definitely one that I'll save. Hope you like it too!
Stay warm,
~~Robin

Inauguration Day - One Day Only Big Shot Special!

In celebration of Inauguration Day I am personally offering this one day BIG SHOT SPECIAL - - - - - TWO CHOICES - ONE DAY ONLY!!!!

stampwithrobin@yahoo.com

#1 Purchase the Big Shot Starter Kit and Receive a $19.95 BIG SHOT DIE

of your Choice for FREE

AND

a DESIGNER SERIES PATTERN PACK of 6x6 paper - 60 sheets total in assorted colors. Perfect for use in your BIG SHOT.

OR

#2 Purchase $195 Dollars in Stampin' UP! product today only that includes at least ONE BIG SHOT die and Receive your choice of a $19.95 BIG SHOT DIE for FREE

AND

a DESIGNER SERIES PATTERN PACK of 6x6 paper - 60 sheets total in assorted colors.

Perfect for use in your Big Shot.

Each purchase also comes with a New Level I Stampin 'UP! exclusive hostess stamp set or another Designer Series Pattern pack and $20 in additional FREE product.

Total value of FREE merchandise approx $100 - NOW THAT"S A BIG DEAL!!!

Plus, receive 3 FREE Big Shots Club Classes as my additional gift to you! A $45 value!

Email me your order direct at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com so that I can add your FREE BIG SHOT DIE to your Order. Pay by credit card or you may pay by personal check postmarked no later than 1/22.

To select your FREE BIG SHOT DIE you can view all of our Dies by visiting my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/ and click on the catalog or shop now icons.

BIG SHOT Starter Kit includes:

Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Multipurpose Platform, Standard Cutting Pads, Stampin' UP! Exclusive Scallop Envelope Die, Top Note Die, Birds and Blooms Sizzlits Dies and NEW! DECORATIVE STRIP ALPHABET BILLBOARD along with Decorative strip cutting pads and extended spacer platform.

Offer ends at midnight tonight!

~~Robin

See what you'll be missing.....

if you don't come to my Love is in the Air Valentine's Class this Saturday?

And not only these beauties, but Valentine's Cards and Candy Treats too! Do you really want to miss this class?

I hope not! That's why I'm extending the RSVP date until Friday 1/23 at Noon! Our fun class will begin at 10 am on Saturday morning the 24th and you'll be done by 2 at the latest!

And if you can't make this Saturday, you can come stamp with me and do the same projects on Tuesday, February 3rd at 10 am.

I know, you've been busy taking down the Christmas tree, winding up the lights, doing the laundry, washing dishes - don't you want to escape and have some real FUN?! You DESERVE it! Remember, stamping warms the heart and we ALL can use some extra warmth right now, kwim? So, e-mail me or call me right now and RSVP! Real Spring flowers are still a few months away, but these lovelies will bloom for you all year!

By the way, this picture is of my friend and fellow demo, Carol Payne from Illinois. Carol and I met at Founder's Circle in September and I happened to run into her at Leadership Conference last week. She was carrying this boffo cool paper flower and I just HAD to take a photo of it so I could CASE it for a class! Turns out, it was a swap she had received from a demo in Florida, Charlene Harreveld. I don't know you Charlene, but girl, if you are reading this - I LOVED this idea! I hope you like what I did with it!

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
And hey, if you haven't checked out my website and the NEW Idea Book and Catalog online, go do it now! There are all new, fabulous project ideas there just for you.
Click the Shop Now button on the upper right corner of my website and click thru the pages. Even if you have a hard copy of the catalog, there are projects you can only view online!
www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
Stampin' and shoppin' fun for everyone!
~~Robin

Time to Bloom Coaster Album

Happy Monday everyone!

I'm just bopping by with a little project idea for you. It's a little something that I made for my hostess this past Saturday! (Hi Janis!) What I love about it is that it's very simple to create but is lovely in it's simplicity.

I started with two lightweight 4 x 4 blank coasters and using my Anywhere Glue Stick covered them with pieces of Bella Rose Designer Series Paper front and back. To smooth out the edges and get rid of the excess paper, I sanded them down with my Sanding Block.

