Friday, December 31, 2010

Welcome to the Occasions Mini Blog Hop....

.... brought to you by the good folks at Stampin' Addicts, where their motto is "Positively Creative. Positively Stampin' Up!" This time we are previewing some of the fabulous goodies in the new Stampin' Up! 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog, which starts January 4th.  Today I am showing some ideas for the Clearly for You stamp set.

I'm so glad you stopped by, and hope you have been wowed and inspired by the hop so far!  If you are following the hop in order, you just arrived from Holly's blog, Rubber Redneck, where the Nature Walk stamp set was featured.  At the bottom of this post, you can click to go back, or forward to the next blog on your journey!

First up is a clean and simple (CAS) card using the little background stamp and the bird (egret? flamingo?) stamp.  Quick, easy and elegant!
Stamps: Clearly for You
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Marina Mist, Pacific Point
Accessories: Marina Mist 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches, Basic Rhinestones

I don't know about you, but I am burned out on Christmas colors, so I wanted to try something bright and cheery for the next card.  I'm thinking spring, summer, gardens, SUNSHINE!  So this next card combines the colors of summer with some of the things you might find in a garden.
Stamps: Clearly for You  (Sentiment: You're a Gem, available Jan. 4)
Cardstock: Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Very Vanilla, Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Brights Brads, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Up next, I went to the opposite extreme and tested my "vintage" mojo.  Lately my style has been trending toward the CAS look, but this was soooo much fun to make (how much "shtuff" can I cram on one card?), I want to do more!
Stamps: Clearly for You
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Cardstock Vellum, Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzazz DSP from In Color Patterns Pack (Level 1 Hostess)
Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Black StazOn
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper and Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folders, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Big Shot, Rose Red and Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (avail. Jan. 4), Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Basic Pearls, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Linen Thread, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Vintage Trinkets, Frost White Shimmer Paint (spray), Smooch Illuminate Top Coat

And lastly, the whole reason I was sold on this stamp set as soon as I saw it........BERRIES!  We have a prolific boysenberry plant, so I make lots of jam and pancake syrup.  I absolutely fell in love with this little stamp!  You could make it raspberry or blackberry, depending on how you colored it.

Anyhoo, this is a little gift set I thunk up.  The jar topper uses Concord Crush DSP from the In Color Patterns Pack hostess gift.  I got a lot of use out of that pack of paper for these projects!  The little set of 4 cards with envelopes is tucked in a box made using the Scallop Envelope Die.
Stamps: Clearly for You  (Sentiment: You're a Gem, available Jan. 4)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Concord Crush DSP (In Color Patterns Pack Level 1 Hostess)
Inks: Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Large Tag and Extra Large Tag Punches, Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches, Scallop Envelope Die, Big Shot,  5/8" and 3/4" circle punches, Basic Pearls< Scallop Trim Border Punch

Well, that's all for this stop!  Click on the link below to get to your next stop, which is Sunflower Stamper Jennifer, featuring Bold Blossom.
<< GO BACK                      GO FORWARD>>

Thanks for stopping by, and I wish all of you 
a safe, Happy New Year!
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net 
 

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Sweet Summer in the Middle of Winter

What better time to think about sunshine and flowers than the dead of winter?  I know some of you have been dealing with this (and for that, you have my sincere sympathy):
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
So, don't let the winter blahs get you down - think about spring and summer!  The seed catalogs have started arriving at my house, and I can't wait to plan what to plant in next year's garden.
The embedded paper (a.k.a. 'inlaid embossing') technique was used on this card, and I really like it!  Just lightly glue punched or die cut shapes to your cardstock (the 2-Way Glue Pen works well for this), tuck it into an embossing folder, then run the whole shebang through your Big Shot.  Easy-peasy, and looks terrific!  I imagine this works better with embossing folders that have a tight design, like the Square Lattice EF that I used.

Stamps: Sweet Summer (FREE Sale-A-Bration set starts 1/25), You're a Gem (Occasions Mini, avail. 1/4)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Little Leaves die, Boho Blossoms punch, Basic Pearls, Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Poly Ribbon

Monday, December 27, 2010

*Huge Sigh*

Can you believe it, Christmas is over, and the year is winding to a close!  While it is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year, I'm also a little relieved when all the hustle and bustle and making and wrapping and cleaning and baking is officially finished.  This is the time I like to look ahead to the coming year and make plans, set goals and just in general relish starting anew.  (That's probably why I get a little irked by all the "year in review" that the media does at this time.)

