Kween Bee Kreations

Pals Paper Arts (PPA2)

Pals Paper Arts went live last week with our first challenge.  It was a color challenge and if you haven't checked out the entries... I hope you'll go take a peek.  You'll also see our talented Paper Artist Picks (the winners of each challenge).

What exactly is Pals Paper Arts?  A new blog dedicated to using Stampin' Up! products designed to encourage reader participation. 

Every Thursday morning (5 am CST) we'll offer up a new challenge and ask you to play along with us!

You'll be able to upload your very own creation via Mr. Linky.  A team of judges will view all cards submitted and choose 3 lucky winners.  These winners will be deemed a Paper Artist Pick - and if you are one of them, you'll be invited to wear our fun Paper Artist Pick badge on your own blog! 

The rules are simple:
1)  Create using the sketch listed above

2)  Upload your card to Pals Paper Arts by Tuesday, August 11 (Noon CST)

3)  If you upload to an online gallery, enter PPA2 in the keyword section

4)  Most importantly ... play, play, play!

On my card for today, I wanted to make an older set look new again.  Fresh Cuts is a set of 5 stamps including one larger background image stamp (see my main image). 

The way I made this set new again is by using two of the new In Colors - Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry.  I am a lover of all things modern as you may recall.  This set isn't a set I'd normally consider my style.  However, I love that you can change the overall look of an image simply with ink and paper.

Did you know?  You can see my creations listed by stamp set.  Along the left sidebar, simply click the set you're interested in.  You'll then see all cards I've created using that same set. 

P.S. - I've posted some photos in my Convention photo album.  Go take a peek!

Stampin' Supplies 

Stamps:  Fresh Cuts (111634)  Paper:  Crushed Curry Textured (115538), Bermuda Bay (115317), Whisper White (100730)  Ink:  Crushed Curry (115659) Accessories: Crushed Curry 5/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115614), Bermuda Bay 5/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115610), Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (109110)  Tools:  Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Spiral Punch (108341)

No Peeking (that means you, Mary!)

This card was created for my Aunt Mary. 

Her birthday is today and hopefully this card is already in her hands.  She is the woman who introduced me to the world of Stampin' Up! - which has become my passion.

Mary is incredibly talented, successful and oh so creative.  Check out her blog at Stampin' Pretty (you've probably been there before). 

I thought the image and sentiment from the "Puns From the Past", was a perfect fit on her special day.  Not only is she my Aunt and my mentor in the stamping world, she is also a very good friend.

Last Tuesday, her card was chosen on Splitcoast stampers for the color challenge. (CC194)  So, I thought it would be appropriate to honor her bee-day using those colors.

I inked the image in Really Rust and placed it on Stampin' Dimensionals above a scallop circle, that I cut in half.  Aren't these colors (Really Rust, Going Gray, & Very Vanilla) beautiful together? 

I would have never come up with that combo on my own - and that's why I love Splitcoaststampers.  So much inspiration is just a click away - every day!

With that I say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY!! 

ENDING SOON!! - Save 20-50% HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE - quantities are limited, and some items are quickly selling out.  Sale ends Monday or while supplies last.

Check out this post for more details.

ORDER BEFORE YOU MISS OUT! - The following bundles are SOLD OUT and no longer available for purchase: 

• All in the Family Bundle (item 116217)

{{{ ORDER STAMPIN' UP HERE }}} - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Kard Kandy

Happy Friday!  Today I am posting some Kard Kandy (card candy) I created earlier this week.  I used the “Fresh Cuts” stamp set and current In Colors to make some cute additions for any card.

This is my first time making card candy and it was so much fun that I can’t wait to make more.  What a great gift for someone!  Right?  Maybe you know someone that doesn’t have a lot of time to spend stamping or just isn't a "stamper".  Wouldn’t this be a great option for them? 

Make them some pre-stamped card candy.  They can quickly pick a piece and add it to some pretty cardstock to make a completed card with very little effort.  Give some to your kids teachers, co-workers, make as party favors... The options for this Kreation are endless! 

