Kenn's birthday card :)

Hi, everyone! Wednesday was Kenn's birthday, but he had to work the WHOLE day, so we celebrated with my parents on Thursday. Because he loves sunsets and cornflowers, I wanted to make him a unique card. :) The original technique comes from Technique Junkies - Pat's wonderful!!! Tell her I sent you. :D

Card stocks: YoYo Yellow, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Garden Green, Bordering Blue, YoYo Yellow, Ruby Red, Basic Black

Stamp set: Inspired by Nature

Accessories: black embossing powder, embossing buddy, brayer, white embossing powder, copy paper

I really am pleased with the way this turned out. :) He loves bright colors, and I think this card was pretty special.

I mean, he's pretty special, too, ya know. :D


Enjoy your time - and don't forget to stop and smell the chrysanthemums - since they're in bloom. :D Oh, and PLEASE. Take the time to STAMP something!

Only TEN WEEKS until Christmas!!!

Can you BELIEVE it?!?!? It's going SO fast! That's only SEVENTY days, ladies and gents!!!! Better start gearing up now! :D

This is today's email project for the Twelve Weeks of Christmas. DEMONSTRATORS, I'm sorry, but the list is FULL that I set up for y'all.

So, here's the photo! If you're not on my newsletter list, dear reader, you WANT to be! This year's emails have been awesome, if I do say so myself. :D

OK! I hope you're planning on coming for the MY DIGITAL STUDIO showcase this evening; I'm having a BLAST with this program!!! I'll show you the slideshow on Monday, but I don't know how big the photos will be. If you're really interested in MDS, please email me or call me - and I'll send you the short file of photos to see. :)

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Tomorrow morning is Christmas Cards - and I think they're awesome, as usual. :D Now, then. Go stamp something, would you?? :D

BE BLESSED!

Another gloomy day in Middle Tennessee. :D

But that doesn't mean you can't have FUN stampin'! It's PERFECT weather for stamping, and getting ahead on your gifting!

Speaking of gifting: A LOT of you have asked about getting a tutorial for these boxes. My answer is: As a policy, NO PAID CLASS that is offered in my home CAN or WILL be a free tutorial; it's just not fair to the people who come to take the class. HOWEVER, if there is enough interest when I show what we've done online, I will offer a tutorial you can download, AND/OR a class kit you can purchase. If you need more justification, email me! :D

I will do my best to get both of these together to be able to offer you next week. :) I know you understand - if you put yourself in my atendees' shoes, WHY would you ever take another class, if I'm gonna show or tell other people how to do it for free online? And most of you know that I'm really paying my bills right now; how would I be able to do that if no one came to my classes? :D I think this will be a win-win situation for all of us! So keep your eyes out for that.

NOW. On to today's "showcase". :D This little bat has been flying around the net for a few weeks; DEMOS, if one of you feels you're the originator of this idea, let me know and I'll post the credit to you! I did tweak him a bit, to make him friendly and fun. :D

Isn't he just TOO CUTE?!?!?! I love Smarties - they're a fun candy to use in business. :D And they're just GOOD. LOL!

The bat is the largest butterfly on the Stampin' Up! exclusive Beautiful Butterflies die, the one that faces the edge with no body cut. We folded a 4-1/4"x5-1/2" piece of Basic Black card stock in half (the HAMBURGER way! :D) and placed the folded edge on the edge of the die where the body would be. Run the die through your Big Shot, and then cut STRAIGHT across from the fold to the wings. Voila! A black butterfly with a tab-like body. :D

Keep him folded in half, and cut two parallel slits in that tab, from the fold to where the wings would be.

Using your 1" circle punch, take "bites" out of the STILL-FOLDED wings. Keep going until you get the shape you want to your bat! (If you're "scared" to do it with your nice bat, use scrap paper to practice!:D)

Now UNFOLD. :D OOH and AHHH over your cute bat body!

To insert the Smarties, fold the inner part between the two parallel cuts OUT, and the two skinnier parts IN. If your Smarties won't fit, snip JUST a little further into the bat. It won't hurt him! :D Don't make a BIG cut, or the Smarties won't stay by themselves!

His face is a 1" circle punched out of Basic Black. We just free-handed his eyes and mouth with fangs with a white gel pen - and went back with a Basic Black marker to put centers into his eyes.

Isn't he ADORABLE??? :D I'm telling you, once you get the hang of him, you could whip out as many as you needed for your kid's class, EASY. Decorate the edges with something flow-y and spooky. Run the card stock through your Big Shot with one of the Texturz folders - there's SO MUCH you could do to fancy him up! Use him for a party decoration! Make the tab body smaller - move your fold in toward the middle of the die some - and don't put ANYTHING in him, just make BATS! :D It's SO fun to do!!!!

OK, I'm off to finish up tomorrow night's showcase of MY DIGITAL STUDIO! (You'll get to see it next week; I'll put it up here for you to look at.) I'm having a BLAST learning about this program - I'm getting training to become certified with it, so you'll have every confidence I can show you how to use it and LEARN it - it's not just digital scrapbooking, ladies. It's PAPER-CRAFTING software, and INCREDIBLY versatile! :D

Gotta jet. Have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP something, will ya?!??! :D

Top Note Boxes

If you missed this class, you REALLY missed out! We had a GREAT time - these are pretty easy to do, and the box is beautiful enough that you could give IT as the gift, not JUST the gift-holder! :D

Aren't they beautiful? That's the new snowflake punch - thanks, Barb, for letting us borrow it. It's a BEAUTIFUL punch, and I'm really thinking I need it. LOL!

The one on the right is the one everyone else did, and my first box. The one on the left is the one I did Friday night. The "medallion" on top is exactly like the one I posted last Friday, for the second 12 Weeks. The paper is MERRY MOMENTS DSP, the ribbon is the 5/8" Real Red polka dotted ribbon - I LOVE POLKA DOTS!

Of course, the box tops and bottoms are cut with the Top Note Die (Sorry, y'all, but it's EXCLUSIVE to Stampin' Up! - you MUST purchase from my website or your demonstrator!!) and my Big Shot. :D Yup, you KNOW it - I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!! :D

OK, I'm off - my TO DO list for each day of the next SIX WEEKS scares me. LOL! Plus, today is Kenn's birthday! I've got to make his cake, too!!!! :D

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or want to place an order! If you call and don't get me, just leave a voicemail and I'll call you back ASAP. :) I'm here for YOU!

Have a wonderful day - and try to keep dry!!! :D (I think a lot of the nation's being rained on today!!!) And BE SURE TO TAKE THE TIME TO STAMP SOMETHING!

What time is it?!?!?

Good grief, WHERE do my days go?!?!??! :D Someone needs to find out who steals HOURS away from me during the day....

I was going to show you the Top Note boxes from Friday night, but I did one differently and need to re-shoot the pictures, so HOPEFULLY that will be on this afternoon's agenda. :D (Seriously, anyone want to come help me clean and organize a bit???? The Inspiration Station needs a little help, and my SCANNER BED!!!!!!!!!! Oh, YUCK!!!! :D)

Anyway. Here are two of the projects we did this weekend. I did get inspiration from a few places, but for the most part, the finishing touches on these are mine. :D I'll show the 3D later this week - it is SO cute, but I don't have the time to write out all the how-to right now! :D

Please remember: if you see ANYTHING on here that you'd like to get the supplies for, or even that one little punch or something that just MAKES the project, you can either call or email me - my contact info's in the side bar - to help you with your order, or you can GO TO MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE and click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner. You can shop 24/7 there - and so can anyone looking for presents for you. (HINT! LOL!!)

The hostess for this weekend is pregnant with a little girl, so I wanted something that they could adapt if they wanted to - and don't we all have a shower to attend at least once a year??? :D

Fold Whisper White card stock, cut 5-1/2"x8-1/2", in half (the HAMBURGER way!:D). Using your 1-3/4" circle punch, punch a half-circle out of the fold side. If you look at the back of your punch, it should be relatively easy to do this step!

Next, take your Big Shot (YUP! I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!) and the scallop circle die. If you line the loose edges of the card on one side of the die, the half-circle should be inside the scallop cutting edge, as well as maybe 3/8" on each side of the cut. You're looking for a BIT of fold to be left when you cut the scallop, to keep the card front and back together. :D

Run through your Big Shot. Voila! A bib! :D

Next, we used the flowers in Boho Backgrounds stamp set to stamp all around in Pretty in Pink. The "hello baby" is done in Pixie Pink; that's from TEENY TINY WISHES - and the inside is also in Pixie Pink. It says, "Celebrate you", and that's from BITTY BIRTHDAY.

Stamp the "hello baby" on scrap Whisper White, and center and punch out with your Modern Label Punch. With a scrap of Certainly Celery, punch the WORD WINDOW punch FIRST, then center it in the Modern Label Punch and punch. :D It's like making your own Hodgepodge Hardware frame without metal! :D

We adhered the Certainly Celery piece on top of the Whisper White piece with 2-Way Glue Pen, then centered the label onto the bib and adhered with dimensionals. The ribbon's a piece of Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon about 8 inches long; it's adhered to the front with SNAIL. Isn't that EASY?!?!?

This one is STRIKING in real life. VERY simple, but WOW. :)

Card stock: Kraft, Dusty Durango, Basic Black

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Dusty Durango Stampin 'Write Marker, Basic Black (inside)

Stamp sets: Autumn Splendor, A Beautiful Thing, A Rose is a Rose (inside)

Accessories: Black Gingham Ribbon, wide oval punch, distressor tool from Cutting Kit, dimensionals

It just says FALL, and FRIEND all over it. :)

OK. I'm off to work on more designs for Christmas cards for this weekend, and to work on the MY DIGITAL STUDIO showcase I'm doing here at the studio on Friday night. It's an INCREDIBLE program, so don't miss it if you can come! I also need to figure out what this week's 12 Weeks of Christmas is going to be - I have so many ideas, and so little time! LOL! Don't miss out on it, or ordering the things you need to do your Christmas cards!!!!!

Have a WONDERFUL day - and PLEASE! Take the time to STAMP something!!!!

Week TWO of the Twelve Weeks of Christmas!

