"Flooring" Technique Card

This is the last project I made for convention. I could not pass up sharing this card with you because I absolutely love this technique. I have to be honest I don't know what the actual name is, so I just call it flooring, don't you think that's what it looks like.

When I told you in a previous post that every project I did for convention used envelops, I wasn't kidding. The belly band on this card uses the 3/4" piece of the vanilla envelops I trimmed off of the my envelop card. I thought to myself, there has to be a way I can use that piece because I just couldn't bring myself to throw it away.

Anyhow, supplies and directions are below:

SUPPLIES
Stamp Sets: Seasonal Icons (hostess lv 3 bundle), Many Merry Messages;
Paper: Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze (new in-color), Holiday Happenings (DSP-Hostess lv 3 bundle);
Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, Versa Mark;
Misc: Scallop Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Snow Blossoms Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Soft Subtle Brads, Very Vanilla Medium Envelops, Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Clear Embossing Powder, Stampin Dimensionals, Heat Tool, Paper Trimmer (scoring blade), Snail Adhesive

DIRECTIONS:
*Take Very Vanilla Card Stock and stamp all the images you want.
*Then use your trimmer & scoring blade. Decide how far apart you would like your lines. I choose to go 1" side to side, then again top to bottom.
*Once all your lines are scored, take your VersaMark pad and ink the whole piece. I find it easiest to take the ink pad and apply it directly to the paper.
*Cover your inked paper with clear embossing powder (I mixed a little dazzling diamonds with the powder to give it a little sparkle).
*Use heat tool to melt the powder until it is clear

This is as simple as it gets! One reminder: Make sure you stamp everything before starting the process. Have fun with this technique!!

Envelop Card

Hey All! Okay I am working on more projects to share that are hand crafted with my own two hands. I wanted to first start with a card I made for convention. I LOVE envelops, which you will probably hear me say often. When I was making my swaps/projects for convention they all ended up being made with some sort of envelop. This is a basic, quick card that anyone can make. See supplies and details below:

Supplies: Stamp Sets: Enjoy Every Moment; Paper: Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, Bella Rose DSP; Ink: Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Pretty In Pink; Misc: 5-Petal Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin Dimensionals, Soft Subtle Brads, 1" Circle Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Snail Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Dazzling Diamonds, Med Vanilla Envelop, Non SU! (Stapler, Staples).




This Card is so simple to put together, see directions:

*Take Medium Envelop and seal (lick & stick)

*Cut 3/4" off one side

*Certainly Celery Piece (base card) measures: 4 1/4" x 6", stamp top and bottom with small flower. The top piece is just a small scrap piece of the designer series paper that I just stapled on.

*Cut Designer Series Paper (DSP): 4 3/8" x 2 1/4" , Stamp the side of your choice with Enjoy, with extra piece punch the 5-petal punch.


*For the covered "O" in the word Enjoy, you will punch the Pretty In Pink Circle with the 1" Circle Punch. Note: Before punching the certainly celery circle stamp a piece of scrap card stock with the "O" from Enjoy, then punch with the 3/4" circle punch. Then stamp the middle with the small flower stamp, adhere to bigger circle, put brad through both (use 1/16" handheld circle punch), and finally adhere to card with a Stampin Dimensional.


*Pretty much everything else is scraps... leaves are made with the 5-Petal Punch (you can get 2 1/2 cards with each punch).


*You will use the 1/2" Circle punch for the middle of the flower, stamp the small flower, then place a mini glue dot in the middle, dip in dazzling diamonds.


*I placed the ribbon on last, you just need two strips the length of the envelop.


I hope you enjoy making this card as much as I did!!

DOUBLE YOUR 15% SAVINGS NOW!!!

As of today we have ONE week left for you to take advantage of our Never-Before-Seen special, which runs until September 30th, click here to see the flyer. This is an exciting special where you get 15% off some of the new sets in the Idea Book & Catalog, no additional purchase necessary.

BONUS TIME FROM ME! If you place a $30 min merchandise order that includes atleast one of the stamp sets on sale between now and 5pm on Tuesday September 30th, I will give you an additional 15% off your total merchandise. Contact me today to place your order. Note: All orders will be shipped directly to you with a minimum shipping cost of $6.95.