To create the inside accordion fold pages, I cut two pieces of Bella Rose paper at 3" x 12" then scored them at 3" intervals. I then overlapped two of the ends and adhered them together with SNAIL adhesive.

The cardstock photo mats and journaling blocks are cut at 2 3/4" square and are adhered with SNAIL as well. I used Chocolate Chip and Whisper White cardstock.

To add a little zip to the inside, I took out my Bella's Bloom stamp set and markers - Regal Rose and Old Olive. Coloring directly on the stamps with the markers, I then stamped the images onto my cardstock. It's a little hard to see, but I used Old Olive on the "It's Time to" and Regal Rose on "Bloom" to give added punch to the sentiment.
The flower image was punched out with my 1 3/8" Circle punch and was layered on a piece of Pretty in Pink cardstock punched out with the Scallop Circle punch. This was then adhered with SNAIL as well.

The ribbon belly band was created with a piece Pink Pirouette Wide Grosgrain Ribbon. I was so happy with how this project came out and Janis loved it too. Let me know what you think and be sure to let me know if you create one yourself. It's super easy and makes a great little gift for someone!

Be sure to check out my website today - the NEW Idea Book and Catalog are up and running and you can shop 24/7 from there as well. www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net

Back tomorrow!
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #82 - Same, But Different

Happy Friday, everyone!


I started to post this last night to be ahead of the curve, but since I was ready to throw my computer mouse through the window, I thought it best to just walk away from the desk - kwim?


I am in a much better frame of mind this morning and am not yet ready to curse under my breath at this stupid, I mean, lovely computer!

Whew, glad I got THAT off my chest - now on to the projects!


This week's challenge was to create two projects - the same, but different. A bit of serendipity happened to me this week (serendipity - making fortunate discoveries by accident) when I was cleaning out the abyss (the studio). Way up on a shelf, I discovered a package of a make and take project that I'd designed for a party waaaay back when I was a new demo. The sample was in there along with all the cardstock pieces that I'd cut. How cool is that!? And since no one has seen this project yet - we didn't use it for the party - I thought to myself "Self, you can use this for Blogger's Challenge this week and just remake it for Valentine's Day!" Stamping saves the day once again!
Well, as you can see, this project is a little tag folder. My photos are not so good, but trust me, it's so cute in person!


To make this, start with a piece of Kraft cardstock cut at 5 1/2" x 7". Score along the 7" length at 1 3/4". Then, make a score in the middle of the 7" side so it's 3 1/2" on both sides. Once folded, take your Paper Snips and cut a small triangle from where the score lines meet towards the outer edge. This creates the flap pockets that hold the tags in the little folder. I just secured these on the outside edge with a little Sticky Strip.


The outside was decorated with the Love You Much stamp set using Riding Hood Red and Chocolate Chip ink. I tied up the little package with some Chocolate Chip Narrow Grosgrain ribbon. 17" is enough to go around it and make a bow. The scallop circle was cut using my trusty Big Shot - the SU! exclusive Pennant Die. I stamped the birds onto Whisper White and punched them out with the 1 3/4" Circle punch. All edges were sponged in Chocolate Chip ink and once adhered together, I mounted it on dimensionals so the ribbon would slide underneath it.


The tags were made with Riding Hood Red ink and cardstock. I used my Crop-A-Dile to add the Silver eyelet to each one and added a piece of Rope Twine from the Holiday Mini for the string. To get the single strand, I just untwisted the three strands - it was super easy!

The original project was a Christmas tag folder and since I made this 3 years ago (yes, I really needed to clean out my closet! LOL!) I can't even remember all the stamp sets I'd used. All are retired except for Loads of Love. I do know that the wheel was the Jumbo Woodcut Holly and I think the Celebrate tag was from Lexicon of Love. Does anyone remember the stamp sets that the package and the tiny tree were in? I'd love to know!

This project used Handsome Hunter and Bravo Burgundy inks along with matching cardstock. I used the Burgundy Narrow Grosgrain ribbon for the tie and Gold cord for the tag strings.

I hope you like this week's projects! I did have fun remaking this with current stamps and inks. Just goes to show that a good idea is always a good idea!

Be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge players by clicking on the link in my sidebar. We all love to hear from you - so be sure to leave a comment!

