Happy New Year!

The new year is almost here.  I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family and look forward to an even brighter new year in 2013!  Stampin' Up! is kicking off the new year right with some sweet Valentine deals.  Check back soon for details.

Friday Night Stamp Club

Friday night we had a great time at Stamp Club!  We made 3 adorable projects, which I will post soon.  Everyone also brought cards to swap, and I will post those for you as well.  Here are a couple quick shots I took of some of the ladies hard at work.

We worked in the family room with all the Christmas decorations and also had Christmas music by Straight No Chaser playing.  If you're not familiar with them, you really should check  them out at http://www.sncmusic.com/.  These 10 men make incredible a capella music!  My favorite is their version of the 12 Days of Christmas.  Visit their website and listen to them sing!

Victorian Christmas

This card was a little out of my comfort zone, trying to create a Victorian-style Christmas card.  I really like how it turned out though, and I'm glad I stepped out of my box to try something new.  It's always a good idea to try new styles and techniques so you can become a better stamper and creator.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

I used the new Christmas Blessings stamp set (123809) from the big catalog.  The Designer Series Paper is from the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' pack (126911) in the Holiday Catalog.  I received the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' pack FREE for attending the Stampin' Up! Chattanooga Regional Event!  Yay!  I never would have realized just how beautiful the paper was in that pack if I hadn't received it as a FREE gift at the event.
Other items used are --
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake (lightly sponged over the raised embossing and around the greeting)
Ribbon:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992)
Details:  Houndstooth Embossing Folder (123134), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Blender Pen (102845), Retired Ritzy Red Stampin' Glitter, Dimensionals (104430) and Glue Dots (103683)

This was a simple card made with the Watercolor Wonder stamp set (129727), Ornament Keepsakes stamp set (128051), and More Merry Messages (126402).  My ink colors were Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler (my favorite red!), and Midnight Muse.  I think Midnight Muse is such a wonderfully rich blue, don't you?  I am using that a lot lately.  I used the Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon for trim and the Oval and Scalloped Oval punches for the sentiment.  The ornaments were cut out with the Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies and popped up with Dimensionals.  Paper colors are simple and clean with Midnight Muse as background and Very Vanilla in the foreground.  After photographing this card I added a little bling with a Rhinestone in the center of the round ornament.  It was just enough!  I CASEd the basic idea for this card from one I saw at the Stampin' Up! Chattanooga Regional Event in September.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Thinking of You

I just love these cute ornaments from the Ornaments Keepsakes Stamp Set (128051) and cut out with the Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies (127816).  I used Midnight Muse and Raspberry Ripple paper and ink for a different twist on Christmas colors.  A little bling has been added on the ornaments with Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246).  I really like the total effect.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Christmas In The Heart

This is a quick Christmas card I made using the new Heart of Christmas Stamp (128129).  The Labels Collection Framelits (125598) create the fun shapes here, and the Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper (126896) gives it some quick pizazz.  The Small Heart Punch (117193) and Red Glimmer Paper (121790) give it just the right finishing touch.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Note:  I don't think I will photograph any more cards on the doily (made by my Grandma).  It's just too busy.  There are a few more cards to be posted that have already been photographed that way.  Sorry.

Christmas Blessings

This card is one I created for the card sale at church.  The greeting is a non-Stampin' Up! greeting, but everything else is Stampin' Up! product.  The card base is embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder (127819) and the greeting has been cut out with the Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003).  The lovely branches come from the Watercolor Winter Stamp Set (129727 Clear).  The little accent flower is from the Boho Blossoms Punch (119858), dotted in the center with a tiny Basic Pearl (119247).  Dimensionals pop up the greeting.  Sponging ink around the edges always creates interest and dimension.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Guest Stampers

Now it's time to show off the handiwork of my wonderfully talented Stamp Club ladies.  This darling project was made by Babetta Conklin.  It came with a cute little electronic candle inside.

This cute little guy was made by Billie Pryce.  Isn't he adorable!?  Gotta love that Woodgrain Embossing Folder!  Lovely fall leaves grace the inside of the card as well.

The next project was made by Margie Schlinker.  Margie just loves butterflies, and works them into as many projects as she can.  The top butterlfy is a punched image out of the glossy white card base.  The Tangerine Tango color you see is the inside of the card.  The other butterflies are embossed on the glossy white card stock with just a bit of glitter added to make them shimmer.

This birthday greeting was made by Judy Besancenez.  She has kept her card crisp and simple, but gave it lots of dimension using the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, the Blossom Punch and the Extra Large Oval Punch.  I love the cute detail she added making her "leaves" out of the new Gumball Green Satin Ribbon.

Julie Morgan created this lovely Thanksgiving table decoration.  Her leaves and pumpkin are popped up with Dimensionals, and the base is simply a large black paper clip so it will sit nicely on the table.

Melanie Papciak is turning our thoughts to Christmas with this beautifully creative wreath made with the Daydream Medallions Stamp Set.  Now that's a great use for a non-Christmas set!  Note the cute little Cardinal sitting on her wreath. 

The last guest stamper for today is Pam DeCiechi.  Her sweet little bag is a piece of Whisper White card stock stamped all over with snowflakes and scored and folded to create a gift bag.  Packaging like this makes the gift inside just that much more special! 

Be Thankful!

There is always something for which to be thankful.  I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be creative with wonderful Stampin' Up! paper crafting supplies and the chance to make someone else smile with my projects!  Both of these projects were made at the last Stamp Club evening.  I can't take credit for the creativity here, though.  I CASEd them both from Dawn Olchefske.  I did tweak the turkey a bit, but isn't he just so very cute?  Once again, I used the Chevron Embossing Folder (Item 127749) to create texture in the turkey feathers.  You can see Dawn's tutorial for the turkey here.

Using the Timber Wheel (129717), my Simply Scored Tool (122334), the Small Oval Punch (120908), and the Extra Large Oval Punch (119859), Seasonal Sayings Stamp Set (128009 Clear), and the new 7/8" Cotton Ribbon (127844), I created this cute little treat box.  That Cotton Ribbon is so soft and wonderful to work with;  I just love it!  I used a piece of Linen Thread (104199) to tie on the greeting.  I am making one for every person joining our family for Thanksgiving next Thursday.  There will be 30 treat boxes when I am finished, and they will each be filled with some yummy goodies.  The tutorial for the cute little treat box is here.

On-Line Extravaganza!

Stampin' Up! On-Line Extravaganza Starts Monday!

It all begins Monday, November 19 and runs through Wednesday, November 28.  The Stampin' Up On-Line Extravaganza is our biggest on-line promotion of the year with savings up to 50% on some of your favorite products PLUS 24 hour "doorbuster" specials on Monday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 28 that you won't want to miss!

Details:

• Discounts range between 20% and 50% (AWESOME!)
• Discounted products are available on all order types
• No minimum purchase required
• For product bundles, you need to use the bundle item numbers provided.  If you use individual item numbers, you won't get the discount (bummer)
• You can buy additional products from any of our current catalogs on the same order

Click the link below to see the list of all the great bargains available.
http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Online_X_flyer_US.pdf

Two Brand New Products!

2 Brand New Products & Videos from Stampin' Up!

AVAILABLE NOW!  Stampin' Up! is offering two exciting products!  Please leave me a comment at the end of this post with your thoughts on these two products!  I would love to get your feedback.

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine--test product

Give the gift of texture. The Texture Boutique works with our Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut.  Stampin' Up! has 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last. If this product test goes well, Stampin' Up! may offer the Texture Boutique again in the future.  Purchase just the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine (item 132657) for $29.95.

HOW ABOUT A SPECIAL BUNDLE PRICE?

To help you with your gift-giving needs, Stampin' Up! is offering a special Texture Boutique Bundle (item 132700) that includes the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine and the Flower Garden and Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folders for $39.95 (a $45.85 value).

Talking Tag - new product

Give the gift of sound. Handcrafted projects show loved ones how much you care--let your voice tell them too! With Talking Tag, you can record your own personal message that recipients can access by scanning the Talking Tag. Attach them to cards, invitations, gift tags, business cards, catalogs, scrapbook pages, wine bottles . . . well, anything!

