Reverse Masking - Happy Birthday

Wanted to stop in with a quick share I made last week. This card uses the Reverse Masking Technique. It's such a fun and easy technique and quite honestly I seem to forget to do it.

Card Details:
Cardstock -Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White
Stamps - Gifts of Kindness Stamp Set #130444
Inks - Basic Black, Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse, Gumball Green
Accessories - Deco Labels Framelits #130444, Summer Starfruit Satin Stitched Ribbon, Sponge Daubers

You can get all these supplies by shopping my site HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

July Stampin' Up Specials!

Stock up and save on select* Designer Series Paper during July! 

Collect a paper stash for every creative mood. Feeling cool and eclectic? Check. Need something bold that’ll pop? We’ve got you covered. Going for a subtle and fresh twist? How about a clean, modern look? Yep. We’ve got all that too. During our limited-time offer buy three of your favorite packs of Designer Series Paper and then choose one for free—so your paper stash will be ready for any mood that hits. 

*Designer Series Paper Stacks and Specialty Designer Series Papers not included.

A brand new photopolymer stamp set is now available. Settin Sail (item #133453 for $13.95) is great for vacation memory-keeping, nautical parties or summer fun! These stamps are entirely transparent for perfect placement everytime. Remember you need an acrylic block to use these stamps and Stampin' Up! recommends A, C & H.

Next up is the July Best of 25 Year Stamp Set (Item #133488 for $14.95). Shelli Gardner, herself picked some of her favorite images for this month's collection. Remember for every 6 Best of sets you buy, you can send in your collectors card for a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95

You can find all these new goodies by shopping my site, HERE. Thanks for stopping by!!

Happy Birthday Swap Card

I participated in a team card swap and this is the card I submitted. I got so many cool cards back that I will show on my card displays.

One of my favorite new stamp sets is Flower Shop. I'm addicted to flowers and this set comes with six different flowers! Plus you can bundle it with the coordinating punch making it VERY easy to create cards like this. I purchased this stamp set as a wood set knowing that I will probably be punching out the flowers most of the time. You can see the set HERE.

Card Details:
Cardstock: Strawberry Slush, Pool Party, Whisper White
Stamps: Flower Shop Stamp Set, Gifts of Kindness (sentiment)
Inks: Island Indigo, Pumpkin Pie, Strawberry Slush, Early Espresso
Accessories: Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Pansy Punch, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Deco Labels Framelits

You can get all these supplies by shopping my site HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

Colored Vellum Flower Technique

Can you believe another post? I'm trying folks...every other day seems to be working! Love the summer months to get caught up and create again!

Last week on PTI, I saw their Make It Monday Technique was to make Colored Vellum Flowers. I just knew I wanted to try it with some of my SU stamps.

So I grabbed my Secret Garden Stamp Set and Framelits and went to work! Since I'm blogging again, I'm also (slowly) checking out the challenge blogs again. I'm a total sketch freak! This was a Clean & Simple sketch from a few weeks ago.

The leaves are two-toned. I did the rock n roll technique on them with Pistachio Pudding and Baked Brown Sugar. All the colors are from the new In Colors - they are oh so fabulous!

The flower center is a double ribbon knot using the new stretch ruffle trim...so fun!

Card Details:
Cardstock: Crisp Cantaloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White, Vellum
Stamp Sets: Four You #130538 and Secret Garden #129144
Inks: Crisp Cantaloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush
Accessories: Bitty Banners Framelits #129267; Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim #130024, White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Popdots, Secret Garden Framelits #129372

You can get all these supplies by shopping my site, HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks for stopping by

Blooming With Kindness Slider Card

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Wanted to share a card using the stamp set Blooming With Kindness. After attending Regionals and getting so many fabulous swap cards I had to try a technique on one of them called "thumping". I inked the flower using Smoky Slate ink and then took my Pear Pizzazz, Bermuda Bay and Real Red makers and "thumped" on the flower. I then "huffed" it and stamped on my Whisper White paper. 

I'm kind of trying to make more "fun fold" cards. When I got my latest edition of Cardmaker Magazine and saw the tutorial for a slider card, I knew I had to try it.

I stamped the sentiment, which is from Gifts of Kindness, on the inside. The color choices came from an old Colour Q Challenge...it really helps to have those to refer back to. One less thing I have to "come up with"...and it's a mix of colors that I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise.

Card Details:
Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Basic Grey, Real Red, Whisper White
Stamp Sets: Blooming with Kindness (#126422) & Gifts of Kindness (#130444)
Inks: Basic Black & Smoky Slate Ink Pads; Bermuda Bay, Real Red and Pear Pizzazz Markers
Accessories: Whisper White Organza Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch

You can get all these supplies by shopping my site, HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

Prize Package Up For Grabs!!

Did you know I have a Facebook Business Page? It's a place where I can post snapshots of my creations as well as specials from Stampin' Up! Right now I'm having a give away. I have over 100 likes so I'm giving this little bundle of goodies away. Head on over and "like" my page - then just answer the easy question of "If you won, what would you make from it?". You have till next Thursday (June 27th at noon) to enter. I will then announce the winner on Friday June 28th. You can find my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Made4ubymichelle/557799584253510.

I hope you'll join us! Thanks for stopping by!

New Stampin' Up! Catalog

I know, I know...the new catalog has been out for a couple of weeks but my Vegas Trip has me just a tad behind. With that being said, I'm trying to get a "schedule" down and get back into creating again. I miss having classes and seeing all my friends, lol!

You can get the catalog through me - just send me an email. OR you can view it online HERE. But wait - if that doesn't work for you then you may want to download it through the Google Catalogs app for your iPad or Android Tablet. How cool is that?! You can always have it with you - inspiration at your fingertips!!

Remember you can shop with me anytime through my website: made4ubymichelle.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by!!

Father's Day

Popping in with a quick card I made for Father's Day. I hope all the Dads out there are enjoying their day! My Dad went out of town but is coming up this evening so we can have dinner together. Hubby is enjoying the pool with daughter and getting some good laughs and one-on-one time with her. Love to hear their laughter :D

Card Details:
Clockworks Stamp Set #127292 & Delightful Dozen #122652; Cardstock in Midnight Muse # 126843, Gumball Green #126840 & Whisper White #100730; Ink in Midnight Muse #126860, Gumball Green #126861, Summer Starfruit #126991, Pumpkin Pie #126945 & Smoky Slate #131179

Thanks for stopping by!

You can purchase all these supplies HERE.

Thank You

While surfing Pinterest the other day (Am I the only one addicted to that site?!?!), I found some cards that I just had to CASE...now I don't know what is the proper protocol on giving credit. This first card was inspired by a card by Michelle in Canada.

I used Summer Silhouettes and Curly Cute Stamp Sets. Then a whole punch of punches...oh yeah, I'm addicted to those as well, lol! You can see Michelle's original card HERE.

This next card is one of my FAVORITES and it was very easy to do. PLUS it used up my scraps which is a double plus! I plan on using the layout a LOT...so very cute! This was inspired by Julie Davison.

I like the green but then had to try it in orange...

You can see Julie's original card HERE. Now my thank you stash is good for awhile! Thanks for stopping by!

Paper Pumpkin Kit of the Month

I'm sure you've heard about Stampin' Up's new monthly kit called Paper Pumpkin. I've always wanted to receive a kit each month so was so excited with Stampin' Up came out with this. I finally had a chance to put my kit together.

This first card is exactly how the instructions told me to put it together. Nice and easy! Plus it's awesome to have 4 cards done right away!

Next, I searched Pinterest to see what others came up with.

This idea came from Krystals Cards. I changed a few things but most of it was the same. One of the things the instructions have are the colors being used. So it was a breeze to add to the kit by getting into my ink pads, papers and punches.

Once I did that card my confidence started to grow. So I did another search on Pinterest, this time for a card sketch. I found one that got me thinking and I came up with this card:

Again, nice and easy and lovin' that I have cards ready to go! Well after that I knew I was ready to try anything, lol! So I did another search for a card sketch and came up with this one:

This one took me the longest - I brought in another stamp set Summer Silhouettes along with some ribbon and pearls. I LOVE this card!! One of my favorites and it uses so many pieces of the Paper Pumpkin Kit.

I do have a few pieces left over so I will be able to add them to another card or page. All in all I think the kit is more than worth the $19.95 I paid! Plus all 4 of these cards were made in under 1.5 hours - a RECORD for me!

If you'd like more information about Paper Pumpkin you can find it HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

April Stamp Club

Tonight was a monthly Stamp Club night and let me tell you those ladies had me laughing so hard tonight. Feels good to do some creating and laughing - it's great for the soul! 

First I should ask - have you heard of a stamp club? This is where so many people decide to join a monthly club. Depending on how many people determines how much they spend each month and how many months the club goes for. It's a way to get a few supplies each month. And for being in the club you get to be the hostess one month (which means FREE stuff!). I also have two projects that we do and share techniques with you each month as well as other thank yous and little goodies :D

I was excited about club this month because of all the cool things that I learned and saw at Regionals in St. Louis. First up is a butterfly card using watercolor paper, markers, mister and water. It's one of those cards you look at and just smile - I mean with all that color you can't help it!

 Next card is a fun fold card and Bonnie actually demonstrated this one. She used one of my favorite stamps...LOVE how there is a coordinating die to go along with it!

I used the Tea For Two DSP (from the Spring Catalog) as the main focal point. It's awesome how the card showcases both sides of the paper.

If you and your friends would like more information about my Stamp Clubs let me know. The more the merrier, I say! Plus I could always use more friends and great laughs!

Thanks for stopping by!

You can purchase all these supplies HERE:

Butterfly Card: Whisper White Cardstock #100730, Black Cardstock #121045, Watercolor Paper #122959, Brights Markers #119702, Stampin' Spritzer #126185, Aqua Painter #103954, Made For You Stamp Set #126342, Swallowtail Stamp #129213, Basic Black Ink #126980

Thinking of You Card: Tea For Two DSP #129311, Early Espresso Cardstock #119686, Very Vanilla Cardstock #101650, Lucky Limeade Ink #126984, Just Thinking Stamp #129940, You are Loved Stamp Set #123779, Pearl Basic Jewels #119247, Window Frames Collection Framelits Dies #129021

Peeps On A Stick

Well Easter is right around the corner and I always enjoy giving out little treats to my Preschoolers and to Abby's class. Last year I did Peeps On A Stick (found on Pinterest) and they were a huge hit. So I decided to do them again!

This year I used the stamp set SPRING SAMPLER as well as a few markers - Wild Wasabi, Rose Red, Marina Mist & Chocolate Chip. It went rather quickly even though I had 50+ tags to make!

Here is one set - I did 40 of the Peeps On A Stick and then about 15 M&M treat tubes. Forgot to take a picture of those though! I think they'll bring a smile to the little ones faces!

Thanks for stopping by!

This & That: Capturing Life

Your life is: Awesome. Quirky. Exciting. Perfectly messy. And happening really fast. So Stampin' Up is happy to introduce their newest product line that lets you capture it all on-the-go. This and That will debut in the 2013 - 2014 annual catalog, but between March 23 - April 30 you can get an awesome bundle kit now! Of course, if you don't want the bundle (and why not? I mean you are saving 15% and it's so cool!) you can purchase the items individually.

I've already ordered my bundle and am *not so* patiently waiting for it to arrive. I'm really excited by this as I love to "keep" items - ticket stubs, interesting gift cards, business cards plus I like to journal - especially when it comes to the crazy and funny things that our family says and does. I'm thinking this will be able to go with me and I can easily add to it.

I did learn about this at the Regional Event this last weekend and one thing that I'm so stoked by is the binding. It's like a flimsy binder that has give. I know I'm probably not explaining it right but it won't get ruin going in and out of the many bags that I carry. Oh and the rotary stamp - so so cool. Everyone should at least get this...it will be PERFECT for all you scrapbookers!!

You can see more information about the This & That products HERE

Once mine arrives I'll be sure to share some up close and personal images :D Thanks for stopping by!

Field Flowers Stamp Set

Good Evening! Thought I'd share a card - I know *gasp* it's been FOREVER! I have been creating here and there but just haven't been sharing! Guess it's time to start :D

This card was one that we did at our Stamp Club this month. I had so much fun with the stamp set Field Flowers. I think the girls really liked it too. I've included a list of materials at the end of the post.

Stampin' Up! just keeps coming up with more and more stuff. Right now they are running a special that includes an ALL NEW STAMP SET that will be in the NEW catalog due out in June! But we can get it NOW...yippee!! The scallop punch (can you say 'oh so tiny and cute'!) is a must have for all you punch lovers out there!

You can take advantage of this special from March 15 through May 30th. The Spring Surprise Bundle is just $23.95 (you get the stamp set & punch) #133899; Already have the punch? Then you'll just want to get the A Round Array Stamp Set for only $14.95 #129090. Please note for this special the stamp set is only offered in clear-mount. The wood-mount option will be available during the 2013-2014 annual catalog.

Thanks for stopping by! Please order your Stampin' Up Supplies HERE

Card Details:
Whisper White Cardstock #100730, Sahara Sand Cardstock #121043, Tangerine Tango Cardstock #111349, Cherry Cobbler Cardstock #119685, Tangerine Tango Ink #126946, Cherry Cobbler Ink #126966, Chocolate Chip Ink #126979, Old Olive Ink #126953, Sahara Sand Marker (from Neutrals Marker Set) #119703, Color Spritzer Tool #107066, Sponge Daubers #102892, Field Flowers Stamp Set #122762

Goals...

So I made my list of goals (see this post here) and have been working towards them...obviously I'm not completely them all since I haven't posted on my blog in a while :D It's not too late, to try though! It may not happen in January but I have all year. That's why I made goals!

So what have I been up to? Well I started sewing lessons (#28)...yes, I've only had one but I've got another one Saturday. I'm very excited about the possibilities! I've picked out my fabric and project...it's for Abby and it's a surprise. The fabric is darling...I can already tell that I'm in trouble. I LOVE fabric...and Sarah's Fabric in Lawrence has all my favorite (and EXPENSIVE) brands. Better start saving now, lol!

I've had a date night with hubby(#36)...thanks to a slumber party invite for Abby :D Great when that works out and we don't have to worry about babysitters!

I've had a daughter/mom date (#25) - she picked. She wanted to see The Odd Life of Timothy Green. Cute movie...we both cried :D The popcorn was DE-lish...

I've started reading books again (#4)...and it's nice. In need of some suggestions though as I'm ready to try some new "series"...

Spent some time with nephew and sister (#50)...even if it was because my parents were sick.

I have a girlfriend night planned (#45)...movie, dinner, drinks. On deck is Identity Thief....it LOOKS hilarious!

I've got a class scheduled in February; another one in the works. Plus Stamp Club so Stampin' Up is going good....could ALWAYS be better so I've really got to work on my business (#7).

I've also reorganized and decluttered the basement (HUGE undertaking but so worth the time and effort) #18, We've tried new recipes (#5), I've signed Abby up for Awana (#32), Organized and backup all photos on laptop (#49)

I've realized that I have such good intentions but I think I'm a little lazy. I mean I want to take tons of photos (and I do of different things) but then I don't load them to my computer and post them...I need to make a conscious effort to share more! I mean if you want to look you will, if not, oh well, right!

I'm sure there is more but that's quite a lot for the first 4 weeks of the new year! I'm off to a pretty good start and honestly, it feels great!

I'll be back to post about all that's going on at Stampin' Up! There is so much it definitely needs it's own post...Thanks so much for stopping by!

PPA150 Color Challenge - Valentine's Day Card

Over the weekend I had an opportunity to play in a challenge that is new to me. I always see Color Challenges and wish I'd play along but the timing doesn't seem to work...Not this time, Over at the Pals Paper Art Blog they have the cutest color combo PERFECT for Valentine/Love cards (PPA150).

I was able to use some of my new Stampin' Up! Goodies for this card. This will also be one of our Stamp Club projects this month - I hope the girls will enjoy it :D

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember you can purchase any of the Stampin' Up! supplies at my online store.
Card Info: 

• Basic Black, Basic Grey, Whisper White and Melon Mambo Cardstock
• Jewery Tag Punch #117190
• My Little Valentine Stamp Set #132242 (special this month)
• Happy Heart Single Stamp #132771 (special this month)
• Basic Grey & Basic Black Marker
• Pop Dots
• Flower
• Embossing Folder 

Time for Some New Goodies!

Today is the day - the New Stampin' Up! Spring Catalog goes LIVE - you can see it HERE. Or you can contact me to get your very own copy. I sent a few out yesterday to some special customers so hopefully they'll get them soon! There are so many awesome goodies in there.

You can also place an order from it by visiting my SITE. I'd like to show a card I made using some of the wonderful new products in the Spring Catalog. 

What is it with whales? I just adore them...or maybe it's because there are so many awesome puns that go along with them! Check out the new Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - LOVE IT! I mean look at the detail!

Also used: Oh Whale Stamp Set (W-129129; C-129132), Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP (126922), 3/8" Striped Organdy Ribbon in Melon Mambo (129293); Pacific Point Cardstock (111350); Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (129378); Word Window Punch (119857); Melon Mambo Ink (126948) & Basic Gray Ink (126981); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Today also marks two new promotions with Stampin' Up! - Valentine Treat Bundle & My Little Valentine Promotion!

 First up Valentine Treat Bundle - This special bundle contains the brand-new Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp (which coordinates with the Stampin' Up! Full Hear Punch #119883 and is NOT included in the bundle) and a package of 1 x 8 cellophane bags. No limit on the number of bundles you can order! And it's good through January 21st. To get the bundle pricing, use item #132771.

I plan on getting lots of treats made up for the school kids...they'll love it!

Next up is the My Little Valentine Stamp Set - Get the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit FREE ($7.95 value) when you purchase the brand new My Little Valentine Set. This four piece set was created exclusively for this promotion and is only available through January 21st. No Limits! 

This is the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit you get for FREE:

And this the My Little Valentine Stamp Set that is only available in clear mount (132242)

Whew - that's a lot! Definitely some great things to get you started on those Valentine Projects! You can take advantage of all these items and specials by visiting my SITE. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Out With The Old...

And in with the new...

How was your Holiday? Good I hope. I've been doing a lot of reflecting, organizing and preparing - I want this year to be one of my best! I want to do things instead of just think of them; I want it to be about family; about my new paths and so many other things!

Last year a good friend of mine, Liz, did something called Project 52 on her blog. I LOVED it and had every intention on doing it last year but never did. I even had printed off that particular blog post and carried it in my planner - that's how much it inspired me (thanks, Liz!). So this year, I went to work coming up with 52 goals that I'd like to accomplish this year. It's about doing things to better myself and my family as well as helping others. I really do want to make 2013 my best year yet!

So here are my 52 things that I hope to accomplish in the 52 weeks of 2013 (please note these are in no particular order:

1. Pray more
2. Cook healthier meals and eat more meals at home
3. Read the daily devotionals
4. Read 50 books (up from 40 I read last year)
5. Try a new recipe monthly
6. Blog at least 4 times a week
7. Grow my Stampin Up! Business
8. Start a prayer/gratitude journal
9. Get Healthy by losing some weight
10.  Drink more water
11. Call/Write my friends more
12. Complete at least 5 Pinterest projects
13. Improve my photography skills
14. Have a weekly family fun night
15. Celebrate our 15^th Wedding Anniversary
16. Read the Bible more
17. Go on a family vacation
18. Declutter the basement
19. Create 1-2 scrapbook layouts each month
20. Redo our master bedroom
21. Volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen with Abby and Jay
22. Take a monthly family photo
23. Go camping with Abby and Jay
24. Block out some “me time” on my calendar on a regular basis
25. Have a daughter/mother day/evening monthly
26. Take more photos
27. Do a layout highlighting events monthly
28. Take a sewing class
29. Move more – walks, wii
30. Host a summer BBQ
31. Take Puppy Lessons with Cooper
32. Get Abby into Awana
33. Find a church to call home
34. Help Abby improve her artistic skills
35. Get Abby into Piano Lessons
36. Have a date night with hubby monthly
37. Attend something at TPAC
38. Prepare for Craft Shows ALL year long
39. Organize my office/craft area
40. Attend “girls class” with Abby
41. Journal in planner more often; especially re: Abby
42. Try to yell less
43. Build my relationship with my daughter
44. Lead by example; remember manners
45. Build more girl friend relationships and have quarterly girls night out
46. Pamper myself – manicure, pedicure or massage
47. Cherish my parents and capture moments with them
48. Do more crafts with Abby
49. Get photos on computer organized, back up and printed
50. Spend time with my nephew and sister monthly
51. Send out cards – I make them but forget to send them
52. Enjoy everyday to the fullest!

There you go...that's what I'd like to do. Now you may be wondering why some are highlighted...well I've already started working on those! I've been in a serious "out with the old/in with the new" phase and I have been organizing like crazy. You should see the pile for garage sale, donations and trash. I mean WOW can I collect, lol! My husband and dad built AWESOME shelves in our basement and I've been organizing all the things that had been thrown in there...it was horrible. You couldn't even walk through - definite fire hazard. I realized that I don't need EVERYTHING and it's ok to let go :D

As far as blogging - well it's been awhile. I'm going to consciously make every effort to blog 4 times a week - yes, it will be about family and me as well as Stampin' Up cause lets face it I'm a craft-aholic!

A friend of mine gave me a wonderful book this Christmas called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. Devotions for every day of the year. Looking forward to finding the peace and understanding with His presence. I've gotten away from my faith since moving back to Kansas and honestly I can tell a difference. This year I want to find a church and get back into learning and finding the true meaning of life.

Last but certainly not least is my SU business. I'm working on improving that - tons I want to do such as monthly newsletters, showcase projects, do more classes. I need to make an effort and take the time to see what SU has  as far as ways to promote my business through my DBWS site. Learn to realize it's ok to find inspiration through others work and to CASE items and still showcase them. We all find inspiration in different ways and it's ok. 

So here's to a new year, a new beginning and to wonderful goals! Would love to hear what you have in store for 2013...who knows maybe I'll need to make my list even longer :D

Thanks for stopping by!