Sneak Peak Stamp Workshop Projects

Here's a peak at what we'll create at this week's Stampin' Up workshops to be held on Wednesday, August 28 at 5:30 pm and Sunday, August 22 at 2 pm. Please email me to RSVP. No experience is necessary, feel free to bring a friend, just let me know so I can cut enough kits. Workshops are $10 or FREE if you place a Stampin' Up order with me at the workshop. I do also have the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog available for sale, as well as the current Summer Mini Catalog which expires August 31, 2010. Don't FORGET, if you host a workshop this month before August 31, you get an EXTRA $25 in hostess benefit dollars on top of the regular benefits, if your workshop totals $350 or more. It's a SUPER deal!

Elizabeth Thank You Card
Supplies used: Concord Crush card stock and ink, Elizabeth single stamp image, "thank you" sentiment from Because I Care Level 1 Hostess Set, Concord Crush In Color DSP paper stack Level 1 Hostess, scalloped edge border punch, Whisper White 5/8" organza ribbon, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.

Tropical Thank You Card
Supplies used: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Tropical Party stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, Island Oasis Designer Series Paper, Old Olive card stock, Soft Suede card stock, Whisper White card stock, Old Olive Stampin' Write Maker, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker, sponge, Bashful Blue ink pad, Old Olive ink pad, Soft Suede ink pad, Hemp Twine.

Inspired by Nature Wine Bottle Tag
Supplies used: Whisper White card stock, Certainly Celery ink pad, Stampin' Write markers in Garden Green, More Mustard and Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip ink pad, Chocolate Chip card stock, More Mustard card stock, Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Photo Corners Punch.

Mexican Fiesta Rice

I had this idea for a side dish, I was serving Mojo marinated pork tenderloin. It turned out great so I'm sharing it here!

• 3 cups cooked rice (I started with 1 cup of Riceland white rice, 2 cups water, a tsp of butter or olive oil, and a tsp of Minor's Chicken Base, bring to rolling boil, cook for 15 minutes with tight fitting lid)
  
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
  
• 1 small can sweet corn, drained (may substitute frozen corn, LOVE Trader Joe's Roasted Corn)
  
• 1 cup diced fresh red pepper
  
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced
  
• 1 can Ro-tel Tomatoes with Lime and Cilantro
  

Place all ingredients except rice, in a large bowl. Cook the rice, and dump it over the other ingredients when still warm and stir. Taste test for seasoning. Mine did not need any additional salt, but add to your liking. I did sprinkle a little red wine vinegar over the top to brighten up the flavors. This may be served warm or cold. It was also great the next day! This is one of those recipes that you can use pretty much anything in your pantry. ENJOY!

Extra, Extra Stampin’ Up Hostess Promotion

Dates: July 27-August 31, 2010
Details: Host a Stampin' Up workshop with me, and receive an additional $25 in hostess free merchandise dollars when the workshop totals $350 or more!

Click HERE for a downloadable flyer.

Shop with me 24/7 on my Stampin' Up web site, lisaklingbeil.stampinup.net.

New Catalog Open House - July 17

Please join me for a Stampin' Up Open House, Saturday July 17 at my home, 1-4 pm. This is a preview of one of the projects you'll make, a beautiful bookmark, PLUS we'll have Door Prizes, refreshments, and retired products for sale at reduced prices! Sign up for my Stamp Club and receive a 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog FREE, plus a free $6.95 item with your first club order. The number of meetings and the minimum order per meeting will be determined by the number of club members who sign up.

Project details (all Stampin' Up):

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  Ink: Soft Suede
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  Paper: Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede
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  Stamp Set: Elements of Style (clear mount)
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  Ribbon: 5/8" Pretty in Pink Satin
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  Tools: 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Crop-a-Dile, Bone Folder, Pastels (optional)

Shop with me ONLINE, 24/7 at http://www.lisaklingbeil.stampinup.net/.

Father's Day Card

This card turned out really pretty, and the sentiment could be exchanged for just about any occasion.

Project details (all products Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted):

• Ink: Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, So Saffron
• Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White
• Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Well Scripted
• Embellishments: Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Brads
• Tools: Horizontal Slot Punch, Key Tag Punch
• Techniques: Masking, Sponging

T-Shirt Memory Quilt Tutorial - Part 4

Next, I use my design wall to arrange the blocks in a pleasing manner. I try to separate the light and dark colors from each other if possible. At this point, if I haven't already chosen fabrics, I can audition fabric choices next to the finished blocks to see what I like best. I do try to use fabrics that pull together all or most of the colors in the t-shirts so the finished quilt looks a bit more cohesive. Sometimes this is easy and sometimes not! :-) Then I cut all the fabric into cornerstones, sashing and borders, using the 60mm rotary cutter and large cutting mat.

Finally I can piece the quilt top together row by row. I use a walking foot and pins to make sure the layers don't slide. I remove the pin from the seam just before sewing over it. I never sew over pins! This can damage your machine needle or worse.

Knee High by the 4th of July

My cute little row of sweet corn was as high as my head on July 4, here in northeast Illinois, USDA Zone 5. We had nice amounts of rain and sunshine throughout June allowing all the garden plants to take off nicely. Now that the July heat is upon us, the tomatoes and peppers are finally producing. This raised bed garden box was built by my husband, and includes a bunny fence. However, I have to admit we have not had a rabbit population here for a number of years now due to coyotes, a natural predator.