Last Day!!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!
Today is the very last day you can order from the current 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! catalog!!! Don't forget to order your favorite stamp sets and accessories before they are gone forever!

CLEARLY FOR YOU

Stamps: Clearly For You, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Paisley Petals DSP

Accessories: Designer Frame Embosslit, Oval Punch, Curly Label Punch, Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Finial Press Embossing Folder

The accessories I always hate to see retire are the ribbons. I LOVE ribbon!! I was super sad to see that they were going to retire my much beloved 1/4" grosgrain. GASP!! No!! Not my grosgrain!! But then of course SU! knew what they were doing, because they replaced it with a fabulous 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain which I love!! All the satin ribbon is being discontinued as well. Which is too bad, since it is the best quality satin ribbon I have ever found. And I've bought a lot of ribbon over the years!!!

I just recently purchased the Clearly For You stamp set and now it is retiring. I didn't get near enough fun out of it yet! I may have to keep it around for awhile. I just love those three little birdies on the wire.

Be sure to check out my Stampin' Up! website today. There is still time to order your favorite Stampin' Up! products before they are gone!! And be sure to stop back by tomorrow. It is the first of the month and that means another Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge. And what a fun one it is this month!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Farewell Flight of the Butterfly

Hi Stamping Friends!
Today we bid farewell to a dear friend, Flight of the Butterfly. This has been a beloved stamp set of mine for many years. And although I am sad to see it go, I can say that I enjoyed it very much while it was part of my collection. My set is well used and much loved. We made this card at my May Hostess Club...

FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLY

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly

Paper: Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Blushing Bride Twill Ribbon

Inspired by Jan Tink

Other items from this card that are retiring, Concord Crush card stock, Blushing Bride ribbon, Butterfly Punch. Another thing I get happy/sad about with new catalog season is the In-Colors. I love getting new colors, but I don't like losing colors. I'm really going to miss Poppy Parade. So glad that Stampin' Up! decided to keep the In-Colors around for two years instead of just one. It means I get to use them a little longer! They also hinted for us to keep all of our current In-Color items, as they plan to update their colors about every 3-5 years and they could add some of the most beloved In-Colors into the standard color families. Love that idea!!!

If you still have items on your "want" list. Make sure to order before June 1st. You don't want to miss out on something that will be gone forever!! There are still a few stamp sets that I think, "Why did I not buy that set?!!"  :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Sayin' Goodbye

Hi Stamping Friends!!
It's almost time to say goodbye to some fabulous stamp sets and accessories. The current 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! catalog will end on May 31st. So place your orders now!! Here is a card we made at my May Hostess Stamp Club...

CHARMING

Stamps: Charming, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories: Designer Frames Embosslit, Modern Label Punch, Vanilla Seam Binding, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Pearls

The Charming set will be retiring. It was intended to be used with the Simply Adorned charms, and since the charms are retiring, so is this stamp set. Which is really too bad, since it makes such beautiful cards. I'm really sad to see the Lace Ribbon Border punch go. It is such a gorgeous punch. I love the delicate detail. It is really quite easy to use. I've never had a problem with mine. It is a punch that you have to set down on the table and press down on. You cannot hold it in your hands and just think you are going to squeeze it. It needs more pressure than that. But it cuts out a perfect border every time, if you use it properly. Not sure why Stampin' Up! is getting rid of it.

I almost always end up doing a "shabby chic" style card for my stamp club. And the Beau Chateau DSP is the perfect paper for this look. Too bad it is retiring as well. I have a love/hate relationship when it is time for a new catalog to come out. I'm always excited to see what fabulous new products Stampin' Up! is coming out with (because they always have fabulous new stuff!). But I am also sad to see some of my favorite things go away. Sigh!! What's a stamper to do?! Such a dilemma!! :) 

This card was inspired by a card I saw on Stampin' Connection (an online sight for SU! demos). Typical me. I rarely have an inspiration of my own. But with three busy kids and a student husband, I really don't even have a life of my own! So I am thankful to all the wonderful SU! artists out there who so wonderfully and graciously share their talents with all of us. Thank you!!

And if you want to get any of these products before they are gone, make sure and visit my website today and place your order!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Crazy May!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Where have I been you may ask? Well let me tell you!! May is a CRAZY month at our house. There are always lots of birthdays, holidays, activities and appointments in May for some reason. Here's a little recap... and it does include some stamping!


Father In Law's Birthday

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, retired DSP and blue (can't remember names)
Accessories: Stripes Embossing Folder, Twill Tape, Vanilla Hardware, Oval Punch

EYL Swim Championship

16yo man-child placed 3rd in the 500 Free and the 200 Free. His 400 Free relay team placed 1st. His high school team finished the year by taking first place in their league.
