Here are a few samples using the discounted sets:

11169o Snow Swirled $21.21 (Sale Price), By Glenda Travelstead

By: Shelly May

111586 It's a Stretch $20.36 (Sale Price)
111544 Putt Putt $21.21 (Sale Price)

111626 Eastern Blooms $18.66 (Sale Price), By Cindy Terrano By Wanda Williams
111672 Pocket Silhouettes $16.11 (Sale Price), By Terri Finley
By Lihn Walker
111710 Upsy Daisy $16.11 (Sale Price), By Kelli Metzler

By Barb Coblentz

111556 Under the Stars $25.46 (Sale Price), By Jill Raudensky

111644 Heard from the Heart $19.51 (Sale Price), By Linda Bartolucci

111570 Contempo Alphabet $34. (Sale Price)
109381 Felicidades Siempre*$15.26 (Sale Price)
*From Celebrando Creatividad

Margo Kelly- Set 2 of Top 15!

Guess who?! Enjoy this second set of my top 15 swaps. I have to admit I liked way more than 15, but it would take forever to post every last one of the swaps I received. So, if you are part of my team or attend an event with me over the next couple months you will see lots more!! Here are the next eight...

Just in time for the holidays! This card uses our new Big Shot with the Snowflake Die. By: Andrea Leeds (Two Cool Dudes)

This is a set we received at convention that I am totally falling in love with. By Janet Elam (Inspired by Nature)

I hate to admit this, but when I got this swap I thought where is that set from, I know you probably think I have the catalog memorized, but just like most of you I notice new things everytime I look at it. By the way this set is way cool! By Alana Krull (Puns from the Past)

Love this bold color, and who doesn't love the colors of fall? By Sharon Graham (Harvest Home). Click her name to check out her blog. This was my first time on it and let me tell you there are some very cute ideas.

I saw this card in the box and it just made me happy! If I had to pick a favorite swap, this just might be it. By Christina Crawford (Organic Outlines)

Pretty... By Tammy Martin (Inspired by Nature)

This card would be right up there as one of my favorites. By Amanda Coughlin (Upsy Daisy-this set is part of the Never Seen Before Special going on until the end of the month)

Neat Card, it uses our NEW Big Shot Machine. By Nicole Gunter (Fresh Cut & Big Shot)

Margo Kelly Swap- The Fun Begins!!

Howdy! I've been having so much fun going through my swaps, taking pictures, and getting them ready to share with all of you. I tried to pick my favorite 10, and well I just couldn't do anything less than 15, so today and tomorrow you will be seeing my top 15, they're in no particular order because that would be WAY to hard. I hope you enjoy these first seven and leave the blog inspired!!

I am not a huge Halloween fan, but I just love this card. By Joyce Feraco (Grand Soiree)

Don't you just love these colors together?!

By Cindy Russell (A Flower for All Seasons)

I love the simplicity of this card.

By Lori Bowerman (Starring You)

Beautiful, need I say more?!
By Linda Payne (Inspired by Nature)

Gotta love the Red Glitter shoes, I think I have a little Dorothy in me...he he! By Julie Alberda (Humor In Heels)

I am always on the search for masculine cards!

By Mary Polcin (Nature's Silhouettes)

Cute and done by none other than my sister-in-law! by Erin Blair (Bella's Bloom). Click on her name and check out her creative blog!

Margo Kelly Card Swap!

Okay are you ready for creativity overload...? I just received a box full of 99 Oh So creative and fantastic swaps. It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you open a box of this magnitude... he he he! There are way to many to post on the blog, so over the next few days I will be posting my favorites... First up, here is an official look at my swap!! I used almost a whole pack of Rainbow Sherbet DSP, so below you will find 5 of the designs that come in that paper pack. What you might not notice is the glitter on center circles & top of the cupcake...anyone who knows me, knows I come equipped with dazzling diamonds!! Remember this is only the beginning, so if you are not already signed up to have my blog posts sent directly to your email inbox, then you better check back often...

MY SWAP SUPPLY LIST: Stamp Set: Party Hearty; Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Green Galore, Basic Black, Rainbow Sherbet DSP; Ink: VersaMark, Tempting Turquoise; Misc: Word Window Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Bold Bright Brads, White Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Snail Adhesive, Green Galore & Tempting Turquoise Stampin Write Markers, Stampin Dimensionals

Convention Meeting Demonstration!!

When my upline Mimi Henwood asked if I would demonstrate at our group meeting during this past convention, I was really tentative about doing it. After thinking about it and with a little encouragement from Mimi I thought it was time to step outside my box and go for it. At first I had a card I thought I would demonstrate, but then I had wild hair idea at 10pm the night before I left for convention to do something different...yes you're reading that time frame right. So, after trying to explain it to my husband who thought I was a little nuts, I went to town. I had it created in about 30 minutes! Have you ever had those moments when your vision becomes reality, exactly as you pictured it?! This would be one of those moments!!

This would be such a great gift for someone with pictures or pictures ready.. See my supply list, pictures, and some measurements/directions below:

Supply List:
Stamp Set: Defining Alphabet; Paper: Riding Hood Red (New In Color), Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Bella Rose DSP; Ink: Whisper White Craft; Extras: 1/4" Always Artichoke Grosrgrain Ribbon, Rich Regal Brads, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Translucent Envelops, Basic black Stampin Write Journaler, Snail Adhesive, Sticky Strip, 1/2 sheet of cardboard backing from a 12x12 DSP paper pack. Sorry cute kid not included!!

Measurements/Directions:

*Outside (Base) 2 sheets Always Artichoke each measuring 6x10. Score them both at 6".

*Take the 1/2 sheet of card board (5 3/4" x 9 3/4") and place stick strip on the front and back around the outside of the piece. Adhere this to a side of one piece of the Artichoke, then place 1 side of the other piece of artichoke over it creating a sandwich with the cardboard in between creating a tri-fold..

*Inside the tri-fold cut and adhere your 2 pieces of designer series paper (DSP), both measure 5" x 9 1/2", so there will be a little overlap. Note: It is easiest to adhere to the outside edge first the fold the flap in to adhere the rest, otherwise you might get wrinkles.

*The Mid-section piece measures 1 3/4" x 9 1/2", cut and adhere

*Now for the base the pictures sit on, each solid card stock size is 5" x 9 1/2", and the whisper white title piece measures 5" x 1/2".

*For the fun part...it is time to adhere your translucent envelops.. I used 5 envelops per section, but you can squeeze in more. If you want even more you can always use the full size of the 12x12 paper. I have found that you will get a more balanced look if you first place the top envelop on then the bottom and build the middle. If you are not as particular do it anyway you would like. These adhere by pulling off the piece just as if you were going to seal it. So, peal that off and place the envelop adhesive side down, you will put the picture in from the back. Note: Make sure all your envelops are down before putting your header pieces on!!

*Now, onto the front. This is really easy, I will just give you the quick measurements: Title Pieces: Riding Hood Red (1"x5") & Whisper White (1 1/4"x5 1/2"); Picture Matte: Picture 4"x6", Riding Hood Red 4 1/4"x 6 1/4", Whisper White 4 1/2"x6 1/2", Bella Rose DSP 8"x5", and Whisper White 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". To top it off tie on a piece of Always Artichoke grosgrain ribbon.

I hope this is clearer than mud for you. If you have any questions just let me know and I will help you through!! I hope you LOVE this as much as I do... Every once and awhile I come up with something that I am just in love with and this would definitely fall in that category. This project was also entered into the WOW category for Stampin Up!'s September contest.

ONLINE ORDERING HERE!!

I don't know about you but I do my best shopping in my PJs at 1 in the morning. Well, now you can shop at Stampin' Up at 1 in the morning in your PJs or at 2 in the afternoon in your workout clothes (yeah, right!!). Online Ordering is here!! We have been begging Stampin' Up to give us demos this feature for a while now and being the good company that they are, we've now stepped into the 21st Century.

Wanna shop right now? Just click HERE or on the link to my Stampin' Up Business Website (DBWS) link to the left of this post under My Places. At the top of that page is a "Shop Now" button (appropriately named--doncha think?) this will take you to the online ordering site. Everyone will have to register as a new customer the first time they place an order, but if you're just browsing it's not required.

There's more...I know, I know... you can't stand it! Just wait. When you get to the online catalog, one of the category choices is Browse Projects. When you click on this it will take you to a gallery of cute project ideas. Then when you select one to view it will take you to a page like this where you can view all the items needed to make that project. You can basically make one click and all the items will be on their way to you! How cool is that? If you already have some of the items just deselect them and get the others. AWESOME!!

The BEST part of this new feature is that when you order, you still get all the benefits of ordering directly from me. Including hostess benefits! For orders totally $150 or more, all the regular hostess set levels and hostess dollars apply. The system will prompt you to select your free stuff automatically when you reach that level--you won't have to think about it. Stampin Up will send me an email about your order so that I can follow up to make sure you're completely happy with your new toys ( and most importantly send you a thank you card!).

One caveat: in order for me to get the credit for your order, you'll need to make sure that you link to the online ordering site from my DBWS and not the Stampin' Up customer homepage.

What are you waiting for? Go check it out! The projects are gorgeous! :)~
Christie

PS...I borrowed this wonderful wording from my upline and sister-in-law, Erin Blair. Why reinvent the wheel, right?! Click on her name to see her awesome blog!!

