Sunday, May 31, 2009

Adrienne's Shoebox Swap Card


Adrienne is my neighbor and friend, and I love when we are able to get together to stamp. This was her second Shoebox Swap, and she designed her card herself, using the sweetest stamp set! It is a ?Sell-a-bration set she received free from Stampin' Up! when she ordered supplies for her stash. 

I love the simplicity of this layout and the monochrome color choice makes it so easy to enjoy all the details.
Happy Stamping!
Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Shoebox Swap card from Roberta

Today is almost the last day of the month--if you want to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and take advantage of the $75 introductory offer, with tons of supplies focused on scrapbooking, please call me!  This is your last chance!

The "Buy 3 get one free" special on DSP (designer series papers) and 12 x 12" paper ends tomorrow also, stock up now!

I will be in Elgin, IL today, with a table at a craft show. It ends at 3:00, so I will be happy to take and return any and all offers or questions or orders!

Roberta, gorgeous card! This is such a spring combination, and the embossed background really "makes" this card! Thanks for bringing this to the Shoebox!  And yes, there is a subliminal message here--I think you would be an awesome demonstrator!!

Happy Stampin,
Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Shoebox Swap card from Iris

The Pun Fun stamp set has just the cutest images!  Iris brought this bright beauty for everyone to make, with lots of texture and color!

If you have your eye on a special stamp set, you might want to order soon! Watch for the June 1st release of the list of stamp sets that will be retiring on July 1. There is nothing sadder than waiting too long, and never getting a set that you really should have in your collection!

Happy Stamping!
Dee Tollaksen

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

DCBD sketch challenge 129

When the world grants us a favor, such as having Monday off from our regularly scheduled work week, it seems we have to pay back the favor in unexpected ways!  I will be working on Wednesday, which only happens twice a year, so I'm sneaking my DCBD post up a little early. For all of you cruising the blogs on Wednesday, think of me providing customer service at my lonely office.

I've taken some freedoms with this sketch, turning the card on it's side, and using a clear cellophane bag for the scallop circle element.  It is time to use all the Designer Series Paper (DSP) that I have been ordering! This card highlights the Game Night stamp set and coordinating Jackpot DSP. Very
 simple to put together, once I had all the elements assembled and the sketch at hand.  Hope you are inspired to create a card or scrapbook page, and post it to SplitCoast or your blog, then link it using the Mr Linky tool located on the DCBD blog.  Please take a little tour of all the DCBD divas and enjoy their interpretations of this sketch.
Dee Tollaksen


Joyce's card for the Shoebox Swap

Do you love love love these colors? The Pacific Point blue on the base card and the Baja Breeze on the face of the card pair so well with Chocolate Chip! Joyce designed this card for the Shoebox Swap, and it is a gorgeous card! The best part is, it isn't really too complicated! I love the little bit of ribbon, just a taste of the yummy, silky, white ribbon. FAB!!

If you love these blue hues, remember that they are this year's "In-Colors" and they will retire June 30. Stockpile now, or kiss them goodbye forever!

Dee Tollaksen

Monday, May 25, 2009

Shoebox Swap from Susan

From Our Hearts launched a blog today, if you follow any blogs, you should follow this one 

Martie Shea is the nicest stamper, she sent a package of hand-stamped cards to her son who was deployed with a branch of the military. He loved them and shared them with his fellow members. So Martie asked her stamping friends to help her with creating cards to send. This has snowballed in the best possible way, and Martie has packaged thousands of cards to send to Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations where our military is serving.

Since today is Memorial Day, please keep these defenders of our freedom at the forefront of your mind. Say a prayer for their safety, regardless of your feelings about our involvement. And when you have an overabundance of cards, supplies or are looking for a good place to make a financial donation, remember this organization. . . they have grown from a grassroots movement to a fully recognized 501-C charitable organization.

The card shown today was designed by Susan for our Shoebox Swap. Susan is on the board of directors for From Our Hearts and she accepted a gigantic box of cards from the participants of the Swap, to take back to Martie and to be sent to our military members. 
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Irene creates for Shoebox Swap


This little bird is really popular right now, so many stampers are enjoying the cheerful little guy! Irene brought this design to the Shoebox Swap for everyone to make.  I think she did a great job with the design and color choices.  

If you're taking a moment from your weekend to see some stamping artwork, I hope you enjoy looking at these swap cards.  If you are in the Chicago area and would like more info about attending a Shoebox Swap, feel free to email me.  If you are not in the Chicago area but would like more info, I would encourage you to host a swap!  It is loads of fun, very rewarding and a wonderful boost for everyone!

Thinking of starting your own stamping business? Right now, Stampin' Up! is offering a starter set for just $75!! I would be privileged to tell you more about this awesome deal. The starter kit is filled with over $75 worth of scrapbook style supplies, plus all the business supplies you will need to run a demonstration business, if you want it.  If you would like to be a "Hobby Demonstrator" and simply enjoy the demonstrator discount, this is the time to join!  

Have a great, long weekend!   Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Nicki's card for the Shoebox Swap

What an elegant look!  This card was brought to our Shoebox Swap by Nicki.  What a gorgeous combination of color and design!! Love it!

Hope you're having a great weekend,
Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Shoebox Swap by Ana

As lovely as this card looks here, it is even more striking in person.  There is just something beautiful about clean and simple, white space and good design.  Ana designed this card for the Shoebox Swap, and it is one of my favorites.

Did you notice the DSP (Designer Series Papers) are used for the flowers and the hearts? Don't wait too long to take advantage of the May special Stampin' Up! is offering: purchase 3 DSP or 12 x 12" cardstock, receive a 4th pack FREE!!

Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

DCBD color challenge 128

Clean and simple.  Often I forget that I prefer the clean and simple card over all other styles.  Today is a color challenge, and  I went back to my roots and made a clean and simple card, that can be made in minutes, but will still make the recipient feel special.  Our colors are Always Artichoke as the base card, Certainly Celery as the overall layer, Regal Rose card stock under Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper from Candy Lane  collection. I used the hostess set "A Little Something" to stamp the star and the large star punch to cut it out perfectly.  Add some great ribbon and the card is ready to send.  I'm thinking about the girls who are just a little edgy in their personal style, a perfect card to accompany a graduation gift.
Go look at the other Diva's inspiration cards, then make one of your own and post it, then link it to our blog. I promise to come visit and comment on your creation!
Don't forget all DSP is on special right now, buy 3 choose the 4th pack FREE!!
Dee Tollaksen

Monday, May 18, 2009

Shoebox Swap by Linda


Paper piecing on striking colors, a super cool card designed by Linda and shared at the April Shoebox Swap.  I love the little birdie in the circle, spilling out of the square, it is a simple, striking and unique layout.

I want to remind everyone that it is scrapbook month, and Stampin' Up! has specials to help you scrap economically. If you haven't seen, click over to my Stampin' Up! shopping website and enjoy the sale.

Looking for a part time job? Full time job? I know you love the products and cards seen on this blog. . . you can become a demonstrator for just $75 right now, and receive more than $75 worth of product, plus business materials!  Even if you just want to enjoy the demonstrator discount for your own use, SU loves hobby demonstrators (ladies who never actually sell the product, just purchase for personal use).  I'd love to hear your questions! Give me a call today, or shoot me an email. I have a darling hostess set as a bonus to the first person who contacts me today!
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Shoebox Swap by Sheree

B is for Birthday! What a great layout and cheerful color choices, great for a masculine birthday. Sheree designed this card for the shoebox swap.  I think everyone was impressed with the thought and effort she put into this project! So many really talented stampers!

If you are looking for inspiration or to schedule some stamping time, let's talk! Give me a call or send me an email and we'll get you on my calendar.
Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Shoebox Swap by Erica

Simple but striking, this envelope style card holds a note for your handwritten sentiment. The Bella Rose Designer Series Paper is so gorgeous, and it coordinates perfectly with the In-Colors of Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red! Thanks go to Erica for bringing this beautiful card to the Shoebox Swap.

If you love this paper and these colors, don't wait, order now!! The in-colors will retire as of July 1, and all the coordinating DSP will leave the product line.  Need another nudge? All the DSP are on special now, buy 3 get 1 free!  Jump in, why wait?
Just email me or go straight to my Stampin' Up! website to order.
Dee Tollaksen

Friday, May 15, 2009

Shoebox card from Jamie


It just occurred to me that the thank you notes I'm working on are the same color combo as this card. . . I think I like the green & red w/black & white a whole bunch!  This is the card Jamie brought to the Shoebox Swap to share with everyone. I just love the cheerfulness of this card.

Did you know Stampin' Up! has a special on Designer Series Paper during May?  Buy 3 packs of DSP or any 12x12 paper, and receive a 4th pack FREE!

Get Stamping!!
Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Pam's Shoebox card

I am finally keeping my promise. . .fellow demonstrator Catherine and I hosted a shoebox swap a few weeks ago, and I promised to post every card, so we are finally going to see these beauties.

I am starting with this card, because it was the first one I used. My darling neice received her First Communion recently and I was ready with a card because Pam brought this little beauty to the swap.

The whole idea of the swap is to make cards, while having a bunch of fun with some very creative stampers. It is painful to give away any of the gorgeous cards that we make at these kinds of events, but when it is the perfect card, well, I just had to do it!  Thanks, Pam, for providing me with the perfect card!
Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

DCBD 127 sketch challenge

Greetings! Sketch challenge inspiration. This was a true challenge for me, but I picked some pretty DSP and let the color lead the way. Please visit the Diva blog and see what the rest of the designers have to offer, I'm sure you'll be inspired to join us! Mr Linky is just waiting for your card or project. I promise to visit you this week to comment on your creation.

I am glad you came to visit, since I abandoned you all week long. I hosted a big party Saturday night, caterer
 and everything. With all the setup and cleanup, some of my regular life
 had to be neglected. But I'm back, and I'm ready to stamp, so keep
 in touch.
Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

DCBD challenge 126 BigShot




Wouldn't this envelope be cute with a pair of earrings, Ghiradelli chocolate, or even cash!!! peeking out? I love this die for the BigShot, called Petal Card. I have used the DSP from the hostess exclusives to showcase this element, as well as the Oval All stamp set seen in the spring mini-catalog.  If you would like to see more samples using the BigShot, visit the Diva's blogs today, then pull out your supplies and create something! If you will post your card or project on your blog or at SplitCoast, just link it to the DCBD blog for everyone to compliment!

  What?  You don't have a BigShot yet??? Give me a call, you can come try mine, and we'll get you all hooked up with your very own!
Best wishes for a great stamping day,
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, May 3, 2009

May day!! May day!!

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month...

Stampin' Up! is offering 3 Fabulous Deals!!

Free Designer Paper (buy 3 get 1 free!)

A new alphabet set at 20% OFF

Become a demonstrator for only $75 !!

I would love if you stopped by my official Stampin' Up! website

and took advantage of any of these offers.

 Just click on the link to the right or go to www.dtollaksen.stampinup.net 

Pictures of all the cards from the Chicago area Shoebox Swap will be coming here soon!