Introducing the Triple Layer Punches!

Happy May, blog friends!  Today I'm excited to share some new products with you!  First, here's a look at one of the Triple Layer punches that are available in the Summer Mini Catalog - this one is the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch with the sweet little flowers.  In addition, I also showcase the Strength and Hope set that is a special stamp set being offered by Stampin'Up in partnership with The Breast Cancer Foundation.  This set will be available from May 1-Aug 31, and the cool thing is that SU! will donate $2 from the sale of each Strength and Hope set and Digital kit!  So awesome. 

The cards and purse ensemble pictured above also happens to be one of two projects I created for UStamp With Dawn and Friends this month in the Classes, Clubs and Camps issue, which just opened on April 29th.  Here's a close up of one of the cards:

So...if you'd like to see more, you should definitely head over there and register!  This is a great issue for demos because if you're looking for some creative class projects, you won't need to look further!  Or, for you crafters out there, you'll get your fill of fun projects with detailed instructions on how to recreate each of the projects.  Lots of fun!  Stay tuned for my second project, which I'll post once it goes live on UStamp with Dawn! :)

If you want to scoop up some of these adorable new products or just have to have it ASAP, you can always place an order 24/7 on my online store.  Isn't online shopping the best? ;)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  Toodles!

looking through a new lens...

Hi again, dear blog friends!  I know it's been a while since I've shared a crafty project, so I'm popping in with a quick post.  And, yes - from a NEW lens.  A new camera lens, that is!  In preparation for our upcoming  {and very fast approaching!} vacation, we got a new camera and I have to say I am IN LOVE with it so far!  It's my first DSLR camera, so there is definitely a lot to learn.  We got a Canon EOS Rebel T1i and these are a couple of my first few pictures.  Ok...I took a lot of random pictures so far just to get a feel of the camera and focusing and what not, but these are my first pictures of my crafting projects.  This is the swap card I happened to make for our UStamp With Dawn and Friends DT swap!  Hope you like it! It's an easel card I made using the Scallop Circle Bigz die.  The paper is a sneak peek from a new paper pack in the upcoming Summer Mini catalog called Beyond the Garden DSP.  Lots of cute stuff coming soon.  How about that flower?  It's an oldie but a goodie - it's the Fancy Flower punch and I notched the petals using the 5 Petal Flower punch!  I love crinkling up the flowers - it makes them more realistic to me.  Then, I just sponge daubered the edges and added a button center - viola!

I didn't use a flash with these pics - just natural lighting.  I am still on the Auto setting right now, but over time {and hopefully, there will be more available time for me at some point}, I hope to experiment with the different settings and styles.  For now, I'm pleased with the basics! 

As for our upcoming vacation, I'm not quite going to spill the beans as to where were're going yet..you'll just have to wait and see from the pictures!  We're not quite leaving yet - we've got a few more weeks to go...so I have some time to play with my camera in my teenie tiny bit of spare time.  I'll leave you with a parting shot I took of the sunset last night...

I was really happy with how that came out!  Not bad for a novice, eh?  I can't take credit - the sunset was beautiful and I just happened to snap a moment of it!  The colors in the sky looked so pretty against the shadows of the palm trees.  So fun..I'm getting quickly addicted to photography...and this camera.

That's it for now.  I'll catch up with you guys a bit later!

last chance {Mojo!}

Hi Blog Friends!  I've got a Mojo Monday card sketch for you using some of my fave stamps and paper from the Summer Mini and today's the last day to get 'em before they're gone!  Here's a look at this week's Mojo 154 sketch - you have the option to make a round or square card. 

As you all know, I'm a sucker for challenges, and when I saw how fun the sketch was, I wanted to play!  I also wanted to pay tribute to some fun products I've enjoyed in the summer mini - namely this Island Oasis DSP!  This Sentimental Journey stamp set is so fun, too.  I love this little car!  Here's my full card:

These colors are such happy summer colors, so I guess it's appropo that I use them on the last day of August, with our summer winding down and fall right on its heels.  Don't these bright colors and prints just look like candy?  Here's the recipe for this card:

{Island Journey}

All supplies Stampin'Up!

*Stamp Sets: Sentimental Jouorney, Pedaling Past

*Cardstock: Rose Red, Whisper White, Island Oasis DSP

*Inks: Rose Red, Early Espresso

*Accessories: Island Floral Bigz die, Clear Scallop Square Bigz die, Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die {upcoming Holiday Mini!}, Circle cutter, Linen Thread, Brights and Subtles buttons

Hope you like it!  Have a fantastic day. :)

{cruisin'}

Hey there!  How are you all?  I'm finally feeling better today.  Being sick was definitely no fun.  On that note, I've got a bright and cheery card share today that just reminds me of summer and vacation!  I got my inspiration from the Stamping 411 sketch this week, which I discovered this morning that I was too late to play.  Oh well, kind of a bummer, but at least it got me into the card making mode!  I used the new Pedaling Past stamp set from the summer mini and the vibrant Island Oasis DSP.  Here's a look at the full card for you:

Doesn't this card just wanna make you go outside and ride your bike?  Heehee.  Well, maybe that's a bit of hyperbole, but still.  For me it does conjure up the images of summer.  It also reminds me of the beach cruiser I had in high school.  Ahhh - those were the days.  I remember riding my bike to school every day my freshman year til I finally had friends that could drive, so I got to carpool in my sophomore year and then finally drive in on my own.  Fun times.  Here's the card recipe for you:

{Cruisin' card}

All supplies Stampin'Up!

*Stamp Set: Pedaling Past

*Cardstock: Rose Red, Whisper White, Island Oasis DSP

*Inks: Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, and Tempting Turquise Classic Ink Pads; Basic Black, Rose Red, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise markers

*Accessories: Jumbo eyelet, Modern Label punch, brads, Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers used to create the sand and the sky

Hope you like the card!

Now, I have some fun pictures to share from this past weekend!  My hubby's college roommate and dear friend, Eric, came to visit us for the day and flew in on his plane.  Yes - PLANE!  It's a cool 4 seater plane.  He asked us if we wanted to go to Santa Barbara for dinner, and of course, we jumped at the chance! It was the coolest thing!  Had I not been on a small plane before, I probably would have been a little more freaked out, but truth be told, this was my second time in a small plane.  The first time was also with Eric, however, he neglected to tell us then that we were his very first passengers!!!  This was a few years ago, and he did end up telling us that we were his first passengers after we landed that time.  Granted, I was a little bit stunned learning that, but was impressed at his piloting skills for being a novice pilot.  So, fast foward to today - he's now a seasoned pilot with lots of flying under his belt.  He even let us fly the plane a bit, which was an awesome experience!   Here are some photos of our littley sojourn.

This is Michael (my hubby) and Eric in front of his fun plane.

We got to go around the peninsula and check out our neighborhood from the sky!  Here's a view of the Long Beach Harbor and Trump National Golf Course.

More pics from the peninsula.  The lighthouse below is the Pointe Vicente lighthouse.

This is a view of the Terranea Resort.  It was just gorgeous being able to see it from this angle!  The weather was fabulous for a plane ride, too - so clear!

Then we also got to see a view of Downtown Los Angeles in the distance - it's the grouping of tall buildings just off center in the picture below.

And finally...45 minutes later, we landed at the Santa Barbara airport!

All in all, the trip was AWESOME!

Thanks for visiting today!  Have a good one!