Guest Artist Amy Wilson

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow, at my house from 2 - 4:30 p.m., we're having our annual IDEA BOOK & CATALOG OPEN HOUSE! If you're local, please drop by! There will be a couple of snacks and stamping and new IBCs. :D If you're local and can't come, you can place an order with us to save shipping! Just let me know! If you'd like to place an order from ANYWHERE, please use this HOSTESS CODE where it asks! JMMZFCM6
Don't forget that you need to go through my business site to place your order - just click on this, then click on the SHOP NOW link on the top right corner. :) If you haven't perused the new IBC, click on the link at the top right of the blog. Yup, right over there... --->

Now, then. My dear friend, Amy, helps me out every year by designing cards for the Stamping Spot. She and I have very different tastes, and I like to give my customers other ideas than mine. It gives Amy a chance to get her hands on the IN COLORS early, as well as the IBC. :D And this is the first one I want to share with you. Isn't it fun? That crustacean has quite the antennae! :D

OK, I'm outta here - lots to do before I'm ready for tomorrow. Heck, I don't know if I WILL be ready for tomorrow! :D But I'm looking forward to sharing the new IBC with friends! :)

Have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and take the time to STAMP something! 

Live Simply

Happy Friday! I hope you're having a great week, and have things you're looking forward to during the long weekend. :)

Today's share is a card I designed for the open house when I first got home - I just got it photographed. :)

I think it's rather pretty! The card stock colors are Whisper White AND Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, and Burnt Brown Sugar. Ink colors are Burnt Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, and VersaMark. We used the Gently Falling and Trust God stamp sets, and embossed the saying in Early Espresso. The background was done with plastic wrap, one of my favorite all-time backgrounds - it's so easy, but so nice.

OK, I'm outta here! Have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to make the time to STAMP something! :) Don't miss MDS Monday - it's pretty cool! :D

Finally Friday! Collaboration for you!

Good Friday Morning!

We can now say I've blogged a whole week! :D Here's hoping it's a trend.

Today is one of the two cards Amy and I collaborated on. She brought her THOUGHTS & PRAYERS stamp set to use; I don't have it except for MY DIGITAL STUDIO, but I think it's a beautiful set. SO, she brought it to use!

She did everything - up to a point. My addition was the rhinestones at the base of each scallop. I think that extra bling is exactly what it needed! :D

We liked the color combination, because many times situations one might send this card for are thought to be dark. The Perfect Plum and Wisteria Wonder are subdued but not dismal! :)

OK, I'm outta here! We start rehearsals for ROGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA this weekend. Phew. :D

Have a wonderful day! Be sure and make the time to STAMP something!!!

Gallery Filling With Amy!

Good Wednesday Morning!

See? I said I'd be here, and here I am. :) Two in a row again! WOO, HOOO!!! :D

Some of you may not know that my friend, Amy, helps me out yearly by making cards (and, when I give her time to think, other things, too! :D ) to fill up my Stampin' Spot. We have decidedly different tastes and takes on everything, and I think it's great to get her creativity on display. :D Well, this year I didn't give her much time - she came over the day of my open house to stamp with me. :D She did cards, and I did cards, and we collaborated on cards - and honestly, the two collaborations turned out to be some of my faves of the day. :D

This one is ALL Amy. :)

Isn't it cute?? She did a great job, and brought her embossing folders - because I hate hounds tooth. :D But I love it on this card!!

Don't forget - you can click on any photo to see it in the size I uploaded it as.

If you have questions, please ask. If you want to know colors, I'll go look it up. :D As well as all the other important information. LOL

Have a wonderful day! Be sure and STAMP something - and let me know you're out there!!!

New products!

Good morning! I hope you've had a chance to look through your new Idea Book & Catalog! There are some really fun new sets, and a whole lot of great new accessories.

The card on the left is one of the two projects we did at the Open House last Friday; the colors are two of the new IN COLORs, Summer Starfruit (the greenish-yellow) and Midnight Muse (the dark blue). I have to say, I really do like this color combination; it seems to me to be an outstanding combination for male cards!

