Just Kidding

I want to share a relatively new stamp set with you that is hilarious, especially among friends, and especially among seasoned friends!  It's called Just Kidding and has some many wonderful things to say. It's edgy, simple and will bring a smile to someone's face! Both these cards are on my buffet, which starts in about 4 hours!  Please come!

I just picked two strong contrasting colors for each card and it was easy to put these together!  I have more than a couple of friends I would like to send these to!

Here's the stamp set so you can see all that you get with this:



Check it out and more of our fabulous products in the store by clicking on my website link ===>
or feel free to contact me with any questions!

It's a gorgeous day to create!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

and now for Father's Day!

Good morning!  I am putting the final touches on my Card Buffet that starts tomorrow night!  We are going to have fun and I hope you can stop by!  The Occasions Catalog has a wonderful stamp set called "Guy Greetings" that has been my go-to for a masculine card ever since I got it. So, it's no surprise that's what I grabbed for my Father's Day card inspiration!  I love to make masculine themed cards because it stretches me a little bit  and I have to think out of the box to use something I have in my room but yet come up with something fresh and interesting/funny that would appeal to a guy. Here are some sneak peeks of a couple of  my Father's Day cards at the buffet:

Here's the "Guy Greeting" set in more detail:



If you can't attend the Card Buffet but still would like to take advantage of all the specials and retiring products, you can shop online at :

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sparrowdesigns/

Just click on "shop" and you will be moments away from some great deals. Be sure to check out the Retiring products, Weekly Deals and Clearance Rack!  Please use Hostess Code FWBCHG4C for shopping. I appreciate your interest in my projects and your business through my website!

Have a great Wednesday!
Sarah

No one measures up to you!

More for Mother's Day!  Isn't this the truth... so many ways that our Mom's are the best!  I'll keep it short today as I'm still creating and prepping for the upcoming Card Buffet! Don't miss it!

This was fun with Aqua Painters and the @sosocial stamp set!

More tomorrow!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Nobody Loves Like a Mom...

... And No Mom deserves more love than you!

What a great sentiment and so beautifully scripted in this new stamp set from Stampin'Up!  This came out in the Occasions Catalog (which I first saw in December) and  I have been so anxious for Mother's Day to get here!  I had a party/workshop this weekend and of course, this is what I reached for to have them make.   This card will be featured on my upcoming Spring Card Buffet, this week! It's an open house event and you can make as many cards as you want, $3 each. All supplies, instructions and envelops are provided. Experienced as well as novice crafters are welcome! Check my calendar for more details!

Here's my card:

My new favorite neutral color is Sahara Sand and so many of our current Designer Series papers feature it. It's a little lighter than crumb cake and goes with everything!  I paired it with Calypso Coral this time. I love this card... the lace, the flowers, the ribbon and the sentiment!

I'll be featuring Card Buffet cards all week so be sure to check back!  I'll have available cards for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation (even MSU), new baby, wedding, sympathy, birthday and some hilarious ones for friends!  This is a great chance to stock up your supply of cards! (NOTE:  any of the Mother's Day or Father's Day cards can be easily made into a birthday card or some other occasions if needed)

Happy Monday!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Turning a whole sheet of scrapbook paper into cards - the easy way!

Here's another pretty obvious way to make cards!  Take a full sheet of scrapbook paper that is already subdivided into different sections, cut them up and make cards!  I had this great western themed paper that lent itself really easy to this idea!  Here's the paper:

And here are a few of the cards!  It's fun, quick and easy as most of the work is done for you!  All I did was add a little stamping and rope to complete my cards.

These were very fun to make and beefed up my western/horse card supply in no time! When you have some extra time, take a look at some scrapbook paper and supplies you might have hidden away... There could be some gems in there that can easily be made into some quick cards! Or, you could get back into that scrapbooking project that has been ignored for too long (my story)!

YeeHaw!
Sarah

Weekend "Whatever" !

I'm going to start a new plan to post Saturday or Sunday or both with some real miscellaneous cards/projects that do not exclusively stick to Stampin'Up! product. I'm a realist. I have a ton of paper goodness that I had purchased prior to becoming a Stampin'Up! demonstrator, almost 4 years ago. I also like an appreciate the things other companies offer so occasionally buy something (shhhh.... ;) ).  I probably use Stampin'Up! stuff 80-90% of the time, but I do have some projects for which  I just can't quite find what I need in the catalog. Like for instance, horses!  I have two Western/horse themed clients for card sales and they sell whatever I make!  I've been searching high and low for some English riding motifs too and finally found some paper and stickers! That stuff is hard to come by.  Anyway, this was horse week in the craft room!  Here are some samples!

All of these with the exception of the horse/buggy/church card drew their inspiration from the background paper which gave me my theme and color scheme. It's a fun way (and easy) to create a card especially when it needs to be very theme-specific. I'll post more tomorrow with another technique... cutting up a single sheet to make multiple cards!

I feel like I should sign off with "Hi Ho Silver!!"
Sarah

Happy for you!

