~ VC Rocks!!! Blog Hop ~

~ Triple Blossom Bouquet Flower Pot ~

Hi Stampers!

Welcome to my blog on this Awesome VC Rocks Blog Hop!!!

You have more than likely arrived from one of our terrific VC Rocks! coordinators Carey Rogers awesome blog with one of her lovely creations!

My little project began with Stampin' Up's! very own Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, of which I have only recently purchased...and let me tell you...I have not been so excited about a punch in a while, as I am thrilled with this one! It took a little longer for this wonderful tool to actually grow on me, but once I got my hot little hands on it...I am in LOVE...LOL! Well, I love flowers, they are my one weakness.

Next Saturday, August 20th, at my home, is my monthly card class and we will be making this little pretty!
You can call...602.481.8587 or email...Lindam530@cox.net to reserve your spot by Aug. 18th, 2011.

Stamps: none
Ink: none
Paper: cajun craze, island indigo, bashful blue, old olive, punpkin pie, daffodil yellow, pretty in pink, crumb cake
Access: blossom bouquet triple layer punch, word window punch, bird punch, polka dots embossing folder, linen thread, dazzling rhinestones, dimensionals

***If you leave me a comment, I will be sending one of you an original version of this!

Now, onto the next stop of the Hop to an awesome blog to view some pretty projects created with punches...Sharon Field.

Hope that you have as much fun Hopping and we all do in sharing our love of stamping and paper crafting!

~ Linda

~ My Dazzling Divas Swap ~

This is my swap card for this month's Dazzling Divas demonstrator group. We were asked to create a Fancy Folds type card. I had been wanting to make one of these, a double sided step version for sometime now.

I did a little research before I colored in Miss Birdie here. Vermillions are almost always red, therefore I thought that rose red would work. She also has some crumb cake on her wings and a little pearl accent for her cute little eye!

Stamps: young vermillion, kindness matters

Ink: chocolate chip, soft suede, crumb cake

Paper: marina mist, rose red, watercolor paper, very vanilla, crumb cake

Access: crumb cake ribbon, pearls, antique brads, linen thread

Tools: scallop die, 2 1/2" punch, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, word window punch, modern label punch, dimensionals

Enjoy!

~ Linda

~ SU Convention Projects ~

This was a very special "Surprise" birthday gift given to me by my dear friend Barbara Welch. It is a bit of a long story, but the shortened version is that I did not sign up originally for this class. I had intended to have a leisurely evening of a luxurious bubble bath back at our hotel room.  Little did I know that she and our other roomate Pam, had other plans...LOL...after she finally got me into the class, I sat down and she asked me if I was having fun and of course I said...yes...then she quietly said "Happy Birthday!".  Well, I was a little shocked and surprised...that is the kind of person she is...full of delightful surprises...we had so much fun this year!!!

This is one of the beautiful Make n Takes that everyone got to make at Convention this year! I love all of the variety in each and every item...gives me lots of inspiration on making pretty banners for all kinds of events and perhaps some gifts too!

Yet another beauty that Stampin' Up! pulled together for us to make! They are a truly Amazing company...full of creativity...I am hardly ever at a loss for ideas...I LOVE the flower atop the box and the beautiful fabric too!  This will hold some of my little pretties...wont' you come and see for yourself?

Give me a call or email me on how YOU can be part of this AMAZING Company! This year's festivities were the BEST! And, can you believe they said that next year's will be even better?  I can hardly wait :)

Happy Stamping to Everyone!!!

~ Linda

My 2011 Stampin' Up! Convention Swaps

~ Very Vintage Organized Swap ~

This card was inspired by one of my favorite stamping friends, Diane Dechaine. She taught us how to make sweet peas at a Dazzling Diva downline meeting. I just LOVE making these flowers :)

Stamps: Artistic Etchings
Ink: basic black, blushing bride
Paper: confetti white, in color 2010-2011 dsp
Embellishments: pearls, blushing bride ribbon
Tools: word window punch, modern label punch, 2 3/8" scallop punch, Framed Tulips embossing folder,
dimensionals

                               ~ Bookmark 3-D Swap ~

This was my 3-D swap...I enjoy collecting bookmarks and thought that it would be good to have some on hand at Convention to swap.

