So Sweet Stamping

I am head-over-heels in love with everything in the Sale-A-Bration flyer, as well as everything in the Occasions Catalog. How does Stampin' Up! keep topping itself with each new catalog release?! I don't know, but I am sure happy they do, even if my wallet isn't, lol!

Case in point......the gorgeous Lotus Blossom stamp set (SAB flyer, pg. 7). It says Two-Step Stamping, but really it's three steps, which gives it a beautiful depth. And because it's a photopolymer (completely clear) stamp, it's easy to line up each step of stamping. (Note: I left the greeting off, so I can add it later when I need it.)

And don't even get me started on the Irresistably Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper (SAB flyer, pg. 15)! It's twelve sheets (two each of 6 designs) of white cardstock with the designs clear-embossed on it. It's perfect for the emboss-resist technique, either by sponging, spritzing, brayering, or coloring with markers! Sooooo many ways to use this. In fact, we will be using it on one of the New Catalog Open House projects on January 11th.

Hope to see you there. If you can't make it and would like your very own copy of the Occasions Catalog and SAB flyer, please let me know and I will mail one right out!

STAMP: Lotus Blossom

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Old Olive, Irresistably Yours Specialty DSP

INK: Calypso Coral, Old Olive

ACCESSORIES: White Jute Ribbon, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine (retired), Stamping Sponges

Merry Christmas!

Can you believe this year is almost over? It absolutely FLEW by for me, how about you?

I've been trying to squeeze in some play time with the new products received last week, and have managed to get a couple things made. One of which is this kooky card! I thought of all kinds of ways to use the From the Herd stamp set, but last night while making a card to hold some gift cards (for a person who shall remain nameless at the moment), it dawned on me this would be really cute as a Christmas card! Llamas and alpacas produce fleece, right?

I had fun coloring with the Blendabilities, but I admit I pulled out some Copics, too. This stamp set will be available starting January 6th.

I hope your Christmas is filled with friends and family, love, laughter, and good eats! We're having the family (the local ones, anyway) over for ham and all the trimmings.

STAMP: From the Herd (greeting printed from computer)
CARDSTOCK: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Gold Foil Sheets, Trim the Tree DSP Stack
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento, Blendabilities (Skin Tone Ass't., Smoky Slate, Old Olive), Copic Markers
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals

Occasions Sneak Preview

Oh my heck, I'm having so much fun playing with my preorder goodies from the Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration! I only wish I could spend all day playing, instead of preparing for Christmas. (You all didn't really expect a card from me this year, right? Still working on 'em!)

One of the things that made me squeal when I saw it was the new Butterfly Thinlits. I was this > < close to buying S.O.B. (Some Other Brand) of butterfly dies, so I was thrilled to see that we have our own now!

Isn't that new DSP beautiful? It's part of the Painted Blooms Designer Series paper, and EVERY STINKING SHEET is gorgeous on BOTH sides!!!

If you'd like a free Occasions and Sale-A-Bration catalog, let me know and I'll send one right out to you!

STAMP: Butterfly Basics**
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Painted Blooms DSP**
INK: Island Indigo
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Butterfly Thinlits Dies**, Stamping Sponges, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

** Available in the Occasions Catalog beginning January 6th

Still Kicking

I know you all missed me, right? Maybe? Things have been happening around here that have made it difficult for me to post on a regular basis, but I'm really going to try to be better about it. My baby girl moved away, clear across the country *sniff*, my son and sister and mom are also moving at the end of the month (also clear across the country), and we may be moving next year, so I can't make any promises. But I will try! (Note: I didn't even feel up to cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, for the first time in 39 years, so that gives you an idea of where my head's been.)

To that end, I am posting this card at the request of my dear friend and downline, Patty. It was CASEd from a card by Amy Whelan, but I added an embossed bird to dress it up a little. If I had made the wreath entirely green, I think I would have made the bird a Cardinal, but I didn't think a red bird would complement the colors on this card very well.

It's hard to see in the photo above, but the Lost Lagoon wreath bits are accented with Dazzling Details, giving just a touch of glimmer. It really is lovely in real life!

