Everyone once in a while, I have to take a step back and remember that life is all about simplicity.

It struck me this morning when watching one of those retirement fund commercials.  I couldn’t tell you who the advertiser is, but it’s all about having the money to do what you want to do when you retire.  The commercial was the one with the balloons.  They said to write something that is important to you on it.  They then cut them away and your dreams.  Point of the story was that if you don’t start saving, you won’t have the money to do the things that are important to you.

What a sad story… but is it?  Really?

I am thinking not…

The things that bring you the most happiness in the world should be the simple things in life – things that don’t cost money… spending time with your family… walking through God’s creation…

But then, it hit me… My stamps!  I need my stamps.  I need money for my stamps (and candles – but that’s a different post!).  So, I guess I will continue to work!

So… keeping simplicity in mind, here are two very stunning  cards that are quite simple.  The Dragonfly was inspired by Cookies Craft Co. and the Balloons were inspired by Pam Staples.

The first card is very masculine but could be changed to a more feminine card with a different color choice.  Is uses Crumb Cake and Whisper White with a Basic Black dragonfly.

Let’s talk about that dragonfly for a minute.  Something happened when I was cutting them out and the cut did not go through the whole way.  It was a happy mistake because I really love the way it turned out.  So, I was able to recreate it by using my old Big Shot platform and old acrylic plates.  I did not use the Precision Plate.  These dies don’t work well with this configuration, so it will make it so the peices aren’t cut through the whole way.  You may have to play with it a bit.  ALSO…  I added texture with clear Wink of Stella on the wings (which turned out gold-ish, so that is an option too!) and Fine Tip Glue for the body.  It adds the shininess.

The second card was just a basic stamping job and a hair of fussy cutting (cutting out the piece) for the banner.  I didn’t feel like getting out the framelit that goes with the set just for one simple little piece…  It’s the Black Baker’s Twine and Enamel Shapes that add just the right kind of bling to dress it up!

How do you keep simplicity in your cards?

Until next time…  keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

So, it should go without saying that i am an avid support of the United States Military.  I am the mother of a Sailor, the wife of a Marine, and the daughter of a Sailor.  The only side i have not experienced the military life from is actually serving – not that I didn’t try.. I did, but I had a hearing problem.  Oh well!  Their loss!  They got me anyway – as a wife and now a mother!

This weekend, I was asked by a dear friend to create a cake for her son’s going away party.  I was given a couple of examples of what they liked.  So, I molded them together to create this…

Now, it’s been a few years since I made a cake like this.  I didn’t want to add structure – but I probably should have.  In total, it was nine layers in three tiers (8″, 10″ and 12″).  So, when the cake was cut into, it was red white and blue on the inside.  I now remember how much fun it was to do cakes, so I will probably do one occasionally.

Of course, it should also go without saying that I cannot just make a cake for a son of a great friend and not create a card.  What kind of stamper would I be.  I pulled out an old set and got to work.  Here was the creation using the For Your Country stamp set.

I used Very Vanilla and Night of Navy.  I stamped the boots and “Godspeed” using StazOn ink on watercolor paper.  I used Momento ink and a blender pen to color in the boots.  Everything was stamped with Night of Navy.

Now, I have two things to say about this card…

First of all, StazOn ink is going bye-bye (along with cleaner)…  I just looked and the stamp pads are still available – refills are not.  It’s not something you need if you aren’t stamping on Window Sheets or Foil Sheets or other slippery mediums.  The black Archival ink works great for watercoloring and whatnot.  But, just a word to the wise to stock up if you need it.

Secondly… for those of you that were sad that Stampin’ Up no longer carried a military related stamp set… Good news.  There is one in the new catalog.  And, while is it clearly one that could be used to stamp cards for your favorite service member, it is equally great to stamp a card for your favorite law enforcement office!  Wonder what else it can be used for?  I can’t wait to get my hands on, that’s for sure!  (Along with everything else in the catalog – but that’s a post for another day!!!)

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

PS – It was prom this weekend… so I might as well show off my number 2 son!  This is Wesley!

 

Have you always seen the sunset over the ocean, or over a mountain, or a piece of farmland?  Sunsets are God’s way of telling you that things have come to an end.  Sometimes that end is only temporary… after all, the sun comes back up each morning.  But, sometimes, those sunsets mean that things will never be the same again.  Some things, even good things, must unfortunately come to an end.