Mother's Day Card

Stamps: Delightful Dozen
Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Perfect Plum
Accessories: Paper Doily die, Floral Fusion Sizzlet, Little Leaves Sizzlet, Decorative Label Punch, Pearls
We made this card for my Hostess Stamp Club

Mother In Law's Gift

"Sweet" 16th

Man-child turned 16 on the 16th so we tried to make his "golden" birthday extra special. He started the day by having cake and ice cream for breakfast and finished off the day with this "sweet" birthday sentiment from his tacky family...

Valley Swim Championship Finals

There were 46 schools at the Southern Central Cal Section Swim Championships. Our school took 4th place overall. Man-child placed 7th in the 500 Free (20 laps of freestyle) with a time of 5:03. He also got medals for the 200 Free Relay and the 400 Free Relay. Great end to a terrific swim season. Now on to water polo!!

Graduations

We were invited to 3 Jr. High School Graduation parties, 5 High School and 1 College. We didn't make it to all the parties, but I did send this card to everyone. The boys didn't get butterflies. That would have been too weird!

Stamps: Word Play, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, More Mustard

Accessories: Label Framelits, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Modern Label Punch, Arrow Punch (retired), Striped Embossing Folder, Pearls

High School Survival Kit

DD and I put these "High School Survival Kits" together for some of her friends that graduated from 8th grade.

1. Be a smart cookie - a bag of cookies

2. Make friends - a picture frame

3. Look your best - mirror

4. Smile - lip gloss

5. Be organized - Daily planner

6. Be the teacher's pet - stuffed animal.

7. Follow the "golden rule" - ruler

8. Do your homework - pencils

9. Shine your light for Jesus - candle

10. Be on time - watch

Plus we added a bunch of "Smarties" candy in for filler and tied a smiley face balloon to the handle. Everything came from the Dollar Tree store, so all told, we spent about $12 on each girl. I think it was more fun for us to make than for then to get!

My Mom's (and her sister's and her brother's) Birthday

Yes, my mom is a triplet. She was born in 1948 (she is the one on the far left). The doctor had told my grandma he thought she was having twins, but boy were they all surprised when there was three of them! They were quite famous in their small MN town.

Bubba's 7th Birthday

Bubba insisted he had to have a birthday party ON his birthday. Problem was, all his cousins were going out of town or already had plans. So he was okay with just mom and dad and 16yo brother and 13yo sister. We had angel food cake, played Lego Creationary, watched Marmaduke, roasted Jumbo marshmallows, and made smores. All together a total successful party for a 7yo.

Memorial Day

Can't forget to mention Memorial Day. So thankful to all the men and women who have served to keep our country free. Afterall, freedom is not free. This is a pic of hubby and a few of his Army buddies from the 80's. He's the one sitting, looking all cool with his shades. 

And if that wasn't enough, hubby was gone for two weeks at school in MI. And the month isn't over yet! Tomorrow 13yo DD has an ortho appointment and 16yo man-child has a swim banquet. On Wednesday DD has a dentist appointment and a Freshman orientation. Plus we are trying to finish out our final two weeks of homeschool, plan a 8th grade grad party for DD, attend AAU swim meets and water polo tournaments, go to swim practices for all chilluns, and keep up with the dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and office job. Whew!! I'm tired just thinking about all of it! Now you know why I haven't been blogging!! Yet I wouldn't trade one minute of any of it. So many wonderful memories. Can't wait until next May when man-child and DD will both be in high school swim together!! Good times are still ahead!

Thanks for stopping by! (If you've made it this far!)

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Celebration Challenge #54

Hi Stamping Friends!
It's the first of the month and that means it's time for another Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge!!! This month we have a rainbow of colorful inspiration to get your stamping groove going!

Isn't this so fun?!! That rainbow jello dessert just makes me drool. And all those yummy, colorful fruits. I can't wait for summer!!

OVAL ALL

Stamps: Oval All (soon to be retired!)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Summer Smooches DSP (available June 1)

Accessories:  Tasteful Trim die, Daisy die, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch

For this card I got my inspiration from the picture of the cute daisy centerpieces. How fun would those be for a summer party? If you didn't order your Summer Smooches DSP during the month of April... why not?! Now you will have to wait until the new catalog comes out to get it. But I just couldn't resist using it for this challenge, since the colors are just perfect!!

WORD PLAY

Stamps: Word Play
Paper:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Summer Smooches DSP
Accessories:  Label Framelits, Tasteful Trim die, Round Tab Punch (soon to be retired)


This is an 8x8 scrapbook page of my daughter, who will be graduating from 8th grade soon. I think this sentiment from Word Play is perfect for graduation projects. I love the flag/pennant trend. It's a fun, simple way to decorate a scrap page. I just use the corner of my square punch to trim the little "v" into the tail of the flags. Super easy!


Now that you have seen my colorful projects, it's time to visit the other Stampin' Celebration Design Team members blogs and see what amazing stamp projects they have created!

Allison Ohran -Not participating in May

Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Rochelle Gould - Not participating in May

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Be sure to visit the Stampin' Celebration Blog so you can play along with us!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Addicts Retiring Stamps Blog Hop!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I'm so excited today to be participating in another Stampin' Addicts blog hop! They are they best!! So many talented stampers always participate. Speaking of talent, if you've been hopping already, then you just came from Betty's blog: Kitty Stamp, where she wowed you with her creativity using Nature's Nest. If you've just joined us, then welcome! Glad to have you hopping with us! If at anytime along the hop you get lost, you can check out the official blog roll list HERE at Stampin' Addicts.


When Yapha started looking for people to participate in the Retiring Stamps Blog Hop, I knew exactly what stamp set I just HAD to use... 

EXTREME ELEMENTS

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock

Paper:  Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories:  Top Note Die, Elegant Lines EF, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Pinking Hearts Border, Pool Party Seam Binding, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Saffron Button, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls

I had so much fun making this card!! Typically Extreme Elements is my "go-to" boy set. But I wanted to broaden its use, so I decided to create a teen girl card. And I like it!! It really is a very fun set to use, with all the layering of stamp images and colors. Extreme Elements has been a favorite of mine for many years. It may be retiring from the SU! catalog, but it is going to stay on my shelf for a very long time!!

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Smarty Pants

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, First Edition DSP, Pacific Point, PP Patterns DSP, Summer Smooches DSP, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Circle Punch, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Oval Punch, Buttons, Basic Rhinestones, Baker's Twine, Clip

I haven't scrapped in forever! And if you can't tell, I like to put LOTS of "stuff" on my scrap pages. This page is 8x8. My DD will be graduating from 8th grade in June, so we had her picture taken by my very dear high school friend. I love matching my scrap pages to the pictures, so I got the color inspiration for this page from my daughters shirt. And I loved the combo so much, I used it on my next card too!

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock

Paper:  Pacific Point, First Edition DSP, Summer Smooches DSP, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Circle Punch, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies, Black Brads, Twill Tape

My 16yo DS loves bright colors, so I think this will be a great card for him. Plus, he plays bass, so he really does rock. :)  I hope you enjoyed my "extreme" projects. I sure enjoyed having you visit! The next blog you get to hop to is: STAMPIN' WITH PAULA where she is going to feature the Borderlines stamp set. Enjoy!!

STAMPIN' WITH PAULA

KITTY STAMP

Vanilla Sweet Cake

Hi Stamping Friends!
Have you ordered everything you want from the Occasions Mini Catalog? If not, you better do it soon! The last day to order from the catalog is April 30th. Here is a yummy little something using goodies from the Occasions Mini...

SWEET CAKE

Stamps:  Sweet Cake

Paper:  Pool Party, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Sweet Shop DSP

Accessories:  Label Framelits, Poppy Poly Twill Ribbon, Heart to Heart Punch, Versamarker, Vanilla Scented EP, SAB Brad

This card doesn't just look cute, it smells delicious enough to eat!! I'm lovin' the Vanilla Scented Emboss Powder. It smells soooooo good!!! We made this card this past Sunday at my monthly Hostess Club.

I have some fun stampin' news to share today. First off, tomorrow I will be in another Stampin' Addicts blog hop. This hop will feature stamps that are on the Stampin' Up! Retirement List. I will be featuring one of my all time favorite sets, Extreme Elements. And I've used it in a whole you way. You must come check it out! Stampin' Addicts hops are the BEST!

Second, besides the stamp Retirement List, Stampin' Up! has also released it's accessories Retirement List. Items on the accessories list are available only while supplies last. So if there is something you see on the list that you want, you will want to visit my online store ASAP!! KRYSTAL'S CARDS. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

More Extreme

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I have one more Extreme Elements card to share with you...

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Extreme Guitar (retired), the "You Rock" sentiment comes from a retired set that I forget the name of
Paper: Riding Hood Red. Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Star Punches< Circle Die, Texturz Plate


I have a cousin who is apparently a famous guitar player in a band called The Queen's of the Stone Age. I've never seen his band play. I'm pretty sure it is for the younger types. :) To me he is just my cousin. This stamp always reminds me of him when he was in high school. Sort of one of those 80's head banger rockers. I call this my "Troy" stamp.


Remember to check out the Clearance Rack and the Retirement List at my online Stampin' Up! website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Extreme Dirt Bike

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Here's another card made with Extreme Elements...

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Extreme Dirt Bike (retired)
Paper: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Going Gray (retired) and some retired bluish-turquoise paper I can't remember the name of and I'm too lazy to go look up!  :)
Accessories: Top Note Die, Star Punch, Texturz Plate, Extra Large Eyelet (retired)


Love how the Extreme Elements adds so much interest to the background. To get the different shades of color, I sometimes "stamp off" before stamping onto my card stock. This gives a lighter image and thus the multi-layer look. I also like to use Versamark ink. It is a clear ink and dries just a shade darker than the card stock color.


Don't forget to visit my online store and check out the retirement list (the link is in my sidebar). You wouldn't want to miss those stamps you've been wanting!  :)


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Going, going... GONE!!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Yesterday Stampin' Up! announced it's 2012 stamp set retirement list. I'm only sad about a couple of the sets that are going away. As for the rest, I say... SEE YA!! Give me something NEW!! I LOVE new stamp sets!!! One set that I will miss (and I will NOT get rid of!) is Extreme Elements. It is my go-to guy stamp set. Back in January I made a bunch of "extreme" boy cards. So in honor of the loss of one of my faves, I thought I would share them with you this week.

EXTREME SKATER

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock, Extreme Skateboard (retired)

Paper: Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Retired DSP (like retired years and years ago!!)

Accessories: Circle Punch, Star Punch, Silver Brad, Texturz Plate

I just love all the stamp images in Extreme Elements. I think I used every one on this card!! I even chose Extreme Elements as the set I want to use in the Stampin' Addicts Retirement Blog Hop happening the last weekend of April. I love it that much!! The "happy birthday" sentiment comes from the Grunge Rock set, which is also on the chopping block.

If you want to check out which sets are on the retirement list, go to my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS and click the "shop now" button. Then you can see which sets you "need" to add to your collection before June 1!!

And don't forget to "like" my Facebook page so you can get up to the minute ideas and announcements. The button is on the right sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

SCIC #53 Take 2

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I can't believe it's been two weeks since I posted last! Time sure flies when you're busy hauling kids around!!  :)  It's swim season right now which means lots of practices and lots of meets. And this has been one of the coldest swim seasons. There is nothing worse than having to be a "timer" at a swim meet when it is cold and rainy and kids are splashing you when they dive in the water!!!

Just want to remind you that there is still 10 days left to participate in the Stampin' Inspiration Challenge.  We hope you will play along with us!!  If you missed the Design Team blog hop for this challenge, then you are going to want to check out all this Stampin' Up! goodness!

Allison Ohran -Sweet Impressions

Candace Lawlor -cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Rochelle Gould - I stamp, I create, I have fun!

Stampin Celebration Inspiration Challenge

I was so excited to get a new recruit during Sale-A-Bration. Lori called me out of the blue after finding me on the SU! demo finder. We finally had her first workshop yesterday. I haven't done a workshop at someone else's house in quite a while. It was nice to let someone else clean and get the snacks together!! Here are two of the cards I demoed for Lori and her friends.

OVAL ALL

Stamps: Oval All

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Summer Smooches DSP

Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies die, Tulip Frame EF, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Razzleberry Grosgrain, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch, Basic Pearls

I've used this layout before and love it, so I thought I would use it again. Actually, it is a great card to showcase the Big Shot, since it uses dies and embossing folders. And Lori was interested to see how the Big Shot worked. I love the Summer Smooches DSP. It's so colorful and cheerful. Perfect way to brighten up a rainy day! So glad it will be in the new catalog in June. You can order it now, through April 30th.

MIXED BUNCH

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Bring On The Cake

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Accessories: Blossom Punch, Circle Punch, Button, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Dimensionals

This is very similar to a card I posted previously. I just changed the sentiment, added the ribbon, and used Lucky Limeade instead of Basic Black. I love the Mixed Bunch stamp set and wanted to show it off. Actually, I love any stamp set that has a matching punch. I'm a sucker for all things matchy-matchy. Must be why I love Stampin' Up! products so much!!

I'm hoping I will post again before 2 weeks flies by. Funny thing is I have plenty of card pics on my computer just waiting to share with you. Now if someone would just post them to my blog!! :)  Also looking forward to stamping with my club gals in the very near future. Can't wait to show them the new purse die!!!

Remember, you can also find me on Facebook. I post more updates and reminders on Facebook than I do here. It's just faster and easier!! :) So be sure to "like" my page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up (there is a link in my sidebar). And if you are a Pinterest fan like myself, you can also "follow" me there. I have over 3,000 "pins". Most of which are Stampin' Up! related ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!