Getting Ready for the First Day of Kindergarten

In case you haven't heard, my kids aren't the only ones preparing for their first day of school next week...  I will be teaching a Kindergarten class again and I am so excited!  I needed to make a sign for the first day of school and an All About Me poster, so I thought I would dig into My Digital Studio and some of my other supplies to get crafty.  Here are the My Digital Studio versions and then my finished poster at the end of this post.  (My sign didn't print in color, so I just mounted it on some Real Red cardstock to make it look brighter.)

My sign I created, so my class can find me on the first day of school.

A quick 11 x 8 1/2 scrapbook page featuring my children (and my puppy).

A little bit of info about me on a 5 x 5 page.



I couldn't forget to add a little page about my husband, so here is another 5 x 5 page.



My finished poster!  I used some current and retired materials for this project.  The really cute brain at the top was drawn by my daughter, Kaity for our Kindergarten theme this year - Building Brains.  She is so talented!!
Materials used:  My Digital Studio, Strawberry Slush cardstock & ink pad, Pink Pirouette cardstock and marker, Going Gray (I think) cardstock (retired), Smoky Slate ink pad, Retired Alphabet Dies (totally spacing the name), Morning Post Alphabet & Papillon Potpourri stamp sets

Thanks for looking and I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!! 
Tammi

How to Tie a Cheat Bow

If you want to save some ribbon, here is a simple way to tie a 'cheat' bow.

Step 1:  Tie your ribbon in a knot.

Step 2:  Decide where you want to 'bow' to be on your card.  This will guide you to cut in the right spot.  Usually, I don't center my bows, so I cut the ribbon off center, not in half.

Step 3:  Once you cut your ribbon, place the 'bow' on your card and attach the ends to the back using glue dots or SNAIL adhesive.

Pretty simple!

Tammi

Extra Creations from the Paper Pumpkin Intro Kit

Here are my four cards I made with my Paper Pumpkin Introductory Kit.  Everyone will get this kit first when they sign up.  The only extra items I added, besides adhesive, were some Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and Basic Pearls... plus Dimensionals.


Card 1:  Exact card the directions have you make.



Card 2:  I basically just recreated the 1st card, but I made it horizontal.

Card 3:  I stepped this one up just a little.  I cut the banner into two pieces, created the points at the bottom of the second one and attached them to the top left of the card.  The smaller banner has a dimensional.  I added the Lucky Limeade sticker to the top.  I stamped the spots across the front and the saying in the bottom right .  To create the square embellishment, I cut 2" off my last background piece to create a 4" x 3 1/2" and 4" x 2" pieces.  I cut the last one in half to create two 4" x 2" squares.  I inked up one with the Basic Gray ink spot.  I put the Lucky Limeade circle sticker on top and added the Tempting Turquoise button, after a carefully threaded some Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon I added to the kit.  Then I mounted the square above the saying with Dimensionals. 

 

Card 4:  I added some Basic Pearls to my Old Olive ribbon for this card.  Stamp the right side of the Basic Gray card base with the spots using Basic Gray ink.  Stamp the saying in Basic Gray in the bottom left corner.  Place the Daffodil Delight banner sticker at the top of the 4" x 3 1/2" background piece.  Tie the Old Olive ribbon around the top.  Place the Lucky Limeade sticker at the bottom of that piece and add a medium pear to each scallop.  Attach to the card base leaving a 1/8" border around the top and left side.  Put the circle sticker in the middle of the other 2" x 2" square piece of background paper and attach the button in the middle.  Add the largest basic pearl in the middle.  Attach to the bottom right corner using Dimensionals. 

All 4 cards created by Tammi Verbarendse

 There you go!  Let me know if you have any questions.  Don't forget to sign up for My Paper Pumpkin by August 31st!!

Tammi

How to Mount the Clear Stamps

In case you have never used our Clear Stamps before, I decided to make a quick little picture tutorial for you.  They are considered 'clear' because they are unmounted and you have to use a clear block to stamp with them.

Step 1:  Find your backing/image sheet and pop out your stamp from the extra rubber.

Step 2:  Peel the paper off the image sheet.  The image will be really sticky.  Peel the back off the stamp.

Make sure you leave the sticker on the image sheet!

Step 3:  Place the stamp on top of the image sticker.  Make sure you line it up.

Step 4:  Peel the stamp off and you have your image mounted on your stamp.

Hope this helps some of you who need a visual.  :)
Tammi

How to Create the Sample Card from Paper Pumpkin

I had so much fun playing around with my first Paper Pumpkin kit!  I made one card following the directions given and then did the same design for the second card, but I just made it horizontal.  I played around with a couple extra items to make my last two cards.  I will post those tomorrow.  Here is the main card from the intro kit.

Step 1:  Add Lucky Limeade sticker on top left and Daffodil Delight banner sticker about two inches from the bottom of the background paper.

Step 2:  Ink the spots stamp using the Basic Gray ink spot (included in the kit) and stamp to right of the green stickers.  Stamp the saying in Basic Gray and stamp in bottom left corner.  (I can't wait to use this saying again!)

Step 3:  Add the Lucky Limeade scalloped circle sticker on top of the banner and attach the Tempting Turquoise button on top using a glue dot.  All done!

How simple!!  I will definitely use these stamps again!  Remember that everything you need to create 4 of this card is included in your kit, except adhesive.  I used SNAIL adhesive and glue dots.  Your first kit includes the D block, too!

Hope you try this out!  Click on the link on the top right to sign up!!  Only a few more days to get your first two months for only $9.95 each (plus tax).  Use promo code:  PUMPKINDEAL

Tammi

My First Paper Pumpkin Kit Arrived!!

My very first Paper Pumpkin kit just arrived in my mailbox and I am so excited!!  I kept putting it off because I wasn't sure I liked the colors used in the sample for the intro kit, but I have seen so many cute things done with the items in the kit that I finally signed up!  Plus, if you sign up by August 31st using the promo code PUMPKINDEAL, you will get your first two months for only $9.95 plus tax.  (Shipping is already included!)  AND the Clear Acrylic Block D is included in your first kit, which is $8.50 plus tax and shipping, so it's like buying the clear block and getting all the supplies for 4 cards and two clear stamps for FREE!  How can you pass up such a fabulous deal?!  Here is what the Introductory Kit looks like...

I will be playing around with my kit later today, so I will post some samples tomorrow.  Don't forget to sign up by August 31st to get this great deal!!  Click on the link at the top right of my blog or this link:  My Paper Pumpkin to sign up today!!  You need to type in the promo code: PUMPKINDEAL to get the first two months for only $9.95 (plus tax) and then it will go back to $19.95 (plus tax) each month.  Remember that your first kit will always be the intro kit I have pictured above and then you will get the next months surprise kit.  If you signed up by the 10th of August, you should get your intro kit this month and September's kit next month.  If you signed up after the 10th of August, your first (intro) kit will arrive next month and then you will get your first surprise kit in October. 

Let me know if you have any questions!!

Tammi

New Thin-Lit Dies

Check out the video below to see how to use these really cool new dies to make amazing cards and other fun projects!

Click on the 'Shop Now' button on the right to place your order!
Tammi

25th Anniversary Set for August

If you are interested in ordering any of the awesome 25th Anniversary sets, go to my website and click the 'Shop' button in the top right corner. 

Happy Stamping!
Tammi

My Project Life Swaps - Stampin' Up! Style

I really like the concept behind the whole 'Project Life' craze, so I decided to host a swap to see what we could create using Stampin' Up! products.  I love what I ended up with!!  I will share my swaps below and I may share the ones I received in a few days.  (After my convention posts!)

Project Life 4 x 6 Swap
Materials used:  Very Vanilla Cardstock, Basic Gray Cardstock, Gumball Green Cardstock, Raspberry Ripple Cardstock, Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Hearts a Flutter Framelits (largest banner), Bitty Banner Framelits (small banner), Typeset Alphabet Bigz Dies (25), Dimensionals
Directions/Hints:  I had cut the number banner already and was planning on using it as a 1/2" border, but I decided I wanted to make it a banner instead, so I just cut the ends with my Paper Snips.  I can't wait to add a picture of me with my mom and sister from Convention!  25 years!!!

Project Life 3 x 4 Swap
Materials used:  Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set; Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper; Crisp Cantaloupe Cardstock and Marker; Basic Gray Cardstock and Marker; Summer Starfruit Marker; Gumball Green Marker; Bermuda Bay Marker; Raspberry Ripple Marker; Bitty Banner Framelits; Basic Rhinestones
Directions/Hints:  Don't color each letter if you are in a hurry.  ;)

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous week!!
Tammi

Some of my Organized Swaps I Created for Convention

I knew that I had a lot on my plate this summer, so I decided to focus on a few organized swaps instead of making a lot of general swaps.  I love Stampin' Addicts, so I signed up for three of their swaps.  I even added my own Project Life swap to their list, which I will post tomorrow.  Here are my samples:


One Layer Swap - Boy... This one was a little tricky!
Materials used:  Zoo Babies Stamp Set - Clear, Block D, Alphabet Press Embossing Folder, Square Framelits (I used the 5th one in - 2 1/2"), Smoky Slate Ink Pad, Crisp Cantaloupe Marker
Directions/Hints:  Cut out the square first and then use the embossing folder.  Stamp the image through the cut out square.

