Animal Prints!

Hello! So, I went back to my roots and found a way to use something that would otherwise be wasted (thanks, Mom and Grandma!). Read on...

Here are two cards that use an animal-print background, which is not something you can find in the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. You can make your own! Take the leftover rubber from a new clear-mount stamp set, trim it into scraps, and then adhere them to a clear-mount stamp in an animal-print or mosaic-type pattern. Ink it up, and stamp it down! I used clear block D, so I had to repeat the design several times to cover a card.


The "S" card was for one of my Stampin' Sistas on the occasion of her (insert milestone) birthday. I used basic black classic ink on soft suede paper to get a leopard-type look. The layer is soft suede, then very vanilla torn with soft suede on the edges. The accent colors are peach parfait (the polystitch ribbon!) and wild wasabi.


The giraffe card is the demonstration that I showed at a recent workshop. It's more mustard classic ink on whisper white paper. I also used marina mist for a layer, and hemp twine for the accent. It's the Fox and Friends stamp set (a current fave!).

Thanks for reading!
Julie

Cheers to You!

The rain is falling, the wind is whipping, and we're snuggled up with a little trashy TV and wireless internet. Happy Fall!

Here are a couple photos of a project I whipped up last week for a departing coworker. The first picture is the card FOR her, as in, "Cheers to You for following your dreams!" The second is a group of cards I made as her gift, so she could keep in touch with her friends and family here in Minnesota as she moves across the country. Best wishes, B!



This is the "Cheers to You" stamp set from Stampin' Up! I just used Whisper White cardstock, basic black ink, blender pens, various inks, and the two-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I love the simplicity, and so did she!

Stay dry tonight, especially if you live in Minnesota or Wisconsin (and probably Iowa)!

Thanks for reading,
Julie










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Monkeys and Giraffes, oh my!

Hi there! I know it's been a little while...no excuses, though! First, how about this beautiful sky view at Bass Lake, near Cohasset, MN, where we spent our Labor Day weekend? Gorgeous!


And here's the stamping portion of the program:


This is a quick card I made for a friend's son. I used the Fox and Friends set from the 2010 "big book," or Idea Book & Catalog, that is, along with card stock in Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie and Marina Mist. The inks are Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, and Marina Mist, and an antique brad and white grosgrain ribbon finish off the card!

These animal motifs are also available as Decor Elements for decorating your kids' rooms. They're between 6" and 8" square. Let me know if you'd like to learn more about those!

And now, I'm up way too late for a work night. Off to bed!

Thanks for stopping by,
Julie

More Welcome Homes

Welcome home seems to be a recent theme around here. This was the second project at Mary's house, though I'll spare you the step-by-step on this one. It's called Many Welcomes, and doesn't it look just perfect in her family room? Thanks for letting me exploit your home, Mary, for the benefit of my blog!

These are so easy to install (just takes a bit of patience), and they'll come off clean, so no damage to the walls. I need to get some in my own house....oh, I ordered one for the bathroom. I just need to take the time to put it up.

Thanks for reading,
Julie

Mary and Julie install some art

Vinyl wall art, that is. My friend Mary wanted a way to keep a chore chart on the wall that wouldn't fall down when her teenage sons breezed in and out the laundry room door. She loved the new chalkboard Decor Elements from Stampin' Up! Let's hope this also helps the chores get done!

The chosen space (above).


Me peeling back the "transfer sheet" after thoroughly rubbing it onto the wall (above).



Mary works on applying the second layer, the "chore chart" part of the project (above).



The finished product! I'll have to check in with Mary to see if the chores are all done this week...

Have a great Sunday,
Julie

Welcome Home

One of my best friends from high school moved back to the Midwest two weeks ago after spending several years on the East coast! To help her, her husband and their toddler warm up their new place, I made this simple hanging "Home" sign. I love making these, because they're so simple, but make a statement.


I used the Big Shot, a Stampin' Up! designer paper pack (subtles collection), Very Vanilla and Early Espresso cardstock, and 3/8" twill tape. The Big Shot dies were the Scallop Square and Circles #2.

I'm so happy you're here, Kahla (and J and little S)!

Thanks for reading,
Julie

The one about laughing with my nephew

My nephew, Daniel, is 2 1/2. He's a riot. Seriously. Check out this photo. It's from last Halloween, and I don't even know what was so funny. I just love this photo, and though I don't scrapbook much, thought I'd use this photo as a perfect sample to show off at workshops.


Supplies
Paper: In Color 6x6 patterns paper stack (Hostess), Pear Pizzazz; Peach Parfait card stock; Early Espresso for die-cut letters
Dies: Sizzix sizzlet "Naturally Serif" alphabet; "L" from Serif Essentials die set

And, if you were wondering about the two workshops I had last Thursday and Sunday, they were great! Thanks to Elizabeth, Barb and Amanda for being such gracious hostesses! I look forward to helping them close out their parties and choose their free products!

Thanks for reading,
Julie