My Digital Studio!

It's HERE!!!!!

I am just sooooooo excited for you all! This has been a long time waiting since Stampin' Up! announced that they would be producing a digital program. Well, the wait is finally over!

I've had my copy for a little while now,and I haven't had as much time to play as I would like to, but let me tell you that the little time I have had on it has been amazing! I was able to produce some pages for a friend form the photos that she sent through of her daughter's first day in pre-school in about 5 minutes! Really!

It comes complete with all of these fantastic pre-finished layouts, all ready to just drop your photos into. Then there are the hundreds of SU stamp images that it comes with. AND they have teamed up with professional printing companies to make sure that your colors are true to SU! so that you can easily make hybrid pages!

Yes - I am very excited!!!(You can tell because the !!! are getting more frenzied!!!) But wait - there's even more!!!! Host a workshop with a $400 total, and you can get if half price. That's only $40!!!! Amazing value!!!

Call me quick to book in so you can start creating your fabulous pages with MDS right away!!!

Hugs
Megan

12 weeks of Christmas - week 1

Can you believe that it's only 12 weeks until Christmas?

Stop freaking out now and get ready with me! For the next 12 weeks, I'll be posting a special Christmas project so that we can get ready together!

This is our first project - a sparkly card using our fantastic glitter. It uses the Medallion background stamp again, stamped on with Versamark and then had Stamp and Stick Powder sprinkled over it (the same way that you would use embossing powder)

When you use the Heat and Stick powder it becomes VERY sticky and then you can sprinkle the glitter over it. Heat the image again and the glitter settles into the glue and it stays put! No glitter trail wherever the card goes!!!

It's hard to see in this photo - but the glitter matches the Old Olive card stock perfectly!

Let me know if there is anything that I can help you with as we get ready for Christmas this year!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Card stock: Old Olive, Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Stamps: Medallion Background stamp, Punch Pals, Elegant Cheer
Ink: Versamark,Basic Black, Real Red
Accessories: Olive fine cosmos glitter,scalloped circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, Heat and Stick Powder

Black Medallion Birthday

I always find that it is so much harder to come up with male birthday cards. For some reason it is so much easier to come up with girly cards!

This one was from Friday's Fabulous Friday night cards. What? You missed it??? Let me know that you want to get on my mailing list to make sure that you don't miss the next one!

This one was very simple. It uses the new Night and Day Designer Series Paper (DSP) and the Medallion background stamp. It was embossed with black embossing powder and then three black brads were stuck in. Simple, simple, simple!

Give me a call or email me to place an order for the supplies to make this card. You'll never be stuck without a male card again!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Medallion Background stamp
Paper: Night and Day DSP, Whisper White Card stock
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Black embossing Powder, Black brads

Stamp-a-Stack

Wow - I can't believe that I've let a month go by without posting. Life gets so insanely hectic sometimes (I just KNOW that you understand that!!)

But on to today's post...

This Friday is my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack. This is one of the cards that we will be creating. It uses that fabulous Stamp set "Serene Snowflakes"from the (not so ) mini catalog. I am so in love with this stamp set - it's simply amazing and believe me when I tell you that you need it! It is item #115438 (to help you with ordering!!!!)

If you live in the SE Denver area, give me a call and book your place for Friday night - it is $25 for 15 cards (3 each of 5 designs) and starts at 7pm. 303 805 2344 or shoot me an email at megan@verhoevenfamily.us

I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone and having a ball!

hugs

Megan

Lovely collage

Here's another male card! I really loved the look that stamping over and over each other gives. I call it collage - but I've got no idea if that is the right term or not.

I used all of the images in the Lovely as a Tree stamp set and used different greens on the leaves. Matting the different elements created some space around them and makes it really easy on the eyes!

I stamped all of the images on the same piece of card stock, and then cut the paper. I punched out the sentiment and then put in some brads - and Bob's your uncle!

If you want to learn how to create this sort of 'collage' give me a call - I'd love to show you.

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Creamy Caramel, Handsome Hunter
Accessories: Gold brads, Punches

Male birthday

Isn't this paper gorgeous? It's some of the new Designer Series Paper in the new catalog - Nouveau Chic. It has 6 different double-sided papers in the pack - and all of them are totally yummy. You want this paper. Seriously, you do!

Anyway - I realized that I hardly ever create male themed cards, so it's always a mad dash to get one made when I need one. So, here is the finished product. Very simple, but I think that the DSP really makes it!

The focal image is from one of the sets that is in limbo (oops- I mean dormant!) so it is not in the current catty, but might or might not make it into the next one. But you can buy it right now. It's called Lexicon of Leaves, and it is one of my favorites (I love leaves!)

The easiest way to match the colors on any DSP is to have a look at the catalog. Big Tip: If you look right beneath the pictures of the paper (pages 160 - 163) there is a guide with the colors that are used in the paper. it makes matching them so, so easy. you really can't go wrong!

If you don't have your catalog yet, give me a call on 303 805 2344 so I get one out to you right away!

While I had the supplies out for this card, I made another one here on my Facebook page. Have a look and tell me what you think.

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Lexicon of Leaves, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Nouveau Chic DSP, Sage Shadow, Going Gray, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Sage Shadow, Going Gray
Accessories: Black Brads

Happy Birthday Renee!