Stamps: none

Ink: none

Paper: tangerine tango, in color dsp

Embellishments: gold brad

Tools: fancy flower punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, dimensionals, paper piercer

~ Precious Butterflies General Swap ~

This pretty hostess set arrived just in time in order for me to pull this swap together.

Stamps: Precious Butterflies

Ink: wild wasabi, pacific point, basic black

Paper: beyond the garden dsp, basic black, whisper white, wild wasabi

Embellishments: basic black satin ribbon

Tools: corner ticket punch, scallop trim border punch, dimensionals

~ Calendar 3-D General Swap ~

These little calendars come in handy around the house. They do not take up very much space and are just cute!

Stamps: peace within

Ink: basic black

Paper: concord cruch, melon mambo, whisper white, Hostess Cheerful Treat dsp

Embellishments: jewels basic rhinestones

Tools: curly label punch, modern label punch, small oval punch

~ Flowers & Lace General Swap ~

When I received this brand new lace punch, I got right to work with it...literaly...work...I made about fifty of these for swapping and believe me to punch out all of those lace borders takes some good old fashioned muscle...I have to stand up and punch each time and the next day, I felt sore in my arms and legs.

So, if anyone asks me if I get a workout from stamping...they answer is a definite "yes". LOL

Stamps: vintage lace large roller (on butterfly)

Ink: basic grey

Paper: basic grey, confetti white, cherry cobbler

Embellishments: pearls, 1/8" very vanilla taffeta ribbon

Tools: lace ribbon border punch, flower garden embossing folder, big shot beautiful butterflies die

There you have it for today!

Check back as I will be posting the awesome make n takes that I have finished from Convention within the next few days!

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda 

~ weSTAMP Monthly Swap ~

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Below is a card that I made for my monthly upline meeting with my weSTAMP friends. I just LOVE this stamp set that I received at Convention!

Stamps: Easy Events

Paper: tempting turquoise, pretty in pink, whisper white

Ink: basic black, tempting turquoise, pear pizazz

Misc: ticket corner punch, 2 3/8 scallop punch, whisper white satin ribbon, bakers twine white, pearls, dazzling details (premiering in the upcoming Holiday Mini ~ Sept. 1)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ Saturday Morning Stamp Cafe ~ July ~

Hi Stampers!

These are the projects that we made in my monthly class...

~ Easy Events Cuckoo Clock ~

Cuckoo clocks are a fav of mine. My grandparents had one in their living room and my cousins and I always tried to catch the cuckoo when it popped out...LOL. Needless to say, I do have one in my living room and just maybe when my little grandaughters are big enough, they might try to do the same!

Stamps: Easy Events

Paper: 2010-2011 In Color DSP, very vanilla, naturals ivory

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Crumb Cake

Misc: 2 1/2" circle punch, corner ticket punch, chantilly crochet trim, chocolate chip satin ribbon,

bakers twine white, flower brads, pearls, dimensionals, crop a dile

~ Treat Cup Mini Bonnet ~



This is a 3-D item that I brought to Convention to swap. I did not have quite enough, well, hardly any little empty plastic containers that our beautiful embellishments come in, so I thought, hmmm...treat cups! And that is how these little pretties came about.

Stamps: none

Ink: none

Paper: IBC Hostess dsp

Misc: treat cups, winter white satin ribbon

Filled with SU salt water taffy

~ Sweet Pea Lacey Lovely ~

While at Convention, I participated in a few organized swaps and brought home about one hundred and fifty little pretties that I could admire to my heart's desire...well...there was one with this color combination that just spoke to me...I just LOVE it! The original sample that inspired me can be found on Carla Blake's blog, which can be found HERE

Stamps: none

Ink: whisper white craft ink

Paper: Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, whisper white, Flirtatious Specialty dsp

Misc: wisteria wonder ruffled ribbon, jewels basic rhinestones, bird punch, fancy flower punch,

butterfly punch, dimensionals, champagne shimmer mist (on flower)

And...there you have it! Hope to see you at next months Stamp Cafe...Sat. Aug, 20th!

Happy Stamping...

