Flowerbug's Inkspot

Meg's Side-step Smooches Album

Wait 'til you see this project! 

Meg Holland contacted me a few weeks ago to share her version of my Side-Step Album with me.  I was floored!  She is quite a talented stamper.  I think I love hers better than mine! 

She used the new Summer Smooches patterned paper and the fun Blossom Builders flowers kit. See more details on hers here.  

If you want to get the free tutorial to make this fun yet easy album visit my Stampin' Shop here to get it.  It's FREE!

I am excited to meet Meg in Disney this week.  It's her first Stampin' Up! incentive trip!   

April Technique Class

I've got another set of pretty cards for April's Technique Class, if I do say so myself! 

This card is the Colored Vellum technique.  I love our Vellum Card stock - so nice and thick yet still transluscent.  The colors here are Wisteria Wonder with Daffodil Delight. 

And this cool look is called Tie-Dye Embossing.  Great with colored embossing powder on black or white card stock.   The stamp set here is called Awash with Flowers which is retiring next month. 

Last is the Distressed Wash technique using our Distressing kit.  Soft & pretty, isn't it?  Loads of possibilities with this technique! 

These cards are part of my local Technique Class on Tuesday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 25th. 

The class is currently full but if you cannot attend the class here in Minot, ND you can still make these cards by using my online Technique Class tutorial.  It's just $4.  You get complete directions, measurements and photos of the finished cards.  Plus you also get the technique card templates to add a sample of your stamped technique to.  These are perfect if you want to create your own technique sample ideas to use later. Demonstrators are welcome to use any of my ideas for your own classes.  It's completely ready for you!

Click here to get it

I also have a new bundle of Technique Classes ready.  12 months of classes for the price of 10.  That's just $40 for 36 techniques.  This bundle includes the last 12 classes I've done from October 2010 thru February 2012.  (They are not consecutive as I have skipped some months during the last year or so.)

Click here to purchase the 2010-2012 Technique Class Bundle  and scroll down....

Easy Events - April's Class to Go

This month's Class to Go features the Easy Events all occasions stamp set. 

It includes a wonderful variety of eight All Occasion stamps and greetings to fit most events. When you complete the 5 cards in this kit you'll have your own set sampler to copy to make more. 

Here are three of the cards included in this month's Class to Go: 

Isn't this sweet?  Clean and eye-catching in Bashful Blue, White & Daffodil Delight.

It's an unusual but fun color combo isn't it?  Island Indigo with Pumpkin Pie.

This one is cased from a card I saw on Pinterest. This layout really highlights the main image.  

When you order the Easy Events stamp set & Class to Go in clear or wood mount you'll receive all of the pre-cut supplies needed to make the 5 cards shipped directly to you. You will need a few extra items such as ink pads or markers and possible border punches. I pre-punch, texture and die-cut almost everything for you and send the cards kit and stamp set to you in the mail.  I'll even tie your bows!  Plus you'll receive the photos & step by step directions with measurements sent in a pdf document via e-mail.

***If you already have this stamp set you can substitute another of like value.  Remember that these Class to Go offers are only available during that month.  If you are interested be sure to let me know.

Clear Mount

• Local cost - $33.00
• Priority shipping - $38 

Wood Mount

• Local cost - $40
• Priority Shipping - $45

If you'd like to order the Easy Events stamp set from me & get the Class to Go cards kit in the mail please contact me at lagreff@gmail dot com by Wednesday, April 25th & I'll send you a PayPal invoice. Or contact me with your credit card information.

The stamp sets will be ordered on or after Wednesday, April 25th and the Class to go sent out around May 8th when I return from my SU Disney trip. 

Creative Elements 4 Sheet Wonder

It's been awhile since I made a 4 Sheet Wonder.  I thought the Creative Elements stamp set would work wonderfully for it. 

