Monday, April 30, 2012

Thank You notes for May

Wisteria Wonder Week ~
I challenge you to say that 5 times fast. (giggle) I thought it would be fun to showcase one of the "In Colors" for 2012/2013. I'd been thinking that Wisteria Wonder would be hard to work with, figuring that it was going to be very light. Boy was I wrong! It's got a deeper tone to it than I expected. I'm really enjoying experimenting with this shade.

I've been working on my May Thank You notes that will go out to my customers. I need to be a bit ahead of things since May is going to be busy busy busy here at the Inky Pinky Household. In keeping with this week's theme - here they are!


These cards are 3 inches square so the paper is cut at 6 X 3. Scored & folded at 3.
The Designers Series Paper in the scallop circle is from the Very Berry Collection, punched with the 2 3/4 scallop circle punch, inked on the edges with Wisteria Wonder ink. The stamped image is from the Easy Events stamp set. Image is stamped in black stazon ink, colored with Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade all on Whisper White paper. The image was punched out with the 1 3/4 inch punch and adhered to the scalloped circle which was then adhered to the card base. A small pearl was placed in the center of each of the flowers and a scrap of 1/4 inch white ribbon was knotted and glued to the side of the scalloped circle.

Supplies:
Wisteria Wonder paper - 8 1/2 x 11
Whisper White paper - scrap
Designer Series Paper Berry Blossom
Black Stazon ink
Wisteria Wonder ink
In Color Markers 2012/2013 - Wisteria Wonder & Lucky Limeade
Basic Pearls
1/4 inch white ribbon
adhesive
sponge dauber

Today is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini. Items that will carry over from that offer are available by clicking here to see the Occasions Mini Carry Over List. I'm happy to see so many wonderful items that will continue to be available, like the Blossom Punch and the Adorning Accents Embossing Folders. Be sure to check out my store to order those items that you love but will not be carried over.

Locally here in Oklahoma we had quite a stormy night! It started raining around 9 PM and didn't stop until after 2 AM. Now that's not anything unusual, however we were getting over an 1 inch an hour! Lake Ponca rose over the banks in some areas around the lake complex. It is quite the sight to see after it being so low the last 2 years. Here's a couple of shots from over in the marina area.





Too wet still to do anything but craft - so join me  and get out your supplies and make something. ;)


Saturday, April 28, 2012

Mixed Blossoms in Daffodil Delight

Happy Saturday!

Today I'm featuring another card made from items in the Occasions Mini, which ends Monday, April 30th. If you like these items don't wait ~ visit my store.



Supplies:




Measurements:

  • card base - 8 1/2 X 5 1/2 fold @ 4 1/4
  • Basic Black mat - 3 1/2 x 4 3/4
  • Whisper White mat - 3 1/4 x 4 1/2
  • ribbon - 5 inches


After cutting all papers and ribbons. Stamp one blossom image from set in Daffodil Delight as background on Whisper White mat. Stamp in random fashion. Next stamp a different blossom image from set 3 times, making sure to leave enough room to punch out image. Punch blossoms and set aside. Take a scrap of Old Olive and punch 1. Take the punched piece and cut petals apart into separate sections of 2 petals in each group. These will be the leaves for the flowers. Off set the leaves behind the petals of the flowers and adhere. Set aside. Take ribbon and adhere to the lower 1/3rd of the Whisper White mat. Adhere Whisper White mat to Basic Black mat and then adhere to card base. Taking black buttons, use mini glue dots to attach buttons to center of blossoms. Arrange blossoms and adhere to card using dimensionals.

It's bright and cheery! So much fun to make too.

Have a great weekend. Grab your supplies and make something today.















Friday, April 27, 2012

Simple & Quick

Fast Fun Friday

I looked at the calendar and freaked! April is almost over and that means that our Occasions Mini is almost over too. I don't know about you but I don't know where April has gone. So for the next few days I'm going to post some projects made with items that you can STILL get in our Occasions Mini via my Stampin' Up! store. Hurry - the month is almost over and the sale ends April 30th.

Now for the Fast & Fun part.

Stamps: 
Tools: 
Paper
  • Whisper White cut @ 4 X 5 1/4
  • Calypso Coral cut at 5 1/2 X 8 1/2, folded @ 4 1/4 to make a traditional sized card with the fold at the top. 
Accessories:

It took me longer to type this post than to make this card. LOL Obviously you can use whatever sentiment that works for you but wouldn't this be a nice card to receive when you're ill or going through a rough patch with a warm note inside. That's why I love stamping, I can create just what I need for any occasion with the recipient in mind. Personal and unique always makes the recipient feel special.
 
