Spice Cake Suitcase Tutorial

Looking for a beautiful way to store your cards? Made from Stampin' Up!'s On Board Chipboard, this suitcase is strong and sturdy.  The fabric pocket (no sewing required!) on the lid is perfect for a selection of 3" x 3" cards, and the main cavity of the suitcase has plenty of room for 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards and envelopes.

All supplies to make this project are available from Stampin' Up! and a detailed ingredient list is included.  Have fun creating!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Shakin' and Jingling

I can't decide if I'm more in love with the little sound of jingle bells on this card, or the snow that shakes inside the window in front of the snowman.  It's shakin' and jingling!  

I've used tons of stuff from the new Holiday Mini Catalogue on this card, so if you don't have your copy of this catalogue yet, be sure to email me asap as it goes 'live' on Thursday!  

Supplies List:
Stamps:  Button Buddies, Tiny Tags
Ink:  Basic Black
Cardstock:  Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Silver Glitter Paper (NEW)
Embellishments:  Mini Jingle Bells (NEW), Mica Flakes (NEW), Shaker Frames (NEW), Vintage Trinkets, Poppy Parade Stitched Poly Ribbon, Window Sheet
Tools:  Big Shot, Northern Frost Die, Jewelry Tag Punch


Today's the last day to shop from the Summer Mini, but tomorrow the Holiday Mini goes LIVE!  Just one more sleep until you can have all this fabulous Christmas stuff on the way to your house too! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Vintage Christmas Lodge

Hi everyone!
I hope that this last week of August is treating you well.  The weather has been really nice here in Calgary, so I've been doing some gardening in addition to my Christmas card making.  Now this Christmas card is currently my new fave of the year so far.  I realize it's only August and there are umpteen cards to be created between now and December 25th, but I think this one will still be up there on my list when it's all said and done.  It just screams my style.  

So what's on this baby?  Let's see:
Stamps:  Christmas Lodge (NEW Holiday Mini Catalogue)
Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze
DSP:  Pocketful of Posies
Ink:  Soft Suede
Big Shot:  Northern Frost
Embellishments:  Neutrals Buttons, Linen Thread


I really hope you like this one as much as I do.  It was really fun to create.


Happy Stampin'
Allison


Only 2 days left to shop from the Summer Mini Catalogue HERE
 

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek! Christmas Lodge

Warning!  The Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalogue may cause an inability to stop yourself from screaming, extreme levels of excitement, and erratic behavior.  Ask any one of the demonstrators who saw it for the first time at Convention, they will tell you of all the side effects.  ;)  If you have not received your copy of the Holiday Mini Catalogue yet, please contact me and I'll get one sent out right away (Canadian addresses only).

With the Holiday Mini Catalogue going 'live' this Thursday, the countdown is really on.  As a demonstrator I get to order products a month early, so I'm able to show you some goodies before they even become available!   Too fun!  

This card uses the new Christmas Lodge stamp set as well as the new Silver Glitter Paper.  The stamp set is really beautiful.  The set has two sentiments, two small images, and two large images.  This one is going to see lots of ink!  So get ready!  Oh, and what's a Christmas card without some Silver Glitter Paper!  You are going to love this stuff, and much cheaper than the big craft stores! 

I don't usually decorate the inside of my cards, but I just had to show you one of the beautiful sentiments from this stamp set.  It's just so pretty!  

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'm madly trying to finish this tutorial, so please be patient.  'See' you tomorrow!

Happy Stampin'

Allison 

Only 3 more days to shop from the Summer Mini Catalogue HERE

Merry & Type

I know, another beautiful summer day and this crazy lady is making Christmas cards!  I'm getting ready for my upcoming Christmas Card Buffet (September 25th, 1pm-5pm), so there's going to be lots more holiday creating going on around here! I haven't decided if this card is going to make it into the Card Buffet yet, what do you think? 