The plans this week are to finish the projects for the upcoming Occasions Mini blog hop.  The card pictured is not one from the hop, but one of three sets of demo swaps I mailed today.  This is a sneak peek at a new set called SWEET SUMMER, which you can get free during Sale-A-Bration, which starts January 25th!
Stamps: Sweet Summer (SAB, avail. 1/25/11), You're a Gem (avail. in Occasions Mini 1/4/11)
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Inks: Night of Navy, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon and Framed Tulips embossing folder (both avail. in Occasions Mini 1/4/11), Small Oval Punch

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Blog Hop Coming!

Stampin' Addicts is having another blog hop!  This time the hop will be featuring items in the new 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog, due for release on January 4th.  Prepare to be amazed by the plethora of wonderful products and the awesome and inspiring talents of the hop participants!  You definitely don't want to miss this one....so many new goodies to share, and a fabulous way to start the new year in a crafty way!!!  I will be featuring the "Clearly for You" stamp set.

Stampin' Addicts Occasions Mini Blog Hop starts Friday morning, Dec. 31st, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific, and ends at midnight Sunday, January 2nd.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Filled with Love

New promotion!  Buy the Filled with Love Bundle and get the Bitty Buttons for FREE!  Note: the Filled with Love* stamp set is in the Holiday Mini Catalog, which ends January 3rd.  After that, you can only get it in the bundle, and only until January 24th!  This is a fabulous set for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or even good friends ("THOUGHTS OF YOU WARM MY HEART" sentiment).  Click on the Filled with Love logo on the left for details!

* Filled with Love stamp set, pg. 43 Holiday Mini - Wood Mount #120839 or Clear Mount #121154

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Dreaming of a White Christmas (Tree)

Yeah, I know I was going to start baking today, since I got all my Christmas cards finished and mailed, but the mojo is flowing and I HAD to let it out!  Why is sometimes I can sit in my craft room for hours with nary a creative burp in my brain, and then other times the ol' brain cells are having a party and the ideas flow like nacho cheese dip at a football game?!

This one was inspired by Heidi Baks' card posted on her blog for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  I so wish I could get the lighting right, so you could see how truly GOJUS this is in real life!  (I think this may be one I use for next year.) Be sure to click on the image to enlarge, then click again to see the details!
Stamps: NONE!
Inks: NONE!
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Presto Patterns Designer Series Paper, Bride Specialty DSP (retired *sniff*)
Accessories: Northern Flurry Textured Impressions embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones and Basic Pearls

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Last Card.....No, Really!

My inspiration for this card came from Yapha Mason's card posted a couple days ago.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for a friend of mine who is a breast cancer survivor.  She is into all things pink, and I know she's going to love this card!
This is pretty much a direct copy.  The only changes were the sentiment, and instead of Melon Mambo, I used Regal Rose.

Thanks for the inspiration, Yapha!

Stamps: Northern Hearts, Heard from the Heart
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Old Olive
Other: Old Olive 5/8″ Satin Ribbon

Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Medallion

Aaaack!  How did it get to be only 12 days until Christmas already?!  One more card, then I'm going to be MIA for a few days so I can get the holiday baking done.
See the Gold Smooch Accent Ink in the medallion?  Makes it looks more holiday-ish, don't you think?
Stamps: Medallion, Heard from the Heart
Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Gold Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Big Shot

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Paisley Christmas

Paisley was never really a favorite pattern of mine, but this set appeals to me for some reason.  Been busy this weekend trying to get my cards finished and use up some retired DSP in the process.  Why is it so hard for me to cut into my stash of precious papers?  (Note: "precious" should be pronounced with a hiss, as Gollum says it.  Then picture me crouched over my hoard of paper, stroking it and talking to it. I slip the ring on and....) 
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net