Stop by my shop and pick up supplies to make your own unique cards.

Have a great weekend and be sure to save some time to get out your supplies and create something.















Thursday, April 26, 2012

Birthdays on the Brain!

We have lots of Spring Birthdays in my family. Seems that as soon as March rolls around I spend most of my time stamping for birthdays or shopping for birthdays! So much fun!!!

I'm not the only one in the family that makes cards for birthdays. My sister out in CA does as well. Thought I'd share and brag on her a bit with the card that she made for my hubby's birthday last Sunday.


Isn't this darling?! The flames are made with the wing from Bird Punch and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. The tips of the flames are glittered to make them pop! The candles are strips of paper that have been run through embossing folders such as Perfect Polk-a-dotsPetals-a-Plenty, and  Vintage Wallpaper. Layer a piece of ribbon on top to hold the message stamped on a label punched from Decorative Label Punch.
Such a fun card to make and receive. It's also "green" because it's a great design to use up all those bits and pieces of paper left from other projects.


Don't forget - Retiring Products are listed in one easy place. 

Grab those supplies and make something today.


Full Retirement List Revealed


Big Day Yesterday  

The list of retired items got longer. The accessories list was released yesterday. What does that mean? It means these items will not be in the new catalog June 1st. Some items are being removed altogether, like the whole Decor Elements line. Other items are getting a "face lift", like our Heat Gun.  To view the complete list of items to be retired, click on the button on the right. This will take you directly to my shop and the list.


A quick note to hopefully ward off any confusion. The Craft Stamp Pads, as of June 1st will be available in White or Black only. The Classic Stamp Pads are remaining but getting a "face lift" by getting a new firm foam pad. This change is to help get better ink coverage with less pressure and should provide longer life to your stamp pads over all. The only colors of Classic Stamp Pads that are going away are the “In Colors” for 2010 – 2012.


An additional important note is that with the new pads in the Classic Stamp Pads, comes a new ink formulation for 5 inks: Basic, Black, Basic Gray,  Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Tempting Turquoise. The reformulation is also for the re-inkers of these 5 colors. Using the new formula on the old stamp pads is fine, however, Stampin’ Up! does not recommend using the old ink formula in the new firm foam pads.

I’m getting excited about what will be in the new catalog! I get a tiny sneak peak on May 1st and then I get to see the whole thing on May 7th. Sorry can’t tell you anything with that sneak peak even if you bribe me with chocolate … well… maybe with chocolate…. LOL

Have a wonderful day and find some time to play with your stamps!


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Happy Wednesday!

In keeping with the Birthday Theme that seems to be running through my mind right now - here's a Cupcake Throne that I made for my friend Kat's birthday.


Beautiful Wings Embosslit - a must have for your crafting!
Scallop Oval Punch - don't know what I did before I owned this punch - use it a lot!


It's a mix of Stampin' Up! papers and non-Stampin' Up! papers. ;) (need to use some stuff up around the old Inky Pinky Studio). I had a butterfly theme going for Kat's card (like THIS card only it says Happy Birthday) and carried over to her Cupcake Throne. I'll be teaching this at my Birthday Bash class in June.

Dates for May and June classes will be up later this week. If you can't make the classes, kits with photos & PDF directions will be available. Watch for more info on this soon.

Don't forget Stampin' Up! is clearing out stamps to make way for all the wonderful & exciting changes coming June 1st. Check out the Retiring Products HERE.

Have a great day and get out your supplies and make something!


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tool Time Tuesday

One tool that always sits on my desk is my Stampin' Scrub. This little pad helps keep my stamps clean and the rubber conditioned.

The pad has 2 sides; one for wet (where you spray the cleaner) and one for dry, where you rub the stamp to dry it off. Each side is designated with a little symbol - droplets for wet, umbrella for dry.
Use this pad with Stampin' Mist to clean stamps that have regular inks. For inks like Stazon use Stazon Cleaner. We also carry Stampin' Mist refills and Stampin' Scrub refill pads


It's important to keep your stamps clean and to use a good cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals will damage your stamps and continued use of harsh cleaners will end up destroying the image. Be sure to use a good quality cleaner from a known source to care for, clean and condition your stamps. I've been doing this for many years and still have stamps from when I was a teenage that are in pristine condition and stamp like new.

Grab your supplies and clean them up so they'll be ready to make something wonderful when you're ready.

Have a wonderful day!




Monday, April 23, 2012

Happy Monday!

Yesterday was a big day in the Inky Pinky household -  the hubby's birthday. Now you need to understand something, I LOVE birthdays. No, seriously I LOVE birthdays. Doesn't matter who is having the birthday or how old they are I just love celebrating the fact that they are here and we've been blessed with another year to enjoy and love them.