The Merry & Type stamp set is one of those that jumped off the page at me as soon as I saw the new catalogue and I knew I would be getting it!  It was on my first order on June 1st!  Yes, I am that crazy lady that buys (and uses!) Christmas stamp sets in the middle of summer!  But seriously, the holidays are going to be here before we know it, and I don't plan on being behind.  

So if you want to get a jump on your Christmas creations, be sure to check out my class calendar and join me for some fun!  And contact me if you'd like to join me for the Card Buffet, or any other classes or clubs I have going on.  Can't wait to hear from you!

Happy Stampin'
Allison 

Shop online HERE

Preparing for the coming months

From September thru December I'm one busy lady.  Trust me, this year will be no different.  I'm currently scheduled for 5 craft fairs, 8 Stamp Club meetings, a SU! Regional in Edmonton, numerous downline gatherings, AND all my fall classes (Village of Cuteness Class was released on Thursday, and lots more to come!).  To top it off I've decided to start publishing tutorials (first one is coming next week!) 

So where am I going with all of this?  Well, this is the time of year I like to try and get ahead.  And in the spirit of getting ahead, I spent some time this week making up these card boxes.  In each box there are the following cards:  2 Christmas, 2 Thank you, 3 Blank, and 3 Birthday.  I'll be sending 8 of these home with my Mom when she visits in September for her to sell in her area and I'll be bringing the remainder to the craft fairs this fall to sell.  Want me to hold one for you?  Contact me and I'll set one aside.

Happy Stampin'
Allison
 

Village of Cuteness Class

Village of Cuteness Class

$30

Get 3 fun nights out for one low price!  

Class dates:  Thurday, September 15, 7-9pm

Thurdsay, October 20th, 7-9pm

Thursday, November 17th, 7-9pm

A three class series to make the adorable houses from Stampin’ Up! Convention!  We'll meet the third Thursday of the month for three months (Sept, Oct, Nov) and at the end of our November class you'll go home with your trio of houses!  Make all 3 houses for the low class fee of $30.  Included in this $30 is also a full package of Basic Pearls for you to keep!  I can't wait to have you over to make these little cuties!  Class registration must be accompanied by $30 class fee.  Contact me to register!

Can't make these dates work?  I can do a private class for you and 5 friends!  Contact me and we can pick a date!

Happy Stampin'

Allison

August Stamp Club Projects & New Club Starting

For one Sunday afternoon and one Monday evening per month, I have a group of wonderful ladies come to my house for some stamping.  This truly is a fun time out with friends (or soon to be friends!) to just chat and create and get away.  I've had a few ladies express that they'd like to join, so if you're in the Calgary area and are looking for a creative outlet, contact me and I'll put you on my list.  As soon as we have 7 ladies signed up we'll get another club group going.  So what do we do at this so called 'Stamp Club' you ask?  Oh, let me show you!

 Each time we meet I teach a new technique to help the ladies expand their crafting repertoire or sometimes we re-visit an old favourite.  This month I taught the Bargello technique.  

We usually do one technique page and two cards (but sometimes we do some 3D items as well).  The two cards we did this month are some examples of more fun ways to use Designer Series Paper.

I think this paper pieced duck is just adorable!

And then we did this flower card using the bird punch (just the wing).  

And here's all our pretty projects together.  What a fun day! 

Click to enlarge

 If you're interested in joining us, contact me and I'll put you on 'the list' and as soon as we have 7 ladies we'll get this Club going!  Can't wait!!!!

Happy Stampin'
Allison
 

Thank you for your support

Earlier this year I did a cardmaking campaign to raise money for earthquake victims in Japan.  And with your help and support I was able to send $1700.  My husband's best friend, Kensuke, has been volunteering in some of the most devastated areas, so we gave him the money to pass along to a family who could use it.  

