Come On Get Stampy !!

Retirement List

2010-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

The list of retiring stamps and accessories for the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog is here !!!

Please refer to these links for a complete list:

STAMPS:

http://204.228.150.61/2010lastchancelist/LastChanceStamps_0510_US.pdf

ACCESSORIES:

http://204.228.150.61/2010lastchancelist/Retiredaccessories-USENG.pdf

Please note that the accessories list will change daily as supplies deplete. Items on this list are available ONLY while supplies last. Check back to this posting for updated accessories list. I will do my best to update every day. If in question, just leave me a comment and I will get back to you quickly.

The last day to place an order is June 30. Orders appreciated no later than 3:00pm to avoid the rush and any unanticipated glitches.

Stampin' Up! ... Color Renovation !!

2010-04-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, we received big news yesterday. Stampin' Up! is doing a color renovation that will begin with the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog (July 1).

* 5 new colors
* 10 previously retired returning In Colors (yaay!)
* 30 current colors retiring
* 5 new In Colors
* In Colors will now have an availability lifespan of 2 years. Beginning with the 2010-2011 catalog, we'll bring in 5 new colors. 2011-2012 will bring 5 more. After the 2010-2011 catalog, there will be 10 In Colors available each catalog.

Color Collections will now include: Brights, Neutrals, Regals and Subtles. There are 10 colors in each group. These 40 colors will be our "core colors".

Returning colors (or staying since some are current In Colors) to be included in our 40 Core Colors are: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette (yaaay, my favorite), Baja Breeze and Wild Wasabi.

New Colors in our Core Colors include: Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Early Espresso. There is also Crumb Cake which is a re-name for our Kraft but now it's available in ink and not just cardstock (yaaay!!).

The 30 RETIRING colors are (listed in order as they appear below, top to bottom): Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pale Plum, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue, Taken With Teal, Glorious Green, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Mellow Moss, Green Galore, Gable Green, Barely Banana, Yoyo Yellow, Summer Sun, Apricot Appeal, Only Orange, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa and Going Gray.

All of the retiring colors will be available through June 30. Make sure you plan ahead and purchase any ink refills, markers, cardstock, or pads if you don't already have them.

Call or email me with any questions or orders.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T01:18:00.000-08:00

I made this card for my husband at 1:00am (nothing like waiting until the last minute! LOL). I always find it challenging to make a man card. I hope he likes it.

Supplies Used:
------------------
I {Heart} Hearts, Mark the Date, Full Calendar and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets

Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White cardstock

Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Pretty In Pink classic ink pads

Punches (Word Window, Modern Label, Heart to Heart); Dimensionals

I {Heart} Hearts card

2010-02-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Supplies Used:

I{Heart}Hearts stamp set; I{Love}Love jumbo wheel; Pretty In Pink, Real Red and Whisper White CS; Sending Love Specialty DSP; Pretty In Pink, Real Red and Chocolate Chip classic ink; Moderl Label, Word Window, Eyelet Border and Heart to Heart punches; Dimensionals; Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon.

Miss You Mom !

2010-01-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Today marks 7 years that my beloved Mother passed away. For some reason, this year has hit me harder than previous years. I have been very sensitive and teary all day, full blown crying at least 3 times so far.

Last night I compiled some photos and made a slideshow. Slideshows are one of my favorite things to do on my Mac.

Music by Celine Dion ... "Because You Loved Me"

Mom, I will forever love you. You were more than my Mother, you were my friend. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you so much. I know you're watching over all of us and your love continues to guide me each and every day. Love you xoxo.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T15:47:00.001-08:00

~ Merry Christmas From Our Home to Yours ~

Pink & Green Christmas

2009-12-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Non-traditional Christmas colors ... i love this !!!

I got the inspiration for this card from a sample in a old issue of Stampin' Success (October '09 issue, p. 29, if you are a SU! demonstrator).

Supplies used:

Sparkly & Bright and Tree Trimmings stamp sets

Certainly Celery, Regal Rose and Whisper White CS

Certainly Celery & Regal Rose classic ink

Eyelet Border punch, 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Dimensionals

Car Update

2009-12-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well, as of Thursday evening the estimated date of completion for car repairs is January 9 (!!) and total damage over $4,500 (will be higher, they were waiting on a price for a new wiring package for the back end). So glad I don't have to pay for this ... or my insurance !!!

I still hate my rental car. Maybe if it were silver or white or black ... instead of ELECTRIC blue !!!! hahaha. It also does not feel very safe (cheap). I am going to change it next week since I will still have at least 3 more weeks to go. I wouldn't complain, but I"m paying $12 a day for additional insurance just in case so by the time this is over I"ll be out over $300. The other parties' insurance doesn't cover anything extra ... just the basic per day fee and tax.

Tennis Treats

2009-12-17T08:35:00.001-08:00

This morning is my last tennis lesson until after the new year. I wanted to make treats but ran out of time to make something uber spectacular LOL ... so I made chocolate covered pretzels with a tag. Can you imagine in the pre-punch days having to hand-cut tags? They turned out cute and when you're doing this at 11:30pm the night before I guess they did turn out spectacular after all hahahaha.

Tags made with:

Scalloped Oval punch
Modern Label punch
Word Window punch
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Red Gingham Ribbon
Gold Cord

Bags o' Cookies

2009-12-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

(click on photo to enlarge)

I made cookies (Powdered Sugar Pecan Cookies) for my fellow stampers in my upline group. I made the bag tags using:

Big Shot

Scallop Circle #2 die (item #113469)

Circles #2 (item #114526)

Coluzzle (now retired)

Kraft cardstock

Whisper White cardstock

Real Red cardstock

Chocolate Chip classic ink pad

Stamps: Sweet Season (item #116471 p. 29 of the catalog)

3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon in Real Red (item #115608).