So, back to the hubby. We kept his birthday kinda low-key since we've had sooooo much going on. The family was here to celebrate with a cookout. Our son grilled steaks (YUM!), our son-in-law shucked corn for me (I hate that job!), our daughter was busy fixing the veggie tray, our granddaughters were setting the table, I was fixing baked potatoes and other goodies, and the hubby got to just sit and watch all the fuss for a change! Lots of fun and laughter was the main ingredient!

The stamping portion of this post is the birthday card I made for him.  The image is from  "In Wilderness" and the background stamp is called  "Wonderfully Worn" .  Both the In the Wilderness set and the Wonderfully Worn stamp are to be retired as of June 1st. If you like them, don't wait. They won't be around much longer.


Big Shot Dies: Top Note die
Embossing folder: cuttlebug
Misc. items: Embroidery floss, button, Sticky StripSnail AdhesiveMini glue dots

Using Natural Ivory paper, run through Big Shot with the Top Note die. Ink Wonderfully Worn stamp with Crumb Cake ink and stamp on Top Note. Stamp buffalo image with Stazon Ink on Top Note. Using Early Espresso Ink and Crumb Cake Ink, watercolor buffalo. Use Old Olive to watercolor grass. Trim Top Note just below stamped image. Using Chocolate Chip paper, run through Big Shot with embossing folder that has been inked with Early Espresso. This will ink the recessed areas. Tear & ink edges of embossed piece with Early Espresso. Mount Top Note on Chocolate Chip piece. Take a piece of Crumb Cake paper that is cut at 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, scored and folded at  4 1/4, ink the Wonderfully Worn stamp with Early Espresso and stamp on Crumb Cake card. Mount Chocolate Chip piece on top using Sticky Strip. Take a strip of Old Olive approx. 1/2 x 5 inches and using the Mat Pack & Paper Piercing tool, pierce paper create holes for cross stitching. Use embroidery floss to stitch. Add button with a glue dot. Adhere Old Olive strip across trimmed edge of  Top Note with Sticky Strip.

If you have any questions just give me shout @ jm1inkypinky@gmail.com

Want to view which stamps are retiring: Retiring Stamps

Have a wonderful day and get out those stamps and make something!


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Family Scrapbook Page Swap: Janice's Pages

Saturday Scrappin' 

I promised to show you the pages that my family created for our family scrapbook page swap that I discussed in this post: Family Scrapbook Page Swap Post. I was in CA last week making lots of memories and we swapped our pages.

Here are my pages.
 2010 was a BUSY year with my college graduation AND my daughter's wedding. Thank goodness they were 6 months apart! Here's my 2 page spread.

The two page spread. Just a bit of our year.
Pattern Paper by: BoBunny - Timepiece Tick Tock
Black paper: Basic Black
Once Upon a Time title: Cricut Storybook cartride
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch1 3/4 Scallop Circle PunchMartha Stewart Punch Doily Lace Trim 



Close up of the left side. 

Right side


Then came 2011. Six months after my daughter got married, my son graduated college AND commissioned in the Air Force ... on the same day! That's my Dad giving my son his first salute. 
Loads of stuff happened in 2011, some good, some not so good. I feel it's important to remember both to help keep life in perspective. 

Pattern Paper by: Gliztitnow - Vintage Love by Traci Smith
Black paper: Basic Black Stampin' Up! 
White Paper: Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Title: Cricut 

Left side

Right side


Come back next Saturday when I'll show you what my niece did!

Now go grab your supplies and have some fun!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tool Time Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

Time for another look at some of the great crafting tools offered by Stampin' Up!

I recently purchased the Color Caddy. Stampin' Up! lists that under storage but in my mind, storage items are tools that help us to create more effectively. Having a place for everything relieves a lot of the stress that arises with crafting because we KNOW where our supplies are. More energy can be applied to the creative process when you don't have to worry about cleaning up when you're making a creative mess, you already have space for it. Personally I think that's totally cool!

 Just out of the box it looks like a giant marshmallow. It's packaged really well!

Ahhh, a little peek of what's inside.

With all the protective packaging removed. It come stacked in a compacted form. 

You need to remove the stack. That gray thing in the back of the photo is a piece that goes on the bottom so that it doesn't slide or mark up the surface that it rests upon. 
(Nice shot of my knee and toe, dontcha think! LOL)

The "trays" stack on top of each other with the support brackets "snapping" into each other. Mine didn't make a snap sound like it says in the directions. They just kinda fit into the slot.

Stacked and ready for the tray to go on top and the handle to be screwed on. There is very little room once the tray goes on. You need to GENTLY push down on the stack, including the tray to screw the handle on. It's a little tricky but once it's on there, it's very secure.

Assembled and waiting for stamp pads.

I highly recommend the Color Caddy as part of your crafting supplies. This is a great space saving tool and I LOVE having my supplies so easily at hand as well as having the stamp pad colors easy to see. That's great when I'm rushing or working in the middle of the night ... cross eyed! LOL

If you'd like a Color Caddy of your own, you can order one by clicking Color Caddy.
If you already have one but need more spaces you can order Color Caddy Extender Kit.

Now, go break out your supplies and have some fun!


Monday, April 16, 2012

Retiring Stamps for 2011-2012


The Retirement list has been posted. For a PDF of the list please click HERE. To purchase any of the retiring sets please click HERE. Stampin' Up! is making way for great changes in the catalog and more extensive selections in the various mini catalogs throughout the year. Getting excited to see the new stamps!


Don't forget
SUGAR & SPICE CLASS 
FRIDAY APRIL 20TH
7 - 10
Please RSVP
class fee: $15 or free with $15 or more purchase
*class kit - please bring the following items to class:
scissors
adhesive

Now go breakout those stamps and have some fun!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Fast & Fabulous Friday

Need a card quick? Here's an idea for you.


Whisper White card stock cut at 4 1/4 X5 /12 
Basic Black card stock cut at 
Designer Series Paper: Berry Blossoms, cut at
Mix Bunch Stamp set - stamp blossom in Elegant Eggplant
Punch out stamped blossom using the Blossom Punch
Stamp strip of Whisper White with Happy Birthday from the Create a Cupcake set in Elegant Eggplant. 
Cut strip of Wisteria Wonder, notching both  Wisteria Wonder  & Whisper White. Ink edges with Elegant Eggplant. Adhering strips together according to the photo. 
Punch out scrap of  Wisteria Wonder  with Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. 
Ink edges of  Wisteria Wonder  punched flower with Elegant Eggplant. 
Adhere punched flower to stamped blossom. Using a dimensional, pop up flower. 
Put a large pearl in the center.


Have a great weekend!




Thursday, April 12, 2012

Reminder: Sugar & Spice Class

If you haven't signed up for our April class - what's stopping you? Class cost is $15 or free with an order of $15 or more. To sign up just drop me an email and I'll save you a spot.

Here's what we're making this month:


Don't forget to bring your class kit. Your kit this month should include scissors and adhesive.

Email me: jm1inkypinky@gmail.com to reserve your spot at our creative table.

See you there!




Wednesday, April 11, 2012

What's on your desk Wednesday

Quickie post today. This is what my desk looks like in the midst of creating.



Kinda scary but no one ever said that creativity is neat. LOL

What have you created lately? Bust out those stamps & papers and make a mess!
Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Tool Time Tuesday

I wanted to share some of my all time favorite tools for paper crafting. Whether it's card making, scrapbooking, or other paper crafts ... you can't own too many punches! My all time favorites are from Stampin' Up! In fact part of the reason I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is due to my love of the punches they sell. I've bought many punches over the years, from many different companies. Stampin' Up! punches are by far the best on the market - in my opinion.


My sister works in the accounting field and at times has a verrrrrrrrry stressful job. We were talking about great music to help reduce stress and I thought I'd burn her a couple of CDs for the office. Now being a paper crafter, I couldn't just give her CDs with boring covers now could I? So I pulled out some scrap paper and punched and stuck my way to happiness! See - punches used for something other than making a card!

The CD covers with punched labels.

Here they are all put together with the cases resting with my punches. 

The black punches are the old style and the brownish gray ones are the new very cool style that locks down flat for wonderful storage!

Here's another much more traditional use for punches, labeling for scrapbooking. 
(That's my son. Isn't he handsome?! And he's smart too!)

We'll explore the uses of punches a great deal in various blog posts because they are so versatile and one tool that every crafter needs to have.

Punches used here are:


Now go out there and punch some stuff. LOL

Monday, April 9, 2012

Easter goodies for the office

Made these for the folks in the hubby's office. I get a kick out of making little things for them for holidays or when I know they've had a tough week. 

Pacific Point blue for the guys.

Melon Mambo (pinkish) for the girls.

Who doesn't love finding chocolate on their desk?!


To make these yourself you'll need:

Have fun creating!



Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

Spring arrived early to northcentral Oklahoma. Tulips have been everywhere! 



I hope you have a wonderful Easter and that you are with friends and family enjoying the day!