Thursday, September 30, 2010

Cows in The Play Date Cafe?



That's quite a headline, huh??!!

I love the 'Pitter Patter' Collection from Making Memories.
It seemed the perfect fit for this week's color challenge


I adore this color inspiration photo.
It's unique and really causes me to look at things
with new eyes.


The card itself is pretty self-explanatory.
But there is a little 'technique' involved that I
am happy to share with you.
The challenge this week is being sponsored by
Technique Junkies Newsletter.

The 'technique' used for this project is called
'Clipped Corners'
For my little card, I chose to highlight the corner of
the crescent moon, so I 'clipped' from the edges
of the corner of the moon.

How would you like to win a 3-year online
subscription which would give you nearly
300 tutorials??!!!!

Head on over to
The Play Date Cafe
for your chance to win!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Birthday Hopping with Ippity!



It's H{ippity} Hop Monday
and I am coming to you from the Hilton Garden Inn
in beautiful Middleton, Wisconsin.
I LoVe the internet!

I spent seven whole hours....
creating...shopping...chatting...shopping...playing
and shopping at Archiver's today.
I will share more on my little excursion on Tuesday,
but here is a little photo that Paul snapped after I finished
the project for this post...


Now...back to The H{ippity} Hop!


For a complete list of the other talented
folks who are 'hopping' with me, click here
for a direct line to the Ippity Blog.


I really enjoyed making the 'elements' for this card.
I pulled out the 'Tattered Flowers' die from Sizzix/Tim Holtz and
started making a whole bunch of blooms.
These particular ones were created by using VersaMagic inks
in a variety of colors...just layered one on top of the other
to 'build' the color.  I then stamped each one with 
Ippity's 'A Bit of Burlap' stamp.
I then shaded the edges using Distress Inks and VersaMagic.
I then stamped this fun journaling image from
Ippity's 'Fall for You' set.
Placed the blooms randomly, added a few pearls,
shading around the borders and done.
If you have not tried Ippity stamps yet or have and do
not own the above images yet,
this week is a great time to add them.
It's time for the Ippity Double Deal!



Purchase 'Fall for You' for only $24 and get
'A Bit of Burlap' for only $3 and
free shipping for both!
I have them in stock and ready to send.
I accept PayPal and money orders
from USPS & Walmart.
Just email me at julieranae@hotmail.com
with your request.
Of course, you can order all your Ippity from me
and let me be your 'Ippity Chick'!
Click here to see the newest images I have available
and click here to see the others I have in stock.

Thanks to Maria at Ippity for choosing not only my
turquoise snowman card from last week's GIU,
but also the creations of fellow PDCC teammates,
Savannah & Suzanne as her Sunday faves!

Thanks for popping by!


Friday, September 24, 2010

Celebrating the First 50 Years...


What a day!!!

Happy 50th Birthday Pictures, Images and Photos

It is indeed a milestone birthday for me.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes that I have
been receiving over the past few days.
It has definitely been a time to contemplate the question
'how did this number come so quickly'?
I was thinking about it earlier today that 10 years
ago, there were a few celebrations for my
40th because at that time, I still had my store open
and between a variety of stamp clubs, regular customers
and other surprises, it was an easy time to celebrate.
Here I am 10 years later...10 years older...
with a whole new batch of friends from virtually
all over the world...thanks to your visits to
Julie's Open Window.

How will I be celebrating?
I enjoyed a lovely dinner with parents last night
and will be having a fun dinner out with my children
and 3 grandchildren tonight.
On Saturday, Paul and I will be heading up to Madison, WI
for a couple of days and staying at the Hilton Garden Inn
which is 'literally' attached to ... wait for it ...
an Archiver's Store!
So over the weekend, I am going to spend an afternoon
using their workroom to have a little creative time.
Paul is going to bring the laptop and some movies
and have a little relax time.
I have the best husband!

As a little tribute to him, I created a card that
shares my heart towards my dear Paul...


Today is my last day hosting

It has been such a terrific week!
For my last 'official' post for Unity,
I thought I would share 3 different projects
using their newest stamps called
'Itty Bitty'


 Most of you know that I am not one to do a lot
of coloring, but these stamps make it so easy!
This set is called 'Rain or Shine'.
I used my Paisley EF from Cuttlebug for the base card.
I have been waiting for just the right project to use these
sweet blue rhinestones.  When I bought them, I had always
envisioned using them as raindrops.


Another fun set is 'Sit.Eat.Enjoy'
What a great little set for all sorts of invites.
I called on my Swiss Dot EF this time.
Labels One from Spellbinders create a nice frame
and I pulled out some really old designer paper for
the faux tablecloth.  That's my BOO for this week!


 My final project is a little something for the holidays.


 This is 'Merry & Bright'
Lots of possibilities...lots of fun!

Have you seen Unity's 'Itty Bitty' stamps yet?


Now you have!

So how would you like an opportunity to
win a set of Unity stamps?
All you have to do is leave a comment on each of my
GIU posts for this week (M-F).  That's it.
You will have through Sunday to do so.
On Monday, when I return home from the weekend,
I will randomly draw one winner from the comments left
and announce it here on my blog.

