Butterfly Flutterby ...

This STILL has to be one of my most favoritest butterfly dies ... EVER!! In fact, I have used it sooo much that I actually wore it out and had to get another one!! (I know, right??? Didn't even know that was possible!!)

White-on-white is also one of my favorite things to do on a card ... it always looks so clean and elegant.

Got a fun weekend planned. We are doing a lot of fun things and a service project with the youth from our church. I love hanging out with teenagers (but why is it that OTHER peoples' teenagers always seem to like me more than my own???)! Teheheehee!

Stamps: Short and Sweet
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Bride DSP, Vellum
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Quickutz Monarch Butterfly Die, Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folder, Marvy Double Scallop Corner Punch, Small Oval Punch, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon

CHOCOLATE-Y Framed Art

Can you stand yet ANOTHER framed art "quilty square" thing?? I am still waiting for a friend of mine to take a picture of the"Family Frame" we made during our showbox swap at Convention using the Mocha Morning paper. But, while I have been waiting, I decided to make this gift for some friends of mine ...

They moved into our neighborhood about 8 years ago to open a little chocolate shop a couple of blocks from my house. We live int the oldest residential neighborhood in Salt Lake, which is why we are one one of the ONLY ones that still has zoning for business establishments amongst the houses (which I LOVE!). Their little chocolate shop has been such a wonderful little community gathering spot. Such a great place!!

They long-ago outgrew their space. Finally, they were able to secure a building that had housed the most wonderful little grocery/meat market that had been there for over 80 years. Sadly, the owner (who was in his 80's) died a few years ago. The building has sat depressingly empty since then.

UNTL NOW!! As of last Friday, the store reopened as the new location for our neighborhood's little chocolate shop!! HOORAY!! (and it is also fun to note that my son #2 happens to work there ... as do many of the kids from the neighborhood). I decided to make this little frame as a sort of "new store" warming gift. My kids thought I was kinda weird for doing it (what do THEY know??!!??), but I don't think so ...

And the BEST part is that the little shop is now even CLOSER to my house!! (Instead of being 2 1/2 block away, it is now only 1 1/2 blocks). And it is UPHILL ... which means I have to EXERCISE to get there ... which means I am justified in buying pretty much ANYthing I want since I have earned it with the "hike" up the hill ... and did I mention that they make the most DELICIOUS milkshakes, sundaes AND FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE??? See????

Have a great day!!

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Lacy Ribbon Border Punch, Small Oval Punch, Create a Cupcake Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Slit Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Fluerettes, In Color Polka Dot Brads, Rhinestone Stickers, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon, Wisteria Wonder and Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folders, Embosslits Scalloped Heart of Hearts Die, Old Olive Button, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge (you could use the Serif Essentials Bigz Die ... I don't own that ... and Jan took hers back to Michigan!!)

Mojo On Vacation ...

I have tried NUMEROUS times over the past week to sit down and create something ... and most of the time I just end up sitting there and staring into the abyss. This could also be known as Convention Lag, perhaps?? It seems I just CAN'T seem to get the creative juices flowing!! My brain is just on spin cycle ...

Talked to Jan(Tink) yesterday. I do believe she went back home with all of HER Mojo ... and I do believe she must've taken MINE with her!! She has been CRANKIN' out cards!! I am hoping to get something going today ...

This is a birthday card I made for my cousin a little while back (when I HAD some creativity still going!!). I love to make my own patterned paper. I made the black and white background on this using the "Style Beautiful" set. I {{heart}} the lovely swirly images in that set!! It took a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig and a little patience, but I like how it turned out!

Hopefully I will be able to get jump started today ... anyone wanna come over and play??

OH!! Before I totally forget ... Happy Pioneer Day to all my friends here in Utah!!! Tomorrow we will be celebrating with a HUGE neighborhood/community breakfast and a parade (best of ALL?? It's a HOLIDAY so I can stay home from work!!)!!

Stamps: Style Beautiful, Create a Cupcake
Paper: Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Black Stazon, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels Four, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Marvy Double Scallop Corner Punch, Pearl Stickers, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch

A New Favorite ...

I think that "Field Flowers" is fast-becoming one of my new favorite sets. I've always been a little bit of a softie for two-step stamps, anyway. But this one is a keeper!!

