A Moment in Time

.....drumroll please!

BACK AGAIN!!!!  Talk about when it rains it pours eh? (that little "eh" was added just for my American friends! Maybe I do say it more than I think! haha) Don't miss all the happenings today, there are multiple posts so be sure to scroll!!! 

OKAY!!! SO the winners for the monogram stamp draw are........   ALL OF YOU WHO COMMENTED!!!  There were a total of 7 entries, and really I couldn't just pick 6 people now could I!? That is just so not me. SO....

all who commented on THIS post please get in touch with me via email at info@renaissancebydesign.com, please type "Monogram giveaway" in the subject line. Please be sure to reference which number comment you were.

Please include:

• Your choice of monogram design and the size you would like (this offer is good for up to the 3" size).See a list of designs on the RBD website, if you do not see one you like but have something in mind, please describe it or attach a picture.

• Your choice of format for your monogram. ie. clear stamp, or digital printing file

• Your initials and/or the names and dates required on the stamp... be sure to check spelling!!!

I will then respond to your email and attach a proof for your acceptance and review (please allow a few days time for this). If you do not like the sample shown, please let me know and we will make sure you love it!

Once I recieve all of the winners' confirmations I will respond with a turnaround time for delivery. Please keep in mind, if you have won, there will be other contestants who are relying on you to be prompt in responding.

I will include any further details in my communications with you.

CONGRATULATIONS winners!!!  I hope you love them as much as I do!!!

Cheers! 

~Devon

Please note: the monograms which appear in the grey as well as the black are actually a two-step stamp (two stamps, one for black ink, one for the grey)

September Release!

Hello hello!  Here I am to unveil the newest set from RBD Happy Halloween. I wanted to design something which could be used both by the scrapbooker and the gift or treat giver. Since I haven't been able to play with this set myself (see previous post about the chaos while I move!) both Tina and Deb have done a beautiful job in using this new set.

Here are a few projects created by our talented guest designer, Deb. Please visit her blog and tell her what a fabulous job she's done! Don't you just LOVE how she incorporated our scrolls into her designs? Fabulous job Deb!

For all of you interested in purchasing this set, the shopping cart access will be restored on September 15th! Don't forget to order all of your bags and tins and alterables for those special goblins this year! Remember, if you spend over $50 CDN you receive FREE shipping within Canada and the US!

Okay! Back to unpacking! I can't wait to ink this set up and post some ideas for this one!!!

Strictly Sentiments

Hello everyone! I almost died today when I realized that we are already in AUGUST! Can you believe it! Where is this summer going!? Pretty soon we'll be packing our little ones back to school

I am here today to introduce the newest set out from RBD called Strictly Sentiments.  I made this set with the hopes of adding more versatility to any other set that you already own.

The simple script sentiments are perfect to add the finishing touch to any card. By adding this set to your collection, you are adding amazing versatility to any of your other graphic stamps! This set has 29 stamps included!!

Don't miss the previous post and leave a comment to win a monogram stamp!

Hope you're enjoying your summer!!

A giveaway with a twist

Is anyone you know getting married in 2010? Would you love to have your own monogram stamp for your card seals, invitations and envelopes or homemade stationery? Well, then you can't miss this post.

I have been contacted a few times from people who were requesting to see some samples of monogram stamps and what they've been used for!  So I thought, what better way to do this than a giveaway!!

Comment on this post and 6 people will be drawn at random on September 1st 2009 to win their very own custom monogram stamp ($25 value)!!!! (please note: this stamp will take about 6-8 weeks for delivery from the date this contest closes)  This can be for everyday personal use, or it can be for weddings, invitations and the like.

Where's the catch you ask? Well, okay this time there is a tiny catch. If your name is chosen and you win your custom stamp all you need to do is use your stamp and love it (and we know you will). Yup, that's it. All we ask that you send us a photo of something you've created with your monogram stamp; wedding favours, stationery, invitations etc. and we will post them on the blog and in our gallery section of our website for our customers and brides to have a look at.

If you are chosen as one of the winners all you need to do is contact us with your choice of style of stamp (you can also send what you would like to have done if you don't see something you like) and all of your information. See the post on September 1st where we will announce the winners and how they should contact us.

If you prefer the digital file you are able to choose a digital printing file in place of the stamp (this would be an option for someone wanting something for use asap as it will only take approx. 48 hours to receive).

Good luck everyone!!! 

July release

Happy Canada Day everyone!  Can you believe it's July already!! Where is this year going!? I find summer months pass far quicker than the winter ones.

Have you popped over to the CPS blog and seen what the design team has created with some of the RBD sets? Amazing work. I am always in awe at what those talented ladies come up with! 

Now on to the release! Here's a card I've done which incorporates both of the new stamp sets from RBD for July.  I've used the set Blossom and Wilt to created the floral pattern on the left hand side and the new Borderlines  set for the subtle pattern on the right. I think they compliment each other beautifully.

The daisies were made by stamping versamark onto white cardstock using the solid daisy image and then heat embossing. I then took my brayer and rolled an even pink layer over the entire piece. I then took the smaller daisy and heat embossed it as well. After doing that I used my brayer and covered another layer in a pale yellow to turn the paper into a peachy tone. Notice how the embossed flowers keep the color of the layer they were stamped on. I love using this trick and do it quite a bit.

I forgot to photograph the inside of the card, but it has the partner sentiment inside which reads "...and also there when you wilt".

I will be posting 3 more cards in the next little bit all made out of one piece of custom patterned paper I created using this set. Be sure to check back so you don't miss it!! 

Don't forget to stop by CPS and enter to be in the draw!!

Introducing... Curly Tree

Well, as I was saying in my last post this new set goes with my favorite theme of stamps.. did you guess what it was?  Trees. For some strange reason I am totally and absolutely drawn to trees.  I love our set Roots and Wings and it is definitely one that I reach for anytime that I'm in a slump! But NOW, Curly Tree may have taken top spot in the tree area. I just love the filigree feel to the branches which are softened by the curls. There are 18 stamps in this set which you can use separately or mix and match as needed to express just what you need to say.

Here is a little card I put together using the Curly Tree set. I went with a shabby look this time, so shabby I almost lost the little strip at the top right there!

I first took the tree image and inked it up with my lighter brown color, then sponged the stamp with darker ink around the edges. I stamped it off on a scrap piece of paper before stamping it onto my focal piece to get the lighter effect. I inked the edges and then roughed them up with my scissor edge. I took my sewing machine and did a tight straight stitch around the edge... I pulled out some of the thread to make it look just a bit shabbier. I then added the hearts stamped in red randomly on the tree branches to make them look like the fruit of the tree. I added some red stickles onto them to give it a little bling.

I stamped the larger heart, stickled it too and then cut out the heart with scissors. I threaded it like a button and then added a button on top.

I used the "love" sentiment and inked it in red and then sponged a bit of brown onto the stamp before I stamped it on the card to make it a bit distressed.

The diamond piercing was done by first using my Scor-pal, and then piercing in the lines.

Stop by later today and see a post using the other stamp set released today, Call Me! I know you'll like it just as much as this one!!! 

ALSO, don't miss it>>> all alterables are on sale 10% off for the month of June!

See you soon!

~D

Also new for May 2009...

Well, I've shown you one set already for may, now here is part two! A great set for all of your teacher's gifts and cards... not to mention school scrapbook pages!  It is called A is for Apple. The apple image is just adorable in this set and so versatile with the gingham and plaid patterns which can be overstamped on top of the solid image. I've also included the cut apple view of the "flesh" of the inside of the apple. At first it took a bit to figure out how to get it to look the way I wanted (ie. White with the red skin) but I've found that by stamping the inside of the apple in Versamark and then heat embossing in clear before stamping the red solid image on top works the best in acheiving this effect. After you've stamped the solid image over the embossed middle, simply take a Q-Tip or damp tissue and carefully wipe off the ink from the embossed portion of the apple.

Here I've taken one of our 8 oz clear top tins and used it as a planter for this little apple tree I started from a seed.

I stamped the apples in a random pattern around the container.

If you've never started an apple tree from a seed before it is a great project for your child to do with you. I find the best way is to take a seed from an apple (be sure to check if they grow in your region if you plan to plant them outisde eventually) and slice into it with a sharp knife, not quite severing the seed into two halves. Then, take a wet paper towel and place 3-4 of these split seeds in the wet papertowel and fold a few times... I use about a half sheet of paper towel. You want enough paper that it holds the moisture but not so much that you can't see the seeds through the paper towel. Place these on a tray and place in the sunshine by the window. Keep the paper towel moist and within about a week the seeds will sprout. Once you see the little sprouts, transfer them to damp soil in small pots or egg cartons and keep them moist. Then simply plant them into the container of your choice to give as teacher's gifts or to plant in your back yard when they mature. Your children will love the idea of growing their very own tree!

Check back for an ADORABLE educational project using this set (hint, it uses the numbers included in this set), which is especially great for a preschooler learning to count or a little one learning to add or subtract or multiply.  I know you'll love it!!!  Have a great weekend everyone!!

Introducing.... Home Sweet Home

Happy May everyone!  Finally things are warming up around here!!  The first set I want to introduce to you today is called Home Sweet Home.

This set was designed with new home owners in mind.  I've just used the "love and laughter" sentiment on these cards here today, but throughout the next couple of weeks I'll be showing you projects using more of the images from this fabulous set.

I used the faux scallop technique here again using the scalloped circle for a variation on the look.

I love the way these came out. Check back for more ideas using this set!

Introducing..... Listed

***********Second post today so make sure you SCROLL DOWN!************

Hello everyone! Happy April Fool's Day! I was lucky, I only almost fell for something but I caught myself!

For some reason we are having some technical difficulties with the store today but I am told the host is working on fixing the problems.. please be patient!

Here is the second part of today's release from RBD, the new set Listed. I think this will become a staple in my collection because I am a compulsive list maker and post-it writer.

I created this little purse pal today using crafty board (in the RBD store).

I used the Bold Blossoms set to create the subtle flower pattern on the outside cover of my case.

I then took the lines stamp from the Listed set and created my own little notepad. I used the Shopping List heading because that is mostly what I will be using this for. Of course you could change this to any other requirement that you would have!

Don't you just LOVE how easy it is to make beautiful lists!

I then repeated the pattern on a long envelope (from SU!) and used the "Coupons" stamp on the flap.

I adhered this to the other inside flap to hold all of my various coupons that I carry when running my errands.

I of course had to add a pen handy and punched a hole (do this before covering with paper) to tie a ribbon through to hold my pen in place. I think this looked prettier than having a pocket. An elastic loop would've also done the job nicely.

Here is a close up of the inside view. Click to enlarge

I think I am going to try my hand at a wedding planner version of this later which lays out the guest list, table seating planner etc.

This set has so many possibilities that I can't wait to try!

Thanks for stopping by today, I've got a few more posts lined up to show a few things the design team has created using the new sets from April!

Cheers!

Introducing...... Coffee and Tea!

WOW, can  you believe it is APRIL!! You wouldn't know it by looking around here though! We got another dump of snow, the only bright side I can see to this is that I can delay my spring cleaning a little bit longer.

Since it is April first I suppose that means I should reveal some Stamp sets!!!  You may have caught the teaser on Keri Lee's blog for this first set I am revealing, Coffee and Tea.  I am in love with the thousands of options this set has to offer.  It is divided into two for coffee lovers and tea lovers. Then, to make this set even MORE versatile, there is an add-on set which extends it even further by adding a cocoa sentiment and marshmallows!!

For my first project I made this sweet little tea gift set. I found that cute little white teapot for $1 at the local dollar store!! It's perfect for two cups of tea.

I also found that cute little tea infuser at IKEA for a steal of a deal to complete the set.

Click on the photos for a closer look.

 

For the tea, I purchased loose tea in bulk and put them into our square french glass bottles and labeled them with my rectangle nestability dies. I modified a template I had to fit 2 bottles perfectly. Just print out this template on the wrong side of your cardstock and assemble! I lined it with the gorgeos vellum from SU!.

Download Square bottle caddy box 

If you like the little curly accents under the main focal point and on the cardfront and tops of the jar labels you may* want to keep an eye out for the May stamp set release *hint hint*

I acheived that variation in the color on the tiny cups by stamping the image in the lighter blue color first and then sponging on some cocoa colored ink onto the edges. I also put them inside the scribble circle from the pampered package set and punched them out and put them on the caps of the bottles.

I used the "Enjoy" sentiment from RBD's Pampered Package set as well.

To make this teapot (don't you just LOVE that teapot!?) I simply used the same technique on the teapot as I did for the cup image above. Stamping it in the lighter color first and then sponging the darker color around the edges. I pierced a few little designs in the corners for some interest and used the secret stamp as a border behind the focal image (that stamp is from a set to be released in May).

I tied one of my favorite types of bows here, it's a little tricky to get the hang of it at first but basically, what you do is when you are looping your ribbon around your rabbit ear instead of going around clockwise, go around counter-clockwise and you'll end up with one loop on top and the other loop and two "tails" on the bottom. It takes a bit of practice but once you get it you've got it for life! hahah I love how it makes the bottom of the bow a bit heavier allowing me to stick in two pearl pins for balance on top.  

Have a great Wednesday everyone!!!

I will have a few more posts in the next little bit using this set to show you some other ideas to put it to good use!!