Divas' Stamp Camp In A Box

Hi Stampers! Happy Tuesday! Swapping is one of the many fun benefits of being a member of Utah Divas International. It is also a great business resource for Stampin' Up! demonstrators. Swaps are a fun way to share your creativity with others and enjoy theirs in return! They are a great way to get cards, layouts, gift items, stamp camp ideas and more! We invite and encourage all of our members to join in swaps.

Stamp Camp in a Box "SCIAB" was created by one of our dear Divas, Jeanette, to help demonstrators plan and design projects for stamp camps and/or stamping events. Rather than designing a bunch of projects by yourself, you can simply join other Divas to come up with great projects together. Stamp Camp in a Box is structured as a swap. Usually if you sign up for a card front swap, all you get back are card fronts. The SCIAB swap is designed so that everyone in the swap makes a different type of project, so you get a variety of projects back!!!! Each person signs up to make one type of project (examples might be level 2 or 3 card fronts, 6x6 scrapbook pages, gift item, non-card item, trading cards, etc.). Plus you get instructions that you can hand out at your stamp camp or event!

Maria W is our current SCIAB coordinator. She comes up with themes and serves as hostess. For the recent SCIAB swap,

Maria challenged us to use stamp sets and embellishments from the Spring Occasions mini catalog. The projects to choose from included a card, a 6x6 page, a 6-pack of tags, a treat holder, a 2-5-7-10 box and a non-card item.

You will see that I chose to make the 6-pack of tags. From top to bottom are tags made using Tart & Tangy, By Ones and By Twos, Live You Dreams, and a scrapbook page tag using In The Stars and Afternoon Tea DSP.

Email me directly at jim.edie@roadrunner.com if you would like the directions to make these tags AND, If you would like to find a Diva Demonstrator in your area or if you are interested in joining Utah Divas International, please email utahdivasinternational@gmail.com

Thanks for visiting Utah Divas & Happy Stampin'! EdieB

Free Wheelin' Monday

Happy Monday everyone!



The Free Wheelin' Promotion is in full swing. Last week I posted some wonderful projects posted by Maria and Ruthie. Today is no exception.



I would like to introduce Lisa Stout to you. Here is what Lisa wrote:



"My relationship with Stampin’ Up! started shortly after I got married 8 years ago. I have always been crafty making gifts, quilts, scrapbooks and sewing; but I had never stamped. I went to a workshop at my dear friend’s house and haven’t stopped stamping since.



Before my son was born, just over five years ago I stop working. My husband and I decided that we wanted me to stay home with our son. With just one income, my crafting habits started to dip into our monthly budget. I finally decided that being a demonstrator might be a good thing for me and my family. It’s been a little over two years now and I’ve loved every minute of it and my husband loves that my crafting supplies are a tax right off.



At that time, the demonstrator I was using lived fifty miles away and had become unreliable. So I searched for a demonstrator close to home. I found one and she assured me she was reliable, NOT! After my starter kit arrived(during the first week of Sell-A-Bration, back when it was Sell and not Sale) she contacted me just a few times. To this day I have only seen her once.



I was desperately seeking other demonstrators to share with and learn from. Last year I found Max, or rather she found me, in another online demo group that we joined. She invited me to join UDI and assured me I would get support, friends, and hugs. She was right. I am overwhelmed sometimes at how generous and giving the DIVAS can be. Whether you need a hug or a kick in the pants, one of the DIVAS will step up. I am so grateful I have found my adopted upline and some wonderful friends. "

I am really glad Lisa joined our group. She gives so much to UDI and the banner she made for Convention 2007 was great proof. I haven't met Lisa yet but cannot wait to meet her at this years Stampin' Up! Convention in SLC, UT.



To take advantage of this great promotion, contact your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator today. This promotion ends 04/30/08.

If you would like to find a Diva Demonstrator in your area or if you are interested in joining Utah Divas International, please email utahdivasinternational@gmail.com

Polished Stone

Today I would like to introduce Elizabeth H to you all. Elizabeth has created a wonderful card using the polished stone technique. Her colors are simply beautiful and I love how she embossed the heart. I can't wait to get down to Florida to meet this mommy of two. :) Here's what she wanted to share with you all.....

Hi! My name is Elizabeth. I am a divorced mom of 2 wonderful kids, and we live in Tampa, Florida. My son is in the 5th grade, and my daughter is in 4th. I love to volunteer at school, and I am Homeroom Mom for both classes. We love to go to Disney...we try to get there once a month. I have a full-time job (in addition to "mommy") at a local Ford dealership. I like to read and stamp in my spare time. :) I became a SU! demo in September 2006 after attending a workshop at my SIL's. I figured there was so much stuff I wanted, no...needed, LOL, that I should just sign up myself! I met Max on SCS and became a Diva in April 2007. (Holy cow! It's been almost a year!) UDI is full of great people and tons of inspiration! It has been so much fun!

I made my card using the Polished Stone technique (minus the metallic reinker) found on SCS. I took a cotton ball and wet it with rubbing alcohol. Then I put 2 drops each of Purely Pomegranate, Pink Passion and Pixie Pink ink refills on the cotton ball. (Tip: If you don't want pretty colored fingers, wear gloves.) I pounced the cotton ball around on a piece of glossy cardstock until I liked the way it looked. I used a large piece for a background, and I used a smaller piece to stamp my image. I stamped the heart from Always with VersaMark on the smaller piece, and heat embossed with black EP. I stamped the sentiment at the bottom of the large piece the same way. This card will be going to my mom for Mother's Day. I hope she likes it.

It's a really fun, easy technique. Give it a shot!

Recipe:
Always stamp set; Whisper White, Glossy White & Basic Black CS; Purely Pomegranate, Pink Passion & Pixie Pink reinkers; Basic Black grosgrain ribbon; VersaMark; black embossing powder; cotton ball & rubbing alcohol.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Elizabeth. I'm definitely going to need to try this one out for myself...especially since you said it's easy. :)

Have a wonderful weekend!
Alicia :)

Watercolor Wonder!

If you have never had a chance to try Stampin' Up'!s Watercolor Wonder Crayons, well.....that is just crazy talk! If you have some, dust them off and try your own version of this cute card! This card was made by Janine Keat, one of the newest of the Utah Divas! She is also one of my favorite Divas! (I have to say that because she is also my sister! Ha ha!) I am proud to introduce her to you, and here is what she had to say about herself:

I am Janine Keat from Port Orchard, WA. I am 33 years old, have a husband Harry and a son Curtis who is almost 11. Fulltime student is my official occupation, but I spend a lot of time volunteering with church, cub scouts, and other local charities including Habitat for Humanity. I sing in the church choir, and also play in the handbell choir. My favorite hobby right now is photography which I study in school along with art. I would love it if EVERYONE would take a look at my photos on flickr.com, you can find them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janinekeat/

She really is a talented photographer, and I cant wait to get my hands on some of them to put in a scrapbook! I am sure it is the artist in her that helped her think of painting this tiny little flower in multi-colors. I know that it seems like a simple concept, but I would have never thought of it! There is also a clear rhinetone brad in the center, to add a little bling! Thanks for sharing, Janine, and I look forward to posting more of your stampin!

Treat Holder and Doodle Carrots

Today's diva is one I've gotten to know. She is a very sweet and dedicated person. She also used to be the SCIAB coordinator before she passed the baton on to me. It's my pleasure to introduce you to Lisa G. ~

"I've been stamping for about 10 years and joined UDI after Charmaine introduced me to Max, Adrian, Daisy, Ruthie and more at the 2005 Stampin' Up! Convention. UDI is my favorite spot on the web because everyone is so positive, encouraging, and friendly. And there are so many wonderful stamping ideas there. Max, “Her Royal Highness,” is just phenomenal (and her British accent is cool, too)!! I've had to step back from SU over the last few years because going back to work full-time... Currently, I work with students with learning differences (K-4). There is a ton of paperwork involved, and lots of assessment besides lesson planning and teaching. I love working with all the kids, and kids love to stamp!! My husband, 'tween daughter and I love to travel and read.

-Lisa G."

Project #1: Bali Breeze treat holder

I made this for a UDI Tutorial Challenge (hosted by talented diva Michelle Hoffman). March's challenge was to create a treat holder that could be hung on a water bottle, wine bottle, etc. My finished project didn't quite fit over the top of sparkling cider bottle…and I didn't want to force it. I love embellishments so I didn't even stamp on this project (a first for me).

Paper: Apricot Appeal CS, and Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper

Punches: Ticket punch, scallop punch, 1 ¼ circle punch (but you may need 1 3/8" punch depending on what you are hanging it on.

Other: Purely Pomegranate Double-stitched ribbon, Ice Rhinestone brads, Flower Fusion felt flowers, Sticky tape.

Project 2: Doodle This Carrot gift set

CS: So Saffron, Whisper White

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Only Orange, Green Galore, Glorious Green, Lovely Lilac, Pixie Pink

Stamp Sets: Doodle This, Doodle That

Punches: Key Tag, horizontal Slot, 1" circle, double rectangle

Other: Five in One card template (I lengthened and adjusted the small pouch in the middle of the template), lavender tissue paper, pail from Target's $1 Spot, certainly celery and mellow moss grosgrain ribbon, and pink organdy ribbon.

Directions for Carrot: I made it with Whisper White cardstock (template is from SU demo website), and sponged on the pumpkin pie and green galore ink after stamping the doodles with only orange and glorious green ink. Put "leaves" on carrot lid and attach with ribbon and double rectangle punch.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your creativity with us today! I LOVE all the new accessories Stampin Up came out with in the Spring - Summer Collection 2008! They make it easy to put awesome projects together without stamping! Don't get me wrong, I love stamping, but sometimes it gets real time consuming. The new papers and accessories are to die for!!!

Have a very wonderful Thursday!!

~Maria~

Punch and Judi!

Ok ... so I was at a loss for a title but this post will show a new way with the 5 Petal Flower punch and its brought to us today by 'Judi' Harvey. I am a little excited as we now have this punch in our very new 2008 Idea Book & Catalogue in Australia so I can too get this punch and do this tutorial but it will have to wait until after our Stampin' Up! Convention next week (insert excitement here) in Brisbane, Australia. Here is Judi's introduction ...

Hi Everyone! Leonie asked me to share a little bit about myself. I live in a small town about 15 miles south of Knoxville Tenessee and I have lived in Tenessee since 1974. I grew up in Michigan and moved south with my first husband (he is a TN native). I really feel like I was supposed to be in this part of the country as I love the lifestyle here...not to mention the weather! I am married to a wonderful guy who is my best friend! Jerry and I got married 15 years ago and between us we have 5 children (4 girls and one guy) and 5 grandchildren (3 girls and 2 boys). Jerry supports and encourages me in all I do. I also have a day job where I work for the commercial lending division of a bank. I am the Loan Operations manager (yawn).

I found out about Stampin' Up! through my daughter. She lives in Nashville and called me one evening about 5 years ago and asked if I would like to come for a Stampin Up! workshop she was having. I had never heard of this company and was into scrapbooking not stamping. But...being the good mom that I try to be...I accepted and made the 3 hour drive for the workshop. My thoughts about stamping at that time was "Okay, so you spend $10 on one stamp, use it one time...then what do you do with it???" Well, needless to say, a whole new world was opened up to me and I was hooked. I came back home with a $150 order and in about 2 months finally found a Stampin' Up! demo in my area and joined her club. I was a club member for about 2 years and then decided I could do this myself ... so I signed up in July of 2005 (I think much to the chagrin of my demo!).

My favorite part about being a demo is teaching others how to stamp and how to do different techniques and then watching them react the same way I did. They suddenly see a new world open up to them! I encourage all my stampers to use the items they buy by asking them to create cards for my blog. I also try to encourage them to not be afraid to just try something new and that I too throw some things in the trash! It's all a part of learning.

I was invited to join UDI a little over a year ago. I was replying to a thread on Split Coast and Max sent me an email and asked me if I wanted to join. I love UDI and have made several friends through this group (waving to all my buds!). I hope one day to get to meet them all face to face. I find everyone to be encouraging and helpful...not to mention friendly! I just feel so uplifted by all the Divas and there is no negativity here like you find on some other sites. I love being a Diva!

I must say I love introducing Diva's here as I get to know more about many of them. I am very embarrassed to say I didn't know Judi before this introduction but I am finding that you can share many similarities in your life as those on the other side of the globe that share the same passion about Stampin' Up! and stamping. It never ceases to amaze me how this technology can bring so many people together from all over the world.

Judi has provided us with this great tutorial ....

Five Petal Punch Daisy

For this flower you will need ...

• SU Five Petal Flower Punch
• SU Boho Blossoms Punch
• SU Paper Snips
• SU Double Sided Designer Paper
• Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive
• SU Pretties Kit

1. Punch two flowers from the double sided designer paper

2. Using the paper snips make two small cuts toward the center (don’t cut all the way to the center) leaving two petals on one side and three petals on the other side.

3. Fold the two petal side behind the three petals side lining up the two petals between the three petals. Make sure you fold the flowers to the opposite side so you have two different sides of the paper showing on the front.

4. Put two small dots of glue on the front of one of the flowers and attach it to the underside of the second flower lining up the petals.

It is not necessary to glue the back petals to the front but you may if you want to.

Now your daisy is formed.

For the center punch out one of the small flowers on the Boho Blossom punch and glue to the middle of the daisy and add a brad or half pearl in the center.

Attach to your card any way you would like, I like to attach them with dimensionals.

You can do the center of the flower many different and pretty ways. This flower looks great using SU Prints Designer Series papers but this paper made a bolder statement and showed the double sides better. Have fun playing around with different papers and centers.

Well I hope you like this tutorial and why not post a link to the cards you make int he comments section? We'd love to see them!

I will apologise in advance if the pictures dont line up with the instructions. I was having such a horrid time with blogger and getting them where i wanted them to be.

Have a great Wednesday

Leonie

Utah Divas Stampin' Sisters Program

Stampin' Sisters has always been a part of UDI since its beginning. Our members sign up and Max, our Queen Diva, pairs us up. The program lasts for 3 month increments. Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct. The program does not run in July, Nov and Dec due to Convention and the holidays; however, we may do a monthly round during that time for those who do not attend convention or who may want a Christmas package ;)

Each Diva sister sends and receives 3 packages. Each package contains at least $20 in Stampin' Up! product (from a wish list) and 3 hand-stamped items. The Diva may want to add something else such as chocolate, candy etc~stuff you learn your sister likes as you get to know her better.
The program isn't all about packages though-it is about emailing and building friendships with other Divas. The commitment is very straight forward and the program has been a HUGE success enabling our Divas to get to know fellow Divas on a much more personal level.

For the first three months of this year, my sister has been Terry J. She is the expert on email jokes and fun facts. She sends light-hearted messages to let me know she is thinking of me always and she is a very talented stamper. As such, I would like to share my sister's story with you as well as one of her lovely hand-stamped cards. Terry says:

I have been married to my husband Jack for nearly 30 years. We have one son whose name is Jerrod and he is 29 year old. He is definitely the light of both of our lives. We are hoping that he gets married soon!! We are soooo ready for grand babies!!! I have been a SU demonstrator for one year. I have always done some kind of craft. If I'm not painting, then I am crocheting. If I am not crocheting, then I am stamping. I was browsing the SU website and was so impressed with their products that I began thinking that maybe I should look into being a demonstrator. I went onto the demonstrator locater and found Max. I really liked the way she presented herself and her projects, so I called her up. And the rest is history.

Terry's "Let the Cute Begin" card above features the Big On Spring stamp set available now through June 30 and found in the Occasions Mini Collection. Terry stamped the focal image with Basic Black Classic Ink on Whisper White Cardstock and colored the letters in Bashful Blue. She then re-stamped the image on Bashful Blue DSP and trimmed out the little onesie to adhere over the focal image. You can only receive the Bashful Blue Designer Series Paper in the Prints Pack which is offered as a hostess benefit. If you need these colors, which are gorgeous in real life, call your demonstrator now to book a stamping party. In addition to the usual benefits this month, any hostess party reaching over $300 receives an additional $25 in Stampin' Up merchandise!

Sorry about getting side-tracked there. Back to Terry's card. To embellish her card, Terry used the paper piercing tool to outline around the focal image mat and to pierce holes she used for cross-stitching with Linen Thread at the corners. A final touch is the Mellow Moss button also embellished with Linen Thread. Beautiful card! I was very excited to receive one of my own in the mail from Terry.

If you would like to know more about joining the Utah Divas, email me directly at jim.edie@roadrunner.com. Please put Utah Divas in the subject line. Thank you Terry & thank you everyone for stopping by UDI. EdieB