Happy Stamping!

~~Robin

Leadership Fun - Round One!

Just a couple of quick photos today from Leadership! I'm still getting my act together since returning on Monday and there has been NO stamping going on in the studio! I guess if I hadn't decided to clean out the abyss otherwise known as the closet I might be getting something accomplished! LOL!

The first photo is of me (I know, you can see that!) and I like it because it makes me look taller and thinner! haha

The next photo is of a few of my good friends at lunch on Thursday. Part of this group are some super stampers from my Go-Divas Swap group and if you've been in the studio, you've seen their work plastered all over my display boards. The back row from L to R is Kelly Taylor, Jenn Turoff, Missy Shipman, Me, Becky Morris, Jeanette Swain, Lisa Somerville and Jane Allison. Front row from L to R is Michelle Guido, Amy Caraluzzi, Selene Kempton and Sheryl Dickinson.

Fabulous stampers all, but fabulous friends most importantly!

I love my job! Oh, hey, if you want to see a really fun photo of me, check out Shelli Gardner's Blog at http://www.soshelli.com/ (Yes, THE Shelli Gardner!) I'm in her post about Manager's Reception - how cool is that! The photo is of me with some of my skeeball tickets - I'm wearing the really cute fuschia coat that my Mother-In-Law gave me for Christmas - thanks MOM!

Back with more photos and fun tomorrow! Stay tuned!
~~Robin

A Beautiful Life

Hey everyone! I am back from Leadership Conference and Emma's skating competition in Lowell, Mass but I'm far from being ready to get back to work! LOL!

In addition to all the unpacking and planning I have to get to this week, my computer's hard drive crashed right before I left for Orlando last week. BUT, my good friend Selene and her hubby are the bomb with computers and they fixed it for me over the weekend! Now I'm just getting all my files set up and all the security blah, blah, blah done. I should be ready to roll by tomorrow! Believe me, I have a LOT to share with you about the conference and all the NEW and exciting things that SU! has coming your way!

The card today is one that I made last month for Just Cards class, but I hadn't shared it here with you. Since I had preloaded the photo onto the blog, I can go ahead and show you now even though my computer is still being set up - how cool is that?

I started with a base of Baja Breeze layered with Pacific Point and Whisper White. I used my Big Shot Scallop Die and cut a mask out of printer paper then layered it on the Whisper White cardstock. I sponged all over the opening with Baja Breeze ink and then stamped the flower from A Beautiful Life Stamp Set in Pacific Point ink.

The ribbon accent is the Pacific Point Striped Grosgrain and it's layered with a sentiment from the same stamp set. It's stamped in Pacific Point ink and sponged with Baja Breeze, then popped up on dimensionals. It's a super easy card, but very soft and pretty in real life even with the bright Pacific Point.

Be sure to check back tomorrow - I'll have another project for you and some photos from Leadership conference too!
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #81 - Designer Series Paper

This week's challenge was to create a project using any Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper.



At my last stamp camp in December, we did a few birthday cards and I never posted them here, so this was fortunately ready for this week. I love it when a plan comes together.

I started with a card base of Old Olive and layered it with Pink Pirouette. The center panels are Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White and Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. The DSP is folded using the Pleated Paper technique. I edged the folds and edges with Pretty in Pink ink and added the Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon.

The medallion embellishment is stamped with the Bella's Bloom stamp set. I colored directly on the stamp with Pretty in Pink and Old Olive markers then stamped it on Whisper White cardstock. The circles were punched out with the 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle punches. They were layered and popped up on dimensionals over the knot in the ribbon. The greeting is stamped in Regal Rose and is from the On Your Birthday stamp set.

Be sure to check out all the other Bloggers Challenge players as you have time, I know they will have some inspiring work for you. The link is on my sidebar at the right.







My card is actually a CASE of this card here. At last year's convention, I received a swap from my friend Lisa Somerville. I've wanted to case it ever since and this was the perfect opportunity. I'm not sure she had ever posted her original card to her blog, but I wanted you to see it because it surely is a beauty! Lisa's blog is HERE if you have time to take a
look. She is our Blogger's Challenge Mom and does fabulous work!

