Wednesday, November 15, 2017

#TGIFC133 Fall Sketch

I have been a little absent here lately. Sorry about that! I am back today to share one more fall card. This one is the card I made for my husband for Thanksgiving, and I used the sketch challenge over at TGIF Challenges to put it together. Here's the sketch:




And here's my take on it:




I stayed pretty true to the sketch, but that little shape in the corner really stumped me for awhile! I like how it turned out in the end. What do you think?


I also tried a new-to-me technique on this card - heat embossing with regular ink. It's a very subtle addition, but I like the shine it adds! It is hard to capture in a photo, but I tried. The key to this technique is to immediately add your embossing powder after you stamp. The ink needs to be wet to hold the powder. So for my sentiment, I stamped in Early Espresso ink, then added Clear Embossing Powder. A little heat, and voila!




I'll be back after Thanksgiving with everyone's favorite type of projects - Christmas!


Stamps: Painted Harvest
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla, Painted Autumn DSP
Accessories & Tools: Touches of Nature Elements, Gold Metallic Thread, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Saturday, October 21, 2017

#TGIFC130: Sweater Weather Scrapbook Page

This week, I will not be late in participating in this challenge! The challenge at TGIF Challenges this week is a theme - sweater weather. I've had this fall scrapbook page in my head for awhile, and of course I used all of my favorite fall products to create it!





What do you think? These pictures are from a visit to the pumpkin farm last fall. We're planning to go again this year, but it just won't be the same when it's still close to 90 degrees outside...


Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Spooky Night DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Old Olive, Watercolor Paper, Gold Foil
Accessories & Tools: Layering Ovals Framelits, Patterned Pumpkins Thinlits, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, Aquapainters, Burlap Ribbon, Gold Metallic Thread, Journaling Pens


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Fall Notecard for #TGIF129 Challenge

Have you ever had one of those days where you are just a step behind on everything? We had friends visiting for the past week, and it was so great! But I am low on sleep, and my brain is taking the brunt of it. I forgot to brush my daughter's hair this morning. I went to the store for milk and bread, and forgot the milk. I created an awesome card for the TGIF Challenge this afternoon, and then went to load it only to discover I was a day late. Oops. I think going to bed early tonight is a must!


Since I am kind of in love with this card, I'm going to share it with you anyways. Here is the sketch that inspired it:




And here is the card:




I am still loving all things fall, even though the temps here are continuing to creep towards 100 every day. So I'll have a few more fall projects to share with you, and then I promise we'll get to Christmas!


Stamps: Tabs for Everything
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White, Wood Textures DSP, Painted Autumn DSP
Accessories & Tools: Burlap Ribbon, Copper Trim, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Monday, October 16, 2017

Quick & Easy Thank You Cards

I've got a clean and simple card for you today, and this layout can be used with any Designer Series Paper and ribbon that you'd like!








I think my favorite is the one with the Wood Textures DSP and Copper Trim. I used the 'Thank You' from the Daisy Delight stamp set, but any greeting would work. All of these Designer Series Papers (and more!) are on sale Buy Three Get One Free this month! Shop here and pick out your favorites!


These cards are stamped on a standard size card base, 5 1/2" by 8 1/2". The Whisper White mat is 3 3/8" by 4 5/8", the Designer Series Paper is 3 1/4" by 4 1/2", and the greeting is stamped on a 1" by 3" piece. The little banner underneath the ribbon is 1" by 3/4". I used my Paper Snips to trim the banner end.


Stamps: Daisy Delight
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Be Merry DSP, Delightful Daisy DSP, Birthday Memories DSP, Wood Textures DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Double Stitched Ribbon, Night of Navy 1/2" Gingham Ribbon, Gold 1/8" Ribbon, Copper Trim


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Hello Fall!

We've finally reached double digits in Arizona, just in time for fall! I love going outside in the morning to 60 degrees, with just a slight chill in the air. Now you can laugh if you are in a cooler part of the country, but after months on end of 110, it does feel cool!


Today's cards use the Count My Blessings stamp set again, and this time I did some water-coloring. The images in this set are just asking to be water-colored, and it's so much fun to feel like an artist! What do you think?








