This post will remian on top until 4/6. SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS.You're Invited to a High Tea & Card Making!

This is going to be a fun and relaxing day and I can't wait to enjoy it with you. Come have high tea with me and we'll make some cards too. Lunch includes: - fresh fruit salad w/raspberry walnut vinaigrette topped with cottage cheese - an assortment of tea sandwiches - an assortment of tea pastries & of course, tea!! I will include all the materials to make 5 wonderful cards including envelopes. We will also have fun drawings for FREE stuff. Adhesive will be included as well. Make sure you RSVP to this fun event as seating is limited. If it fills up, I will set up a waiting list...but don't wait that long!! Lunch & Materials fee: $30 (this includes lunch, tea, materials and gratuity) Stampin' Hugs, Lorraine What: Stampin' Tea Party!! Where: Cynthia's Tea Garden 4071 Bay Street Fremont, CA When: April 9th, 2011, 1pm

2011-2012 Catalog Sneak Peek & PROMO!!! Samples too!!!

Spring is in full swing at Stampin' Up! with a sneak peek at two brand new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog!!

You can order both of these exciting new products with a $20 minimum purchase or get them FREE with a $350* workshop.

Thank You Card

(4" x 8")

Stamps

Four Frames

Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper

River Rock Card Stock

Cherry Cobbler Textured Card Stock

Old Olive Textured Card Stock

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Watercolor Paper

Ink

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin’ Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad

Very Vanilla Smooch Spritz®

Accessories

Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder

Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon

Pearl Basic Jewels

Stampin’ Dimensionals

Aqua Painter®

Boho Blossoms Punch

Decorative Label Punch

Two-Step Bird Punch

3/4" Circle Punch

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

Sewing machine and thread

Hello Card

(8-1/2" x 5-1/2")

Stamps

Four Frames

Tiny Tags

Paper

Cherry Cobbler Card Stock

Naturals White Card Stock

River Rock Card Stock

Marina Mist Textured Card Stock

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Ink

Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories

Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder

Pearl Basic Jewels

Vintage Trinkets

Stampin’ Dimensionals

Boho Blossoms Punch

Decorative Label Punch

Jewelry Tag Punch

Scallop Trim Border Punch

Big Shot™

Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Enjoy Life Art Journal

Stamps

Fabulous Phrases

Four Frames

Paper

Naturals Ivory Card Stock

Naturals White Card Stock

Not Quite Navy Textured Card Stock

River Rock Textured Card Stock

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

On Board 5" x 5" Art Journal

Ink

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories

Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder

Early Espresso 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Antique Brads

Paper Daisies

Stampin’ Dimensionals Decorative Label Punch Scallop Border Punch Two-Step Bird Punch Celebrate You card

(5-1/2" x 8-1/2")

Stamps

Fabulous Phrases

Four Frames

Just Perfect Alphabet

Paper

Baja Breeze Card Stock

Naturals White Card Stock

River Rock Card Stock

Tangerine Tango Card Stock

Old Olive Textured Card Stock

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Ink

Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad®

Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories

Clear Stampin’ Emboss® Powder

Linen Thread

Antique Brads

Stampin’ Dimensionals®

Decorative Label Punch 3/4" Circle Punch

(*this total does not include tax and shipping.)

Some Kissing Pics...

Lydia Fiedler inspired me to do some kissing today!! Ok, probably not the kissing you were thinking of but stamp kissing! Yes, I love my stamps so much that I sometimes want to kiss them but that's not what I did this time...LOL!!!

What I did was ink up my Ornate Blossom stamp (FREE with a $50 order) with Blushing Bride, then I inked up my swirly stamp from the Sweet Summer set (also FREE with a $50 order) with Chocolate Chip and stamped on to my Ornate Blossom stamp. So, you're stamping on a stamp, yes, that's correct. Then stamp it on to paper!! Voila! You just kissed your stamps!! Then I colored the image in with Certainly Celery and So Saffron markers.

The inspiration for the color combo on this card came from a Yahoo group I belong to, Stampin' Up! Late Nite Stampers. If you're not a member of this group, you really should be. There are some super incredible stampers in this group and they share all kinds of AMAZING projects!!! This is one of the weekly challenges they give us. This one is for Challenge 113, it's a color challenge.-----my very first challenge EVER!!! The colors are Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron.

So, here's the card. What do you think? Let me know. I love to read comments you leave me so leave me some love my blog peeps!! :0)

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
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www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What can I say? I love my job!

