Lilacs from Wisterias

Hi all and welcome back,

When I first saw the lovely Wisteria Bundle in the new Annual Catalogue, I immediately thought of lilacs. Growing up in Alberta, they were everywhere and I often picked them for my Mum. To this day, I find their scent magical and almost intoxicating.

It turns out they aren't native to North America. It's believed they were brought over, from Europe, by homesick settlers. A cool thing about lilacs (and maybe this is why there were so many around homesteads) is farmers used them as an indicator plant and would harvest their fields depending on what the lilacs were doing. How wild is that?

This beautiful background was created with the Fern 3D Embossing Folder. The Happiness Abounds Stamp Set provided the sentiment and the Stylish Shapes Dies, the sentiment strip. To create more visual interest, cut an extra sentiment strip in a contrasting colour. Glue it behind the sentiment and slightly offset it. 

Here is my lilac card, made possible by wisterias. 

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or this card, feel free to message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank for coming by.

Cheers,

Adrienne

The breath of the enchanted wind mingles the fresh scent of the lilacs with the fragrance of the past. - Marcel Proust

 

 

Campology & A Long Lost T-shirt

Hi Everyone!

Today I'm going to show you a few cards from the lovely Campology Stamp Set. As a demonstrator, I buy stamp sets for various reasons. Sometimes I just love them and have to have them. Other times, I will decide a certain set may work well in a class or appeal to my customers. And then there's this one. I bought it to make ONE card, based on a 25 year old memory.   

Since my brother lived in Victoria, I often visited before I moved here. During one of these visits, I was downtown by myself. I walked past a shop that had a t-shirt in the window. It was a cartoon-like drawing of two pup tents perched precariously close to the edge of a cliff. It said, "Two Tense." I thought it was hysterical. Why I didn't buy it then and there, I don't remember. But I went back the next day. I searched and searched and couldn't find it. Downtown Victoria had a LOT of shops with t-shirts in their windows. In fact, I looked for it over several years. I never found it and eventually the memory just settled into a corner of my mind. When I saw this stamp set in the catalogue, I knew what I had to do.

In addition to the Campology set, I used the Mountain Air Stamp Set and the Stacked Stone Stamp Set. The colouring was made possible with the fabulous Blending Brushes.

The inspiration for my second card came after a ferry ride. When you go from Victoria (on Vancouver Island) to Vancouver (on the mainland) you pass through the Gulf Islands. In addition to the large islands, there are a few tiny uninhabited ones. I envisioned camping on one of the main islands and what that view would look like at dusk. Fussy cutting that lantern - oof! The latern's glow was achieved by adding some of the Fine-tip Glue Pen to the light after I'd coloured it with my Blends.

My third card was made this week. I wanted to show that Campology can be used without Blending Brushes. One of the easiest ways of making a card look fabulous, is to stamp directly onto the DSP (Designer Series Paper.) This new paper, which reminded me of the night sky, is in the Rings of Love DSP pack. The ridiculously adorable camper is from the new Tree Lot Dies. Both of these are Sale-a-bration items, which means you can earn them for FREE.* I used In Color DSP & In Color Glimmer Paper to create the camper.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or either of these projects, just message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

See you next time. Thank you for making the time to visit and read.

Cheers,

Adrienne

There is no Wi-Fi in the mountains, but you'll find no better connection. - Anon 

*Each of these Sale-a-bration (SAB) items are free with a 60 (for the DSP)  & 120 (for the Dies) purchase (before s/h & tax) starting July 1st. SAB runs until August 31st. Items are available while supplies last. 

Ombre Window Card

Hello happy people and welcome!

Normally I make at least one card/project a day. Although I see so much inspiration around me sometimes I do find myself wondering what to make next. Design/Creative Challenges are great for inspiration. They often get one thinking outside the box - we can all get stuck. I encourage you to look at these "challenges" as inspiration and give them a go. 

Today's creation came to be during a Team Technique Challenge. Everyone in our group used the same "Floating Strip" technique, with dozens of different stamp sets, all getting great results. I used the Happiness Abounds Bundle for mine.

The In Color Glimmer Paper is attached to a Window Sheet. Since each strip needed to line up and be equally(ish) spaced, I used our Multipurpose Liquid Glue. (Our Grid Paper is very helpful for projects like this one.) The window sheet was attached to the card front with Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (I did make sure my strips were going to be wide enough for them to fit.)

To decorate the card, I added a stamped die cut flower and sentiment from the Happiness Abounds Bundle and some Simply Elegant Trim. The sentiment strip was created with the Stylish Shapes Dies.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or any of these projects, please message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

See you next time. Thank you for taking the time to visit.

