iScrapNStamp ~ Stampin' Up! in Cardinal: Retired Sunday.. Flowers and Butterflies..

When I sat down a few weeks ago to start working on my upcoming events calendar I decided that this time I'd also add a few personal challenges to the pages as well - my idea being that if I wrote it down I'd somehow need to be accountable for the commitment I'd made to myself and it would be done.

As with most things, these "big ideas" don't always take on the first pass-thru, but at the very least they serve as a reminder of my goals and plans and something to move towards.

I've been spending a lot of extra time down in the craftroom lately, sorting tools and toys, labelling our shiny new catalogs and re-arranging the crafting space. I was tickled pink when earlier this month I was able to add another table to the space - a clear indication that progress is being made!

Another Challenge I've made to myself is to make use of the myriad of toys and tools that have been bought and not yet played with -- or not fully appreciated *enough*. That's not to say that I haven't played with anything -- but in orders put in, around the time we were jetting back and forth to BC, much of the product stayed in the boxes for way too long and when it came out there was SO MUCH that the idea of playing with any of it because somewhat overwhelming. have you ever been there?

Sometimes I feel like I *live* there -- but I'm working on that.

I decided that I'd start working through some of my retired paper, and play with some of my retired Stamp sets, and soon-to-be retiring stamp sets. Deeming this to be win win since I'll build up my stash of cards as well as clearing out a raft of supplies that will make room for the new In-Colors, and Color Changes.. When I set out my plan I envisioned a relaxing Sunday int he Craftroom, and when I started thinking about using up the retired papers and such I dubbed it Retired Sunday. Now I know that I won't always make it down there on a Sunday but on those week's when I can't I'll try to get down there before hand so I can still share a project in my Sunday post.

On Friday afternoon my daughter and I decided to stamp candles. Her boyfriend's mom was celebrating a birthday and I wanted to show her what a quick and easy "Wow" gift this was. I couldn't decide what stamp set to use but then finally decided on the retired "Fifth Avenue Floral".

Most would never think of stamping on a candle, but it really is SO very easy, and makes a very nice "Wow" gift. I love giving a gift you made yourself!

I can laugh about it now, but this is a stamp set I almost didn't buy. At the time I figured I already had "enough" flower stamps, and I didn't really want or need it. But then our coordinating embossing folder came out and I wished I'd gotten it. Thankfully a friend was selling her's and I was able to make it mine. It's been a favorite ever since!

This retired Sunday I still had the stamp set on my desk I picked up some retired card stock from my stash and cut the card bases and background pieces before stamping. At that point I did the tag, and sponged around it to tie the colors together - but it still needed *something*.. so I added the butterflies..

I had so much fun making the butterflies that I made a raft more..

Making punched and die cut embellishments is a fabulous way to use up scrap pieces and those last few bling pieces from a sheet that you weren't sure how to use up. I have a container full of pre-cut tags and punchies in a variety of colors so that I just have to fish out the one I need and we're good to go - it can sure save a lot of time!

Have you reserved your spot at our Customer Appreciation Event this coming weekend? Don't delay ! Time is running out!