What is a 4 Sheet Wonder?  My husband & I created these 4 templates years ago and I still love making cards using them!  It's the fastest and easiest way to get 10 quick & beautiful cards done. You know why?  No planning layouts or measuring - the only decisions you have to make is to choose your stamp set and then your colors.

First you print out a template on one side of a neutral sheet of card stock and then stamp the other side with various stamps & coordinating ink. I chose Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso & Crumb Cake with Vanilla.  After stamping the entire piece of card stock, basically making your own designer paper, you will then cut on the dotted, printed lines on the other side. Each piece has a number on it from 1 - 10.

Next you'll print out 3 other templates (A, B & C) on 3 different colors of card stock.  Each of these templates also have numbers from 1 - 10.  You'll cut these out and start making piles of cut pieces from 1 - 10. Then all you need to do is put them together adding border punches & ribbons as desired. I stamp tags or greetings last. One customer told me it's like making 'cards by number'.

If you'd like to make these cards and live near me, the class is on April 14th at 1 pm. RSVP by Wednesday, April 11th. If I fill up I may open another time that day in the am.  Cost is $17 and includes the 10 cards plus the templates & tutorial that will be e-mailed to you. 

If you are unable to attend class you can purchase this 4 Sheet Wonder tutorial.  It is sent via e-mail and includes the 4 templates, photos and instructions for five other card bunches using different stamp sets. That's 6 different sets of cards & directions all for just $7.50. See them all on the link below.

This template is available at my Stampin' Shoppe here.  Once there, scroll down to the bottom to the PayPal button.  My new Shoppe is very easy to navigate.  Stop in and see all of my tutorials available. 

Latest review by Sharon:   Oh my! I just purchased your 4 Sheet Wonder and am sooo excited to get started! I am a SU! Demo and this will greatly simplify some of my class prep:) Always a plus!!!

March Technique Class

It's time to share my March Technique cards with you. 

This is the Sponged Silhouette's technique.  Beautiful color with a pop of Black.  Note the diagonal scoring in the corners - done with our new Diagonal Scoring plate. 

Next is the Paper Piecing outside the Lines. Add a great cutting effect without the detailed work. 

And this is Shimmer Overlay. It's difficult to see the shimmer in the photo here but you'll learn how to use our Champagne Shimmer paint to add sparkly highlights to your stamped images. 

The local class is on Monday, March 26th at 6:30 pm and Tuesday, March 27th at either 3 pm or 5:30 pm.  Cost is $10 per-paid. RSVP by March 23rd.

If you cannot attend the class here in Minot, ND you can still make these cards by using my online Technique Class tutorial.  It's just $4.  You get complete directions, measurements and photos of the finished cards.  Plus you also get the technique card templates to add a sample of your stamped technique to.  These are perfect if you want to create your own technique samples to use at any time. Demonstrators are welcome to use any of my ideas for your own classes.  It's all ready for you!

Click here to get it

I also have a new bundle of Technique Classes ready.  12 months of classes for the price of 10.  That's just $40 for 36 techniques.  This bundle includes the last 12 classes I've done from October 2010 thru February 2012.  (They are not consecutive as I have skipped some months during the last year or so.)

Click here to purchase the 2010-2012 Technique Class Bundle

 

Bordering on Romance Class to Go

This month I am featuring the Bordering on Romance stamp set. 

This set coordinates with the Adorning Accents Edgelits and embossing folders on page 7 of the Occasions Mini catalog. It's a very pretty set perfect for those who like to color. 

Here are three of the five cards you'll make with this Class to Go. 

These floral stamps are so pretty!  It was easy to make attractive cards with this set. I do suggest you invest in a Black Stazon ink pad and either a blender pen or aqua-painter for coloring.  Using these helps you get the shading when coloring. 

When you order the Bordering on Romance stamp set & Class to Go in clear or wood mount you'll receive all of the pre-cut supplies needed to make the 5 cards shipped directly to you. You will need a few extra items such as ink pads or markers, border punches plus a few greeting stamps. I pre-punch and die-cut almost everything for you.  I even tie your bows for you!  Plus you'll receive the photos & step by step directions with measurements sent in a pdf document via e-mail.

Clear Mount

• Local cost - $28.00
• Priority shipping - $33 (add on Edgelits and Embossing folders - $56)
• To get a Free Sale a Bration item with the above combo - add on at least $9.20 in SU items 

Wood Mount

• Local cost - $36
• Priority Shipping - $41 (with Edgelits & Embossing folders - $64)
• To get a Free Sale a Bration item with the above combo - add on a minimum of $4.20 in SU items

If you'd like to order the Bordering on Romance stamp set from me & get the Class to Go cards kit please contact me at lagreff@gmail dot com by Tuesday, March 27th & I'll send you a PayPal invoice. Or contact me with your credit card information.

*****If you're adding on any extra items to earn free SAB choices let me know what you'd like and I'll get you a total. 

The stamp sets will be ordered on or after Tuesday, March 27th and the Class to go sent out in early March.

*****A head's up on April - the Class to Go will be the all occasion Easy Events stamp set.

Exciting New Shop Launched!

I am so excited to share this news!  My daughter and son-in-law have been working on this for a loooong time and now have it ready to go. 

As some of you may know I have created many project tutorials that are for sale here on my blog.  Well with this new site they've created for me you can see them all in one spot!  These tutorials can be purchased via PayPal and will be sent to you immediately.  Once purchased the links will be available for one year so you can print it out or download it and save it to your computer.

Click on the sign above to check it out. I also have a new icon on the top right side of my blog that takes you there.

My tutorials are perfect for demonstrators to use for their classes or for anyone to make for themselves or for gifts.  I just ask that you do not re-sell my tutorials on the internet. 

And to celebrate this I'd like to share my newest tutorial with you FREE. It's a fun and fabulous project that you can finish in about an hour!  Although adding photos might take you a bit longer.

I am calling it a Side-Step album. 

It's made with Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' kits but you could easily substitute cardstock and coordinating patterned paper. The pages have tabs on each side to either spell a word or to highlight each page.  You could get two or more of these from just one SS kit. 

I hope you try it for yourself!  It's so easy and would make a fabulous gift too!  Click here to get this fun new tutorial absolutely free. 

And if you do make one, I'd love to see it.  Please send me a photo of yours if you do and I'll share it here.

February Technique Class

This month's techniques are great cards; fun and easy too!

First up is Colored Scent. 

Since we now have scented embossing powder I had to figure a way to get a two-toned image embossed.  This card smells like real melon!  And it's not 'scratch & sniff' either.  All you need to do is breathe it in. 

This is Gel Pen Resist - a great way to highlight certain parts of an image.  It's not bright white; just soft and white.  I love this masculine card! 

And here is what I am calling 'Double Vision'.  Get a two toned look by stamping the same image in two different colors.

Local class is on February 28th & 29th.  Tuesday at 3 & 5 pm and Wednesday at 6:30 pm.  Cost is $10.  Please RSVP by Saturday, February 25th.  

If you cannot attend the class here in Minot, ND you can still make these cards by using my online Technique Class tutorial.  It's just $4.  You get complete directions, measurements and photos of the finished cards.  Plus you also get the technique card templates you can print out to add a sample of the technique to.  (See photo below).  These are perfect if you want to create your own technique ideas bundle. Demonstrators are welcome to use any of my ideas for your own classes.  It's all ready for you!

Click here to purchase the February 2012 Technique Class

I now have another bundle of Technique Classes ready.  12 months of classes for the price of 10.  That's just $40 for 36 techniques.  You'll receive the last 12 classes I've done from October 2010 thru February 2012.  (I have skipped some months during the last year or so.)