ENDING SOON:  Take advantage of the sneak peek Fresh Cut promo in two different ways.  See below and view the flyer for details. 

Deadline to order is June 30^th at 11:50 pm (MT).  Place your order today!

• Buy the Fresh Cut stamp set and get the Fresh-Cut  Notes for just $5 (limit one Fresh-Cut Notes at $5).
• Buy just the stamp set for: $21.95.
• Buy just the Fresh-Cut Notes for $8.95.

 Be a hostess (or place a qualifying order):

• Place a $400 order (or more) and earn the Fresh Cut stamp set and Fresh-Cut Notes free. 
• There is not an additional incentive for workshops of $800 or more. This incentive is for reaching the $400.
  

All of my Kreations using the “Fresh Cuts” stamp set can be viewed here OR visit the SCS Fresh Cuts Gallery for more fresh ideas.

You may also want to stock up on the current In Color collection before they are gone  – with the new Fall Winter Idea Book & Catalog, comes the new In Colors (visit my sneak peek page to see the new collection).

FYI:  You may not hear back from me until Sunday.  Tomorrow is my 5th wedding anniversary.  But check back tomorrow – just in case I get inspired to create something tonight!

5 years ago - June 21st Steve & I took our vows on a beautiful sunny day in an outside gazebo. 

Tomorrow we celebrate our time together as Husband & Wife, Mommy & Daddy, and as lifelong friends. 

Merci ...

NEW! - The Retired Stamp List for the Spring-Summer Collection 2008 has been released. Check it out in yesterday's post.

Today's Kreation is titled "Merci (dot dot dot)" inspired by the black & white polka dotted covered ribbon.  

Sometimes, I find it hard to title my Kreations and today was one of those days.  But then suddenly, the title popped into my head...  When I am typing email's, without realizing it, I use the ellipse ... many, many times. 

I love the dot, dot, dot and I love that silly things like the ellipse can inspire me.

Speaking of inspiration, this card was completed for the SCS Inspiration Challenge (IC132).  The piece I chose from the online pages of Acacia's product line is Birds and Branches - a panel screen.  It was difficult to pick just one inspiration piece from Acacia, as everything is SO beautiful.  See the photo below showcasing "Birds and Branches" (click to view detail). 

This is not the first time I wished I owned a bird stamp of some kind.  But, the Bee from the Sale-a-Bration set "Merci" substituted for the lack of birds nicely (love Bee's of course) and the spray from the "Fresh Cuts" set replaced the tree branches. 

I used River Rock and Ruby Red classic ink against a Whisper White background, then mounted each panel to Basic Black card stock, and finished off the card with a sentiment holder from the Hodgepodge Hardware collection (this one in particular from the soon to expire Occasions Mini Catalog).  Two pretty red rhinestones sit atop the hardware in place of silver brads.

Look around ... inspiration is found where you least expect it.

Contact Me to place your Stampin' Up! order today and begin creating your dot, dot, dot... 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

June 30 - KBK Promotions Expire - 10% OFF (view promo page for details)

June 30 - Occasions Mini Catalog Expires

•     Be sure to check out the KBK promotions for exclusive savings
  

June 30 - eScape with Stampin' Up! Promo Expires

June 30 - Making the Fresh Cut Promo Expires

Freshened Up

Only 4 more days remain to receive Free Standard Shipping*
(Click here for details)

*You'll save a minimum of $6.95 per order

I was looking through my stacks of completed Kreations (cards) last night.  I came across this one that I did recently, titled "Gentlemen" (click card title to view) and decided it was just a bit too plain.

Using yesterday’s color challenge (CC169)  Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, and Real Red I re-vamped the original card.  The Gentlemen card already had two of out three of the colors in the challenge, so I decided to de-construct it, freshen it up, and build a better card. 

I started by trimming the main stamped section (from the original card) of “Fresh Cuts” flowers.  I then mounted that strip to a piece of Blue Bayou cardstock.  The Soft Sky card stock took a spin through the Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder (one of my favorites).  I joined these two pieces together using Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon.  Crossing over the top is Blue Bayou double stitched ribbon (which FYI will no longer be available after August 10).   

All was mounted to a Real Red card base and the same oval punched sentiment is mounted where the ribbons intersect.  A simple end result, yet this change made a huge difference in how I felt about my Kreation.

Here’s another card I created last night for the same color challenge (see photo right).  "Don't Worry...Bee Happy" was also Kreated for last weeks SCS featured stamper challenge.  I CASE’d (copy and share for everyone) Maren’s card, titled "Forever". 

My card used a combination of Papertrey Ink stamps, (this collection is called Honey Bees), and Stampin’ Up! paper, ink, and ribbon.

COMING SOON:  Yes, really ... coming soon - Paper Lover's Dream Blog Candy!  Will be posted Thursday or Friday. 

Be sure to Buzz back for your chance to win!

Holy Guacamole!

5 more days left to receive Free Standard Shipping*
(Click here for details)

*You'll save a minimum of $6.95 per order

Today’s Kreation titled “Holy Guacamole!”is for the SCS - Try a New Technique challenge (TLC171).  The challenge title is “The Whole Enchillada” and I realized when I started creating, that mine was leaning more towards Holy Guacamole!

This was indeed a challenge for me as I’ve never created the whole she-bang in one sitting before.  After 2 ½ hours of persistent work, I was able to come up with this set – and I am very happy with the outcome.

I started by cutting out the box template (Three Inch Box Template.pdf) in Old Olive.  My inspiration for colors came from the Spring Break designer paper collection (lovingly received from Auntie M, thank you).  I then chose my coordinating color to be Not Quite Navy based on the colors in the Spring Break Designer Paper (DP).  I pulled out my Fresh Cuts note cards and gently trimmed them down to 2 ¾” squares so I could mount them to the front of the 3x3 Old Olive cards. 

The hardware used is from the Hodgepodge Collection in Pewter, and I also used two Build-a-Brad 's (also in Pewter).  NOTE:  Hodgepodge Hardware in Aged Copper, Antique Brass, and Pewter finishes will retire with the Spring-Summer Collection.  TIP:  Get yours before it's too late, or buy a set for a gift!  Take advantage of my free standard shipping offer before June 7^th (a savings of $6.95).

For each card, I wanted to create a distinct design, yet tie them together as a collection.  I achieved this by unifying the designer paper peeking through the Fresh Cuts notes, and in using the same hardware on the cards and box.  The envelope was made using the template provided on SCS, which you can also download here (3x3 Envelope Template).

COMING SOON:  Paper Lover’s Dream – Blog Candy!

Three For You

I have three great promotions to share with you:

1.  Kween Bee Kreations – Free Shipping Offer (details here)
2.  Making the Fresh Cut – see flyer under Kurrent Promotions
3.  eScape with Stampin' Up! – see flyer under Kurrent Promotions

Today’s Kreation titled “Three for You” was made for the limited supply challenge (LSC170) and the inspiration challenge (IC130).  

You can see details for each card by visiting, my Kreations gallery (right hand side of my blog)

The dress I chose as my inspiration is

Victoria

’s from the Tim Burton stop animated film “Corpse Bride". 

Victoria

’s dress is a mix of gray’s and hints of pale purple (see photo below, click to enlarge).  So, I chose to make my trio of cards in Basic Gray, Going Gray and Pale Plum. 

I used the “Fresh Cuts” stamp set inked in Versamark ink only, then set in clear embossing powder using my Stampin’ Up! heat tool.  This gave the collection of cards a very uniformed look while keeping each card unique and elegant.
 
Versamark is one ink that I call a "must have" for every stamper, the possibilities for using this ink  are endless.

Coming this week:  Blog Candy, a Paper Lover’s Dream

Ladies & Gentlemen

Be sure to take note of the expiring promotions, listed in yesterday’s post.  Click HERE for details.

I will have a Kween Bee Kreations Exclusive shipping promotion beginning June 1^st – So, BEE sure to check back for the announcement.  I will also post blog candy during the week of June 2^nd. 

Some fun stuff in store!  

Today’s Kreation, titled “Ladies and Gentlemen”, are two basic cards stamped with the “Fresh Cuts” stamp set.  Using the current In Colors – Groovy Guava & Purely Pomegranate I designed a simple card for the ladies (and girls). 

I then wanted to make an option for the gentlemen (and boys).  Even though the stamp is a flower, it’s made a bit more masculine by using Blue Bayou and Soft Sky.  Very basic design, but beautifully striking at the same time.  Proving once again, how very versatile the “Fresh Cuts” collection can bee. 

I have a buzzzzy weekend ahead of me, starting tomorrow with leading my team "Paint the Town Pink", at Race for the Cure (feel free to check out my team blog) and then a family reunion out of town.  But, I hope to update my blog daily with new content … so I hope you check back over the weekend.  If nothing else, please Buzz by for the Kween Bee Kreations promo announcement on Sunday, June 1^st.

Coming Soon:  My Kreation for the Limited Supply Challenge LSC170.  

Happy Stamping!

Tick, Tock...

Time is running out ... Ending Saturday, May 31

Kween Bee Kreations Exclusive
Pre-purchase the "Fresh Cuts" stamp set for $21.95 (set of 5 stamps) and get a FREE set of "Fresh Cut Notes".  Payment must reach me by 7:00 pm (central time) May 31st, to qualify for this offer.  I can take payment over the phone to ensure you qualify for this deal.  Contact Me to place your order before the Stampin' Up! promotion "officially" goes into effect. 

I used the Fresh Cuts note cards and stamp set for today’s Kreation.  I simply trimmed around the front of a note card to isolate the laser cut flower, then mounted it to a

square

of

Chocolate Chip

cardstock. 

I have to say, I was hesitant in purchasing this stamp set because quite frankly, it's just not “my style”.  BUT I’ve found that it is very versatile – you can make it look vintage or modern.  I now have a long list of ideas in my head for using this set.  Check out more samples in the SCS Fresh Cuts Gallery.

Take advantage of the Fresh Cuts offer today!

What else is on sale?
(See flyers under Kurrent Promotions for more details)

Save over 60%

Expand Your Toolbox – become an Independent Demonstrator for Stampin’ Up! and save over 60% off the starter kit AND receive a bonus Hodgepodge Hardware kit for free.  Check out my Demonstrator Benefits page to see all the fabulous perks of being a demonstrator.

Save 25% 
Get On Board – purchase $35.00 in Stampin’ Up! product and get 25% off the On Board collection.

Men Like Cards, Too!

Please visit this post to see how you can SAVE UP TO 60% on Stampin' Up! products.  Contact Me to place your order today... these great promotions expire May 31st!!

 

NEW!  Announced today is the eScape bundle urging people to unplug, unwind and reconnect with friends & family through handmade cards.  Receive 25% on pre-selected products when you purchase the eScape bundle.  See the flyer to the left, under Kurrent Promotions for more details. 

     
What’s Included in the eScape Promotion?

1)  Love Notes Assortment (page 167)
2)  Circle of Friends stamp set (page 143 and pictured below)
3)  Rose Red Classic stampin’ ink pad (page 165)
4)  Very Vanilla 5/8” grosgrain ribbon (page 191)

For only $30.00, you will receive all 4 products listed above.  This bundle will provide you everything needed to create special “hello’s” for your friends & family.  The offer begins June 1 and lasts until June 30.  

For inspiration using this stamp set, visit the Circle of Friends SCS Gallery. 

I created this card for the SCS challenge – Ways to Use It (WT167).  Using the “Fresh Cuts” stamp set, I was able to transform feminine floral images into a more masculine feel.  Bravo

Burgundy

, Handsome Hunter, and Night of Navy assisted in the outcome you see here as well.  I used Kraft cardstock as my base, which I feel gives it a manly “rough and tough” edge.

Men like receiving cards too!  Today's Kreation is just one example of what you could send that special man in your life.  More macho manly cards can be found in the WT167 Gallery.