Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Nature Walk

Another gorgeous set coming out January 4 in the new Stampin Up Occasions Mini.  I've got a week to go before our local scrapping event.  So much to do!!  Trying to get samples made for all the sets I bought.....and I bought a lot!!!


I used a card by Ilina Crouse from My Creations as inspiration for this card.  The bottom section was cased from her card.

Stamp Sets:  Nature Walk, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Botanical Gazette, Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Garden Green, Marina Mist
Accessories:  lace trim, border punch, decorative label and word window punch, hodgepodge hardware

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Winter Wonderland in Northwestern Ontario

It couldn't look more majical than it does in Red Lake right now.  The morning frost on the trees has created a beautiful setting for Christmas.  This picture was taken Christmas Eve.



These pictures were taken around 8:30 a.m. Christmas Day.  It is very overcast, so they look quite grey, but in person, the beauty is quite breathtaking. 

Our backyard.





Merry Christmas!  Have a blessed day!



Thursday, December 23, 2010

Valentine Owls

From Christmas owls to Valentine owls!


I'm letting the new Specialty Designer Series Paper Love Impessions do all the work here, with a little help from the new Glimmer Paper.  Both these will be available Jan 4, 2010 from the Occasions Mini Catalogue.  And of course, the owl punch and little leaves die are useful once again.  No stamping here; I've allowed the wording in the paper be my sentiment. 

This card used the Clean and Simple  FTL#120.  Didn't follow it exactly, but it gave me a starting point.


Everything is Stampin Up except the "crown" on the little lady's head.  It was a small metallic flower that I glued to the back of her head to make it look like a crown or tiara.

I LOVED SO MUCH in the mini!!  So, there will be more featuring these great products in the days ahead.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy

+++++

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Peaceful Season

Hostess Stamp Set  Level II - Peaceful Seasons.


A simple and quick card using a technique that embosses only a selected part of the paper.  You make a base similar to what you would find in picture frames matted with an oval.  I made mine out of the cardboard that comes with designer series paper.  Glued two together.  But wood would likely work best, which I will try one day!   Put it behind the embossing folder (only your paper goes inside) and run through your Big Shot with only one cutting pad.   Love it.

This was one of the cards I did at a workshop.  I also made a few to give away to friends.

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, 12 X 12 Brights Pattern Pack
Accessories:  Polka Dot embossing folder, pearls, 2 step bird punch, real red satin ribbon

Merry Christmas!!!

Cindy.

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tissue, Acetate and Glitter! Tea Bag Holder

SPARKLE!
Another fun and easy project from our November Stamp Class.
Tea Bag Holder

This is an acetate and tissue technique that makes a beautifully sparkley background.  Fun and easy to do.  I first saw it done on a video from the blog of France Martin.   Looked so nice in fall colors.  We're in the dead of winter here, so I had to design mine for Christmas!


The inside holds two tea bags and has a fun little poem.


Supplies:
Stamps:  All Holidays
Paper:  Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Soft Subtles Pattern Pack
Ink:  Bashful Blue, Black Stazon
Accessories:  Northern Flurries Decorative Strip, Rhinestones, acetate, tissue, Elmer's glue, Dazzling Diamonds, 1 1/4" circle punch,  White Ribbon, Sticky Strip



Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Chocolate Bar Ribbon Slide

One of the projects I did with our Stamp Club For November.  We had lots of fun.  The idea for the owls was CASEd from Kay Kalthoff aka Speedystamper on Splitcoast.

Don't they make a cute couple!!
This little project holds one of the large chocolate bars.  Decorate them any way you wish and you have an inexpensive gift for someone on your list.

Just pull the ribbon and the chocolate bar comes out.  You could even attach a gift certificate or money to the bar.  I think it's a fun way to spread some joy.

They are not just for chocolate bars.  Change the size and you can put microwave popcorn (with a movie gift certificate) or hot cocoa packets, different size bars, etc.



Just a close up of the cute couple!  Apparently she is not impressed with his reindeer head gear.


All products Stampin' Up!
Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Serene Snowflakes
Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Candy Cane Christmas DSP, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Garden Green
Ink:  White Craft Ink, Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip, Real Red
Accessories:  Owl Punch, White Organza Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Little Leaves Die, Snowflake Punch, Circle Punch




Monday, November 22, 2010

Spectacular Savings!


CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE TO VIEW ALL THE GREAT SPECIALS!



Orders can also be placed through me.

Call me if you need more info!

Cindy
(807) 735-3336

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Greenhouse Gala Case

These cards were CASEd from a Splitcoast stamper by the name of  SouthernBellStamper.  She had a sentiment where embellishments are on mine in the upper left.   I loved her color combination and I have a lot of this paper, so was very happy to use some of it.  I also tried out different embossing folders for the white.  DSP panels are popped up with dimensionals.

I made 8 of these cards to give as a thank you to 8 individuals.  I'm missing 2 in the photos.   Each one of them is a little different.  I omitted the sentiment as I left the cards blank for the recipient to use as they wish.
These two photos show the different embellisments/ribbon used.


Supplies: 
Paper:  Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Stamps:  None!
Accessories:  Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Rhinestones, Butterflies die, brads, buttons, dimensionals.

Thank you Connie for sharing your card on Splitcoast.

Cindy

*****

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Jolly Holiday Stamp Club Project

This was the project we made at our stamp club this month. 
A festive box with 2 co-ordinating cards.

The box top was CASEd from a card by Splitcoast stamper StampinChristy.  I did change a couple of things so that it wasn't an exact copy !! 

 Just a little piece of designer series paper and a cute little tag make this an easy, yet festive box to house co-ordinating cards and envelopes.  This box holds six of the cards with their envelopes nicely.

Cute little scalloped edge and the polka dot embossing, together with dimensionals to raise the centre pieces; a little sparkly rhinestone on the tag and you have a jolly cute lid!

Cards were made the same as the box top. This card just happens to have a different side of the patterned paper (ran out of the small polka dot one!)

Envelopes were lined with co-ordinating paper.  The little ornaments are stickers made from the Stampin' Up! adhesive sheets, so they can be used to seal the back of the envelope. 

Now it's time to work on November's project.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Delightful Decorations
Paper:  DSP Jolly Holiday, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Rhinestones, Seam Binding, Circle Punches, Swiss Dots embossing folder, dimensionals





*****

Friday, October 22, 2010

IT'S NO LONGER A 'UFO'


This simple twin sized quilt was started probably close to five years ago.  I wanted it to be a quick and inexpensive project.  Well, it was inexpensive as I used only clearance fabrics and scraps.  It's obvious the design is simple!!  This quilt was started at a church quilt group that was making quilts for a mission trip to Malawi.  As the story goes, they have been to Malawi twice with many, many quilts made by many loving hands. 

For many untold reasons, it never got finished until now.  I took it along with me to a quilt retreat in International Falls (at Island View Lodge) in September.  All it needed was the binding to be sewn on!

Not sure what I will do with it now, but I do have ONE LESS UFO to complete!!!  Thanks to my dear friend Lori for machine quilting this for me!

Now to pick out another.  I just may be the Queen of UFO's and am hoping to be able to shed the self-proclaimed title.

Cindy

***


Friday, October 8, 2010

Simple Little Gift Card Holder

STAMP CLUB PROJECT


This was a quick little gift card we did last week along with the cardinal gift card holder.  These can be done up quickly with just your scraps!  It's small and measures 4.25" X 3" when closed.


Here it is with the belly band removed.


 Inside view

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Punch Pals for the sentiment
Paper:  Candy Cane Christmas DSP, real red, whisper white
Accessories:  Northern Frost Decorative Strip, brads

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy

***

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

CLEARNACE RACK BLITZ!!

Stampin' Up! will be adding over 200 new items to the Clearance Rack to make room in their distribution room for new products!  Check it out on my Stampin' Up! website.  Order through this website and receive this awesome discount on discontinued items.  Many items are current colors, just the specific product is retired.


You'll also receive hostess rewards for qualifying orders!


My website address:
http://cindymcgurk.stampinup.net/


Link to the Clearance Rack:
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=494

Contact me if you have any questions.  Happy shopping!




Cindy

***

Thursday, September 30, 2010

A Cardinal Christmas - Pop Up Gift Card Holder

MY STAMP CLUB PROJECT - Getting Started On Christmas!

A vintage(y) Christmas card that holds a gift card.  The bird has a subdued sparkle to it that cannot be seen in the photo.  This DSP (Deck the Halls) definitely called for a vintage look.  These pop up gift card holders are super simple, but my bird ended up being the most time consuming due to the intricate cutting and coloring!  I used the new seam binding for the ribbon, which will tie at the side (The pieces are flapping in the wind at the back of the card)  The Build A Brad used a fussy cut piece from the paper.



Materials:
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand
Ink: Versamark, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip; Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Build A Brad, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Gold Embossing Powder, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, 1/2 inch circle punch
Stamp Set:  Bells and Boughs (front); God's Blessings (Inside)


Thanks for stopping by!
Cindy

*****

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Designer Shoes!

I first saw this project on Splitcoast, posted by Starla Nelson.  Thank you Starla for your tips!  Her blog had a link to the template made by a well known paper crafter named Ellen Hutson.  Ellen showcased them to hold small cellophane treat bags filled with candy.  They looked so cute, I gave it a try and then made another...and another!

A little designer error on the red one!!  You'll be walking on your tip toes forever with the heel off the ground! LOL!

Just embellish with ready made items, or make your own, like I did here with satin ribbon and a pearl.



Black grommet and red corduroy button;
Baja Breeze ribbon and half-back pearl;
Pretty in Pink ribbon and half-back pearls.

Fun, simple and so cute!

Thanks for stopping by
Cindy

****

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Satin Ribbon Flower

My first attempt at satin ribbon flowers!  So fun and quite quick to make.  This card actually came together quickly, thanks to the Big Shot and a couple of punches. 






Supplies:

Card stock:  Sahara Sand, Pacific Point, Blueberry Crisp DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note Die, Little Leaves Die, Word Window Punch, Modern Label XL, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon
Ink:  Sahara Sand (for sponging the edges) and Pacific Point for sentiment and edges of leaves.

Thank so much for stopping by!
Cindy

*****

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Family Card Box

The box is Dollarama $1.50.  I should have bought more than just one! 
  I CASED (Copy and Selectively Edit) the idea from Nathasha Zandbergen at Splitcoast Stampers.  She had done a 12 X 12 framed piece that is really beautiful.  I just sized it down and added a little more to cover the top of the box.  I would have changed the papers in order to make it look different, but I have tons of this Garden Greenhouse DSP, so stuck with these colors.


A strip of co-ordinating paper is added  to the box base to tie them together.  So there you have it - a sweet little box to house an assortment of cards either for yourself or as a gift.



A lot of different supplies used here!

Paper:  Greenhouse Gala, Baja Breeze, Early Espresso
Punches:  1 1/4" and 1 3/8" square, three hearts,
Dies:  Little Leaves, Swirly, Butterflies, Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge
Stamp Sets:  Itty Bitty, I {heaart} Hearts,
Ink:  Baja Breeze and Early Espresso to distress the white box
plus more!

Thanks for looking - hope you are enjoying your Labour Day weekend!
Cindy

Friday, August 27, 2010

Rose Note Card Drawer Box

This is layout #100  from the blog Clean and Simple from July 23 that I used for the note cards. 

Because they are note cards, I didn't put a sentiment and felt that the paper was pretty enough without one.
The box is made from the cardobard found in the 12 X 12 packs of DSP.  I tried making it from cardstock, but it was just too flimsy.   The rose was made from DSP also.

Close up of notecard.  Riding Hood Red cardstock and ribbon, eyelet border punch.  Pretty simple!


Cards all in a row! 

Close up of rose.  It was sprayed with Smooch and has a bit of a glimmer.  Leaves were made with Little Leaves die.  Sentiment is from a retired set called Roses in Winter.

Just the box with its cute little handle.  I think it will make a great little gift for someone.

Thanks for stopping by!
Cindy

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Mining for Memories Photos

Group photo!  One similar to this will be in the Winter Issue of Canadian Scrapbooker.  We were all thrilled to have co-founder Katharina Doyle come to Red Lake for our Mining for Memories Scrapbooking convention.  That's her front and centre on the right with our fearless leader Catherine Mochrie on the left.  Thanks Lori for providing me with the photo!



Saturday workshop ladies with their easel cards.  Hope you had fun.

Below:  Friday workshop ladies!!!  Thanks for the picture Andrea!!


 
Katharina Doyle (Canadian Scrapbooker) and Bev Beaudette (Scrapaholix Canada)
Such an honour to have them both here.  I know we'll be seeing Bev again!

Next convention is January 2011!

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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Stampin' Up! demonstrator site and online sto

Just trying to figure out how to use my Stampin' Up! website links on this blog.  Just a little experimenting.
When you buy merchandise through my Stampin' Up! site, there are GREAT deals in the clearance section.  It is really worth checking it out and they will ship right to your home.
The link below brings you to a page showing a promotion for hostesses.  Catherine received hostess rewards during the Mining for Memories Convention and has earned an extra $35; I'm expecting she'll have over $100 to spend,  which she will use to buy dies for the club.  The order has not been finalized yet, so if you forgot to order something, let me know.  You'll get to see what she has chosen at the next Scrapaholix club. 

Stampin' Up! demonstrator site and online sto

Friday, August 20, 2010

Sweet Pea

One of my beautiful grandchildren.  This is Andie.  Her mom took the picture.  This is another easel card made as an example for the convention.  The flowers are made from vellum and a punch.  Pretty simple.  Isn't she adorable?

Front View

Side view so you can see the "easel"

Supplies:  Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink paper; vellum, boho blossoms punch, melon mambo ribbon; I {heart} Hearts stamp set for sentiment; rhinestones for flower centres.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Blast from the Past - 2007

I've been busy making display items for the convention here in Red Lake that is coming up in less than three weeks.  It's been slow going as usual.  Must step up the pace a notch!  So, I'm cheating and posting a card from March of 2007.  That is when I started making cards.  I haven't got many pictures from when I first started, but I did find this one and I actually still like it!  I think I'll give this one another shot one day, maybe with new colors.  Once convention starts, I'll be posting the things I have been making.



This is made with the stamp set Winged Things.  I used Stazon black ink on watercolor card stock.

That's it for now.
Happy Stamping!
Cindy
*****