Pages

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Indigo Hope

Earlier this month, I was treated to a weekend retreat at my upline Janet Wakeland's home. 
She holds her RAD (Radical Achieving Demonstrator) retreat once each year and it was a wonderful break from all the busyness of the season. I was delighted to spend three days with other members of her team that I didn't know very well. 
I can honestly say that I made 11 new friends that weekend and we had a wonderful time stamping, crafting, eating and touring the Gettysburg area. 

Janet was so very generous and treated us to all sorts of fun things. I've added some photos below so you can have a peek at some of the fun we had. 
She also opened up her Craft World for us and we had free use of all her supplies, tools and samples. Today's card is one that I created there:


The base is Whisper White as well as the focal image piece and the greeting punch. I used the snowflake-ish design embossing folder from the Delicate Designs Pair to add an embossed border across the card front. 

I decided to use the Window Frames Framelits for the layers, cutting the middle layer with Island Indigo cardstock and adding an edge of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter with my 2 Way Glue Pen. 
The focal flower is from the Blooming with Kindness stamp set. I inked the entire image with Baja Breeze ink then added Island Indigo ink to the center and around the edges with a Sponge Dauber. Using my Blender Pen, I removed the ink from the flower stem and then colored it in again with a Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker. Once the image was stamped I then was able to cut it out exactly where I wanted by positioning the Window Frame Framelit over it and running it through the Big Shot. 
Our Framelits are awesome! They are like punches for the Big Shot! 
I added some more glitter to the flower to make it stand out - never too much glitter, right? 

Those layers were stacked with Stampin' Dimensionals and adhered onto the card front over a wrap of Baja Breeze Seam Binding. The greeting was stamped and punched out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch then adhered with a dimensional and my sweet little bow was adhered on top. 
We made this card at my classes this month and it was a favorite to be sure.

Here are a few fun pictures from our weekend -
Thanks so much Jan for a wonderful time! 








Happy Stampin'!
~~Robin

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Keep Calm and.....Be Fabulous!

Each year it's a challenge to come up with creative ideas for my daughter's birthday that DON'T involve Christmas.

Right smack dab in the middle of December, my beautiful baby girl was born. That single, wonderful event sent me on an endless hunt for party decorations that do not include the colors red and green!

I would purchase them earlier in the year, but when your child changes her mind about the kind of birthday theme she wants 5 times between September and December 1st, that's really a no go.
This year, I kind of forced the issue by finding some cool plates and napkins in the clearance rack at my local red spot store. They were funky pink plates that said "Keep Calm and Birthday On" with a little cake symbol at the top. Super cute and SO Emma. She's all into the British stuff these days (her favorite shoes are these Bobs that have the British Flag on them.
It was only natural that I would use our current Hostess stamp set Carry On to create her birthday card:


My color combo was Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Basic Gray and Pink Pirouette and Whisper White with Silver Embossing Powder.
I stamped the Distressed Dots background on the white cardstock in Pink Pirouette ink. The keep calm phrase was stamped in Basic Gray over that.

The little crown image was stamped in Versamark ink, then embossed with Silver and punched out with the 3/4" Circle Punch then popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional.
I got the "be" by using my Basic Gray marker on the first two letters of the Believe stamp image from the Snowflake Soiree stamp set. It's stamped on a scrap then punched out with my 1 1/4" Circle punch. I added some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter with my 2 Way Glue pen and a few Basic Rhinestones then it to was popped up on some dimensionals.

Some of you may not recognize the banner phrase. It's from a retired stamp set called Fabulous Flowers. Most people remember the stamp set because of the big ol' pouffy flower that was in it, but it also had a stamp that says "Dare to be Fabulous" - and that is why I will never part with it. We should all dare to be fabulous in our own way!
Anyway, I used my Melon Mambo marker on just the word fabulous then hand cut the banner with my Paper Snips. A little more glitter, another rhinestone then it was adhered to the card front with Glue Dots.
Fabulous!

Emma loved her card and she loved her birthday party - it's a big deal turning 15 and we wanted to make it special for her.
Sadly, Emma's birthday will now forever fall on a day that America will never forget for while we were celebrating another year of life for my child, 27 other families were grieving the loss of their children. I was finally able to write about this awful tragedy on my other blog - A Courageous Heart - last night. Here is the link to my thoughts if you'd like to read them: http://acourageousheart.blogspot.com/2012/12/what-i-am-thinking-about.html

As Emma and I were sitting here just now, she was reading my blog post while eating her breakfast. She said to me "Mom, from now on on my birthday, I want to make cupcakes for all the kids who got killed that day and hand them out. They won't ever get to celebrate another birthday and I want to do it for them."
Dear God, I love my child.

Blessings,
~~Robin

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Scentsational Season Gift Tags Set

Christmas is a 'Scent'sational season!
I love this time of year and all the fun that goes into preparing for this season of giving

Earlier this year, I created a set of gift tags in an envelope as a project for my Trinity Design Stampers Team meeting and I'm pretty sure I forgot to share it with you - OOPS!
Anyway, it's closer to Christmas now and I know these gift tag ideas are right on time so maybe it was meant to be that way. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Here's the photo of the project:


This was SO simple!
The envelope was created with the Petite Pocket Die and my Big Shot out of the Early Espresso Co'ordinations cardstock. I ran the front flap through the Big Shot once more with my Woodgrain embossing folder. (be cautious that your Big Shot is not too tight, I flipped back both tabs for this one. The Woodgrain folder is a deep embossing one.) The envelope is sealed up on the sides with Sticky Strip tape.

I created the envelope closure with cardstock scraps, gold brads, Stampin' Dimensionals and some Baker's Twine. Really pretty simple. The star image is from the same stamp set as the tag images - Scentsational Season.

The tags are made with Very Vanilla cardstock and the Two Tags Die with my Big Shot. I simply cut off the bottom edge so they would all fit in the envelope. Each tag has a different image from the stamp set on it in a different color - Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Garden Green and Night of Navy.
The to/from stamp is from the Owl Occasions stamp set in the Holiday Mini as well.
Each tag has a string of Baker's Twine looped through the top for easy tying.
These could also be dressed up with glitter for some extra sparkle!

Hope you enjoyed this cute project today - now go stamp something fun!
~~Robin

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12 x 12 on 12-12-12!

Once a month, I do a 12 x 12 scrapbook layout class.
This works out great for me because not only do I get to have fun stampers in my studio, but I get my own scrapbook pages done as well! LOL!
I thought it was appropriate to share a 12" x 12" layout with you today since it is 12-12-12!!


Today's layout is a cute Christmas one that can easily be adapted to ANY season. In fact, the original layout was one my friend Julie Salva did for a swap I participated in. I think hers was a birthday theme. I love the sketch/layout so much, I just used it for my Christmas pages.

Here's page one of my layout:


My color scheme came from the super cute Designer Series Paper - Snow Festival. It's in the Holiday Mini and you can still get it until January 2nd.

So, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals all combined here for our pages.
I stamped the snowflakes with the Snowflake Soiree stamp set - Baja Breeze ink on Baja Breeze cardstock; Cherry Cobbler ink on Cherry Cobbler cardstock and then I inked the small snowflake with the Illuminations Ink Pad and stamped those as accents over top of the other stamped images. I love how that ink shimmers in the right light - so cool!

The scalloped square element at the bottom left was done with the Big Shot and the Scallop Square Duo Die and Gumball Green cardstock. It's layered with Cherry Cobbler cardstock and one square from the cutest sheet of paper ever! There are two sheets of DSP in the Snow Festival pack that have 12 different 3" x 3" squares. They are perfect for cutting up and using on individual cards or in this case different page elements for our scrapbook pages.

The three borders are simply two strips of DSP and one strip of cardstock that I cut with my Big Shot and the Tasteful Trim Die.
Lots of glitter was added on the elements to make this page sparkle. I simply drew a line with the 2 Way Glue Pen where I wanted the glitter and sprinkled it on.

My page title was done with the Merry and Type Stamp set, the Decorative Label Punch and the Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Markers. I added a Vintage Button with some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine for a final touch.

Here is page two:


The tall panels are 8 1/2" x 4' strips of cardstock and DSP. I just adhered them to the Cherry Cobbler 12" x 12" cardstock and added more glitter down the seams.
The border was again cut with the Tasteful Trim Die and I added one of the Snow Festival Gift Tags for my journaling block.

These pages couldn't be more simple or fun! I can't wait to add some Christmas photos to them and put them in my book!

Here's a look at a couple of the products I used on the pages:

#126908 - Snow Festival Designer Series Paper $10.95
#128152 - Snow Festival Gift Tags  $3.95

#122552 - Merry and Type Stamp Set  $18.95 Clear mount
#127925 - Snowflake Soiree Stamp set $21.95

You can find all these products and more in my Online Stampin' Store.
Just visit this link here: Robin's Online Store
and click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner.
You can easily place your order and have your goodies shipped out to you right away so you're ready to scrapbook your Christmas ahead of time this year!

Have a wonderful day stampers - do something memorable - 12-12-12 is only gonna happen once!
Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

Monday, December 10, 2012

An Absolutely WOW! Card

I love my stampin' friends!

They are some of the most talented craftswomen I know - they provide me with so many great ideas that often, I don't have to create somethings completely from scratch for my stampers.

Today's card is a great example of that. Here, take a look:


The card on the right was created by my friend Kay Kalthoff from Minnesota. She's part of my GoDivas swap group and this was her WOW! Christmas card swap this year.

The card on the left is my version of Kay's card. As you can see, I didn't change much, just converted it into an easel card for my WOW Christmas Cards classes.

The card base is Early Espresso with a liner of Real Red. The easel stop is made of a thin strip of Silver Glimmer paper topped with the greeting from the Joyous Celebrations stamp set. It's popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional.

So many layers on this card front!
Shimmer White cardstock on top of the Early Espresso base; Silver Glimmer Paper and then the flocked Window sheet from the Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper pack.

The snowflakes are cut out of one piece of Shimmer White cardstock with the Snow Flurry Die. All three of them are layered together with Dimensionals, a 3/4" Circle punch of Silver Glimmer Paper and a Large Pearl embellishment.

I love the finished size of this card 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". Square cards are cool and still fit in our Medium Envelopes for regular mailing. This card is a little "thick" so you will probably need some extra postage, but it will be so worth it for the reaction you'll get on the other end!

Enjoy your day everyone - Happy Stampin'!
~~Robin

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Remarkable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour - Affection Collection

Hello Stampin' Friends!
You've arrived at stop #12 on the Remarkables Stamp of the Month Blog Tour.
There are 15 stops in all, so if you've landed here first, then there's lots more ideas for this fantastic stamp set for you to see. Don't miss any of them!

I've created two cards for you all today and here is the first one:


The Affection Collection stamp set is super versatile - I love the variety of images and the shabby chic/vintage/rocker chic style really grabs me.
As I've shown here, you can make a  more contemporary card with a masculine edge.

My color scheme is Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White.

I first stamped the oval image in Rich Razzleberry on the Whisper White cardstock then dry embossed over it with the Oval from the Designer Frames Folders and my Big Shot. A great way to highlight the image.
Next, I stamped the greeting on a scrap in Basic Gray and punched it out with the Modern Label Punch. It's popped up on some Stampin' Dimensionals (otherwise known as stampin' crack) and accented with some Basic Rhinestones.

Here's a better view of the inside and the top of the card:


I stamped the little flag image on a scrap and trimmed it out with my Paper Snips. It's popped up on more dimensionals over a flagged piece of the 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon.
For a final touch, I used the Silver Stampin' Dazzle Marker in my Color Spritzer Tool and spattered silver ink all over the card front and on the inside over the stamped corner. It gives the card a nice gleam and just the right amount of sumpthin'-sumpthin' in the white space.

And now for something completely different!
(You'll be chuckling right now at the Monty Python reference if you get it. heehee)
But really, this next card IS completely different:


From clean and contemporary to soft, layered shabby chic.
Here, I used Very Vanilla cardstock for my base layers, stamping the Distressed Dots background in Pink Pirouette ink on the top one. Then, I used the little swirly accent stamp from our featured stamp set and added a random pattern in Crumb Cake to the top section of the panel.
And before I forget, everything is sponged in Crumb Cake ink.

The layered strips are from the bottom:
Fan Fair Designer Series Paper punched with the Eyelet Lace Border Punch;
Pink Pirouette Patterns Designer Series Paper from the Subtles Stack (I just finger crunched it to make the ruffles and adhered it with Sticky Strip);
Primrose Petals Cardstock wet embossed with the Chevron Embossing Folder and Primrose Petals ink brayered into the top of the folder. That gives a cool two-tone textured look to the cardstock. This layer is also adhered with TWO pieces of Sticky Strip to make sure it stays in place over the paper ruffles.
I added a strip of Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon around the center of this layer as well. 

Here's a closer look at the greeting:


I inked the Love image in Crumb Cake ink, then used my Blender pen to remove the ink from the letters on the stamp. Then I colored back over them with the Primrose Petals Stampin' Write Marker - a super simple way to get a two tone image.
It's stamped on a scrap then punched out with the Decorative Label Punch and adhered with two Stampin' Dimensionals.
The sweet double bow is made with Crumb Cake Seam Binding and more Primrose Petals Satin Ribbon and adhered to the card front with Glue Dots.

I love both of these cards so much I had to ask my daughter which one to show first. She said to pick the one I love least. Umm, not possible.....

This stamp set along with the Basic Gray 1/2" Satin Ribbon are retiring on January 4th, so if you don't own it yet, you may want to rethink that now that you have this trove of ideas from the Remarkable Stampers.

Next stop on the tour is Maria Pane at Stampin' and Scrappin' with RiRi.
Just click the icon below to head over there.
Enjoy!
~~Robin








Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Get Ready - Another Remarkable Blog Tour is Coming!






Last month was the first month in a continuing series of Blog Tours by the RemARKable Stampers Team. Each month we will be bringing you a huge collection of creative ideas centered around one stamp set.

This month it will be the Affection Collection stamp set from the Holiday Mini. This super cool stamp set is NOT going to be available after January 4th, so if you've not added it to your collection yet, I highly recommend it.
Here's a look at the images in the set:

#127949 - Affection Collection $21.95
So, mark your calendars for this Sunday, December 9th.
All the posts will go live at 12:01 AM est.

See you then!
~~Robin

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Gilded Ornament

Ever been shopping and see something you LOVE, and your first thought is "I can make THAT."
Yep, I do it all the time too, but honestly, when do we ever really go home and DO it?

Well, about 6 weeks ago, Emma and I were browsing through Kohl's and we stopped for a bit in the Christmas section. Yeah, Christmas was on display even then....

Anyway, here's the ornament that caught my eye:

Pretty, huh?
Well, I loved it, but I knew I could recreate it - with my own twist and some awesome SU! products.
So, here it is, what do you think?

Champagne Glimmer Paper, Crumb Cake Tulle and First Edition DSP all come together with a few other things to make an ornament that I can't wait to put on our tree.

I used the Music Standard Wheel on Brushed Gold cardstock and the greeting is from the Greetings of the Season stamp set. I used about 4 different adhesives on this ornament including my hot glue gun.
The secret to making it work is just layers, nothing particularly hard here - if you want to recreate it, just let your imagination be your guide - that's what I did!

Happy stampin',
~~Robin

Monday, December 3, 2012

WOW! Christmas Cards - Class Added


Ok, I caved.
I've added another class for these awesome cards!

Actually it's been on my calendar for a few weeks, but umm, well, I've been so swamped, I forgot to advertise it in my newsletter.
Yeah, I know, bad demonstrator!

Anywho - this class is taking place tomorrow (Tuesday, December 4th from 10 am - 3 pm)
It's $40 for 10 over the top - absolutely WOW Christmas cards and includes all your supplies, tasty treats AND a special bonus for all orders placed in the class.

I'm doing all the prep work today, so if you want to join us tomorrow, just shoot me an e-mail at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com and let me know. It'll be a cinch to add you to the fun!

Happy Stampin'!
~~Robin

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

FREE Digital Download Today!

FREE!!
Did someone say FREE??
Yep - head over to my Online Store and grab your FREE Digital Download!
Because even if you've been naughty, you still deserve something nice. :)
Here's the link to my website: http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to enter the store.
You can enter the Item Number in the Search Box and add it to your Cart - easy peasy!
#132810 - For You From Us Designer Template - FREE!!

Here are the other awesome downloads that were released today:

#132793 - Jingle and Joy Kit - $11.95


#132811 - To You From Me Designer Template - $3.95

Here's the one I HAD to have - really, how COOL is this?!!
#132683 - Reindeer Games Designer Template - $3.95
Can't you just see this hanging over your mantlepiece this Christmas??
Too FUN!

This last download is such a fantastic idea - you can use the Ornament Keepsake Framelits to cut out the ornament on the front, so it's a card AND an ornament!
#132794 - Ornamental Christmas Postcard Template - $2.95
AND just in case you hadn't noticed - the FULL My Digital Studio 2+ Program is on SALE for 50% off until tomorrow!
Just $39.98 for the entire MDS2+ program and over $500 worth of included downloads!
It's such a great deal - but you need to get it by tomorrow for the Sale price. Don't miss it, really!
Here's a link to view all the included content: http://204.228.150.61/MDSnet/MDS_2+_Software.pdf
The Item Number is #130646 and you can order it and download it right now!
See, you can make your Reindeer Head in no time!

Happy Digital Designing!
~~Robin

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Holidays from my Talented Team!

A couple of weekends ago, we had our team holiday get together here in the studio.
It was such a fun time for me and for my stampin' team members that could be there - and we surely missed the ones who couldn't attend!

One of the cool things we did was a handmade gift exchange. They didn't have to participate, but the ones who did were very glad they did especially when they saw the awesome projects everyone created!
Here are photos of them all:

Framed Dry Erase Board - by Robin Merriman

Fun Fold Gift Card Holder - by Debbie Coleby
Snow Much Fun Frame - by Cathy Pendley

Framed Button Tree - by Kelley Dionne

Sparkling Christmas Wall Art - by Lynn Embrey

Framed Christmas Story Subway Art - by Michelle Suit

Homemade Sugar Scrub and matching card - by Shannon Angel
L to R Front: Sharon M., Lynn E., Debbie C., Shannon A., Michelle S. L to R Back: Kelley D., Me!, Cathy P., Stephanie F.

Here are the lovely ladies on my team who were able to meet for our party - love these ladies and I'm very blessed to have them as part of my SU! family!

Enjoy the projects today and remember to enjoy the next few days as we give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. :)

~~Robin

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Case for Tulle - and Happy Mail!

I love it when I check my mailbox and get "happy mail"!

You know, an unexpected card from a friend - especially my stampin' friends.
Well, last month, I got a gorgeous card from my friend Linda Bartolucci and it was so lovely, I had to make my own version of it.
I even used my version for my stamp camps in October and my stampers loved it!
Here, take a look:

 

Linda's card used the Crumb Cake Tulle on a rolled flower on one of the Sticky Rounds.
I decided to go in a different direction and used the Crumb Cake Tulle in four layers. They were cut out with the Fun Flowers Die on my Big Shot, then melted a bit around the edges with my Heat Tool.
I added two other layers one with the First Edition DSP and another with the Champagne Glimmer Paper that was punched with the 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch. It's finished off with an Antique Brad.

The card base is Crumb Cake cardstock and has two layers - Early Espresso Co'redinations cardstock (embossed with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder) and Summer Starfruit DSP from the Comfort Cafe pack. I tore the edges across the bottom and sponged them with Crumb Cake ink.
A ribbon tie of Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin was added for a final accent and the greeting from Delightful Dozen was stamped in Early Espresso across the bottom.

I love how this card turned out and was so appreciative of the sweet card Linda sent me that got me inspired!

Have you sent "happy mail" to someone lately?
Well, it's the perfect week to do it - it's Thanksgiving! And what better way to show you're thankful for your loved ones than to send them a handmade card.
Go on, just do it!

Have a wonderful day everyone!
~~Robin

Monday, November 19, 2012

National Blades Meets My Digital Studio

As a self-professed computer dummy, I think this 8" x 8" page I made in the My Digital Studio program looks pretty good.
What do YOU think??


Actually, the program did all the work here, all I did was move things around a bit, add the photo and the journaling and hit "save".

Which is what I LOVE about My Digital Studio (MDS)!
I've made a bunch of stuff with this program and it all turned out so beautifully - for once the computer makes me look GOOD! LOL!

Listen, I paid $79.95 for my copy of MDS. I bought the de-lux version called MDS2+ when it was introduced and I really, really, really do use it. AND like it.

Right now, and for the next 8 days - it's HALF-PRICE!! Just $39.98. Yep. That's what I call a DEAL and a half!
Here's a little chart to 'splain the content to you a little better:

Click the chart to visit my website and purchase your copy of MDS2+. Once you're on the website, click the SHOP NOW button on the top right to enter my Online Store - easy peasy!

It doesn't even mention all the pre-designed templates and projects that come with this program - and to me, that's the BEST part!
I don't even have to think about it to make something pretty!

Want to know more?? Ok, cool. Message me on Facebook (Robin Merriman) or e-mail me at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com and we can chat.
You're really gonna love this program.
I promise!

xoxo,
~~Robin

Friday, November 16, 2012

It's Coming - HUGE Online Sale!


Woot! Woot!!
Mark your calendars. Set a reminder on your phone. Tie a string around your finger!!!
Do whatever YOU need to do to remember -
But DON'T MISS THIS SALE!!

Beginning Monday, November 19th with 
3 AWESOME DOORBUSTERS 
(midnight to midnight 24 hours ONLY):

Page
Item
Description
Retail Price
24-Hour
Sale Price
181
125586
Simply Scored Diagonal Plate
$11.95
$9.56
186
113439
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
$99.95
$79.96
186
113474
Big Shot Doctor's Bag
$69.95
$55.96

That's $20.00 off the BIG SHOT - you know, the one we NEVER put on SALE!!! 
WOW!

Final Day Specials on Wednesday, November 28th
(midnight to midnight 24 hours ONLY):

Page
Item
Description
Retail Price
24-Hour
Sale Price
7
118941
Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I)
$66.95
$53.56
7
120279
Clear Block Storage Caddy
$16.95
$13.56
175
109127
Stack & Store Caddy
$34.95
$27.96


Ummm......The Clear Block Bundle is an AMAZING DEAL! It's a savings of $25.64 off the retail price of $79.20 when the blocks are purchased individually!

Do you REALLY want to miss out on that??

And that's not all!

Here's a link to a listing of ALL the deals and steals during the Extravaganza Sale!:

There are special Product Bundles at discounted prices - only available during this sale!
Punches on Sale! Embellishments on Sale! Stamp Sets on Sale! Paper on Sale!!
AND
the new My Digital Studio (MDS2+) will be 50% off! Just $39.98 - OH Man! That's a deal!!

I'm so excited about this sale!
It's a fantastic opportunity to stock up on some great TOOLS and pick up some creative elements at super prices!
These will make great stocking stuffers for any crafter on your list or maybe, these will be your Christmas Gift to YOU! :)

Visit my Website and log into the Online Store to place your orders! Here's the link:

Once you are on my HomePage, click on the SHOP NOW Button at the top right corner to enter the STORE and place your orders!

WooHoo!!!
Sale ON!
~~Robin

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Vintage Gift Tags Set

For my Trinity Design Stampers Team meeting in October I wanted to create a project that my downline members could make and take back to their clients for a fun and easy class.

That's part of what I do each month for my team: share duplicatable project ideas, give business tips and training, give recognition to my high acheivers and my special standouts and most of all, provide a fun-filled atmosphere for each demonstrator on my team. Doesn't matter if they do Stampin' Up! for a hobby to get the discount, or if they are a business builder - I LOVE my team and LOVE having them gather in my home each month!

Here's a photo of the Vintage Gift Tags Set we made together in October:

These tags were created with just a few supplies: Joyous Celebrations stamp set; Daydream Medallion stamp set; the Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies and the Big Shot; the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack; Champagne Glass Glitter; cardstock and a variety of ribbon.
(If you are on my mailing list, I'll be offering this as a class in December with Kits available too!)

The gift tags were cut out of Very Vanilla cardstock and after decorating, they were placed in an envelope made with Vellum Cardstock and tied up with a Cherry Cobbler Tulle Bow.

I also created a stamped postcard insert for the back of the envelope so you could easily gift this cute set of tags. Here's a close up of that:

These would make a sweet and thoughtful gift for a co-worker, secret sister or your child's teacher. So super easy and fun to create!