I am sad to say, the end is almost here for the products retiring from the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog as well as the 2017 Occasions Catalog.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the Botanical dies, Endless Birthday Wishes stamp set, and Watermelon Wonder!

Here are a few cards made with with these things.

Now… here is where I tell you that none of these were entirely my idea.  But, two of them – the one with Bella the Dog and the one with the flowers – I have now idea who did the original ones because their was no watermark on it.  So, if they look very similar to something you have done, please let me know so that I can credit you…  🙂  The Ombre Balloon card was inspired by Becky Roberts and the Thanks card was my idea based on a Seize the Sketch card sketch.

Just thing about all the beautiful things you can do with these sets.  Imagine combining all three into one card!  That would be great!

What have you done with your favorite retiree?  Post it int he comments below so we can all enjoy your creations!

Of course… once these are gone.. there will be new ones.  See, the end is not always bad.

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

 

 

Kylie Bertucci is one of my all time favorite Stampin’ Up Demonstrators.  If you do not follow her blog, you really should.  She is from Australia somewhere.  Her ever so cute and funny hubby, Bruno, is also a demonstrator.  How cool is that!?!

Anyway – one of her favorite sayings is “If you love it, chop it!”  This is referring to your favorite Designer Series Paper or DSP as we call it in the biz!  Here’s the theory behind that…  Why did you buy the paper in the first place?  Because you thought it was going to make some most excellent projects.  You say visions of wonderful works dancing around in your head.  But, then you got the paper in your hand.  It’s absolutely lovely.  If you cut it and use it, there will be no more.  After all, Stampin Up retires their DSP every year so that new and just as lovely papers can be introduced.  So, I am here to encourage to buy and USE Designer Series Paper.

Two beautiful sets of DSP are getting ready to say goodbye forever.  I encourage you to check them and out stock up on them!  Tasty Treats Specialty Designer Series Paper and Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper.  Hurry and get them before they are gone forever!!! 🙁

Here are two cards that we made at last week’s card class using these papers.  I am so sad that that Sweet Sugarplum gingham is going away.  I absolutely love it!

They are both super simple and super sweet.  Don’t you think!?!

The “You’re Sweet” card was inspired by Lyssa Zwolanek.  It uses the Tasty Treats DSP along with the Cool Treats stamp set.

The “Happy Birthday” card was inspired by Stacey Krats.  It uses that lovely gingham from the Succulent Garden DSP.  The stamp set Fresh Fruit… which is also retiring, so if you want it, you had better snatch it up!!!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

 

So, we had a great time at Stamp Camp last night!  I am so sad that you missed all the fun.  What more, I am so sad that you missed the opportunity to add to your collection of greeting cards just waiting to be given to those special people in your lives.

But no fear…

First of all, we are doing another on May 18th… my house 5pm.

What’s that?  You don’t live near me or you can’t attend?  No worries.  I will be offering for the first time ever – an online class.  More details will be coming about that soon – you know, once I figure it all out!

Secondly, here are the cards we made…  and today, I will give you the details about the most favorite one that everyone completed!

I will willing admit that every single one of these cards was CASE’d by other people.  When I feature each card, I will let you know who the inspiration came from.  The beauty of Stampin’ Up is that everyone shares their ideas with everyone else!

So, what is your guess about what card was made by everyone that attended last night?  Well, it was a complete shock to me.  But, is quite a lovely card!

Oh – which one… it’s this one…

This card was inspired by someone who did not put a watermark on their photo so I do not know for sure who it was.  If this is your card.. please let me know so I can give you the credit!

Isn’t it great.  It combines embossing and water coloring.

All the products I used are listed below… but here are a couple tips that I gave the girls last night.

• Do the embossing first.  Make sure that your stamp is clean.  Since we used Black Archival ink on the same stamp, it is essential to clean it with the Stampin’ Scrub after the black – or just do the VersaMark first!
• For the sentiment – cut one green and one vanilla using the punch.  I cute the green into three pieces – the middle and both ends.  I also cut off the middle tip of the vanilla layer.
• For watercoloring – the technique used was to hold the colored pencil in one hand and use a blender pen to get the color directly from the pencil. I used multiple brushings of the pen on the pencil.  The more color you draw out, the darker it will be on the coloring.

I used 1/8″ borders for this card.  And, used multiple layers of SNAIL to attach the ribbon

Here is the supply list…

Product List

Monday’s card will showcase a retiring stamp set – so be sure to tune in.

Until then… Keep it simple, Stampers

🙂  Joanne

So, as you can tell, it’s been a while since I posted here.  It’s been a hectic couple weeks but now I am back in in gear.

Where have I been, you ask?

First, I had to get a lot done at work so I could leave on vacation for a week.  Then I went on said vacation (a visit with Mom and Dad in Flordia and a cruise with them to Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and Cozemel, Mexico!).  Next, I came back to work which just so happened to be just in time for Holy Week… so not only did I have catching up to do, I had a bunch of new work to prepare for.  Did I mention that I am the head of the kitchen committee here also so I had to plan, shop and cook Sunrise Service Breakfast for 80 people… and the dog went into labor Easter morning!  Now, I am planning and prepping for Thursday’s Stamp Camp, getting ready for the next vendor fair, and worrying about the dog that should go into labor in a week!

Of course there are pictures…

In my title, I mentioned that I am back – but some other things are not.  Curious?

Well, Stampin’ Up released their list of retiring items.  Better check it out to see if your favorites are listed and if they are, hope on the band wagon and place an order!  Stamp sets will be orderable until the middle of May, but everything else is on an AS AVAILABLE basis and things are already gone!  Click the link below to see what is still available in my online store.

Currently Available Retired Items

Or, check out the whole list in a printer-friendly format here:  Retiring_List_US

Don’t miss out on your favorites. This is your last chance to snag them up.

One of my newest acquisitions is on this retiring list but is still available.  It is the Writing Notes background Stamp.  Here’s what I am using it for right now…

It is an Appreciation Card for the local high school’s Beta Club kids.  They will be making them this afternoon to give to all the teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week at the beginning of May.  I CASE’d this card from someone off Pinterest, but I can’t remember who to give them the credit – just know this was not my original idea.. but then again, they never really are!

Here are the directions they will be given… 

And, a printable version for those that need it!  teacher Appreciation 2017

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Well,  I am full into planning mode for my upcoming stamp camp and the class based on the One Wild Ride stamp set.  So, I don’t have any new cards to show you today.

Here is a sketch that I have been working from for something special.  Of course, I cannot post the actual project yet, because it has not yet been given to the person and I can’t risk her seeing it before hand.

 

The thought for this set was using the big “Hooray” found in Confetti Celebration set on page 12 of the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.  But, there are several other sentiments that will fit in the circle.  I bet one of the Thank You’s from One Big Meaning would fit.. as well as the “Enjoy the Little Things” from the Layering Love set.  But of course… none of these are what’s going on it for the purpose of the card I am currently making.

The colors used in the sketch are Flirty Flamingo, Island Indigo, and Pool Party.

Tonight I plan on fishing up a few little project samples as well as a birthday card for my dad – his birthday was a couple weeks ago, so I am right on target with giving him his gift.  Then, packing for my first cruise… I can’t wait!

Really folks, that’s it!  My life in a nut shell – a tiny, tiny seed shell actually!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Yes, it’s the saddest time of the year.  It’s just about time to say goodbye to all the limited time Sale-A-Bration items.  I know.  I feel your grief.  It is so heartbreaking… especially if you never took advantage of the offer.

Well, I am also sitting here wondering just how crazy you must be not to have already ordered.. but, hey.. It’s not too late!  There are a few more days left.  And, just to prove my point…  here is a great card that is sooooo simple to make.  And, by purchasing everything you need for it, you get a FREE Sale-a-Bration item… WOO HOO!!!

(And, so so you don’t go looking for it… this card is so simple, I didn’t even do a tutorial.  I am that confident in your skills 🙂

Now, isn’t that a lovely card.  Of course, I cannot take the credit for it, but you knew that already.  This one was CASE’d from Mae Collins.  And, the best part is, it’s so easy to make.  Here’s how…

oh… what the heck… here are the directions!  (It’s wasn’t that I lacked confidence… It just helped me organize my thought process as far as what all was needed to complete the card.  If I don’t think like this, I may forget something!)

Proj Sheet – Dragonfly Coloring

But, here is a glimpse at the items that made the card…

Product List

But, you really don’t need all of it to create the card…  Just the Bundle and the watercolor pencils will get you the paper for FREE!  Just use the card stock and adhesive you already have…  🙂

And, look… you don’t always need to color the paper.  It is beautiful just as it is – don’t you think?  I CASE’d this card form Shannon Kay!  I really hope that the new catalog coming in June has some more papers like this!

For this card, I used just a strip of the Inside the Lines Designer Series Paper at the bottom.  The sentiment is from the All Things Thanks (143089/143097) in the 2017 Occasions catalog.  The little flowers are from Petite Petals (133152/133155) in the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.  The one is punched using the Petite Petals Punch (133322).

And, here’s a insider tip… Did you know that you can color the Rhinestones (119246) with a Sharpie?  On this card, I colored them with a red Sharpie.  I also used the red Sharpie to color in the flower centers on the envelope and the inside of the card (oh – there is no sentiment on the inside – just some flowers in two corners like on the envelope!).  Imagine the rainbow of Rhinestones you can have!!!

That’s it from me for now… I just really, really, really, really, really urge you to not let Sale-a-Bration go buy without grabbing up some goodies FREE with a $50 purchase.  Visit my online store by clicking the link on the right!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers

🙂  Joanne

Well, that weekend went by a little too fast.  Don’t you agree.  What is it with weekends…  You wait all week for them, then poof… they are gone! 🙁

So,  the weekend was very busy.  I worked at Yankee both days.  But, I did get some lazy time Saturday morning.  And by lazy time, I mean there were tons of things I could have been doing – that I should have been doing – but instead, I laid around and watched tv while petting the dogs and sipping coffee.

Thank being said, I have no new stamping projects done and there are so many that I need to be doing!

On that note – I have been holding on to this one for a little bit now.  It was one that was an option at the last Stamp Camp.  Then, since no one did it, it was going to become a swap for a meeting that was supposed to take place tonight but has since been cancelled.  So, here goes.

It’s really just a basic card with a little added pizazz.  I copied it from someone else who may or may not have played with a card shown in the current Occasions catalog.

Of course, I know what you are looking for.. the instructions.  Here ya go…

Proj Sheet – Easter in Gold

But, please note that this was a limited time Sale-a-Bration ribbon on it.  That ribbon is only availing while supplies last and for the next 5 days.  Sale-a-Bration ends at midnight on March 31st… so you have until then.  In my personal opinion, you should just go ahead and place a $50 order and it the ribbon now, because once it’s gone, it’s gone and you will miss out.

I haven’t priced it, but I think if you order the Easter Message Stamp set, Whisper White cardstock, Gold Foil sheets, Gold embossing powder, etc… you will be to the $50 mark.  Just sayin’ 🙂

To order, simply click on the link on the right (if you are on your phone, it’s down below).  Be sure to enter the code at check out.

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

 

 

 

Let’s be honest with each other…  All of us have seen an idea on Pinterest and thought, I can do that!

Well, I’m here to tell you.. You can!  Really!  At least when it comes to card-making!

I very, very, very often troll Pinterest looking for ideas to make cards.  In fact, I doubt that I have had a truly original idea since the discover of Pinterest a couple years ago.  I’m sure all those glimpses of images are safely secure in the back of my head somewhere.

That’s where I saw this card that we made at our last Stamp Camp.  And to be honest, where I am sure I will find the cards for the Cam p next month!

Anyways, here is the card that I recreated from Laura’s Creative Moments blog.

Clean, simple, and masculine.  But, I am sure you can change the paper or even just the embellishment and make it more feminine.  Really, it’s just a basic card with a little embossing using an embossing folder, a little punching, and a simple bow.

So, what have you found on Pinterest and recreated?

You can follow me on Pinterest – just click below

https://www.pinterest.com/simplestampers/

I am always adding the cards that I make to the boards there.  Or, you can visit my much more active personal Pinterest boards found at https://www.pinterest.com/jlcantrell/.  Or, what the heck.. you only live once.. follow both!!!

Oh – I almost forgot… I did instructions for that card above!

Proj Sheet – Birthday Clipboard

Until next time, keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne