Last Day Holiday Extravaganza, Blog Candy, and still hoping to hear from DS in Iraq….

Today is the last day to take advantage of the Stampin’ Up! Holiday Extravaganza sale… with items on sale at up to 50% off… you can’t lose!  Be sure to shop my online store HERE for specials today!

Blog Candy is nearing it’s goal.. 205,000 count, and I feel it is very near.  The candy offer was originally posted a couple weeks ago and will be given away when my visitor count reaches 205,000.  I hope you have left daily comments or more to increase your chances, I know Jennifer and Sandy have been in tight competition for the blog candy!  The number will be chosen randomly through random.org when the counter reaches 205,000… be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win!

On a personal and side note, please keep our DS in your prayers.  Garrett (we call him Gary) was deployed to Iraq in early September.  Initially we thought his functions would be similar to the last deployment (desk/air/internet/phone/guards) and have since found out this is not the case.  Gary and his friend Jeff are both in Iraq, working hard at their jobs in the USAF and have had little or no contact with families at home :(  Although we had hoped to hear from one or both of them at Thanksgiving, we did not… and to date have not.  They are both very strong, intelligent, with good heads on their shoulders… but you know when a Mom doesn’t hear, she begins to worry… so does Dad, so does Sis…

I’m working on my one sheet wonder and the Club cards for this week.. and they are turning out quite fun!  I will be sharing them along with some handmade jewelry this week, hope you’ll check back.

Thanks for your prayers, your following, and hugs to you and yours…

Technorati Tags: holiday extravaganza,stampin up,iraq,family

Pretty Christmas Cocoa Gift Card Holder

Yesterday I shared the Punchy Santa Gift Card Holder… and today I’ll share another gift card holder.  This one was for my downline team meeting swap last week… Each month we have a swap contest, and the team members always pick out my swap right away, so I try to change it up a bit… but they still know it’s mine :(  Can’t seem to fool or trick them!

The gift card holder is made from a 4.25 x 11” piece of whisper white cardstock which is scored at 3”, 5.5” and 8” and then folded to make one mountain, two valleys… kind of like a big W.  The center (smaller) sections are glued together (only along the bottom edge), and a word window punch is used to make a slot in which to insert the gift card.

Stampin’ Up! Supplies

Stamps:  Christmas Punch (hostess Level 2)

Classic Ink:  Soft Suede

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Ruby Red

Accessories:

• Christmas Cocoa DSP
• Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon
• Wide Oval Punch
• Paper Snips
• Stampin’ Dimensionals
• Snowflake Punch
• Playground Designer Buttons
• Linen Thread
• Mat Pack & Piercing Tool
• Eyelet Border Punch
• Word Window Punch

Dimensions:

Whisper White Cardstock

• 4.25 x 11” scored at 3”, 5.5”, and 8”
• 3/4” x 4” to punch eyelet border
• scraps to stamp and punch greeting and  snowflake

Ruby Red Cardstock 4 1/8” x 2 7/8”

Christmas Cocoa DSP:  4” x 2.75”

NOW… I know some of you are going to ask how I nested the greeting with the wide oval punch.  I wish I could say I had the perfect size punch to nest with the wide oval but I don’t so… I simply used paper snips to trim around the greeting on the line which was part of the stamp!  Then to hide any disparities I lightly inked the edges of the greeting by rolling in on my Soft Suede Classic Ink Pad…  perfectly nested duo!

The ribbon was not tied using one of the popular fancy tools, instead I opted to use the old ‘bunny ears’ technique which my DH used to teach the kids to tie their shoe laces!  (make two loops aka bunny ears, wrap one around the other, and down through the rabbit hole).  A little snail adhesive on the back side of the bow loops to hold them in place too.

See you tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: GIFT CARD HOLDER,Hostess sets,christmas punch,bunny ears,tying a bow,downline,team,swapa

Punchy Santa Gift Card Holder

This year has really flown by, hasn’t it?  It won’t be long until Christmas is here.. Yikes!  With our children overseas, and family out of state.. Gift Cards and handmade items are going to be the gifts of choice this year!

Segway to the Gift Card Holder:

Just playing around with scraps and rejects on my very cluttered stampin’ room table… and trying to come up with a swap for last weeks’ Downline Team meeting and this guy appeared!

The Kraft Cardstock was crimped and then turned 90 degrees and crimped again to give it the texture shown in the photo… and Santa’s beard was made by punching out an ornament from a finial press embossed sheet of whisper white cardstock.  I used the Designer Label Punch to take a bite from the top of the ornament to make room for Santa’s face.  A whole lot of punches used in a whole lot of ways…

Stamps:  Winter Post, Sanded

Ink:  Old Olive, Real Red

Cardstock:  Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories:  Christmas Cocoa DSP, Crimper Tool, Crop-a-Dile Tool, Jumbo eyelets, real red narrow grosgrain ribbon, Finial Press Embossing folder, Word Window Punch, 1” Circle Punch, Ornament Punch, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Remember the Santa’s Magic Key Ornament Card I posted a while ago?  I did tell you I was going to add something else to the ornament… and I did!  Almost forgot to share the finished Magic Key Card…

Isn’t it amazing what one little dimensional bird can do for an otherwise plain card?  Check out the original Santa’s Magic Key Ornament Card Post… Isn’t this one much better?

See you tomorrow with the Gift Card Holder I made for the Downline Team Meeting Swap last week!

Technorati Tags: punchy santa,ornament card,santa's magic key

A Lovely Day for a Lovely RAK… Guest Stamper Richard Garay!

They call it Black Friday… but today it’s RAK day, which makes it a very lovely day too!  RAK’s are Random Acts of Kindness… and these are the TWO RAKS I received in the mail this week from a demo friend, and today’s guest stamper: Richard Garay!

The first card share is… believe it or not, a card using the Pumpkin Patch Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog!  But, these pumpkins are cleverly disguised as glittery and glowing Christmas lights… How cool is that?

 

Stamps:  Pumpkin Patch, Four the Holidays, Sparkle & Shine (Jumbo Wheel)

Cardstock:  Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Classic Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive

Accessories:  Scallop Edge Punch, dazzling diamonds, chunky glitter, crystal effects, 5/8” old olive grosgrain ribbon, jumbo wheel handle, stampin’ dimensionals

And here’s a second fun and fabulous RAK from Richard, featuring the “More the Merrier” Hostess Level 3 stamp set from the 2009 Idea Book & Catalog!

Stamps:  The More the Merrier, Sassy Sparkles (Jumbo Wheel)

Cardstock:  Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Pretty In Pink

Classic Ink:  Basic Gray, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  Scallop Edge Punch, Silver Brads, stampin’ dimensionals, scallop oval punch, large oval punch, chunky glitter, Stampin’ Write Markers, tombow glue, Swirly sizzlit decorative strip die, Pink/White Narrow Gingham Ribbon

Hope you enjoyed these lovely RAKS, I know I did!  Be sure to stop by Richard’s Blog:  Fun Stampers’ Corner, and say Hello!

Have a wonderful Black Friday too!

Hugs,

Technorati Tags: raks,richard garay,fun stampers corner,chunky glitter,holiday mini catalog

A Blessed Thanksgiving to All

This is such a special time of year, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the bounty and fruits of our labors.  In my own family, we are so fortunate to have been adopted by close family friends to share feast and friendship… a newer tradition for us, and certainly one we have come to enjoy and appreciate dearly.

Today, I thought I’d not only share a Thanksgiving card, but the memory of my first Thanksgiving Holiday with my sweet husband.

First the card…

Stamps:  Holiday Best, French Script

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Old Olive

Designer Series Papers:  Thoroughly Modern, Merry Moments

Accessories:  5/8” Old Olive Grosgrain, Crystal Brads, Wide Oval Punch, Soft Suede Classic Ink, and Sponge Dauber

I have to revisit my own family holidays… with Grandma preparing a feast for everyone and more food than we could ever consume.  That tradition of course continued with my own Mother, who stepped it up a notch to create not only a feast but an exquisite culinary achievement complete with enough home made desserts and pies to last for weeks!

