Let's Take a Walk Through Product Park

Last year at Convention, demonstrators visited the Candy Shop. 
This year we could take a stroll through Product Park. 

Check back soon for more from Product Park. 

Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

Convention Swaps

I participated in several organized card swaps this year.  Organized swaps have certain rules that must be followed, such as making full cards rather than card fronts.  The first one is called Convention Quality Swap (CQS).  Again, I used Precious Butterflies, one of the new Hostess sets. 

For my second CQS card, I used Happiest Birthday Wishes (also a new hostess set) and the new Paisley Petals DSP.

One swap I have participated in for the last several years is the WOW! Swap.  I enjoy this swap for several reasons.  The cards are always phenomenal, and each card must be a full card rather than a card front.  I like this because when the stamps retire, I can actually use the card to send someone if I choose to.  Delicate Doilies is used on my card. 

I call this fold a "z" fold.  Here's how...Cut your card base at 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.  The middle layer is 5 1/4 x 4.  For the "z" fold, cut cardstock at 3 3/4 x 10.  Stamp images FIRST.  Then, score at 2 1/2 and 5.  Use ribbon to tie closed.

A few more of my swaps for just random general swapping.

Open Seas Stamp Set and Nautical Expressions DSP

Fabulous Florets and Beyond the Garden DSP

 Another one with Paisley Prints and Happiest Birthday Wishes

Convention must be experienced to really appreciate just how wonderful it is!  Until the end of July, you can become a demonstrator for just under $100.  Please plan to join me at Convention next year...SAVE THE DATES.... July 18 - 21, 2012!  Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

Convention: Hilton Dinner & Card Swap

This year I flew in a day early and attended a pre-convention dinner and card swap at the Hilton Hotel.  Dinner was served by Spencer's and was delicious!  The theme for the swap was non-traditional holidays like Butterfly Day, Moon Day (celebrates the first Lunar Landing) or Dictionary Day.  You can find these holidays at Holiday Insights.  Today is Culinarians Day and is for anyone who cooks.  Here's my swap for Butterfly Day.  I used the new hostess set called Precious Butterflies.

Here's the card for Moon Day.

A matchbox for Dictionary Day.

Here is my new friend and fellow demonstrator, Lisa, who organized the entire event.

Table centerpieces...each one was the same except for different colors.  We were called up by our colors for card swapping.

Lisa showered everyone with special treats.

Each person received a bag full of goodies.  Lisa made each and every one.

Our Make 'n Takes centered around the Strength & Hope stamp set/campaign. 

We made a 6x6 scrapbook page, a card and a box made out of the Petal Cone die.

Stampin' Up! demonstrators are the nicest people.  Convention is a place where you can go, not know a soul, and come home with life-long friends.  I call it the Stampin' Up! bubble!  I like being in the bubble! 

Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

July Stamp Club: Open Seas

Flowers and butterflies are my favorite stamps, but this month's projects are for the guys.  They deserve something hand-made too!  Here are two masculine cards using Open Seas and Nautical Expressions from the Summer Mini Catalog.

Some cards from the Rubber Duckies....

Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

Spiral Rossette Topiary

Like the ribbon wreath, this project doesn't have any rubber stamping--oh, the horrors! This topiary turned out better than I expected--I love when that happens! 

 

I couldn't find the a container in the color and I liked.  So, I bought one the size and shape I wanted and just spray painted it black--just use a spray paint for the type of container you have.  Before...

After...

The styrofoam base for my topiary came just like this from the craft store.  I just had to find the right container for the base to fit in. 

The flowers and grass are made with the spiral from the Table Setting Big Shot Die (soon to be retired June 30th).  Cut many, many, many spirals from lots and lots and lots of DSP.  You will need more than you think--I didn't actually count them, sorry!  I used all colors and patterns of DSP--no need to worry about being matchy, matchy!

The next step is not hard to do, but it took me many days and long hours to roll up all the flowers and grass.  I worked on it a little bit at a time over a period of a couple weeks.  Start by rolling up the spiral from the outside in toward the center. 

Roll up your spirals as tight as possible.

When you get to the center, let go a little bit to acheive the desired "flowered" look.  Form your flower up a little bit in your fingers.  Add glue to the center--I used Tombow Multi. 

Hold flower together for a few seconds.  Set aside to dry. 

 

Repeat many times.

Glue flowers onto styrofoam form with hot glue.  Repeat for the grass.  Wrap ribbon around wooden dowel and add a pretty bow.  Add Beautiful Butterflies (Big Shot) with Rhinestone Brads in the center.  Spray with Smooch Spritz for a sparkle and shine.

Happy Creating!  Bye for Now, Maria

Ribbon Wreath

My ribbon wreath was inspired by the one on page 190 in the 2010/2011 IB&C.  It is easy to make, and only requires three items--ribbon (well, a lot of ribbon!), a wreath and scissors.  I used an extruded styrofoam wreath.  Cut ribbon to desired length and tie in knot around wreath.  Do this until your wreath is fully covered.  I kept pushing the ribbon together to cover the wreath.  It will take A LOT of ribbon to cover the styrofoam completely.  Tie a loop of ribbon at the top to hang your wreath. 

I said it would be easy, but it was a little time consuming.  It took me a couple of hours from start to finish. 

A wise friend once told me that part of crafting is collecting.  So, it was a good way to use up some ribbon I have been collecting--still didn't make a dent in my ribbon hoard--I mean collection!!!  Happy Creating!  Bye for now, Maria