Birthday Cupcakes

Well, let me tell you...when I saw what I could do with my Petal Cone die for the Big Shot I got so excited!!! Corinne (aka Roxy) Summerville shared an oh-so-cute cupcake made with this die and boy did my wheels start turning. I was thinking of all the different cupcakes I could make, chocolate, strawberry, fluffy, swirly and polka dotty (ok, that's probably not a word), but you get the idea right? Well, here are the cupcakes that whirled around in my head. I hope you like them. :0) They almost look good enough to eat...yummmmmm!!

Thanks for coming to see me today. Enjoy your FRIDAY!!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What can I say...I love my job!!

Princess Crown and a Blog Award-WOO HOO!!

My son was invited to a birthday party for one of his good friends, Angela, so, of course, I needed to create something beautiful, sparkly and pink!! I searched the internet for a crown template and couldn't find one I liked. I wanted something unique so I created my own!! I'm sharing the template with you so, your job is to use it to create something and share it with everyone!

Here's my princess crown...

My son Randy and his friend, the birthday princess, Angela.My wonderful friend Rosie Gonzalez has awarded me with the Stylish Blogger Award!! THANKS ROSIE POSIE!!! What an honor it is to receive this special award again!! The rules state that I am supposed to share some unique things about me but since I've already done that on the first award I will not bore you with more uninteresting stuff about me. :0) I also need to pass this on to some other bloggers that inspire me so, here are the blogs I like to read daily to get the inspiration to create, live a happy life and be thankful for everything I have.

Lorie Ames

Patty Bennett

Lydia Fiedler

Sandi MacIver

Mary Brown

Go pay these ladies a visit today, I promise, you will NOT be disappointed!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and hug the ones you love!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693

¯\_(ツ)_/¯-- What can I say...I love my job!!

Springtime Vintage Happy Birthday

Here's another card we made at Stamp Camp last weekend. This one started with the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper we have in the Occasions Mini Catalog. This is my all time favorite DSP since I started with SU! 15 years ago. I love how girly and shabby chic it is. I really, really hope it carries over so we can still order it after the Occasions Mini is gone.

Check out the close up pic. See all that glitter???? I added our Champagne Shimmer Paint to some alcohol in a little spray bottle and shook it up really good and sprayed the whole card!!! I LOVE OUR SHIMMER PAINTS!!! Mostly because I love anything sparkly, glittery, shimmery!!! Don't you just love this technique!?!? To make the Simmer Spritz, I poured the whole bottle into the small spray bottle and then filled the rest up with alcohol. I used alcohol because it dries so quickly. My spray bottle is about 4 inches high. Go ahead, give it a try, it's sooooooooo sparkly in person.

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693

¯\_(ツ)_/¯-- What can I say...I love my job!!

Ice Cream Anyone?

This is a totally cute card I made after I watched Jill Olsen's video tutorial. This was also one of the cards we created at Stamp Camp last weekend. It was a huge hit, everyone loved it. This awesome card would be great for birthday invites, happy birthdays, ice cream social invites, thank yous, have a great day cards and probably more occasions. I love it and will most likely use it for all of the above occasions. :0) We will also be making this at my next Stamp Camp on March 27th, so if you missed last weekend's stamp camp email me now to register for this one!!
Thanks for your continued friendships, I really appreciate that you take time out of your day to visit me!! Happy hugs to you all!!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I Need a Seamstress!!

Check out these cute dresses!!! I want one of each that I can wear. Is there a seamstress out there that can make me these dresses?!?!

Michelle Lyon shared a darling dress card with one of my stamp groups and I just had to CASE it!! Here are my three versions using our Springtime Vintage fabric in the Occasions Mini catalog. The bottom of the dresses were cut using the Square Scallop Die and the Big Shot and the tops of the dresses were made using 3 different Circle Punches, the NEW 2 1/2", the 1 3/4" and the 3/4". Now if I could find someone to make me life size copies I'd be in heaven!!

EDIT TO ADD:

Directions are below!!

I hope you like these cute dresses and are inspired to create something using our new Springtime Vintage fabric. I just love this fabric and hope it makes it into the next big catalog!!

Thank you for visiting me today.

Now I'm off to finish getting ready for Stamp Camp tomorrow.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
http://www.lorraine.stampinup.net/
Visit My Blog:
http://www.lorrainerowe.blogspot.com/
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Directions to create these adorable dresses!!
The top part of the dress is cardstock. Punch a circle out using the Stampin' Up! 2 1/2" Circle Punch. Then on each side use the 1 3/4" Circle Punch to create the shape for the waist. I punched one side then used the piece punched out and laid it on the other side of the circle and traced it with pencil. Then punch that side out following your traced line. Use the 3/4" Circle Punch for the neck. I then ran all three tops through the Big Shot using different Embossing Folders. I used the Elegant Lines, Elegant Bouquet and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folders. Then embellish the way you want.

For the bottom part of the dress I used the Big Shot die cutting machine and the Square Scallop Die. Just cut one fabric scallop square using the die. Fold the fabric back according to the shape of the "skirt" you want, glue to the back of the Top of the dress and cut off the excess.

That's it. I really hope my directions are easy for you to follow. If you have any questions, please let me know. I'm happy to help. Also, if you need any of the supplies to make these cards you can order them directly from my Stampin' Up! Website and you will receive preferred pricing, a little discount.

Water Bottle Holder

Happy Wednesday!!! Here's a project I've been thinking about for a couple of days now. It's a water bottle holder for me! I don't like carrying anything when I go for my walks so I decided to put our beautiful new Designer Fabric to good use. I made it large enough to hold a big water bottle and I can still put my keys in the bottom!!

The fabric is from our Occasions Mini catalog and it's called Springtime Vintage. The fabric is 100% cotton and comes in 3 coordinated designs in extra fat quarters, approx. 28"x18" and sells for $9.95 for all 3 pieces!!! What a deal! I do have to say that this fabric is my ABSOLUTE favorite of all the SU! fabrics we've had so far. I just love the feminine look of it. I've used all 3 designs on this project and just love how it turned out. The ribbon is retired but it's SU!'s Rose Red and Brocade Blue. I just stitched 2 straight (kind of) lines down the ribbon, hemmed each end and added button holes. The buttons are also SU!! They're our Big Designer Buttons and are also in the Occasions Mini and you get 48 buttons, 4 each of 3 designs in 4 colors, Crumb Cake, Rose Red (used here), Pear Pizzazz and Night of Navy!!!! They coordinate with our fabric perfectly and sell for $8.95!!
To make the holder I cut 12 scallop squares out using our AWESOME Scallop Square Die for the Big Shot and 2 hand cut triangles for the bottom. I stitched them all together with the scallops left out to make this project kind of Shabby Chic. It is reversible and the inside is all finished if you prefer the smooth look.

Now, I am NOT a seamstress at all!!! I am very much a novice at sewing but this was SO very easy to make I know, if I can make it, anyone can make it!!

If you would like to see our gorgeous fabric just download the Occasions Mini catalog and check it out. There is also another beautiful fabric bundle in the mini in case you don't like this one. Don't forget all the incredible stamps, accessories and finished projects in the catalog too and if you purchase $50 from ANY catalog, you will get to choose a FREE item from our Sale A Bration Catalog!!! It's just a great month to purchase those items on your wish list AND get some FREE stuff too!!! Just go to my SU! Website to place your order and don't forget you'll get PREFERRED PRICING by placing an online order too!!!!

Well, that's it for me today. I'm off to go walking with my new water bottle holder!!

I hope you have nice weather so you can enjoy a walk or just being outside today!!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
http://www.lorraine.stampinup.net/
Visit My Blog:
http://www.lorrainerowe.blogspot.com/
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Beautiful Bliss

Well, as promised here I am again...WOO HOO...2 postings in 1 week!!

Here are a couple of cards I made with the Sale A Bration stamp set Bliss!!! Remember, you can get this set FREE with a $50 order!! These stamps are simply beautiful. They're great for a traditional card like the Red, White & Blue card below or for a vintage look like the Soft Suede and Vanilla card here. Either way, I think you'll love what you can create with this stamp set!!

Have a Terrific Tuesday and thanks for visiting me today!!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sweet Summer Watercolor

Happy Monday!!
Yes, I know I've been gone a while but I'm here today to show you a couple of cards I made. It's pretty rare that I have time to just "play" with my Stampin' Up! stuff but I made time last week.

I really love the new stamp set Sweet Summer in the Sale A Bration catalog. It's got the cutest images that are perfect for any occasion and it's FREE with a $50 order!!!

For these two cards I did some ink pad watercoloring. This is when you squeeze the lid of your ink pad to get the ink on the inside of the lid. Then just take your Aquabrush and start watercoloring!!! It's like having all of our designer colors to paint with!!

I'll try to be back tomorrow to post another 2 cards I made. Those are using the Sale A Bration Set called Bliss!!! Come back and check them out. Meanwhile, let me know what you think of these two cards.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful week!!

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Shop Online, View Events,
See Projects, Promotions,
Catalogs, Join My Team!
http://www.lorraine.stampinup.net/
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373
Stamp Studio: 510/573-7693

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Explore Your Creativity with Stampin' Up!

Learn more about Stampin' Up! Watch this video from Shelli Gardner, Owner, Stampin' Up! You might want to watch it more than once to see the wonderful projects again. Watch closely and get some great ideas!! Thanks for visiting me today and Happy Stampin'!

Stamp Camp

You're Invited to Stamp Camp!!
March 5th at 11:30

Come join me and two other demonstrators for a fun filled event.

We'll be meeting at Round Table Pizza. There are only 12 spaces per demonstrator, 36 spaces in all, so it will be first come first served. Sign up soon or you'll miss out on a wonderful creative experience! But don't worry, you will be put on a waiting list if my spaces are filled and will be notified when/if a space becomes available. The fee is $30. This includes pizza, salad and drinks.

We'll be making 6 projects, these are a bit more difficult than regular workshop projects. You'll learn new techniques and enjoy making "wow" projects that will impress your friends and family. There will be lots of drawings for free stamp sets and accessories. Also, bring your camera since you'll be surrounded by 100's of samples.

If this sounds like something you'd like to do then call your friends and then let me know. The more the merrier. I promise you'll have a memorable afternoon.

VERY IMPORTANT: RSVP by Saturday, February 26th since spaces are limited and we will be filling spaces with people on the waiting list by Sunday February 27th. You must make payment by this date to hold your spot. You can send me a check, call me with your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card, or pay with PayPal. My PayPal account name is Ltrain26@comcast.net.

Don't miss out on a chance to have a great time while learning new stuff, winning great prizes, eating good pizza and meeting new friends!! I'm looking forward to seeing you there.

Lorraine Castellon-Rowe Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
SU! Website: www.lorraine.stampinup.net
Email: Ltrain26@comcast.net
Home: 510/440-9053
Cell: 408/757-6373

Sale-A-Bration: Bliss Project

Here's a great video showcasing one of the fabulous Sale-A-Bration Sets available for FREE with a $50 order!! To place your order just go to my Stampin' Up! Demo website, http://www.lorraine.stampinup.net/. For every $50 you spend you can choose a FREE Sale-A-Bration stamp set. There's no limit! There are over 75 FREE sets to choose from. To see the full Sale A Bration catalog just click here to download a free copy now! http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lorraine/catalogs

Framed Memo Board

When I saw this memo board I just knew I had to share it with you!!! This beautiful project was created by Glenda Calkins and Lori VanKlompenberg!! You can see the original post if you click here: http://thestampcamp.com/blog/01/18/stampin-up-springtime-vintage-designer-fabric/

I just love our new Springtime Vintage Designer FABRIC!!! Yes, FABRIC!!! You've got to check out the other fabrics that come with it. They're gorgeous I tell ya!! AND FABRIC Brads!!! WOW! You are gonna' love these!! If you want to see the fabric and all the other incredible supplies and projects just click here: http://204.228.150.61/20102011catalogs/Occasions11_US.pdf

This is our new Occasions Mini catalog and it is FULL of so many new things and stamped samples waiting for you to copy!! If you would like to order the fabric and fabric brads used here, the order numbers are below.

Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric #121817 $9.95
Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads #121880 $6.95

I hope you're having a sweet week! Thanks for stopping by to see me today!

Have some Caffeine

Here's a quick card I made using the A La Carte stamp Tiny Teacup. I knew when I saw the image in the 2010/2011 catalog I had to have it. It was on my first order from the new catalog!!

Have a super weekend and thank you for stopping by today!!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! Fremont, CA

Audrina's 1st Birthday

My beautiful niece Audrina turned 1 in September. The party theme was pink (of course) and monkeys!! It was too cute. I had to make a monkey card for her. Here are some pics of the card and of Audrina's party.

I hope you are having a nice day and I thank you for visiting me!

Soft Pretty Card

Here's a pretty card I made for fun. I wanted something soft and feminine. I think the pink and the pearls did the trick. Hope you like it. Have a super day! BTW: this card is cased and as soon as I find the original card I will add that link.