Much to my new husbands’ surprise, when I prepared for our own first Thanksgiving dinner, the feast included so much food that we had to call all the neighbors to partake!  Imagine his face when I spread the table with:

• A 15 lb. turkey roasted in the oven
• Dressing
• Mashed Potatoes
• Gravy
• Tossed Salad
• Congealed Salad
• Apple Celery Salad
• Cranberry/Marshmallow/Pineapple Salad
• Corn
• Peas & Pearl Onions
• Green Bean Casserole
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Rolls and Butter
• Sour Cream Apple Pie
• Traditional Apple Pie
• Pumpkin Pie
• Pecan Pie
• Cheesecake
• Cookies, Brownies, and More…

Our holiday meals are much more simplistic these days… one meat, a yellow and a green vegetable, and perhaps one starch, one dessert.  We still over-eat… but we don’t have to eat leftovers for months!

Wishing a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday to all of you!

Wellness Wishes.. Sick Puppy?

Honestly, I never even expected that this stamp would be mounted… when I first received it at the Stampin’ Up! Convention 2009, I truly wondered “What were they thinking?” 

But… over the past few weeks I have been quietly surveying my Stampin’ Up! Customers to make sure that they are happy with not only the quality of cards and designs we make in camps and classes, but also the types of cards we make.  Through the survey results, I discovered a very interesting void in my classes… a lack of Get Well Cards!  We make plenty of Birthday, “Thinking of You”, “Just a Note”, “Sympathy” and “Praying for You” cards… but for some reason we miss that always needed “Get Well” card.

That revelation forced me to take a second look at this little, inexpensive stamp set… and a “get well” card surfaced which everyone was quite happy with!  The little sick puppy on the pillow doesn’t seem so silly now… and perhaps we’ll find more use for this stamp set soon too!

Supplies

Card Stock:  Ruby Red, Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Bermuda Bay

Classic Ink:  Close to Cocoa

Designer Series Paper:  Holiday Lounge

Accessories:  Mat Pack and Piercing Tool; Stampin’ Write Markers in Ruby Red, Creamy Caramel, and Bermuda Bay; Silver Brads

Tomorrow is the American Thanksgiving Holiday… I’m missing both my children this year, my DD in Germany and DS in Balad, Iraq… luckily I have very close family friends which my DH and I will celebrate the season with.  I hope you and yours stay warm, enjoy wonderful friendships and food, and have a blessed holiday!

Technorati Tags: Wellness Wishes,Stampin' Up,Bermuda Bay,thanksgiving

Announcement… New 50/50 Club Enter Today!

What’s a 50/50 club?  Well, it’s an opportunity to win FREE merchandise from ME to YOU!  Easy as that… absolutely FREE.

For every $50.00 in merchandise purchased within a single paid online, telephone, or email order your name will be entered into one square of my 50/50 board.  There are 50 opportunities to win, and you will can have multiple opportunities to win too!  For each $50.00 merchandise increment, you get another square, and another, and another…

 

When all 50 squares are filled, one lucky winner will win a FREE $50.00* shopping spree… applicable to any current Stampin’ Up! Catalog…now, how cool is that?

And.. you can use your $50.00 merchandise shopping spree right away, or you can save it for a rainy day!  Simply place your order at my ONLINE Stampin’ Up! Store! 

*Note.. only redeemable through Sharon Field, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

Questions?  Simply Contact Me! 

Holiday Treat Boxes Part II

Continuation from yesterday’s Holiday Treat Box post… These boxes are featured on page 159 of the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog (5 boxes for $3.95… quite a deal!)

This was another of my favorites, featuring the Delightful Decorations Stamp Set and Ornament Punch.  The box decor went together very quickly!

The next two boxes were the ladies’ favorites… most of them were beginner stampers and the boxes went together for them quite easily!  The bashful and stark whisper white cardstock really stand out next to the Chocolate Chip and Close to Cocoa box! 

This one featuring the “winter post” stamp set was actually their most favorite box because it went together so quickly.

Hope you enjoyed the holiday treat box collection.  I’ll see you tomorrow with new cards…

Have a wonderful day!

Technorati Tags: treat boxes,stampin 'up,winter post

Online Extravaganza and BONUS!

The holidays are such a busy time for everyone, you are busy baking, decorating, making lists and checking them twice, and shopping!  You simply don’t have the time to host a workshop in order to earn that fabulous Patterned Pines Hostess Level One Stamp set do you? 

To help YOU streamline your holiday shopping, I’m hosting an ONLINE Extravaganza Sale with an extra BONUS** from me, just for you!