How are your holiday preps coming along? I'm waaaay behind, and at this rate, I'll be lucky to get my cards in the mail by New Year's Eve.

But, I leave you on a high note! Mr. Brown just arrived with a box full of Occasions and Sale-A-Bration preorder goodies, so.........be looking for some inspiration in the near future!

STAMPS: Ornamental Pine, Sassy Salutations
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Lost Lagoon
INK: Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Lost Lagoon
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Lovely Lace folder, Bird Builder Punch, Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Dazzling Details

Stampin' Addicts Celebrate Winter!

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Winter Holiday blog hop! We are featuring some of the truly awesome products in the Stampin' Up! holiday catalog, and this is the first of fifteen stops on the tour. You may have landed here from Mary Rindal's blog, so just click on the links at the bottom of each blog post to go see the next one!

Today I am showing the Gift Box Punch Board and Cheerful Tags photoploymer stamp set. This punch board is so much fun to use, and the boxes fold together without any adhesive - how cool is that?!

Up first is a shabby chic box using the Under The Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper. It's a heavier weight than our regular cardstock, and makes for very sturdy boxes. There is a different design on each side, so you can choose what works best for your gift situation. This box measures 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" x 1-3/4", a perfect size for candies, several large cookies, or even some cute hand crafted tags!

Next is the Snowman Tower of Gifts! I do love snowmen, and thought the stacked, staggered box sizes would work, with just a little stretch of the imagination. I colored the rhinestones with a black Sharpie to make the "coal" for his face and buttons. And, since he's made of snow I added a few snowflakes from the Frosted Sequins embellishments.

Last is a card using the Cheerful Tags stamps. Because the stamps are made of photopolymer, it's super easy to see exactly where you are stamping. I love the combination of Baked Brown Sugar and Cherry Cobbler (mmmmm, sounds yummy doesn't it?), so I made my own background paper to set off the greeting tag. The 1/8" Circle Punch was used with Champagne Glimmer Paper to make the centers of the snowflakes, because one can never have too much bling in my book!

Well, that's all I have for today....up next is Twila's blog, where she will wow you with the Wonderous Wreath bundle (say that five times fast, lol)! Love the tea light, Twila!!!

September Tour de Freaks - BOO!

Bet you couldn't figure out the theme for this month, could ya? What? You did? Well okay, then be prepared for spooky fun from the Freaks this month! I'm the first stop on the tour, but you may have started elsewhere and landed here from Wendy's Wickedly Wonderful blog. Wasn't her schtuff fabulous?! You can continue through the whole tour by clicking the link at the bottom of each blog.

I have three projects today, so let's start with the cards. The first one was a fun bit of sponging (since I still haven't mastered brayering, haha). I used the negative of the Chalk Talk tag cut in Blackberry Bliss, snipped off the dangly bit to make a frame, and embossed it. Makes a nice little window for the image, don't you agree?

STAMPS: Holiday Home, Fall Fest, Holiday Cheer (PLxSU)  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Vellum, Blackberry Bliss, Basic Black  INK: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Black & Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Fun Fall Framelits Dies, Tiny Triangles TIEF, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Linen Thread, Tangelo Twist 3/8" Stitche dSatin Ribbon, Fringe Scissors

 

Up next is my fave of the two cards. Justin Krieger MADE me buy the Motley Monsters DSP (no, seriously, he almost held a gun to my head.....almost), so I just had to use it for this card. I think the Saraha Sand wood grain background sets off the Tangerine Tango stripes nicely, and it all makes a great background for the Fall Fest pumkpins! Love, love, love that greeting, too!

STAMPS: Fall Fest, Mingle All The Way   CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Basic Black, Motley Monsters DSP  INK: Tangerine Tango, Tangelo Twist, Pumpkin Pie, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Fun Fall Framelits Dies, Linen Thread, Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Uni-Ball White Gel Pen

 

And last, but not least, I actually have a little 3D project, inspired by Sandi MacIver's darling pumpkin she posted a few days ago. I thought, "Wouldn't that make an adorable tealight using Vellum Cardstock?"  I colored the vellum orange and added the stripes using Pumpkin Pie Blendabilities markers, then used the Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Die to cut it out. (Sandi MADE me buy that die, too; oh yes, she did!)

