Stamp With Mary

Graduation is coming!

Well, in spite of thinking I was done with the graduation announcements and party invitations last weekend, I found the pieces to make one last invitation and remembered to photograph it before I sealed the envelope.

All stamps and CS are SU! - used basic black and glorious green.  The ribbon is generic and the star brads are from Mike's.

I thought this turned out pretty cute...and the real challenge was to find a design that was masculine enough for my "he-man" boy child....hard to believe my YOUNGEST is graduating.  In fact, right now he is beginning his last of three days of school, one of which is for a graduation ceremony practice.

My next challenge with him will be to design and produce a thank you card that he can send.  I gave it some thought yesterday, but didn't come up with anything I could get excited about...sometimes its like that.  Those creative juices just weren't exactly FLOWING.  Something will pop into my head, and I'll be off an running.  I just have to be patient.

So, yesterday's class was "lightly attended."  I suppose the whole graduation thing coupled with May being THE single busiest month of the year (yes, even busier than December, with ball, and rainouts and make ups, and end of school, and gardening, and weddings and showers, and so on, and so on, and so on).

No worries, though.  I'm going to tell you now that I will not be hosting a traditional class in June either.  Our calendar is completely full until the last weekend, and I hate to wait until the last minute for orders on the retiring sets.  You'll want to watch my SU website (www.stampwithmaryd.stampinup.net) in June for a special. 

I'll post the project we made yesterday in a couple days...mine is still not quite finished as I'm just not convinced the embellishments were enough...stay tuned! 

Happy May

Well, the door is here for the fridge.  Its been nearly three weeks with the door precariously perched, held up only by the seal.  The repairman will be back to install the new door on Wednesday! Funny how little things excite you but when you can't open the door wide enough to get anything bigger than a gallon of milk out you begin to miss the "simple" luxuries of life (that I've become so dependent on).

Next Sunday is class...yep, May 20th.  I know, I know, I was supposed to go camping.  But, with so much going on (Jake's graduation, Mother's Day TOMORROW, Six Flags last week, Memorial Day weekend approaching like a freight train) we decided to stay home, and if I'm home, why not stamp?  Especially since last month was such a debacle!

Obviously, we won't be making a Mother's Day Card (held over from last month) but I think I will use the same techniques.  I'm going to try to throw in a Father's Day Card, but those masculine cards are always a bit challenging for me.  Graduation is also a consideration!  We'll just have to see what those creative juices bring!

SU! has released the retired list...it is long and lovely.  There are a few sets I will HAVE to have.  Some are no surprise, others are shocking!  But, that wonderful long list means there will be tons of new sets in the July "Collection" and I can hardly wait.

SU! has a special promotion to celebrate National Scrapbooking Month and to give you a sneak peak at a some of the fabulous pattern paper they will offer in the Fall/Winter Collection (the new name for our July 1 release of what we used to know as the Idea Book and Catalog).

Ok, ok, enough words.  Time for some "eye-candy"...

This adorable notebook is 3x3 and is super easy and fast.  I used my Rubi-Coil binding system to bind the CS and everyday printer paper. 

I have made these cute little paint can gifts for baby showers that include a notebook which I purchase and cover to decorate - I think I have found an alternative! Can't you see a themed set using Buggies and Booties for an antiqued look?

This is a technique I had slotted for last month...it creates a really unique and interesting look that reminds me of a Hawaiian shirt.  If you wanted to make this for a special something, I think it would be great, but mass production here is out of my realm...the mulberry paper gets wet, has to be dried, and then you iron the paper to remove the EP...too many steps for more than one.

This one is my favorite...glittery, spring!  I used Watercolor Garden SS from SU! and a reverse mask to create the oval.  Stamp the "scene" inside the oval, and when complete cover the entire opening with a light sponging of color, then Versa-Mark Ink and Irridecent Ice EP.  Heat set, and viola!

I think this would also be amazing with some Stamp Tapestry stamps...if you haven't seen them, they are tiny little flowers and greenery, and make really cool looking "wreaths" on cards.

Ok, well, I guess that is all for now!  Happy Stamping!