I'm in the middle of some graduation card projects and I thought I should make some more general "congrats" type cards that don't have to be for a specific reason. Sometimes we are just happy for someone because of their good news, accomplishments or situation. It's nice to be able to let them know that we are big fans of THEM!  Here's my card:

Alot of this is current product, so that's even a bonus!  I'm a big fan of the word framelits. Here's a trick for extracting them from the framelit after you've cut it with your Big Shot: layer cardstock, wax paper and then the framelit as you put it through!  The wax paper helps it pop out without too much trouble at all and if there's any stubborn area, just poke it with a paper piercer!  I'm back to the stampin' room for some more fun this weekend!  Also have a party at a friend's house with possibly 18 people coming! That will be alot of stampin' and fun!

Have a great weekend!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy New Baby!

This card is oozing spring!  Ducks, umbrellas, lace, babies...   I realize babies are born all year round, but it seems like a spring-y thing too.   This card features a fun stamp set that coordinates with the Note Tag  punch. I will be using it alot!  In fact, I have two cards for you, to demonstrate how you get a different look by switching up the color scheme and paper choices, but using the same template for your design (and a different stamp from the same set).  Here they are:

Did you check out the retired list yesterday?  Some of the popular "In-Color" items are gone but most everything is still there and much of it discounted!  Take a look through your annual catalog and see if there are any stamp sets that you've been thinking about but not purchased yet ~~ they might be on the list!  Shopping online is easy here:

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=3073

My current project is Mother's Day and Graduation cards!  That's what's coming up next on the blog!

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I Don't Believe it is Your Birthday!

Today I am celebrating "Retirement Day" at Stampin'Up!  I wish it was my retirement day for real, but alas, not at this point.   Once a year, Stampin'Up! puts a bunch of product on its retired list, meaning that it won't be back in the next catalog and if you want some, you better get some now!  The first few years I was a demonstrator, I went CRAZY!  I've since restrained myself somewhat as my craft room is so full, well, it's ridiculous.   This year, I got up early, sent out an email to my customers to remind them of the good deals to be had, then patiently tried to order something and the system was frozen or down. Apparently everyone else in the SU world had my same plan. I got back on after lunch and was able to submit an order easily!  Just a warning, the supply of somethings depletes quickly!  The best way to order is to submit an online order yourself by going to my SU website (to the right =====>> ), set up a customer profile and shop away. The store will let you know right away if something is no longer available. All stamp sets are going to be available through May 26th; other  things may run out sooner.   Please use Hostess Code FWBCHG4C if you plan to shop!

And now my card... made entirely out of retired products from years gone by!  Just because something's retired, doesn't mean I won't use it or don't like it... I'm an equal opportunity crafter!

What's in your closet, drawers or shelves that is begging to be used?  Dig through your pile and see what you can make some time soon. It's fun!

Have a great day!

Sarah

So Sorry

I have another card to share today... It's a retired stamp set that is featured, with new colors and paper. I don't really have much to say about it. I'm focused on a wonderful young man the Bozeman community lost this past week and especially his wife , parents and family. Words just fail, that's all.

I look forward to celebrating his life with so many tomorrow. In the meantime, so sorry.....

And if you would like to see how one life can make such a difference, read this:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bozemandailychronicle/obituary.aspx?n=jens-hagen-anderson&pid=174652122&fhid=7193


Looking forward to heaven,
Sarah

Just Looking in on You!

I recently attended a card swap/tea party (which was fabulous in all aspects!) and the theme was bugs or animals.  I had an ant stamp that I really wanted to use but just couldn't figure out what to do, so switched the animals.  I have the perfect stamp set on my shelf, still waiting to be used!  It's called "Life in the Forest" and I couldn't wait to ink it up! I'm embarrassed to admit it has been sitting on the shelf for too long, unused. Here's my card:

All of these images are in the set, and I just added some sentiments from another set, "From the Herd". This card was a snap to make with the punches I was able to use and I was very happy with the results. This same card could be used for a birthday or baby card by changing the sentiment.

Just a quick heads up!  The 2015 Retired List will be released on Tuesday, 4/21!  That will list all the retired paper, ink, embellishments and stamp sets for this year, much of it at reduced prices. I will shoot those on my email list an email first thing (lately that has been about 5 a.m. as the dog has decided that's a good time to get up-- haha!)  If you aren't on my email list, it's easy to do so! Just let me know either in the comment section below or contact me via my Stampin'Up! website or Facebook.  I promise not to bomb your email box but will let you know about new things coming up and sales, specials, promotions, etc!

Have a great day!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Cheers!

Wedding season is coming upon us! I also get alot of interest in wedding cards this time of year and throughout the summer so I'm stocking up. I have been on a "shades of blue" kick with wedding cards and continue that trend today. I'll have to come up with another color scheme soon!

Sometimes cards are very easy and all you need are a few supplies!  This card almost put itself together!  I love the simplicity of it and the classic design. 

There are some new weekly deals out today, including a wonderful Mother's Day stamp set and more framelits (even the wreath ones featured on yesterday's post!)   Here's the link:

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=1634

Hope you are off to a good week...

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Sneak peak Birthday!

