MAY is Scrapbooking Month!

May 1 to May 31
Scrapbooking Month! Make a scrapbook and get excited about the NEW promotion that Stampin' Up is offering! Get going on your scrapbooking and get a preview of NEW stamps coming in the NEW 2009-2010 Catalog and Idea book soon to be released in July!

The Scrapbooking Promotion has two exciting parts:
1. Buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE!
OR
2. Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog--Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20 percent discount.

Item # Description Regular Price Sale Price
115199 Jumble Alphabet stamp set $43.95 $35.16

Jumble Alphabet <---click to view the set!

Today is my daughter's 17th Birthday! Happy Birthday Tori! Love you!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!® For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to http://www.stampinup.com/ or Order on my Website --> http://www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net/
Join My Team! For

$75.00, you can get a Special Scrapbooking Kit and be a part of Stampin' Up! Click on my website and use the password "faithfulstamper"

How to take Great Photos of people!

I subscribe to a newsletter that has many helpful hints..and this was a great tip that I thought I would share with you! I love taking photos, but I don't always get the right shot. Since we're not professional photographers, we take what we can get and it's ok...right? I mean, we have to do what we have to do...

So, how do the professionals get such great photos of kids, pets, friends, and make their scrapbooks look like it came off the wall from a gallery? You've got to check out this video and see where you can improve your picture taking. Now of course, this is a professional, and she's got a super digital camera, but I think that if you try taking one or two of her ideas, you can come up with a super photo that will be perfect to put on that special STAMPED-Created-by-YOU page that will take your scrapbooking to another level!

May is National Scrapbooking Month, so let's get it started off with taking super photos!


Taking Great Photos

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Progressively Scrapping....Step it up!

The Progressive scrapbook or Stepping it up!..... Being inspired by other scrapbookers, I had to try my hand at this. I did borrow many ideas from many different sources, but I think overall this is my own all together. I don't do much scrapbooking now, although I used to do (CM scrapbooking when I first started doing my daughter's book- I wasn't a consultant- just a fanatic). Most of what I do are events now, and trying to make some semblance of a scrapbook to leave for my daughter when she's older.

The idea of this Progressive scrapbook is to show scrapbookers and non scrapbookers to use the layouts to not stop from developing what we as demonstrators show you in 1 size, but to apply the sizes to your format of what you use in your own scrapbooking. For instance, if you are a 6x6 scrapbooker, you can use the simple scrapbook layout below in Step 1. If you use 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbooks, you look at Step 2...and then of course, if you do 12 x12 scrapbooks, then use Step 3!


STEP 1: 6x6 Scrapbook page.
This is a simple layout using the Decorative papers and layering for a simple 6x6 scrapbook page!

The butterfly close up has the Swiss Dotted texture. I ran it through the texture die first, and then cut out using the Butterfly Sizzix Die. I tied a teeny strip of paper for the antennae because the ribbons were too wide. The wings fold up for dimension!

STEP 2: 8 1/2 x 11" Scrapbook page.

I added the decorative paper strips at the base and then the layered flowers and the scrolls from the Swirls Sizzix Die.

Daisy 2 Sizzix Die Cutting multiple from Riding Hood Red cardstock, and then layering it over the Medium Scallop Circle which was textured with the Swiss dots. The Rhinestone brad (pink) was added to the center.

STEP 3: 12 x 12 Page

adding the 12 x 12 sheet in Riding Hood red, I also added the strip of Red Polka Dotted paper, and then trimmed the edges in the Kiwi Kiss and the Pink Pirouette Designer papers. They were both punched using the Eyelet Border Punch. The small mat was also punched all the way around.

The brads were added before applying to the Chocolate Chip cardstock.

No stamping added as of yet, but it is ready for a title...hmm..what to use this page for....!!!

SO, Get going..and Step it up!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Fifth Avenue Floral Class

Fifth Avenue Floral

Make a wonderful Mother's Day gift or for a special friend

Add a touch of elegance and class to your Mother’s Day gift this year with this gorgeous Fifth Avenue Floral card set!

The card set includes four trendy card designs packaged in a unique window box.

Date: Saturday April 25
Time: 12 (noon) to 2:30
Cost: 22.00

Day of event: 28.00

Free with 50.00 purchase (prior to class)

Location: Dianne’s

bring 6 sheets cardstock and adhesives

(Snail and Sticky red tape)

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Sneak Peek! June SAS

One of the cards I showed you yesterday in the Bella Bleu Cards.

This is a sneak Peek at the JUNE SAS!

This will feature cards and envelopes.

The colors are Not Quite Navy, Kraft, and Baroque Blue with Vanilla Accents.

It isn't completely finished, but it is a standard A2 Size box that will hold envelopes as well as the cards!

