Tuesday's Tool or Technique...

Have you ever looked at your SU! Catalog as a tool ???

Several years ago, SU! changed the name of our Catalog to..."Idea Book & Catalog". In our catalogs are 100's of ideas to spark your creative. I have used it's samples over and over again in my stamping. I'll take two card ideas from the catalog, and use those ideas together on one card. It is a wealth of inspiration and information at your fingertips.

I can't wait to share the newest 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog with you!!! It is full of TERRIFIC samples, LOADED with lots of tips & suggestions, you will LOVE it!
I can't hardly wait...so here is a partial sneek peak for you all of our cover. I wish I could share it all with you...but check back tomorrow to see the full cover picture!

CATALOG SNEEK PEAK!

Monday's Project Idea...

Want to make this SUPER cute project for your Fourth of July Festivities or just for a decoration...Click HERE to get all the information and supply list.

HAPPY CREATING,

KENDRA

Saturday Sketches...

Try one or all of these for some fun layout ideas!


TAG...




CARD...AND PAGE.

Friday's Spotlight...

Today's Spotlight is on a Die for the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine! This Die Cut Machine has been on my WISH LIST for a long, long time. I'm closer to my goal of purchasing one, but wanted to share, and spotlight this die and a couple of cute projects with you!


Scallop Envelope Bigz Die















Scallop Envelope Bigz Die
113462
Price: $21.95


You can use the Scallop Envelope die to create custom envelopes from any piece of card stock or Designer Series paper. Scallop Envelope die cuts also make adorable memorabilia pockets on scrapbook pages.Simply cut the image using the die, and then adhere the edges (sides first, and then bottom) with Sticky Strip or Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive. Add a stamped image or embellishment, and you have the perfect cover for your handmade 2" x 3" cards.■ To use the Scallop Envelope die, you’ll need a Sizzix Big Shot machine and Standard Cutting Pads.■ 5-1/2" x 6"

This die can also be used to make cute little boxes, or baskets! To viw this fantastic project (left) with this die... click HERE ! - Darla Olsen















Click HERE! for another great idea-Sheryl Dickenson

HAPPY STAMPING,
KENDRA

Free Photo Editing Class

Pictures are one of the most important components of Scrapbooking. It is really easy to get frustrated with your photos and editing software if you don't know how to edit your pictures.
One of my favorite Scrappers, Jessica Sprague is offering a FREE Photo Editing Class!
In this brand-new class, Jessica will show you dozens of awesome techniques you can use to add effects to your photos, including:
Brushes
Frames
Masks
Textures
Blending modes
Filters
and more!
Who's This Class For?
This is a class that ANYONE can take - you just need a copy of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (download the FREE TRIAL here). So, I need your help to spread the word! This class is perfect for anyone who takes digital photos, anyone who makes digital or paper scrapbook pages, ANYONE who is looking to add cool effects to enhance their photos.
Registration is 100% free, and simply requires that you create an account at JessicaSprague.com. You must register during June 22-28, 2009.

Scrapbook Basics!

10 Reasons To Use Stamping In Your Scrapbooks -Stamping isn't just for cards anymore!!! Give stamps a try with your next scrapbook project. "Scramping" is fun and rewarding!

• 
  You can create your own style. Stamps are never limiting and each image can have many different looks
• 
  You can choose the colors of ink to coordinate with your photos and background paper.
• 
  Stamps add dimension to your scrapbook pages. Subtle background techniques accent pictures and fill in blanks.
• 
  You can coordinate stamped invitations, party favors, decorations, etc for an event, then use the same colors and images when you scrapbook the event.
• 
  Stamps offer more versatility, there are more to choose from and they don't run out!
• 
  A sticker can only be used once but a stamp will offer a lifetime of images!
• 
  Stamped images do not visually compete with your photos which is the focal point of the page.
• 
  You will actually save money by stamping instead of buying stickers!
• 
  You can use your stamps on other craft projects so they do double duty!
• 
  "Scramping" is simply too much fun!

Color Throw Down Challenge Card

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for being SO patient with me today. Between Craft Camp, appointments, a son turning 16 today, and taking dinner to a friend who just had back surgery...I haven't gotten a chance to play until tonight! I'm grateful for an excuse to pull out my Baja Breeze and Pink Pirouette pads! It's not even the end of June yet and I already am in the mindset of our newest colors.

