It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!

I hope you're having a wonderful day, and have some wonderful, awesome times planned for your weekend. This is our last full weekend before Kenn leaves for Oregon! I'm excited - but SO much to do before we leave!!!!! :)

Last night, there was a party at my house. :) It was a small group, but we had a great time! I wanted to show you this one first; it was inspired by Robin Messenheimer; be sure and go visit her. She's incredibly talented! :)

But this is what we did last night:

Card stock: Daffodil Delight N, Pumpkin Pie, Marina Mist N

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Marina Mist N

Stamp set: Punch Potpurri (level 1 hostess-only set!), Grateful Greetings (inside)

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker, 2-step bird punch, boho blossoms punch, dimensionals

Isn't it pretty?? We made it a birthday card with what we stamped inside; it would make a great card for lots of occasions!

OK, I'm off. I'm finishing a class for tomorrow, to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. I can't wait to show you those, plus the other two from last night! :)

Have a WONDERFUL weekend, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!!

Fantastic Friday! :D

Hey, y'all! What a GLORIOUS day it is here in middle Tennessee today! It's 69° right now, sunny, and Mom and Dad have been working outside to uncover the plants. It won't be too long until the tulips come out - and then you might want to come take a class just to enjoy our back yard - or book a photo session!

But that's another business. ;D

Good news to report: Ev is feeling MUCH better, and is home. He's restricted from driving for the next three months, but is doing well. Thank you for praying!

On a sad note, another good customer and friend's mother passed away unexpectedly after surgery yesterday. Please keep Cindy in your thoughts and prayers; if you'd like to send me a condolence card to pass on to her, please do so!

Today's sample is another from those workshops earlier this month.


I just love TOTE-ALLY TESS. :) She's so much fun to stamp with!

Because I got TESS as a clear mount stamp, we were able to place several of the smaller stamps - the snips, stamp, and marker - on one acrylic block to use as a background. It was REALLY fun - and a really cool, crafty look!

Card stocks: Whisper White, Ballet Blue, Regal Rose

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, assorted Stampin' Write markers

Stamp set: Tote-ally Tess

The only accessory we used was adhesive! We stamped the "I ♥ Stamps" stamp inside. :)

OK, I'm off! There's a lot more work to do this weekend - and I cannot WAIT to show you what you're missing if you're not coming to the Easter stamp camp tomorrow! :)

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Be sure and 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!!!!

It's only 120 Days until CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW. That's four months, ladies and gentlemen! Have you started planning gifts?

Today's two cards - don't worry, I DO have another 3D item coming up soon! :) - are from workshops this month. They're fun, and simple - there's one for those of us who don't like to color, and one for those of us who do. :D


Card stock: Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Whisper White, Soft Suede

Ink: More Mustard

Stamp set: Autumn Days (inside, Sincere Salutations)

Accessories: Autumn Traditions DSP, dimensionals (inside, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker)

See? Simple, yet elegant. Several people mentioned that this would make a good sympathy card, as well.






Card stock: YoYo Yellow, Real Red, Only Orange, Whisper White

Ink: Jet Black Stazon

Stamp set: Just Buzzin' By

Accessories: Assorted Stampin' Write Markers, 1-1/4", 1-3/8". and scallop circle punches


Just a fun, summery, joyful card!!! So simple - and I love this stamp set; the bees are adorable!

OK. I'm off - my desk is a mess, and I'm procrastinating working on it. :D

Have a WONDERFUL day! Please be sure to take the time to stamp something!

Blog tour - DAY ONE!

WELCOME to my blog! I've been so excited about showing you some wonderful creations I've made with my feature set, THE MORE THE MERRIER. It's a level three hostess-only stamp set, which means you can only EARN this stamp set by hosting a party that has over $500 in sales. Contact your demonstrator - or, if you don't have one, ME! :D - for details!!! (You can view this stamp set on page 17 of your 2009/10 Idea Book & Catalog!)

I HAVE BLOG CANDY TO GIVE AWAY AT THE END OF THIS TOUR! All you have to do is leave a comment - and you may enter each day, so up to THREE entries per person! Be SURE and leave your email address so I may contact you. I'd really like to know what you think of each day's entries! The winner will receive SWEET LITTLE SENTIMENTS, a retired hostess-only stamp set, valued at $12.95!