Here's a card that I created for my sister-in-law's birthday.

Remember when I told you that as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I get great FREE stuff? Well, part of the great FREE stuff that I received this quarter was the fabulous Pretties Kit ($29.95, page 178 IBC) This was the first time that I had broken them out - and I'm a little mad at myself for not using them before! I LOVE them!! It's full of fabric flowers in differing sizes as well as some gorgeous little pearls and beads. Very fun.

On to the card! I used some of the In Colors - Crushed Curry and Rich Razzleberry. This may be my favourite colour combo to date! The stamped focal point image is the largest in the Razzle Dazzle stamp set, and I used the simple Rock and Roll technique.

This technique is so simple, but gives great results. You ink up the stamp in the regular manner (well - your style at least! I'm pretty firm with my stamps, so I give them a good smack down on the pad and then a bit of a twist! how do you ink up yours? I'd love to know!) Now comes the rock and roll part! You carefully roll the image so that the edges grab some of a darker colour. I think that it looks like you did something far harder than you actually did!

This is a great technique to show your friends at a workshop. I'd love to teach yours! Give me a call to book yours today on 303 805 2344.

The flower was inked using the same ink pads that I used to stamp the image. I used a sponge and coloured the outside of the petals and went around he flower two or three times until the colour seemed right to me. Then I went back with the Rich Razzleberry ink for the middle. A clear rhinestone brad from the Pretties kit finished off the flower. Big Tip: use a sponge to lightly place ink on the flowers and go back over them. The ink will dry in between the time it takes to get back around to the original petal, and you can use it immediately. If you put too much ink on at once (by placing the flower directly onto the ink pad, which is definitely an option) it will need to be placed aside and let to dry, and if you have a short attention span like me, you might move on and forget what you were doing with it!!

I'd love to see what you do with the flowers in the Pretties kit. What? You don't have any? You can order them from me or directly though my website here.

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Curvy Verses
Paper: Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Black Versamark
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Spotted Ribbon, Pretties Kit - medium flower and rhinestone brad, Cutter Kit (to distress the edges of the focal point), Sponges

Sponged Tulipe

Isn't this stunning? I am falling in love with my "En Francais" Background stamp again this week! And I just LOVE how this card turned out.

I stamped the background image in Versamark and then embossed it with white embossing powder. Then after I had cut out the Tulipe design out of scrap paper with the Big Shot, I used the 'leftover' as a mask and sponged Creamy Caramel with a sponge dauber over the background. Big Tip: Use some removable adhesive to keep it in place while you sponge.

The Tulipe design is a Stampin' Up! exclusive - you can only get that one from me folks!!! (well, or another SU! consultant!! But I'm your fave, right?!)

It looks like the writing in the background is stamped over the Tulipe design - cool, huh? The ink wont stick to any of the embossed image and that's how you get such a cool look. I used the same technique here on this card over on my Facebook page, (it's exclusive content for my Facebook fans!)

Hope you enjoyed this - but if you'd like to learn how to do it for yourself, give me a call and I'll book you in for your own personal class with some of your friends!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: En Francais Background Stamp
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Tulipe Big Shot Die, Gold Brads, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Medallion Sunset

Remember how I told you I loved this stamp? Well, this is another reason why!!!

I cased this from Michele Zindorff (who gives great tutorials on her blog), and this is the result. You can tell from the shine on the medallion that it is embossed, and that is how you can get such a great look.

The tree is embossed and then the back was rolled with the brayer, then the 'sun' is embossed with clear embossing powder over that. The rest of the card is sponged with different layers to get the sunset feel. isn't it gorgeous? And it's really not as hard as it looks - it just takes a little bit of practice (which I still need more of!)

So - if you would like to learn some great sponging tricks, book in a workshop with me and I'd be happy to teach you and your friends. And September is a Fabulous time to book one - Stampin' Up! is giving a sensational offer to their Hostesses in addition to the fabulous gift program they already have - you wont want to miss it! I look forward to your workshop soon!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Branch Out, Medallion Background stamp
Paper: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black
Ink: Versamark, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Gold Brads

Coral Medallion

I LOVE this new Medallion Background stamp! isn't it adorable?

I wanted a pretty plain background to see how the Texture Plates looked over stamping - and this is what happened! Cameo Coral is not my favourite colour at the best of times, but when I looked in my cupboard to see what colour had the most in it's little space, I realized I needed to use it. With some sponging to 'grunge' it up a bit, it doesn't look too bad!

So, I sponged the Medallion image on the Coral layer and then ran it through the Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! exclusive Texture plate, Perfect Details. Love that thing!(Feeling the love today??!!) After sponging the edges, that layer was pretty much done with.

The sentiment part just kept evolving! I love the sense of creating when those things happen. I wasn't liking it just layered, and didn't like it with the ribbon behind it, so i decided to use some brads to hold the ribbon around the edges of the large oval. The coral oval actually has the centre cut out. Big Tip: Punch out the smaller oval first and then you can centre the larger oval over the top of it so that it is perfectly centred.
Big Big Tip (actually probably the biggest when it comes to punches!): ALWAYS, always, always stamp your image before you punch it out! You really should trust me on this one - it is very hard to get those stamps centred on a punched out bit, even with the Stamp-a-ma-jig!

