Blogger's Challenge #110 - Sketch Challenge

It's Friday again and time for another Blogger's Challenge! These are such fun to play along with - I like being challenged with different things each week like color combinations, themes and sketches. This week we had a sketch to play with and since I'd been working with the new Designer Series Paper Thoroughly Modern, I went with the colors in that - Sahara Sand, Rose Red, Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede.

Next, I chose to work with the stamp set For All You Do. I think this is the set that SU! gave us for attending Leadership in January. That's one of the things I love about being part of SU! - they are so generous to us and make sure that we are treated in a special way, especially at events.


So, for my card, I used Sahara Sand for the base and stamped the flowers and stems in Sahara Sand ink for the watermark effect on the background. Next, I added a piece of Whisper White cardstock to the bottom which had been embossed with one of my Stampin' Up! embossing folders in the Big Shot. That dry embossing added just the right subtle touch to that panel.
I then added a little Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon across the middle. At first I thought the polka dots would be too cutesy, but the ribbon was too plain when I flipped it over. And when the card was all done, I thought the polka dots were just right for a little bit of whimsy. The greeting is stamped in Rose Red ink just below the ribbon.

For the focal point, I simply stamped the floral block with Rose Red ink on Whisper White cardstock and tore the edges. Using my fingers, I curled it a bit so it would look slightly worn. This was mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals on pieces of Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay cardstock which were popped up on dimensionals over the ribbon. For a final touch, I added a Rose Red brad to the center of the large flower. This way the Rose Red color draws your eye diagonally through the project, very pleasing to the eye.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you like my interpretation of this sketch. For more fabulous inspiration, stop by the other talented Blogger's Challenge players by clicking on the link in my sidebar. I am sure they'll have great ideas for you!
Now I'm off to host my two Christmas in July card classes today - lots of ho, ho, ho and glitter in the studio today! We're doing it again in August, be sure to check out my class schedule in my sidebar to see if you can join us!

Happy Friday,
~~Robin

Good Enough to Eat!

Isn't this gorgeous? Oh, my, goodness! This fabulous looking candy bar came in the mail for me recently from my sweet friend Daryl in Florida. She is part of my swap group - the "Go-Divas" - and we just did our New Catalog round!

These girls are some of the most talented stampers around and I'm so fortunate to be able to recieve their work 3-4 times a year! Sometimes, when they send their swaps to me, they send along little goodies, and I got several this last time. I'll be showing them off to you over the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Daryl used the new Flower Folds Bigz XL Die for the Big Shot to create these gorgeous flowers along with some of that scrumptious Raspberry Tart Designer Paper. (Don't you miss Kiwi Kiss already?) Hershey Chocolate never looked so good!

Thanks so much Daryl - I'll bring myself to eat it someday. For now I'm having fun admiring it!

Happy Wednesday everyone! Go eat some chocolate!
~~Robin

Happy Monday!

This is what I've been doing today! I had so much fun with these great girls this morning. They all came over to the studio with my friend Annette - their Grandma, and their Mom, Dana to make these adorable Name Signs!

Didn't they do a spectacular job? I think so! We used the Bold Brights color family and two fun stamp sets, Priceless and Contempo Alphabet.

The Big Shot saw a lot action as well for making all the cute flowers and butterflies.

Here are a couple of photos of my design sample - of course I made it for my dd Emma - she loved it!

The frame came from Target and I just removed the glass from the front so the curled butterfly and the popped up flowers and tags would stand out.

I hope you are having a great Monday and if not, let these bright colors and happy faces cheer you up!
I'll be back tomorrow with another fun project for you!
~~Robin

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #SSC109

Revised on 7/30/09 to include design info - sorry for the delay!

Hello stampers! I hope you are having a great weekend so far! For today's card, I kept it very simple (for me) and just went with the layout sketch at shown. The only thing I changed was the number of brads on the focal point image.

I am having internet issues so I'll be back later today to give you all the details and measurements for my card. But in the meantime, you can head on over to the Stamping 411 Blog and check out what the other Design Team members created and see the basic set of measurements for this project. I sure to hope you'll play along with us this week! We love to see your creations!
Back later today,
~~Robin

Well, I came back here on Sunday afternoon to revise my post and after spending 20 minutes writing all the details, Blogger had an "unexpected error" and shut down on me. It did not save any of my changes and being more than a little frustrated, I had to "step away from the computer" or it was going out the window - kwim?

Anyway, this card used very basic measurements the Old Olive card base is folded to make a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card. The Whisper White layer is cut at 4" x 5 1/4". The white piece for the focal point is cut at 2" x 2 1/4" (same size as the wood block for the stamp) and the olive layer is cut at 2 1/4" x 2 1/2".

Here is my supply list (all SU!):
Stamps: Fun and Fast Notes, Loads of Love
Inks: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Black Staz-On
Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon (inside out), Silver Brads, Stampin' Write Markers (Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Garden Green) Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL

Thanks for being patient!
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #109 - Christmas!

Good Friday morning stampers! This week's Blogger's Challenge was to create something "Christmas". So, since I have my Christmas in July stamp camps coming up next Friday, I went with a card that we will probably be making in that class!

It's pretty straightforward and simple - I started with a piece of Real Red cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot with the Movers and Shapers Bigz XL Die. I used the Curly Label Window for this one since it matched the stamp I wanted to use for the greeting. The Christmas Punch stamp set is a new Level 2 Hostess set and ALL of the stamps in it co-ordinate with our punches!

