My Stamp Lady Chris

Crazy For Cupcakes Card #3

Sorry I have been MIA, I've had one of those headaches that just won't go away.  I still have it but it's not nearly as bad today as it has been this past week.  This weekend I plan to work on my Summer & Fall Class Schedule and hopefully get some stamping done.

Here is the third card we made at Wednesday's Crazy For Cupcakes Class. 

 

Stamp in' Up Supplies:

Stamp Set: Crazy For Cupcakes

Card Stock:Rainbow Sherbet Designer Series Paper, Gable Green, Green Galore & Whisper White

Ink:Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker, Apricot Appeal Stampin' Write Marker, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, Green Galore Stampin' Write Marker, Gable Green Stampin' Write Marker, Basic Black Classic Ink Pad, White Gel Pen

Accessories:Designer Label Punch, Word Window, 1" Circle Window, Green Galore Grosgrain Ribbon:

Many Benefits to Scrapbooking

by Carole DeJarnatt

The scrapbooking hobby has been around for a long time and people do it for a variety of reasons. If you are an outsider to the world of scrapbooking, then you will not understand until you experience the craft the many reasons a person invests so much time and energy into a scrapbook page.

When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages. One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.

Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.

What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?

1. Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
2. Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
3. History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
4. Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
5. Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.

Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.

People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.


About the Author

Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.comfor ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.

How To Use Chalks

by Vicki Churchill

Using chalks for your cards making or scrap booking ideas is a fantastic way of adding extra color to your pages. Chalks can also be used to create shadows or to shade in the edges of torn or ripped paper.

Applying chalks to any project can be done in a variety of ways. There really is not any need to spend a large amount of money on specialized application sponges. You can simply use eye make up applicators, cotton buds, cotton wool all of which do the job just as well with a variety of looks, not to mention being a whole lot cheaper.

Using chalks can transform a piece of paper together with being relatively inexpensive and the results are always unique.

Before you begin to add chalk to any card making idea you have or to a piece of paper it is advisable to have a scrap piece of paper to hand so that you can experiment and work out which colors work well together. Depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be will be determined by how vigorously you brush the chalk on.

If you have begun to add the chalks to one of your card making ideas and have made a mistake, all is not lost, using an artists eraser will safely and effectively remove the chalk from the paper. This type of eraser is also handy for removing any stray chalk dust.

Once you have finished applying the chalk and are happy with the overall design you will need to use a fixative to stop the chalk from smearing. As tempting as it may be never use hairspray to set the chalk, it is particularly important if you are using the chalks for scrap booking because hairspray is not photo friendly and can react badly causing your photos to deteriorate.

Chalks are really great to use with rubber stamps. Using a Versmark inkpad to stamp the image you can then begin to apply the different chalk colors (remember to start with the lighter color first) and soon you will see the image begin to take shape.

Storing your chalks is important, it is recommended that you store chalks in a box with a lid and keep them as flat as possible, excessive banging and knocking of the box will cause the chalks to break up and worse of all mix together rendering them useless.

Chalks are extremely easy to get hold of, you can find them in most craft stores and they can also be obtained via the internet so keep your eyes open for a bargain!.

If you have never used chalks before it is well worth giving it a go, they are a great embellishing tool that will allow you to create works of art in seconds. They are inexpensive and a great way to create depth to any card making ideas.


Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas also providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking.

Order Your Stampin' Up Pastels online now by visiting my .  Just click on the Shop Now Button in  the upper Right hand corner and enter item #105542.

Designer Series Paper Ideas

This month is National Scrapbooking Month and during the month of May, when buy three packs of Designer Series paper and/or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and you will get one pack free! You can mix and match your papers to meet all your scrapbooking and paper crafting needs.

Need some ideas for using our Designer Series Paper?   Check out the new Designer Series Paper Ideas Video on My Stampin' Up Business Website.

Order yours today on my Stampin' Up Business Website, just click the SHOP NOW button in the upper right hand corner.  Plus all orders of $50 or more will have their name entered on my 50/50 Board. Plus anyone who places an order of $50 or more during the month of May will have their name entered to win a drawing for the Dear Friend Stamp Set! Winner will be announced on my website on June 1st.

Bravo Burgundy Close As A Memory

We needed Sympathy card today for my Aunt's Sister-in-law.  So this morning I sat down and created this one.  I love the look of this stamp set with my Watercolor Crayons.  I think the artwork on the stamp is just gorgeous water-colored. 

Are you a fan of Facebook?  You can now become a Fan of My Stamp Lady Chris on Facebook,  just click on the link below and watch for a fan only special coming soon.

Stampin' Up Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Close As A Memory

Card Stock: Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Apricot Appeal & Watercolor Paper

Ink: Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Watercolor Crayons, Aqua Painter, White Organza Ribbon

Scrapbooking Sketches - 8 Ways to Be More Productive

by Monna Ellithorpe

Your scrapbooking layouts can make all the difference in how your pages look. The key is to have many scrapbook sketches available already there for you to choose from and to help you get over those times when your own creative ideas are at a standstill.

Your pages do not have to be perfect by any means and sometimes you will produce a page that no matter what you do, you are just not happy with it. Don't stress over it, just put it in your scrapbook and move on. Remember scrapbooking is supposed to be fun, so don't make it into a chore just to get it done.

When you do find a sketch or layout that you like, experiment with it. Make your page about just one picture; add more pictures or less pictures; move them around; put the pictures on an angle; line them up and down or across. Walk away from it for a while and come back later with a fresh outlook and then just make the page and start another one.

I have discovered in my own scrapbooking sessions that if I have a sketch to go by, the hard part is already done. All you need to do is embellish with ribbons, buttons, lettering, stickers, glitter or what ever kind of embellishments you like the most. Cutting your mats and pictures with decorative scissors or if you have cutters with different cutting edges always adds a nice touch to your pages; experiment with different cutting edges.

A very important part of scrapbooking is "do not forget the journal box on your pages." In the future when family and friends look at your creative scrapbooking efforts they will want to know what was happening at the time, who is in the picture and where they were. This will keep the interest of any one viewing your scrapbook pages. It is such a disappointment when looking at a scrapbook full of pictures and you have no idea of who the people are in the pictures; no dates; no notes; nothing. Journal on every page even if you cannot remember the details, put as much information in your journal block as you can.

If you have quite a few pictures of one outing, a birthday party or some other event, it is always a plus and if you have the room to lay out many sheets of cardstock and just start laying your pictures out on each piece of cardstock as you go along. I have used this technique quite a few times and have been able to produce up to 10 pages in one session in my scrapbooking room. Believe me it is a great feeling to get so much accomplished at one time.

Below are some suggestions to help make better use of your time with your hobby:

1. Gather all of your pictures together from a single event.

2. If you have the room, lay out many sheets of cardstock and lay the
pictures on the cardstock at random.

3. Have sketches available to use as a guide.

4. Gather your embellishments that you plan to use; maybe you have a theme or just plan to use whatever appeals to you at the time.

5. Decide if you are going to cut your mats and photos with a straight edge or with a decorative edge.

6. Do not forget to make a journal box for each of your pages.

7. Don't worry if you are not able to finish your pages at one time. At least you have a start and the next time you have a few minutes a good portion of the decision making has already been done.

8. Last and most important, have fun and remember the event as you work on your pages.

Always remember enjoy your hobby and don't feel as if it is another job.

For more ideas, inspiration, learning to use your limited scrapbooking time more wisely and making great looking scrapbook pages, I would like to invite you to visit http://www.squidoo.com/Scrapbook-Sketches-500 which also includes free bonuses for cardmaking ideas and Christmas quotes.

"Copyright (c) Monna Ellithorpe. All Rights Reserved."

If you would like to learn more about scrapbooking contact me about my new Scrapbooking Club that will be starting in July.

Sesame Street Birthday

Are you looking for a quick and cute birthday card for a young child?  Here is an adorable Punch Art Sesame Street Card.  Just think of the scrapbooking possibilities with these adorable punch art monsters!

 

 

To Make Cookie Monster:

Punch a Brilliant Blue Scallop Circle for Cookie Monsters Head.  Next Punch out (2) 1/2" Whisper White Circles and (2) 1/4" Basic Black Circles for his eyes.  Punch a 1-1/4" Basic Black Circle then cut a little bit more then half off to form Cookie's Month.  Punch a 1" Close to Cocoa Circle for the Chocolate Chip Cookie.  Next using a Chocolate Chip Marker add the chocolate Chips to the Cookie.  Take 2 bites out of the Cookie using the Scallop Circle Punch.  Next put him all together.

  

To Make Big Bird:

Punch a Yoyo Yellow Scallop Circle for Big Birds Head.  Punch 1" Yoyo Yellow Square then cut it in half then add slits in half to add his hair.  Next Punch out (2) 1/2" Whisper White Circles and (2) 1/4" Basic Black Circles for his eyes.  Punch Pixie Pink Small Oval and cut in half then punch a Yoyo Yellow Large Oval then fold in half now attach the Pixie Pink this will form his mouth. Next put him all together.

 

To Make Oscar:

Punch a Green Galore Scallop Circle for Oscar's head.  Next Punch out (2) 1/2" Whisper White Circles and (2) 1/4" Basic Black Circles for his eyes.  Punch (2) Close to Cocoa Horizontal Slots for his eye brows.  Punch a Basic Black Small Oval and turn almost in half then punch a 1" Pixie Pink Circle then cut it in half these will form his month.  Next put him all together.

 

To Make Elmo:

Punch a Real Red Scallop Circle for Elmo's head.  Next Punch out (2) 1/2" Whisper White Circles and (2) 1/4" Basic Black Circles for his eyes. Punch a 3/4" Only Orange Circle for his nose.  Next Punch a 1-1/4" Basic Black Circle and trim a little more then half for his mouth.  Next put him all together.

To finish off my card I layered my monsters on Basic Black Card Stock then on Whisper White Card Stock.  I stamped Celebrate You in Brilliant Blue from the A Little Birthday Cheer Stamp Set.

 

Did you know you can now follow me on Twitter?  Just go to Twitter and click search then enter Mystampldychris or click the link on my left sidebar or follow go to http://www.twitter.com/mystampldychris.

 

Stampin' Up Supplies:

Stamp Set: A Little Birthday Cheer

Card Stock:Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Only Orange, Pixie Pink, Basic Black & Close to Cocoa

Ink:Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Marker & Brilliant Blue Classic Ink Pad

Punches: Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, 1 Square Punch & Horizontal Slot Punch

Sneak Peak: Crazy For Cupcakes Class Card Portfolio

We'll use the Crazy For Cupcakes Stamp Set, Rainbow Sherbet Designer Series Paper to create four beautiful cards and a stationary portfolio to hold them in.  These projects are perfect for those end of year teachers gifts, a birthday gift, or to keep and use for yourself. 

Date: Wednesday May 20, 2009
Time: 7 PM
Cost: $24.95
Location: 1205 Galvin Ave West St Paul, MN

Please register and prepay by May 18, 2009

Busting Three Myths About Scrapbooking

by Karen Siegel Fitting

When I tell people about what I do, I often hear things like; "I am not creative at all", "I just don't have the time" , "I would love to be able to scrapbook". If you have the desire to scrapbook, you can make to happen. Read on... three common scrapbooking myths are about to be BUSTED!

Scrapbooking Myth #1: There's no time to scrapbook. Scrapping doesn't require more time than you are willing to give to yourself for other activities (like exercise or the spa), it just requires scheduling. Most retail stores post their scrapbooking times 2 to 3 months in advance.

Independent consultants offer workshops as well and will likely have their schedules prepared 4 to 6 months in advance. My friend, Jackie, only scrapbooks twice a year - at weekend retreat events an independent consultant runs. Jackie knows 6 months in advance when the next retreat will happen and works her family calendar around it. She is able to remain up to date with her photo projects by simply making the most of these two opportunities. In my experience, busy people get things done - because of planning.

Scrapbooking Myth #2: You have to be creative to make a scrapbook style photo album. Putting photos into safe albums is mostly about preserving the memories & stories that the photos represent. Some of my favorite album pages are 'naked'. They lack any stickers or embellishments whatsoever. I love pages like this because they celebrate the memories. Digital scrapbooking and pre-designed layouts make things easier. Just add pictures and your words and you have a beautiful page!

Scrapbooking Myth #3: Scrapbooks are for families with kids. As long as you are taking pictures, kids or no kids, there's plenty to work on! Look at your pictures, aren't they worthy of celebration? It's time to show off your exciting life! Celebrate your everyday, your family and friends. Your story is worth telling and sharing, putting these stories and memories into a safe album is a great way to do this! Now that you know how to bust these myths, it is time to get started. Find a few pictures, find some friends or some help from a store or consultant and celebrate your memories.

To request your free digital scrapbooking software, go to http://karenfitting.wordpress.com/ Karen Siegel Fitting has been helping her clients keep up-to-date with their photos for over 5 years. Since January, 2009 her clients have completed over 10 albums, hundreds of pages, and have maintained sanity in the effort of keeping their photos managed.

 

If you would like to learn more about scrapbooking contact me about my new Scrapbooking Club that will be starting in July.

 

 

Fifth Avenue Floral Flower Pot

I wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day.  I hope everyone gets spoiled rotten by their husbands and kids!  

Since losing my mom in January 2007, Mother's Day has been a very hard day for me. I find that I have a hard time stamping Happy Mother's Day on my cards.  Since I still  need cards for my Mother In Law, my Grandma & my Godmother.  I find myself using other sayings instead. 

This year Flower Pot Cards are very popular along with a new technique called Embossed Reinker Spread.  So for my cards this Mother's Day I decided what better then to use the two stamping techniques together! 

Are you receiving my Monthly Stampin' Up Email Newsletter?  The Flower Pot Tutorial was included in my May newsletter and the Embossed Reinker Spread will be in my June Newsletter.  You can receive both of this by subscribing to my newsletter by using the link below.  (I will resend my May newsletter out to any new subscibers during the Month of May & my June newsletter will go out on June 2nd)

 

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Stampin' Up Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Fresh Cuts & Fifth Avenue Floral

Card Stock: Shimmery White, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst  & Always Artichoke

Ink:Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, & So Saffron Ink Refills; Lovely Lilac Classic Ink Pad; Lovely Lilac Stampin' Write Marker; White Craft Pads

Accessories:Aqua Painter, Eyelet Border Punch, White Organza Ribbon, Silver Brads, Crop-A-Dile, Clear Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Powder Pals, Paper Snips, Big Shot Machine, Sweetest Stems Embosslits