The cake is from MAKE A CAKE; the banner stamp is from ITTY BITTY BANNERS - which coordinates with the new Big Shot BITTY BANNERS FRAMELITS. The designer series paper is called PATIO PARTY; the card on the right is what I got when I reversed the DSP. I obviously had to make it a landscape-oriented card, because of the print, but I think it really works that way, too. I'd probably use it for younger guys, like perhaps a teenager, but it's still got a more masculine feel to it, I think.

Have you tried anything yet? Have you placed your order yet? :) If I can help in any way, please let me know. :) Have a WONDERFUL day, and please be sure to take the time to STAMP something!

I will MISS this stamp set!

Oh, I will SO miss this stamp set! This is Fifth Avenue Floral; it was done in Concord Crush and Whisper White, with a little Brushed Silver stuck in there.

The saying on the heart was from GRATEFUL GREETINGS.

Aren't you going to miss it, too??? :)

Don't forget! FRIDAY is my big NEW IDEA BOOK & CATALOG OPEN HOUSE, plus a whole LOT of stuff in a craft rummage sale! Open house is from 4 - 7. PLEASE come if you can, and bring a friend! :D

Now, then. Go take the time to stamp something - and be SURE to place your order for the retiring stamp sets you want BY THURSDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You missed a lot of fun!

Yup, I know it's the weekend, but I haven't shared too much with y'all lately - so consider it my way of thanking you for sticking around! :D

Not only did I have lots of retired things for sale, we had a great time looking at the new Idea Book & Catalog, and I had three projects to stamp! I'm going to use a bold N for new stuff for a couple of days or so.... Even the old IN COLORS that are now back! :)

Here's the first:

Card stock: Concord Crush N, Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette N

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Concord Crush N (inside)

Stamp sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Occasional Quotes N (Level 3 hostess-only set, inside)

Accessories: Big Shot :D, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder N, dimensionals

There's a little too much blue in the light, but you get the gist of this card. :D

Next one!

Yup, it's got CINNAMON KETTLE CORN in it - a Sandra Lee recipe for the last Houseparty I did. :) It's YUMMY - and so's this new stamp! :)

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight N, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red (I know, it doesn't look like it, but it is! I think it's the dye lot!)

Stamp: Homemade N

Accessories: Big Shot :D, Fancy Favor box die, 1-3/4" circle punch, 2-3/8" scallop circle punch N, dimensionals, sticky strip

Isn't it CUTE?!?!? I love the new punch, and the new stamp. :)

And here's the third project!


I really, really like this card!

Card stock: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist N, Whisper White

Ink: Marina Mist N, Certainly Celery

Stamp set: Because I Care N (level 1 hostess-only set, and I ADORE it!!!)

Accessories: ticket corner punch (inside)

The "thank you" stamp that comes with the set is on the inside, along with the second-generation stamp of the hydrangea. It's a very calming, peaceful card!

OK. I'm outta here, to try and recooperate a bit - I have a cough that just won't go away, and my ribs are letting me know! Say a prayer if you think about me! :)

Have a WONDERFUL Fourth of July celebration; enjoy your time with your family and friends, and I HOPE you take the time to STAMP something fun for your table! :D

Pictures to come later!

I'm working my fingers off to make sure we all have a great time this afternoon! A little cooking, a little (OK, a LOT!) cleaning, a little cutting, a little rearranging.... :D

If you CAN be here today between 4 and 7, just drop in. I cannot WAIT to show you the new stuff!

BIG things in the works!!!

PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!! This new Idea Book & Catalog has meant BIG cleaning, BIG planning, and BIG help around the studio!! Amy came over yesterday to help me, bless her!!!

See that stack of card stock? That's just PART of what I'll have at the discount sale going on at the same time as the OPEN HOUSE on Friday from 4 - 7!! If you're looking for something - ink, card stock, stamp set - that's been retired, bring your list!!!!





Tackling the Inspiration Station is a DAUNTING task, with the color renovation! It's on my TO DO for today!

The big challenge is remembering which colors are gone for the new year! :) I'm also designing some new things for the Station; the new colors are so exciting to work with!


I've got LOTS of retired cards for sale; I'm thinking of going ETSY with them. Any opinions out there about ETSY?




See those two middle boxes? Those are FULL of ink pads, Stampin' Write Markers, and Stampin' Spots - besides a few stamp sets! - to sell Friday!






Yup. Stacks of STUFF that will be available on Friday - we cleaned out, and I was RUTHLESS with my retired stamp sets! There are some that retired five years ago! Be SURE to check them out when you're here!

I'm not a hard taskmaster - Amy loves to clean and purge. :D We're opposites, can you tell?!?!? :D

TOMORROW THE LINK FOR THE NEW IDEA BOOK & CATALOG GOES LIVE!! Tune in for details, and if you're in the are, PLAN ON COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (And stamp something! :D)

HA! I skipped the Eighth Week - so this is the NINTH Week of Christmas!

Boy, oh boy. I psyched myself out on that one.... :D So here is the project that the Ninth Week of Christmas email is going to tell you all about!

Isn't it about the cutest thing?? :D Would it ever make a GREAT party favor!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend - and if you're in the area, Sunday from 3-5 is our Open House! Just come and ENJOY!!!! I hope I'll get to see you then! :)

Now, go STAMP SOMETHING!!!!! 'Tis the season to be jolly - Christ came so you could have LIFE, and have it more ABUNDANTLY!!!

GOOD MORNING!! It's OPEN HOUSE day!!!

If you've never been to one of my open houses, I hope you're coming today. :D We stamp, we OOH and AAH, we laugh, we eat, and we OOH and AAH some more! :D From 4-7; email me if you need directions!

Today's two samples use the new MODERN LABEL PUNCH. This first card is one I made for my dear friend and great customer, Kathy's, birthday. :D

Card stocks: Whisper White, Gable Green, Melon Mambo (NEW IN COLOR!!!)

Ink: White craft, Melon Mambo

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Wishes - NEW!!!

Accessories: Melon Mambo Polka Dotted Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, pencil eraser, Big Shot, Top Note Die, glue dot, dimensionals

Isn't it FRESH?? I LOVE the new Melon Mambo!!!! It's glorious, so juicy! :D

This was my Father's Day card for my dad; he's a phenomenal gardener, and loves his lillies. :)

Card stocks: Whisper White, Summer Sun, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Ink: Versamark, Garden Green

Stamp sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: Clear embossing powder, white embossing powder, heat tool, embossing buddy, Summer Sun, More Mustard, and Pumpkin Pie re-inkers, Aqua Painters, Modern Label Punch, dimensionals

I really like the way it turned out!

OK. I'm off to do the last-minute things for the open house! Have a wonderful day, come see me if you get the chance, and CERTAINLY take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's WEDNESDAY!

Good morning! How are you today? Are you enjoying spring weather, wherever you are? It's raining here - but it's that nice spring soaking rain, and everything is looking so fresh! The tulips are starting to come up with a vengeance - there are beautiful pink ones where yesterday there weren't any!!! :)

But you didn't come here to listen to me ramble about flowers or weather! On with the show!

I'm FINALLY showing you the last of the three projects we did at the last New IB&C Open House. :) It SAYS spring to me!

Here's the recipe!

Card Stocks: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White, Cameo Coral

Inks: Kiwi Kiss, white craft

Stamp Set: Love Ya Much!

Accessories: Scallop edge punch, Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper, Sweetest Stem Embosslit, sponge

I bet you can figure out the process all by yourself - but let me know if you have a difficult time with something. :)

OK, I'm off - I have a LOT to do today!!! I hope you have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, what DID we make at the open house???

I'm only going to show you two of the projects, because I'm going to take my show on the road and go visit a few friends and make the third project with them. :)

Here's the first:

This is a new LEVEL 2 HOSTESS-ONLY STAMP SET! It's called RUSTIC ROOSTER, and the ONLY way you can get this set is by placing an order of $300 or more, or hosting a party that has more than $300 in sales. (It's not hard to do!!!!)

