Flowerbug's Inkspot

Technique Classes for September

I have some fun, new techniques ready for September's Technique class.
Have you ever done the 'Bandana' technique?  Well, how about 'Moonlighting' or 'Glowing Image?' 

We'll be doing all of these on Monday & Tuesday, September 8th & 9th.  I'll have two classes on Monday - 4 pm & 6:30 pm.  Tuesday's class is at 6:30 pm.

Cost is $10 payable at class.  RSVP by September 5th please. 

Club Swap Cards

Well this month we tried something new - the theme was a sketch challenge for August.   

Here is the Card sketch.  This was the first time many of these gals did a card using a sketch.

Any of my club members are welcome to join this monthly, themed swap.

Here are the first group of cards.

Didn't they do great work??  Thanks so much for participating.

Next up in September - a special challenge.  Our generous, 'stamping enthusiast' Becky, bought enough of the same stamps for each person to work with, so all joiners get the same stamp.  She's always wanted to be in a swap where everyone used the same stamp, so she made it happen!
Just wait until you see what they did with them!  I've had a sneak peak of a few & they are amazing!  Very creative ideas. 


The main rules for these swaps are the following:

• Use Stampin' Up! card stock
• Use at least 3 layers & one embellishment
• Provide a matching envelope
• Follow the theme of the month
• Sign the back of your card 

Remember that you can go to the right side of my Blog to see all of the previous 'Club Swaps' under that heading.  Check them out!

August Card Club Projects

Here are the two projects we did at my Card Clubs this month.

This is a tri-fold card with a belly band.  The Chocolate Chip CS is cut at 6" X 9" & scored every 3".
There are quite a few little surprises on this one.
The fun thing about the belly band is that after you crimp it, run a Chocolate ink pad over it to high-light the crimping.  Very neat effect!


There was a choice to do either Pumpkin or Mustard since I had paint chips in both of those colors.  Yes, the striped, colored pieces are cut down paint chips!  They were those extra large ones so I was able to cut the color names off & still have a decent sized paint chip.
The first step with this card is to punch the circles in the top & bottom of the Chocolate card with the 1 3/8" circle punch.  Just push it all the way in, center it & punch. 
The 'donut' that layers the front image was done with our 1 1/4" circle punch & a circle cutter.
We stamped the owls from the new set 'Owl Together Now' in Brown Stazon ink & colored with markers.


Here's the inside of the card.  We stamped the large piece of Vanilla card stock making sure the owl was seen through the circle window.

We stamped the owl first, then masked his wing & added the balloon.
The flower with a brad is done by first stamping the flower from the Owl set & covering it with a flower punched from the Trio Flower punch using another piece of the paint chip.

The finished card is 3" X 6".

Here is the other card we made.  They chose between the pink & red card.
I just had to use our new colors & the Bella Rose DSP.  So when I found this card of Vera's, I cased it almost exactly!  Thanks Vera!! I just love your work. 
I thought she was so clever to figure out we could use the stamped frame from Frames with a Flourish in our Photo Corner punch!  Isn't that just neat??

The colors are Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red & Kiwi Kiss.
We also used the Scalloped Border Punch on the middle Kiwi piece.
The words inside the ovals are from the Hostess set 'Happiness Always' & Holiday's & Wishes. 

Big Shot Top Note

Many of those who came to my Open House saw the versatility of the new Top Note die.  This awesome Sizzix die is one that will be available on Tuesday next week!  Yeah!  We can start ordering all of our new Sizzix products  after September 2nd!!

Anyway, I wanted to show you one neat trick when you are using this cool die. 

When you cut out the Top Note, you get a cool frame that you can use also. 
See the candy bag topper folded over the cello bag?  Well, we got a 4 X 5 1/2" frame left over after we cut it out. 
Check out the card I made using that frame.

The Vanilla pieces is stamped using the new Bella Toile background stamp using Basic Gray ink.  I cut that out using the Top Note die also & cut off the perforated edge so you would see the Basic Gray mat behind it. 
I just used a sponge dauber to high-light a few of the flowers in Pink Pirouette ink.
Add the ribbon & paper piercing to finish it off.

For anyone who is interested in ordering the Big Shot starter kit I have a special offer for you.  First of all, if you do order it, you get hostess benefits!  At least $20-$25 in free merchandise along with a Free hostess set of your choice. 
In addition, I will throw in either 2 Sizzlits of your choice or half off a $19.95 die of your choice for ordering the Special Edition Starter kit at $195.95. 

Shelli Gardener's Blog

Yes, the owner & co-founder of Stampin' Up! has joined the masses & started her own blog.  

You can read all about her & her family plus she plans to host monthly challenges & will include projects that she's found that she especially likes.  Everyone is welcome to post their projects for her challenges - you do not have to be a demonstrator. 

Check it out! 

Shelli’s blog – www.soshelli.com

Scrapbook Club Layout

It's time to start my Scrapbook Clubs again this September.  The third Thursday eves session is filled, but I still have openings left for the third Sundays at both 3 pm & 6:30 pm.

I also have a Club just for the Beginning Scrap-booker too.  We'll decide upon the day & time after I get a list of interested people. 

Here is how it works:  We meet once a month taking turns so each person is 'hostess' once during the Club sessions.  If there are 8 members, the club lasts 8 months.  The hostess doesn't need to do anything at all - just show up with a big wish list!  You'll get your choice of free merchandise that month. 
I create the page layouts & e-mail the pictures of each of you so you can choose pictures that coordinate with the colors & layout.
You just need to bring your pictures, adhesive & a paper cutter if you have one.  You'll go home with completed pages each time.  You'll also place an order from the current catalog. Order minimums range from $22 - $25 for each club. 
You'll be so proud of the pages you make. 
Even tho everyone bases their layout on mine, each person's is unique & personalized.  You'll love it!

Grab a friend & contact me to sign up! 

This month the colors are Ballet Blue & Barely Banana.  As usual, if you need to switch a color to make your pictures work we sure can.  The pictures on the right page are all full sized - 4 X 6".  The pictures on the left page are reduced in size so they all fit within an 8" X 9" rectangle.

Just a hint for October - our layout will focus & highlight scenic photos; either beach, architectural, garden or water scenes.  You'll love it! 

Voila Recipe Box

When I went to Convention, this is one of the projects I did for a swap I had joined.  It was called a 'Dream Swap'.
I received some wonderful things in return too.  If you were at my Open House, you saw some of them.

This is also one the Classes I'm doing in September.
We'll be making the Recipe box, category inserts along with some recipe cards & a decorated recipe holder/clip.
It will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at both 3 pm & 6 pm.  Cost is $15 pre-paid.

I have a few openings left, so if you're interested, let me know by September 8th.

Pacific Bluebird

Here's a quick little card using a set I haven't had much time to play with yet.  Fun & Fast Notes.
It's a very versatile stamp set with images & greetings for all occasions.

Colors are Pacific Point, Gable Green & Pixie Pink.
I used the inside of my Pacific Point ink pad to color the bird & the markers to color the stem & flower.

The ribbon is one of the new In Color striped ribbons.  I also used  the Polka Dot background stamp in Pacific Point. 
I used the ticket corner punch along with my new favorite punch, the Scalloped Edge punch.  Add a few dots with my Signo white gel pen & that's it. 

TIP:

Here's how I like to mount stamp sets that have words along with images.  I  separate the words from the images & mount them on the side.  This gives me twice as many stamps for my money!  And I believe it makes the stamps much more versatile.

If you have a stamp set already  mounted that you'd like to change this way, there is hope.  You can microwave the stamp for 10 - 15 seconds.  Let it sit a minute or two to soften the glue that is holding the rubber to the wood.  Carefully peel the corner of the rubber from the wood.  If it doesn't bring most of the adhesive with it on the rubber, microwave it again for 10 more seconds.  Larger stamps need more time, but be very, very careful.  The wood gets super hot!

Just cut off or trim what you need to & reposition the rubber images onto your wood block.  If it doesn't stick well, add a bit more adhesive.  I like to use Crystal Effects or rubber cement to re-glue the rubber to the wood. 

Fall Stamp Camp

There's another Stamp Camp coming up in September on the 5th & 6th.  That's  on Friday eve at 6 pm & Saturday at 9:30 am. 
There are a few spots left on each day right now.

Here is most of what we'll be making.  I have another item or two to add on yet.

***We'll be making at least 6 items - never know about me - I could add more.

1. The blue & white butterfly card is a waterfall card - learn how! 
2. The pink & Riding Hood Red card above it is an unusual fold card with a circle cut out of the fold.
3. The front three square items are new, fun coaster address books - you'll  choose your design/color at class.
4. Drink mix bottle topper.
5.  Stamped tile recipe/photo holder.

Cost is $15 pre-paid by 8-26-08. 
RSVP soon before the spots are full!