Friday, May 31, 2013

Gee, thanks


Here's a card today using the NEW Quatrafancy DSP which is available for order today! I hope you have your wish list ready. Just CLICK  here or on the  
Shop Now on the side bar, and this beautiful, bright paper can be yours. 

The sketch I used is an older CPS. I have been looking through my folder of sketches that I have had around for about 3 years getting inspiration. I felt this one fit perfectly with the paper and stamp set I used.

RECIPE

Quatrafancy DSP 130141, Whisper White 100730, Island Indigo 122923
Daffodil Delight 119683, Pumpkin Pie 105117

Island Indigo Ink Pad 126986

Really Good Greetings 130333, Mosaic Madness 130249 

7/8" Scallop Circle 129404, 1/2" Circle 119869
Adorning Accents Edgelits 125595

Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246 
Baker's Twine-Whisper White 124262 

SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Have a great day and stay CRAFTY!

BERNADETTE


Thursday, May 30, 2013

Mission Accomplished

I just returned homed yesterday from my 8 day trip to North Carolina. Let's see how long it will take me to get over the "jet lag" from the East. I hope not too long. I still have lots to do to get ready to move into our new home.


Mission Accomplished Ramblings
I arrived into NC Tuesday evening (May 21), picked up my rental car and headed out to my daughter Lauren's  spending some time with her and her children that evening. Oh, I love those grand babies! I accomplished to have a good nights sleep since I had been awake since 2:45 AM that morning.

I had really dreaded the trip into Cary and to the Cube Smart facility, but headed out Wednesday morning with some hope and God's grace to get the job at least started.

I certainly didn't expect the reaction that I had when I opened up the door. I FROZE. My emotions just took over. Overwhelmed, I walked into a 10'x20'  storage unit that has been filled for over 3 1/2 years. Honestly, I  looked around and broke down in tears. Not only for the task that was ahead of me, sorting through boxes, unpacking and packing them, but memories that those boxes held and NO ROOM to even move around them. I had forgotten that all the furniture we had left was in front of almost ALL the boxes that were against the back wall!


  

My first look



I called my husband in California. Had my "mini breakdown", moved a few things, made some decisions how I would proceed and locked the door and left. I did some investigating on Consignment shops, called my son-in-law Matthew to see if he had a few minutes to run by and at least help me make a path and get some boxes down. That was accomplished several hours later. I went through the few boxes I was able to reach and called it a day for day 1.

 I am blessed to say, the remaining days went much better and letting go of "stuff" became easier. My wonderful children came by on Saturday to help me plow through stuff until my hubby came in late Saturday night. THANKS!!! You guys are the BEST children anyone could have.

 After working Sunday, Monday and part of Tuesday, we put the lock back on at 12:45 Tuesday afternoon with all our belongings that will be shipped to California and our new home, neatly packed and waiting for the moving company to pick up. I'm very thankful to the Lord and my family for helping  us get through this time and getting the job done.

A Moment of Reflection

As I was packing and sorting, I could not help but think of the families in Texas and Oklahoma and the devastation they have recently gone through. I felt guilty for having my "woe is me" attitude when they have lost so much. I'm thankful that the Lord reminded me of that and I quickly asked forgiveness for my "pity party" moments. I pray that they will be able to get their lives back to some normalcy and with joy soon.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to have a card up tomorrow to get your creative juices flowing. Have a wonderful and CRAFTY day!

BERNADETTE

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Color Refresh and a Video







                  
    I thought I would give you a shout out again about the new
 Color Refresh
 
I personally love what SU! has done. Bringing back some old in colors and adding some recent ones to the Color Families. I wish you could see them in person. Oh wait, can on May 31st.

  Just CLICK on the side button that says, SHOP NOW and they will be delivered right to your door by one of those sweet UPS men... 



           

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Guest Designer



 I'm on my way to North Carolina today, so I had asked one of my downline members, Sandy Farley, if she would create a card for my post.
 She was gracious enough to accept and did a beautiful job 
and it shines through in this card she created.

Sandy just became a demonstrator in February and is really enjoying the creative  process and benefits of belonging to the Stampin' Up! family.


