Tracey Stamps

Christmas Ornament

I've been playing around with my embossing powder a lot here lately.  It so much fun at this time of year.  It adds that special touch.  It can be sparkly or bold or simple or elegant... what ever you need!

You know I love simple, so here's one for you.

Isn't it just great?  This is the ultimate of simplicity.  I heat embossed the star and the sentiment in silver.  I used a heavy needle to "hang" the ornament with ribbon and added the brads for visual weight.  The edges are sponged with their own color.  That is it.  And it is really striking, if I do say so myself.

Someone at a workshop suggested this would also be a great way to make a military card or medal.  I have to agree!  Just "V" the ribbon and emboss in the color of your choice.  Change it to a more patriotic red, white, and blue and there you have it!

Well, I'm off to go pick up the chillun's from preschool.  *sigh* My morning off goes so fast!  Have a great day!  ~:-D

Stamp Set:  Christmas Classics, Many Merry Messages  Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Whisper White  Ink:  Versamark, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke  Accessories:  Silver Embossing Powder, Silver brads, Whisper White taffeta ribbon

Our CEO on a Morning Show

Ha!  I made a rhyme!

Working for (with) Stampin' Up! is really a pleasure.  They are so good to demonstrators and make it easy for us to be successful.  I think that trickles down from our CEO and Co-founder Shelli Gardner.  Listening to her talk it is clear that she has a heart for demonstrators.

She recently appeared on a morning show in Salt Lake City, so I thought I'd share the clip.  She is sharing great place setting ideas for the holidays.

If you have trouble viewing the video or are interested in the directions, just click through to the show's site here.  Hope you enjoy!  ~:-D

Oh Sweet Sun!

As I sit here writing this, the sun is beginning to break through the clouds.  My 4 year old, Connor, just said, "Momma!  I see blue sky!"  Super big YAY!

I must say, working on all these Christmas cards this year has gotten me actually planning Christmas activities in advance.  I'm already thinking about decorating and have gotten some presents for the kids already.  This is a big deal!  I am normally a very last minute person when it comes to Christmas.

When I first saw this set in the catalog, I loved it!  It's so sweet and simple.  And it has a great coordinating wheel.  I love that since it is meant to be watercolored, you can make it match any color scheme your heart desires.  I think the next card I make with this I will omit the sheep, or just crop them out.  Maybe I'll be all dangerous and use some actual traditional Christmas colors.  ~:-D

Stamp Sets:  Baby Jesus is Born, Sweet Stars (wheel)  Ink:  Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Jet Black StazOn  Paper:  Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Night of Navy  Accessories:  Kiwi Kiss 5/8" Striped grosgrain ribbon

Ode to Autumn Departed

Oh sweet sun... where art though?  I finally just broke down and used artificial light to photograph my lastest cards... I  swear the last time I saw the sun (in CT) was 2 weeks ago.  Thankfully, the day we drove back from VA there was a little sun.  I may need to schedule a tropical vacation this year!  Think I can talk hubby into it?  :-)

The fall colors here have fallen.  We have a few yellows left in the undergrowth and there's that lovely swishy-crackly noise as you walk anywhere there are trees.  In honor of our recently departed greenery I offer you this card.

This card uses one of my favorite simple techniques, Rock n' Roll.  I inked up the main image using Tangerine Tango and then rolled the edges with Close to Cocoa ink.  I was really happy with the combination of those colors.  The Tangerine and Cocoa blended into each other so well that there isn't a hard edge where one color ends and the next starts.  Woohoo!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Here's hoping for sun tomorrow!

Stamp Sets:  With Gratitude  Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow  Paper:  Whisper White, Sage Shadow  Accessories:  Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Any suggestions?

I have begun to notice a trend.  A lack of sunshine begins a lack of creativity for me.  Not a great combination when you live in Connecticut and it's the beginning of the season of no sun.  Has anyone found a way to overcome this?  I have a small OTT light and keep the blinds open during the day..

Thanks ahead of time!

~:-D

My Favorite Christmas Card

So... I have a dark secret... I have a favorite Christmas card.  I know you're not suppose to favor one card over another, but I just can't help it!  Let me just show you and you will know that I am not just some negligent-of-other-cards, favoring, biased card momma...

Just so you know, the photo does this card no justice.  Here's a little detail for you.

Oooo... sparkly.  I just love how elegant this card is.  And it's cardstock conservative and still has that desired "WOW" factor.  Love!

Stamp Sets:  Lovely As A Tree, Many Merry Messages  Paper:  Whisper White  Ink:  Versamark, Bravo Burgundy  Accessories:  Bravo Burgundy 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Iridescent Ice EP

Buddies

Meet one of my downline.

I had the pleasure of travelling down to Virginia Beach with her to attend SU! Regionals there.  Although it was a long drive to do twice in 3 days, we enjoyed the chatting time and the little break from our kiddos.  And, of course, all the great ideas we saw!

I can't wait for August... hopefully I'll get to see more of my downline in Salt Lake for Convention!

Always Thanks

I love making thank you cards.  There is always a reason to thank those around you.  A simple card is an easy way to do that!

You can do this kind of card with any stamp set you have on hand.  It is best if it has a few "generic" stamps of varying sizes.  Just assign each stamp a color and stamp up your neutral paper.  Start with the largest or most bold image and move toward the smallest.  A good rule of thumb as you stamp... if you find your hand hovering over the paper, searching for the next place fit your image - STOP! - you don't need another.  Move on to the next image.  Also, make sure to stamp over the edge of the paper.  That way you don't have a magically floating picture.

These are great to do in bulk... just stamp your pattern all over a full sheet of cardstock and then trim it up for some cards.  Make many of the same card or make each unique.  Ah... the beauty of stamping.  TFL!  ~:-D

Stamp Sets:  Always, Thank You Kindly  Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip  Paper:  Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White

Rub-On Some Cheer!

 

From November 10-30, get 20 percent off all Rub-Ons when you spend $20 on Stampin' Up! products.

For only $8.76 per package (regularly $10.95), you can get any of Stampin' Up!'s fun and unique Rub-Ons that can be used on cards, scrapbook pages, crafting projects, and more!

Item #	Page #	Rub-Ons Description
111417	178	Word Flurries
111277	178	A Perfect Day
111416	178	Chateau Bella
111414	178	Hidden Garden
110283	179	Take Note
111806	179	Chills & Thrills
111804	179	Chit Chat
111415	179	Greatest Moments
111805	179	School Days
110282	179	Anchored
128443	11*	Old Saint Nick
112843	17*	Season of Cheer
112735	39**	Hidden Garden Blossoms

Rub-ons are great for use on all of the items listed below... and I'm sure you could discover more!

• Ceramic canisters 
• Photo frames
• Appliances
• Candles 
• Album covers 
• Book covers 
• Photo boxes 
• Keepsakes 
• Invitations 
• Notecards 
• Envelopes 
• Photos
• Cards
• Glass doors
• Windows
• Mirrors
• Tile
• Computers
• Pencil pouches
• Lunch sacks
• Magnets

Happy Birthday Stampin' Up! and thanks for sharing the love!  You can take advantage of this deal by ordering online through my Demonstrator Website (link in the top right corner) or by contacting me.  Happy stamping!

On the Road Again

We're getting ready to hit the road and leave my parents house.  Time to leave for home.  Regionals was fun!  I'll share some later!  ~:-)