The set I used is called "Simply Said" and can be found on page 52. It's number is #115066 for $28.95. I do use this set alot when I have to make quick cards, and I have a favorite layout I seem to use as an old standby! Today though I used the Carousel Notes, Silver Beads from the Bead Duo, Black StazOn Pad, Pretty In Pink 1/4" Grosgrain and the Horizontal Slot Punch. I hope you enjoy! PLEASE check out other terrific cards using these same colors HERE!

HAPPY STAMPING,

KENDRA

Tuesday's Tool or Technique...

Color Coach

#105796

Price: $9.95

pg. 153

The Stampin' Up! Color Coach can help you determine which colors look best together for all of your crafting projects. Designed to use with Stampin’ Up’s! exclusive color families.

• 
  8" diameter


• 
  Durable, laminated card stock


• 
  Easy-to-follow instructions


• 
  Instant guide to pleasing color combinations using Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors


• 
  Does not include In Color colors


• 
  Do you ever have trouble picking just the right colors for a project or do you just need some color coordination help?


• The Color Coach is designed to use with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors.


• 
  You simply choose a color that you want to use (the prominent color you want for your project) and spin the Color Coach until the arrow points at that color. The results will list 3 coordinating colors and 1 color as a complementary color.


• Simply give those color combinations a try and you won't be disappointed!

Don't have a color coach on hand? While your waiting for yours to arrive, you might try this site, Scraptitude, for some color inspiration for your cards, pages, and prjects!
Just click HERE to go to their site. Just click on the colors and they will appear in the grid at the top of the page. Use all five colors or simply pick and choose the colors you want to use.

HAPPY CREATING,
KENDRA

Monday's Project Idea...

Try this fun Craft ,"Simple Intitial Frame" ... give as a gift or keep for yourself!

Paper
Basic Black card stock: 4" x 4"
Kraft card stock: 5" x 5"
Riding Hood Red textured card stock: 6" x 6"
Kiwi Kiss Patterns Designer Series paper: 5" x 5"
Accessories
On Board Book Basics Small
Button Bouquet
Stampin' Dimensionals
Circle Scissor Plus
Sizzix Big Shot
Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz die
Scallop Circle Bigz die
Crochet thread
Frame
Sewing machine and thread
Instructions
Cut circle from Riding Hood Red textured card stock using Circle Scissor Plus.
Cut scalloped circle from Kiwi Kiss Patterns Designer Series paper using Sizzix Big Shot for Stampin' Up! and Scallop Circle Bigz die. Sew Kiwi Kiss scallop circle and Riding Hood Red circle together using sewing machine and thread.
Adhere Basic Black card stock to On Board Book Basics; then cut out letter using Big Shot machine and Serif Essentials Bigz die. Adhere to layered circles.
Tie crochet thread through Riding Hood Red button, and adhere button to chipboard letter. Adhere layered circles to Kraft card stock using Stampin' Dimensionals.
Insert into frame.

Now that National Scrapbook Month is over, the focus on scrapbooking has taken a backseat to last chance items. I thought I would highlight a few June Scrapbooking ideas with you! Let's start with the obvious ones first, everyone knows June as Dads and Grads month, keeping that in mind, here are a few ideas for you to scrapbook around these topics.







Grads* If your child is graduating this month, how do YOU feel about it? Scrapbook and journal your feelings about your little one becoming a graduate.

* College Graduate? How about scrapbooking some childhood photos of your child and their childhood dreams of what they wanted to be when they grew up and compare that to what they studied or will study in college.

* Did your child follow in the family footsteps? Did they start off on a brand new path of their own, scrapbook and jounal about their path, how do you feel about it?


Dads* Get your husband to play along if he will, how does he feel about being a dad? New Dad? Have him journal about his feelings on fatherhood and scrapbook it for your him and your kids.

* Is your hubby a great dad? Journal about it, consider comparing and contrasting him with your dad, or his.

* Scrapbook a photo of you and your dad, when you were younger, write a letter telling your dad how you idolized him when you were a young girl, or boy.

* Is your dad still an important part of your life, journal about it.





Here are some other ideas to get you started on your June Pages...

* The school year has come to a close for most kids this month, what are your kids going to do with their summer vacations

* How do you feel about school being out for the summer (My Poor House!)

* Do you remember how you felt when you left school on the last day of the school year?

* Scrapbook those report cards and end of year certificates.

* What are your plans for the summer?

* Are your kids playing baseball? On swim team or in swimming lessons? Make sure to document those great team photos.

* How about sports camps?

* Is your teen getting his/her first job this summer?

* What was your first summer job?

* Consider journaling/scrapbooking about your summer's as a kid, how did you spend your time? I bet you went outside and played kick the can or flashlight tag or something other than video games! Scrapbook a page about the old days and how you spent your summer vacations.

* June is National Iced Tea month, what is your favorite summertime refreshment?

* Remember those lemonade stands we did when we were kids, get your kids in on the fun, it will teach them about money and give you great photo ops!

* What is growing in your garden right now?

* Do you eat outside in the summer?

* Scrapbook about your summer family traditions or vacations.

* Is your little one outside catching fire flies, what a great scrapbook opportunity!

* Summer school??? Your teenager will love that you scrapbooked about that someday!

* Yummy strawberries are in season, I love strawberry shortcake, oh and fresh corn on the cob, what are your summer guilty pleasures?

* Is the ice cream man coming around again? My kids and I take an annual last day of the school year trip to the local Rita's shop for shaved ice, dont forget to document the little things.

Ihope you find these ideas helpful in getting your scrapbook pagesdone this month!!
Thanks to Angi Anderson from SUDSOL for this article!
HAPPY STAMPING & SCRAPPING,
KENDRA

A Saturday Share...

JUST ANOTHER PROJECT SHARE...
These cute cookie sheets have been turned into magnetic boards. They make the cutest gifts! We have made these in the past for friends birthdays, Christmas gifts, secret santa gifts, thank you gifts, and also for teacher thank you gifts at the end of the year. We usually put photos in the frame, for example if I was giving it to a teacher...I would use a picture of my child with her teacher taken during the year. My daughter a couple of Christmases ago made these for 12 of her friends. She developed photos of them from various activities and outings and put those in the frames. You can purchase the acrylic frames at walmart & Michaels (they already have magnets on the back).

Then we bought round magnets and hot glued flat buttons or stones onto them to decorate them. We used designer scrapbook papers, ribbons, flowers, & brads to decorate them. My daughter typed personal notes about being friends for these two shown in the pictures and then used a magnet we found at the dollar store. (You can get 5 - 6 on a sheet and they were in the kitchen isle because they are actually made to hold bags of food or chips closed). We used the crop-A-Dile to punch holes in the lip of the cookie sheet (which we also found at the dollar store), and ran ribbon thru it to create a loop to hang it on your wall.
So your next trip to the dollar store...try and see things in a new and creative way! You'll be surprised with what you come up with.
HAPPY CREATING,
KENDRA

MY STAMPING SPACE...

Welcome to my stamp room! Instead of having a "Stamp Set Spotlight" today...I thought I'd spotlight my stamping area and share it with you.

So I took these pictures back in April and have been procrastinating in posting them. Several people have asked me thru emails or comments about my stamping room. I actually am really lucky to have a room that is all mine. I haven't always had a space of my own. I started out with a few drawers in my kitchen and put my projects on cookie sheets. Later we had a big enough bredroom that I moved my stuff in there...but that wasn't such a great idea for my late night stamp cravings. My hubby can sleep almost thru anything, but not a heat tool at 2 am in the morning!!!






As I enter my room I have board of metal flashing that I bought pre-cut at Home Depo. I then used my Crop-A-Dile and made holes in both sides to run ribbon thru the hoes and under and over the door & tied them off. It is here I switch out my swap cards and items that inspire me every couple of months.


I love to be able to go in there and create projects, pages, and cards. Stamping is a source of relaxation for me and I love it!!! So welcome to my craft room.









I have a desk that I sit at to create or plan my projects. To my left is all my ink pads, re-inkers, and a basket with ideas from blog surfing print outs, to magazines, or fellow demonstrators ideas from swaps. Also on the cart to the left of my desk, I keep extra paper cutters & my circle cutter in the red bins, and my cricket machine on the bottom shelf and all my cartriges for that in another red bin.













This is what I see in front of my desk. Inspirational ideas, lots of messy storage bins (but I know where everything is at...on most day's!), and my tv/vcr which is a dinosaur and on it's last leg. My favorite thing to watch when I stamp is "You've Got Mail".










This is my paper storage. I actually am hoping to get another one so I can have all my paper in one area. It is behind my desk and just to my left so I can reach out and grab what I need.














Next to my paper storage is my current stamp sets (on top of table). Below the table is my project supplies. I look for things on sale when I shop...especially the dollar store, and targets $1.00 bins. They actually have some great stuff! Then I hoarde them away!















To the right of my desk I have all my punches within arms reach. These are just on curtain rods that I purchased at Target in-expensive, but they are efficiant! They actually extend, and over the past few months I had to extend them for all my newest punches. I'm only (6) away from having them all. YIPEE! I LOVE my punches.









This is a partial shot of my bookcases behind my desk. I store business supplies, have more paper storage, magazine subscription storage, books, jars full of ribbons, and lots of accessories.
Against the wall, under my punches in the white (3) drawer bin...this is where I keep all my CS scraps. Top drawer is for Nuetrals and In-Colors, second drawer is for Soft Subtles and Bold Brights, and the third drawer is for Earth Elements and Rich Regals. I don't keep any scraps under a 2" square size. The black bin is where I store all my projects I'm going to demonstrate at my monthly clubs and workshops!

Well this concludes the tour of my stamping santuary. I hope you enjoyed it and got some ideas to inspire you in your space! No matter how big or small your space is...make sure to create an enviroment you can thrive & function in. Make your own sanctuary!

HAPPY CREATING,
KENDRA

GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN MY TEAM & THE SU! FAMILY...

It is a great time to join Stampin' Up! There are many reasons why...
With a new Catalog arriving July 1st, and with 1000 items that are under $25.00, and with Stampin' Up!'s own digital scrapbooking software slated to come out sometime in 2009, scrapbookers & stampers have a lot to look forward to! Not only that, these products will generate lots of excitement, and if you become a demonstrator now, you can enjoy it with all of your fellow demonstrators and future customers!
As a demonstrator, stampers & scrapbookers have access to an endless supply of ideas. Creativity will flourish with so many additional sources of inspiration, such as Stampin' Success (monthly magazine sent to you), Stampers' Showcase (on-line idea library & patterns), Technique Videos, Stampin' Up! events (leadership meetings & convention), Stampin' Up! On-Line Training Section, Business Website, and SO MUCH MORE!
When you join Stampin' Up!, you can enjoy the benefit of purchasing all your supplies at a 20%discount!
Stamping & Scrapbooking is so much more fun when you do it with others. As a demonstrator, you will make new friends, develop lifelong friendships, and enjoy the pleasure of sharing the art of stamping with customers and hostesses.

WHAT WILL YOU GET WHEN YOU JOIN MY TEAM?
Support and training to get your business up and running... and to help it thrive whether your in Tucson, AZ. or not!
Join my growing group and take advantage of demonstrator group meetings, swaps, and "demonstrator creative days" where we get together and pow wow over ideas, share ideas, and create with each other. Not located here in Tucson...that's okay. Receive a kit by mail every other month with tips, hints, tricks, and samples to prepare you for your workshops.
Demonstrator Yahoo groups for idea sharing and staying up to date on the most current Stampin' Up! information.
Stampin' Start (see below), 10% Extra Income Offer, Business Booster Kit Offer, and Katie's Great Start Incentive!!

STAMPIN' START:
First 3 months: Goal: $1800 in personal net sales = 2 free stamp sets
Second 3 months: Goal: $3000 in personal net sales = 4 free sets
Anytime during first 6 months: Goal: 1st recruit = 1 free stamp set
Anytime during first 6 months: Goal: 2nd recruit = 1 free stamp set
Anytime during first 6 months: Goal: 3rd recruit = 1 free stamp setEarn a total of 9 FREE STAMP SETS from Stampin' Up!