RECIPE for Sandy's Card

PAPER

NEW  Pistachio Pudding #131294
 NEW  Baked Brown Sugar #131296

STAMPS

 Blooming with Kindness #126422
 Serene Silhouettes  #127324 
Perfectly Penned stamp #122892

INK

NEW Baked Brown Sugar #131174

SWEET ADDITIONS

Apothecary Accents Framelits #127003
Honeycomb Folder #129378

If you get a chance, I know she would love to hear from you. 
Just drop a comment here and I'll make sure she reads it.

Have a great and CRAFTY day!
Bernadette and Sandy
  

Sunday, May 19, 2013

A little about me - A Time of Transition





 Although I don't usually post on Sundays, today is an exception.

The photo above is the house we called HOME for 16 years in North Carolina.We raised 4 of our 7 children here and we were truly blessed in the community we lived in.

In October 2008 my husband Steve was laid off from a job he had been employed at for approximately 18 years. He was blessed to secure another position as a Contract Engineer for 9 months, but it was in Scottsdale, AZ. Okay, not a bad place to go. So we packed up our Motorhome, rented our home to my daughter and several of her  friends, and headed West. 



Little did we know that the Lord had other plans. Steve's job went from 9 months to almost 4 years! During the interim, we made the decision to sell our home in NC. It was a difficult one for me, but it was the right time and we sold it to a lovely young couple who LOVED our family home.


Needless to say, a husband, wife, and little dog living in a 34 foot Motorhome with NO SLIDES, you folks who own one know what I'm talking about, wasn't cutting it. Although I did manage to use every available inch of space for my crafting hobby! Who needed food? 
There were restaurants in Scottsdale, right?

A yearly event for us, was to go looking at motorhomes. We happened to go to the right place at the right time, and were able to buy a beautiful 2008 Holiday Rambler Endeavor with 4 slides. Now we could be more comfortable.




WELL, at least we thought. We did live in this beauty for 2 years. Unfortunately, AZ desert summers are not conducive to MH living. In the 105+degree days during June through August and sometimes even longer, we were struggling to keep our inside temperature below 87-90 degrees. Even with two air conditioners going and sun shades on the windows.


Well, Mama wasn't happy. So we purchased an older Mobile Home (circa 1983) in the park we were living in in July of 2010.



We did a little remodeling, kept the inside nice and cool and were settled in for at least awhile. On November 28th. 2012, we got the infamous notice the contract job my husband was on was finished and so was he.

Again, the Lord was faithful and within 2 weeks my hubby secured a full-time position, but this time in Southern California. 

What? This East Coast girl moving to "crazy" California? Didn't the Lord realize I had absolutely no desire to move or even visit California. But He prepared my heart, and I have grown to LOVE it here in these few short months.
Back into the Motorhome again...

We are now preparing to change our living quarters from here in Oceanside 
to San Marcos in approximately 2 1/2 weeks.


This is are "not so completed" manufactured home. It is progressing. The inside is complete, and the new driveway is in. There is still the awning to be attached, the skirting, shed to be built, air conditioner to be set and landscaping to be done. AND we need to move in!

AND THE REASON FOR THE POST IS???

Now after that is all said and done, and hopefully, your still reading this, the reason for the post. I am going to NC for 8 days to empty a 10'x20' storage unit that we have had filled for 3 1/2 years ( I have no idea what's in there, by the way) and love on my grand babies while I'm there.

After returning to California, I will need to empty my 40' motorhome into the house, clean the MH, buy furniture, make a trip to Scottsdale to bring back "stuff" and of course, make a trip to IKEA to furnish my new studio. 
Can I say, I'm doing the Happy Dance on having a designated Studio?!?!

 My posts will be a little sparse until those things are taken care of.
I am hoping to get back into full swing by the middle of June. I still love being a Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and sharing my love of paper crafting.

As Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous Californian once said,

 " I'll be back"


 I appreciate all of you who have stopped by or left words of encouragement 
on my projects. I truly hope you will continue to follow
 me as I add little tibits and projects as I get them done. I know 
I'll be having the "crafting itch" probably sooner then later.

 Thank you so much for being understanding.

As always have a wonderful week and stay CRAFTY!

BERNADETTE






Friday, May 17, 2013

Masculine Graduation Card




 


I decided to play along with the Retro Sketch Challenge this week using retiring papers and stamp set for a masculine Graduation card. I love the softness and natural elements of French Foliage, one of my favorites and I'm sad to see it leave. 

BUT the good news is, it still can be yours by 
clicking here,  French Foliage  through June 3rd. But I would hurry. There is only a few more weeks that it will be available.


