Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I'll Be Home For Christmas


I'm finally going home for Christmas. I'm terribly excited not just because I love and miss my family dearly (one little girl in particular) but because of these little ones:


These are my nieces who were born in August. I have not met them yet but I'm bursting with love for them. I cannot wait to hug them and kiss those cute little faces!

May the days ahead be filled with fun, laughter and love. All the best for the coming new year.

Happy Holidays!






Supplies
Stampin' Up: Be of Good Cheer digital kit download #130970
Font: KG Eyes Wide Open


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Christmas Card Palooza


I have several Christmas and holiday cards I want to share with you today. I was hoping to get to post each one individually to expand on the card-making process for each but there just isn't enough time. Oh, to have a few extra hours in the day! Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy the creativity to come!

This first card features the Serene Silhouettes stamp set. I *love* this set. It's so very pretty and versatile. Here it works great for Christmas but you can also use it for any other season. Hopefully I'll have time to make another version to show you. For now, though, we'll enjoy it as a set that showcases winter.


Supplies

For this next card I used the Greetings of the Season set again for the sentiment and the Snow Swirled stamp set. Together they make for another simple yet elegant holiday card:


Supplies

The snowman from the Button Buddies stamp set makes a perfect pair for this card:


Supplies

Card number four features two free stamp sets that you can earn with a qualifying purchase. I love free things. It's even better when they are this cute!

 

Supplies

Card number five features one of my favorite stamp sets from the holiday catalog: Scentsational Season. It is so stinkin' cute!


Supplies
*Save money and buy the bundle!
 
And last but certainly not least is my favorite card of the day, The Grinch! I actually made him last year but I didn't get around to showing anyone. I definitely wanted him to come out this year.


I don't remember exactly what I did to make him; it was basically trial and error. A few punches, some sponging and a torn hat rim later, he emerged.

Supplies I do remember

Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sweet Christmas Candy Redo


So do you remember my Sweet Christmas Candy card from the other day? Well, I finally got around to a re-make of it. I originally used Pool Party ink but the for the re-make I used Basic Gray ink. It really did make a difference. I have to say as much as I *love* Pool Party, the Basic Gray is really the right fit here.
 
Original Sweet Christmas Candy Card

Sweet Christmas Candy Card Re-Make
Supplies
Stamps
Border Banter clear mount #128930  or wood mount #128927
Sweets for the Sweet clear mount #122512 or wood mount #122510
Ink
Real Red Stampin' Pad #126949
Pool Party Stampin' Pad #126982 (original)
Basic Gray Stampin' Pad #126981 (re-do)
Paper
Real Red Card Stock #102482
Pool Party Card Stock #122924 
Whisper White Card Stock #100730
Other
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch # 119275
1-inch Circle Punch #119868
Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents #119246
Stampin' Dimensionals #104430

Happy Creating!

Get Stampin' Up On Your Tablet!


Stampin' Up!: Now Available on Google Catalogs


In partnership with Google Catalogs, Stampin' Up! is thrilled to announce its first tablet-friendly catalog! It's interactive, it's easy--and it's now available for iPad and Android tablets.

To access the catalog:
  • Download the Google Catalog app (available through iTunes and Google Play)
  • Sign in using your Google or Gmail account. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one by tapping the "Sign Up" button in the app.
  • After you have signed in, search for Stampin' Up! in the "Select Favorite Catalogs" list.
  • Select Stampin' Up! by tapping the small stamp icon next to the name, then tap "Done."
  • Click the "Favorites" icon at the bottom of the app, then tap the Stampin' Up! catalog cover to open it. That's it!
  • (Note: To view the catalog offline, download the PDF here.)
Cool Features
  • Browse the catalog with ease on your tablet.
  • Get more information, see additional images (beyond what is available in the catalog), and zoom in on your favorite products.
  • Watch videos from our YouTube channel right inside the app! Jump to the Stampin' Trimmer on page 180 (page 182 in the app) to see it in action.
  • SHOP ONLINE! You can order products directly from the app with just a few taps through Stampin' Up!'s online store. *Disclaimer: if you want to take advantage of the free items with your hostess dollars or take advantage of other incentives, you will have to go through my personal Stampin' Up! store: janaburke.stampinup.net
Happy Shopping!

Final Day For Free Ink Pad Set!

It's the last day to get your free ink pad set. Sumbit an order of $450 or more and you get an entire ink pad set for FREE. Tell your friends and family to get their wishlist to you stat!

Or, for only $99, you can join the Stampin' Up! family by becoming a demonstrator but still get the ink pad set in addition to other great benefits. It's super easy to sign up. Here's what you do:

1. Head over to my Stampin' Up! page: janaburke.stampinup.net
2. click "Join the Fun"
3. On the left hand side you'll see "Join Now." Simply click on that and follow the steps.

Any questions, email me right away: lexandcompany@gmail.com. I certainly don't want you to miss out on free products but hurry! Time is limited!


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Wonderfall Hello


Hello friends. Just a quick post today. It's finals week around here so I've not been able to get much holiday stuff made but hopefully next week I can show you some Christmas cards I have been able to work on plus pictures from a Stampin' Up! party that one of my girlfriends hosted over the weekend. It was so much fun!

Have a great week!


Supplies
Stamps
Paper
Ink
Die Cutting
Other

save money and buy the bundle!
   Friendship Preserves Bundle clear mount #129948 or wood mount #129947
not used here but recommended

Happy Creating!
 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

French Foliage Birthday


It was my dad's birthday a few days ago and I wanted to share the card I made for him this year. I usually have a hard time coming up with a design for masculine cards but it's usually just because most of the stamps I own are more on the girly side. I decided to use Stampin' Up!'s French Foliage stamp set because I love it so much. Here's what I came up with:



The French Foliage stamp set is a great set to use for a variety of cards but it especially is good for masculine or neutral cards. There are so many ways to show off this beautiful set.

