Project Life by SU! for You! #PLxSU4U

Hello crafty friends!

It's time for my once a month blog hop with some very special stampin' sisters - my Advisory Board Sisters from the SU! 2010 Board. #ABsisters2010
We've joined up to bring you some wonderful ideas for using Project Life by Stampin' Up! - #PLxSU

Unless you are starting with me, you've likely come from my sweet friend Jodi Reinert's blog. If you missed her post, click her name to hop back over there.

I've been building my 2014 album using the Everyday Adventure Card Collection and I've finally added the completed pages to the gorgeous Black Faux Leather Album. I rearranged a few things to be more chronologically correct and added some more too.
Here are a few of the new pages:

I cut out a Silver Glimmer Paper Star using the Star Framelits and then used the Heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack to punch a small heart out of the bottom center of the star. I then centered the heart opening over one of the Melon Mambo mosaic pieces on this insert card. I love how cool this turned out!

I then added the Silver Glimmer Paper heart to the journaling insert to draw them together visually.

This page documents my knee surgery journey - fun and not so fun. 

The only accent I added to this page other than the cards from the collection is the small purple flower on the journaling card. My daughter created it for me with polymer clay using one of the Buttons and Blossoms Simply Pressed Clay Molds. It worked beautifully and was perfect for this page.

This page documents a bit of our travels from last year's skating season. My daughter skates on a synchronized team and as a result, we travel a lot between November and February up and down the Northeast Coast. I made the most of the page pockets and cut the lower left photo in half to fit both the story and the pockets.
The insert in the lower right corner is a thin piece of cork with some designer paper embellishments that are from the "serendipity" pile on my work table. I added a couple of stickers from the Everyday Adventure Accessory pack to the top journaling card and voila! it was finished!

I truly love how quick and easy Project Life is to work with. You simply choose your photos, select a page pocket configuration and add your card collection inserts to fit the photos. 

This is easily the BEST way to get your photos out of boxes, off the computer and into albums!

If you haven't tried Project Life as of yet, it's time. You will never regret it! 

For now, hop on over to my dear friend, Sharon Armstrong's blog. She's currently vacationing in Hawaii with her hubby (lucky gal!), but she's got some great ideas to share! 

Happy Crafting!!

~~Robin

Easy Paper Strawberries - Tutorial Video!

Hello there crafty friends!

I'm taking a vote - who's ready for Spring? Or Summer even?
You can't see it, but I have both hands raised!

So, this Monday when I was creating projects for my Card Crew Club, I went looking for Spring and found it in a YouTube video by Australian demo Helen Wilson.
She created some sweet paper strawberries that are perfectly sized to fit in a basket made with our Berry Basket Big Shot Die.

I loved Helen's project so much, I decided to recreate the strawberries and put them in my own Berry Basket that I paired with a coordinating card.
My club gals thought they were adorable, so I took time yesterday to create a video for you, my clients and stampin' friends.

Here's a photo of the whole ensemble:

Once you make one of these sweet berries, you'll be addicted -they are so easy and Happy! Perfect for giving a sweet treat to a friend - each berry is large enough to hold a bite size candy. I was thinking the Strawberries and Cream truffles from Lindt would be perfect! There are endless possibilities though and I know you'll have some great ideas! 

Here's a close look at the coordinating card for the ensemble:

I used Crumb Cake card stock for the card and the Berry Basket. The Hardwood background stamp was inked with Soft Suede - the perfect woodgrain combo. 

The stamping for the card's focal point was done with the Butterfly Basics stamp set in Garden Green and Hello Honey ink. The greeting is in Soft Suede for a subtle look. 

I cut the left side butterfly out with the Butterfly Thinlits Die set, curled the edges with my Bone Folder and mounted it with a Glue Dot. A large Basic Pearl jewel finishes it off nicely. 

The video for the strawberries is below and I've included a supply list below that for your convenience. The supply list is linked to my Online Store to make it easy for you to shop for the items you need. 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoy this little taste of Spring!
Happy crafting,
~~Robin

Creative Blog Hop!

One of the best feelings in the world is to be nominated for something creative by someone whom you admire professionally, but who also admires your work. This is the 2nd time I've been nominated for this particular blog hop and it's an honor! 

Thanks to Brianna Thompson over at Mommy Stamper for the nod! Be sure to check out her lovely designs. 

Since today is the LAST DAY for the sale on the Celebration Basics Banner Kit - I wanted to show you all some alternate projects you can make with it. 

*I need to tell you that I created these projects last spring for a presentation I did at my upline leader's meeting and I'd intended to hold a class for them. As most of you know, my personal struggles following the death of my Mom made my professional life somewhat erratic at best and these never got shared or offered. :( 

When I pulled them back out last week as the Celebration Basics Kit went on sale, I promised myself that I'd re-make them with current supporting products and offer a class - so stay tuned! :)

Here's the first project - a Mini-Album made with two of the banner pieces and 3 of the treat bags:

Because we like to travel so much, I used a travel/snapshot theme for the album and I personally LOVED how it turned out! 

Next, I decorated one of the treat bags as a Thank You gift bag:

The treat bags are also fun for a different take on a greeting card project:

And lastly, I made a greeting card the traditional way using one of the Banner pieces and one of the tags from the kit as well as the white sticker strips. I stamped on the sticker strips with the Tape It stamp set for a faux-washi tape look then cut the pieces with my Paper Snips. I thought it was a good way to use those pieces, don't you? I hate to waste anything!

Here's a pictorial showcase of most of the products I used on these projects that are still available today: (The Celebration Banner Kit is on Sale through midnight tonight for $11.21)

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

As part of this blog hop I have to answer a few questions, so here goes: 

1) What am I currently working on?

I'm working on projects for my upcoming classes and planning my March classes. I also am excited about my new subscription program #SubscribeTDS. It's a monthly club plan that runs for 6 months at a time. I send you FREE Card Kits each month after you place a minimum $30 order before the 10th of the month. At the end of the 6 months, you receive your choice of any stamp set in the Catalog OR any 2 Hostess Stamp sets from the current catalog! The FREE Card Kits also come with downloadable and printable PDF Project Tutorials with photos all with my exclusive designs. There are more details in this blog post right here: #SubscribeTDS Subscription Program

2) How does your work differ from those in your genre?

I like to think that I stand out because of my ability to create multiple varieties of projects - from whimsical to vintage to modern clean and simple. My attention to detail is acute and a source of pride for me. I like my projects to be excellent - clean, crisp stamping, straight cutting and matting of layers and good use of color and design elements. 

I'm not sure that means I differ from other artists in my genre - there are SO many wonderful stampers, artists and creative folks who make their career in paper crafts - but these are the things that matter to me as it applies to what I create. 

3) Why do you create what you do?

I create from the heart, with joy and enthusiasm. I love to create pieces that will make others happy, to make them feel special and loved and to give them something to re-create that will be a point of pride for them as well. We all like to feel accomplished when we put our hands to a task and I know my clients are no different. Seeing the smiles on their faces during my classes is an amazing reward! 

4) How does your creative process work?

Most of the time, I start with the end in mind - creating for a particular class or event. But I also love to sit down at my table and pick up an unfinished piece from my serendipity pile and use it to create something new and unexpected. That's where my creative flow comes alive and it's a joyful time for me in the studio. 

I'm supposed to nominate two more bloggers for this creative hop, so I'm passing the torch to 

Selene Kempton and Michelle Suit. 

Ladies, I hope you'll take the challenge and run with it! I know you'll wow everyone with your creativity!

Happy creating everyone!

~~Robin

Introducing....#SubscribeTDS - Trinity Design Studio Subscription Service!

It's an exciting day here in the studio!
I've got a big announcement to make........

