3x3 cards

There is a cute stamp set in the sale-a-bration catalog named Punch Bunch. It has 5 stamps and each coordinates with one of SU's punches. These little 3x3 gift cards were made using some of the stamps in the set. I am loving the color combination of Marina Mist and Chocolate Chip. By the way, sale-a-bration runs from January 25th-March 31st and this is one of the many stamp sets you can get for free when you spend $50. Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time!

Valentine Class

Time to make Valentines for the special people in your life and I am having a class to do just that! Mark your calendars for January 8th from 1-3 PM. We will make a few cards and a little something--just not sure what at this time. The fee is $12 which covers the cost of supplies. For sure we will be making the cards posted here and a trifold card similar to the one posted in an earlier post. Give me a call to reserve a spot and so that I have ample product ready. Remember, too, that your friends are also welcome. Again, I will just need to know ahead of time for project supplies. Have a nice rest of the day!

Putting Away Christmas Stamps, Paper, etc.

Here is hoping that you all had a wonderful Christmas. Our Christmas Eve was absolutely wonderful. Sydney received a microphone, so our shy little granddaughter sang her heart out along with me, her mom and her Uncle Matt. (None of us really sing, but we try to anyway--LOL!) Her grandpa and Daddy were setting up Grandpa's new computer. We all had a lot of fun. We spent Christmas Day with our dear friends playing games, eating and laughing. For the past week or so, each time I go into my scraproom, the first thing I see are my two tables covered with wrapping supplies. My scrap room was the designated Christmas wrapping area. So when I went down this morning I was on a mission: clear off the two tables and put everything away for next year. And I was able to accomplish that. As soon as I was done, I went to my island to start thank you cards, but I was momentarily distracted. When I preordered from the occasions mini, I bought the stamp set that contains stamp images of game spinners. This is a very cute set and you can even purchase the spinners/brads/washers so the recipient can spin and play with his/her card. So I quickly made this card and then continued with my thank you cards. Today was a very productive day--and I even found myself a little stampin' time!

Merry Christmas! May the peace and joy of this wonderful time of year be yours today and always.

We had a great time with Sydney. She has grown so quickly. Grandpa took her home this morning and it was time for me to finish up all the Christmas wrapping, preparing, etc. I came down to my scrap room and I got sucked in again! So instead of progress with Christmas activities, I made another valentine. I used Stampin' Up and Quikkutz dies, SU's embosslit heart, SU punches and even a SU rub-on. And now I really am going to wrap gifts. Have a nice evening!

Snow Fun--You have to see to believe!

So we have our darling granddaughter for a couple of days. Since she is on Christmas break, she is here to bake and decorate cookies and to give her Mommy some peace and quiet. We got about 4 inches of snow last night, so today Sydney and Grandpa went outside to play in it. She is all bundled up and they were building a fort--I'll go take my shower while they are out having so much fun. Just as I am finishing up my hair, our Cody (a chocolate lab) is going crazy in the house. I run to the kitchen to look out the patio door and here comes John & Sydney carrying a--YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS-- A DEAD GOOSE! Yes, a dead goose. Actually a freshly shot dead goose. We live in an area where houses have lots of at least 1 1/2 acres. In between there are cornfields and one is in our backyard. Locals sometimes hunt these fields. And this morning, the field was being hunted. But the hunter couldn't find his catch, so John took Sydney on a goose chase. They were able to locate this goose and bring it home. She is now in the house with me--her hands washed and rewashed while her grandpa is going to find the hunter to give him his goose! On that note, I am going to have her wash her hands one more time before we start the baking--LOL! Only my John could entertain his granddaughter in this way! There is now probably going to be a pink shotgun under the tree for her this Christmas! Have a wonderful day!

OWH Valentine

I am working on Valentines for Operation Write Home and I want the cards to be pretty yet simple enough that I can make quite a few to send to OWH. This particular card is 5 1/4" x 4" and then matted on a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" base of real red cardstock. The stamped heart and greeting is from the Filled With Love stamp set and adhered to a heart from the embosslit heart die. I accented the little solid heart within the heart using Crystal Effects. I used the full Heart Extra Large Punch for the stamped heart and the little hearts are from the Heart to Heart Extra Large Punch. I am liking this stamp set. Actually, I am liking the Filled with Love bundle SU is offering. I will be posting other Valentines I am making for OWH, so check back when you have a chance. Have a great evening.