This fun fold is called a Center Step Card. I've been seeing them around a lot lately (saw MANYMANYMANY at Convention!), but I hadn't tried one 'til I made this. Here is a link to a tutorial on SCS if you wanna check it out:

Center Step Instructions

I need to rob a bank ... or inherit some money from a long-lost relative ... or win the lottery OR Publisher's Clearing House (I guess it would help if I enter EITHER!) ... there are SERIOUSLY a lot of fun goodies I want/need in the new SU catalog! And the Holiday Mini that is coming out soon?? Fuhgeddaboudit!! I thought about trying to sell one of my kids ... but then dismissed the idea 'cause I think that might be a hard sell ... think I am just gonna hafta go through my stash of stamps and find some more to add to my "for sale" list ... that might cover what I have ALREADY bought!! Sheesh!

Stamps: Field Flowers, Petite Pairs
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, In Color Patterned DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral
Accessories: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Rich Razzleberry Buttons, Dimensionals

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Sweet Little Blossom Box ...

... at least that's how it would APPEAR!! This is made using the new Blossom Box Die. It is kind of a fussy little die ... okay ... it's REALLY fussy!! Actually, once you figure out if you need to add a little shim to the die sandwich or not, it isn't so bad. There IS, after all, a little tutorial video that SU did to show you how to do it. You really DO need to make sure that all the creases are done completely ... and that you are patient ... and that you practice with scraps of stuff that you don't care about ... hehehehe!

Actually, now that I have successfully completed making one, it wouldn't be too bad to make another one. I think this is stinkin' ca-YOOT!!! Jan left this morning ... sigh ... as did all the stamps and toys she brought with her!! (Hahahaha!! Don't worry, Jan ... I don't just love your for your stampin' stuff!!) I decided that this needed one of my paper-punch roses as an embellishment, too. I think I likey ... but I am pretty sure I'm not gonna make 100 of these any time soon!!

I think I need a nap ... or two ... or three!! Convention is the BEST (wouldn't miss it) ... but after prepping my house for company for a week, playing at Convention, and then trying to get back into a regular schedule, I'm pretty whooped. Soooo worth it, though!! Can't wait for next summer already!!

Stamps: Petite Pairs
Paper: Elegant Eggplant Rich Regals Patterned DSP, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Blossom Box Die, Decorative Label Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch (to mount flower on), Blossom Builders Punch (for leaves), Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel, Linen Thread

Touring Through Summer With the Freaks!

Welcome to the Control Freaks Mid-Summer Tour!! We were originally gonna just have this Tour be all about Christmas in July ... and then those of us who got together during SU Convention last week and swapped thought it would be a PITY and a CRYING SHAME if we didn't share at least SOME of the gorgamalicious swaps we had created. Hence, this is a Summer MishMash ... but it's ALL good!! You should just come from the blog of our Freak Mama, Lisa Martz!! She is the BESTEST, don'tcha think??

Can I say I {{heart}} this set??? For some reason it just speaks to me ... those little bitty shoe prints just make my heart happy. So, I knew as soon as I saw it that it was GOING to be MINE!!! (And during Convention I discovered numerous other sets that will also have to join the Stamp Collective at my house!)

Stamps: Daring Adventure
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Night of Navy Denim Ribbon, Vintage Brad, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Folder, Corner Rounder, Dimensionals

I also HAD to have this adorably darling baby/nursery set called "Little Additions" ... such fun!! And mui-many thanks to Jason Casper for loaning me his Scallop Circle #2 die during Convention ... I was madly rushing to complete these swaps and realized I NEEDED the ding-dang scallop circle that I didn't have!!! He was kind enough to bring his for me the next day ... and as badly as I wanted to keep it for myself, I DID return it to its rightful owner. You rock, Dude!!

Stamps: Little Additions
Paper: Marina Mist, Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Nursery Nest DSP
Ink: Marina Mist, Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Scallop Circle #2 Die, Small Oval Punch, Word Window Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Rhinestone Basics Jewel Sticker, Dimesionals

One of the most ca-YOOT-est and basically adorable things we saw demo'd at Convention was this little treat box (shown by Brian PIlling ...). It was so fun that I decided to put my own twist on it (thanks to Jan and her stash of Letters to Santa DSP!) It is used making the ... wait for it ... Mini Milk Carton Die!!! OHMYGOSHAMAZING!! All you hafta do is cut out two of 'em, then cut off one panel from the end of each of 'em (the panel on the end withOUT the tab). Then just tape 'em together, string some Baker's Twine through the top and embellish to your heart's content. VOILA!!! (Insert choir of angels singing here!!)

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Paper: Letters to Santa DSP, Whisper White, Old Olive, Real Red
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Mini MIlk Carton Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Northern Frost Sizzlet Strip Die, Jewelry Tag Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Chocolate Chip Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon, Whisper White Baker's Twine (and a little silver sewing thread)

I have been SOOO happy to have my BFF, Jan, staying with me this past week with her chocolate and stamp sets and DSP (bwahahaha!! JK, girlfriend!). I really have enjoyed having her here (we have stamped, eaten chocolate and laughed ourselves to the silly point of tears) ... and having her here for a bonus/extra two days has been FAB!! Loves ya, girl!! Come again ANY time!

And now? On to the Freakishly Fabulous Blog of Lorri Heiling ... here swaps were INCREDIBLY CLEVER!! Check 'em out ...

SU Convention - Days 3 & 4

HolySMOKES!!! I can't even believe I am still awake (it is just about midnight as I type this). I should be snoozin' ... which I will be shortly, but not before I share the a bit of what I've been doing the past two days.

First off, I never showed you one of the mui-FANTABULOUS projects we did in our Make & Takes ... it is a lovely card box. Lots of steps ... but the end result was sooo great!!! The M&T projects were TOP NOTCH this year!!! Amazingamazingamazing!!!

Yesterday at Convention was great!! Learned a lot of new stuff, saw a lot of new stuff, and hooked up with some great friends. This is a pic of me and my dear-sweet-wonderful BFF, Lydia Fiedler!! She is our Dirty Dozen Mama over on SCS. I cannot believe how much this woman makes me smile. I swear, I feel like I have known her forEVER!! A bunch of us went to dinner after meetings yesterday, then headed back to the Salt Palace for a class (which was fun, but I was honestly too tired to create, so I did a lot of visiting ... I know, I know ... so many of you would be SHOCKED to see that I talk as much as I actually do, right???) But, I digress ... I do LOVE this chick, though!





And these CUPCAKES!! Shut UP!!!! There were a few tables LOADED DOWN with 'em when we showed up to our class last night. YUMYUMYUMYUMYUMMMO!!! Cupcakes just make me happy!!

Today was wonderful and bittersweet at the same time. First, let me say that Jan and I stayed up 'til 2:00 a.m. (Note ... does "punch drunk" mean anything to any of you?? We were laughing until we were crying at THE dumbest stuff!!) and then woke again just after 6:00 a.m. so that we could finish our Control Freak swaps. (Note ... there is NOTHIN' that is too good for our Freaky friends!). I was even an hour late getting to the Convention Center this morning as I was finishing my swaps. Found a great parking place right on the street in front of the Convention Center, where parking is free for two hours on Saturday. Got so wrapped up in what I was doing that I forgot to go out and move the car ... which means I got a ticket!! Crap!!! But, I digress ... again ...

Our Freak Swap/Lunch Date was amazing. I can honestly say that I was near tears when I saw all the beautiful creations that everyone had brought to share. And not just because the swaps were so lovely, but that the women who created them are so lovely ... their inner beauty just shines in everything they do. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazingly awesome group of women. Love ya, girls!!




And what could be mo' bettah than Spencer Willis singin' "The Candy Man" with his four adorable children??? What a treat that was for everyone!! And the kids didn't seem a BIT nervous OR phased by their newly-found celebrity! Awesome!!







The theme this year was "Grow" ... I swear, I love this company. They are so people-oriented. I always learn so many things I can not only apply to my SU business, but just to my life in general. Lots of inspiration and just genuine good ol' warm fuzzy feelings. I have made some of THE most amazing friendships due to my involvement with SU. Lifetime friends ... people I can turn to when I need help ... with virtually ANYthing. What's not to love about a company that does this for so many people?? Okay ... enough gushing ...

And last, but certainly NOT least ... remember that FAMILY frame I posted a while back HERE?? My BFF Cheryl and I decided to do it as our shoebox swap project that we did with some of our bestest friendies. This is the one I designed using the new luscious Berry Blossom dsp. Isn't it just deLISH??? (The "blank" square is gonna have a family photo in it.) I also did one with the Mocha Morning dsp ... will get a photo of that one and share it with ya soon.

Had a wonderfullygreatterrificfantasticexhaustingexhileratinglyGREAT time this past few days. Now I think I am gonna gets me some SLEEP!!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs (sentiment), Field Flowers (sentiment)
Paper: Berry Blossom DSP, Early Espresso, Wisteria Wonder, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Sans Serif Alphabet Dies, Scribbles & Swirls Embosslits Die, Decorator Label Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Petal Card Punch, Triple Heart Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder

More From Stampin' Up Convention - Day 2

Can hair really BE tired??? Yes, I think it can!!! I know it is exhiliratingly exhausting every single year I go to Convention, but I seem to forget just HOW tired we all get my 9:00 p.m.!! What a whirlwind!!

