I was originally going to call this post “Fit for a King” but then I realized, He is not simply a king, but THE KING!

No, you may be asking why is this card fit for The One and Only Risen King?  Because of the purple background.  And, if you are like me, you know that purple is the color of royalty… but, if you are really like me… you want to know why is purple the color of royalty?

Well, i did some searching and I guess it is because the color purple was very expensive to make.  It originally came from a mollusk found off the coast of Tyre (now Lebanon).  It took over 9,000 of these little shelled creatures to create one gram of dye.  So, only the richest of the rich – aka kings and rulers – could afford it.  It also symbolized holiness during the Greek and Roman Empires.  I guess during the rule of Queen Elizabeth, no one but the closest royal family was entitled to wear it (on a side note – did you know that during that time, only certain classes wore certain colors…?  Me neither!).  Then, along came a chemistry whore noticed quanine made a purple color and the rest is history from there…

So, now that we have learned something new today, let’s take a look at the actual card I made using a couple of the stunning purples that Stampin’ Up has to offer us.

I CASE’d this card from a couple different ones that I found on Pinterest… so the idea is not originally mine.  But, I did go ahead and make y’all some instructions for it.  It will give you the measurements and the basic steps I took to create it.

Proj Sheet – Royal Easter

This was one of the 10 cards offered at my last Stamp Camp.  At my camps, which take place on the Third Thursday of most months… You can choose to make 10 cards or 5 cards.  You get to choose how many of which cards you would like to make.  One lady made six of these cards!  She found it really lovely and so simple to make.  I am sure you will too.

If you are wondering when my next Stamp Camp is… here are the dates…  🙂

Until next time, keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Well, we are winding down the last few days of Sale-a-Bration 2017.  Hopefully you have taken advantage of the deals!

If you are not familiar with Sale-a-Bration… It comes once a year and only once a year.  You can get free items with every $50 of Stampin’ Up items you purchase.  You can choose from stamp sets, designer series papers, and embellishments.

Of course… all Sale-a-Bration freebies only available while supplies last or through March 31st.  Unfortunately, that means if you did not get the Card Tin or the 6×6 Assorted Glimmer Paper, it’s too late.  Those items are alreadt gone.

BUT… today, Stampin’ Up added some items out of the Annual Catalog tot he list of Sale-a-Bration items.  Here is what they included…

What’s stopping you from ordering?

Just click on my link to the right to go to my online store.  If you are purchasing under $125, please use the code provided.  Over that and you can also order Hostess Rewards… 🙂  How fun is that!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

So, after a long wait, here is the project that I have been working on!

What do you think?

I was inspired by a Mituso video on YouTube.  The problem with the card they made was that it didn’t fit in a regular envelope.  Sure, I could have made a custom envelope, but that’s just too much work!

There is a slew stuff used on this card.  You may have noticed that.  Here is the list…  But, please note that the Glimmer paper used is not available anymore.  So hopefully you were lucky enough to snag some while it was a FREE item with Sale-a-Bration!

Product List

Window Box Thinlits Dies

[142762]

Basket Bunch Photopolymer Bundle

[144731]

Basket Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set

[143186]

Basket Builder Framelits Dies

[143228]

Hardwood Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[133032]

Hardwood Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[133035]

Up & Away Thinlits Dies

[142748]

Tip Top Taupe 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[138336]

Soft Sky 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131203]

Soft Suede 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[115318]

Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[141418]

Mint Macaron 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[138337]

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131197]

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[100730]

Crushed Curry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131199]

So Saffron 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[105118]

Pink Pirouette 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[111351]

Early Espresso 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[119686]

Old Olive 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[100702]

Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131201]

6″ X 6″ (15.2 Cm X 15.2 Cm) Glimmer Paper Assortment Pack

[143831]

Soft Sky Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131181]

Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126978]

Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin’ Pad

[141395]

Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ Pad

[138326]

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131171]

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131173]

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126974]

Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126953]

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126983]

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

[141897]

2016-2018 In Color Enamel Shapes

[141410]

Stampin’ Dimensionals

[104430]

Glue Dots

[103683]

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

[138309]

Fast Fuse Adhesive

[129026]

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

Big Shot

[143263]

Punch Corner Project Life

[135346]

Blender Pens

[102845]

I think this is going to be a fun card to make for many, many people.  I am already imagining what else I can make with it.  And, what else can I do to make fun cards like this.

Oh wait… Yes, I did do a tutorial for this card.  How could I not.  Seems like it had some ‘xplainin’ to do, Lucy!!!

Proj Sheet – Eggs-tra Special Easter Pop-Up Box

Can’t wait to see what y’all do with this!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

So, if you are an avid stamper like I am, you can appreciate the details of a very intricate cards.