Have a wonderful weekend! I fly from Leadership here in Orlando Florida tonight to Lowell, Mass. Emma has a skating competition there this weekend and I am meeting her and my DH there so I can see her team skate! Go National Blades!

~~Robin

Leadership Swap #3 - A Little Outside my Box!

Ok, maybe more than just a little, but how fun is this card?

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, we have the privilege of purchasing (at a great discount) new stamp sets from the upcoming catalog. The rock star image is from a new Hostess set called "A Little Somethin'" and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it!

All 6 stamps in that set work with our punches so it's soooo easy to work with. I love quick and easy projects and the punches certainly help in that regard!

This particular image just stood out to me and I HAD to use it first! Don't ask me what made me pair it with the oh, so lovely Bella Toile background stamp, maybe it was the swirl design, I dunno! But, this is the end result of my creative spurt!

The card base is Pacific Point with a layer of Basic Black, a layer of Bashful Blue and Whisper White on top. The white layer is stamped halfway with the Bella Toile background in Pacific Point ink.

I layered two pieces of ribbon, Basic Black Grosgrain and Bashful Blue Taffeta for an accent and then the piece de resistance (in my best French accent!) The Rock Star stamp was stamped in Basic Black Craft Ink on Whisper White cardstock and then embossed with Black Embossing Powder. I punched it out with the Large Star Punch and then used my small hole punch to make a hole in the "o". A Rhinestone Ice Square Brad was added for accent (Hey, those are on SALE now - check out the Inventory Blowout Sale and get yourself some! You KNOW how much I LOVE them!)

Anyway, I popped the star up on dimensionals and added it to the front of the card. Voila - et fini!~ Ok, that is about all the French I can remember from high school except how to ask where the bathroom is - very important if you are in Paris and have to GO! But I digress..........

I really like this card even though it is so different! Let me know what you think! Leave me a comment and SAY something - I need to know you are out there and reading my blog! (Yes, this is a pathetic cry for attention and comments but at least you recognize that and are only too happy to oblige............heehee)

Happy Thursday!
~~Robin

And the Swaps go on and on......

Oh, thank goodness my swaps are DONE! I didn't make as many for Leadership as I do for Convention, but I think 100 is a pretty good number, don't you?

You may remember this card from last Friday's post HERE. I decided that I liked it so much that I'd use it for one of my organized swaps. That is where a group of demos agree ahead of time to meet up and swap based on rules set by the swap Mom or leader. I like these kinds of swaps because it's a little bit more orderly than the feeding frenzy that swapping on the conference hall floor can be. (Picture bees swarming on a honeycomb - you get the picture!)

But, I like that kind of swapping too, and I have made extras of all my swaps so I can do just that! I can't wait to display all the great creative ideas that I get from this conference!

You 'll just have to come to stamp camp and class this month to see all the goodies I bring home! Be sure to check out my class schedule by clicking on the link in my sidebar. I'd love to stamp with you soon!
~~Robin

Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you! TODAY I will be holding in my hot little hands a copy of the NEW Idea Book and Catalog! I'm so excited, I just can't wait to bring it home to you! Let me know if you want to pre-order your copy. It's only $5 if you pre-order it thru me.

Leadership Swap #1 - So Loved

Yippie, yahoo and hooray! Tomorrow morning, I am flying off to sunny (hopefully) Orlando, FL for Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference!

OMG, I SOOOO need this break! It will be exciting and fun to see so many of my demo friends again. I know I've told you before, but it bears repeating, one of the BEST things about being a demo is the friendships you make. There just aren't too many unfriendly stampers out there. And boy, do we have fun when we are together!

One fun thing we demos always do is exchange Swap cards. We make a huge amount of just one card and then trade with other demos so we get lots of great ideas to share! It is so much fun and I love seeing all the creative talent in this company.

The card I'm sharing today is created with the Love You Much stamp set which is part of the Love You Much Bundle Special that is going on until Jan. 31st. Click HERE to view the flyer and pricing information. The entire bundle is 20% off retail and you get a stamp set, punch and designer series paper - ALL NEW!

For those of you who place your order for the bundle with me by Friday, January 23rd, YOU will be able to attend a FREE class using your new Stamps, Punch and Paper!
The class will be on Friday, February 6th choose either 10 am or 7 pm.