STAMPS: Fall Fest, Making Spirits Bright  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Soft Suede, White Vellum Cardstock, Mossy Meadow  INK: StazOn Jet Black, Mossy Meadow, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blendabilities Markers  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Die, Fun Fall Framelits Dies, Banner Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, Burlap 1-1/4" Ribbon (frayed), battery-operated tea light

I made sure the decorations on top wouldn't interfere with opening it to turn on/off the battery-operated tea light inside.

Well, that's all for me this go-round, so head on over to Connie Babbert's blog, Inkspired Treasures to see what she's cooked up. Thanks for stopping by!

Only 5 Days Left!

I have a question for you....how much is 30-60 minutes of creative fun, delivered right to your door, worth to you? Is $10 (including shipping!) too much? That's all you'd pay for each of your first two months if you subscribe within the next five days.

Time is running out to take advantage this offer! It's easy, fun, and most of all EXCITING to see that red box in your mailbox, and the anticipation while opening it is like Christmas every month!

If you try it and decide you don't like the fun projects, just cancel. If unforeseen circumstances mean you need to skip a month or two, you can do that, too.

Want to give it a try? Come on, what do you have to lose?! Just SIGN UP HERE to try it. Be sure to enter the HALFOFF2 code to get the discount. And if you sign up by September 10th, you'll get this month's fabulous Halloween treat bags kit! I had a chance to play with it at convention, and trust me, it's awesome and sure to bring a big smile to whoever the lucky recipients may be!

Want to see what came in last month's My Paper Pumpkin? Watch the YouTube video.

Here's a link to the August MPP on Pinterest, so you can see what people did with it, and here's the July MPP on Pinterest, too, so you can get an idea of how fun these kits really are!

Just do it....you know you want to!

Winners Announced!

Woohoo, the winners have been chosen! For the Blog candy from my Six Years post, the random number generator picked number 2 and Loralee Parish was the second commenter, so she's the winner! Loralee, please email your mailing address so I can send your prize! Congratulations!

And the random name picker (aka my husband, Tom) drew Liliana Tincher's name for the Mystery Hostess. Congrats, Lili!!! I'll send you a text in a minute.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Holiday Catalog Now Live!

You've been seeing some sneak peeks from the Holiday Catalog for the past few weeks, and today is the day you can order from the catalog yourself! If you don't have a catalog, click the link on the left to see a PDF version, or let me know if you want a paper copy, and I'll send it right out!

These are some of the projects from inside the catalog, made by the fabulous Stampin' Up! artists (what a dream job that must be!).

There is still time to get in on the Mystery Hostess party that will close Saturday night. If you want to be in the drawing to be the hostess and get the benefits, place an order by Saturday night and use Hostess Code EJFSCUB7.  Everyone's name goes in the basket, a name will be drawn and winner will be announced Sunday morning!

SIX YEARS!

Today marks my sixth blogaversary. Wait, what? Six years? Really?! It doesn't seem that long, at all. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or where I would be going when I started this blog. I must say, though, I've thoroughly enjoyed the learning process, and most of all, the new friends I've made (both my e-friends, and the ones I've actually had the pleasure of meeting!).

There was a lovely surprise from Stampin' Up! in my mailbox today, too -- my Five-Year pin along with a nice congratulations letter from Shelli Gardner! I love being a part of this wonderful company!

So, to celebrate six years of blundering along fabulous, creative content, I'm giving away some blog candy. Just leave a comment telling me which project you liked the most, or how I've inspired you in some way, and you will be entered in the drawing. Because postage makes shipping outside the U.S. cost-prohibitive, I'm sorry I must limit the winner to a U.S. address. (But if you're outside the U.S., I'd still love to hear what inspired you!)

So, what is the candy? It's the clear-mount Summer Silhouettes stamp set and a roll of Lost Lagoon 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon!

