Margie's Moments

Monday, January 28, 2008

Big Day!

Well, last week my bottom braces came off and tomorrow the top ones say adios. It has been just under 2 years and I can't wait. I will be smiling all the time :)
The photo on my blog is before braces so I hope to update it soon.
My son and I started this venture together (he started a little behind me) and sometimes I thought I was crazy to begin at this stage of my life but now I am at the end and I cannot wait to see my smile.
Cross your fingers for me!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

The main image was done with markers using the "Thumping" technique: Colour the stamp with the lightest marker first then thump (like a drum) with the darker marker. I stamped off before stamping the final image. This technique works best with Two-Step stamp sets.

The bottom half was made using a random pattern of one of the flower images from the stamp set featured: Heartfelt Thanks.

Colours: Brocade Blue, Night of Navy & Old Olive

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Priceless

This card was made with the Priceless stamp set and Brass template. I added a little chalk to the dry embossed areas to make them stand out more.

Happy Heart Day 1

The background was created by colouring with markers on acetate and then misting with water. Next place a piece of glossy cardstock face down on the coloured acetate. Press gently then lift off and dry before continuing to stamp your image on top. I used Staz on Black ink.

Happy Heart Day 2

Embrace Life

This card was made by first stamping the embrace life sentiment with River Rock ink on River Rock cardstock in a random pattern. The flower was stamped and coloured and then coated with crystal effects. This allows you to mold the flower petals.

Paper: River Rock, Groovy Guava, Old Olive, Ruby Red & Very Vanilla.

Stamp Set: Embrace Life from the new Spring & Summer catalogue & Canvas background stamp.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

What's New?

I am busy creating projects to submit to the February contest for Stampin' Up Demonstrators. The featured category is Easter. I will be able to show my projects after the contest closes.
I won the November contest in the Wow category for a card with a removable bookmark made by perforating the paper along the open edge of the card. Unfortunately, I didn't take a photo before I mailed it. Ooops.
I can share once it is published.

Other exciting news: The Spring & Summer catalogue is here with reduced Canadian prices and an extra 7% discount on all items until June '08.

Sale-A-Bration runs from Feb. 1 to March 17. What does that mean? - Free stamps with a $70 order.

No better time to be Stampin' :)

Monday, December 31, 2007

Scrapbooking

Below are some layouts I have done from past vacations using rubber stamps and other techniques.

One of my goals for 2008 is to catch up on all my scrapbooking. I plan to start with my Christmas photos from 2007 and work my way back.

Scrapbook

Even plain white cardstock can be coordinated with your photos by stamping the background. The square images of the bottom were meant to represent the bricks of the ruins.

Scrapbook

This layout was made with the retired stamp set: Fishy Friends. The starfish border on the bottom is one image repeated by turning slightly each time to make them appear to be rolling.

The images were coloured with chalk for softness.

Scrapbook layout

The letters for the word "Beach" were cut from photos of the ocean using letters from a die cutting system (I imagine that a Cricut could be used). I added a shadow background behind the letters using a coordinating cardstock. This technique would also be great with photos of fall leaves.
The background paper has vellum over top and then another cut out piece over top to make the starfish borders.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Our Tree

This is our tree for 2007. It is decorated with feather balls, feather boas, gold poinsettias, birds and various red & gold balls.
The angel on the top is a gift from my 'Sista'. The Santa and sleigh are my favourite Christmas decorations.

Faux Icicles 2

This time I used the Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the front to the card and I like it much better.

See the first Icicle card below for more details.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

For your Holiday Table

This photo is from the Better Homes & Gardens website - 25 Easy Ways to Display Holiday Napkins.

Faux Icicles

The icicles were made by spreading crystal effects on wax paper in an icicle pattern and then sprinkling dazzling diamonds over top. After it dries, it can be easily removed from the wax paper and added to your project. I made mine a day ahead.

TIP: Place grid paper under the wax paper while you are making the icicles with the crystal effects to keep a straight line. You can also use the measurements on the grid paper to make the icicles the correct length for your project. Make sure to keep a solid band across the top wide enough to adhere the finished icicles to your project.

The windows were made with a square punch. First I punched 6 squares out of post-it-notes and positioned them on the card. Then I punched the squares on my card front over the post-it-note squares I placed on the paper. This makes it easier to get the positioning right.

The project is a bit bulky where the icicles are located so I think I would use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the front to the card the next time.

The stamp set is Flakey Friends which is retiring this year. It has been one of my favourites.

This card really fits the weather today - It's snowing. The weather man has been predicting the worst storm in 60 years for the Toronto area this weekend. It's going to be a White Christmas!

Paper Trees

I wanted to use up some of my designer paper scraps so I made some Paper Tree cards. The snow was made by tearing Whisper White paper and then watercolouring the edges with Bashful Blue. The edges of the triangles for the trees were sponged with Old Olive. The tree trunks are made with the Word Window punch.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Fantastic!

What a day! First, I got the news that I won the November WoW contest for Stampin' Up Demonstrators. That means I get to choose 3 stamps sets of my choice for free. Yippeee new rubber on the way.
Then I came home and the UPS man delivered my box of pre-ordered stamps from the new Spring/Summer catalogue. More new rubber. What's a girl to do?
Stamp of course. Well, I hope to have some new projects ready to post real soon.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Thank You for your comments

Thank you for your kind comments.

Sorry I haven't posted recently. I am busy preparing the house for my in-laws to visit from British Columbia for Christmas (that only happens once every 3 years). Today, we put up the tree and decorations. My DH got all the lights and special decorations up outside (waving snowman, wreath & star, which my father-in-law made).

I can't believe that crating all those boxes upstairs wore me out. Anyway, we are well on are way. Christmas baking for my cookie exchange next weekend, a little more shopping and wrapping and I am done :)

Yeah right - who is ever done!

I hate to admit it ... but my cards are not mailed yet and due to the downtown fire in Barrie last week (which is near the bus station), I didn't send our Childrens' gifts to Calgary yet either.

Normal holiday stress I guess.

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Maggie May

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Ornament Gift Tags

I wanted to make some ornament projects with coasters but I didn't have round coasters so I used the plastic protector disk that comes in a package of blank CD's. Like a true crafter at heart, I have been saving them just in case I found something to do with them :)

These are gift tags that can be hung on the tree. The backs are signed and dated for a keepsake. I think I like the one with the gel pen stitching best so I will do both of them the same.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Desk Set

This desk set includes an Altered clipboard and Chipboard Coaster gift box, Post-it-Note Holder and Photo frame. They all feature Brocade Background Designer Series Paper and Baroque Motifs stamp set.

It is a gift for Sylvia, Proprietor of the DOWN THE ROAD IRISH PUB. She will be surprised to see what you can do with beer coasters.

http://www.downtheroadpub.ca/