Revisiting and updating Baja Breeze OSW Christmas Cards!

Last year, we did a One Sheet Wonder Class featuring the beautiful Baja Breeze Designer Series Papers.  In the class, we made 10 cards and a matching box to gift them in.  With two sheets of the DSP in my stash, and just a few sheets of Baja Breeze Cardstock, I decided to revisit and update these cards for the upcoming Christmas Showcase Holiday Boutique!

 

The above card features the dove from the birds and blooms sizzlit… along with the “seasons greetings” message from the Many Merry Messages Stamp Set.  Here’s another card featuring the same stamp set and the new snowflake punch.

Lots of prep work to do for the Christmas Showcase Boutique and Sale… got to get busy this morning!

Several people have IM’d and emailed me for information regarding the 24th annual Christmas Showcase Boutique.. so here’s the information for all of you!

24th Annual Christmas Showcase

Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center

2004 Forest Avenue, Jacksonville, FL.

Friday Nov. 13th 3pm-6pm

Saturday, Nov. 14th 9am-4pm

Sunday Nov. 15th 10am-2pm

Stop by and say hello… the ladies have all been working very hard all year long to make this the most fabulous show yet!

Have a happy and safe Halloween, and see you tomorrow, especially my friend Esther, who doesn’t want to miss her daily dose of post and coffee ;-)

Technorati Tags: christmas showcase,christmas cards,baja breeze,designer series paper,one sheet wonder

Yummy Recipe – Beef, Wild Rice, and Portabella Mushroom Soup

Cooler weather, hot soup and crusty bread… YUM!  I made this soup last week for dinner, my DH loves soup… and when he came home from work was greeted with the delightful housewarming aroma.  There wasn’t a drop left!  You’ll want to double the recipe, and perhaps serve with Alexia Crusty Rosemary & Olive Oil Ciabatta Rolls (found in the freezer section).  YUM!
This soup recipe was published in the November/December 2008 “Cooking with Paula Deen”.  I found the old issue of the magazine at my hairdressers’ and was delighted when the manager told me I could take it home!  I’ve tweaked it a bit to make it my very own.. Yummy, yummy winter soup!

Beef, Wild Rice, and Portabella Mushroom Soup -  Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:

• 1 TBSP butter
• 2 TBSP Light Olive Oil
• 1 lb. tender Beef, cut in 1/2” cubes
• 1/4 Cup all-purpose four
• 1 Cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 Cup diced celery
• 1/2 Cup diced carrots
• 1 1/2 TBSP minced garlic
• 1tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 package (8 oz) Portabella Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 TBSP. sherry
• 1/2 Cup Dry Red Wine
• D
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 (2.75 oz) quick cooking wild rice (NOT Uncle Ben’s – too mushy)
• 1 (32oz.) box beef stock (or home-made)

Preparation

1. Dredge beef cubes in flour
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a deep pot over medium high heat
3. Brown beef cubes (appx. 5 minutes), remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to pan.. cook until soft, appx. 5 minutes
5. Add mushrooms, sherry, red wine, pepper and stir to release brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add rice, broth, thyme, rosemary, and beef.  Cover and cook 5 minutes or until rice is tender.
7. Serve with hot crusty Alexia Rosemary & Olive Oil rolls.. YUM!

I recently updated my November schedule of classes and events… lots of pre-holiday fun!  Be sure to watch for my hostess thank you party in early December too!. 
This week and next, I am busily working on craft fair items… paper crafts, cards, and jewelry items too!  So much to do, so little time!
See you tomorrow!
** Edited:  I made this recipe again this evening, and realized I left out two flavorful ingredients which I added when ‘tweaking’ this recipe… Red Wine and Rosemary!! ALSO.. had to fix 12 cups of carrots.. should have read ONE HALF CUP CARROTS!! (Thanks Teri!) The recipe is now corrected!**

Technorati Tags: recipe,"beef,wild rice,and portabella mushroom soup",paula deen

More Prepping for Upcoming Christmas Showcase Boutique!

This has been a terribly busy week for me!  I’ve been prepping for the long awaited 24th annual Christmas Showcase Boutique AND participating in the LNS Boot Camp, helping a neighbor in crisis, and have not has a single moment to spare!  Thankfully, I’ve had some incredible help from one of my down line this week, and we have been busily preparing paper crafted items for the boutique… Thank you so much Eva, for all your timely assistance!

I’ll be back next week with more cards and crafting shares… but today, need to clean my cluttered crafting classroom!!

Hugs and thanks to all..

More Craft Show Shares… and It’s a Sign!

Do you remember that old country song.. It’s a sign?  Well, it’s not that kind of sign…

For the craft show, I’m also making a few journals.. not too many, it really depends on how much time I have at my disposal.  (I also make jewelry and need to work on that inventory :)  Here’s one of the journals I’ll have at the show.. featuring the Charming stamp set, Silver Hodge Podge, and To the Nines DSP.

I’ve added some embossing… wet and dry, and a beaded bookmark… still a little plain so I’ll call it a WIP (work in progress), it just needs ‘something’.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Charming 116519 / 7pcs / $19.95

Ink:  Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and Versa Mark

Cardstock:  Brushed Silver, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

Accessories:  Chocolate Chip narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Embossing Buddy, Silver Embossing Powder, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Sponge Daubers, Silver Hodge Podge, To the Nines Designer Series Paper, generic metallic beads

So… where’s the ‘sign’ If you’ll indulge me for just a moment… I’ll have to tell you the story behind this one. 

