Learning to Use the Brayer with Michelle Zindorf!

Yesterday, my stamping friend Carolyn Gray and I drove up to Spring, Texas to take a beginner brayer class with the ever-popular and talented Michelle Zindorf! To be quite honest, the brayer is NOT one of my favorite stamping tools and it's been sitting on my shelf for probably 10 years without having been used. POOR THING! Well, I was totally blown away by what Michelle taught us yesterday and now I'm a convert! I'm looking at my brayer with a little more love! We had such a great time yesterday and Michelle was a lot of fun! When she makes her way back here again, I'll have to sign up for her advanced class! Wouldn't want to miss it now!

Carolyn and I were so proud of our creations - we were just giggling the whole time! Carolyn is extremely talented, so I know she'll come up with incredible brayer creations! Thanks for spending the day with me, Carolyn, and making it all so much fun. It wouldn't have been the same without YOU!

Here's my favorite card I made using a brayer. Awwwww, this is like, "Calgon, take me away." It reminds me of those two wonderful trips to Hawaii my family has taken on Stampin' Up! I'm ready to go back again!

This card is so much prettier in person. It reminds me of the Serengeti, which is SO outside what I normally stamp! Don't you think a giraffe or some kind of wild animal should just come wandering into the picture? I can hear the Lion King theme song in my head as I look at this card!

LOVE THIS CARD! It was fun to learn how to create the mountains in the background and the beautiful sky! Okay, Mr. Brayer, I PROMISE I'll pull you out more often and give you a fighting chance amongst all my crafting tools! If you ever have Michelle Zindorf in your neck of the woods, GO TAKE HER CLASS! You'll really enjoy it!

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp!

Now if this doesn't get you just all excited, I don't know what would! Isn't this cupcake adorable? I want to make 20 of them to just have out on a tray to look like I'm having a BIG birthday celebration! The only problem is, looking at 20 cupcakes all the time would just make me want to eat 20 cupcakes.....and, well, I don't need to be eating any cupcakes! If you would like to know how to make this adorable cupcake, contact me, and we can schedule a workshop with you and your friends and I'll teach you how! To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Pretty in Pink (100459) - 9 X 5-1/2; Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117152) - 9 X 5-1/2; Cupcake Liner; Pretty in Pink Scrap; Daffodil Delight Scrap (119683 - to reinforce the bottom of the cupcake liner) Stamps: None Inks: None Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Perfect Setting Die (115961); Sticky Strip (104294); Mini Glue Dots (103683); 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906); Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks; Daffodil Delight Wide Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119770) - 18" long; Scissors; Linen Thread (104199) - 6" long; Brights Designer Buttons (119747) or Subtles Designer Buttons (119745); White Floss - 3" long; 1/8" Hole Punch; Hemp Twine (100982) - 4" long; 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850)

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp!

Wow! Isn't this a looker? I copied it entirely from Julie Beltramo. It's elegant, cute, sparkly, wonderful - and if you're having a birthday, it would be JUST what you'd want to receive! This is one of the cards we made at my Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp! I don't think I'd give it to anyone, though. Just hang on to it - no one really deserves it anyway, right? Just keep it. To order these amazing products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Crumb Cake (120953) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Soft Suede (115318) - 4-3/4 X 2-1/8; Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper (117163) - 4-5/8 X 2; Soft Suede - 4-3/4 X 1; Soft Suede Scrap; Crumb Cake Scrap; Pink Pirouette (111351) - 5-1/4 X 1/2; Pink Pirouette Scrap; Red Glimmer Paper Scrap (121790) Stamps: Create a Cupcake (121915) - Page 22 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Soft Suede (115657) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Elegant Lines Embossing Folder (119277); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); 1-1/4" Square Punch (119865 - for the ends of the banner); Pretty in Pink Brads (119738); Mini Glue Dots (103683); 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874); Circles #2 Die (114526); Build A Cupcake Punch (121807); 2-Way Glue Pen (100425); Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023); Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon (122332) - 14" long; Scissors; 1/8" Hole Punch ; Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826)

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp

I'm really LOVIN' the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper! It works so well with our new Vanilla Rosettes - looks so pretty together. This is one of the birthday cards we made at my Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp. I cased it from - gosh, I don't know! The picture I saw doesn't have a watermark, so I'm not sure who originally made this card. I love how it turned out. To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/. You'll be glad you did! Recipe: Paper: Not Quite Navy (101722) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Very Vanilla (101650) - 5-1/4 X 4; Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (121782) - 5-1/2 X 4-1/4; Very Vanilla Scrap Stamps: Bring on the Cake (121899) - Page 21 of the Occasions Mini Catalog; Bliss (121851) - Page 10 of the Sale-A-Bration brochure Inks: Not Quite Navy (103008); Pear Pizzazz (119784) Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Big Shot Machine (113439); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (120175); Top Note Die (113463); Paper Cutter (106959); Victoria Crochet Trim (118481) - 7" long; Scissors; Wide Oval Punch (119859); Stampin' Sponge (101610); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Vanilla Rosette (118774); Basic Pearl Jewels (119247); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Paper Snips (103579)

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp!

As soon as I saw the Game Spinner Hands in the Occasions Mini Catalog, I knew I had to have them! Here's the thing, though, about the spinner hands that took me a while to figure out: The spinner is not supposed to spin wildly around on your card! If it did, it would always be hanging in the "down" position. It's intended simply to be a moveable piece that you position over the greeting you're wanting to send. That makes sense! I could only get it to spin a little bit, so I thought I was doing something wrong until a nice young man at Stampin' Up! enlightened me on how they are supposed to be used! Hope that keeps you from feeling some of the frustration I felt when working with the spinner hands! I love them - I think they are so cute! To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/. Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 11 X 4-1/4; Very Vanilla - 5-1/4 X 4; Very Vanilla - 4 X 3-1/2 (2); Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (121782) - 6 X 1; Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper - 5 X 5; Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper Scrap Stamps: Take A Spin (121937) - Page 10 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Rose Red (101778); Pear Pizzazz (119784) Miscellaneous: Big Shot (113439); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Sponges (101610); Eyelet Border Punch (119853); Paper Snips (103579); Rose Red Seam Binding (121884) - 16" long; Scissors; Flower Folds Die (115970); 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826); 3/4" Circle Punch (119873); Game Spinner Hands (121893)

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp!

Here's a cute little card we made to celebrate birthdays at my Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp! If you change out the cupcake for the little bunny in the "So Cute" stamp set, you have an awesome Easter card, too! You can't tell from the photo, but the little bunny is all glittered in! Love this sweet little card - and it's a Penny original, as if you couldn't tell! It has my name ALL over it! To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Pink Pirouette (111351) - 11 X 4-1/4; Pink Pirouette - 5-1/4 X 4; Whisper White (100730) - 1-1/4 X1 Stamps: So Cute (118746 - Page 79 of the catalog) Inks: Basic Black (101179); Sahara Sand Marker (105105); Pink Pirouette Marker (120969); Real Red Marker (100052) Miscellaneous: Big Shot (113439); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Beveled Windowpane (121881); 2-Way Glue Pen (100425); Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023); Crystal Effects (101055); Hobby Blade (102449); Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (109067) - 6" long; Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (109067) - 4" long; Scissors; SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Cutting Mat (101087); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp!

Since we were making birthday cards at my Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp, this is the ultimate birth-day card! Isn't it cute? I got this idea from Emma Fewkes - I just changed the size! Don't those little pearls just make the baby buggy come alive? WOO HOO! To order these amazing products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 11 X 4-1/4; Pretty in Pink (100459) - 4-1/2 X 3-1/2; Basic Black (121045) - 4 X 3-1/4; Watercolor Paper (105019) - 3-3/4 X 3 Stamps: Baby Bundle (118525 - Page 78 of the catalog) Inks: Basic Black (101179) ; Pretty in Pink (101301); So Saffron (105213); Delightful Daffodil (119667); Basic Gray (109120) Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Blender Pen (102845); Basic Pearl Jewels (119247); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon (117289) - 15" long; Scissors

Bring on the Cake Camp Wannastamp!

What a sweet, sweet card that was inspired by Kimberly Van Diepen! I changed the color of the card base, though, and added some rhinestone jewels to my banner. This card makes me extremely happy - so simple and cute! To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117157); Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117152) Stamps: Party This Way (118744 - Page 53 of the catalog) Inks: Basic Black (101179); River Rock (109010); Certainly Celery (105217); Baja Breeze (111833); Crumb Cake (121030); Pretty in Pink (101301); Crumb Cake Marker (120967) Miscellaneous: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Paper Snips (103579); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246)

Beveled Windowpane Jewelry!

Anyone who knows Twila Mooneyham (an incredibly talented and VERY sweet demonstrator) knows that whenever she travels to a Stampin' Up! event, she always makes a new piece of jewelry from Stampin' Up! merchandise to wear to celebrate the event! When I saw Twila at the Leadership Conference in January, she was wearing a necklace piece that I fell all over because I thought it was so beautiful! I came home and copied her Champagne Glass Glitter necklace piece, but since I have gray hair and I don't wear gold jewelry (it clashes with gray!), I made one using our Silver Glass Glitter and Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon. I love how it turned out. You use floss to sew a lobster clasp to the back of the seam binding so you can attach it very easily to our Simply Adorned Chains. I'M IN LOVE! To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now"!

Recipe:

Paper: Very Vanilla (101650)

Stamps: Nature Walk (121925) - Page 27 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Basic Black (101179); Old Olive Marker (100079); Melon Mambo Marker (121074); Pretty in Pink Marker (100045)

Miscellaneous: Beveled Windowpane (121881); Crystal Effects (101055); Silver Glass Glitter (120995) or Champagne Glass Glitter (120997); Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon (122332) or Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon (122331); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Ecru Floss; Trinket Keys and Lobster Clasps (121892); Simply Adorned Chain (116800)

Another Cute Notecard!

Awwww, SWEEEEEEEET! I'm telling ya', those Whisper White Notecards are hard to beat! I'm still having fun with them! I love, love, love, this little card. You can't tell from the photo, but all of those little polka dots are our Basic Rhinestone Jewels, so even though this little card is super simple, it's super cute and full of BLING! After all, it's the little things that are so much fun, like the rhinestone jewels and the cute little button. It's the little things that matter the most! To order these adorable products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Whisper White Notecards (107311); Whisper White Scrap (100730) Stamps: On a Pedestal (113814) - Page 55 of the Catalog; You're a Gem (122268) - Page 25 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Chocolate Chip Marker (100071); Pretty in Pink Marker (100045); Rose Red Marker (100063) Miscellaneous: 1-3/8" Square Punch (119877); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Subtles Designer Buttons (119745); White Floss

A Promotion Celebration!

When it rains, it pours - and it can just keep on raining and raining! Kristine Thurber, a member of my second-level downline (Pam D'Urso's recruit) has promoted to a Senior Associate! ISN'T THAT AWESOME????? Kristine joined Stampin' Up! a very short time ago and has just gotten in there and gone after it! That is so exciting to see! Kristine LOVES Stampin' Up! and is having a great deal of fun being a demonstrator, as you can see from her picture! She just recently attended a Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar in Branson, Missouri, with Pam and other members of her group and they had a spectacular time together in Branson! CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, Kristine, for achieving your first promotion! Now you've paved the way to find your first recruit and begin building your own stamping group, which is so much fun to do! We're all cheering for you and your achievement, Kristine! A great future is just waiting for you - SO GO OUT THERE AND GET IT!!!!!

A Promotion Celebration!

WOW! We are celebrating a third promotion within The TOPICS! in a very short period of time! Lisa Myers, one of my direct recruits, has reached her first promotion to a Senior Associate! Lisa has only been a demonstrator for three months! MORE POWER TO YOU, LISA! You are incredibly motivated and determined and you are obviously setting the stamping world on fire, my friend! I am SO proud of you and your achievement. You are a happy, positive person and it shows in everything you do! I wish you the greatest success in your Stampin' Up! business, Lisa! What amazes me, too, is that Lisa has a newborn baby at home! Most people would see that as a hindrance, but not Lisa. That shows me that when you set goals and work towards them, GREAT things can happen! Kudos to you, Lisa, for your efforts in moving forward with your business! I am amazed at YOU and what you've achieved!

St. Patrick's Day Note Cards!

I'm in the mood for GREEN! Here are those fabulous note cards once again that I just love to grab and go with! I simply used a marker in three different "greens" to color in the leaves and then punched the image out with my 1-3/8" Square Punch. The paper piercing adds such a cute touch and the Basic Rhinestone Jewels gave me some BLING! To order these "green" things, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Whisper White Note Cards (107311); Whisper White Scrap (100730)

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370 - Page 157 of the catalog); Three Leaves (117653 - Page 20 of the catalog)

Inks: Certainly Celery Marker (105106); Wild Wasabi Marker (120975); Old Olive Marker (100079); Always Artichoke (105219)

Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); 1-3/8" Square Punch (119877); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

A Promotion Celebration!

WOO HOO! I get so excited about these things! Shirley Martin, who is in my second-level downline (Kirsteen Gill's recruit), has reached her first promotion to a Senior Associate! That is AWESOME, Shirley! Congratulations to you - and you did it in a very short 4-1/2-month-period! You must be selling stamps like hotcakes, my friend! I couldn't be more happy for you! You have paved the way to start thinking about your next promotion to a Supervisor, so I'll issue you a challenge: GO FIND YOUR FIRST RECRUIT! I can tell by your enthusiasm that you will be moving upward and onward with Stampin' Up! Kirsteen and I will be cheering you on all the way! Go pop some bubbly! It's important to celebrate the good stuff in life!

A Promotion Celebration!

I AM SO EXCITED! Marilyn Devereaux-Ruffin, one of my direct recruits, has promoted to a Senior Associate! I am very proud of her! Marilyn's enthusiasm is contagious and I love talking to her! I get PUMPED UP by talking to her! Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? She is precious, vivacious, LOVES stamping, and is just so much fun to be with! CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, MARILYN, FOR REACHING YOUR SENIOR ASSOCIATE PROMOTION! Go show the world how to stamp, girl!

February Card Sample!

I wish you could see this card in person! The picture just doesn't do it justice. Since I love Vanilla on Vanilla cards with all kinds of embossing on them, I took a card that we made at my Valentine's Day Camp Wannastamp and changed out the glitter heart to a Very Vanilla flower! I love how it turned out - makes me melt just to look at it! To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650); Sahara Sand (121043) Stamps: You're a Gem (122268 - Page 25 of the Occasions Mini Catalog) Inks: Sahara Sand (105208) Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Big Shot Machine (113439); Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649); Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480); Fancy Flower Punch (118073); 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119860); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246)

February Stampers' Night Out!

Last night The TOPICS! met for our February Stampers' Night Out! I always love this event because it's extremely laid back! We simply meet for dinner, engage in a card swap, and talk stamps - my favorite things to do! Our TOPICS! of discussion last night were the convention coming up in July, the Leadership Conference in January in San Antonio, the birthday discount that Stampin' Up! is offering to all demonstrators during their birthday month - and of course we talked about the swaps! In my usual fashion, I managed to get away from Stampers' Night Out without a picture of Vicky Skillman's swap or Dawn Stark's swap (even though her swap was in my possession for over 24 hours - go figure!), so if you gals can send me a picture of your swap, I'll be happy to include it in this post. My personal favorite was Dawn Stark's swap - a beautiful, beautiful butterfly card, so I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture of it. All of the swaps, however, were fabulous! The TOPICS! has been producing some really nice swaps and it's wonderful to leave with them in your hot little hands! The picture below is Karrilyn Ringnald's swap - and she won third place, so she got to pick out a prize! I believe she selected the "Every Moment" stamp set! Karrilyn, I know you'll be able to make some fantastic cards with that set! When Cathy Vogel walked in, she had a vase filled with these flowers. We all thought she was bringing in fresh flowers......until we realized they were made from paper. This was her swap! They look just like Gerber Daisies. Cathy won first place for her swap below, so she got to pick out a prize! I believe she selected the Level 3 Hostess Set - Occasional Quotes!

The picture below is Pam Davenport's swap. Pam always makes the prettiest cards - and her craftsmanship is impeccable! Pam won second place for her swap, so she got to pick out a prize, and I believe she selected the Trinket Crowns and the Trinket Keys! Have fun playing with those, Pam!

The picture below is Kirsteen Gill's swap. Isn't it gorgeous? There are tiny little pearls on either side of the "friends" that make this card look so dainty. Sorry for the poor quality of the photo - I had to take it in my car!

The picture below is Aida Pabon's swap. I love red and pink together! This is another picture I had to take in my car, so I apologize for the poor quality of the photo. The card is much cuter in real life!

The picture below is Peggy Rios' swap! The colors just really POP and I think it's a beautiful card. This is another photo I had to take in my car. We all had a fun time and it was great to see all of you. You are a fun group to hang out with and I look forward to doing it again! Thanks for your participation in our Stampers' Night Out! Why, even Peggy Rios and Melinda Schiller were there, which makes it a special occasion for me! We don't get to see them very often!

Baby Shower Favor!

One of my stampin' buddies needed a baby shower favor for a boy - something she could put candy in. I used our Box #2 Big Shot Die and was so excited to use the "Puns From the Past" stamp set! It brings back memories of how we used to try to say, "Rubber baby buggy bumpers" as fast as we could ten times! You just can't do it! It totally gets slaughtered! Anyway, I thought this turned out cute, and the little rhinestone jewels look so adorable on this old baby buggy. With the Marina Mist Satin Ribbon, it's just adorable! To order these wonderful products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Marina Mist Textured Card Stock (119687); Basic Black (121045); Very Vanilla (101650) Stamps: Puns From the Past (111676 - Page 139 of the catalog) Inks: Basic Black (101179) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Box #2 Die (114518); Sticky Strip (104294); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Designer Label Punch (119862); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Marina Mist Satin Ribbon (119751)

Valentine's Day Card!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU! This is my card to YOU! Those of you who know me well know that this is one of my favorite card designs. Vanilla on Vanilla - with whatever embossing folder you want to use and whatever greeting in whatever color you want to use! It works every time and it's hard to beat! I hope you have a splended Valentine's Day! You are ALL my sweethearts! Loving you is easy to do! You rock my stampin' world and I am so appreciative of every single one of you! May you find some nice diamond earrings all wrapped up for you today along with a 2-pound box of Godiva Chocolates! That'll do! To order these awesome products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650); Red Glimmer Paper (121790) Stamps: Seasonal Sentiments (retired - SORRY!) Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669) Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Big Shot Machine (113439); Elegant Lines Embossing Folder (119277); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Heart-to-Heart Punch (119881)

Valentine's Day Card!

Do you like this one? I DO! It's so classy! I cased this card from someone's blog, and after jumping around from blog to blog, now I'm not sure whose original card it was. If anyone out there in stamping land knows who the original maker of this card is, just let me know, and I'll give her due honor! I couldn't find it posted on Stampin' Connection under "Word Play," either. I am completely in love with our Love Letter Designer Series Paper and you'll be seeing it quite often, I'm sure! To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Basic Black (121045) ; Love Letter Designer Series Paper (117162); Very Vanilla (101650) Stamps: Word Play (120308 - Page 147 of the catalog) Inks: Basic Black (101179) Miscellaneous: Basic Pearl Jewels (119247); Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Big Shot Machine (113439); 3" Circle Die (122125); Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (117291)

Valentine's Day Card!

I cased this gorgeous card from my stampin' pal, Mary Fish. I didn't use as many elements on my card as Mary used on hers, but I'm very happy with the simple elegance of this card. Red and black is always stunning together. The colors just pop! Adding the black herringbone designer series paper makes this card oooh la la! To order these stunning products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650); Basic Black (121045); Real Red (102482); Love Letter Designer Series Paper (117162); Red Glimmer Paper (121790) Stamps: Have a Seat (116696 - Page 139 of the catalog); Filled with Love (Retired, sorry!) Inks: Basic Black (101179) Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Big Shot Machine (113439); Tasteful Trim Die (120893); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Small Heart Punch (117193); Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286)

Valentine's Day Card!

Whether you choose to do this card in Pretty in Pink or in Marina Mist - you can't go wrong! I saw this adorable card made by Erica Cerwin on Stampin' Connection and made it both in Pretty in Pink and Marina Mist. On the pink card, I used the new Sweet Buttons Embosslits to get a button and also added a tag on the ribbon. Who wouldn't love to find one of these in their mailbox on Valentine's Day? So sweet, cute, and just perfect! To order these GREAT Stampin' Up! products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953); Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117157); Marina Mist (119682) or Pretty in Pink (100459); Early Espresso (119686); Whisper White (100730); Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117152)

Stamps: Sweetheart (120415 - Page 58 of the catalog); Tiny Tags (118091 - Page 130 of the catalog) Inks: Early Espresso (119670); Marina Mist (119668) or Pretty in Pink (101301)

Miscellaneous: Stampin' Sponge (101610); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Big Shot Machine (113439); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (120175); Full Heart Punch (119883); Subtles Designer Button (119745); White Floss; Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Marina Mist (119772) or Pretty in Pink (119775) 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon; Linen Thread (104199); Jewelry Tag Punch (117190); Sweet Buttons Embosslits (121813)

Valentine's Day Card!

This is my FAVORITE Valentine's Day card of all! I got the base idea for this card from my fellow demonstrator and friend Robin Merriman, but changed the image to the "To Do" list from the "Eat Chocolate" stamp set. I love the Vanilla on Vanilla with Pink Pirouette ink sponged around the edges, and then adding the beautiful pink ribbon. Great idea, Robin - so girly-girl - and I love it! To order these dainty, girly-girl products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) Stamps: Eat Chocolate (121931 - Page 30 of the Occasions Mini Catalog) Inks: Early Espresso (119670); Pink Pirouette (111838) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (121809); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Stampin' Sponge (101610); Pretty in Pink 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119775); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246)

Valentine's Day Card!

When I attended the Leadership Conference last month, I was standing in line to attend a class and a demonstrator in front of me was swapping cards. I commented on how beautiful her swap was, and even though I didn't have any swaps to give her, she was nice enough to insist that I take her card! Wasn't that nice? That's what I love about Stampin' Up! Everyone is so friendly! I think this Valentine's Day card is lovely - and it was made by Allison Okamitsu. The items she used to make this card are below. To order Stampin' Up! products, you can visit my 24/7 online store by visiting http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650); Basic Black (121045); First Edition Designer Series Paper (121878) Stamps: Be My Valentine (122045) Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669); Crumb Cake (121030 - to sponge around the edges) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (121809); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992); Glimmer Basics Brads (121003); Paper Snips (103579); Stampin' Sponge (101610)

Valentine's Day Card!

I saw a card similar to this on Stampin' Connection, but I didn't have the Designer Series Paper that was used, so I created my own Designer Series Paper by stamping a pretty flourish on the Very Vanilla card stock and I really like the way it turned out! Marina Mist is, without a doubt, one of my favorite colors! To order these beautiful products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650); Marina Mist (119682) Stamps: Eat Chocolate (121931 - Page 30 of the Occasions Mini Catalog); Charming (116519 - Page 130 of the catalog) Inks: Early Espresso (119670); Marina Mist (119668) Miscellaneous: Marina Mist 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119772); Sticky Strip (104294); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Decorative Label Punch (120907); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246)

Valentine's Day Card!

Love this card! Easy, quick, and beautiful! I cased this card from Kay Kalthoff on Stampin' Connection. The words and the heart are embossed with white embossing powder. The heart is cut out and popped up on top, which looks so pretty in real life! Hope you'll enjoy it. To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Real Red (102482) Stamps: Word Play (120308 - Page 147 of the catalog); I Heart Hearts (117010 - Page 46 of the catalog) Inks: Versamark Pad (102283) Miscellaneous: Paper Snips (103579); White Embossing Powder (109132); Heat Tool (100005); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); White Organza Ribbon (114319)

Valentine's Day Card!

Here's a great Valentine's Day card for you - and it takes five minutes or less to make it! Don't you love that? To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." You could really dress this card up by adding our Basic Rhinestone Jewels to the center of all the flowers! Yeah, baby! Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) Stamps: Be My Valentine (122045 - Page 43 of the Occasions Mini Catalog) Inks: Real Red (103133); Basic Black Marker (100082) Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Paper Snips (103579); Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286)

A Cute Valentine's Day Card!

This looks like a conversation heart, doesn't it? Guess I'll have to EAT it! I saw this cute card on Stampin' Connection made by Linda Pittman and wanted one for myself. What could be cuter? The recipe is below. To order these super products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Pretty in Pink (100459); Real Red (102482); Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117155); Early Espresso (119686); Whisper White (100730) Stamps: On a Pedestal (113814) - Page 55 of the catalog; Something to Celebrate (A Level 2 Hostess Set) - Page 5 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Real Red (103133); Early Espresso Marker (119680); Real Red Marker (100052); Pretty in Pink Marker (100045) Miscellaneous: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); 1-3/8" Square Punch (119877); 1-1/4" Square Punch (119865); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826); Real Red Brad (119740); Pretty in Pink Brad (119738); Crystal Effects (101055 - for the cherry); Paper Snips (103579); Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286)

My Son's New Car!

I just had to show you a picture of my son's new car! It was a Christmas present, but he just got it last Friday. You can't see him very well, but he's sitting in the driver's seat! It's a brand-spankin' new 2011 black Mustang! Don't touch it, though, lest you get fingerprints on it somewhere. My son can regularly be found now wiping it down in the garage with a big fluffy towel. And don't dare drive it, lest you get it dirty! When he drove it for the first time and got out of the car, he had a million-dollar-smile on his face like I've never seen before. I completely melted. He said it was the best ride he's ever had and commented on how "sexy" the car is. WHAT?????? My son said that?????????? His Aunt Pam said she's going to wash his mouth out with soap! Have fun with it, Hunter! It's all yours - and you deserve it! Now you don't have to drive around town in your mom's Stamp-Mobile (although I'm rather proud of my Stamp-Mobile!) I told him I'd be happy to place the Stampin' Up! logo on his back windshield, but he said no! The world is yours, Hunter - now you've just gotta drive there! We're so happy for you!

January Project Share Meeting!

This past Sunday, The TOPICS! met for our January Project Share meeting! We each bring something for everyone else to stamp and we spend the afternoon papercrafting together and talking stamps! It's always so much fun and it never fails to charge me up when we're all together! The project below was offered by Danielle Adams. How cute to use the punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to resemble popcorn!

The project below was offered by Jennifer Park.

The project below was offered by Kirsteen Gill. The project below was offered by Aida Pabon.

The project below was offered by Cathy Vogel.

The project below was offered by Diane Burns.

The project below was offered by Amy Hansen.

The project below was offered by Tammy Davis.

The project below was offered by Geneva Chapin. When you open it up, there's a Scallop Envelope holding BandAids! HOW CUTE!

The project below was offered by Shirley Martin. The insert pulls out with a cute birthday greeting on it!

We'd love to have you join The TOPICS! We have a great time together! We travel together, we eat dinners out together, we retreat together, and we papercraft together! We occasionally meet for lunch and coffee, too! Afraid you'll miss out on something if you go from being a customer to a demonstrator? HARDLY! In fact, you'll gain a whole new family of people who love stamping as much as you do! Right now the starter kit is at a 15% discount and you'll get a product bundle worth over $50. Let me know if the time is right for you!