Hi, everyone! This is so crazy - only 77 days until Christmas Day. It's coming SO quickly - and there's so much to get done before then! AUGH! :D

So, this is a picture of today's email project. If you want to get in on this email series, OR if you'd like to receive my newsletter regularly too, please email me at poohisstampin@aol.com and I'll get you on the list! :)

I need to go get busy - so much to do, so little time.... :D

Enjoy your weekend! Be sure to spend time with loved ones - life is SHORT! But be sure to take the time to STAMP something, too - you'll feel better, and so will the recipient of your creation! :)

Yup, it's late on Thursday...

and I've been trying to decide what to post ALL day long. I've got ideas coming out all over, but not the TIME to get them done!!! With things in my home life demanding time, too, it's been a busy week! I have a party to plan for Saturday, too, and it's just starting to drive me a LITTLE crazy. :D

SO. Today's sample is one that I did for a group I'm on, where the challenge was a "no layer card". It turned out OK, but the second picture is what I ended UP with. :D I HAD to have a little more color, a little pop, a little pizazz. :D
















See what I mean? It NEEDED that help. Well, maybe NOT, but.... :D Here's your recipe!

Card stocks: Basic Black, More Mustard, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White Craft

Stamp set: Autumn Splendor

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Q-tip :D, Autumn Harvest Rub-Ons

Yup, rub-ons. That's the word in the corner, with the flower.

I can't remember the NAME of this technique, but I love it. :D Stamp your image(s) in white craft ink, then use a Q-tip to put Stampin' Pastels on top of the white ink. (You could use a cotton ball, but I like the more precise control of the cotton swab!) That's REALLY all there is to it! I masked off the word AFTER I rubbed it on, so it would be really black there.

What do you think? :D I'd love to hear from you!

Now, to go off and work on dinner, then the 2nd week of the TWELVE WEEKS OF CHRISTMAS emails! Only 78 days from TODAY, ladies!!! 11 weeks from TOMORROW!!! EEP! I gotta get busy.....

QUICK! Go STAMP SOMETHING!!! :D

Fall is REALLY here!

Good morning, dear friend. How are you today? It's so good to know you're out there (even if you don't leave me a comment :D)!

Forgive me for not posting (or doing much of anything online!) yesterday; Dad had his back surgery, and I thought I'd have plenty of time while at the hospital to do so. I DID have lots of TIME - just no internet access. LOL!!! So, you get this beautiful post TODAY. :)

This has been "all the rage" among demonstrators lately (there's a wreath like it in one of the Idea Books this time, but I can't remember if it's the BIG one or the Holiday one, and don't feel like looking! LOL!!!!). It's a pretty wreath, don't you think? And you could do it in any size you had a form!

Mine is a 10" floral foam wreath that I picked up at a garage sale for 25 cents. :D (I LOVE bargains, don't you???) I took my BIG SHOT (Say it with me: I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!! :D) and the leaves #2 die, and cut out a LOT of leaves in Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, and Creamy Caramel, and a few Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper.

Next, I took flat-headed straight pins and started sticking on the leaves. My fingertips are still sore, but I can take off those leaves really quickly and easily - and use both the wreath AND the leaves for something else, if I want! I started with the big flat, long leaves because I don't LIKE that one. :D Then, it was just a matter of filling up the wreath with the leaves turning every which way.

The DSP leaves are fastened with a touch of 2-Way Glue Pen, so the pin heads don't show. Then, I took some of the Whisper White satin ribbon and Chocolate Chip & Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbons and made my bow. It, too, is fastened with a straight pin onto the wreath!

The wreath is now hanging in the Inspiration Station corner, so those of you who come to my studio can oooh and aaaaah over it in PERSON the next time you come - until the Station starts to fill with CHRISTMAS things. :D

This was an EASY project. I stuck the leaves on while watching TV! You could use glue if you wanted, and crumple the leaves to make it look a little more natural - whatever YOU want your wreath to look like, DO IT. :) Super fun, super easy! If you do one, let me know! :)

OK, I'm off to finish cleaning the studio, and work on designs for this weekend. My work is NEVER done.... LOL! I LOVE WHAT I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day, my friend - and please, take the time to stamp something!!!!!!!

TWELVE WEEKS of Christmas emails!

Hi, everyone! Friday was twelve weeks until Christmas Day. Can you BELIEVE it? I'm getting a bit late on starting it, but if you would like to receive my emails, please send me an email stating so to poohisstampin@aol.com!

You might be getting the pictures for some of the projects here, but the HOW-TO will be in the emails. Each week, I'll send out an idea for a card, a decoration, or a gift. This is the one sent today. It's a simple but elegant piece that would be great as a gift or a home decoration.

Just let me know if you'd like to receive the emails, and I'll put you on my list! :) Now, back to stampin'.... Sorry, ladies! OFFER IS CLOSED TO DEMONSTRATORS NOW!!!

Twenty-five dollar winner announcement!

Good morning, everyone! Well, I have to say, EVERYONE had a great chance of winning - we didn't have a LOT of participation. BUT I loved reading each and every comment - thank you so much. :) Many of you figured out how to go back to my very first post on February 17, 2007, and find the date on my journaling on that first layout was January 30, 2007. WOW, almost three years with y'all. Has anyone been with me since the beginning? Please let me know if you have!



Now, then, on to what you all want to know. Who WON???? :D



Congratulations, Georgia! Please contact me when you're ready to place your order! :) You can call or email me, whichever. :) Thank you ALL for playing! (The announcement "banner" was created with MY DIGITAL STUDIO!)

Keep reading for more ideas, everyone. I'm so grateful for ALL of you - thank you for your encouragement to keep on keeping on! :D

Now, go stamp something, will ya? :D

What a GLORIOUS Friday Afternoon!