Sooo much fun stuff was seen/heard/done yesterday!! Most exciting of which (besides seeing more of my besties!) was having SU reveal the Holiday Mini during General Sessoin??? HOLYCOWHOLYCOWHOLYCOW!! I am still feeling BROKE after the new catalog release, but I hafta say that this is one of the BEST Mini Catalogs I have EVER seen!!! I-WANT-IT-ALL!!! Stamps, dies, RIBBON and a lovely new scoreboard only scratch the surface of what was in there!! A COOKIE STAMPS!!! Are you SERIOUS??? So freakin' ca-YOOT!! I am thinking I may need to sell one of my kids ... but in this economy that could be tricky, since they ARE past that cute little toddler stage (can you say 23, 20 and 17??)!! Think I may be SOL (sorry-outta-luck!) on that one. Hmmm.... could give it a try ... anyone interested???

Here is a photo of me and some of my SCS/FB friendies!!! Soooo stinkin' fun to meet them in person!!! And I'm STILL happy with the fact that Mindy and I can have a conversation while looking each other in the eye (and we don't even hafta sit down to do it!!)!! We were commenting to each other last night how we have been running into each other EVERYwhere since Convention started. I think we decided it was because we are on the same eye level and don't hafta look UP as we pass each other by!!! Love ya, girl!!





AND can I tell you how incredibly COOL Jacque Craig is??? HOLYCOWHOLYCOWHOLYCOW!!!! (I said that already, didn't I??). She is the creator of Craft Project Central (I blog hopped with them last month). Anywho, when we did get a chance to meet up we had a lovely visit. AND she brought me a box of chocolate-covered MACADAMIA NUTS all the way from Hawaii!!! NOWAY!!! Such a lovely, thoughtful gesture (and she gave me a beautiful swap card, too!). Can I just say that stampin' peeps are the BESTEST???? Having SUCH a great time!!!

One more card to share with ya ... you'll be seeing some with new product comin' up soon ... I PROMISE!!

Stamps: Everything Nice
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, La Creme DSP by DCWV
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Blossom Petals Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Arched Lattice Border Punch, Decorator Label Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Black Organza Ribbon, Large Pearl Sticker

Well, it's off to the races again!!! More fun-filled adventures ahead today!!

Convention 2011 - Friends and Fun!

Have I ever mentioned that my most favorite-ist part of Convention is hooking up with my friends??? Seriously, I have made some of the most wonderful friendships over the years ... people whom I would never have made before, but who now, nonetheless, have become such an important part of my life.

Here is my "roomie", Jan ... this is the third year in a row that she has come to stay with me during Convention. She informed me the other night that not only was she my BFF (or I hers?), but that she was my BBFF!! How fun!! We spent sooo much time laughing and stamping and eating (chocolate, of course!). She got to be a presenter during the "party" at Convention last night. Funfunfun!


And how can I NOT include another BFF, Cheryl?? We met through my upline, Shellee, back when we were both just club members. She signed up as a demo about a year before I did. I sooo value her friendship. From stamping (and eating, of course!) to lovely lunchtime walks through the canyon, our friendship has become such an important part of my life. Love you, girlfriend!!





AND it is sooo much fun to hook up with people who, up 'til now, have only been my online besties. Like Mindy Backes ... could this woman BE any CUTER??? And I LOVE it when there is another adult that I can look directly in the eye when we are talking!! Does NOT happen that often!! More fun ...





Got LOTS more photos to take, stamping to do, and fun to have (not to mention chocolate to eat!). I now do the "Twitter" thing (see my sidebar) ... I guess I "Tweet"??? I'm a-learnin' ... Here is a card I made with a kinda funky fold (12" x 4.25", folded down from the top and up from the bottom ... used a little Velcro dot to close it up). I was inspired to make this by a card my mom gave me for my birthday last year. LOVE me a fun fold!!

I'll be back with more Convention Fun-ness!! Stay tuned ...

Stamps: Happiness Shared, Define Your Life
Paper: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Black Stazon, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Real Red
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Tulip Frame Textured Impressions Folder, Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Rhinestone Jewel, Iridescent Smooch, Velcro Dot, Dimensionals