Filled With Love

Even though most of us are in the midst of Christmas preparations, Stampin' Up has a great promotion for your Valentine projects. SU is offering the Filled With Love Wood Bundle Item No.124380 for a price of $32.90. The Filled with Love Wood-Mount Bundle includes the Filled with Love Wood-Mount Set and exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack. Plus, you'll get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you order this bundle! Bitty Buttons will be added to your order at checkout. I already purchased this item and I really and truly think it is a good bundle to invest in. If you want to learn more about this promotion, click on the picture. If you want to order it, head over to my Stampin' Up website. Have a nice day.

One More Favor. . .

...which will also be my place cards for Christmas Day dinner. Some pretty double-sided paper, ribbon and a Ghiradelli chocolate will make a festive additon to your dinner table. This favor with a baby diaper pin would be perfect for a baby shower! I have been so busy lately. I finished my Christmas cards and most of my Christmas shopping. I will wrap presents over the weekend and on Monday my little cookie decorator will come over for a couple of days. I like when Sydney has days off from school as that gives me and John the opportunity to spend extended time with her. And, her mother loves it as Jen gets a little extended "me" time--LOL! Have a great day and keep warm.

Another Product Sneak Peek

When I saw the First Edition specialty designer series paper in the new Occasions Mini, I wanted it. I think it was the color combination of Black and Very Vanilla that first caught my eye. So now I have it and I am not so sure about what I want to do with it. I did come up with this card. I distressed the First Edition paper with some tearing and Crumb Cake ink, but after that I am lost. I will be waiting to see card/scrapbook page samples other people create so that I can make good use of this very nice paper. Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time.

Definitely Winter

Snowy, cold and windy~~definitely wintertime in Chicago! And in keeping with the snow theme, I made this card. I stamped with versamark on glossy white cardstock and then sponged with Not Quite Navy, Concord Crush and Bashful Blue inks. The Shimmery white snowflake is one of the many that are on the Sizzix Northern Frost Decorative Strip. And now that I am looking at the card, I think the center of the snowflake needs a little gem or some dazzling diamonds glitter. Have a nice evening and keep warm!

First Letter Press Cards

Here are two quick cards I made using the Lots of Love letterpress plate. A lettepress plate is similar to the SU texture plates for the Big Shot, but it debosses rather than embosses. You apply ink to the plate prior to layering the cardstock on it, use the proper sandwich and run it thru your Big Shot. This particular letterpress plate is available in the current Holiday mini and will also be available in the new mini which will be effective beginning January4th. On the first card shown, I used Pink Pirouette Ink on the plate and then debossed on white cardstock. On the second card, I used versamark ink on the letterpress plate and debossed on Melon Mambo cardstock. I need to make a few more items using a Letterpress plate before I decide that the Letterpress plates are something I definitely need more of, but so far I am rather liking it. Keep warm and find yourself a little stampin' time.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today's card was made for a very special person in my life--my mom. She is 80 years old--which is unbelievable. I used retired paper which I stocked up on when it was first introduced as I couldn't get enough of this particular Baja Breeze pattern paper. And I used the cute little scalloped envelope die which I sometimes forget I have. So, Happy Birthday, Mom--and have a wonderful day.

New Cupcake Punch

Today's card was made using the new Create-a-cupcake stamp set and Build-a-cupcake punch which will be available in the Occasions Mini beginning January 4th. Each piece of the cupcake is punched separately. Very cute, the cupcake can be topped with a candle, a cherry or a heart and then add some sprinkles. There are a couple of sayings, along with a cute little "Happy Birthday". I will definitely be creating many cards using this set and punch so look for more creations in the future. By the way, if you are on my mailing list, you will be getting a copy of the Occasions Mini mailed directly to you. Have a great Sunday!

A Snowy Morning!

Here is the perfect card to show you on this snowy morning. Earlier this week I challenged myself to make a holiday card using Concord Crush. I use Elegant Eggplant very often, forgetting that Concord Crush is a beautiful deep purple/blue. The tree images are from the Lovely As A Tree set (pg. 114). The single tree was stamped with White Craft Ink and then covered with Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter. The background trees were stamped on Shimmery White cardstock using Concord Crush ink. The sentiment on the front of the card is from Sincere Salutations (pg. 155), while the sentiment inside the card is from a retired set. Coming soon: sneak peeks at some cards I am making using products that are in the new mini which begins January 4th. Have a wonderful day!