Thank you for joining me this week for 'Growing in Unity'.
I've had an absolute blast!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

A Walk Down Memory Lane


To join me for 'Growing in Unity'
scroll down or click here


It is my turn to host the challenge over at 


I think it's really 'brave' to decorate in this bold design.  
Granted, back in the 90's, I happily painted 3 walls of my 
dining room hunter green and one wall merlot..  I even did my
living room with the bold shade of 'goldfish'
by Martha Stewart.  One wall only!
So I get it.
The question is....
are you willing to go outside the box?


I used great papers from Graphic45 (the dark blue),
Stampin' Up (the polka dot green) and American Crafts (silver).
I put my Distrezz-it-all from Zutter (my fave tool at the moment)
to good use on the edges of each layer.

How fun are these stamp images!?!


This week's sponsor is
 and I had a blast playing with them.

You could win over $60 
in rubber stamps!

Pop on over to The Play Date Cafe
and see what 'the world's best design team'
has done to inspire you to play.


Right Where I Should Be...Growing in Unity



I have to admit, this is one of my
all-time favorite sentiments from Unity Stamps.
I received this set as a birthday gift from my
dear friend and fellow PDCC designer,
It's a bittersweet week for me as I was supposed
to be celebrating my 50th birthday (this Friday)
with her and her sweet husband this coming
weekend...but scheduling just wouldn't allow it.
But for now, she and I both believe the above quote.

This is already Day Four of hosting 'Growing in Unity'.

This week has flown by so quickly, but I have enjoyed
every single minute of creating and sharing with you.
At the end of this post, don't forget to leave a comment
to be eligible to win a set of Unity stamps.  
You must leave a comment on each GIU post
which began on Monday and will go through Friday.


This set is called 'Where You Are'.
The stamp images in this collection are really large and substantial.
I love the elements of nature and enjoyed using subtle shades
from Memento and Ranger to achieve the various greens.
The sky shades were done with VersaMagic and
Tim Holtz Distress Inks.

While I worked on this project, I continued to layer
the soft tree branches to give the idea of being 
alone in the wilderness ... knowing that
in that moment, I am right where I should be.

Well....one more day of 'Growing in Unity'
and a special day for me as I reach the milestone of
50 years old.
I hope you will plan to stop back on Friday, say hello
and check out my next project...see you then!


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Growing in Unity...Unity Addicts...it's ALL about Unity!



It has been so refreshing to post a project for you each day.
Reminds me of when I first started my blog 15 months ago.
Of course, this week I have had something very specific to
share, but I want you to know that I have great intentions
to continue sharing more often.

If you have been visiting this week, you know that I
am hosting 'Growing in Unity'.
 
I am really excited to share that you can
read a bit more about me as 
I am being featured on the Unity blog today!

Today's post has an extra spin on it as
I am also participating in the Unity Addict's Challenge.
You too can play along by heading over to the

The challenge is this inspiration photo...


and here is my interpretation....


I love the new 'Simple Blessings' set from Unity.
There are a variety of pumpkins, leaves & more in
this wonderful set.  I stamped one of the pumkins on
cork paper and the leaves on a variety of patterned papers.
I love the small-checked paper from Graphic45's
'Halloween in Wonderland'.  The pumpkin paper is
from the new 'Apple Cider' collection from Imaginisce.
I couldn't resist using the border punch from Martha Stewart.

Here is a look at just a few of the stamps that come in
the 'Simple Blessings' set from Unity....


Don't forget....you could win a set of Unity stamps!
Leave a comment on each of my GIU posts for this week
(I began on Monday)
and on Friday, I will be drawing from all of the comments
and one lucky person will be a winner!

I will see you at midnight, EST tonight for the 
brand new challenge at The Play Date Cafe
and join me again as I continue to bring more Unity inspiration.


Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Quick Holiday Cards & Tags-Growing in Unity



Are you working on holiday cards yet?
I'm not really, although I have been sharing a few
over the past couple of days.
It's day two of hosting
and I have been enjoying playing with my
newest set of Unity called
'Bright & Merry Winter Wishes'.


I have been trying to create a few things that would 
give you ideas on how to make quick 'assembly-line'
type of cards.  Anything I can do to inspire you to
'make' rather than 'buy'!
The snowflake was actually stamped first and then
die cut using a Spellbinders die.  I also used
'Labels One' for my frames.
A little Stickles in garnet highlight a few of the letters
on the sentiment and a rhinestone center for a little more shine!
The satin ribbons are from Anna Griffin.


These really make up so quickly that using the same
design for matching gift tags just makes sense.

I am really enjoying playing with my Unity stamps this
week and now here's a chance for you to
win your own set from Unity.
Make sure you leave a comment on each GIU post
which began yesterday.  Come Friday, I will have a random
drawing from all the comments left on these posts.

So glad you stopped by!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Growing in Unity & Hippity Hoppin' all in One Day!


It's going to be a very busy week here at The Open Window!

I am so excited to be this week's hostess for
'Growing in Unity'
Each day, I will be sharing a new project that will hopefully
inspire you to use your Unity stamps in new and creative ways.
If you are new to Unity, then you have got to get over to 
their website and check out all their wonderful images.

Along with each daily project, I will remind you to leave a
comment because on Friday, I will have a random drawing
from the comments left all week.
You could win a set of Unity stamps!  
So make sure you stop by each day!


This was a fun card to work on.  
You could totally switch it up and use different color combos.
The ornament image is from the brand new holiday set
 from Unity called 'Bright & Merry Winter Wishes'.
I heat embossed it (which I rarely do anymore) with
metallic bronze from JudiKins.
The letters were cut from a Sizzix/BasicGrey set and
the designer papers are from The Girls' Paperie 'On Holiday'
and My Mind's Eye 'Lost and Found'.
The satin ribbon & pearls are from Martha Stewart.
I added depth to each piece by using Tim Holtz
Distress Inks in 'Old Paper' & 'Vintage Photo'.

Now it's time to share with you my offering for
H{ippity} Hop Monday with Ippity Stamps.

If you are new to the 'Hop', each week a great group of 
{Ippity} 'chicks' and {Ippity} fans create a variety of projects
to share with you.  To get the complete list of who is


Again, I think this is such a great card to do in a variety
of colors.  It's a simple one to put together and would be
a great 'assembly-line' card if you need to make alot.

The fun and funky snowman is from 
{Ippity}'s 'Kissmas & Mistletoe' set
and the other images are from 
Unity's 'Bright & Merry Winter Wishes' set
used for the first card.
I cut the silver metallic cardstock and red circle using my
Spellbinders die cuts and added gems and checked ribbon
for fun little embellishments.


Each time I participate in the 'hop', I offer
a great deal on the {Ippity} stamps I used.
This week, you can get....
'Kissmas & Mistletoe' for only $18 
which includes free shipping!


I would so love to be 
your {Ippity} Chick!
If you are interested in this set or any of the
others listed in my {Ippity} page here,
just email me at julieranae@hotmail.com
There are several sets not yet listed on my page,
but all are available through me.

So glad you stopped by today!
Don't forget to stop by each day 
and
leave a comment if you would like a chance
to win the fabby Unity set on Friday.

See you tomorrow with more 
Growing in Unity!


Thursday, September 16, 2010

In Love with Doodles & Daters & Paperbag Studios



I am so glad to be back on my blog this week.
Things get so busy from day to day, don't they?
I have a very busy few days ahead and the good news
is I will be sharing it all with you...so stay tuned!

I have been really excited about this week's
Play Date Cafe Challenge...from every possible angle.

First....I love the inspiration photo...


I also love the fun, vibrant colors that came from 
Sarah's 'color story'.


I took a few liberties with my green shades, but all in all,
I stayed as close to the colors required by my dear friend.
This card is made up of a variety of papers and cardstocks
in really random themes...and it was all paper-pieced.
There were six different rubber stamps used.
Which brings me to the final thing about this week's
challenge that I love...our new sponsor!


Paperbag Studios is easily one of my
newest favorite companies and the stamps we
used were a perfect fit for these colors.


This set is called 'Doodles & Daters'
and is so dang versatile.
Don't believe me? 
Just head on over to The Play Date Cafe
and check out what the
World's Best Design Team
have to offer for inspiration.
We also welcome Roben-Marie Smith, owner
and designer of Paperbag Studios as
this week's Guest Designer.


Sunday, September 12, 2010

Sharing an RAK with my Loved Ones



I am really busy in my creative space working on some
deadlines for this week, so I don't have anything of my
own to share with you until tomorrow.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share this photo, though.
This is my 7 year old grandson, CJ.
So far, of my 3 grandsons, he is the one who really
loves to create.
My dear friend Michele from Studio MSG sent me the
fabby Martha Stewart 'Iron Gate' border punch.
It was on my birthday wish list
(which is not for a couple weeks yet)
and the next thing I know, it shows up in my mailbox!
What a sweetheart!

Anyway...CJ saw it and just had to have a play with it.


I am blessed to have these two sweet men at my house
a couple times a week after school and I can't take
enough photos of them.
Caleb will be 5 in November. 
I cannot believe how the time flies.

Thanks for indulging my little personal stories once in awhile.


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Will You Marry Me? The Play Date Cafe Challenge



It's my favorite kinda challenge over at The Play Date Cafe...

I LoVe working with 'color splash' challenges
and this one is a little 'different'.
Usually, we require black and white with just one
option of additional color.  This time, there are
three colors to choose from...
pink, copper or gold.


I chose a combination of the pink for the dress and a bit
of a copper-tone for the tuxedo shirt.
I layered vintage lace around the bodice of the dress
and embellished with Prima rhinestones and a paper flower.
The tux shirt & silk rose were inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink
in 'Tattered Rose' and the buttons are birthstone pearls 
from Martha Stewart.

We are being sponsored this week by


They provided the our team with these wonderful
die cuts in a wedding theme.  You have got to see what the
rest of the world's best design team came up with to inspire
you to play along with these fabby colors.
There is a terrific $40 prize package up for grabs to the
winner of this week's challenge, so you have to play!
Head on over to The Play Date Cafe....

I'll see you there!