Priceless Butterflies

I had a little trouble finding inspiration last week. We got news that a dear family friend passed away early in the week. I spent most of the week in a funk. I had no desire to be creative whatsoever. Yesterday (Monday) we said our goodbyes to our dear friend. I am trying to take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain, but you know that isn't easy.
Last night (Monday) I forced myself to sit down and make these cards. I used Pretty in Pink, Real Red and Whisper White Cardstock by Stampin Up. The background is actually a Jumbo Stampin Up rolling stamp called "Whimsy". Which after I had them all rolled out I thought I should have done the opposite way, but it still looks okay I think. The butterflies are from the set "Priceless" and the sentiment is from the set "Heard From the Heart" I finished it all up with 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and added some detail with the "Eyelet" Border punch.

Friends, always remember to tell your loved ones you love them. Don't ever miss that chance. Let them know while they are here. So when they are no longer here with us, you don't wonder if they knew how you felt about them. I know that she knew I appreciated all she's done for me, but I don't know if she knew how much I loved her, and will miss her dearly. RIP Katherine. I miss you already!!

So I am behind...with good reason! Reason #1

That's my girl!!! She participated in the Recital for her 4th year of dance. Tap and Ballet. She LOVES to perform! And of course she loves to pose! She has been having crazy rehersals almost all of June and had one Tuesday night, then the Dress Rehersal on Friday night, followed by the Recital on Saturday night. Whew, June sure is a busy month! These pictures are actually from the Dress Resersal. (no flash photos on Recital night) They never really come out clear when she is on stage, but the close up was before she had her first number. We didn't do her makeup, and her hair was in a quick (and messy) bun, but she is still my beautiful dancer! I hope that she has this much passion for dance for a long time! I would love to see her dance on Pointe! As a child I always wanted to be a Ballerina, but I am happy with being a Ballerina's Mom! As long as she is having fun, and as long as SHE wants to dance, I plan on being there cheering her on!

So I am behind...but with good reason Reason #2!

The kids and I have been trying to do some fun outdoor activities. One early evening we went out to catch fireflies, but it was so hot that I decided (after I pulled, what seemed like a never ending supply of weeds, not fun, but needed to be done) that the kids needed to cool off! So I pulled out the hose! Now keep in mind that these two are not fans of getting their heads/faces wet. So it was especially fun watching them enjoying themselves!

Diva Night - Friends Never Fade

Here is another card we made at Diva Night with Claire. This one features a set coming out in the new Catalog, available to customers July 1st. The set is called "Friends Never Fade". We also used the "Lattice" embossing folder on this one. Now, had I been paying attention when I was making this card, I would have embossed the white piece properly. However I wasn't and I didn't. So rather then being "embossed"(raised design) it was done backwards and is now "debossed" (Design is indented, or lower then the rest of the surface). Oh well, live and learn right? It is still a great card! Thank you Claire!!!! :)

One more Diva Night Project to come! Stay tuned!

Diva Night Card - Elements of Style

One of the great things about being a PhillyInker, besides having such a great group of fellow Demonstrators, is having Claire Lawrence as an Upline! She is super sweet and so creative, and very inspiring! (and may be blushing at this point!) Another benefit of being a PhillyInker is that you can earn "Diva Night"!!! Diva Night is a night we get together to eat, talk, and stamp at Claire's house. Claire has a set criteria for you to earn this privilege, and I have to say I always strive to make it, even though it is tough!
This was one of the cards we created at the last Diva Night. It used the "Elements of Style" set. We embossed the strip with the new "Lattice" embossing folder made for Stampin' Up. A simple, yet great card!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE PROJECTS FROM DIVA NIGHT!

How sad...

Here is a picture of the Stampin' Up stamp sets that I had to pull out of my drawer because they are retiring. :( And this is only the ones retiring as of June 30th! I have others that are in the current mini catalog that will retire as of August 30th. But it's okay, have no fear, they may be retiring, but they will not be forgotten! I just won't be able to demonstrate these sets anymore, but I will still be using them!

Don't' forget that if the set you have your eye on is on the retiring list, to order it soon! Retiring stamp sets will only be available until June 30th!

Look here for the Last Chance list!

Off to sort through my cardstock! **sigh** I have to make room for all of the new and exciting goodies from Stampin' Up!

Ah Summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So it's official! I am now on summer vacation! Whoo hoo! Now it is no secret that I have an addiction to Facebook. That being said I have made a goal for myself. I WILL create at least three items a week, and post them to this blog. I was going to go for one a day, but we know that isn't always possible! Three times a week, I can handle that. I WILL do it!
So many of you know Stampin' Up is having a Color Renovation. With this Renovation there are many colors leaving us, while some colors are making a comeback and still more colors are new. With this Renovation I have lost lots of samples for my sample basket (sniff sniff). So I am trying to rebuild my basket by creating new goodies all with current items, and colors.
So here is my creation for today. It features the stamp set "Fast & Fabulous" which will be a level 2 hostess set in the Idea & Catalog book coming out in July. The colors used are the returning (and a personal favorite) Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum and Whisper White. The background is stamped with the "En Francois" background stamp. The sentiment is from the "Sincere Salutations", stamped then punched out with the Oval Large punch then layered with the Scallop Oval Extra Large punch (these punches are named a litle different in the new catalog). I crumbled the piece of Wild Wasabi and then used my "Mat Pack" to draw in the faux stitching with the Perfect Plum Stampin' Write marker.

A little teaser - Pocket Silhouettes

Another little teaser for you for a card we created last Friday night at my monthly Card Club. This card features Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow, and Whisper White cardstock. We used the "Pocket Silhouette" set by Stampin' Up. The sentiment is from "Short and Sweet"
Want to see the whole card? Only way to do so is come to my monthly Card Club! Don't miss out on next month's cards!

A little peek - Enjoy Every Moment

I don't usually post the cards that I make in Card Club, but I wanted to give you a teaser for the ones we created on Friday Night. We used Stampin Up's Bermuda Bay (retires June 30th), Real Red, Whisper White and Basic Black to create these cute cards featuring the "Enjoy Every Moment" stamp Set (retires June 30th).

Want to see the whole card????? Don't miss out on next Month's card club, which is July 23rd!

Going, going, soon will be gone!

Stampin Up has announced the retired lists! These items will not continue in the new catalog. Stamp sets will be available through June 30th, while the accessories will be available while supplies last, but only until June 30th.
Click below for the retiring lists!

Last Chance Stamp Sets
Last Chance Definitely Decorative
Last Chance Accessories

Also don't forget the colors that are retiring!