I threaded the ribbon through it and secured it with the brads before I adhered it to the Gray oval. And there it is! Now if you would like to learn some cool tricks with ribbons, give me a call to book your workshop today! 303 805 2344 Now that the kiddos are all back in school, you've got all the time in the world, right??? LOL!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Medallion Background Stamp, Elegant Thank You
Paper: Cameo Coral, Going Gray
Ink: Going Gray
Accessories: Small and Large Oval Punches, basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Brads, Big Shot Perfect Details Texture Plate

New Rubber!

One of the best things about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the FREE stamps! This week I received this new set called "Thoughts and Prayers". I love it, and I think you will too!

I went pink with my first go round with it! Pretty in Pink to be exact! This card uses the branch image in the set, but this card over on my Facebook page, uses the really cool tree image. (And I used that really fun sponging technique I taught at my Fabulous Friday class on it as well!)

So, if you would like some of your own FREE rubber, why not become a demonstrator? SU! is having a SENSATIONAL deal at the minute, and you can start your won paper crafting business for only $85! Give me a call and we'll have coffee while you fill in the paperwork!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Thoughts And Prayers
Paper: Very Vanilla, Pretty In Pink
Ink: Pretty In Pink
Accessories: Big Shot Scallop Oval, Large and Wide Oval Punches, Sponges, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot Perfect Details Texturz Plate

It's a bit hot for Christmas, but...

...I couldn't resist re-creating a card that I had seen on my web wanderings. (Again, if this is your original idea, I would love to give you credit, but I don't remember where I saw it, so give me a reminder!!)

It's a fantastically simple technique called reverse masking, and the results are stunning. I happened upon a delicious color combo also - Rich Razzleberry and Bermuda Bay. Aren't they gorgeous together? They are 2 of the new In Colors and if you haven't seen them yet, make plans to son!

So, you cut out the circle from some scrap paper (I used the now retired Coluzzle system, but any cutting system will do!) and tossed the circle! Use the remaining paper as a stencil and hold it firm while you stamp over it.
Big Hint: You may want to use some Dotto (or other removable adhesive) to keep it in place.
Another Big Hint: Make sure that the piece of scrap paper is big enough to cover all of your 'good' layer, in case the stamp you are using is big, it wont go over the edges and get on your working piece.

Leave the mask on after you have stamped so that you can sponge on some color around the edge of the circle. When you are happy with the look you have achieved, remove the ask and you have a sensational circle. After you add on a punch you have a fantastic Christmas ball. Love it!

If you would like to give this technique a try, it's a great one to make at your own Hostess Workshop. Give me a call and we'll book a time! 303 805 2344 I can't wait to show you and your friends more fantastic techniques!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Very Vanilla
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay (ink pad and marker)
Accessories: Round Tab Punch, Bermuda Bay Spotted Ribbon, Sponge

How easy do our Simply Scrappin' kits make scrapbooking?

This is just a really quick post. We spent the day today learning about adoption so that we could support some great friends through their adoption process. I can't wait to see who God placed in their family!

This is a page I made with a retired simply scrappin' kit. They make it sooooooo easy-peasy to put a page or 2 (or 3 or 4) together. All of the elements match with the paper in the kit, and the 'stickers' are really "self-adhesive die-cuts" - really heavy weight and very forgiving. You can gently move them around until you find the right placement and then put it down permanently.

So what do you get in each kit?

• 6 sheets double sided 12"x12" papers (3 each of 2 designs)
• 8 sheets 12"x12" solid textured cardstock (2 sheets of 4 colors)
• 6 sheets 12"x6" self-adhesive die cuts(2 each of 3 designs)

That is a lot of co-ordinating supplies. Enough for more than a dozen 12"x12" scrapbook pages, or heaps of cards and 6"x6" pages.

So -if you've been waiting to start scrapbooking because you have been a little intimidated, this is the easiest way to get a start on all of those photos you have hidden away in all sorts of places.

Give me a call and book your workshop now so that you can learn this easy approach to scrapbooking! I can't wait to show you all of the great Simply Scrappin' kits that Stampin' Up! carry - I just know that there will be one for your scrapbooking needs!

Hugs
Megan

I have the coolest customers/friends ever

These are some of the cool oval cards that one of my favourite customers (and now friends!!!) made for a challenge that I set. Aren't they cute?

I'm not too sure if you can tell, but the butterfly on the front of this top card has little trails of glitter around him, and he's made from a scalloped circle!!!!

Michele - you are soooo talented!

If you would like to be one of my featured 'artists', send me a piccy of one of your creations made with SU! supplies. Need supplies? Book a workshop today and earn the things on your wish list for FREE!

Hugs

Megan

Double Bug Roses

Here's a really fun technique that I've just learnt, called double bug (nope - I have no idea either!!!!!)

You use and embossing folder, or a Texturz plate (I used the texturz plate with the checkerboard pattern from the kit #4) and you rub lightly with ink so that the raised parts get covered in ink.

Now here is the cool bit. You put that cardstock back into another different folder (Manhattan Flower Folder) and run it through the Big Shot 3 more times. That flattens out the first lot of texture and puts another layer over it. Ink over that one and you get a VERY cool look.

