Woohoo!  It's time!  Time for the monthly Tour de Freaks…brought to you by the Control Freak Swappers!  This month we are featuring the retiring products!  Better grab them now before they are GOING, GOING, GONE!!!  You've probably just come from Wendy Weixler's blog.  Weren't her projects fun? 

My projects don't have much stamping, but do have several accessories that will be retiring at the end of the month!  Most obvious is the Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz In Colors!  I'm REALLY going to miss them!  Also obvious is the Designer Paper, Pocketful of Posies, that is retiring.  I love the subtle red pattern in this package and thought it would be great for my watermelons and then the Pear Pizzazz stripe made a great looking rind!

Here is a closeup of the Watermelon Slice box:

Can you tell what I used to make the watermelon slice box?  Yes!  I used the Petal Cone Die and overlapped two of the panels to make it 3 sides instead of 4 (after I cut two sets out with the Pocketful of Posies Designer Paper).  I cut off one of the overlapping flaps of the petal cone die and used it for the Watermelon on the card below!  The black seeds are from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch that is retiring.  I used a White Gel Pen to outline stitches along the edges of the box.  I punched holes with the Crop A Dile (what will I do without that tool???) and thread the Black Scallop Dot Ribbon thru to the inside and tied a knot to hold it secure for the handle.  The bottom flaps overlap to keep the treat inside.

For the card, I used a base card of Poppy Parade cardstock.  I layered on Basic Black that I punched with the retiring Eyelet Border Punch (sob!).  I ran the Pear Pizzazz cardstock thru the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  I wrapped the Basic Black Scallop Dot Ribbon around and tied a knot.  To hide the "seam", I added a tiny sliver of the Pocketful of Posies Designer Paper.

The Watermelon was made by one of the flaps on the Petal Cone Die as I said above.  Then I used my Circle Scissors Tool (retiring!) to cut a 2 3/4" Circle from the green "rind" Designer Paper.  I used a White Gel Pen to add some stitching around the inside of the watermelon.  I punched out the "bite" of watermelon with the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch and made more of the black seeds!  It is popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I stamped the Happy Birthday from Happiest Birthday Wishes, a hostess set that is retiring, with Basic Black in the bottom corner.

Hope you enjoy my post of retiring products!  Now on to the next stop my great friend, Mary Brown at StamperCamper's Corner, who has wonderful projects, as usual!  Enjoy the Tour!

I used Mary Jo's Lunchtime Sketch from last week, but didn't get it posted in time to submit it for her challenge.  It was a fun one…surprisingly similar to the Freshly Made Sketches one I did on Saturday!

I took my colors from the Domestic Goddess Designer Paper for this card.  The base is Pool Party and I layered on the Domestic Goddess plaid background.  Then I used a strip of the Floral pattern.  I cut a piece of Poppy Parade cardstock to layer along the side.  I stamped the Now You're Cooking image with Stampin' Write Markers in Pool Party, Poppy Parade and So Saffron on Whisper White and punched with the 2 1/2" circle punch.  I stamped You're Invited from Wedding Sweet in Basic Black on Pool Party and punched with the Modern Label punch. 

I thought it needed just a little more, so I used the Boho Blossom punch to make a flower similar to the ones in the designer paper.  The center flower is the Itty Bitty Trio flower and a tiny mini brad.  It is popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals on the front.  Then I added a clear Itty Bitty Button tied with Pool Party Baker's Twine and placed it on the Oven Mitt.

I love the crisp clean look to this card!  Hope you enjoy it, too!

So here is my card!

The base of my card is Early Espresso cardstock.  I cut two different patterns from Well Worn Designer Paper.  The stripe I layered onto Marina Mist cardstock to make it pop a little more.  I placed those on the front and added River Rock cardstock across the bottom, stamping the words with Early Espresso Ink.  I used the back side of the Marina Mist Scallop Dots Ribbon to hide the seam and adhered in the back.

I stamped the hammer with Black Stazon on Very Vanilla cardstock and watercolored with my AquaPainter and Cajun Craze, Early Espresso and Basic Gray Stampin' Write Markers.  I punched with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch and layered on a 2 3/4" Circle of Early Espresso cut with the Circle Scissors Tool.  It is popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Finally, I added three Antique Brass brads for the "nails" in the upper right corner.

I like it…hope you do, too!  Make sure you order the Totally Tool stamp set and Well Worn Designer Paper before they retire at the end of the month!

Wow!  It is hard to believe that I signed up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator TEN years ago today, May 7th!  I'm amazed at the journey that I've taken.  I started out thinking that I only wanted the discount.  Then a friend asked if I would teach a couple classes on stamping…and the rest is history!  I am simply blessed to have the friends I've made thru Stampin' Up! in my life!  I probably would never have met them otherwise, but I am SO thankful that I did!  I earned my first Incentive trip on a Alaska Cruise last year and was totally blown away by this awesome company, Stampin' Up!  Thank you Shelli and the rest of the Stampin' Up! team for all your support.

Over 10 years ago I went to a workshop and was amazed at what a stamp, some markers and Dazzling Diamonds could do for a snowman card.  I placed that card on my shelf and must have walked by and admired it at least 20 times!  lol!  I remember buying everything that I needed to recreate that card…I had NOTHING!  I was placing MONTHLY orders trying to accumulate everything I needed.  Finally deciding that enough was enough…I would just sell it myself to get the discount.

Since I signed up in May, I was able to go to that year's Convention in July.  I was hooked…I've gone to all 10 Conventions since I've been a demo…and only missed one Leadership since I qualified.  I'm SO happy to go and run into people I've met online and from previous conventions…one of the best parts about going for me!  It's my GIRL time!  I love the excitement and all the information that Stampin' Up! gives us!  I come back re-energized and ready to dig in again!  It charges my creative batteries!

In February 2008 I started my Blog as a place I can share my creations.  Thanks for checking in and supporting my blog…you all keep me growing and stretching creatively.  Recently I ran across a box of the first cards I made ten years ago…I sat and laughed at them!  I'm happy to say that my skills HAVE improved!  It was a real eye-opener!  lol!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!  I appreciate your support and your business!  Thanks to my upline, downline, my stamping friends and customers!  And…here's hoping for another 10 years!

Start shopping HERE!

Click HERE for the Retired Lists!!! 

Fiji Incentive Drawing:  Want to win a $100 or $50 Shopping Spree?  Get details HERE! 

Start shopping HERE!

Here is the outside of the Clear Mount Stamp Case and the white gift bag.  I used Melon Mambo cardstock for the tags and White Taffeta Ribbon.  I also used either Pumpkin Pie or Basic Black cardstock for the accents, depending on the Flirtatious DSP print.  I punched the Eyelet Border Punch along the White White layered edge of the reverse DSP print on the front of the cases.  That punch is another item that I'm sad is going away at the end of May (or while supplies last!)  Better place your order NOW for it!  On the card case, I used one of the Melon Mambo Doilies…I just cut it apart from the sheet and placed the Monogram on top of it.  There is Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon along the spine of the case, and I attached a Trinket Key (on the retired list!) with some White Baker's Twine!

Oh, after I had taken the picture, I did go back and add a Boho Blossom white punched flower next to the monogram on the bag tag…with a little Melon Mambo Mini Brad in the center for some extra bling!  It just dressed up the tag a little more.  My husband grabbed them before I could re-take the photos!

And here is one opened up with six cards and decorated envelopes.

For the cards, I used Melon Mambo cardstock for the card bases.  I ran Whisper White layer thru the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folders.  Added the Designer Paper with a strip of Melon Mambo layer at the top, wrapped around some White Taffeta Ribbon and adhered on the front.  I added the 1 1/4" Circle Monogram on the Scallop Circle Punch, and a little Rhinestone for some bling.  I also decorated the envelopes with a little leftover strip of Designer Paper.

Doesn't that make a nice gift!  Love how easy they are to make!

Click HERE for the Retired Lists!!! 

Want to win a $100 or $50 Shopping Spree?  Get details HERE!

Start shopping HERE!

This is the FIRST card that I made in my new space!  I needed a Bridal Shower card yesterday and the stamp set, Love & Laughter from the Occasions Mini is PERFECT for bridal showers and weddings!  Remember that TODAY is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini!  So make sure to email me or order ONLINE today!

PLACE YOUR ONLINE ORDER HERE!!!

This is the bride-to-be that I did the wedding invitations for a couple weeks ago (I'll be posting those soon!)  Her colors are Melon Mambo and the retired Brilliant Blue.  Good thing I still have a few scraps of Brilliant Blue leftover that I could use on her card.  If you want to recreate it, use Pacific Point…it is a really good substitute!

I used a base of Melon Mambo cardstock.  I added a layer of Whisper White that I used with the Adorning Accents Embossing Folder heart pattern along the bottom (LAST CHANCE FOR THESE, TOO…don't know if they will make it into the new catalog or not!)  I added a strip of the Hostess Only Cheerful Treat Designer Paper (going away, too!) and a Scallop Border punch piece of Brilliant Blue.  I stamped the dress in Melon Mambo on Whisper White and layered it on Brilliant Blue cardstock.  I stamped Best Wishes from Petite Pairs in Pacific Point Classic Ink (I don't have my Brilliant Blue ink anymore…see how it matched?)  and punched it with the Modern Label Punch.  I added a Boho Blossom flower of Whisper White and Melon Mambo and a Brilliant Blue Brad in the center.  I added a string of pearls along the waistline of her dress for a little extra bling!

As I mentioned, this is a WONDERFUL set for Weddings and showers!  Don't let it get away!  It is staying in my stash, I know!

Click HERE for the Retired Lists!!! 

Want to win a $100 or $50 Shopping Spree?  Get details HERE!

LAST DAY for OCCASIONS MINI!  Start shopping HERE!

I haven't used Stampin' Up!'s Rue Des Fleurs stamp set much, but I do like it…very different style than the one I normally use!  It is in the Occasions Mini Catalog that ends on April 30th, so don't delay getting it!   I thought it paired nicely with this color combination! 

I started with a base of Peach Parfait cardstock.  I layered on Night of Navy polka dot Patterns Designer Paper.  I made a bow from the Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon and secured the ends behind the DSP.  I cut the Label Framelit from Sahara Sand and used Finial Press Impressions Folder (it is RETIRING!  Oh no!) on it.  Then I cut another Label of Very Vanilla and stamped the corset from Rue Des Fleurs in Night of Navy Classic Ink.  I added a bit of color with the Peach Parfait Stampin' Write Marker on the flowers and added Pearls along the sides of the Label.  Before I placed it on the card, I added a pennant of Night of Navy cardstock between the Labels to make it pop!  Finally, I stamped Thanks from this same stamp set in Night of Navy along the bottom.

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did this week over on Create with Connie and Mary!  Then grab your Stampin' Up! stamps and play along!

This piece of Designer Paper from Just Add Cake package has literally been adhered TO my desk for weeks.  I had planned to use it on a different card, then ended up taking it off…but it was still sticky.  It was too good to throw away.  When I saw the sketch, I knew I could put it to good use!

I started with a base of Marina Mist.  I layered on the Just Add Cake Designer Paper across the bottom.  I added a strip of Poppy Parade punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.  I stamped two flowers with Poppy Parade on Daffodil Delight and punched them with the 5 petal punch.  I added red flower buttons tied with White bakers Twine in the centers and Wild Wasabi leaves cut out and placed around them.  Finally, I inked up the greeting from Full of Life…another stamp set that will be retired…with my Stampin' Write Markers and stamped it on Whisper White, then cut it with the Label Framelit.  The flowers are popped up around the greeting.  What a fun summery looking card!  Enjoy!

Click HERE for the Retired Stamp Set!!! 

Want to win a $100 Shopping Spree?  Get details HERE!

Start shopping HERE!

And here is my card.  I've been wanting to do a 3D poppy flower with the Blossom Punch in the Occasions Mini!  Can you tell what other punches I used to make it?

I started with a base card of Real Red.  I layered on Basic Black and then Whisper White that I ran thru the Big Shot with the Finial Press Impressions Folder on top.  Over the bottom portion of the Whisper White, I layered the red stripe pattern from Letters to Santa!  I think this DSP has such elegant patterns…they are good for more than just Christmas!  To hid the seam, I punched the Old Olive cardstock with the Dotted Scallop Border Punch and laid it across.  I cut the smallest Label Framelit from Basic Black, the stamped You Inspire Me from the hostess set, Perfect Words, and punched it with the Large Oval to layer on top.  I like the unusual greetings in that set! 

OK…ready?  For the poppy.  The bottom layer of the flower is Cherry Cobbler, then a layer of Real Red on top…both of those were punched with the Blossom Punch in the mini and I cut slits between the petals towards the center to give them more movement.  Then I punched 3 of the Modern Label Punch from Poppy Parade and layered those on top of each other, then placed in the middle of the Real Red layer…together they are slightly smaller than the Blossom Punch so it layers nicely.  I spritzed it all with water and crumbled it up.  The center…is the Snowflake punch, two of them, from Basic Black.  And in the very center of that is the Boho Blossom star flower from Daffodil Delight, slit up between each petal to the center.  I scrunched the snowflakes and the star flower tightly and used a mini glue dots to adhere it to the top layer of the red flowers.  Finally, I used the leaf die to cut out the Old Olive, and slightly crumbled them and adhered with a couple of the mini glue dots.

Isn't that a pretty flower?  Probably one of those cards that are better given in person than put in the mail.  So…grab your stamps and play along!  Upload your creation over on Create with Connie and Mary!  We love to see your work!

I made two of the flowers several months ago and only used one.  I used the Blossom Punch in the Occasions Mini and punched two of them with So Saffron cardstock.  I spritzed them with water, crumpled them up and added Early Espresso ink around the edges.  I added two 5 layer flower punches of Early Espresso in the center, spritzing and inking the same.  The center is a 3/4" circle punched from the Attic Boutique Designer Paper with a neutral brown Shimmer Brad in the center.  I layered it on a 2 3/8" Scallop Circle of Pool Party cardstock.

The base of the card is So Saffron and I added a layer of Soft Suede cardstock.  I had a scrap of the Attic Boutique Designer Paper that fit the bottom perfectly.  I wrapped around some Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon and tied a knot.  The top was a scrap of Very Vanilla cut and embossed with the Adorning Accents curved die and folder that I had already made.  I trimmed it to fit the top of my card and added the mother greeting from Delightful Dozen stamp set in Soft Suede.  I call this Clean & Simple Vintage!  lol! 

Click HERE for the Retired Stamp Set!!! 

Want to win a $100 Shopping Spree?  Get details HERE!

Start shopping HERE!

I'm participating in the Tour de Freaks blog hop on April 20th!  Make sure to stop back and take the tour!