Once I made the card base, I added a layer of Whisper White punched with the Eyelet Border Punch, then a layer of Old Olive Patterns Designer Series Paper. The left edge of the card base was stamped with the snowflake stamp from Christmas Punch with Whisper White Craft ink. I then tied a piece of Real Red Polka Dot Ribbon around the card to finish the outside.


The greeting was inked with two Stampin' Write Markers, Old Olive and Real Red by coloring directly on the stamp. I stamped it on Whisper White cardstock then punched it out with my Curly Label Punch. It's popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals and adhered inside the window so when you open the card, the greeting is on the inside as well! I love fun cards like this, it's a nice surprise for the recipient!

Be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge Players by clicking on the link in my sidebar - I know they will help get you in the Christmas mood!

Remember, you can shop 24/7 for all the products I used in this project by going to my website at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the upper right to place your order!

I spent some time last night posting some of my retired stamp sets for sale. There is a photo link in my sidebar as well for you to click on. Some had already sold by this morning, but there is a lot left, so be sure to check it out!

See you back here tomorrow for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch - Ciao for now!
~~Robin

Robin's Retired Stamp Set Sale!

Hey stampers!



I've finally photographed most of my retired stamp sets that are for sale - I say most because after I'd uploaded all the photos and labeled them, I found yet ANOTHER big bin of retired sets in my storage room. SO, those will be posted in the next week or so. I have also not listed any of my wheels or punches so they will be in the next batch as well.



In the meantime, click this link here to view the photos, names and prices of all the sets I have available. Or, you can use the link in my sidebar to get to the album as well.



Contact me with any questions - I'm happy to ship via Priority Mail and you can use PayPal to send your payment!



Thanks so much!

~~Robin

Something Sweet from Selene!

Earlier in the week, I talked a little bit about the great friends we make as a result of being part of Stampin' Up! Whether it be demonstrator or client, we meet people and form relationships that would never have happened without this fun hobby that we have in common. It's truly one of the biggest blessings for me as a demonstrator - the friendships!

One of my dearest friends is Selene Kempton. She and I met when we were coming off the stage at convention after the Rising Star awards were announced two years ago. We got to know each other after Founder's Circle that year and I love that even though we are miles apart - she lives in Mass. - our friendship remains strong and we talk every week. She is the brains behind the Stamping 411 Blog that I am a designer/operator for. And Selene also maintains her own creative blog at this link here. Be sure to check it out!

Selene created the card I'm showing you today and sent it to me as a congratulations for earning the cruise to the Southern Caribbean. I just love first of all, that she thought enough of me to send it, but the card itself is so beautiful in it's simplicity. It just goes to show that a card doesn't have to be overdone to be beautiful.

She used the new Hostess stamp set 'Asian Artistry' and combined the new In Colors Dusty Durango and Soft Suede. Isn't it pretty?

I'd love for you to experience the joy of being part of the Stampin' Up! family too. This month, through August 31st, Stampin' Up! is offering a special for new signing demonstrators - it's just $85 to join my team! Go to this link here for more information about Stampin' Up! or simply contact me if you have specific questions. I love my team of Trinity Design Stampers and you would love being part of it as well.

Happy Thursday everyone! I'll be back tomorrow with another project to share!
~~Robin

Marvelous Medallion!

Good morning stampers! Did you miss me yesterday? I was having a great time stamping with my friends at two stamp camps. You really need to come join us at camp sometime if you've not been over. We always have the best time together - don't we girls?! Check out my class/camp schedule at my website - www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net It's posted under the Events Page. I even have my August Classes posted!

Anyway, just a quick post today to show off one of the cards we all made yesterday. It's created with that fabtastic new Medallion stamp! Such a gorgeous stamp - everyone loved it and I can assure you that it will get a lot of use in the studio!

Everything about this card is pretty simple, so I'll leave out construction details, but the supply list is at the bottom of this post so you know what to shop for on my website if you want to recreate this beauty on your own!

I did use my Bone folder to curve the greeting and it's attached with Mini Glue Dots. That's the only 'different' element to this one. Simple and easy, but elegant as well. Love cards like that!

Have a wonderful Wednesday my stamping friends! See you back here tomorrow! Be sure and leave a comment today to let me know you stopped by - I love to hear from you!

~~Robin

Supply List: Stamps - Medallion, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper - Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla Cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper

Inks - Dusty Durango
Accessories - Dusty Durango Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Fire Circle Brads, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Sponge, Mini-Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive

Shop 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! Website - www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the upper right corner of the Main Page!

Thanks for the CASE, Tiffany!

I love all my very talented stamping friends! One of the great things about being a SU! demonstrator is the wonderful people we get to know and my friend Tiffany is one of my best buds. She is not only a terrific stamper and scrapper, she is an awesome person too!

Last week, Tiffany posted a gorgeous card on her blog at this post here. I loved her card so much, and I wanted to do my own version of it. So that's what I'm sharing with you all today.

I love, love the vintage, antiqued look and lots of times, this carries over into my stamping. As you can see, I've applied that design scheme a bit to my version of this card. I used Naturals White Cardstock to create my card base and it is an unusual size, 5" x 5" square. Taking my Big Shot and the new Scalloped Square Die, I cut a piece of Bermuda Bay cardstock and then, ran it thru my Big Shot again with the Perfect Details Texture Plate. It was adhered to the folded card base and then I distressed it by using my Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker and the Color Spritzer Tool. I then sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink.

The medallion was stamped with the new Circle Circus stamp set and I layered the circles with Stampin' Dimensionals. These too were sponged with Soft Suede ink.

For my greeting, I used the Thank You Kindly stamp set and stamped it with Chocolate Chip ink on more Naturals White cardstock. To make the little banner, I used my 1 1/4" Square Punch and just notched the end in a little flag. It was sponged as well and then I used my fingers to shape it so it's 'waving' across the card front.

The finishing touch is the Chocolate Chip Double Stitched Grosgrain ribbon and of course, I stamped a little circle on the inside of the card for a little decoration there.

I hope you like this today - be sure to leave a comment and then check out Tiffany's post and leave her some love too!

Remember, all the products I've used here are Stampin' Up! exclusively. You can order from my website 24/7 at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net . Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the upper right of the home page.

Happy Monday everyone!

~~Robin

Stamping 411 - Saturday Sketch Challenge - #SSC108

Hi stampers! I hope you had a great week and are ready to STAMP today! The other Stamping 411 Operators and I are excited to see what you will do with this week's sketch. Over 30 of you played along last week and there were some real beauties created! We had a really hard time picking out top 5 for the Stamper's Showcase.

As you can see, this week's sketch gives you almost a blank slate to work with. This allows for some fabulous clean and simple cards or you can step it up a bit and build it out.


For my interpretation, I chose to build it out a little by making my image and sentiment on a three layered panel in the center of the card. To begin my card, I cut an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of Basic Gray cardstock in half lengthwise at 4 1/4" x 11". It was then scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half to create my card base.

For the next layer, I cut a piece of Night of Navy cardstock at 4" x 5 1/4" and texturized it by cranking it through my Big Shot with one of the Texture Plate #4 set. It reminded me of racing or those metal truck tool boxes, kwim? After I texturized it, I took a Stampin' Sponge and rubbed Silver Encore ink on the surface to give it a metallic sheen in a few areas and on the edges to make it pop.


The center layers are cut as follows: Brushed Silver cardstock - 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"; Night of Navy cardstock - 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" and Whisper White cardstock - 2" x 3". This layer is the same size as the stamp block I used. Speaking of which, Totally Tool was the stamp set of choice this week. I just love these tongue in cheek greetings and images!

My image and greeting were inked up with Black Staz-On ink and stamped on the Whisper White cardstock. I re-inked and stamped again (just the wrench) on Brushed Silver cardstock. This one was cut out with my Paper Snips and adhered to the Whisper White layer making it really stand out. Once this was attached, I adhered all the layers together with SNAIL and then added the two Silver Brads to the top corners with my 1/16" Handheld Punch. This whole section was mounted on the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals and I was done!

It's really a very easy card to complete, but the layering and texture mix give it a more complicated look. And don't you want your recipient to think you spent hours on a card just for them? LOL!

Be sure to check out all the creations by my Stamping 411 Operator friends! They are sure to inspire you to play along with us. And don't forget to upload your creation using Mr. Linky on the Stamping 411 blog! We can't wait to see your creativity in action!

Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #108 - A Stitch in Time

Yes stampers, it's Friday again! And you know what that means - it's time for Robin to look at the theme for Blogger's Challenge and say "You've got to be kidding me!" LOL!!
This week's theme is, as you can see, all about sewing on a project. Well, this would be great, but I can barely sew on a button or hem a pair of pants - isn't that what the dry cleaner is for?

SEW (so, ...get it?), I did the best I could and put together this fun card. And to be perfectly honest, I really like it a lot! Even my daughter picked it up and said "Hey, Mom, this is really cute!" I didn't even pay her ahead of time.

The card base is Real Red, cut lengthwise, scored at 5 1/2" and scored again at 2" to make the front flap. I then punched it with the Scalloped Edge Punch. After layering on my Whisper White pieces, I FAUX STITCHED the edges with the journaling tip of my Real Red Stampin' Write Marker.

The sewing machine image and greeting is from the Puns From the Past stamp set, which I love but is so ignored most of the time. I stamped them with Black Staz-On ink and the greeting was punched out with the Word Window punch and layered on a piece of Real Red punched out with the Modern Label Punch. Popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals, it was mounted at the top left.

For my ribbon treatment, I took a piece of the fun new Real Red Double STITCHED Polka Dot Grosgrain and adhered it to the back of the scalloped flap with Sticky Strip. Then I used one of my fave Rhinestone Circle Fire Brads. Opening up the prongs all the way, I was then able to wrap it around the ribbon and "GATHER" it.

There is nothing fancy on the inside, just more FAUX STITCHING and lots of room for a personal message. My original idea was to make this a pocket card, but this one made me smile, so I left it alone.

Be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge players by clicking on the link in my sidebar. I'm sure they will 'keep you in stitches' with their inspiring projects today!

Tomorrow, I'll have the next Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge Card so come back and check it out. It would be great if you played along with us too!

Remember, all the products I used for this card are Stampin' Up! and can be ordered directly from my website at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner.

Thanks for stopping by today - have a fun Friday!
~~Robin

Fifth Avenue Mambo!

Wow, I think you'll need your sunglasses for this one! It's funny how the pictures I take for my blog show up so different on here - I promise you that this card is not as over the top bright in person as it looks to me just now. Maybe after I have more coffee?.......

Anyway, if you are coming to stamp camp on Saturday, plan on taking this one home with you! I'll be teaching you the Burnishing technique which I'd long forgotten about, but my SU! gf Patti Chesky inspired me to try it out again. This card also includes a bit of Masking and you'll be using the Big Shot and Texture Plates for the card base itself. There is still time to register, but contact me by Friday afternoon so I can have supplies prepped for you.

Notice the Rhinestone Fire Square Brad? Yep, that's the one! Well, don't forget, they are on SALE this week, but only through Monday morning for just $6.99! That's a 30% savings off the regular price of $10.95. The package comes with four colors in two sizes and if you are a regular blog reader of mine, you know that I can't live without my Rhinestone Brads! Just visit my website at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net to place an order or you can simply contact me!

The supply list for this card is listed below for you. All supplies are SU! and can be ordered from my website! Happy stamping!
~~Robin

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, For All You Do
Inks: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Black Staz-On
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Rhinestone Fire Square Brads, Small Tag Punch, Large Tag Punch, Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Ribbon, Scalloped Edge Punch, Sponge Daubers, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker, Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot: Perfect Details Texture Plate

Circles and Scallops and Curry, Oh, My!

Hello stampers! It's Wednesday already - where is the time going? I was talking to my husband last night and for some reason thought it was still Monday. I've lost a day somewhere, any idea where I've left it? Better yet, if you find it, let me know, ok?

The project today was born of a desire to simply use some of my new stuff! I got this cool new Scalloped Square Die for my Big Shot and just knew it would make great cards, so I got out my Crushed Curry cardstock (say that 5 times fast!) and went to work.

I cut my cardstock at 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" and folded it to make a card that measured 4 1/4" x 4 1/2". I then laid it on the Scalloped Square Die with the fold just inside the top row of scallops so it wouldn't cut through. You can get two cards out of one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" this way. After cranking it through my Big Shot, I stamped around the edges with the honeycomb circle from the Circle Circus stamp set in Crushed Curry ink. I really like the depth of color that tone on tone stamping gives a project.

Once that was done, I cut a piece of Rich Razzleberry and a layer of Whisper White, adhering them together with SNAIL. Taking out my Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, I chose a greeting and stamped it in the lower right corner of the Whisper White with Rich Razzleberry ink.


I then took out scraps of Whisper White and Crushed Curry for my circles. The design circle was stamped on the Whisper White with Rich Razzleberry and punched out with my 1 1/4" Circle Punch. The 1 3/8" Circle Punch was used on the Crushed Curry and the layers were SNAILed together. I placed two Stampin' Dimensionals on the back of each layered circle and mounted them in the grid pattern on the card front. Note that the dimensionals on the bottom row must be at top and bottom of the circles to allow the ribbon to slide through.

To finish the card, I cut a length of Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon and using my Horizontal Slot Punch, I nipped a little slit in the side of the card to run the ribbon through the inside card front. It's simply finished off in a double knot and the ends were trimmed up.

I love how my Big Shot and punches make it easy to create a card quickly and beautifully. This one only took me a half-hour to create including coming up with the idea and cutting the cardstock.

Remember, all the products I used on this card can be ordered from my website 24/7! Visit www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net to order or you can just contact me directly! If you place an order this week, don't forget that the Rhinestone Fire Square Brads are on sale for just $6.99! That's a 30% savings off the regular price of $10.95!
When you visit my website, just click the SHOP NOW button at the top right of the home page.

Glad you stopped by today, let me know you were here by leaving me a comment - I love to hear what you are up to!

~~Robin

Just the Cutest Little Thing!

Well, isn't it? Oh my gosh, I've seen these little totes on several of my stamping friends blogs and I just HAD to try my hand at one - It's just TOO cute! (I don't know whose idea it was originally, so if it's you, please let me know. I want to give credit where it's due. I did see it first on my friend Tiffany Bauer's Blog here.)



And guess what? If you are attending Big Shots class this week, this is one of the projects you'll be making! There is still time to register.......



Anyway, the tote is made with two boxes created with the Bigz XL Box #2 Die and the Big Shot. You do need the extended cutting pads for this one and I used my Extended Crease Pad in place of my top Cutting Pad.

After I die cut two boxes out of Almost Amethyst cardstock, I cut off the small side flaps and assembled the boxes, not creasing the top flap.


I used the Tea Party Designer Series Paper to decorate the inside pieces then took my Large Oval Punch to punch a handle in just one box first, then attached them together with Sticky Strip. Once they were attached, I used the first handle hole as a guide and punched the other side. You should never punch through 2 pieces of cardstock at one time with your handheld punches, it can damage them.



Then I just decorated it up using a variety of cardstock, brads, ribbon and Big Shot Dies. The full list is at the bottom of this post.

It was honestly a VERY simple project and do you believe NO stamping?! Amazing, but true! LOL!

I hope you are having a great Tuesday - be sure to do something fun today! Hey, go stamp something!

~~Robin

Supplies Used:

Big Shot: Bigz XL Box #2 Die, Extended Cutting Pads, Extended Crease Pad, Embosslits Cherry Blossom, Standard Cutting Pads, Multi-Purpose Platform, Beautiful Butterflies Die

Paper: Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery cardstock; Tea Party Designer Series paper

Accessories: Trio Flower Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Large Oval Punch, Corner Rounder Punch Handheld 1/16" punch, Soft Subtles Brads, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

Shop 24/7 from my website for all these supplies to create your own tote!

http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.com/

Just click the SHOP NOW button at the top right of the home page!

Second Time's the Charm!

Oh, man, I can breathe now!

Listen, I took Emma to the pool for a few hours this afternoon after I made the card in this post here. The whole time I was there, I just thought about how I HAD to re-do it because I just wasn't happy with it.

Soooo, as soon as I could get back to the studio, I got to work and FIXED it! Now, you be the judge - do you like this one best or the first one?

Kerin, THIS is my real entry for your Sketch Challenge!

~~Robin

A Little Something Different....

Good Monday morning everyone! I hope you had a relaxing weekend. We were busy working on cleaning out some of our clutter on Saturday, but did find some time to go to the pool for a bit. My daughter challenged me to do a cannonball into the pool - something I've not attempted in a loooong time. But, being the 'fun' Mom, I took the challenge and I can say that even though I didn't complete my "tuck", I did make a big splash! Ok, stop laughing now, it's not that funny!

Today's card is a little different and to be honest, I'm not sure I really like it, but I was trying out a new sketch challenge (new to me) and just went with it. I've been on a wedding kick lately, not sure where that is coming from, but anyway, it gave me a chance to pull out some new SU! goodies to play with.

The sketch is from Kerin Sylvester's blog here. I admire her stamping and finally decided to give one of her sketches a try. You should play along too - sketches give you a starting point that makes it easier to design a card without reinventing the wheel each time.

For this card, I ran a piece of Basic Gray cardstock through the Big Shot my Movers and Shapers Bigz XL Die and the Scalloped Oval Window piece. (In retrospect, I think I'd use the Modern Label one next time, but I was mimicing the edge I punched with the Eyelet Border Punch on the left side Shimmer White cardstock. The Modern Label Window would not have been as LARGE on the card, kwim?)

Once I cut the window out, I ran the cardstock through my Big Shot again, this time texturizing the front of the card with my NEW Perfect Details Texture plate. It coordinates beautifully with the Wedding Sweet stamp set that I used to create the stamped images on this card.

My stamping was done with Rich Razzleberry ink onto Shimmer White cardstock and the white panels were matted with some Rich Razzleberry cardstock. The greeting was popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals as you can see from the side view image.

The wedding date was hand written with the Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write MARKER - yes I said MARKER! I stamped just a portion of the Thank You stamp under the date for emphasis. This was punched out with my Large Oval Punch and matted on more Rich Razzleberry cardstock that was punched out with my Scalloped Oval punch. Popped up on dimensionals as well, it really stands out and remains on the inside of the card when it's opened.

To finish it off, I added just a piece of Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon and knotted it at the left side. Ribbon sometimes is just the perfect touch to finish a card and it's so economical to use in your stamping. Especially Stampin' Up! ribbon because of the amount of yards you get on a roll - very generous amounts! Love me some SU! ribbon!

So here it is, for better or worse. Oh, man, I crack myself up! LOL! Leave me a comment and tell me what you think of this one!
Most of all, hug someone you love today and have a happy Monday!
~~Robin

Shop 24/7 from my website for all the products used in this project!
http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/
Just click on the Shop Now button at the top right corner!

Stamping 411 - Saturday Sketch Challenge #SSC107

Good morning Stampers! Welcome to the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. I hope you'll play along with me and the other Design Team Operators this week!

The sketch this week appears to be super simple - and really it is, but there is a twist in the measurements.

My card base of Shimmer White cardstock is a half sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" so it measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". When folded in half, it makes a card measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

My next layer is Basic Black cardstock, cut at 3 3/4" x 5".

The top layer (which I'll explain how I made in a minute) is a piece of Shimmer White cardstock cut at 3 5/8" x 4 7/8". This gives you just a 1/16" border of black around the layer to make it POP!

To create the gorgeous color and texture on the top layer, I used my NEW Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for the Big Shot. Opening up the plastic folder, I used my Brayer to roll that luscious Bermuda Bay ink onto the debossed side of the folder. (This is the side that does not have the raised images.) I laid my piece of Shimmer White cardstock onto the uninked side of the folder and closed the folder, then ran it through my Big Shot with the proper "sandwich" of cutting pads and platform. Tab #1 of your platform has a graphic of the proper layers.

When the cardstock came out, the Bermuda Bay ink had transferred to the top surface of the cardstock but the raised images remained shimmery white! Very cool in real life. I then used SNAIL adhesive to attach this layer to the Basic Black cardstock.

For my ribbon, I cut a piece of White Taffeta at 6 1/2". This was attached to the back of the Black cardstock on both sides with a bit of SNAIL as well. I then cut another piece of the ribbon at 4 1/2" and tied it in a single knot to the front. The ends were trimmed up to make it neat.

To create the greeting, I took the NEW stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes and stamped the "For the Newlyweds" greeting in Bermuda Bay ink on a Shimmer White scrap. This was then punched out with the NEW Modern Label punch.

For the Basic Black layer, I used my NEW Movers and Shapers Punch Windows and the Movers and Shapers Bigz XL Die to cut out the shape. The intent of this die is to make a whole card with a window in the front, but I was able to just use a piece of Black scrap to make just the label layer piece. These pieces were SNAILed together and then mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals to pop it up above the ribbon for extra height. The entire stamped and embellished piece was then mounted with more Stampin' Dimensionals to the folded card base so it really stands out.

To add a little somethin' to the inside card, I took one of the swirl stamps from the NEW Wedding Sweet stamp set and stamped it a few times in the lower left inside corner with more Bermuda Bay ink.

I really love how this card turned out and the best part is that I already have someone to send it too!

Please take a minute to check out all the other Stamping 411 Operators creations by visiting the Stamping 411 blog. They have made some beauties and you'll find that some of us were a bit on the same wavelength! It's kind of funny because we do not collaborate week to week, but we sometimes just think in the same ways - Great minds, you know! LOL!

Have a great weekend and please play along with us this week and upload a photo of your creation to Mr. Linky at this post here. We love to see your work and you may end up on our Stampers Showcase next Thursday!

~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #107 - CASE a Fellow BC Member

Happy Friday stampers! Today is once again Blogger's Challenge - boy the week goes fast - and we were to choose the work of another BC member and CASE it. CASE stands for "Copy and Share Everything" which we stampers do all the time.

I had a hard time choosing just one of the BC members to CASE because I admire the work of this group tremendously, but in the end, I chose to CASE Tami Black's blog post here.

Not only did the card just touch me in it's simple, beautiful style and message, the post about her friend took me back 2 years as I recalled the brave battle my bff Missy had with cancer. It was very difficult to walk that journey with her, watching her slip away from us. But the faith we share assures me that she is with our Lord in heaven and I have the hope of knowing that I'll be seeing her and my other loved ones again. As I read Tami's post, I was reminded once again of what is truly important in this life: strong faith, the love of family and friends and relationships that matter. These things are what truly carry us and make us who we are.

The card I've created today is my tribute to Missy - she loved purple and green and she truly viewed every day as a gift from God.

As you can see, I've turned Tami's layout on it's side, mainly because of the size of the greeting oval. It just looked better that way. The sketch is from the Stamping 411 blog's Saturday Sketch Challenge here. I thought it seemed familiar when I began my card, and sure enough, I've used it twice since doing my card for the design team. It really is a great sketch!

Here are the details on supplies and such. I've italicized the NEW stuff!:
Cardstock: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White
Inks: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Great Friend, Refuge and Strength
Accessories: Cottage Wall Designer Paper, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals

Be sure to check out all the other BC members and their creations today - they are an inspiring bunch of stampers! Just click on the logo in my sidebar to find the links to their blogs.

Come back tomorrow for the next Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge!
~~Robin

Shop 24/7 via my website at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
Just click the SHOP NOW button at the top right!

In With the New.......Out With the Old!

Just LOOK! Isn't that COOL?! A whole PILE of new Stampin' Stuff! And it's just for me! Yippee!

Well, ok, I guess I'll let you play with it some at class.......if you must. Hmmph!

Oh, how I love new Stampin' toys! The UPS man is my bestest buddy on delivery days like this one where it's all for me!

But, look here. This is what I have to decide what to do with. All those lovely stamps and wheels and punches. I didn't take a picture of the paper and ribbon, it's just too sad. Sniff!

What's a girl to do? There is only so much shelf space in the abyss of my closet, so something has to go. Don't worry, I'll make sure it finds a good home with a loving, stamp happy owner. Someone like me. Well, maybe not

me, but maybe someone like you?

Have a great evening, folks. Go hug some stamps and ink up your loved ones or something like that. Come back tomorrow for my Blogger's Challenge Creation......I used new STUFF!

~~Robin

Razzleberry Birthday!

(Edited on 7/9 to include card supply details)

Yes, it's been a crazy day and I just have time now to post the photo of my 15 minute card! I'll be back tonight late to give you the deets, but until then I hope the bright, cheery colors bring a smile to your face!

~~Robin

Ok, so it was very late last night when I got home and honestly, I was just too tired to edit this post! I hope you weren't checking!

Anyway, I used Basic Black cardstock for my card base and simply took my 1 1/4" Square punch to make the paper squares on the front. They are punched from the new Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper. I used just two sheets since they have different designs on each side, I punched 4 squares out of each paper, and used 2 from each side just mixing them up as I placed them on the card front.

To create the greeting panel, I cut a piece of Melon Mambo cardstock for the mat layer and the greeting was stamped on a piece of Whisper White cardstock which was sponged with Crushed Curry ink. The greeting is from the "On Your Birthday" stamp set and I used my new In Color Markers to color directly on the stamp. Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Dusty Durango were all used here. The little felt flower accent is from the Flower Fusion set and I chose a Pumpkin Pie one, attaching it with a pink Rhinestone Circle Fire Brad. The corners of both layers were punched with the Ticket Corner Punch. This whole piece is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals and placed in the center of the DSP grid.

For the ribbon accent, I took White Organdy Ribbon and dyed it with my Pumpkin Pie ink pad. I just mashed the ribbon into the ink pad until I got the color saturation I wanted - easy peasy! NOTE - if you do this, wear a rubber glove so you don't stain your hands, then be sure to run the dyed ribbon through a double layer of paper towel to wipe down the excess. It can be a messy technique, but very cool to get the color match you want.

I used my Horizontal Slot Punch to nip a slot in the card fold so the ribbon runs all the way around the top layer and ties in the front.