A Holiday Card

After my last post, I went downstairs to clean up my scrap room. Guess what? I got nowhere cleaning, but I did make this card. You see, the card that I posted on my Stampin' Up website was Marina Mist and the background I had chosen for this month was green and red. For the last couple of days I have wanted to put up a new card that would coordinate better. I used the Gifts of Christmas set (on pg. 43 of the Idea Book), a texture plate and my Big Shot, and a couple of the half pearls from the Pretties Kit. This is one of those rather easy cards which only looks like a lot of work. Not having a sentiment makes it a card that can be used as a general holiday card for friends, neighbors and business associates who do not celebrate Christmas. And now the card on my DWBS coordinates with the background colors and I am going to call it a night.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Today we put up and decorated our Christmas tree! Every year after the tree is up, I say the same thing, "Our living room looks so pretty when the tree is up!" And it really does. It is kind of like when you make a card and you look at it knowing it needs just a little something more. That's what the tree is--the one more needed embellishment in our living room. Now I definitely sound like a paper crafter--describing our Christmas tree as an embellishment--hahahahah! Tomorrow I will work on the mantle and the railing. And in the meantime, I am going to find myself a little stampin' time. Have a peaceful evening.

Gift Card Holder

While searching for something a little different to make, I came across this card made with an envelope. I made it a gift card holder and you will, too, if you attend my card class on December 4th. Again I used my retired SU snowflake stamp set. It is amazing how just one stamp set can be used for so many projects.

Just A Reminder

The Stampin' Up sale ends on November 30th. There are some great deals, including a 30% discount on one of my favorite dies--the Matchbox Die--which is only $30.07 during the sale. If you have any questions, let me know.

Christmas List

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. And actually, the friends are more like family, too. It is now time to work on my Christmas list of "things to do to get ready for Christmas". I have already started my shopping. We will put the tree up during the week. And today I plan on working on my Christmas cards. The photo shows four samples I made a while back. On these cards I used Dazzling Diamonds on a couple and Stickles on the others. The Dazzling Diamonds is what I will use--which is pretty funny because anyone who knows me, knows that I do not like working with glitter! It just looks so much prettier. The colors are Marina Mist and White and the Northern Flurries embossing folder has just the right amount of embossed area. I used my Cricut to cut out the word "joy" for the one card. I have about 50 cards to make and send, so I better get busy. When I am finished with the cards, the wrapping and baking begins! Have a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you have a wonderful day.

Christmas Favors

Today's cold weather makes you think a little more about preparing for Christmas. It was 60 degrees yesterday and right now it is 27--winter is coming! Today I am sharing a couple of the Christmas favors I plan on making in the next class. Both of these favors are made using retired SU print paper teamed up with real red cardstock and touches of always artichoke. One item that I have and rarely use is the uni-ball Signo white gel pen on page 195 of the IB&C. It is the perfect way to add creative touches to your projects--as shown with the dots on the scallop circle. I am leaving it on my counter as a reminder that I should use it! Well, off to Costco for the rest of the Thanksgiving needs. Enjoy your day and keep warm!

BIG Stampin Up SALE!

If there is anything you were thinking about purchasing, this might be the time to do it. From now until Nov. 30th, SU is offering a very nice sale which includes freee shipping on online orders over $150. I will have more details a little later. But go to my website and start shopping! Have a great morning.

This is a link to the list of sale items:http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Online_Spectacular_flyer_US.pdf

Quilted Top Note Card

Well, I must say, I think I finally used enough Chocolate Chip & Cherry Cobbler cardstock to last me for a while--lol! But isn't this card pretty? I embossed the Very Vanilla cardstock squares--after punching out the squares. I then arranged the 12 squares needed for the Top Note die and adhered them to a piece of cardstock. After running it through the Big Shot I sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip ink, made a little tag and tied it with twine. And now I have a pretty thank you card to send to someone special. Tomorrow the Cricut group is here, so time to go clean up the scrap room. Have a great weekend and find yourself a little stampin' time.

My Pattern Cardstock

So I fell in love with some cardstock at Archivers a couple of weeks ago and in a previous post, there is a picture of the tags made with that cardstock. Last night I wanted to make a few more tags using the Archivers cardstock, but I did not have any. So, I decided to recreate that paper using Stampin' Up supplies already on hand. These are the tags I made using only SU "stuff": Crumb Cake cardstock and Cherry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip cardstock and ink; a retired SU stamp set and Big Shot dies and embossing folder. I did use something that is not SU--the rhinestones--but I do love rhinestones. At any rate, it is very easy to make some beautiful pattern cardstock using the stamps, cardstock and ink you already own. Have a great day!

FYI~~SU's Recruiting Special

Thru November 30th, Stampin' Up is offering this sign up special. I can't say that I know anyone interested, but I wanted to put this out there as you never know who might be reading my blog. For $87.50, you get supplies which are worth far more than that. Geez, if I wasn't a demo, I would sign up to take advantage of the pricing and the 30% discount on my first order as a demonstrator. LOL! Hope you can find yourself a little stampin' time.

Stampin' on Saturday

We made some very pretty tags at the Tags & Favor class yesterday. As a matter of fact, the tags were so lovely that instead of putting the tags into a Stampin' Up cellophane bag and adding a topper as a little gift for someone (the original plan), we filled the bags with candy and added the topper to that. Now the ladies can use the tags or the tags can be put in their file for future reference. And, they still went home with a little gift for someone! I planned these particular tags and favor around a single sheet of cardstock I purchased at Archivers and with the idea of using a variety of tools--my Big Shot, Cricut, dies, punches, embossing folders, stamps and SU ink and cardstock. But my inspiration cardstock only used three colors: Cherry Cobbler (which I just love), Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake. The color combination is just beautiful. We also made Thanksgiving match boxes and we finished up the class making those darling little Thanksgiving bags. If you live in the area, feel free to register for one of my classes. Both beginners and seasoned crafters attend these classes, but we all learn something and go away feeling refreshed and wanting to create even more!

Veteran's Day

Couldn't let today pass without recognizing those who served our country thru the years and those serving our country today: Thank You

Favor Fun

After using the little bags from Archivers for my Thanksgiving favors, I went back on Saturday to purchase more--but they were sold out. I put my name on the waiting list and when more little brown bags come in, Archivers will give me a call. The good news is that I did find similar bags at M's. The bags are a bit longer and a little heavier weight. I made this Christmas favor using one of their bags. This particular bag holds three Hershey miniatures. I stamped the snowflakes using a retired SU set. And isn't the candy cane favor cute? This was an idea I cased from Paper Trey, using their stamps and dies. The ideas for Christmas/holiday favors or little hostess gifts are endless. I could stay down in my scraproom for the rest of the day being creative. But, we are having some beautiful summer-like weather here, so I am going out to enjoy it. Have a great day!

Christmas Tags

Yesterday I went to Archivers and I was inspired--inspired to spend a lot of money! And you all know that I am trying to use things I already have before purchasing more "stuff". I did buy a few items though and two of them are pictured in this post. Two things really caught my eye. The first was the Kraft cardstock printed with Christmas/Winter themes. The minute I saw it, I knew that I "needed" it to make tags for my Favors & Tags class. I also "needed" these little Kraft bags that Archivers is selling. And last night, using these little bags, I made the majority of the favors I will be putting on the Thanksgiving table. There are two miniature Hershey bars in each bag which will give you an idea as to the size of the bag. So, I did buy a few items, but they are items I will be using within the next couple of weeks. And to walk out of Archivers without using my 30% off coupon was a very good thing. Have a great day and don't forget to turn your clocks back!

Thanksgiving Cards

While shopping yesterday, I noticed that Christmas merchandise was everywhere. I realized that I hadn't finished my Thanksgiving cards and yet the holiday push is already on. Last night while I watched Dancing with the Stars and the election results, I worked on my Thanksgiving cards. The color combination of Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard and Very Vanilla works well for the Thanksgiving theme. As you all know, I love ribbon on my cards. Well, rhinestones are a close second as my favorite embellishments. So when I found that I even had mustard-colored rhinestones, I was more than happy to add them to the card on the left. I have a few more Thanksgiving cards to make and as I make them, I will think about the special people for whom I am making these cards--blessings in my life. And I will be thankful for those people.

Clear Embossing Powder

A couple of days ago I was reading an article that mentioned clear embossing powder--a product that I haven't used in quite some time. So out came the clear embossing powder and my heat gun and in no time at all I created two cards. The images were first stamped using Versamark, sprinkled with the clear embossing powder and then set with the heat gun. It is a little difficult to see on these photos, but using the clear embossing powder gives the images a shiny finish. Once again I used the Just Believe stamp set (which I think is so pretty) for the image. The sentiment is from the Thank You Kindly set, although I could have used the "thank you" from the Just Believe set. Using Autumn colors, the Peach Parfait teamed up nicely with both Perfect Plum and Chocolate Chip. Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time.

Denami Challenge

I rarely use green and red for my Christmas cards. But, since I do not have any Denami Christmas stamps, I thought that using red and green would definitely say Christmas. For this card I used a Denami stamp, Denami ribbon and rhinestones from Denami. And of course the cardstock, ink and embossing folder is Stampin' Up. Have a great day.

Involve The children

The more I learn about Operation Write Home, the more I feel a need to share OWH's mission to support our troops--not just during the holidays but all year. Today I am sharing a flyer inviting children to participate. What a great way to teach your child to share a small part of himself/herself with one of our heroes. Just double click on the picture, print the flyer and then share it with your school, church group or scout troop. If you have any questions, please send me an email. I will be more than happy to send your letters to OWH for you. Have a wonderful day and happy stampin'.

Little Trick or Treat Bag

Halloween is only a week away and I still need to make some treat holders for special little trick or treaters in my life. While looking for ideas, I found these on the website of Chic n Scratch. Easy to make, this will be one of the favors we will complete in a Thanksgiving/Christmas "Favors & Tags Class" scheduled for November 13th. I am still working on my November calendar, so watch for more details to be coming soon. In the meantime, find yourself a little stampin' and scrappin' time. Have a great weekend.

A Thanksgiving Card

The cards for Operation Write Home are in the mail, so now it is time to think about Thanksgiving. I used a Close To My Heart stamp set for this card and SU's Cajun Craze is the color. I stamped the images on Confetti White cardstock which adds some texture to this rather simple card. I used raffia as an accent--raffia which I have had for I don't know how long and only use at this time of the year--but twine would be perfect on this card also. Have a nice day and find yourself some stampin' time.

Stampin' Up's Holiday Bundles Special

Thru December 16th, SU is offering a 20% discount on select products when purchased in the bundles as shown. Just click on the picture above for details. You can shop online thru my website 24/7 but you need to use the product numbers as shown in order to receive the discounted price. In addition, depending on your order amount, by shopping directly thru my website, you are also eligible for hostess items. Questions? Don't hesitate to give me a call. Have a great day.

Yesterday the Cricut girls were here for our fun-filled Cricut afternoon. The group project was a skeleton card, but what really made the whole thing was this--orange rhinestones for the eyes! I never would have thought of using orange rhinestones for eyes--not even for a skeleton! But, they look so cool that I will be using orange rhinestones on future Halloween cards be it eyes for cats, witches or skeletons! Can you guess what I have been working on these past few days? More holiday cards for Operation Write Home. I made Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards and cards for kids. When you think about all our troops who won't be home for the holidays, my cards won't even make a dent in the need. But I am happy knowing that a few people will be surprised and happy when they get a special card from their mom, dad, son, daughter--a card that was made from my heart with gratitude for all of our troops.

Operation Write Home

Since I make a lot of cards and I cannot possibly use them all, I have been sending many of the extras to "cards for soldiers". The

other day I was reading http://www.creationsbychristie.blogspot.com/ and she announced her first card challenge: a Christmas/Holiday card for Operation Write Home. Operation Write Home is an organization that collects blank handmade cards, packages and sends them to our troops to help them keep in touch with their families and friends. Check out OWH at http://www.operationwritehome.org/ and see if there is anything you can do to help support our troops and their families. Here is my entry in Christie's challenge, which by the way, was made with all Stampin Up supplies, including the Northern Flurry embossing folder. Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time.

More Crumb Cake

This time I am using a combination of Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla. When I cut the Crumb cardstock for this card, I cut it 1/4 inch too short. I had already embossed the Cherry Cobbler, so I knew how to take care of the card size--just cut another piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock at 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" and center and adhere the too-short card base to it. The Very Vanilla adds a little dimension to the card while the retired Kraft ribbon adds a little bit of pretty. Simple card that can be made over and over using different colors, different embossing folders and different greetings from the Sincere Salutations stamp set. And now that I am thinking about it, these colors and the "Four The Holidays" stamp set on page 154 of the IB&C would make the perfect Christmas cards. This one stamp set will cover the sentiments for everyone you send Christmas cards to: family, friends, business associates and those who celebrate holidays and the season, but not particularly Christmas. I think I have just talked myself into getting the set!

Scrap Pages

This two-page layout was made using a CTMH packet I had purchased a while back. This particular promotion was the Felicity Collection and what drew me to it were the colors and the precut shapes of some of the papers. I used Marina Mist and Soft Suede ink to stamp and sponge the edges of the off white cardstock. And the two-step bird punch added a little dimension to the pages. I really like the fact that I can use my SU products together with CTMH products. They may not be perfect matches, but they are very close. And once again, I have succeeded in using what I have rather than purchasing new. Have a great day.

Crumb Cake (aka Kraft) Cards

I am still on my quest to use much of the "stuff" I already have before purchasing anything else. For the most part that is working out as I had hoped. Both of these cards have a Crumb Cake base, include images from the Itty Bitty stamp and punch sets and use thin strips of designers series paper along the edge. Crumb Cake (formerly known as Kraft) is very versatile and works with just about any color. The ribbon on the Pacific Point card is no longer available Kraft Taffeta. I will miss that particular color in ribbon. I combined Real Read and Marina Mist for the card on the right. I also used the scallop edge punch and then inked the edges of the card with Marina Mist ink. After I applied the ink, I wished I hadn't--lol! Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time.