Buy 'em by the sheet! You get 10 tags for $7.95 (item 129723).

  

Texture, Texture, Texture!

I just love texture and depth in a card.  Create texture in your cards with embossing folders, and WOW, do we have a lot of embossing folders to choose from!  I am hooked on these cool tools and just HAVE to get each new one as they are available!  This card uses the Woodgrain Embossing Folder and the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  I posted an earlier version of this card a couple weeks ago, but decided to make it again for Stamp Club and added the acorns.  How fun they look!  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Happy Birthday Pirate

This is the fun birthday card I made for my son.  He loves fencing and his fencing club is called the Buccaneer Blades.  His birthday present was a new electric fencing sword to go with the pirate card.  Aaaargh!  Thanks to Rae Harper for the great idea!

Fall Birthday Card

This is a very generic fall birthday card.  It could work for men or women.  However, I think it really makes a great guy card!  It's simple and crisp.  I did use the spritzing tool to mist a little Crumb Cake ink across the images to soften it a bit.  I can't take credit for the idea, though.  This is a CASE from Mary Fish.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Funday Sunday Punch Art

Sorry I haven't posted since last week.  I have been really focused on making cards for our fall card sale at church.  The sale is next Sunday, so I only have one more week to fill up those boxes with beautiful cards.  Stamping at church on Monday, the ladies finished lots of fabulous cards for the sale.  I just have to finish sorting and counting them.

I do have some fun punch art to show you today.  These projects were made at our last Funday Sunday event.  The original patterns came from Jackie Topa.  Of course, I tend to tweak things just a bit.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  I just love Henrietta Hippo!

Baby Boy Dresser Card

This is my baby boy version of the dresser card I posted earlier.  I just love this cute pattern!  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

An Inkredible Deal!

Host a $450 party November 1 - December 15 and receive absolutely FREE any collection of classic ink pads (a $49.95 value) in addition to your $65 Hostess gifts and 1 item for half price!  Contact me today to schedule your Stampin' Up! party.

Halloween Cat

This is a quick and simple card I CASED from a swap I received at the Chattanooga Regional Event.  I thought it was so fun and just loved the colors!  I don't think there is ever a bad color combination where Rich Razzleberry is concerned.  Check out the subtle shimmer on the spider web.  That's the new Illuminate Pad.  I also used my paper piercing tool to add a little interest in the upper left corner of the Whisper White square.  I have used this card as a make and take, as well as a Club night project and it was a hit!  I also made 10 more and sent them out to family and friends.  Definately a winner for me!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Beautiful Fall Leaves With Texture

This lovely fall card was made using the new Woodgrain Embossing Folder both on the background and on the leaves, which were cut out with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  I inked up the Woodgrain Embossing Folder with Always Artichoke Ink to create the unique two-toned look.  I love the classic fall colors with a splash of bling, using Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Paper:  Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler
Bling:  Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons, Metallic Brads, Linen Thread

ONE DAY ONLY SPOOKTACULAR SALE!

CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME ONE-DAY-ONLY

SPOOKTACULAR SALE FROM STAMPIN' UP!

Monday, October 29

Starting at 12:00 AM (MT) and ending at 11:50 PM (MT), almost every stamp we sell will be 15 percent off!

This means all stamps in the current catalogs including

• Background stamps
• Personalized name stamps
• Cookie press stamps
• Single-image stamps

This DOES NOT include

• Hostess sets
• Bundled stamp sets
• Digital stamp brush sets

Soooooo, look through your wish list and get ready to place your order on Monday, October 29!  You may order online on Monday, October 29, or send me your order over the weekend and I will place your order on Monday.

ALSO, STAMPIN' UP! HAS ADDED NEW SINGLE IMAGE STAMPS!

Below are links for the flyers showing you the new options for purchasing single stamps from existing stamp sets.  Please note:  The Pinecone Christmas Tag is from the set Tags Til Christmas.  There is a misprint on the flyer, listing the name of the stamp set as "Christmas."  Even these single stamps will be included in the 15 percent off Spooktacular Sale!  That means 15 percent off the price shown on the flyer!  Too cool!  