So, that's it for this card, I hope you like it and found something new and fun to try for yourself! I'll be back later today with some new inspiration for you! I am taking a few hours to take Emma to the pool, but I have to stamp today! I'm just itching to create something!

~~Robin

Order ONLINE from my website 24/7 at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/

Just click the SHOP NOW button at the top right of the main page!

Back From Vacation!

Yep, I'm back, but up to my ears in laundry and catch up! I think I'm ready to leave again! But, I did finally post my July class/camp schedule on the website so be sure to check that out and RSVP for your "ME" time! The link is Here or on my sidebar for you.

I'll be back this afternoon late with a project for you all, so come back, ok?
xoxo,
~~Robin

Oops, I almost forgot! The deal of the week this week is the Big Shot BAG at 30% off! Click Here to view the details then be sure to contact me to place your order! This deal goes away on Monday morning at 9:50 am!

Pat's Adorable Animals!

Ok, last one before I'm back from vacation - and it's such a cute card, I HAD to showcase it!

My stampin' buddy, Pat Chastain from California created this super cute birthday card - if you are one of my regulars at stamp camp, Pat was responsible for that fun Hershey Bar card pocket we did back in March!

For this card, Pat used the new stamp set Animal Stories along with the coordinating Designer Series Paper Tall Tales. To make the card itself, she used that super cool Movers and Shapers Die and her Big Shot. The window for this one was made with the Modern Label Window piece that can be placed anywhere you want it on the card front - fun, huh?

I loved how when the card was opened up, Pat stamped the cute little owl inside like he's just saying "Hi!"
Such a fun card - I'm glad I've gotten to share it with you!
I'll be back in the studio on Wednesday with some new creations for you! So stay tuned - there's lots of NEW fun to be had!

Don't forget - today is the last day to get the Scallop Border Punch for only $10.95! It's the Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week and it ends tonight at 11:50 PM est. You can order online 24/7 at my website - www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net

Chat soon!
~~Robin

Cherise Made a Beauty!

I'm still on vacation, but you get to see another fabulous card from a fellow demonstrator and friend, Cherise Schlicher. Cherise is a demo in California and we met at Founder's Circle last year! Isn't it cool how stamping brings people together?

Anyway, her card really jumped out at me when I opened her swap package. Just look at all the coloring on her stamped image. She used the NEW In Color MARKERS! Yes, I said MARKERS! WooHoo! Finally you can order markers to match your ink pads for the In Colors!

Cherise's gorgeous card uses the following items:

Stamps: Razzle Dazzle

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Markers: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Accessories: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Come back tomorrow for a card from another friend in California!

Happy Sunday!

~~Robin

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge

Happy 4th of July - Happy Birthday America!!!!



I hope you all are able to spend this holiday with friends and family celebrating this amazing country of ours. We are very blessed to be able to be with friends who ARE family this weekend and are going to be enjoying a fun cookout, bluegrass music from the Baghdad Bad Boys (check out their website here) and of course fireworks! Our friend Greg is one of the founding members of the Baghdad Bad Boys and some of the group members will be with us all today to celebrate being HOME and being together again!


As you can see, my sketch card today for the Stamping 411 Blog celebrates the Red, White and Blue. I've started with a piece of Brilliant Blue cardstock 8 1/2 x 11 and cut it in half at 5 1/2 x 8 1/2. It's folded in the middle with my Bone Folder.



The Real Red cardstock layer is cut at 4 1/8" x 5 3/8", just enough to give it a thin red line peeking out from the Shimmer White cardstock layer which is cut at 4" x 5 1/4".



To create my background on the Shimmer White cardstock, I took the "sparkle" stamp from the Good Friend stamp set and inked it with Gold Encore ink, randomly stamping it several times over the cardstock. Once all the sparkles were stamped, I poured Gold Embossing Powder over the surface of the cardstock, tapping off all the excess into a Powder Pal. I then embossed this layer with my Heat Tool.



For my focal point, I cut a piece of Real Red cardstock at 1 1/2" x 4 " then layered it with a piece of Brilliant Blue cardstock cut at 1 1/4" x 4". Then I took a piece of Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon cut at 5 1/2" and wrapped it around the two cardstock layers, adhering it with SNAIL to the back. The two Gold Brads were added with the Handheld 1/16" Punch. I punched through the ribbon and both cardstock layers so the brad ends would be stabilized well.



To create the USA, I stamped the letters from the Contempo Alphabet onto Shimmer White cardstock with Brilliant Blue ink. These were punched out with the 1" Circle Punch and layered on Real Red punched out with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch and Brilliant Blue punched out with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch. The Shimmer White layers were mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals onto the other circles and then each letter layer was mounted with Sticky Strip to the card front.

If you want to play along with the Stamping 411 Operators this week, be sure to upload your card creation to the blog by using the Mr. Linky widget that is provided there. We LOVE to see your creations! If you aren't able to play this week, be sure to stop by there and see the other Operators creations as well - they are sure to inspire you!



Happy 4th!

~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #106 - Patriotic Theme

"Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue!" I just love the 4th of July holiday! I am a very patriotic gal and love any chance to celebrate our wonderful country and the FREEDOM it represents! Today and tomorrow my posts will be USA - all the way.

For this week's Blogger's Challenge, we were to create a Patriotic Themed card. Well, the only 4th of July stamps I own are "gasp" not Stampin' Up! so I put my little pea brain to work to see what I could come up with using just the SU! stamps I do have.