Saturday, December 11, 2010

Getting Closer to CAS

This one is a bit closer to the Clean And Simple look I wanted that would be easy to duplicate.....if only I had enough DSP to do it!  I only need to make 60 cards, that's all.  :-)  Hmmm, maybe use just a scrap of DSP instead of covering the card front?  Back to the drawing board! (pssst - didja notice there isn't any ribbon or rhinestones/pearls?)
Stamp: Perfect Punches
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP, gold foil CS (not SU)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic, VersaMark
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch,1-3/8" Circle Punch

Friday, December 10, 2010

Another "One of a Kind"

Seriously starting to feel the time crunch here since I wanted to mail my cards by Saturday, but what am I doing?  Making pretty "one off" cards when I really should be mass-producing some CAS ones!  *sigh*  When the mojo is flowing, it's so hard to stop!  Check out the gold glitter peeking through the crochet trim (click on image, then click again):
Stamp: Bells & Boughs
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Craft, Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker, So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Victoria Crochet Trim, Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Gold Fine Galaxy Glitter, Basics Glimmer Brads

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Gotta get serious about getting my cards finished and mailed this week! Too much going on, but I love this time of year!!! 
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
Stamp: Christmas Postcard (121428)
Cardstock: Crumb Cake (120953), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Deck the Halls DSP (120810)
Classic Ink: Cherry Cobbler (119669), Always Artichoke (105219), Crumb Cake (121030), River Rock (109010), VersaMark (102283)
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129), Heat Tool (100005), Champagne Glass Glitter (120997), Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

DOIN' A HAPPY DANCE!

Just found out that Operation Write Home won the second place prize of $25,000!  WOOHOOOOO!  That will send a lot of cards to our heroes.  Thanks so much to everyone who voted for OWH!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Another Birthday and Sneak Peek!

This card is for my friend Jen from SCS.  We became online friends, and then got to meet a couple years ago when she was here visiting relatives.  Now she's back in town for a visit, and I get to meet her for lunch and see her adorable munchkins!

This card was way out of my comfort zone, but I tried to make something that would appeal to Jen's funky sense of style.  The sneak peek is that Sweet Summer stamp set that will be available during Sale-A-Bration for FREE, with a qualifying purchase!
Stamps: Sweet Summer (available Jan. 25th), sentiment Grunge Rock
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink: Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Marker, Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker, Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Square Lattice embossing folder, Eyelet Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Today is the Last Day!

Voting ends at midnight tonight - PLEASE click the Craft for a Cause link on the right, and cast a vote for Operation Write Home.  If they win the $50,000 prize, that would ship a LOT of boxes of cards to our deployed service members!

Edited to add: Thank you to all who voted! As soon as I hear the results (keep your fingers crossed!), I will post them!

Birthday and a Sneak Peek

Today's masculine birthday card features my favorite theme....that classic truck in the Countryside stamp set.  This is for someone special whose birthday is today (I can't name names unless I get approval from a family member first). 
Anyhoo, all that mystery aside, if you look closely, you'll notice a new embossed frame you've never seen before!  It's called Framed Tulips, and is coming out in the new Occasion's Mini Catalog, which starts January 4th.

Wait until you see what else is coming in the new cattie next month!  If you are a customer of mine, you're already on the list to get a 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog as soon as it is released (around the middle of this month).  If you aren't a customer of mine, but would like to be one, please contact me so I can send it to you!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Stars & Stamps Midweek Throwdown Challenge!

The end of October I was surprised and delighted to receive an email from Jan over at the OWH Stars & Stamps blog, asking me if I'd like to make a sample card or two for their December 1st Midweek Throwdown Challenge.  Um, let me think about that for a nanosecond... heck, yeahAre you kidding?!  I'm honored to be asked to do this!!!

The theme for this week's challenge is animals, and as soon as Jan told me what it was, I got all kinds of ideas popping in my head.  First up is a sweet birthday card for a little girl.  Most little girls I know are crazy for ponies and horses, so that was the stamp of choice.  Can you imagine her getting this card from her daddy or mommy who is away from home for her birthday?
The greeting is three different Clear Mount Stamps from the Fabulous Phrases set, mounted on one Clear Block.  I like the flexibility of building a custom sentiment - too cool!

Stamps: Pony Party (W-115217, C-120015), Fabulous Phrases (W-117002, C-120501)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette (111351), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Melon Mambo (115320)
Ink: Pink Pirouette Classic (111838), Rich Razzleberry Classic (115658), Melon Mambo Classic (115656), Rose Red Classic (101778), Basic Gray Classic (109120)
Accessories: Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), 1/2" Circle Punch (119869), 3/4" Circle Punch (119873), 1" Circle Punch (119868), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861),small circle punch from Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309), Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain ribbon (retired)

The next card is near and dear to my heart, because my hubby and I joke about "love monkey" all the time.  I figured we aren't the only ones with that little joke, so this is sure to bring a smile to a deployed hero's loved one.  
The greeting was printed using my computer and printer, since I didn't have a stamp with that sentiment.  The heart background was inked up with Sahara Sand, then the solid heart wiped off with a Blender Pen and Real Red ink applied with a Stampin' Write Marker.  Huffed to re-moisten, stamped off once to lighten the image, and then stamped over the greeting (gotta love those Clear Mount stamps - so easy to position!).

Lots of layers going on with those hearts!  The Full Heart Punch fits inside the Scalloped Heart of Hearts die, which fits inside the Movers and Shapers Heart die.  If you look very, very closely (click on the image twice), you can see the embossed "dots" are really tiny hearts! 

Stamps: Fox & Friends (W-117020, C-118565), Filled With Love (W-120839, C-121154)
Cardstock: Sahara Sand (121043), Real Red (102482), Early Espresso (119686), Whisper White (100730), Sahara Sand DSP from Patterns Pack (retired)
Ink: Sahara Sand Classic (105208), Early Espresso Classic (119670), Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052)
Accessories: Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119251), Full Heart Punch (119883), Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die (117332), Movers & Shapers Heart Die from the Punch Windows set (115953), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), heart border punch from Martha Stewart

Thanks for stopping by today, and don't forget to vote for Operation Write Home over at Joann's Craft for a Cause
Vote every day - you have until midnight Dec. 4th!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Turkey Coma Wearing Off

Today I am VERY grateful for the invention of automatic dishwashers!  My hands had taken enough of a beating with the constant hand-washing while prepping the food.....I don't think they could have survived an hour in hot sudsy water!

This is the napkin ring I threw together at the last minute for our holiday table.  Stamped all over Shimmery White cardstock using the French Foliage set in autumn colors, then gold heat-embossed the maple leaf from Autumn Splendor on Cajun Craze and cut it out.  Ran a 2" strip of the stamped cardstock through the paper crimper, made a ring using Sticky Strip, stuck the embossed leaf on with a glue dot and tied some raffia around it.  Simple!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  I am thankful for so many things; the obvious ones like having a roof over my head and a warm place to sleep, a full tummy, my health, my family, and my friends.  But also for things that are less obvious, like the ability to connect with people from all over the world through the Internet.  I am thankful for YOU, the people who so kindly visit my little blog, and those who take the time to leave comments, and those who post their creations on their blogs that inspire me.  So, this card is for all of you:
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net

Stamp: Under the Stars (greeting printed on computer)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic, bear colored with Copic markers
Accessories: Old Olive 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Neutrals Button, Linen Thread, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

It's UnBEARable

My gratitude today is for all the military members who are serving our country, especially the ones who have to spend the holidays away from their families.  It is so hard for them, AND their loved ones, and I truly am grateful for the sacrifices they make for us.

And in that vein, today's card is going to be included with the next batch going to Operation Write Home, for a deployed service member to send home to a loved one!  BTW, don't forget to vote for OWH at Joann's Craft for a Cause - you can vote once a day through December 4th!
Stamp: Teddy & Train (greeting printed on computer)
Cardstock: Confetti White, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Soft Suede Classic, Cherry Cobbler Classic
Accessories: Very Vanilla 5/8" Seam Binding Ribbon, Heart Bitty Button, Linen Thread, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Basic Pearls

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Easy Peasy Christmas

Today I am thankful that my dad is on his way to spend Thanksgiving with us!  He's been battling (and winning) Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for about 5 years, so I treasure every blessed moment we share.

Here is a card that is a perfect example of "quick and easy" (and if you know me, you know how I love those words!).  All you need is some Designer Series Paper, and an appropriate greeting. The paper becomes the main focal point, rather than a stamped image, so you don't have to mess with stamping and coloring.  Like I said, quick and easy!
The only thing I did to dress it up a bit was add the triple bow with an Antique Brad center, and heat emboss the greeting.
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Brushed Gold
DSP: Deck the Halls
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Craft
Accessories: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Antique Brads

WOWSERS!