The Holiday Online Extravaganza Sale from Stampin’ Up! includes items priced at up to 50% off normal retail.. you won’t want to miss it!  To take advantage of this sale, you’ll need to go to my ONLINE CREATEDBYU STORE, log in and place your order… the sale begins today and quantities are limited!  An order of $150.00 mdse. or more qualifies for hostess benefits too… be sure to select the Patterned Pines Hostess Level 1 set as part of your FREE merchandise.. how cool is that?

But wait… I told you that there’s also an extra bonus, did I say BONUS??  YES, as a BONUS to this promotion, the first 5 people who place an ONLINE MERCHANDISE Order ($50.00 or more) through my Stampin’ UP! Business Website (CREATEDBYU) will also receive a set of 5 handmade and hand stamped Christmas Cards (and envelopes) in the mail… from ME to YOU!  Now, how cool is THAT?

Yet another way to win… I’m still counting down to BLOG CANDY (11/11 Post)… and we’re just about half way there.  There already have been 167+ comments… make sure to keep leaving your comments to win!

Technorati Tags: Online Extravaganza,Bonus,sale,stampin up,free,blog candy,give away,shop online,shop now,gifts,holidays,christmas

Treat Boxes… all Decked Out for the Holidays!

The Stampin’ Up! Treat Boxes featured on page 159 of the Idea Book and Catalog are a lot of fun to decorate.  Easily put together, they are much larger than you expect them to be!  At 5 to a package for $3.95, they’re also quite affordable!

One of my stamp groups asked if we could do a class using these treat boxes and my answer was “but of course!”…. that was last month.  So, the day before the class I suddenly realized I had to decorate the boxes too.. OOPS!  I hadn’t actually made the boxes, but was walking/talking/creating them all month long… so it was fairly easy to put the ideas I’d formulated to paper. 

Here are MY box design favorites… first one a gingerbread house inspired by Julia Bettencourt and her box #2 gingerbread house.

 

And a second box with a heart punched paper pieced tree…

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! of course… even the retired Kiwi Kiss ribbon on top of the tree box (oops!)

There are five boxes in the package… so tomorrow I’ll share the remaining three designs and the two boxes which the ladies loved most of all..  hope you’ll check back!

Don’t forget… that blog candy is getting closer and closer.  Leave comments to increase your odds of winning, read details on my 11/11/09 post.

See you tomorrow,

Technorati Tags: treat boxes,gingerbread house,gingerbread box,stampin up,blog candy alert

Return of the Faux Wood Technique!

Revisiting an old technique, and always a favorite!  The Wednesday Technique class really enjoyed this old favorite!  Even better… the stamp sets used in this sample are both absolutely FREE when you host a book party or workshop with merchandise totals equal to $150.00 or more!

The faux wood technique is so much fun!  Dependent upon the inks and base cardstock used, you can create rich, dark wood planks or even golden hues!

The technique utilizes three classic ink colors (in this sample, all shades of brown) and Very Vanilla Craft Ink.   Each color was dragged across the cardstock using a corner of the classic ink pad… beginning with the lightest color, and migrating to darker tones.  Once the cardstock and ink are completely dry, the entire surface is dragged again with Very Vanilla Craft Ink.  A Stampin’ Write Journal Pen was used to draw in the planks at 3/4” intervals, and to add the nails.

Technique Supplies:

Cardstock:  Close to Cocoa

Classic Ink: 

• Creamy Caramel
• Close to Cocoa
• Chocolate Chip

Craft Ink:  Very Vanilla

Stampin’ Write Journal Pen

Card Making Supplies:

Stamps: 

• Country Morning (Hostess Level 1)
• Holiday Best (Hostess Level 1)

Cardstock: 

• Not Quite Navy
• Confetti White
• Close to Cocoa
• Old Olive

Classic Inks:

• Not Quite Navy
• Old Olive
• Bashful Blue
• Close to Cocoa
• Yo Yo Yellow

Other Supplies:

• Stampin’ Dimensionals
• Aqua Painter
• Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon

Don’t forget to leave a comment… we’ve got some terrific blog candy to hand out to a lucky winner quite soon (see post dated November 11th for details!)

See you tomorrow… I’ve got some special gifting containers to share with you!

Hugs,

Technorati Tags: faux wood,techniques class,stampin' up!,hostess sets,level 1,country morning,holiday best

Techniques Wednesday Sample Vellum Sparkle & Squish

At techniques class, we always do at least two techniques for the sample rings and cards using the technique too!

This is one of the cards we made on Wednesday, and it features the Vellum Sparkle & Squish technique.  I was trying to come up with something “different” for my gals and in the final hour it came into being!

Up close, the vellum feature on this card is kind of like looking through an antique glass window on a very sunny day, and directly into the trees.

Classic Ink Stampin’ Spots were used on the vellum.  The inks were applied by tapping and twisting, starting with the lightest of three colors.  After all three colors were applied, we lightly sprayed with Champagne Shimmer Mist, and then a clean layer of vellum was lightly placed atop the inked vellum to absorb excess ink. 

The wet paper was gently dried with an embossing gun, and then additional ink tap/twist layers were applied to both pieces.  Spraying one more time with Champagne Shimmer Mist (LIGHTLY)… and then allowed to dry a bit before gently coaxing to dry with a heat gun.

One of the inked vellum pieces was used for our sample ring, and the other was used on the card.  This is a messy technique, so attendees wore rubber gloves to protect their hands and skin… (hmmm… one of them could have used an apron too!)

Stampers on Wednesday also got a sneak peek of the new Sale-A-Bration and Occasion Mini Catalogs… I have to tell you they were quite impressed and can’t wait for the catalog release!

Technique Supplies: 

Classic Ink Stampin’ Spots: 

• Gable Green
• Old Olive
• Always Artichoke

Vellum Card Stock

Champagne Shimmer Paint Mist  (Instructions and supplies in THIS September 14th CreatedByU Post)

Supplies for Card:

Stamp Set:  Adorable Parc (the Hispanic version of Pendant Park)

Card Stock: 

• Confetti White
• Close to Cocoa
• Vellum

Classic Ink: 

• Old Olive
• Soft Suede

Tomorrow I’ll share the other technique we did… I’m sure you’ll love the card, please come back to visit!

Hugs!

Technorati Tags: techniques class,vellum,stampin' up,champagne shimmer paint,glimmer mist recipe

 

My First Christmas Showcase…Photos!

Last weekend was the 24th anniversary of the Christmas Showcase Craft Boutique.  Thirteen ladies prepped and crafted all year long to bring about the event. 

We met monthly, we worked hard at setting up and tearing down… and now it has all come to an end…

Thanks to all of you who came and showed your support! 

Next year will be the 25th Anniversary of the Christmas Showcase Craft Boutique, I am certain it will be bigger and even better than the last…  

For those who could not make the event.. hope you enjoyed the photos, and that you’ll come see us next November too!

Tomorrow and Friday I’ll be sharing my techniques class photos and steps…

Remember too, you can still win blog candy (Nov. 11th post)… just leave a sweet comment and you’ll be eligible to win!  Blog candy winner will be chosen randomly.

Hugs..

Technorati Tags: christmas showcase,blog candy alert

What kind of TEAM do you want to be part of? Just Venting… Soapbox Post!

I’ve asked this question before… “what kind of demo would you like to become?”  But a few months ago, after speaking with another demonstrator not affiliated with me… it occurred to me that I should also ask “what kind of TEAM do you want to become part of?” 

WOW.. what an eye opening moment.  What do YOU expect from or hope to get from your direct sales mentor and up-line?  What kind of post-signing support do you want and/or expect?  If you were applying for a position in a major corporation, you would research the corporation, and would be expected to provide references. 

Will your up-line abandon you and expect you to build your business on your own, or will they provide support through training opportunities and teleconferences?  Is your up-line actively building their own business, or not?  Do you want to do this on your own, or do you want to do it as part of a team? 

I was so surprised to find out that my new friend had no contact with her up-line whatsoever…. and even more surprised to find that she never even answered the phone when called.  Oh my goodness!!!

I have to stop here and tell you that I personally know many direct sales people with conscious and ethics.. and who have adopted abandoned direct sales people… in all venues… There are some good doobies out there, and a lot of them too… but this should NOT be the norm.  If you are thinking about joining a direct sales team, do your research… dependent upon your goals and aspirations, this can greatly affect and impact your success and/or failure.

The real question is “what do you want for your business.. and what do you want for YOU”… Your business, your way… and do your research!  If you simply want a discount… then hobbyist is the way to go… if you simply want to pay a car payment… then you may want to be a part time direct sales rep… either of those may not be impacted by your choices in up-line and mentor.  HOWEVER if you are looking to build a business, do your research, choose wisely, and never judge a book by its’ cover… it could be the biggest investment mistake you have ever made!

If you want to join a TEAM, look for a team!  If you want to get a discount, just sign up… you are all welcome and treated equally… but… I mean BUT… no that’s BUT… if you want to build a business then you need to find a fit… someone who will answer the phone, someone who will encourage you.. and most of all someone who will help you build your business… think about it.

 

Read Opportunity knocks article HERE..

Read  Frequently Asked questions and What kind of demo would you be HERE

I want you to build your business, your way,… and for you to succeed..

 

Hugs..

Technorati Tags: faq,stampin' up,your business your way,upline,direct sales,business builders,success

Christmas Showcase Banners.. Two Peace

Christmas Showcase banner share… then I’ll start working on Happy New Year Banners (maybe…)  This time, they feature the word Peace… and hoping for world peace some day soon too!  I actually made three of these too, but didn’t photograph the third one… hope I’ll have time to do so before the show.. now just a few days away!
Handsome Hunter, and Real Red, love those dazzling snowflakes!
Holiday Lounge Designer Series Papers…
Tomorrow I hope to share some of the jewelry pieces I made for the show.. hope to see you then!

Technorati Tags: christmas showcase,banners,christmas banner,peace,stampin' up,holiday lounge

Christmas Showcase Banners

Inspired by a Boo Banner from fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Richard Garay, I decided to create Christmas themed banners for the Christmas Showcase!  Here are a couple of the banners I created with the help of my lovely assistant Vanna (oops.. I meant Eva!)
All the materials are Stampin’ Up!, although some of the designer series paper is retired.  So… here you go.. JOY three ways!

 
See you tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: banner,joy,stampin up!

Noel Banners for Christmas Showcase

More banner shares for the Christmas Showcase Boutique.. this time featuring Noel.
Holiday Lounge and Soft Suede Combination..

Soft Suede, Real Red, and Merry Moments DSP…

Retired Kiwi Kiss and DSP…

All banners feature Stampin’ Up! stamps and designer series papers!  One more banner share tomorrow… and then on to other things ( I hope:)

Technorati Tags: christmas showcase,holiday banners,noel,stampin up,holiday lounge,merry moments,dsp

Santa’s Magic Key Ornament & Card WOW!

When our children were small, they had a MILLION questions about everything, and at Christmas, about Santa.. how he would enter the house, what if there was a fire in the fireplace.. it went on and on… And then one day I came across a “magic key”.  Magically, the Santa Key helped make all their childish dreams came true.  Magically, Santa had a way to enter our house safely, and the magic of Christmas was a dream come true. 

As a family, we had many Christmas traditions… within our tiny nucleus, we celebrated quietly.. and created our own ‘family’ traditions.. Volunteering, Church, offerings to the Baby Jesus, and gifting unfortunate or unfortunate children through the Salvation Army Giving Tree.  All memories which our children cherish and participate in to-date as adults. 

The magic of Christmas was special... giving of yourself, doing for others, and Santa fit right in with that plan… magical, Christian, and loving… mirroring and complimenting our family traditions all the way.  Children simply hung the key (now ornament) on the front door knob on Christmas Eve.  Santa could easily access the house and bring gifts.. large or small.. and simply leave behind the simple ornament on the tree! 

I still plan to do a bit more embellishing to my version of the Santa Key.. but can you see their eyes in the morning, looking at the tree to see if Santa really brought the ornament back, and used the tree?  Hmmm..

My kids of course are grown now… one in Germany, one in Iraq… and when I was trying to come up with something ‘special’ for the Christmas showcase Boutique, I just had to revisit the Magic of the Santa Key!

I have to tell you I searched for MONTHS for keys to incorporate into this card/theme… even online… and then one day just stumbled upon them while looking for unique beads at the local beadery.  The keys came in three sizes.. but not to worry, all worked well in this ornament card.  I hope my ornament cards find a lovely home with some imaginative, loving, and giving families.  Psst… I might have to keep one for myself too!

