Stamping and Scrapping with Stellar Stamps

Link to my concert album

Link to my American Idol concert photos here

Card: Eat, Drink & Be Scary

This set, Eat, Drink & Be Scary, is on page 25 of the new catalog. Here's a card using this set and the new In Colors Dusty Durango and Soft Suede.

Video Tutorial: Window Sheets

The new 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog includes"Window Sheets" on pages 158 & 169. Not sure how to integrate them into your paper crafting? Well, check out this tutorial for some creative nudges.

No popcorn required to watch this short video: Window Sheet Video Tutorial

The American Idol concert was amazing! Sharing some photos

The American Idol concert tonight in Sacramento, CA was awesome!! Better than last year in the family's opinion. I'm super sleepy and my ears are stuffed from the screaming but I wanted to share a few photos. The crowds went wild for Adam (my favorite) and he was just fabulous! Our seats were excellent this year which allowed for me to actually see the performers to photograph them. More later...

Adam

Kris

Danny

Allison

Card: Kind & Caring Thoughts (Level-3 hostess set)

Stampin' Up! invited demonstrators to refresh our sample pages that we enjoy on the demonstrator's-only web site. The call was specifically for holiday themed sets (fall and winter ones) and the new In Color. I made 4 cards tonight and I'll be sharing them over the next few days. Here's the card I made using the set Kind & Caring Thoughts (page 16 - Level-3 hostess set). The new In Colors used are Crushed Curry & Rich Razzleberry. I am mailing all the cards to SU and, perhaps, I'll see some of them posted?

Technique: Cracked Glass

Directions:

1) Stamp your image, and cut card stock to desired size.

2) Apply VersaMark ink to entire piece of card stock using a brayer or direct-to-paper technique.

3) Sprinkle Glassy Glaze Enamel Stampin' Emboss powder over entire piece of card stock. Tap off excess powder, and melt remaining powder using heat tool. If you're creating a small accent piece, use the tweezers from the Crafters' Tool Kit to hold your card stock.

4) For small images, sprinkle on additional powder while the image is still hot. For larger images, allow card stock to cool and apply more VersaMark ink before sprinkling more powder over the image. Repeat up to four times.

5) Put your card stock in the freezer for a minute or two to ensure the glaze has cooled completely.

6) Remove card stock from freezer, and bend back and forth until the enameled layer cracks. Continue bending different portions of the card stock until you've achieved the look you desire.

7.  (Optional): To emphasize cracked look, sponge ink into the cracks in your enamel using a sponge dauber.

Bermuda Bay Classic Ink Pad and Refill temporarily not available

From Stampin' Up!

The following items are on backorder due to quality issues. These items are currently unavailable to order, but we will let you know as soon as this changes. 
 
115655: Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad
115661: Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Ink refill

Correction to Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder insert

There is an error on the insert for the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions embossing folder (item 114517). The insert instructs you to use Tab 2 on the multipurpose platform with this folder. This is incorrect. You need to use Tab 1 on the multipurpose platform with this folder. If you use Tab 2, your sandwich will be too thick to run through the Big Shot.

Please note that there is nothing wrong with the product itself; the error is on the insert only. The embossing folder will work properly when you use it with Tab 1.

We remind you that you don't need to use much pressure with Big Shot dies. When you insert a die into the Big Shot, the handle should turn slightly. If the handle doesn't move, or if you have to force the die through, your sandwich is too thick and you'll need to adjust it. Forcing a die through the Big Shot with too much pressure can damage your die or Big Shot and void your manufacturer's warranty.

May you, finally, rest in peace Michael Jackson

So sue me for saying it but I never believed Michael Jackson was a child molester. I believed him to be a physically and mentally abused (by his father) brilliant young man and, ultimately, superstar who was continually trying to relive his lost childhood through the love of other children. Innocent, non-sexual, naive and stupidly demonstrated love of children but not the disgusting version that was never proven in court. And this is still a country where someone is innocent until proven guilty, isn't it?  May he rest in peace today and forever for the gifts he shared with me and many others.

This album came out while I was in college and this is how I choose to remember him. It was released November 30, 1982. I had turned 21 just days prior and I was a senior in college. I can so distinctly remember the huge "buzz" about this album. It was groundbreaking and that memory is so vivid. We were glued to the videos as I'd never seen anything like it. Awe-inspiring to say the very least.

And here are the three people in the world most affected by his early departure. God bless each and every one of these precious, father-less children.

He was only 3 years older than me and this is another way I remember him from a lot earlier than my college "Thriller" memories.

In the simple yet poignant words of the Reverend Al Sharpton today, "thank you Michael."

Card: Adorable 21st b-day card using 2 Stampin' Up! stamp sets

My friend (and downline) Cathy made this fabulous card for Matt's 21st birthday. She used "Cheers to You" and "Loads of Love." I think it's so clever!