Just Because – Page 3

You’ve Got This!

June 13, 2015 June 13, 20150

Encouragement

Did you see my post last Thursday? I made this exact card in a completely different color with embossing and I wrote about how it was beautifully ugly…LOL. It was so ugly that I loved it! If you missed it and are curious as to what it looked like click here.

Blog Candy: Remember there is blog candy to be given and you can enter to win it by taking a second look at the last week’s Stamp, Ink, Paper post here.

MAGGIE MADE TIPS:

Darker Shade Frame. My goal was to bring the eyes back to the center of the card to highlight the flower and not necessarily the stamped background. To accomplish that, I used a thin matting of Melon Mambo between Whisper White to give it a framed outline. I think it worked.

June On-Line Orders. Receive a sample (one of each) Expressions Natural Elements when you place an order via my on-line store and use Host Code: 7XAYE9K4

No Contact – What it really means. When you select “No Contact” when you place your on-line order it literally means, “Don’t tell Maggie I placed an order.” I will not be told who you are and can’t send you the free product samples. I would love for you to instead check-mark, “YES, allow my demonstrator to contact me with order updates and other important information.” Please know that I will never send you junk mail. I want to show you how much I truly appreciate your business.

My Money-Back Guarantee. I welcome Hobby stampers who want to simply receive some great quality product at a discount or just want to take advantage of this month’s FREE stamp offer! Click here to read the details.

You’ll Need These Supplies to Make This Card:
Print the Supply List to make ordering easy for your projects.

You’re the Best Pals Paper Arts #254

June 6, 2015 June 7, 20150

Thank You

I thought I had a style for card-making, but today I realize I don’t! HA! I march to the beat of my own drum and I love it. Like everything else, there are trends in what we do, but guess what!? I don’t follow the crowds. Is it a bad thing? I dunno. What I do know is that I do what I love and I love what I do. So much so that there aren’t enough hours in the day to do it in. What do you love to do?

Today card is an inspiration from the weekly Pals Paper Arts Challenge #254. Not only am I a participant, but I’m a team member and it’s one of the best projects I look love to participate in. What about you?

Thank You

I took a simple approach to this card by adding a matt to the Cherry on Top Desires Series Paperstack. What can I say, I’m easy…LoL.

Thank You

MAGGIE MADE TIPS:

Add Candy Dots: Candy dots is the cure-all for plain. Once you’ve completed your masterpiece and you squint your eyes because it just doesn’t “feel” complete…break out with the candy dots! They add that little umpth to any card to make it stand out just enough to make you happy. How do you use candy dots?
Make an Envelope: Not sure how to use a little extra paper? Match the card colors to the envelope flap. It’ll add a little sparkle and believe it or not when it’s received in the mail that little bit of color actually brightens the receiver’s day! Well, I just made that up, but I know for a fact there are studies out there about colors and the influence they have on the human mood.

JUNE ON-LINE ORDERS: Receive a sample (one of each) Expressions Natural Elements when you place an order via my on-line store and use Host Code: 7XAYE9K4

NO CONTACT – What it really means. When you select “No Contact” when you place your on-line order with me it literally means, “Don’t tell Maggie I placed an order.” This is a bummer for me because I can’t show you my gratitude for your order or send you product samples because I have no idea who you are. When placing your order will you (pretty please) check the box that says, “YES, allow my demonstrator to contact me with order updates and other important information.” Please know that I will never send you junk mail. Please send me a note if you have any questions. I truly appreciate your business no matter how big or small it is very much appreciated.

Retired Product Community. Are you looking for a retired stamp set and haven’t had luck finding it? Maybe you can find what you’re looking for in a Facebook group I created just for this purpose.

Thank You

You’ll Need These Supplies to Make This Card:
Print the Supply List to make ordering easy for your projects.

