text: {Designs by Brooke}: June 2008
  Kristina's Color Challenge #13
  To play along click on this link: http://www.kwernerdesign.com
  I have to thank Kristina once again for pushing me I would have gladly stopped the card with out the "Wild Wasabi" not that I don't love the color. It's a favorite of mine. I just was loving the colors with out it. I was going to use the double stitched ribbon and decided to switch it out for a strop of card stock I really was starting to like the card a lot more. I decided to stamp the sentiment in the "Wild Wasabi" as well and it turned out great. I hope you all enjoy the card. I am really happy with the end result.
  I will answer a few question I have received on a few of my cards in the post. I appreciate all the sweet comments and question you have for me. Hope you enjoy.
  I highlighted the edge of my paper using a "Sponge Dauber". To do this method you pounce the Sponge Dauber in the desired ink and gently rub it on the edge of you paper. You will have to use a paper under the card stock it will have ink on both card stock and under-paper. If you want a heaver look you can rub harder. I then tipped the card stock on the edge and highlighted the edges with the sponge Dauber to define the edge.
  If you want to have you sentiments or images to have perfect placement you need to give the "Stamp-a-ma-jig a try. I took for ever to purchase this product and what the heck was I waiting for. It's a breeze to use and you now can have all the clear stamps you will ever need. I used the best measuring tool I have the "Stampin'Up Grid Paper" I just centered the card between the 6 inch and 12 inch lines. I stamped my image on my imaging sheet and placed the image over the exact spot I wanted it to be which was using the 9 inch and a center point. I lined up my stamp-a-ma-gig and removed the imaging sheet not the Stamp-a-ma-gig and lined up the stamp in it's place and wha-la! perfect placement. I then used the other center points given to me by the grid paper at 7 inches and 11 inches and repeated the image.
  Per request I will show how I use the "Crystal Effects". I have several stylus tools made by "Kemper Tools" that I have had for at least 15 years. You can still purchase at any craft or art store. On both ends of the wooden handle there is a different size stylus. I used the DBSS size(the smallest). I dip the end of the stylus in to the lid of the "Crystal Effects" and bring the stylus to the paper. I gently drag the "Crystal Effects" along the image. You can also use the traditional method using the opening of the bottle. But for the most part mine is always gummed up and I would like the extra fine detail option.
  I also use the paper piercing tool from Stampin'Up to pierce the "Wild Wasabi" paper strip. I love this little tool and guide they are priceless to me. I would never get things to look so accurate. Without it not even if I had drawn a straight line would it look as good. I also just purchased the "Classy Brass Template"( Punches Plus) it works perfect with the "Stampin'Up" paper punches. It's a little spendy but I won't have to think about piercing a perfect circle or any other shape it will save time and heart ache.
  Side view with pop-ups and greeting. I only added the
  crystal effects to half of the phrase to give a little interest.
  when I unfolded this card It looked like a perfect little scrapbook page. I think a black and white photo would complement it best. The measurements on this page are 6x6.
  Posted by Brooke S at 10:06 AM 9 comments
  Labels: Kristina's Color Challenge, Tutorial
  A few Sundays ago I had to make 3 b-day card for our monthly family get together. I made this card for my nephew that was turning 12. I was inspired by my friend Shari who used this stamp set to make a card. I decided I had better get it out and use it. I had a fun time using this set and will have to make a few more to keep on hand. This is a supper fast layout. I think the key to this card was the Stampin'Up DS paper. The polka dots are just the right amount of color and size without overwhelming the card. Of course the ribbon makes it pretty sweet as well. I am always excited when I get to use my number and letter stamps I need to scrapbook more so I can play around with them more.
  Posted by Brooke S at 11:55 PM 4 comments
  Kristina Color Challenge #12 or Bust!!!
  Late this afternoon when I sat sown to e-mail the direction to my DH's dance concert I noticed a post in my e-mail for this color challenge. I couldn't resist I clicked on it and thought to my self I half to be crazy but I have to do this challenge. I looked at the clock and I only had a short while before I had to leave for my DD's dance showcase. I ran to the basement to my studio and pulled out paper to and fro... I scanned the stamp shelf and dove right in... I only had 20 min and by dang I was going to make a card for this challenge know matter what! I was almost through and the power went out. I did gathered all I could find with the light of my cell phone and ran up to the mail level.. I ran back sown to find my lost ribbon I had cut. I taped it all together and ran back down stairs and stamped the sentiment on the card by the light of my cell phone. Sorry if it's not straight... I ran to fix DH's hair and make-up and asked DH to take a picture for me. I was so glad he had taken the picture before we left. The natural light we get in our living room is so nice. I just wish I could have up loaded it before we had to leave. No power equals no computer :( DD 's concert was great she did so good. We went to dinner after and then to a free concert for out town days.. "Ryan Shupe and the Rubber band" I am not a huge country fan but I really like this group.. Then we enjoyed fire works.. To help celebrate "Saratoga Splash" a teacher at our Charter school organized a Squirt gun fight earlier in the day. We had people from the "Guinness Book of World Records" there to officiate along with other people who hold world records. All the Money we raised is going to a young girl at our school who had a brain tumor. It was so much fun we got so wet! The fire department was there and sprayed everyone with there hoses. What a great family activity... What a busy great Day we had!
