Making Memories with Michelle

It's time to get down and dirty...

7/31/2017

...with embossing paste! This summer, we've been having some fun with my Fixer Upper Classes. First, we played with color and explored the seasons using the Color Theory Designer Series Paper and Colorful Seasons Bundle. Next, we did some wood working (minus the splinters) with the Wood Textures Suite. Now...it's time to get our hands dirty and spackle...with embossing paste!

This class promises to be the best of the series as we explore different uses and techniques to add 3-D texture to cards and projects. We'll uses Pattern Party Decorative Masks, make our own stencils, add some color and sparkle, and try a bit of free hand work. This is so much fun. I keep my jar of embossing paste on my crafting table all the time - there's just so many ways to use it! I can't wait to use it in all of my holiday decorating, too!

This final Fixer Upper Class is being held on Wednesday, August 30 at 6:30. The cost is $35, and must be prepaid by August 15th. In addition to the cards made in class, you'll also go home with:

Space is limited so register today!

Upcoming Events:

Kit Night - This Saturday August 5th, 6:30 PM - RSVP by 8/3 .
2nd Sunday Coffee & Cards Featuring Coffee Cafe Suite - Sunday August 13th, 2 pm. RSVP by 8/11 (Available in person or "to go" by mail.)
Fixer Upper Series #3: Textured Embossing Paste - Wednesday, August 30th 6:30 pm. RSVP by 8/15.
Back to School Bingo - Saturday September 9th. RSV P by 8/ 26

Email me to RSVP or for more details!

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Carols of Christmas - And a Give Away

7/28/2017

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I love blue and silver for Christmas. It's cool, crisp tones make me wish for white Christmas and pretty packages all wrapped in foil paper. Last night, after my Christmas in July class, I was in the mood to play and design in my studio. I went to grab theBe Merry Christmas paper with it's festive reds and greens, when theFoil Frenzy Specialty Designer Series Paper caught my eye. Hmmmm...Soft Sky metallics and Christmas? Perfect!

This one called for a little more bling! I added the The 5/8" burlap ribbon, topped with Silver Mini Sequin Trim. But it still wasn't enough. I walked around my studio for a bit, wondering what I could add and there they were, hiding in a drawer...the little silver Metallic Doilies. Both sentiments are outlined in clear Wink of Stella, but trying to photography Wink of Stella shimmer & foil on a cloudy morning proved too much for this "I take pictures before coffee" girl!

For this one, I used the Stitched Shapes Framelits and Layer Circles to mimic the circles on the Foil Frenzy paper. It sort of reminds me of a big chocolate chip cookie! Maybe we'd have peace on earth if everyone just had more milk and cookies!!

The Carols of Christmas Stamp Set is part of the AMAZING Christmas in July offer by Stampin' Up! When you join my Stampin' Bee Team by purchasing Stampin' Up's awesome starter kit, not only do you get $125 in your choice of product for only $99 (+ free shipping), you also receive the Carols of Christmas Stamp set absolutely free - along with $50 in additional free products! This offer is too good to pass up - and it only lasts until Monday, 7/31. Contact me today to learn more, orclick here to join now!

Today's Tutorial (and give away!)

So...which one of these cards is your favorite? Leave a comment for me below and I'll pick a random winner this Monday 7/31 to receive both cards in the mail!

Both cards use the same measurements.

Base: Whisper White Thick Cardstock,
8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored at 4 1/4"
Layer 1: Soft Sky, 5 1/4" x 4"
Layer 2: Foil Frenzy 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"

Upcoming Events:

Upcoming Events:

Kit Night - Saturday August 5th, 6:30 PM - RSVP by 8/3 .
2nd Sunday Coffee & Cards Featuring Coffee Cafe Suite - Sunday August 13th, 2 pm. RSVP by 8/11 (Available in person or "to go" by mail.)
Fixer Upper Series #3: Textured Embossing Paste - Wednesday, August 30th 6:30 pm. RSVP by 8/15.
Back to School Bingo - Saturday September 9th. RSV P by 8/ 26

Email me to RSVP or for more details!

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Learning to Love Old Olive

7/27/2017

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Of all the greens, I can honestly say that Old Olive is the one I've most struggled to use. I love greens the fall along the blue-side like Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Tranquil Tide, and Emerald Envy. And I like shockingly bright greens like Lemon Lime Twist. But, unless I was looking for a green in autumn or Christmas, Old Olive seemed to be relegated to my shelf. That is, until this summer.

I've used more Old Olive this summer than every before. That's because it pairs so beautifully with the Petal Garden Designer Series Paper and Memories and More Cards. Maybe it's the shading or maybe it's the way it sets of the Rich Razzleberry purples, but it gives a dusty, faded summer feel with this garden of roses. I especially like how it shows the depth of the leaves when used with the Layered Leaves Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

Is there a color that you struggle with? Share a photo or a comment below.