Don’t forget we are working on a BIG BLOG CANDY give-away!!  I hope you’re leaving lovely comments daily.. only ONE winner will be chosen!  See details on my BLOG CANDY post 11/11/09!

More Christmas Showcase Boutique Item shares tomorrow.. hope to see you then!!

Edited 11/15/09 to include verbiage for poem as requested by readers:)

Santa's Magic Key
This key is very special, you see.
It will not work for you or me...
Hang is just outside your door.
And go to sleep, worry no more...
Close your eyes and close them tight.
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Technorati Tags: blog candy alert,blog candy,santa's magic key,magic key,magic key ornament

Sharon Field

Bermuda Bay Bride Resist Reject

Don’t you sometimes just make a reject or dud card?  Me too.. sometimes I am able to resurrect them into something worthwhile… but other times, we just have to bit the dud bullet!!

Last week, while prepping for my First Wednesday Card Club, the bridal paper resist technique intrigued me… simple enough to show as a WOW in a club or class, yet not complicated enough to offer as an actual technique.  Off to the stamp room I went….

YUK… the result was just Yuk… nothing seemed to work, so I trashed the card and just took a stampin’ break. (sometimes you just need a break to clear the mind, don’t you??).

So.. here is my Bermuda Bay Bridal Paper Resist Reject Card… and boy, was I glad I tossed it aside!  When I showed it to the club as an almost card they were much less than impressed too!  My clubbers want more wow…. you can view the card we actually made in this post for 1st Wed. Card Club….

So.. what could we do to rescue this card?  Any ideas (aside from the shredder.. my first instinct). 

Don’t forget to leave a comment.. we’re looking at fabulous fantastic blog candy when the counter hits 205,000… you won’t want to miss the Blog Candy.. Check out my 11/11 post for details!

Check back tomorrow for more Christmas Showcase Boutique shares and items.. you’re going to love the ideas!

Hugs,

 

Technorati Tags: blog candy alert,blog candy,bridal Paper Resist

Pumpkin Box RAK from Esther… Again.. and Happy Anniversary Susanne and Larry!

Esther is so good to me, and she really does not want to be famous… but she has these phenomenally wonderful RAKS that  I cannot help but post!! 

Susanne is one of my very special stamp club members.  She and I share a very special secret and bond.. we were both married on the same day!  Susanne and Larry are celebrating their 50th wedding Anniversary today...WOW!!  Congrats and many more happy and joyful years to you both!

Last week at my Senior stampin’ 245, Esther gave me this adorable pumpkin box .. and a special (bonus) too..  it is PACKED full of chocolate.  WHO wouldn’t appreciate and love that kind of special surprise and random act of kindness?

The pumpkin box was made with various cuts from the fabulous SU! top note die (Esther's’ favorite) and is easy to recreate.  Check it out!

I hope you’re working on that blog candy!  I can’t wait to award it to one special winner.. check out my 11/11 post for details!

Technorati Tags: blog candy,anniversary,raks,esther

Ink-redible BLOG CANDY ALERT!!

My life has been ink-redibly busy for a few weeks… and somewhere in the midst of the Christmas Showcase preparations, I missed the 200,000 hit blog candy milestone!! YIKES.. guess I don’t watch that little counter as much as I should!

So.. BLOG CANDY is in order and it needs to be extra special BLOG CANDY too!  Since I missed my own milestone, I’m going to create a new one.. 205,000!  Since my Shimmer/ Glimmer Paint Recipe is such a hit.. I thought it would be wonderful to incorporate Shimmer paint into my Blog Candy too.. and some more wonderful stuff too!

Who can win the Blog Candy?  ANYONE.. I don’t care if you are a demonstrator, customer, downline, or lurker.. as long as you are in the territorial USA.

How can you win the Blog Candy?  It’s super easy!!  Simply leave a comment on posts.. the more the merrier… more comments, more entries.. and when the counter hits 205,000 I will submit the count to random.org and determine a final winner!

I’m sure you want to know WHAT the blog candy is… so here is a photo just for you, itemized list follows.

All images copyright Stampin’ Up!

Blog Candy:

• Champagne Shimmer Paint
• Patterned Pines Hostess Level One Stamp Set
• Stampin’ Sponges
• Mini Mister
• Unattended Children Mini Sign

Simply leave a comment with your email and contact info… as often as you would like.  The winner will be picked after I reach 205,000 hits.

Hugs, and hope to see you at the Christmas Showcase Craft Boutique next weekend!

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More Gift Card Tins for Christmas Showcase Boutique Nov.14th

I’m busy working on jewelry this week.. so I hope you don’t mind a preview of the items we’ll have at the Christmas Showcase Boutique and Sale!

Animal Stories and Retired DSP Birthday Tin.

Lots of Bots… bright and cheerful!

 

And one more (sorry for the blurr… ) featuring the Together Forever Stamp Set and (ha ha) Night & Day Designer Series Paper.

More craft shares tomorrow.. hope you’re not bored!

Technorati Tags: christmas showcase,gift card tins,night & day,designer series paper,stampin' up

Delight In Life Circle Circus Elegance

This multi layered card was inspired by a swap from my friend Abby.  Her card featured combinations of Green Galore, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip.  I chose to reserve the color combinations to two colors:  barely banana and not quite navy…. and of course the absolutely fabulous Elementary Ribbon Originals Taffeta ribbon!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies

Stamps: 

• Circle Circus
• Delight In Life

Classic Inks:

• Not Quite Navy
• Barely Banana

Card Stock:

• Not Quite Navy
• Barely Banana
• Very Vanilla

Accessories:

• Ribbon Originals Elementary
• Eyelet Border Punch
• Scallop Circle Punch
• 1 1/4”  and 3/4” Circle Punch
• Silver Brads
• Stampin’ Dimensionals
• Mat Pack and Piercing Tool

See you tomorrow with shares of items for my Christmas Showcase Boutique Show!

Technorati Tags: circle circus,delight in life,elementary,stampin up

Gift Card Tins… Inside and Out!

Sharing a couple of the gift card tins which I made for the Christmas Showcase Craft Boutique next weekend.  These are tins commonly found at check out stations in hardware stores, craft & hobby stores, etc… they generally have a painted/printed lid and 175clear and boring interior…

Paper:  Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up! (IB&C pg.162)

Here’s the inside view, complete with gift card!

Here’s another featuring retired DSP.. outside:

And inside:

Back tomorrow with a couple more gift card tins… but not for Christmas!

Technorati Tags: gift card tins,gift card purse,designer series paper,christmas showcase

Another Black & White… and a Quick Birthday Card Too!

Still playing around with that Night & Day Designer Series Paper… couldn’t help myself on this one.  It’s a card I made for the Christmas Showcase Boutique as part of a Husbands’ Survival Kit (all occasion cards to last the whole year long)…

This is an apology card (the inside of the card says I’m so sorry… )so, when I visualized the card, I immediately saw it as black & white (no gray:)  Out came the Night & Day Designer Series Paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog!  Yes, I know this is supposed to be a Halloween paper… but does it look like Halloween on this card?

Stamps:  Three Little Words

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Whisper White

Classic Ink:  Basic Black

Accessories:

• Basic Black 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon
• Night & Day Designer Series Paper

How about a quick Birthday card for the kit too?  This one features the Fifth Avenue Floral Stamp Set from the IB&C (page 98).  The flowers were water-colored with an Aquapainter and the ink from the lid of my classic stamp pad.

Tomorrow you’ll see some NEW gift card tins which I have made for the Christmas Showcase… decorated both inside and out!

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Random Cards and Stampin’ Fun!

Gosh this has been a very busy month and quarter!  There has been so much to do, so many commitments, and so little time… but it’s all fun when your job is just Stampin’ :)

A couple random cards shared today which were made over this past weekend.. this first one features the 9 pc. Best Wishes & More stamp set from the IB&C (Page 64, Item#111602/ $26.95).  One of my favorite stamp sets, it covers several holidays and occasions and features 5 solid images and 4 greetings.

The designer series paper is of course retired… but we need to use up that retired paper too, don’t we!  Here’s another card, different stamp set.. but another of my all time favorites!

It’s Bird on a Branch!  Isn’t it lovely?  This is a card I can do over, and over, and over again… it’s quick ‘n easy,  and always gets compliments!  Of course, my friend Monica loves it because it has no ribbon… but that’s another story!

Back tomorrow with more cards!

Technorati Tags: best wishes & More,bird on a branch