If you don't have a Big Shot yet, you can go online here and order it right off my website. There is barely a day that I don't use mine, and I know that you'll love it as much as I do!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps:Wings Of Friendship (Level 2 Hostess set)
Paper: Pink Passion, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Pink Passion
Accessories: Big Shot Texturz Plates Kit #4, Big Shot Embossing Folder Manhattan Flower, Scallop and Large Oval punches

Last chance for a deal of the week

You have just got until Friday to get in on this deal! This is such a fun punch to have in your arsenal of paper crafting supplies. It has 3 different sizes of hearts in the one punch, and it co-ordinates with some of the great stamp sets that Stampin' Up! sells.

Go online and order it here, or give me a call on 303 805 2344.

Hugs
Megan

Scalloped bird

I know - stinking cute!!!

I saw this idea ages ago, and decided to give it a try today. I used the scalloped circle Big Shot die to cut out the cardstock (you need to make sure that you line up the fold with the edge of the scallop) and then you get a great scalloped circle card. You can see on the end that it just missed the littlest bit of the edge of the cardstock. It actually makes the card stand up nicer!

Next I used the now retired circle cutter to cut out the middle of the front. I cut out the next largest circle out of vellum cardstock, and then stamped the image onto that. This is the largest image in the Level 2 Hostess set "Wings of Friendship". Book your workshop now to get yours FREE!

Big Tip: Make sure that the image is DRY before you start working with it. It will smudge a bit if you don't let it dry first. You could give it a quick hit with the heat gun if you are a bit impatient!

The 2 way glue pen on the inside of the pink circle adheres the image onto the cardstock, and there you go! A lot of WOW for not that much effort!

Then I just used the paper piercer to give a little dimension and detail around the circle (I just free-handed it)

If you would like to have me demonstrate this technique at your workshop, give me a call today to book in a date. 303 805 2344 or send me an email here.

I can't wait to create this with other colors and images...

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Wings Of Friendship (Level 2 Hostess Set)
Paper: Pink Passion, Vellum Cardstock
Ink: Pink Passion
Accessories: Scallop Circle Bigz Die for Big Shot, Circle Cutter, 2 way glue pen, Paper Piercer

Summer Fun Recruiting Promotion

Oops - look at what I forgot to tell you about!

If you have ever thought at all about starting your own business, or need a few extra dollars every month, now is your chance. And at only $85, what have you got to loose?

Give me a call at 303 05 2344 and we'll get you all set up!

Summer Fun Recruiting Promotion
Dates: July 15 - August 31, 2009
Promotion Details:
Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with the limited-time $85 Mini Starter Kit. The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:

115360 (Page118) For All You Do stamp set $28.95

115658 (Page155) Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115656 (Page155) Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115659 (Page155) Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115654 (Page155) Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115655 (Page155) Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115657 (Page155) Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
100730 (Page155) Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.50
115315 (Page155) In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.95
*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog

**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

Can't wait to start working with you!

Hugs

Megan

Baby Shower

One of the best things about using Stampin' Up! is that everything co-ordinates so well! I needed a baby shower card this morning (you would think by now that I would learn to have these things on hand, wouldn't you?) and because it all goes together without thinking, this card was made in about 10 minutes! Waaaaaay quicker than getting in the car to go to Target!

On my wall in my 'creating' room in my basement, I have this fantastic trellis that holds all of my favourite stamps that are retired. This baby rattle is one of them! So all I had to do was grab some cardstock, ribbon and DSP and I was good to go!

If you want the ease of being able to create a card in no time flat, book a workshop with me and I'll teach you some fantastic cards for under 5 minutes each - promise!!!

Have a great day

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps; Teeny Tiny Wishes, rattle retired unknown
Paper: Barely Banana, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, DSP free from Sale-a-bration
Ink: Versamark, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Ribbon free from Sale-a-bration, Word Window and new Modern Label Punch

Rich Razzleberry Wishes

Today's offering is just a simple card that I made in the coolness of my basement!

I love the look of the textured background, and this sized card makes it even cuter! I used the Big Shot and one of the texture plates (Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Perfect Details) to create the subtle background on this card. It is so elegant, don't you think?

The stamped flower in the focal points in the ovals are from the set called "Simple Stems", and are another one of those very versatile sets that can be used for just about any event!

If you would like to learn how to create simple cards like this one, give me a call to book in a workshop of your own!

hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Simple Stems, Heard From The Heart
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Barely Banana, Always Artichoke
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot Texture Plate "Perfect Details", Scallop Oval, Large and Small Oval punches, Paper Piercer, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Anything but a card

I'm having dinner with two of my favorite people tonight, and so I thought that I'd make them each a little 'treat'!

A friend showed me a little book that someone had made her to write her prayers in, or for Bible verses, and of course I had to try to duplicate it!!!! Using the Big Shot, this was a breeze, and you could use all manner of different embellishments to individualize them. I can see a lot more of these in my future!

I made a little book mark to go in each book, and made a little pocket for them to sit in. Here's a closer look at both of them... try one yourself!

If you'd like to have one of these little beauties waiting to give someone special, give me a call to book in a workshop to make one as your make and take!

Hugs

Megan

Recipe:

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Baroque Motifs

Paper: Close to Cocoa,Sage Shadow, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Parisian Breeze DSP (retired - and very missed!!), Baja Breeze (retired - also missed!)

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze (retired),Basic Brown

Accessories: Top Notes Big Shot Die, Butterfly Big Shot die, Fancy Label Punch, Feral Sizzix letter dies, Retired ribbons, binder clips

Background smoosh technique

This is such a fun, fun, fun technique! You need to start with the Glossy White paper with a clear embossed image (this top one uses the new Medallion background stamp - LOVE IT!!) inked with Versamark and then clear embossing powder. Now the fun begins!

Cut open a plastic bag or a sheet protector, and 'smoosh' one of your ink pads on one side. Take another color that matches, or complements, or contrasts (lots of choices there!) and smoosh it onto the other side.

Now you need to take a little care. Put the 'smooshed' sides of the plastic together, and gently 'smoosh' them together, but only to gently mix the colors. You don't want to blend them (mostly you'll just end up with a cacky brown - ugh!) but just mix them and then separate the plastic apart again. Place the 2 sheets of the glossy paper back sides together and place one of them image side down on the plastic and gently put the other plastic over it.

Now you get to 'smoosh' a little again to cover over the glossy cardstock. Be careful again so that the colors don't get mixed too much and turn brown. Take them out of the plastic and then gently wipe off the ink from the embossing and viola - you've got a sensational background! Enjoy!!

Here's another card I made with another lot of 'smooshed' background. This one didn't come out as well, I think that you need to use a more detailed background stamp like the Medallion instead of this one from the Baroque Motifs.

Try it and let me know what you think...

If you need a great background stamp, you cam go online and order one right here on my website.

Let me know what you think!

Hugs

Megan

Recipe: Medallion (Pink/purple)

Stamps: Medallion Background stamp, Oval All

Paper: Melon Mambo, Glossy White cardstock

Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Large Ovel Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Melon Mambo ribbon, White Gel Pen

(Pink/Orange)

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Heard From The Heart

Paper: Pink Passion, Only Orange, Glossy White

Ink: Only Orange, Pink Passion, Black Stazon

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder

Pierced spotlight

This is such a fun technique and I'm really happy with the way that it turned out!

I decided to use one of the images from the "Friends 24-7" that I rarely use, and now I think it is becoming one of my favorites!!! (Check out my Facebook page here to see another card that I created with it!)

So, the idea behind this technique is to pierce the paper around a circle and then color only THAT space. I am so excited that we are selling the paper piercer separately now - do you have one yet? I actually used the reverse template as well to sponge around the inside of the circle, and it gave it a great dimension. Love it!! I will sooooo be using this technique again!

Here is a close up of the detail in the spotlight...

I added a little more shading to the flowers b using the white gel pen to add highlights. Simple, but very effective!

Someone needs to have this card - could it be you? Leave me a comment (just click on the link at the end of the post that says Comments!) and it will let you post a comment. I'll let you know who wins it!!!! Good luck...

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Friends 23-7
Paper: Elegant Eggplant,Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Black Stazon, Perfect Plum,
Markers:Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, White gel pen
Accessories: 1 1/4"& 1" Circle Punches, Circle Scallop Punch, Elegant Eggplant Ribbon, Paper Piercer

Fabulous Friday cards

Did you miss Friday night's class? This is a quick look at what you missed... you're sad now, aren't you?

We had an absolute ball, learnt some cool new techniques and laughed more than I have in a long time! Thanks girls!

This month we learnt how to create faux suede (a very simple technique that looks sensational) and faux denim, a bit of a trickier technique, but also looked great and was a LOT of fun!!!(and we all learnt a valuable lesson as to why the embossing buddy really is your best friend!!!!)

If you want to make sure that you know when these nights are on, send me an email here, and just let me know that you want to get on my mailing list! Next month's is looking fantastic too!!!

This week's special from Stampin' Up! is their Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware. This is normally $29.99, but for this week only, it is $18.99 - that OVER 30% off!!! What a deal!

It has 200 little pieces to make all of your projects pop! All sorts of fun brads and bookplates. And the best thing? The coordinate with our punches for really quick and easy layering that looks like you spent an eternity!! And it comes in this adorable, re-usable tin. You can order it here on my website, or give me a call at 303 805 2344 and order it directly from me. But remember, this deal only lasts until Sunday night!

Can't wait to see what you create with these adorable accents..

Hugs

Megan

Deal of the week #3

How cool are these? I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s rhinestone brads, they just add such a fantastic 'pop' to any of your projects and just the right amount of bling!

Here's a closer look at them...

You can order these directly from my SU! website here (just click on the button that says Shop now), send me an email, or a call on 303 805 2344. So what are you waiting for? Order them now!!!

I can't wait to see what you come up with using these sensational little things (or should I say 'blings'!!!)

Hugs

Megan

Fabulous Friday cards

Well, it's that time of the month again. Fabulous Friday is upon us again this coming Friday (July 17th).

This is one of the cards that we will be making - cute, huh? It's a spinner card, andthat cake at the bottom of the card actually travels along that 'track' and pins. Very cool. COme and learn how!

Fabulous Friday Cards is a time for you to come and have a fun evening making 5 pre-designed and pre-cut cards. All of the hard work is done for you and all you have to do is spend some time actually stamping and putting them together!

If you haven't let me know you are coming yet, there's still time! Email me here, or call me on 303 805 2344 to let me know by Thursday (so I have a kit made for you!).

The cost is $15 for 5 cards, and it's at my home in Parker. Can't wait to see you there!

Hugs

Megan

Some 3-D cuties!

Aren't these the cutest? I was inspired by some of the projects that came through my inbox overe the weekend (but of course I never remember where they came from, sorry)

The drwers are madw ith the Big Shot matchbox die. I think it would be adorable to hold little jewellery items, or on your desk to hold litle stationary thingys!

Want one of your own? Book a workshop with me and it could be your thankyou gift from me to you!

These little boxes are sooooo very easy to make! Using the Big Shot Box #2, you simply cut out 2 and attach them together on the back. Easy peasy. I think I will add in some little notelets and it will make a very lovely little gift for someone! We all know that there are never enough little homemade gifts for those times when just a little something is in order! But it would also be very cute with a gift card tucked into it, or some 'special' chocolates! I just know that this will be a go to pressie for me!

I'd love to show you and your friends how simple this is to make! Book a workshop and I'll demonstrate this for you (AND you get to keep the sample!!!)

To see a closeup of the drawers, head on over to my facebook page here!

Thanks for looking - have a great Monday, and don't forget to book in your workshop with me today!

Hugs

Megan

Recipe:

Drawers:

Big Shot Matchbook Die, Big Shot Top Notes Die, Big Shot Flowers #2 Die, Rhinestone Fire Brads, Retired DSP and Papers

Box:

Big Shot Box #2 Die, retired DSP, Chocolate Chip ribbon and ink, Matchbook Messages Stampset, 1 3/4, 1 3/8, 1 1/4 circle punches, wide oval punches

New Medallion Background Stamp

You are going to just LOVE this new stamp! I think it might end up being one of the most versatile backgrounds I have - so you know that you'll be seeing a lot more of it!!

I was just finishing off prepping for the Friendly Wheels class tonight, and because I am such a messy, there were a lot of scraps lying around! So I decided to use them to play with the Medallion stamp this afternoon.
Oh, and did I mention that I got the new impressions folders too? LOVE THEM!!!
You can see the detail that these impressions folders make in the cardstock - fabulous. And really easy to get ink on them if you want to add even more depth to them!
Big Tip: You really DO need the silicon mat for your Big Shot to get the best out of these folders.
The flowers in the focal element are form the new Level 1 Hostess Set, Country Morning. Another rooster in that set, and you all know how I love me some roosters!!!!
To get your own FREE Country Morning set, all you need to do is host a get together with your friends and have minimum orders of $150, and it's all yours baby! Along with some Stampin' Up! Bucks to spend (now, that's not the actual name of the Hostess Benefits, but it sounded cool!!!) Call me today to get your date in my calendar so you can be stamping with this fabulous set very soon!

Hugs
Megan

Recipe:
Stamps: Country Morning (Level 1 Hostess set), Medallion background stamp, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Kraft (card base), Mellow Moss, Night of Navy
Ink: Mellow Moss, Night of Navy, Stazon Black
Accessories: Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (for the Big Shot), Word Window Punch, Sponges

Visit my Stampin' Up! website here to order these supplies directly from the web!

The new Catalog is LIVE!

Here it is!!! This is absolutely GORGEOUS! It has a different layout than past catalogs, and has a sumptuous matte finish... Yum Yum. There are so many fantastic new sets and accessories in these pages - you'll want to make a cup of tea and sit down and just enjoy every page!





What? You haven't got one yet? Well, not to worry, I have one set aside just for you! Give me a call (303 805 2344) or send me an email, and I'd be happy to get one in your hot little hands! I'll just need a phone number so that I can five you a ring and see what you thought about it!





And that's not all folks! No, there's no steak knives - but Stampin' Up! is having weekly specials! Yep - every Monday they will post another special. How cool is that?! You can go to my SU! website here and order it right there and then, or just come back and visit here every Monday for the update.





This week it's one of my favorite tools - the Scallop Edge Punch.

So - what are you waiting for? Give me a call and get your hand on a catalog and place your order to get in on this week's special!

Hugs

Megan

Circle Circus Birthday

I saw a color challenge this morning and was really taken with it. Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, So Saffron and Rose Red. Don't they look stunning together?

Today's big tip is this: When you want to use the same colors on a sentiment as background stamping, stamp off the first 'generation' and use the second or third. To make that clearer - every time you stamp an image after you have inked it up we call a generation. Thus - first stamp, first generation; stamp again without re-inking it, second generation; stamp again and it's the third generation.

You can see it on the little panel with the birthday sentiment. I really wanted to use the same colors as the main panel, but I knew that Not Quite Navy and even the Old Olive would be too dark. So, I stamped the circle image onto my grid paper once first with the Old Olive before stamping it onto the Whisper White, but stamped it off twice with the Not Quite Navy. Now you get a cohesive look without having to look for a lighter color that co-ordinates! What a time-saver!!

Another Big Tip: Use the Mat pack to line up your brads so that there is an equal space between them all. Seriously, that little kit is AMAZING!

Try it yourself next time that you want to get your background the same colors! And if you would like to get together with your friends and have me give you all a private class on this or any other technique, just drop me a line! I'm booking my July 'funshops' now, so call quickly to get the date you want before it's gone!

And just a reminder that the new Stampin' Up! Catalog goes live tomorrow! You can place an online order on my SU! website here.

Recipe:
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Upsy Daisy (sentiment)
Paper: Rose Red, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink:Rose Red, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, So Saffron
Accessories: Earth Elements (Not Quite Navy) brads.

Hugs
Megan

Distressed Spots

I thought that I'd have a bit of a play with my embossing folders for the Big Sot today. What a lot of fun!
This background was run through the smaller spots embossing folder (Stampin' Up! Background folders 1) and then to give it this great distressed look, and to bring up the white under the printing on the DSP, I used the sanding block over the top. It's kinda hard to tell from the picture, but every one of those cute dots is raised and then sanded - it feels really cool as well as looking great!
Big Hint: Make sure that you sand in all directions, and do it lightly - the paper tears pretty easily if you are too heavy handed!
I also had a go at another fun technique with the embossing folders, and you can see that over on my Facebook fan page here. If you're not a fan yet, become one so that you don't miss all of the great exclusive content that I post there!
The new catalog goes live on Wednesday! It's just so exciting! if you haven't gotten your hands on one yet, give me a call or send an email so I can get one to you quick sticks. this is one of the best that I have seen in a LONG time!

Recipe:
Stamps: Pocket Sillouettes, Trendy Trees (sentiment)
Paper: Perfect Plum (card base), Barely Banana, Sale-a-bration DSP (retired and exclusive for the sale-a-bration promotion- make sure you get the freebies next time it rolls around!)
Ink: Perfect Plum
Accessories: Big Shot embossing folders, Collozzle cutting system, word window punch, new punch, retired yellow ribbon, sanding block

Hugs
Megan

Just hanging around for you!

Isn't this cool? I had a dream about this card last night, so I thought I'd better try to get it made before it went out of my head!
I had wanted to do some more brayering for a while, and this gave me the perfect excuse!
First I brayered Gable Green along the bottom of the card. (To brayer like this you run your brayer length wise along the ink pad, scooching it just a bit more around every time. Then you run it along the card again and again - it kind of smooshes all together. Like all of those technical terms???) Then clean your brayer and repeat the process at the top of the layer with Summer Sun.
The layer that has all the brayering is Whisper White and it is 5 1/4" x 4". That's the standard size for a first layer on a standard card! (Just a little helpful hint there!)
Next, I stamped the tree trunk from the stamp set "Branch Out" in Basic Brown on either side of the layer. The leaves were stamped in Mellow Moss and Old Olive, use the lighter ink first (Mellow Moss) and then you wont have to clean the stamp - just stamp off the excess onto your grid paper! Was that another helpful hint??? I think I'm going for a record here!
I sponged around the outside of the card lightly with the Basic Brown ink. The Crop-a-dile is perfect for getting the holes cut out on the branches, and on the "swing"! Use the smaller hole for eyelets.
The "swing" is a large oval punched out of Chocolate Chip, a small oval punched out of Gable Green and the saying punched out of Whisper White with the Word window punch. Helpful Hint number 3!!!! ALWAYS stamp the image before you punch it out! If you've ever tried to line up a stamp on that skinny little word window you'll understand why. If you are smart enough not to have done that - don't!!!!
I used the linen thread through the eyelets (from the Earth Elements container) and tied it all kinds of weird and wonderful ways. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I was not a Girl Scout!
I then backed it onto a piece of Chocolate Chip and pt that onto a Glorious Green card base.
Just for fun - Helpful Hint Number 4 : Always use a bone folder to score your card bases. It really does give them a much nicer finish!!!!
SO - ready to give this a try? I am planning on teaching this card at my July Fabulous Friday class. July 17th is the date - email me to book a place. The cost is $15 and along with this beauty, we'll be making 4 other fabulous cards!

Recipe:
Stamps: Branch Out, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Gable Green, Glorious Green
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Gable Green, Summer Sun
Accessories: Brayer, Large and Small oval punches, word window punch, Earth Elements eyelets, linen thread, crop-a-dile, sponge

Hugs
Megan

Razzleberry Retirement!

I'm still playing with the sneak peak stuff - I just can't seem to keep my hands off it no matter how hard I try to love on my older stamps!!

This card uses a set called "Circle Circus" and it is a bunch of circles with different designs in them. Love it - it's such an easy set to use. I know that it will be used much over the next few months!

This card I clear embossed one of the circles on the Night of Navy cardstock and tied some ribbon onto it. (To heat emboss a stamp you stamp the image in Versamark, and then pour the embossing powder over it. Tap off the excess and then use a heat tool to melt the powder till it shines. You can see my post about the wonders of Versamark here.) Then I simply added a sentiment, and stamped the same circle on Whisper White and punched it out with a circle punch and them overlayed it on one of the embossed circles. Very simple and easy - try it for yourself!

If you haven't already let me know that you want one of the new Idea Books and Catalogs, let me know. They arrive today- YAY!!! Send me an email here and put New Catalog in the Subject and I'll make sure you get it!

Recipe:
Stamps: Circle Circus, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Rich Razzleberry,Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Night of Navy
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, word window punch, 1 1/4 circle punch, clear embossing powder

Enjoy your day

Hugs
Megan

Technique Tuesday - Image Interrupted

I've got no idea what to call this technique, and I'm sure I'm not the inventor of it!!!!! So - I just called it 'image interrupted' - maybe it'll catch on!!!!

I cannot get enough of these new In Colors! It took me a long while to get the hang of these retiring ones, but have to say that I will really miss Baja Breeze. This new lot however are just so much more me! Nice and bright and FUN!!!!!!!!!

I stamped the image onto the DSP (Razzleberry lemonade - sneak peak!), but cut some of it off on the right side. The images in the corners are a different stamp, even though they look like they belong to the one big image!!!! I then lined up the bird image with the stamp-a-ma-jig so that I could line it up perfectly. You NEED this tool! So, when I placed the DSP back on the white layer, the pink finished off the image! Neat huh?

The bird image on the DSP is stamped in Versamark and then heat embossed with white embossing powder. Isn't he adorable? This is a sneak peak of a new Level 2 Hostess gift set -so the only way to get a hold of him is to have a funshop with me! Book in today so that you can earn this sweet little guy FREE!It gives it a really cool relief feel against the busy background of the paper. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment on the bottom of the post!

Recipe:

Stamps: Wings of Friendship(Level 2 Hostess set), Friends 24-7 (sentiment)

Paper: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Pretty in Pink, Razzleberry lemonade DSP (all NEW In Colors!)

Ink: Melon Mambo, Versamark

Accessories: Large oval punch, scalloped oval punch, white embossing powder, stamp-a-ma-jig

Hugs

Megan

Friendly Wheels class

Aren't these great?!

Wouldn't you want to make this as a gift for someone you love?

Good news!!! You can! I am having a class to teach you some fantastic new techniques with Stampin' Up!'s wheels. This wheel is just so versatile, you'll be using it for years to come!

The class will be at my home in Parker, Colorado on July 10th at 7pm.

For the fantastic price of $30 you get the Friendly words wheel with a handle to case it, all of the materials you need to create this set and it's all pre-cut and measured for you ready to go!

I will need to have payment made before July 1st to make sure that I will have your wheel and handle ordered and delivered before the class. Just hit the Paypal button below and use your credit card for payment (you don't need a Paypal account to do this!)

I can't wait to how you these fabulous cards - so what are you waiting for, hit the button NOW!!!!

Hugs

Megan

Sponging Tutorial

Remember this card from yesterday? Well, here is a simple, simple tutorial that shows you how I created that background.

This is the finished card that I made for this tutorial - and we'll get into some of the mistakes in it in a moment!

First - here are the supplies that you will need:

You'll need the scallop circle punch, some scrap paper, your cardstock for your card base, and some more if you choose to embellish it (the oval on mine), and some light neutral cardstock for the front. (Hint: A card front layer is 4"x 5 1/4")
Now onto the clouds! I cut off a bit of sponge for every new project that I make (it makes clean up easier and makes the sponge go a bit further!) Oh, I also have one that is about an eighth of the sponge that is purely for Basic Brown - the color that I most often sponge with!
Now, after you have punched out the scalloped circle, place it just down from the top of your paper. Put some ink on the sponge and wipe it down from the scrap paper. Move it to another area, overlapping the scallops a bit and repeat. Keep doing that along the top of the paper until you are happy with the look. Then make sure that you sponge the edges as well where the clouds are to fill them in a bit.

Now onto the grass! Just rip a bit of scrap paper so that it has a little bit of a curve, and place that above where you want the grass to be. In the same way that you did the clouds, sponge down from the paper. If you do this wrong, the hills will look wrong (and yes, I DO know that from personal experience!!!!!)

Oh - just a quick hint: If you do stuff up one side, remember that Stampin' Up! papers are two sided and so you can just flip it over and start again on the other side!

This is what your finished background will look like - except that of course, yours will be in focus!!!!!!

Now you just have to put in any other images you want and embellish it!

Now some more hints - if you have a look at the oval image on mine - I used the Old Olive marker to just ink up that tiny bit of the stamp, but I caught some of the hill for the next set of trees. BIG HINT: when you do this technique, use a blender pen to wipe off the excess to get a clean image.

Next thing - use the stamp-a-ma-jig when you need to get word on! Mine are really crooked - but that's what you get when you are totally impatient!!!!!

So there you have it! Now go ahead and create your own sponged background!

You can place an online order here to get your own products to create a masterpiece like this!

Or book your won workshop and we can make a card like this for all of your friends! Email me to book a date.

Recipe:

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Brilliant Blue (card base), Bordering Blue, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Old Olive, Bordering Blue, Basic Brown

Accessories:Sponges, Scallop Circle punch

Hugs

Megan

Will's birthday card!

Today my baby turned 7! Not so much a baby anymore, but still awfully cute!!!


Don't think he got the hang of smiling before he opened his pressies!!!!!!!

Anyway, here is the super cool card that I made for him. It's called a spinner card, and I used one of his favorite sets 'Prehistoric Pals'. The blue one on the bottom actually spins around and along the track there - way cool! I made the sky and the ground by sponging the ink over the top of scrap paper - stay tuned for tomorrow's little tutorial on that!

Call me or go online to my SU website to place an order so that you can make a cool card for the super cool kids in your life. Or better yet, book a workshop with me and earn it for free! 303 805 2344

Recipe:

Stamps: Prehistoric Pals, Teeny Tiny Wished (sneak peak set - absolutely fabulous!!!)

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Garden Green, Brocade Blue

Accessories: 1/2" circle punch, scallop circle punch, 2 pennies(!!)

Hugs

Megan