Stampin’ Up! is Happiness Always

June 4, 2015 June 4, 20150

Notice anything new? Keep looking and I’ll tell you what it is down below. Today’s card is my entry into Freshly Made Sketches #189 Card Sketch. I haven’t entered there challenges in a while and I don’t have a good reason! I simply got carried away with my retirement and all the planning up-coming changes. Oh, I love change!

In my excitement to update my stamp sets in unison with the new catalog I left this set on the shelf by accident. It wasn’t until after I sat down to blog that I noticed we don’t even carry it anymore. So, you can buy it right now for $10 with FREE shipping. I only have one set, so it’s first to click is first to buy.

MAGGIE MADE TIPS:

Partial Stamping. Did you know that when stamping an image you don’t have to stamp the entire image on the cardstock to show it’s beauty? It’s okay to have partial stamping or to miss a tiny bit of it off the page even if you have a Type A personality. I didn’t want to show the entire stem and the tiny line of missing pedal was done on purpose. Why? Because I only need the flower. I wanted the Blossom to be the main focus.
Watermark On Your Photos: This is the new thing I added…I changed the watermark on my photos. I can’t stress it enough…when sharing your photos of your cards always watermark them. Get credit for your gorgeous artwork! They’re so easy to make too and here’s a link that will show you how to do them with PicMonkey (free internet software).

GET THE MOST PRODUCT FOR YOUR MONEY NOW! Purchase the kit (plus include your two free stamp sets) and join thru me HERE.

JUNE ON-LINE ORDERS: Receive a sample (one of each) Expressions Natural Elements when you place an order via my on-line store and use Host Code: 7XAYE9K4

You’ll Need These Supplies to Make This Card:
Print the Supply List to make ordering easy for your projects.

You Make Me Smile With PPA 253

May 28, 2015 May 29, 20150

Today’s sketch is brought to you by none other than the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge #253. Whew, this challenge was a definite challenge! But I smiled through it all because without Stampin’ Up! I’d have to see a therapist and I wouldn’t be able to afford my hobby….LoL. Funny, but not funny. HA!

Now, go on and check out what the rest of the designers came up with. This challenge I’m dying to see. Thank you Nicole Watt for keeping my creative side flowing. These last couple challenges have been a challenge in say the least, but I LOVE EVERY ONE OF THEM! If they weren’t challenging well, they wouldn’t be called a challenge right!

MAGGIE MADE TIPS:

The use of a sketch. Whew! Now this sketch was a challenge as previously mentioned. But NEVER be discouraged when you are stumped. Use it to your advantage to think outside the box! Instead of cutting the Back to Black DSP the shape of the challenge shape, I use my Stampin’ Trimmer to create a cut out of the shape instead. Isn’t that cleaver!? 😉
Contrasting texture. I added a tiny bit of contrasting texture to my card by embossing the Real Red card-stock with the Chevron Embossing folder. I didn’t want the pop of color to look plain. Plus, it adds a mild 2-D effect to the designs in the DSP.
Where the sequin fall. What do I mean by that? When I add sequin to my master-pieces (that’s what they are…lol) I let the sequin fall from about 5 inches. It’s easy to do too…hold a few in your hand above the card and let them go as if you’re putting sprinkles on a cake.

Occasions Catalog Ends This Weekend: Don’t let yourself regret why you didn’t get an item you really wanted. Then depending on how bad you want it…you’re gonna pay a little more and I know eBay prices are NOT what you want to pay. I highly recommend that you take one last look at the 2015 Occasions Catalog and order what you really desire. The majority of it is on sale anyway.

Creative Thinking (at noon today). The other night I thought and thought and then it came to me…how to pretty much earn a FREE membership. Join me for a 15 minute webinar to find out how to take Stampin’ Up! out for a test drive for free or just a couple of dollars. This is only for non-demonstrators who do not have a Demonstrator and desire to join my Circle of Pals team. If you meet those two prerequisites, please sign up here.