Stampin' Up! is really rocking the holidays.....first it was the Holiday Bundles for 20% off.  Then they kicked it up a notch and offered the demonstrator Starter Kits for 50% off the already great price (so you get over $320 in products for a mere $87.50).  I've never seen it at such a discount!

Now they're having an Online Spectacular, which is like Black Friday and Cyber Monday all rolled together, with free shipping (on qualified orders) thrown in!!!  If you've been wanting to get my Digital Studio, but couldn't quite afford it, it is now 50% off, along with the fabric bundles, and the Sweet Shoppe stamp bundles (wood or clear mount).  And here is something to seriously consider.....in the new Sale-A-Bration catalog, which starts January 25th, there are FREE digital downloads for My Digital Studio!

The deals continue with 40% and 30% off stamp bundles, embellishments, tools, dies for the Big Shot and much more.  This Online Spectacular ends November 30th, so check out the flyer, then click on the SHOP NOW button.  Christmas will be here sooner than you think!!!

Oh, and today I am thankful that I am a part of the fabulous Stampin' Up! family.  What  great company to be associated with!

Monday, November 22, 2010

A Poinsettia CASE

Today I am eternally thankful for the talented people who so freely share their creative genius on their blogs....without whom I would be stuck for inspiration.  Occasionally two of my brain cells bump into each other and I'll have a great idea of my own.  But more often than not, I turn to the creativity of others to help get my mojo going.

Today's card is just such a piece.  This card was the source of creativity for today, found on Deb Burgins's blog, Heartfelt Inkspiration.  Thanks, Deb, for getting some ideas popping in my head!!!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

S.O.C.A.S.

In continuation of the month of gratitude theme, right now I am thankful for the rain that has been falling today.  We surely need it, and now I am pretty sure we won't have any firestorms this year!

This card is sort of clean and simple, hence SOCAS in the blog title. :-)  I think the addition of the crocheted lace bow and flower button push it a little out of the realm of CAS, but overall, it's still a quick and easy card to make.  A little scrap of DSP, a fancy border punch, a simple greeting, some ribbon and brads, and there you go!
Stamp: Four the Holidays
Cardstock: Very Vanilla
DSP: Jolly Holiday
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories, Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Old Olive brads, Chantilly 1/2" Crocheted Lace Trim, Button from Earth Elements button set

Saturday, November 20, 2010

19 for 19

My attitude of gratitude today is being very grateful for my stamp cave.  I can go in and create to my heart's content, letting the worries of the everyday world just fall away.  Kind of hard to put a price on just how precious that is!

Today's card is for a swap coming up.  The theme this time was a real bear.  No, not the ursine animal kind of bear.....I mean there had to be swirls on the DSP, and pearls AND rhinestones.  This turned out okay, I guess.  Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't!  This is an in-between one for me. ;-)
And I almost didn't get this posted in time!  This is National Blog Posting Month, and the goal is to post something every day for the entire month.  That's not as easy as it sounds!  Anyway, I've been keeping up (barely) so far, but next week is definitely going to be a challenge.  Why couldn't they choose a boring month, like March, with no major holidays that require lots of preparation?
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net

Friday, November 19, 2010

Rejoicing in Christmas

I am thankful today for the sights, and sounds, and smells of the holidays.  My CD player isn't working, otherwise I'd have Christmas music playing while I'm in my craft room.  Maybe I'll ask Santa for a CD player. :-)

Here's another CAS (clean and simple) card.  After doing a little straightening in the stamp cave, there were some bits and pieces that cried out to be used, and this was the result.
Stamp: Rejoicing in Christmas (W-120829, C-121139)
Cardstock: Baja Breeze111352), Night of Navy (100867), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Basic Black Classic (101179)
Accessories: Watercolor Pencils (101879), Blender Pens (102845), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder (117335), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (made into mist spray, 116806), scrap ribbon

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Something a Little Different

As I sit here making my grocery shopping list for next week's feast, I am thankful for the abundance and variety of food available to us at the grocery store. Although I really enjoy gardening, I'm so glad I don't HAVE to garden/hunt/gather food just for survival!