Today's Tutorial

Base: Whisper White Thick, 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
Layer 1: Old Olive, 5 ¼” x 4”, embossed with Layered Leaves Dynamic Embossing Folder (spritz lightly with water before embossing, to set thicker embossed image)
Layer 2: Rich Razzleberry, 3” x 4”
Layer 3: Petal Garden Card, Triple Roses, 3" x 4"
Embellishments: Whisper White 1/8” Sheer Ribbon & bow

Adhere Layer 1 to base.
Adhere layers 2 & 3 together but slightly off center of each other. Wrap Whisper White ribbon ends around “seam” and attach with glue dots. Attach to card with 6 dimensionals.
Add bow with glue dot.

Upcoming Events

Christmas in July Card Class (In person or by Mail) - Thursday, July 28th, 6:30 pm RSVP by 7/26 (Today!)
Kit Night - Saturday August 5th, 6:30 PM
2nd Sunday Coffee & Cards Featuring Coffee Cafe Suite - Sunday August 13th, 2 pm
Fixer Upper Series #3: Textured Embossing Paste - Wednesday, August 30th 6:30 pm
Back to School Bingo - Saturday September 9th

Email me to RSVP or for more details!

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With Faith

7/26/2017

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I have a friend on my Stamping Bee team who is very active in fundraising for breast cancer. Every April, The Reel Housewives of Topsail Island host a 26-mile bike ride fundraiser to help local breast cancer patients and survivors. She'd been wanting a ribbon stamp set for awhile and I was so happy when the Ribbon of Courage set came out this year. It was one of her very first purchases out of the new catalog and she's already started making card sets for donation to their silent auction.

Last night, was my first chance to use this set. I used the Clouds Mask with the Textured Embossing Paste for some background texture. If you haven't tried the Embossing Paste yet, it dries fast! Which is great for your paper, but make sure you get your tools cleaned up quickly. A baby wipe (or 2) at your work station will help immediate clean up, but you'll want some warm soapy water nearby, too. But it's so easy to ,work with, and a lot of fun, too.

Speaking of Embossing Paste, it's being featured in my third and final Fixer Upper Class, which has been moved back to it's original date of Wednesday, August 30th from 6:30-9 pm at my studio. I'll teach you several different techniques for using embossing paste. The class fee is $35 prepaid (by August 15th) and includes the following supplies for you to use and take home.

Kindly register and prepay for this class, as I'll need to order the supplies in advance for you. Just email me to register!

Upcoming Events

Christmas in July Card Class (In person or by Mail) - Thursday, July 28th, 6:30 pm RSVP by 7/26 (Today!)
Kit Night - Saturday August 5th, 6:30 PM
2nd Sunday Coffee & Cards Featuring Coffee Cafe Suite - Sunday August 13th, 2 pm
Fixer Upper Series #3: Textured Embossing Paste - Wednesday, August 30th 6:30 pm
Back to School Bingo - Saturday September 9th

Email me to RSVP or for more details!

Email me to Register for an event (be sure to indicate which one!)

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"Friend" is a Lovely Word & We have a Winner

7/25/2017

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The only way to have a friend is to be one. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is a "focus on the paper" card. There's no stamping here, just paper. I paired the Whole Lot of Lovely Designer Series Paper, with theLovely Words Thinlet Dies. Making sure there is enough contrast between the background paper and the thinlet is key, as you really want your thinlet to pop out and be your focal point. If there isn't enough contrast, it becomes illegible.

Save 10% on the Lovely Inside & Out Bundle.

There are three dies in this set, and the pair up perfectly with the Layering Circles, Layering Ovals, Stitched Shapes, and Sweet & Sassy Framelits. They may be purchased separately, or in abundle with Lovely Inside & Out Stamp Set.

I can see this set getting a lot of use for those "all occasion" cards this year.

And we have a winner! Renee Keese was randomly selected (using Random Name Picker) to receive the two Floral Statements cards that were posted last Friday. Congratulations, Renee! I'll get these in the mail to you this week.

Today's Tutorial

Base: Whisper White Thick Card Stock, 11" x 4 1/4", scored at 5 1/2"
Layer 1: Basic Black, 5 1/4" x 4"
Layer 2: 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 3: Basic Black

Cut "friend" out of Layer 3, using Lovely Words thinlet and corresponding Scalloped Oval framelit.
Adhere Layers 1 & 2 together and wrap with Whisper White 3/8" Classic Weave Ribbon. Adhere to base.
Adhere "friend" to card and attach a bow with a glue dot.

Upcoming Events:

Christmas in July Card Class (In person or by Mail) - Thursday, July 28th, 6:30 pm RSVP by 7/26
Kit Night - Saturday August 5th, 6:30 PM
2nd Sunday Coffee & Cards Featuring Coffee Cafe Suite - Sunday August 13th, 2 pm
Fixer Upper Series #3: Textured Embossing Paste - Wednesday, August 30th 6:30 pm
Back to School Bingo - Saturday September 9th