Click here to purchase the 2010-2012 Technique Class Bundle

Click here to see all of my technique classes

Apothecary Art Class to Go

February's Class to Go features the beautiful Apothecary Art stamp set. 

If you're stamping style includes either vintage or floral you'll love it.  I find this set to be one of those stamp sets that creates quick and easy cards without much thought or planning.  Because it already has a pretty, curved label look it is simply beautiful on it's own without adding much more to it. 

Here are 3 of the 5 cards you'll receive in your cards kit when you order my Class to Go. 

How does the Class to Go work??

Basically you are making your own set of cards using the stamp set, embellishments and supplies I cut out & send you.  You'll use your new stamp set plus a basic supply of ink or markers, other stamps and a few common tools along with your own adhesive. I will texture and die-cut the card stock for you when needed. I like to call these cards 'Set samplers'.  You'll have 5 great ideas finished and ready to use right away or to save & copy later.

You can hand cut these stamps out to get the curved label shape or use these:

I recommend you add on the Labels Framelits Collection (shown above) that coordinates with this stamp set so perfectly. Of course you do need a Big Shot or other die-cutting machine to use them.  If so, I can add it to your order without increasing the Priority shipping cost.  And if you add this set of dies to your order you earn a free Sale-a-Bration choice (one for each $50 order).  Look here to see what you would like for your free SAB item.     

When you order the Apothecary Art stamp set in clear or wood mount you'll receive all of the supplies needed to make the 5 cards shipped directly to you.  Plus you'll receive the photos & step by step directions with measurements sent in a pdf document via e-mail.

Clear Mount

• Local cost - $36.00
• Priority shipping - $41 (add on Labels Framelits - $72.78) 

Wood Mount

• Local cost - $43.50
• Priority Shipping - $49 (with Labels Framelits - $80.78)

If you'd like to order the Apothecary Art stamp set from me & get the Class to Go cards kit please contact me at lagreff@gmail dot com by Tuesday, February 28th & I'll send you a PayPal invoice.  Or contact me with your credit card information.

The stamp sets will be ordered on or after Tuesday, February 28th and the Class to go sent out in early March.

*****A head's up on March - the Class to Go will be the Bordering on Romance stamp set. 

 

Christmas Stamp a Stack #4

And here are the last 4 cards we'll be making at my final Christmas Stamp a Stack class this year.

This one uses the new stamp set Bright Hopes from the Holiday Mini catalog.  Wild Wasabi with Whisper White plus the bling of our silver glimmer card stock!

This card is cased from LouAnn.  I received it in a swap but I am not sure from what event or even if it was one of my swap groups!  Snow Much Fun is an adorable and whimsical snowman stamp set.  These colors are Wisteria Wonder with some Eggplant and Pear Pizzazz.  

This is another of my favorite cards this year - once again my favorite color combination for Christmas - Soft Suede & Very Vanilla.  Merry & Type is the stamp set.

And the last one is 'Clean & Simple' and is cased from my friend Dawn Olchefske. Thanks for the quick idea when I needed to save some time Dawn! Simple Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White.  Our Snowflake punch along with a pretty greeting and ribbons.    

Local class is on Wednesday, November 30th at 6 pm or Saturday, December 3rd at 9:30 am.  The cost is $20 pre-paid by November 28th. I only have a few spots left on Saturday for this class but I need an RSVP by tomorrow Noon when I cut out for the class.

If you cannot attend my local class you can still get the tutorial to make these cards. You will receive the directions with photos and measurements in pdf form e-mailed to you for $3.  And if you want all 4 class tutorials, you can get them all for $10.  

Use the drop down arrow to choose either all 4 classes or one or more of the individual classes.  See the first one here , the second one here and the third one here.

Christmas Stamp a Stack cards

All 4 classes $10.00 USD Single class # 1 $3.00 USD Single class # 2 $3.00 USD Single class # 3 $3.00 USD Single class # 4 $3.00 USD

Stitched Stockings Class to Go

For November the Class to Go stamp set is Stitched Stockings.  

