Stamps and Smiles

Wedding Party, Part Trois

 This is the last sample of the Specialty Paper Bride, Groom and Bridesmaid -- and it's my personal favorite.  In fact, I do believe this might very well be the Kemp Family Christmas Card this year -- as well as a Club Card for September.  I love the simplicity and elegance of it.

 

The ornament is made using the Ornament Punch and Delightful Decorations stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  The "Joy Ornament" was embossed on Real Red cardstock with clear embossing powder and then a white gel pen was used to fill in the swirls and the word "joy."   The ribbon is from the Mistletoe Ribbon Originals collection -- also from the upcoming Holiday Mini.  Of course, this card also features both the Bride Specialty Paper and the Groom Specialty Paper.  Don't you just love it?!

If you'd like a copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog, please email me your address to DebKemp@stampsandsmiles.com and I'll get one in the mail to you immediately.  To order any of the products here and get preferred pricing and reduced shipping, please visit www.stampsandsmiles.com -- but keep in mind, products featured in the Holiday Mini are not available until September 1st but I'd be happy to add your products to my Preferred Clients order going in first thing on September 1st.

Have a wonderful day!  Tomorrow I'll share with you the swaps I did for the Great Girls Swap I participated in!

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

Every have a stong stuck in your head?  As I ways playing with this lil' guy from Lots of Bots, I had the wonderful "Mr. Roboto" song in my head.  If you're an 80's fan, you'll know this song from Styx.

So here's my version of "Mr. Roboto."

 

I loved this color combination in the catalog:  Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Bermuda Bay (a new In Color.) 

Tomorrow is a play day with my friend Jan.  Can't wait!

 

Sneak Peek Club Project!

I've been trying to remember to do a masculine project more frequently for my Clubs and Classes.  I know I tend to buy more flowers and feminine images because... well, I'm a girl and that's what I like.  However, when I got to make a card for a dude... flowers and butterflies don't cut it.  I know I'm not alone! 

 

This is a really quick card -- but one I hope will come in handy for my Stamp Club Divas and a design that can be used for a plethora of cards.  I just love the versatility of the Top Note Die for the Big Shot.  I mean, how many ways have we used this die and I just never get tired of it!

This card uses the Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set (shown below) -- as soon as I saw it in the catalog, I knew I had to have it.  It's a double-mounted stamp set, which means that the tree goes on one side of the block and the flowers on the other.  The verses/sayings also share blocks.  I'm pleased that Stampin' Up! has announced that they will no longer be doing this with new stamp sets.  More good news -- the block guy (www.theblockguy.com) makes blocks for this set and others.  I can't beat the shipping -- afterall, all I need to do is go in the garage.  :)  It's true... Mitch is the block guy!

 

Thoughts and Prayers Stamp Set -- $25.95  Item #113252

Anyway -- you can order this set online at www.stampsandsmiles.com.  Just remember to click on "SHOP NOW!" in the top right hand corner.  Remember that every online purchase receives a FREE catalog and that any $50 catalog purchase gets a FREE Sale-a-bration gift!

You can also visit us this weekend and be a Party Crasher to make this card and 2 others!  Just call or email me to RSVP!  We're meeting Friday and Monday from 10am to Noon or 4:30pm to 8pm or Sunday at 2pm to 4pm.   Party Crashers are welcome at Stamp Club but required to make a $30 purchase.

More New "Toys" To Play With

I spent a few minutes playing today -- and will spend some more tonight at my Harrisburg area MeetUp gathering.  While only a couple people are coming, I'm going to embrace the time to play with some of my new toys!

First, here's another Club Card for this month.  Actually, two versions.

The first is without the new Stampin' Up Texturz Plates:

 

Now with the Stampin' Up! Texturz Plates:

 

Both cards use the Garden Greetings stamp set that was a gift from Stampin' Up! for those attending Manager's Reception.  (They gave them to use in really cute Spiderman metal lunch boxes.  I do believe they think of everything!)

The large flower was embossed in clear after stamping in Chocolate Chip Craft.  Other colors are Baja Breeze, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip.

My dear friend Terry shared a FABULOUS tip with the texturz plates that really works to get your embossed images raised more -- we tested it!

TIP:  Working quickly, spray your cardstock with alcohol.  THEN run your cardstock through the Big Shot.  This moistens the fibers and makes the cardstock less stiff.  (Frankly, I'm less stiff with alcohol, too!)  Before you ask -- water will work, too but it doesn't dry as quickly.  :)

Here's the difference:

   

I hope you can see the difference.  Try it, though -- it really does make a difference!

Here is another fruit of today's labor:

 

Here's a close up of the tree -- I put Crystal Effects on each leaf to make it pop.