EXTRA 10% INSTANT INCOME OFFER: Stampin’ Up! offers a 30% instant income on your first workshop, customer, or demonstrator order, placed within 45 days of the day your starter kit order was recorded at Stampin' Up! That's an additional savings of 10%! To qualify for this offer, your order must be $150 or more.

BUSINESS BOOSTER KIT: Once your business takes off, you're sure to need more catalogs, invitations, and order forms. For only $28.00 you can purchase the special Business Booster Kit to supplement your supplies. Order this kit on a supply order within 1 year of joining Stampin' Up! Limit one kit per demonstrator (item #104525). With this kit, you'll receive:
Catalogs (8)
Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
Customer Order Forms (50)

* KENDRA'S GREAT INCENTIVES *
Hold An Open House in the first 35 days (invite everyone you know)... Receive a FREE 8 1/2x11 assorted package of cardstock in your choice!

Sell $400 in the first 45 days...Receive FREE 2 classic Stampin' pads (or 1 punch $10.95 or less)

Promote to Sr. Associate ($1000 in sales) or higher, (3) months from sign up date and…Receive $20 FREE from me to spend on merchandise from the current SU! Catalog.

* These incentives are in addition to the Stampin’ Start incentives, and the extra 10% off of your first order of $150 or more, so you can really benefit tremendously by taking advantage of all of these offers combined!

READY TO JOIN NOW? Click HERE. You will need my password to sign up online:

Password: scrapmom Or Call me, (520) 744-2537, and we can get together or I can walk you thru the sign up process over the phone!
SPECIAL GIFT TO FIRST 3 NEW DEMONSTARTORS TO JOIN MY TEAM IN JUNE OR JULY!!!!

SW Demonstrator Card Swaps For May & June!

ON NEWSTANDS....

Better Homes & Gardens 100 Decorating Ideas under $100 (July 2009 issue)Stampin' Up! is featured in a two-page spread which encourages dressing up everyday basic furniture with our craft supplies such as Designer Series papers, punches, and Décor Elements. Specific products featured include our Scallop Circle and 1-3/8" Circle punches, and our Villa Designer Touch and Classic A-Z Lowercase Alphabet Décor Elements. See the feature on pages 82-83 and the shopping guide on page 94.

GRADUATION TREE...

So last night at Scrapbook Club, I told several of you that I had posted my "Graduation Tree" ideas last month and that they would be under the May Archives...that is not the case. I failed to post them last month and thought I'd share this months and last months in the same post!






This month I wanted to display Fourth of July items since the Fourth is so early in the month! I used paper towel tubes again for my "Firecrackers". I also punched out stars and stamped some images. I also had on hand some scrapbook paper that I got at the store in town a couple of years back and used to decorate (wrap) candles in...so I used some of that as well. I wrapped the bottom of the tree in some festive paper, and added alot of red, white and blue bows!










Completed Tree!









Here are pictures of my "Graduation Tree" on here under the Archives in May. When I got on today, I realized I never posted these...chalk it up to a very hectic and busy month! But I did want to share with you this idea. My sweet hubby went out into the wash (riverbed) and cut me a nice looking branch. I then took an empty can that used to hold instant potato flakes, and put oasis and some rocks/pebbles in the bottom to hold my branch in place. (I thought I had plaster that I could set it up in, but didn't).




I use this tree every month to decorate it up for holidays or themes; birthday's, Christmas, Valentines Day, Spring, Easter, Graduation, and this month I have it decorated for Fourth of July.

For Graduation I wanted to do something nice on it as we prepared and looked forward to our daughters graduation. I rolled up paper to look like diplomas.









I also cut and covered paper towel tubes in black CS to make Caps. I put tassles on them and a little "Congrats Grad" silver confetti that I punched a hole in and hung with the tassel.

Color Throw Down Challenge Card

I used the colors above for this weeks Color Challenge Card & the "Garden Whimsy" Set. My Cameo Coral isn't as pink as the image above...but I promise these are the right colors. I also used some DSP from Balla Rose, and Kiwi Satin Ribbon. To see more beautiful card creations using this color combination...click HERE!

HAPPY STAMPING,

KENDRA