Masculine Card Swap
Materials Used:  Simply Stars & You're Amazing Stamp Sets; Pacific Point Cardstock, Ink Pad, and Marker; Always Artichoke Cardstock and Marker; Cajun Craze Cardstock and Marker; Very Vanilla Cardstock; Regal Dots (Always Artichoke); Apothecary Framelits; Mini Silver Brads; Dimensionals

Christmas Tag Swap
Materials used:  Ornaments Keepsakes and Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Sets; Basic Black Cardstock, Marker and 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon; Modern Medley Designer Series Paper; Very Vanilla Cardstock; Real Red Ink Pad, Marker and 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon; Holiday Ornaments and Bitty Banners Framelits; Basic Pearls Large; Dimensionals
Directions/Hints:  Remember that these framelits and stamp sets are available online.  You can type in the names in the search bar on my website to find them.

Thanks so much for looking!  Feel free to comment and/or pin away.  :)  Have a great week!
Tammi

Hello Again! I'm Back!

I can't believe it has been over two months since my last post!  Things got a little crazy and busy, so here is a quick recap: 

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Events from the Past 2 1/2 Months

• My oldest daughter turned 21, which you probably know.  It was my last post...
• My youngest daughter and I went to Minnesota, so she could go to their prom with her friends.  She looked beautiful and had a blast, even though it was cold, rainy AND snowy... in May!!
• My youngest and only son had an allergic reaction to something and had a really bad rash that seemed to last forever.  We finally found out he has a mild wheat allergy (not Celiac Disease) and has really low levels of Vitamin D.  He's doing fabulous now!!
• I got a teaching job!  I'm so excited!!  I will be teaching a morning Kindergarten class again in the fall.
• The really sad news is that my amazing Grandpa Calvin passed away unexpectedly at the very end of May.  This has been so incredibly hard on my whole family, especially my mom.  Please keep us in your prayers.
• We were in Boise a lot last month!  We started June off with my Grandpa's funeral and came back after school was out to celebrate my youngest daughter's 17th birthday.  (Then she went to Minnesota again for 10 days!)  
• I've been taking a lot of classes this summer to help prepare me for teaching again.  Busy, but educational!!
• The extremely fun part of my summer was just last week when I attended the Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City!  It is their 25th year, so it was a major celebration!!  It is one of my favorite events, since I get to spend it with my mom and my sister, who are also demonstrators.  I will be posting my swap cards and other fun photos this week.  So much to share, but I need to space it out!  :)

Well, I think that is about it.  I just got back from another quick trip to Boise and then I'm heading to Park City for some fun.  I hope you are enjoying your summer!!

Tammi

Happy 21st Birthday, Kylie!!

I want to wish my oldest daughter a very happy birthday!!  I can't believe she is already 21!!  Time really does go by fast...  Here are some cute pics of my baby girl.  I've also added pictures of the card, tags and gift card envelope that I made her using some products from the upcoming new Stampin' Up! catalog.  Enjoy!

1994

1994

1994

1997

2005

2009

2010

2013

All About You Tag created by Tammi Verbarendse
Materials (items in upcoming catalog in bold):  Really Good Greetings stamp set; Very Vanilla cardstock; Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (retiring!), cardstock and marker; Early Espresso marker; Summer Starfruit marker; Soho Subway Designer Series Paper; Two Tags Bigz Die (retiring!); Dimensionals; Corner Rounder Punch

All About You Tag on a Gift
Created by Tammi Verbarendse

For You Tag created by Tammi Verbarendse
Materials:  Mixed Medley stamp set (retired holiday mini hostess set); Island Indigo cardstock and marker; Early Espresso cardstock; Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock and ink pad; Soho Subway Designer Series Paper; Two Tags Bigz Die (retiring!); 1 3/4" and 1 1/4" Scallop Circle, 3/4" Circle and Corner Rounder Punches;  Dimensionals

21st Birthday Gift Card Envelope created by Tammi Verbarendse
Materials:  Remembering Your Birthday and ABC-123 Sketch Alphabet & Numbers stamp sets; Island Indigo cardstock and marker; Early Espresso marker; Soho Subway Designer Series Paper; Very Vanilla cardstock; Typeset Alphabet Bigz Dies; Dimensionals; Simply Scored Scoring Tool & Diagonal Plate; Paper Snips

Happy 21st Birthday Card created by Tammi Verbarendse
Materials:  Blue Ribbon, Henry Says (from Occassions Mini Catalog), and ABC-123 Sketch Alphabet & Numbers stamp sets; Island Indigo cardstock and marker; Very Vanilla cardstock; Early Espresso marker; Summer Starfruit marker; Crisp Cantaloupe ink pad; Soho Subway Designer Series Paper; 2 3/8" Scallop Circle and 1 3/8" Circle Punches; Pearl Basics; Dimensionals; Paper Snips

Have a fabulous week everyone, especially Kylie!!!
Tammi

Links to the Retired Lists - Accessories are While Supplies Last!!

Retiring Lists

• Retiring Stamps (Available April 24-June 3, 2013)
  • PDF
  • Sortable Excel file
• Retiring Accessories (Available April 24-June 3, 2013, or while supplies last) 
  • PDF
  • Sortable Excel file

I will be hosting a Retirement Open House on Friday, May 10th from 6:30 - 8:30 at my house.  Go to my website and the calendar to RSVP.  You may also order the NEW catalog at this event.  If you book a party or spend over $30 at this event, you will get the catalog for FREE!

If you can not attend, but place a minimum $30 order through my website by midnight on May 10th, you will receive a new catalog in the mail as a thank you!!  Please use Hostess Code K9P3SM4R so I can track your order.  (You add this at the bottom of your shopping cart.)  Remember that these orders are shipped directly to your home!! 

Also, April 30th is the LAST DAY to order the This and That Bundle for 15% off and the Sent With Love product line.  The Sent With Love items ARE NOT in the upcoming catalog, so this is the last chance to order these!!  You can still use the hostess code above and receive a free catalog from me, if you order these items by April 30th. 

Tammi

Cute Card and Notepad using Products from Upcoming Stampin' Up! Catalog!

I was lucky enough to spend last Saturday with my mom and sister at the Stampin' Up! Salt Lake City Regional.  We had so much fun!!  There were FREE stamp sets, make-n-takes and awesome demonstrations.  It was a blast! 

Here are two of the projects we made using our new stamp sets, Simply Stars and Remembering Your Birthday.  You can purchase these items beginning June 1st!

Simply Stars Notepad designed by Stampin' Up! and created by Tammi Verbarendse
Materials (Bold from New Catalog):  Simply Stars and Remembering Your Birthday stamp sets; Whisper White cardstock; Basic Gray cardstock and ink pad; Gumball Green cardstock and ink pad; Pool Party ink pad; Crisp Cantaloupe ink pad; Calypso Coral cardstock and baker's twine; Paper Snips

Worth Celebrating Card and Envelope designed by Stampin' Up! and created by Tammi Verbarendse
Materials used:  Remembering Your Birthday stamp set; Whisper White cardstock and envelope; Basic Gray marker and ink pad; Pumpkin Pie cardstock; Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper (Pumpkin Pie & Old Olive); 2012 - 2014 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack (Raspberry Ripple); In Color Dahlias (Raspberry Ripple); Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (circle for ticket looking punch), and Elegant Butterfly Punches; Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder; Deco Labels Collection Framelits; Paper Snips; Dimensionals

Worth Celebrating Card designed by Stampin' Up! and created by Tammi Verbarendse

Worth Celebrating Card designed by Stampin' Up! and created by Tammi Verbarendse
Closer look at the layers.

Hopefully I didn't miss anything!  We will probably make something like the notepad at my New Catalog Open House, so keep checking back for details!

Happy stamping!!
Tammi

Retired list is here!!

I will be updating with some pictures later when I'm not on my iPad, but I wanted to let you know that the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Retired list is now available.  Just click on my 'Shop Now' button on the right and click on the retired list on the left of the shopping screen.  Remember that these are available while supplies last!

Happy shopping!
Tammi

New Dolled-Up Birthday Kit

We're excited to introduce our second Submit a Project kit--the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit--voted on by you via our Facebook page. This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

• Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
• 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
• 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
• Dress Up die-cuts (6)
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
• Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
• Sponge Dauber (1)

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!*  Click here to order.

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:

1. Place the stamp on clear-mount block D or H rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
2. Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
3. Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
4. Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
   
   • Doily
   • Very Vanilla Cardstock
   • Dress form
   • Flower

*Adhesive not included

Have fun with this cute project!
Tammi

Photopolymer Stamps Video

Here's a fun video showing how to use the new Photopolymer stamps.  Another set just came out last week called Bombs Away Birthday.  Click the Shop Now button on the right to order this really fun stamp set!  I honestly love the sayings!!

 

Here's a closer look:

 

 

 

Tammi