Also, the Holiday Catalog launch is this Thursday, and I have Mystery Hostess party that will close Sunday Aug. 31st. If you want to be in the drawing to be the Mystery Hostess and receive the hostess benefits, just place an order by Saturday night, and use Hostess Code EJFSCUB7. Even if you don't win, I'll still send you a little thank you for your order!

Winners of the Mystery Hostess (for placing an order using the Hostess Code) and blog candy (for leaving a comment on this post) will be picked Sunday at 9:00 AM Pacific and contacted. Winning hostess has until 9:00 PM Sunday to let me know what she wants to spend the hostess dollars on, or winnings will be forfeit. I need to place the order that night, so I can't wait!

STAMP: Sweetbriar Rose
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, White Vellum, Silver Glimmer Paper (retired)
INK: VersaMark, plus Melon Mambo, Old Olive, and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities Assortments

ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Stylish Stripes folder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin’ Pierce Mat, Candy Dots Brad Bases, Pearls Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Simply Elegant Tour de Freaks

Welcome to the August 2014 Tour de Freaks! Our theme this month is "Simple & Elegant", meaning something not too difficult, but still stylish. If you started at the beginning and have hopped in order, the you just landed here from the awesome Judy DiScipio's blog. If you started here, just click the link at the bottom of each blog to take the whole tour - there are fifteen of us this month!

In keeping with the theme, I made two simple cards using stamps from the Holiday Catalog that starts August 28th. First up is a pretty Thanksgiving (or even Thank You) card using the For All Things stamp set. I love the watercolor feel of it! I stamped the background behind the leaves in Hello Honey. The leaves were stamped in Baked Brown Sugar and Soft Suede. Then I borrowed a greeting from Truly Grateful because I wanted it to fit on the 1/2" strip of So Saffron.

STAMPS: For All Things, Truly Grateful  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, So Saffron, Champagne Glimmer Paper  INK: Hello Honey, Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Suede, Early Espresso  ACCESSORIES: Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Baker's Twine, Venetian Crochet Trim

Next is a Christmas card using Letterpress Winter. In the catalog, it shows the stamp I used coordinates with the 2" Circle Punch, but I found it works with the Floral Frames Framlits, too! I've admired door cards for a while, and the image reminded me of a wreath, so I stamped on Pear Pizzazz cardstock with Mossy Meadow ink, and cut it out with the Framelit. That bow is the luscious Real Red 3/8" Satin Woven Ribbon on page 15. LOVE IT!

STAMPS: Letterpress Winter, Project Life by Stampin' Up! Holiday Cheer  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Mossy Meadow  INK: Mossy Meadow  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Floral Frames Framelits, Real Red 3/8" Satin Woven Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Neutral Candy Dots

That's it from me today. Thank you so much for stopping by! Next on the tour is LeeAnn Greff's blog. I'm sure she's going to wow you with her projects!

Another Baby Girl!

I forgot to post this card a few weeks ago, so I'm fixing that oversight right now! This was the card I made for my cousin's daughter, who gave her her first granddaughter last month. The baby's name is Ivy Ray (isn't that beautiful?), so I thought the greeting from Ray of Sunshine was perfect! I found the inspiration for it on Pinterest from a card by LeeAnn Pugliese.

My cousin, Shaundra, is so blessed. Here's a quick back story: She had triplets about 28 years ago - two girls and a boy. Well, her two daughters got married in a double wedding, and then got pregnant within a couple months of each other. Up to this point, Shaundra had three grandsons, but no granddaughters. Wouldn't you know it - the girls found out they were expecting girls! One of them just had her TWINS last week (card already posted). So the count is even now - 3 boys and 3 girls! I'm so happy for her!

STAMPS: Ray of Sunshine, Kinda Eclectic, Perfect Pennants, Pictogram Punches, Papillon Potpourri
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
INK: Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo Blendabilites (colored pearls)
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Circles Collection Framelits, Fancy Fan and Delicate Designs embossing folders, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels

Welcome Baby Girls

Yes, you read that right - that's girl times two! This card was made for my cousin's daughter and son-in-law, who just welcomed Mila and Monroe into the world.  When I was looking for inspiration for a suitable baby card, I found the most adorable card in the entire world. Even though it's from six years ago, it's perfection, so I just CASEd it pretty much as is, using what I had on hand.

Again, I had to rely on retired stamps, because I don't have that many occasions to make baby cards (darn it!), so I can't justify the expense of a new baby set every year.  I was blown away by the detail on the original card, and I don't know if you can se it very well here. The scored cardstock made to resemble wainscoting, and the brad "pegs" with the wire hangers just slay me! I hope Karissa and Derek get a kick out of it, too!

STAMPS: Baby Bundle (retired), Party Time (greeting, retired), Baby Tees Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel (retired)
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, Subtles DSP Stack
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMark, plus Pretty in Pink (retired) and Daffodil Delight Stampin Write Markers
ACCESSORIES: Simply Scored scoring tool, glimmer brads (non-SU), Hung Up Cute Clips (retired), Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (retired, colored w/marker), Large Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

For a Very Special Little Guy

Being the girly-girl that I am, and being that I love flowers, and butterflies, and unicorns, and shiny squirrels, and being that my baby boy is 37 years old and my grandson is 13, I don't have very many occasions to make a card for little guys. (Whew, almost ran outta air there for a minute!) Therefore I don't have any (current) stamp sets that are appropriate. Soooo, to make a short story long, I had to use a retired stamp set to make this card. It's called Cool Kid, and it's a cool stamp set. I was sorry to see it go, because that super hero dog just tickles my funny bone!

My cousin's daughter had twin girls a couple days ago, just three days after her little boy turned three years old. I think he's going to make an awesome big brother, and will take very good care of his baby sisters. I know everyone makes a big deal about babies and mama, and sometimes older siblings can feel left out. So after I made the congrats card for mama and daddy, I made this card for the big brother. When he opens it, a big red star pops up, and it says BIG brother. I hope it makes him smile!

STAMPS: Cool Kid (retired), Kinda Eclectic, Back to Basics Alphabet (not shown)
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Real Red, Silver Glimmer Paper
INK: StazOn Jet Black, So Saffron, plus Real Red, Pacific Point, and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Circles Collection Framelits, Stars Framelits, Lucky Stars embossing folder, Real Red 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 2" Circle Punch, 2-1/2" Circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

White Christmas Joy

As soon as I saw this stamp set in the Holiday Catalog, I knew it had to be near the top of my wish list. It has everything needed to build a beautiful, whimsical winter scene, down to the littlest detail. This is a photoploymer set, too, so it's super easy to place the image exactly where you want it, because the stamps are totally clear.

First of all, I adore bears, especially polar bears. I love birds, too, and the two tiny Cardinals are so cute. And a snowman? Don't even get me started on how much I love snowmen! So, as you can see, this set really, really appeals to me.

After stamping the trees on Whisper White, I stamped again on a large sticky note making sure the hill was near the sticky part. I used it as a mask when I spritzed the sky. (Fill Stampin' Spritzer to within 1/2" of top with rubbing alcohol, then add 6 drops of Lost Lagoon refill ink.) Three or four sprays is all it takes.

While the sky dried, I stamped and fussy-cut the bear. Since the spray was largely alcohol, it dried quickly, so I colored the tree trunks with Smoky Slate using a Blender Pen. I then added a few swipes of the 2-way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds to the hill and tree branches. (When dry, it helps to brush off the loose glitter with a soft brush.)

That's it for another sneak peek from the Holiday Catalog. Stay tuned for more in the coming days! There's another polar bear in the works.

STAMPS: White Christmas, Good Greetings

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, All Is Calm Specialty DSP
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lost Lagoon, Smoky Slate
ACCESSORIES: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, Frosted Sequins, Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Spritzers, Blender Pens, Linen Thread, Jewelry Tag Punch (retired)

Yee-Haw!

Stampin' Up! just released a new photopolymer set called Yee-Haw that is, hands down, cuter than a speckled pup! If you have a little buckaroo or buckarette (is that a word?) or even a big one in your life, if you live on a ranch, or just wish that you did, then this is the set for you!

Here are some ideas from the fabulous concept artists at Stampin' Up!

See those cute circles? That's not a stamp! It's the dots mask (from the Dots & Stripes Decorative Masks) - just use the pen tip from a Stampin' Write Marker to trace a circle in each spot, then add cross-hatch marks!

That's just a few of the ca-UTE things you can do with this set! Get it while the getting's good, and then share a link to your creation in the comments below. I'd LOVE to see what you do with it!

Beauty of the Season

Did you know that this is a stamp that YOU can pre-order from the Holiday Catalog? It's true! If you absolutely can't wait until August 28th, and you just HAVE to get something from the new catty, Beauty of the Season just might hold you over until it's all available!

The Cardinal was stamped on Watercolor Paper with StazOn Jet Black. After moistening the paper with an Aqua Painter, a Lost Lagoon wash was applied. While the background was drying, the bird was painted using Real Red. Baked Brown Sugar was used on the branches, and Real Red again on the berries. I did find I lost some of the detail on the face when I stamped it, and the eye kind of disappeared. So I took a black Sharpie to the smallest size of Basic Pearls and added a beady little eye! I swear, it looks like it's looking at me!

I need to work on my watercoloring skills a bit. Unfortunately, I didn't wait long enough for the sky background to dry before I started painting the branches and berries, so the ink ran a bit. Although that can be a lovely effect for some projects, it wasn't really the effect I was going for here. Oh well, live and learn. (Patience is a virtue - something I'm still working on, lol.)

 STAMPS: Beauty of the Season, Good Greetings
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Brushed Gold, Real Red, Watercolor Paper
INK: StazOn Jet Black, Real Red, Lost Lagoon, Daffodil Delight
ACCESSORIES: Aqua Painter, Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Real Red 1/4" Cotton Ribbon

Shiny Squirrels

Okay, this card was completely unplanned and just sort of happened. As I was going through my Box of Awesomeness (aka Stampin' Up! preorder goodies), I was struck by how much the Note Tag Punch reminded me of a tombstone (shiny squirrel moment). I guess I had Halloween on the brain, which is really weird, because Thanksgiving and Christmas are much more my style.

Anyhoo, I don't have any current Halloween stamps, with the exception of a couple of small images on the Holiday Home and Holiday Invitation sets. Hmmmm, what to do, what to do.......

Then I remembered I had a bunch of componenets left over from the September My Paper Pumpkin kit I got at convention. There were some awesome stickers and equally fabulous copper-colored sequin trim with black twine that I knew would be perfect for the card!

I sponged a vivid sunset, stamped the RIP on the headstone using the Back to Basics Aplphabet and threw it all together. Turned out pretty well, I think, for being totally unplanned. I swear, Halloween was channeling through me, saying it wanted some attention, too!

Now, as for this My Paper Pumpkin kit - trust me, you don't want to miss out on it! It has burlap treat bags to decorate with die-cut tags and some fab photopolymer stamps, along with the stickers, twine and sequins. And there will be plenty left over from the treat bags to make some cute cards like this one!

There's a special going on right now, too! If you sign up for My Paper Pumpkin, you get your first two months for 50% off! That's just $10.00 per month to have awesome project kits delivered right to your door! Be sure to enter the promo code HALFOFF2 when you sign up, and I'd be ever so grateful if you name me as your demonstrator! Sign up before Sep. 10th to get the discount, and the Halloween kit I used here!

STAMPS: Back to Basics Alphabet, Holiday Home (bats), Holiday Invitation (greeting)
CARDSTOCK: Basic Black, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Smoky Slate
INK: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Memento Tuxedo Black, Smoky Slate, Whisper White Craft
ACCESSORIES: Note Tag Punch, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Stampin' Sponges, Sponge Daubers, September Paper Pumpkin Kit (trees and crow stickers, black twine, copper sequin trim)