Convention 2010: General Swaps and FTL 99

I participated in several organized swaps this convention, but I still wanted to take a swap to do the general swapping everyone does while standing in line, eating lunch, waiting for the sessions to start, etc. By the time I started thinking about what I wanted to do for my swap, I was struggling for ideas. I needed something that would be easy to mass produce (I think I made around 60), but it also needed to be something I would be proud to share with my fellow demonstrators. Of course, I immediately thought to look at the Fall-to-Layout sketches over as Clean and Simple Stamping. As soon as I saw the FTL 99 sketch, I knew exactly which set I wanted to use. You can see the sketch HERE.

I used the new Aviary stamp set from the Idea Book & Catalog. I am not usually much of a bird person, but I fell in love with this set when I saw it. The base of the card is Crumb Cake card stock. The scalloped border was punched using the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch and Concord Crush card stock. I stamped the birdcage image using Concord Crush, the bird is Pear Pizzazz, and the "Thanks" is Marina Mist with the Perfect Punches stamp set. I love the Perfect Punches set, because every stamp coordinates with one of our fabulous punches! For this sentiment, I used the Scallop Oval Punch. Be sure to let me know what you think of my project - I love reading the comments!

I am so glad I participated in the general swapping, because I received some beautiful cards and projects in return.

Click on a picture to see it larger. If you are a demonstrator and see one of your projects here, let me know and I'll be sure to give you credit and link over to your blog.

Because I Care FTL 95

I love this new Hostess Set from the upcoming Stampin' UP! Idea Book and Catalog! When SU first announced they were going to give this to all demonstrators for free if we placed a preorder for the new Color Kit, I knew I had to have it. At the time, I had no idea what I'd do with it, but I could see the potential and knew I'd see amazing works of art by all the talented crafters out there. Man, I have not been disappointed! In fact, I have seen so many beautiful cards made with this set that I was a little intimidated! Finally, I realized tonight that I just had to play with it.


I made this card for the Fall-to-Layout 95 challenge over at http://www.cleanandsimplestamping.blogspot.com/. I always love the layouts they put out for our inspiration. I always think the "simple" means something you could quickly and easily reproduce. I'll admit, with the trimming of the hydrangea and stem, this probably wouldn't be considered too simple; however, the layout is definitely simple. I am actually really happy how this card turned out.


This card is filled with Sneak Peeks! The card base is Crumb Cake cardstock, formerly Kraft. I stamped the hydrangea in Night of Navy ink on Marina Mist cardstock - one of the new Core Colors. The petal is Old Olive stamped on Pear Pizzazz - one of the In Colors for 2010-2011. I stamped the sentiment in Night of Navy Classic ink on Whisper White cardstock, and layered it on Night of Navy cardstock. The Pear Pizzazz paper layer was trimmed with the Scallop Border Punch. I layered Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon with the new Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon. I popped up the hydrangea and the stem using dimensionals.


I would love to hear what you think of this card!


Don't forget... I have BLOG CANDY right now! Be sure to visit THIS POST to get yourself entered! If you are needing any supplies, please CLICK HERE to begin shopping. I will draw names for the candy on Wednesday night. Thank you to everyone who has placed orders to help me reach my goal. It definitely looks like I'm going to make it, but I'm not quite there yet! Thank you also to everyone who has signed up as a follower and left comments. You are the reason I post my projects.

Clean and Simple Challenge FTL 91

I made this card last weekend for the Fall to Layout 91 challenge over at Clean and Simple Stamping. However, I have had camera problems and haven't been able to take a decent picture until today. I don't get to participate in challenges as often as I'd like because my schedule is pretty unpredictable, but I love them when I do!
I love the bright colors in this paper! It just sings summer to me. Our weather here in Salt Lake City has been pretty crazy this year. I am definitely ready for some consistent sunshine!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Punched Posies (Summer Mini hostess set) Wood Mount #118535, Clear Mount #120030, Short and Sweet #115060
Ink: Regal Rose #105211, Pumpkin Pie #105216, Tempting Turquoise #100814
Paper: Pumpkin Pie cardstock #105117, Tempting Turquoise #102067, Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (Summer Mini Catalog) #117173, Whisper White cardstock #100730
Punches: XL Flower #118073, Scallop Border Punch #112091, 3/4" Circle Punch #107217, Modern Label Punch #116630, Word Window Punch #105090
Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon #111368

FTL 90

I decided to try a sketch challenge this weekend. I often use sketches from challenges, but it is usually long after the challenge window. I noticed this FTL 90 sketch at the Clean and Simple blog. As soon as I saw the sketch, I knew I wanted to use a pink and brown combination and the Circle Circus stamp set. Here is my take on the challenge:

And here is the sketch:
This card actually came together really quickly. That is often the case for me when I'm using a sketch. I need to remember that next time I'm frustrated with myself about losing my stampin' mojo!

Stampin' Supplies: All from Stampin' UP!
Stamps: Circle Circus #115778, Thank You Kindly #111700
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink #100908, Pretty in Pink Classic Ink # 101301
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip #102128, Whisper White #100730, Whisper White Textured #108693
Ribbon: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain #109051

There are some great items right now in the Clearance Rack. Visit my store to shop now! If you are looking for a Stampin' UP! demonstrator in Salt Lake City, Utah or the surrounding area, please contact me!