Today's card is for Operation Write Home.  It is past the deadline for Christmas cards now, and we're on to Valentine's Day!  This isn't exactly a Valentine, but I'm sure it expresses the feelings of probably 99.9 percent of our deployed service members. The tag reads "In my thoughts 24/7."
Don't forget to vote today (and every day) for Operation Write Home over at Joann's Craft for a Cause Contest!

Stamps: Have a Seat (W-116696, C-120447), Hodgepodge Happiness (W-117141, C-120570)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Night of Navy (100867)
DSP: Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack (117152)
Ink: Night of Navy (102997)
Accessories: Night of Navy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (119954), Linen Thread (104199), 3/4" Circle Punch (), 1" Circle Punch (119868), 1/16" Handheld Punch (101227)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Adventures in Candle Stamping

Today I am eternally grateful to my loving husband for his kindness, sense of humor, and patience with his crazy wife.

With Christmas right around the corner, I've been looking for gift ideas that utilize stamping, and saw these delightful tea lights on Tanya Boser's blog, Tinkerin In Ink with Tanya.  Tea light gift ensembles have been popping up all over recently, and they looked so easy, I thought I'd give them a try.

First, I'll let you in on a little hint.  DON'T buy the tea lights that have a little dome-shaped top.  The stamped tissue won't lay flat, and you'll have to heat it so long with the heat tool, that the wax builds up on top of your stamped image, like so:


For the next one, I tried shaving off some of the dome, and not heating the tea light quite as long, and the result was better, but still not up to my obsessive compulsive high standards.


Next, a holiday image was in order, with some holly, which turned out okay, but the image should have been a little larger, for more "wow".


Then inspiration struck!  How about a little snowman?!  I love snowmen!!!  Snowmen are one of my favorite things - right up there with raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens!  So, I stamped this little guy from the Tags til Christmas set, without inking up the "To" and "From".  He turned out kinda cute......



....until I realized from where the wick was protruding:


No wonder he has that big smile on his face.  Ummm, I may have to rethink this one.....

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Welcome Christmas

It was such a perfect day today....beautiful weather, time spent with stamping friends, lots of laughter, and good food....today I am thankful for all my senses, so that I am able to enjoy days like this!

This was a quick card using leftovers on my desk.  (Oh Lord, you don't even want to see the chaos that is my stamp cave right now!)
Stamp: Welcome Christmas
Cardstock, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Basic Black, Not Quite Navy, VersaMark
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Oval Scallop Frame Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, gold elastic card (retired), Gold Lame Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink

Sunday, November 14, 2010

SIMPLY AMAZING!!!

Today I am thankful to be a part of this wonderful Stampin' Up! family.  I about swooned when I saw this offer!

You can get the ENTIRE starter kit (Regular or Digital), with $310-320 worth of products, for only $87.50, which is 50% off the regular kit price!  That means getting about $225 worth of goodies FOR FREE!  And, you don't have to pay for shipping on the kit, either!!!
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
If ever you were thinking about joining, either as a hobby demo just to get the discount, or as an opportunity to make a little added $$ every month (for a monthly bill or a child's activity?), NOW is the time to join!  (Well, not NOW now, because it doesn't start until tomorrow.)  ;-)  This deal only lasts 2 weeks, from November 15-30.  I've never seen it offered this low!!!

What's the catch? None...you can keep everything, no matter what!  There are no obligations whatsoever.
Can you customize the kit? YES!  There are choices on 21 of 28 items in the kit, so if you already have something in the kit, you can choose something different.
Why is Stampin' Up! doing this?  Because they love you..... and to help attain the goal they set of 10,000 new demonstrators for 2010.
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
Ready to take the plunge?  You won't regret it!  CLICK HERE to access my Stampin' Up! website, then click the "Join Now" button on the left.  Enter password = Happy2BStamping.  If you have any questions, you can contact me through the contact info on my Stampin' Up! website.  I'd be happy to bend your ear talk with you!  If it's long distance, I'll call you back on my dime. (Boy, that sure dates me, doesn't it?)

Need one more reason to "nudge" you toward joining my team?  As a bonus from me personally, you will receive any product(s) of your choice valued up to $25.00.  This won't be in your kit - it will come from me directly, so once you sign up, I will contact you and find out what you want!