Retiring Products used

French Foliage

Parker's Patterns, Not Quite Navy, More Mustard

Not Quite Navy Ink, More Mustard Ink


Returning Products

Fabulous Phrases 120501

7/16" Trim 129287
Itty Bitty Punch Pack (circle) 118309
Stripes 123128

Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive


Have a wonderful and CRAFTY weekend!
BERNADETTE




Thursday, May 16, 2013

TNT Thursday



When is a Graduation gift not a Graduation gift?

My thought when I was planning on doing a small photo album was to make this for a niece who is graduating next month. 




After I had selected the papers and was putting it together, my focus changed. I decided to make this particular one for my granddaughter. She is just finishing up preschool and was telling me recently about her friends. 
These papers are just so girly and remind me of her. So this is going
 to be sent off to my little sweetie.

I used retiring papers on this album, but the stamp set and framelits will be carried over into the new 2013-2014 catalog.

4" x 4" Mini Flip Album

* I found the inspiration for this album over at stampingschool by Vil Maldonado.
Vil's album was 6x6, but I wanted a 4x4 and adjusted the measurements.

  1. You will need 3 pieces of CS cut at 
     4"x 8" then scored at 2" and 6"



*This is how your pieces will look. Similar to a a gate fold card




2. After theses pieces are scored , you will assemble them as the picture below shows.  It's just attaching the backs of each section together to form the album.
I used Multipurose Liquid glue for this entire album. It allows more slip to get things lined up. SNAIL is not strong enough and I don't like working with Sticky Strip.


*This is how the finished base of the album should look with all 
3 sections glued together.

3. Fold the album up to decorate the front with ribbon and paper.

All papers for the cover and back plus inside middle sections 
are cut 3/3/4" x 3 3/4"

Side panels are 1 3/4" x 3 3/4"

Cut a 20" piece of ribbon for the closure.



Place the ribbon around outside centering it and making sure the ends are even. I place a small bit of adhesive under the ribbon to keep it in place. 
 

4. Now adhere your DSP to the front and back cover and finish it off by adding 
your choice of embellishments.

5. Open your album and add the paper square to the first page,
 which is the back of the cover. 




 Add your DSP squares to middle all 3 sections. You could also add photo mats at this time (3"x3")




 6. Take the cut panels and add them to the side panels and embellish. I used some embossing folders and left some blank for jouraling.




The small photos below are picture of how I embellished my mini.









I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and will give it a try. They are really so much fun to put together and a great way to use up the retiring SU! papers.

If you have any questions about this tutorial, please don't hesitate to contact me here on my blog. Have a wonderful day and stay CRAFTY!

 BERNADETTE

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pool Party Happy Birthday Sneak Peek



My card today is using the MOJO293 sketch and the 
NEW Quatrefancy Paper DSP from the 2013-2014 Stampin 'Up!Catalog. I'm really in love with this new paper. So beautiful and bright.

RECIPE

Pool Party 122924, Island Indigo 122923, Whisper White 100730
NEW Quatrefancy Speciality DSP 130141


NEW Label Love 130622, NEW Mosaic Madness 130249

Island Indigo Ink 126986

NEW Artisan Label 130920 , Perfect Polka Dots 117335
Finishing Touches Edgelits 127010, Circle #2 Originals 114526
 Pearl Basic Jewels 119247

Island Indigo Ribbon (SAB), Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots


 Thank you for stopping by and stay CRAFTY!

BERNADETTE

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Simply Sent

I thought I would send out this quick reminder of a fun application for your iPhone or Android system phone which had been released several months ago. 
 I received a Samsung Note II for my birthday in April which I absolutely love, by the way. I had this app installed on my previous smart phone but forgot to load it onto my new device. I guess when you have 75+ apps it's easy to forget!

It's in there tonight!

Why not give it a try and let me know how you like it. It really is such
a fun way to stay connected.
 

             Not an artist? You are now. Simple. Easy. Connected.

· Design and send e-cards directly to those you love—for free!—via your favorite photo sharing apps!
· Use our templates. They make designing the perfect greeting a snap.
· Design your card without templates if you like—look at you go!
· Add photos, choose your font, and pick the backgrounds that you love.
· Create cards easily with our intuitive tools.
· Send cards for any occasion.
· Stay connected to the people you care about.
Simply Sent



Download from iTunes App Store 

OR

Download from Google Play Store

Monday, May 13, 2013

Live the Life and Sneak Peek


Here is just a quick card today that I made over the weekend.
 I actually used a previous Card Sketch from here on my blog. 