Now, on with the show! I'm going to show you three samples each day: one card, one 6x6 scrapbook page, and one 3D project - and I'll probably have a few more to throw in as we go! :D IF you don't see something one day that floats your boat, come back the next day! :D Who knows what you might find??

Also, there are a LOT of samples on my blog. Please bookmark me, so you can come back when you have more time, and look around to your heart's content. :) My goal with my blog is to show you projects that YOU can do at home, not that you'll look at and say, "HOLY SMOKES! That's GORGEOUS!!!", and then not even attempt. :D I want you to know you can do it, and - if you don't like a color combo or a certain accessory, CHANGE IT! - and then DO it. :D

Please note: You can see any of the pictures larger by just clicking on them!!

If you have ANY questions, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask me! My contact information is in the sidebar; I'd LOVE to hear from you!

Now, ON WITH THE SHOW!

The Card


Card stocks: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Dusty Durango (All new IN COLORs for 2009/10!)

Ink: Jet Black Stazon

Stamp set: THE MORE THE MERRIER!

Accessories: Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper (DSP), IN COLOR Stampin' Write Markers, dimensionals

Super-simple, right? But It's a really fun card, and not your traditional colors!


The 6x6 Scrapbook Page

This page was designed by my dear friend, Amy. Didn't she do a great job?? I never would have thought of these colors together!!

Card stock: Basic Black

Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip

Stamp set: THE MORE THE MERRIER

Accessories: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, sponge, paper snips, dimensional

AGAIN, super-simple, and REALLY original!

The 3D Project

This is a 2-4-6-8 box; take 1/2 of a sheet of card stock (so, it's 5-1/2"x8-1/2"). Score along the 5-1/2" side at 1". Turn and score the 8-1/2" side at 2", 4", 6", and 8". Using paper snips, snip UP from the bottom to the 1" line along the four score lines. Take the little corner where the 1/2" tab is off; fold, and stick everything together with Sticky Strip! (Clear as mud?? Maybe, if you tell me to, I'll have to do a video tutorial on this one!)

Card stock: Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Dusty Durango and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers

Stamp set: THE MORE THE MERRIER

Accessories: Dimensionals, 1-3/4" circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-1/4"circle punch, 1" circle punch, paper snips

Wouldn't this be a fun place setting favor for your family's Thanksgiving feast? You could fill it with candy corn, too, but it's not out in our stores yet. :D

OK!! I'm off to do even MORE wonderful samples to show you! :) I hope you enjoy yourself today on the tour - and then, please take the time to STAMP something!! :)

I know, I know...!

I DO apologize, but there's been a lot going on in my personal life. I do apologize! So today, you'll get ALL the samples from my last 6x6 scrapbooking class! If you're in the area, I'm having a Stampin' Up! workshop tonight with MYSELF as the host. :D If you'd like to place an order, let me know - it will be the party shipping cost, not the individual. And if you'd like to COME, just let me know by 2 this afternoon! We're going to have a great time! :D

OK, on with the show!

Card stocks: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Jet Black Stazon

Stamp set: Level 3 Hostess-ONLY, The More The Merrier

Accessories: Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, and Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Markers

I really like this one! It's perfect for lots of different pictures, like a girls' tea party, or a birthday, or any special occasion.

Card stock: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Always Artichoke

Stamp set: Autumn Days

Accessories: 1-3/4" circle punch, Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper, sponge

Again, I think the simplicity of this set of pages works! Great for any outdoors shots, or any masculine need!

Card stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Ink: Bashful Blue, Real Red

Stamp set: Christmas Punch

Accessories: Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, wide oval punch, Modern Label Punch, dimensionals

You just can't go wrong with Christmas! :D


Card stock: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Stamp set: Simple Friendship

Accessories: Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker, five-petal flower punch, 1/2" circle punch

Simple, but eye-catching! This layout can be flipped any which way, and still be really appealing!

I hope you enjoyed today's show-&-tell! :D Have a wonderful day - and go STAMP SOMETHING!

Christmas is coming quickly!

Yup, today's post is a Christmas card - and a super-simple birthday card, because we did these yesterday at Cindy's workshop. We had a great time, and Cindy qualified for the Summer Fun Hostess Bonus!! It ROCKED!!! Her party came in at just over $400, so she got to pick the regular stuff - two free hostess sets, plus $45 worth of free stuff, HER CHOICE! - PLUS $40 more in free stuff!!!!!!!!!!! I'm REALLY excited for her! I have two more hostesses this month, and I'm hoping they'll at least make the smaller Hostess Bonus, which is at $250. Then they'll get an extra $25! If you want to get a party in before the end of June, please contact me immediately! It's also the last of the LAST CHANCE LIST time; the last time you can get those stamp sets is the end of June, and then they go away forever.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE THIRD ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CARD CONTEST!!!! There will be two winners - go to yesterday's post to get linked to the instructions!!!!!

Now, on with the show. :D


Card stocks: So Saffron, Whisper White

Ink: Riding Hood Red - retiring IN COLOR

Stamp sets: Cute & Curly (from CURLY LABEL PUNCH BUNDLE); inside - Holidays & Wishes - all retiring!

Accessories: SWEET SLUMBER cover-weight DSP (retiring), Curly Label Punch (from CURLY LABEL PUNCH BUNDLE, retiring), dimensionals

Can't get much more simple than this card! Pretty gender-neutral, too!

Now, on to the Christmas card - and it took lots of steps! :)



The smaller card is the INSIDE of the card; it was pretty cool itself, so I wanted to make sure you saw it. :)




Card stocks: Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold

Ink: Versamark

Stamp sets: Heritage Holiday, Holidays & Wishes - BOTH RETIRING

Accessories: So Swirly Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel (retiring), jumbo handle, uninked cartridge, Versamark refill, gold embossing powder, embossing buddy, heat tool, 1-3/4" circle punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, ticket corner punch

This was a really fun card to do. LOTS of steps, but they weren't difficult steps! There's an OPTIONAL step, as shown in the sample here. I put the circle I punched out back into the hole to mask the inside, then took a pencil eraser and inked it with Versamark. I stamped it half on the card front, and half onto the punched circle, to make a scallop pattern around my window. Then, it's embossed with gold EP, too; it just added a little finishing touch to the card. :)

OK, I'm off! Lots to do, no ambition. :D Same ol' same ol'! :D Have a WONDERFUL day - and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's WEDNESDAY!!!!

Woo, hoo! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a VACATION! Phew....

Last night, we had a great time stamping some new projects! I'll show you the two cards today!

SUPER simple, both of them!!!! REMEMBER: if you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!!!!!!!!!!!

Card stocks: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black

Inks: Real Red, Basic Black

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral

Accessories: Aqua Painters, Dimensionals

That's IT for this beautiful card!!!!

Card stocks: Vellum Cardstock, Pink Passion, Gable Green

Ink: White craft

Stamp set: Sincere Salutations (INSIDE: Hugs & Wishes, Holidays & Wishes)

Accessories: Big Shot, Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon

Again, HOW SIMPLE!! But I love this impressions die - so classy, so simple to use!

Do you remember the glittered card I posted - CLICK HERE to see the big picture of it - ?!? Everyone is just OOHING and AAAHING over it (although I do know someone who wouldn't want it in her house....:D) There is NOTHING simpler than using this die, and putting Crystal Effects into the depressions, and adding a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter. It's a knock-out!!!

Don't forget!!! FRIDAY AND SATURDAY are the blog tour days!!!!!!!!!!!! You won't want to miss this!!!!!!!

OK, I'm off - lots to do, as usual. :D Have a WONDERFUL day! And take the time to STAMP something, will ya?? :D

THREE projects for you today!

Yes, I said THREE! :D These are all from my last Sale-a-bration workshop last Sunday. We had a great time! And actually, you'll see three versions of one of the projects, so you'll actually see FIVE!!! Woah, what a BARGAIN for YOU! :D

Here we go!