Cheers,

Adrienne

Inspiration exits, but it has to find you working. - Pablo Picasso

 

Cherry Blossoms & Deers

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back to my blog. Today's card was created earlier this spring. I am blessed to live in Victoria, on Vancouver Island, where the cherry blossoms are incredibly plentiful, along with deer. (And the cherry blossoms are definitely the more popular of the two, at least with the locals. 🤣)

Once in a while I like to create a card without a sentiment and these dies are perfect for that. To recreate this look just cut out three foregrounds with the die, one in each colour (you could also switch up the colours for the other seasons.) Set aside the Soft Suede (brown) one for trees. On the Pear Pizzazz (green) one, cut it in half, on the short edges - I did this unevenly to try and make it look more natural. Cut away the trees. With the Blushing Bride (pink) piece, cut away the trees. Glue all three layers together. I recommend our liquid glue for this because you get that moment o forgiveness to adjust. Use Dimensionals to attach this piece to the card base. Cut out your deer. Mine are white because I wanted them to be the focal point of the card. I have the doe's head peaking around the tree (she is otherwise glue to the card base. The fawn is glued to the grass and the attached to the base with Dimensionals.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or this card, please message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank you so much for making the time to come by.

Cheers,

Adrienne

Flowers enshrine my heart between their petals; that’s why my heartbeats love them so much. - Munia Khan

 

Gentle Waves meets the Tulip Builder Punch

Hi all and welcome back!

A quick PSA and then onto our project. Today, Tuesday June 21, 2002 is FREE shipping day (SU is on Mountain Time) on all orders over $100. Shop here or message me before 10:00pm to place your order.

I love finding unexpected used for Stampin' Up! products. (You may have seen some of my Instagram Reels called, "This is That." Those clips explore some of my discoveries.) This was one of my favourite findings. Since this lovely background stamp retires June 30th, I thought I'd write about it too. In this card the Gentle Waves Stamp meets the Tulip Builder Punch.

A few years ago I had some friends visiting from Germany & Switzerland and wanted to show them the island. We drove up along the east side of the coast, with a memorable stop in Port McNeill, where we went whale watching. There were the usual suspects, nothing too exciting for me but my guests were happy. Then the boat stopped and insanely putrid smell descended on us. It was so strong you could taste it. Our captain excitedly announced, "Sometimes we smell them before we see them, We have a humpback!"

If you've never seen one, they are HUGE. She was probably 50 feet long, so it's kind of like having a 5 story building pulling up beside you...in what now felt like a teeny tiny inadequate boat. She turned to leave and then the most iconic moment came, the tail fluke...that moment when their tail pops out of the water before they dive back into the depths of the ocean. (Somewhere I have a photograph.) This incredible experience was the inspiration for my card. 

Starting with the lightest colour, I stamped the Balmy Blue onto the Gentle Waves Stamp. The middle was done in Pacific Point and the foreground in Night of  Navy. Since I have small hands, I find using the Stamparatus easier than the F Block. Next, I punched out two "leafs" from the Waves of the Ocean DSP (which I'm said to say has sold out)*, with the now multipurpose Tulip Builder Punch. Make sure to turn over the DSP for the second one. If you are interested in a retired or unavailable products, just message me for alternatives. :)

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or this card, please feel free to message me and let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank for coming by.

Cheers,

Adrienne

The ocean is a might harmonist - William Wordsworth

*If you're looking for something I've used that is no long available, just message me and I'll suggest an alternative. :)

 

Nuts & Bolts Projects

Hello wonderful people!

Earlier this year, I had the honour of being a Creative Ambassador for a month. I got to choose a stamp set and once a week had to post a project featuring the set. I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was so much fun coming up with different ideas and sharing them with my fellow demonstrators (a team of about 70.) I chose the Nuts & Bolts Stamp Set because it was one I wouldn't normally buy. The idea of creating with something I wasn't gravitating towards was very appealing - I love me a challenge!

For the first two weeks, I designed 3 cards for avid, casual and beginner stampers. This wasn't a requirement but I knew we had a lot of new stampers in this team and I wanted to make sure they felt included. Here's the first week's selection:

 

 

                                                                              

For the third week, in addition to featuring a decorated Ombre Gift Bag (retired) and Mini Jam Jar (retired), I showed everyone a hexagonal box I had designed. They were all full of yummy selection of Nuts & Bolts... which of course I had to eat because we weren't meeting in person yet.

When the last week arrived, I decided to have some serious fun. I will occasionally create my own sentiments, trying to be punny or making Dad jokes. I'm a HUGE Dr Who fan and this is what the first one references.