NO CONTACT – What it means. When you select “No Contact” when you place your on-line order with me it literally means, “Don’t tell Maggie I placed an order.” This is a bummer for me because I can’t show you my gratitude for your order or send you product samples because I have no idea who you are. When placing your order will you (pretty please) check the box that says, “YES, allow my demonstrator to contact me with order updates and other important information.” Please know that I will never send you junk mail. Please send me a note if you have any questions. I truly appreciate your business no matter how big or small it is very much appreciated.

You’ll Need These Supplies to Make This Card:
Print the Supply List to make ordering easy for your projects.

Hello Sunshine

April 10, 2015 April 12, 20150

Hearts

Today’s card was inspired by a sketch challenge that I did not enter. Why? Because lately I’ve been living a couple days ahead of myself…LOL, it sounds funny, but it’s true. I know it’s Friday because I looked at the calendar, but in my mind when I awoke, I thought it was already Monday.

Although I didn’t post to the sketch challenge you can see the sketch above. I loved it! If you are a fellow card-maker you may even suffer from the same condition called cardgiveawayphobia. It’s a condition when you make a card and then find it very difficult to give away. I think this one has the same made-up medical condition (LOL).

MAGGIE MADE TIPS: Not in cash, but great crafting recommendations.

Embellishments! Don’t be afraid of them. The other day I made a card and a treat bag for Mother’s Day and I made flowers with the Bouquet Bigz L Die, which took me out of my comfort zone. Today I bring you hearts with pearls and if you must know…I’m not a pearl type girl either (LOL). I love rhinestones, but I wanted to do something different and I took out the pearls and went to town. After I took the photo, I fell in love with the pearls. The hearts would’ve been fine without the pearls, but I wasn’t going to let them win. I’m the one who is winning.

Click on Kermit the Frog and watch him leap!

ADDITIONAL FREE GIFT: Along with free shipping, when placing your on-line order with me and use Hostess Code: GYXG3DEY you will also receive the free Festive Designer Kraft Paper Rolls. Use them to create your own stamped wrapping paper! But you must use the code to qualify for the free gift.
STOCK UP! Fill your wish list and stock up on basics like paper, stamps and ink! It ALL ships FREE!
EARN FREE STAMPS WHEN YOU SHOP WITH ME! Get the scoop on Butterfly Rewards Program
Orders placed for Hawaii and Alaska will receive free 2nd Day Air shipping.
Paper Pumpkin past kits and kit refills are eligible for free shipping if purchased online. Paper Pumpkin monthly subscriptions are not eligible for free shipping.

Use These Items To Make Your Card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

An Itty Bitty

April 2, 2015 April 10, 20150

Sale-a-bration is over, but the Occasion’s catalog season is going strong through June 2nd. This is the perfect opportunity to share with you one of my Occasion’s favorite Specialty Bash designer series paper. It reminds me of great big rain drops…then again, my imagination is at a completely different level than anyone else in the world ( LOL).

MAGGIE MADE TIPS: Not in cash, but great crafting recommendations.

Colors that pop. Red card stock isn’t the only color that is used to add a pop to a card. Just look at the basic black floating amongst the sea of the rain drops. Tell me it doesn’t pop against that background!? Actually any color that is completely on the opposite of the spectrum can create a suave pop. Go on try it!

TUESDAY WEEKLY SPECIALS: Just a quick reminder that every Tuesday Stampin’ Up! selects certain product and offered it to us at a reduced price. Don’t miss out and take a look at it now.

EARN FREE PRODUCT: Are you taking advantage of my Butterfly Rewards? Find out how to earn additional rewards with every on-line purchase.

This is what I used to make this card:

Painted Blooms One Page Wonder

March 22, 2015 April 10, 20150

Painted Blossoms

It’s been a little over three years since I joined the Pretty Pals via my up-line Mary aka Fearless Leader and CEO at Stampin’ Pretty. I’ve always wanted to be a guest on Mary’s blog, but I just didn’t have the nerve to actually go through with it until now. Here it goes………

Painted Blooms

These six cards were made with just one page of my umpteenth favorite designer series paper…Painted Blooms! With one sheet of paper you can make all SIX cards.

If you are local to me, Fairfield, California, please email me (maggie@maggiemadecards.com)and I will send you the details to sign up for the workshop. It will be held on Fri., April 17th from 6-8 p.m. and you’ll make the cards as shown above.

MAGGIE MADE TIPS: Not in cash, but great crafting recommendations

Flowers make great backgrounds: I’m not a flower person, but this designer series paper is to scream for! It’s perfect for backgrounds and all you need is a sentiment.
Perfect for gift-giving: This entire back is so perfect for making sets of cards for gift-giving.

SALE-A-BRATION: Not much time left and this year has been one of Stampin’ Up!’s biggest one. They’ve added twice the number of FREE product that you can choose from them here, here, and here.

EARN EVEN MORE FREE PRODUCT: Are you taking advantage of my Butterfly Rewards? Find out how to earn additional rewards with every on-line purchase. Place a $50 minimum and earn: 1) FREE Sale-a-bration product; 2) and qualify for a Butterfly Reward. 3). Order via my on-line store here and use Hostess code GAEGQBQ9

NEW TO STAMPING/CRAFTING: Try a 3-month kit of My Paper Pumpkin kit for $54.85 and receive additional FREE Sale-a-bration product. Offer ends on March 31st.

OPEN MEMBERSHIP FOR HOBBY STAMPERS! Take your passion for stamping and Stampin’ Up! products to a new level when you purchase the Sale-A-Bration $99 Starter Kit and join Stampin’ Up through me HERE (plus gain access to the Pals Virtual Community. Choose up to $125 in products (that’s $26 in free products) and the starter kit ships free for another 10% savings.

SALE-A-BRATION BEGINNERS KIT BONUS: During Sale-A-Bration, you’ll also get your choice of two FREE Sale-A-Bration gifts OR one FREE Occasions Project kit. Free options HERE. Ends March 31. Four new Sale-A-Bration gift choices added.

Have a fabulous day and thank you so much for stopping by.

Product Needed to Make This Card:

Peeping Paul……What!?

February 25, 2015 February 25, 20150

Paul Wood You Be Mine

I affectionately call the lumber jack in the Wood You Be Mine stamp set Paul as in Paul Bunyan. He is just so adorable and I love his beard. I didn’t color in his beard because this Paul is a much more mature Paul…LOL.

Wood You Be Mine

MAGGIE MADE TIPS: Not in cash, but great crafting recommendations

Make the focal point stand out. Initially, the lumber jack was placed on the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack (wood pieces), with Stampin’ Dimensionals, but he just didn’t look right. So my Circle of Pals member, Joy C. suggested I punch the paper and make Paul jump off the page. That’s exactly what I did. Thanks for your help Joy!
Paper Surgery. Did you notice the saw cutting off a piece of wood? To give the look of the saw cutting the wood I used an Xacto knife to trim the top half of the wood and slipped the saw underneath it and propped it up with a small piece of Stampin’ Dimensional.
How did I make the ring around Paul? I’m finishing up the video that shows you how and will post soon. Sign up here to receive free blog updates and you won’t miss it.

New Sale-a-Bration Product Announced: Sale-a-bration Bonus products—only available March 1–March 31, 2015. With every $50 you spend (before tax & shipping), you earn a free product! Click HERE to check out the full Sale-A-Bration brochure for the other great products only available until March 31.

Product Purchase Suggestion: Start with these basic crafting supplies. My Paper Pumpkin guarantees three months worth of projects deliver to your door-step. The adhesive, notecards with envelopes, and rhinestones add to your stash with additional supplies to continue using the stamp set that comes in each My Paper Pumpkin kit.

Why Make Monogrammed Notecards

November 3, 2014 November 3, 20140

Monogram Note Card

Today’s post is in collaboration with Createyou86 and much like paper-crafting we have my favorite thing in common… the love for creativity.

First things first, if you believe the hype when people say, “I can’t draw to save my life!” then this post is not for you.

The ability to hand draw objects or people is not creativity!

Do you agree with me? It doesn’t matter below is the definition.

A Creative Idea: What It Means

Creativity is the act of making something new and different to YOU. It is an idea, a poem, or even a handmade card, such as a notecard.

To put something together on a piece of paper and call it a notecard is creativity and it is like beauty… seen in the eye of the beholder.

Creativity Is No Secret: It’s Easier to Find Than You Think

Look at the simple, yet classy notecard (and envelope). I got the idea from a sketch I came across over a year ago on the internet. It’s become my “go to notecard” ever since.

Note Card

I always use an ‘M’ to represent my name and now its become my personal symbol. I send it to past, present and future networking contacts. Sending a few written words about a conversation, meeting, or future endeavor will make you stand out. Don’t believe me? Try it. You’ll be very surprised.

When I first began making note cards, I used a stencil for the ‘M’, but have not graduated to using a die-cut. A rubber stamp works well too. The possibilities are endless.

I made the lines around the card with a simple ruler and black pen to add emphasis to the “M”. You can see another more detailed note card here.

There’s a way for you to learn creativity!

Save time spent on the internet searching for ideas, I’ve put together a FREE e-book that comes with enough layouts for cards or scrapbook layouts. Download your e-book by signing up to receive my blog updates here.

If you already make and send notecards, please leave a comment below and share who you send them to and why?

Note Cards

Product Used to Make Card:

Smile, You’re On Candid Camera

September 18, 2014 September 18, 20140

Just Because

Oh My Gosh! I’m so beside myself! There are times when we all have to say a little good about ourselves. I think I’ve finally found my style!!! Wait, did I just say that!? Yayyyyy….I’m so happy with this card and I didn’t even have to over think it! That’s why I love sketch challenges! Boo-ya!

Just Because

I am in LOVE with this designer series paper too! Oh My Gosh, I keep using exclamation points all over this post! It’s just a sign of how happy I am with the result of this card. I’m going to share a little secret—-I often keep the cards I make because I’m afraid they aren’t going to be appreciated!

The problem with giving a greeting card is that Hallmark (my competitor) makes it easy to spend anywhere from $4.99 to $8.99 on a greeting card. I still can’t figure out why someone would pay that!!! (yes that sentence deserves three exclamation points!)

The solution is to sign up for one of my card classes (every first and third Friday of every month) and I will teach you in under an hour!

Don’t have an hour, yet want to show someone who you care more about them then buying them an EXPENSIVE store-bought card… get a kit I tell ya! See them here.

Kits are a win-win solution. You pay only $1.50 per card and the kit comes with EVERYTHING you need to put it together and the recipient will love it! Why? Because YOU made it with your own hands! What other way to show someone how much you care about them!!!

My wonderful card is brought to you by Freshly Made Sketches 154. Isn’t it such a lovely design? I LOVE it (but you knew that already). HAHA

Just Because

Products Used:

Flashback Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Real Red 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$6.95

Crushed Curry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$6.95

Smoky Slate 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$6.95

Very Vanilla 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$8.50

Traveler Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$19.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$5.95

Believe in Butterflies

September 17, 2014 September 17, 20140

Friendship

Who doesn’t love butterflies? I dare you to tell me you don’t…LOL. If you’ve ever met me you know I am a talker! So much that I am often referred to as a Social Butterfly. I must admit it because I am. This reason is why I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Elegant & Bitty Butterflies together. One in Crist Cantaloupe and the other in Vellum daubed with Metallic Gold. I added the rhinestone because I well, I just couldn’t help myself. =)

Friendship

The sentiment is also stamped with the Metallic Gold on Whisper White and punch with the Word Window punch. whenever I use the Word Window punch you will see the Modern Label punch right along with it. The pair go hand in hand like sugar is to bubblegum.

Once again, the card sketch challenge is brought ot you by Creative Challenge Club #13. If you haven’t joined them then I highly recommend you do. They are one of my top three challenge blogs.

Products Used: