Stamp Some Smiles

Having fun with my Country Living Cards A La Carte.  So quick and easy to put cards together, it would make a great pack of thank you cards, or an awesome set of invitations.  You get a LOT of good stuff with this kit:

 

 

 

Here are a few things I have made:

 

 

 Won't you come for tea?

 

I stamped the images and cut them out, then ran them through the heart sizzlet to give them dots, it reminds me of the old white pitcher and sugar bowl my grandma used to have out on her table. 

Hope your birthday is the sweetest ever!   Wouldn't these make adorable notes to your friends and family?

 

Country Living Cards à la Carte

Once again, Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to bring you the Country Living Cards à la Carte stationery kit. This beautiful French-country kit contains Dinner Party stamp set (set of 3) Ballet Blue Classic Stampin' Spot Preprinted stationery (24 sheets: 4 each of 6 designs) Use the kit for letters, invitations, or a special dinner menu—there are so many possibilities!  Get it now! Don't forget to pick me: Lori Stevenson, as your demonstrator. In addition, Country Living is offering Stampin' Up! customers a special deal: get 10 issues of Country Living magazine for just $10! For just $1 an issue, you'll receive great craft projects, articles on collecting, makeover features, recipes, and entertaining ideas—all delivered to your home each month.  If this is a set is so versatile.  I can't wait to use it to make more cards, and I have a few gift items in mind...hmmm, I will be working on that so watch for it!

Vintage Beauty through the pain

Okay, so it's after 1 and I have to work in the morning, all day as a matter of fact, from 7:40 to 6:30...so why am I up?  Well I went to PT on Tuesday and had some young guy who thought killing me would be funny, so instead of reps of 10, like the sweet girl I had before, he had me doing reps of 30...THREE reps of 30....so instead of 30, I did 90!  I told him it hurt.  He kept telling me how good I was doing.  Well by the time I got to work that afternoon I was back to hobbling again (after I was doing so well!) and back in pain.  I made it through the night at work, grimacing and groaning, and today I worked a full day, doing therapies half the day, then at the desk the second half...and man was I hurting tonight.  I went to bed and was drifting off to ssleep, making cards in my head with the new vintage wheel and a butterfly...then I turned over and felt a searing burning pain in my calf and that was the end of being in bed.  So I got up...got ice, and got stamping.  Crazy huh?  But what can I say....it relaxed me and distracted me and now I am ready to go back to bed.  I am going to tell that guy at PT that my mom was right...when it comes to him PT does stand for Pain and Torture, and that I would like the nice girl back thank you very much and he can take a flying leap!  When he hurts his leg I will have him do three sets of 30 reps in one direction then three sets of 30 reps in the opposite direction, and show him just what it feels like!  OHHHH, that wasn't very nice now was it!  Shame on me!  Pain makes me cranky.  Cards make me happy.  So I am getting over the pain and getting into the happy:

This is the card in my head.  I will be working on creating a cleaner, more polished, finished\elegant look when it is not 1:25 in the morning.  But I think now I can drift off to sleep with this butterfly not only in my head, but down on paper for me to look at and work with.  Oh, how I love Stamping.  I am so glad I found this wonderful craft, it has saved me once again!  LOL, okay goodnight.
 

Love Bandit Swap and Options at Stamp Camp

I got a shot of my demo swap from last month that I wanted to share with you.  It is the love bandit (you know I have a spot in my heart for this cutie)

  Isn't he a sweetie?  Here he is right in the neighborhood waiting to give you a special heart shaped card he made at my stamp camp....lol.  I made these at my friend/upline's Stamp Studio (or the Rubber Room as she likes to call it.) and I used her scallop square big shot die.  So easy and cute.

Speaking of cute, here is a cute option for one of the cards at my January Stamp Camp:

As you can see it uses all the same supplies, just one scrap of paper to punch out the butterfly.

Isn't that sweet?  At stamp camp you can always Opt to use a different stamp set.  Not everyone LOVES Matryoshkas the way Jillian and i do.  I try to remind my stamping friends to ask if they would like to use something different.  I will pick a set that will go with the theme/colors/and size of the focal image.  I am good at that.  I love what I do, and usually have two or three cards in mind for one of my designs...so finding one that fits you shouldn't be a problem.  Some of the girls change the layout (like I did with this makeover) and I love seeing how many different ways the same card can be made and how different it looks.  Hey, most of them have been stamping with me for so long that they can now teach me a thing or too and we are all ready to learn more together.  I got such a nice compliment yesterday, one of the stampers is no novice by any means, and her friends wondered why she comes to my stamp camps...she told them that besides enjoying herself while she is here she ALWAYS learns something, every time she comes...a new technique or product training, new ways to use things...and she looks forward to it!  Thanks Doreen!  It is so nice to know that even the hard core crafters in the group are still enjoying themselves.  Speaking of hard core crafters, I need to show you what Bette made!  Besides awesome bags of candy with a top note topper for her swap she also had things to show us like a cute candy envelope with my sweet Love Bandit on it and also a beautiful box.  We all love her treasures that she shares during our swap and share time.  Here is a box she showed us:

 
  She is AWESOME! 

Isn't it SWEET?  I love it!  We are going to use those sweet Pea Felt Flowers at the next stamp camp.  I can't wait.  Our swaps this month were truly my favorites.   Even Wanda was happy with how hers came out (we alwayslove her swaps, but she is usually reserved about them...but not this time!)  She made an awesome Easel card, it excited everyone and gave me a great idea for a stamp camp project.  I get so much from all my wonderful swappers, and they give so much encouragement to me and everyone in the group, it is truly one of my favorite parts of stamp camp!  I hope you can join us next month!  Remember to Register so that I can have a kit ready for you.
 
 

 

Love Bandit strikes again

This is the second time I have used my new Love Bandit set.  I will try to remember to get a photo of the card I swapped at my last Demo meeting using the tree, the raccoon and the neighborhood wheel, so cute.  I am using the raccoon again...he is such a cutie pie.  I am using him for my stamp camp, making a completely different card that can be used as a birthday, or valentine, a kids card or a masculine card, a miss you or thinking of you, I will tell you that the table is full of words to use on this one!  LOL  Here is a look at the card:

Isn't he sweet? This set is in the Occasions mini, I also used the new Polka Dots embossing folder that is also in the occasions mini.  I took this photo at night, they never come out as nice.  I wish it was more clear, I.R.L. it is such a cute card!

So here is the lineup for tomorrow.  You can see the detail better on this shot, I took it during the day.  I will get better at my camera use, someday!

 It is Sale-A-Bration time, which means with every fifty dollars spent you get a free stamp set, or punch, or paper...your choice!  There are even sets you can pick from the Big idea Book and catalog this year (first time ever!) Which means now is the very best time to stock up on what you need, or what you want (like this cute little love bandit!)  Looking forward to seeing my friends tomorrow.  Sad to hear Janna isn't feeling well, we will miss her!

You are welcome to join me and my friends for some "Me time".  Make cards, laugh, bring a friend or make new friends, it's always fun.  I hold my Stamp Camps the 3rd Saturday of every month (except this month it was the 4th Saturday).  From 9 - 12.  The cost is just 15 dollars when you pre-register and pay in advance, or 18 if you register and pay at the door.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Still tweaking, and more vintage "shabby Chic" to share.