  Card stock- So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Sahara Sand (Stampin'UP)
  Ink: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron. (Stampin'Up)
  Ribbon: Wild Wasabi Double stitched (Stampin'Up)
  Punch: Three for you flowers (Stampin'Up)
  Adhesive: Scotch ATG gun. mini glue dots.
  Posted by Brooke S at 11:36 PM 10 comments
  This is a fast little card I made for a card club exchange.. I pretty much love brown with everything if you haven't guessed by know. I especially love to match it with only one other color family. It has a simple elegance about it wether its brown and blue or brown and green or in this case brown and pink. When I was at "Roberts Crafts" in UT. I found a bag on clear pebbles that look a lot like dew drops. If you need TONS you can get the clear at "Roberts" for abound $12.00 if you would like to have a nice stash then I found a much smaller bag (about 12 0z??) About $3.00 at "Michael's" in the Floral department. If you have permanent markers you can color the flat side and you have all the colors in the rainbow. I purchased from "Costco"(best store ever) a while back a huge multi color pack of sharpies for less that $20.00. To adhere the dew drops I used mini glue dots I have also had luck with "Gloo" form "Ki memories" it's the only liquid I have found that works. I used "Crystal Effects" in the flower images to give them a little pop. I you don't own "Crystal Effects" you need to. It is one of my must haves. I stamped the image twice to give the dark and lighter effect. Usually referred to as second generation. Have a HOT weekend it's a scorcher today high 90s and 97 forcasted tomorrow. Out to the Kiddy pool for me..
  Posted by Brooke S at 1:43 PM 2 comments
  Labels: Card Club, Stampin'Up
  This is what one of my Stamp Clubs will be making to night. I love the colors they have such a happy feeling. They will only be making one pen I was just playing around with colors. Hope you enjoy...
  Posted by Brooke S at 3:16 PM 2 comments
  Labels: Stamp club, Stampin'Up
  I made this for my secret sister a while back and just came a cross a picture of it. I really like the way it turned out. I have mixes feelings about one of the stamp sets retiring(Carte Postale). I use some of these stamps quite often. I bought this set when it was in the mini catty. I didn't buy the designer paper way back I wish I did. I am not that in love with the current match. I do love the "Soft Sky" and "Blue Bayou" paper I used with this project. I will have to make this project again I really enjoyed it.
  Hope you have a great summer day!! It's will be in the 90's again today for us..
  Posted by Brooke S at 9:28 AM 1 comments
  Retirement List 2008
  A short list but a good one. I can wait for the new Catalog.
  Stampin'Up 2008 Retirement list
  Posted by Brooke S at 2:27 PM 0 comments
  Labels: Retirement list 2008
  Love you Regan and Dad!!
  Today we spent time with our daddy. He is usually at Church for the whole Sunday. The kids picked out a snow cone machine for DH's gift. They also picked out 3 flavored syrups to go along with it. I bought DH a Garmin GPS navigation system he was so excited. He told the kids that we will have to go on lost of drives to just play with it. For Grandpa we bought him a Mickey Mouse Watch from Disneyland to replace the fancy smancy Mickey Mouse watch he lost and can't find a replacement. Hope you like it dad. For dinner we are having a BBQ. Steak, Grilled veggies, Spinach salad, fresh fruit, and dessert of course.. Them movies games and lots of snacks!!
  We love you guys... Thanks for all you do.
  I had so much fun watching this card come to life. This is such a easy and fun way to use your Stampin' Pastels (Chalk). I think that the dark background is so amazing it makes the color pop right if the page and not be to bold at the same time. I was inspired by a tutorial I saw on Beate's blog which she wrote for splitcoaststampers. I demo-ed this card at clubs and my girls have loved it. I would love you all too give it a try and post a link to your card in my comments so myself and others can see how much fun you had with this technique.
  Splitcoaststampers link to this Tutorial
  Ink Versamark, White Craft Ink Stampin'Up
  Pattern Paper: East Coast Pep Stampin'Up
  Card Stock: Blue Bayou, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip.
  Ribbon: Blue Bayou double stiched
  Misc: Stampin" Pastels, Mat Pack and paper piercing tool. ATG Gun.
  Posted by Brooke S at 4:16 PM 2 comments
  (Click on the pictures so see cards bigger)
  I had a few scraps (Tons) sitting on my desk and I was about to put them away and I saw a future cards staring me in the face. I started mixing and matching with all the adds and end left on my table and this is what I came up with. I hate to waist good Stampin'Up paper...
  Stamp sets - "Think Happy thoughts", "Friendly Flowers", "Full of Life", "Always".
  Ink- "Old Olive", Not Quite Navy", "Versamark".
  Stampin' Chalk- "So Saffron", "Bashful Blue", "Old Olive", "Not Quite Navy",
  Card Stock- Craft, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White.
  Ribbon- Double Stitched Wild Wasabi, Old Olive Poly-twill
  Rhinestone Brad- Stampin'Up
  Stampin'Up Paper Piercer.
  Adhesive- ATG gun, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dementionals
  Punches- Slit punch SU, Corner punch SU
  Posted by Brooke S at 2:21 PM 3 comments
  (These are samples of cards you could choose to make. You may also make what ever you choose. Note these are the colors of the love notes that come in the kit. Sky Blue, Rose Red, and Very Vanilla.)
  Come join us as we eScape from technology.
  June 21st, 10:00 a.m.
  June, 26th, 7:00 p.m.
  We will be making all the card from the escape bundle.
  (30 cards depending on the amount of fun and talking)
  Must purchase eScape bundle to attend.
  Sign-up by June 14th
  Bundle price for local girls 30.00$ (regular price is $40.10 before tax/shipping that's a 25% discount)
  plus shipping and handling = $35.04
  Total for event is $40.00(includes shipping handling and tax)
  Those who attend will receive a $5 credit on orders placed the day of eScape.
  Just Because Stamp-a-Stack: Isn't it nice to receive a card for no particular reason? Stamp a stack of cards just for that!
  Thank You Stamp-a-Stack: Show gratitude with one handwritten note a day for the next eight days. Be prepared by making the cards in this class.
  Cards for Your Kids Stamp-a-Stack: Leave a note in their lunch box or school bag to wish them luck on a test, tell them you're proud of who they are, or to let them know how much you love them. Or you can make a card for each of these occasions!
  My Long Lost...Stamp-a-Stack: Make cards for a long lost friend, neighbor, roommate, or classmate--reconnect with someone you haven't seen in a while--"I was just thinking of you and remembering when....Let's keep in touch."
  If you would like to reserve your spot please reply to this post or e-mail me.
  Posted by Brooke S at 10:57 AM 1 comments
  Stampin'Up June Specials
  Come Join us for a eScape event:
  June 21st 10:00 a.m. (Saturday)
  June 26th 7:00 p.m. (Thursday)
  Must purchase bundle to attend. and class fee is $5.00
  If you bring a new "Stampin' Up" friend, class fee is waived
  To reserve your spot please e-mail me
  brooke_stockman@yahoo.com (please list eScape Event in the e-mail subject)
  (Sneak-peek from new catalog)
  only available until end of June then you have to wait until middle of August.
  "Fresh Cut Promotion" link
  When you purchase the brand new, DIE CUT "Fresh-Cuts" stamp set for only $21.95, add on the "Fresh-Cut Notes" **for only $5!
  Host a $400 workshop during the month of June, and receive the "Fresh-Cuts" stamp set and coordinating "Fresh-Cut Notes" FREE--over a $30 value--in addition to your regular hostess benefits!
  ** Fresh- Cut Notes include 15 4" x 4" laser-cut notecards with envelopes.
  eScape with Stampin'Up
  Remember when you use too get letters in your mailbox and instead on the in-box? On June 25th Stampin"Up is taking the day to un-plug and un-wind, and reconnect on a personal level with friends and loved ones through handmade cards. "Stampin'Up" invites you to e-Scape throughout the month of June!
  Take advantage of a 25% discount on the eScape bundle to help create a special message from the heart.
  If purchased at regular price cost is: $40.10(before shipping tax )
  eScape Bundle price $30.00 (before shipping and tax)
  Love note assortment
  Very Vanilla 5/8"Grosgrain ribbon
  Link to eScape on Stampin'Up
  Great news!!! Stampin'Up has extended the mini catalog until the End of June.. The new Stampin'Up big catalog will be available August 11th 2008. I will be taking Pre-orders in July. Call me a.s.a.p. so you can still get things from your wish list.