Always Something to be Thankful For

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today's card uses a Sale-A-Bration stamp set called You Brighten My Day. I couldn't decide if I wanted the card base to be Crumb Cake or Whisper White. So I asked my Facebook friends what they thought. (Are you following me on Facebook yet? You should! Find me at: Krystal's Cards - Oceanside.) They were no help at all because it was almost a 50/50 tie between the two. :)

Stamps: You Brighten My Day SAB

Paper: Crumb Cake OR Whisper White, retired DSP

Accessories: Filigree Frame EF (from the Holiday Catalog), Sweetheart Punch, Note Tag Punch, retired ribbon

I needed to make 50 thank you cards. And since my Facebook peeps couldn't help me pick my card base color, I went with the practical solution... I had five packs Whisper White card stock and only one Crumb Cake. And Whisper White is cheaper. And since I am the Queen of Cheap, I chose the white.

All 50 cards done!!!

Currently, our family is in the process of starting a church in Oceanside, CA. So we are essentially urban missionaries at the moment. Every month, very kind supporters send us financial donations to partner with us. I always create thank you cards to send to each donor. Every month I am humbled by the generosity of these families. This month was more than usual. Typically it's between 25 and 30. This month we needed to send 50.

We always address the envelopes by hand. When we send out a great big mailing of say 300 (like our Christmas card list) then we use computer generated address labels. But when sending out our thank you's, I think the hand written envelope is appropriate. We usually print out a Bible verse to include on the inside and then hubs signs them all. It's quite a process, but definitely a labor of love. We want to show people how much we truly appreciate their faith and trust in us.

When making a large quantity of cards like this, I always prep all my pieces first. Stamp. Punch. Cut. Emboss. Etc. Then I assemble about 10 cards at a time. It's always a great sense of accomplishment when you see your pile of completed cards growing. And I chose 10 at a time a long time ago when I used to make cards for other people. When making 300+ cards, it's easier to keep an accurate count if you have them stacked in piles of 10.

When making large quantities of cards, you always find ways to make the process a little faster. For this card, It was quick and easy to make the fun little "banner" strips by notching the ends using the Chevron Border punch. You can easily punch through two strips of DSP at a time. Cuts your work in half that way.

Remember... there is only two days left to join my January Online Groovy Love Card Class or my Tulare County Best. Day. Ever. Card Class.

If you want more ideas on cards using the You Brighten My Day stamp set, visit my Pinterest boards: Krystal's Cards

I hope you enjoy a wonderful week!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp Something!

Krystal

Groovy Love January Online Stamp Class #4

Hi Stamping Friends!!

There is less than one week for you to join my January Online Stamp Class featuring the adorable stamp set Groovy Love and the matching Sweetheart punch. It's super easy for you to receive a FREE card kit from me with four unique cards using these products. Just go to my website and purchase both items (or the equivalent value if you already have them) using Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ and I will send you card kit in the mail!! Easy peasy!!

Here is another card that will be in the kits:

Stamps: Groovy Love

Paper: Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Stacked With Love DSP

Accessories: Label Flip Card Thinlit, Happy Heart EF, Red Cotton Ribbon, Sweetheart Punch, Rhinestone Jewels

Here is a look at the inside:

And what it looks like lying flat:

I'm really excited by this month's Online Class. If you want to see the other cards in the kit, click on this link and it will take to all the related blog posts: GROOVY LOVE

To see lots of other Groovy Love inspiration, visit my Groovy Love Pinterest Board

And for up-to-the-minute stamping fun and news, be sure to like my Facebook page: KRYSTAL'S CARDS - OCEANSIDE

Well I thought this was going to be a stamping kind of day. Turns out I need to be a "bus driver" again. In order to save money, our school district did away with their school busses. Yesterday I drove fourth graders to a mission in San Juan Capistrano. Today I get to drive Girl's Varsity water polo players to La Jolla.

Hopefully I will find time this weekend to sneak into the craft loft.

Have a fun Friday!!

Stamp something!

Krystal

Petal Potpourri Tulare Class Birthday Card #3

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Only one week left for you to purchase your supplies and RSVP to my Tulare Best. Day. Ever. card class happening on February 15th. Check out this blog post with all the information about how you can participate in the class: BEST. DAY. EVER.


Here is another one of the cards that we will be making that day...

Stamps: Petal Potpourri, Crazy About You

Paper: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Best Year Ever DSP

Accessories: Hello You Thinlits, Bow Builder Punch, Flower Medallion Punch, SAB Ribbon

Not sure I like the ribbon placement on this card, but I'm just kinda over it. I do like how the Petal Potpourri lacy flower looks as a border though. Very fun way to use this stamp set.

Don't forget... on the same day the Petal Potpourri card class will be held, I will also be offering a Occasions Catalog Projects class. Purchase the Hello Life Kit and/or the Perpetual Calendar Kit, bring them with you to class. I will have all of the stamps and inks available for you to finish your projects. That's why it will be the Best. Day. Ever. Two stamping classes in one day!!!

I am really looking forward to seeing all of my Tulare County stamp friends!!!

Here are all the important links:

STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

PINTEREST

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. 

Stamp something!

Krystal

Petal Potpourri Tulare Class Thanks Card

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I am having a blast designing cards for my upcoming classes. I miss designing for my monthly card club, so this has been a real treat for me. If you are interested in coming to my Tulare classes on February 15th, visit this blog post for more info... BEST. DAY. EVER.

Stamps: Petal Potpourri

Paper: Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Hello You Thinlits, Flower Medallion Punch, Best Year Ever Ribbon, Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon, Honeycomb EF, Large Pearl (retired)

The class will be featuring the Petal Potpourri stamp set, Flower Medallion Punch, and Crazy About You stamp set. I've also been adding the Hello You Framelits to the cards even though those are not a required class purchase. 

If you do buy the Hello You Framelits, there is a great tip floating around the internet about how to use them. I would credit the original Stampin' Up! demonstrator who "discovered" this trick, but I'm not sure who found it first. There have been all kinds of gals sharing it, so I'm going to share it too...

Create a Big Shot "sandwich" using an unscented dryer sheet, card stock, wax paper, and your Thinlit die (in that order). Sandwich it all between two clear plastic plates and run it through your Big Shot using your magnetic platform. Works like a charm. 

I used to despise intricate and detailed Thinlits because the card stock would get stuck inside the die or it would stick to the plastic plate and would tear trying to pry it off. Not anymore!! Can't wait to try it on my new Butterfly Thinlits!! A BIG thank you to the inventor of this little tip. And thanks for sharing it!

If you do not live in the Tulare County area and cannot attend the class, there is always Option B which is available anywhere in the U.S.

Visit my blog post for more details on my January Online Class: GROOVY LOVE

To purchase your class supplies, visit my Stampin' Up! online store: KRYSTAL DE LEEUW

For more Stampin' Up! fun and info, visit my Facebook page: KRYSTAL'S CARDS - OCEANSIDE

For more inspiration using the Petal Potpourri and Crazy About You stamp sets, visit my Pinterest Board: JANUARY 2015 CARD CLASS

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal

Groovy Love Online Card Class #3

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

Have you joined my January Online Stamp Class yet? Well, there is still plenty of time! Check out all the details in my GROOVY LOVE post here on the blog.

Here is another card you can get as a kit for FREE by joining the class:

Stamps: Groovy Love

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Silver Glimmer, Stacked with Love DSP

Accessories: Real Red Cotton Ribbon, Sweetheart Punch, Hearts Border Punch

So fun!! Here is another picture of this same card that I took in the same location, same camera and settings, but at a different time of day...

What a difference!! The Whisper White on this second card has a bluish hue to it. This picture was taken in the morning when the lighting was not very strong in my backyard yet. The top picture was taken in the afternoon when it was brighter. (Special thanks to Jeff Killion at Gainsborough Studios who used to teach a free photography class through the Tulare Adult School for helping me understand my camera a little bit more.)

Just goes to show how much thought and time goes into this whole blogging thing. It's a good thing I enjoy it because in reality, it is quite tedious and time consuming. Make a card. Take a picture. If picture doesn't turn out, take more. If the weather is bad and there is no good natural lighting, mess around for half an hour trying to get the lights in your house to shine exactly perfectly on your card. Upload picture to computer. Straighten, crop, and brighten picture. Write blog post. Edit blog post. Post to Facebook. Pin on Pinterest. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Don't get me wrong. I've been blogging since 2008 and love it. I have enjoyed getting to know others out there in the blogging world, especially while participating in blog hops and being on challenge teams. And since moving recently, the internet has been my lifeline connecting me to all my stamping friends back in Tulare and for that I am very grateful. I guess I just want all you non-blogging peeps to appreciate all the things Stampin' Up! demonstrators share on the world wide web. Kudos to the gals that blog everyday and also film and edit videos. I haven't been able to find the time to start that yet!!

Anywhoo... I'll jump off my soapbox. Just remember to thank your favorite blogger for all her hard work. :)

The kids have a four day weekend and it all starts off with a water polo game this afternoon, skateboard lessons for the boy on Saturday, and a visit to the San Gabriel Mission sometime. Plus, I hope to get some stamping done somewhere in the middle of it all.

Here's a few links to distract you longer. :)

Groovy Love Online Stamp Class: HERE

Best. Day. Ever. Tulare County Class: HERE

My Stampin' Up! Website: HERE

Facebook Fun: HERE

Pinterest Rabbit Hole: HERE

I think that's it!! Good thing I haven't started the whole You Tube, Twitter or Instagram thing... yet. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal

Petal Potpourri Tulare Class Card #1

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I wanted to share one of the cards we will be creating at my Tulare County Class on February 15th. Details on how to RSVP to the class and reserve your seat can be found here:
BEST. DAY. EVER.

Stamps: Petal Potpourri, Crazy About You

Paper: Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral, Best Year Ever DSP (SAB)

Accessories: Large Polka Dot EF, Banner Framelits, Flower Medallion Punch, Hello You Thinlits, Best Year Ever Ribbon and Button (SAB)

If you live in the Tulare County area and would like to attend this class, just go to my online Stampin' Up! store and purchase the Petal Potpourri Bundle #138877 (page 23) and the Crazy About You stamp set #137137 (page 31) from the Occasions Catalog using Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ by January 27th and you reserved your seat! On the day of class please bring your own adhesive and clear blocks and we will create 10 fabulous cards together!! So easy!!

When I'm designing cards I often hem and haw until a card looks just right. That's what happened with this card. I had it finished for a couple days and even took a picture, but it just wasn't right. I decided to change the ribbon color and BOOM! It was perfect! Here is what the card looked like with the other color ribbon:

The Calypso ribbon looks so much better. It gives the card some POP. It also follows the "rule of threes". The ribbon is Calypso. The flower is Calypso. And the "you" is Calypso. Now everything is nice and balanced in my world.

A ribbon is an easy thing to "fix". I currently have another card I finished that just doesn't look right yet. But that one I'm just going to have to start over with because the elements I want to change are glued down. Hope I have time today so I can share with you on Friday.

If you would like to purchase your Tulare Class stamp sets, visit my Stampin' Up! website: KRYSTAL DE LEEUW

If you want up-to-the-minute stamping fun and news, follow me on Facebook:

KRYSTAL'S CARDS

There is still time to join my January Online Stamp Class featuring the Groovy Love stamp set. It's super easy. Go to my online Stampin' Up! store and purchase the stamp set and coordinating Sweetheart punch using Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ by January 27th and I will send you a fabulous card kit featuring four cards using the Groovy Love stamp set!! More details can be found here: GROOVY LOVE

Hope you have a fabulous day. And hopefully there is some stamping involved!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal

Groovy Love January Online Class Card #2

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I had a busy weekend with water polo, church and visits with dear friends, but no stamping. Thankfully I was able to do some stamping on Friday so I have stuff to share this week. I've been designing cards for my Groovy Love January Online Card Class and also for my February Tulare County classes.

You can find out more info about my online class (open to EVERYONE!) here: GROOVY LOVE

And about my Tulare classes here: BEST. DAY. EVER.

Here is one of the cards that will be featured in the FREE card kit for my January Online Class:

Stamps: Groovy Love

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Stacked With Love DSP

Accessories: Bow Builder Punch, Happy Heart EF, Sweetheart Punch, Silver Ribbon

For more Groovy Love ideas, visit my Pinterest board: GROOVY LOVE

For round-the-clock fun, find me on Facebook: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

To place an order and join my January Online Class, visit my Stampin' Up! website: KRYSTAL DE LEEUW

I've got a long to-do list today I need to accomplish before I can stamp so I better get a move on. Happy Monday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal

January Online Stamp Class Groovy Love #1

Hi Stamping Friends!

I wanted to share one of the cards that will be included in my January Online Stamp Class using the Groovy Love stamp set and coordinating Sweetheart punch...

Stamps: Groovy Love

Paper: Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Stacked with Love DSP

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black

Accessories: Sweetheart Punch, Stylish Stripes EF, Real Red Cotton Ribbon, Bitty Banners Framelits

Here are the details on how you can receive this FREE card kit in the mail...

Between January 6th and January 27th use the Hostess Code WMPESJHQ to purchase the following items at my online Stampin' Up! website:

Groovy Love #134246 $17.95 on page 110 in the Stampin' Up! catalog

AND

Sweetheart Punch #133786 $15.95 on page 222 in the Stampin' Up! catalog

After January 27th, I will send you a FREE card kit containing all the supplies needed to create four unique cards featuring these two fabulous Stampin' Up! exclusive products. Just in time for Valentine's Day!!

If you already have the Groovy Love stamp set and coordinating Sweetheart punch you can still receive the FREE card kit. Just visit my online store and purchase any other items of equal value ($33.90) using the Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ. 

Using this code at my Stampin' Up! website between January 6th and January 27th is your RSVP to the online class. It's that easy!!!

I'll be showing other cards from this kit in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!!

Here is a link to my Stampin' Up! website:

KRYSTAL DE LEEUW

And here is a link to my Groovy Love Pinterest board:

GROOVY LOVE

Don't forget to find me on Facebook:

KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Here's hoping my new Occasions items get delivered soon. I can't wait to play with new stuff!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal

Groovy Love - January Online Stamp Class

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I'm super excited to share my January Online Stamp Class with you featuring the Groovy Love stamp set and coordinating Sweetheart punch!

Between January 6th and January 27th use the Hostess Code WMPESJHQ to purchase the following items at my online Stampin' Up! website:

Groovy Love 134246 $17.95 on page 110 in the Stampin' Up! catalog

AND

Sweetheart Punch 133786 $15.95 on page 222 in the Stampin' Up! catalog

After January 27th, I will send you a FREE card kit containing all the supplies needed to create four unique cards featuring these two fabulous Stampin' Up! exclusive products!!

If you already have the Groovy Love stamp set and coordinating Sweetheart punch you can still receive the FREE card kit. Just visit my online store and purchase other items of equal value ($33.90) using the Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ. 

Using this code at my Stampin' Up! website between January 6th and January 27th is your RSVP to the online class. It's that easy!!!

Hint: You must enter the Hostess Code BEFORE you checkout. If you happen to forget to enter the Hostess Code, you can call Stampin' Up! at 1-800-STAMP UP. If that still doesn't work, call, text, or email me and I will get it straightened out for you. :)

Here is a link to my Stampin' Up! website:

KRYSTAL DE LEEUW

And here is a link to my Groovy Love Pinterest board:

GROOVY LOVE

Don't forget to find me on Facebook:

KRYSTAL'S CARDS

P.S.

SALE-A-BRATION starts today!!! 

You can view the catalog HERE.

And you can also order out of the new Occasions Catalog!! 

You can view that catalog HERE.

So much exciting stamp news in one day!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal

Best. Day. Ever.

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

Tomorrow begins the most wonderful Stampin' Up! time of the year... SALE-A-BRATION!!!! And I plan on having tons of stamping fun! One of the things I am most looking forward to during Sale-A-Bration is my Tulare County Classes. It will be the Best. Day. Ever.

Stamps: Groovy Love, Best Day Ever (SAB)

Paper: Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Silver Glimmer, Best Year Ever (SAB)

Ink: Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Large Polka Dot EF, Sweetheart Punch, Ornate Tag Topper Punch,Itty Bitty Heart Punch, What's Up Punch, Best Year Ever Calypso Ribbon (SAB)

Here are the details of the two classes I will be offering in Tulare County so MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

OCCASIONS PROJECT CLASS 

Sunday, February 15th at 2pm

Tulare Community Church

1820 N. Gem Street in Tulare

Purchase the Hello Life Project Kit (137949) on page 6 of the Occasions Catalog and/or the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Project Kit (137950) on page 17 of the Occasions Catalog. Bring them with you to the class along with your adhesive. I will have all of the coordinating stamp sets and ink pads for you to finish your projects. Easy peasy!!!

When placing your order remember to use Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ

Make your purchase at my online Stampin' Up! store between January 6th and January 27th. Your order confirmation using the above Hostess Code will be your reservation to the class.

PETAL POTPOURRI/CRAZY ABOUT YOU CARD CLASS

Sunday, February 15th at 4pm

Tulare Community Church

1820 N. Gem Street in Tulare

Purchase the Petal Potpourri Bundle (138877) on page 23 of the Occasions Catalog AND the Crazy About You stamp set (137137) on page 31 of the Occasions Catalog. Bring BOTH stamp sets and matching Flower Medallion punch with you to class and we will create 10 fabulous cards using these great products.

Again... when placing your order remember to use Hostess Code: WMPESJHQ

Make your purchase at my online Stampin' Up! store between January 6th and January 27th. Your order confirmation using the above Hostess Code will be your reservation to the class.

Clear as mud? If you have any questions, 

email me: krystalscards (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

or text me: five five nine three zero three twenty six thirty three

MY WEBSITE

MY FACEBOOK PAGE

See lots of cards made with the Petal Potpourri and Crazy About You stamp sets on my Pinterest Board:

PETAL POTPOURRI/CRAZY ABOUT YOU CARD CLASS

Be sure to stop by tomorrow. I will be sharing details about my Groovy Love Card Class in the Mail.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Krystal