As most of you know, I play around with a card...over and over I change, I tweak, I move, I re-do the layout, the color...until I feel it is just right.  Sometimes I never get to the just right point, and they end up being "Flingers" (I actually tear them up and fling them.  My friends usually gasp with dismay if I am designing with them.)  I can't explain why, I just can't leave it alone until it is really really right.  LOL

Okay, so it is a good thing I love what I do!  I don't mind spending the time it takes.  I love it when the end result is so pretty that I can't wait to share.  I have a couple cards tonight that I can't wait to show you.  The first one is a card I have shown earlier in the week.  The Medallion.  I worked on it some more (I knew I would.)  Something was bothering me.  That strip of cardstock that used to be down the side of the card, I had no clue what color that was.  It was a few scraps I had left, from I don't know when....and didn't match any of the current packs of paper I have.  What if someone wanted to buy it?  What if someone wanted to design their entire wedding around it and I have no clue what color it is.  Okay, I worry too much about all of these things that will probably never happen...but I couldn't rest, had to change it.  So here it is:

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL!  I am so glad I continued playing around with it.   I love this card.

Here is your first look at a second card that is more masculine and elegant, and could be used for so many purposes.  I love it too!

 

This is another January Stamp Camp card, I am looking forward to seeing you Saturday.
 
 
 

My Matryoshka, yes...this set is mine

When I told my sweet demo friends that I was getting this set, the general response was...."You ARE?"  It is not my style.  It is not my heritage.  If they had to choose sets they knew I would be getting they would pick Vintage Vogue and Garden from the Heart (oh yes, my awesome stampin' friends... I did get those, don't worry, I did)...but "the dolls, Lori...the dolls?"  Yes my dear demo's, the dolls.  I will make you want them.  Look into my eyes.....LOL

Okay, forget my eyes, check out these cards. 

  

Yes I cut her head, too much?  I am sorry...look away, now look back, how is this:

Quick and easy version, didn't cut them out or cut their heads, there...feel better?

Here is a side by side.

We will be making the one without the chopped head at stamp camp, it says :Live full of love.  Love full of life.  It is a birthday card. I have stamps to make this a baby card, a congratulations card (there are words that come with it that say "we knew you had it in you!" isn't that cute?) and I think this is perfect for a Many thanks card.  The real reason I knew I needed this set is because Jilly's Aunt Cathy has given her these Matryoshka dolls, she has a few sets of them in her room.  When she saw this card she gasped, she wants this card...and she will get it.  She will probably get both.  I told her we can spend a day making up new ideas with this card.  I want to make an accordion so you fold it out and as you pull the tab more and more girls appear...I have other ideas too, like a card that is the shape of the Matryoska doll using punches and then these pretty girls on a string that you can pull out one by one.  Okay now, admit it, you wish this was your set too!

 
 It is in the Occasions mini.  Visit my website to Order Now!

I will do a technique card with this too, you won't want to miss it!  Keep your eye out in the upcoming months.   Chat with you soon!

Lori
  
 
 

Robot Love, masculine card for Valentines/Birthday/Get Well

Here is another card we will be making at Stamp Camp this upcoming Saturday.  I LOVE this card! 

Isn't it CUTE?   I am going to make a few extras to keep on hand. 

I used the Sending Love Specialty Paper for the bottom strip, (Occasions Mini Catalog)it has glitter and is so pretty.  I noticed the flowers were made from hearts and I knew it would work with this card.  I also used the groom paper, (Big Idea Book and Catalog)it is so rich, so beautiful, so black and shiny!  The dot textured heart is from the Occasions mini, it is an embosslit that you run through the Big Shot.  The little heart balloon in the second robots hand is the small heart punch from the occasions mini.  I am so taken by this new mini catalog, you will realize that...and you will get to use all my new toys... if you join me for upcoming stamp camps!  The robot set is from the Big Idea Book and catalog, and although it was in my first choices when it the new catalog came out, I just got around to buying it at Christmas time ... and this is the first time I am using it!  I can see myself using it over and over, with different looks by changing the colors, the layout, and setting the robots up in different ways.  I will have all three robots out at my stamp camp with valentine, birthday, and get well greetings you can use on the front and on the inside of your card.  You can choose which you would like, they all fit in the focal image square.

I have cut one extra kit, so if you didn't have a chance to sign up...send me an email and I will put your name on it and look forward to you joining us this Saturday.

 I kind of feel like the broken robot...this torn calf muscle hurts like heck, and although my foot is a purple/black ... it doesn't hurt, but it is not cute at all! LOL. There was so much swelling in my leg that the blood wasn't circulating right, and that is where it ended up, it doesn't hurt at all but it looks awful!  I start physical therapy bright and early. I have to be in Franklin for 6:50 in the morning.  That is earlier and further then when I usually go to work, but thankfully I only work 1/2 day so I will have some time to shower and rest in between PT and work, so I am hoping it will go well.  I am nervous.  I guess it is because I am not sure what they are going to have me doing tomorrow.  (My mom called PT "Pain and Torture")  I was going to put a picture of my foot up on my blog, but thought twice about it when I looked at it on the screen, EWWwwww, not anything you would want to see. I do have lots of things that I can't wait to show you .... the other cards we will be making on Saturday...so don't forget to check back soon!

Sweet Treat for Valentine friends and family

I found these cool wafers that are strawberry flavored, they are thin and melt in your mouth, they don't even look like candy ... they look like paper.  I knew as soon as I found these sweet little hearts that they had to go in my sweet treat cups!  I also knew I wanted to use my Medallion stamp.  En Fraces goes so well with that too, so I had to use it.  The colors were pulled from the candy.  I wanted a vintage feel.  It's funny how when I make a card it all starts with one thing...this time the candy.  The candy made me go in certain directions with the card.  I knew I wanted to be able to get into the cup without pulling apart the card, so I knew I would need the circle to be punched through all layers, with a slide out element that would cover the hole, keeping the candy in, but after you open the card you could slide that paper out and dump the candy.  You could put the paper back and still have a pretty card when you are done, because the inside piece is stamped too.  My problem is, as usual, I just can't stop, I must keep adding. Here is what I mean.

 This card was finished, then I went back and added the heart.  I like the visual triangle.  Then I felt the heart needed a pearl, and of course that cause the medallon to need a button. LOL

So now, you would think it is done...right?  Well it was, until today when I looked at it and thought I should add a flower.

 Who knows what else I am going to do to this finsihed card before stamp camp!  The good thing is, that when you make yours...you can keep adding, or stop whenever you want to.  My card can be your inspiration, you can change the direction of the pull out or the way the card opens...you can add the heart or leave it plain, it's whatever you like....make the card your own!  This card really sparkles.  It's just one of the beautiful things we will be making next Saturday.  I look forward to seeing you then!

Can't stamp while I RICE but here is a beautiful sympathy card from Dec Stamp Camp

Did you know you can get in and out of the E.R. in just under an hour?  Yes, it can be done, and on a Saturday even!  Would you like to know just how I came to know that?  I was there yesterday.  Heard a pop and that a series of snapping coming from my calf as I tore the muscle.  Lovely.  Of course with all of my med allergies I said no to the pain meds (try hard to not take them, sometimes the side effects combined with the pain are worse then just living through the pain)  Now I have crutches (let me just tell you that crutches and Lori don't go together, it's like wearing fuzzy socks on a freshly polished wood floor and holding giant sticks....you will fall....more than once.)  Happy news, I am doing better today after using their "RICE" instructions.  Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.  You can't stamp while you "RICE" but I do have a card to share from stamp camp.

 

Isn't she pretty?   It is so sad how many sympathy cards I end up needing over the Christmas/New year season.  I think this simple elegant card will easily carry my messages of support, love, hope, and sympathy.  I love this stamp, we need MORE angels...that would be my one request to Stampin' Up! if they had a wish list.  More Angels.  What they do have is a new Occasions Mini! The stuff in there is phenomenal and you are going to get to use it at my stamp camp!  I love it all!

Check this out:

Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!'s biggest event of the year, Sale-A-Bration = friends, fresh ideas, and free products! And with three ways to earn exclusive Sale-A-Bration products, there's something for everyone.

• Spend: Buy $50 worth of Stampin' Up! products and get a FREE Sale-A-Bration reward! OMG you will love these free sets/tools/papers!
• Host: Host a $300 workshop, and get a FREE Sale-A-Bration reward!
• Join: Become a demonstrator, and get a FREE stamp set (up to a $47.95 value)!

This promotion ends March 31, so contact me today to spend, host, or join! Or click here to see the Sale-A-Bration brochure.

15% Off Starter Kit

During Sale-A-Bration, join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator and get 15% off your Starter Kit—plus, you can choose between the standard Starter Kit and the Digital+ Starter Kit! Contact me today to get started!

 

Click HERE to shop ...don't forget to pick me, Lori Stevenson, as your demonstrator  :) Then we have the new Occasions mini catalog featuring wonderful new products, including new slim line punches and clear mounth stamps. Click on the images to see the catalog, and to shop click HERE don't forget to pick me, Lori Stevenson, as your demonstrator

Then we have the addition to the Definitely Decorative brochure, featuring some new stencils and new decor elements, including fun chalkboard decor elements. Click on the image to see the brochure and click HERE to shop now, don't forget to pick me, Lori Stevenson, as your demonstrator . Than just in time for Valentine's day we have the heart treat cups and Sweetheart stamp set (available both wood mounted and clear mounted). Shop HERE to shop now, and don't forget to pick me, Lori Stevenson, as your demonstrator.... or click at the image to see the flyer.

Special Offer: Heart Treat Cups

Just in time for Valentine's Day, our new Heart Treat Cups coordinate perfectly with the Sweetheart stamp set and the Full Heart punch. Contact me to learn more about this fantastic new product and to place your order!

And last but not the least we have the new Country Living Kit. Shop HERE. Click on the image bellow for more details.

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STAMP SET

Country Living Cards à la Carte

Once again, Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to bring you the Country Living Cards à la Carte stationery kit. This beautiful French-country kit contains Dinner Party stamp set (set of 3) Ballet Blue Classic Stampin' Spot Preprinted stationery (24 sheets: 4 each of 6 designs) Use the kit for letters, invitations, or a special dinner menu—there are so many possibilities! In addition, Country Living is offering Stampin' Up! customers a special deal: get 10 issues of Country Living magazine for just $10! For just $1 an issue, you'll receive great craft projects, articles on collecting, makeover features, recipes, and entertaining ideas—all delivered to your home each month

Remember these?  The beautiful pendants from the Holiday Mini, that were unavailable - well, they are available now.  If you would like to order them they are now in the Occasions mini.

Sky, Surf, Sand, Snow, and Stamp Camp

Happy New Year!

 

Can you see the clock on this?  Or is there too much reflection from the beautiful bride designer paper that I love so very much.....hmmm....well here is the inside of the card:

This is actually a card we made at December's Stamp camp.  I love the old fashion village on the gift card inside, and it was so nice of them to use plum as an accent color so that it went with my gift card holder.  LOL 
The clock theme goes with New Years of course so I thought I would share this card today. 

Here is something that I normally wouldn't associate with New Years Day....the beach!  Rob and I (and Jake of course) had a wonderful first day of 2010, I hope you enjoyed your day too!  I wanted to do something I hadn't done before, and believe it or not I have never been to the beach when there is snow on the sand.  Even though I have lived in New England my entire life....I never thought to go to the beach after a snowfall.  So that was my idea of how to spend the day.  (Still have a bad cold, but I bundled up)  You can never imagine what I saw when we got there, so I will show you, but you probably still won't believe your eyes:

Yes, that's right....surfers!

They waited for the right wave, then went for it, riding it in:

One actually rode in the curl before coming out the other side!

I was amazed!

It was truly a beautiful day. So there you have it: sky, surf, sand, snow, and a stamp camp card. 

 
 

 

 

 
 
 

 

Don't forget to check out the new mini and the fab SAB catalog!

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!