The journey begins

I have been so busy with many things that there hasn't been time to breathe or post! The sale-a-bration workshops continue. Sale-a-bration has traditionally been a busy time of year but this year is even more so. I don't know whether because it is just natural growth of the business or a result of my enhanced enthusiasm. Maybe a bit of both!?

Here's a card that a recent hostess showed me. She had come to my sale-a-bration sneak peek event at the beginning of the year and mentioned that she wanted to make a specific project related to an organization she supports in Africa. Here's what she came up with. Isn't it great?

The paradise stamp set and inspired by nature stamp set work so well together.

Kevin left this morning for his mission down to Nicaragua. 2am he left the house. To keep tabs on what he is up to, check out his blog. I think he is going to try to maintain it if he has access to the internet.

I felt so forlorn when he left. It didn't help that he pointed out that this was like our long distance dating university days. "See you in two weeks" It brought back all those days when I would be at school but miss him so much. I really don't think we've been apart for 10 days since those university days. Groan. I am such a sap!

Anyway, thankfully, he is now in Nicaragua. They have a long drive from the capital to the area where they will be serving but I"m sure he's full of energy. Here he is with one of the pastors of our church.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing march break! (even if I am missing my husband!)

Emboss resist twist

Here's a card using the emboss resist technique. I'm using Inspired by Nature heat embossed with white embossing powder. Then brayered layers of colour: cherry cobbler, pumpkin pie, daffodil delight, marina mist. The embossed portion resists the colour to give this stunning effect. The embosslit beautiful wings die was used to finish off with vellum butterflies stuck down with the two way glue pen.

A twist on the traditional emboss resist technique is a technique called emerging colour. Here's a card with the emerging colour technique. Can you guess how it was done? First stamp the background with a small solid image stamp in various colours. Then stamp on top with versamark in a larger solid image stamp then heat emboss in clear. Finally cover with a darker ink with the brayer. Wipe off the embossed portion with a moist kleenex.

The colours I used here are melon mambo, tempting turquoise, pumpkin pie. I think the cute tempting turquoise button in the middle totally makes the card! I love a little card candy.

Give the emerging colour technique a try. Then try it using some designer series paper. Cool huh?

Great Inspiration

Have I mentioned lately that you fellow stampers INSPIRE me? In response to my draw, some of you have sent me pictures of the cards you've made and given away. Can I say that I LOVE seeing what others come up with?! Here's a couple pics. The taken with teal/trendy trees card was made by Pei Pei. It's hard to see but she clear embossed the images so that they are like little beads. The Inspired by Nature card was sent to me by Freida who said she is having a great time with her new big shot. My neice made the cheep talk card. Enjoy. Send me more pics. I love seeing them.