This IS Halloween! Everybody scream!

This morning I added a few new Halloween and Fall themed cards to my Avidly Stamping Etsy Shop and one of them has already been included in a treasury!

A big thank you to Melissa Ratner (heartwyre) for including my Silly Pumpkins Halloween Note Card in the This IS Halloween! Everybody scream! treasury!

Here is a closer look at my Silly Pumpkins Halloween Note Card:

This card and many other handcrafted goods are available in the Avidly Stamping Etsy Shop.  Check it out!

Special Order

A few weeks ago one of my customers contacted me and requested several custom mini-cards.  She puts them in her daughter's lunch box to let her know she is special and loved.  Isn't that sweet? My mom used to do that for me when I was a kid and I always loved finding those little surprises in my lunchbox.

My customer requested pink, turquoise, and anything with a Zebra/White Tiger print.  Here is what I came up with:

Aren't they adorable? My customer was thrilled with them and that made my day!

Mini-cards (3"x3") are available in sets of four and include envelopes for just $5 + S&H! If you'd like a set, custom made for you just email me at anglouise@gmail.com. They are a great way to show someone special that you care!

Falling For Fall

The warm weather the past week has made me long for fall.  I'm ready for the cooler weather, sweaters, soups, and cozy evenings on the couch.  To take my mind off of the heat I made two adorable fall-themed cards a couple of days ago. I'm looking forward to more fall themed projects, but I couldn't wait to share these cards with you!

Both of these cards are available in my Avidly Stamping Etsy Shop. For more info on these products (and many others) go to:

• Crazy Pumpkins Halloween Note Card
• A Time for Thanks Note Card

Please keep my paper goods in mind for the holidays! Gifts, favors, place-settings cards, invitations, Christmas, and holiday cards, etc. I love custom orders!

For My Navy Man

My hubbie has been asking for note cards for awhile.  As a manager he often comes across situations where a handwritten note is an appropriate gesture to thank someone for a job well done.

Recently I got my hands on a nautical themed stamp set and made a set of cards, just for him.

I really like how they turned out and loved using this stamp set and coordinating designer paper! I'm looking forward to making more nautical themed projects.

A few changes...

If you've visited my blog lately you may have noticed a few design changes and an absence of Stampin' Up! related advertising.  This is because I've come to the hard decision of ceasing to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  Its been hard to find new customers in the San Diego area and the economy has even my most faithful crafty customers holding their pocketbooks a bit tighter.

My Stampin' Up! website for customer orders will be available through September 14, 2011. After that you can contact me directly to place an order until October 31, 2011.

Although I won't be a demo much longer that doesn't mean I will stop crafting!  I will still have cute projects to share with you on this blog AND I still have my shop on Etsy if you like hand crafted things and feel like buying them instead of making them yourself.  I hope you stick around and see what I come up with next!

Elegant Glass Marble Magnets

Last week I decided to jump into a project that has been on my mind a long time - Glass Marble Magnets! I love the way they are turning out.  I did a photography set titled Sicilian Memories and they sold within minutes of blogging them! I have several other photography sets in mind, but for now I have a few patterned sets that are also really cute - and available for purchase in my Etsy Shop!

For more information these adorable magnets and how to purchase check out my Avidly Stamping Etsy Shop.  Here are links to each if the sets listed above:

• Elegant Red, Black and White Glass Marble Magnets
• Elegant Black and White Glass Marble Magnets

Each set of six magnets is only $10 + $3 S&H.  Please message me at anglouise@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like a set custom made in your favorite colors. They make great gifts or party favors!

Buy 3 Get 1 Free

 During August, get a FREE package of Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Designer Series Paper - a $10.95 value - when you buy three! Choose from a wide variety of designs and colors available in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog and 2011 Summer Mini Catalog.

Find a Designer Series Paper for every crafting occasion, every crafting project, and every creative mood.

Wild Women Italian Tile Coasters

I just posted another item in my Avidly Stamping Esty Shop - Wild Women Italian Tile Coasters!