Mrs. Matsuda and Kensuke reading the card I enclosed

Kensuke with Mr. & Mrs. Matsuda

The Matsuda's neighborhood

On the day of the earthquake Mrs. Matsuda had gone shopping and her husband came home from work early to find she wasn't home.  There were tsunami warnings to leave the area to go to higher ground, so Mr. Matsuda, along with two of his friends, all got in their respective vehicles and started to drive away from the coast.  There were many people gathering on top of a hill outside of town and one of Mr.Matsuda's friends decided that this is where he would wait out the tsunami.  Mr. Matsuda and his other friend continued driving until there was a fork in the road where they parted ways and Mr. Matsuda continued driving so he could get as far away from the coast as possible.  Mr. Matsuda has never heard from his two friends ever again.  Mr. & Mrs. Matsuda were reunited after the earthquake and are now without a home, but they are so thankful to be alive.  So many of their friends and family are no longer with us, so they feel very blessed to have escaped safely.

Kensuke has told us that they are very thankful for the money that was raised and feel so honoured to have received it.  They told him that it made them feel very loved that people as far away as Canada were thinking of Japan and doing something to help.

Kensuke continues to volunteer in the most devastated areas of Japan in hopes that it will speed up the rebuilding process as well as inspire others to volunteer their time as well.  He has quit his job to dedicate his time to volunteering.  He is doing what so many people only say they'd like to do.  We are so proud to call Kensuke our friend.

Thanks for letting me share.  And thanks to all of you who donated your time and money to help.
Allison

Bargello Technique Card

I've been having fun the past few days creating some cards with the Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper.  This is one of those things that jumped off the page at me as soon as I saw the new Idea Book & Catalogue in June (yes, as a Demonstrator I got to see it a whole month early!).  It has a really beautiful colour palette of Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Marina Mist, Blushing Bride, and Whisper White.  I've been using mostly the smaller patterns for the past few days, but there are some fantastic large designs in this paper pack that will be great for scrapbooking as well.  You can't really see them here, but I promise I'll make a project soon showcasing them.

 I hope that everyone is having a lovely weekend thus far as we count down the days til back to school and fall weather.  

Happy Stampin'
Allison
 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..REALLY!

When I say that it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas I'm really not kidding.  We keep having these crazy hail storms here (yes, in AUGUST!) and this was the view outside our front door around dinner time yesterday.

 So in the spirit of the 'season' I made a Christmas card!  I just couldn't resist the new Letters to Santa DSP!

 I saw a card using this idea for the wing from the bird punch to make a wreath, but I really have no clue where.  It just kind of stuck with me.  So if you are the 'bird wing wreath genius' let me know and I'll give you some credit for sure. 

Designer Series Paper Sale is BUY 3 GET 1 FREE August only!  

I have an order going in on Monday evening if you'd like to take advantage of this awesome promotion!  Contact me to place your order (Calgary), or you can always order online day or night and have your goodies shipped directly to your door HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I've got a busy weekend ahead of me with my two Stamp Club meetings as well as our last few days of vacation before my husband heads back to work for the new school year.  'See' you soon!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

August Scrapbook Club & NEW Club Starting!

Click to enlarge image

Thank you to those of you who either commented or emailed me regarding my blog.  One friend emailed me and suggested that those of you that are having troubles can try updating your internet browsers (which is free).  I guess she had a similar problem, but once she updated her browser all was fixed!  I think I've also done a little bit of a fix on my end too.  

Today I'm giving you a bit of a sneak peak of the scrapbook layout my clubs will be doing this month.  With buy 3 get one free sale on DSP, I wanted to be sure that I did a cool technique using designer paper, so I'll be teaching the Bargello technique.

It's really neat looking!  And of course I used the Big Top Birthday DSP!  It's so adorable!!!!  

Can't wait to see you at club ladies!
Happy Stampin'
Allison

PS  New Stamp Club starting SOON.  Email me for details!!!!

So what's wrong?

I have a project to share with you later this afternoon (time permitting), but first I'd like your help in solving a bit of a problem.  Technology and I usually get along most of the time, but it seems as though we have come to a bit of an impasse.  I don't really know what's up, because everything looks fine to me, BUT I got an email from a friend saying that my blog is being 'cut off' on the top.  So she can't see my title, first picture, or beginning of my post.  Is this happening to anyone else?  I'd like to get this sorted out, but I am wondering how many of you are having this problem.  Your response is greatly appreciated!

Allison
nicepeoplestamp@hotmail.com
 

Just catching up...

Vacations are great, really great, but coming home to a MOUNTAIN of work is not so great.  I'm slowly getting back to my emails and telephone messages, so please be patient with me.  I'm also putting the final touches on an upcoming class, and a tutorial!  So there's LOTS going on around here!  I also did a little bit of vacation photo organization today (there are over 2000 pictures!) so here's a few I came across today from our days in San Fran.

What a beautiful city!  We really only had two days here and the first was a bit of an adventure.  So on the second day we spent the morning at the market, took a ferry to Alcatraz in the afternoon, and then went out for an amazing dinner at Farallon that evening.  My husband had to drag me away from this city kicking and screaming!

Happy Stampin'
Allison
 

I've missed you!

I feel like I've been gone forever!  And I pretty much have been.  For those of you that weren't aware, I've actually been on vacation for the last 4 weeks!  We spent some time with family, drove through 7 states and 2 provinces, did some camping, some hotel stays, and had an all around amazing time!  I'll post some vacation photos soon, but I know you're here for some stamping inspiration!  This card is my first creation in over a month and boy have I missed my stamp room!  Vacations are great, but I've been wanting to play with my stuff!  

It's going to be a busy day of laundry and unpacking suitcases, so I've got to run.  BUT I will be back with some more stamping tomorrow!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

 

More Convention Swaps

Ok, so I promise I will actually get my butt in my stamping room and do some creating for you soon!  But in the meantime, here's some more fabulous swaps from Convention!  

by Rhonda Wells

 I think this card is just stunning!  I love everything about it!

by Sandra Rosario

 This beauty uses the new in-colours!  They're so fantastic!

by Jini Merck

 This card has a beautiful mother of pearl technique that I'll be teaching my Stamp Clubs.  I hope you can see the shine in the picture!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

A peek at some Convention Swaps

I hope I'm not boring you with all my Convention posts!  I just have SO SO SO much to share!  Before I left I made 100 'general swaps' that were not part of the organized swaps I had joined.  During general swapping I got some really really fantastic cards that used punches in all sorts of ways that I would have never thought of!  Wanna see a few favs?

by Jessi Mann

 This rocket ship is just awesome!  It uses the Pennant Punch and the Blossom Punch.  How smart!

by Jan Shaw

I think this one is just too cute!  Lots of fun ice cream treats made with punches.

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Beau Chateau - Product Park Display

I gave you a little overview of the Product Park a few days ago, but there is SO much more to it than I previously shared!  Today I'll show you the beautiful projects using the Beau Chateau suite of products.  

Every little 'window' of this display cabinet was filled with little creations!

Just look at these beautiful little eggs!

I wish you could see all the detail on this little bird.  It was so adorable!

The little details on this bird were stunning!

This is the back of the cabinet, all decorated too of course!

I love all the embellishments on this little 3 x 3 card!  And that fabric!!!

I am really wanting the Petite Pocket Die (here on the right).  There were lots of great samples at Convention using this new die for the Big Shot.  I'm thinking be on one of my upcoming orders for sure!

Another blinged out card with lots of sparkle!

 I hope you enjoyed the Beau Chateau section of Product Park!  There are lots more product suites to see, so stay tuned!


Happy Stampin
Allison

Manly Man Swaps - Part 2

I'm back today as promised with some more of the 'Manly Man' swaps from Convention.  I got lots of these beauties, so if you're coming to one of my events this August, remind me to show them to you.

by Julia White

by Lisa Gray

creator unknown

by Virginia Killmore

Thanks for stopping in to 'see' me.  I hope you're all having a fabulous summer!  I have been having the time of my life!  I'll catch you up on all the summer fun soon!

Happy Stampin'
Allison