Fast and Fabulous Friday - Timeless Textures

Hello My Friends Friends!  

I have no time.  Literally.  No time.  Zip.  So a Fast & Fabulous is all I can do.  Good thing it is Friday, right....?

I can always count on Timeless Textures to make a gorgeous background for my card.  One inkpad, one stamp set, random stamping.  It doesn't get any faster or any easier.

Then just adhere the diecut of your choice.  It could be a butterfly, a dragonfly, a hot air balloon, a flower, a flourish....you name it, any die cut will do.

Done.

For today I chose to use one of my favourite retiring colours - Mint Macaron - before it disappears. The 2015-2017 In Colors officially retire at the end of May, so hurry and order yours now - and get something free from Sale-A-Bration while you are at it.  Every $60 order qualifies for something free, but only until the end of March so hurry!!

And I happened to have a stack of black dragonflies sitting on my desk (from the cards I made HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE) so I used one of those.  

Get what you need to make this or any other project by placing your order online HERE (at check out, please use the hostess code VP7YFXQ9) or contact me to place your order for you.  

And if you want a LOT of stuff?  Well then, save yourself a TON of money - up to $200 - by making your purchase into a fully customizeable Starter Kit purchase.  See the details HERE or contact me so we can save you lots of money while getting you everything you want.

Hope your upcoming weekend promises to be spectacular!   God Bless,      Cynthia   <><
  
Product List

Timeless Textures Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140517]	Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies [142749]	Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set [137163]	Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad [138326]
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045]	Mint Macaron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [138337]

An Important Anniversary

Good Morning My Friends

On Saturday it will be two years since Ottawa was blessed to witness the ordination of our newest Bishop (an Auxiliary Bishop, to be precise).  Surprisingly, he is quite a young man (as Bishops go).  Unsurprisingly, he is kind and gentle, with a gracious and loving heart.  He serves us well as our shepherd.

And would you believe that his name is Christian!?!

Honestly my friends!  With a given name like that, how could you not expect him to be wonderful?

In any event, I wanted to make a card to mark the occasion for him, so here it is.  The image of the cross comes from the stamp set, Blessed By God, and is perfect for the occasion.  The sentiment comes from a retired set (Graceful Words) that I will never, ever part with!

The card is quite simple in design.  I used the emboss resist technique (just stamp and heat emboss the images, then sponge to create a shadow-effect) to create a 'simple' card that contains a whole lot of love and appreciation.  It is understated and refined.  Just like the man himself.

It'll do quite nicely.

Hope everyone is looking forward to a wonderful weekend.  And I hope Bishop Christian enjoys his Anniversary - and knows just how very much we appreciate his service.

God Bless,    ~Cynthia   <><  

Product List

Blessed By God Clear-Mount Stamp Set [134300]	Versamark Pad [102283]	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132]	Stamping Sponges [141337]
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [126975]	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [120953]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]

Awesomely Artistic For My Convention Swap

Hello My Friends

I am sad to say that I will not be attending Convention this year -- but I was able to create a gorgeous card for a swap I am participating in.  

Many of the Founders Circle recipients from last year decided to swap cards at Convention, and my gracious friend, Genevieve Ko, offered to bring my cards and swap them along with her own.  Thanks Genevieve!! 

I needed to create 60 of what we refer to as a "Workshop Wow" card -- A card you could use for a class or workshop that would really pack a lot of wow-factor into a not-too-difficult card.

I love how this turned out and am hoping my fellow Founders Circle friends feel the same way. 

Doesn't that little bit of Dazzling Diamonds glitter add an iridescence that reminds you of real dragonflies on a hot and hazy summer day?  I am a big fan of glitter.  I also love that we now have thick white cardstock so a one-layer card like this has substance and is not flimsy! 

I can't wait to see the cards that Genevieve brings back for me from the 60 other ladies!  I still wish that I could be there, but.....oh well. 


The **video on how to create this card is almost ready to post so check back in a day or 2 to see it.  And come back later today to see a FANTASTIC blog hop that several of the Incentive Trip Achievers are holding.
 **video is ready.  See it HERE.


Until then, have a wonderful day and God Bless,     ~Cynthia     <><

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Awesomely Artistic Thank You

It is official.  I am blessed in more ways than I can count!

I have had a slew of boxes arriving these last few days.  Orders from my 20-Card Class.  Orders from my June Clubs.  Orders from my BOGO.....

And so I needed Thank You cards.  A TON of Thank You cards.  What a terrific problem to have.....needing a TON of Thank You cards.

My Awesomely Artistic stamp set got a real work-out this week, that's for sure!  But my friends are going to totally love them, I know it!   I will highlight these cards later this week, but for now, here's a sneak peak. 

Have a terrific day and God Bless each and every one of you!    ~Cynthia   <><

Hawaii Incentive Trip - My Swap Card

Hello My Friends

Just a quick post to show you the swap card I made to exchange with other demonstrators here in Hawaii.

Very similar to the Thank You card I made for everyone who put in an order during the month of April - except there is an extra layer in this card.


I thought of adding a few rhinestones.  
Or pearls.  
Or twine or ribbon or dimensionals or embossing or something.  Anything.  But honest-to-goodness, sometimes the simplicity of something is the piece de resistance.

And that's definitely how I felt about this card.
Less is more.  And this card is stunning all by itself.  Just some tone-on-tone sponging on top of the embossed flower and voila --> It was good to go.

Another lovely thing about swapping in Hawaii....?  I only had to make 26 copies of this card!  You might recall I had to make 125 copies of my Founder's Circle card.  So 26?  Ha!  That was a piece of cake.

I am so, so, so looking forward to receiving 25 copies back of various cards by various Stampin' Up! achieving demonstrators later this week.  And I can't wait to share some of them with you too.  Don't forget to check back later to see if I have news about those swaps.

In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful day.  
God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

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Fast and Fabulous Friday - Prayers For My Friends

Hello My Friends

I have been so very busy for so very long, you must be starting to think that I never get a chance to "play".  But let me assure you, I definitely make time to get inky.  I just haven't had much time to post about it.

But today I decided to 'resurrect' my Fast and Fabulous Friday installment.  Because although this card is quick to make, it is decidedly fabulous, don't you think?

I needed a good, "Praying for you" guy-card and I thought this would do nicely.  I keep very, very few retired stamp sets but my sentiment comes from one that I will never get rid of -- Graceful Words.  Four beautiful words that I just couldn't do without.



And this card itself is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4. 
1) Stamp the sunburst in Hello Honey, 
2) Stamp the sentiment and 2 crosses (one on card, one on scrap paper) in Early Espresso,
3)  Cut out the spare cross and raise up on dimensionals offset from the cross on the card, and 
4) sponge around all the edges.  

You see?  Not too hard.  And hopefully, a card that will tell my friend just how much we are thinking about him and praying for him.

Best of all, the card was easy and quick enough that I made multiples so I have extras for when I need them.

I have to admit, I am awfully happy to be back blogging.  I *like* talking to all of you, my online friends, and sharing my passion with you!  I sure hope you don't mind the idea that you will be seeing more of me again soon!  (Not that you could stop me).

Don't forget - today is the LAST day to get FREE SHIPPING on any and all orders.  Don't forget to get your orders in while you can capitalize on this super deal!


I hope all of you enjoyed a wonderful Easter.  Ours was truly glorious.  And its not over yet....

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.  And have a happy and Fast and Fabulous Friday!    
God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><  


Product List

Blessed By God Clear-Mount Stamp Set [134300]	Kinda Eclectic Clear-Mount Stamp Set [135350]	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650]
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [126974]	Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad [133643]	Stamping Sponges [101610]

Sneak Peak - Something For Baby Buggy

Hello Friends

Well I'm back.  
No seriously.  
I mean it!  

I've finally gotten all my "stuff" in order and now I am back to stamping and creating and blogging in a serious way. And not a moment too soon!  I have my new catalogue goodies sitting here just waiting for me to make good use of them so how about we start with this little darlin'.

I've used 2 new stamp sets, a new set of framelits, and a new embellishment to get the ball rolling.  Can you spot them all?

I am absolutely in love with the "Something For Baby" stamp set.  Twelve really cute images that make me want to squeal with delight.  And even better...there are 11 framelits in the coordinating "Baby's First" framelit set so I can cut out the images and really show them off!  Don't you just adore this cute little baby buggy?

And there are lots of wonderful sentiment sets in this new catalogue - here is one of my new favourites, "Something To Say".  And did you notice the Pistachio Pudding Baker's Twine?  Love, love, LOVE the thick Baker's Twine that they've given us in this new catalogue!  I was so sorry when Sale-A-Bration ended and we no longer had the Thick Baker's Twine in the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack.  But Stampin' Up! knew a good thing when they saw it and decide to offer us an even bigger selection in the new catalogue.  I, for one, couldn't be happier with this decision!

I can't show you everything on the product list yet, but all of the new products become available for you to order on June 2 and trust me....you won't want to wait until then.  Have you seen the new catalogue?  If you live in Canada and you'd like your copy, contact me and we'll see what we can do about getting one to you!

In the meantime, have a terrific Sunday and a great weekend.  God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

Product List

Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [100730]	Pistachio Pudding Classic Stampin' Pad [131177]
Labels Collection Framelits Dies [125598]	Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die [117335]

Thankful Thursday - Why I Do What I Do.....

Hello Friends

I had to write a brief bio today to send to someone in the Canadian Stampin' Up! office - and as I finished it, I was reminded once again of why I do what I do.  

Because I LOVE the ladies I have met as I have undertaken this adventure.  

Because I LOVE sharing how easy it is to create something beautiful.  

Because I LOVE the look on the face of the person who, despite thinking that they aren't crafty, creates a gorgeous project.  

Because I LOVE knowing that I can be some small part in helping others express their creativity.

So many reasons why I love what I do.  So many reasons why I feel blessed.  

Today I created a quick Thank You card to be given to one of my friends.  Someone who never fails to tell me how much she likes receiving my cards.  Someone who, like so many others, reminds me how much I just love doing what I do. 

Thankful Thursday.  I hope you, too, are reminded today of all the things you have to be thankful for!

God Bless,    ~Cynthia      <><

• Petal Parade Clear-Mount Stamp Set
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies
• Scalloped Tag Topper Punch
• Silver 1/8" Ribbon
• Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder
• Versamark Pad
• Happy Watercolor [clear]
• Happy Watercolor [wood]
• Elegant Eggplant 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad
• Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Stamping Sponges
• Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents
• Heat Tool

Thankful Thursday - What's Not to be Thankful For?

Hello Friends.  

Stampin' Up! is giving us a chance to buy a whole bunch of really great products, at a fantastic discount (see list here).  If Stampin' supplies make you as happy as they make me.....then what's not to be thankful for?  

Seriously, there are many more reasons in life to be thankful than just craft sales.   :)       Family.  Friends.  Health.  Happiness.  If you have any one of these, you should be thankful.  Me?  I have *all* of them!  And I know it.  And my heart is glad!

But for the purposes of today, and this blog, I am going to keep this short....the fantastic November sale is too exciting to try to take any attention away from it.  But do keep this in mind...no matter how tired you get or how busy or how overworked, in the grand scheme of things...what's not to be thankful for?

Have a spectacular day and God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

• Sponge Daubers
• Labels Collection Framelits Dies
• Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad
• Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad
• White Stampin' Emboss Powder
• Heat Tool
• Basic Pearls Jewel Accents
• Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
• Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Big Shot Die-Cut Machine

Emboss Resist Intense Butterflies

I've realized that my butterfly offerings over the last few days have been soft and pastel-like and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I thought you might like to see something bold, vibrant and intense.

Presenting.....Intense emboss-resist butterflies for your viewing pleasure!