Much to my surprise, I loved this stamp set. It let me rediscover the playful side of stamping. It showed me it wasn't just for kids. It retires June 30th so contact me before month end for your order.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or these projects, just message me and let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank you so much for making the time to visit.

Cheers,

Adrienne

The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do. - B.F. Skinner 

If you see something you like that's retired, just let me know. I can let you know what's similar and current. One of the things I love about Stampin' Up! is how they change their selection of products. 

 

Happy Father's Day!!

 

Hello and Welcome,

My Dad was an amazing man. Looking back, I realize how incredibly cool he really was. He had several different careers, from a liaison officer with the federal government, to helping immigrants, to teaching and more. He was a natural mediator, a formidable public speaker and an incredibly talented musician.

He taught me kindness and gratitude. He's the one who showed me how to listen. I can thank my Dad for my love and passion for all kinds of music. And for the fact that I collect instruments I can barely play. I can also thank him for my nose - but we're not going to talk about that.😂

I love you and miss you every day, Dad. Thank you for all you did.

That's me in the middle, with my brother, sister & Dad, at the Zoo.

Enjoying the garden.

At my niece's wedding

Dad had great fashion sense and pairing the Tahitian Tide with the Early Espresso made me think of him. This card was created with the He's the Man Suite Collection. It's part of a series I made for a collaboration with over 60 other Demonstrators from all over the world. We're working together, sharing our designs and ideas, to help each other's businesses. If you'd like to become part of this incredible community, contact me or join here. 

I'm not sure what Stampin' Up! intended these little dies to be but I immediately saw argyle. Weaving the Faux Suede trim through wasn't has hard as it looks and the argyles stay in place without any adhesive.

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful Dad's out there and to those who have stepped up to act as fathers. You have made families and the world a better place.

Feel free to message me with any questions about our Stampin' Up! products or this card and let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find and follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank for coming by.

Cheers,

Adrienne

No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.  -Abraham Lincoln

New Horizon Suite Collection

Hello Everyone and Welcome!

The New Horizon Suite was perhaps my most favourite set from the Jan-Jun Mini. Oh my gosh, the DSP is insanely gorgeous! However, everything from this suite retires June 30th. 

Can we talk about this gorgeous DSP again? These papers tell a story - they feel magical. You can create lovely cards so easily. Here are just a few of the cards I made with this fabulous suite.

I created this duo from one piece of DSP! The birds and sentiments were stamped right onto the DSP. I added the fence on one and the DSP grass on the other. So easy! These cards went on to become part a box of note cards for a friend.

This card was created for a neighbour, across the street, who was going through a hard time. I simply stamped the birds directly onto the DSP, added the deer (also in DSP because I didn't want it to stick out too much, using the Grove Dies) and added a sentiment (from Charming Sentiments Bundle). 

My daughter had bought an acreage in the mountains on the mainland and was feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the work. I made my her this card to cheer her up. She absolutely loved it. The sweet birds (fussy cut) and sentiment (Double Oval Punch) come from the Catch You Later, which also retires on June 30th. After finally seeing her place this summer, this DSP is an incredible reflection of her land and views.

I made this card for a fellow Demonstrator, whose Dad passed away. We met when she attended one of my online stamp camps earlier this year. After chatting, we discovered not only had we briefly worked together, but her Dad and I had worked together for many years - small world. To make this card, I just glued the die cut fence to the front and wrapped the ribbon around the corners, taping it to the back. The sentiment came from the now retired, Here for You dies. 

This one actually came into being when I was creating cards for my Happiness Abounds Mini Stamp Camp. I wanted everyone to see the versatility all the dies in that set, including this funky one. Now, I figure it was designed as a decorative border die but I decided to have some fun with it so I crisscrossed the ribbons (taping them to the back). The flowers come from the Happiness Abounds stamp set and the sentiment from the Flowers of Friendship Stamp Set. Even the reverse sides of the DSP in the New Horizon set are amazing.

You won't want to miss out this beautiful and versatile set - remember, it retires June 30th.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or any of these projects, please message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

See you next time. Thank you for taking the time to visit.

Cheers,

Adrienne

Look to the horizon, spread your wings, and fly - Tom Reilly

Seas the Day Bundle

Hello fabulous creators and welcome back,

Today I'm going to show you some cards I designed with the beautiful Seas the Day Bundle. Since I am surrounded by the ocean, I'm always drawn to sea life stamp sets and this one was on my wish list. However, before I had a chance to add it to my next order, it was given to me by a friend, who is also a  Demonstrator. She had held a very large and successful event and wanted to share her rewards with some us.

