Aviary

This is one of the current stamp sets I already had, but have never really used. I got it out and the only stamp that was mounted was the little owl. Definitely time to break this one in. This is not my favorite card, but I figured I should show you anyway. Maybe one of you will have a great idea on how to improve on it. It looked great in my head, but when I got it put together it definitely was missing something. I added the pearls hoping that would help it, but it still needs something. Any idea what?

Bookmarks

My Mom called recently and asked for a stamping favor. Now I can never turn my Mom down, but when it involves stamping, why would I want to. Remember I mentioned a few days ago that I was getting remarried in Vegas next month? Well, while I'm doing that, my parents will be house, dog and kid sitting. Since they will be in Illinois, my Mom had to change the date of the book discussion date she leads. She wanted a reminder to put on the books so everyone would remember the date change. She asked for bookmarks, and this is what I came up with. I know the stamp is retired, but he was perfect for this project. The jumbo paperclips have been sitting around my house, so I figured it was time to use some of them up. I think they ended up turning out pretty darn cute!

Sympathy Card

I rarely have a reason to create a sympathy card, which I suppose is a good thing, but recently I needed one. My new Upline's father passed away and I wanted to let her know I was thinking of her. I remembered her saying that this was one of her favorite stamp sets, so I thought it would be appropriate. I'm sure the DSP is retired, but everything else is current. It is a simple card to make, but I love the way it turned out.

Blog Finds CASE

Here is another blog find CASE. The same day I found the chocolate card, I saw these great present cards. After I put them on blog finds, I also discovered that there was a tutorial on how to make the stacking presents. If you would like, you can find it here. As you can see, I used the same retired paper I used to make the happy birthday banner from the other day, but I still love that paper. The sentiments on this card are also retired, but you have to cut a girl some slack. I made the mistake of stamping with the new ink pads before I signed back up to be a demonstrator, and absolutely fell in love. Who knew that stamping could be so easy....anyway, those things aren't cheap and the majority of my demonstrator kit was ink pads. So, I'm working on updating my stamp sets, but for now, I still have more retired than current sets. Some of them hadn't even been put together yet.....so, every once in a while you will see them on my blog. I'll try to warn you when I use them though. I promise!

Why I do Blog Finds......

I have been asked repeatedly why I do the Blog Finds of the Day. I even had one demo ask "What's in it for you?" Well, honestly, I do it for me. I am an amazing CASEr. I love finding wonderful works of art and copying them. I think that in order to become a better stamper, you have to stretch your creative muscles and CASEing is one of the best ways to do that. So, I do blog finds for myself. Since I'm spending the time and energy to find these awesome artists, I figure why not share them. So there, my dirty little secret is out......I don't do blog finds because I'm a wonderful person, I do them for solely selfish reasons. If other people find them useful, well, that's just an added bonus.

Today's card is a great example. I found a similar card for the July 31 edition of blog finds. I loved it, and had to recreate it. This is the birthday card that went with yesterday's banner. She is a chocolate fiend, and and I thought these little paper chocolates were the perfect accent. Come back tomorrow to see what I did on the inside of the card......and yes, it was another find for the blog finds!

WARNING- RETIRED CONTENT

Ok, I warned you. This is a Happy Birthday banner I made for one of my co-workers birthdays. I absolutely love this paper, but it retired years ago. I decided it was time I stop hoarding it, and start using it. I think the addition of the NOT RETIRED Lovely Letters worked so perfectly for this don't you?

Final Button Buddies Card.....At least for now

Yes, I know your all silently applauding that the Button buddies run is over. Well, don't get too excited. Since my choices of stamp sets are limited, I will be utilizing the same ones over and over for a while. The good thing about this is that if I can show my customers how to use one stamp set for several different cards, they may be more inclined to purchase it. This is a thank you card I made for one of my neighbors. Once again, I cased it off of Splitcoast Stampers from Mel Sharp. I changed the colors a bit (because I had to find the right buttons). I really like the way this turned out though. It's a perfect card. If you give any of these Button Buddies cards a try, or if you have some you would love to share, I want to take a look. Leave a link to your card in the comments, or send me an email. The more ideas I have for the few stamp sets I own the better. Thanks for putting up with my Button Buddies obsession for the past several days. Tomorrow there will be something different, I promise!