Cheery Heartfelt Flower Fun

I certainly needed to create something fun and cheery today so I decided to play with one of my all time favourite sets; Heartfelt Thanks. I have used this set for countless classes and clubs and I just can’t get enough of it. I love its versatility and decided that TODAY of all days was the day to pull it off the shelf and put it to use again.

Stationary portfolios and accessories are easy to create and make fantastic handmade gifts. These mini portfolios were inspired from samples made at a Julie Ebersole event. Thanks Julie!!!!!

Heartfelt Sympathy Card Recipe:
CS: Real Red, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Stamp Set(s): Heartfelt Thanks, Stampin’ Around Watercolor Joy
Ink: Whisper White, Real Red, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Crafter'sTool Kit, Real Red Eyelets, Grosgrain Ribbon: Celery, Sticky Strip, Velcro, Note Cards and Small Envelopes

Because I love to stamp and you do too!

Alli

P.S. Did you notice I am FINALLY using my watermarks?

When the words aren't there...

a card will shine. It has been a long few days and sad ones too.

In Loving Memory of
Vivian Miles
May 1920-Jan 2007

We will miss you dearly grandma.

Heartfelt Sympathy Card Recipe:
CS: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Watercolour Paper
Stamp Set(s): Linen, Close As a Memory, Stampin' Around Watercolour Vine
Ink: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Aquapainter, Crafter'sTool Kit, Cutter Kit, Sanding Block, Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Ticket Corner Punch, Grosgrain Ribbon: Spring Moss, Rose, Chocolate
Technique: Faux Suede, Watercolour, Masking

Because I like to stamp...and you do too!
Alli

A Tribute to Family...

As you may have noticed I have been away from the computer in the last few days. Almost NOTHING keeps me from the computer except for family. On Friday we took a trip down to Victoria, BC and met up with our close and extended family. It is not often that we meet up so you know that something is "up" when that happens. Life is the most amazing gift and I am not sure why a birth or a death in the family serves as a reminder about this gift...but it does.
The At Home Simply Scrappin' Kit is a perfect way to capture all the precious day to day events of your family. I just adore Simply Scrappin' Kits because you can create beautiful simple layouts in a short period of time and almost everything you need to make it is included in the kit. I usually start with 6x6 pages because I am the type of person that needs to see my accomplishments right away. Then when I am ready I "progressively" add my 6x6 page to a 12x12 layout.

Front and Back Layout


Double Layout 1


Double Layout 2


Double Page Layout 3



Sorry to scrap and run but I have about a weeks worth of stampin' and scrappin' to catch up on. Stay tuned for a late post tomorrow and then things should be back to normal again.

Because I like to stamp....and you do too!
Alli

Just a few Sweet Nothings…

The day is young and I am thinking about all the projects I want to complete while I am home. It is hard to be away from my stamp room for more than ummmm 10 minutes!!!! I just spent 5 wonderful days away with friends and family and was so fortunate to be able to “play” with their stampin’ accessories. Thank goodness I got them hooked LOL!

While I was visiting with some of my stampin’ girls, I challenged them to take the Sweet Nothings Accents and Elements as well as the Pretty in Pink Pocket Notes and make two cards. Using all the same materials we came up with a variety of cards. It just goes to show you how many options you have when you create cards with the same materials.

Anyhow, I decided to show you the two cards I came up with in less than 5 minutes (for both).

Card 1


Card 2

Valentine Sweet Nothings Card Recipes:

Accessories: Sweet Nothings Accents and Elements, Pretty in Pink Pocket Notes

Hope you too can find some quiet time to stamp your heart out!

Because I like to stamp....and you do too!
Alli

P.S. Still waiting for my tech friendly man to return home and help me figure out how to use my watermark!!!!

When you stop to think...

about all the wonderful things we have in life, you have to be grateful. A hand stamped thank you card is a nice touch to show your appreciaton to those who help you along life's adventure. Today I am thankful for having a blog buddy who went out of her way to get my yummy watermark just the way I wanted it. Thanks Cindy Keery!!! I love it.



Now all I have to do is figure out how to add it to my images using my current photo editing software. Now remember folks, you need to have faith in me. You have to remember this is the girl who, 12 days ago, could hardly change the settings in her blog, who had NO idea about how to edit Html or even add links to her SCS signature. Hehe...12 days later, I have transformed into a daily blogger who wants to absorb it all. I am moving up in the technology world...of course I have a LONG way to go but I never thought I could do this much. Make sure you check out Cindy's HOT new customized watermarks.