The caption on each tile reads "Well-behaved women seldom make history. -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich". Each tile is hand stamped and tinted, coated with a matte lacquer to protect the image, and backed with cork to protect your furniture.

For more information on purchasing these awesome coasters ($15 + S&H) visit the Avidly Stamping Etsy Shop.

Violet Femmes

A big thank you to RainbowsnButtercups who featured my Elegant Purple Flower Flourish Italian Tile Coasters in her Etsy Violet Femmes Treasury!

 

To get a better look at my Elegant Purple Flower Flourish Italian Tile Coasters visit my Avidly Stamping Etsy Shop!

$99 Starter Kit + Free Project Kit!

Have you been thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator? If so, now is the time!

$99 Starter Kit + Free Project Kit!

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit—valued at $185—comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit—a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful—isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer.
Join Stampin' Up! in July and get brand-new products, including an exclusive project kit—all for just $99! Contact me to get started today.

New Catalogs!!

The new 2011-2012 Catalog is finally here!

I still have a few copies left ($5 for local pickup or $10 for delivery via USPS Priority) or you can download a free PDF copy here. Check it out today, there is so much fun new stuff!

June Stamp Class

For those of you weren't able to make it to my June Stamp Class here is a peek what you missed:

All of this cuteness was made using stamps that are retiring in just a few days!

A Little Old - A Little New

Yesterday a big brown truck dropped off a box of goodies including the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! catalog and my pre-order! One of the things in that box that I'm most excited about are the new In-Colors.

In keeping with the theme of showcasing Last Chance products I decided to share a cute 3x3 card set made using a retiring stamp set (A Flower for All Seasons, item #111592) and the NEW In-Colors.

In-Colors: Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade

In-Colors: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder

In-Colors: Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade

I hope you like them as much as I do!  I can't wait to make more projects with these fun colors!

So Many Thanks

Part of the preparation for my Stamp Class (June 20) has been going through my stamp sets and pulling all of the sets that are on the Last Chance List. I've decided to focus the class around a few of my favorites (hint: Cheers to You, item # 114944, p. 56; Cheep Talk, item # 113204, p. 120; Eastern Blooms, item # 111626, p. 112; and Define Your Life, item # 114950, p. 161).

In the class we'll only have time for three projects and I have eleven sets that are retiring, which means I'll be sharing some of my other favorites here on my blog before the class.

Today's card features So Many Thanks, item # 120173, p. 18.  If you like this stamp don't wait too long to purchase it!  Supplies are limited and this stamp retires on June 30, 2011.

June Stamp Class

Mark your calendars!  June 20, 2011, 6:30PM, my house!

Join me for an evening of crafting, friendship, and of course food and wine!  We will be making three different projects using Stampin' Up! products. The $10 materials fee can be waived with a $25 minimum purchase.

Please RSVP by June 18, 2011 to anglouise@gmail.com.  Feel free to invite friends, just include them in your RSVP.  Space is limited.

Also, if you'd like to bring a munchie or a beverage to share that would be great, although not required.

I hope you'll be there!

2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog Pre-Order

New Stampin' Up! Catalogs will be available July 1, 2011!!

Stampin' Up! usually sells their catalogs for $9.95 + shipping and tax, but if you purchase directly from me they are only $5 for local pickup or $10 shipped to you (in the US/APO/FPO) via USPS Priority.  Either way you save a few bucks!

If you'd like to reserve a copy please email me at anglouise@gmail.com.  Payment can be made via Paypal, Personal Check, and of course, cash. :)

Last Chance!

The Stampin' Up! Last Chance lists are out! The new Idea Book and Catalog comes out July 1, 2011, but until then you can purchase the stamps and accessories you love from the current catalog before they retire.  Supplies are limited so don't wait too long.

Download the last-chance stamps PDF
Download the last-chance Definitely Decorative PDF
Shop All Last Chance Products

And last but not least, don't forget to check out the Discounted Last Chance Products.  These are discounted up to 40% and will likely sell out first, so don't wait too long!

