A few more of the stamp room changes

A lot of tweeking yet to do, but it is coming together. I added a short 4 ft. table at the end of my long 8 foot table, it gives me a bit more work space. I am going to leave my cutters on this new end so they are always within reach. 

 I want to do something with photographs above the couch, just not sure what yet. I am also planning to figure out how to cut vinyl with my cricut, so I can add a quote or something in this area too.

Hoping to get some scrapbooking done next weekend, so this area will get some much needed organizing. I am pretty new to the scrapbooking, but definitely getting into it. The last time I was at PDL I scrapbooked almost the entire time. Yeah!!  

My sewing area needs help!

My little helper got tired tonight waiting for me to finish. I have a new cozy spot for her to use, but it got too cozy and she fell asleep. 

Stamp room updates

We are getting some new custom kitchen cabinets installed soon.  They are just in addition to what we already have. I had a bit of counter top envy when I was down at my SIL's house after she remodeled her kitchen. Oh the counter space she has, it's just awesome!!  It got me to wondering if there would be any way to make more counter space in our kitchen. It is a galley style--counters on either side, open in the middle. I will post more on this project when the cabinets are actually installed in about a month. They are in my garage awaiting paint.

On to how this affects my stamp room--I had a vintage hutch in my kitchen, now it's in my stamp room. This is how it looked in my kitchen at Christmas:

This is how it looks in my stamp room:

Stamp Club--first meeting

I have had a Stamp Club since I began my SU! career about 13 years ago. At one point, I even had two groups. Some people have stayed, some have moved on, some have gone and then come back again. It's more of a social night of catching up and comparing creative notes. For some of us, this is the only time we see each other. We meet every other month and try to keep the time to a bit more than an hour. I don't know how I would've been able to stay a demonstrator if not for my clubs. So to the old and the new--THANK YOU!!!  I appreciate ever order, big or small.

My newest group starts tonight and so I thought I would show a preview of what we will be making.

I thought this was a fun masculine birthday card along with a special treat for my club girls. I got truffles from Trader Joe's last week as well as some salted caramels from Hurd's Mercantile. Yum!

Here is a card that was inspired from attending a SU! regional training event over in Seattle a few months ago. I'd forgotten about it, but came across my notes when I was cleaning this last weekend. I  heat embossed and water-colored these two cards. 

first day of Spring

Still catching up from being out of town for four days over last weekend. We had so much fun in Anacortes, Bow, Arlington and Everett visiting friends and family.

Thanks to Merry Cellars for giving us a great reason to make the trip.

Today the weather is out of control--so fitting for the first day of spring. I just texted the hubby to turn on the heat in my stamp room as I have a LOT of stuff to work on tonight. Gonna be a late one. . .

Here is a link to inspire your spring decor from the SU blog:

It looked to be very easy with just a few supplies. 

Hoping I don't get sidetracked tonight and make one for myself. 

Spring Suprise Promotion

Spring is definitely in the air, and we can’t wait to show you all the new products in the 2013–2014 annual catalog. Here’s your pre-sneak peek look at the A Round Array Stamp Set!

From March 15 through May 30, it's been bundled with the coordinating 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch (introduced in the 2013 spring catalog)! 

Bundle Spring Surprise Bundle*  #133899 $23.95

Already have the punch and just want to buy the stamp set?  You’re in luck!,  A Round Array Stamp set  #129090 $14.95 (Only offered in clear-mount. Wood-mount option will be available during the 2013–2014 annual catalog.)

I have already ordered this set for my collection--my favorite thing of all is coordinated sets and punches from SU!

off to Anacortes

We are leaving today for the coast. Anacortes tonight to stay with friends. I am so looking forward to pouring at a wine tasting WSU fundraiser tomorrow afternoon for Merry Cellars Winery.

Cougars, Kittens, and Cabernet Wine Tasting Event 

(and meet Cougar great Drew Bledsoe!)

Saturday, May 16th from 1-5

Port of Anacortes

Ears to You . . .

This card was made using one of the new single stamps available from SU. 

It is called "Ears to You" and can be ordered on my SU website. 

I will definitely be using this image a few more times before Easter. 

This particular stamp is only available until March 31, 2013. 

End of Sale-A-Bration

I can't believe SAB ends on March 22, only 10 more days. It always goes by so fast. Getting all the wonderful FREE stuff is just such a fun way to start off the new year. 

This card was made using the wonderful Sycamore Street DSP only available during SAB. This card was CASE'd from Mary Fish on her Stamping Pretty blog

These were the quickest 3x3 cards ever. I made them upon my arrival at PDL right after I unpacked my stuff. I needed to make something quick to get in the mood and get some ink on my fingers. 

a card for Emily

Thanks to Patty Snyder for bringing this stamp set to PDL last weekend. It is a hostess set that we could preorder last summer before the new catalog came out. Emily recently downloaded an app on her ipod that she can make her own "keep calm and " pics. She has made some really cute ones. I wrote her a little note in this one yesterday and left it for her to find when she got home from school. She is an amazing little lady and thought I should let her know. 

back to reality

I got back from PDL yesterday afternoon, unpacked everything and put it all away. I was feeling pretty good about what I had accomplished until I realized hubby hadn't changed the time on the clock in my craft room yet and I was an hour later in my day. Bummer!

I spent most of the four days scrapbooking, something I rarely do. I realized as I did kept borrowing things from other veteran scrapbookers, that I need to re-assess my supplies. I use a LOT more 12x12 paper and I need more color choices as you never know what will work until you get your photos out on your base layout. I like very simple layouts that make the pictures the main attraction. I did get carried away on a couple layouts, but for the most part was able to power through with simple designs.

Here is one of the layouts I did for Emily's 7th birthday (back in 2007):

Sadly I didn't use any SU products other than the Pink Pirouette 12x12 base of this layout. I got my SU catalog out this morning to study up on the DSP and Simply Scrappin kits. I am definitely ordering some more of these to have on hand for next time. 

I am driving to Anacortes on Friday and plan to start using MDS2 to digitally scrapbook our trip to Maui almost two years ago (sob).  Mike is driving so I can use my laptop on the 6 hour car ride. I will be sure to post some of what I accomplish next week. 

Getting ready for PDL

There is nothing like the experience of staying with my crafty friends at the Palouse Divide Lodge. It is beautiful and the people are wonderful. Using SU's digital software helped me prep for this event:

I designed and had the cards printed by SU. Then I made coordinating room tags and wraps for water bottles and printed them on my home printer. 

We are headed up tonight to set up for the event. My friend, Tonya Knauff, is helping me out. Setting up for 30 women takes time, but it is so worth it! 

Night of downline, swaps and food

We started a new fun night with downline, swaps and food. Last month we met at Anna's house for spring rolls. This time we met at my house and had crepes. Here are our swaps:

 by Patty Snyder

 by Darcie

 by Suzy McNeilly

 by Anna Nofsinger

 by Laura Warnecke

We had savory crepes with black forrest ham, muenster cheese, asparagus and hollandaise sauce. We ate them up before I remembered to take a picture. Anna sent one of the dessert crepes to Christina to taunt her that she was missing out:

this one had real whipped cream, strawberries, raspberries and blackberry sauce. 

Darcie is going postal . . .

I have a bunch of cards and I want to mail them!!  Post on Facebook with your address and I will send one to you this week. Bonus--get two cards if you post directly on my blog.

I have some more time planned to make more samples tomorrow. I will also be packing for the weekend at Palouse Divide Lodge. There are 30 creative women hanging out together next weekend. Can't wait to get some serious scrapbooking done. Be watching for fun posts from the lodge in the next few days. 

Clearance Sale is today!!

Gotta get some stuff moved out of my kitchen store today. Come by and see what deals there are to be had!!  As an added incentive, I am giving away the projects I have been making this week to anyone who shows up. Can't keep 'em all and I love to share :-)

Little Sycamore backpack

Made a little backpack using Sycamore Street DSP and four matching 3x3 notecards as my last project for this week's postings. The backpack is just a simple little box pinched at the top. I folded a piece of Razzleberry over the top edge and used a velcro dot to make it easy to open and close. There is a little pocket on the front that could be usable for either stamps, cash or a little note to the recipient. 

Here are a couple closeups: