That's right -- it's time to hop on the bus, Gus! This is Tour #2 and Stop #4, if you're keeping track! On this stop you will view some fabulous projects that I've created for you using the Great Friend Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.
First, some ground-rules and then we'll get to the fun stuff -- projects, promotions and prizes!
Here's how this all works:
- There are 19 Stops on this tour
- Each Blog Stop will feature a different Stamp Set or Product from the Occasions Mini Catalog
- Your goal is to visit all 19 stops -- now don't freak out! You don't have to do them all at once. You can visit some now and some later. Just try to get to all 19 stops before the tour ends at midnight Monday, April 27th. At that time, all the links will vanish and you won't be able to finish the tour.
- At the end of each stop, or blog post, you will find the link which will take you to the next stop!
Now Here's one fun part -- Special Promotions and Prizes!
- Visit all 19 stops on the tour and then e-mail me at gbarron56@comcast.net. In your e-mail, number each stop, give the blog name and then tell me at least one Designer Series Paper that was used on that stop (you know how I LOVE DSP!). If they didn't use any DSP (is that even possible?) then tell me that. My daughter will randomly select a winner from all the correct answers and that lucky person will receive (drum roll, please - rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) -- A Brand New Great Friend Stamp Set as a prize from me, just for playing along!
- Leave a comment on this blog post anytime before the midnight deadline and let me know what you love most about the Occasions Mini Catalog. Again, my daughter will randomly choose one winner to receive one of my Faux Alligator-Skin Wristlet Kits!
- Place an order of at least $40 from the Occasions Mini Catalog from my Stampin' Up! website (click on "shop now" at the top of the page) and choose any one item from the "Under $10" on page 208 in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog for Free. In addition, I will e-mail you a FREE Tutorial of your choice -- Humor in High Heels Purse and Cards, So Tweet Birdhouse and Cards or Faux Alligator-Skin Wristlet -- your choice!
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For a limited time only, you can purchase any of my popular Tutorials for a reduced rate of just $5 each. Tutorials will be e-mailed to you as a PDF link within 24 hours of placing an order. Click HERE to see details and place your order through PayPal.
Okay, now the projects that I've created for YOU! This first card is actually this last week's
MoJo Monday sketch -- I LOVE this sketch! I used the Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (from the Occasions Mini catalog), along with Perfect Plumb, Pale Plumb, Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White Cardstock. I embossed the butterfly on Perfect Plumb with Versamark Ink and Iridescent Ice EP. I used the Eyelet Border
Punch and some of the delicious 5/8" White Satin Ribbon (another Mini item). On the inside, I stamped butterflies and vines using all three colors of ink! I LOVE this color combination (purple, purple and purple -- what's not to like?)
Ok, on to project #2 -- this hanging flower cone! Don't you just love it? Now, please, don't ask me for details how I made this -- LOL -- it just kind of "evolved". I started with Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP and the Big Shot and the Stampin' Up! Pennant Bigz XL Die. It's a little over-the-top, I know, but something I worked on in small bits over several days! I used the Pretties Kit for the Silk flowers and beads (the beads are strung together using
clear monofiliment thread). The flowers are also created with the Dasies #2 Die and the Baja Breeze (a Mini item) and Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons. The butterflies are stamped with Versamark and embossed with Iridescent Ice EP and the Heat Tool. I also used the Eyelet Border Punch and the Valet Ribbon Originals Satin Ribbon. The tassel is made by fraying the 1" Baja Breeze
Grosgrain ribbon and then tying with Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon. It's all put together (very carefully) with SNAIL, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, Pop Up Glue Dots and Stampin' Dimensionals. I'm glad I created this but it was definitely a lesson in PATIENCE!
Okay, now from a very complicated and detailed project to something that is quick, easy and oh-so-fun! These little baskets go together so quickly, it's truly amazing! (click on the photo to view it larger). I used the Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP and So Saffron Cardstock, the Eyelet Border Punch, Large Oval Punch and Scallop Oval Punch (another mini item), 7/8" So Saffron Poly-Twill Ribbon and a Flower Brad. The basket is cut with the Basket & Blooms Die and the Big Shot. Check back on Tuesday and I'll put a link on here for the tutorial for this little gem!
Okay -- that's it for Stop #4! If you're ready to move on, you can find Stop #5 on Kathy Thisteds blog! I know she's got some great things planned for you using the Summer Love Rub-ons from the Occasions Mini! Before you go, don't forget to leave a comment on this post to be eligible for the FREE Wristlet Kit AND make sure and e-mail me after you've visited all 19 stops on the tour to be eligible to win a FREE Great Friend Stamp Set!
If you want to do a little more shopping before you leave, check out my most current kit -- this adorable Birdhouse and cards made with the So Tweet Chipboard and Good Morning Sunshine DSP! Other Kits and Cards can be seen HERE!
Have fun on the tour! I hope to see you back soon on Inspiration in Action!
Blessings, Gretchen
oh my goodness Gretchen! I am loving the hanging flower cone, ALOT!!
Off to bed to dream about how I can recreate it :-)
Posted by: michelle | April 26, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Oh my goodness!! I LOVE your projects. I have been looking forward to the blog tour, and the wait was well worth it..amazing artwork!!!!!
Posted by: Nicole Tugrul | April 26, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Gretchen, I recently found your blog and visit often to see what creation that you are up! How fun to participate in a blog shop from the comfort of my chair! I'm heading to the next shop hop!! Tam in VA
Posted by: tam | April 26, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Gretchen, What beautiful projects you made and two that were something other than cards too! Beautiful!! Have a great day!
Audrey
Posted by: Audrey | April 26, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Oops....I meant to say that I am looking forward to using the Oval All stamp set!! (It should be here on Tuesday)!!
Posted by: Audrey | April 26, 2009 at 09:44 PM
I LOVE your work!! My favorite from the mini is the matchbox die. I made your treasure chest with my Big Shot Club members and it was a big hit!! Thanks for being so generous and sharing your amazing creativity!
Posted by: Sharon | April 26, 2009 at 10:23 PM
That flower cone is gorgeous! Love the beads. (I loved your little chest of drawers, too! Brilliant!)
Posted by: Angi | April 26, 2009 at 10:52 PM
It's absolutely gorgeous Gretchen, you've set the bar
Posted by: Bridget Larsen | April 27, 2009 at 12:07 AM
I love this tour. Your projects are awesome. I'm so glad that you did more than just cards. They are great. Thanks for all your hard work. I'm Rae from Texas MsRaes.Scrapbiz@yahoo.com
Posted by: Rae | April 27, 2009 at 04:15 AM
I have this set. It was the first thing I got from this catty! Thanks for the great ideas for it.
Posted by: Dawn Thomas | April 27, 2009 at 05:02 AM
Fabulous projects Gretchen. I love the colors and fun details. Great job.
Posted by: Mary Jo Price-Williams | April 27, 2009 at 05:02 AM
Beautiful. I especially love project #2
Posted by: Katy | April 27, 2009 at 06:06 AM
What a fun tour- love your parisian breeze cone! I am loving this mini catalog as well - that sense of time set and the grommets are so fun
Posted by: MaryR | April 27, 2009 at 06:18 AM
Gorgeous work, as always, Gretchen! Love it all! Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Posted by: Pam Browne | April 27, 2009 at 06:38 AM
Great ideas!! I love that you stepped outside the box and did something other than cards. My fav in the mini catalog is the scallop oval punch. You can never have too many punches!!!
Posted by: Denise | April 27, 2009 at 06:45 AM
I love the Forest Friends stamp set in the new mini catalog. Thanks for the great inspiration you provided this morning!
Posted by: Christy | April 27, 2009 at 06:59 AM
I have been subscribed to your blog for awhile. I love your style! My favorite is the !st card.
Posted by: Bethany | April 27, 2009 at 07:03 AM
I love the clock set in the mini. Thanks for your wonderful ideas.
Posted by: Wendy | April 27, 2009 at 07:10 AM
You are amazing. I like the clock set in the mini. Thx. Jane
Posted by: Jane Mykleby | April 27, 2009 at 08:03 AM
Beautiful samples (as usual!), Gretchen! That is a wonderful set.
Posted by: Connie | April 27, 2009 at 08:03 AM
As always you have come up with some unique ideas. Love them all thanks for sharing. Mary Campbell
Posted by: Mary Campbell | April 27, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Great projects! The basket is super cute. What I love most about the Occasions Mini is the Matchbox die, though.
Posted by: Yapha | April 27, 2009 at 08:15 AM
I love the flower cone. Great job!
Posted by: Karen Rossiter | April 27, 2009 at 09:02 AM
What great projects! Lots of great stuff in the mini, but my fave might be the coordinating oval punch and stamps.
Posted by: Dawn | April 27, 2009 at 09:32 AM
I love this stamp set. It is one of my favs. I also like the garden stamp set. They both fit my style although I am not really a color-in type of gal so I like this set better!
Posted by: Carol | April 27, 2009 at 09:52 AM
The blog tour is great fun. Wish I had time to visit each one in a row but life is getting in the way. I love the Scalloped oval punch and Oval all set and the Matchbox die and set. jmniffer
Posted by: jmniffer | April 27, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Your Hanging Flower Cone is GORGEOUS!!!!! AS usual Gretchen, you have outdone yourself!! I am casing your basket for my graduating Seniors Girl Scouts, such an easier way to make the baskets. THANKS!!
Posted by: Kate Cecil | April 27, 2009 at 10:08 AM
LOVE your style! Great projects and fun tour!
Posted by: Charla Crawford | April 27, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Wow - your projects are amazing! I think this catalog has such fun items, but I really like the scalloped punch.
Posted by: Linda | April 27, 2009 at 10:26 AM
My favorites in the Mini are the Oval All stamp set & the scalloped oval. Great cards on your leg of the tour.
Posted by: Patti | April 27, 2009 at 10:32 AM
So far, your creations are the best! Love all of them.
Posted by: Cindee Wilkinson | April 27, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Great job on your projects for the tour. I'm sure I'll be getting the new oval scallop punch from the mini. I love punches!
Posted by: Susan G | April 27, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Ohmygosh, Gretchen! This is my first visit to your blog, and it won't be my last! Great projects! I love the cone, but my very fave is that other basket - so darling! My favorite from the OM? Gotta be Forest Friends!
Posted by: Pammy | April 27, 2009 at 11:20 AM
LOVE that first card and especially how you stamped the inside. Fabulous! Thanks for the tour stop. I'm a subscriber so I knew you were one of the "stops" and I couldn't wait to see what you made for us. LOVE them.
Posted by: KellyRae | April 27, 2009 at 11:21 AM
beautiful projects gretchen!!!
xoxo
Posted by: carol marbach ~ udi | April 27, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Great projects. Thanks for sharing.
Monika - tour 4 stop 16
Posted by: Monika Davis | April 27, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Beautiful projects as always, Gretchen! I'm ooh-ing and ahhh-ing over every one! I visit your site often and always inspired!
Posted by: Margaret Raburn | April 27, 2009 at 11:35 AM
You have wonderful creations!!! I love almost everything on the catalog but the best would be the Great Friend stamp set just because of the beautiful butterfly! =)
Posted by: Shirley | April 27, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Beautiful blog! You have done an excellent job putting this together!
Posted by: Wynona | April 27, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Hi Gretchen!
You know I love your blog! I love the first card and the last project. Good job!
Posted by: Debbie | April 27, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Wow!! what fun projects! I love, love the hanging pennat cone. So fantastic - Thank you!!
Posted by: Kathy | April 27, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Your projects are wonderful- I could not pick just one if I had too.......
Posted by: Shelly Schmidt | April 27, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Happy Tour Day, Gretchen! :D As usual, you put my samples to shame - you're an amazingly talented person!!! TFS with all of us!!
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Lori S. | April 27, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Wow! Those were some very insipring projects!! I love the beautiful cone, especially!
Posted by: Staci Miserlian | April 27, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Love all your work, I have case'd many a card of yours. thanks for sharing.
Sandee Ava NY
Posted by: Sandee Richards | April 27, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Great projects. This has become one of my favorite stamp sets! I love your basket and I will be back to see the how to's tomorrow!
Posted by: Shelley | April 27, 2009 at 02:11 PM
You never cease to amaze me with your talents! I love this set and that cone is breathtaking!
Posted by: Linda Keal | April 27, 2009 at 02:12 PM
GRetchen, these are such beautiful projects, and I especially love the cone, so elegant. I love the Occasions Mini, it is costing me some big bucks, lol. One of my favorite sets is the Forest Friends. So cute. thanks for sharing
ceashark at aol dot com
carolyn s
Posted by: Carolyn Sharkas | April 27, 2009 at 02:29 PM
A girl after my own heart - I love this set and picked it for tour 1 as well. Your projects are amazing. I love the cone decoration. It's gorgeous.
Posted by: Jenn D | April 27, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Wow if I need a non card idea I now know who has some beautiful ideas! You have worked so hard to make this an enjoyable tour. Thank you
Posted by: Margart | April 27, 2009 at 02:43 PM
I like your blog. My favorite product from the new mini is the Matchbox die but my favorite stamp set is All Oval.
Posted by: Kat Menk | April 27, 2009 at 02:44 PM
I enjoyed my visit here at stop #4. Your projects were beautiful. My favorite occasions mini product is the scalloped oval punch. I love punches!
Posted by: Karen | April 27, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Great projects as always, and a fun trip today!
Posted by: Jennifer Weide | April 27, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Love your style! TFS.
Posted by: Heather Arsenault | April 27, 2009 at 04:15 PM
You are so talented! I love seeing all your work and all the work you do on the LNS group list too! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Tammy Howell | April 27, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Hi Gretchen! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your first project--it is a WOW!
The rest are great too--but that one is sure to make people just have to buy the set.
Great job! Love the tour. Everyone is just so talented!
Nola
Posted by: Nola | April 27, 2009 at 04:35 PM
My favorite item in the Occasions mini would have to be the Matchbox Die! I've created a lot of treat boxes for my mom to give the kids on her school bus and my sister-in-law came down to make some for her new Faith Girls club at her church. We whipped out 20 in less than an hour! :o)
Posted by: Angie Page | April 27, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Gretchen,
You are the most beautiful stamper. I think I have every card you have every posted. Thank you for participating in the tour...I have dial up and have spent half the day looking through blogs. IT'S AMAZING!
Posted by: Wendy Hawkinson | April 27, 2009 at 04:38 PM
I LOVE your project Gretchen! What beautiful artwork you have created! I am also loving this Blog Tour...it's my first but certainly not my last!
Posted by: Susan Timmerman | April 27, 2009 at 04:42 PM
I check out your blog everyday! Love it! My favorite is the Matchbox Die!
Posted by: peg Ireland | April 27, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Love the basket and all the rest! You do great work and are so generous with sharing your creative work!
TFS!
Charlotte Cook
Posted by: Charlotte Cook | April 27, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Love the flower cone...I loved all the sets in this mini (that was a first). It was soooo hard to chose which ones I wanted NOW as I couldn't afford them all, but I got almost all of them. Saved the cheapers ones for later. ;-).
Cindy Ferenz
stampndragon@comcast.net
Posted by: Cindy Ferenz | April 27, 2009 at 05:14 PM
Love what you did with this stamp set. your samples. Thanks for sharing. I love the oval punch.
denise_in_pa@embarqmail.com
Posted by: Denise in PA | April 27, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Gretchen, Great tour. Glad you were in it was well to share with all of us. I really enjoyed it and saw a lot of neat projects! ~Lisa daperdalsx2@gmail.com
Posted by: Lisa Hansen | April 27, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Great job with the samples! I love the project you did with the Baskets and Blooms die -- can't wait to see the tutorial for it -- I like that better than the originally intended basket!
Posted by: jeanne nielsen | April 27, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Your projects are wonderful. I love what you have done with the basket die!! Thanks for being part of the tour.
Posted by: Betty Kincannon | April 27, 2009 at 06:35 PM
Great Blog tour! Great samples on your blog! It's so hard to pick a favorite - punches, DP, dies, and the Great Friends and garden stamp set... All too sweet!
Posted by: cindyb | April 27, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Love the card you did for the MoJo Sketch! Thanks for sharing!!! Gonna have to try & case it!
Posted by: Kimnamsoon | April 27, 2009 at 06:56 PM
WOW! Everything is fabulous....I'm so impressed with your flower cone project. That's a true WOW....and I can certainly see why it requires patience! But I have to admit that my favorite of the bunch (although I love them all!) is the little basket...so adorable!
Posted by: BarbaraD | April 27, 2009 at 07:18 PM
How fun this blog tour is, I have to get busy and visit the rest before it is too late and find out where the first few stops were. Thanks Gretchen for the fantastic projects, love me all and I also love that Great Friend stamp set. Thank you.
Posted by: Catherine Sanders | April 27, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Hello Gretchen-
My favorite new products in the Occasions Mini is the Oval All stamp set and the Scallop Oval Punch.
I subrcribe to your blog by feed and it's one of my favorites!
Thanks for sharing your creations and for the chance to win!
Julie A.
thearvins@verizon.net
Posted by: Julie A. | April 27, 2009 at 07:44 PM
My favorite thing in the Mini is the newest punch!! I love the scalloped oval punch, I am a punch junkie and can't rest until I have them all. Love your projects!
Posted by: Krista | April 27, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I love visitng your blog. Thank you for sharing your art and inspiration. My favorite for the Blog Tour is your card.
Posted by: Karen Sullivan | April 27, 2009 at 08:04 PM
I am having trouble getting my post to go through so I hope this is not a duplicate. I love being a subscriber to your blog and have really enjoyed your tour today. Your projects are stunning. Thanks for being a part of the hop. I really like the first card and the cone.
Posted by: Darlene L | April 27, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Oh, Gretchen! Love your projects- especially the cone- very artsy!!!
Posted by: Leslie May | April 27, 2009 at 08:25 PM
I'm really enjoying this blog hop. Your work is lovely. Although hard to decide, I think my favorite thing is Just Beachy. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: pas | April 27, 2009 at 08:41 PM
My favorite from the mini is Oval All-it can be used in so many ways! Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Posted by: Kathy Miller | April 27, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Hi- You are truly amazing in everything you do!!! Thanks for sharing what you LOVE!!!! HUgs Kay Mespelt (petking@vcn.com)
Posted by: Kay Mespelt | April 27, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Love the card!
Posted by: Cheryl Wilcox | April 27, 2009 at 09:19 PM
what i liked in the catalogue was the NON-card items!
Posted by: rush | April 27, 2009 at 09:28 PM
Love the flower cone, so very pretty!
Posted by: AnnMarie Bartlett-Pszybylski | April 27, 2009 at 09:30 PM
My favorites from the mini are the oval scallop punch and the Oval All stamp set. I thought I had enough stamps with butterflies, but now I may be buying one more!
Posted by: Kathy Winter | April 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
I love the baskets, they make wonderful little gifts for co-workers. Thank you for the tour. Julie
Posted by: Julie | April 27, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas! They are awesome!
Carolee
Posted by: Carolee | April 27, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Clock set sounds good to me
Posted by: Pam | April 27, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Hi, Gretchen!
I am a member of Utah Divas and I love your work. I also live near you...in Clinton, IL. You made me a believer in your use of Parisian Breeze DSP! Thank you for sharing and participating in the tour!
Best Wishes....
Posted by: Carol Hager | April 27, 2009 at 11:31 PM
It's all lovely! Brenda
Posted by: brenda marshall | April 28, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Hi Gretchen
Can you share with me how to do the basket, from the blooms and basket die cut. My email address is svcowsrbest@prodigy.net
Thanks
Kristine
Posted by: Kristine | June 30, 2009 at 05:51 PM