Month: May 2016

Picture Perfect Framed Floral

Posted on by darlaso

This elegant and simple swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Nancy Endwright. I love the color combo. I have some of the same color scheme on my blog!

Nancy was so kind, she sent it to me as an extra when she found out I was trying to fill up my display boards for my first Sale-a-bration Open House here in Le Mars launching my business here on the new home front. Stampers are just the nicest people you will ever meet; don’t you agree?

I have listed most of the supplies Nancy used creating her card below. Click any of the images below to visit my 24/7 online store and purchase what you need to create this lovely card, today. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Vivid Dream Without Fear

Posted on by darlaso

This vivid swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Teri Bean. I like how bright and realistic it looks and I absolutely love the sentiment!

I thought that I should explain a little bit about this stamp set…

  • It is a a stamp set that can be used for multi-step images (like above)

What does this mean? It means that each layer of the image is a separate stamp making it easy to layer different colors or, layer the same color multiple times for added depth.

  • Do I have to use every stamp to layer?
The answer to that is, no! That is one of the awesome things about this stamp set. For example; you can pick one stamp (let’s say with minimal details) and stamp it tone-on-tone (same color of ink to same color of card stock) to create a beautiful, subtle background for your card. 
Stampin’ Up! provided a great video showing how to use the layers and to get them to line up and I am sharing it for you here:

For your convenience, I have listed most of the supplies used in the creation of this card. Click on any of the images below to be taken to my 24/7 online store to shop for the supplies you need to recreate this lovely card. Thanks so much for stopping by!

A Picture Perfect Thank You

Posted on by darlaso

This pretty swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Debra Brown. I really don’t think this picture does the color combination of Pink Pirouette, Wisteria Wonder, and Elegant Eggplant on the roses justice. It’s way prettier in real life. You will just have to try this color combo yourself so you can see it!

For your convenience I have shared a list of most of the supplies used in the creation of this card. Clicking any of the product images below will take you to my 24/7 online store so you may purchases any of the items you need to recreated this lovely card. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Not Just Any Hole in the Wall!

Posted on by darlaso
Not Just Any Hole in the Wall

Isn’t this card absolutely stunning? This Picture Perfect swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Mary Wesche. I love everything about it but if I had to pick my favorite thing it would be the subtle roses in the background on the brick wall. But then again, I also love how she created a window in the brick to highlight the flower which also in return highlights the hummingbird. Not only is the stamp set called Picture Perfect, one could also say that this card is picture perfect!

For your convenience, I have provided a list of most of the supplies that Mary used creating this very lovely card. Clicking on any of the product images below will take you to my 24/7 online store where you can purchase what you need to recreate this stunning card for yourself. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Helping Me Grow Shirt Fold Card

Posted on by darlaso

This pretty card is a swap created by fellow demonstrator, Kay Capps. It has a unique look with out too much effort; my kind of card! (I claim to be a lazy stamper!) This is called a shirt fold card and is fairly simple and straightforward:

  • Cut your designer series paper down the center
  • Fold back the each side to create the “collar”
Easy, right? Now go make one!
For your convenience I have listed most of the supplies that Kay used in creating her card. Clicking any of the images below will take you to my 24/7 online store where you may purchase the supplies you need to create your own shirt fold card. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Helping Me Grow Watercolor Wash

Posted on by darlaso

This is a swap card with no name attached; but I just love it! (If it’s yours, let me know and I will give you credit!) I admit it freely, I am a sucker for anything floral. It doesn’t hurt that this card has Calypso Coral as its primary color. Have I mentioned that I just love this color?

This card also did not have a supply list with it. When that happens, sometimes it is just my best guess, or no guess! I know that the lovely background paper was a Sale-a-bration reward and is no longer available. If you love Calypso Coral as much as I do, I recommend using the paper stack that I have in the supply list below as a substitute.

I am not sure what blue was used in the watercolor wash background – but I am really loving that look on cards and need to get motivated to do it!

Here is a list of some of the supplies used in the creation of this lovely card. Clicking on any of the images below will take you to my 24/7 online store where you may purchase them (I will send you a thank you card for your order!) Thanks so much for stopping by!

Remarkable You is Gorgeous in Calypso Coral

Posted on by darlaso

I had a birthday in April – I turned another year younger (my birthdays are going backwards now!) I received this gorgeous birthday card from fellow demonstrator, Anita Watson. She used one of my favorite colors, Calypso Coral with a stamp set that I just love; Remarkable You. It is just absolutely stunning and this photo just does not do it justice! I so wish I was a better photographer!

Here are some of the supplies that she used. Clicking on any of the images below will take you to my 24/7 online store where you can purchase what you need to recreate this stunning card. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow!

Posted on by darlaso
Neighbor Gifts by the Dozen
Gifts for Nieces and Neighbor Girls
Under the Tree

Homespun Christmas

I have used the Gift Bow Bigz Die soooo much and have had so much fun with it! I really just can’t imagine anyone NOT wanting it! I know the the envelope punch board makes bows – but it is really not the same!

  • The bows are not as sexy
  • With the die you can cut bows of fabric and other material if you choose
  • Can you say volume? I can cut out several bows at a time with the die. Not so with the punch board – it is a laborious one-at-a-time process (for the occasional bow needed at a different size that’s great) but not so great for mass production!
How can you NOT NEED this die? I get so much mileage out of it at Christmas time and it really helps me use up Christmas background paper. 
I am so sad that it is retiring and going the way of the dinosaur. I hope these things are not breakable because I love mine and plan on using it forever! Some of these photos are linked to the original blog post where you can see more photos and more details! Hover your mouse over the photo to see if it is “clickable!”

Quick! Click on the image below to be taken to my 24/7 online store and snag this awesome die for only $23.10 while you still can! Thanks for stopping by!

Swing or Flip?

Posted on by darlaso

Whether you call them swing cards or flip cards; this die is a MUST have! It makes creating these cards a breeze! These types of cards are fun- but without the die – a lot more work! This fun die can also help you to create tent style cards. The tent cards will also fit in a standard envelope. Love that!

I have several examples for you below:

Swing (flip) card closed with belly band.

Swing (flip) card completely open.

This is a tent card (I wish I had taken a photo with a side angle so you could see the “tent.”

The inside of the Christmas tent card. The tent makes it really easy to have the card on display.

A tent card using the Wetlands stamp set (love this set!)

The inside of the tent.

A couple of the stamp sets used creating these cards are in the current (and the new 2016-2017) catalog. However, some of the papers, punches, dies, washi tape, etc., have long since been retired. I have a few more of these types of cards that I have done – but to lay my hands on them is an entirely different matter (if you could see my vast card collection…you would understand why)!

If you have not purchased this die it is available at the amazing price of $23.10!  (It is also retiring at the end of this month – I am so disappointed about this as I view this as a card making staple and made at least one swing (flip) card per year in my classes!) Place an online order with me for this die and I will make sure you know how to use it! Distance is no barrier! We can do a Facebook live, livestream or some other type of video to get you the training that you need to maximize this awesome die at this price! If you place an online order with this die message me so we can get a time set up for your training!

The two stamp sets that are still available are shown below along with the dies. Click any of the images below to be taken to my 24/7 online store today and purchase this great die today! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Botanical Garden Reminiscent of Hawaii

Posted on by darlaso

This soft and pretty swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Phyllis Strickland. She used the Botanical Garden Bundle to create the floral arrangement on this card. They look like they came straight from Hawaii. I’m pretty sure I had a flower just like that one in my hair when we went to Oahu.

The color combination of Blushing  Bride, Pear Pizzazz, and Soft Sky is soft and calming. I like the tone-on-tone background with Gorgeous Grunge. It makes me think of water droplets. I think if I focus long enough, I might be able to imagine myself back in Hawaii, on the beach, at the Luau, listening to the music and the waves!

For your convenience, I have listed most of the supplies Phyllis used when creating her card. Clicking any of the images will take you to my 24/7 online store where you can purchase your own Hawaii experience! Thank you so much for stopping by.

Simple But Colorful Botanical Gardens

Posted on by darlaso

This swap card was created by a fellow demonstrator but it either came with no name, or the information has become separated from the card. If this is your swap card, I will be happy to update this post to give you the credit you are due!

I really like the clean and simple look of this card. The designer series paper adds a little bit of interest to the flowers and the Hello Honey base is bright and cheerful!

The creator made this card without using the stamp set. However, I have listed all the supplies as a bundle and a few of them separately for your shopping convenience. The bundles at the awesome deal of 15% will be going away at the end of May so be sure to get them while they are a better bargain! Clicking any of the images below will take you to my 24/7 online store. Thanks so much for stopping by!

The Deer are Playing in the Meadow

Posted on by darlaso

This great swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Nena Shaw. I love how she used the Perfectly Artistic Designer Series Paper for her background, it’s perfect! Sadly, this paper was a free Sale-A-Bration reward so it is no longer available. However, you can get this same look with a fun technique called, Shaving Cream Marbling. This technique is very easy to do.

Here is what you will need:

  • Tip Top Taupe re-inker
  • Cake pan or something similar
  • Spatula
  • Cheap shaving cream
  • Whisper White card stock
  • Paper towels
The steps:
  • Cover the bottom of the pan with shaving cream
  • Add drops of ink all over randomly
  • Swirl ink with spatula (just like you would if you were baking a marbled cake)
  • Now you can lay your whisper white card stock on top of the shaving cream and press it in
  • Lift up the card stock and remove excess shaving cream with spatula 
  • Wipe off with paper towel
  • Set aside to dry
  • Stamp on it once it is dry!
Easy and fun! Make up a few while you are at it!

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. Supplies you will need from my 24/7 online store are pictured below, just click on any image and you will be transported right there! Thanks so much for stopping by!


I wish I was in the Tropics!

Posted on by darlaso

We are having a chilly day in Iowa. It really makes me wish I was in the tropics, somewhere, enjoying a botanical garden!

This beautiful swap card was created by fellow demonstrator, Donna Bamesberger.

The dies in this bundle are to die for! I love, love, love! The bundle pricing will be going away at the end of May – so if you want to save 15% don’t delay! Plus, those gorgeous, faceted vintage designer buttons will be going the way of the dinosaur too! (The bundle includes the stamp set, designer series paper, and the dies!)

Just click on any of the images below and hurry on over to my 24/7 online store and pick up this fabulous bundle and gorgeous buttons before the savings and buttons are gone! Thank you so much for stopping by!

True Love at First Sight Does Exist

Posted on by darlaso

I love this swap card created by fellow demonstrator, Maria Probre. The blushing bride color on the garden green is just a really pretty combination. I would have not put those two colors together by themselves – but I will be now!

She did two things that really make this card stand out:

  • She highlighted the word mother with the blush blossom marker
  • She punched the heart out in rose red and then colored it with the clear wink of stella brush which toned down the rose red to a pink and gave it (almost) a glimmer paper look.
Very pretty. Plus, I just love this sentiment! I saw this in the catalog and thought, “Yes! There really is love at first sight! We all love our moms!
I have posted a supply list of most of the items that Maria used in creating her lovely card. Clicking on any image below will take you to my 24/7 online store where you may purchase the supplies you need to recreate this lovely card. Thank you so much for stopping by!

You Are My Greatest Adventure

Posted on by darlaso

This is a swap card created by a fellow demonstrator. Unfortunately, if there was identifying information with it, it has somehow gotten separated from the card. If it is yours, please let me know and I will be delighted to give you credit!

The heart sentiment, “You are my greatest adventure” just hooked me! I absolutely adore that sentiment and heart! Jim and I have had many adventures in life together. We will be celebrating 37 years of them this month!

I also love to travel. Had I known being a travel writer was something that you could do for a career when I was young, I may have chosen to follow that path. But, then I may not have met my closest and dearest friend and married  him, so all is well!

I love how the creator of this card created a tag and wrapped the doily around it. It adds to the romanticism as does the little hearts in the designer series background paper.

This lovely set will be retiring at the end of May so you will need to hop on over to my 24/7 online store and pick one up before it is gone! To do that just click on any of the supply images below. Thank you so much for stopping by.