My Isagenix Weight-Loss Update w/ Photos!

I recently did a collage of my weight loss results and thought I’d share it here with you.  This shows my transformation over 4.5 months using Isagenix’s 30-day Cleansing and Fat Burning System.  It’s astounding when I look at the before & after pics.  My face has really slimmed down, as has my waist & hips, and just about everything else!  Loving it! 

As added proof of my shrinking status, here is a photo of my blue jeans.  The lighter ones on the bottom of the stack are my BEFORE jeans.  The darker ones on top are what I’m wearing now….2 sizes smaller!  Amazing!

I’m looking forward to losing approximately 40 more pounds & hitting my goal weight.  Before Isagenix, I didn’t think losing 80 lbs was feasible….now I know it’s not only possible, but easier than I ever imagined!

I am so thrilled that I found Isagenix.  These products are nothing short of AMAZING….they have transformed my life!  Besides losing weight, I have regained my health and I’m earning commission just by sharing my story with others.  I’d love to have you join my team and follow me on this journey.  I want you to feel the joy of smaller clothes, increased energy, improved sleep, and mental clarity, as well as a bigger bank account.  But most of all, I want you to have HOPE for a better tomorrow!  Isagenix can help give you that!

Email me for more information or click HERE to sign up and get started with Isagenix now!

Tutorial: 3-D Lollipop Flowerettes

My friend & fellow demonstrator, Ann Holtrop, brought in a project that she had designed for her daughter’s Daisy Scout troop.  I’ll be the first to admit that I am behind on scoping out the internet for new papercraft projects, so I’m not sure if this was Ann’s idea or something she saw online.  But I loved the project and re-created it at home.  These little lollipop flowerettes (my name for them!) would make the cutest little 3-D Valentines for your kids to hand out to their classmates.  And they are simple enough that your kids can help make them.  Here’s a tutorial in case you would like to make some yourself.

3-D Lollipop Flowerettes Tutorial

Start with the following punched cardstock or designer paper pieces:

• 4 hearts from our Full Heart punch
• 1 oval leaf from our Large Oval punch (you can add more leaves if desired)
• 1 circle from our 1-3/8” Circle punch

1) Punch a hole at the base of the hearts, on one end of the leaf, and in the center of the circle.  You can use a crop-a-dile or other circle hole punch depending on the thickness of your lollipop sticks.  You will need to be able to slide your sticks all the way through the hole up to the base of the lollipop.

2)  Adhere two heart pieces together so that the holes align and the curved ends are at a 90 degree angle in the west and east positions.

3) Adhere your third heart piece on top in the north position keeping the holes aligned.

4) Adhere your final heart piece to the bottom in the south position keeping the holes aligned.  Then adhere your leaf (or leaves) to the bottom of the entire flowerette keeping the holes aligned.

5) Take your circle piece and fold it loosely into quarters, giving it some dimension.

6) Now start layering your pieces, pushing each piece up to the base of the lollipop.  Add the circle piece first, then the flowerette.  Then tie a bow with ribbon at the very bottom so that your pieces stay in place.

I’ve lost 43 lbs & 63 inches in 20 weeks on Isagenix and I’m earning commission!!  See my weight loss blog for details!

Small Wonder Lion

I finally got a chance to play Stacey’s Color Call Curtain Challenge again.

I thought these colors would be good on a baby card, so I used the lion image from the new Fox & Friends stamp set (Occasions mini catalog) and the “small wonder” greeting from the new Whimsical Words stamp set (Sale-a-bration brochure) to make a 4x4” card.  The lion image is stamped on our new die-cut Sending Love Note…this one is the Kisses style.  There is a long, scallop rectangle style as well called Hugs.  These little shaped die-cuts are great for embellishing your cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects.

I jazzed up the page with a border created with Pawsitively Prints designer paper punched with our Curly Label Punch (only the edges peek out from underneath the lavender cardstock and a few green Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads.

I cut some garden green cardstock to mimic grass below the lion’s feet and then paper pieced the lion’s mane and head, using more of the orange circle Pawsitively Prints designer paper for the mane.  Love the dimensional look. 

Stamp sets: fox and friends, whimsical words; Inks: lavendar lace, pumpkin pie, garden green; Cardstock: lavendar lace, garden green, whisper white, pawsitively prints DSP; Embellishments: green circle ice rhinestone brads, kisses sending love notes; Tools: curly label punch

My Guys 12x12 Page

Here is one of my latest scrapbook pages.  It features photos of the two guys in my life….my husband Brian and son Seth.  My little guy was just 4 months old at the time.  So hard to believe that he turns 5 later this month!

This page features designer paper (the circle image paper) from our new Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack, available in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I love that Stampin’ Up! is now offering large pads of 12x12 paper with a variety of patterns…a long-awaited treat for this scrapbooker!  This particular paper stack has 48 sheets (2 each of 24 double-sided designs) for just $24.95.

A few highlights from the page:

• A row of various-colored ribbon loops stapled on.

 

• Title created from faux glossy metal letter tiles (check back for a tutorial tomorrow).

Stamp sets: rough edges alphabet; Inks: taken with teal; Cardstock: taken with teal, whisper white, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip, pawsitively prints DSP, sweet pea DSP stack; Embellishments: rich regals buttons, crystal effects, bermuda bay polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, pumpkin pie & chocolate chip 1/4 grosgrain ribbon, so saffron wide poly-twill ribbon, bashful blue 1/2” striped grosgrain ribbon, kraft taffeta ribbon, staples; Tools: big shot, go go boots alphabet medium sizzlet dies, multi-purpose platform, cutting pads, my way punch

Lose weight, regain your health, & earn commission with Isagenix.  Ask me how!

Tutorial: Square Scallop Box for 3x6 Cards

I’m a day late, but as promised here’s the tutorial to make a square scallop box, which holds ten 3x6 cards and 10 coordinating envelopes.  To see the cards & envelopes, click HERE.  Enjoy!

1) Start with a piece of cardstock measuring 7-1/2 x 12 inches.  Score the short side at 4 & 6  inches.  Now score the long side at 2, 4, 8, and 10 inches.  Fold all the score lines inward.  This is how your cardstock will look.

2) Cut off the 2 smaller pieces on the outside edges of the cardstock.  Move inward one section from each outer edge and cut off the small end piece.  Here's a visual to make it easier.   

3) Now fold the scored cardstock piece into a box.  The straight edge of the cardstock will be the top of the box  The back side of the box (shown as the front here) will just meet in the middle like French doors (not overlap).  Here are some photos taken during the folding process.

4) Apply sticky strip to both the front & back of the box.  Then attach 2 large scallop squares, die-cut with a Big Shot & the Stampin’ Up! Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die.  Make sure you decorate the squares prior to adhering them to the box.  Here’s a photo with the decorated square attached to the front of the box.

5) And finally, a photo of the box with both the front & back squares attached.

If you make your own square scallop boxes, I’d love to see them!  Just enter the link to your creation in the comment section of this post.

I’m releasing lots of pounds & inches with Isagenix!  To learn more about this leading nutritional cleanse company that allows you to earn commission, email me!

3x6 Textured Polka Dot Card Set

One of my friends did me a big favor around Christmas time, so I wanted to create something special for her as a way of saying thanks.  This set of ten 3x6 thank you cards will be perfect for her business as she can give the cards to her clients.  Do you think she’ll like them?

I used 5 of our 6 In Color cardstock and ink colors to create the cards.  I made 2 cards in each color: melon mambo, dusty durango, bermuda bay, rich razzleberry, and crushed curry. There are even stamped envelopes to match!  Creating the beautiful, textured polka dot cardstock was a snap with our Big Shot and the Stampin’ Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder.  The floral image is from our new Vintage Vogue stamp set and the greeting is from our Thank You Kindly stamp set.  A piece of black grosgrain ribbon finished it off nicely.

But that’s not all…..I created a matching square scallop box to hold all 10 cards and 10 envelopes!  Here’s a sneak peak….be sure to check back tomorrow as I’ll be posting a tutorial so you can make your own!

Stamp sets: vintage vogue, thank you kindly; Inks: melon mambo, dusty durango, bermuda bay, rich razzleberry, crushed curry, basic black; Cardstock: melon mambo, dusty durango, bermuda bay, rich razzleberry, crushed curry, whisper white; Embellishments: basic black 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Tools: big shot, multi-purpose platform, perfect polka dots textured impressions folder

I’ve lost 42 lbs & 60 inches in 19 weeks with Isagenix.  If you’d like to lose weight, improve your health, and/or earn commission….email me!

Scrapbooking 101: Broken Journaling Tags

We all know that aside from the photos, journaling is the heart of scrapbooking.  There are many ways to add journaling to your scrapbook page.  I often write mine on the page background itself or on one of the cardstock layers.  But why not add journaling in such a way that it becomes an embellishment….perhaps a broken tag?!! 

   I created a broken tag by mitering the edges of a long strip of designer paper on the outer corners with our Tag Corner Punch.  Then I tore the strip of designer paper in half, reversed placement of the 2 pieces, and punched a hole along on their straight edges.  From there, I tied embroidery thread through the holes and adhered the entire piece to my page.

Other page elements of note:

• Look closely and you’ll see that my photos have been stitched around the edges with my sewing machine.
• I created a decorative patterned strip by alternating a greeting stamp image & brads.
• Above the patterned strip, the color combo of my cardstock mimics the pattern of the cozy coupe car….orange on bottom & yellow on top.

Stamp sets: nursery letters wheel, family phrases, tall tales alphabet; Inks: tempting turquoise, summer sun, pumpkin pie; Cardstock: summer sun, whisper white, pawsitively prints DSP, tempting turquoise prints DSP; Embellishments: soft subtles brads, white gel pen, embroidery thread (non-Stampin’ Up!); Tools: word window punch, tag corner punch.

Sweet Friends Award

A fellow demonstrator, Tina Joergens, blessed me with the Sweet Friends Award.  Thanks so much!  Tina is a fabulous stamper so be sure to visit her blog at: http://www.celebratingcreating.com/.

Most of my blogging friends have already received this award, so I won't be able to pass it on, but here are 10 things that make me happy:

1) My sweetheart
2) Spending time with my kids
3) Friends and other family members
4) Losing weight & earning commission with Isagenix
5) Vacations
6) Scrapbooking and stamping
7) Beautiful sunsets
8) Spring flowers
9) Warm weather
10) Learning about photography

MDS: Hello Friend Card

Friday was my day off, so I spent a little time scrapbooking.  I had planned to scrapbook most of the day but my doctor visit ran late, I had to make a few phone calls, and my laundry was mounded up.  I’m sure you can all relate.  {wink}  Anyway, I did get a few pages finished and I’ll be sharing those, and a new technique tutorial, with you as soon as I get the photos uploaded to my computer.  So be sure to check back.

In the meantime, here’s a 6x6 card I created in My Digital Studio using elements from our Sunny Day digital designer kit, which comes packaged with the software.  This year, our winter seems extra long and cold and I’m looking forward to Spring; thus, my bright & cheerful card!   

Faux “Rubber Stamp” Ornaments

My friend Ellen gave me the cutest gift for Christmas and I’ve been meaning to share.  Check out this adorable set of ornaments she found at a local crafting store.  I love them because they look like rubber stamps.  They are actually die-cut wooden blocks with die-cut “debossed” felt shapes on top.  Now I’m thinking that Stampin’ Up! needs to come up with a rubber stamp set with images similar to these.  Love ‘em! 

Scrapbooking 101: Use Shapes in Your Title

In my last post, I introduced the topic of using initials in your title, or in other embellishments, on scrapbook pages.  On a similar note, try using shapes as shorthand for a word or letter in your title.  For instance, you could replace the “o” in Snowflake with a snowflake shape or replace the “i” in Birthday with a candle shape.  In my example below, I used a heart to represent part of a word in my title….Sweetheart.

These pages feature photos of Mia taken on her Kindergarten Preview Day.  I used designer paper & a die-cut adhesive shapes from the retired Love Sparkles Simply Scrappin’ Kit.  It’s hard to tell in the photo but the Pretty in Pink cardstock is wheeled with our Love Swirls wheel.  I just love the Scallop Border Trim along several pieces….so girly for the subject of the page.  Be sure to check out the close-up photos to see some of the details.

For more Scrapbooking 101 posts, go HERE.

I’ve lost 41.4 lbs & 60.25 inches in 18 weeks on Isagenix.  For information on losing weight, improving your health, and/or making residual money, go HERE.  BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY FREEBIES GIVE-AWAY THERE!

Stamp sets: jayne’s type alphabet, simple serif alphabet & numbers, love swirls wheel; Inks: chocolate chip, rose red, pretty in pink; Cardstock: chocolate chip, rose red, whisper white, pretty in pink; Embellishments: whisper white 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, love sparkes SSK; Tools: 1/4” circle punch, scallop circle punch, scallop border trim punch

Friendly Bird Cello Bag Topper & Some FREEBIES

I recently packaged up some goodies in a Large Flat Cello Bag and wanted to decorate it a bit.  So, I created this bag topper using some of Stampin’ Up!’s new products.  Check out the close-up photos to see how the design of the designer paper mimics feathers on a bird’s wing! Be sure to read below to see what’s in the bag & find out about my FREEBIE offer!
    

• Die-cut bird: Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch (Occasions mini)
• Floral image: Vintage Vogue stamp set (Occasions mini)
• Patterned paper: Welcome Neighbor 6x6’ Designer Series Paper Pad (Sale-a-bration brochure)

To create your own bag topper for this size cello bag:
1) Cut a piece of cardstock measuring 5 x 6.5 inches.
2) Fold the cardstock in half on the shortest side.
3) Insert your filled cello bag between the pieces of cardstock.
4) Staple the cello bag to the back piece of cardstock.
5) Adhere the top pieces of cardstock to the cello bag with a few stampin’ dimensionals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   
What’s in the cello bag?…..a sampling of Isagenix products of course!

• IsaDelights – A decadent, dark chocolate treat that helps you remain strong to your commitment to healthy eating.  You may experience increased energy, reduced cravings, lighter mood, and greater brain and heart health.
• Want More Energy Sticks – A refreshing drink powder loaded with electrolytes and nutrients that replenish essentials that are lost during stress and exercise. The B vitamins and ionic trace minerals safely charge your body with natural, caffeine-free energy to support peak mental and physical performance.
• Oatmeal Berry SlimCakes – With fewer than 100 calories, slimcakes are so scrumptious, you won’t believe they’re packed with fiber, omega-3s from flaxseed and a delicious blend of antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries.  A heart healthy snack.
• Peanut Crunch IsaLean Bars – Meal replacement bar packed with premium undenatured whey protein, healthy fats and energy-boosting carbohydrates.  Great as a part of your Total Health and Wellness or Cleansing and Fat Burning Systems to maximize weight loss while safely lowering caloric intake.

My FREEBIE Offer to You:
I just passed my 40-lb weight-loss milestone with Isagenix, so in honor of that, I’m offering some FREEBIES!  Sign up as an Isagenix Associate with Autoship under me by January 31st, and you’ll receive:

• Your own package of Isagenix sample products
• A set of Isagenix business cards

And my always-free support:

• Personal weight-loss and business coaching
• Monthly Group Cleanse forum on Facebook – starting February 8th!

Lose weight, regain your health, and make money with Isagenix!!  Don’t believe it?  I’ve lost 41.4 lbs & 60.25 inches in 18 weeks using Isagenix and I’m earning commission as well.  What are you waiting for?!!! 
And when you enroll, you’ll get Isagenix products at wholesale prices and have 30 days to enroll your Friends and Family in Isagenix with a free membership ($19 value).  Not only will you have instant recruits, but it will make your weight-loss system more fun! 
Email me for more information or go to my Isagenix Weight-Loss Blog and visit the links in my sidebar.  To sign-up, see THIS LINK.

Scrapbooking 101: Embellish with Initials

It’s been awhile since my last Scrapbooking 101 post, so I figured it was time for another.  One technique I like to use on scrapbook pages is to add an embellishment in the form of an initial.  You can choose the initial you use from

• the title of the page (ex: S for Snow Day)
• the main subject of the page (ex: B for Birthday)
• the people in the photographs (ex: T for Tara)
• etc.

On my page, I chose the initial M because the main subject of the page is Mother’s Day and mothers.  I stamped the M on cardstock, then punched it out with my circle punch.  I added this to the bottom of a tag-shaped die-cut and then tied a ribbon around the top.  Just a fun way to draw attention to my initial.  Try adding an initial embellishment or two on your next page!

About the page: On Mother’s Day in 2005, our church held a Baby Dedication Day for its members and any babies born within a certain time period.  Seth was 3 months old at the time and my mom drove up for the occasion.  It was a great opportunity to get photos of our family and mom and I with the kids afterwards.

Note: the rose red cardstock on the side is not part of the page….I just used it to help distinguish the white page from the white background.  But seeing it here in the photo, I’m thinking that some rose red accents might look nice on the page.  Hmmm…maybe a few changes are in order!

See my sidebar for more Scrapbooking 101 posts!

If you’re interested in losing weight and/or making money, email me or visit my Isagenix weight loss blog!

Stamp sets: lovely letters alphabet, all holidays; Inks: regal rose, tempting turquoise; Cardstock: whisper white, tempting turquoise, regal rose, island blossoms simply scrappin’ kit; Embellishments: white gel pen, whisper white organza ribbon, playground designer buttons; Tools: big shot, standard cutting pads, two tags bigz die

A Right Mess

This is what happens when a 4-1/2 year old raids Mommy’s craft room and decides to do a little stamping alone.

Fellow stampers: Please try not to cringe when you note the broken stamp pad case and ink stains on the table.  The ink pad was fixed and the ink stains wiped right up.  However, go ahead and cringe when you note the ink stains on the wood blocks as those are permanent!  {wink}

Snow Day 12x12 Pages

I found the cutest 12x12 scrapbook layouts online a couple of weeks ago and used them as the base for my pages here.  But darned if I can locate the site again to give proper credit.  Whoever you are, your pages were just gorgeous!

Here’s my version of the pages.  I used our silver Shimmer Paint (still available as a write in on an order) to stamp the flourishes from the Season of Joy stamp set on the edge of the pages.  The large white snowflakes were cut with the Big Shot & our Snowflakes #2 Sizzlet Die Set.  The blue stamped snowflake images are from our Christmas Punch hostess stamp set.

I originally designed these pages as a stamp club project, but that didn’t work out.  So now I just need to add some photos of my kids and journaling to complete the pages.

Stamp sets: schoolbook serif alphabet, christmas punch, season of joy; Inks: whisper white, night of navy; Cardstock: whisper white, night of navy, brocade blue; Embellishments: silver cord, silver brad, silver shimmer paint, night of navy 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Tools: big shot, multi-purpose platform, standard cutting pads, snowflakes #2 sizzlet dies