So, here is your three-fer. :D We actually did the Real Red card, but I wanted to show everyone what I mean about changing the feel of the whole card JUST by changing the color! That's ALL I changed! (I borrowed the stamp set from Amy; please pray for her dad's health. Thanks!) These are SIP cards; we did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get positioning right, but you obviously don't have to!!!

So, the recipe for this one:

Stamp set: Bird on a Branch

Card stocks: on all three - Whisper White, Basic Black, Sahara Sand. From left to right - Mellow Moss, Real Red, Brilliant Blue

Inks: Mellow Moss, Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Basic Black

Accessories: So Swirly Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel and cartridges, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Simple, elegant cards! We stamped the saying "Thinking of you" frmo the set on the inside, too.

My hostess requested a Mother's Day project, so they could all get it done for their moms. :D So here's what I came up with. It's pink and has bling! :D

Card Stocks: Pink Pirouette, Pink Passion

Inks: Pretty in Pink, White craft

Stamp Sets: Three Little Words, A Little Birthday Cheer (inside), Big Deal Alpha

Accessories: Romance Standard Stampin' Around Wheel, standard handle and cartridge, white embossing powder, BIG SHOT and Top Note die (:D), 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Pretties Kit

YES, we all sparkled when we got done, but since the glitter is cosmetic-grade, who's complaining??? :D

Here's the final project - it's a little blurry in the center, sorry - dumb scanner!

These were FUN!!! I'll give you step-by-step on this one; you won't believe how cute and easy these are! :D

First, the "recipe" - stuff we used. You can substitute anything but the 1" circle punch! :D

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Just Buzzin' By, Simple Friendship

Card stock: Apricot Appeal

Inks: Apricot Appeal, Basic Brown

Accessories: 2-Way Glue Pen, 1" circle punch

Cut card stock at 2.5"x5". Fold in half. Unfold; center 1" circle punch, lining up the side that's toward the fold AT the fold. (Hmmmm. LMK if you need a picture of that one!) Punch out the hole; decorate as desired. Fold back over and center stamp on back of punched hole. Glue closed with glue; put some in center of image and allow to dry thoroughly - so it's repositionable. Put Lifesaver in - it fits PERFECTLY!!! :D

Have FUN!!! I hope you've enjoyed today's shares! Thank you those of you who are consistently visiting me; I REALLY appreciate you! :D I hope you're inspired to take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Workshop projects

Good morning! I don't know about where YOU are, but it's and incredibly beautiful spring day here in middle TN! The sun is shining, the early spring flowers are singing with color, and the birds are scolding the men who are building the deck outside! :D

But I'm sure you didn't come to hear what the weather's like. I promised you the three projects we did last night, and I'm here to deliver. :D Let me say, first of all, that this small group of hostesses are some of my business-builders, so we took our time and (I think!!) enjoyed ourselves doing these more-detailed projects.

On with the show!

I really like this card; it's a spin from one that was posted on the demonstrator's side of the Stampin' Up!® website. If you've been with my blog for a while, you know I accidentally purchased this set last year when I wanted to get INSPIRED BY NATURE. Didn't look it up because I thought I *knew* the name. You're looking at the stamp set NATURE'S SILHOUETTES. :D

We stamped the images of the tree and deer/elk/moose(?!?!) on Whisper White card stock, then stippled inks onto the card stock in this order: Bashful Blue on bottom, Not Quite Navy in the middle (YES, you read that right!!!) and Brocade Blue on top. Be sure to blend well!!

That layer is mounted onto a mat of Basic Black, then onto Bashful Blue. The saying is embossed in white BEFORE we took a baggie and pounced white ink all over the card base of Night of Navy. This just gives it a little texture and depth. Please, though, if you try this, be SURE to emboss the saying first! Otherwise, you'll have embossing powder stuck to the white you pounced everywhere!!! :)

On to the next project!

I really love this card. It just says SPRING to me! :)

That's the same set as we used last weekend for the Real Red card, SIMPLE FRIENDSHIP.

Ribbon - isn't it beautiful ribbon?? - is our new organdy; it's satin ribbon in the middle. And that's one of the (relatively!) new flower brads - I think they were designed JUST to go with this stamp set. They're beautiful!!!!

We took the eyelet border punch and did both the base card of Whisper White and the Summer Sun strip, and put those together. We stamped the large flower from the set all over the front in Summer Sun; we took the medallion and stamped it on Summer Sun with White craft ink, and embossed it with white embossing powder. Then, we punched it out with the 1-3/4" circle punch. We used the "true friend" saying and the small flower on the inside of the card. You could do this with any color, and it would be incredible!

And now, the last one - the 3D project. And I came up with it all by myself. :D

This funny bunny holds a Hershey's bar inside. I LOVE using my punches! (Hey, did anyone else notice we DID NOT use the Big Shot last night? I about passed out when I realized it! :D)

We used ALL of the following punches:

3/4" circle punch - eyes, foot pads, nose

1" circle punch - eyeballs, eyelids

1-1/4" circle punch - you can't see it, but we used it on the tail

1-3/8" circle punch - see above :)

Scallop circle punch - see above, plus nose

Wide oval punch - feet and ears

Large oval punch - ears

1/4" circle punch - toe pads

Colors are Whisper White and Pretty in Pink; we used a white gel pen for the highlights in the eyes, a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker to draw on the face. We sponged with Going Gray ink around the eyelids and the feet. We used the crimper on the bottom of the candy bar wrap. And we used Bashful Blue striped grosgrain ribbon for his bow! He's SUPER cute, don't you think???? :D

Please let me know which one of these is your favorite! :D I just can't decide. LOL!!!

Have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to stamp SOMETHING! :D

BIG post today!

OK, I'm sorry it's WEDNESDAY already. It's been a crazy month already - Sale-A-Bration is ROCKING around my studio this month! If you haven't placed your order, be sure to get it in this month!!!! Just click on the top icon on the right, and take a look at the free things you can earn with every $50 you order!

ANYWAY. Because I've got at least one person coming to THREE workshops during Sale-A-Bration - Hi, Mary! :D - I'm doing different things at each weekend's parties. These three are from this last weekend.

First, let me say that I always try to do two cards and a 3D project; it's a great way to get your hands on lots of fun toys, and if one design doesn't suit you, another one might! So, with that said, here are the projects!

Something I try to emphasize is that you can do a LOT more with more COLORS of ink and card stock than you can with a lot of STAMPS. Stamps are what we all crave, right? And I'm not saying that's a BAD thing. :D But when you're getting started, it's hard to want to spend money on the consumables. I can't tell you how much I see in people's eyes: "I can get card stock at other places. I want the STAMPS!" I try to let them go ahead for a bit, and see the difference in quality between what I have to offer them versus what you can get CHEAPLY. After all, I can't FORCE anyone to use the best on the market.... :)

This card is a GREAT SIP card - stamps, ink, & paper. The stamp set is SWEET STEMS; the colors are Sahara Sand, Basic Black, and Real Red; the white is our WONDERFUL gel pen. The red dots and centers of flowers are done with a Real Red Stampin' Write marker. Isn't it pretty?

This card is just the opposite; there's very little ink on this card, but LOTS of fun color - again, using ANY COLOR COMBO will change the look and feel of this card!

It's a Whisper White card, layered with Garden Green and Not Quite Navy. The Bashful Blue layer went through the Big Shot with my Texturz Plates. (Shall we say it all together, now??? I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!!!!!!!!!! :D)

The Riding Hood Red and Whisper White hearts are punched with the Heart to Heart punch; the "celebrate you" stamp is from the set A LITTLE BIRTHDAY CHEER. Fun, and super easy!!!!!

The third project is probably kind of familiar to you by now. :D It's the new box die!

I was asked to include a photo of the SIDE of the box, as well, so here you go. :) This is the PINCH PROOF stamp set; the box is SUPER easy to assemble - the hardest thing about this project is the layering of the medallion on the front! :D

Colors are Glorious Green, Whisper White, and Summer Sun. We used green M&Ms until they ran out, then used creme de menthe Kisses. :)

If you have ANY questions about these projects, please let me know! My customers are falling in love with the Big Shot. ;) I wonder why.....

Have a WONDERFUL day! And STAMP SOMETHING, for Pete's sake! :D

Good Monday afternoon!

I know, it's been almost a week. I do apologize - but real life has been super-busy - so I've got that, plus not feeling well on the days I'm not so busy! ANYWAY. :) Back to stamping!

Today, I'm going to show you the two cards and one 3D project we did in September at my parties. October's going to be an AWESOME time to hostess; if you're interested, PLEASE let me know! You can even have your party at my house, so you don't have to clean! LOL!

The above card is done with NATURE'S SILHOUETTES, which I purchased by accident. :D It's stamped in Basic Brown on Very Vanilla; we used the backing from the negative space left from the rubber diecutting process to mask the saying and sponge with Really Rust. We sponged the edges with the Basic Brown, and then layered onto Really Rust and Very Vanilla. Super easy!

This pillow box was made completely with the Big Shot. It is SO fun to play with - er, ummmm, WORK with. Yeah, that's it. :D

We used the pillow box die, the pumpkin die, and the leaves #2 die. Cut it all out, stamped the "Happy Thanksgiving" on the pumpkin from HOLIDAYS & WISHES, and assembled it. It's filled with candy corn! :D

Here's the third project:

Everything inked is stamped. We used a Versamark pad, and stamped the angel, the background, the saying on the front, and the saying on the inside - then used gold embossing powder on it. The angel is from the set HOLY TRIPTYCH; the background is one of the ITTY BITTY BACKGROUNDS. The sayings on the front and on the inside are from MANY MERRY MESSAGES. We colored in the angel with Stampin' Pastels, clipped the corners with my favorite, ticket corner punch, and that's it!!! :) It really was a simple card!

Email me for more information about being a hostess - you can earn a LOT of free stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the meantime, go STAMP something! :D And leave me a comment; I'm lonely.....

Good morning!

Well, I don't know about YOU, but things are reaching a fever pitch around here as I count down the days until the NEW IDEA BOOK & CATALOG release!!!!!!! I'm planning a couple of great projects for the Open House Monday evening, from 5-8, and stamping some samples for the Inspiration Station - and drumming my fingers on the desk, waiting for the boxes of IB&Cs to get here!!!!! :D

SO, while we wait, here's another sample from the Scrapbooking class last month:

Colors are Bashful Blue and Almost Amethyst. We stamped the dragonfly from INFINITE GOODNESS - the Level 2 hostess-only set from the CURRENT IB&C; if you'd still like to earn it, we have FIVE DAYS to get your party order in! :D - in Bashful Blue on the card stock, then took the Almost Amethyst Stampin' Write marker and outlined its wings.

We then stamped him in the same ink on vellum, and colored in the wings - then embossed with Irridescent Ice embossing powder. Because even classic ink dries slowly on vellum, we were able to use it to emboss, and vellum embellishments are HUGE right now! :D Then, we cut them out and bent their wings up, and stuck them down. Oh, and used the ticket corner punch on the mats. Simple and easy, but appropriate for a LOT of subject matter! :)

So. I'm waiting and working and WAITING.... :) What are you doing? I sure hope you're taking the time to STAMP something.... ;D Have a WONDERFUL day!

Just a quick post today....

Life is CRAZY here, so I'm just going to post this quickly and try to get back to normal either tomorrow or Friday.

This is a card we've done this month at my workshops, to say goodbye to the stamp set and the colors.

It's done using CARTE POSTALE only, which is retiring. The colors are Purely Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi, which are both retiring as well. We stamped the medallion on Whisper White and punched it out, then matted it on Wild Wasabi and then onto Basic Black. We used dimensionals to put that onto another square or Wild Wasabi, and adhered that to the front of the card.

What are YOU stamping today??? You ARE taking the time to STAMP something, aren't you??? :)

Wow, three days in a ROW! :D

You might get used to this! LOL!!!

I wanted to show you this card today. I did it last night, thinking I'd use it for my workshops this month. I absolutely LOVE it - I think it looks like something you'd find in a card store! :D - but it's really detailed, and NOTHING on it's retiring. I'd rather we use the stamps that are leaving forever, so YOU get to see it NOW. :D

I told you I loved this new way of watercoloring! :D

Paper is watercolor paper, Basic Black and Kraft card stocks. I sponged the Kraft with some Close to Cocoa ink, just to give it a bit of texture and depth. That's Basic Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon just tied in a knot around the card.

The stamps are from two different sets; the woman in the boat is from SUMMER BY THE SEA, which is NOT retired but IS on the current Dormant List, so it's STILL AVAILABLE!!!!!!!! :D The saying is from WINDS OF GRACE, a great masculine set - but I really like this saying here. So, here it is. :D

I used black Stazon for both stamps, then drenched each area I worked on with my Aqua Painters before putting down some color from my Stampin' Write Markers. Blotting was important! :D Also, a lot of the color dried really light - not a bad thing, just letting you know for YOUR projects! :D

I'd love to hear what you think about this card - you have all fallen quiet on me, and I feel like I'm talking into cyberspace again! :D

PLEASE don't forget to vote on the ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE CARD! If you did it before the 1st, please go look again - I had forgotten one that's really worthy of your consideration, too!!!!!!!

OK, I'm off to get back to work. :D Have a WONDERFUL, BLESSED day - and don't forget to take the time to STAMP something - then bless someone with it! :D

Wow, really?!?!?

You mean I REALLY haven't posted this month yet?!?!? I could have SWORN I had. I'm SO sorry!! I have a lot of things to share with you, honest!

Like this one! It's one of my workshop projects I mentioned in an earlier post; EVERYONE loved this card. :) We used BOHO BACKGROUNDS in Pretty in Pink for the flowers on the onesie; the punches are the 1-3/8" circle and the scallop circle, and the card stocks are Whisper White and Pretty in Pink. We also used white Basics Eyelets for the "snaps". Isn't it CUTE?!?!? Inside, we stamped "congratulations" from HUGS & WISHES and "sweet little one" from HOLIDAYS & WISHES.

Isn't it super-cute??? Here's another one - obviously for a BOY. :D

Used another stamp from BOHO BACKGROUNDS, this time in Bliss Blue. The punches are Certainly Celery, using the 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches, and the eyelets are Sahara Sand from the Basics. Oh, and the background is Very Vanilla, even though it's hard to see in the scan. :)

So, no excuse not to have SUPER-CUTE baby shower cards! :D Make a bunch in each, and you'll have them on-hand when you need them. :)

OK, time for me to get busy - I've got a Quick Card Class on Thursday to plan! :D Have a wonderful, blessed day - and make the time to STAMP something!!! :)

Hostess Appreciation 2007 a SMASHING SUCCESS!

I think I can say it was a smashing success! I had thirteen hostesses actually be able to attend from the last year; some of them have hostessed multiple times, and some are continuing in the hostess club to hostess. But there is always room for new hostesses; if you'd like to come next year, please contact me to have a party - even if it's YOU placing a large enough order to earn party benefits, you get to come! :)

So. I fix a homemade meal every year; this year's menu was:

baked ham

au gratin potatoes

green beans

butternut squash - the ONLY thing that I didn't make enough of. WOW, was it popular!

Apple crisp with storebought vanilla ice cream

It was yummy, for sure - Laura said, "...the food was more than Luncheon, it was dinner and everything was so delicious...." :D I love hearing that!! LOL!

Next, we all cleared off the table - it was amazing how quickly this happened! :D - so we could get to stamping. Oh, and I didn't mention everyone won a door prize during the day, plus a grand prize, did I....

Part of my gift to my hostesses at this luncheon is table favors - there were two different ones this year - and the templates for those. Nothing we make at the hostess appreciation will I ever do in a class or workshop, so those are different and very special every year. Same for the projects; I try to do one more for the "supply" or "business" side of stamping, and this year, I gave everyone a CD with 182 jpegs of projects and 2 other templates on it. So, one of the projects was decorating the CD and making a matching envelope for it; it's on the collage up there.