I stuck to all of my fall products, and I think that touch of copper is just perfect! If you haven't tried the Copper Trim yet, you should. I am on my third roll already!


Have you been working on fall projects? In the past I think I've always skipped right to Christmas, but I'm really enjoying the fall stuff this year! Drop a comment and let me know what you've been working on. I would love to know!


Stamps: Count My Blessings, Eastern Beauty
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Soft Sky, Early Espresso, Versamark
Paper: Whisper White, Watercolor Paper, Copper Foil, Painted Autumn DSP
Accessories & Tools: Copper Trim, Copper Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Glitter Enamel Dots


Happy Stamping!
Rachel


Thursday, September 14, 2017

Painted Autumn Home Decor

Today's project has been an idea in the back of my mind for several weeks now. I finally got all of the pieces to put it together, and now it's sitting out as part of my fall décor! (I'm pretending it's fall inside while outside it is still over 100 degrees. I lived here before, but boy am I ready for the Arizona heat to die down!)







The frame is from Hobby Lobby, and is 8" x 8". The rest of the products I used are listed below. And the sentiment from the Count My Blessings stamp set - one of my favorites, maybe ever!

Stamps: Count My Blessings
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Painted Autumn DSP, Thick Whisper White Cardstock (everything is mounted on this), Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories & Tools: Burlap Ribbon, Very Vanilla Lace Trim, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, Touches of Nature Elements



Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Painted Harvest Suite: All of My Favorite Things

Today's card includes all of my favorite things from the Holiday Catalog - the Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper, the Painted Harvest stamp set, and the Leaf Punch, plus a few extras from the Annual Catalog that I love too! The inspiration for this card came from a gift bag pictured in the Holiday Catalog. I love all of the project ideas in there!







Stamps: Painted Harvest
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Early Espresso, Soft Sky, Painted Autumn DSP, Very Vanilla, Vellum
Accessories & Tools: Leaf Punch, Touches of Nature Elements, Peekaboo Peach Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon, Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Friday, September 1, 2017

Christmas Card Club: Carols of Christmas

It's the time of year to start thinking about making Christmas cards, if you're a crafter that is! And I have something to help you out - my Christmas Card Club! During the months of September, October, and November, I'll be running a Christmas Card Club, and each month you participate you'll get the supplies to make 16 cards, giving you a good head start on getting those Christmas cards done.


Here are the details: you do not need to participate every month, but if you do you'll receive a free stamp set of your choice (value up to $17)! The class for the month will be available to purchase from the 1st through the 15th of the month, and the kits will ship by the 25th.


This month's class features the stamp set Carols of Christmas and the technique of heat embossing. You will receive the stamp set in your choice of wood or clear mount, an exclusive video tutorial teaching you how to heat emboss, and the supplies and instructions to complete 16 cards, 4 each of 4 designs.




If you do not have a heat tool, you may add one on to your purchase at no additional shipping cost, and I will throw in a Versamark ink pad for free! You may also add embossing powders to your order at no additional shipping cost. Another option is to use your choice of regular ink and not do the embossing.


The cost for this month's class is $55 plus $7 shipping for wood mount, and $46 plus $7 shipping for clear mount. Please email me if you would like the links to purchase, and make sure to note if you are adding the heat tool or any embossing powders to your order.


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, August 31, 2017

A Whole Lot of Lovely Hugs

Happy Thursday! This Thursday, I am happy this week is almost over. Anyone else have that type of week? I am looking forward to the fresh start of a new month tomorrow, and a long holiday weekend.


I thought I would share one of the cards from this month's Lovely Inside & Out Class to Go. I don't typically share all of the cards from these classes, but I got a new background paper for taking photos, and I loved how it made this card really pop!




Tomorrow I'll be back with details on my Christmas Card Club, and watch for another Class to Go around the 8th of the month.


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, August 24, 2017

June 2017 Paper Pumpkin: One in a Melon

Some of you probably know that I used to be a teacher. And to my surprise, my daughter is now attending school at the first school I taught at. Teachers have a special place in my heart, and especially these teachers, some of whom I taught with for four years. I wanted to do something special for them on the first day of school, and June's Paper Pumpkin kit was the perfect solution!




As soon as I received this kit, I knew that I wanted to use it for the first day of school teacher treats. So I purchased a refill kit as well, giving me enough for the 8 teachers at my daughter's school. (Refill kits are available only to Paper Pumpkin subscribers - an awesome perk!) Each teacher got a little gift bag and a card wishing them well on the new school year.




Inside each gift bag, I filled one of our 6 x 8 Cellophane Bags with sweet little gummy watermelons that I found at Walmart for 98 cents. (I forgot to take a picture - sorry!)


Since I had a few extra supplies from my two kits, I also made an alternate card using the Cool Treats stamp set. The sentiment from that set paired perfectly with the watermelons!




Paper Pumpkin kits have been really great recently! September's kit promises to be a good one, too! Stampin' Up! has been dropping some hints, so here's what I know: there will be beautiful embellishments, it will get you in the mood for fall, and it will be a fall-themed project bedecked with stamped leaves and laser-cut, gold foil stickers. And the best part is that if you are a new subscriber, you can get September's kit at 50% off! Click here to subscribe, and make sure to enter the promo code HALFOFF0917.




Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Love Today Planner: Daily Schedule Add-On

My oldest started Kindergarten yesterday. Let's just say day two is going much smoother for everyone! She loved it; the rest of us are having a hard time. Her little brothers kept asking when we could go get her, and I kind of agreed! We are all starting to settle into the routine today though, and it feels good.


Last week, I realized that it would probably help me to have a new routine written down for school days. Having it written down helps me to stay accountable and productive during the day. Anyone else have trouble figuring out what you're supposed to be doing during the day sometimes? No, just me? My mommy brain needs help! So I created this add-on page for my Love Today Planner.




This 6 x 8 plastic sleeve is from the Variety Pack of 6 x 8 photo pocket pages (this specific one is a retired Project Life sleeve, but the same ones are still available without the Project Life name). These sleeves fit perfectly into the planner binder. They are a slightly larger size than the pages of the planner, but still fit in when it is closed. You may just see a tiny bit of the edge.




I used stickers from the planner kit and Stampin' Write markers in coordinating colors to make my daily schedule. I also used the Bundle of Love Specialty DSP and Very Vanilla cardstock. You could use any style of paper and colors that you like.





I'd love to know what additions you've made to your planner! Comment below and tell me!


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Lovely Inside & Out Class to Go

The Lovely Inside & Out stamp set pairs perfectly with the A Whole Lot of Lovely DSP! I think you'll love the class I've designed for you this month!





This stamp set is available in wood mount or clear mount, so make sure to specify which one you want when you order this class. The cost is $42 plus $7 shipping for wood mount, and $33 plus $7 shipping for clear mount. Your class fee includes the Lovely Inside & Out stamp set, plus the supplies and instructions for the 4 cards pictured above. You must purchase the class by August 24, and classes will ship by August 31. If you make an additional $25+ purchase by August 24 using hostess code NDTMT3JA, I will send you a second set of supplies for the cards.


Please email me for a link to purchase this class.


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Berry Burst Congratulations

Today is the final day to purchase this month's class to go featuring the Happy Birthday, Gorgeous stamp set, so I thought I would highlight one of the cards. This is my favorite out of the four cards, and it just might have to do with the main color of the card - Berry Burst! I go back and forth between favorite new In Colors, but this one is currently at the top of my list.




If you are interested in purchasing this class to go, or this month's other offering, the Soft Sayings Card Class, please contact me today. I'll have another class to go ready for you on August 8!



Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Christmas in July!

I have a beautiful card to share with you today! I get my inspiration from a lot of places, but this card was copied directly from our demonstrator magazine, Stampin' Success. It's a quarterly magazine, and it's packed full of project ideas and business tips. I love when it shows up in my mailbox!




Pretty, right? I love the new In Colors this year, and those little bow embellishments are adorable. And the best part was I didn't have to design it myself!


There are SO many perks to being a demonstrator, and I thought I would share some with you today, because the Starter Kit special this month is amazing! I made a short video to tell you about the Christmas in July promotion, and it includes a sneak peek of the new Carols of Christmas stamp set and Card Front Builder Thinlits from our upcoming Holiday Catalog. Thanks for taking a look!




If purchasing the Starter Kit is something you are interested in, you can contact me for more information, or sign up here. I would love to have you join my team, Rachel's Naptime Stampers!