May Birthdays

There is never enough time to do all of the crafting I'd like to do...but I made time this month to make birthday cards for a few special people.  I love how they turned out and had to share!

Front: Happy Birthday

Inside: make a wish

Card Recipe (All Stampin' Up!)

Stamps: Create a Cupcake, Well Scripted, A Little Birthday Cheer
Inks: Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Delightful Daffodil
Papers: Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Accessories: Build-a-Cupcake Punch, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Sponges, Rich Razzleberry 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Front: Wish Big

Inside: Happy Birthday

Card Recipe (All Stampin' Up!)

Stamps: Word Play, A Little Birthday Cheer
Inks: Old Olive
Papers: Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Green Tea DSP
Accessories: Corner Rounding Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Basic Pearl Jewels, 1/2" Striped Old Olive Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin' Sponges

Front: Make a Wish

Inside: Happy Birthday

Card Recipe (All Stampin' Up!)

Stamps: A Little Birthday Cheer, Itty Bitty Bits
Inks: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red
Papers: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Newsprint DSP, Love Letter DSP
Accessories: 1 1/4" Square Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Pearl Jewels

I hope the intended recipients liked their cards!  Now, on to June birthdays...  :)

New Coaster Sets on Etsy!

I finally got around to pulling out my Italian tiles and making a few new coaster sets for my Etsy store!

Fit for a Queen Italian Tile Coasters

"Don't treat me any differently than you would a queen!"

Swaying Leaves Italian Tile Coasters

Adorable Owl Italian Tile Coasters

Each handmade coaster set is available for just $15 on Etsy so please stop by and check them out!  I also have several handmade cards and notebooks in my shop.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Custom Order Baby Card

Recently a friend asked me to make a gender neutral baby card for her.  I had a great time putting together a cute card that would be great for a baby boy or baby girl!

Front

Inside: Small Wonder

Envelope

Card Recipe (All Stampin' Up!)

Stamps: A Slice of Life, Whimsical Words
Inks: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Stampin' Write Markers in Certainly Celery and Daffodil Delight
Papers: Daffodil Delight, Presto Patterns DSP, Whisper White, Whisper White Envelope
Accessories: Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin' Sponges

April Birthday Cards

Leave it to me, the maker of cards, to make cards for special birthdays at the last minute..uff!  I got them done, though and am pretty pleased with the results. I played along with a couple of challenges for crafty inspiration.

The first card was inspired by a sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping Sketch #136.  Here is the sketch:

 

And here is my inerpretation:

Front

Inside

The second card was inspired by the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 113.  Here is the sketch:

And here is my interpretation:

Front

Details

Inside

I hope the intended recipients like them!

Customer Thank You Notes

Happy Friday!  I just wanted to take a moment to share the cute little cards I made for my customers in March:

Super simple, and very cute!  These 3"x3" note cards are made using Pacific Point card stock, Good Morning Sunshine DSP (retired) and Pacific Point ink.  The stamps are from Short & Sweet and Four Frames (available through this month's Spring is Blossoming promotion).

Have a wonderful weekend!

Spring is Blossoming!

I know I have been silent for a while - vacation with limited time to be on the computer will do that!  I'm back now, and playing catch-up.  Today I'd like to share a great sneak peek promotion that Stampin' Up! has right now, along with a simple but beautiful card I made from the products available through the promo.

Through April 30, 2011 you can purchase two Sneak Peek products that will be available in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! The Four Frames stamp set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper are my new favorites.

For more info on how to purchase this beautiful stamp set and gorgeous paper click over to my Promotions Page.

And now, a lovely card that I made with these products:

Front

Inside

Card Recipe (All Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Four Frames, Short & Sweet
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Stampin' Write Markers
Papers: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Paisley Petals DSP
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I do! If you have any questions about the Spring is Blossoming promotion or anything relating to Stampin' Up! please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sweet Card for a Sweet Friend

Now that her birthday has passed I want to share a cute card I made for a friend:

Front

Inside

So sweet and girly!  Perfect for my friend :)


Card Recipe (All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Create a Cupcake
Papers: Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Inks: Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, SNAIL Adhesive, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals