August Downline Meeting

Good morning!! Here are the cards we made at my downline meeting this month. Isn't my team of demonstrators just wonderful! They are just so fun to be around plus they've really got talent!

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Lorraine

Jumper Dress Card

I got this idea from a swap my friends got at the Stampin' Up! convention this year. I just thought it was the cutest way to use some of our punches. I made this one for my nieces birthday coming up. I just saw another idea I'm going to have to try, for making an owl, using some of our punches in our Stampin' Up! Stampin' Success magazine. Demonstrators receive this magazine every month and it's full of samples, ideas, tips, techniques and business info. If you were ever thinking of becoming a demonstrator now is the time!! We're having a $99 special now through October 11th!! Click the link to the left or email me for more information. I'd love to see what you do with our awesome punches. Send me pics or a link and if you want I'll even add it to my blog, giving you full credit of course.
Recipe is below the pic.
Have a terrific Thursday!
Lorraine SUPPLIES all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:
Stamps: Ginormous Flowers, Enjoy Every Moment & Just Celebrate
Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Taken with Teal
Cardstock: Summer Sun, Taken with Teal, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Patterned Paper-DCWV Summer Matstack
Accessories: Large & Small Oval punches, Word Window Punch, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8" Square Punches, Rich Regal Brads, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (dyed with Summer Sun Classic Pad), SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals

Pretty Flowers

Happy Thursday!! Here are a couple of cards I made. One was for my Mom's birthday and one was for my Sister's birthday. They're pretty straightforward cards. No crazy techniques but sometimes the simplest cards are still pretty. I just stamped the flowers and colored them in with markers. On my Mom card I also stamped the white dots in the center of the flowers and embossed them in white. The chipboard letters came with white polka dots but just not enough so I added some with my white gel pen. The recipe is below.
Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Lorraine ALL SUPPLIES STAMPIN' UP! UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:
Stamps: Doodle This, Hero Arts-Buds and Stems (Flower Center Dots)
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Summer Sun, So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers
Cardstock: So Saffron, Taken with Teak, Regal Rose, Summer Sun, Whisper White
Accessories: Chipboard Alphabet Pink (Target Dollar Spot), Detail White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Powder Pal, Embossing Buddy, SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals

DH Birthday Card

This is the card I made for my wonderful DH!! He absolutely loves the beach so when I found The Photo Stack 2 by DCWV I just had to have it. The stack has beach, nature, flowers, objects and city scenes in it and they're 12 x 12!! I don't know how many sheets of paper there are in this stack but it's about 1" thick!! Anyway, here's the card...I wanted it to look like I wrote the Happy Birthday in the sand so I used the Chocolate Chip Classic Pad and Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker. The alphabet set is retired and is called Brushstroke Alphabet. The background cardstock and ribbon are Brocade Blue. I also used River Rock Double Stitched ribbon The card is 5 x 5. It just makes me want to go to the beach.

Thanks for visiting me and I hope you get to the beach soon!

Lorraine

Thank You Notes

These are the thank you notes I created for my son's 5th birthday. They're very simple but I think they're cute and quite boyish. I needed to keep them simple as I had to make 25 of them. Thanks for checking in and I hope you're having a wonderful evening!
Lorraine

SUPPLIES ALL STAMIN" UP!
Stamps: Lots of Thoughts (retired SAB 2008)

Cardstock: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi (retired)

Designer Series Paper: Jersey Shore (retired)

Ink: Brilliant Blue

Accessories: 1 3/8, 1 1/4, Square Punches, Large & Small Star Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Emerging Color

Well, I finally figured out what was wrong with my computer. I needed to empty some of the hard disk. My hard disk was absolutely FULL!! Can you believe that?? I couldn't believe how many pictures I had on my computer. Over 7,000 pictures and even more videos!! My DH bought me an external hard drive and I downloaded ALL of my pictures and videos to that. It was over 215 GB!! That's Giga Bytes!! Unbelieveable!! SO, now I've got plenty of space to add more pictures...LOL!!

Here's a project I made the other day. My good friend Gina Cardera bought me the Stampin' Up! Workshop WOW DVD from Convention and this Emerging Color technique was demonstrated on there by Rolanda Patton from Tulsa, OK!! I have seen this technique done before but this demonstration just made me want to try it again!! Thank you Gina and Rolanda!!
AND, thank YOU (my loyal readers) for sticking with me through the good times and the bad!
Lorraine SUPPLIES ALL STAMPIN' UP! unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Ginormous Flowers, Enjoy Every Moment, Sweet Dreams and Cause For Celebration (retired)
Ink: Yo Yo Yellow, Only Orange, Pink Passion, Summer Sun, Lovely Lilac Classic Stamp Pads and Markers, Versamark Clear Pad
Cardstock: Whisper White, Summer Sun, Green Galore
Accessories: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder and Heat Tool, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals. The ribbon and flowers were dyed using the Classic Pads.

I can't post anything right now...AARRGGHH!!!

Hello my blogging friends. I have to let you know that for some reason I can't get my Photoshop to work. I've got a few things to share with you and I'm so frustrated that I can't edit my photographs. I keep getting the error "scratch disk is full"!! I don't even know what that means! I've cleaned my computer, defragmented and everything and for some reason Photoshop automatically closes when I go to save anything. If you know how to correct this problem I would love to hear from you. I would even be willing to send you a special treat for your help. SO, until I can get this resolved I won't be posting any pictures. As soon as this is fixed watch out, I'm gonna' flood my blog with pictures!!
Thanks for hanging in there with me.
Lorraine

BLOG-A-VERSARY AND SOME BLOG CANDY!

Well, my Blog-A-Versary has come and gone and I didn't even remember. It was July 28, 2007 that I made my first post. I can't believe I've made it a whole year!! YOU are the reason I am still here...all of my loyal readers! YOU are the reason I love to share what I create. YOU are the mighty force pushing me along the track to creative splendor! YOU are the wind beneath my wings! (ok, that was totally dorky...LOL!) I just want you all to know that I am here for you. You make me feel so unbelievably wonderful with all of your inspiration and your thoughtful comments. I sincerely appreciate each one of you for sticking with me over the past year and encouraging me to keep on creating. THANK YOU, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

Ok, now on to the blog candy...well, I don't actually have a picture of the candy just yet but believe me, it's going to be totally worth your time in leaving me a comment. All I ask is that you look back at all of the things I've created over the past year and tell me which project was/is your favorite. That's it! Please remember to leave your name AND email so I can contact you if you win.

Thank you again for being there for me and as I start my second year as a blogger I hope that I can be here for you. With inspiration, tips, tricks and above all friendship!
Happiness and hugs to you all!
Lorraine
PS Stay tuned for a picture of the blog candy...

SU! Downline Meeting

Here are the beautiful make & takes we did at our last downline meeting. There are only 2 this month but aren't they beautiful?!?!

This card was designed by Linda Provis:

This card was designed by Edra Jandro:

My card was the baby card in the previous post.

Thanks for visiting me! Have a wonderful weekend!

Lorraine

Baby Card

If you read my last post you know that my friend Julie is pregnant. We just found out that my Sister In Law is also pregnant. I am so very excited for both of them and can't wait till those little snuggle babies arrive!! Here's a card I made for each of them.

Hugs & happiness to you!

Lorraine

Birthday card for a good friend

Here's a birthday card I made for a very good friend of mine. Julie lives in Colorado and I miss her so much. She just told me that they are moving back to California though!! I AM SO EXCITED!! I just can't wait to see her and start hanging out with her. PLUS, she is pregnant!! WOO HOO!! How exciting is that??!!?? Anyway, here's the card I made her for her birthday. NOTE: It is a cased card that I received from swaps at Stampin' Up! Regionals this year. I just love the colors.

Thanks for checking in!

Lorraine

Birthday Invite

My little man (son) just turned 5!! WOO HOO! I can't believe how fast time flies! We had his birthday party last weekend and here's the invite I made for all of the guests.

Hugs to you all!

Lorraine

Bridal Shower Invite

Well, if you've been reading my blog for a while you know that my little sis is getting married this month. We just had her bridal shower last weekend and here's the final version of the invite I made. Thanks for hanging with me during my break. Hopefully things will be back to normal for a little while. :0)

Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Lorraine

Update on what's been going on with me...

Hi there to all of my faithful readers!!! First of all let me apologize for taking so long to post this. Things really start ramping up for me beginning in May. My nieces birthday and Mother's Day. Then in June it's my Dad's birthday and Father's day and my Mother in Law's birthday and I also had my sister's first bridal shower to attend. Then in July we have my nephew's birthday, my hubby's birthday, my son's birthday and I have my sister's bridal shower tomorrow. Plus, we had family here from Colorado last week. So, with planning all of those things and going to all of them time is just really short for me to stamp. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this time of year with all the family things going on. All of our family is out of town so whenever I get a chance to spend time with family that's first on my list!! My sister's bridal shower is tomorrow and my son's birthday party is Sunday. I'm so excited about both and I'm actually getting sad that they're going to be over soon. The fun for me is planning everything and then just being there to see everyone enjoy themselves!! I do have some things I want to share with you but I'm asking you to please be a little more patient with me and I should be able to post them next week. I hope you are all doing well and having a wonderful summer and I thank you so very much for hanging in there with me.
Until next week...hug those you love and be happy!
Lorraine

Circle Cake Card

Happy Wednesday!! I was just playing at my craft table last night and came up with this card. I wanted to incorporate some circles into this card so I grabbed my Coluzzle and started cutting. I also wanted to use some Chunky Glitter and ended up using the Cosmo Fine Glitter too. I hope you like it. Thanks for visiting me today and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!
Lorraine



Supplies are all Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Birthday Whimsy from Sale-A-Bration 08, Retired

Cardstock: Ballet Blue, Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Whisper White

Ink: You can actually use any ink on this one because it will all be covered with the Fine Cosmo Glitter but I suggest a light color ink pad.

Accessories: Chunky Sprinkles Light Blue (Occasions Mini), Fine Cosmo Glitter in Rose Pink & Light Blue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Coluzzle Cutting System, Sticky Cuts Letters the dot from the i, Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, SNAIL Adhesive.

Happy Anniversary - Anthony

Isn't Anthony just smashing in his tux?

On this card I knew I wanted to use Anthony from Hannah Stamps but I wanted to change his shirt and tie to a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. I also knew I wanted to incorporate that huge diamond ring with Anthony. So here's what I came up with. What do you think?

Thanks for visiting me today and I hope you're having a marvelous Monday!

Lorraine

Supplies:

Stamps: Anthony Clear Set - Hannah Stamps, Hugs & Wishes - Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Basic Black and Whisper White -Stampin' Up!

Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad, Blush Blossom, Tempting Turquoise & Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Markers - Stampin' Up!

Accessories: Sterling Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive - Stampin' Up!, Ribbon from stash.

For the Serious Golfer

I wanted to make a golf card to send to my Sister's Fiance to let him know how much I appreciate him for taking care of my Sister. He's a wonderful man and I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law or husband for my Sis. As you might have guessed he's a SERIOUS GOLFER. I mean, he's the guy that's at the club almost every day. He even makes his own golf clubs and clubs he sells. I've never met a more serious golfer. Now don't get me wrong...my Sis is not one of those golf widows. She likes to golf too and goes with Jeff as much as she can but she isn't as passionate as he is. Anyway, here's the card I made Jeff.

I knew which stamp set I was going to use (Anthony clear stamp set by Hannah Stamps) and I wanted to use colors that represented the grass and sand traps on a golf course so I used Garden Green and River Rock from Stampin' Up! The ribbon is SU!'s Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in River Rock, the Ink is Basic Black Classic Pad, Bordering Blue, Sahara Sand (retired) & Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers. Did you notice the Garden Green background? Cool huh? I used my Crop-A-Dile and embossed circles and used the back to look like the surface of a golf ball. This would be totally cool in Whisper White then punched out with a circle punch...hmmmmm...I might have to try that. LOL I also used Stampin' Dimensionals to raise the Whisper White stamped layer.

I hope you are as lucky as I am to have such a wonderful man as a (soon to be) brother-in-law!

Have a wonderful week!

Lorraine

Ginger Blossom Birthday Card

This is a birthday card for my MIL. She really likes Asian influences so I thought this would work. All the colors kind of match her sun room decor. We're off to see her this afternoon to celebrate so I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and I'll be back soon with more stuff to share.
Lorraine Supplies all Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Embrace Life, Hugs & Wishes
Cardstock: Groovy Guava, Ruby Red, River Rock
Designer Series Paper: Ginger Blossom
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad, Ruby Red & Cameo Coral, Sahara Sand (retired) Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Key Tag and Horizontal Slot Punches, Paper Piercer, Double Stitched River Rock Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive

This one's for you My Love Chicken

Well...did you notice my new picture?? I updated the old one because my DH thought I needed a better picture. One where my roots aren't gray. LOL!! The truth is, my roots are gray most of the time. I think I have ultra gray hair because it grows so fast that I would have to color it once a week if I never wanted any gray hair. He doesn't really mind my gray hair in real life but he just thought I might have a better picture to show you. So, I changed my picture. It's one of my favorite pictures of me. It's at our wedding reception almost 15 years ago. It's actually a picture of my DH & I having our first toast. We are just cracking up in the picture but I can't remember why. :0) So, I thought I'd show you the full picture here. I'll update my blog profile once I find another picture I like of myself. That's hard to do because I'm always the one behind the camera. LOL

Anyway, thanks for strolling down memory lane with me. I hope you have a great night. Oh, and, I love you My Chicken Man! (just a nickname I call my DH because he has chicken legs but, they're still pretty cute!!)
L

PS Isn't he just the cutest?!?!?!? Love you my husband!

My Top 10 List

We made this book at my LSS - Scrapbook U! Monica Martinek was the instructor (and store owner!). Isn't it just beautiful!?!?!? I just LOVE this book. Why wouldn't I? It uses my absolute favorite colors!! It was so hard to narrow down my 10 favorite things but these are some I came up with. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and thanks for taking the time to stop by!
Lorraine

SUPPLIES:

Book: Rectangle Scallop - Maya Road - www.mayaroad.com

Stamps: Brushstroke Alphabet - Stampin' Up!

Ink: Basic Black Craft Pad - Stampin' Up!

Paper: Playtime: Twirl, Laugh, Play & Giggle (aren't those great names??!!)- Kaiser Scrapbook - www.kaisercraft.com.au

Accessories: Buttons - Butterfly Jar Mix, Ribbon - Miscellaneous from the LSS, Paper Flowers - Prima Bubbles Pink, Paper Flowers Hot Pink & Light Green - Kaiser Scrapbook, Bling - Miscellaneous from LSS, Playtime Brads - Kaiser Scrapbook, Die Cuts - Cricut, 1 3/8" Circle Punch - Stampin' Up!

Cafe Hanna

Here's Hanna at her favorite cafe having some tea and chocolate waiting for her BFF. :0) I thought it was too hot for her to be drinking coffee so I thought tea would be better. LOL I hope you have a wonderful weekend and get a chance to meet your BFF at the cafe for a little treat.
Lorraine Supplies:
Stamps: Cafe - Hannah Stamps
Cardstock: Whisper White, Green Galore and Basic Black - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Basic Black, Close to Cocoa Classic Pads, Basic Black, Green Galore, Ballet Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Markers - Stampin' Up!
Accessories: Sky Blue & Green Rhinestones (bling on the swirls of the table & chairs, her ears and her ring) - Creative Imaginations, Green & Black Polka Dot Brads - Amanda Blue, Stampin' Sponge, 1/8" Circle Punch, Aquapainter, SAIL Adhesive - Stampin' Up!

Bee Happy Trio

Just a trio of quick & easy cards today. Hope your day was HAPPY!
Thanks for stopping by.
Lorraine

Supplies All Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Just B

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow, Bashful Blue

Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad

Accessories: Large & Small Oval Punches, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Join me for a drink?

Here's Anthony again...This time he's wondering if you'd like to meet him for a drink? LOL I am really enjoying my new Hannah Stamps. If you haven't already, you need to go to Hannah Stamps and see all of their wonderful stamps!

Thanks for your continued support!

Lorraine

Recipe:

Stamps: Hannah Stamps Anthony Set

ALL other supplies are Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Blush Blossom, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers; Basic Black, Brocade Blue & Creamy Caramel Classic Pads; Gold Gel Pen.

Accessories: Crystal Effects (for martini glass), ruler, Stampin' Sponge, Brayer, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Making the (fresh) cut! Whether you're a customer or a hostess, June's sneak peek into the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog has something fresh and new just for you!

Customers:When you purchase the brand new, die-cut, Fresh Cuts stamp set, add on the coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes* for only $5!

*Fresh-Cut *Notes include 15 4" x 4" laser-cut notecards with envelopes.

Hostesses:Host a $400 workshop during the month of June, and receive the Fresh Cuts stamp set and coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes FREE--over a $30 value--in addition to your regular hostess benefits!
Contact me TODAY to participate in this special, limited-time offer!

Lorraine

ltrain26@aol.com

510/579-7693

Stampin' Up!'s Retired List is HERE!

WHERE DO STAMPS GO WHEN THEY RETIRE??The same places we do! After years of dedicated service, the following stamp sets from the Spring-Summer Collection 2008 are ready for a break! So join Stampin’ Up! in giving them a big sendoff and wishing them all the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives. But don’t wait too long—they’re only available through August 10, 2008, and then they’re headed to warmer climates!
Click one of these links to get the complete list:
Stampin' Up! Retired List-Alphabetical
Stampin' Up! Retired List-Numerical by Page Number
Then...contact me to order your favorite sets before they're gone forever.
Lorraine
Ltrain26@aol.com
510/573-7693

Baby Girl Hanna

Using Bookworm Hanna I wanted to make a Mom sitting in her little girl's room reading her a book. Here's what I came up with. Everything is paper pieced...the chair, the table, the lamp shade, Mom's dress, the book, Mom's head, neck, chest and legs. The oval plaque was made using the large oval punch then gluing the white piece to the brown piece and trimming. The rug was made using the scallop punch then stamping Mom onto it and cutting it out. The lamp pole and base are colored in using a Silver Gel pen. This wasn't a quick card but I really enjoyed all the work that went into it. I hope you like it. Have a wonderful morning!
Lorraine Recipe:
Stamps: Bookworm Hanna - Hannah Stamps
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom (for Mom's skin) - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel Stampin' Write Markers, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip Classic Pads - Stampin' Up!, Silver Gel Pen
Designer Series Paper: Berry Bliss - Stampin' Up!
Accessories: Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop & Large Oval Punches, Pink & White Ribbon (retired), Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (silver brad), SNAIL adhesive, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals - Stampin' Up!

"Just B" Cards

After making the Father's Day cards in the previous post I was ready for some bright colors so I grabbed some Summer Sun cardstock and just went from there. I knew I wanted to use some glitter and my Just B set from Stampin' Up! so I came up with these two cards. I hope they make you smile. :0)
Lorraine Recipe:
Stamps: Just B - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Taken with Teal, Green Galore, Summer Sun - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore Classic Stamp Pads, Basic Black & Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Markers - Stampin' Up!
Accessories: The Essential Glue Pad - Tsukineko, Fine Cosmo Glitter (turquoise), Crafter's Tool Kit (piercing template for dot border) SNAIL adhesive and Stampin' Dimensionals - Stampin' Up!, yellow ribbon from stash.

Father's Day Wallet & Card

These are the Father's Day projects I made for the special men in my life...my husband, my Dad and my Step-Dad. The wallet was made using Nicole Heady {capture the moment} instructions from April 13th. I absolutely LOVE how they turned out and all the guys loved them too. I hope you got the chance to celebrate the men in your life on Father's Day.

Happy Stampin' Hugs to you all!

Lorraine This first card has no stamping on it believe it or not. :0)

Recipe:

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Ballet Blue - Stampin' Up!

Patterned Paper: Creative Imaginations from my LSS: Scrapbook U

Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Ribbon, SNAIL adhesive - Stampin' Up!, Rub Ons - My Sentiments Exactly

Wallet Recipe:

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa - Stampin' Up!

Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad - Stampin' Up!

Patterned Paper: Creative Imaginations from my LSS: Scrapbook U

Accessories: Rub Ons - My Sentiments Exactly, Corner Rounder, Stampin' Sponge, 1" Circle Punch, SNAIL adhesive - Stampin' Up!, Stickers: Sandylion Essentials, floss, thread, sewing machine.