Introducing - 

#SubscribeTDS 

Trinity Design Studio Subscription Service

One thing I've heard from many of you over the years is that you wish you could attend one of my card classes or events. 

Since that's not possible for those of you who live far away from me, I knew I had to find a solution and I think you're gonna like what I've created.

Beginning in March 2015, I'll begin offering a membership subscription service for my exclusive designs featuring a different Stamp Set each month. 

• Being a Charter Member of the #SubscribeTDS Subscription Service and receiving a FREE Monthly Card Kit is simple, you'll need to place a minimum Stampin' Up! product order of $30 with me by the 10th of each month. That's it!

Membership has it's privileges so EACH month, you'll receive: 

• Supplies for 4 unique card projects including all card stock layers (including pre-scored card bases), die cut pieces, designer paper, punched shapes, embellishments and envelopes!
• A printable PDF tutorial with photos for each project!
• Your Stampin' Up! product order, delivered directly to you at your home! 

The only things you'll need to supply to complete your cards are ink, stamp images and adhesive. ALL items that can be part of your $30 per month product order. 

• Your 6 month membership will also give you your choice of 1 FREE Catalog Stamp Set OR 2 FREE Hostess Stamp Sets which you'll receive at the end of your 6 month membership. 

**Charter Members will also receive as my GIFT to you one single pack of color card stock - your choice. (excludes White and Vanilla) Your card stock will be mailed to you with your March Card Kits.

• EACH month your FREE Card Kits will mail to you by the 12th!

In order to give you a taste of what you'll receive EACH month as a #SubscribeTDS Member, this month (February) I'll send you a sampling of 4 different card projects with your $30 Stampin' Up! product order!

How to place your order and receive your FREE Card Kits: 

• Visit my Online Store at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
• Place your order by 2/28/15 using Hostess Code: DAFV7ART
• Your order will ship direct to you from Stampin' Up! and I'll mail your FREE Card Kit to you! 

I'm so excited about this new adventure with you that I MAY even be including something extra special for you in your Inaugural package! You really won't want to miss this....

So....let's recap - 

• Place a $30 Stampin' Up! product order from me using Hostess Code DAFV7ART by 2/28/15
• You'll receive a sample FREE Card Kit to give you an idea of the fun projects you'll receive each month.
• You'll also receive a printable, downloadable PDF tutorial file for EACH project - photos included!
• I'll send you - at your request - a registration form to join #SubscribeTDS - Trinity Design Studio Subscription service. Your Charter Membership will run 6 months (March - August) and will include an extra gift from me - a pack of color card stock, your choice, a $6.95 value!
• By becoming a Charter Member, you'll place a minimum $30 product order each month for 6 months. You'll receive an all NEW FREE Card Kit each month along with your Stampin' Up! product order. At the end of your 6 month membership commitment, you'll receive as my FREE gift to you any Catalog Stamp Set of YOUR choice OR 2 Hostess Stamp Sets of YOUR choice.

(If you fail to place your minimum $30 order at any time during your 6 month commitment, you forfeit your FREE Stamp Set(s). The qualifying order for this membership cannot be combined with any other stamp club or stamp class commitment.)

What are you waiting for?

Place your February order and receive your sample FREE Card Kit - I know you'll enjoy it so much you'll be excited to start your Charter Membership with #SubscribeTDS

How to place your order and receive your FREE Card Kits: 

• Visit my Online Store at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
• Place your order by 2/28/15 using Hostess Code: DAFV7ART
• Your order will ship direct to you from Stampin' Up! and I'll mail your FREE Card Kit to you! 

Happy creating!

~~Robin

Be Mine Tiny Treats Box

4 Days.
Just 4 days til our Annual Celebration of all things LOVE.
Valentine's Day!

Here's a quick and easy idea for you to put a sweet treat in the hands of a special someone this year:

I have a step by step tutorial for you to make it easy to re-create this adorable project. 

Click this link: Be Mine Mini Gift Box Tutorial

Need a supply list?
Here you go:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

To place an order for any of these products and more, simply click on any of the thumbnail product photos - you'll be transported to my Online Store!

Happy crafting everyone! Be sure to stop back by tomorrow - I have a wicked cool project to share. Can't wait!
~~Robin

Be Mine - Clean and Simple Valentine Card

Need a quick and easy Valentine Card?
Look no further!
This one is a piece of cake - you can have it made in less than 10 minutes.

I've attached the link to a downloadable pdf of step by step instructions for you. A complete supply list is at the bottom of this post.
Don't you love it when it's super easy to create something that will put a smile on someone's face?

Here's the link to the PDF Download: Be Mine Valentine Card - by Robin Merriman

Here's the supply list:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

You may notice that I've added the In-Color Markers that include Crisp Cantaloupe in the event you don't have Calypso Coral. Crisp Cantaloupe would be a good alternative. Calypso Coral is not sold individually. Also, I included the Sweetheart Punch in case you wished to substitute for the heart die in the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Set. It's a good alternative if you also don't need the tiny Red Glimmer Bow for an accent.

As always, simply click on any of the thumbnails to be directed to my Online Store to purchase your stampin' supplies.

Enjoy creating this project!
Happy crafting,
~~Robin

Valentine Window Sheet Card

Yes, there really are just 11 more days until "The Day".
Valentine's Day.
Candy and Flowers and Cards abound and if you're not loving the offerings at your nearest card shop, then look no further - this one would be perfect for any of your Valentines.
I mean really, who wouldn't want to be told they are "amazingly amazing"?!

How would you like step by step instructions on making this one?
Ok! Here ya go:

1) Cut a piece of Real Red card stock - 4 1/4" x 11"
2) Score card stock in half at 5 1/2"
3) Cut one end of the card stock at 2 3/4"
4) Take the cut piece and cut off a piece that measures 1 1/4" x 4 1/4". Adhere a piece of Stacked With Love Washi Tape lengthwise across one edge, leaving about 1/8" border. Set aside.

5) Cut a piece of Window Sheet 2 1/2" x 4 1/4"
6) Using Staz-On ink, stamp your greeting or image of choice on the lower right area of the window sheet. Be sure to leave about 5/8" - 3/4" edge below the image to account for adhering the window sheet to the red card stock.

7) Once your image is stamped - I used a greeting from the Painted Petals stamp set - use either Fast Fuse adhesive or Sticky Strip to adhere the window sheet piece to the 1 1/4" x 4 1/4" piece of Real Red card stock. The card stock goes on top of the window sheet.

8) Take the large piece of scored Real Red card stock and fold it on the score line.
9) Apply adhesive to the top edge of the Window Sheet piece.
10) Line up the bottom edge of the Window Sheet/red card stock piece with the bottom edge of the folded card stock. (you will lift up the "flap" of the red card stock to allow you to lay the Window Sheet piece down.
11) Once you have the pieces lined up square at the bottom, fold down the "flap" of red card stock so it will adhere to the Window Sheet piece you've applied adhesive to. This will allow your card to be perfectly aligned.

12) Cut a piece of Whisper White card stock at 4" x 5 1/4".
13) Stamp the stem image from Painted Petals on the bottom left of the White card stock using Garden Green ink.
14) Using the heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, punch out 5 hearts from Red Glimmer paper.
Adhere to the stamped stems with Mini Glue Dots. The adhere the stamped White card stock to the inside of the card.

15) To finish the card, adhere a strip of Washi Tape to the front of the card above the Window Sheet, then tie a length of White Thick Baker's Twine around the card front in a little bow.

Voila! You've created a beautiful valentine with a surprise inside!

Here's your supply list:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

You know what to do - just click on any of the product pictures and you can shop in my Online Store for all you need.
And don't forget! You get a FREE Sale-A-Bration product with each $50 you spend!

Happy crafting!
~~Robin