But, if you are just starting out… a novice.. an under-confident stamper… HAVE NO FEAR!  This stampin’ thing is not as hard as one may make it out to be.  Those that do are usually not crafters.

Stampin’ is really just all about putting ink to paper then sitting back and smiling at a job well done.

So, I had a Stamp Camp last night and three ladies showed up.  One is an experienced stamper – nothing professional or intricate… loves to do simple cards and mail them.  One, is a more novice stamper but loves to create things to give to people… she has a heart of gold and it shows.  And one… Let’s just say she doesn’t think stampin’ is her cup of tea.  It surprised me that she wanted to come… but she is so much fun.

So, as luck would have it… I was able to sit at the table with my guests – right next to my hesitant stamper and coach them all along.  My class rules were simple… grab a bag of raw materials, gather the rest of the items listed in the recipe and create away.  As we began, my hesitant stamper was nervous but took one she through would be easy.  It was – but not the easiest one since there was a bit of a technique involved.  But, with me sitting there helping her, she was able to get the card done.  As she worked through them, she gained more and more confidence.  But the last of her five cards, she was going off script a little and getting a bit more creative.  She made some fabulous cards and gained a little confidence in her stampin’ ability.  I promised her yummy food to bring her back next month.. we’ll see if it works!

So, the cards that my hesitant stamper liked the best was this one.  Simple and elegant.  It was CASE’d from Frenchie!  She’s a great resource!

To recreate, cut and score card base for a landscape card that fold on top (5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″).  Burnish (fancy word for creasing and flattening) the fold.  Use the Corner Rounding punch to just the corners a bit of flair.  If you forget this step until the end… you can still punch the top of the card – just the pearls get in the way for the bottom – ask me how I know! 🙂  Use the Momento ink to stamp the greeting on the outside and the sentiment and flowers on the inside as shown above.  Use Sweet Sugarplum marker to color in the flowers and the Emerald Envy one to color the leaves.  Cut a strip of the Sweet Sugarplum Glimmer paper… use Fast Fuse to adhere… SNAIL may work here but I thought with it being a bit heavier with the pearls… maybe a little stronger adhesive would be better!  Attach some pearls to the glimmer paper and VOILA!  a simply stunning card!

**No Naked Envelopes… simply use the flower stamp and markers to dress it up a little!

Here’s a list of the supplies used.

Product List

WHOA…  That beautiful glimmer paper is only available for a few more days!!!  Good news is it’s FREE… but is only available with a $50 purchase – through the end of March.  Don’t walk – run to your computer.. Oh, wait, you are already here… well, then click this link to order now!!!

SHOP NOW!!!

Hope this inspires you to get off the couch and use that stuff that has been collecting dust!

Until next time.. keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Suppose this is the question you are asking yourself …  Where have I been.  It’s been about a week since I was able to post here.  So, here’s what I’ve been up to.

Not a heck of a lot.

Okay – we both know that isn’t true.  So, last week, I had a lot of work to do at work.  I know – it really is ridiculous that they actually want me to work.. at work!  In the words of Michelle Tanner…”How rude!”  But alas, sometimes, I just have to do other things.

On top of work, I went on the Walk to Emmaus this past weekend.  And, if you have ever been, you know it takes a couple days to recuperate.  Add that to losing an hour thanks to the Daylight Saving conspiracy.  Needless to say, Monday afternoon, I was in bed by 5pm!  If you have never been on the Walk, simply put, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime, 72-hour Christian retreat-like experience that combines Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day into each and every hour – I’m guessing – there are no time keeping devices allowed!!

Once recovered, I got called in to work at Yankee… I never turn down hours there, because it means more money for candles and stamps! Yay, Me!!!

Then, yesterday, I got a call… “Are you still having the Stamp Camp because I am wanting to come…”  So, of course I had to say yes.  This is a demonstrator’s biggest dilemma.  Really, isn’t it?  You plan an event.. no one RSVPs, so you don’t plan anything for it.  Then, someone calls to RSVP… do you cancel or do you do it all for just one person.  Well, my thought was that I cancelled it on the same gal last month, so this month, I wasn’t going to.  Even it if was just her and I, doggoneit, we were going to have fun.  So, I invited a few other people and am now up to at least three in attendance.

No, this isn’t just some little one or two card event.  This is a 10-card Stamp Camp…  At my stamp camps, you get to chose from 10 different cards to make.  You can make one of each, or whatever.  6 Birthday and 4 occasions.  And, there I was with no cards planned.

So, after work, I go home, eat dinner and create. Within a few hours, I had 8 designed and ready to go with all the pieces cut for 11 more of each for the ladies.