Artfully Asian Thank You Card Recipe:
CS: Perfect Plum, Old Olive, Basic Black
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, Eggplant Envy
Stamp Set(s): Artfully Asian, Canvas
Accesories: Crystal Effects, Pastels, Sponge, Crafter's Tool Kit

Have a wonderful inkspired day full of stamping and thanks...and don't forget to get one of those AWESOME watermarks.

Because I like to stamp....and you do too!
Alli

I've Been Tagged

Well a few days ago I was tagged by Caro and it is finally my turn to tag a few more people (see letter T). Image courtesy of Bless this chick.

Happy reading!

Alli

A- Available or Taken: Married for 7 years to the most wonderful husband Stephen!

B - Best Friends: Awwww….I have a few do I have to choose??? I love people. Stephen, Ellen, Christa, Sara, Angila….

C - Cake or Pie: Mmmmmmmmm, cheesecake

D - Drink of Choice: Water

E - Essential item you use everyday: Laptop

F - Favorite Color: Moss green

G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy Bears

H - Hometown: right now the beautiful rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, BC

I - Indulgence: A spa getaway at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, BC

J - January or February: January, it’s a new year!

K - Kids & Names: Andrew (DS), Olivia (DD)

L - Life is incomplete without: Happiness

M - Marriage Date: August 12

N - Number of Siblings: a younger brother who is way cooler i'll ever be

O - Oranges or Apples: Apples of course, I am a teacher!

P - Phobias or Fears: I really don’t like spiders

Q - Fave Quote: Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path Psalm 119:105

R - Reason to Smile: Life

S - Season: Fall – I love back to school (twisted eh?)

T - Tag 3 or 4 People: Bev, Jen, Cindy

U - Unknown fact about me: I actually don’t care what the inside of your house or cupboards look like. Just because I like to keep a tidy and organized house doesn’t mean others have to!!!!!

V - Vegetable you don't like: What???? Is there such a thing???!!!! I like them all.

W - Worst Habit: Biting my finger nails

X - X-rays: Ya no thanks, I have had enough of those in my lifetime.

Y - Your Fav Food: Tomatoes and basil (even better when they are together), as for a dish maybe something curry

Z - Zodiac Sign: Aries

How Sweet It Is....

Last year I was part of a swap (hence the retired SU! sets) and designed this cute little tag. Yes, that is me patting myself on the back. I honestly don't like tooting my horn too much but I must tell you of ANY swap that I participated in thus far, this is the creation I am most proud of.



Sweet Tag Recipe:
CS: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, CS Vellum
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
Stamp Set(s): By Definition (retired), Pure and Simple Alphabet (retired), Little Pieces
Accessories: 3/4 Square Punch, Light Pink Ribbon, Mini Envelope Template



Ok laugh all you want but seriously I LOVE this tag. I remember sitting down, reading the criteria and then suddenly my hands were working before my head was processing and THIS is what I created.
I am writing today to tell you that the things we create evolve over time. I still remember my first workshop (thanks Janice--who by the way is a member of my Canada STAMPS downline) where I presented this really weak looking card with barely two layers and I had the ladies colour in a black image of flowers using the pastels. When I think about that card I want to cringe. In fact, I took a picture of it to remind me where I started so every once in a while I bring it out and remind myself that you actually DO get better with practice (insert *snicker*). I also bring it out at workshops, club meetings and downline meetings and prove that you don't have to be creative to start this business. Creativity comes with practice...although I know there are some very gifted people out there who are scratching their heads at my comments; those are the people who come by it naturally. I digress, BUT for those of us that work hard at learning the latest techniques and styles it IS possible to create something that stands out from that very first card.
For those of you reading my blog who are just starting out with SU! and who feel they do not have a single bone of creativity in their body...I SOOOOOOOO understand where you are coming from. Just give it time and mix that with a little confidence and you will be amazed at the result.
With that, I am signing off...just a short and sweet note to tell you how sweet my tag is...hope you like it too.

Because I like to stamp....and you do too!
Alli

It's Chipboard BABY!

A mother is a woman who is on the go 24 hours a day. I sometimes wonder how I even have time for a life...where do I find time to stamp or scrapbook? One of the most common things I hear from people at classes and workshops is "I enjoy craftin' but I don't have time to do it, how do you do it?" Honestly, I have no idea...I just MAKE the time. I guess THAT is the difference. When you MAKE time for something there is always time for it. Making a card doesn't have to be a chore. You can make one in less then 5 minutes and of course 2 cards in less than 10. Just Keep It Simple Silly (KISS)!
I have a 3 and a 4 year old at home and if that is not busy enough add a shift working/on call/back up husband (his job...he's not really a back up husband!!), two part Siamese cats, an online teaching job with 14 students, subbing in the school, commuting 2 hours to the closest shopping oasis 2 times a month, attending playgroups, driving to playschool 2 times a week and ballet once a week. Wait until the end of this month and you can add swimming to the list too. I also plan for a maximum of 3 stamping classes a month and two stampers groups as well as a workshop here and there. Phewwwffff...that's it for now. With a schedule like that you'd think I would be sleeping at 12:32AM but alas... I am typing away...
My point is, life is busy and if we don't find time to do the things we love, the things we enjoy the most, then why bother doing anything?
Today's card is inkspired by simplicity, not to mention all the expectant mom's in my small community...I'm starting to wonder what is in the water out here!

Following the KISS philosophy I have created a 5 minute quick card using SU!'s gorgeous Rebbeca designer paper, YUMMY chipboard and my two FAV colours chocolate chip and pretty in pink.

Baby Card Recipe
CS: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Stamp Set(s) I'm Here
Accessories: On Board Simon Lower, Rebecca Designer Paper, Chocolate GG Ribbon, Light Pink GG Ribbon, Crafters Tool Kit, Antique Brad, Flower

Well, I suppose it is now time to find SLEEP. Have a fantastic day stampin' and remember KISS!

Stampingly yours,
Alli

A day in the life of a SU demo…

As my third anniversary with SU! approaches, I have been reflecting on my business. Where did I start? Where am I now? And what do I want in the future?

When I first started with SU! (thanks Teresa and Kris) I had no idea what it would bring. Maybe a little cash, some new stamps, a few outings here and there (that alone was a mother of two children under 2's dream). In all honesty I was expecting to make a few sales and play with my new “stamp kit”. Little did I know what was in store for me. I LOVE this company. Around month 7, I was featured in my local newspaper as a new business. Three months later I received a phone call from a lady who saw my article, who clipped it out and who sent it to her son who worked in Kanab (at the SU! warehouse). I was thinking WHAT are the odds?!!!! Especially in my little town in the SE corner of British Columbia. The lady was calling to tell me that she sent it to her son who later showed the article to Shelli and then Shelli sent a sweet little card with her lovely signature at the bottom to give to ME!!! Wowza. My jaw hit the floor. That set me in motion for more things to come. Over the months that followed I was actively teaching classes, doing workshops and even had my first real recruit (*waving*…hi Cindy!!). Things really picked up after that first year and I really LOVED what I was doing. I had great sales, a growing downline, I attended convention as well as regionals and best of all, I auditioned for and got a part in the French Getting Started Video with two VERY special demos (*wink*--what happened in Utah STAYS in Utah!!!).

So you are probably thinking…wow this girl just wants to brag right? Well I do, but that is not why I am writing this today…I am writing to tell you that the most incredible part about being a demo is meeting the people. I have developed some of the BEST relationships with my customers. In fact, some of my fav times as a demo are meeting with my stampin’ girls! It is amazing how you bond with people when you meet with them every month for 10+ months. I enjoy watching friendships form not only among the club members but also with me. And wouldn’t you know my dream comes true when they join my Canada STAMPS team (thanks girls).

Today’s projects are dedicated to the people! All the demos in my life, the customers I have met, my wonderful downline…and to my husband and children who have to deal with mum’s crazy stampin’ antics—and countless hours in the stamp room prepping for classes and workshops etc. Thank you all!!!!




2007/2008 Calendar Recipe

CS: Whisper White
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black
Stamp Sets: Various
Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Colour Sprtizer Tool, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker, Sponges, CD Jewel Case
Technique: Poppin' Pastels

Title Page Close Up



June Close Up



August Close Up

I decided to share some of my calendar pages from a class I held late last year to keep you thinking about the year ahead. It’s never too late to become a demonstrator. The timing is especially great if you already have a ton of supplies. A full demo kit is only $275 or a new mini starter kit is $137. How great is that? Please visit my SU! website or the SU! website to find out how you too can become a demonstrator. If you are already a SU! demonstrator, please leave me a comment and tell me why YOU love being a demo!!!!! I look forward to reading it.

Happy stampin' everyone.
Alli

P.S. Shannon, I hope your morning coffee and blog read feels more complete today. After our S10 last night I diligently sat here and put together my blog until the wee hours of the morning just so you could read it when you woke up.

When you dream stampin'...

I always find it funny when DH lets me know I have been stampin' in my sleep. There is nothing better than that! I tell him it's a good job I wasn't trying to use the crimper while dreaming because then he would be in trouble.
My stampin' dreams have no doubt been the result of thinking about the upcoming changes to Stampin' Up!'s Idea Book and Catalogue (IB&C) in 2007/2008! I am super excited about having 2 main catalogues and two mini catalogues throughout the year. Can you imagine how wonderful it will be to have even newer and trendier products in the catalogue? It's bad enough when the IB&C comes out once a year because it takes a whole year to get through my wish list. Now how am I supposed to get everything I want???? (insert *sigh* and *blush*) I'll manage somehow (insert *snicker*)...
That's it, short and sweet today--just like my stampin' dream. And as promised, I am uploading the close up pics of the Just Delightful Simply Scrappin' Kit cards featured in yesterday's post.

Card set 1



Card Set 2



Card Set 3



Card Set 4



Card Set 5



Have a wonderful day!!!!
And happy dreamin'...

Alli

The joys of waiting…

You know when you were a kid and you waited for the holidays to arrive just to open all those perfectly wrapped bright shiny boxes with immaculately (is that a word?) tied ribbon? Okay so flash forward to now…and you are waiting for a Stampin’ Up! order to arrive. You stalk the UPS driver, he comes to the door, you can’t sign those papers fast enough and then you run…I mean trip…up the stairs, get to the table and try to open the box. The key word being TRY….that tape is the meanest thing in the world. Just like the ribbon on those gift boxes I was telling you about. Just when I think I will be able to peel it off with one tear I end up taking half the top of the box off (insert *sigh*). Anyways, about a month ago I was waiting for my precious Sell-a-bration order to arrive. I couldn’t tear into that box fast enough. I was so excited to see a simply scrappin’ kit in the SAB mini this year. I am not sure why, but I have taken a liking to those kits. Maybe it is because you can make a whole bunch of things in a short time. I like to know that my hard work and creativity pays off and what better feeling to have then after creating close to a dozen works of art in less than 2 hours. In fact, I created everything pictured below in 1 hour and 20 minutes with searches and all. I must tell you that not ALL the cards featured below are my own.

I went to SCS for some inspiration. Oh do I need to tell you how much I love SCS again??? Right,…you already know. I also went to PageMaps for a page "map" and created my own pages using the layout ideas. I’m happy with how it turned out. I only hope that those attending my scrapbooking drop in night will be just as happy with the layout.

This is the pagemap I used for inspiration to create a "Just Delightful" simply scrappin' double layout.



All materials used to create this page came from the Just Deligthful Simply Scrappin' Kit

CASE”ing”(Acronym for: copy and share everything…or copy and steal everything) is wonderful. I happen to think learning from others is the best way to learn. I am always open to learning something new. And besides imitation is the best kind of flattery.

Over the next few days, I will be adding close up photos of all the cards featured in the group photo too. I hope they inkspire your creative juices as well as inkspire you to try something new too.

Stampingly yours,

Alli

P.S. Sorry about the colour in the photos...not sure WHAT happened when I converted them to jpeg. I still have lots to learn about photo editing and posting photos (not to mention working the complex camera...DH has sooooo many features on that puppy). Perhaps all my blog posts will help me in that department. I am sooooo IT illiterate.

The Stories of a chipboard addict

I have decided that I am a chipboard addict. I absolutely love the stuff and keep looking for ways to incorporate it into my stampin' and craftin'. You know it is bad WHEN you start dreaming about stampin' and decorating the stuff. I placed an order for more yesterday. Ahhhh chipboard...
I am a vendor at a scrapbooking crop in Port Alberni in March (check out my calendar for more details) and want to make sure that I have EVERYTHING chipboard on display at my booth. So for now, I will share one of my chipboard projects with you!



A is for Album Recipe
Accessories: On Board Simon Lower, Recollections Designer Paper, Burgundy GG Ribbon, Spring Moss GG Ribbon, Sticky Strip, On Board Bitty Book

Have a wonderful day filled with lots of stampin' and chipboard.

Alli

When rain turns to stampin' sunshine...

Good morning everyone! I had a little sleep in this morning and hence I am behind on the boggin'. I find these long winter days drag, especially on the west coast because we can go 30 days with gray dull skies and lots of liquid snow (rain).
The beauty of it, yes there is beauty in rain, is that it keeps me stamping! And really, there is nothing better than stamping for a friend.
Today's feature card is for a very special friend. She is the kind of friend that if you haven't spoken to her in 6 months you can pick up the phone and call her and she will talk to you without skipping a beat. We met in grade 1, declared our friendship in grade 3 and have been best friends ever since. Nothing beats a best friend of over 22 years. Ellen, I hope you are having a fantastic day and that this card is the ray of sunshine you have been looking for. (((Hugs)))



CS: Chocolate Chip
Ink: Whisper White, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip
Stamp Set(s): French Script Background, Print Pattern Background, Love Matters
Accessories: On board Accents Chipboard, Love Me Designer Paper, Flirty Ribbon, Taken with Teal Marker, Regal Rose Marker, Chocolate Chip Marker, White Gel Pen

Happy Stamping!!!!!!
Alli

More Paisley Fun…

I had NO idea how much fun I was going to have with the Polka Dots and Paisly gift set from Shelli. I was anxious to use it but was hoping to find a unique way to use it. Upon browsing my favourite blogs I came across this cute stamped tin on Sarah Moore’s blog dating back to Dec 5^th. Well that was it. I just HAD to try it.

Would you believe I have 10 of these tins collecting dust in the basement, among other things?

The story, yes the story, there is ALWAYS a story and trust me to tell it… Every so often, there is a girl on one of the yahoo sites I belong to who posts bulk orders. She is the queen of stamping bling! She is always up on all the new must haves and of course she knows just where to buy them. Soooooo…approximately 5 minutes after her first post, resisting the impulse to have one of everything, I decided to order $30 worth of tins, jewel cases…you name it. About 45 minutes later, I added another $30 to that order. And although I have used most of the items (mainly classes and gifts), I still have lots sitting in my bookcase. Good thing they don’t have a shelf life!!!

Anyhow, back to my cool tin… I embossed it and now I am in LOVE. Thank goodness I can share that LOVE with 9 more tins! This calls for a celebration (insert: WOHOOO!!!!).

Ink: Versamark

Stamp Set(s): Polka Dots & Paisley and Big Deal Alphabet

Accessories: Metal Tin, Embossing Buddy, Silver Detail Emboss Powder, Black Detail Emboss Powder, Heat Tool

As much as I am tempted to post other projects today, I will leave you with a special quote:

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
-- Source Unknown

Have a happy stamping day. I know I will.

Alli

Inkspired by...

Some of my most recent cards/projects were inkspired by the Splitcoast gallery. If you have never checked out that site, make yourself a warm drink and a snack and prepare to browse for a minimum of 3 hours. People always stare at me silly when I tell them that. And of course, the next time I see them they say "You weren't kidding. I LOVE that site!"



Friends & Flowers Journal/Pen Recipe:

Accesories: Hostess Only--Simply Scrappin' Kit Friends & Flowers as featured on page 17 of the SU! Catalogue , Sticky Strip, On Board Art Journal, RSVP Pens (purchased at your local Walmart or Staples)





Friends Pocket Card Recipe: (inkspired by Alora Sweetser's card on SCS)
CS: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red
Stamp Set(s): Love Matters (winter mini), Paisley Background
Accessories: Window Punch, Horizontal Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Vintage Brads, Watercolour Crayons, Aquapainter, Sticky Strip

10 Reasons Why I Love SCS

1) The Gallery. The one that shares the magnitude of cards using Stampin' Up! sets I have and sets I need. Oh yes...the sets I need. You know what I mean. You browse the catty, mark it up with posts for your wishlist and THEN you go to Splitcoaststampers (SCS) and you mark it again. Even worse, you go to SCS for a simple idea or for some inkspiration for sets you already have and a card catches your eye. Now this card uses a set you didn't even want but NOW because of THIS CARD you NEED the set. Yes folks...it's a conspiracy. I said it before and I will say it again.

2) The Updates. There is always something new to look at as new things are being published every minute.

3) The Weekly Inkling. You can subscribe to the weekly inkling, a wonderful weekly e-news resource for additional techniques, ideas etc

4) The Dirty Dozen Fan Club. Need I say more? Ok...you convinced me...I love being a member of the fan club. Each month I get to drool over BEAUTIFUL creations from some of the most well respected SCSers. The cost is minimal too. It's like a paid subscription to the BEST magazine out there.

5) The Forums. A girl needs a place to share ideas, gather ideas and voice her opinion. I especially love how there are forums just for demos too.

6) Daily Challenges. If you know me well, you know that I am always up for a challenge--isn't that right Shannon, Shanna, Donna, Erin, Helen????. Now I admit that I haven't actually p-a-r-t-i-c-i-p-a-t-e-d in a SCS challenge to date (insert *shock*) BUT I promise you it is on my list of things to do this year. Anyways, these wonderful challenges are perfect for someone who is looking to get outside of the box.

7) Meeting New Friends. Not only have I met demos from around the world through SCS but I have also made new friends. Who doesn't love that?

8) Resources. I enjoy learning new techniques and what better way then a step by step lesson from some of the greatest crafters out in the cyber world.

9) Inkspiration...from new to veteran stampers.

10) The Price is Right (no not the show!!!) Can you believe that a site that offers ALL of the above is FREE??!!

Stampingly yours,
Alli

You asked for it...

so now I am sharing some of my creations. With Valentine's Day around the corner and a V-day kids class approaching quickly I thought I'd better get to the work bench aka my craftin' table and start creating.
With my new stamp set in hand, Polka Dots and Paisley (thanks Shelli for our great demo only gift) I was armed and ready. Who doesn't love paisley???? Oh and did I mention chipboard and ribbon? I am such a nut for new things. I especially love new embellishments.

Here are the products of my hard work!



These are two of the items we will be making in my kids Valentine's Day class scheduled February 4th. I sure hope they have as much fun making them as I did!!!!




V for Valentines Day Card Recipe:
CS: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Real Red
Ink: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa
Stamp Sets: Polka Dots and Paisley (available in the upcoming Spring Mini catalogue), Paisley Background, All-Year Cheer III
Other: On Board Simon Lower chipboard, Flirty Ribbon (winter mini), Twill Tape, Sponge Dauber



Heart Card Recipe:
CS: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Real Red
Ink: Whisper White, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip
Stamp Sets: Polka Dots and Paisley, Paisley Background, All-Year Cheer III
Other: On Board Accents, Flirty Ribbon, Loves Me Designer Paper (winter mini), Sponge Dauber



Valentine's Tin Recipe:
CS: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Real Red
Ink: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Stamp Sets: Polka Dots and Paisley
Other: Fruit Tin*, Loves Me Designer Paper, Tag Punch (I only used the large one and cut around it to include the words), Hemp Twine, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects

*The fruit tin was opened at the bottom using a starfrit can opener and sealed using crystal effects. This allows the pop top to remain untouched and ready to open. Place chocolates or special gifts inside the can.

I hope you enjoyed looking at my projects. Stay tuned for more...

Happy stamping,
Alli

Littlest Stamp Shop?

So here we are on day two in the blog world and I was thinking about stamping...go figure?! What got me thinking about this topic was the big pile of Littlest Pet Shop toys that my three year old daughter has spread all over the floor. Have you ever seen the accessories that come with those little bobble head animals? First you get the beauty parlour accessories. You know, those frogs and rabbits need to be groomed in order to leave the pet shop. Oh and the duck who has a bath cap...you can't forget her. And all dogs need slippers so their paws don't get cold. I have to tell you, for a three year old, or for any little girl really, Littlest Pet Shop (LPS) is all the rage. Fast forward oh about 27 years and you have ME! The only difference is that my passion is stampin' and if you visit my stamp room you could call it the Littlest Stamp Shop. Ok...so a whole room of rubbah is not a LITTLE room, rather a sanctuary of peace. I often have visitors over who ask me if I have a store in my basement. They walk into my room and stare at the wall to wall stamps, accessories, ink and paper. Then of course I have my papercraft samples and that's it...instant love. Rewind 27 years, and put yourself in my 3 year old's shoes again...her love for LPS takes on a whole new level when she opens up the LPS flyer (the one that comes with all the LPS pets) and NO WONDER we love and have to have all the latest stamp sets and accessories in the Stampin' Up! catalogue. It's a conspiracy if you ask me, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Happy Stamping!
Alli

On your marks, get set...POST!

Over the last year, I have been reading about blogs, visiting blogs and thinking to myself, why on earth do I need a blog? Do people really read these things? As I take my business to the next level I thought what better way to share what I love with others. So here I am boarding the boat for an exciting journey. Over the days, weeks, months and years to come, I hope you learn a thing or two from a lady who has more to juggle than life itself.

Cheers, Alli