For this card I started with a Basic Black card stock base. I actually did stamp one of the leaf patterns onto the black base with Always Artichoke ink just to see if it would show up but I couldn't see the pattern after the ink dried. If you try it, my suggestion is to try it with StazOn Jet Black ink; I have a feeling that will give the subtleness I was looking for. I then cut a mat using Cajun Craze card stock. On the Whisper White layer I stamped the water droplet stamp several times using Sahara Sand ink and the for the green leaf I used Always Artichoke ink. Since I didn't have a "Happy Birthday" sentiment that fit the mood, I just typed this one up on the computer and printed it directly to the card stock. I stamped the two other leaves on a separate piece of Whisper White card stock then cut them out using my Paper Snips - they are seriously sharp and have a small tip which is great for getting into tight spaces. Then, using a combination of different inks, I sponged the leaves which gave me the color variations you see above.

Supplies
Stamps
Ink
Paper
Other
 

How will you use your French Foliage Stamp Set?

Happy Creating!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Make a Cake Birthday


Today's card features the Make a Cake stamp set from Stampin' Up! It's my sister's birthday and I wanted to make her something using this set so here's what I came up with:


I knew I had to use yellow because that's her favorite color but I wasn't quite sure which direction I wanted to take it. That's why I'm so thankful that Stampin' Up! coordinates all their products. I looked at the stash of Designer Series Paper I had and made my color scheme from that. I went with the Floral District DSP which features the following colors: Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White.

Knowing that, I used Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White but I also branched out and used Midnight Muse - I wanted a bold, dark color and Midnight Muse really fit the bill. A few punches with the Petite Pennant Builder Punch, a quick stamp of the cake and a "jeuje" of glitter and we have a super cute card.

Happy Birthday, Karen! I know it'll be one of the best birthdays ever since you get to be with the babies! Yay! I love you!

 

Supplies
Stamps
Paper
Ink

Other

Happy Creating!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Fall-Inspired Card


Seeing fall in all her glory inspired me to make this card. The theme may be fall colors but this card is suitable for just about any occasion. It's not especially girly so it would work for a guy, too. Bonus!


I made this card using the Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set and Cannery Framelits Dies once again. I very much {heart} these two sets.  I also was able to feature the Comfort Café Designer Series Paper which went beautifully with the fall colors: Cajun Craze, Summer Starfruit and Early Espresso. One tool that I used for this project that I think is under utilized is the Color Spritzer Tool. With this tool and a Cajun Craze marker I was able to add the splattered effect you see on the card base. It's subtle but it kicks it up a notch - it gives the card that "something" that was missing.

Comfort Café DSP



Supplies
Stamps
**Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set
     clear mount #126692 or wood mount #126690 
Paper
Cajun Craze #119684
Early Espresso #119686
Summer Starfruit #126839
Gumball Green #126840
Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper Stack Neutrals #117157
Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper #126898
Ink
Summer Starfruit Stampin' Pad #126991
Gumball Green Stampin' Pad #126861
Jet Black StazOn Pad #101406
Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker #119680
Cajun Craze Stampin' Write Marker #119701
Other
**Cannery Set Framelits Dies #127822
Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons #127833
Linen Thread #104199
Color Spritzer Tool #107066

**If you buy the Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set and Cannery Set Framelits Dies bundle, you can save 15% over buying them individually. Be sure to use the following codes to get your discount:
Perfectly Preserved & Cannery Die bundle in clear mount #129944
Perfectly Preserved & Cannery Die bundle in wood mount #129943

►Don't forget to take advantage of the final days of Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza! Get special pricing on select products - some items 50%-off! But hurry, some items are selling out quickly! Check out the sale now!

Happy Saving!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Silver Embossed Ornaments


I hope you were able to enjoy your Thanksgiving day. A friend of  mine invited me to spend the afternoon with her and we had a very nice time together. Thanks, Caryn, for the yummy food and friendship!

Now that Thanksgiving is over we have to gear up for Christmas. I've been trying out my holiday stamps for ideas for my upcoming open house card-making day. Here's a sample of what the attendees can make:


So simple yet elegant. Simply take the desired ornament stamp from the Ornament Keepsakes set and stamp it in VersaMark ink onto Whisper White card stock then sprinkle the silver embossing powder over the image, heat set and cut out with the Holiday Ornaments framelits die. I also stamped the Merry Christmas sentiment from the Greetings of the Season stamp set directly onto the Midnight Muse card stock again using the VersaMark ink, sprinkled the silver embossing powder over the sentiment and heat set the image. In a matter of moments you have a beautiful card.


If you would like to stop by and get a jump on your cards, just shoot me an email or give me a call. I'd be happy to show you how easy it is to make such beautiful cards in a matter of moments!

voice & text: 919-492-8257

Supplies
**Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set clear mount #128051 or wood mount #128048
Greetings of the Season Stamp Set clear mount #128033  or wood mount #128030
**Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies #127816
Whisper White Card Stock #100730
Midnight Muse Card Stock #126843
VersaMark Ink Pad #102283
Silver Embossing Powder #109131
Heat Tool #129053
White Baker's Twine #124262
Big Shot Die Cut Machine #113439
Stampin' Dimensionals #104430

**Save 15% by purchasing the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and die bundle: clear mount #129950 or wood mount #129949

Happy Creating,

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Online Extravaganza

Stampin' Up! is having a huge sale but only until November 28th! Right now they are offering up to 50%-off select items. Visit my Stampin' Up! store to see the goodies!


Don't miss out on these great savings!

Happy Saving,