You can fill it with candies, or sweets, as well after the cards are mailed off...

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> http://www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net/
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Bella Bleu Cards - June SAS Preview!

One of the things that I have been wanting to do, but never really got around to it, was to decorate the envelopes.

Often times, I might stamp envelopes, but mostly I don't.

Well, after visiting the www.envelopperinc.com site, I was inspired to make inserts for my envelopes! So, I made a template by tracing a sheet of the Grid paper, and then cutting it the width of the envelope. Then I traced the top of the flap. (YOU can do this to ANY envelope.

Then, after you've cut out the curve of the flap, cut off about 3/4" from the bottom of the template. Then the paper will fit into the envelope, but it will be below the GUMMED area of the envelope.

Place the designer paper inside after you've traced your template and cut.

The fold over the paper so it will fold correctly without being bubbly.

Then take some Snail adhesive, and place a line of adhesive below the Gummed area on the envelope, and place the Designer liner paper down.

Now, check out the prices for these "puppies" on www.envelopperinc.com !!! You will want to make your own, after seeing that!!!

You will have a professional looking envelope that will match any card you make!

This is one of the cards for my June SAS.....(Stamp a Stack)

stayed tuned for more!!!

The bird was stamped in Going Gray, and cut out, I used dimensionals to raise up the bird over the ribbon and the flower that was also stamped in Sahara Sand and colored in with Baja Breeze and Pacific Point. The words were stamped with Sahara Sand, and also lightly stamped with the Fleur from the Friends 24-7.

I punched it out using the Designer punch, and used the Vanilla Hardward, that was attached by the KRAFT Ribbon.

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Stamp a Stack Card

One of the Cards for the Stamp a Stack, and I wanted to feature this one today since you can see it in the box from yesterday's posting.

The Rub on was applied to a whisper white cardstock and then cut out.

The Cameo Coral makes this card pop, and if you know me, Orange color tones are not my thing, but we can't live without orange!

But you would never think of adding it to Baja Breeze which is like a pale turquoise color!

Sign up for my May Stamp A Stack coming up May 16th!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Summer Love Walk in the Park

I love these color combinations! Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Cameo Coral and Going Gray. I used the colors within the Rub ons to inspire this Box of Cards!

The Box was fully constructed out of 2 sheets of 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" square cardstock and then the top was applied over the bottom with Sticky tape.

I have a tutorial instruction as to how to assemble this box, for my class, but if you would like to purchase the tutorial, you can contact me. The cost is $5.00. It is 10 pages of photos and instruction as to how to construct the box ,and the cards. You can use it for your next class or stamp a stack. This is a variation on Stamp a stack which I usually have them do several of the same card.

I also was able to locate some envelopes for these cards, from a company called Envelopper. They had lots of colors, but I ordered them in white because I wasn't sure how close their colors were to Stampin' Up! colors. Look at the Square Envelopes. The smallest square envelopes are 4 1/4 x 4 1/4".

The cards are 4x4" and the envelopes are 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". They should fit perfectly in the box once they arrive!

This class will be offered in MAY as my Stamp a Stack! so check my calendar! You will get a free sheet of Rub Ons which are included in the class, and you will have a variety of cards that you will make (8) cards plus the box.

Saturday, May 16, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

Cost: 25.00

or $15.00 with a 30.00 order.

Suggested purchases:

Great Friend #113792 $17.95

Circle Scissors Plus #112530 $29.95

Glass Mat #112531 $19.95

Window Sheets #114324 $6.95 (20mil thick)

RSVP by May 10th!!!!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> http://www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net/
Join My Team!
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A Walk in the Park by Fifth Avenue

Doesn't the title of this entry sound like it should be fun? Well, in New York, Fifth Avenue leads to the park, and I guess it was making me think of a Sunday Afternoon walking to the park.

Next Saturday (April 25th) is my Fifth Avenue Floral Class, and although we're doing the one that uses the Kraft Paper, I was trying to brighten it up by making one in Baja Breeze and using the Walk in the Park Designer paper.

This can be an alternative class if you can't make it to this weeks! This class is full for Saturday April 25th. I know you will just love all the elements in this, and it is really a fun class.

Walk in the Park by Fifth Avenue CLASS, contact me.... or another way click here----> click! Be sure to RSVP

The class is Sunday, May 3rd, 1:30 pm to 4pm - please RSVP or RSVP

Cost: 22.00 or free with a 50.00 purchase from my online store

If you would like to purchase this tutorial, please contact Andrea Walford. Her version is the Beautiful Kraft version.

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. It has been a stressful few days, getting ready for my daughter's surgery, and we got into a traffic accident on Wednesday (we were not injured) and then my daughter's surgery on Thursday, and then the same day, a man decided that this was his last day of work, so he decided to take out 2 other people and make them pay for his pain.
Unfortunately, he did this in front of the area where we were waiting for my daughter to get out of surgery.

So, I hope you won't leave my blog, thinking I have given up stamping..Today it was a blessing to stamp and think about card making instead of the last couple of events that I have experienced.





All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> http://www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net/
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Canvas Welcome Decor Elements

At the Art Supply stores, you can get canvas in different sizes. I happened to have bought this one at Tall Mouse in Cerritos, CA. I love that store, although it also has been hit by the economy, it still has a wonderful staff and great ideas that are always shared there! I got this long canvas on stretcher bars, that is 4" x 12". I cut the squares of Bella Bleu Designer paper into 1 1/4" squares, and layed them onto the canvas. I glued them on with the Tombow Multi Adhesive glue.

After getting all the pieces on, I laid the small WELCOME Decor Element
#114743 $2.95 in Chocolate on the canvas and centered it.

You need to have something under the canvas to help rub the vinyl into the canvas, so be sure to use piece of wood, or finger (I used a SU square glue stick under, which wasn't bad, at least it fit in the opening!)

I painted the sides of the canvas in a tan shade (Delta Ceramcoat in a color called Trail Tan)

It was very easy and simple, and what a great Welcome gift for a new homeowner, or for a special friend, and it was barely 10.00 to make!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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ATC Swap - Happy Easter

I hosted an ATC SWAP and there were only 6 people who participated, but it was really fun.

The participants were

Gina Coffelt, Sandi MacIver, Gina Taylor, Jennifer Turoff, Veronica Noechal, and myself

They are all beautiful and unique and I love that they are being added to my new little toy display of ATC's. I have never really been big into ATC's but they are easy to do, cute and a nice way to display images without overwhelming you by making BIG cards!

You should try them sometime. At 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" they are smaller and make designing and creating less intimidating, I think!!!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Another Trendy Tree

I think that this set is so cute. I love the trees, and believe me, if you've been to TARGET or WALMART, you've seen these trees on cards, gift wrapping, dishes, clothing and scrapbooking papers crafts! (look at the Scrapbooking magazines!)

I did a random stamping of the trees on Vanilla Cardstock and then layered it on Old Olive, and then mounted it on Chocolate Chip Cardstock

I took the left over Wide Stitched ribbon left over from the Rosette from the previous card, and tied it in a knot and the wrapped it around, and then punched out the scallop ovals, and stamped the Thank you from the NEW OVALS set from the Mini Catalog which is mounted dimensionally....

Have a wonderful Easter, and Blessings to your families!



All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Trendy Trees

Happy Good Friday!

I hope you're enjoying today, and I am not working (at my 'other' job today)...so I was stamping. My daughter had school today, and I decided to do some stamping since I haven't been doing a lot.

I was working on some chipboard tags, which I shipped off to someone (Lois in NJ) who is doing a craft fair, and needed some ideas...so I stamped and decorated a couple of tags for her, and foolishly forgot to take photos....

As I was stamping and playing with this set, I thought it needed some decorating (stamping) on the Old Olive Cardstock. So, I stamped the leafy tree around the edges...and it started to look lacy! Don't you think? And then I stamped the tree trunks first, and then the trees. I used the Stamp a Majig, but I don't think you HAVE to use it, but it does help.

The rosette was made using the wide stitched ribbon and using linen thread, I did a running stitch in the edge of the ribbon and pulled and tied it. Adding a build a brad with the dotted swirl tree in the center of the brad. Simple Card, quick to make !!
(well, sort of quick, the rosette does take some 'sewing' skill, but it isn't hard!!! don't be scared. My biggest threat is not being able to thread the needle sometimes because I can't see the eye!!!! lol)

PS My Apologies for not posting something since last Sunday!!! I think I am in withdrawals!


All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Rolodex File Photo Album

I got the rolodex file from eBay, and it was just plain drab and "office" dreary....

But, after decorating, wouldn't this be a breath of Fresh air or color?

I was inspired by Janet Wakeland's blog photos of her Rolodex classes, and using the Simply Scrappin' kits to make a fun photo album for a desk! Wouldn't this just brighten up YOUR desk at work, and create conversations with co-workers of all the things YOU love?

Or maybe you can also send this with your son or daughter as they leave for college..?

I filled this with photos of my family, pets and some of the fun things we did this last year, and things that are still being done. There are still several empty pages that can have more photos added, and other mementos...like movie tickets, or theater, or ....??...The sky's the limits...

I used the Card Address file die by Stampin' Up and Sizzix

If you're interested in a class or kit.....please contact me! <---click!

May is National Scrapbooking Month....I will be planning a Scrapbooking event..so..stay tuned!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
Join My Team!
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Petal Pizzaz

I know this has nothing to do with stamping, but, every year these ducks come back to our pond for at least 10 years.....and last year, they were here on April 3, and I took these yesterday....


See, we have the new dog in the picture this time!!! Last year, we had 3 ducks, 2 males and 1 female, and this year, just one of each....

Pretty amazing huh! I actually took these photos about 4 feet away from the ducks..and my pool



This is one layout that I really like to do because it is fast, and colorful!

this uses

Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, and Kiwi Kiss...I am going to miss the In-colors when they retire...do I say that all the time? (I think I do!)

This is one of the cards for STAMP A STACK for April 11th. (the Easter Sunday Weekend..)
Please RSVP by WEDNESDAY!!! (April 8th)

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
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Easter Basket Surprise!

How can you use these little containers, and make something fun with it?

What can you come up with?

I thought of different things, like ribbon tying or stamping or rub ons, but..after a few attempts at making a little box, this is what I came up with........

Cute and compact, and full of sweets!

This is one of my surprise treats for Friday Night Stampin Out!

Filled with Sweet Tart Jelly beans YUM!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
Join My Team!
The Starter kit is on sale this month for $169. You will get a free set ($47. value) just for joining this month. (FEB. or MARCH 09)

Happy Easter!

Yesterday was the first day to order from the OCCASIONS MINI CATALOG! Did you receive your copy? If not, you can click on the above link, or go to the website, or click on the photo of the Mini catalog to the right of this blog! I am sure you will LOVE the new Exclusive Sizzix Dies that are being offered by Stampin' Up!
Don't forget about the Get Connected Promotion as well! Get a free stamp (10.00) with any 40.00, and also don't forget about my Fifth Avenue Class!


Happy Easter!

Well, it isn't Easter yet, but we're making this cute card for Easter, and I wanted to make sure we got it made early so that YOU can send it out to someone special!


The Tea Party paper is so spring/Easter coordinated. I used Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, and Lavendar Lace

This is one of the cards for FRIDAY Night!


Can't wait to see the last project? Well, the last one uses a special container!



I got them at Michaels' and used my coupons, but I hope you think it is cute...I was really happy with the way it turned out!

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
Join My Team!
The Starter kit is on sale this month for $169. You will get a free set ($47. value) just for joining this month. (FEB. or MARCH 09)

CIRCLE POP UP

Now, I don't usually hold out on my customers..heh heh, but I have had these little gems hidden so well, even I forgot I had them!

I got these from Oriental Trading Company! Yes, the toy company! I actually ordered them from their scrapbooking area!

They are pop up circle cards!

So, I used my circle cutter to cut nice circles, and then stamped it (ALWAYS) in Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, and Pacific Point.

When you pull the circles apart, this is what is hidden inside! Clever, and I didn't have to cut anything or fold anything because it was "Pre-done!"

All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net
Join My Team!
The Starter kit is on sale this month for $169. You will get a free set ($47. value) just for joining this month. (FEB. or MARCH 09)

Fifth Avenue Floral Cards

Add a touch of elegance and class to your Mother’s Day gift this year with this gorgeous Fifth Avenue Floral card set! The card set includes four trendy card designs packaged in a unique window box.

Date: Saturday April 25
Time: 12 (noon) to 2:30 pm
Cost: 22.00 pre-paid
Location: My house - Long Beach, CA
RSVP by April 18th - class will be 28.00 day of the event. So pre-payment sent by April 19th is strongly encouraged! If you cancel after April 19th, you will be sent all the supplies.
Please be sure to commit to the date so that I can be sure to have all the supplies for you prepared!

From April 1st to April 25th!
If you can't attend my class, purchase 50.00 in my Online Store, EMAIL Me, and I will send you the class instructions by email. Please be sure to note FREE Fifth Avenue Floral Class somewhere in the email. The supplies should be purchased online, and I will send you this after I receive confirmation of your order!

If you are demonstrator wishing to purchase this planner, please go to http://www.demotodemo.com/ to order it! Be sure to let them know you were referred by me! If you order it, please let me know so I can give you a Thank you gift!
Please email me to sign up for this class: deekwlt@aol.com



this is Not an April Fool's day trick! :)

hope to see you here at my house!



All stamps, paper and inks used are © Stampin' Up!®
For more Stampin' Up!® information, go to www.stampinup.com or Order on my Website --> http://www.dianneshiozaki.stampinup.net/
Join My Team!
The Starter kit is on sale this month for $169. You will get a free set ($47. value) just for joining this month. (FEB. or MARCH 09)