~ Linda









~ Inking Idaho Convention Get-Together ~

My upline, Lorri Heilling invited me to attend Becky Roberts SU Convention gathering last Wednesday. I was so excited to finally meet Becky in person!!! She is such a dear, sweet lady and I just LOVE her work! You can view her blog  HERE 

Pictured from left to right are: Stefanie Austin, Lorri Heilling, Becky Roberts, Linda Rodenberg, Linda Bickley

We also had a 3-D and card swap...they are some of the BEST samples that I received at Convention!

Becky also had little gifts for each of us at our seats.

Our get-together was both fun and informative!

Happy Stampin' All!

~ Linda

Stampin' Up! Convention Garden Party

Photo taken last Wednesday, July 13th 2011 at the Stampin' Up! Annual Kick-Off Garden Party!

Here we are wearing our Sunday finest! LOL

Pictured from left to right are: Pam Hegarty, Barbara Welch, Jane Rappleyea, Linda Rodenberg

Enjoy!

~ Linda

~ YOU are WANTED!!! ~

Yes!  YOU!!!

I want YOU to become one of my Pretty Inkers Team...YES!!! YOU!!!

Stampin' Up! is running an all-time special sign up promotion and for only...

~~~ $99 ~~~

You can become part of something so GREAT, so WONDERFUL, so REWARDING!!!

You will have my FULL support! If I can do it, so can YOU!!!

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit--valued at $185--comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

+ PLUS +

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit--a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful--isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer.
As an added bonus, first-time demonstrators can get two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) when they sign up during their first 21 days as a demonstrator. Subscribing to DBWS means having your own online store, blog, hostess portal, and much more!

Call me...602.481.8587, email me: Lindam530@cox.net Do whatever it takes to become part of something
Great!!!

Looking forward to hearing from you...AND...as a personal promotion YOU will be entered into a drawing for an

FREE BONUS STAMP SET!!!

As always, Happy Stamping and hope to see you in class this coming

Saturday, July 23rd at 10am...please RSVP...asap!

~ Linda...one very happy, excited SU Demo :)











~ Blog Candy Winner! ~

Drumroll please......................

Announcing the Blog Candy Winner who left me a comment, became a follower and emailed me!

Congratulations goes out to:

Carolyn Sharkas

Your blog candy will be mailed out when I return from the Stampin' Up! Convention.

Thanks to everyone that viewed my blog and left some very appreciative comments.

Happy Stampin'!

~ Linda

~ VC Rocks July Blog Hop! ~

Welcome to all of  my fellow happy stampers! This is my first time  participating in a Blog Hop! I am so excited!!!  The first stop on this HOP is:

VC Rocks Blog Hop Beginning

You have arrived at stop # 27 ~ Pretty Inky!

More than likely you have arrived from stop # 26 ~  Kim Schwinkendorf's awesome blog ~

Artful Imagination

Our assignment was to create "Anything But a Card". I made about ten of these for a swap that I participated in with this awesome group of stampers!

Hope that you like what I have created for you to view here...it is a Post It Note Holder! I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE SU's new dsp Beyond the Garden, there are so many possibilities within this pretty paper pack!

Stamps: none
Ink: none
Paper: Beyond the Garden dsp, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Embellishments: rhinestone brads, ww satin ribbon
Tools: square scallop die, fun flowers die, floral fusion sizzlet, dimensionals, crop a dile, glue dots

Your next stop will be # 28 Nicole Smith's wonderful blog entitled Nicole's Stampin' Corner ~

Nicole's Stampin' Corner

Hope that you enjoy the Hop!!!

Happy Stampin' Always!

~ Linda

~ Blog Candy Alert!!! ~

Ok...I am in a REALLY GREAT MOOD lately especially with Convention just around the corner and you know what happens when I am in a REALLY GREAT MOOD?

~ Blog Candy Giveaway!!! ~

All YOU need to do is the following:

1. Leave me a COMMENT

2. Become a FOLLOWER

3. EMAIL me that you have completed 1 & 2

You MUST complete ALL 3 steps in order to QUALIFY for the BLOG CANDY!!!

Among the items in this GIVEAWAY will be a set of beautiful exclusive STAMPIN' Up! Stamps and

various other items.

I will draw from among the emails that I receive and announce the winner on my blog on Monday!

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ June Sat AM Stamp Cafe ~

Hi Everyone!

I know! I know!  But I have a really good excuse! Next week I  leave for the Annual Stampin' UP! Convention in beautiful Salt Lake City, UT and my goal this year is to have close to 200 swaps!!!