The last two cards will be Easter cards but I am struggling with those.  So, I will plan those before the gals get there tonight.

But, what I have been trying to work on is something so fun.  I am trying to find time to do the tutorial and won’t post it until then… but, here’s a sneak peek!

Until next time, keep it Simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

It came and went in the blink of an eye.

The first ever – Vienna Grade School Craft Fair was this past Saturday.  I wasn’t as prepared as I wanted to be.  I think it was a little too much procrastination!  But, thanks tot he help of a great friend, I was able to have some stuff on the tables ready to sell…

This was the booth set-up.  Seems a little sparse… but I am still adding items for display and for sale.

Here are some up close pictures of the displays…

Was it a success?  I think it was.  Sure, I only sold 7 cards… but I got my name out to people.  I had a great time getting to know some of the other vendors – making connections and picking up tips…

Traffic was a little slow.  I’m not sure if they have any idea of how many people came through…  a few hundred I think…  most of the passer-bys stopped in and looked around.  I learned a few things that I need to do for next time… And, yes there will be a next time!

Speaking of next time…  It is coming sooner than I thought.  I will be signing up for a booth at the Vienna Junque Jamboree on April 15th.  Then, I am already signed up for the Annual Duck Race on May 7th.

There is so much to learn about doing craft fairs… I can’t wait to become an expert!  It’s going to take a lot of time and patience and connections!

And, there was a little discussion about an Etsy store… so many that is something that will come in the future.  Honestly, I am more interested about teaching others how to create their own cards than selling those that I make.  But, I alsolike to do that.  So, I guess I am a little up in the air about what to focus on.

What do you think I should do?

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Who would have thunk it?

Have you seen those beautiful succulents that have been popping up all over Pinterest and Facebook?

Here is an array of some real succulents that I found via Bing.  I’m not sure what types they are but some are Sempervivum – also know as Hens and Chickens plants.

But, did you realize you can create your own in no time at all.  And, what’s even better about them is that they take even less water then these already drought-resistant sun loving plants.  And, let’s face it.. we all know someone who is a real plant Killer!

Yes, I am one of those.  Here is a picture of a long dead cactus garden.  And don’t ask me why I have kept it.

But look at it now…  I just tossed a couple handmade succulents on top of the dead stuff and brought it back to life!

So, I have been working on succulents for the upcoming craft fair that is now only 4 days away…

What do you think?  (These are before I used Tombow to glue them together!

Are you asking how I did these?  Simple…

Some paper, a big shot, the succulent dies, some ink, and a sponge.

Yep… that’s it!

I used the two sets of coordinating dies that are within the Oh So Succulent Thinlits set.

So, the paper colors I used were Mint Macaron, Old Olive, Wild Wasabi, and Rich Razzleberry. Ink colors were Crumb Cake, Old Olive, and Rich Razzleberry.  On the purple, I also added a little White Craft Ink for the look I wanted but it not really needed.

Here is my work in progress…

It is a little tedious, but so worth the end product.  And, speaking of end products…

Of course… that’s not quite the end.  I will add some little signs and maybe ribbon and tags.. .who knows.  But, these are the first things that are about finished for the craft fair.

Now, to finish making the 400+ cards and other 3D items!  Time is running out!!!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Good morning from the cold north… just kidding – this is the warmest winter we have ever had.  Literally, it was 70 degrees when I took this photo this morning.  In February.  Yes, this is extreme Southern Illinois (or So Ill as we call it down here!).  It should be in the 30’s-40’s.. not 60’s and 70’s.

Really, this was my view from the back deck as I was running upstairs to my honey hole above the garage.  I wanted to take a picture of my progress so far on my cards to show y’all.  But, I could not resist snapping a picture of that view.  What you can’t see (or hear) is the major interstate on the other side of the field across the pond.. but still… what a great place to live!

So, I said I was making progress in my cards and 3D projects for the craft fair now just barely a week away.

That right there folks is is the fixin’s for 4 each of 35 different designs cut and ready for stampin’ along with about 25 boxes using the Window Box Thinlits.  On my…

Here is the part I am still working on today…

This is just a portion of the 100 or so designs I have left to do.  Of course, that may dwindle as my energy dwindles.

Right now, I am getting ready to cut succulents for some of the 3D projects I am building.

How on earth do people know what to make for their craft fairs?  with this being my first one, I am at a total lost and am probably over preparing!  Oh well… I will be doing one in May too!

I have so much work ahead of me.  But, I do it to myself.  I wait until the last minute.  I am a habitual procrastinator… really, I am.

So, I will stay here… then move back home to my craft room…

Until next time,  keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne