25th Anniversary RemARKable Blog Tour - Best of Flowers

 

Welcome to the RemARKable 25 Years with Stampin' Up! Blog Tour!  This month the RemARKables are showcasing March's theme "Best of Flowers."  You may have arrived here from Jackie Bottomley's blog.  I love how she used this set!  Here's the card I made:

This card is really clean and simple.  I fashioned it after this one.  I ran the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder through the Big Shot twice so that I had the space to stamp the sentiment.  I'm sure going to miss Regal Rose!  It's one of the colors retiring at the end of May. Let me know what you think of this card. I'd love to hear your input.

My original plan was to create at least three cards for this post.  However, over the last few weeks we've been having some issues in our family that have taken away some of my stamping time.    Prayers would be appreciated.

Next up on the RemARKable tour is Tamra Davis.  You can click the image below or go to http://thecardladies.com to see what goodies she has created for you.

Here's a list of all participants in case you want to check back on some of their projects:

Nancy Amato  - http://stampinallnight.blogspot.com
Linda Bartolucci - http://www.inkstampandscrap.com/
Ingrid Blackburn -http://TheCreativeGrove.com
Melissa Bolinger -  www.stampinup.net/blog/2089191
Jackie Bottomley  - jackiebottomley.blogspot.com
Susan Carlson - http://stampinmomoffour.blogspot.com

Tamra Davis -  www.thecardladies.com
Connie Deibler - www.conniestamps.com 
Sherri Eddleblute - http://www.sweetestdesigns.blogspot.com/ 
Lynn Embrey - http://www.possibilitiestamperstudio.com/
Becky Evans - www.alwayshappystampin.com
Kathy Hamrick - http://www.countryroads.typepad.com/

Crystal Kondo -  www.card-ed.com
Deb Lehigh  - http://thestampinhut.typepad.com/
Debbie Lever - www.debbiescreativespot.blogspot.com
Anne Matasci -www.MauiStamper.wordpress.com
Robin Merriman - http://www.trinitydesignstudio.blogspot.com
Andi Potler - http://www.absolutekreations.com
Michele Reynolds - http://www.inspirationink.typepad.com
Sharon Tisdale -  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/coveredbridgesstamper/blog
Janet Wakeland - http://wp.me/pHIQD-4P4

Happy Stamping!

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25th Anniversary Blog Tour - Best of Birthdays

Welcome to the RemARKable 25 Years with Stampin' Up! Blog Tour!  You may have arrived here from Lee Bradford's blog.  What a great job she did with her projects!

When Stampin' Up! announced at the Leadership Conference about the "Best of 25 Years" stamp sets, I got really excited!  As part of their 25-year anniversary celebration, they're bringing back some favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013. Along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image!

January's theme is "Best of Birthdays."  I've made three projects with this stamp set.  Here's the first one:

I used one of the shapes from the Apothecary Framelits to create a layered look.  See here how I did it.

Here's the second one:

This last one is a copy of one that we saw demonstrated at Leadership.  I used it in my stamp clubs this month.  Our theme for the month was "tools."  I changed things up a bit from the original card and used my Color Spritzer tool to add some splashes of Garden Green.

Here's a closer look.

 

I'll be glad to answer any questions about my projects.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.  Next up is the uber-talented Tamra Davis of http://www.thecardladies.com/.  Click on her link or on the image below to see her creations:

Happy Stamping!

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Birthday Bash Card #2

Hello, here's the next card I created for my Birthday Bash Stamp Camp. Like the card in my last post, it's gender-neutral and can be given to just about anyone.

This card  needed just a little more details to liven it up.  A few polka dots and some sponging did the trick!

I cased this card from fellow demonstrator Jenny Peterson.  How do you like it?  The ladies made a real mess of my carpet with all of the confetti pieces from the cupcake builder punch - nothing that my vacuum cleaner couldn't handle.  Maybe I should call it, "A mess with a purpose!"
  