Can you believe this weather, those of you in Middle Tennessee???? WOW, it's so glorious out! And I'm stuck in my studio! LOL! I'm working on the Hostess Appreciation Luncheon invitations; it's going to be a wonderful luncheon - and it's not too late to have YOUR party, so YOU can be invited, too! :) Just call or email me, and let's get you scheduled!

LAST CALL to enter the blog candy giveaway! Scroll down to Monday's entry to find out how to enter several times; for a $25 gift certificate, it's definitely worth it! :D

Now, on to today's card. Since I OBVIOUSLY can't show you what I'm working on :D, I decided to take a break and do another challenge card. This challenge is from Gretchen Barron, who is an INCREDIBLY gifted and GIVING demonstrator. She's a real hero in my opinion, helping to start a relief group for demonstrators who have been devastated by catastrophe.

It was a sketch challenge, and I followed it pretty closely. :D

Card stocks: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Creamy Caramel

Stamp sets: Defining Alpha, Pendant Park

Accessories: sponge, brayer, Big Shot - I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!!!, Top Note die, craft knife, paper trimmer, bone folder, leaves #2 die

This was a fun break! Now, back to the invitations! :D

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! I hope you'll take the time to enjoy your friends and family, but take a little time to STAMP SOMETHING, too! :D

Scanned but not posted! :D

OOPS. I've been SO busy today - seriously. Who stole my day?!?!? :D I scanned this in, then made two pies. LOL!

PLEASE don't forget to enter for my blog candy giveaway! Just scroll down to Monday's blog entry; you've got until Sunday to enter! And it's not hard to find the answers to those questions - there IS a way to go to the first entries without having to scroll through every page! :D

So! This is my challenge card for Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge for this week. I have fallen in love with this color combination for some reason. LOL!


Card stocks: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery

Stamp sets: Autumn Splendor, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: Ticket corner punch, Crystal Effects, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch

It's a pretty simple card, but TRUST ME, not having any fingerprints in the CE is a MIRACLE. LOL!!!! I really like it; it seems like a very soothing color combination. And I LOVE the versatility of the Autumn Splendor stamp set.

SO. Have you entered the challenge? I'd love to see what you come up with! :) So go STAMP SOMETHING!!!!

Fall Stamp Camp

Well, what do you know. :D I actually got back here today! It's a miracle!

DO NOT FORGET THAT THIS IS BLOG CANDY WEEK! Just scroll down to find out how you can enter. :D

Here are the projects we did last night. Expect to see that basket done in a few different forms - Barb C. and Mary N. and I were brainstorming last night, and darn it, I'm going to have to do some more of them. :D The Decor Elements are WONDERFUL for doing heirloom-quality shadow boxes with. I've got last year's AND this year's in the studio!


Remember, you can click on the photo to enlarge. The basket is the pillow box die that is making the rounds as a jack o' lantern right now, but we did an APPLE - and it's soooooooo cute IRL!

OK. Back to work. :D Now, YOU take the time to STAMP something - and show it to me! :D

Let me explain.... :D

Good morning! (I can still say that! :D) I know some of you are really disappointed when I don't post on a day, and yesterday was one of those days. I always have good intentions, I promise - but Tuesdays are SUPER busy days for me, and I'm usually not home that much. I'm not going to promise to post on Tuesday, but I WILL try. :) You MIGHT get two posts today from me, but I'm not promising THAT, either - I have a lot to do, and only a little time to do it in, just like everyone else. :D

This card is for Stamping 411's challenge this week. The color combination is not one of my regular ones, and I kind of morphed the challenge a bit. :D

Card stock: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Taken With Teal, Apricot Appeal

Ink: Apricot Appeal, Versamark

Stamp sets: Holy Triptych, Many Merry Messages, Christ is Born

Accessories: Assorted Stampin' Write Markers, 1-3/4" circle punch, scallop edge punch, paper piercer, mat pack, dimensionals

So! :D Let me know what you think of this card, and I'm OFF to get busy on the billions of things I should be doing.... :D Have a WONDERFUL day, and be sure to take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!

Blog Candy Week! :D

WOW. I've been blogging since - well, I'll let that be one of the ways you can get an entry. :D Let's just say it's been a LONG time. I've met a lot of great people along the way, and I count MANY of you as dear friends. Thank you for being along for the journey!

Since I turned over 10,000 hits on my blog last week - and that's since I restarted the counter earlier this year!!!! - I wanted to give you a chance to win some blog candy. To enter, you can do one or all of the following! :)
1. Leave me a comment!
2. Leave me a comment telling me the date of my FIRST POST. :D
3. Leave me a comment telling me the date of the journaling in that first post's scrapbook sample - click on the picture to get the larger file. :)
4. CASE (copy and steal everything) one of the samples on my blog, and post it and leave the link for me, or send me a scan at poohisstampin@aol.com. :)

The prize package will be a $25 gift certificate for Stampin' Up!, redeemable ONLY through me! :) Sorry, ladies, but I can only do this if you live in the States. Open to demos AND anyone else! :D

Now, for my sample! This is my FIRST page from playing with the new MY DIGITAL STUDIO, available OCTOBER 1!!!!! It's an AWESOME program, very intuitive and fun. You can use other things you upload, and there are templates or do-it-yourself pages. There are multimedia capabilities, and you can also do CARDS with it! It's REALLY rockin'. :)

Don't tell anyone, but I'm making a holiday book for my parents. :D The holidays are really special around here! (Some of you are saying, "DUH!!!":D)


It was FUN to do this page! :D I can't wait for an opportunity to show it off to you!

