Anne Claire's Corner

A Few New Thngs...

2010-03-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's been a while, but my family and I have been blessed with a few good things lately. First, we welcomed our daughter, Ashlynn Ava Jane (yes, that is her first name), on December 21, 2009. She's just so precious!

Next, I'll be starting a new career as a Foreign Service Officer. I get to work at U.S. embassies in different countries. I hate to leave Washington, but I look forward to moving to Washington, DC for training. After a few months, we'll be off to another country.

Below are some cards I made during the last few days. I'm surprised I had some spare time!

Yes, I Stamped!

2009-10-11T09:04:00.001-07:00

Hi! I haven't stamped or blogged in a while on account of the sicknesses that come with pregnancy. I was a bit surprised because my first pregnancy was a breeze, but this second one has hit me harder than I ever imagined. All in all, everything's going well. Our little girl is expected to make her appearance on December 27, 2009.

I went to a stamping auction/garage sale the other day and we made two make-n-takes. I already used the two cards we made that night, but below is my recreation of my favorite of the two.

If I have enough energy weekend, I hope to start on my holiday cards.

A Bun in the Oven

2009-06-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since my last post, but I have a good reason - we're expecting our second baby! I'm 12 weeks pregnant this week, and I've been experiencing extreme nausea and headaches. I've been in bed when not at work or running errands (hence the absence from blogging.) Otherwise, all is well. Hopefully, my creative juices will start flowing once again and I'll actually be able to post some projects. Until then, please pray the morning (or all day) sickness goes away soon!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was able to squeeze in a couple cards after a busy weekend. I had to make a few 'thank you's' for a committee I'm involved with at work. Below is for the Color Throwdown challenge.

Below was going to be for the K Werner challenge, but I was too late to submit. Oh well!

We had a nice Mother's Day weekend. We spent it at my mother-in-law's. All she wanted for Mother's Day was some help in her garden. So while my husband hauled dirt, I played with Benjamin in the yard - thank goodness it was sunny!

Super Sketchy Sunday

2009-05-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

It's a lovely Sunday morning here in my neck of the woods. After a quick (and late) breakfast, I felt like working with some good 'ole DSP. Below is my take on today's challenge at 365 Cards.

We headed up to the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley again yesterday to meet with relatives who were visiting from Montana. We went to a different field from last weekend and it was even more breathtaking. Below is a picture of me and my hubby.

Color Throwdown #40

2009-05-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

I had purchased a cute stamp by Rachel Ann Miller from www.7kidscollegefun.com a while back and thought I should finally use it. I love the big flower-umbrella!

Tulip Festival and a Challenge

2009-04-26T20:49:00.001-07:00

The guys and I had a fun-filled weekend. I worked a bit of overtime on Saturday, but we headed to La Conner, WA, in the afternoon to visit my mother-in-law. The Tulip Festival happens every Spring in the La Conner area, and the Skagit Valley fields are filled with vibrant tulips in yellow, red, orange, purple...almost every color. Some are even two-toned. Just gorgeous! I went last year and emailed the pictures to friends and family - several of them thought I went to Holland!

I haven't participated in a challenge in a while and felt a bit guilty about it. I saw that K Werner was holding her 50th Color Inspiration Challenge (http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/) and thought I should participate in such a milestone. Below is my take on this challenge. I was excited because I received my Stampin' Up! Big Shot last week, but haven't had a chance to use it until tonight. Woo-Hoo!
Below is what I ended up with after tinkering around with some scraps. I love ribbon!!!

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

The following retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets are for sale. If you do not reside in the Lynnwood, WA, or surrounding area, I will gladly ship for an additional $4.00. Email me at nauts1@gmail.com if you would like a set or have any questions. Thanks for looking!

All Through the Year: $8.00 (used only once - no staining)

Petite Patterns: $6.00 (no staining)

Something to Celebrate: $10.00 (some staining - will not affect use)

Listen with the Heart: $5.00 (some staining on the heart, used often, staining will not affect use)

Stampin' Up! Regionals

2009-04-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar was held in Seattle April 17-18, and I attended today's session. This was my first SU! event, and I was excited to go. I met Shelli Gardner, co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! as well as fellow demonstrators from Washington, Oregon, Canada and other places far and away. I had fun swapping cards with other demos and learning different techniques. This was an informative and fun seminar and from what I hear, just a sneak-peak of Convention!

Check out the following link to see some of the cool projects I saw:

http://picasaweb.google.com/nauts1/SURegionalsSeattle#

365 cards, April 11 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

I reading over the day's challenge and decided to use the same stamp set I had used for the previous day's challenge (mainly because I already had it right in front of me *wink*). I love this Baroque Motifs stamp set more and more each time I use it. I think it's so elegant.

The Stampin' Up! Seattle Regional Seminar is this Friday and Saturday, and I'm excited. I'll be at the Saturday session. It'll be my first SU! event as a demonstrator and can't wait to play the products and meet other demos. Wish me luck on getting my swaps finished!

365 Cards, April 10 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-12T20:51:00.001-07:00

Better late than never! I worked overtime everyday last week, including Saturday, which is why I was not able to stamp and post sooner. Then, Duncan, Benjamin and I headed to La Conner, WA, to spend Easter with my mother-in-law. Everything was wonderful, except for the miserable rain. But I'm back at home and stamped a bit before beginning another 40-plus-hour work week.

The challenge for this day was to use 5 flowers on the project. I always wanted to put some little embellishments on the ends of this stamp, and this challenge was perfect for it.

365 Cards, April 8 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it's hump day! It's been a long week at work and am looking forward to the Easter weekend (well, after I get off work on Saturday).

The colors for the Wacky Color Wednesday challenge are orange, purple and green. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo, but the orange and green cardstock are embossed - I used the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I texturz plates (page 203 of the current Idea Book and Catalog).

365 Cards, April 7 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today's card is modeled after a quilt. For this challenge, I used Bella Birds DSP by Stampin' Up! I was doing well until I started talking on the phone and became a bit distracted (as you can see by the gap between the middle and right columns.) I tried to minimize the gap by covering it with the sentiment. I think it still looks pretty good!

365 Cards, April 6 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

The challenge for April 6 asked us to use chipboard. Honestly, I never used chipboard and therefore, didn't have any. I was cruising the aisles at my local JoAnn's and found a pack of cute flowers. I have never seen a teal flower, so I created my own. Voila!

This card represents the sunny days we've had these last two days here in Washington. I think it's supposed to get gloomy again by the end of the week. Poop!

365 Cards, April 5 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-05T18:01:00.001-07:00

I was creating a birthday card for a friend and thought I should incorporate today's challenge. I had this Spring Mat Paper Pack for a while now and figured now was a good time to experiment with it. All the paper came from the same pack, but the bottom two layers, as well as the stamp, are from Stampin' Up! I know it's pretty simple, but I think the colors represent what I'm wishing for: warm weather!

365 Cards, April 4 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today's challenge was inspired by the picture below. Appropriate for the new season!

Here's my take on the challenge.

365 Cards, April 3 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

The challenge for this day was to use an oval as the dominating shape. Since Easter's around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to create an Easter card. I used the 'Wagon Full of Fun' stamp set by Stampin' Up!

365 Cards, April 2 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

Today's 365 Cards challenge dealt with space and leaving lots of it. A contrast to what I'm used to since I tend to try to fill up the cardfront. Below is my entry for today. I apologize that the shot is a bit blurry - need to charge my camera battery. Hope your evening is drier than mine (it's raining, it's pouring.)

365 Cards, April 1 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-04-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

The theme for this challenge is water. I had no idea what to do with this challenge, but I remembered a card my upline, Katie, created (http://kbstamps.blogspot.com/2009/03/monday-madness.html). I created the 'waves' in the same fashion she created the grass. I know, it seems a bit cruel to have a duck floating out in the ocean, but this stamp was the only one that would be appropriate for a water theme.

The Occasions Mini Catalog is here!

2009-04-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

Do you know what April 1 means? The Occasions Mini Catalog is available for your pleasure! Check out the new stamp sets as well as other neat goodies. My personal favorites are the Egg Hunt wheel, Wagon Full of Fun stamp set and Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper.

You can purchase any of the items in the Mini from April 1 - June 30. Go to http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Occasions09_US.pdf or click on the Occasions Mini Catalog to the right - don't miss out on these items!

Remember - free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more (before taxes). Contact me for more information.

Saturday Stamping Binge

2009-03-28T23:24:00.001-07:00

After a long day at the office (today was Passport Day), I wanted to spend quality time with Duncan and Benjamin. So where'd we go? Why, Applebee's, of course! It is the neighborhood restaurant (at least that's what commercials claim). These are some shots of Benny-boy, guzzling some deelish apple juice and expressing his artistic side.

As you can see, I've been stamping quite a bit this evening. Today was a long day, and I needed to unwind. Some people drink wine, others sleep, I stamp. But it's nice to know I'm not the only one who likes to paper-craft.

I'm not sure how I feel about the card below. I like the panel look of the pattern paper, and I thought I'd try to create the same effect with the sentiment. I was worried some wouldn't be able to tell what it says if I split it up. But I think it's growing on me.

365 Cards - Day 27 http://365cards.blogspot.com

2009-03-28T22:04:00.001-07:00

The object for this challenge is to incorporate three different types of textures. Flat cards are pleasant, but embellishments make the projects that much more impressive. For this card, I used ribbon, felt flowers and buttons.

365 Cards - Day 26

2009-03-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

As I was thinking about the theme for this day (Color Me Anything But That), I realized that I hardly use the color black as the main color in my projects. It's too dark for any color except white to show up, so I find it difficult to feature black as the primary color on a card. Below is what I created. Of course I had to use other colors to make the black stand out, but I think it's charming.

http://365cards.blogspot.com

365 Cards - Day 18

2009-03-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

The theme for this challenge is "Going Green." Green is not exactly my favorite color so I felt I had to incorporate another color while keeping the theme. I love the cherries!

http://365cards.blogspot.com

From my Secret Sister

2009-03-27T20:22:00.001-07:00

I recently signed up for a Secret Sister swap, in which we anonymously send another stamper a little something each month for 6 months. The crafts must be created with Stampin' Up! products. Well, I received a lovely surprise in the mail today - a card from my Secret Sister. Thanks and I can't wait to find out who you are!

Below is a card I created after I saw the "Wonderful Circles" post on http://igotstamps.com/?p=1074. I just love the Raspberry Tart DSP.

Playing with 'And Many Mower'

2009-03-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Washington, DC last Saturday for the Foreign Service Orals and came back on March 24, 2009. Like a kid wants candy, I wanted to stamp as soon as I came home. In my quest to get away from cards that lean toward females, I used the 'And Many Mower' set from the new Occasions Mini Catalog. On a side note, I passed the Foreign Service Orals and am now in the initial stages toward becoming a Foreign Service Officer for the Dept. of State.

Thank You's

2009-03-19T20:01:00.001-07:00

The United Programs Committee of the Federal Executive Board is hosting a presentation for Women's History Month on March 26, 2009, at the Jackson Federal Building (downtown Seattle). I made the thank you cards below for the two speakers of the presentation.

Ingredients: Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Pink Pirouette cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink, Riding Hood Red ink, Pacific Point ink, Basic Black ink, Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set, Button Latte, silver brads, Soft Summer stamp set

Ingredients: Soft Summer stamp set, Riding Hood Red ink, Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Pretty in Pink ink, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, Top Note Die

Choo Choo!!!

2009-03-18T21:33:00.001-07:00

I finally bought some stamp sets that are geared toward males. The Choo Choo stamp set and Right on Track wheel are from the Occasions Mini Catalog that will officially be released on April 1st. I didn't want to get these items at first, but I knew I needed to try designs other than "girly" designs. Below is my first attempt. I stamped the train cars first and then cut them out because I didn't want the tracks to show through the train cars. Then I adhered the cars using stampin' dimensionals.

Ingredients: Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Baja Breeze ink, Tango Tangerine ink, Pacific Point ink, Basic Black ink, Pacific Point grosgrain ribbon, silver brads, Choo Choo stamp set, Right on Track wheel, And Many Mower stamp set, stampin' dimensionals

365 Cards, Day 17

2009-03-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning on submitting anything for today's challenge but I forgot I ordered some buttons from Stampin' Up! Since I received the buttons today, I thought I may as well go ahead and use them. I also had a few of the Top Note negatives, so I thought I should stop collecting them and just put them to some use. See http://365cards.blogspot.com for other entries.

Ingredients: Baja Breeze cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set, Pacific Pointe ink, Riding Hood Red ink, Congrats stamp set, Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, Button Latte, Top Note die (for the negative or 'frame')

Meet Petey!

2009-03-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

My best friend, the UPS man, visited today and delivered my new favorite stamp set, Cheep Talk! I started playing with the set immediately and below is the fruit of my 5-minute madness. I'm in love!

Ingredients: Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Cheep Talk stamp set, Pacific Point ribbon, Button Latte, Top Note Die, Pacific Point ink, Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper, Glorious Green ink, Close to Cocoa ink

365 Cards, Day 16

2009-03-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

So I've been watching the challenges on 365cards.blogspot.com, and today's challenge sparked my interest. I don't have any sun-related stamping items, but I do have some cheery saffron Designer Series Paper. I think the design on the paper is natural as well as freeing (is that a word?).

For this card, I used the Riding Hood Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Baa Breeze cardstock, Riding Hood Red cardstock and Bella Birds Designer Series Paper.

It's never too early...

2009-03-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the freshness of Spring, the bright colors and the hopefulness of warm weather.

Below is a card I made using scraps of cardstock and Designer Series Paper. The stamp is from a retired Stampin' Up! set I acquired some time ago. I just love it!

The following are 3x3 inch cards using the An Egg-cellent Easter wheel from the upcoming Occasions Mini catalog. Yes, I'm celebrating Easter a bit early!

365 Cards, Day 11

2009-03-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

It's hard for me to create projects outside my comfort zone. I'm not one to think outside the box. So I thought I'd start challenging myself a bit. Thankfully, I found some great ideas on http://365cards.blogspot.com. Below is what I came up with for the Day 11 challenge. I think it was a good one for me to start with since I like clean lines.

I used Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon, Parisian Breeze Specialty paper, Baja Breeze cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Soft Subtles brads, Flower Fusion felt, the corner rounder and the Sweet Little Sentiments stamp set. You may not be able to tell from the picture but I doubled up on the ribbon since you could see the paper through the first layer.

I hope it's worthy.

Baby Fever

2009-03-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

Noo Noo, one of my fabulous friends in Texas, found out today that she and her husband, Robert, will be having a boy! After getting off the phone with her, I was inspired to make the following two cards. If you couldn't tell, I'm in baby mode right now. I know a number of people who are expecting their first child. I wonder if there's a special drink they know about and I don't? Margarita, perhaps?

For this card, I used Green Galore cardstock, Delicate Dots paper (from the Sale-a-Bration catalog), Certainly Celery ribbon (from the Sale-a-Bration catalog), Soft Subtles brads, Fun and Fast Notes stamp set and A New Little Someone stamp set.

For the card below, I used Certainly Celery cardstock, So Saffron ribbon (from the Sale-a-Bration catalog), Delicate Dots paper (from the Sale-a-Bration catalog), Pacific Point cardstock, Raspberry Tart DSP and Fun and Fast Notes stamp set.

PROMOTIONS!

2009-03-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sale-a-Bration is still going on. For every $50.00 you spend, you will receive a free stamp set (or other item) from the Sale-a-Bration catalog. Sale-a-Bration ends March 31, 2009.

ALSO, if you order online through my website (nauts1.stampinup.net), you will receive the current Idea Book and Catalog FREE (a $9.95 value). This promotion ends April 30, 2009.

Click on the Idea Book and Catalog image to the right to get your free merchandise!

It's Baby Season!

2009-03-06T21:42:00.001-08:00

I realized I have a few friends expecting their first child, so I offered my custom card-making services to them. I told them I'd post a sample of announcements. The stamps I used are retired (I think they're from 1999) but I thought they're too cute. Plus, the Designer Series Paper add a freshness to these old stamps.

Playing with Paper

2009-03-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

I have several samples of the Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper from a couple paper shares and thought I should start using them. I wasn't comfortable at first because I didn't want to waste the paper if I made a mistake. I think the Pink Flamingo (first image) is fun and hope to use more of it.

Ready for Easter? Occasions Mini Sneak Peak

2009-03-02T18:02:00.001-08:00

The Easter Bunny has come early and has provided you with a sneak peak of the Occasions Mini Catalog. If you're not familiar, Stampin' Up! issues a quarterly mini catalog with seasonal items. The full mini catalog, which will have Springy items (Easter, Mother and Father's Day, general summer) won't be available until April 1, but if you've got that Easter itch, you can check out the Easter stamp sets by going to www.nauts1.stampinup.net and click on PROMOTIONS.

Start your Easter season off right and get your Easter sets today!

Baroque Inspiration

2009-02-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful weekend with my hubby, Duncan. We relaxed all day Saturday and had a fabulous dinner in downtown Seattle. Since this was our last free weekend before Benjamin returns from his Texas vacation, I took a little time to tinker around with the Baroque Motifs stamp set (last two images), especially after the traffic-filled ride home Saturday night. Stamping is how I relieve stress. Anyway, I think the stamps themselves are elegant enough, so I kept the card fronts simple.

Using Scraps

2009-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning up and noticed I had several scraps that were still usable. In the spirit of going green and recycling, here's how I used the extras. For the last card, I modeled it after another demonstrator's piece using the Party Hearty set.

Just dabbling...

2009-02-13T22:17:00.001-08:00

Just had to stamp after today's happy hour.

From Stamp a Stack

2009-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

Below are some cards I made at a recent Stamp a Stack I attended.

A few new cards...

2009-02-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

Above are some cards I created this weekend. I was suddenly inspired by my friends Michael and Christy, who are expecting their first child. I normally like using the Bold Brights colors, but I thought I'd branch out to the Rich Regals as well.