A Sentimental Journey

Final scrappin' in the woods ...

The last of the scrapbook pages from my weekend in the woods ...

And here's the birth announcement cover page ...

Are you wondering why I didn't start this series with these pages since they come first in the scrapbook?  Well, to be honest, I didn't really like one of the initial layouts so I posted the others while I tweaked it.  One of the great beauties of Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' Kits is that the self-adhesive die-cuts are initially repositionable (for about an hour; the bond becomes permanent after 24 hours) so I was able to keep moving the pieces around until I was satisfied with the page.  Now I'm truly happy with the end result.

Visit this post to view pages for months 10, 11 and 12, this post for months 7, 8 and 9, and this post for months 4, 5 and 6.

To order the Rock-A-Bye Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit used for this project, or any other Stampin' Up! product, be sure to visit my online store and click on the "Shop Now" button in the upper right corner.  Or if you'd prefer to e-mail me at padrybala@fuse.net, I'll personally assist you with your order.

Banner Club: Spring ...

Earlier this year I announced the Occasions Banner Club.  Pictured here is the banner I've designed for Spring ...

My original plan had been for this to have an Easter theme, but time got away from me and it's now too late for that so I went with a Spring theme.  I know, Spring officially began ten days ago on March 20th so technically I'm still late, but at least you, or the recipient of your banner, still has several months this year to display it.

Here are some close up photo's of the panels ...

I did stay true to my original plan to feature accessories from both the Pretties Kit and the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware.  And while I had my Big Shot for Stampin' Up! out to die-cut the letters, I also used our new Texturz Plates to dry emboss the So Saffron pieces on the first and last panels.  And I just had to use the new Eyelet Border Punch ... love, love, love it!

The fee to attend a class to make this latest banner is $30 payable in advance, though I haven't set any dates yet; I'm looking for your input on that.  So if you're interested in attending, e-mail me at padrybala@fuse.net to set a date that works for both you and me.

I'm also still offering these banners as a kit you can make on your own at home.  All of the supplies you need (except adhesive, which can be purchased separately) and instructions will be available for local pick up or, for those of you who don't live in the Greater-Cincinnati area, can be shipped right to your door.  Cost is $25 each for the Spring banner kit (plus postage, if applicable).

Signing up for the class (or ordering the kit) is easy ... simply e-mail me padrybala@fuse.net by April 13th.  Supplies are limited since I used Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper (a current Sale-A-Bration product) and the Love & Happiness Rub-ons from last year's Sale-A-Bration (retired, sentiment may vary).

And with all this talk about Sale-A-Bration, I should remind you that it ends tomorrow, March 31st.  Don't delay!  Order today!

Two cute! ...

When I learned our friends' new girl twins, born premature, had finally come home from the hospital, I knew I had to borrow the retired stamped set, "By Ones & By Twos," from my upline to make this card to send them ...

Stamps:  By Ones & By Twos (retired)

Paper:  Cardstock - Pretty In Pink, So Saffron, Whisper White; Designer Series Paper - Pretty In Pink Prints (retired)

Ink:  Classic - Basic Black; Versmark

Accessories:  Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon; Punches - Large Oval, Word Window; Stampin' Write Markers - So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie; Soft Subtles Brads; Wire Works Metallic (retired); Stampin' Dimensionals

The inside sentiment is "double the diapers, double the pins, double the onesies...HURRAY FOR TWINS!"  Isn't it just darling?

My thanks to Nancy Riley for the card design; I found it on Splitcoast Stampers.  I don't think it's visible in the photo, but the Whisper White Cardstock on the lower half is scored at every 1/4" to mimic wainscoting.  And metallic wire was used to make the hangers.  This was the most challenging part of the card for me since I'd never worked with wire before.  Not bad for a first attempt!

Best kind of friend ...

Are you the kind of friend who always remembers to say "thank you?"  Let Stampin' Up!'s stylish scallops and Two-Step Stampin' technique help you say it with panache with this card design ...

Stamps:  Best Kind of Friend

Paper:  Cardstock - Bordering Blue, Cameo Coral, Confetti White, Kraft; Textured Cardstock - Sage Shadow

Inks:  Classic - Bordering Blue, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip

Tools & Accessories:  Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; Rich Regals Brads; Stampin' Dimensionals; Punches - Scallop Edge, 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/4" Circle; Staples

Instructions:

1. Scallop bottom edge of Cameo Coral Cardstock using Scallop Edge Punch.  Adhere to back of Kraft Cardstock.
2. Punch half circle from top of Kraft Cardstock using 1-3/4" Circle Punch.  Stamp "Thank you so much" in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink below punched area.  Adhere cardstock unit to Sage Shadow Textured Cardstock.
3. Tie Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon around card front and staple on each end.
4. Stamp solid flower image once in Bordering Blue Classic Ink and twice in Cameo Coral Classic Ink on Confetti White Cardstock.  Stamp outline flower image in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink over Bordering Blue and Cameo Coral flowers and cut out.  Attach Bordering Blue and one Cameo Coral flower to card using Brocade Blue and Always Artichoke brads through flower centers.
5. Punch circle from Bordering Blue Cardstock using 1-1/4" Circle Punch.  Attach other Cameo Coral flower to circle using Brocade Blue brad.
6. Stamp circle sentiment in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink on Confetti White Cardstock and punch out using 1-3/4" Circle Punch.  Adhere Bordering Blue circle with flower attached to Confetti White circle using Stampin' Dimensionals.  Adhere piece to card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

To order the supplies for this project, visit my online store and click on "Shop Now" in the upper right corner.  Or, if you'd prefer my personal assistance, e-mail me at padrybala@fuse.net; I'd be delighted to hear from you.

With a cherry on top ...

I recently got the chance to create a card with the Level 3 hostess set, Goody-Goody Gumdrops.  This was also my first attempt at using the new Texturz Plates with my Big Shot for Stampin' Up! (though I doubt you can see the embossed pin dot design on the Baja Breeze Cardstock layer in the photo).  They're super-easy to use and add further dimension to any project ...

Stamps:  Goody-Goody Gumdrops

Paper:  Cardstock - Kraft, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Confetti White

Ink:  Classic - Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red

Accessories:  Big Shot; Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates; Punches - Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle; Natural Hemp Twine; Paper Snips; Stampin' Dimensionals

This project from page 22 of the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog provided my color inspiration while the layout itself was inspired by "triplef" on Splitcoast.

The Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog has 208 pages and is full of project ideas sure to inspire your creativity.  And now through April 30, 2009, you can get one free by placing an online order for Stampin' Up! merchandise.*  First, check out Stampin' Rewards here (or via the link in this site's right sidebar) so you don't miss out on any of those great benefits, then click on the "SHOP NOW" button in the upper right corner of my online store to shop. 

*Stampin' Up! is offering a free Idea Book & Catalog with the first 22,000 orders or until April 30, 2009, whichever comes first.

More scrappin' in the woods ...

Yet more scrapbook pages from my weekend in the woods ... 

Visit this post to view pages for months 7, 8 and 9 and this post to view pages for months 4, 5 and 6.

To order the Rock-A-Bye Girl Simply Scrappin' Kit used for this project, or any other Stampin' Up! product, be sure to visit my online store and click on the "Shop Now" button in the upper right corner.  Or if you'd prefer to e-mail me at padrybala@fuse.net, I'd be delighted to personally assist you with your order. 

Maximize your dime in '09 ...

With today's tight economy, we're all looking for ways to maximize our money.  And with just a few days left for Sale-A-Bration, this offer couldn't be more timely (keep reading to learn why later in this post).  With that in mind, www.stampedsentiments.com is pleased to announce this latest "kit" offering ... Maximize Your Dime In '09.*

Pictured here are photo's of two of the "kit's" eight card designs ...

For less than $50, you get all the consumable supplies to create 80 cards ... that's less than 60 cents each!  Of course, you'll need stamps and ink to make these cards, but you'll still have those for making even more cards after you've made these first 80!

The stamp set chosen for this "kit" is the very versatile set, "Garden Greetings" (see page 55 of Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog).  This set of 8 not only includes several images, but a few assorted sentiments as well, and is moderately priced at $21.95.  The card designs use the six In Color plus Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pads.  However, and this is the beauty of this "kit," you could substitute any color group by ordering the coordinating card stock to the Stampin' Pads you already own!  Even substitute a different stamp set from your own collection if you wish!

Here is what you need to order for the "kit":

• Kraft 8-1/2" x 11" Cardstock (#102125, $7.50/40 sheets; makes 80 base cards)
• Kraft Medium Envelopes (#107297, $6.50/40; need 2 packs for $13.00)
• Whisper White 8-1/2" x 11" Cardstock (#100730, $7.50/40 sheets)
• Assorted In Color 8-1/2" x 11" Cardstock (#111347, $7.95/36 sheets)
• Chocolate Chip 8-1/2" x 11" Cardstock (#102128, $5.50/24 sheets)
• Silver Brads (#104336, $6.95/200)
• Complete step-by-step instructions for making 8 different card designs (free!)**

    Total $48.40

Bonus:  Purchase during Sale-A-Bration (which ends March 31st), and by simply adding Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95/300) to bring your merchandise total to just over $50, you'll earn a free Sale-A-Bration product.  You have your choice of several stamp sets, a ribbon bundle, or a designer series paper from the Sale-A-Bration brochure (see left side bar for brochure).

Additional items to order (purchase all of these during Sale-A-Bration and earn an additional Sale-A-Bration product):

• Garden Greeting Stamp Set (#113716, $21.95)
• Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad (#111837, $5.95)
• Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' Pad (# 111833, $5.95)
• Kiwi Kiss Classic Stampin' Pad (#111835, $5.95)
• Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pad (#111836, $5.95)
• Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad (#111838, $5.95)
• Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad (#111834, $5.95)
• Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad (#100908, $5.95)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95) 

Ordering is easy.  You can either visit my online store and click "Shop Now" in the upper right corner or e-mail me at padrybala@fuse.net and I'll be happy to personally assist you with your order.

*Concept and card designs courtesy of Jackie Bolhuis.  Instructions written and provided by Patricia Drybala, Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator.

**Must purchase all "kit" items from Patricia Drybala to receive free step-by-step instructions.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! ...

Did you remember to wear your green today?

Stamps:  Pinch Proof

Paper:  Cardstock - Confetti White, Garden Green; Textured - Soft Subtles 12x12; Designer Series Paper - Certainly Celery Patterns

Ink:  Classic - Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Garden Green

Tools & Accessories:  Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, White Circle Aluminum Metal Edge Tags, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sprial Punch, 1" Circle Punch

A deal for you ...

Are you interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, but are concerned about the up-front cost of the Starter Kit?  Well, worry no more! ...

Now through April 30, 2009, Stampin' Up! is offering new recruits a Three Easy Payments option, allowing them to make a partial initial Starter Kit payment and still receive the Starter Kit right away to get their business up and running.  You can start earning enough to cover your initial investment and take care of your remaining payments!

Here's what you get with your kit ...

• Four complete stamp sets
• A Stampin' Around wheel, handle and ink cartridge
• Stampin' Pastels
• Cardstock
• Parisian Damask Decor Elements and applicator tool
• Five Classic Stampin' Pads
• VersaMark Pad
• Stampin' Scrub and Mist
• Blender pens
• Business forms and tools

Sign up during Sale-A-Bration (before March 31, 2009) and you also get a 15% discount on the Starter Kit.  That's two great financial benefits on top of an additional stamp set free from the Spring-Summer Idea Book & Catalog (your choice of stamp set valued up to $47.95).  Click Download SAB_Starter_Kit for a detailed flyer.

Join my "All 4 Stamps" team today and enjoy the advantages of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator ... just like I do.  I love having a flexible schedule, additional income, and being able to attend Stampin' Up!'s fabulous conferences and events.  You'll also enjoy reading Stampin' Success, the monthly magazine available only to demonstrators.

Here's a bit more about how demonstrators earn income ...

• Keep 20% of net sales you earn through workshop and customer sales.
• Earn an extra 10% instant income on your first order of $150 or more when you place it in the first 45 days of being a demonstrator.
• Earn additional income (called volume rebates) on your monthly net sales of $400 or more.  Together, your instant income and volume rebate can reach up to 40% of your personal sales!
• Earn free stamps through our Stampin' Start program and establish a thriving business.
• Keep your personal monthly sales at $300 or more, recruit other demonstrators, and earn commission on your recruits' sales (called downline overrides).  You'll earn even higher commission as you achieve higher titles and as your sales increase.
• Earn cash bonuses, product bonuses, incentive trips, and other awards through our awards and recognition program.

Contact me today at padrybala@fuse.net to become a part of my team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  I'll help you build your business as large or small as you want, all while you get a 20% discount on Stampin' Up! products.  It's the best of the best!

Mother-in-law ...

Yesterday was my dear mother-in-law's birthday.  For our gift to her, I made a dozen of these blank notecards featuring the "Sweet Stems" Stamp Set and the "Raspberry Tart" Designer Series Paper ...

Stamps: Sweet Stems

Paper: Cardstock - Cameo Coral, Pretty In Pink, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White; Designer Series Paper - Raspberry Tart

Ink: Classic - Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss

Tools & Accessories: Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon; Punches - Large Oval, Scallop Edge, Corner Rounder; Stampin' Write Markers - Cameo Coral, Pretty In Pink, Rose Red; Blender Pens; Stampin' Dimensionals

We also included a book of postage stamps.  Isn't that a great gift idea?

While the gift idea was mine, the card designs themselves were not; they're nearly exact copies of ones I first saw on Ann Clemmer's blog, though I've since seen them several other places so I'm not sure who is due the design credit.  Anyway, I thought they were just perfect for my mother-in-law's birthday gift.  Wouldn't you agree?