Just a bit of versamark and the Papillon Potpourri stamp set (and clear embossing powder), followed by heavy sponging with Island Indigo and Elegant Eggplant makes this a stand-out 'Wow' sort of card.  Don't the butterflies pop right up off the page at you?

I have always loved the emboss resist technique, and this card is a fast but sure-fire reason to demonstrate why.

Hope your week is looking bright.  All 4 of my kids left for school this morning for the first time since June and I have yet to get much accomplished at home.  Guess it's time for me to buckle down and get to it, so I'll keep this short.

Have a wonderful day and God Bless,      ~Cynthia     <><

Wonderful Wetlands!

Dear dear Friends

If you have not yet taken a good look at the Wetlands stamp set in the new catalogue, then I urge you to check it out!  Page 69.  Go ahead and look.  I promise you, you'll thank me for it!

Wetlands is, arguably, one of the most beautiful and useful stamp sets in the new catalogue.  I loved it when I first saw it.  And now that I have seen the way that many creative stampers have used the images, I love them even more!

I am offering a Wonderful Wetlands class on Wed, Sept 4.  The class registration fee includes the stamp set (and trust me - you WANT to own it).  For those of you who already own this set, feel free to choose an alternate set to substitute for Wetlands.  But you do want to take this class.  Because it really IS a gorgeous stamp set.  And the cards you'll make that evening?!  Gorgeous.  Absolutely gorgeous!  I promise.

Let me know if you'd like to join us for the Wonderful Wetlands class.  Details can be found here.  
And have a wonderful (but not wet) rest of the week!

God Bless,     ~Cynthia     <><

First Christmas

Hello Friends

We are getting closer all the time.  Today is the 4th Sunday of Advent and in 2 short days our waiting will be over.  He is almost here.  No, I don't mean Santa Claus.  I mean the Reason for the Season!  Our Saviour, Christ the Lord.

What more appropriate card is there to herald His coming than this one?

Supply List
Stamps - First Christmas
Paper - Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Champagne Glimmer Paper
Ink - Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Versamark
Big Shot -  Tasteful Trim Die, Apothecary Acccents Framelits
Tools and Accessories Gold Embossing Powder, sponges, Glue Dots


One of the cards I received at Founders' Circle in September was the inspiration for this card (original card by Linda Bauwin).  With a very few alternations, I CASed it to make the card you see.  And I, for one, love it.  Simple yet elegant and effective.


Love this card.


As the Reason for the Season approaches, I hope each of you is able to enjoy the peacefulness and simplicity of what this image represents!


God Bless you all.  And if I don't 'see you' here again before Tuesday --
 --  Merry Christmas!!    ~Cynthia    <><

Fast & Fabulous Come To Bethlehem

Wow - It's been way too long since I did a Fast & Fabulous Friday.  But in keeping with my attempt to get back to blogging more often, here is a F & F card using my treasured Come To Bethlehem stamp set.

Supply List
Stamps - Come To Bethlehem
Paper - Whisper White, Midnight Muse
Ink - Midnight Muse
Big Shot -  Labels Framelits, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Lacy Brocade EF
Tools and Accessories - Stitched Satin Ribbon, 2-way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Rhinestone Jewels, Sponges, Dimensionals

This was one of the cards that my friends got to create at the Christian Christmas card class that I held in October.  I think I'll showcase the other creations over the next few days for those of you who were unable to join us.  Believe me, when you see the cards, you'll wish you had been able to come!  This card is likely the "simplest" of the four designs.  But perhaps that is what I love so much about it.  The Come To Bethlehem stamp set needs so little adornment to make a card that packs a big punch!

For those of you visiting from Word Art Wednesday, yes, this is one of the stamp sets that I am giving away to one lucky recipient.  And to the rest of you, for your chance to win this stamp set (plus the Crosses of Hope stamp set), pop on over to Word Art Wednesday and enter their card challenge.

To everyone, I wish you a wonderful day - and a peace-filled weekend ahead.
God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

Founder's Circle Card ... Yes I'm Excited!

Okay - to start off with I am going to post a card that I made last night.  It is a little "different" from my usual style.  But I hope you'll like it!

This is my version of a Nautical Card and you'll see where my inspiration came from if you continue reading through this post.

Supply List
Stamps - The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes. Woodgrain
Paper - Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Versamark
Tools and Accessories - Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Early Espresso Tulle, Crumb Cake Tulle, 7/8" Cotton Ribbon, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Sponges, Clear Embossing Powder


I took various strips of Vanilla and Crumb Cake and Soft Suede cardstock and swiped my coloured ink pads across them to get the weathered-looking strips down the left-hand side.  This technique, as my club members know, is called "Direct to paper".  The compass was embossed with clear embossing powder to give it a "glassy" appearance.  And the gorgeous tulle from the holiday catalogue?  Well I tore it into misshapen pieces so it looked like netting.  A bit of rough handling and sponging to the cotton ribbon and I think this card looks like it could have washed up on any old pier.

Now on to my inspiration.....Remember I told you that I was awarded one of Stampin' Up!'s most prestigious awards?  I get to go to Founder's Circle in 2 short weeks.

I was excited before.
Honest-to-goodness excited.

But now?  Now I am fairly bursting with bubbly excitement!

Remember this?   -------->

The gorgeous canvas designer bag that I was given as part of my Founder's Circle achievement award?





Well.....I returned home from my vacation to find a plump express mail envelope waiting for me.  And inside I found this!
<---------
A lovely canvas 'wallet' to match the Founder's Circle bag


 Of course, the wallet had something inside of it....

My flight itinerary for getting to Founder's Circle.  A couple of really cute luggage tags.  And loads of information about Founder's.

Then I started cluing in....the "canvas" bags, the luggage tags with the seashore motif, the information pamphlet with the weathered boards look to it.....I am guessing (?!) that Founder's Circle this year will have an Ocean or Nautical Theme.

Last year's theme was "Tea Party" so there is precedence for a themed retreat.  If I had to wager money on it, I'd say that this year's theme will be Nautical.  So I decided to create something to go with that theme.  I don't own the stamp set "By the Seashore" (that looks like where the seashell, crab and starfish images came from) - but I knew I had enough stamps in my arsenal to give this self-imposed challenge a good try.

So I created this fun card.
Don't you think it resembles the Founder's pamphlet I was sent in the mail?  I apologize that my lighting is somewhat screwy so the colours do not appear as true as they should.  But trust me when I say that in real life, the card is a pretty decent match to the pamphlet.  

Of course, before I get too excited, I still have 120 (identical) swap cards to design and make to exchange with all of the other ladies who will be at Founder's.  My club ladies and customers will get a chance to see the 120 cards I bring home from all of those wonderful creative ladies.  Can you imagine?  I will have a card sample made by the Top 100 US Demonstrators and the top 20 demonstrators in all of Canada!  And my customers will get to see them all!  To be honest - I can't wait to see them myself!  And I still can't believe I am part of this elite group this year.  Excited.  Humbled.  And thoroughly blessed!~

So...I guess I'd better get to work and finish my 120 cards, right?  I'll make sure I post a copy for all of you to see  --  but not until Sept 12 when I am at the awards retreat.  Wouldn't want to post it before the recipients even get a chance to see the original, right?

In the meantime, more cards to make, more cards to post, and coming up I'll be part of a fantastic Blog Hop.  What's that you say?  I'm going to give you a chance to visit 50 blogs over the next 2 months and collect Treasure Hunt clues (easy peasy ones, don't worry).  Collect all 50 and I'll draw one name to receive a gift from me, and the Blog Hop "leader" will draw a name to award one lucky person with a $150 shopping spree!!  Yippee!

So let's make a deal, you and I.  I'll be excited about my upcoming Founder's award retreat.  You be excited about the Blog Hop.  And we can all share some excitement together!    In the meantime, have a great day!
God Bless,     ~Cynthia      <><