The colors and papers are different, 
but the layout is the same as you can see from the card below.

My philosophy is, if you have favorite layouts, and you are in a creative funk, look through your cards and find a layout that you like and go from there.




RECIPE

NEWQuatrefancy Speciality DSP 130141
Pumpkin Pie 105117
Early Espresso 119686
Whisper White 100730

Early Espresso Ink 126974
Pumpkin Pie Ink - 126945
Pool Party Ink 126982 

NEW 
 A Round Array 129090
Really Good Greetings 130333
Mosaic Madness 130249

NEW - Modern Mosaic 129984 
Square Lattice 119976

Circles Originals 114526
7/8" Scallop Circle 129404
1 3/4"Scallop Circle 119845
 1" Circle 119868

Soda Pop Top/ Rhinestone Basic Jewels 129246

Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots
Stampin' Dimensionals

Thank you for stopping by and have a CRAFTY day!

BERNADETTE

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Simple and Quick Masculine Tag


I just couldn't resist. I had the By the Tide set still on my mind 
from using it the other day for my TNT Thursday and knew 
I had to create something else with it. 

A tag came to mind when I was flipping through the new catalog and
saw that tags were certainly highlighted.

This is a simple and quick project and all the products used are going to be still available in the NEW 2013-2014 Catalog

I am giving you a sneak peak of two NEW items.

Artisan Label - 130920
 Label Love - 130622

I  just love the shape of that punch, don't you?

RECIPE

Papers: Crumb Cake 120953, Midnight Muse 126843
Naturals White 102316
 
  Stamps: By the Tide 129120, Label Love 130622

Ink: Crumb Cake 126975 , Midnight Muse 126860
 
Sweet Additions: 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon - Early Espresso 119959

Tools of the Trade: Artisan Label punch - 130920,  
Woodgrain Folder 127821, 1" Circle 119868, 
1/2"Circle 119869, 3/16 Corner 119871
 
Stampin' Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue , SNAIL Adhesive
 
 
Thank you for stopping by and have a CRAFTY weekend.
 
BERNADETTE


Friday, May 10, 2013

Sneak Peek and MOJO Monday


The purpose of my card today is twofold. The first being to give you a 
Sneak Peek of some of the new products that will be in place in 
the NEW Stampin' UP! 2013-2014 Annual Catalog come June 1st.

The other, this is the card I am linking to the MOJO Monday Blog.

 


This card was a little bit of a challenge for me.
Although, it seems that most of the sketches from Mojo Monday are! They tend to stretch my creativity, which is a good thing.

Working with new papers, stamps and punches added to that. 
I hope I did the sketch and products them some justice.

RECIPE

Paper: Daffodil Delight 119683, Pool Party 122924, Whisper White 100730

NEW- Strawberry Slush 131295
NEW- Quatrefancy Specialty 130141 

Stamp: Itty Bitty Banners 126257
NEW- Really Good Greetings 130333

Ink:  Island Indigo 126986

Sweet Additions: Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246, Perfect Polka Dots 117335
NEW- Modern Mosaic 129984

 


Bitty Banners 129267,  Hearts a Flutter 130159, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle 119854
Circles #2 Originals 114526, 3/16" Corner 119871
NEW-Mosaic 131267

Stampin' Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue


Isn't  the NEW Quatrefancy Specialty paper bold and beautiful? I just love the patterns and the colors. The matching punch and folder just completes the whole look. I would love to see you have these products in your stamp room so you can create your very own special "Mini Canvases".

The products for 2013-2014 will be available to order on May 31st. 
Why not CLICK HERE  on May 31st., chose me as your demonstrator,
and make these products yours.

Have a wonderful and CRAFTY Friday!

BERNADETTE



Thursday, May 9, 2013

TNT Thursday


FUN TRI-FOLD CARD

For my tutorial today I will be showing another folded card 
which was inspired by Linda Heller and Connie Stewart. 

