Happy New Year!

I love having time off during the holidays. I can tell you it's been about 12 years since I've been able to have more than 2 days off in a row around Christmas time.  Restaurants are unforgiving.... as people need to eat! lol. I assure you, I am trying to use my time well..... going to bed early..... waking early without an alarm.... and getting creative while the family still sleeps! This is my favorite part of the day!

I saw this post on clean and simple stamping and thought.... what the hey! I'll try it out! So I did 2 cards, one for a boy, and one for a girl.... same pattern, stamp set and base cardstock... just different color combos using the NEW Color Coach ( pg. 165 in the SU main catty, $18.95 CDN ) Seriously..... it's so great and ubber helpful!

The stamp set featured is from ( of course ) the New Occasions Mini Catalogue, it's called Button, Button ( really? I wonder why?) and it's pretty cute.... there's 17 stamps, and a lot of them coordinate with the circle punches.  Anyhoo...... enjoy! I'm going to go tackle more goodies to play with.

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

WOW!

I can't believe I actually got to scrapbook last night! 2 kids, 3 dogs and a full time job outside the home leaves me pretty exhausted at the end of the day. I pushed myself yesterday for 2 reasons. 1) I really wanted to scrap these pictures before my friend Kerri had her next birthday and 2) it was MY birthday, so I thought I deserved a little ME time before hitting the hay.

Everything but the ribbon is featured in the soon to be released Occasions  Mini Catalogue, and the photo's are from my good friends birthday party :) I thought the 2 step stamping using the Build a Blossom set would be challenging, as it has a coordinating punch, but after watching a small tutorial on Stampin' Up!'s website, it was easy as take-out ( the expression is PIE..... but I can't make pie) The patterned paper is Sweet Stitches, possibly a new favorite, and the layout is my version of the Got Sketch 106 #6 class it's a 2 page layout, but I'm featuring only 1 on here, the pictures on the second page are from later on that evening........

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Sneek Peek...........

The 2011 Occasions Mini is almost here..... and I have some stuff to share with you!

As much as I love Christmas... and am sad that it will be over in 4 days..... I am super stoked to be able to use the new products from the mini. Spring like and bright..... they are cute, beautiful and precious! The embellishments are ridiculous.....but in a very very VERY good way. If you're a seamstress..... gardener.... or in general just like very pretty things....... there is so much to choose from. Simply amazing. Stampin' Up!'s best mini yet IMO.

See! THIS is what I'm talking about! AMAZING!!!!! Oh and then there's this one.....

For the softer side of things......... I am thoroughly loving the little bee.

There is more to come, as soon as I get all my presents wrapped for the kids ( oi! so many ) Then I can spread out in the craftroom and give all I got!

Occasions Mini products will be available on January 4th


- if you can imagine, you can create it

For the love of Lace

So, the week is coming to an end for  me, and I'm trying to play catch up on all my missed blog posts.... and what do I discover? I cannot find my camera. Not just 1..... but all 3. So I had to take this picture with my desktop camera thingy!

In the mean time, this is my card for the PPA73-CAS Elements of Style-Get Your Lace in Place!! challenge. Love the rose with the twisted ribbon. It was my first attempt, but I think it's pretty good. I am also finding that I put the SU pearls and rhinestones on EVERYTHING! TG they're not expensive at all.


I suspect that my almost 4 year old has taken the cameras and used / hidden them, so I will look later when they are awake. - if you can imagine, you can create it. But just in case you were wondering WHY the music notes are backwards......... to funny. 9 more days and he gets his own camera ( love digital ) from Santa so here's hoping I find mine :)) If not I'll have to borrow his.

part 2 of 2 for the sketchies!

These ones have a bit more detail I wanted to show, so there's some close ups...... the 2 pages also use the same Designer Series Paper pack called Greenhouse Gala..... and there's coordinating stamp sets, and a scrapbook tote too! Seriously. AMAZING!!

And again, all goodies are Stampin' Up!

 - if you can imagine, you can create it.

sketches galore! 1 of 2 posts.

So. I joined a class! Online layout class. And in true Colleen fashion, the work was done, but I never submitted my homework :( So I will put it HERE for you all to see :))

All supplies are Stampin' Up! as usual..... this is really fun! You can still order the classes online, just follow the link

-if you can imagine, you can create it.

eeny MINI miny mo!

It's on it's way! Here is a sneek preview of what's coming in the mini! THIS is where you'll find out all the great products for this particular promotion. Order online, or send an email!

Dates to remember:
December 17th - 24th: Filled with Love Bundle promo'
January 4th - Occasions Mini Catalogue starts
January 25th - March 31 SALE-A-BRATION!!

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

aaaand my second.

it's pretty cool! Next one I make I will use digital versions of stuff I have in "real life" and make both to compare!

It will be a gas!!

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

it's my first..........

Digital Scrapbook Page!

That's right, I got My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!

I need to take a few tutorials, but this is my first attempt at it, and if I do say so myself..... it ain't that bad!

More to come...... but don't worry, I still prefer the real ( messy ) thing. This is just an idea maker! And maybe a gift maker too!

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Myth Busted! Simply Amazing!

Did you know that if you sign up with Stampin' Up! You are NOT required to sell their products? I have had people sign up because the price of the starter kit, and what you get for it is crazy economical. And NOW it's even better..........

For a limited time, you can purchase either Stampin' Up! starter kit for $107.50. Yup, that's 50% off!!! AND free shipping! click here for more detail and a link on how to sign up for the best deal ever! - if you can imagine, you can create it.

Feelin' Romantic

I know Christmas is approaching, and yes I feel festive about it even in July..... but sometimes you're just hit by the love bug... and you gotta express yourself. I LOVE this color challenge from Pals Paper Arts I was thinking I might try a Xmas style card..... but I did Paris instead!

I started off with Very Vanilla cardstock, and stamped En Francais in Daffodil Delight. Then I used the " craft ink anything" technique and stamped the Eiffle Tower in Basic Grey and embossed with clear embossing powder. Then with just the versa mark, I stamped the medallion ( all stamps from the Artistic Etching Set ) and clear embossed as well. Then with my brayer, I went over all the images with more Daffodil Delight, and then sponged the bottom with the Poppy Parade. Sorta like a backwards sunset.... but pretty none the less.

Anyhoo..... all supplies are Stampin' Up! And available for sale from my website ( hit the link on the sidebar )

Enjoy mes amis!!
- if you can imagine, you can create it.

New ( another ) Obsession!!

Uh Oh..... seems I have found yet another use for the big shot, and another reason to totally make the biggest mess in my craft-room. 

My new obsession!

Felt everything! Flower Pins.......

Flower Pins on Handmade Wallets!.......

Changing my mind on the floral scheme and background on the Handmade wallet...... you see where this will end up going.....




I'm in sooooooo much trouble. Can't wait to try it on an actual layout!



 - if you can imagine, you can create it.

Gift fit for "Royalty"

I decided to take a break from prepping for the Christmas Card Extravaganza!  and saw this notification from the ladies at Stampin Royalty So I thought why not try something out.

Like me, I'm sure you all at some point have seen something you really really like..... and you've debated.... " should I buy that? Or can I make it?" THIS is one of those instances for me. I was down at the Calgary Farmers Market Fibres of Life vendor, buying the purse I've wanted for months.....( it's got dragonflies on it) and I saw that they were selling these felt pins for $20. Now, I don't make my felt ( they do ) but I thought I'd give it a whirl and see if I couldn't save myself $18.....lol.

 So I went to the craft store, bought some felt ( $.49 ea) and some pin backings ( 60@$4.99) and off I went. Using the BIG SHOT made it easy, also finding my glue gun was helpful..... really helpful.

This took NO TIME at all. Making the card to attach it to took longer ( you know how that goes ) and if anyone would like me to make another and take pictures along the way, a sort of tutorial if you like, let me know, and I will twist my own arm to make more future Christmas Gifts!

-if you can imagine, you can create it.

Double Whammy

So this is a double whammy challenge card. Part 1 is a sketch challenge from Pals Paper Arts and the other is a color challenge from Stacey's Stamping Stage. Some times you just get stuck without a design, or a color combo, and BOTH these blogs are super helpful. There's no rules, just more like guidelines. So great. And I can tell you at 5 am, with only 1.5 hours before I leave for my day job...... a helping hand is appreciated ( I'm one of those gals that will spend 6 hours coming up with a design, that you could repeat in 20 minutes ) SO. If you're up for the challenge, try them out! 

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Christmas Card Extravaganza

Well we're doing it again, but this year there's a twist. I'm holding a card party with a competitor! Ruth from CTMH ( owner of Stamp Off Eh? ) and I are going to be making kits from our respective companies, and sharing them with friends on the 14th of November. We are doing 4 designs each , and everyone attending will be making 12 cards. We are charging a small fee for the kits, and the hostess is providing the space ( very important ) and the drinks (even more important).  Hit the link in the blog title to see the facebook event.

No matter how you look at it, having a bunch of friends over to make Christmas cards, with pot-luck favorites and hot chocolate is probably the best way to get your card-groove on.

These are the hopefuls I will be presenting in my kit......

 Send me an email for more information if you are interested in a kit, the party is for Calgarians only ;(

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

have your CAKE and eat it too!!!

Well well well. Looks like I have some BLOG CANDY to give away!!!!! Here's the catch though. You ( as a follower ) need to get 2 people to follow this blog to enter to win. I know, I'm evil. BUT really it's not that hard. Get your friends to sponser you by hitting " follow" and posting a comment on who they want to win!!  This is a level 1 hostess set ( the give away is wood mount ) so if you want it, either spend $200.00 Canadian or.........you get the idea.

The draw will be on the 15th of November, so you have time.

Cheers and happy Stampin'

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

hideous.

I was going though some of my posts, while blog shopping during my lunch break at work. MY PHOTOS are hideous. I will do my very best in the next week or 2 to find ( ya I know ) my good camera, and set up a mini studio. I will find a pretty corner somewhere.......................

Anyhoo, Happy Stampin' everyone!

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

holy scary bat(s) man!!

I dunno. It's always really early in the morning when I come up with these post titles. We had a great "class" yesterday with my Stampers 10 ladies..... I hope everyone has a great time at them..... This is the Halloween page I forced them to make.....

The little birdy ( scary raven ) has some bling in his eyes, I love the new rhinestones. The bats make me happy, and I have an addiction to the embossing folders. 


- if you can imagine, you can create it.

...no sharing.....the candy that is!!

This is a multi-purpose project. I fiddled around with the idea of a treat bag, and while surfing for ideas, I came across yet another Stampin' Royalty Challenge. This one is Spooky Kooky aka Halloween, Challenge #41 I have the worst set up for taking photos right now, so bare with me on the "glare" ugh.

Either way, I love the embossing, the black lace ribbon from the holiday mini is fantastic.... and who doesn't LOVE candy corn?????

This is just showing the little bits of detail on the flap that holds the bag together. FYI..... velcro closures from the dollar store make FABULOUS bag-keeper-shutters.....

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #40

Because I didn't do #1 - #39.... lol. But I found it NOW and that's all that matters. Great Challenge site for those of you who are "color-stuck" as I am. Anyone notice how the few items I've made DIDN'T have O.O in them?  Anyhoo the team at Stampin' Royalty put together some fun colors for me to try!

ps. my new job is giving me lots of stress free spare time to fiddle around. Change is GREAT!!

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Celebrity Color Challenge

Hey hey hey! I'm getting productive! I follow challenges.  COLOR challenges always catch my eye.... I struggle with choosing different colors ( old olive is my default.....it's pretty ) So when I saw the color challenge from Pals Paper Arts this week, I made a point of being late for work so I could get it done!

Shhh....... don't tell my boss!

This particular challenge has a couple NEW In Colors, Pear Pizzaz and Peach Parfait..... along with Mambo Melon from the Brights family. So great! And now I want gelato for breakfast......





-if you can imagine, you can create it.

A Big Thanks!

I just received my first blog award! Thank you to Pigtail1's Paper Patch!

Once you receive this award you do the following:

-thank the person who passed it to you

-post it on your blog

-share 3 things you like about yourself or that you enjoy doing

-pass it on to 5 others

the 3 things i enjoy doing::

drinking coffee, watching a select few regular programs on tv when I get the chance, and being able to spend quality time with my husband and kids.

so now to pass this on to:

Leisa @ big red scraps

Pauline @ the pursuit of stampin'ess
the ladies over @Pals Paper Arts
Ellen Kemper @Blinkin' Thinkin' and Inkin'  
and Andrea @Card Making Momma



- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Think Pink!

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And like many women, I have been affected by one form of Cancer or another in my life. My father passed away of cancer in 1985. My mother in 2000. My best friend I spoke of in my previous post survived it, and so did I. I thought I'd make a note card (3x3) because for the time being, until we beat this crappy disease..... we will ALL be affected by it. All supplies are SU, all supplies are current and can be found in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

- if you can imagine, you can create it.

Those who know me.....

My best friend Jana is one of the funniest people I have ever met. This summer we spent 2 whole weeks together at my cabin, with our kids ( 2 adults, 4 children under the age of 7 ) And although the kids NEVER got along... Jana and I did, without missing a beat. She sent me this email and photo today, because she loves the fact that I scrapbook / card make.... and she knows me really...really...REALLY well. So I'd like to share.

-if you can imagine, you can create it.

Sale Sale SALE!!!!!!

SO. If you like sales, you'll LOOOOOVVVVVEEEE this one. Stampin' Up! has a clearance section! And they just added a whack of retired items to it. You cannot get these items anywhere else, unless you want to over-pay on ebay....... click HERE to view...... and send me an email if you'd like anything! OR place your order online through my store -HERE!


if you can imagine, you can create it.

SCARY OWL!!!

OK. So I've been wandering around town lately, and all I see is Halloween Stuff! And not that traditionally people send Halloween cards, but maybe if they all were as cute as this Owl buddy, they might start.

I am enjoying the fact that with a few little clips here and there of the Owl Punch, you can make this little guy have any emotion you'd like! This guy is supposed to be SCARY.
It was also using MY version of a Sketch Challenge posted by THIS blog. Their Challenges are fantastic!- if you can imagine, you can create it.

all dressed up with places to go......

I have a friend. She scrapbooks. She likes to convert cards into scrapbook pages. I myself have never really tried this. So, being that her SU party is coming up this weekend, I thought it would be smart of me to give it a whirl..... or in this case, a TWIRL......

So this is what I came up with. I love the Patterns DSP on pg. 175 of the IBC 2010-2011from SU. Every color, so many patterns. Problem....so far I only have 1. lol. More are on order for sure. And with a little help from my Big Shot machine ( pg. 204 ) and a few dies I easily designed this page. There's a technique here as well......called masking with the flowers from the Fifth Avenue Floral set on page 122, I love this set, it even has a matching embossing folder ( not used on this page ) but MASKING is so easy, especially if they're aren't a lot of little details to cut out..... I'm lazy...

Sorry about the glare from the silver paint... bad camera... but as you can see, the card-to-page theory is a go. Now, I just need a friend to get married so I can use this page for their bachelorette party.
- if you can imagine, you can create it.

little bits of me.......

Well, admittedly, I haven't had much time to create anything, but I wanted to post a few pic of my summer vacation with my boys. We went to our family cabin just north of Winnipeg MB, and spent 2 weeks eating cookies and playing in the sand.

This is my youngest son Jack. He loved the beach this year, he didn't go in the water much, but when it was time to go up for dinner, it was cry-fest 2010

Ah, my oldest. This is RJ. He looooves the beach.  We couldn't get him out of the water. Like mother like son. My cabin is a very important part of my childhood. My parents bought it in the mid 70's and after the passing of my mother in 2000, my brothers and I have done our best to maintain and share the use of it. For however long I am able to bring my children up here for the summers, I will enjoy every waking and sleeping ( so much better out there ) of it.

And P.S. Toes look better in the sand....... - if you can imagine, you can create it.

receive THIS for doing something you love!!

I love this tote. It's just like the totes you can get as Michael's but not even close. It's custom, it's special, and it's rare..... but HOW do you get it you ask? You click HERE and you follow the signs that say JOIN NOW and for a reduced price ( trust me, it's like stealing candy from a baby..... and I know, I joined, and I eat RJ's candy all the time) you receive a starter kit that is full of Stampin' Up! merchandise, some paperwork stuff that you can sell back to them, AND THIS TOTE....not to mention that if you sign up under me, you receive a 20% discount at all my group get togethers and classes.

That's one of the other great things about being a demonstrator, you get perks, gifts, special goodies that everybody else has to wait for.

 I would like to add that mine just arrived via ups, and it's amazing. It's HUGE!! Bigger than the ones at Michael's, bigger than any tote I've owned ( I've had a few, this one is a keeper for sure ) I bought mine, $60.... but if you sign up..... it's FREE!!! That right there is worth it.

- if you can imagine, you can create it.