Click here for Single Stamps Assortment One 
Click here for Single Stamps Assortment Two

Sooty Leaves

This lovely card filled with fall colors was made by smudging color onto glossy white card stock and actually burning the paper until it was black with soot.  Then I stamped a clean dry stamp on the soot to lift it off and reveal the color beneath.  Spraying it with a sealer was next to keep the soot from smudging.  This is one of the projects we made at Friday Night Stamp Club and was inspired by a swap card I received at the Stampin' Up! Regional Event in Chattanooga.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Guest Stamper Judy Besancenez

This card was made by Judy Besancenez, another member of my Friday night Stamp Club.  Judy has been stamping with us for about a year and a half now.  When she joined, she had never stamped before and now is creating absolutely beautiful art work!  Punches and the Big Shot are her favorite tools and she certainly makes great use of them.

Fall Thank You

I just can't get enough of this French Foliage Stamp Set!  Here I combined some layered stamping with Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Crumb Cake; then topped it off with a little gold embossing powder.  The  beauty and simplicity of it makes a stunning card.  Sorry for the poor photography.  I was on my way to deliver this card when I realized I hadn't photographed it.  At a stoplight, I snapped a quick picture with my phone.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of the card.

Guest Stamper Pam DeCiechi

This lovely card was made by guest stamper Pam DeCiechi, a new member of my Friday night Stamp Club. She used the Lovely As A Tree set and a simple technique of stamping the image, then cutting it apart and separating it slightly for a very creative and classy look.  Another beautiful fall project!

Baby Bundle

This the the adorable set I made to take to the shower for my neighbor's daughter who just adopted twin girls.  There are two of everything on the card, including two sets of hand prints on the inside of the card from the Baby Prints Stamp Set.  Thanks to Teri Seippel for the inspiration for the dresser card.

Guest Stamper Margie Schlinker

Here is the sweet card that I received in our latest card swap.  The artist is Margie Schlinker.

Guest Stamper Julie Morgan

Here is another lovely card made by Julie Morgan, a member of my Friday night Stamp Club.  She has only been stamping with us for a short time, but has such a wonderfully creative mind.  Thank you so much for the beautiful card, Julie.  I have posted two images, showing you the inside and outside of the card.  Please leave  a comment below.

Guest Project Spider Web

I have such creative ladies in my Stamp Club and am so proud of their creations!  A couple months ago, they decided to do a card swap on Club night and I just have to share with you what they brought.  This project was made by Billie Pryce.  This is a Jiffy Popcorn container still full of popcorn.  How cute is that!

 

Friendship Swap

This is one of the swap cards I took to the Chattanooga Regional Event.  It's a sweet, simple sentiment to share.  Although you can't see it well in the photo, I sponged the new Illuminate Glimmer Watermark ink over the image, giving it just a subtle sheen.  Makes a great effect!  Please leave a commet and let me know what you think.

 

Masculine Birthday

Here is a masculine birthday card made with the long-time favorite Lovely As A Tree stamp set.  I also used a retired set for the sentiment.  The background was created by inking up the new Woodgrain Embossing Folder before inserting the Always Artichoke paper.  Doesn't it make a great background image!  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

 

Single Stamps Available

Stampin' Up! is trying out something new! You may now purchase single pieces from these select stamp sets: Word Play (120651), Perfectly Penned (122892), and Seasonal Sayings (128009). The offer will be available now through January 2, 2013.  Contact me for item numbers for each stamp.  You will not find this information on the Stampin' Up! website.

Details

• These won't be sent to you in our typical cases or packaging; they'll be packaged in cello bags. If you'd like a case for your stamp, you can buy our Clear-Mount Stamp Cases that come in packs of four (item 119105).
• This offer is available for clear-mount stamps only.
• The stamps won't come with a Clear-Mount Block, and you'll need to buy a block separately if you don't already have one.
• There's no limit on how many pieces you can buy.
• This offer is not available in Quebec.
• Remember that this is a pilot program, so take advantage of it while you can!

Beautiful Fall Colors

Fall is my favorite time of year with all the lovely colors and bright, sunny days with a crisp coolness in the air!  To mirror those lovely colors and crisp feeling, I have created a couple fall cards to share with you.  Cajun Craze and More Mustard get a tremendous amount of use this time of year.  I just LOVE those colors!  The DSP on the anniversary card is from Comfort Cafe, and the images are from Gently Falling and Embellished Events stamp sets.  I CASED this card idea from a swap card I received from one of my customers.  Thanks for the inspiration, Judy! 

The 4.25 x 4.25 square card at the bottom uses images from French Foliage and Language of Friendship stamp sets.  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of them.

 

Chattanooga Regional

Last weekend, I had a wonderful time in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the Stampin' Up! Regional Event.  There were lots of great samples to see, ideas to share, make and takes, and free goodies from Stampin' Up!  Here is a picture of me at our table with my Aunt Phyllis who was kind enough to go along with me.  She is a great source of inspiration and encouragement for me in my Stampin' Up! business and I thank her so much.  I could never have made that 10 hour drive without her!

 

Animal Punch Art

Hello!  I haven't posted in quite some time (again).  It's always that challenge of getting a good photo, transferring it to my computer, getting a watermark on it, then posting here to share with you.  Sigh!  Someday it has to get easier!  Well, I will certainly get better at it eventually!

Today I want to share with you the fun punch art critters we made at my Funday Sunday event.  The original designs came from Jackie Topa and I just tweaked them a little.  They were certainly a lot of fun to make and just so adorable when finished!  Hope you like them!

It's Back to Spool Time!

Nope, that's not a typo.  I really meant to say Spool.  Stampin' Up! is offering a great Back to Spool Promotion for the month of September.  For every $40 you spend in September, you will receive a FREE package of the new In Colors stitched satin ribbon.  What a great deal!!!  Be sure to take advantage of this great offer and collect your FREE ribbon!  Back to Spool Promotion

 This would be a great time to host a party. All your friends would get to take advantage of this special offer, and you would receive FREE merchandise for making your fall projects and/or Christmas cards!

 

Blooming With Kindness

Here is a simple, but lovely card made with Stampin' Up! set Blooming With Kindness.  The "ribbon" border is made using the Tasteful Trim Bigz die and I stamped the image from the flower on the trim to give it a little more pop.  Paper colors used are Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, and Very Vanilla.  The ink is Raspberry Ripple.

 

Designer Fabric for Only 99 cents!

Exciting Offer on Designer Fabric!!
While Stampin’ Up! does not typically allow Clearance Rack products to be sold on a workshop order, for a limited time and only while supplies last, the following discontinued Designer Fabrics from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog will be available at the low, low price of just 99 cents on all order types—demonstrator, customer, workshop, and online!

Item	Description	Price
121716	Deck the Halls Designer Fabric	$0.99
121715	Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric	$0.99
121817	Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric	$0.99
121818	Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric	$0.99

Now is your opportunity to try Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive Designer Fabric for just 99 cents!

There is no limit to the quantity of these Designer Fabrics that you can purchase; however, this offer is only good while supplies last. Note: Because these items are only available while supplies last, you may not receive all of the fabric you order.

Visit my store here to see the great deals!  Then simply click on Shop Now, then Clearance Rack for all the great discount deals!

Fun Wedding Wishes

These wedding wishes were especially made for Mr. & Mrs. Garry Berra.  Congratulations Garry & Paige!

This card was CASE'd from a sample in the new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Catalog.  It shows a fun and creative use of clear window sheets, Designer Series Paper, and Paper Daisies.

Graduation Card

I want to show you this darling card made by one of my Stamp Club members, Julie Morgan.  There is very little Stampin' Up! product in the card, but it was just so creative I just had to share it with you!  Thanks, Julie, for sharing your creative talents with us!

This was the last finished detail that was missing when I took the photo of the inside shown above.  The "congratulations" comes from the now retired Stampin' Up! Hostess set Something to Celebrate.

The card is designed with a pocket on the right to hold money.