HSS Monochromatic Challenge #82

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!! I am super excited to share this weeks project with you for the HSS Monochromatic Challenge Theme.  I had an idea for some time now for a project like this and thought that this challenge would be a great time to make them and showcase them for you all!  So lets see what I have...

I have been meaning for sometime to put together a pack of different cards.  Some for Birthday, some for Thank Yous, some for Christmas, some for any occasion... I was looking for a layout that would be easy to reproduce and mass-produce at the same time.  I am putting together a gift basket of these cards (all kinds) for my kids principles to hopefully get them more familiar with what I do and to hopefully allow me to offer classes to their teachers... so we will see. :-)

Here is the DAFFODIL DELIGHT card, I textured the back ground card stock with my texture plates and my Big Shot.  Then wrapped my sentiment with some 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and added a Fifth Ave. Floral image finished off with a coordinating button.

I love this sentiment set, it has 4 different themes and I love the different fonts on them, they are such a great focal piece for any card!  I used water color paper for my flower.  I stamped the flower with Black Staz-On ink and then went over the entire flower with my aqua pen to get the paper wet.  I took my So Saffron Marker and laid down a base color and then took my Daffodil Delight Marker and came in to add shading and depth.  After the two colors we on I took my blender pen and pulled them together to fade into one another. 

This cute card showcases the Birthday Wish card where I used a gift instead of the floral image.  I used my triple layer floral punch to make the bow on top of the gift, super easy and I plan on doing a tutorial on that soon...

Check out that bow, yeah it's pretty perfect! ;-) Want to see how to make them too, check out my tutorial HERE - it is seriously easy!!!

I used VersaMark Ink and my brayer on the textured piece of this card, I know it is hard to see the water mark effect on this pic, sorry.

I layered some going gray card stock on this card for some subtle contrast and used my scallop edge punch.  I love the little holes that it punches out. :-)

Here is the last one, and it is a Christmas themed card.  I used White craft ink for the textured piece of card stock for this card.  I also used my ticket corner punch for my textured piece as well, just in the corners.  I used my ornament punch and some Christmas DSP for my focal image.  Before I placed it on my card I layered it on a piece of Very Vanilla card stock and hand cut the piece mimicking the shape of the punch.

I just LOVE this font in this stamp set, don't you!!!  I can't wait to finish up the rest of the cards for these sets.  I have a slew of colors that I am going to make... when I finish them all I will show them to you, heck maybe I'll even make a quick video of them all for you. ;-)

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my fun project for this weeks HSS CHALLENGE, pop on over and submit your project.  We love seeing what different ideas are shared!!!  I can't wait to show you the rest of my fun projects and posts for this week.  Have a great day and until next time~

Make the PERFECT Knots & Bows!!

Good Morning Stamping Friends!! I have been at it again... one of my lovely stamping friends made a request last week for a video on how to tie the perfect knot.  I am a total "people pleaser", so as requested...

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial.  It is simple and easy and if you watch it enough times you will probably be able to memorize how to do these tricks all the time.  I have this video thing down and this one was WAY easier to make.  Thank you all for your suggestions and feedback.  It was SO helpful.  If you have something that you would like to learn more about or a project you would like to see please leave a comment and I will do my best to appease.  I hope you have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by for a peek see today, and until next time~

HSS Banner Bash Challenge #81

Good Morning Stampers!! I had such a great time making this weeks project for Hand Stamped Sentiments Banner Bash Challenge- I had so many ideas, but settled on this one.  I have come to find out that I really love clean and simple cards.  So I find that is what I gravitate towards... not that I don't love those large layered cards but my style doesn't naturally go that way.

I decided to go with my Pennant Parade stamp set for this card, and I added a few hard to see embellishments since the payout was so clean and simple.  I also chose to use my 6x6 designer series paper pack for last years in colors.  The patterned paper is Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride, and Pear Pizazz.  Then for the scallop pennant I used Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Pretty In Pink, and Old Olive.  I also used my pennant punch for the banner. 

You might have to click on the picture to see a larger image to see the glimmer to the whisper white card stock.  Before I embossed the card stock I sprayed my 4" x 5-1/4" card stock with my shimmer mist, it is the champagne color.  I have made a bottle of my own spray with some rubbing alcohol and a few drops of the shimmer paint.  Then while it is wet I ran it through my Big Shot using my texture plates to make the large polka-dot pattern for the background.  I like that the shimmer is just an added surprise that you don't notice right off the bat.

