Baby Blossoms by Carooskaartjes and Stampin Up

Hi dear Stampers.

Quess what came into our mail this morning? This super cute and unique card made by my dear friend Carolien in the Netherlands. Isn't she the sweetest thing. I have to admit.. I just can't get enough of this card and the thought that I could probable CASE it. Didn't she do an amazing job? The details are so well put together. Please click on the following link. This will bring you to her blog which is full of many beautiful projects! Carooskaartjes. She actually writes up her blog in english and dutch.. So you can even pick up on some cute dutch words. :)

The stamp set she has used is 'Baby Blossoms' from Stampin Up. Do you remember that one. It is now retired. Same with the ribbon. I love that color Real Red. It gave this card that little added spark. Love it. And I love how she rolled that sheet of plastic (or something like that) through her Big Shot with an embossing folder. How clever.

Ofcourse I couldn't resist adding my own precious Baby to this post. I took this photo of Naomi last Sunday when we went to hang out at the Bow river. 4 hours of sun and water helped her to go to sleep so easily.. Oh how I love the summer!

Well, it rained the whole morning here in Calgary, Alberta and now it is dry .. I hope it is going to stay this way, because we wanted to go to the Zoo. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Forever Young + the lace ribbon border punch by Stampin Up and me

Good Thursday to you dear Stampers.

I think it's now 2 weeks ago that I received my Lace ribbon border punch from Stampin Up. I can't tell you how excited I was to use it. Well.. I have to tell you.. It was not easy to use.. I wrecked so much card stock with this one punch. The paper got stuck in it, many times it didn't punch through it at all.. and I needed both my 2 hands to use it... If possible I could use another hand :) This was a tough one! For one 'perfect-looking' strip that I had punched out, I had to throw out at least 3 or 4 silly looking ones. This morning I was done with the thing.. and I called Stampin Up. I explained my frustration with the tool. Right away the sweet lady on the phone said.. 'You know, I am so sorry to hear that, that sometimes happens, we will send you a new one!' Now how generous is that!' She didn't make me feel bad at all, she just trusted me. I know it would have been great if the first one would have been perfect.. But that's life right! But I so appreciate that with no hassle they will replace this one for me. What a great company I work for.

So on to my card. I used the Challenge over at Our Creative Corner. And what a corner it is. What a beauties out there. Loved roaming around there! They challenged us to take a peek at the photo's of Copenhagen. And find our inspiration in there. In one of the photo's there is one huge tree. Just like the one in my card :) I actually inked up my stunning tree of the 'Forever Young' Stampin Up set for the first time. Wow.. what an easy task to create a beautiful card with this image. I love trees and I love that little girl having a blast on the swing. It reminds me of myself when I was young.. I loved being on the swing. I would sing songs on the swing until our neighbors would go a bit crazy I think from all the nonsense that was coming out of my mouth. I would pretend that I was flying all over the world.. what couldn't I do while I was swinging on the swing! But you know what?.. I just tried it the other day again, but I got so seasick.. what happened to me? What happened to the 'Forever Young' idea? After going back and forward a couple of times I really had to stop + I didn't really seem to fit so well anymore in those seats.. Oh well.. I will just keep my good memories and enjoy watching my kids enjoying the swing for now.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Welcome Baby Bundle card by Stampin Up and me

Happy Monday everyone. I am back with another Clean and Simple Stamping Challenge 149 card. I loved this sketch Challenge. What a beautiful layout. Together with the inspiration that I took from the photo of Rachel, I knew what I wanted to create.

I`m not sure if the DSP was from Stampin Up, but it sure was what I needed for this challenge. And yes I used again the Baby Bundle Stampin Up stamp set. I can`t get enough of it.

The `Welcome Baby`sentiment I took from the `Something to Celebrate`stamp set from Stampin Up. I believe it is retired now.

Do you see how I used the Lace Ribbon border punch from Stampin Up. I tucked it a little behind the Baja Breeze card stock.. And I almost didn`t recognize it. Love it.

Well.. The sun is out.. and I am out too :) Enjoy the rest of your day.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Hello Blossoms by Stampin Up and me

Don`t you just love the `title` of this new stamp set I used from Stampin Up.. `Hello Blossom`. Seriously.. I think I am going to wake up tomorrow morning (yip, what`s new you say.. don`t we all wake up in the morning :) Anyway.. This woman is going to wake up, she is not going to be grumpy (because it is always way to early when this house wakes up) and she is going to greet her youngest girl with a smile and say: `Hello blossoms of mine.

I understand if you want to flip to another blog right this second.. I know.. I get it.. But you have to know our kids.. They do blossom and grow and they are just beautiful and sweet (and sometimes better of behind the wallpaper :) (kind of a dutch expression) Don`t take that one to seriously..

I have to admit something here. My hubby is at the moment camping with our 2 oldest kids. It is only 2 nights.. 2 days.. and .. I actually feel space in my head to think.. It is not as loud in the house as it is usual, it`s just less busy here! I have more time to play with my craft stuff + a big plus!! I didn`t make dinner for the last 2 meals.. Naomi (the youngest) and me are just perfectly happy with cereal, eggs, some raw vegetables, some milk and apples.. water melon.. the list goes on.. Easy peacy! But of course.. now the kids are gone.. I am missing them. What`s wrong with me.. For a mom.. well this mom.. I know I am enjoying this `break`away from the kids, but why does it have to go along with that `missing`feeling.. Anyhoo.. Tomorrow they will be back.. and all will be normal and I will be kicking myself about all the things I could have done.. Yes, I will tell myself.. I told you so!! Cease the day! Right. I guess that from this (camping)distance I can only think of how perfect my other 2 kids are. Okay enough of this...

And off to my card. And `Hello Blossom` it is. I created this card for the Pals Paper Arts inspiration Challenge 102. They encouraged us to create a summer theme card. Well I think that this card has summer al over it! + I was lucky this weekend, because the talented ladies over at The Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge site also had a summery Good Day sunshine theme this week. I had to come up with something sunny! Well lots of blues and yellow in this card.. And no happpy flowers without the sunshine. I love how it turned out! Please check out what those ladies had for cards. Lots of talent and inspiration out there!

For this card I used a lot of the Stampin Up color Pacific Point and So saffron and Crumb Cake. It makes my card `jump`don`t you think.. (in the jumping out kind of way) You know what.. I can`t think anymore.. I exhausted myself today with all the things I could do and then did.. I need to go to sleep! Sorry.. No more details on this card.

Sleep well or good morning to you!. Depends on what part of the world you are, right!

Hope to connect to you soon.

Pss: Does anyone else have problems with leaving comments.. Blogger is just not allowing me to comment on anything. So sad.. I have red your blogs.. just can`t tell you I enjoyed it! Loved it! I hope this gets sorted out in the Blog world department!

Inky hugs, Pauline

Baby Bundle thank you cards by Stampin Up and me

Happy Friday dear Stampers!

Today I went to such a sweet baby shower for my dear friend Angela. This Wednesday it will be her due date. I am so excited for her. It is one thing to carry your baby around in your tummy for 9 months, but a whole new world opens up when you can actually hold your baby in your arms. When I delivered my first 2 babies I had Becky and my mom helping me. Becky was `my`midwife`in Winnipeg. She was truly amazing. I loved giving birth at home with her, my hubby and my mom at my side. I tell you, these 3 people worked hard. I couldn`t have done it without them.

The process of pregnancy, giving birth and becoming a parent is in my humble opinion one of the most ultimate acts of worship you can give to God. As a mother you suddenly have to surrender your body to the forces that happen to you through pregnancy. + both of the parents will begin a journey of a life of sacrifices, joys, hopes and tears knowing that they can`t do it without God and their family and friends, their community. I love our community and I love how God wants to be involved in me being a mom. Anyhoo..... (smile)

Last night I suddenly got the energy (I know it was like 9 pm in the evening) to create some cards for Angela that she could use in the future. It was so sweet to see the look on her face when she received the cards. Honestly that made my day. She was so happy with them. I love when that happens. Afterwards she came to me and said that she didn`t want to use those cards, but wanted to frame them.. Oh what a sweetheart she is.. and seriously.. I could hug my card making hobby.

I have to tell you, Angela makes beautiful cards herself and I can`t wait to create again with her. & Once the baby will be out, there is no stopping us. (smile) No rush Angela :) I have patience. Our time will come. First enjoy those many many hours with your little one, day and night :)

I got my inspiration from Heather Summers baby card. It was just the right blog post to get me started. I used 8 different punches for these cards. I`m so happy I have them. They make these cards look so sharp and neat. That cute little baby outfit that you see is from the Baby Bundle Stampin Up stamp set. This set has 16 different images and sentiments. The baby sky is the limit! (120576 - $24.95) I decided (again) that the So Saffron from Stampin Up (that yellow card stock) is absolutely one color I shouldn`t put to far from my desk. It works with so many color combo`s. What a beauty. + that little tag that you see is from my Punch Bunch Stampin Up set. Isn`t it adorable. I am so happy with that set. It was just the perfect touch
to finish up this project.

Well this beauty (yes :) has to do some dishes and clean up some house. Have a wonderful weekend!

Inky hugs, Pauline

Occasions Alphabet and Fox and Friends by Stampin Up and me

Good Wednesday Morning dear Stampers. I hope you are having a beautiful day.

Here In Calgary, Alberta, Canada there has been so much rain in the last week. When I looked outside our window this morning there was a serious river on our street from all the rain that was pouring down. I am sure the trees and the grass are loving it. & Calgary hasn`t looked this green and fresh in July I am sure.

Oh and then last night.. The house was all nice an quiet and clean (yip.. This rain makes me want to clean my home on the inside) when all of a sudden I heard Reuben screaming on the top of his lungs. He had fallen a sleep, which was a good thing. But then this nasty yellow/black Wasp started stinging him on his back, his leg and his hand.. I felt so deeply sad for him. I know that pain is just horrible. I ran to him as fast as I could but had no idea what I could do for him besides killing that almost stoned wasp. I just held my son and cuddled him, trying not to touch the area`s of where he was stung. So sad! After he got used to the pain I guess, some water and some Calgary Rodeo Stampeding on tv, he was able to relax a bit. He`s better now.. Still a bit stiff in his leg and hand. Poor kid.

I am so pumped up about my card today. I used the beautiful sketch from the Mojo Monday Challenge ;199` and the fun fun color Challenge from the Paper Players `55`. I am so thrilled that I had time to create my card.

I used for the first time my new Occasions Alphabet Stampin Up stamp set. (123598 - $38.95) This set has 26 beautiful stamps. I just love each one of them and I am sure I will use this set a lot.

For the card stock colors I used `Real Red`, Basic grey, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake from Stampin Up. Isn`t that ribbon just the perfect touch for this card. It is the Baja Breeze 1/2 `` Seam Binding Ribbon (122331 - $9.50) It is so easy to create nice looking bows with this ribbon.

Well, there is a lot more to say about my card, but sadly I don`t have the time to write it all down. If you have any questions, pleae contact me. I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Lace Ribbon border punch card by STampin Up and me

Good Tuesday morning dear Stampers.

I thought I would post a photo of my dear family. I am sure you know that I am crazy about each one of them. But to be honest... it is almost impossible to take a nice photo of the whole family. Once the camera comes out, mouths are starting to do silly things, eyes will not look to the camera, heads will be turned, the sun will be to bright, to hot, a mosquito will find it`s way to our little moment, big stains will suddenly show up.. and the list will go on and on. So I gave up on `THAT`perfect picture and just had it with taking photo`s of our family! So this is the best we could do for this stage in our family life. Enjoy it!

This card I created yesterday when I was on the phone. I know.. punch cards are not difficult at all to create. I love all the layers in this one. + I just had to use the Lace Ribbon border punch (122362 - $25.95) again! It is one of my all time favorites. As a base of the card I used the Crumb Cake Stampin UP card stock. (120953 - $8.50 for 24 sheets of beautiful sturdy cardstock). Matched with the Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum colors from Stampin Up it now graces our side board with it`s beauty... until I make another one :)

Well, time to get back to the real work again.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Happy greetings by Stampin Up and me

Good Monday Morning dear Stampers.

This morning we went with the kids to a huge Calgary Stampede Breakfast. This was so much fun. You would have loved it.

Started in 1912, The Calgary Stampede is one huge popular 10-day event held each summer in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Stampede hosts seriously some world class rodeo, first nations exhibitions and festival events. It attracts over one million visitors per year. Also each morning there are all over the city many stores and organisations and churches that offer free breakfasts to anyone who comes.. You should see all those Calgarians walking around in their cowboy hats and boots... including me :)

I should have brought my camera, but I didn`t think there could be so many great moments to take pictures. Our kids had some delicious pancakes with yummy syrup, some scrambled eggs, hamburgers and orange juice.. Now I don`t whip something like that up on a regular morning.. So this was sure a treat.. The kids went on a pony ride, went to a pet farm, had the best snacks and Reuben was able to meet some real Canadian soldiers and even dress up as one.. They had some live music and some Native people dancing. Loved it, loved it.

Now off to my card. I combined my 2 new Stampin Up In-colors, Pool Party and Lucky Limeade. Together with the So Saffron they made one yummy card. I didn`t have to spend much time on it. So that worked out well for this busy day. I used 3 of my Stampin Up punches and created some layers on the left. I used the Clean and simple Stamping Challenge number 148 of this week. I changed it up a bit.. and was so pleased with the end result. I love that new `Happy Greetings`set made by Stampin Up. It is so versatile and it was perfect for the job I had for it today.

Well, I guess it`s time to clean up some house :) Enjoy the rest of your day or evening.Inky hugs, Pauline

Lace Ribbon border punch by Stampin Up and me

Hi dear blogger friends.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I can't believe how fast these last 2 weeks went. My parents were here and we so loved their presence. Our kids just adored them. And it was so sad to see them go again. Dropping them off at the airport in Calgary, so they could fly back to the Netherlands and driving back in the car by myself wasn't an easy thing to do. I already miss them big time. I tell you, immigrating to Canada wasn't an easy choice and I am still not used to all the consequences that it brings. Missing my dear family is one of them.

Anyway.. I looked at the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge #101 of this week. They encouraged us to use 'Not quite Navy', 'Marina Mist' and 'Bashful Blue' from Stampin Up in our cards. Instead of the Bashful Blue I used 'Pool Party' which is the new 2011/2013 In-color from Stampin Up. (#122924) I love LOVE this new color. For $8.75 + tax and shipping you can order 24 beautiful smooth card stock sheets of 8 -1/2 x 11 inches.

For the first time I used my Lace Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin Up (#122362 - $25.95). What a beauty! Don't you love how this card turned out? And it was so simple. I also added some bling with my pearls in 4 of the flowers and on some of the cupcakes. I love how it added that little extra.

Well. it is almost dinner time. Time to get dinner started. I wish I was one of those moms that had their meals all planned out for the week.. But surprise, surprise.. I need to dive in my fridge and see what I can match together. The creativity just goes on and on :)

Inky hugs, Pauline

Wow: receive $205 in SU products for only $119.

From today through July 31st, you can join the Stampin' Up! family for only $119!

Would YOU be interested in:

• A 20 percent product discount! (30% off on your FIRST qualifying order)


• A free monthly issue of Stampin' Success, Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine!


• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!


• Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!


• Exclusive access to me and my fabulous SU! team for great ideas and lots of creative inspiration.


• Two free months of your own personal SU! website (if you sign up within your first 21 days as a demonstrator)


• Free access to a community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!

Whether you are looking to start a business or simply get a discount on your stamping supplies, this is a great time to try what Stampin' Up has to offer you! . These benefits will be available to you through Dec. 31, 2011, with no obligation to sell or purchase anything further. If you just want to take advantage of this great offer, it's ok. You would keep everything from the starter kit

PLUS Get a Christmas Keepsake project kit (example below) absolutely FREE--a $50 value! This exclusive kit contains everything you need to create a beautiful Christmas Keepsake Box to hold your most treasured Christmas memories. It will be available with your first demonstrator order in August and must be redeemed by Sept. 30.

The Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit--a $50 value--contains the following products (quantities are 1 unless otherwise noted). It's included with any $119 Stampin' Up! Starter Kit purchase (only available July 1 - July 30). Keepsake Box Project Kit will be included in the first demonstrator order placed between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2011.

Pines & Poinsettias Set (wood-mount)
Keepsake box
Scallop borders (cut from Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die)
First Edition Designer Series Paper (3)

Holly Berry Designer Series Paper (6)
First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper strip (2)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper piece*
Real Red Top Note (cut from Top Note Bigz Die)
Real Red Decorative Label (cut from Matchbook Bigz XL Die)
Wild Wasabi Card Stock strips (3)
Naturals Ivory Card Stock piece
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric*
Real Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim
Linen Thread
Champagne Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
Vanilla Pearl 1/2" Simply Adorned Bauble
Pearl Basic Jewels (1 pkg.)
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons*
Large Wild Wasabi
Small Real Red
Mini Vintage Tags
Additional Supplies Needed
Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
Real Red Stampin' Write Marker
Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker
Adhesives
3/16" Corner Punch
Scallop Circle Punch
Paper Cutter
Paper Snips
Needle
Glue gun
*From the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog

$119 Starter Kit Contents contains over $205 in products and business supplies--including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! You CAN substitute a similar item of equal or lesser value.

• Page 57. #123225. Item: Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*

• Page 69. #122740, Item: Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*



• Page 177. #102277, Item: Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad.



• Page 177. #105216, Item: Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad.



• Page 177. #103133, Item: Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad.



• Page 177. #119706, Item: Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock.



• Page 180. #101179. Item: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad.



• Page 182. #107311. Item: Whisper White Note Cards (20)



• Page 185. #124339. Item: Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*



• Page 195. #124142. Item: Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*.



• Page 203. #122129. Item: Blender Pen (1)



• Page 205. #118486. Item: Clear-Mount Block C.



• Page 206. #104332. Item: SNAIL Adhesive.
  

Are you *New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! Business Supplies. The business supplies in these promotional mini kits will be the same business supplies that are in existing starter kits; no alternative selections can be made for business items.

• Getting Started DVD.

• Getting Started Guide.



• Guest Invitation Postcards (100)



• 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (8)



• 2011 Summer Mini Catalog (8)



• Stampin' Up! logo vinyl



• Décor Elements applicator



• To My Hostess Envelopes (10)



• My Digital Studio Marketing DVD



• Recruit Folders (5)



• Recruit Brochures (20)



• Customer Order Forms (50)

Have a question about the $119 Stampin Up kit, email me for a prompt response. I would love to hear from you.