I am such a dork!!

UGh! I had a great project to show you today. It was one of the projects I worked on as last minute gifts for friends and family. I took pictures of them and when I went to upload them to my photo editing program today guess what I did? I deleted them from the camera card! Of course I didn't have them saved on my desktop either. I am so upset at myself now. I have nothing to show you today now. :0( Sorry!

I guess I can tell you what it was. I had made some beautiful Christmas trees using Styrofoam trees and some of the designer series paper strips. They turned out so beautiful and even though I loved them when they were done, I didn't keep one for myself. You can see some samples that other creative ladies have made HERE, HERE, and HERE. Enjoy!

Happy Stamping~

Holidays and Stampin' Up! Special

Hi Stampers! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Holiday this past week. This is a time where you can really see just how blessed we are. Even though I still am unemployed from my regular day job, I owe a huge thanks to my loyal customers and Stamp Club ladies. Thanks to you, my Stampin' Up! business has never been better and it is because of you that my life is so blessed this holiday season. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

Due to all the last minute preparations, baking and shopping I have not had time to stamp in weeks! I can feel the withdrawal symptoms starting to set in and I will need to find some time soon to get rid of that feeling. :0) I will be showing you another project or two that I was working on as last minute gifts for family and friends. I should have the photos edited and uploaded for you tomorrow. I know Christmas is over, but perhaps these will inspire you to get a jump start on your crafting gifts for next year.

Now on to some fun stuff! Can you believe that the new year will soon be upon us and that Valentine's Day is right around the corner? From December 23rd, 2008 (yeah I know I am late in posting this but it couldn't be helped!!!) through January 31st, 2009 Stampin' Up! is offering the Love You Much Bundle to it's customers. By ordering this bundle of items you will save 20% off the regular prices if you were to purchase them separately. The bundle is on sale for just $41.48. Here is what is included in the bundle along with prices if you were to purchase the separately:

~ Currently the Candy Cane DSP is out of stock so in order to place an order for this item you must contact me directly either via phone or email to take advantage of the 20% price. Due to part of this bundle being on back order status you will not be able to place an order directly online using my Stampin' Up! website. Sorry for the inconvenience!~

**Remember that there is still time to take advantage of the retiring stamp sets at the discounted rate as well. Some of the sets have sold out and are no longer avavilable. Please contact me if you are interetsted in seeing this list. In the next few weeks I will also be posting several Stamping specials and blog candy to show my appreciation for my loyal customers. Keep checking back for more details!

Happy Stamping~

Pink Snowflakes

Hi Stampers! Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner? Wow did that sneak up on me fast! I am still not done with my holiday shopping or baking!!! Guess I better get a move on it. :0) Today's card is an old favorite. I love the colors of Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip together. This is a quick and easy card to mass produce in a hurry. The various snowflakes were stamped randomly in Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip on a piece of white card stock. This was then added to a piece of Regal Rose with a piece of 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain Ribbon wrapped around the panel. Then it was all attached to a chocolate chip card base. The sentiment was stamped on a scratch piece of card stock in chocolate chip, punched out using the large oval punch and then layered onto a piece of chocolate chip CS. I then cut a border out by hand since I did not have a larger oval punch at the time. Quick- Easy- Beautiful!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Snow Burst, Season of Joy
Ink: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Regal Rose, WW, Chocolate Chip
Other: Oval Punch, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

Homemade Desk Calendar

Hi Stampers! Isn't this the cutest desk calendar? Sometimes I amaze myself at what I can create under pressure. (It seems that I tend to do my best work when under pressure.) I made this using the 4" heavy weight coasters I bought from HERE. I printed out a 2009 calendar that I had downloaded from someone on SCS. I'm sorry but I can't remember which thread it was from. If you go into the forums and type calendar template I am sure you can find it. :0) I adhered another piece of the Maine Blueberry DSP to both sides of 2 heavy weight coasters. I ten sanded the edges with my sanding block. After printing out my calendar and cutting it to size, I layered it onto a piece of Ballet blue card stock and used 2 of my Brocade Blue Brads to hold it all together. This will allow the recipient of the gift to be able to just tear off the month as it passes.

To make the calendar stand up I put to coasters back to back and punched 3 holes in the top using my crop-a-dile. I was overjoyed to find that it went through both layers of coaster at once! You gotta love a tool that makes life easy! I then threaded pieces of the 5/8" Certain Celery Ribbon through the holes and tied in a knot on top. I made sure to leave enough room so the pieces can rotate and this can fold semi-flat when need be. The last thing I did was to attach some of the chipboard letters I had in my stash collecting dust to spell out her name. (wondering if my sister is going to read this before her gift arrives- Oh well Jen you'll just have to act surprised!!!)

