Color Me Beautiful Challenge #7

If you haven't had the opportunity to look at this challenge series, you are missing out!  Connie Stewart, a fellow demonstrator, is part of the design team for this challenge.  This week, I had a little extra time (amazing!), and was so inspired by this color combo, that I just had to participate!

This card uses a watercolor technique using markers, water color paper, and a light misting of water.  I love the effect this created......I'll be posting a technique video later in the week on how to create this card, so check back in a few days.

I hope you enjoy this card.  To see more bout the challenge, please visit the Color Me Beautiful blog at http://colormebeautifulchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for sharing the challenge, Connie!

New Events!

Looking for something fun to do? 

Join me at my stamping table on October 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm.  This class will feature Embellishing How To's to get your creative juices flowing.  Fast and Easy ways to step up that card that you just feel "Needs a little something more.....".

OR

Join me for the Annual Choctaw Early Learning Center Stamp-A-Stack Fundraiser on November 3rd.  This event will include 15 All-Purpose Greeting Cards.

Pre-K Already? A scrapbook day.

It is certainly a challenge to keep my scrapbooks updated, but I'm determined!  With my middle child, Dorian, starting Pre-K this year, I've made myself a promise that I would try to "pre-scrap" big events (like his first day of Pre-K).  Now when I take those precious photos, I have a place to put them.  In the digital age, it is so easy to leave them on my computer, but I do prefer having something to hold. 

A few tips and tricks

1. To create a photo mat, cut the mat 1/2 inch larger than the photo.  This gives a 1/4 inch border around the photo.  To create a double mat, cut the second mat 1 inch larger than the photo.  This method works nicely to create a 5 x 7 space for a 4 x 6 photo.

2.  Keep it simple.  When cutting your photo mats, use a stampin' write marker to indicate the size photograph that can be placed on the mat.  This allows you to create layouts with different size photos without having to remember or re-measure the space when you are ready to mount your photos.

Going, Going, Gone!!

This time of year with Stampin' Up is bitter-sweet!  I am excited about the new catalog that will come out in June, but I am also going to miss my favorite stamps that are retiring! 

If there is a stamp set you have had your eye on, don't miss out.  Give me a call to place your order, or simply order from my online store.  To see the full list of retiring stamps, follow this link:

Going, Going, GONE!


Happy Stamping!

Angi

Blessings

My pretty Kaia on Easter Sunday.  I can't believe she is already 18 months old.

Big Shot Madness!

Every once in a while, Stampin' Up will have a promotion that I think is absolute MADNESS!  How can they offer such wonderful things?  And how can a company have a culture that is warm, creative, and loving?  I may not have all the answers, but I know for a fact that Shelli Gardner who founded the company, was meant to begin this wonderful company.  As an independent demonstrator, I feel like a part of Shelli's family every time I host a workshop or sit down to create something with my stamps and die cuts. 

Shelli's main focus is not on the products themselves, but on the relationships we build.  It doesn't really matter what the project is or how detailed you can make it - it's about who you share it with!  This is why I am a demonstrator.  This is the one area in my life where I feel successful every time I sit down and ink up. 

For the month of October, Shelli has done it again!  If you have had your eyes set on a Big Shot, this is the time to get it FREE! What? Did I say Free?  You heard me right!  Join my team of demonstrators and become a part of Shelli's extended family during the month of October, and Stampin' Up will GIVE you a Big Shot!

The demonstrator starter kit includes over $345 of products for only $175 - and you also receive the Big Shot if you join in October.  Already have a big shot?  Want free products anyway?  Well, you can have $100 of free products in place of a Big Shot!  WOW! 

For more information about this promotion, or to talk about joining the Stampin' Up family, give me a call!

Blessings

Congratulations to my brother-in-law (and wife) on the addition of little Connor Dade Lay to their family.  I had the honor of doing a newborn photo shoot for them just 7 days after he was born.  This is such a wonderful stage to capture on camera, and I wanted to share a few photos with you.