Note: Right now, you need to place your order for this special directly with me instead of thru my website. One of the items is backordered due to the popularity of this special and the website won't allow you to order it from there. I am still able to get it for you by placing the order internally. Be sure to e-mail me and I'll get it done for you right away!

To create my swap card, I used Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White cardstock. I stamped the large heart image with Basic Black ink and colored in the flowers with a Real Red marker. It was then trimmed out with my Paper Snips. I mounted it on dimensionals and placed it on top of a scallop of Real Red cardstock which was cut with my BIG SHOT! Sooo easy, I used the Scallop Circles #2 die and finished those babies in no time! Yahoo! Love my BIG SHOT!

I stamped the Whisper White background with the multi-heart image (which matches the punch, by the way) in Real Red ink. The scallop circle received an accent of Black Gingham ribbon and bow and the greeting was stamped on Whisper White. It was then punched out with the Word Window punch and layered under the heart.

It's so funny, this card did not turn out at all like the idea I started with, but I'm so happy with the result! Serendipity at it's finest!
Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know if you liked it too!
Happy Stamping!
~~Robin

Why I do What I do........

You know, I recognize how very lucky I am to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator (and friend!) every day.

Some days can be a challenge - like when my computer is having issues that I just don't understand. (Can I cancel THAT subscription? I don't need THOSE issues! Sheesh!)

Anyway, most days, I truly count my blessings to be part of such a wonderful community of creative, sharing people. Stamping and paper crafting is more than a hobby and a business. It's an outlet and a bond and dare I say lifestyle? You know what I mean.......

I received two e-mails recently from two stamping friends. They don't know each other and they certainly don't know that I'm about to share with ALL of you, but both just touched my heart so much. They reinforced for me the REAL reasons why I do what I do.

The first one came from Leslie and was a wonderfully kind thought that she wanted to share with me. I'll quote her here:

"I had to send you this response from a friend regarding her Christmas card."

""Hi Leslie!
Thank you for the beautiful card & letter! I think the card is the prettiest one I have received this year! It looks hand-crafted! Wow. Very classy.""

"How about that! I know it doesn't surprise you at all. Thanks for helping to make our Christmas special. Leslie"

Leslie just began stamping in November and I'm so excited for her! She has seen so quickly how the power of a hand-stamped card can touch someone.

The second e-mail came from my friend Kimberly. Kimberly is a recent convert to stamping, having been a scrapbooker for a very long time. Imagine my surprise to receive an e-mail from her yesterday containing the photo I've posted for you today.

Kimberly wanted to create someting special for her Mom for Christmas this year and using specially chosen supplies and a template from the Idea Book, she created this fabulous card set and box!

I LOVE how it turned out and am so proud of Kimberly! Didn't she do an amazing job?

So this is why I do what I do.

To see you create something beautiful from seemingly simple objects. To hear the joy in your voice when you're pleased with your work. To share your delight when you've made someone happy by giving them your creations.

Thank you for making my job one of the best anywhere. Let's share lots of joy in this New Year, shall we?

~~Robin

Updated 2009 Class Listing!

Happy New Year, Stampers!

2009 is going to be full of fun for all of us! I have lots of great classes planned for January and my February schedule will be finalized when I return from Leadership Conference next week.

The NEW Idea Book and Catalog is being released to us AND I will have mucho many NEW ideas and creative projects to share with you all!
You can pre-order your copy of the NEW 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book for only $5! Give me a call or send an e-mail to reserve your copy and just drop a check in the mail to hold your very own copy!

You can view a list of all my January Classes and a couple for February by visiting my website HERE.

Be sure to note the RSVP dates and Deposit amounts for each class!

Oh, yes, there is ONE more thing.

For all of you who purchase the special Love You Much New Product Bundle I am offering a FREE class for YOU!

Yes, simply place an order for this wonderful combo of stamp set, Jumbo Punch and NEW designer series paper and you get the class absolutely FREE!

Click HERE to view the full color flyer!

The class will be offered on Friday, February 6th. Choose either 10 am or 7 pm.

I have so many fun and exciting projects to stamp with you - can't wait to see you again!

~~Robin

WOW! Inventory Blowout SALE and Retired Accessories!

It’s HERE!
The Retiring Accessories List from the outgoing Idea Book!

AND

an Inventory Blowout SALE!

Items on this retired accessories list will be available at regular price while supplies last or through January 18, whichever comes first.
Products are marked as available or unavailable. If an item is unavailable, our supply is exhausted and the item can no longer be ordered. This list will be updated every day through January 18. I will post updates here when there are significant changes to the list.



Some items listed are included in the Inventory Blowout SALE and I've highlighted them in RED with the Sale price given.


111377
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN

10.95

112012
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE

$10.95

112088
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE

$10.95

102782
ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12

Sold Out



104188
ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6

24.95

105384
ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*

SALE $14.99

104516
ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6

19.95

105381
ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*

SALE $14.99

103977
BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*

SALE $4.99

103978
BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS

6.95

103981
BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS

6.95

105446
BUTTONS RICH REGALS

6.95

105445
BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES

6.95

103604
DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12

10.95

#102174
DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11

9.95

ALL Designer Series Paper Priced at $9.95 per pack

112465
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY

112462
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH

112463
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS

112040
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA

112470
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU

112460
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA

112469
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES

112458
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY

112459
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY

112466
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD

112149
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER

112467
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK

111355
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC

112039
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT

106523
ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER

9.95

104104
ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI

5.95

107298
ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM

7.95

110695
ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL

7.50

109115
ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL

7.50

103372
METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE

4.25

107925
ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*

SALE 6.99

109190
ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*

SALE 5.99

109180
ON BOARD SIMON UPPER

12.95

112086
ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL

14.95

107923
PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25

4.25

104942
PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE

5.95

104943
PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE

5.95

107273
PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE

10.95

104389
PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*

SALE $4.49

100391
PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE
SOLD OUT


All Gingham Ribbons 7.50 per Roll

104830
RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL

104829
RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE

104828
RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK

104831
RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS

109037
RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH

4.95

All Rub-Ons 10.95 per package

110282
RUB ON ANCHORED

111806
RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS

111805
RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS

111417
RUB ON WORD FLURRIES

110283
RUB ONS TAKE NOTE

All Simply Scrappin' Kits 19.95 each

112193
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH

112186
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA

112068
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME

112043
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET

112061
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT

112016
SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY

17.95

109868
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES

42.95

103647
STAMPIN STORE MINI

3.95

105813
WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

14.95



Remember, ALL these items are first come, first served and are only available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Many times, items sell out within hours, so check this list as soon as you can and either contact me directly to place your order or go to my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/ and click the SHOP NOW button at the Top Right. You can place your order there and have it ship directly to you!



Big Stampin' Surprise - Inventory Blowout Sale!
Click HERE to download the flyer for this One of a Kind Offer!



Today when SU! announced the Retiring Accessories List they surprised us BIG time with this AMAZING SALE!

These sale prices are up to 50% off and the list contains many HOT items from Last Years In-Colors (Wild Wasabi, anyone?) to Rhinestone BRADS! Yeah!

But grab these deals while you can - supplies are limited on ALL!



A quick note about online ordering via my website: if you have any difficulty with items being "unavailable" go ahead and finalize your order without that item and contact me. I have learned that when an item is on backorder, the website defaults and will not let you order it directly. I, however, can place the order for you internally and you will be able to purchase it after all.



Have fun shopping! I hope to stamp with you soon!

~~Robin

CASEing Myself and a Word About Resolutions

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Lately I've been on a Pacific Point kick. I'm working on swaps for Leadership next week and I keep going back to that color! Now I have to say, that when I first saw the color on the Bermuda Cruise (Thank you SU! - again!) my first reaction was YUCK! You see, I am not a fan of Brilliant Blue - although it has it's place, it's not a color I choose to work with very often, maybe once every 2 years........
Anyway, Pacific Point reminded me so much of Brilliant Blue, that I was sure I was never going to use it either!

How wrong I was!

Pacific Point has just the right tones of green in it to make it gorgeous with just about any thing you partner it with. I love how it adds just the right amount of vivid color without overtaking a project.