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: N/A

Ink: N/A

Card stock: Ballet Blue , Maine Blueberry DSP

Other: 5/8" Certain Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Crop-a-dile, Sanding Blocks, Brads, Heavy weight 4" coasters, Computer to print calendar

Post it Note Holder with Pen

Hi Stampers! Today's project coordinates with the altered clipboard project I showed you yesterday. This is made out of a clear standing photo frame. (I bought mine last year at Wal*Mart) It was another easy project. I layered a piece of the Maine Blueberry DSP onto a piece of Ballet Blue CS. Then I adhered an initial chipboard letter that I had lying around. I inserted the piece into the frame (make sure you have your frame rotated so the stand part on the top back portion). I added a stack of post-it notes to the front and set one of my matching beaded pens on top.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: N/A
Ink: N/A
Card stock: Ballet Blue, Maine Blueberry DSP
Other: Chipboard Letter, Acrylic Frame, RSVP Pen, Sticky Strip, Micro Beads, Post-It Note

Quick reminder...

Hi stampers! Just a quick reminder that all orders received to Stampin' Up! by December 16th (today) will be picked, packaged, and delivered to our courier in plenty of time to arrive by December 24. As you know, we cannot control delivery times when holiday mail volumes are high so this is not a guarantee.

In addition the retiring stamp sets are still 10% off and there is FREE shipping on all orders of $70 (before taxes/shipping) or more. Orders can be placed directly with me using a major credit card or on my Stampin' Up! website HERE. (note: you must place an order through my website or another demos website to receive the free shipping. Placing an order directly with Stampin' up! and just selecting a demonstrator will not give you the same shipping specials.) Once the retiring sets sell out they will no longer be available so get your favorite set today!

Happy Stamping~

Altered Clipboard

Hi Stampers! Here is the adorable altered clipboard that I made in my desk set ensemble. I love how it turned out and was amazed at how quickly it came together. I started out my painting the upper portion of my clipboard a green similar to certain celery. I let it dry and then used the clipboard as a template to trace onto my designer series paper. I chose to use the paper called Maine Blueberry. I love it! Green has always been my favorite color and I love it even more paired with blue. To give the clipboard some interest, I cut my piece of DSP about 1/3 of the way down and used the reverse side to give some contrast. Using Modge Podge I covered the clipboard with a thin layer and then added the upper portion of DSP. I let that dry and then applied another layer of modge podge (covering the upper layer this time) and adhered my bottom layer. I coated that layer with Modge Podge and set aside to dry. Once dry I added yet another coat and applied the ribbon to cover the seam. Another coat of Modge Podge, some decorative ribbons tied around the clip and I was done. I definitely need to make me some more of these. I don't know why I waited so long. :0)

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: N/A
Ink: N/A
Card stock: Maine Blueberry Designer Series Paper
Other: Clipboard, Modge Podge, Paint brushes, 5/8" Certain celery Grosgrain Ribbon, 5/8" Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon

Altered Desk Set

Hi Stampers! Just a quick post today to show you what I have been working on. This is one of the altered desk sets that I have been busy making for Christmas gifts. I just love how this turned out. I will show close up pictures and supplies of each project in the days to follow. I bought all the supplies for the clipboards and post it note holders a long time ago with good intentions of making them. I got intimidated. I finally got up the courage to dig them out and make them and now I am kicking myself for taking so long. These project were rather quick and super easy to create. I hope the receiver of these enjoys them.

Happy Stamping~

Stampin' Up! Retirement List is Here!

Hi Stampers! Today is the BIG day that Stampin' UP! announces it's retirement list for this catalog season. Dozens of stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog are retiring. Now's the last chance for you to get them--these sets are only available through January 18, 2009. And they're 10 percent off from December 9-23, so don't wait to order! In addition to this great savings you will also receive FREE shipping on any order of $70 or more from December 9th through December 23, 2008. In order to have your orders before Christmas, Stampin' Up! is encouraging all orders to be placed by December 16th to allow for delivery. Orders can be placed online on my Stampin' Up! website or you can contact me via email or phone to place a direct order if you prefer.
Click here to view the retiring list

Happy Stamping~

Stampin' Up! Retirement List

It's that time of the year again! The retiring stamp sets from the Fall & Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalog will be announced tomorrow, December 9th. I will be sending out emails to all of those on my mailing list to let you know. In addition I will be posting a complete list here and you will also be able to see the complete list on my Stampin' UP! website as well. Remember, once the retirement list is announced the items will be only be available while supplies last. To ensure that you get the items you want please feel free to place an order online through my Stampin' Up! website.

Stamp club members remember all club orders are due by 5pm on Friday December 12th.

Happy Stamping~

Frosty Friends

Hi Stampers! Today's card is another card made using the set Holiday Line Up. I chose to use the cute snowmen image today instead of the elves or the naughty reindeer (from yesterdays post). This card is based on one I saw featured on Dawn Griffith's Blog HERE. I love the colors of bashful blue and black together. It's hard to tell in the picture, but there are white snowflakes stamped onto the background layer of the bashful blue card stock.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Holiday Lineup, SnowBurst
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers, WW Craft Ink
Card stock: Bashful Blue Basic Black, WW, Frosty Day DSP
Other: Scallop Edge Punch

Santa's Mischevious Reindeer

Hi Stampers! Can you believe that it is December already? Where has the time gone? It seems like it was just Valentine's Day! Today's card makes me laugh. When I saw this set in the catalog, I knew I had to have it. If you look close at the image you can find why I find it so hilarious. Notice the smirk on the reindeer with the red nose. Doesn't it look like he is up to something? In my opinion it looks like he passed gas- heheheheheheehhehee!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Holiday Lines Up, Snow Burst
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, chocolate Chip, WW, Close to Cocoa
Other: Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Write Markers

Beaded Pens

Hi Stampers! Today's share is another project I made for the craft fairs and will also be making as some Christmas gifts this year too. You may have seen them posted on various blogs and on SCS. They are fairly easy to make and make a big "Wow" with the person receiving them.

I decided to make several different styles of them this year. Some of the pens I just made "swirls" around the pen and then beaded that part. Some of them have pieces of various designer series paper inside the barrel to give it an even more glamorous look.

On the other batch of them I covered the entire outside of the barrel of the pen. Some of them have the DSP on the outside and then are rolled in the beads, others have the DSP rolled up inside the barrel and the outside is rolled in beads. I found that the ones that have the paper inside the barrels are not as brightly colored as the others. They are all beautiful though.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None

Ink: None

Card stock: Various Designer Series Paper

Other: Red Line Tape, Micro Beads, RSVP pens

From Our Home to Yours

Hi Stampers! Just a really cute & quick card to share today. I saw this card done on Chris Twing's Blog HERE. I couldn't resist re-creating her card. She also posted recipe for this card which you can download for yourself. Be sure to check out her other designs. They are adorable.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: To You & Yours, Season of Joy
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Handsome Hunter, Riding Hood Red, Creamy Carmel
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Oval Punch, Sponges

Quick and Easy Holiday Ornaments

Hi Stampers! I thought I would take break from cards today to show you a really cute project you can make with your kids. These are some ornaments I made using circle chipboard coasters, designer series paper and some chipboard snowflakes I already had on hand. (I was unable to find mine from Stampin' Up! in the Something Seasonal pack) I started out by dipping my snowflake pieces in versamark ink. Then added Iridescent Ice embossing powder and heated with my heat tool. They turned out so sparkly and shiny. They would have been cute just one thier own, but I wasn't going to stop there. :0)

Next, I took the circle chipboard coasters and traced them onto the backside of the designer series paper I wanted to use. Had I been able to find my Coulzzel it would have been much easier, but no- I like to do things the hard way! I then attached the designer series paper to the coaster and sanded the edges with the sanding blocks. I did this to both sides of the coaster so when it hangs on the tree it can be seen from either side. Then I added my snowflake on one side of the coaster. I was going to add another on the other side when I had an idea. (I know, I know- hard to believe!!*lol*) I am putting pictures of the boys on the back side to send to family up north. I will also stamp the year on the back so everyone can remember what the boys looked like at this age. The other ones I plan to stamp a "To: & From:" on the back and use as gift tags.

To finish off the ornaments and make them actually "look" like Christmas ornaments, I punched out scraps of matching card stock using my Round Tab punch. I attached this to the top portion of the coaster and punched a small hole to loop the silver cording through.

I love how the different designer series papers look on these. Each one is unique and beautiful.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None

Ink: Versamark

Card stock: Various Designer Series Paper, Various scrap card stock

Other: Chipboard coasters, Chipboard snowflake pieces, Iridescent Ice embossing powder, heat tool, Round Tab punch, Silver Cord, 1/16" Circle Punch, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive

Happy Holidays

Hi Stampers! Have you survived the masses out before the crack of dawn today? Every year I decide to hit the stores starting at 5am. I know- some of you think I am crazy, others can relate to the adrenaline rush that happens. The good thing is I am usually about 80% done with shopping by the time I get home. I have developed my strategy over the years. I have my route planned out and I even know the right places to park. It's been mostly due to trial and error, but I now have a master plan and I stick to it every year and I am home resting with my feet up by 11am. :0)

Today's card is yet another Christmas card. It's not one of my favorites. In reality- I really don';t care for it, but thought I would post it anyway so you can see that things don't always turn out how you want them to. I think it is the DSP I used. I love most of the designer series papers we carry, but every once in awhile there is just one style that does not suit my taste, but I push myself to use it anyway. This is such the case. I don't know what it is about these flowers but they are just NOT my thing. Perhaps it's the colors? I don't know, but rather than use the other side which I really like - I forced myself to try to think out of the box a little bit. (Obviously I didn't think outside hard enough to create something nice *lol*) Anyway- the card base is old olive with doodle dots made with the white gel pen randomly. Then the layer of DSP was applied with a piece of Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon wrapped around it. The image is from the Big on Christmas set layered on Riding Hood Red and Chocolate Chip.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Big on Christmas
Ink: Basic Black
Card stock: Old Olive, Holiday Treasure DSP, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, White Gel Pen

Let it Snow with a Big Shot

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! I really should have made a Thanksgiving card or in the very least a fall card, but I have been on such a roll with my Christmas cards that I didn't want to ruin the creative juices. Hope you and your family have a wonderful turkey day with all the fixings. :0)

I fell in love with this card when I saw another demo make it and decided I had to try it out for myself. (unfortunately I do not know who was the original creator of this design, but if it was you please let me know so I can give proper credit- I saw it on SCS) This card allowed me to use several of my favorite items- designer series paper and my Big Shot. Put those 2 things together and how can you not have fun?

The card base is old olive with a layer of real red. A piece of Holiday Treasures paper was adhered to the red layer. Using the Snowflake #2 die with my Big shot machine I cut the snowflake out of Shimmery White card stock and added it to the card base. It adds some nice sparkle to the card with out being overpowering. I stamped the "Let it Snow" image from the Big on Christmas set and colored it in with Stampin' Write Markers. Then layered it onto a piece of old olive card stock. Since the right hand of the panel looked bare I punched out a 1-3/8" circle from an old olive scrap and a folded it over the layered image panel. I added my real red brad and attached the entire panel over the snowflake. Such a cute card!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Big on Christmas
Ink: Basic Black
Card stock: Old Olive, Real Red, Holiday Treasures DSP, WW, Shimmery White
Other: Real Red Brad, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Snowflake #2 die

Christmas Elves

Hi Stampers! Today's card features one of the newer sets to the catalog called Holiday Lineup. The set comes with 3 stamps. One has a group of snowmen. One has a group of naughty looking reindeer and the last one has a group of elves. Aren't they cute? I colored them in with my Stampin' Write Markers. (real red, blush blossom and old olive) The designer papers are from the pack called Holiday Treasures.

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: Holiday Lineup
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Holiday Treasures DSP, Chocolate Chip
Other: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

Let it Snow...

Hi Stampers! Here is another adorable card. This card features the set Big on Christmas set in the catalog. I paired the stamp set up with some of the Frosty Day DSP from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I love the colors of this paper and couldn't resist carrying them over into the the stamped image. I colored in the image using my Stampin' Write Markers. This is a very easy card to make. It is just a lot of layering. I am guessing that these will require a little more postage when mailing because of all the layers. This is another one of the cards I had packaged up and was selling at the craft fairs. They are packaged in a pack of 6 with envelopes for $15 + shipping. Please email me if you are interested in purchasing some.

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: Big on Christmas
Ink: Black Staz On, Bashful Blue
Card stock: Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Close to Cocoa, Frosty Day DSP, WW
Other: N/A

Magic Reindeer Food

Here is another cute idea to give the little ones in your life around the holiday season. I remember having something similar to this when I was younger. We lived up in snowy Wisconsin at the time and I remember sprinkling the Magic Reindeer Food in the snow and watching out the window to see if the reindeer would come to eat it. This was another one of the things I sold at the craft fairs.

The poem says "Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home. "

Inside the cello bag is a mixture of oatmeal and red sprinkles. I still have a few of these left. They are $2.00 + shipping.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Deer Friends (Level 2 Hostess Set)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Other: Oatmeal, Red Sprinkles, Top Notch Die, Big Shot, Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Computer

Snowman Soup

Today's project is another quick and easy stocking stuffer item or a great item to give co-workers just to let them know you are thinking about then this holiday season. Inside the cello bag is the making of "Snowman Soup". There is a hot cocoa packet, some mini marshmallows, Hershey Kisses and a peppermint stirring stick. I typed up the poem and printed it out on my computer. The cute little poem says:
"Was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!"

I got the idea to make these from the various ones of them posted on SCS. I made these even easier by using the Top Notch Die and my Big Shot to make the topper. I LOVE that machine!!! I still have an handful of these left over from the craft fairs. They are $3.00 + shipping.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Deer Friends (Level 2 Hostess set)
Ink: Baja Breeze
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, WW
Other: Cello Bags, Goodies for Inside, Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Top Notch Die and Big Shot

Chipboard Post It Notes

Surprise! Today's post is not a card featuring Mr. Twigster! *lol* I know you are all probably heart broken, but I'm sure he'll be back before the year is over. *wink*

This is one of the cute little items I had for sale at my craft fairs. It is a chipboard coaster covered in designer series paper (in the photo here I used the new Snowy Day DSP in the Holiday Mini catalog). The edges are then sanded and the post-it notes are stuck on the front. Then a binder clip is embellished with matching DSP and some ribbon. Aren't these cute? I have a ton of these left over from the sale in various designer papers. If you're interested they are $3.00 + shipping

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None
Ink: None
Card stock: Snowy Day DSP
Other: Chipboard Coaster, Binder Clip, Various Ribbon, Post It Notes, Sanding Blocks

Another Mr. Twigster

TaDa! Yup- another card featuring Mr. Twigster and the Ski Slope DSP. You guessed it as well. This is yet another of the cards we will be making at my up coming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack. I love the colors of the Ski Slope paper. The card base of this card is Baja Breeze accented with Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss. I think the scallop edge makes this card all come together.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, Holidays & Wishes
Ink: Staz On Black,
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Ski Slope DSP, WW
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Scallop Edge Punch

Loveable Mr. Twigster

Here is another card that we will be making at my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack class. Isn't it cute? This card uses the Ski Slope DSP from the Holiday Mini Catalog with Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red card stock. I also dug out my new square scallop punch and then layered the circles on them. This is a quick and easy card to make for the Holidays. This is one of the cards I mass-produced for the craft fairs. I still have several of the packs of 6 cards and envelopes for sale if you are interested. They are $15 + shipping.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, To You & Yours
Ink: Staz On Black, Kiwi Kiss
Card stock: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Ski Slope DSP, WW
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Scallop Square Punch, Circle Punch

Mr. Twigster

Oh My! I am such a baaaaaaaaaaddddd blogger! Has it really been that long since I last posted? I really don't have any excuse other than the usual life and events getting in the way of my stamping time. *sigh* I have also been so busy creating items for the 3 craft fairs I have done the past few weekends. I can not say that I will do any others. They were not a success. I don't think I even sold enough to cover my booth space expenses. I was not alone though, it seemed like everyone was having a difficult time and all sales were down this year. Now I have a huge stash of items on hand. I will be posting some of the items over the next few days along with pricing if any of you are interested.

Now...let's get on with the real reason why you stopped by! I bet you would like to see something I made (well maybe not but I am going to show you anyway! *lol*) Here is one of the cards we will be making at my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack class. This class features the Mr. Twigster stamp set in the holiday mini catalog. I think this has become my favorite holiday stamp set of all time. I find myself reaching for it when I need to make a holiday card this year.



The card base is riding hood red with a layer of Ski Slope DSP and a piece of striped riding hood red ribbon wrapped around it. The main image is Mr. Twigster (isn't he just the cutest???) stamped in Staz On ink and cut out using my Coluzzle I added some doodling on the outer edges with my Stampin' Write Marker and also colored in his nose and scarf. I punched a piece of Riding Hood Red CS with my Marvy scallop punch and layered the image piece on it. This was added to the card base with dimensionals and the "Merry Christmas" sentiment was stamped in the lower right hand corner.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, Holidays & Wishes
Ink: Staz On Black
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Ski Slope DSP
Other: Marvy Scallop Punch, Coluzzle, Stampin' Write Markers, Striped Riding Hood Red Ribbon, Dimensionals

Chocolate Santa Suit

Hi Stampers! Today's project is so cute and so easy to make. You know I am all about cute and quick!! I can honestly say that I did not use a single stamp on these. I made about 15 of these to sell at the craft fairs. Inside is a Hershey Chocolate Bar that slides out. I am thinking that I will make these for Nathan's class for the holidays. What kid doesn't like chocolate?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None
Ink: None
Card stock: Real Red, Basic Black, WW
Other: Various Punches, Chocolate Bar

Tic Tac Holders

Hi Stampers! Aren't these tic-tac holders just the cutest thing? The poem on the inside of these is the poem for Snowman Kisses. I got the original idea for these on Angie Juda's blog. I love her blog. It always has such fresh and fun ideas. It is one I make sure to check each and every day. I loved how the snowmen turned out so much that I decided I had to try making some using the orange tic-tacs and a Thanksgiving theme. The end result is pictured below.

So tell me, what do you think? Isn't this a cute little something to give around the holidays?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Carved and Candlelight, Cold Play

Ink: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss

Card stock: Bashful Blue, WW, Chocolate Chip

Other: Corner Rounder Punch, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, 1-1/4" Circle Punch

Stamped Candles

Hi Stampers! Today's project is another item I have been busy making for my upcoming holiday craft fairs. I love the look of stamped candles. You can personalize them so easily. I chose to make a few nautical ones for the fair in November. I have found that I prefer using just one color of ink on them instead of trying to color the images.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Winds of Grace
Ink: Night of Navy
Card stock: None
Other: Tissue Paper, Heat gun, Wax paper

Have a Beer on Me

Hi Stampers! I have such a fun card to show you today. There are several reasons why this card is a "fun" card. The first one is because I got to use one of my new stamp sets called "Cheers to You". This is a cute little set that has all kinds of beverage glasses to be used on invites and cards. My favorite ones are the beer mugs and the Martini glass. *wink* I can see this set will get many, many uses out of it. The card looks pretty basic on the outside but......

when you open it the Fun begins! It's called a pop-up card. Isn't it just the cutest idea? This technique was shown at Convention this year and several other demos who were able to attend were gracious enough to share the directions to make this. It's actually quite simple, but gives such a fun factor to any card. I just love how the beer mugs pop out at you when you open this card.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Cheers to You, Just B

Ink: Basic Black, Basic Brown

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, WW

Other: Rhinestone Brads, Circle Punches, Mono Multi Glue, Stampin' Write Markers, Spiral Punch, sponges

Holiday Nugget Tins

Hi Stampers! One of the hottest items to make during the holiday season has been these cute little nugget tins. I have been busy making a bunch of these for the 3 upcoming craft fairs I have planned in the next few weeks. I am very pleased with how they all turned out. These will also be one of the projects we will be making in an upcoming Holiday Gift Class one of my downline and I will be hosting on Saturday November 22nd. More details will be posted soon so keep this date open. You will not want to miss this all day class event!

The insides are filled with Hershey Nugget Candy Pieces covered in Designer Paper. I then added a belly band to each of the tins using coordinating papers and Stamped a holiday image as a focal point. This tin uses the new set Mr. Twigster found in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. I think he is just one of the cutest snowmen I have ever seen. Once I saw him I knew I had to get him. The designer paper used with him is also from the Holiday Mini catalog. It is called Frosty Day.

Since I have a Craft Fair scheduled for the end of October that is themed as a Fall theme I decided that I also needed to have some of these cute tins with a Thanksgiving or Fall theme. I used the designer series paper Autumn Vine (found in the new Holiday Mini) to cover the nuggets and used the leaves stamp and verse from the retired set Give Thanks. I used the blender pen and classic ink pads to color in the leaves with matching colors.

This tin is my favorite one I LOVE the new Ski Slope designer series paper in the Holiday Mini. The colors just draw me to them and I love how they all look together. The designs of paper are so cute too. I stamped Mr. Twigster once again since I thought he went so well with the theme of the paper.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, Give Thanks

Ink: Basic Black, Baja Blue, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss

Card stock: Ski Slope DSP, Frosty Day DSP, Autumn Vine DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Blue

Other: White Gel Pen, Nugget Tins, Hershey Nugget Candies, Marvy Punches

Cupcakes on the Go

Hi Stampers! Today's project was the other make and take project we did at the workshop I had last week. I wanted to find something to make other than a card that was quick and easy, gave a great "Wow" factor and was something useful. What I came up with even amazed me! *lol* Have you figured out what this is made out of yet?

The base of this little bag is actually a white lunch sack. I cut it to the size I wanted and attached the card stock to the bag. The ribbon is to use as handles. The main image is from the Crazy For Cupcake set again. The background paper is the Riding Hood Red DSP.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Crazy For Cupcakes
Ink: Basic Black
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, WW, Riding Hood Red DSP
Other: Key Tag Punch, Scallop Punch, Striped Riding Hood Red Ribbon, White Lunch Bags, Stampin' Write Markers

Cupcake anyone?

Hi Stampers! I love how today's card turned out. This is actually a card we did as a make and take time at last week's workshop. The hostess (Hi Traci!!!) asked if we could do something birthday related or cupcake related. I was able to do both! The set used on this card is called Crazy for Cupcakes. It is one of the stamp sets that are on special right now. It is 20% off when you spend $20. All the images in this set are just scrumptious.

I chose to use chocolate chip and pink pirouette for this card. These colors go so well together. I added some white doodle dots and some dazzling diamonds to the frosting on the cupcakes to make the card come together. Everyone loved the end result.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Crazy For Cupcakes
Ink: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette
Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, WW
Other: White Gel Pen, Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Striped Pink Pirouette Ribbon

Jar Full of Pumpkin Poop!

Hi Stampers! Today's project is just a fun one. It's also a great way to recycle. The jar is actually a recycled Starbuck's cold drink. I washed it and took off the label. Then I added some of the new Ghostly Greetings DSP and some Tangerine Tango CS punched with the scallop edge border. I wrapped the paper and card stock around the bottle using sticky strip. You'll want to be sure to use something strong enough to hold the paper and keep it one. Regular snail adhesive will not work for this project and will peel off after a few days (trust me I found out the hard way!!!). I stamped the pumpkin image from the Batty For You set and layered it on a Tangerine Tango Scallop. I created a 2nd scallop and image and attached it to the lid after applying some orange grosgrain ribbon around the lid as well. This whole project took me less than 15 minutes to create from start to finish. I finished the bottle off by filling it full of pumpkin poop - or pumpkin shaped gum drops. I plan on giving this to one of our neighbors who has been helping me out after my surgery. Just a little gift to let them know how much I appreciate how much they have done for us. I hope they like it!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Batty For You

Ink: Basic Black, Only Orange

Card stock: Tangerine Tango, WW, Ghostly Greetings DSP

Other: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Punch, Circle Punches, Orange Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, White Gel Pen

Fall Candle

Hi Stampers! I don't know about you but fall is my favorite time of year. I love fall. I always have. I miss the fall weather living in Florida. I typically don't do well with the heat, but give me a cool crisp October afternoon and I am in heaven. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the smell of the fresh air, or the beautiful colors the leaves turn. Whatever it is, I get homesick each year about this time. Today's project is one that makes me think of home and the wonderful fall weather I will be missing soon. This is a quick, no fuss project that anyone, any age, any skill level can complete. I took some retired Halloween paper and adhered it to a jar candle that I picked up at the Dollar Store last year. (I used sticky strip to adhere the DSP to ensure that it would stick well) I then went through some of my fall stamps and found this cute one of a pumpkin from one of my retired sets. I colored it in with my Stampin' Write Markers and then punched it out with my Large Circle Punch. I punched out a piece of Only Orange Card stock using my 2" scallop punch from EK Success (the same company that makes the SU punches). I then attached it to the DSP around the jar using dimensioanls. Viola! You have an instant fall gift item. I plan on making a variety of these in different scents and lighting the throughout my home. It's a great way to make a house feel more like a home. :0)

Baja Breeze Birthday

Hi Stampers! Thank you so much to all of you who have sent cards and well wishes for my back surgery that I had earlier in the week. The surgery seems to be a success and I am well on my way back to being me again. The past few days have been some what of a blur since I am still heavily medicated and in some pain, but the pain is definitely different from the pain I was in and I know this pain will soon be gone.

Last week I created this card but did not get a chance to upload it before I had to go in. I really love the color combination of this card and the way it turned out. The card uses the Wow Flowers stamp set. It is such a versatile set to use. It is one I highly recommend to anyone who is just starting out or who is an avid stamper. The colors of the card are Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, WW and Chocolate Chip.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Wow Flowers
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Baja Breeze, WW, Chocolate Chip
Other: Scallop edge Punch, Scallop punch, Circle Punches, Rhinestone Brads, 5/8" Pink Pirouette Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Promotions Galore!!!

Hi Stampers! The month of October is overflowing with a variety of special promotions for you! I am so excited about them. Stampin' Up! is celebrating it's 20 Year Anniversary and to help us celebrate the company's birthday they are offering a special Birthday Promotion. Spend $20 in regular catalog merchandise and qualify to purchase any preselected birthday/celebration stamp sets at 20 percent of.!!!! To view the flyer please click HERE.

World Card Making Day is October 4th. To celebrate Stampin' Up! is offering Enjoying 20 percent off a wide variety of fun and colorful Simply Sent Card Elements and easy-to-use Simply Sent card kits.* *See pgs. 176-177 of the Fall-Winter catalog; discount valid October 4-11.

Aqua Painter Special: Purchase the large-tip Aqua Painter (item 114617) for $7.25. No minimum purchase, no limits, while supplies last. Offer good October 1- 31st, 2008.

Fall-Winter Sampler Promotions: Hostess Incentive Customer Order Dates: October 1 - November 30, 2008Host a $350 workshop and choose one stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler for free.

Fall-Winter Sampler Promotions: New Recruit IncentiveCustomer Order Dates: August 11 - October 11, 2008Join as a demonstrator with the standard $199 Starter Kit and choose one stamp set out of the Fall-Winter Sampler or Idea Book & Catalog for free.

$99 Starter Kit Promotion Customer Order Dates: August 11 - October 11, 2008Potential recruits have the option of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator by purchasing one of three special mini Starter Kits priced at just $99.

On My Mind

Hi Stampers! I finally got a few minutes to play with some of my new stamp sets from Stampin' Up! and let me tell you- THEY ARE AWESOME!!!! The cards featured today are made with the Upsy Daisy set, the Bella Rose DSP and I also used my new oval punch. (it's HUGE!!!)

Both of the cards are basically the same. I just changed out the rhinestone brads for the new buttons. Which card do you prefer?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red

Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, WW, Bella Rose DSP

Other: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Buttons, Rhinestone Brads, Oval punches, Sponges, Dimensionals

Pacific Point Eastern Blooms

Hi Stampers! Today's card features one of the stamp sets that is currently on sale until the end of the month. (If you're interested you can still take advantage of this great special by contacting me directly or ordering online on my SU website.) I stamped the large flower on the main image panel and then again on a scrap piece of paper. I cut them out and attached them using a pop up dot and curled the petals in so the flowers have a more of a 3-D feel to them. I love the color combination on this card. It features Kraft, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point and Riding Hood Red. The sentiment was accidentally stamped a little crooked, but I guess you can just tell that it is homemade then right?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Eastern Blooms

Ink: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Versamark

Card stock: Kraft, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, WW

Other: White Gel Pen, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

Disney Anniversary Card

Hi Stampers! Today is my 15th wedding anniversary so I needed to make a card for my hubby. I really had a romantic card in mind using my Always set, but for the life of me I could not find the heart stamp from this set. I must have spent over an hour looking for it only to remember that I had already organized my stamps and when I did this one stamp was MIA!!! So after wasting all that precious time I needed a new idea and I needed one fast! Out of the corner of my eye I spotted some of my new acrylic Disney stamps that I picked up last week while at Target. Of course Donald stood out to me. (my DH is named Don and he loves Donald Duck) Okay- so now I had a vision forming in my mind. The rest of the card came together rather quickly. (gotta love when that happens!!!) The end result is what you see. When I gave him the card he laughed and said that it was perfect and was so happy I didn't get him one of "those MUSHY ones". I giggled quietly to myself and thanked the powers that be that seemed to hid the original stamp I had intended to use.

Happy Stamping~

Supporting The Team

Hi Stampers! Here is another project that has been occupying some of my time. I am helping coordinate the fundraising we are doing for the TakeKwonDo Team. One of the ideas we came up with is to make some sort of container for everyone's spare change. It needed to be something that could be portable so we could also take it to the car washes we do and let people who are cleaning out their cars donate all their loose coins as well.

This is what I finally came up with. We took an extra 5 gallon water bottle and covered it in martial arts paper I found at the local scrapbook store. Then I added a strip of black card stock over that to add my letters. I finished off the bottle by adding some of the cute Stampabilities karate images to both sides.

It's hard to see in the picture, but it's working already! On Saturday we put it out on the counter during the competition team practices and people started putting in their loose change. It was a real attention getter too. Since it is fairly empty, when you drop in your coins it makes a VERY loud noise - almost like a shot gun sound. Once one person started putting in their coins, everyone followed.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Karate kids (Stampabilities)

Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Marker

Card stock: Martial Arts Paper (LSS), Basic Black, Real Red, WW

Other: Marvy Scallop Punch, Die Cut Letters