At a recent stamp camp with a few professional friends who are also parents, this sign stimulated quite a positive conversation… and everyone wanted one of their own.  So… I decided it may just be an appropriate addition to my craft show items.  I hope this does not offend anyone… I hesitated to post it but was encouraged to do so by my professional friends.

In two sizes.. the smaller 3x4 is more discreet… for those who want to have a subtle hint on their desks.. the larger sign (appx 3”x7”) is a bit more of a statement.  I hope they sell!  What do you think?

Well… I’m off to make jewelry, and more cards too!  See you tomorrow (I hope).

Technorati Tags: stampin' up!,charming,holiday mini catalog,espresso and a puppy,craft show

Craft Show Simple Seasonal Thanks and More…

When our children were younger, they diligently wrote thank you notes for all gifts received.  When they were very young, the thank you notes had to be written before birthday parties and inserted into the take-home goodie bags too!  Of course, they couldn’t personalize the thank you for the exact item received… but was an early start to teaching them proper manners.  And the motivation was simple:  No thank you notes… not birthday party… just as simple as that!   AND it worked!

Gift-givers really do appreciate hand written thank you notes…  and here’s a way you can help your children and grandchildren learn the fine art of the thank you!

Simple Seasonal Thanks is a single large stamp featured on page 28 of the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I’ve stamped and colored them here, included envelopes, and made a special box with a clear lid using medium weight window sheet.  I recently showed this craft show item to the show committee.. and you wouldn’t believe the excitement.  Many of the committee members are grandparents, and the discussion immediately went to grandchildren and the lack of thank you notes.   I had to go home and make more of these sets as the committee members wanted to buy my entire stock for Christmas gifts!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps: 

• Simple Seasonal Thanks #111548 / $17.95

Cardstock:

• Whisper White
• Real Red

Classic Ink:

• Basic Black

Accessories:

• Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker
• Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker
• Medium Weight Window Sheet
• Silver Cording

More craft show shares tomorrow… I think you’re going to like these!

Technorati Tags: stampin ' up!,craft show,simple seasonal thanks

Melon Mambo Always… for any occasion!

I started to write “Always is one of my favorite…” and realized that I have way too many favorite Stampin’ Up! stamp sets!  It’s just so easy to use them with coordinating stamps all in one storage box!

So.. this is a simple card I created for one of the card packs for the upcoming craft fair… I added the “love you” greeting and simple heart from the Short & Sweet Stamp Set on the inside, but suppose I could just as easily have left it blank… hmm… what do you think?

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps:

• Always
• Short & Sweet

Card Stock:

• Whisper White
• Basic Black
• Melon Mambo

Accessories:

• Pretty Petals Embossing Folder
• Melon Mambo Polka Dot 5/8” Grosgrain
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink

This would be a really quick n easy card to make in a home workshop class… Your friends would love you for sharing the art of card making… Click on the email me tab at the top of this page to book yours today!  I’ll be back tomorrow with craft show shares… 

Technorati Tags: melon mambo,always,stampin' up!,workshop

An October Valentine Card

A Happy Heart… and Razzleberry Lemonade are combined in a delightful gate fold card today.  Valentines’ in October?  Well.. long story short, I am prepping for an upcoming 3-day craft show here in Jacksonville, Fl.   I will be selling individual cards, journals, card packs (thank you, all occasion cards, and husband survival annual card packs).  Enough with the explanations, right?  On to the card share..

Stampin’ Up! Supplies

Stamps: 

• A Happy Heart (#111758/6pcs/$22.95)

Card Stock:  

• Whisper White
• Melon Mambo

Accessories: 

• Rich Razzleberry DSP
• Organza Ribbon
• Word Window Punch

I hope you have taken a moment to respond to yesterday’s post and questions.. I’ll be adjusting my future posts next week to accommodate my readers!

See you tomorrow with another quick card share!

Technorati Tags: a happy heart,stampin' up!,rich razzleberry,desigher series paper

2 Questions for YOU… and another Quick Card Share!

Rich Razzleberry In-Color Paper from Stampin’ Up! just happens to be one of my favorites.  Kind of a cross between a rich burgundy and deep purple in color, it adds a lot of BANG to even a simple and quick card! 

I’m trying to be a better blogger for all of you, including resuming my daily postings… so to help me blog better, I’d like you to leave a comment and answer the following two short questions.. Pretty Please!

Here are the questions I’d like to ask ALL my readers and followers (yes, even all the Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators who follow me). 

1. When I post cards, projects, and supplies, do you prefer to have all the ordering information in the post (item number, qty, cost)?
2. When I post cards, do you want me to also post all the cutting directions (even on the simplest of projects)?

The Rich Razzleberry cardstock on this sample was embossed with the Pretty Petals Embossing folder which is available in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Tearing the edge of the embossed paper really adds a fresh element to the card too, don’t you think?

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  For All You Do

Cardstock:  Rich Razzleberry & Whisper White

Classic Inks:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Old Olive Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon

I’m looking forward to reading your comments and responding appropriately in future posts.  Thanks in advance… and HUGS too!

Technorati Tags: stampin up,rich razzleberry,for all you do

Quick ‘n Easy Simple Cupcake Card 5 minutes or Less!

Here we are with another quick ‘n easy card which will take you less than 5 minutes to create.. including cutting the cardstock!  This card features the Stampin’ Up! Stamp Set Party Hearty.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Party Hearty #111532/9pcs/$26.95

Cardstock: 

• Very Vanilla #101650 / 40 sheets / $7.50
• Chocolate Chip #102128 / 24 sheets / $5.50
• Pretty in Pink #100459 / 24 sheets / $5.50

Stampin’ Write Markers (dual-tipped): 

• Chocolate Chip #100071 / $3.25
• Regal Rose #105108 / $3.25

Accessories: 

• 2-way glue pen #100425 $3.50
• Dazzling Diamonds #102023 $4.50
• Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain ribbon #111367 /15yds/$4.95
• Snail Adhesive #10$4332 $6.95 (472”)
• Bone Folder #102300 $6.95
• Paper Snips or Ribbon Scissors

Cutting Directions:

Very Vanilla 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”; 3 1/4” x 4 1/2”

Pretty in Pink:  5 1/2” x 4”

Chocolate Chip:  3 1/2” X 4 3/4”

Stampin’ Assembly:

1. Fold Very Vanilla (VV) Card Stock in half along scored line, use bone folder to crease.
2. Use Snail Adhesive to attach Pretty in Pink Card Stock to VV fold over with the crease to your left.
3. Grab the remaining small piece of VV Card Stock and place it on a smooth surface.
4. Use the brush end of the Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker to color in the bottom of the cupcake.
5. Use the brush end of the regal rose stampin’ write marker to color in the top of the cupcake.
6. Look at your inked image to ensure coverage, and gently blow warm air onto it to re-hydrate the ink.
7. Stamp on to top quadrant of smaller VV piece.
8. Use 2-way glue pen to cover the cupcake frosting with glue.
9. Dump dazzling diamonds onto wet glue and allow to dry for a few seconds.
10. Ink the greeting from Party Hearty “you take the cake” with the brush end of your chocolate chip stampin’ write marker and stamp greeting directly below the cupcake.
11. Affix ribbon around VV cardstock, and tie in a knot, cut ends at an angle.
12. Affix stamped vv piece to chocolate Chip Cardstock with snail adhesive.. a little to each corner, one spot in the middle will do.
13. Affix the chocolate chip/vv focal image to the pretty in pink cardstock on the front of the card.

I know some of you are going to wonder why I used a regal rose stampin’ write marker instead of the Pretty in Pink stampin’ write marker… well, the initial, frank, and absolutely honest reason is I didn’t know where it was… but I stopped looking for it when I realized that the dazzling diamonds would dull the color anyway and opted for the regal rose which when muted looks like Pretty in Pink anyway!

Isn’t that quick and easy?  Hope you liked it, and I’ll see you again tomorrow with something new!

Technorati Tags: quick n easy,party hearty,5 minute cards,stampin up

5 Minutes or Less.. One quick card for you!

Sometimes you just need a really quick card, don’t you?  This card took much less than 5 minutes to create and features retired Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper.  The design is simple enough that any Designer Series Paper and color combo could easily be substituted to create a wonderful card quite quickly!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Oval All #113790 / 4 pcs./$16.95

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Real Red

Classic Ink:  Real Red

Accessories: 

• Oval Scallop Punch # 114889 / $15.95, 3/4”
• Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon #115608 /10 yds. / $8.95
• Stampin’ Dimensionals (1/16” thick) #104430 / 300 qty /$3.95
• Real Red DSP (retired pattern)
• Scallop Edge Punch #112091 $15.95
• Snail Adhesive ##104332 472” $6.95
• Bone Folder #102300 $6.95

Cutting Directions:

Very Vanilla Card Stock 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” scored at 4 1/4” to create fold-over, 1 1/4” x 5 1/4” to punch and create scallop edge, and scrap for stamping and punching oval all sentiment.

DSP: 3 1/4” x 5 1/4”  Real Red:  1 1/4” x 5 1/4” to punch and create scallop edge ‘shadow’

3/4” Real Red Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon:  appx. 5 3/4”

Assembly:

• Fold Very Vanilla Cardstock on scored line, use bone folder to crease.
• Apply snail adhesive to reverse side of DSP… (a little in each corner, and a spot in the middle will do), affix to the top section of the fold over (be sure to position the crease at the top of the card)
• use scallop edge punch to punch the very vanilla and real red narrow strips of cardstock.
• Layer scalloped strips so the real red piece creates a shadow effect.
• wrap 5 3/4” piece of grosgrain around the scalloped cardstock layer
• affix to lower edge of card.
• Stamp Oval All greeting with Real Red Classic Ink on scrap of Very Vanilla Cardstock
• Punch out greeting with Scallop Edge Punch
• Turn upside down and place two stampin’ dimensionals on the back of the greeting.  Press fingernail into paper of the dimensional, and it will easily be removed.
• Position/affix on right lower edge of card.
• Woo Hoo.. You’re done!!

I’ll be back tomorrow with another quick n easy, 5 minutes or less card for you!

 

Technorati Tags: quick n easy,5 minute cards,stampin up,oval all

Scrap Your Recipes.. October Page Pairs for You!

You saw sneak peeks of the recipe pages for Octobers’ Scrap Your Recipes Class… and today I’ll share the sets or pairs of pages too.

Here’s the companion to the punched turkey page… and pullout recipe slider.  Everyone was delighted with the little turkey technique, and the faux tin tile too!

Of course every holiday recipe needs a complimentary pair of pages too.. this one features the Origami tree fold:

And, last page pair share… the embossed leaves pages for fall:

Hope you liked the pages.. just one more seasonal recipe page class will be held in November, I’m looking forward to seeing you then!