Of course, the benefit for all of my class attendees is that you get the best of the best when I choose which projects we make in class...have I made you HAPPY now? LOL

~ Upsy Daisy ~

~ Summer Beach Bag ~

~ Daffodil Delight Build A Blossom ~

Our next Saturday Morning Stamp Cafe, at my home, is scheduled to take place on July 23rd ~ 10:00 to 12 NOON. I would just love to meet some new stampers to kick off the beautiful NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog 2011~2012!

Please contact me for details: Lindam530@cox.net

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda 

~ Stampin' Buddy ~ Princess ~

While I was out shopping this week, I found the perfect bed for my little stampin buddy Princess. I love shabby chic and thought that she might perhaps enjoy it! Well, as you can see, she does! She is such a sweet girl. I adopted her from the Arizona Humane Society last March 2010 and she has been such a little treasure in our household which consists of my dh, me our Irish Wolfhound, Sean and Silky Terrier (terror), Bebe.

So today is spa day for the pets...Sean's beds are being laundered, Princess is enjoying the spotlight here and Bebe is going to get the royal treatment which consists of a bath, brushing and new ribbon for her little pony tail!

There you have it! What are you doing today...besides stamping...of course!!!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

~ Linda

~ Summer Mini Extravaganza ~

Just wondering...have any of you every tried to get multiple items into one card? Well...I think that I finally did it!  I started out thinking oh, it is ok if I am able to get at least one element from the Summer Mini onto my weStamp swap this month...and then...slowly, but surely everything began to fall into place and this is the result!

Ink: pacific point, tangerine tango, wild wasabi

Paper: pacific point, melon mambo, ww, Beyond the Garden dsp

Stamps: Pretty Postage

Embellishments: ww satin ribbon, rhinestone brad, champagne shimmer mist (on flower)

Other: Textured Impressions Flower Garden folder (bottom half), postage stamp punch, scallop square punch, Bigz L Fun Flowers die, bo ho blossoms punch, dimensionals

What do you think? LOL

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ Pretty Food ~

Just a tad off the subject of paper crafting...I also like to cook...although not as much as my True Love...tee hee!

These are little appetizers that I made for my dh and I on Monday night...they paired well with a nice Pinot Noir that we opened!

~ Linda



~ Beyone the Garden DSP ~

Another cased creation using SU Beyond the Garden designer series paper...this pack has so many beautiful, bright and cheery colors in it and the best thing about using one of our paper packs is that it makes it even easier to color coordinate elements on a card!

Another one of my favorites lately is the gorgeous SU Bigz L Fun Flowers die. It was originally in the Occasions Mini catalog but is still available to order. Drop me an email to place an order if you would like one of your very own!

Enjoy!

~ Linda



~ Gentle Strength ~

Hi Stamping Friends!

This is a cute card that I cased from somewhere out there in blogland.  It was very quick and easy to make too using our Breast Cancer Awareness stamp set: Strength and Hope. I used Iridescent Ice on the butterfly...it looks so pretty in person!

Enjoy!

~ Linda

~ Happy Father's Day ~

A few months back, I learned how to brayer at my monthly demonstrator weSTAMP meeting. I just LOVE how this technique looks with a beautiful, striking black inked stamp. This particular stamp set, Nature Silhouettes, from the main SU IBC, has been on my wish list now for quite some time. I was very curious as to how it would look if I used a brayered background in old olive and tempting turquoise.

Hmm...what do you think? I put some little black marker streaks in the background for birds...I did not want to fuss too much with a masculine card kwim?

Well...have to get working on my weSTAMP swaps that are due next Monday evening when we have our meeting...stamp, stamp, stamp! Maybe that should be a song! Ha!

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ Happy I do Day! ~

Later this evening, Ken and I have been invited to attend the wedding of some of our dear friends whose daughter is getting married.  We have gotten to know this lovely family via our wine tasting adventures. Their beautiful daughter dances for Ballet Arizona, which Ken and I attend frequently.

These are the colors of her wedding theme and I easily matched them with our beautiful Stampin Up cherry cobbler, very vanilla and basic black cardstock. The cc background was embossed using the SU texture plate. The cake layers using the textured impressions elegant lines embossing folder, the boho blossoms punch for the flowers and our exquisite rhinestones. The Happy I do Day sentiment is from the Word Play stamp set which is on sale now...I just received mine yesterday via the UPS man aka Mr. Brown.