Wallet Sized Scrapbook!!

I was flipping through the pictures in my wallet a few months ago, when I got frustrated at how easy those little wallet picture holders rip, so I thought to myself...hmmmm... what I can I do?! So, the product of that deep thought moment is to the left. Now your wallet sized pictures can have a mini scrapbook of their own!!

I am also spreading my wings this Stampin Up! year as I have vowed to enter their monthly contests at least once a quarter. Well, quarter one down, I actually entered two categories for September. This first post was entered in the Rub It On Category. Note: For those of you who attended Convention, you will recognize this one...I just added rub-ons so I could enter a specific category!

See the details of how I made this, supply list, and of course more pictures below...

Supplies

Stamp Sets: Define Your Life, Defining Alphabet; Paper: Bella Rose DSP (Designer Series Paper), Riding Hood Red Card Stock, Old Olive Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock; Ink Pad: Riding Hood Red; Extras: Gold Brads, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 2 Translucent Envelopes, Red Gingham Ribbon, 1/8" Handheld Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Snail Adhesive, A Perfect Day & Anchored Rub-On

Basic Measurements: Base: 7 1/2" x 4 1/2" (score at 3 1/4" & 6 3/4"), Pages: 4 1/4" x 2 1/2", and the page protectors are our translucent envelops. To create the page protectors cut the flap off the top then flip the envelop, measure to 5 1/2 and trim off the bottom. This creates an opening on the top and bottom. Fold envelop in half which creates two page protectors for each envelop you use. Once folded use your 1/8" handheld circle punch to punch 2 holes in the crease, one at the top and bottom. This will be where the ribbon ties through to hold you book together. See the pictures and let me know if you have any questions.

SWAP EXCITEMENT!!

I am currently finishing 100 swaps, which I working hard to finish and to have mailed out by tomorrow night. I am one to completely over do it when it comes to creating a project, I just can't help myself. The swap I am working on (sneak peak to the side) started out with about 3 layers and as I was tweaking it, it ended up with 8 layers...yes... EIGHT!! What am I thinking?!

I just couldn't pass up participating in this swap because I know the quality of swaps I'll get in return will be amazing!! I will post my full sample and some of my favorites from the swap when they arrive later this month, so stay tuned!!

"SWEET" SWAPS

Hello Again, guess who?! One of my favorite parts about attending a Stampin Up! event is the SWAPS & the overload of creativity!! Even thought I didn't get all of mine swapped, which I can't believe I'm admitting, I still received so many wonderful ideas that I can't wait to get starting making. So, this is your first installment of my convention swaps! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!




This was made by Michelle Chesser, one of my amazing team members. One my favorite things about this is the Popsicle stick slides up and down! Don't you think this is a cute idea?!

This very adorable sweet treat, was made by my sister-in-law and upline Erin Blair. This is the gift she gave to her downline. It is so cute, I don't think I could ever eat the chocolate, it would mess up the color combination. Please take a moment to check out her blog it is awesome! Just click on her name and and your creative senses will overflow with joy!!

Two more cute Sweet Treat Swaps (no names listed, or I would definitely give credit)!

$DOLLAR$ Inspiration!

For those of you who know me, know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a good Dollar store. I try to take a monthly trip to Dollar Tree/Deals, stop by the Target $1 bins whenever possible, and there is this wonderful little hole in the wall store in Davenport, IA called Super $1 Store that rocks. It looks like a junk store, but oh it has so many treasures. Over time you will see the benefits of my Dollar store obsession!! We all get inspired somewhere, this just happens to be where I do! Enjoy the first few items:

I got this cute bags from the Deals (Like Dollar Tree) for my Convention Roommates & stamp friends. It came in several colors and I filled them with snacks.

The below picture shows an up close shot of the chipboard letters I inked with Craft ink, then used Heat & Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds on. Each bag used the first letter of the persons name and they were inked to coordinate with each bag of course. Behind the letter is a little key chain mint container, which I also got from Deals (3 to a pack). All I did with this is print the Convention Theme on a 2x4 label, stamped, and used our Coluzzle to cut it out. Simple, HUH?!



Cheese Board (Target $1 bins)

Journal (Dollar Tree)

Piggy Bank (Deals)-decorated with Rub-Ons

Like I said earlier there is so many more projects where these came from, I am Queen of the Dollar Stores/Bins. So, watch out and start saving those $1 bills because I know you'll want to check out your local stores!!

Note: Projects will be posted slowly but surely over time as I need to work on updating them with our current products! These are just to give you a sample of what is to come!!