My team really enjoyed this project too and that made my heart happy!

Did you know that until December 16th, you can join my fantastic team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators and get 10 FREE Ink Pads just for signing up?
Yep, that's a scrumptious deal - when I signed up over 7 years ago, I got a set of ink pads FREE too and I was doin' the happy dance.

One thing though, my starter kit cost way more than the $99 yours will cost - and you know what? You get to customize yours - completely!
And here's an even more exciting part:

Ready?
Really?
Ok -

When you sign up now, you will get to place your first order as a demonstrator from the NEW Spring Catalog that opens up to Demonstrators ONLY on December 1st!
You'll get your one time 30% discount AND be eligible for Sale-A-Bration freebies too - One MONTH before anyone else!!

So, um, hey - whatcha waitin' for?
Check out the demonstrator info on my website under the JOIN THE FUN tab at the top right corner. Here's the web link:
Robin's Stampin' Up! Website

You can sign up right there online any time 24/7. And if you have questions, just e-mail me: stampwithrobin@yahoo.com

I provide support for demonstrators in several states in many ways. You'll always have a team mate to connect with and you'll get timely updates, creative ideas and other perks as a member of my team.

So, go. Check it out - and try it out! You'll be thrilled that you did!

Happy Tuesday everyone!
~~Robin

Sunday, November 11, 2012

RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour - Winter Memories

Welcome to stop #13 on the RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour!
If you are taking the stops in order, you will have just come from Anne Matasci's blog - MauiStamper.

If you are starting with ME (thank you!) you have 15 more blogs to visit! Have fun and enjoy all the creative ideas!

I was very excited to participate in this tour for several reasons, not the least of which was the stamp set chosen - Winter Memories. It has to be my favorite one in the Holiday Mini Catalog and the ice skates image is my very favorite!!

I've got two projects for you today and they were both designed back in September for an online tutorial newsletter I participate in each year.
Here is the card project:


I used Brushed Silver cardstock along with Vellum cardstock to make this elegant easel card. The snowflakes (from the Snowflake Soiree stamp set) were all stamped in Versamark ink and heat embossed with Silver embossing powder. The greeting is from the Greetings of the Season stamp set.

The window for the skates stamped on Vellum was cut out with the Window Frames Framelits and my Big Shot. I love how it created an indented edge around the cut out on the Brushed Silver cardstock.
The easel is held up by a Vintage Faceted Button secured with a Mini Glue Dot. I used Baja Breeze Seam Binding for the final, festive touch.
If you are on my mailing list, you will be receiving step-by-step instructions on how to make this card within the week.

My next project made use of the Brushed Silver "scraps" left over from cutting out the windows in the card.


This was a fun and easy project to make, even though it may not look like it.
I scored four of the cut out window pieces in half and then adhered them together with Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue. Before I glued the last one closed, I added a long folded piece of Pool Party Baker's Twine down the center, leaving about 8" loose at the bottom and a long loop at the top for hanging.

Here's a close up of the top section:



Using Silver Glimmer paper, I cut out four snowflakes with the Snow Flurries Big Shot Die and added a large Basic Rhinestone to the center of each one. They are attached to the ornament sides with Mini Glue Dots. There are two double Baja Breeze Seam Binding Bows at the top to add balance and a soft accent.

Here is a look a the bottom section:


I stamped the ice skates image again with Black Staz-On ink on two pieces of Shimmer White cardstock and colored them in a bit with my Stampin' Write Markers. They were glued together around the Pool Party Baker's Twine with Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue.
Using more of the same glue, I added some in small sections to the edge of the cardstock pieces and then coated it with Silver Glass Glitter. This was left to dry for about 15 minutes before I added the Large Pearls. Since these are 1/2 pearls, I glued two of them together around the Pool Party Baker's Twine and they were the perfect finishing touch!

Today is my downline Holiday Celebration and they get to make these ornaments! Shhh!! They don't know yet, it's a surprise! :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog on the RemARKables Tour! I hope you enjoyed the projects I shared and that they inspired you!
Click the logo/link below to visit the next blog on the stop: Maria Pane at Stampin' and Scrappin' with RiRi.