Sale-a-bration

Best. Day. Ever.

~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes you need to step outside your comfort zone and do something different.  I usually work exclusively with Stampin’Up! product, but that doesn’t mean that is all I have. I have been know to purchase an odd pack of paper now and again, but I do try to refrain.  This one was purchased for a daughters school project on Japan and ended up not being used.  Lucky me.

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I decided to use it for a special handout for a church lesson I had the opportunity to teach this last Sunday to some very special young women.  The lesson turned out rather nice, tissues were used, mostly by me of course, but I was so impressed with their knowledge and ability to learn.  When people talk about the youth today being lost, I don’t always agree.

3-8

Yes, this stamp is from last years Sale-a-bration.  I loved it so much I couldn’t part with it.  Remember, we buy creative products because they bring us and others joy.  And when you purchase quality product, it is built to last.  Stampin’Up! surely does that.

Each of these card handouts was made from a 6 x 12 sheet of cardstock.  They were scored at 4 1/4 and 8 1/2″ to create the tri-fold.  I wanted a bit more stability, because it was intended to be opened and closed as well as written on, so I inserted three panels of white card stock on each portion.  It really made a difference and provided a great writing surface.

While I might not always start with the best attitude for my service opportunities, I can honestly say that I always end up with great feelings of joy and gratitude.  Nothing better.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Adventure Awaits on Sea Street

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I do enjoy it when a designer series paper set has a matching stamp set.  Everything just goes together that much better.  I thought this stamp from the Adventure Awaits set had the perfect sailor sentiment.  All kinds of happy here.

Adventure Awaits on Sea Street

I don’t know why I can’t just make one card, but I like everyone to have friends, even my crafting projects.  That sure does make extra stacks of cards to deal with.  I have taken to just giving people blank cards to play with.  It works for everyone.

Adventure Awaits on Sea Street

How about the cute little bag though.  It started out as a bag, I measured wrong, tried a box, then went bag to a modified bag.  What a busy bit of paper.

Adventure Awaits on Sea Street

Of course I had to do some inside stamping.  Those little flags are so adorable.  If I had more patience last night I would have colored them with markers, but I kept it one color for the sake of sanity.  Everyone needs some of that.

The designer paper is retiring, as well as the little oval punch I used to punch out my little anchor from the Sea Street set.  I use that punch a lot.  I will keep that one on hand for sure.  Too useful.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Yippee-Skippee! for Sale-a-bration!

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Today is the last day of Sale-a-bration.  So sad, but happy because of all of the beautiful and fun products I have been able to enjoy.  I thought I would celebrate by giving myself a gift.

Yippee-Skippee! for Sale-a-bration

I started out with this gift bag in mind.  I took a whole sheet of Irresistibly Yours DSP and sponged it like crazy with blushing bride.  It was so beautiful just sitting there on my desk.  When I cut the large pieces I needed for the bag I had a good portion left.

Yippee-Skippee! for Sale-a-bration

So, of course I had to make a set of cards to go along.  The Yippee-Skipee! stamp set is chuck full of wonderful sayings, six all together.  A great set to have, really.  I have used it like crazy.

Yippee-Skippee! for Sale-a-bration

All I knew when I sat down is the color scheme and the designer paper.  I was more than pleased when they all came together.  The cards all fit so nicely inside the gift bag.

Yippee-Skippee! for Sale-a-bration

My Denali said that set spoke of lovely rich chocolate.  So perhaps I will have to find just the right one to complete it.  I really love this set.  I love that I do this!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Gold Soiree with Banner Blessings Part 2

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And these are the other sides of that pretty paper from yesterdays post.  Can you see why I had such a hard time choosing?  Both sides are just so wonderful.

Gold Soiree and Banner Blessing

I hadn’t had the Banner Blessings set out for a while.  I still love it as much as I did the first time.  So fun and filled with beautiful wording.

Gold Soiree and Banner Blessing

I did have this ready this morning, really I did.  But the day has been more than full.  And most of it has been wonderful.  The other part?  Let’s just say that taxes aren’t nearly as fulfilling as creating cards and the like.  Oh well, sometimes we have to be human and get things done.

Gold Soiree and Banner Blessing

I can’t wait to send these out to special friends.  They really were fun to make.

Have a creative night, what’s left of it.

Moana

Because You Care and Gold Soiree

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Today is all about the paper.  And I couldn’t decide on which combinations to use.  The Gold Soiree specialty designer series paper is more than wonderful.  The other sides of these two papers are equally awesome.  You will get to see those tomorrow, so come back to check.

Because You Care and Gold Soiree

Can you see the obvious glare on the paper?  I know my photos are less than ideal at times, but the glare is on purpose.  I wanted you to see the glossy reflection.  This paper is so smooth and glossy and just fancier than the rest.  Hence the specialty title.

Because You Care and Gold Soiree

The colors in this set are some of my favorite.  Especially calypso coral.  Can I just say that in my last house I painted my laundry room just a few shades lighter than this.  It was called marmalade.  I got teased, but it was so super happy in there.

Because You Care and Gold Soiree

As you have noticed, I have been creating extra birthday cards.  My mother-in-law is so good about sending out cards.  So I keep her supplied.  Last night she picked up six.  She only needed three this month, but couldn’t decide and took six.  So cute.  Now I have to get back to work!

Hope you have a super creative day!  Don’t forget to come back tomorrow to see how the other side looks.

Moana

Bloom With Hope Birthday

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I don’t think I can ever get enough of this color combination.  It is just so soft and elegant.  I am trying to get my fix of coastal cabana in before it retires this summer.  I really do love this color.

Bloom With Birthday Hope

The sale-a-bration designer paper I used is already soft and pretty.  But doesn’t it look even dreamier with velum over the top?  Absolutely yes!

Bloom With Birthday Hope

This cute box is open on top and is ready to be filled.  My girls thought it should be filled with hershey’s kisses.  How fun to have this out and ready to be shared!

Bloom With Birthday Hope

Can you see the echo stamping I did on the inside of the card.  It looks just as pretty in blue as it does in black on the front.  I do love the inside stamped.

Bloom With Birthday Hope

Well, this set speaks for itself, in volumes.  You should try it out.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Bash Times Two

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Can you see a theme at my work station?  Yup, still working on birthday cards.  With paper this beautiful, you don’t really need a lot of extras.

Birthday Bash Times Two

I don’t know if you can tell from the photos, but several of the printed balloons are in gold foil.  It is just so pretty.  It could easily have gone without stamping, but I did just for fun.

Birthday Bash Times Two

I thought with the color combination it could easily be masculine.  Even with the seam binding ribbon.  Simple and strong.

Birthday Bash Times Two

I could go on and on, but these cards speak for themselves.  Dip into those pretty papers and put them to work.  Don’t be shy, just cut into them and make something beautiful.  That is why you bought them, right?

Have a creative day!

Moana

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

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Aside from the rushed photos and my crazy allergies, I think these cards are rather fun!  They are a definite challenge to the cloudy rainy day we have here.  We need the rain and I need the pollen washed away.  Actually, everything has a dusting of pollen that gives it a crushed curry look.  Funny…

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

My mind is pretty darn blank today.  Again with the allergies.  But I needed some birthday cards and wanted to brighten up my desk.  Mission accomplished.

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

The banner framelits really make a fun look.  So simple to do, my favorite kind of excitement on a card.  It doesn’t have to be all tricky and unique to give the right effect.  Having everything all tidy and clean really gives a professional edge.  Nice.

Perfect Pennants Birthday Bash

So, get out there and make some birthday cards!  You know you need them and it is always nice to have them on hand.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Just Kidding, Tap Tap Tap

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I can’t even tell you how much this stamp set makes me laugh.  Stampin’ Up! comes out with new photopolymer stamp sets during the year and their themes are all over the place.  You need to look up this set and get ready to laugh.

Just Kidding

I think this set would be perfect to share a little gift with a crafting buddy or two.  I could put tons of little goodies in the gift bag.  One of my favorite things.

Just Kidding

This spiral border punch I used is so much fun.  I have to be careful, or all of my projects are going to get that look.  Do you ever fall in love with a product and just want to go crazy with it?

Just Kidding

These tiny little buttons are part of a free gift with purchase set.  They come along with the little twines you see on top of the tag.  I pulled apart the strands for a lighter look.  They come in all five colors, five yards each, and a collection of these little buttons.  They are so sweet.

Just Kidding

I think this will be project number two for workshop tomorrow.  I picked the first one from a prior project and I will post the third in the morning.  They are a fun mix for sure.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Sheer Perfection

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I had taken a break from blackberry bliss, since I couldn’t leave it alone.  I went through a pack of that paper pretty darn quick.  Just had to order another.  I absolutely love, love, love that color.  I am glad we get it for another year.

Sheer Perfection

Isn’t this velum paper just beautiful?  It is yet another free gift with a qualifying purchase during Sale-a-bration!  Those folks at Stampin’Up! did a really clever thing during this sale.  By the time we hit March, things have slowed a bit, so they introduced four new gift items!  Wheeeeeee!

Sheer Perfection

I picked my favorites right away of course.  This pack has several patterns and they are all wonderful.  You should really get some of it, really.

Sheer Perfection

The gift bag I made to go with is pretty darn simple.  I probably should have done more, but I was wasn’t feeling it.  My daughter thought it would be perfect with a couple of candy bars inside.  What bag wouldn’t, right?

Either way, I finally got these together.  Some Saturday’s are busier than others, and today was chuck full of very wonderful distractions.  Life can be so good.

Hope you had a creative day!

Moana

Bundled Baby Shower Invitations

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Do you remember this one?  It was one of the choices for a baby shower invitation. So, today isn’t a new project, just a whole slew of them with another color option.

Bundles Baby

This is what fifty of these bad boys look like.  Kind of impressive.

Bundled Baby

I used up all of my pistachio pudding paper and had to dip into a little so saffron.  I think it worked out pretty nice.  The biggest work portion was all of the inking on that awesome star embossed sale-a-bration paper.

Bundled Baby

They are ready for delivery and my fingers are ready for a rest.  Enough said.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Let’s Celebrate Gold Soiree!

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

How beautiful is this paper, right? Well, having it to look at is fun, but using it is better.  Sometimes we hang on too long because it is so pretty.  If you have it, use it.  That being said, this is only my second project with this paper pack.  Oooops…

Let's Celebrate

This is on its way to becoming a six card set.  I have a friend hosting a baby shower for her daughter and I am on prize patrol.  Yup, the prizes will be card sets and the like.  How fun will that be!

Let's Celebrate

This was one of those cards that as I started I was pretty unsure.  I though the calypso coral and garden green would just take over and my paper would be lost.  Leave it to Stampin’Up! to have everything go together so perfectly.

Let's Celebrate

I just kept going and was pleasantly surprised when it looked better than I thought it would.  I really love the boarder stamp I used inside.  It is so delicate.  Why don’t you give it a try!

Have a creative day!

Moana

B.Y.O.P. Trio

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How about waking up to this bundle of sunshine!  I’ve noticed that I have migrated to yellows quite a bit.  It must be a bit of spring fever in the air.  I know it is only February, but with how warm it has been, everything is bright and in bloom.  Just like this bundle.

B.Y.O.P.

This awesome stamp set B.Y.O.P. has the best sayings ever.  If you are a gift card giver, this is the set for you.  It has sentiments for everything and they range from funny to nice to just right.  I’m telling you, just awesome!

B.Y.O.P.

The products are pretty basic here today.  I think it is obvious that I love flowers.  There are four different floral punches and even a floral die cut.  Yup, I love flowers.

B.Y.O.P.

The color scheme is all about crushed curry.  That is one of the colors used in the free designer series paper pack.  The ribbon and buttons are also from a coordinating set.  Also free.  Don’t you love that?

B.Y.O.P.

So, no matter what kind of gift giver you are, this totally works.  But really, giving a gift card can look kind of tiny, even though it can be just right.  Why not give it a beautiful wrapping?

Have a creative day!

Moana

Cheer Up Buttercup!

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Does this little guy just cheer you up or what?  I absolutely love the fry box die cut!  I have made so many for quick little gifts here and there.  They go together so quickly and look adorable every time!

Cheer Up Buttercup

The geometric stamp set has this awesome sentiment and is actually the reason I had to have it.  It has also had tons of use for obvious reasons.

Cheer Up Buttercup

I was actually headed out to work and decided I needed a little get well goody for a student of mine.  I already had the flower ready from the other days project.  With that said, it only took about ten minutes to put this all together, including a quick few photos to share.

Cheer Up Buttercup

I am telling you, this die is the best!  Get into those quick project ideas and share some happiness!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Flower Flurry Bigz Gift Box

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Sometimes my brain thinks things, and sometimes they don’t work the way I envision them.  I struggled with ribbon this time.

Flower Flurry Bigz Gift Box

I wanted to make a pretty gift box for a workshop project and use fun Sale-a-bration products as well.  I wanted a fluffy bow to be in the middle of the flowers.

Flower Flurry Bigz Gift Box

Well, I hated it.  Turns out having all three ribbon colors from the accessory pack was a bad idea.  I thought it was a trashed project idea until I managed to pull out the ribbon bundle and just leave it with coastal cabana ribbon.  Phew!

Flower Flurry Bigz Gift Box

Success after all.  It feels so springy and happy!  Now, what to put inside for the special someone.  Maybe a great big cupcake, or a candle, or who knows!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Big News with Lots of Favorites

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Today’s projects are all about trying something new.  Coastal Cabana isn’t new, but making it be my only color on a project sure is.  I have been trying to help myself get out of my comfort zone.  It makes me crazy sometimes, but I am finding that I like the results more often than not.

Big News

I used the same embossing folder, just put my brayer to work differently.  I rolled in directly onto the folder for this one so the embossed dots would stay white.  That made me smile.

Big News

Then I embossed my whisper white paper and put the inked brayer right over the top of the embossed dots.  That made me nervous.  I usually go for the secured success route and I saw many options for error.  There is a tiny smudge under my ribbon on the left, but not really a big deal, right?

Big News

I pulled out the Big News stamp set.  It is huge, two boxes of stamps.  But yes, admittedly, I hadn’t used one of them.  For shame.  I was also brave and didn’t ink the edges again.  Very difficult, but also liberating.

Big News

Another product I hadn’t used yet was the tab top framelits.  They just turn anything into cute file folders.  I really loved how the tops came together.  I just used a little strip of the glimmer paper and it worked perfectly.  I finished it off with the flower from the bitty punch pack and the lovely free ribbon from the sale-a-bration accessory pack.  I love earning free product!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Lotus Blossom Gift Set

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I really wasn’t feeling well when I sat down to create today’s project, but knew it needed to be done.  My first thought was to make a get well card.  It didn’t do anything for me.

Lotus Blossom Gift Set

But a friend recently really helped me out when I was in an absolute bind.  Doing something nice for someone is always my perfect inspiration.

Lotus Blossom Card

So even though I was half asleep and feeling terrible, I managed to make something that I really loved.  It might even make its way into next weekends workshop.  Serving others is awesome!

Lotus Blossom Gift Bag

This project set is all about Lost Lagoon and bows.  I used the Big Shot for the large bow, can’t get enough of that huge bow.  Then I brought in the Bow Builder Punch that is so popular right now.  I thought they went nicely together.  I focused on the Lotus Blossom stamp set.  I tried something new to me.  Instead of putting connecting sentiments on the inside and outside of a card, I connected them with the card and matching gift bag.  The closure on the bag actually just tucks just under that bow and it holds it beautifully.  How awesome is that!  I used designer series paper from the Moonlight paper stack.  Such pretty paper.

Lotus Blossom Gift Set

Well, I am super excited about this project.  I hope you find it interesting enough to give it a try.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Card Bonanza!

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

So, am I a bad blogger, or a busy one?  Maybe a bit of both.  I had prepared cards to share for Friday, Saturday, and today.  They were even all ready Thursday evening.  Obviously many things got in the way.  On with the show!

Birthday Bash

Either way, you still get to see them all.  I had mention previously that I have been making a collection of birthday cards by request.  Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who get one?

Birthday Cards

If you have a February birthday, you just might be in luck.  The designer paper on these last two cards really is just too amazing to cover up with much of anything.  The photos don’t show it as well as I would have liked, but they have gold foil elements in them.

Birthday Cards

They just kind of stand out on their own.  Well, just like any beautiful card should do, right?

I suppose I could have waited and used these cards for the next three posts, but I have already made some awesome Valentine’s day cards I want to share!  We are  now officially caught up.  Feels great!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Best Day Ever Angled Tag Topper Punch

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I knew I loved the stamp set.  It really has so many options and I love that I got it free!  And I love my Stampin’Up! demonstrator discount, who doesn’t love a perpetual sale?  Especially when it is one of my favorite hobbies.  What I wasn’t sure about was this simple tag topper punch.  Angled corners and a hole in the middle?  I can just do that on my own.

Best Day Ever Man

That is what I tell myself, but I really was never happy with my own.  They looked a little off no matter how I tried.  I wasn’t going to pay full price for such a simple tool, right?

Best Day Ever Man

Well, it went on special in a recent weekly deals special.  So, along with my discount, I decided I would go for it.  Making masculine cards certainly called for something less frilly.  Even so, I didn’t think it would make that big of a deal.

Best Day Ever Man

I love it when I prove myself wrong and right at the same time.  I do love how it looks and it works for a masculine card and I got it for a great deal!  It is the little things that make me happy.

Have a creative day!

Moana