This particular card is not for Leadership but was one that I made originally for my Convention Swaps. That time, I used red and yellow tones. You can see the original post here.

For this card, I used the Rock and Roll technique on one of the flowers from Happiness Always, a soon to be retired Hostess stamp set. I also used the technique of Graduated stamping, meaning that I stamped it multiple times with out re-inking the stamp.

The Rock and Roll was accomplished by stamping first in Baja Breeze, then lightly rolling the stamp on the Kiwi Kiss ink pad. Finally, rolling just the edges in Pacific Point. This created a multi colored image. By Graduated stamping on this card, I was able to give it depth as well. My cardstock echoes these colors with a layer of each mounted on a Whisper White card base.

The button and jewel accent is created by popping the jewel out of a Rhinestone Brad - may SU! NEVER retire these! - and mounting in on a button from the Button Bouquet with a mini glue dot. (Speaking of Retired - the Retiring Accesories list comes out this coming Monday at 2 pm! - I'll post the link as soon as I'm able because, as always, it's first come, first served on those items with NO backorders. Once gone, they are gone.)

The sentiment at the bottom is also from the Happiness Always stamp set and is one of my favorites. It seems especially appropriate for this time of year, when we are all planning ahead and making Resolutions for 2009.

I try to live with a "No Fear" resolve year round, meaning that I don't face life with apprehension about what is to come next, but with ANTICIPATION of the future! I've discovered that in being open to what God has in store for me - and I know He only wants the best for all His children - I can look forward to the future, even if a particular moment in my life seems bleak. 2008 was a wonderful year for me, my family and my SU! business in many ways, but we have faced several challenges on the home front lately. Even so, my life resolve to embrace my circumstances and to be thankful in ALL things has not wavered. God is good, ALL the time.

I hope you all live in ANTICIPATION of everything that 2009 has in store for you and yours. It is my prayer that God will watch over you and keep you and that you have a firm foundation on which to stand.

Stamped Blessings,
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #80 - Color Challenge

Yes, contrary to popular belief - I am still in the land of the living! LOL!

I can't believe I haven't posted since the 19th and I'm sorry if you have missed me! Actually it's been nice to have the two weeks down time, life has been very hectic here and even though we had a lovely Christmas season, I'm glad life is returning to normal somewhat.

Today's card was for a color challenge of Chocolate Chip, Any Red, Baja Breeze and White or Vanilla. I chose Rose Red for my Red color because I so wanted to use this new stamp set that I got on Monday! This color combo just screamed Ice Cream to me and what better stamp than the sundae from "Goody, Goody Gumdrops" This stamp set is one of the new Hostess sets that is coming from the new Idea Book and Catalog on January 19th! WooHoo - new Stamps! Yeah!

I used the Baja Breeze for my card base - it's a 4 1/4" square card, one of my favorite sizes. The Whisper White layer is sponged with Chocolate Chip ink and stamped down the left side with the cherry stamp in Rose Red. I then layered on a strip of Rose Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and trimmed the bottom in a banner cut with my faboo Paper and Craft Scissors (known as Ribbon ONLY scissors around here!)

The ice cream sundae is stamped in Basic Brown on to Whisper White and sponged with Chocolate Chip as well. I colored in the dish with my Blender Pens and Baja Breeze ink refill. The ice cream is colored with Pink Pirouette refill and dotted with the Rose Red marker. I colored the cherry with Rose Red as well and added Crystal Effects to give it dimension and shine. This was then layered onto Rose Red cardstock and Chocolate Chip cardstock.

The greeting was stamped in Rose Red ink on Whisper White and punched out with the Small Oval punch. After sponging it as well, I layered it onto a piece of Baja Breeze, also sponged, punched out with the Large Oval punch. Love my punches - yes I do! Both the ice cream sundae image and the greeting are popped up on Dimensionals.

All in all, it's a pretty basic card, but I'm happy with the result. After all, when does ice cream fail to make us happy? Leave me a comment and tell me what your FAVORITE ice cream flavor is! I'll pick a winner on Monday and send you this card, ok? Because YOU are SO SWEET!

Be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge players this week as well by checking the link on my sidebar. Happy Friday!

~~Robin