Stamp With Kriss

Easter card from Lena

Here's a card I received from team member Lena Thompson.  She used the stamp set An Egg-cellent Easter and the new wheel Egg Hunt from the Occasions Mini Catalog to create this darling card.  I tried to show that the rabbit is three dimensional--she stamped first on the white card stock then stamped the image again on scrap white, colored it in and cut it out, then popped it up on dimensionals.  It really looks great!  I also love her ribbon treatments--one tied in a regular knot then the So Saffron ribbon wrapped around the card stock with a tab on the side.  Very cool!

Hope you all enjoyed a beautiful Easter day!  I spent it with some of my family--my husband's mom, our son Sean and our granddaughter Quinn.  We had wonderful food -- and dessert -- at the Cheesecake Factory!  Yummy!

Birthday Greetings from Aly

My daughter Aly is all about color!  And this card she gave me for my birthday is no exception!  I love how she uses an unexpected accessory like the Pumpkin Pie rick-rack from Ribbon Originals Pig Tails for a pop of color.  Isn't it a fun card?

Birthday Gift from Lena

I received this adorable purse mini scrapbook from my friend and downline team member, Lena Thompson.  Lena is so creative, and she is especially great with her 3D designs.  I don't know for sure how she made this, but I do know it uses the Carousel Notes found on pg. 157 of the new Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog. 

Here's the first view of this darling project.  The bottom folds in on itself so that you can put it in an envelope.

Here's the second picture with the purse opened up.

And here's the final picture.  You can see that the two scalloped circles have tabs on the sides and fit in each of the lt. and rt. pockets for a cute pull-out, interactive book.

You can also click on any view to see an enlarged picture.

Thanks for being so thoughtful, Lena.  You made my day!

Happy Birthday from Jen

This is the most amazing card!  I received it yesterday for my birthday from team member Jen Rios-Raner.  She is so talented!  Love the colors and the attention to detail.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today's my 51st birthday, and what a wonderful way to spend it!  I had a stamp camp this morning with 9 of my favorite people!  We had so much fun with the projects and it's always great to catch up on what everyone's been doing.

My daughter, Aly Schilling, was born on my birthday, so it's fun to share the day with her.  Now it's off to dinner with hubbie!

Here's a card that my friend Judy Christensen gave me today.  She used the retiring Level 3 Hostess stamp set Window Dressings.  I love how she "built" the house -- scallop edge punch for the roof and drawing lines for the clapboard.  Thanks for making my day, Judy!

The Final Group of Christmas Cards

I'm so sad to see the Christmas cards ending!  It has been so much fun getting the mail each day and seeing what new creations were awaiting me!  Here are the final few I'd like to share:

Here's a great card from team member Ann Wallawander of Buffalo, NY.  Ann used my very favorite designer paper this year--Ski Slope.  I'm really going to miss it!

Next is a FABULOUS card from team member Jen Rios-Rainer of Penn Yan, NY.  Isn't this just the cutest card you've ever seen!?  I love using a red bead for Rudolph's nose!

This one's from customer Sheila Bryan of Penn Yan, NY.  Sheila used the Simply Sent Card Elements to create this quick card.

The final card is from my daughter and "boss" Aly Schilling of Irondequoit, NY.  There's a bit of a story about this card.  I had just opened it and set it on the kitchen table as my husband was helping to dish up supper that night and my piece of pan fried Mahi Mahi ended up on Aly's gorgeous card.  Hence the grease marks on the top half of the card!  But I wanted to share it anyway because I love the way Aly used the Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware and an embossed darker piece of card stock to fit in the frame.  She also changed up the standard vanilla brads to gold ones to add a bit more contrast.  Love it!

Christmas Cards Galore!

Here's a great Christmas card designed by a customer, Marge Ellis, of Naples, New York.  Marge used Loads of Love to create this very cute card.

Next is a beautiful card by my little sister, Mary Masci, of Fountain Hills, AZ.  She considers herself a scrapbooker not a card maker, so I'm especially proud of her for designing this gorgeous card.  The stamped "sexy angel" image and the word "Believe" are embossed in copper.  She used Real Red, Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze.  Love the piece of double-sided satin ribbon.

Here's a pretty card from team member Debbie Rought of Middlesex, NY.  Debbie used the Big Shot and the Top Notz Die to cut out the Pacific Point card stock, then added it to Whisper White sponged with silver.

This is from team member Shelby Murphy, also of Middlesex, NY.  Love these darling little hedgehogs!

I'll finish up posting the rest of the Christmas cards I received tomorrow!  Stay tuned!

More Creative Christmas Cards

Here are some more wonderful hand stamped Christmas cards I've received.  It's so exciting getting the mail this time of year!

Here's a great one from team member Cheryl Holman of Middlesex, NY.  I like how she used the gel pen to add interest to the center of the poinsettia.

I love how team member Dawn Flammger (Buffalo, NY) used the Big Shot and the Top Notz die to cut vellum for her clever card.  Did you know that Stampin' Up! has approved over 50 different materials that you can cut with the Big Shot!

Sara Beechner's card is so clever.  She combined several different stamp set to come up with this terrific card.  Sara's a postal carrier in Middlesex, NY, so the mail box is so appropriate.  Thanks, Sara! 

This is from team member Fern Legters of Bloomfield, NY.  I love Fern's color scheme - the pointsettia stamped in Pink Pirouette behind "Christ is Born" is so pretty, and.  And she used a strip of gold card stock down the side with the Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon over it.  Love that touch!

What an Awesome Community!

I try to keep my blog a place for business, but sometimes the business overlaps the personal.  I received this very touching card yesterday from a dear stampin' friend, Judy Christensen. 

My beautiful 6-year-old golden retriever, Chez (pronounced "Shay"), was diagnosed in February with lymphoma, a very aggressive cancer of the lymphatic system.  The doctors felt she was in the late stages and would probably not survive only but a few weeks.

Chez has proven them wrong and is still with us!  I try not to think too far ahead and just enjoy one day at a time with her.  A couple of days ago, we took what I think will be her last walk in the woods.  She was very weak and exhausted from it. 

I share all of this with you to say that if it wasn't for stamping, I'd have never met Judy.  She has blessed my life in so many ways and at so many times.  But this card was the biggest blessing ever!  I received it the day after Chez had had such a hard time with her walk, and I really needed encouragement.  The inside of the card says "Find joy in the little things" and it was such a great reminder to me.  I don't know how long Chez has left with me, but Judy's card reminded me that each moment is a gift.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Judy!

In case you're wondering who Chez is, here is her latest picture.

Happy Easter from Lena

Just received this adorable Easter card from my team member Lena Thompson.  She used A Good Egg stamp set with Spring Fling designer paper.  To adhere the Dazzling Diamonds, she used a very thin layer of Crystal Effects.  That way, absolutely no glitter falls off the card.  My husband will love this! Thanks, Lena!