We colored the rooster with Stampin' Write markers, and stamped him on the Naturals White card stock. Then, we masked off just a small strip, and stamped the little postage-type stamp above and below him in Ruby Red. Finally, we masked that strip, and stamped the French script stamp in Creamy Caramel on the very top and bottom. After rounding the corners with (what else?!?) the corner rounder punch, we ran the edges of the bookmark through the Ruby Red ink pad, and finally stapled a piece of Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon to the top. EASY, and cute!!!!

(Be watching next week for another sample with this proud bird!)

The second project is fun, too!

This scanner just doesn't like things that aren't absolutely flat!!! :)

The Top Note diecut is the topper for this treat bag - remember the Just Buzzin' By card on Tuesday?

This is the JUST BUZZIN' BY stamp set again. The words are stamped in Pacific Point (an IN COLOR, and one I really like!!!), and the bee is stamped in Chocolate Chip and colored with a YoYo Yellow Stampin' Write Marker. Then, we sponged the edges of the diecut with Pacific Point, just to give it a bit of a border.

We took one of our small cello bags and put five Bit-O'Honeys in it - it's amazing how full that makes the bag! - and then stapled the folded topper on with a single staple.

SUPER easy, quick, and simple - you could easily whip these up for teacher gifts, friend gifts, little pick-me-ups for any service provider you run into!

So. That's what we made Monday night, and I'm stickin' to my story. :D What have YOU stamped this week???????????

We're home! :)

WOW, am I glad to not be in the car! :D We put 1600 miles on our car in six days. Let's just say that's a LOT of sitting. LOL!

While we were with Kenn's cousin in Wichita, my sister-in-law, Susan, celebrated a big birthday. Kenn suggested that she'd like a journal when I asked him, so here we go! :)

Colors are obviously Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, and Very Vanilla. The ribbon is the ONLY thing I used that isn't current; I LOVED the satin ribbon from the 2007 Holiday Mini, and since I still had some.... :)

The spine's paper is from the current promotion/sneak peek from the NEW IB&C coming out MONDAY!!! The big mat is cut with the Top Note die; the letters are from the Natural Serif die. The smaller punches are the curly label, as well as CUTE & CURLY, the set that coordinates with the punch.

I think it was a hit, and I liked it myself. :) Susan is a big hiker, and everything except the ribbon is FLAT, so she can put it into her backpack, etc. It feels GOOD to make a gift special for someone!

I'm going to try to get some more posts set up like have the last week, so you'll have something fun to come check out every week day while I work on the OPEN HOUSE projects for next Monday, as well as birthday cards for Saturday's BIRTHDAY BONANZA. :)

What are YOU stamping?? You ARE stamping, aren't you?!?!? :D

Inspiration station!!! :D

PHEW, it's busy here!!! :D I promised Becky that I'd post this, though, so HERE YOU GO! :D

Hope you're planning on stopping by!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Idea Book & Catalog goes LIVE today! Isn't it BEAUTIFUL!?!??!

After 1 pm Mountain Time, you can start browsing through it on my website - CLICK HERE to go! (You'll have to click on the "products" link and the "catalog: link under that - because they're getting ready to go live, I can't link you all the way, just to my page!)

I hope that you're coming to my New Idea Book & Catalog Open House this evening, if at ALL possible. LOTS to see and do and tell you - and I'm working on getting the newsletter out tomorrow, too. If you aren't on my emailing list and would LIKE to be, please drop me an email at poohisstampin@aol.com and let me know! :)

OK, I need to jet - miles to go before everyone gets here. :) I'll be posting a pic of the Inspiration Station this evening, too - it's not QUITE full, but I did almost all the samples myself, and just ran out of time!!!! :D I hope you're taking the time to stamp something - at least to kill some time until you can browse through the new IB&C!! :D

Good morning!

How are you doing today? Have you been stamping?? It's been crazy around here - I'm trying not to be too depressed that I'm not at Stampin' Up!'s convention this week. Yesterday was difficult, but today's been good. :)

ANYWAY. I want to share another 6x6 s-page layout with you that we did this month for the Scrapbooking Class. Here it is!

It's monochromatic on purpose. :D I really love this stamp set - PEACEFUL WISHES - and it's going away. So, I wanted to use it one more time! It's really supposed to be a Christmas set, but I love the pine bough and cone for masculine cards, etc. So here we stamped it on Creamy Caramel card stock with Creamy Caramel classic ink. We corner-rounded the mats, and sponged the edges with Creamy Caramel. :D Then, we punched out an oval and put it behind the frame from the antique brass hodgepodge hardware, which isn't available anymore - but I know there are two NEW sets of HPH in the new book!! :D

I wish I could show and tell, but it's only ELEVEN MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting ready for my open house on the 11th, from 5-8. I really hope you're planning to come if you're in the area - you'll get to stamp with new stamps, see the new IN COLORS, and pick up your new Idea Book & Catalog!!!!! I SO CANNOT WAIT - it's gonna be AWESOME. Oh, and I'll have all-new samples up in the Inspiration Station, too! You won't want to miss it!

So, while we're all waiting for the new book, take the time to STAMP something! :D Then go bless someone with your beautiful project!

Wow! What a fun open house we had!!!!

This was the calm before the storm. :) Let me tell you: it was AMAZING how many people showed up today! It was wonderful to see everyone; I think we all had a good time catching up, looking at the new Idea Book & Catalog, placing orders, setting up parties, and, OF COURSE, making the projects! :) I'll show you those either tomorrow night or Monday - BUSY day tomorrow! - but I think you'll be sad you couldn't be here. :)

We really did have a good time. I was truly blessed to see many of my friends here! If you didn't make it in today, I'd still like to get you on my calendar while I have time and opportunity to. Please email me as soon as you can, or call me if you've got my number. ;D I can't wait - Monday is the Easy Card Class, and tomorrow is jam-packed with activities, so I've got to run! :) Have a WONDERFUL Sunday!

It has SO been one of those days...!

I just haven't been able to do anything RIGHT for anyone. I'm looking forward to our open house tomorrow, but I think I'm going to go to bed early tonight - so I'll not kill myself OR anyone tomorrow. :D

I wanted to show you what I was so busy with Thursday and Friday, so here you go....

These are sugar cookies. LOTS of them. :D I saw in a magazine a presentation done something like this, and knew I wanted to do this.

A customer who has become a dear friend of mine - hi, Kathy!!! :) - invited me to a cookie exchange luncheon today. These are just sugar cookie snowflakes, presented on Bashful Blue card stock - stamped in Night of Navy with "Warm Wishes" from HOLIDAYS & WISHES - and then slipped inside a transparent envelope. Pretty, huh? :D

Here's how I did up the swaps themselves; there were seven of us, so we got six dozen different cookies to take home - no one had to take their own back. :D

The card is a simple apron card - here's a close-up of it. If you want to see anything closer-up, just click on the picture, and you'll get a much BIGGER image. :D

So! I'll see some of you tomorrow, and I can't wait. Others, have a wonderful Sunday! Stay warm, stay happy with those who love you, and take the time to STAMP something - I'll be stamping after everyone leaves! :D

Keep doing your gifts! :D

Isn't this the cutest little basket??? It's not an original idea; I got it from Kimberley Morris, whose link is over in the link section to the right!

ANYWAY. Our scallop punch PERFECTLY fits a York peppermint patty; this basket holds two for shipping, three for a table favor. :) SUPER simple! You'll find the tutorial for the basket on Kimberley's site - both links in this text will take you there. :)

Since I don't do Halloween, I decided to use my favorite Cerise designer paper - alas, it was for sale too short a time!:D - and make a Christmas basket. It was going to be taught at a class, but the class didn't make. So my sample got shipped off to a lucky swap recipient! :)

OK, I'm off to do more baking and cooking for our Open House this Sunday; if you're local, please stop by any time from 4 - 7! If you need directions, please email me at poohisstampin@aol.com!

Now, go take the time to STAMP something - I have to! LOL!