Technorati Tags: scrap your recipes,stampin' up,punch turkey,origami tree,tin tile embossing

October Meeting Peer Swaps

As promised.. here is a peek at the swaps I received at the October meeting.  Unfortunately, everyone seems to be quite busy this time of year with children starting school, sports, cheerleading, etc… sadly, we only had 4 participants in the swap this month!

From Angie… a little contraband and wandering words:

From Christina… Dazzling Dasher:

And from Gina… Blingy Punchy Purse

Check back on Thursday for scrapbook page pair shares!

Swap Card For Wednesday’s Down line Meeting at Golden Corral

 

 

Each month the Jacksonville Starz group meets at the Golden Corral Restaurant for fun and friendship, training, and sharing.  We also host a monthly swap amongst group members.  This is the card I created based on a sketch for the meeting:

The stamp sets used were Circle Circus and Thank You Kindly… not much stamping on this card because I had a lot of texture and pattern courtesy of the Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper and Pretty Petals Embossing folder. 

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Kraft

Classic Ink:  Sahara Sand

Be back tomorrow with swap shares from the rest of the group!

Boo Banner RAK.. What a lovely surprise!!

Look what I got in the mail today… WOW!! This lovely “Boo Banner” was received from fellow demonstrator Richard Garay (The Fun Stampers Corner).  Made from chipboard, hardware screen cloth, and other Stampin’ Up! elements, it’s quite a lovely banner.. and even nicer surprise!!

I cannot possibly photograph this well enough to give it credit… and I can’t wait to show it off to my stamp club members too!  The entire banner is threaded on 5/8” Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon.. Oh so much fun!!  Here are some close-ups of Richard’s fabulous Boo Banner too!

The papers in the background are from the Holiday Mini Catalog.. black and white.. aren’t they fabulous too?  You can see more of Richard Garay’s talented creations on his blog  The Fun Stampers Corner. 

See you tomorrow!

Hugs,

Favorite Stamp Camp Recipe Shares – Pulled Pork and Pecan Pie Muffins

These are two VERY easy recipes which are easy to prepare and serve at stamp camps… the ingredients are simple and common, and the prepared dishes are quite popular too!

Simple Crock Pot Pulled Pork BBQ

• 4 lb. pork roast
• 3 onions
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 cups water (approximately)
• Bottled or home – made BBQ sauce 16oz.
• Rolls, or garlic toast

Preparation

1. Slice one onion and place in the bottom of the Crockpot.
2. Stud the pork roast with whole cloves.
3. Put the studded roast in crock pot atop sliced onions.
4. Slice the second onion, and place atop the roast.
5. Add enough water to the crock pot so that it is 2/3 of the way full.
6. Cover and cook 8-12 hours on low
7. Remove roast, remove and discard cloves, fat, water, onions, and grease (from pot).
8. Place roast back into crock pot and shred with two forks (or use fingers when cool enough to handle).*
9. Chop third onion and mix into pulled pork.
10. Heat BBQ Sauce in microwave, stir into pork/onion mixture.
11. Cover, and heat on high 30-60 minutes.

Serve on rolls or garlic toast.  (Serves 12)

* If using a variety of bbq sauces, I often skip the next couple steps and simply serve the chopped onion and bbq sauce on the side!

If mixture seems a little dry, simple add water to re-hydrate.

Pecan Pie Muffins

• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 +1/3 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs, beaten

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees. 
2. Line mini muffin tins with paper muffin cups
3. Beat together:  eggs and butter
4. In a separate bowl, mix all other (dry) ingredients.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring JUST until combined (not totally mixed).
6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
7. Bake 20-25 minutes, serve while warm*

These muffins are fabulous right out of the oven.  Best served warm!

Makes 36 mini muffins!

Have a wonderful day!

Technorati Tags: stamp camp,recipe,pulled pork,pecan pie muffins

Scrap Your Recipes.. Inspired by Angi Holt!

Just Yesterday, I posted a swap received from Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Angi Holt at the Stampin’ Up! Convention in August 2009.  One of my favorites swaps, it featured the Paradise stamp set, and boasted a lot of color, texture, and dimensional elements. 

Today, I’m sharing a Recipe Swap page inspired by Angi’s card! I didn’t have the striped grosgrain ribbon used on Angi’s card… so used DSP instead, crimping it to give it a more ribbon-like appearance.  Needing room for recipes, I used the Paradise stamp set and versamark ink to add texture to the page background, but a die cut maple leaf from Sizzix Leaf Die #2 as embellishment.. take a peek:

Isn’t the leaf cool?  I actually ran it through the Stampin’ Up! Manhattan Flower embossing folder after cutting with Leaf Die #2… and then highlighted the embossed areas (and more) with my Versa Mark Ink Pad.  Similarly, the Chocolate Chip Cardstock along the bottom of the page was run through my Big Shot Machine using the woodgrain plate from the texture plates kit #4, and then Versa Mark Ink was applied.

The texture Plate # 4  woodgrain plate can be used to make fabulous faux rattan too!  In case you missed it, HERE’S A LINK TO THE FAUX RATTAN TUTORIAL.  It’s a really fun technique too!

This is another page which will be featured in this months’ Scrap Your Recipes Class.. be sure to register early, click on Classes & Events at the top of the page for more information!

Here’s a few more close-ups of the page:

See you tomorrow.. with CARD shares!!

Technorati Tags: stampin' up!,scrap your recipes,texturz plates,manhattan flower

Sharing One Of My Favorite Convention 2009 Swaps!

I’ve been ‘sitting’ on this one for awhile… well, since the August 2009 Stampin’ Up! Convention to be exact!  This lovely card was a swap I received at convention from Angi Holt, a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator in St. George, Utah.

I just loved the color combination, texture and elements of this card… along with the dual ribbons, popped up greeting, and use of Stampin’ Up! die-cuts!  I’m going to share (tomorrow) a project inspired by Angie’s card.. hope you’ll come back to check it out!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps:

• Thank You Kindly #11107700
• Paradise #113778

Card Stock:

• Dusty Durango #115321
• Soft Suede #115318
• Old Olive #100702
• Certainly Celery #105125
• Very Vanilla #101650

Classic Inks:

• Old Olive #102277
• Certainly Celery #105217
  

Punches:

• Scallop Oval
• Word Window
• Large Oval

Accessories:

• Old Olive Striped 1 1/4” Grosgrain #115618
• Dusty Durango 1/2” Polka Dot Grosgrain #115609
• Vintage Brads #109109
• Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430
• Scallop Circle Bigz Die #113468
• Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves Sizzlit#114511
• Circle Scissor Plus #112530
• Color Spritzer Tool # 107066
• Versa Mark Ink #102283
• Old Olive Stampin’ Write Marker #100079
• Texture Plate Kit #4 #114531

And.. you know the drill.. you can purchase all these fabulous exclusive Stampin’ Up! Supplies and more at my Online Stampin’ Up! Store!  See you tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: stampin' up!,classes and events,paradise,thank you kindly,circle scissor plus,Angi Holt

October Techniques Class - NEW Faux Leather Technique

Techniques Classes are held monthly, where two techniques are taught AND two cards are made!  These inexpensive classes are meant not only to inspire you, but to be techniques which you can apply in card making, and scrapbooking as well.

This months’ class will feature Faux Leather… a NEW version of the old tradition (not the masking tape technique).  Below, is one of the cards you will be making in the class.  Check my Online Stampin’ Up! Site for class time and dates… or click on calendar and events tab at the top of the page!

The technique is done with layered color and embossing.. you’ll easily replicate it and love the distressed and visual effect it brings to your art!  Here is a close-up:

Pretty Cool, huh?  Don’t forget to sign up for the class!  We’re going to have so much fun!

Technorati Tags: faux leather,stampin' up!,technique,shop online

Scrap Your Recipes October Sneak Peek Page

The monthly Scrap Your Recipes Class features three 2-page layouts, and is offered this month on Saturday October 17th or Sunday October 18th.   Check my Stampin’ Up! Website HERE for more information and class times. 

This is one of the pages we will be completing during the class...

Don’t you just love the texture of the pocket?  It was made with the Finial Press Embossing 0Folder from Stampin’ Up! and then Old Olive Classic Ink was applied to add more definition.

The little punch turkey was too cute to resist… here is a close-up:

The turkey is made with folded round scallop punches, a 1 3/8” circle punch, and the Boho Blossoms Punch.. isn’t he cute??  I have to admit, I had a little inspiration from a friend and demo, Christina. Christina swapped this card last month at the downline meeting and swap (It was just crying out “case me”)

Stampin’ Up! Supplies for Scrapbook Page:

Stamps: 

• Holiday Best  #115364 (Hostess Level 1 – FREE with you online merchandise order of $150.00 or more)

8 1/2” x 11”  Card Stock: 

• Old Olive #100702
• Ruby Red #102030
• Chocolate Chip #102128
• Dusty Durango #115321
• Naturals White #102316
• More Mustard #100946

12 X 12 Textured Cardstock

• Earth Elements Assortment #108697

Classic Inks: 

• Chocolate Chip #100908
• Old Olive #102277

Punches: 

• Scallop Circle #109043
• Boho Blossoms #110711
• 1 3/8” Circle #112004
• Ticket Corner #107214

Accessories: 

• Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430
• Finial Press Embossing Folder #115963
• Merry Moments 12x12 DSP #115672
• Dusty Durango Polka Dot 1/2” Grosgrain #115679 15yds
• Vintage Brads #109109
• Generic Google Eyes

You can purchase the supplies featured in today’s project, and many more in My Online Stampin’ Up! Store… Simply click SHOP NOW in the lower right corner!

Now I’m off to create the companion page.. the Scrap Your Recipe class always features a technique or two used in one set of pages, and then two more sets of pages.  We have so much fun, I hope you’ll join us this month!

 

Technorati Tags: stampin up,punch turkey,scrap your recipes,online shopping

One Eyed Monster… I just had to!

I shared Tee’s One-Eyed Monsters yesterday… and I just had to make some of my very own!   They were simply too cute to resist.. like a toddler in a Halloween costume!  I see that these are all over the ‘net.. not sure who originally came up with them (Tee’s were the first I personally had seen)… Long story short, here’s my version of the One Eyed Monsters!

Just had to add a pony tail and eyelashes… aren’t they adorable?  Don’t they make you smile?  See you tomorrow with a sneak peek of this month’s Scrap Your Recipes Class…. with inspiration from my demo friend Christina!

Technorati Tags: one eyed monster,scallop circle punch,stampin up

Week 2 Deals of the Week.. WOW!