The second project was a tunnel card. This is the outside; the inside is up in the collage photo. It's intricate, and a lot of work, but I think everyone enjoyed it - a few people said they were going to do some for Christmas, even! Once you get the concept understood, it's just work, not HARD. :D

So, it was a great afternoon! Here's what Kathy said: "I will definitely be a hostess next year. I would not want to miss out on this special day!!!!!" I hope you'll take advantage of this special, extra perk for my hostesses. Don't ask to learn a tunnel card from me! ROFL! It's HOSTESSES ONLY, my dear reader!!

But I DO hope that you'll take the time to STAMP SOMETHING today!!!!!!!!! I'll be back tomorrow, to talk up that challenge - and talk about some blog candy! :D

FINALLY! :D

I can show you some projects! :D

This card is really fun! Nelda showed us how to do it at the Tennessee Stampers Annual Retreat, and I had to send Becky P. a thank-you card, so here's what I came up with. The colors of card stock are Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi, but the ink colors are Cameo Coral and Garden Green. It folds up like this for mailing:

And IF you do it correctly, it SHOULD fit in a regular envelope. This one didn't - but it was my first one by myself. :D

Don't worry! We'll be learning this one in a class - it may be a Christmas card we'll do for an advanced techniques soon, so be on the lookout! :)

One more project: this was one of the cards we did at Donna's workshop

on Tuesday night....

Isn't it cute??? We used Only Orange card stock, and stamped in Going Gray with the ghost from Bitty Boos II. The "happy" is stamped in Basic Black from Happy Everything; the BOO is embossed in white with the Headline Alphabet set, and we used a Basic Black Stampin' Write marker to write the "to you!" at the bottom. We tore the Basic Black card stock, then sponged lightly with white craft ink around the edges to give it a little depth - then popped it with dimensionals. It's a fun Halloween card - and another little something you could do with a lot of sets!

OK, it's time to head off to bed, so I can be bright-eyed for tomorrow's 10/10/10. I'll show you a design or two tomorrow, OK? Have a WONDERFUL day, and take the time to STAMP something - then bless someone ELSE with it!!!!!

It feels like FALL today!!!!!

I LOVE FALL!!!!!!!! Today it felt like it. Tuesday, back to summer - they're predicting it's going to be 88 degrees. But I'm SO enjoying this temperature. It was a GLORIOUS day - it's 68 right now. :D I'm a happy camper!

ANYWAY. I promised some pics of the letters we did on Thursday. Here are two pictures; unfortunately, several walked out of the house before lazy-bones (that would be ME) got out her camera. The ones to the left were the more "classic" design, very clean and taylored. They were OOHed and AAAHed over quite a bit. :D The ones below, however, were also lots of fun and are going to delight the recipients very much, too! We added classic re-inkers to a mixture of Lumiere and craft paint, then embellished with the Pretties Kit, brads, ribbon, glitter - about anything "bling"-ish I could find. :D I picked the letters up at a local craft store - be careful to price them, because there's a HUGE difference in pricing between stores!

I hope you're enjoying YOUR weekend! Whether you're enjoying time with your family, maybe shopping (lucky!), or travelling, may you be blessed - and recognize your blessings!!!

Oh, yeah! TAKE TIME TO STAMP SOMETHING!!!! ;)

FIDDLE-FADDLE?!?!?!??!!

OK, readers, I NEED to hear from you!!!! There's a discussion going on on one of my email groups; they're saying that blogs are full of "fiddle-faddle" that they just don't care about! PLEASE TELL ME: do I fill my blog with fiddle-faddle????????

This is another challenge item, but it's not a card! It's a 6x6 scrapbook page, done by Amy. When all I could see is a piece of card stock that wasn't going to work for my project, Amy saw a background for a scrapbook page! :) It's fun, isn't it?!? It's done with the All About Christmas Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel, Real Red and Whisper White. SUPER-SIMPLE!

Tonight's private workshop is doing letters with the Pretties Kit - like the one I posted on this blog about six weeks ago. I've got thirteen letters sitting on my table with a base coat on them! :) I hope everyone has fun tonight....

OK, that's it for me - I have to go clean up to give everyone a place to sit. :) Do let me know about the fiddle-faddle part, though, OK? I want YOUR opinion!!!!!!

Oh, yeah. :D TAKE TIME TO STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D