It's that time again!  Time for my monthly card classes. They will be later this week, on Thursday night and/or Friday morning. I won't be having a Saturday class this time due to some other commitments that have come up.  I usually don't share what I am planning on, but I thought I would make an exception!  Here's my sneak peak!

When I bought this wreath stamp set and framelit set, I was thinking I needed to try something every season of the year as wreaths are always big!  I'm glad I remembered. Come and give this fun set a try along with making a gate door to hang it on!  I've got two other great cards planned, all for $10, including envelopes! I hope you can come. RSVP in the comment section, or via Email or text!  You'll be glad you did!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Springtime floral Thank You

There is some gorgeous paper in the Occasions Catalog this spring!  One that really caught my eye is the Painted Blooms DSP, especially the large overall floral design. I had noticed on Pinterest that many folks were cutting this paper into 6 different pieces for 6 different cards, each a little different. I thought that looked like fun and added my own twist. Prior to making the card, I covered select flowers with Crystal Effects, sort of a glue that dries clear and gives a glossy bubble to whatever you put it on. It gave my flowers a little dimension and I love how it turned out. One tip, walk away before you do anything else!  Give the Crystal Effects time to adequately dry!  Here's my card:

If you look carefully, you will see a glossy sheen on the blue and dark purple flowers.  I am trying to give pink more of a chance in my color design process ( a least favorite color for me to create with!) and I have to say, I like this card! 

Have a lovely weekend!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

With Sympathy

One of the most important reasons to send a card is when you want to express your sympathy to someone for their loss. While it usually means death, it doesn't have to. I don't think we ever get tired of hearing that other people care about us and are praying for us and thinking of us. I make alot of sympathy cards and am always trying out new color schemes and themes. Here's today's:

I think I could substitute any color for the Coastal Cabana and this card would be lovely. 

Just a reminder, tomorrow is the last day of free shipping!  Get your order in by midnight for an automatic savings of 10% that you didn't have to pay! ;)

Blessings,

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Thinking of You

The card I have for you today was  a CASE (Create And Share Everything) from a swap card I received  at a Stampin' Up! convention this past year. I don't have the name of the person who made it so I can't give proper credit, but I love her card! This is such a peaceful and gentle color scheme and image and was very fun to make:

As you can see, I created and water and sand effect by using my aqua painter on water color paper. I did this first, then stamped over the ink with the shorebirds stamp and Stazon ink, so it wouldn't bleed.  It was an easy image to stamp as it didn't really matter if the birds' feet were on land or water!  This is a super simple card and I whipped about about 8 of them just like it in no time! I love having cards on hand and  a "Thinking of You" card can be used for almost any reason. 

Are you curious about papercrafting? Think it's too complicated or difficult? It's not and I would love to get you started!  I offer classes throughout the month, catered parties at your home where you invite your friends, and am happy to sit down one-on-one and talk about this amazing hobby!  Just let me know if you  are interested and that's all you need to get started!

Have a great day!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Mother's Day gift idea!

It's that time of year again, almost Mother's Day!  Are you wondering what to come up with this year for a gift?  It should be easy for someone we've known our whole life, but they also have most everything they could want, right?  I have a fun idea for you, something a little different, useful and creative.  How about a gift pack of cards for them to use to stay in touch with their friends and family?  I sell my cards around Bozeman but have also taken orders by text, FB messaging and phone call!  When ordered directly through me, the cost is $10 per 3 cards. You can order as many or few as you want and tell me what you want for cards such as birthday, sympathy, thank you, wedding, baby, just for fun, etc.  I'll pick out a selection and mail them directly to your mom or to you if you prefer! All cards come with an envelope and are enclosed in  a cellophane wrapper. Unless my stock is running really low, I can usually send out our order the same week. I'll even have some Father's Day and graduation cards available.  Give the gift of something that keeps on giving this year!



Happy Monday!
Sarah

P.S. Don't forget it is free shipping week on all orders!  Check it out here:

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/default.aspx

Happy Easter!

I have always loved Easter!  It is so rich in meaning and central to my faith and it couldn't come at a better time of year, right?  I hope it is meaningful for you with it's promise of new life through Christ and the hope of eternity with Him.

Here are more cards that I've enjoyed making this season:

And now for some exciting news..... (drumroll....)

Free shipping on all Stampin'Up orders next week! That includes product from the Annual Catalog, the Occasions Catalog, Weekly Deals and the Clearance Rack!  Save the 10% shipping charge  on any order placed April 6-10!

I'll be back Monday with more details!  I am definitely putting in an order on Monday because I want some more Big Shot supplies from the Weekly Deals. In case you haven't seen them, here they are!

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=1634

Have a blessed Easter!

Sarah

Some More Easter!

I have to say I've enjoyed making my Easter cards this year for classes and for selling. Last year's batch I was never entirely thrilled with so I feel better this year. Sometimes the inspiration and creativity is right where you need it and other times, not so much!  You can't turn it on like a faucet and it does ebb and flow, but that is part of the fun. I'm going to post the rest of what I did today and tomorrow just to inspire you!

Again, I have used a mix of current and retired Stampin'Up! product. Since Easter themes  only come around once a year and there is usually only one of them, I will be hanging on to what I get for awhile! 

Have a lovely day!

Sarah