Saturday, December 31

Happy Birthday!

Today my second daughter turned 7! It was a great day! But this year she has been asking for a pony for her birthday....hmmm I think this card is the only pony she will be getting for her birthday.
I used the new Heart Framelits! LOVE these new dies! Great news they will available to order on Jan 4th! You can shop my on line SU store @ www.paperparadise.stampinup.net
Hope you have a wonderful & safe New Year!

Saturday, December 24

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a beautiful day filled with love & laughter as we celebrate the birth of our Lord!

Wednesday, December 21

Simple Stocking

Hello Friends!
Sorry I've been MIA, it's super busy around here! Yesterday we celebrated my 3rd daughters 6th birthday & now its the countdown to Christmas & my other daughter will turn 7 a few days after that! Then its all about getting ready for my trip to Leadership (Woo Hoo!) & my youngest daughter will be turning 2!! Anyway I have been working on Christmas cards like crazy! I wanted to share one of my favorites. Its simple but it so nice in person! That silver glitter paper is just amazing!!
On another note though SU just announced this adorable stocking punch will NOT be carried over to the next catalog & is only available while supplies last! EEK!!! If you haven't gotten it PLEASE don't wait I think this one will sell out quick! Also another announcement SU has put a bunch of punches & great products on the clearance rack! Some things are up to 80% off!! CHECK IT OUT!

Sunday, December 11

Mini Valentine!

My last card from my downline meeting...
This was a little 3x3 card I made using the new doily die. Perfect for sending a little love!

Saturday, December 10

Time for Valentines Day!

I know it's not even Christmas yet but when I was planning projects for my downline meeting I figured we have already held all the Christmas classes we are going to have so the next thing to think about is Valentines Day!


This is another sneak peek of products that will be available in January 2012. I used a pretty card from the mini catalog as inspiration & I love how this came together!
Thanks for taking a peek! I will be back to list the supplies later... gotta run. :)

Friday, December 9

SAB 2012 Sneak Peek!

The products offered in the 2012 Sale-a-Bration & Occassions mini catalogs are absolutely STUNNING! I had such a fun time last night with my downline! We played with a bunch of the new stuff! We made this beautiful card using the SAB paper, brads, & stamp set plus the brand new flower punch, & edgelits with the matching embossing folder! I will be back to share more of what we made a little later.

Thursday, December 8

U Stamp Blog Hop Winner!!



I can't beleive I forgot to choose a winner! Random Generator chose comment #55
BloggerCarolyn said...

Blogger

CONGRATS Carolyn! You have until 12/10 to contact me to claim your prize. Please email me @ webers4jesus at sbcglobal dot net. 

Tuesday, December 6

Gettin' Ready!

I am busy preparing for tonight's Customer Appreciation Party! I'm seriously re-considering this sewing thing...cleaning up all that mess plus my normal paper crafting choas is really quite challenging! Where am I gonna put all this stuff?!?! Anyway I just completed the project we are making tonight so thought I'd share really quick.
I know everyone is busy this time of year so I kept our project super quick & easy! I have already covered all the boxes so all they have to do is the flower, the sentiment, & a quick sprinkle of glitter! Ok gotta get back to the mess...

Monday, December 5

It's On!!

Had to quickly share today's success!
After todays bath she let me put the top on AND it fit!! Again I have no idea what I'm doing so I pretty much was winging it with this. I am sure this not the proper way to make this dress but it I think it worked! I started by measuring her around her tummy & chest. Then I measured to see how long I needed the top to be & I measured around her shoulder for strap length. I cut 2 long strips of fabric, one for the top & one for the ruffled bottom. The bottom one I cut about 12 x 26 to allow for gathering. Top was about 4 x 22. I sewed a gathering stitch across the bottom one, then stitched the two short ends together to make a tube, then gathered it to fit the top piece. I sewed the top one the same minus the gathering stitch. Then I sewed the top & the bottom together matching up the seams of course. So this is basically like a tube top I guess. Last I added the straps & embelishments. I had the seamed edges run along one side under her arm so they aren't that noticeable. I paired it with a white long sleeve onsie, brown leggings, matching hair pretties & she looks SOOO cute! Getting her to stay still to take a picture was just not happening. She was actually jumping on the bed in this photo!
Thanks for visiting today!

Sunday, December 4

Big Shot Purse!

If you have been reading my blog you will know my hubby (a.k.a. My Hero) taught me how to sew a couple weeks ago & I have been working really hard to get it down. It's been fun & frustrating at the same time. My goal is to feel comfortable & confident with simple sewing projects but I think it's gonna be awhile! I'm shooting for by next Christmas....I hope! Anyway my card making time has turned in to my practice sewing time so I don't have a card to share but I do have this cute little purse! We had a handmade gift exchange at our last demo meeting & I was determined to make something with my sewing machine & my favorite SU fabric! I even made it from my own pattern so I was quite happy with how it turned out! It got a little hairy there for a minute but it all came together in the end. My sweet friend Lynda won this & I really hope she likes it, flaws & all. LOL! Since I made this purse my girls have been begging me to make them one too. So far my sewing adventure has been:
1. Making a dress for the baby, that she won't even try on. She cries every time I even show it to her. Its not that bad geesh.
2. Attempting a fleece jumper for baby. FAIL!
3. Making 3 of those cute Spice Cake drawstring bags!
4. Making my 5 year old a "sleeping bag" for her doggies. My girls like little doggies instead of dolls. They carry these things everywhere! They are similar to the size of beanie babies & they have a ton of them, all different breeds. Anyway on to #5
5. Made my 17 year old a fleece beanie. Actually made 2 because the first one she said was too short. Her sisters were glad to take it off her hands.
6. Made proto type handbag. Cute but didn't love it. My 5 year old claimed it for a dog purse.
7. Made little black purse shown above. Pretty Cute!
8. Made 6 year old her own handbag, mixing some elements from the first proto type, little black purse pattern, & her special request of extra long straps so it could go over her head. She loved it & so did I!
9. Made a top for baby out of this adorable corduroy print. Again she refuses to try it on. Hubby says it just bad timing. So I will try after tomorrows bath. If I get it on I'll try to snap a picture to share with you.
Well friends thanks for sharing in my adventures. Stay tuned because tomorrow THE BOX ARRIVES!!!!!!!! Yes that's right BRAND SPANKIN NEW SU PRE ORDER PRODUCTS!

Thursday, December 1

U Stamp with Dawn and Friends Up on the Rooftop Blog Hop


Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2011 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop.
If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Rosemarie's amazing project!
If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem, as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

I know these rosettes are really popular & I loved the SU Christmas keepsake box so I decorated my large rosette similar to that beautiful box.


As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!
Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!
AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!!

You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.
  • In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.
And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...
Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!
YES!!
You read that right!!
YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!

***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***

Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.
Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing
and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!
Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to
THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!


Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and
there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,
PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!
Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and
join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!
AND last but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next Designer's Roof Top, so please click below for NEXT BLOG, where you will find Melissa ready to share a delightful Holiday project with you.

If you would like to hop back to Rosemarie's Roof Top, please click below.

Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Holidays to YOU!!

Apothecary Art Keepsake Box


The products in the upcoming mini catalog are just stunning! It is torture waiting for my goodies to arrive! I love the fact that so many of the new sets are available as MDS digital downloads! Woo Hoo Instant Gratification! I'm sure you are going to love the new mini as much as I do. I hope to have more time to play but my to do list is crazy right now! I'm sure you can relate. Be back soon...I hope. :)

p.s. This is my first picture using the new lens my Hero bought me! What do you think?

EDIT: I have had some requests for instructions so here they are!

Supplies- Beau Chateau DSP, Apothecary Art Stamp Set or MDS, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Antique Brads, Soft Suede & Basic Gray Ink, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight, & Old Olive Markers, Pearls, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Tombo Multi Glue, 4" Paper Mache Box

You will need to cut:
1  circle (cut with Clear Circle die)
1 12 x 1 3/4 DSP
2 6 1/2 x 1/2 DSP

Step One: Stamp image in Basic Gray, color & cut out. Sponge with Soft Suede. Add pearls.

Step Two: Attach large DSP strip around the bottom of the box with Sticky Strip. You will need the 2 little strips to fit around the lid since it measures more then 12". Attach the circle with the Tombo glue. Sponge all egdes with Soft Suede.

Step Three: Make the bow with 4 loops & open the brad legs to wrap around the center of your bow to secure. Cut a small piece of ribbon, fold in to a v shape & tape to the back of your image toward the bottom. Attach the image with dimensionals. Use hot glue to put on the bow.

Saturday, November 26

50% Off 2 of My Favorites!

Just saw 2 of my favorite sentiment sets on the 50% off sale page! Many Merry Messages & On Your Birthday! Total Must Haves! Contact me soon to get yours at 50% off!




Wednesday, November 23

Mmmm Spice Cake!

So here is the little bag I have been working on.

I kept the embellishments very simple. I cut the fabric flowers with the Fun Flowers die. I used a bit of fabric stiffener on them so they would hold a bit of a shabby shape. This will be perfect for filling with homemade goodies or any small gift really. To make this bag I started with 3 pieces of the Spice Cake fabric 1- 12x5 & 2- 5x3. I may make some a bit bigger for Christmas to give sets of cards to my family. If I have any requests I can do a tutorial or you can check youtube.
I hope you & your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Also just a reminder the SU sale ends Nov 30th!