Here you can see that I added even more accent to the polka-dots using my Crystal Effects.  I put a little CE on each raised dot to give the texture some additional visual interest to the card.  I just love the subtle extras that there are in this card.

I layered and added height to pretty much everything, I like the shadows as part of the accents for the entire card.  I think all the different sizes of polka-dots are a fun aspect of this card. I textured the scallop pennant punches as well using my texture plates.  Those plates are awesome because you get a design on each side and they are so inexpensive and come in a pack or 2-3 depending on which one you get... I have them all.  For the price you have to get them all, they are so versatile.

To get this sentiment to fit inside this small oval punch I had to layer the words.  I used the markers to accomplish this.  I used Regal Rose marker for the "Thank" and Pretty in Pink marker for the "You".  I made them different shades of pink so you could see slight differentiation in the words.  It almost looks like the word THANK is laying on top of the YOU.  Then I sponged the outside of it with some Pink Pirouette ink and layered it onto a scallop oval punch of Regal Rose card stock.  The piece d'restiance is the bling!!!  I attached some of the self adhesive rhinestones and vola' done.

Here you can see the sweet bows I added using Bakers Twine.  I tied them first then glued them on with a small glue dot folded in half.  Man I love how that CE shines in the light and how it looks so glossy!

I hope you enjoyed today's project and I can't wait to see what you create and share with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  I love seeing everyone share their ideas and provide inspiration for all those who need a boost.  We should all love to share the creative Mojo we have or maybe need depending on the kind of wee we are having. :-)  Pop on over to HSS and play along today!!!  Thanks so much for taking a peep see at my project and until next time~ 

MY FIRST VIDEO!!!

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!! I have been busy the last few days, with getting the kids ready for school and making my FIRST video!!!! Yes, I took the plunge and made my first video tutorial- don't get your expectations too high... it is a very ROUGH video. Here is all of the Back Pack gift bags that I made-

Now don't get your expectations too high... I had to edit A LOT of dead space and "ummm's" out of the video so it is a bit choppy... but it is not too bad for my very first one.  Don't mention the fact that it took me 2 days to edit it...  my next one will go much smoother.  I just know it!!!  I hope you enjoy!!!

I would really like your feedback to my first tutorial attempt.  Try not to be too harsh, I am sensitive. :-) I kid... I can take almost anything, but is it really necessary to be harsh?? Nah, not really but I would love to hear some feedback as to what you would maybe add or delete or what you want to see more of. :-)  Thanks for taking a peek in on me today and until next time~

MORE FREE STUFF!!!! YEAH!!!!!

TEXAS SALES TAX HOLIDAY!!!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The state of Texas is having a sales tax holiday for school supplies up to $100.00 per item from August 19-21. Because school supply items are included in this sales tax holiday, the below list of items will be state tax free during the holiday period. Please note that you must place your order with me (via email/phone or on-line) during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax free. Also, keep in mind that this is a state sales tax holiday and may not apply to additional city, jurisdiction, or county taxes.

DON'T HESITATE- Get your items NOW, just click HERE!!!

The following items are tax-exempt during the Texas sales tax holiday:

Item Number Description Price

100425 2-Way Glue Pen $ 3.50

100902 Dotto Refill $ 6.50

101879 Watercolor Pencils (24) $ 19.95

102845 Blender Pens (3) $ 9.95

103179 Craft & Rubber Scissors $ 19.95

103305 Dotto $ 12.95

103579 Paper Snips $ 9.95

103683 Mini Glue Dots $ 4.95

104045 Anywhere Glue Sticks (2) $ 3.95

104294 Sticky Strip $ 6.95

104331 SNAIL Refill $ 4.50

104332 SNAIL Adhesive $ 6.95

104430 Stampin' Dimensionals $ 3.95

105021 Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen $ 3.95

105394 Basic Black Stampin' Write Journaler $ 3.50

108360 Craft Scissors $ 29.95

110755 Multipurpose Liquid Glue $ 3.95

Varies Stampin' Write Marker $ 3.50

119700 Subtles Collection Stampin' Write Markers (10) $ 28.95

119701 Regals Collection Stampin' Write Markers (10) $ 28.95

119702 Brights Collection Stampin' Write Markers (10) $ 28.95

119703 Neutrals Collection Stampin' Write Markers (8) $ 22.95

119801 2010-2012 In Color Stampin' Write Markers (5) $ 14.95

119802 Subtles Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10) $ 16.95

119803 Regals Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10) $ 16.95

119804 Brights Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10) $ 16.95

119805 Neutrals Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10) $ 16.95

120962 Stampin' Pastels $ 24.95

123002 2011-2013 In Color Stampin' Write Markers (5) $ 14.95  

Birthday Blog Candy WINNER!!!