As an aside to my friend Nancy - watch out, today and tomorrow may be the ONLY time you see Brilliant Blue on my blog so write it down! Nancy knows that BB is NOT my all time favorite color, but I so needed to use it on these cards since my beloved Pacific Point is sniff, sniff, gone........

As you can see, this card is pretty straightforward stamping. I did stamp off the red fireworks 3 times before stamping on the greeting. Real Red is a pretty intense color. The glitter edge on the greeting was made by running my 2 Way Glue Pen all around the edges and then dragging it through a tray of Dazzling Diamonds - boy doesn't that sound fun! If only they were real! The two Rhinestone Brads are attached through 2 layers so the prongs don't show through the top layer when folded flat.

Here is the supply list:
Stamps: Wow Flowers, Good Friend, Celebrate Everything
Inks: Brilliant Blue, Real Red
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Rhinestone Circle Fire Brads, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals, 2 Way Glue Pen, Mat Pack and Paper Piercer, SNAIL

All these products and more can be ordered from my website 24/7 at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner.

Be sure to check out all the other Patriotic Inspiration from the talented Blogger's Challenge players by clicking on the link on my sidebar.
Then be sure to come back tomorrow for this week's Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge card! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great All-American weekend!
~~Robin

Tiffany's Cute Card!

Hey everyone! As you read this, we are traveling down the highway - hopefully not stuck in traffic in I95!

This is the first card I wanted to share with you from the New Catalog Swap I hosted recently. I don't usually put any work but my own on this blog, but a few of these cards were just too cute not to share and it helped me have more time to pack for our trip, kwim?

This card was created by my fabulous friend, Tiffany Bauer. She is not only an amazing stamper and scrapbooker, she is just a super person. Love ya girl! Be sure to check out her blog at this link here.

Her card was made with the new stamp set Lots of Bots. She used the new DSP - Razzleberry Lemonade and the new Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon too. Notice the cool greeting? That long punch is the new Modern Label Punch!

My photo is a little blurry - don't know what happened - but the greeting says "Happy Birthday, Human". How fun is that?

Have a wonderful day today and be sure to check back tomorrow for Blogger's Challenge. It's a Patriotic Theme so we will be showing our Red, White and Blue!

Blessings,

~~Robin

So Grateful For You!

This post is all about YOU - thank you for making my Stampin' Up! business a success for another year. I have said it before, and I'll say it again, I have the best clients, friends and team members in the world and I am so very appreciative for each of you.

Yesterday ended the Stampin' Up! fiscal year and I'd like to share a few of the highlights that happened for me and my family because of YOU and Stampin' Up!

My car was paid off!

Mark and I were able to travel to Hawaii - all expenses paid!

Emma's team skating expenses were paid!

I was honored to be named in the Top 100 Demonstrators in the US!

I was also honored to be in the Top 10 in Recruiting in the US!

We, as a family, will be on the Southern Caribbean Cruise next May - all expenses paid!

Most importantly, I was once again able to put my family first and still be able to provide an income. Many times, especially over the last year, Mark and I have discussed me going back to "work" outside our home. But we feel that 'home' is where God wants me to be and He has so faithfully provided for us through YOU and my Stampin' Up! business. I truly love what I do, but what I love the most is the relationships that have been built because of stamping. Most of you I never would have met without the connection of a little rubber stamp. The bond of shared creativity, laughter and chocolate is wonderful and I am so happy to have you in my life!

So, now we have a NEW year to look forward to - new creations, new fun and new goals. Happy NEW YEAR everyone! I am excited to continue to serve you as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and friend. Let's make it an amazing year, shall we?

Let's see, I think I need to announce the winner of the $50 Gift Certificate from my end of the year sales contest! Drum roll please..............

the winner is........... Jan Jeffreys! WooHoo! Congratulations Jan! You now have $50 to spend in the New Idea Book and Catalog this month! Now comes the hard part, what to choose!

Jan, please leave a comment on this post so I know you are the winner!

The card I've created today showcases some of the new In Colors and Designer Series Paper along with a new Hostess Stamp Set - Kind and Caring Thoughts. Here is the supply list for you. I've italicized the NEW items.

Stamps: Kind and Caring Thoughts

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede

Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Soft Suede

Accessories: Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, Rhinestone Ice Square Brads, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, Eyelet Border Punch

All these items are available for purchase via my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/

It's important to note that ONLINE ORDERING from the new catalog goes LIVE at NOON mountain time (that's 2 pm for East Coast).

There is a great new promotion that Stampin' Up! is offering through the month of July - it's called the Deal of the Week! It's a special item that will be on SALE for one week only each week of July. The first item begins today when ordering goes live and will be available through July 6th at 11:50 PM est. So........if you've ever wanted the Scallop Border Punch, NOW is the time to order it! Regular Price is $15.95 - Deal of the Week price is just $10.95! You can either contact me to place your order or do it online via my website!

I have a lot more fun announcements to make to you, but nothing that can't wait until I get back from our short vacation this week. While I am gone, I've scheduled some posts for you - a few cards from a New Catalog Swap I just hosted, plus Blogger's Challenge and Stamping 411's Saturday Sketch Challenge!

Have a great Wednesday everyone and Thanks SO Much for everything!

xoxoxo

~~Robin