A few (of the many) reasons to join:
  • Learn the super-secret handshake that grants you access to demonstrator-only areas of Splitcoast Stampers, Stampin' Addicts, and the Stampin' Connection, SU's demo site. ;-)
  • Earn my undying gratitude, and get helpful ideas/projects for a successful business from me.  I'm here to help you any way I can!
  • Get the monthly Stampin' Success magazine, full of tips and ideas for using the products and being successful.
  • Get sneak previews (and pre-orders) from the upcoming catalogs. (Just wait until you see what's coming in the new Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration in January!!!)
  • Never pay full price for your stamps or products again - everything is 20% off for demos!
  • Earn 20-40% commission (based on sales), and free stamps, and a fabulous cruise, and......
  • Make wonderful new friendships, and get paid top do what you love (I think this is the best part!).
  • Flexibility - do as little or as much as you want, when you want.
  • Be a part of a world-renowned company with a reputation for integrity and true devotion to its demonstrators.  (Truly..... Demonstrator Support ROCKS!  They'll take care of any little thing...replace things, answer questions, whatever.  They're the best!)
Need more reasons?  Sheesh, you're a tough sell!  Kidding!!!  Just call me and learn more.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Last Wish, I Promise!

My attitude of gratitude today is for the glorious weather we have had this week.  Not too hot, not too cold....just right!  I sat on the front step today, and soaked up the warmth of the sunshine, and it felt great.

Just had to do one more card using the same cardstock and ink.  The accessories are changed up, but that's all.  This one uses the Northern Flurry embossing folder with Smooch Illuminate Top Coat accenting the flakes.
The shimmer is really subtle.  On the first card, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint was sponged on to give the glow.  This card was much simpler - just spritzed with Frost White Shimmer Paint made into a mist spray.  I love the way it looks like a fine snow falling, softening the image.
If you look closely, you can see the Smooch Top Coat on the snowflakes, too.  It is so easy to apply with its little pointed brush (like nail polish, only more control!).


Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614), Seasonal Sentiments (W-120821, C-121130)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Night of Navy (100867), Marina Mist (119682)
Ink: Night of Navy (102977), Marina Mist (119668), So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (105114)

Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854, used as shimmer mist spray), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439),  Northern Flurry Embossing Folder (120902), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Stamping Sponges (101610), Smooch Illuminate Top Coat (121084)

Friday, November 12, 2010

Another Wish for Peace

After hearing about a friend who was without water for an entire day (maintenance), I realized how fortunate we are to have clean water that flows from our tap whenever we want.  Many people around the world don't, so that's what I am thankful for today!

Here is another card using A Wish for Peace.  There is a dove stamp in that set that I thought about incorporating into this card, but I ran out of time.
Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614), Curly Cute (W-117014, C-120510)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Night of Navy (100867), Marina Mist (119682)
Ink: Night of Navy (102977), Marina Mist (119668), So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (105114)

Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854, used as shimmer mist spray), Basic Pearls (119247), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Stamping Sponges (101610)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day Gratitude

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life.
Merely saying "Thank you" doesn't begin to express the gratitude I feel for the men and women who were, and are, willing to give their all for our freedom.  America is truly the land of the free because of the brave, and for that I will be eternally in their debt.  Thank you, Veterans.  And thank you to your families, who also sacrifice.  As the daughter of a career military man, I know what the families must endure firsthand.  May God bless you all.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

More "A Wish for Peace" Ideas

On this day, I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I absolutely, positively adore helping people unlock the creativity that lurks inside them!  Today is a case in point.  A stampin' buddy has been stumped about how to use her "A Wish for Peace" stamp set.  She had already seen one of my ideas here, and came over this afternoon to learn how to do it.  I also showed her a couple more ideas, and she'll be back Monday to do them, too!  Here is one of them, a CASE of Jennifer Timko's card here.  The stamped image was substituted for the wreath on the original card.
Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614), Heard from the Heart (W-111644, C-120006)
Cardstock: Confetti Cream (102835), Always Artichoke (105119)
Ink: Always Artichoke Classic (105219), Stampin' Write Markers - Always Artichoke (105113), Cherry Cobbler (119681), So Saffron (105114)
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)