Stamps: Happy Birthday, Gorgeous
Ink: Berry Burst
Paper: Berry Burst, Whisper White, Lemon Lime Twist, Fresh Florals DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Triple Banner Punch, Metallic Foil Doilies, 2017-2019 In Color Bitty Bows, Silver Metallic Thread


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, July 6, 2017

July's Classes to Go

I have this month's classes to go ready a few days early. There are two options this month - one is the Soft Sayings Card Kit plus some extras, and the second features the stamp set Happy Birthday, Gorgeous. I love them both, and I hope you will too! The deadline to purchase both classes is July 20. Classes will ship by July 27 this month. Here are the details:




Soft Sayings Card Class: This class includes the Soft Sayings Card Kit, Berry Burst and Lemon Lime Twist ink pads, a Blender Pen, and the supplies and instructions to make four bonus cards. You will also receive a link to an exclusive video tutorial with tips on putting your cards together and a lesson in coloring with Blender Pens. The cost is $57 plus $13 shipping if you are not local.




Happy Birthday, Gorgeous Card Class: This class includes the Happy Birthday, Gorgeous stamp set and the supplies and instructions to make the four cards pictured below. The cost is $34 plus $7 shipping. If you purchase both classes, you will only pay $13 shipping total.





Please email me for links to purchase. The deadline is July 20.


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Delightful Daisies

Every month I try to participate in my team's swap. We each send 4 of the same cards that we've designed, and then we get 4 different ones back. It's a fun way to get samples using products we may not have purchased ourselves, and I always enjoy a little fun mail!


When I started working on this month's swap, I pulled out the Daisy Delight Bundle. It's been on backorder since the new catalog period started, but it's back in stock! I was not truly in love with this bundle until I saw it used for gerbera daisies, and then I knew I had to have it. So that's the direction I went with for my cards. I started with Flirty Flamingo, and then kept going with even more fun colors!









Which one is your favorite? The Daisy Punch is a great one to add to your collection - make sure to add it to your shopping list!





Stamps: Daisy Delight
Ink: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist, Tempting Turquoise
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist, Tempting Turquoise, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
Accessories & Tools: Daisy Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Polka Dot Basics EF, Big Shot


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Life is Beautiful

Today I am highlighting one of the cards from this month's class to go featuring the stamp set Colorful Seasons. Did you know that I offer at least one class to go every month? Watch for a new class on the 8th of every month, and have your class shipped to you by the last day of the month. Here's a spoiler: next month's class to go will feature the stamp set Happy Birthday, Gorgeous!


It's nowhere close to fall, but I love the delicate leaf in the Seasonal Layers Thinlits, and I had to use it on a card!




Two Designer Series Papers are featured on this card as well - you can probably tell that one is the Wood Textures DSP Stack, but do you know where the other one comes from? If you guessed the Delightful Daisy DSP, you are right!


I love how this card turned out, and I know that little leaf will be making more appearances in my cards once fall gets here!


Stamps: Colorful Seasons
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Delightful Daisy DSP, Wood Textures DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Big Shot, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Linen Thread, Glitter Enamel Dots


Happy Stamping!
Rachel

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Birthday Memories Gift Bag

My oldest recently turned 5, and she'll be starting kindergarten this fall. I am definitely not ready for that yet! Along with school comes invitations to birthday parties. She's not even in school yet, and we are invited to one tomorrow evening. Thank goodness Stampin' Up! has the perfect suite of products for kids' birthdays - the Birthday Memories Suite.





I used a few of the products from this suite to create a cute gift bag and a matching card.






I love this piece of the Designer Series Paper, and I used both pieces from the package to create the gift bag. I am planning to do a tutorial video next week, so stay tuned for that!





I used a second tag on my matching card, and added in some more of the DSP. Love those polka dots!




This suite of products is one of my favorites in the catalog. I hope you like it too!


Stamps: Birthday Delivery
Ink: Sweet Sugarplum
Paper: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Birthday Memories DSP
Accessories & Tools: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, Crushed Curry Mini Chevron Ribbon, 2017-2019 In Color Bitty Bows, Gift Bag Punch Board


Happy Stamping!
Rachel