**I realized after I had posted this yesterday to go live this morning, that I missed named the project. It is just a tri-fold , not an offset tri-fold!**

Let's get started

1. Cut the base pieces of the card. 
You will need 1 - 5 1/2" x 41/4" piece of CS / 1 - 5 x 8" piece of CS
2 - 1 3/4" x 4 3/4" pieces of DSP

3 - 1 1/4" x 3" pieces of CS for layering
3 - 1 x 2 3/4" pieces of CS for your stamped images 
** The solid Crumb Cake CS is not shown. 
I forgot to put it with the paper when I was photographing it!





2. Score the 5x 8 piece at 2" and 6", fold and score.


3. Adhere DSP centering it to the front of card. Stamp your inside sentiment. When that is complete, take the folded card and center 
that onto your 5 1/5" x 4 1/4" solid card stock.

4. Layer
 your stamped images.


5. Cut a 6" length of ribbon, I used the 7/8" Natural Ribbon. 
Fold it in half holding it together with a Glue Dot. Add another Glue Dot and adhere to the back of each stamped image. Place a Stampin' Dimensionals on either side of the ribbon and on the edge of one side as shown.  
This is the unit that will make up the Offset Tri Fun Fold.



6. Place each section to the front of the card staggering them 
as shown on the completed card below.

Thank you for stopping by. Why not give this a try an let me know how you did. Just enter a comment here on MY BLOG. Have a wonderful and CRAFTY day!

BERNADETTE

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Mothers Day #2



This is just a simple card I put together for Mothers Day using the papers that I had left over from my previous post of the Bookmark card. I really love the SAB paper, Sycamore Street, but SU! is coming out with some real classy new patterns in 2013-2014 Catalog that are similar to this.

RECIPE

Paper: SAB Sycamore Street, Calypso Coral 122925, Whisper White 100730
Island Indigo 122923 ,Baja Breeze 111352 (retiring)

Stamp: Secret Garden Bundle (stamp/framelit), Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Tangerine Tango 126946, Island Indigo 126986

Sweet Additions: Pearl Basic Jewels 119247, Perfect Polka Dots Folder 117335,
 Large Scallop Edgelits 127019, Bitty Banners Framelits 129267

Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look, and remember to have a
CRAFTY day!

 Bernadette






Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Bookmark Mother's Day Card


 I made 4 of this style of Mother's Day card for my 2 daughters 
and 2 daughter-in-laws. I hope their not peeking at my blog!

I just love this little dress in the Dress Up Framelits set. 
You can do so many things to make it entirely different each time.


The bookmark just lays over the card and can be taken off easily. 
It keeps the bookmark secure on the card.

RECIPE
Paper: Baja Breeze (retiring) 111352, Calypso Coral 122925, Whisper White 100730
Sycamore Street DSP (SAB)

Ink: Versa Mark 102283, Tangerine Tango 126946

Stamp: Madison Avenue ( SAB), Teeny Tiny Wishes 127802

Sweet Additions: 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon 122976, Pearl Basic Jewels 119247

Tools: Dress Up Framelit Die 130101, Itty Bitty Punch Pack 118309
Perfect Polka Dots Folder 117335, Decorative Label 120907
Bitty Banners Framelits 129267, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack 126187

Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots

Thanks so much for stopping buy. Make it a CRAFTY day!

BERNADETTE


*this cards inspiration was from stampinschool *


Monday, May 6, 2013

The new Best of Stamp Set for May


 

Here is a reminder of the "Best Of "stamp sets offered each month.

 

May ~ Best of Brides and Babies


As part of their 25-year anniversary celebration, SU! is bringing back some of their favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image!
  
This Months Images


133482L



Some things to remember:
  • All Best of stamp sets will include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image and are  priced at $14.95.
  • While they are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month (with a new theme each month), all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014.
  • A new flyer will be released every month for each new Best of set.
  • All Best of stamp sets are available in Clear-Mount only.

As a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, we're including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.
 
Here is the new May flyer plus previous flyers:

January - Best of Birthdays
February - Best of Love
March - Best of Flowers
April - Best of Butterflies
May - Best of Brides and Babies

 Have a wonderful Monday and stay CRAFTY! 

I've got to get busy finishing my Mothers Day cards to be able to mail them out tomorrow. I will be posting one of them on Tuesday so you can take a look.

BERNADETTE

1000 Piece Puzzle

  It is a beautiful puzzle,but we probably will NOT do one again. The 500 pc. ones are much more relaxing. Heres hoping you all have a great...