Hope that you like it!

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ Strength & Hope ~

This card was made especially for a very dear friend of mine whom has been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We have become very close as a result of our mutual enjoyment of stamping, papercrafting and love of anything shabby.

It was a total case from Debra Currier. I so liked the softness of the colors and the elements that were utilized to pull this little pretty together. For the base, I used a retired SU cs that I really miss...mellow moss.

Recipe:

Stamps: Strength & Hope

Ink: so saffron, regal rose, rose red

Paper: mellow moss (retired), so saffron, confetti white

Embellishments: vv taffeta ribbon, pearls, antique brad, little leaves sizzlet

Tools: designer label punch, boho blossoms punch, 1 3/8" circle punch,

vintage wallpaper embossing folder, 3" circle die

As part of our Making a Difference program, Stampin' Up! is proud to partner with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the Strength & Hope Campaign.

Throughout the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog sales period, Stampin' Up! will donate $2* from the sale of each Strength & Hope set and Strength & Hope digital kit to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
118100 ~ Strength & Hope wood-mount set ~ $17.95

123660 ~ Strength & Hope clear-mount set ~ $13.95

124475 ~ Strength & Hope digital kit ~ $9.95
Includes a four-piece stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Papers, and 10 embellishment pieces.

*Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from this purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® . BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit http://www.bcrfcure.org/.

Thank you for visiting today!

~ Linda

































 




 











 
























 

~ Faux Mother of Pearl Pretties ~

At my class this month, I taught my attendees how to do the Faux Mother Of Pearl Technique. It's not new, but it is beautiful every time!!

How is it done?
For this card, I die cut the flower layers in Whisper White card stock using the Fun Flowers Die.

Faux Mother Of Pearl Technique:

1.Wad up a piece of plastic wrap (the kind that you seal food up with) and dip it into Frost White Shimmer Paint. You don't need much at all, two drops are enough.

2.Pounce a thin layer of Shimmer Paint over your card stock (can be Whisper White or Glossy White). Be sure to leave some white space. Allow to dry.

3.Sponge or brayer your chosen color of Classic Ink over the top. The area with the Shimmer Paint will resist the ink.

4.Once covered with desired depth of color, take a paper towel and buff off surface to reveal the beauty of your Mother Of Pearl (Shimmer Paint).

Very easy and produces great results!

Hope that you like these! Leave me a comment to let me know what you think!

Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ Shabby Bleu ~

This little pretty was made for my Dazzlings Divas demonstrator meeting swap in April.

Stamps: Four Frames, Strength & Hope, Simple Friendship
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Versamark
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Crumbcake, Paisley DSP
Misc: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon, Eyelet border punch,
Curly Label Punch, small oval punch, pearls, dimensionals

What do you think?

This Saturday May 7th, I am hosting my monthly class in my home. There are a few spots let, so if you would like to attend, email me: Lindam530@cox.net. Hope to see you there!

Happy Stampin'...

~Linda

~ Manly Studio Sketch ~

This card was created for my monthly weSTAMP demonstrator meeting. We were asked to make masculine cards. I don't know about some of you, but it is always such a challenge to make these cards.

Knowing my dh as I do and how much he loves to eat, I pulled out my Stampin' Up! set Studio Sketches.
It is a very nice set and I think just perfect for the special men in our lives.

Hope that you like my version of a manly card.

Til next time...Happy Stamping!

~ Linda

~ "The Girls" Easter Cards ~

As some of you know, I have two beautiful granddaughters, Keira and Kaely, so when I make something, I always have to do it twice...which is always pure pleasure for me!

The above cards were made specially for "The Girls". They love animals and what better cutie to put on their Easter cards than bunnies! And, each one has a "belly button"!

Enjoy!

~Linda