OK, I'm off. I will draw for the winner of the blog candy on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4!!!! I'm turning on comment moderation, so you have to do your own homework! :D Have FUN, and take the time to look around my blog some more while you're here. HOPEFULLY, you'll be inspired to STAMP SOMETHING!! :)

Last night's WOW Box Class!

I want to thank my fellow demonstrators Yvonne and Kathleen for sharing this GREAT project and the basic tutorial! We had a GREAT time last night, and made the cutest boxes - well, take a look for yourself. :)


We also did a coordinating card with Elegant Eggplant; it was SO easy to do this box!!! If you're looking for a great gift, take a look at their tutorial. (You'll still be sorry you missed our class. :D)

Here's the recipe:

Card stock: Ruby Red, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip


Stamp sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Autumn Splendor

Inks: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Autumn Traditions DSP, dimensionals


We did the candles because I had them and because Yvonne's tutorial used them - but you could put LOTS of things into this incredibly clever little box!

I'm telling you, you're missing a LOT when you miss my classes. :D

So. Have a WONDERFUL weekend, and don't forget to take the time to stamp something!!! :D Look for blog candy next week! :)

I'm either procrastinating, or.... :D

Well, I got hit by another challenge. LOL! This one is from the Divas Coffee Break Design Blog; the challenge was to make a card using Real Red, Bermuda Bay, Very Vanilla, and Soft Suede.

At first, I thought about a Christmas design; that color combo does make a beautiful Christmas one. But I stood at my stamp cabinet, and just thought out things. :D And instead, this is what I created.


The card stock layers from the bottom up: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay

Stamp sets are Medallion and Simple Friendship

Inks are Real Red and Soft Suede.

Accessories are Fire Square Rhinestone Brads, Modern Label Punch, and dimensionals. :)

If you participate in the challenge, please be sure to let me know so I can go see your card! I'm trying not to spend so much time online - but I don't want to miss your card!!! :)

Now, go on. Take the time to STAMP something!! :)

Fancy Folds II, part 2! :D

Good morning, everyone! I've been SO enjoying hearing from people - and a lot of NEW visitors, YEA! :D - lately. Thank you for leaving comments!!!

One person has asked for directions on making the square challenge card I did; I am planning on doing a video tutorial SOON, I promise! I don't have contact info for you, but keep watching this blog. I've got my laptop fixed, so I can use my Flip again! :) I have one small hurdle to get around, and then I'll do it.

OK! So, you liked the shutter card I showed you yesterday! :) I'm so glad!!!

Today's cards are the other two from the class; the first is a step card, and there are MANY variations on this one. The second is a wiper card. I'm going to show you at three pictures for each card: a flat one, which is the way you can mail it, one of it standing the way it's made to stand, and one of an angled view, so you can see more detail. :)

On with the show! :)

(The sky is stippled with Bashful Blue, but it didn't show up in this scan very well!)

Card stock: Garden Green, Whisper White

Ink: Garden Green, Ruby Red (accent on back bushes), Chocolate Chip

Stamp sets: Pendant Park, Really Retro



Don't forget! You can click on the pictures to make them larger!





Now, the wiper card!


(I love Real Red! LOL! AND IT'S ONLY 92 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!)

Card stock: Real Red, Whisper White, Garden Green

Ink: Encore Gold Metallic, Garden Green

Stamp sets: Many Merry Messages, Delightful Decorations

Accessories: Merry Moments Designer Series Paper, ticket corner punch, eyelet edge punch, paper piercer, mat pack, Sticky Strip


If you're missing my classes, you're missing a lot, ladies!!! Tonight is a WOW box, and I can't wait to show it to you tomorrow!!!!

Have a wonderful day! Don't forget to take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!! (And go to My Stampin' Up! Website for 24/7 shopping!!!!)

Happy Fall, AGAIN! :D

Hi, everyone! It's LOOKING like fall out my window - leaves are starting to turn, and it is kinda gloomy, as it's been for almost two weeks. But the temperatures are still warm, and the hummingbirds are chasing around the back yard. :)

Thanks so much for the comments on yesterday's cards! I'm glad you liked them; I think everyone who had a chance to make them had fun, too. :)

Today, I'm going to show you ONE of the three cards from last night's FANCY FOLDS II class; it qualifies for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge this week, so it's going to be my SECOND entry. :D Three shots: the front, the card standing open, and a shot of the top down - it's a shutter card!

First, the recipe!

Card stock: More Mustard, Sahara Sand, Garden Green, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, White craft

Stamp sets: Autumn Splendor, Simple Friendship, A Rose is a Rose

Accessories: Autumn Traditions DSP, heat tool, embossing buddy, white embossing powder, dimensionals

I really, really love how this one came together - and the way the three stamp sets' WORDS coordinated with the DSP and the leaf stamp!

Now, standing open:


And, finally, from an angle on top, so you can see how unique the fold is!

We had a really great time with class last night; this was the most difficult of all of them, just because of the decorating part. The actual CARD is surprisingly easy! :)

I'd love to hear what you think of this one. And be on the alert: I'll probably be posting blog candy soon, because the new counter just flipped over 10,000 hits! :) THANK YOU for being such a loyal follower (if you are); you keep me stampin'!! :)

Now, take the time to STAMP SOMETHING, would ya?!?!?

Happy FALL! :D

Christmas is coming SOOOOOOO quickly!!! But it's now FALL, and it's one of our favorite times of year around here. :) Not only is it that time of year, but the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge this week is fall. :D

So, today I'm giving you the two samples from my clubs this month - which also happen to fall into the FALL category. LOL! Tomorrow, I'll HOPEFULLY get out the camera and do another fall card from tonight's Fancy Folds II class. It turned out really beautifully!

Anyway. :D On to the show!

This is a really simple card; the card stocks do most of the work! :)

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Ruby Red

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie

Stamp set: Lovely as a Tree

Accessories: ticket corner punch, sponges, dimensionals, Big Shot (I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!), Perfect Details Texturz Plate (SU! exclusive, new this year!)

It was fun watching what different trees everyone came up with! :) Use more of one color than another, and it completely changes the feel of the piece!

This one is my personal favorite. :)

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango

Ink: Versamark (Inside - Creamy Caramel)

Stamp set: Autumn Splendor (Holiday Mini), Celebrate Everything (Inside - Teeny Tiny Wishes)

Accessories: Heat tool, embossing buddy, clear embossing powder, gold embossing powder, Big Shot (yeah, you know it! :D), Top Note die (SU! exclusive!)

I wish you could see this one IRL; it's very RICH, and has beautiful texture. :)

OK! I'm off to clean up the studio a little bit before tonight's class. :) I can't wait to show you the cards from tonight, plus I have more 3D things to show you, as well! And next Monday is the Fall Stamp Camp, and the main project is sooooooooo great!! :D The second is pretty good, too! LOL!

Have a WONDERFUL evening! And for your sake, PLEASE take the time to STAMP something! :) Be blessed!

Christmas is only 95 days away!!!!

It's definitely time to at least start thinking about your cards! Between making at LEAST a few for the special people in your life and addressing them, you KNOW it always takes more time to do then than you think. :D So, today I'm going to show you the other two cards from Saturday's class!


I just think this is a really fun card! :)

Card stock: So Saffron, Real Red, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Night of Navy, Chocolate Chip

Stamp set: Dasher (Inside, Many Merry Messages)

Accessories: Neighborhood Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel and handle, Night of Navy ink cartridge, 1-3/4" circle punch, sponge dauber, round Fire Rhinestone Brad, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker.

The only thing I DON'T like is the way the clouds turned out on my sample. We left them off. :D



I honestly think this is my favorite of the three. I LOVE holly - I think it's the color combination of it. :D The Soft Holly wheel is also inside, along the top and bottom as a border.

Card stock: Mellow Moss, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: White craft

Stamp sets: Christmas Punch (Level 2 Hostess-only stamp set!), Delightful Decorations (Holiday Mini!) (Inside, Many Merry Messages)

Accessories: Soft Holly Stampin' Around wheel & handle, Mellow Moss ink cartridge, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, white embossing powder, embossing buddy, heat tool, wide oval punch, ornament punch (Holiday Mini!), dimensionals

We had a great time, and I hope our cards might inspire you a little bit! :D Be sure and tell me your favorite card - and then, go take the time to STAMP something!! :) Have a WONDERFUL day!

I know it's Saturday...

but I wanted to do a challenge today, and I don't want to forget to go back and post on their site. :D This challenge comes to us from Stamping411 - there are some GREAT girls over there heading up this site!

This one was another SHAPE challenge. And I didn't want to do the obvious. :D So, here you go!

Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Melon Mambo

Ink: Versamark, Melon Mambo

Stamp set: Simple Friendship

Accessories: Black embossing powder, heat tool, embossing buddy, aquapainter, dimensionals.

I almost did a Christmas card, but I think I've had enough of those for the day. :D Let me know what you think of this card! And take the time to stamp something this weekend - I sure am. :D

Friday night...

and here I am!!! :) This is one of the cards from tomorrow's Christmas Card Class Trio. It's the simplest of the three, and I really like it!

Here's your recipe!

Card stocks: Brilliant Blue, Shimmery White, Whisper White

Ink: Brilliant Blue

Stamp sets: Holy Triptych, Many Merry Messages

Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint, Sponge Dauber, rhinestone brad, ticket corner punch, modern label punch, scallop edge punch, dimensionals

I'd love to hear what you think of this one! :) Enjoy your weekend, and take the time to STAMP something!!!!! :)

SO out of my comfort zone with this card!

Happy Thursday! It's still pouring outside most of the time - and LOTS of standing water! - but inside, I've got the fall decorations (which include LIGHTS this year, thanks to my mom! :D) and Christmas music playing while I design Christmas cards. It's pretty sweet. :D

ANYWAY. A dear friend of mine, Allison - HI, ALLISON! :D - pointed me to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge Blog today. FUN stuff! So, I decided to take a break from designing Christmas cards to work on this challenge. This card meets the challenge requirements, will take up today on this blog, AND be something I can send to Sherrill! :D Sweet!

But I'm not really comfortable with square cards. I'm used to doing proportions for the standard card or a round card. Or maybe a SMALL 3x3 square, which is quite easy to fill. :D



Here's the recipe!

Card stock: Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla

Ink: Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip Craft Ink

Stamp sets: AUTUMN SPLENDOR and TEENY TINY WISHES

Accessories: Chocolate Chip corduroy button, gold cord, heat tool, embossing buddy, clear embossing powder, dimensionals, pop-up glue dots, AUTUMN TRADITIONS designer series paper.

Be sure and tell me what you think! And if you do the challenge, please be sure to tell me where it is, so I can come look!!! Regardless, make sure you take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!! :)

Rainy days and Wednesdays??? :D

I woke up to the sound of POURING rain earlier, and it really hasn't let up much. There's standing water in both the front and back yards! Everything looks clean and renewed. :) And, as promised, here are the other three cards from last night's Advanced Techniques class! (All from TECHNIQUE JUNKIES, if I remember correctly! :D)

This one is called MODERN GRID.
It's an oldie but goody. :) Stamp set is JUST BUZZIN' BY; card stock colors are Whisper White and Pumpkin Pie. Stampin' Write Marker colors are Summer Sun, Bordering Blue, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, and Ruby Red; the words are stamped in Pumpkin Pie. :)




This won the favorite technique of the evening award. :D It's called BRUSHED INKS. Card stock colors are Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, and Glossy White. Ink colors are Pumpkin Pie, Creamy Caramel, and Close to Cocoa. The accessories we used are Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, small oval punch, and Pumpkin Pie ribbon. The stamp sets are AUTUMN SPLENDOR and TEENY TINY WISHES. (I just love those sets!:D)

This last one, I can't remember for the LIFE of me the name of!!!! As soon as I find out, I'll edit this post and tell you. :D


Card stock colors are Whisper White and Night of Navy. Stamp set is CHRIST IS BORN. Inks are Regal Rose, Night of Navy, and Versamark. As accessories, we used the ticket corner punch, the embossing buddy and heat tool, and clear embossing powder. It's not done in your "normal" color choices for Christmas, but I really like this card!!!! :)

OK, it's your turn. Which technique is your favorite, just by the sample I showed you? (It's not a REAL test because a lot has to do with how much you ENJOY doing a technique....:D)

Now, then. Have you been stamping? Yes?? COOL! Show me what you've created! No?!?!? Oh, oh. You're probably all stressed out. Here. Have a seat. Here's an ink pad and a stamp. Let me get you some card stock. What color would you like?? You KNOW you wanna. It's THERAPY! :D So PLEASE, take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great day! :D

It's getting late...

but it's STILL Tuesday! :D

We had a great time tonight at Advanced Techniques; I'm going to share ONE of the cards we made - and this is also one that will go to Sherrill, who hired me to make samples for her. :) This technique is from Technique Junkies! Love that Pat and her design team! :)

It's called Inside-Out Vellum. Isn't it pretty?

Colors are Ballet Blue, Whisper White, and Certainly Celery. The stamp set is ROSE IS A ROSE. I'll show you the other three tomorrow - HOPEFULLY I'll be home most of the day! :D

Have a great night - and take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm off!

I know I haven't posted much this week. But you'll just have to forgive me. :) I'm off to spend a weekend with my husband; Monday was our 13th anniversary. Eight years ago today, we were in San Francisco celebrating our 5th anniversary with the "honeymoon" we never had. Nor will we ever forget that anniversary trip.

Anyway. :) I'll be back next week; I've been creating up a storm, and will hopefully be able to show you something! :D

Have a wonderful weekend - and take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!! :)

Happy Thursday! :)

Phew, is it busy around here! A workshop and a class to plan, a studio to clean, and lots of other stuff to do before I take off for a marriage retreat for the weekend. But I wanted to take a second and post something else new for you! :)

You know, I've shown you a lot of 3D stuff lately! I hope you're starting to think about the holidays, and how you can use some of these ideas for gifting and packaging! :)

Now, how cute is this bag??? It's a plain old brown lunch bag that I've cut down and sandwiched between two pieces of Glorious Green card stock. The handle is cut with the modern label punch. LOVE those Build-Bear dies, ladies and gentlemen! SO much fun to play with!!

Here's the "recipe". :)

Card stocks: Glorious Green, Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black

Stamp set: Many Merry Messages

Ink: White craft, Going Gray for sponging

Accessories: Big Shot, Bear die, Beary Merry die, 1" circle punch, Beary Essentials die, dimensionals, Modern Label Punch

I'd LOVE to help you put together some fun items for your children! Please just email me or call me, or go to my website and click SHOP NOW. :) And NOW, please take the time to STAMP something!! :)

Happy Wednesday Morning!

Wow, this week is FLYING by!!! Where's the time go???? And can you believe how beautiful the days are??? Inside, we're all decked out for fall; outside is starting to show hints of joining in very soon. :)

Anyway. If you're a loyal reader of my blog - THANK YOU, those of you who are! :D - you know I went to a funeral last week. Today's sample is a card I made for her to send to the special people as thank-you's. It's a SUPER simplistic card, but I figured that she didn't need much frill....

Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black

Stamp sets: Close as a Memory, Sincere Salutations

Ink: Going Gray, Basic Black

Accessory: Ticket corner punch

I *had* to do something. So there are a small stack of these cards on their way to her.

I'm off to create today and tomorrow; I have a couple of workshops to get ready for! :)

Have a WONDERFUL day - and be sure to take the time to STAMP something!

AUGH! How'd it get to be Tuesday already???

Oh, well. :) I know you're aware I went to Indiana for a funeral last week; it was a good visit for an awful reason. I really enjoyed my time with friends; there's NO place like the Midwest in the fall. And I'm AMAZED at how early fall is coming!! Could this be the year middle Tennessee has a real winter???;)

ANYWAY. This is another jam-packed week, but I took the time to do something fun to show you. :)

Remember the jar I did in the summer? This one?


Well, I decided to do something up for fall.

But what will show up fall colors?

Think, think, think....

I KNOW!! NUTS! I mean, it's the fall - harvest, right? And they're brown. AND Publix had a BOGO sale on them.... :D So, here's the new look for this jar!

Smoked almonds and natural almonds! :) I just took good ol' classic ink and smeared it into the Whisper White vinyl (available in rolls, GREAT value!!); then, I cut the leaves and pumpkin with our dies. Peeled them off the backing, and stuck them to the glass.

HOW EASY is this?!?!?! It would make a great gift for any reason, and is so easily changeable. Seriously. Get yourself a jar and start playing! There are SO many different Definitely Decorative Decor Elements already cut for you, how can you choose just one? That's the fastest way - order yours today, by going to my website and clicking on SHOP NOW! Or order your own BIG SHOT (cuz you KNOW you'll love yours as much as I love mine!) and your choice of dies. Try this with the BUILD-A-BEAR dies. TOO fun!!!!

Have a wonderful evening! :) Be sure to take the time to STAMP something!!!!

It's FRIDAY! :D

Have you had a good week? I really hope so! I'm in Indiana right now - but I hope you enjoy this sample! Look, 3D things two days in a ROW!! :D


Card stock: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Stamp set: Lovely Letters Alpha

Accessories: 1-1/4"-, 1-3/8"-, and scallop circle punches, Level One Hostess Only Paper Pack 3, black gingham ribbon

It's really cute in person!!! It's a big chunky wooden clothespin, to use as a memo holder. SO cute, and SOOOOOOOOO easy to alter!!!! As you notice, it matches the desk set from yesterday's post - easy way to classy up your desk. Unless there's no room for anything, like mine currently.... :D

OK. I'm OUTTA here! Have a wonderful weekend! Be sure to take the time to stamp something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your long weekend! :)

Office Accoutrement Class

Happy Thursday! :D I'm sorry you missed the class on Thursday; we made some cool things. One thing I won't be able to show you until I get the correct supplies again. :D

SO. Here's the big picture:



I LOVE this set. SOOOOOOO pretty - Sahara Sand is a real chameleon color!


Card stock: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Sahara Sand

Stamp set: Puns from the Past, Lovely Letters Alpha

Accessories: Big Shot, Natural Serif Alpha die, copy paper, binder clips, Level 1 Hostess Only Paper Pack 3, jumbo paper clip, 1-1/4"-, 1-3/8"-, and scallop circle punches, SU! gusseted envelopes (page 169, item #115693, 3 for $5.95).

Tomorrow's sample will be something we DIDN'T do with this set, but that I made to go with it. :) Be sure and come back - you won't want to miss it!

Have you called or emailed me about hosting a party yet? You don't wanna miss THAT, either!!! Now, go take the time to STAMP something! Life's SHORT - bless someone! You know a card is a hug with a fold in the middle, right? :)

Yes, it's Wednesday. I checked... :D

Good afternoon, my friend! Sorry about being AWOL yesterday; it's been an odd week, and I started a new Bible study yesterday morning - it's going to be AWESOME, but it takes a bit to get into the swing of things again. :)

For those of you who are waiting on my newsletter: one of my dearest friends in the whole world lost her husband this week, so I'm trying to get ready to go be with her for the funeral. It may be the beginning of next week before I get it out. I'm sorry! I'll post this month's HOSTESS SPECIAL after the card today - it's a FANTASTIC special, so call me or email me with when you'd like to have your party!!!!!! SERIOUSLY. You'll want to host!!! (If you don't live nearby, you can still do a book party! Just email or call me!!!)

Anyway. :) Here's today's sample!


Card stock: Whisper White, Ruby Red, Basic Black

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Stamp set: Autumn Splendor - NEW IN HOLIDAY MINI!

Accessories: Big Shot (CHECK OUT THE GREAT NEW DIES IN THE HOLIDAY MINI!!!), Top Note Die, Autumn Traditions DSP

I REALLY like the clean lines of this card! It's an unusual color combination, but the leaf stamp coordinates SO well with the DSP!

Now, for that hostess special!!! Can't do it this month? It goes through NOVEMBER - but get on my calendar NOW, because I'm booking up. Seriously, if you look at my class schedule, you'll see - November will be difficult to get into!!! CALL OR EMAIL ME NOW!!


We're excited to bring you this sweet deal for hostesses September through November:

• Host a workshop totaling $250 or more and choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10!
  *Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.

On October 1, when My Digital Studio is released to customers, this offer will become even sweeter:

• Host a workshop of at least $400 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97)!

HOLEY MOLEY!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU REALIZE WHAT A SWEET DEAL THIS IS?!?!? Besides an extra hostess set if your party qualifies, you also get these specials!!!!!!!!!!!! Do NOT delay - call me NOW!!! Plus, if you book and have your party before the Hostess Appreciation Luncheon on October 24, you get to come to that event for FREE - ONLY hostesses get invited. :)


I'm setting up the posts so the rest of the week will have something to show you. :) I hope you have a great weekend, and TAKE THE TIME TO STAMP SOMETHING!!!!