As you can see, it's not just for Christmas!  I wanted to show the versatility with some of my cards this month.  The colors are White with Wisteria Wonder.

A little punch art on this card turns the stockings into ice skates using our Silver Glimmer paper and the Bird Builder punch (it's the leaf stem).  Here's a close up:

Clever isn't it?  Unfortunately I cannot take credit for this idea.

And I had to do a masculine birthday card too.  Those socks remind me of the old fashioned argyle stockings men used to wear - or do they still??

There are two more Holiday card ideas included in this Class to Go.  

How does the Class to Go work??

Basically you are making your own set of cards using the stamp set and supplies I cut out & send you.  You'll use your own new stamp set plus a basic supply of ink, a few punches and other common tools along with your own adhesive. I will texture and die-cut the card stock for you when needed. I like to call these cards 'Set samplers'.  You'll have 5 great ideas finished and ready to use right away or to copy later.  

****You may want to add on the Stocking Builder punch to your order if you do not have it. The punch makes using this stamp set a snap.    

When you order the Stitched Stockings stamp set in clear or wood mount you'll receive all of the supplies needed to make the 5 cards shipped to you for just a few extra dollars.  Plus you'll receive the photos & step by step directions sent via e-mail. 

Clear Mount

• Local cost - $26.50
• Priority shipping - $32

Wood Mount

• Local cost - $36
• Priority Shipping - $41

If you'd like to order the Stitched Stockings stamp set from me & get the Class to Go cards kit please contact me at lagreff at gmail dot com by Tuesday, November 29th & I'll send you a PayPal invoice.  Or contact me with your credit card information.

The stamp sets will be ordered on or after Tuesday, November 29th and the Class to go sent out in early December.

 

Christmas Stamp a Stack #3

I don't know what it is about making Christmas cards, but I having a blast!  Look at these!

I used the Christmas Lodge stamp set in Rich Razzleberry with Pear Pizzazz.

What a beauty!  It is Very Vanilla with a bit of Cherry Cobbler.  Easy Events and Hand-Penned Holidays are the stamp sets.This is cased from my new friend Penny Thomas.  Everyone was wow'd by her Founder's Circle swap.

I just got this set 'Come to Bethlehem'.  So pretty!  Marina Mist with Night of Navy & White.

And I had to sneak a card in using 'Dasher'.  He's a favorite!  Simple Real Red with White card stock.

The local class is pretty full already, but you can still get the written tutorial for these cards.  You will receive the directions with photos and measurements in pdf form e-mailed to you for $3.  And if you want all 4 class tutorials, you can get them all for $10.  I will send all 3 to you via e-mail in the next few days and the last one by the end of November.  

Use the drop down arrow to choose either all 4 classes or one or more of the individual classes.  See the first one here and the second one here. 

Christmas Stamp a Stack cards

All 4 classes $10.00 Single class # 1 $3.00 Single class # 2 $3.00 Single class # 3 $3.00 Single class # 4 $3.00

October Technique Class

I think it's back - my Mojo that is.  This whole summer has been difficult in a variety of ways.  The flood has taken it's toll.  I talk to many people who say they think they've lost their mind.  I suspect we are suffering from a type of post tramatic stress syndrome.  We get distracted easily, cannot quite focus and our mind & memory is mush. Small decisions feel like big ones. 

Anyway!  I think at least one thing is improving for me since I have actually enjoyed creating projects lately and hope that at least I have my stamping Mojo back.  Yes, I know I have been 'stamping and creating' but it has been a struggle to do so at times! 

So here are my cards for this month's Technique Class. I love them!  And there is not a 'flower' among them either! Ha!

This is called Embossed Plaid.  It's hard to see the background behind the embossed leaves, but it is very pretty.  It's perfect for a fall/winter technique in these colors, but imagine it in pastels for spring or baby cards. 