Tuesday, November 22

Rubber Ducky

Thought I'd pop in & take a quick break from the holiday themed stuff & share a baby card I made the other day. I love this little ducky image!
 Also wanted to let you know I have finally learned how to use my sewing machine!! Thanks to my hubby! I love you sweetie! It was one of my birthday year resolutions. Yes I know I need another hobby like I need more dsp. On my b day hubby took me down to sign up for a sewing class which took place last weekend & crazily my back was out so I couldn't go but my sweetheart went in my place! My HERO! He was the best student I'm sure & made a fabulous arm chair caddy to hold remotes & such. Not sure where to put it though since he chose Marvel Super Hero fabric LOL! Anyway when I was feeling better her taught me how to sew! Next on my list was to make a dress for my youngest daughter. Finished it today but she refuses to even try it on! My two older girls are more then willing to take it though. Its a cute shirt on them! Now on to project #3 which is a cute little drawstring bag made from Spice Cake fabric! O MY how I adore everything Spice Cake! The colors & patterns are just SOOO yummy! Hopefully I can photograph them & share tomorrow.
Hugs,
Mercedes  

Sunday, November 20

SU Sale!!!

Thanksgiving Already?!

Where does the time go? I have been busy making Thanksgiving cards for our family & friends. One of my camera lenses broke so my photos may not be that great until I can get a new one but I'll do my best.



Thanks for visiting today!

Saturday, November 12

It's been a Circus around here!

Just a super quick post..
Here is my 3rd project for U Stamp!  Full tutorial available @ www.ustampwithdawnandfriends.com Knockout Punches 2011.

Wednesday, November 9

Tuesday, November 8

Stamp a Stack #2

Its been a bumpy road but all 5 samples are done! I had to change 2 of the cards since one used my cricut & I can't for the life of me find the cords (that's why the Big Shot Rocks!) & for two I designed a card that uses the same stamp so I had to pick between the two cards. Anyway I am very happy with what I ended up with but I'd love to hear what you think!




  Thank you to the following stampers for sharing their beautiful work that inspired these cards!
Ilina Crouse
Jen Sannes
Patricia Boyce

2011's Last Technique Tuesday

I can't beleive I am preparing for the very last TT class of the year! Wow where did 2011 go!
Here is a peek at one of the projects we will be doing...




My camera couldn't pick up all the pretty sparkle but this little beauty shines!
I'll be back later with more shiny eye candy for you!

Monday, November 7

More SAS Samples!

I saw a beautiful card by Jen Sannes & I had to case it for the next Stamp a Stack. I have been playing with the idea of adding glitter to my embossing powders! For this card I put a scoop of silver glitter in with a scoop of silver embossing powder & it looks SO pretty IRL!


I love the adhesive sheets!! They made adding gems & glitter to this cute Christmas tree so easy! I used the new Stocking Accents die to cut the tree.

U Stamp Punches!

Woo Hoo 2 of my projects went live at U Stamp so I can share now! Here is the first one..

& here is the U Stamp link http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/ so you can get the tutorial! I promise, you don't want to miss this round of U Stamp. You will be getting over 50 Super Amazing projects made by some of the best SU designers! Stop by tomorrow for a peek at my second project.
Blessings,
Mercedes

Sunday, November 6

SAS #2

I promise I didn't forget! I have been working on way too many things but I will finish the samples & post them soon. For now here is card option #1...

Saturday, November 5

FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOADS!!!

I LOVE these little houses & the best part is they are part of the FREE Download! Hurry & get yours before Nov 7th!
http://mydigitalstudio.net/

Thursday, November 3

Not a winner but...

Well today I was over on the Paper Crafts Magazine blog to see what was going on with the World Card Making Day entries & I saw the list of winners, unfortunately I was not on the list. :( But they did have a photo of the cards they were judging & if you look toward the middle of the photo on the left you can catch a glimpse of my card! Click Here for the link to their blog post & here is my card...


Supplies:
Stamps- Plant Hope, Non-SU Sentiment
Cardstock- Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Ink- Not Quite Navy, White Craft
Accessories- Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, White Embossing Powder, Basic Jewels

Wednesday, November 2

Happy Birthday To Me!

First off yes its 2 a.m. but what better way to start celebrating my b-day then hanging out in my stamp room! Actually I was going to go to bed a couple hours ago but just as I crawled in to bed hubby got a call & had to go back to work so I thought I'd try to wait up for him since he had just got home a couple hours before he had to go again. But I praise GOD he has a job! Anyway back to the card...

Woo Hoo just heard hubby pull up so I gotta run!

Tuesday, November 1

Counting Down The Days!!

I am SO excited about this round of U Stamp with Dawn and Friends! It focuses on my favorite tools...PUNCHES! Trust me these gals have designed some stuff that's gonna Knock Your Socks OFF!! I've got a few cute projects in there as well!
The party has already started with 2 super adorable bonus projects & it's really going to be rockin when it officially opens on November 4th! If you haven't signed up yet you better hurry on over!