We had worked together, as volunteers, at the same hospital stay facility. Gathering with the families, who were often very far from home, we would distract them with some card making. Last year she was one of the recipients of the Heart of Stampin' Up awards. Thanks to her successful application and Stampin' Up!s generosity, they were able to help start another facility up island.💙

This is the most recent card I created with this set. I decided to try something a little different. Since a bunch of sets from the current Mini are retiring June 30th, I have them on the my craft table. I'm trying to squeeze out every last card from them before they're retire. But none of them were really obvious choices. Then I look at the dies and got my inspiration. The Seas Dies, from the Seas the Day Bundle have a gorgeous leaf and a fern like die. And a while later, here is what I came up with. 

As a nod to the ocean, I used one of our new In Colors, Tahitian Tide. The DSP was embossed with the Stitched Greenery Die. I added the Bough Punch with a few vellum pieces for background. After die cutting the sentiment (from Pansy Patch), I go the idea of snipping off the top to make it look like a vase.

Here are a few others I've created with this lovely bundle - it does retire June 30th, so message me if it's on your list.  

                                             (The fish came from the retired Seascape bundle)

If you have any questions about our Stampin' Up! products or any of these cards, please message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank for coming by.

Cheers,

Adrienne

We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected on the deep. - William James

Orchid Oasis Splendid Stems

Hi all,

Meet the Splendid Stems Dies, part of the Splendid Day Suite. One of the perks of being a demo is we get to order things early. This set was particularly special because the new Jul-Dec Mini Catalogue, which it's in, wasn't even out yet! We were able to order the suite when we registered to take part in a demo only event called, Creativity Now. It takes place this weekend - thousands of us, from all over the world, will be creating together virtually. It is going to be such an amazing event - I'm so excited!

The inspiration for this card came from my garden. Normally by now, it would be a sea of colour. However, it's been a very cool and wet spring on Vancouver Island. Mixing spring and winter together, some people are even calling it springter! Many of my flowers are budding but very few are blooming. So what I see in the back yard are a LOT of stems and leaves.

The splatters were created with my Water Painters. Tap your acrylic block in the ink pad, squeeze down a small amount of water and mix it up with the colour. Holding your block in one hand and the brush in the other, swipe downwards towards your project. You can rotate the paper to get more coverage. If this is your first time trying this, I recommend doing it on a piece a scrap first. Using one of our new In Colors, Orchid Oasis Cardstock, DSP & Glimmer Paper, I made the stems for this card. I added the Basic Gray Cardstock for contrast and the Silver Foils for some extra sparkle. The greeting came from the Charming Sentiments Bundle. Tip: To add dimension to the sentiment, use the die cut to cut out a base in a contrasting colour. Glue them together, slightly offset.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or this card, just message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank for coming by.

Cheers,

Adrienne

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. - English Proverb

 

Brilliant Rainbow Die Trio

Hello Everyone,

Welcome back to my blog! Today I'm going to feature the large rainbow from the fabulous Rainbow Dies. It and the coordinating stamp set, Rainbow of Happiness, retire June 30th. To me, rainbows represent hope and possibilities. I see them as something joyful. So I simply had to get this bundle when it appeared in the Jan-Jun 2022 Mini.  

The first card is my most recent creation. I used the gorgeous new 2022-2024 In Color Glimmer Paper & DSPs. What's fun about this design, is that you can easily replicate it in any of the In Colors. Using the the thank you embossing folder from, Thanks & Hello, I embossed the white piece. Tip: To emboss a larger piece of paper, simply do one half and then the other. Since this one is directional, just be sure to have the words the right way up both times. The sentiments come from the Charming Sentiments Bundle and were heat embossed with white embossing powder.

This card was SO much fun to create - I wanted to do something completely different. I embossed the rainbow pieces and wove the ribbon through them. (Each of the 5 ribbon pieces is just taped on the back but no one has to know that 😉) I put them on top of a piece of white, which I'd used the Stitched Greenery Die on. The sentiment, again heat embossed with white, comes from the new Happiness Abounds Stamp Set. The pearls were coloured with Petal Pink Blends. (The Tasteful Textures embossing folder just retired but there are many other great new choices.)

Meet the very first card I made with the large rainbow die. I used 4 different DSPs (from the now retired Pattern Party Host DSP Pack but do not fear, we have a lovely new black & white DSP called Perfectly Penciled). The lovely scrolled along the bottom is also a die from Rainbow Dies. I embossed the Vellum Layering Designs paper with the thank you embossing folder. Isn't embossed vellum amazing?

This is such a lovely bundle. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products or these projects, just message me. Let me know if you want to be added to my monthly email newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

We'll see you next time. Thank you for making the time to hop on.

Cheers,

Adrienne

Try to be a rainbow is someone's cloud - Maya Angelou.