Monday, December 31, 2007

New Year's Sales

Hurry on over to http://www.newcleardollarstamps.com/servlet/StoreFront
Lori has put a ton of stamps into the clearance section that are being retired. Some of the sets are only $1 and they are so cute. :)

Tomorrow, the new Close To My Heart catalog will be available to order from! Woo hoo! You are going to love it. This catalog has a wonderful feel to it. I feel like there are new sets, paper and accessories that will meet anyone's needs. Email me if you would like me to send you a free copy. :)

Happy New Year!

Wow! Where to start... 2007 was a great year for me in many ways. There were also many times this year where I felt like I had some really rough spots.

I am so grateful to be part of the Kitchen Sink stamps and Clear Dollar stamp design teams. That was a goal of mine and it has been really wonderful. In 2008, I would love to be published with some artwork from both of these companies.

I was published with my Close To My Heart business. That felt so great! :) This year, I'd like to be a little more consistent with my business. I would also love to enter a bunch of work so that Sharon and I can have the opportunity to teach at convention in Orlando. That would really be a dream come true and it would be so much fun.

I'd like to lose a few of the pounds I put on this year. I think everyone has this goal. :)

I started selling Premier Jewelry because I love it so much. When I wear it, it makes me feel good about myself. I'd like to help other people feel that way too. :) If I could earn a little fun money in the process, that would be great too.

I'd like to be a better mother, teacher, sister and wife in 2008. I definitely need to learn more patience and more dedication to those things that are important to me and to those things that I love.

2007 has also had some rough spots. My sister moved to California and now my mom lives alone. I really wish that she could come and live with us. I worry about her being alone and I would like her to have more time to do the things she enjoys. She is a teacher and school has been difficult for her this year. There have been days when she has called all choked up because of the behavior of both children and adults. She shouldn't have to feel that way and at times, it has made me both angry and sad.

I don't really want to go into detail about some of the other things that are going on. Just remember to tell people that you love and appreciate them. And keep people in your prayers in thoughts.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2008.

Love,
Rachle

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

How was your holiday?

We had a very nice Christmas this year. I love seeing the kids open their presents, especially the ones they give to each other. :) I also love the home made gifts they create at school or buy from the school store. I think these gifts really show how your kids look at you. Our oldest always gave me jewelry while the two little girls give practical gifts like bath salt and a mug. Interesting huh?

Anyway, I just wanted to remind you of the sale today at Kitchen Sink Stamps. Just put in BOWS as the discount code to save 15%. :)

Monday, December 24, 2007

I'm back

There is going to be a great sale on the 26th at Kitchen Sink Stamps! 15% off your order! That's an after Christmas sale that I don't want to miss! Fill your cart and then just put in BOWS for the promotion code. :)
A small power surge fried my power supply so my laptop is dead for a couple of days. :( I had some pictures on there of Christmas gifts I wanted to share. Hopefully I can still pull them off the computer and get them up here tomorrow while the kids are playing with their new stuff. :)

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Pictures of my cute nephew

As promised, pictures of my new nephew, not looking gooey. :)


You can see Landon Mikal here-
http://www.our365.com/webnursery/WebNursery/Baby/BabyPage.aspx?birthid=0&babyid=0

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Accordion card with gift cards!


Okay, okay. So technically it is Wednesday but only by 13 minutes here in Colorado!

This is a little accordion book that I made from Beate's tutorial on SCS. I adapted it a little bit by sliding the ribbon behind the front and back covers so that it expands and collapses a little more easily and looks nicer in my opinion.

When I saw this dot border from my Kitchen Sink Stamps set (Backgrounds and Borders), I saw little trees. I just masked my project so the last row of dots didn't show. I put a clear Sparkle (from Close To My Heart) on one of the trees to add a little bling and turn it into a Christmas tree. 'Tis the season is stamped there in the corner. The snow was made by swirling a thin layer of liquid applique and then heat setting it. I really wanted my little book to look like it had piping on it. So I ironed some Chocolate organdy that I had folded in half. I used O' So Sticky tape to attach the ribbon to the folded edge of the background and texture paper. Then I did some faux stitching with a brown journaling pen. The envelopes on the inside are made from templates created from those little manilla coin envelopes. Tomorrow's project (actually a second one today but I am calling it tomorrow) will also be using these little envelopes. The tabs on the gift card pockets say magazines, munchies, music and more. A great gift for any teenager! :)

I will check with SCS and ask if I can post my own instructions here for the accordion book. In the mean time, if you just can't wait to try it, you can go to www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/accordian.php

Enjoy!



3 bits of news...

1. I am going to be posting projects everyday from now until Christmas day. :) Please check back often to see what I am up to.

2. I won some "Pay It Forward" blog candy awhile back and now it is my turn to do something for you. Please post a message to this blog. The first three people to post will get something shiny and something stampy! :)

3. Please go check out Erika Martin's (fellow blogger, stamper and design team member) blog. She has teamed up with a couple of different people to create some wonderful blog candy. If you enter to win, you will help raise money for an amazing cause, autism. The prizes are amazing but supporting this cause is even better. Here's the link-
http://stampinmama.typepad.com/stampin_mama_a_mama_that_/

Monday, December 17, 2007

A project and my beef with You Tube...










Here are some pictures of a little banner I made with Kitchen Sink Stamps Playful Alphabet Buddy.

I found these chipboard squares at Archivers. Kathy (a fellow blogger) sent me a package of Figgy Pudding (how awesome is that!) so I decided this would be the perfect project for it!

I stamped the letters I needed onto Eclipse tape. Then I cut out the letters (not in detail, just cutting them apart). I searched through my Figgy Pudding for combinations I liked and laid it all out. I put the tape on the paper I had chosen for the letters and carefully cut them out. Then I got out my Modge Podge and put a thin coat onto the chipboard. I adhered 1 1/2" squares of different paper to each square and made sure that they were centered nicely and glued on evenly. Then I muddied the edges of the letters and the squares with Cocoa (Close To My Heart). Then I applied a little Modge Podge to the back of each letter and centered them onto the squares. You want to be careful to wipe off any glue that might sneak out from under the letters. Once this stuff dries, it is permanent and you don't want to have big blobs of hard glue around your letters, do you??? Once these were dry, I sealed them with completely with Modge Podge. Try to apply an even coat when you do this. *Modge Podge is great stuff. It comes in matte, glossy and even a glitter finish. It is very durable and doesn't distort the project very much. For the last step, I cut a length of ribbon and found the center. I placed my center letter in the center and stuck it to the ribbon with Zots. I spaced the letters 1/2" apart and spaced the two words 1 1/2" apart. I found this awesome star at a craft show about a month ago. I want to keep it up all the time but I thought I would jazz it up for the holidays and put this banner on it. I LOVE it!

As if I haven't talked enough... I have a beef with You Tube. I can't load my video tutorial onto their site. :( Once I figure this out, I will post it here. Hopefully, I can get it up no later than tomorrow when the Wonder Husband Jason can help me out. :)

Friday, December 14, 2007

Feeling down and out...

We took everybody in today to get their eyes checked. Kait needs glasses. Earlier this year she needed tubes in her ears and now glasses. Kait is far behind in school from not being able to hear and having trouble seeing. I feel like the worst mom today. I think every parent wants to give their kids everything to help them be successful. I feel bad that I've tried to give her advantages but totally missed the fact that she was having physical problems that was preventing her from learning. Kait is so full of love and kindness. She is always there to give you a hug and kiss when you need it and she always has something nice say. I feel like I've short changed her. I am hoping and praying that with her new glasses, she can advance more quickly and hopefully catch up a little bit before kindergarten.

Today sucks.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

My Nephew is here!

Yeah! Landon Mikal was born this morning. He was 6 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. :) I have only sent pictures from right after his birth. I will post some pictures of him later if I can get some without him covered in goo. ;)

I love being an aunt! :)

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Oh my goodness!!!

I just got word that my sister-in-law has gone into labor! Hooray! Please say a little prayer for her today that everything will go smoothly. I will post pics as soon as I get some. The baby's name is Landon and I can't wait to see him! Gotta go make a card for them!

BTW, we will be adding numbers to our family soon too. No, I am not pregnant! ;) We are adopting some furry friends. I will post pics as soon as the boys get here.

Snowy day, school delay

The kids are on school delay today. The snow is really coming down in teeny, tiny snowflakes. Teeny, tiny snowflakes=super cold outside. These kinds of flakes also make very slick roads. Jason is working from home today (woo hoo) so I will have him make a fire and fix the kids some hot chocolate. :) This should also be a great day to get caught up on some stamping! Check back later for pics of my new projects.
Hope you are having a great day!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Ugh!

I've posted entries since the 2nd and they seem to have been wiped out! Argh!

Well, what's done is done. :(

When Jason gets home tonight, I am going to make my first video tutorial for gift card holders. Keep an eye out for it! :)

Sunday, December 02, 2007

NEW Clear Dollar Stamps!

Wow! We've had so much fun over the last month working with Lori to fine tune and give our two cents on these designs. I am so glad to see these all shiny and new, waiting for you! ;)
My personal favorites:
Bountiful Branches- This is a great set and there are so many possibilities!
Cool Yule- Who doesn't love penguins???
You're so Sweet- These labels are perfect for decorating Hersey Nuggets! This is a must have set to make gifts for teachers this year!
Old Time Christmas- I love the lettering in this set. It is so elegant and classic.

Surf on over to www.newcleardollarstamps.com to see all the super sets. :)

NEW Kitchen Sink Stamps!

Hop on over to Kitchen Sink Stamps to see the great new sets introduced this month! I am in love with Happy Birthday Cupcake set! I will be posting a project using that set soon. :)

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Many Kitchen Sink cards I have been working on

I like making baby cards. They are fun and cute. I found a good pattern for a little diaper and used a mini safety pin to shut it. Cute, cute, cute! I used Never At A Loss For Words for the sayings. This is a must have set from Kitchen Sink Stamps!

I hate stickers, rub ons and any other type of stick on alphabet. I never have enough letters to finish my project and I end up throwing away a bunch of unused letters. It just seems like a waste of money to me.
I love the Playful Alphabet Buddy (Kitchen Sink Stamps) because they are a great size for cards and scrap booking. When I shrunk these letters with my white Shrinky plastic, they turned out AWESOME! They are the perfect size and I get the look of rub ons or felt letters without the waste. :)


Several months ago, I saw this paper pieced background in a magazine and really liked it. This technique is time consuming but I think it is cute. I used 3 step Mistletoe from Kitchen Sink Stamps on this card.



I used Backgrounds and Borders from Kitchen Sink Stamps on some acetate. I really wanted these circles to look like those beautiful clear glass ornaments that you can alter. I like how this turned out.

Friday, November 16, 2007

News

Sorry I have been MIA. Again. I do try to be a good blogger... :)

I owe you all so much! I need to make up some tutorials and catch up on posting my cards. Yikes! I am done with this round of work so I will be making it up to you starting soon. I promise!

News, news and more news...
There are some super cute sets coming up on Kitchen Sink Stamps. You won't want to miss it!
There is a great sale on Cat's Pajama stamps. EVERY STAMP IS 25% off! :O Get there soon because once the stamps are gone, they will not be making new ones. I suspect that they are clearing out old inventory to make way for new acrylic stamps. *That's just a guess on my part, not fact.*
I am so thankful for all of you. To show my appreciation for supporting my business and me, I am offering some super specials. I am putting in an order on Monday to CTMH. Anyone who EMAILS an order to me, will be eligible for prizes and specials. Email me if you have questions.

Das vadanya!

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Two posts in one day???

I'm on a roll!



I made this library card with the new Holiday set from Kitchen Sink Stamps. It is called 3 step Holly and Mistletoe! You will want to get this set! It creates a very realistic, classic image that I think goes along so well with holiday cards. It is such a fun set too and I will be posting some more fun projects with it in the next couple of days.

Kitchen Sink stamps- Backgrounds and Borders

I really love the shapes you can find on this set! Little stars, swirls, diamonds and squiggles! The great thing is that all the patterns come in big and large so they fit any project!

Speaking of projects, this is a gift card holder I made that was inspired by the gift card from Target. I loved the funky colors and thought it would be a good challange for me to create something that would compliment it. There are two envelopes inside; an acetate one on top to hold the card and a pink one on the bottom to hold a message. :)

This is the back of the card where I embossed the swirls in black. I LOVE how this turned out.

Come back for more ideas soon! Maybe I'll even post a tutorial on how to make this card!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Wow! You won't want to miss it!

I got my kit today from Kitchen Sink Stamps and wowie wow wow! You gals will LOVE these stamps! They are very high quality, a great size for scrapbooks and cards and they are so pretty ladies! I hope to be posting some art tomorrow so check back soon, okay? :)

I really want to get to know you all better. Please take a few seconds to leave me a post and tell me what you'd like to see here.

Oh! And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Monday, October 29, 2007

Only 3 more days...

Until the release of the new Kitchen Sink holiday stamps! You are really going to love these! My stamps should be here soon and I will start postin' some pics!

There is also going to be a great sale over at Kitchen Sink Stamps! Check out the great banner at www.splitcoaststampers.com for the count down!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Want to win free Kitchen Sink Stamps?

Head over to www.craftcritique.com and check out their fabulous article on Kitchen Sink Stamps. Then had back over to www.kitchensinkstamps.wordpress.com to play along! :)

Sunday, October 21, 2007

My big news!

It has official been announced! I am a visiting design team member for Kitchen Sink Stamps! How awesome is that?! I am so excited. :)
I have been chosen to be the visiting member for November so please hop on over there to see my creations!

I have also decided that I need to be a better blogger. Every Monday (once I get my sets) will be a day set aside for Kitchen Sink Stamp creations. :)

Monday, October 15, 2007

So much news!!!


Were you at the Papertrey party last night? We crashed the site. AGAIN! We are such a bunch of crazy stampers!

I have the most exciting news to tell you. I CAN'T wait! If only every Monday could start so well! Go check out www.kitchensinkstamps.bigcartel.com for more info. ;)

It has come to my attention that I haven't posted any cards in awhile! Sorry! I get talking and just can't stop. I have been creating quite a bit but that is also news for another day... Anyway, I've been getting a lot of requests for directions on how to make this Ghirardelli chocolate holder. I will be putting together a tutorial soon and posting it here. Keep an eye out for it.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE???

Get yourself over to www.papertreyink.com to see the new sets! They will be on the site in 7 minutes!

Saturday, October 06, 2007

World Card Making Day!

I promised everyone that I would post some new cards here today. I am still going to try but Kait went to a birthday party and had an allergic reaction to the ponies. :( Once she gets to bed, I hope to get some art done...

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Whenever I try to relax...




something like this happens.
Kait and Lauren were alone in the basement.
They found acrylic craft paint.
Kait is supposed to be a lion/tiger.

So funny!

Check out this video

http://www.livevideo.com/video/537FF9DA20B44560845DEE157D1F9DD6/man-made-card.aspx

Friday, September 28, 2007

My leg is not broken...

However, my knee keeps growing bigger and bigger. YUCK!
I have another appointment on Tuesday to figure this out. Wish me luck...

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Broken bones

On Monday I slipped on a tin while cleaning the floor. Didn't think anything of it.
On Tuesday I woke up and my knee was swollen and bruised. Still not worried because I did fall kind of hard.
On Wednesday I woke up and went down to the laundry room. My knee was clicking the whole way. I figured that was probably a sign. I went to the doctor and she thinks I may have chipped my Tibial Plateau. Yuck. There is also a lot of junk in my knee which may have to be taken out. I got some x rays and came home.
Today I got am immobilizer. While it stops the clicking (which totally grosses me out), it makes it very hard to walk and impossible to carry anything up or down the stairs. I feel so frustrated. Tomorrow I should get my x ray results. Please say a little prayer for me. :)

Monday, September 24, 2007

One more thing!

I am having a Partylite party with Deirdre on October 2nd at 7:00. I am so excited because those great petite 3 wick candles are only $10! If you can't make it or are a reader of this blog and want to order, just email me. We can have it sent directly to your house, no problem. :)

Hi!

I've logged in a couple of times to post but can't figure out how to add links to my posts. I am determined to figure that out today because I have a ton I want to share with you!
Is anyone else out there so excited for Heros to start again tonight?! I can't wait! We love that show. It is so original and every episode just leaves us on the edge of our seat!
What shows are you looking forward to?

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Anybody else watching the Emmys?

Did I ever tell you how much I enjoy awards shows? I'm not crazy nuts about the music ones but I really like the TV and movie ones.
Anyway... this year the Emmys are being given on a round stage. Kind of interesting but I am not sure if it is working. It's not really as funny as it usually is. :P

On the bright side, watching this is making me totally excited for all the new seasons starting up! I love The Office, My Name is Earl and Survivor (How cool is it that it was shot in China!!!). I am looking forward to some of the new shows coming out this year too. Pushing Daisies looks really interesting to me. What are you looking forward to?

Monday, September 10, 2007

Pure Love


I've loved this flower pattern ever since I saw it. Archivers was having a sale so I went to pick it up. :)
I cut around the leaves and flowers to pop them up and give it some dimension. I like this card a lot.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Check out these stamps!

I just found this stamp site! These stamps are very original and really creative. Hope you'll check it out!

http://stampotique.com/

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Acetate treat box


I saw this stamp set in the new TAC catalog and it was the first thing I had to buy. Isn't she cute?!

Great way to give gift cards!



I love how these turned out. :)

There are actually two little sleeves inside, one for the gift card and another little card for your message. Easy to make and fun to give!

Have you entered the contest yet?

Go to www.shirk.myctmh.com and click on the link for National Stamping Month. :) You can get a free stamp and be entered in a drawing for daily give-aways!!!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Keepsake Boxes- GREAT PRICE!

Amy at Pepperberry Keepsakes has these amazing boxes for sale. Check out her gallery to see all the beautiful boxes she has created using them!
Here's the link to get your own boxes at $4 each, plus shipping:
http://pepperberrykeepsakes.blogspot.com/2007/08/huge-blowout-sale.html

Monday, August 27, 2007

September is National Stamping month!

Did you know that Close To My Heart started National Stamping month? Cool, huh?

There are two special promotions going on this month.
1. You can earn a free card kit! It is so beautiful and pics should be available soon. Email me for details.
2. On September 1st, you can enter an online sweepstakes to earn free product at Close To My Heart! Just go to my website www.shirk.myctmh.com and click on the National Stamping icon. It will take you to their site where you can enter. Please let me know if you enter because I am having a contest of my own for those people that enter. Please let me know if you refer people too. :) I would appreciate it!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Hang over Bella?


I always see these funny, twisted cards on SCS. I thought I would give one a try. :)

Monday, August 20, 2007

It is so hot... We need SNOW!


Is anyone else just sweating to death this summer? Ugh... I can't wait for the cooler weather to get here!

Hoppy, hoppy day!


I made this card with a TAC set Camille got for me. :) Thanks!
The paper is Lily Kate from Basic Grey.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Wanna win $2,500???

Over at Ashwin’s blog, you will find one crazy blog owner!! You can win $2500!! To enter just copy this text and paste it in your blog!! But hurry, this competition will not last long! So get posting!

You have until August 20th to enter so hurry!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Lipstick inspiration


I bought some lipstick from Sephora and it had the cutest little quote in the box. I have kept that little quote around for months and finally made a card with it. Here you go!

Friday, August 10, 2007

My fifteen minutes of fame...

When they called to tell me it would be on tv, Madisen told them I was in the shower. Argh! No one needs to know that I was in the shower! Oh well...

http://cw2.trb.com/news/local/frasersfavorites/kwgn-grillfriendlypizza,0,6180632.story?coll=kwgn-fraser-1

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

UHU glue is amazing

I recently received a sample of UHU's disposable permanent glue runner. I have to tell you... I was AMAZING! I could not believe how long that runner lasted! And the hold was awesome! And it was so comfortable to use! You can buy this great product on http://www.saunders-usa.com/uhu/
It is so much better than any other glue I've ever made cards with. I will be using this product from now on.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Ugh... Ever have one of those days?

My morning started off with Lauren crying because she wants to be a boy. I don't know why but that's what she said. The day has ended with Alex getting stitches in his eyelid after slipping in the tub. All I wanted to do today was go to the temple. Argh!

Monday, July 30, 2007

Amazing August Paper Party!

Try saying that four times fast! ;)
Close to My Heart is starting an amazing promotion August 1st! This Picnic Party lets you earn free summer paper packets from the current catalog! I have several of these packets and they are so fun! Make sure you go to my website www.shirk.myctmh.com to check out all the great products!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Some cards :)

I am trying to be a better blogger and getting more readers. Here are some cards I've made in the last couple of days. :)

A couple my husband knows just got married. These stamps are from The Cat's Pajamas. I love their stamps! You should see my wish list!!!


I've been trying to make easier, one layer cards. My son colored on this and ripped it a little. Argh...

3. Thinking of you. This is for grandma. She's the best and I just wanted her to know that I was thinking of her.

This card is for grandpa. I hope you get better soon. :)

The sweet baby card is for Bella. Ironically this is a Stamping Bella. :) I used Basic Grey paper on this and a lot of paper piecing.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Anniversary card


My anniversary was in June but we were on vacation. I made this card for Jason. The stamps are from Just Johanna and the paper is from The Angel Company. The ribbon is Close To My Heart though. ;)
I love you honey!

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Whether you agree with the war or not, please take the time today to think of all the wonderful things you can enjoy because we are free. :)

Monday, June 25, 2007

WOW! I'm the worst blogger EVER!!!

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since April. :( Things get so crazy when the kids get out of school. We just got back from our annual National Parks trip. This year we went to Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Pretty cool stuff. I will post some pictures soon.

Here are some other stamp sites I have been enjoying lately. Check them out if you get a chance:
www.stampingbella.com (You are gonna love the Sistahs!!!)
www.justjohanna.com (I love Big Al and Little Al!)
www.papercandy.com (These stamps are really original and very different from the other stuff that's out there.)

Monday, April 23, 2007

Paris Nails

I found an amazing nail salon today! Paris Nails also does UV gels! Yeah! I am definitely going back!

Monday, April 09, 2007

It's official... I am a published artist!

I just found out today that I won 3rd place in a Close To My Heart contest! My card is going to be published in our newsletter, Keynotes. :) I am so excited!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Future stamper?


I just love this picture of Alex. :) He had the best time stamping and loves to draw trains. :)
I got out of the hospital on Sunday. My arms are sore from IVs but my head feels a lot better. :) Thank you to everyone who helped my family while I was gone. I truly appreciate it!

Thursday, March 29, 2007

I am totally writing to you from the hospital...

Argh! Well, I went to see the new neurologist and she has put me in the hospital for migraines. I am so udderly and completely bored. One can only watch so many game shows, talk shows and sitcoms before death by TV happens...
Anyway, I just wanted to post a little note to let you know why I have been MIA.

BTW, I got the new Close To My Heart catalog today! It is AMAZING! This has got to be my favorite catalog of all time. Please email me if you are interested in getting your own FREE copy! :)

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Horner's Syndrome?

Has anyone ever heard of this? I could really use some info....

Sunday, February 25, 2007

OSCARS!!!

I am sitting here watching the Oscars and decided to post a quick note to everyone. :)
I love the Oscars! It is just a fun and silly night. Plus I really enjoy getting to see bits and pieces of great movies that I might have missed over the last year. Hope you are all having a great evening! :)

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Nugget Purse Tutorial

src="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"


2/21 Tutorial for nugget purses
Posted: 21 Feb 2007 02:34 PM
I have created a slideshow for the steps so if you need to see what I did, you have a visual aid. :)


Nugget Purse directions-

1. Cut a piece of from a level one sheet that is 1 3/8" x 4 3/4".
2. Round the corners of one end of the paper.
3. Starting at the rounded end, score the piece at 3/4", 1", 2 1/4" and 3 1/4".
4. Trim 1/4" off the unscored end.
5. Add some adhesive to the thin scored section of the paper (between the 3/4" and 1" mark).
6. Attach the ribbon of your choice.
7. Pick a little decoration for the front that is about 1/2" wide. You could use stickease, a punched circle, whatever you want as long as you can put a brad through it in the last step. Center this on the purse front and gently attach it to the front with a little adhesive.
8. Using a 1/16" punch, punch a small hole in the center of the decoration making sure you go through the flap and front of the purse.
9. Put your Hersey's Nugget candy in the purse with a little adhesive.
10. Put a brad through the decoration on the front and use it to hold the purse together.

The picture is of the three purses I have done. They are each a little different and hopefully it will give you some ideas.

Workshop details-
I am charging $3 for this workshop. The three dollars includes the supplies for the 12x12 layout, a second level one sheet to cut up, ribbon for two purses and one nugget box and six chocolates.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

2/14 Happy Valentine's Day

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day! :)

Saturday, February 10, 2007

2/10 Happy Birthday!!!


Today is my brother's birthday (Happy Birthday Ben!) and my daughter went to a birthday party today. I still have to make Ben's card (SORRY!) but I did manage to put this together for Cierra.
I love my cuttlebug and used the birthday embossing folder to make the background. I used my prismacolor pencils and gamsol to blend the colors. To make it glitter and shine, I used my stardust pens and I just had to add a photo hanger and ribbon to finish it off. :)
Enjoy!

Don't forget to check out my website to see some upcoming workshops! I am so excited about these!!!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Okay... I know it has been a long time...


I started this blog with such good intentions! What happened??? I really want to be more deticated to this and am commiting myself to writing here more frequently.
I wanted to share a technique I learned that I thought you might enjoy. I have never seen it posted anywhere else but I am not sure if I can take credit for it either. :)
Suede technique-
All you need is liquid applique (z308- $3.25), cardstock color of your choice, a cosmetic wedge and a craft heater (z555- $28.95).

Simply put a dab of liquid applique on your cosmetic wedge and sponge it on to your cardstock. It will look like there is barely anything there but trust me, it will work out. After the cardstock is throughly covered, heat the cardstock with the craft heater until the liquid applique is dry and puffs up a bit. This will create a lovely texture on your cardstock. You can gently sponge on color to the applique it you want to add even more dimension.

That's it!!! You can see the texture on this bunny tag and on the edges I sponged it with chocolate. It is so much fun. I hope you will try it.

I PROMISE to write again soon.
*Every Wednesday I am going to try to add a little tutorial. Please let me know if there is something you want to learn about. I will try to put it on here.