Convention Swaps Mania!

I've been working like a mad women the last few days trying to finish all my swaps for the Stampin' Up! convention this week. (I leave tomorrow at 5:30 AM.) In addition to the 250+ swaps I'm planning to trade at the convention, I also signed up for two additional swaps: a 3D swap and a "Wow" card swap. I stayed up the last few nights well past midnight working on them. But I finally finished them this morning. Yippee! So thought I'd share them with you here.


Matchbook Cards
For my convention swaps I started with these matchbook style cards. If I wasn't so crunched for time I would have taken the time to make a photo tutorial. But I think they are pretty straight forward to figure out from the photo. For reference, here are the measurements/supplies:

Cardstock: 3 1/2" x 7 1/4" (scored at 3" and 6 1/2") and dry embossed on the front flap with Seeing Spots Brass template.
Designer Series Paper: 2 3/4" x 3 1/4", mounted behind the scallop punched opening with Stampin Dimensionals.
Whisper white Card stock: (mounted on the inside) 3 1/4" x 3 1/4"
Ribbon: 5"
Stamp set: Think Happy Thoughts
Accessories used: Scallop punch, 1 1/4" circle punch 3/4" punch, brad, staple

As you can tell I used various cardstock, DS paper, ribbon, and brads (depending what I had on hand.) But starting from the top left and moving clockwise the CS used is: Pink Pirouette(new), Taken with Teal, Baja Breeze(new), Pacific Point(new), Riding Hood Red(new), and Old Olive. Those noted as "new" are new In-Colors that will available in the new SU! catalog that comes out next month.


Brayered Rubberbands Cards
After I depleted my supplies for the Matchbook cards I started on these cards. I created the background by twisting rubberbands around a brayer, inking it on a stamp pad and then rolling it onto a piece of Whisper White CS.

Celebrate Card
Cardstock: Pacific Point(new), Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss(new), Tangerine Tango(new)
Ink: Pacific Point(new), Kiwi Kiss(new), Tangerine Tango(new)
Ribbon: Pumpkin Pie striped grosgrain
Stamp set: Celebrate Everything
Accessories used: Scallop punch, 1 3/8" punch, star punch, gold brad

Happy Card
Cardstock: Baja Breeze(new), Whisper White, Pink Pirouette(new), Riding Hood Red(new)
Ink: Riding Hood Red(new), Pacific Point(new), Baja Breeze(new), Pink Pirouette(new)
Ribbon: Silver (retired)
Stamp set: Happy Everything
Accessories used: 1 3/8" punch, Large star punch, star punch, silver brad


3D Swap
Here's a pic of the the rings I made for the 3D swap. They are made using clear buttons, various DS papers, ink, embossing powder, and pearls from the Pretties Kit, and rhinestone brads. All supplies are from SU! except for the ring bases, which I ordered from Etsy.com

Wow Card Swap
And finally, here is my "Wow" card swap. The requirements for this swap was your card has more than one technique on it & some type of embellishment, or a special cut or fold. For my techniques I used embossing and paper tole.

Cardstock: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron
Ink: Chocolate Chip craft ink, Always Artichoke & Chocolate Chip Classic ink
Stamps: Sweet Serendipity, Riot of Petals
Embellishments: Gold brads and Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals

Well, I'm off to pack now. Looking forward to sharing photos and all the news when I returned.

Crafter's Badges

Did you noticed these badges on my apron in my last video tutorial? Aren't they fun? I found them up at a rubber stamp show a couple of weeks ago and just had to have them. They remind me of the Girl Scout badges I would work so hard to earn when I was young. (You may need to click on the photo to enlarge it - so that you can read them.)

If you feel you've "earned" a set too, you can order them at hannahgrey.com.

Ribbon Brooches

I found a great idea for odd bits of ribbon, buttons and beads that have been accumulating in my craft stash, Ribbon Brooches. So here's a photo of the few I've made so far. I think they will add a fun touch to my hats, scarves, lapel, handbags, etc. I'm even thinking of attaching one to a ponytail holder and wearing it in my hair.


If you want to make some of your own there is a great tutorial on these at TVWeekly.com. Check it out.

Making File Folder Portfolios

Hi Everyone! Sorry about the hiatus, but I finally found some time to put together another video tutorial. And heeeeerrre it is......


Supply List

• (2) 9-1/2" x 12" pieces of book board or chipboard
• (2) pieces each 9-1/2" x 12", 5-1/2" x 12", 1-1/2" x 12"of scrapbook paper
• (6) standard size manila file folders
• Various Embellishments or stamps for decoration
• Liquid Adhesive like Mod Podge or Yes Paste
• Double stick mounting tape

I found my book board at www.paper-source.com Look under book binding supplies on their website.

Other ideas for portfolios:

• Travel Planner to hold packing list, itinerary, maps, hotel reservations, tickets, etc.
• Party Planner for guest list, shopping list, recipes, etc.
• Wedding Planner to hold guest lists, contacts, thank-you list, etc.

If you have other suggestions/ideas please share them with us in the comment section.

Thanks for looking!