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set - retiring on May 31st!), Create a Cupcake
Paper: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Subtles Patterned Designer Series Paper
Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot, Circles #2 die, Perfect Polka Dots tiff, 1 3/4" Circle punch, Cupcake Builder punch, Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon

Happy Stamping!

Susan

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Imagine The Possibilities!

So far, I've had a great Sale-a-Bration sales period.  We've still got a month left.  The stamp set, Fresh Vintage, is one that I've used for several projects.  I am certainly going to miss it once SAB is over!




I have to admit that the art piece for this card sat on my UFO (unfinished objects) pile for several weeks.  I had plans for it, but then several workshops and stamp camps got in my way - and the card just went to the back burner.  I colored the stamp with Lucky Limeade, Marina Mist, and Island Indigo markers, then stamped it onto Very Vanilla card stock and cut it with our new Labels Framelits die.  There it sat.

Fast forward to LeeAnn Greff's brilliant blog post. She's got a great photo tutorial on how to create this fabulously folded card.  Here's my version:

The card is closed in this photo.

Here is the card in the open position:

And here is the inside.  This card is going to a special lady who joined my team this week. Congrats, Lynn!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (you can get this stamp set for free with a $50 purchase!), Word Play
Paper: Very Vanilla, Island Indigo, Everyday Enchantment designer series paper (you can get this dsp for free with a $50 purchase!)
Ink: Lucky Limeade, markers: Luck Limeade, Marina Mist, Island Indigo
Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits die, Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon

Happy Stamping!

Susan

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Pennant Parade Day 4

Wow!  What HOT, HOT, HOT weather we're having in northwest PA today.  My thermometer read 97.8 in the shade around 3:30 pm this afternoon.  And it's super humid, too.  I spent several hours outside at a vendor fair as part of the Oil Heritage Festival activities.  My husband Randy stayed with me most of the time for moral (and hydrational!) support.

Here's yet another card that I created for my Open House:

This card uses several new in colors.  I kinda like it.  But I have to admit that I probably won't be making another one just like it.  Getting those pennants to hang just right on that baker's twine took a little longer than expected.  But I do like the final product : )

Stamps:  Pennant Parade
Paper: Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, First Edition designer series paper
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder
Accessories: Petite Pennants Builder punch, Lace Ribbon Border punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots ef, Basic Rhinestones, Brights brads, White Baker's Twine, 1/16" hold punch

Happy Stamping!

Susan

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Proud Little League Mom - and a card

What a whirlwind weekend!  Bradley's little league baseball team played in the Memorial Day tournament.  Five games in four days - They had their ups and downs, but these boys came out the champions!!! 

 Bradley is the second from the left on the bottom row.

I just happen to have a "Congratulations" card read to go here. Ironically, it kinda matches the team colors.  So I'll share it now.

Stamps:  Swirls & Curls Verses
Paper: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Greenhouse Gala, Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Little Leaves sizzlets die, Blossom Bouquet punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Brights brads, dimensionals

Happy Stamping!

Susan

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A (Belated) Mother's Day Card

Here's the card that I made my mom for Mother's Day.  I did give it to her on time, just didn't have time to post it (and Blogger was on the fritz for a day or two).

I used my bone folder to add veins in the petals and leaves.  The large petals are Pretty in Pink and the small petals are So Saffron all sponged with Rich Razzleberry ink.  The center of the flower and the small petals are dotted with a Crumb Cake marker.

We had some great weather for a day or two.  Now it's going to rain all weekend.  Bradley was supposed to have a game this evening.  I'm just waiting for the coach to call and cancel it.  I've already heard from more than one kid, "Mom, I'm bored!  What's there to do?"  My stadard answer is, "Clean your room!"  Somehow they always find something else to occupy their time.  Maybe we'll find a good movie to watch.  I'm gonna try and get some stamping done.

Stamps: Something to Celebrate (retired)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Blossom Petals punch

Happy Stamping!

Susan

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Another SUO Challenge - Butterflies!

I created this card for the SUO Challenge.  Even though it doesn't have any stamping on it, I still like it:

I tied the ribbon using the stay put bow method.  (My ribbon was not cooperating while I took this photo because it's crooked, LOL!)

