Easel Card

My son's girlfriend and I went to my favorite stamp/scrap store Mainely Stampin in Fairfield, CA.  We took some classes and this is a card from the Windows and Doors Class.    When you go to a class at Mainely Stampin, everything is prepared for you.  You just sit down and make your projects.  All the supplies are in a basket and all the paper is precut for you.  Awesome !   I thought this card was cute, check out the little chandelier behind the screen door.  Martha at the store taught us all day, when I say all day we were there from about 10:30 am and 8:30 pm.  We still had one class to go, but decided to do it the next time.  I signed us up for five classes, I guess I kinda over did it ;-)   We had fun though, now we have an excuse to go back real soon, so we can take that last class, not that I need an excuse.  

Stick Pin Swap at Minialbumscraps.ning.com

I am very active at minialbumscraps.ning.com   It is a great site for inspiration, friendly people and lots of swaps to join if you would like.   I am in the September stick pin swap, the theme was Halloween, and these are my three stick pins.  One of the rules at MAS is to have a nice presentation for your swap.  I struggle with this part, but I came up with the Window die from Memory Box that I recently purchased from my LSS.   I cut out two of the black windows, put the orange paper on each of them.  I put two strips of foam tape between the two windows for my pins to stick into so they would not poke anyone during transport ;-)   I hope the recipients like it.

StampersBest Floral Corsage Dress Form

Isn't this dress form image the cutest?  It is from StampersBest and it is only $3.00.  I was able to purchase a second one for only $1.00, as it is their "Stamp It Forward" stamp and it comes with a elegant card and envelope so you can mail it to a friend.  You also get a 10% discount by using my code "thesugargrove" when you place your order.  Here is the link http://www.stampersbest.com/search.php?mode=search&page   
I used the recessed image technique that I found at http://stamptv.ning.com/video/recessed-image-card
Thanks for taking the time to look at my card.

My First Coin Envelope Mini

This is my first coin envelope mini for a swap at minialbumscraps.   I used a template for the coin envelopes supplied at  http://minialbumscraps.ning.com/ 

I used K & Co. Botanical papers and embellishments, recollection butterflies and a wild orchid crafts flowers.
I struggled with this mini, but after all the embellishments, I think it turned out okay. 

Have you seen the new Hero Arts Stamps with the Sizzix Dies included, I love them !  Stamp your image, put the die over it and run it through your big shot - Voila !  Easy to pop up with foam tape.  I think this card is maybe a bit overdone, what do you think ?

These three cards are all made with Hero Arts flower and butterfly.  The sentiment is by Stampendous.  Just changed up the colors.   I used the Stampin Up "Tearing Edge" to tear the paper at the bottom.  Thanks for looking.

The end of the night with our Chocolate and Wine !

                                                                         Merry

                                                                              Becky

Last weekend my friend, Becky, took  me to Napa, CA.  Napa is Wine Country in California.   We attended a chocolate class "My Heart Belongs to Chocolate" at  Ramekins  in Sonoma, CA.   We learned about the history of chocolate and  enjoyed a chocolate tasting, and also sampled Aztec Hot Chocolate (ground nutmeg and chilies were optional to sprinkle on the top).   We enjoyed making Dark Chocolate Truffles, Mendiants with Dried Fruit and Nuts and French Macarons.  We ended the night with our own Chocolate Souffle' with real whipped cream and warm chocolate sauce and a dessert wine.

I participated in my first "Charm Swap" over at "Mini Album Scraps" and this is the charm I made.  I made four and sent in three and kept one for myself.  The real challenge for me wasn't just in making the charm, it was the fact that Presentation Counts.  You have to have a nice presentation, this took me longer than the charms I think.   I ended up using the Tim Holtz birdcage die and grunge paper, this was my first time using grunge paper although I have had it for a long time.  I  used a glossy acrylic paint over the cage and some black lace and red ribbon.  It was fun to make.

Valentines Card for Hubby

This is the Valentines Day Card I made for my hubby while I was taking a class at Mainely Stamping, my favorite Stamp store.  The stamps are from "The Cat's Pajamas".  The stamp sets are "Love Stinks" http://thecatspajamasrs.com/LoveStinks.htmand "Build a Bingo" http://thecatspajamasrs.com/Build-A-Bingo.html and the heart doily is from this collection http://thecatspajamasrs.com/JanDies.htm


Guess  who taught us this card ?    Alma, owner of  "The Cat's Pajama's" .  How cool is that ?   She is super nice and an awesome, fun teacher.

Happy Valentines Day !

This monkey was sitting in my chair in my craft room, along with a tiny rose plant and lots of candy !  He is the best -  my hubby not the monkey :-P

This is a card I made at a class at my favorite Stamp Store, Mainely Staming in Fairfield, CA.  They have a class called 10 til the End.  It is my favorite class and they are the nicest and most helpful staff.

This card was made with the Hero Arts Stamp "Classic Tea Flower".  I sent this to my friend, Nancy for her birthday.

My First Mini Album for Mini Album Scraps