What a pleasant surprise!  Stampin’ Up! announced the second Deals of the Week Special yesterday afternoon.. and you’re not going to believe this!  This week’s specials are on Sizzix dies, and even includes the Pop-Up Three Tier Cake which normally retails for $42.95 (plus shipping & tax).  WOW!

Item	Description	Special Price
115961	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$25.99
114515	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$5.99
116760	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$25.49

I hope you take advantage of this special…  The items are only on sale through 11:50 AM EDT.  Order yours at my Online Stampin’ Up! Store!  AND you’ll receive a special bonus gift in the mail from me too!

Technorati Tags: stampin up,deals of the week,pop-up three tier cake bigz XL die

What Gorgeous Eyes You Have…

These fun little York Peppermint Patty and Stampin’ Up! Scallop Circle Punch creatures were designed and created by my illustriously creative friend Tee.  Tee’s creativity never ceases to inspire and amuse me and together we’re like a runaway creativity train, spinning off one another!  Enough said... I know you are just on pins and needles waiting to see what else Tee could possibly do with the Stampin’ Up! Scallop Circle Punch that you have not ever seen before… so here you go…

Made you smile, didn’t they?  Me too!  The legs and shoes were made with the Stampin’ Up! Word Window Punch.  I love how she used the Signo White Gel pen to cross laces on their shoes as well as to add a bit of impetuous sparkle to their eyes (collectively, eyes)! 

Tee just happens to be terrifically creative in other ways too.. she is a fabulous blog designer!  You can check out Designs By Tee Blog Service HERE, and her wonderfully creative blog Dragonfly Dreams too! 

Hugs and Smiles!

Technorati Tags: stampin up,scallop circle punch,designs by Tee,dragonfly dreams,blog design

Sizzling Day at the Craft Fair…

Saturday was spent sizzling away in temperatures of 92 degrees and upwards.  Unfortunately, our tiny booth had very little shade… and the little shade was occupied by our Stampin’ Up! chocolate projects and items for sale!  The heat index was well above 100, needless to say we were quite fried at the end of the day!

We worked diligently to get set up by 9am, and guzzled plenty of water in the heat of the day.  I had a beginners’ class scheduled for 4pm… and was pretty wiped out… but the show must go on… AND next year, it’s shade and A/C all the way!

 

As you can see, we had waaay too much stuff and way too little space.. we’ll have to re-think our display for next year’s show!

See you tomorrow.. I’ve got a very cute little craft show idea that I’m going to share courtesy of my good friend Tee.. you’re going to love it!

Technorati Tags: stampin up,craft show,craft fair,booth

Ribbon of Hope.. two more quick cards

I’m at a craft fair today.. so don’t have a lot of time but wanted to share two more Ribbon of Hope cards I made this week.

This one uses Pretty in Pink and Whisper White Stampin’ Up! Cardstock along with Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon.

Second Card uses Whisper White and Pink Pirouette retired, so sad to see it go… :(

More later.. got to get ready for the craft show… busy day ahead!!

Hugs!

Technorati Tags: Ribbon of Hope,Stampin' Up!

Ribbon Of Hope for Breast Cancer Awareness

The Ribbon Of Hope Stamp from Stampin’ Up! is not part of a large, expensive stamp set.. Instead it is a small single stamp featured on the Under $10 page of the Stampin’ Up! 2009 Idea Book and Catalog.  Since it IS October, and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AND I just happen to have a few craft fairs scheduled, what could be more appropriate than cards featuring this fabulously useful stamp?

Of course, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ribbon of Hope image was stamped with Stampin’ Up! Pretty In Pink Classic Ink… but you could easily stamp it in alternate colors, such as some of the more commonly recognized awareness colors…

• Yellow Ribbon – Support Our Troops
• Orange – Hunger
• Red – HIV/AIDS
• Silver Ribbon – Parkinson’s Disease and Disabilities  
• Gold Ribbon - Childhood cancer
• Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon – Autism
• Burgundy Ribbon - Multiple Myeloma

… And make a very special card for someone whom you know.  Of course if you Google the string: ribbons hope color chart you will come up with more colors and meanings than you EVER imagined.  That makes this small and simple $7.95 stamp quite versatile!

Supplies:

Stamp: 

• Ribbon of Hope #115552 $7.95

12 x 12 Designer Series Paper:

• Rich Razzleberry #115675 $9.95, 12 sheets

8 1/2” x 11” Card Stock:

• Pretty In Pink #101658 / $5.50 / 24 sheets
• Whisper White#100730 / $7.50 / 40 sheets

Accessories:

• Stampin’ Up! Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder #115863 $7.95
• Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon ##109067/10yds/$6.95
• Movers and Shapers Card Cutting Die #114506 / $42.95
• Magnetic Movers & Shapers #115963 $29.95 4pcs.
• Scallop Oval Punch #114889 /$15.95

Order these supplies and more at my Online Stampin’ Up! Store!

My Demo Down-line and friend, Eva will be with me at the Arlington United Methodist Church Craft Fair from 9am – 2pm tomorrow, please stop by and say hello!

Technorati Tags: Ribbon Of Hope,Stampin' Up!,Cancer Awareness

First Wednesday Card Club Share2

This is the second card we made at the September meet up of the First Wednesday Card Club.  The ladies enjoyed a lunch of Italian Wedding Soup, Tandoori Garlic and Basil Naan Pizza, and fresh fruit.  AND we had a deliciously light dessert provided by our hostess Rita too!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies:

Stamps: 

• Autumn Days (#110372 / $17.95)
• Heard From the Heart (#111644 /$22.95)

Classic Inks $5.95 each: 

• Old Olive #102277
• Crushed Curry #115659
• Soft Suede #115657
• Bravo Burgundy #105214

8 1/2” x 11” Card Stock: 

• Very Vanilla (#101650 / $7.50 /40 sheets)
• Old Olive (100702 /$5.50/ 24 sheets)

Accessories: 

• Horizontal Slot Punch (#105089 / $5.95)
• Elementary Ribbon Originals (#116231/$9.95/9 yds)

 

Cutting Directions:

• Very Vanilla Card Stock:  4 1/4” x 11” scored at 5 1/2” and 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”
• Old Olive Card Stock:  4” x 5" 1/4”

Stamping/Assembly:

• Stamp greeting 2” up from bottom edge of smallest VV card stock piece.
• Stamp images around left and bottom edges of same piece, beginning with the lightest ink color.
• Change image and ink color each time you stamp.
• Use Horizontal Slot Punch to punch left side of card.. push the punch all the way in so that the punch bumps into the cardstock, AND position it just below the words which were stamped.
• Thread 5 1/2” of the Old Olive dotted grosgrain from the Elementary Ribbon Originals through the punched hole, and wrap the loose end around the right side of the card.  Secure ends to back of VV cardstock.
• Affix to Old Olive card stock
• Affix to front of card.

Note:  Each package of Elementary Ribbon Originals contains three ribbon colors and designs, appx. 3 yards each.  The other ribbons in this package are a narrow, stitched So Saffron grosgrain, and a lusciously rich Not Quite Navy Taffeta of medium hand (my personal favorite!)  They may be viewed on page 182 of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog, and of course you can order these supplies and more in my handy dandy Stampin’ Up!  ONLINE STORE! Simply click SHOP NOW in the lower RIGHT corner!!

Have a really wonderful day!

Technorati Tags: stampin' up!,meet up,card club,autumn days

First Wednesday Card Club October - Ornament Punch

The First Wednesday Card Club Ladies are so much fun!  This is a really friendly group of ladies, and you’ll love them too!  Did you know the First Wednesday Card Club is open to guests? 

Contact me if you would like to attend, or even start a club with your friends too… I can bring the club to you, or you can bring your friends to me!  It’s really just that easy!

Here is one of the two cards we made at Club..

Do you recognize the branch across the top of the card?  It’s really not a branch at all, instead it is the tall and lovely single tree from the “Lovely As A Tree” Stampin’ Up! Stamp Set!  Pretty clever, the ladies told me…  Here is a basic supply list.. scroll down to see close up photos, and cutting guidelines for this simple but elegant card!

Supply List

Stamps:  

• Lovely As A Tree (#115026 / $27.95)
• Heard From the Heart (#111644 / $22.95)

8 1/2” x 11” Cardstock:

• Whisper White (#100730 / $7.50/40 sheets)
• Real Red (#102482 / $5.50 / 24 sheets)
• Always Artichoke (#105119 / $5.50 / 24 sheets)
• Brushed Gold (#102935 / $7.95 / 10 sheets)

Classic Ink:

• Always Artichoke (#105219 / $5.95)

Accessories:

• Gold Elastic Cording (#109867 / $4.95 / 25 yards)
• Ornament Punch (#116794 / $15.95)
• Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (#116806 / .5oz)
• Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder (#116824 /$7.95)
• Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430 / $3.95 / 300qty.)
• Sponge Daubers (#102892 / $10.95 / set of 12)
• Snail Adhesive (#104332 / $6.95 / 472 inches)
• Aqua Painter (#103954 / $16.95 / set of 2)
• Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker (#105111 / $3.25)

Order all or some of the supplies for this card at my ONLINE STORE… Here’s a close up view of the ornament and shimmer paint which I added to the tree branch too!

And another view… really hard to capture with my little ‘old camera…

If you were to purchase ONE pack of the Brushed Gold Cardstock and all the supplies listed above, you would be able to make 40 cards…  Purchasing TWO packs of Brushed Gold Cardstock would up your card count to almost 80!!  (You may need to save an extra sheet or two of Real Red cardstock for ornaments.)

The only other supplies you might need are the Stampin’ Scrub (#102642 / $16.95,  Stampin’ Mist Spray Cleaner (#102394 / $4.50)… A Big Shot Machine (or similar apparatus), and possibly a Paper Cutter (two models available, but my favorite is the Table Top Cutter #106959 $45.95 which gives an exceptionally clean cut).

AS PROMISED… here are the

Cutting Directions

• Brushed Gold:  4 1/4” x 5 1/2”
• Whisper White:  8 1/4” x 5 1/4”, scored at 4-1/8” and 3” x 3 1/4”
• Always Artichoke:  3 3/4” x 4”
• Real Red: 3 1/4” x 3 1/2”, and a 2 1/2” square for your ornament punch

Stampin’ Tips for Assembling this Card:

• To use shimmer paint, shake well and remove lid, dip clean sponge dauber into the lid, then lightly sponge onto target.
• Emboss 2 1/2” square (or strip if you are making multiple cards) and highlight with shimmer paint before punching with Ornament Punch
• Always Stamp Cardstock before attaching to card base.. if you make a mistake, you can always turn it over!!
• After stamping the greeting along the bottom edge of the card, a sponge dauber was dipped in the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and lightly dragged below the Noel to give an accent.
• After stamping the tree two times from the upper left corner of the small Whisper White Cardstock, a sponge dauber and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint was lightly added to the branches too.
• To add cording to ornament, affix one end to the back of the punched ornament piece, wrap two to three times around the stem of the punched ornament… then draw up to attach to stamped card base.  Tie the bow separately around the stem.. it will be much easier.
• Scribble the Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker onto the plastic box your stamp set came in… pick up the paint with the small Aqua Painter, and brush a shadow beneath the ornament to give it more depth.
• Stampin’ Dimensionals were used to raise the Real Red layer of cardstock away from the Always Artichoke layer, and the ornament on the face of the card as well.

If you’re new to stamping, and want to make these cards for the holidays, contact me.. I’d love to help you get started!

If you have any questions, or if you just want to say HI! please be sure to leave a comment… There’s always time in my busy schedule to read your comments!

See you tomorrow with the second card share from the First Wednesday Card Club… I just know you’re going to love that card too!

Technorati Tags: Ornament Punch,Card Club,Stampin' Up! Store,Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint,Daubers,Petals A Plenty,Big Shot

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Inspire, Create, and Share…with Pretty in Pink product to spread awareness!

 

During the month of October, I will donate 10% of the purchase price of these PINK products to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

 

1.  Card Stock 8 ½” x 11” (100459) $5.50, or 12” x 12” (106546) $7.50

2.  Classic Ink Pad (101301) $5.95

3.  Classic Ink Refill (102295) $2.95

4.  Stampin’ Write Marker (100045) $3.25

5.  Craft Ink Pad (100857) $7.50

6.  Craft Ink Refill (101127) $4.25

7.  ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (109032) $4.95

8.  ½” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (113882) $7.95

9.  ⅜” Taffeta Ribbon (109067) $6.95

10.  Chunky Sprinkles Stampin’ Glitter –

       includes light pink (111343) $15.95

11.  Fine Supernova Stampin’ Glitter –

       includes pink (114287) $13.95

12.  Pink Bead Duo (110752) $9.95

13.  Décor Element Manhattan Flower (117765) $23.95

14.  Décor Element – Flitting By I (114840) $44.95

15.  Décor Element – Upsy Daisy (117922) $9.95

16.  Jumbo Stampin’ Around Cartridge (103668) $7.50

17.  Ribbon of Hope – stamp (115552) $7.95

[The following product is not available in Pretty in Pink, but coordinates, with a theme of HOPE.]

18.  Décor Element – Inspiration

       Small (HOPE: 2-1/2" x 1-1/4") $4.95

       Black (116187)

       Chocolate (116191)

       Kraft (116189)

       Medium (HOPE: 4-3/8" x 2-1/8")  $5.95

       Black (116188)

       Chocolate (116192)

       Kraft (116190)

 

Décor Elements can be applied to walls, mirrors, windows, cars, and other large, smooth, surfaces.  They can also be broken up into smaller pieces for small projects and applied to items like mugs, tiles, votive candle holders, plates, laptops, pictures, and many other imaginative uses.

Many of these products are available in other pink hues:  Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, Melon Mambo

 

You may also SHOP ONLINE anytime!

Visit My Stampin’ Up! Store HERE!

Credit or Debit Cards must be used for online purchases.

Technorati Tags: stampin' up,jacksonville,florida stampers,shop online,pink products,breast cancer,susan g. komen foundation

 

My DD’s in Germany…

As most of you know, my DD is in Germany studying for two MBA degrees… well, perhaps she’s not exactly ‘studying’ yet!  She went early to become part of a language study program :)  Her Dad wasn’t too excited about the prospect… but what’s done is done.

Today, I’d like to share a few photos courtesy of my DD… straight Germany, where the American dollar has little value in relation to the Euro… :(

This is a photo of Hohenschwangau Castle, the original inspiration for Disney’s Snow White Castle!

Before she left the country, we purchased a new camera for her.. after much research :)  Look at this beautiful flower photographed very close up.  I NEED A NEW CAMERA.. but of course we sacrifice for our kids (actually, she paid for it.. and I inherited her old one.. but I’m drooling over this camera as I write!!!)

And here is the star of this post, my DD… I love her and miss her so much!!

 

 

A picture taken in Heidelberg…

 

And… at Oktoberfest… on election weekend.. YIKES and FUN!

 

Fortunately, with Skype and internet I get to speak with my DD almost daily :) I still miss her though…   Now, I’m off to try to sell her 2007 Civic LX, she’s almost out of cash!

Now.. if our DS would only share a few photos and phone calls from Iraq, life would be really, really good!

 

Technorati Tags: family,daughter,just chattin,munich,heidelberg,snow white's castle,disney

NEW… Deals Of The Week

This offer is available through October 12th 7:50 AM EDT!!!

Stampin Up has announced A NEW Special.. “Deal of the Week” through the month of October.  Punches are so much fun, and our punches are so easy to use too!  This week’s deal is good through the 11th.  Place your order online using the order online button to the right or feel free to email me (button on the left.)  This is such a great deal, you’ll want to order them all!!

 

 

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
109183	186	Trio Flower punch	$15.95	$10.99

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
109041	187	5-Petal Flower punch	$15.95	$10.99

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
110709	187	My Way punch	$15.95	$11.99

Don’t forget… Order your punches online now, simply visit my >>ONLINE STORE<< and click SHOP NOW!!! 

Your punches will be shipped directly to you, and you’ll receive a special hand stamped thank you card from me too!

Technorati Tags: stampin up,deals of the week,punches,shop now