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!!  I bet you all are dying to hear who gets to take this blog candy loot home, huh?!  I apologize for not posting this yesterday, my kids start school on Monday of next week and I had Dr. appt's up the wazoo yesterday and then I had to go with my husband to the Dr.  Well, we found out that the has a herniated disk at best, and we find out today (after the Dr. looks at the x-rays) if the disk itself is breaking off in pieces and working into his spine- which might explain the numbness in his legs that he has been experiencing...Ugh, Life- right?

So on that upbeat note, :-) (yeah you can call me Debbie Downer... I vent cause I assume you care, hehe)

Lets see who get all these COOL toys-

I put all the names into a bowl and then had my lovely daughter, Marlowe, pick the name.  I would have used random integer BUT those that LIKED my Facebook page didn't have numbers to assign them, so this is my old school style of drawing a winner.

And the winner is....

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTINA!!!!! I can't wait to get these goodies out to you. I hope you enjoyed these toys and you will have to share some cute projects made with these FREEBIES!!!  I love sharing inspiration.  Thanks to everyone for playing along and I can't wait to host another give away soon!!!  Until next time friends~

HSS All Stitched Up Challenge #80

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!  I am in this morning to share with you my card for this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiment ALL STITCHED UP challenge.  I think one of my favorite techniques is faux stitching.  I think because it is simple and adds a great embellishment to any project.  Here is what I created.

I used my favorite white gel pen, the singo gel- I have like 9 million of them... anytime I have a few bucks left over in free hostess dollars or if I need to bump up my order a few bucks to get to another level, I would add one on and man do they add up fast!!!

I love this retired DSP, I miss it and only had some small scraps left but it was enough to put together this card!  I love the cherry cobbler, old olive, and chocolate chip all together.  I think that the layers of pretty in pink accent the card nicely too.  I have a gazillion yards of the 1/4" chocolate grosgrain ribbon, and I use it pretty frequently.  That is what I love about Stampin' Up! ribbon, it's like a gremlin and seems to continue to multiply and never run out. :-) 

Check out the flowers they've got GLITTER!!!  I LOVE glitter.  I colored the flower with the Pretty in Pink marker then came back with the Regal Rose Marker and shaded the inside of the flower and did my OWN blending with a bit of blender pen run over the entire flower. Just be sure not to do it too many times as it will rip your cardstock.  Then you add some crystal effects and then pile on the GLITTER and shake off the excess. Is there such a thing?!

I use the paper piercer to give it a even more realistic stitched appearance.  The mat pack from Stampin' Up! is awesome and a MUST have tool!  It comes with a hard cutting mat, a foam mat, and a template with holes of different sizes for your paper piercer and can be used to help space out eyelets.  It is very versatile!  Then I go back and add in the white ink from the singo gel pen. FUN!!! 

I hope you enjoyed today's projects and hop on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and show us your ALL STITCHED UP project!!!  Thanks for stopping by this morning to take a peek see at my crafty place.  I can't wait to see what you share with us- you all always inspire me to create more, THANK YOU!!!  Don't forget to come back later today to see the who the winner is of the birthday blog candy!  I know, suspense is a B#@&*! huh?! :-)  Thanks for stopping by and until then~

FREE Stamp Set of the Month!!!

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!!  I am starting something NEW as a token of my appreciation to all of you :-)  Starting in August I will be offering a "FREE Stamp Set of the Month", here's how it will work...

During the entire month of August you can be entered into the drawing for this FREE stamp set "PRETTY POSTAGE" all you have to do is place a minimum order of $15.  You can place it with me either through my ON-LINE store or via email or phone.  Orders through Clubs or Workshops are excluded from this drawing.  Every time you place an order your name is entered into the drawing and on September 1st the winner will be chosen and announced.  Don't wait get your entries TODAY by placing your order!!!

Please note that this special is not valid with any other demonstrator or through Stampin' Up! directly.  This offer is ONLY good through Erin Gonzales, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a peek see at my little crafty spot and spending time with me this morning!  I hope you enjoy this new contest for everyone, I hope to share some cool new things with you this next week!  Until then~

I Think I Was Confusing... BLOG TREATS!!!!!

