Feeling neglected, anyone?

Hi Stampin’ Friends!

Hope all is well with you and your families! As I mentioned in my September 2008 e-Newsletter, I can’t believe how quickly we’re rounding 3rd base coming into the home plate aka the end of September.

I can’t even begin to tell you all that has been going on here in this dugout! (What’s with the baseball analogy? Tee hee hee! I don’t know! Just flows.) I started the “season” after the last Stampin’ Techniques class with serious school shopping for my DD (dear daughter). She is 6 going on 16. She started 2nd grade earlier this month in a small private Christian school near our home. She is one of 12 in her class — coming from the public school perspective that is a super small class, usually only reserved for those with special needs, but don’t all of our children deserve the same attention? Anyhow, she seems to be settling in and has adjusted to the new teacher, a super sweet lady, Mrs. Dolphin.

I, on the other hand, have had my own settling in to do. In addition to my Planet Kreative and Stampin’ Up! adventures, I am the department chairperson for the English as a Second Language (ESL) department at an adult school in South West Los Angeles County. I’ve been there for a few years now, going on my third year in this role, but every year is so different. This year, I’ve had the disctinct honor of facilitating some of the school-wide professional development workshops for my colleagues (although it sounds impressive, there are about 70 teachers total working at our school, split 1/3 and 2/3 between day and night classes). Needless to say, I’ve been very busy at work and working longer hours during registration. Hopefully, you’ve not completely abandoned me!? 🙂

On to stampin’ fun! At the last Stampin’ Techniques class, held on August 16, 2008, we focused on unique card folds: double pocket card, trifold, & flap fold. These were so much fun. Here are a few samples for inspiration.

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes (remember it’s the one I won at Convention! Item #111618, $23.95)
Ink: Classic Stamin’ Pad in Basic Brown, Riding Hood Red, and Pink Pirouette
Paper: Pink Pirouette & Whisper White cardstock, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper
Accessories: BigShot, Birds & Blooms Sizzlets Die 4-Pack (comes in the BigShot Special Edition Starter Kit, Item #113481 – $195.95 w/o bag; Item #113482 $259.95 w/ Doctor’s Bag), Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Aqua Painter or Blender Pen, SNAIL adhesive, Pretties Kit

To the left, here is a close up of the pocket inserts.

To the right, on this card I just used other sheets from the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper.

This is unique tri-fold card sized to fit a small open-ended envelope (finished card dimensions 3-3/8″ x 6-3/4″).

Stamps: Say It with Scallops (A gift from UPS at Convention)
Ink: Classic Stampin’ Pad Kiwi Kiss
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss & Whisper White cardstock, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper.
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, BigShot, Birds & Blooms Sizzlets Die 4-Pack, Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade, SNAIL Adhesive, Pretties Kit

This sample uses the same supplies. The only addition is the Illuminated Stampin’ Around Wheel used as a border on the bottom. I didn’t use any BigShot die cuts on this one.

This Flap Fold Card. It opens at the top, you lift it open from the Scallop Circle. There is a magnet to keep it closed.

Stamps: Fall Flair (Hostess – Level 2), Flores Llamatives (also available in English – Wow Flowers).
Ink: Classic Stampin’ Pad in Perfect Plum, More Mustard, Old Olive, Rose Red
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, More Mustard, Old Olive Cardstock
Accessories: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (dyed with Perfect Plum ink pad), 1-1/4″ Circle, 1-3/8″ Circle, and Scallop Circle Punches, thin business card magnets cut up into small squares.

So, there you have it! Hope to see you at our next class: Celebrate World Card Making Day with a Card Buffet! (Hey, did you notice that it rhymes?!) October 4, 2008, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Check out my website’s calendar for more details. I will post sneak peeks as soon as I get a couple done. See you next time!

Estella