And for this one we will learn how to use our new Shaker Frames in the Holiday Mini catalog. They make it soooo easy! 

And this is Weathered Woodgrain.  You don't need any stamps to complete this technique - just ink and our new Simply Scored.  Love this look!

Local Class is on Tuesday, October 25th at either 3 pm or 5:30 pm (1 spot left).  Cost is $10 pre-paid. RSVP by Oct 20th.

If you are a long distance customer you can still make these cards.  I offer the written tutorial for all three cards with directions, dimensions and finished photos for just $4.00 per month.  It is sent via e-mail and you also get the templates to print off the quarter sheet sample cards too.

Order this class here on my Shop's webpage. 

See more here.  

 

Christmas Stamp a Stacks

It's that time of year again where I offer my Christmas Stamp a Stack classes.  I LOVE creating Christmas cards!  Who wouldn't like playing with our beautiful Holiday stamp sets along with glitter, ribbon and bling??!

The Sounding Joy in Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and Brushed Gold.

Snow Much Fun in Pool Party, Pretty in Pink, Black and White.  Love it!

Beautiful Season in Real Red, Sahara Sand and Early Espresso. 

Last is the Stitched Stocking set in Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green. 

We are making 3 of each card for a total of 12 cards with envelopes.  The cost is $20 pre-paid 1 week in advance. 

This 1st class is this Saturday, October 1st at 10 am at the Brentmoor Retirement Center.  I have another session for these same cards on Wednesday, October 5th at 6 pm here in my studio.  There are a few spots left if you want one.  

I am offering 3 other Christmas Stamp a Stack sessions this fall too. Each class will feature 4 different cards and we'll make 3 of each like this first one. If you attend them all you'll have 48 gorgeous hand-made Christmas cards and matching envelopes to send to your family and friends. And if you attend the first three sessions the last one is FREE!  There are just a few spots left in each of these classes so contact me asap!

The Class dates will be:

• #2 Saturday, Oct 15th at 9:30 am and Wedn, Oct 19th at 6 pm
• #3 Saturday, Nov 19th at 9:30 am and Wedn, Nov 16th at 6 pm
• #4 Saturday, Dec 3rd at 9:30 am and Wedn, Nov 30th at 6 pm (Free with paid attendance of the first three sessions.)
  

If you are a long distance customer and want to make these cards I will be offering a written tutorial but no card kits at this time.  I have to cut back on something as I cannot seem to get caught up! 

You will receive the directions with photos and measurements in pdf form e-mailed to you for $3.  And if you want all 4 classes, you can get them all for $10 if you order them all in advance.  I will send each pdf to you via e-mail near the dates shown above.

Christmas Stamp a Stack cards

All 4 classes $10.00Single class # 1 $3.00Single class # 2 $3.00Single class # 3 $3.00Single class # 4 $3.00

September Technique Class

I am sooo late posting this!  I lost a week when I went to Founder's Circle and am trying really hard to get back on track. 

For you local gals I did cut out two extra spots for this class so if you want one of them, let me know ASAP!

The first technique is one you'll use over and over, especially for kids.  It's called 'Wobbles'.  Under the snail punched image is coiled wire that makes the image wobble and shake!  Just think of all of the critters and images you can do this with. So fun!

This technique is called 'Pulled Watercolor'.  You use markers with watercolor paper to get those beautiful watercolored images.

Last is an oldie but a goodie - 'Poppin Pastels'.  A classic technique I haven't done for a long time. 

Local class is this week!  Like I said; I am very behind! 

• Monday, September 26th at 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, September 27th at either 3 pm or 5 -5:30 pm

Cost is $10 to attend locally.

If you are a long distance customer you can still make these cards.  I offer the written tutorial for all three cards with directions, dimensions and finished photos for just $4.00 per month.  It is sent via e-mail and you also get the templates to print off the quarter sheet sample cards too. See more here.

Order this class here.