Stamps: none
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery
Ink: none
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder. Beautiful Wings embosslits die, Little Leaves sizzlits die, Crop-a-Dile, two-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Here's a partial re-cap of the happenings in Carlson household this past week:

Annika celebrated her ninth birthday with a homemade strawberry dream cake.  This cake was a real labor of love and was worth every minute I spent on it.  I got the recipe from Cook's Country magazine.

 

Dide celebrated her sixth birthday with a red velvet cake. I used the giant cupcake pan again.  After it was frosted, the cake looked nothing like a cupcake.  But it sure tasted good.

Here's one of the owl cupcakes that Dide shared with her kindergarten class.  Since the 'eyes' were so wide, it took three containers to get all of them to school.

I was planning on chilling out today, but Bradley is home sick with a stomach ache.  My Monday routine is a bit off and it's bothering me.  Bradley will be missing his baseball game tonight.  I'll be attending the Girl Scout Mother-Daughter Tea.

Happy Stamping!
Susan

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Blossom Petals Thinking of You Card

I've had so much fun playing with the new Blossom Petals punch and coordinating stamp set.  I just can't get enough of them.  I designed a card-making class that uses the punch.  Even after finding all the ideas for those cards, I keep coming up with more ideas.  This one is a keeper:

This card is for my friend Barb who is recovering from knee replacement surgery.  While she was in surgery the doctors found an infection.  So they had to put in a temporary knee and let the infection heal.  In several weeks after the infection has cleared Barb will get her new knee.  I'm praying for her complete recovery.

The design for this card came from Dawn Griffith's blog.  I changed up the embossing folder, added the scallop trim border punch, and used a different sentiment.

Stamps: Build a Blossom, Trendy Trees
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Springtime Vintage designer series paper
Ink: Baja Breeze
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Scallop Trim Border punch, Blossom petals punch, 1/2" circle punch, dimensionals, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds

My kids were occupied long enough this afternoon that I made several of these cards.  I changed the sentiment to one from the new stamp set Bring on the Cake that says, "Not just a year older, but a year better." I sent that to two of my customers, Kim and Sally, who are having birthdays this week.  Happy birthday, ladies!

Happy stamping!

Susan

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Beary Birthday Card

This card was made using my new Create a Cupcake stamp set and the Build a Cupcake punch.  I entitled this post "Beary Birthday" because I used the Build-a-Bear Pawsitively Prints II designer series paper that coordinates with all of the Build-a-Bear items.  The colors are bright and cheery.  Just what we need to welcome spring to this cold and dreary northwestern PA.

All I had to do was choose a few coordinating colors from the dsp and I was in business.  The opposite side of the flowered paper is a Poppy Parade and Whisper White checkered pattern. So, this card could easily be made into a "boy" card.  Can  you see the glitter on the frosting?  Next time I make a similar card I'll make the Whisper White piece a bit smaller.

Stamps: Create a Cupcake
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Build-a-Bear Pawsitively Prints II designer series paper
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Build a Cupcake punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions folder, Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Stampin' dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig

My five year-old daughter Dide had a birthday party to attend last Saturday.  I suggested that she send the above card to her friend.  However, she insisted that she make her own card. I was okay with that.  She used some scraps that I had on my work table.  Here's how it turned out:

Can you guess what items were scraps? I'm so glad that I let my daughter do her own creating. She was so proud of her work.  Should've gotten a picture of her holding it.

Okay, last night was a busy night.  Annika had to be at Girl Scouts at 5:00 pm.  As soon as I dropped her off, I drove to Marcey's house to close out her workshop.  This meant that I had to have supper ready before 5:00 pm.  This was so that Annika could eat supper and the rest of my family could eat while I was gone.  Dide and Clarice ended up going with me.  Marcey has daughters that they played with.   It takes planning, but I try to put my family ahead of my Stampin' Up! business.

Right before I left Marcey's house to come home I called Randy and asked if he had eaten supper.  He then told me that he went to Subway because he "didn't feel like eating chicken."  Apparently he had eaten chicken at lunch time while at an out-of-town meeting.  And because I took the girls with me and Bradley was off playing with friends, Randy was home alone to do what he wanted for dinner.  Of course, I was a little hurt by his actions.  I worked hard to make homemade macaroni and cheese and baked chicken breasts - and have it ready to eat on time. 

In reality I know that Randy appreciates me.  But now that I'm writing about this incident, maybe I'm not completely "over" the incident.  The two of us ate chicken salad sandwiches and soup for lunch today.  And guess what we're having for dinner tonight - chicken!  I think chicken - in one form or another - will be on the menu for the next few nights.  Tonight is garlic/balsamic marinated chicken. ...  Let's think -- grilled chicken, chicken and dumplings, chicken a-la king, fried chicken, chicken pot pie, chicken soup, coconut chicken, chicken fingers, baked chicken, .... 

Okay, I hope you all understand that I'm writing this all out of fun.  But I am serious about serving chicken for a few more nights  ; ) 

Happy stamping!

Susan

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Big Cupcake

Have you ever seen the commercial for the giant cupcake pan?  Well, I think it looks so cute.  I found one of the pans marked half off at CVS a few days ago. To make things a better deal, I had a $5 off coupon.  So I paid $5 for it.  Gotta love that : )  When I brought the pan home on Monday I didn't feel well.  After all, the reason I was at CVS was to pick up prescriptions for myself.  I have some kind of upper respiratory/sinus infection.  Moms aren't allowed to be sick - ever!  The doctor even prescribed some antibiotic ointment for my eyes because they were all red.  I'm trying to use it, but it's really difficult to function when you can't see.  Since I'm a mom, I have to take care of myself -- and sick eyes don't feel good either.  (That reminds me, I haven't use the ointment yet today.)

Yesterday right before my kids got home from school, Clarice said, "Let's make tuptakes, Mommy!"  I asked, "Do you want to make little cupcakes or one big cupcake?" She said, "One big one!"  So I got the pan out and gave it a try. We used a confetti cake mix.  I thought I greased up the pan enough, but some of it stuck inside the pan. You can't tell the difference once it's been frosted.

 

Look how quick Clarice is in sneaking a lick!  (Actually, Randy had the wrong setting on the camera, but I thought it looked funny!)



We let her do it again so we could get a "proper" photo.

By the way, the cupcake cake was just for our family. That's why we allowed the licks.


Annika's best friend Sophie is turning eight today.  Annika reminded me that I needed to make a card.  But since I spent half the night making the big cupcake, I didn't cook dinner OR make Sophie's card.   At the not-so-bright and early time of 5:32 am the phone rang. It was a recorded message from the school superintendent announcing a two-hour delay because of snowy and icy conditions.  After shoveling snow for a half hour, I still had plenty of time to make a card.  And here it is:

I used some new products from the Occasions Mini catalog - the Create a Cupcake stamp set and the Build a Cupcake punch.  The pretty in pink taffeta ribbon was tied using the fork bow method that I saw on Diana Gibbs's blog.  (I should've straightened the bow a bit before taking the photo. It really did turn out cute!)  Annika was really impressed with the fork bow.  I used a serving sized fork to tie it and joked to her that I should keep the fork in my stampin' studio.  She wants me to tie A LOT of bows for her after she gets home from school - in every color! It's hard to tell from the photo, but I added dazzling diamonds to the "frosting."  I told Annika have Sophie show the card to everyone at school.  Maybe I'll get some workshops scheduled. You never know :  ) 

Happy birthday, Sophie!!!

Stamps:  create a cupcake

Ink:  early espresso, pretty in pink

Paper:  whisper white, pretty in pink, crumb cake, early espresso

Accessories:  pretty in pink taffeta ribbon, build a cupcake punch, big shot, polka dot embossing folder, dazzling diamonds, glue dot

Happy Stamping!

Susan

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