Merry Christmas

Wishing a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year to all my friends, family and customers!

Happy December!

I know it's been such a long time since I posted, but I'm still here!  I have been busy with the card sale at church and some holiday shopping events where I needed lots of product to display and sell.  All went well and we raised $778 for the Benevolence Fund at church to help families in need.  I met lots of wonderful people at the holiday shopping events and found several new stampers to join us on class and/or club night!  Yay!  It's always great to add new stampers to the "family."

Unfortunately, I don't have any cute cards to post for you today, because I just didn't get things photographed and loaded on the computer. 

We have our last Stamp Club night for the year this Friday, then we will begin again in January with more new members to our club!  Please contact me for details about Stamp Club if you are interested in meeting new friends, a ladies night out once a month, learning how to make new projects and new techniques, and getting FREE stamping supplies.  These are just some of the perks to Monthly Stamp Club.  Hope you will join us!

OK, off to finish my Christmas decorating, then wrapping.  Then this weekend we start cookie baking!   MMmmmm!  That's always yummy!

Awesome New Hostesss Promotion Just in Time For The Holidays!!!

From November 1-December 15, 2011, Hostesses will receive an ADDITIONAL $35 IN FREE STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS when you hold a workshop totaling $350 or more (excluding tax and shipping)! This is in addition to all the other benefits you already get as a Stampin' Up! hostess. Contact me today to schedule your fun, holiday Stampin' Up! party!!!

Congrats!

Congratulations to Phyllis Shafferkoetter!  She qualifies to receive ANY STAMP SET in the catalog ABSOLUTELY FREE!  Yup!  I said FREE!  She kept track of her orders with the Smiley Rewards Program and now her free stamp set is being packaged up in the Stampin' Up! warehouse as I type this.

Contact me today to find out how you can earn a FREE STAMP SET!

Another Sweet Deal!

Check out this yummy new product to make your holidays special: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=824  It's the new Stampin' Up! Cookie Press.  What a fun, quick way to stamp out your cookies!

AND . . . Nope, I'm not done.  There really is more . . .

You can also receive a FREE stamp set with the purchase of 2 Simply Sent Card Kits!  Sooooo, if you think you aren't creative enough or don't have enough time to make great hand-crafted cards, think again!  These Card Kits make it a snap!  Check it out!  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=626

It's a BIG Deal!!!

Join my Stampin' Up! team during October and receive the Big Shot for FREE!  Yep, that's right!  Check out the offer below:
http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/21461.asp

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY!

Saturday, October 1, is World Card Making Day!  Make a card for someone you love on October 1!  There will be thousands of others making cards with you that day also!

Spooktacular Card Making Event

Join us on Monday, October 10, for a fun, spooktacular card making event!  We will be making a Halloween card and project (maybe 2).  Email me for details!  Hope you can join us!

Wedding Dresser Card (revised)

Here is my version of a Dresser Card for a wedding.  I combined several techniques from other samples to create this special wedding card.  Note the "hers" and "his" drawers, and the detail in the bride's dress and the tux.  Lots of little touches to make it pop!  Please leave me your comments--I'd love to know what you think of it!

I have rephotographed the card and reposted the new image here.  I do think you can see the details better in this one.  Thanks for the suggestion, Penny.  *Before I rephotographed the card, I added a little more bling to the dress!*

Get Well Card

Here is a simple get well card you can make using our wonderful Well Worn Designer Series Paper.  It's amazing how just a little touch here and there can transform the appearance of a card.  Like the trim?  That was done using Stampin' Up! Tasteful Trim Die with the Bigshot.

Yay! The New Holiday Mini!!!

The new Holiday Mini Catalog is absolutely AWESOME!!!  Check out all the cool goodies in there!  If you would like your own personal copy and do not currently have a demonstrator, please email me and I will send you one right away!  The new Simply Scored Tool is a wonderful addition to the Stampin' Up! family of products!  Just wait 'til you see all the cool stuff you can do with it!  Halloween Projects are limited only by your imagination.

 

Holiday Mini

Holiday Mini Stamping Supplies

Inspiration Comes in Many Forms

Need a little boost of personal inspiration or positive encouragement in the morning?  This cute little box is a sweet way to create that for yourself or to use as a gift for someone special.  Take out one message each day and sit it on the window sill or wherever you will see it.  Can you find all the different dies and punches used to create this project? 

Holiday Mini Catalog Live Today!!!

The New Holiday Mini Catalog is Live Today!!!  Oh you gotta see the adorable stuff in this Mini!  I have attached one more card I made while playing with some of the goodies from the new Mini!  Contact me TODAY to place your order!  Better yet, schedule a workshop at your home or collect catalog orders to receive all the wonderful Hostess Benefits!

I just love bling, don't you?

Holiday Mini Goes Live Sept. 1

The new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog goes live on September 1!  It is just loaded with adorable goodies for all the upcoming seasonal events!  If you do not have a current demonstrator and would like a Holiday Mini Catalog sent to you, just send me an email.  Below is a holiday card made with items from the new Mini.  I just love texture and this card is filled with lots of fun texture and dimension!  Doesn't it make you feel Christmasy? 

Note:  I ran the "brick" DSP through the stripes embossing folder both ways to really create bricks!

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings, Christmas Lodge

Paper:  Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Well Worn DSP

Ink: Old Olive, Early Espresso

Ribbon:  Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, 3/8" Very Vanilla Velvet Stitched Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Other:  Stocking Builder Punch, Mini Jingle Bells, Stripes Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Love Sunflowers!

I just LOVE sunflowers!  They give such a bright, happy feeling.  So here is my first sunflower card from the new Sunflower stamp from Stampin' Up! designed especially for Phyllis Shafferkoetter.  Love and {{Hugs}}, Phyllis!  I'm sure to create many more with this awesome stamp!

Stamps:  Sunflower, Perfect Words

Paper:  Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze, Garden Green

Ink:  Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, Versamark, Garden Green

Ribbon:  Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon from the new Holiday Mini

Other:  Spice Cake Designer Buttons, Dazzling Details (both new Holiday Mini items), Blossom Petals Builder Punch, Paper Snips, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

New Samples to Share

Hi there!  Here are a couple samples I wanted to share with you.  The first one is a fun birthday card for a little girl who wanted a "star" birthday!  The second one is a birthday card that could be used for a man or a woman and uses the new Well Worn DSP and the Delightful Dozen Stamp Set on page 167 of your Idea Book & Catalog.  What a great set!  It is just full of energy and positive mojo!  Definately a "must have"!

*Sorry the image seems a little blurry.

Goodbye, Dear Friend

Goodbye to my dear friend, Jane!  She left this earth on July 6 to be with her Lord and Savior.  She is now pain-free and her hands can make lovely cards with ease!  She was a wonderful blessing in my life.  I will miss her very much!

New Catalog ~ New Hostess Benefits

Visit the new catalog on the sidebar to see all the wonderful new Hostess Benefits that came with the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

New Catalog Open House

New Catalog Open House, Saturday, July 2, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Come any time!  We'll have Door Prizes, Projects, Fun New Samples, Friends & more!  Please RSVP so I can make your goody bag!

Retiring Items

Bright Birthday Greeting

I have had lots of birthday cards to make lately.  I made two versions of this fun card.  I just LOVE bright colors and this one surely fits that description.  There's no lack of sparkle and glitz, either!  Using texture and punches, I created a lovely card with very little effort.  Original idea CASED from Mary Fish.

A Birthday Owl

Here's another birthday wish card filled with texture and, once again, using more punches!!!  The original idea was CASED from Mary Fish.  Again, sorry for the hazy image.  I need to change my photo spot.  It's the light from the window that's messing up the images.  Isn't this little guy just adorable?

Birthday Fun!

This is a fun birthday card for someone who loves to shop! It's a slightly modified version of one I did previously in my Cards From Scraps Class.  I spiced it up a little here with brads, pearls and an additional layer behind the "Birthday Bliss".  The layers of Pretty in Pink and Rich Razzleberry are textured to help create interest.  Also, the simple use of a corner punch created some subtle touches.  The inside was so much fun I just had to share that also!  The stamp image on the top is from a long since retired set, and the Designer Paper is edged with the Scallop Trim Border Punch, although it's kind of hard to see in the picture.  It's pretty obvious I love to use my punches, too!  If you look closely, there is a ladies shoe with a pearl in the toe at the bottom right of the card (also part of the retired set).  One final touch to make the inside as special as the outside.

Tower of Color

This is my fun, new "tower of color"!  Isn't it cool?  There is a spot for each color paper and some extras for upcoming In Colors and storing Designer Paper Scraps.  Each tray slides out to make it easy to get the paper out.  I found them at The Container Store.  They are called Stackable Desktop Paper Sorters.  It's one more step toward organizing my chaos! 

Stampin' Kitty???

Loki wants to be my helper. . .

Tips on Bows & Knots

I think we all struggle with bows and knots at times.  Mary Fish has a very helpful video on her blog to help make that task a little easier and neater.  Watch her video on YouTube Tying a Pretty Knot.  Thanks for all your helpful tips Mary!

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Here are a couple cards made with the new Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper coming in the new 2011-2012 Catalog.  (Sorry for the hazy images)  You can purchase this lovely paper early as a special offer during April with a $20 order.  Visit my Stampin' Up! Website for more details about the new Spring is Blossoming promotion!

 I made the Sympathy card with Old Olive as the base color and Cajun Craze as the highlight color for this card as my first sample, then made additional cards using Not Quite Navy as the base and Peach Parfait as the highlight color.  I liked the Not Quite Navy version much better, but sent them out in the mail without photographing them!

This card was actually one I quickly threw together for a friend's birthday.  The flower on the For You sentiment is raised, as well as the Not Quite Navy Scallop Circle.  I also cut out and raised the lovely drooping flower in the upper left corner.  Basic Rhinestones are used to highlight the flower center and the scallop on the bottom.  I love this one!  (It really looks much better in real life.)  It has sparkle and pop!!  :)

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD, OH MY!

I was astounded to find an email in my box from Chanda Stehlik saying that she had bestowed upon me the Stylish Blogger Award!  In no way do I feel deserving of such an award when there are so many lovely blogs out there and I am very new to this; but, Chanda, I sincerely thank you for this and am so very pleased that you enjoy my blog.  I always LOVE going to Chanda's blog to see her adorable creations.  You can visit her blog to see her beautiful work at http://www.onecraftymommy.com/.

When you receive this award you are to pay it forward and follow these rules:

1) thank the person who gave this award to you and link it back to their blog (see above link)

2) share 8 things about yourself

3) pass this award to 8 other individuals that you have recently discovered

4) leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!

Well, here goes . . .Eight things about me that you may not know:

1 - I have always considered myself uncreative and do not like crafts (until I discovered Stampin' Up!).

2 - I was a SAHM for 9 years and LOVED IT!!!  Spending time with my children is the very best thing I have ever done and truly was my biggest ambition in life.  Currently I work at Schnucks (a local grocery store chain) at the Schnucks Cooks station cooking food and offering samples to people, while helping them learn about healthy eating and cooking skills.

3 - While I was home with my children, I also sold Christmas Around the World products and earned 3 fabulous FREE trips with my sales - Hawaii, Alaskan Cruise, and Egypt/Israel.  I just love Christmas and around our house is was Christmas 6 months out of the year!  Thanks for the opportunity, Harry Lloyd!

4 -  I am a perfectionist.

5 - Dharma and Greg makes me laugh out loud!

6 - I love old movies, especially musicals like Singing in the Rain and White Christmas.  Beach Party movies with Frankie and Annette are way up there for me, too!

7 - I own the complete series of I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched and watch them frequently.

8 - Maltese is my favorite breed of dog, and I took my beautiful Mandy through obedience trials and titled her with a CD and a CDX of which I am very proud!  I also love cats and birds!  OK, all animals, . . . but currently have 3 cats, a beautiful Maltese, and fish!

Now, to offer this lovely award to 8 others.  Oh, there are so many wonderful blogs out there, and many of my choices had already received the award, but I have selected the following:

http://stampingforsanity.blogspot.com/
http://reneevs.blogspot.com/
http://dianesdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.stamppattys.com/
http://vanessascardstudio.blogspot.com/
http://debbiesdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
http://stampingwithlulu.blogspot.com/
http://heartsdelightcards.blogspot.com/

I have awarded these based on the following:  They must have posted recently, I find their blog/work creative, inspirational, and classy, and they have not received this award in the past.  (Or at least I didn't see it posted on their blogs) Most importantly, they make me smile!  Stop on by these lovely ladies' sites and have a look around. Leave them a comment while you're there. We demos just love that! :) Thanks again for the award, Chanda.  I am so honored!

Christmas in February???

It will be Christmas in February for my hostess tomorrow when she receives her Stampin' Up! party order!  With all the wonderful Sale-A-Bration extras, she earned over $300 in free merchandise!  She has many lovely friends who attended and enjoyed cute projects and helpful tips last Sunday afternoon.  Congrats, Phyllis!  Enjoy!

Great New Ideas

Here's a great use for the Blossom Petals Punch--It's not just for flowers!  Check out what Jackie Topa has done with her imagination . . .  Meet the Garden Gnome.

For directions visit http://www.jackietopa.typepad.com/

Thanks for sharing Jackie!

Paper Crafter's Library!

Check out the new Paper Crafter's Library with the link on the right sidebar!  It's filled with great new ideas and projects for you, along with instructional videos.  New items are constantly being added.  It's a great way to find some inspiration and instruction right in your own home!  You'll love it!

Please contact me with your order if you need any new products to complete the wonderful projects you will surely be inspired to make.

Christmas Greetings

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season!  There is so much going on at this time of year--I am still trying to get to the bottom of piles and sort through boxes of stuff!  I have yet to get my stampin' area cleaned up enough to use.  :(    That is my goal, though, so I can play with all the great new goodies from the spring mini-catalog!   What cute stuff!!!  Check back soon for samples.