 

And, since I used the new Movers and Shapers Bigz XL die for the Big Shot (where was I before I had that thing?!)  here is the inside:

 

The Whisper White cardstock was punched with the Curvry Label Punch after stamping the tree from Trendy Trees in Chocolate Chip and Old Olive.  The Old Olive piece was cut with the Big Shot and the Movers and Shapers Die which cuts just slightly larger than the punch.  The Chocolate Chip frame was created by cutting around the perforations that the die creates. 

Here's my prediction (read request) for this die -- assorted pieces that will fit into the magnetic recess of this die so that we can cut a variety of shapes into the card front!  How cool would that be?

I'm totally digging my new toys!

If you're in the Harrisburg, PA area and would like to play with some of these fabulous new toys, I welcome you to attend my Grotto Gathering.  Click here for more details!

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Good Friend

I don't always post the cards I plan for my Stamp Club Divas, however, because of the new catalog and my strong desire to play with the new stamps from Leadership combined with the fact that my divas will start arriving on Friday, I'm sharing one of the cards this morning.  Rest assured, I will be -playing more this weekend! 

This card was inspired ... okay almost completely CASE'd (Copied And Selectively EditeD) from a very talented artist who had the task of stamping for the display boards at Leadership. 

Here is a photo from the board:

 

Here is my version:

 

Both cards use the "Good Friend" stamp set given at Leadership and are made from a So Saffron cardstock base.  The display board sample uses "Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper."  I have not received my order yet (part will be here tomorrow, the other part I'm hoping on Friday -- don't ask.)  I decided to make my own Designer Series Paper -- Want to know how?  Join us for Club as a Party Crasher!  Email me for details.

I also chose to use the saying, "good friend" that comes with the stamp set instead of the image from "Think Happy Thoughts" from the board sample.  I stamped the saying in Chocolate Chip on Kiwi Kiss and then colored in the word "good" with the Versamarker.  The birds were stamped in Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron.  The wing is made from Bashful Blue cardstock and then Kiwi Kiss striped ribbon was tied in a knot and attached to the corner.

If you live in the Central Pennsylvania area and would like to be a Party Crasher or attend other event in The Stamp Grotto, I'd love to have you.  Please click here or one of the links to the left to see a list of upcoming events.

Designer Dividends...

So I know this is going to seem like a big tease because I've had my hands on the new catalog for over a week now and frankly, it's never left my side.  :)

The new Designer Series Paper is fabulous... there are fifteen new paper packs -- which includes the Taste of Texture ensemble.  Don't you wish you had them all?  Or at the very least a sample of them all?  Here's your chance!

Visit my  "Designer Dividends!" page to find out how you can get a sampling of some or all the new Designer Series Paper plus a variety of the new Corduroy Buttons and Brads!  What's more, if you order one of everything -- you get a free gift from me!  I'll be adding photos and PayPal links on Monday when the new catalog is released but I wanted to share it with you now!

Now for some creativity -- another Christmas Gift!

I made 30 of these for my Club Divas -- each one monogramed with their first initial.

 

I used an iron-on adhesive (fusible web) that I first ironed onto the large piece of pink fabric then cut it down to fit the Big Shot.  Each piece got put into the Big Shot and cut with the exclusive Stampin' Up! Top Note Die.  I stamped each piece with the soon-to-be retired Stitched Background and Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and then ironed on the front of the tote -- which set the ink and fused the fabric to the tote.  Clever, huh?!  The process was repeated (minus the stamping) for the initials which was cut with the San Serif Alphabet.  Each bag was also embelished with a Pink Pirouette Felt Flower from Felt Fusion Too and a Rhinestone Brad.

I designed the bag so that the Club Divas  have something to put their projects in when they're done but I couldn't just give them an empty bag so I put a little "Card Kit" in each bag.  I'm pretty sure they loved them -- the Divas I've heard from have been more than complimentary about these lil' guys. 

I just wish I remembed to make on for myself!  

I'm still looking for 3 more Divas to join a 6 month club starting in February -- click here for more information.

 

If Christmas is around the corner...

then Thanksgiving is right next door!

Over the past few days, I got to play with some of my favorite people again -- my Stamp Club Divas.  A reoccuring conversation across the tables was that none of us could believe the Thanksgiving was upon us.  Personally, I feel the holidays pressing upon me!

Here is one of our club projects from this month -- A Thanksgiving Card!

 

Stamps:  Holidays and Wishes and Sanded Background

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Pumpkin Pie 

Paper:  More Mustards, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel and Very Vanilla.

Accessories: Top Note Die, Leaves #4 Die, Large Oval Punch and Stampin' Sponge.

Tomorrow, Veteran's Day, I have a fun "Field Trip" with Bradleigh, grocery shopping and then hopefully, I'll finish the project I've been working on all afternoon -- I can't wait to share with you!  :)

The Big Shot Makes Super Quick Cards

Alright -- so I said I'd show you one of my swaps from my recent Great Girls Swap but I just ran out of daylight today.  Ever have one of those days?

Instead, here is a recent club project to wet your whistle.  :)  This is a combination of two cards that inspired me.  The folded cardstock was placed on the Top Note Die just under the top stitching marks so that the top would not be cut off and keep the fold intact.  Whoever thunk this one was brilliant! :)

If you ever want to join our club gatherings as a "Party Crasher" and live in the Central PA area -- just give me a jingle or shoot me an email to let me know you're coming over.  You can watch my class schedule for dates and times.  Would love to have you.

Or, do you have a group of friends that love to stamp?  Want the benefits of a workshop without the party?  If you have 6 or more friends, I can customize a club to suit your needs.  You'll stamp on a regular basis, learn new techniques, shop your wishlist with your budget in mind, earn free product and enjoy a girl's night out.  What do you have to lose?!  Email me at DebKemp@stampsandsmiles.com for further details or visit www.stampclubdivas.com for some more basic information.

 

Stamps:  Eastern Blooms and Full of Life

Ink:  Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers

Cardstock:  Kraft

Accessories:  Flower Fusions, Silver Brads, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and the Top Note Die and the Big Shot. 

Until next time!

Hot Pink Blues

That's exactly what we have around our house today...  (Sorry for the cell phone photo -- I can't believe I forgot my camera!)

My poor girl -- it turns out the fractures in her arm (well, one of them) is a little worse than we thought.  She has one buckle fracture and one greenstick fracture.  The greenstick is the concern so they put her in a full arm cast to completely immbolize the bone.  The hope (and might I add prayer) is that during the next two weeks the bit of pressure in the cast is enough to straighten the bone and keep it straight.  If it's not, they'll sedate her, break the bone and set it and re-cast.  Let's just pray it doesn't come to that!

Thankfully, the novelty of the hot pink cast and the fact that her friends can sign it is keeping her spirits up... for now.  :)

Here's a picture of her where she loves to be:

In stamping news... club cards are ready to go!  I've got three fabulous projects lined up for my "divas" and party crashers -- all using the new and fabulous Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s exlclusive dies.  You can be a party crasher, too!  You're welcome to attend club events if you're in the Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill and surround Central PA areas.  Who knows, you might love club so much you'll want to join one or start one with your own friends.  (Stranger things have happened!)

Join me:        

                    Friday, September 19th 10am to Noon or 4:30pm to 8:00pm

or                  Monday, September 22nd  10am to Noon or 4:30pm to 8:00pm

Here's a sneek peek at one of the projects for Club this month.  I have no idea who the owl top note design originated with but this is my take on it.  Inside, it says "Whoo?"  I think this just may be a Halloween Card for Bradleigh's class.

 

 Stamps:  Short Order Alphabet

Cardstock:  Basic Gray, Bordering Blue, Pumplin Pie and Whisper White

Ink:   Basic Black and Basic Gray Classic Pads

Accessories:   Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Top Note Die, Birds & Blossoms Die, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin' Sponge and Googlie Eyes. 

Time To eScape

I can see the table in the Grotto!  Between decorating for VBS, the recent and upcoming crops etc. that I've been doing my big table in the Stamp Grotto had become a "set-it-there" place."  It was just not condusive to stamping!  I still have a few things to put away and organize but it will be ready for next Friday's Club gathering -- the last one for this catalog! 

This is just one of the projects I plan on doing with some of my favorite women!  This project ties in with the current "eScape Promotion" from Stampin' Up!  For just $30.00 you can purchase the Circle of Friendship Stamp Set, a full size Rose Red Classic Ink Pad, a roll of 5/8" Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon and a full package of Love Notes with envelopes.  A nice package and a nice bargain!  Of course, I added a few embellishments to jazz up the project some but kept it very simple.

The outside is simple and held together by a Belly Band...

Inside reveals:

Three Love notes ready to be tucked in the lunch box, pocket, briefcase or suitcase of someone you love.  The cards are simple but easily duplicated.

If you'd like to check out what Club is all about -- we'd love to have you as a Party Crasher!  Just RSVP by no later than Wednesday, June 18th.  You can email me at:  DebKemp@stampsandsmiles.com.

Club times are Friday, June 20th -- 10am to Noon or Sunday, June 22nd -- 6:30pm to 8:00pm or Monday, June 23rd --10am to Noon or 4:00 to 8:00pm.

Have a great day!