**Scroll down to see new posts**

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!! I hate to admit it, although it happens WAY more often than I'd like to admit to, that I think I was a little too confusing when outlining the requirements for the birthday giveaway several days ago. :-(  I want it to be fair and I did get some of you that either left a comment here on this blog and some of you left comments and LIKED my FaceBook page, but no one did both. :-)  I LOVE to give away FREE stuff BUT I think I am going to RE-DO the drawing for this blog candy.

I want YOU to get an opportunity to win this LOT of items which include the BLISS clear mount stamp set, photo corner punch, and this FUN celebratory Birthday Card (which was in celebration for my Bday on the 5th). You can earn several chances to get in entries for the drawing- you will get 1 entry for leaving a comment to THIS post, and you earn 2 more entries for LIKE-ing my FaceBook page. You can find it by clicking on the FB link located in my left sidebar.  I will take entries up until Sunday the 14th at 3 PM CST.  I can't wait to see who wins- can you?! 

I have been dying to send this to a eager crafter for days.  I hope it's YOU!!  Thanks so much for stopping by my little blog and I can't wait to let the winner know.  I am really trying to get my MOJO cookin' so I can make my stamp camp projects- I hope to share some teasers with you soon!  Thanks for stopping in and until next time~

Projects GALORE~ Snag Your Spot TODAY!!!

Good Morning Stamping Friends!!!  I wanted to give you a better look at the class projects we have for THIS month, PLUS I have included payment buttons to hopefully make the process of signing up easier for you.  I will say that I am not a tech-geek, so forgive me if they don't work.  I have no real way to test them... but I am hoping that my 2 brain cells rubbed together enough to help me out. :)  **note that prepayment is requested for all classes, many of them require me to order product to arrive in time for the class date**

TOTALLY TECHNIQUE-

BLURRED VISION WATER COLORING

RSVP deadline for this class is TODAY!!!

You make these 4 cards and a sample card for your technique ring plus envelopes are always included.    You will not only get to learn this COOL technique but you will also get the instructions for the technique and the projects we will make in the class as well, so you can recreate these at home again and again.  Check out the cards that you get to make... 

DATES/TIME: August 11th  from 6-8 PM

*****OR*****

Aug. 13th from 1-3 PM

LOCATION: My Home (2811 Stokely Hill, SA TX 78258)

CLASS FEE: $10.00

XPRESS CARD CLASS-

ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES
RSVP deadline for this class is Aug. 15th

Ever wonder what kinds of things you can make with the different punches you have?!  Then this class is one you DON'T want to miss!!! You have 2 options for this class to make these 4 cards OR make 2 of each of these cards 8 total (1 to keep and 1 to give away).  You will be amazed at the punches that we will use for these cards- and they are easy and FUN.  You wont be doing much stamping but you cards will have a huge PUNCH!!!  Here is a better look...

DATES/TIMES: August 19th from 6-8 PM

*****OR*****

Aug. 20th from 1-3 PM

LOCATION: Erin's Home

CLASS FEE: $10.00 for 4 cards (1 of each design

$20.00 for 8 cards (2 of each design

STRENGTH and HOPE CLASS

RSVP deadline for this class is Aug. 15th

What could be better than a chance to make beautiful cards and possibly take your own stamp set home BUT to do that AND help the BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION earn money.  For every Strength and Hope stamp set that is sold from now until the end of August $2 will be donated to the BCRF!!! Everyone can help, and you get to go home with awesome projects. Here's a better peek...

You have a few options with this class- EVERYONE will make these 4 cards, get a package of pearls, and receive envelopes as part of your class fee.  If you choose option 2 or 3 you can also get a $5 discount on the class and receive the stamp set as an option as well.

DATE/TIME: August 26th from 6-8 PM

LOCATION: Erin's Home

CLASS FEE: Option 1- $20.00

*Class projects

*package of pearls

*envelopes

Option 2-$33.00

*Class Projects

*Package of Pearls

*Envelopes

*Clear Mount Strength and Hope set




Option 3- $37.00
*Class Projects
*Package of Pearls
*Envelopes
*Wood Mount Strength and Hope Set




DON'T FORGET- You can attend a $10 class for FREE if you place a $35 order (-ship/tax) the night of the class, AND get a $20 class FREE if you place a $45 order (-ship/tax).
You have the chance to get your class fee at a discount, simply register a friend that has NOT been to a class or event of mine in the past and get half off your base class fee.
**only 5.00 additional off Strength and Hope option 2 or 3**