Glassine Bags

UPDATE:

I've had several people ask me for the recipe so here it is. This is my Aunt Alaura Mae's recipe. She used to make them every Christmas and every year she'd bring them in a square metal tin with an embossed lid (funny the things we remember). She makes a load of this dough and freezes it so she can bake at a moment's notice.

Note: Aunt Alaura Mae passed away January 9 at the age of 90 (would have been 91 in March). Every time I make these cookies I will think of her. We are thankful that we were able to spend the day after Christmas with her and several of my cousins. My older cousin Bob (her youngest and only surviving child) passed away just 3 weeks before Christmas unexpectedly. Although she was still self sufficient living on her own, I think after her son died she was just ready to go too. We'll miss you Aunt Alaura Mae. I'm sure you're having a grand time in Heaven with Bob, Nancy, Mom, Dad, Uncle Wally, and Grandma Alice. We'll see each other again someday.

2 sticks room temp butter
4 Tbsp powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans (I used walnuts cuz didn't have pecans it turns out the same)

Beat butter and powdered sugar together. Add vanilla and beat again. Add 2 cups flour slowly until well combined, then add the nuts and combine again.

Wrap dough in wax paper or clear wrap and form into a long tube (I make mine squared). Put in refrigerator until firm (or a few minutes in freezer). Slice and bake at 300 degree (yes, very low). Cook about 15 mins or until JUST BEFORE THEY BROWN. Don't let them brown (mine come out looking a Very Vanilla color LOL). Cool on rack. When completely cool, cover in powdered sugar. These things fall apart in your mouth. So airy and delicious. Oh, and low calorie too ROFL.

Car Crunched

2009-12-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I was rear-ended while taking the kids to school. I was the 3rd car in the crunch line. I am so grateful I was not the middle car. My car would have been totalled and we probably would have been seriously hurt. The car that initially rear-ended the car behind me was totalled (pick up truck driven by 16 year old had the entire engine area pushed in to the window). The middle car was a Chevy Tahoe and they took the brunt of the impact and then they ran into me. Here is a picture of the back of my beloved Beetle and the area around the rear tire. Something is pushing into the wheel/tire so I hear noise so I am not driving it. I am contemplating having it towed to the body shop. I'll ask my adjuster in the morning.

Thankfully, the kids and I are fine. It's a miracle that no one involved was hurt.

Tri Fold Reindeer Card

2009-11-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

This is a tri-fold card. To get the fold exact, just score in 2-1/8" from each side of the 5.5" edge.

I used my Big Shot to punch out the red scallop (Circles Scallop #2 die, item #113469) and the vanilla circle (largest circle on the Circles #2 die, item #114526). The Old Olive circle I used my Coluzzle (retired) as we don't have a die with a circle that size.

Reindeer "Dasher" stamp can be found on page 208 of the catalog and is sold on its own (item #116816). In later versions of this card I glitterized the antlers but did not take a picture (sorry!!!).

All supplies used:

-------------------------

Stamps: Dasher, Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2)

Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Merry Moments DSP

Ink: Old Olive, Basic Brown, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Circles #2 die, Circles Scallop #2, Word Window Punch, Coluzzle (retired)

Peace & Joy with the Big Shot

2009-11-29T23:50:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I hand cut the "Peace & Joy" out with regular scissors? Just teasing. I used my Big Shot and the Join In The Cheer decorative strip die. The whole die says "Peace&Joy&Love&Cheer" so I just snipped off the first 2 words. I love this die. I actually won it at Convention 2008 during General Session. I was so excited !!!!

Supplies used:

---------------------

Stamps: Spotlight on Christmas

Cardstock/DSP: Kraft, Real Red, Whisper White, Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP

Ink: Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Big Shot, Join In the Cheer decorative strip die, Birds & Blooms Sizzlit, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, Dimensionals

Motorboating Pics

2009-11-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

Through another blog I discovered motorboating. As he explains it, it's like blowing out of your mouth like a horse while your lips are flappin' hahaha. This is the funniest thing I have done in a long time. I had a few friends over to stamp yesterday and of course I made them do it. Not everyone would do it (you know who you are !!!!!) but here is me, two friends who were willing, my husband, and my DAD !!! hahaha. My daughter forbid me to post hers so I will adhere to her request.

Me - isn't this attractive? LOL

Tammy - you've got it down !

Lani - next time the lips must be flappin'

Hubby Bill - what a good sport to put up with my craziness!

My Dad - I think I got his motorboating genes!

Online Extravaganza Sale

2009-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wowzers!!! From November 23 -30, Stampin' Up! is offering over 40 selected products and product bundles at 30% to 50% off !!! Email me with your order and don't forget ... it's for ONE WEEK only !!!

Click HERE to view the entire list.

Email with your order (contact is on the right sidebar of my blog) and I'll get it ordered right away for you! Stampin' Up! is closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday so shipping may be delayed a couple days longer than normal.

Mini Envelope Treats

2009-11-23T00:14:00.000-08:00

Loving paper, ink and stamps also means loving to make treats for people. Tomorrow I'm playing tennis with my lady peeps and since our normal lesson day falls on Thanksgiving I am giving them their treat tomorrow.

I got the idea for this from Traci Gentry's blog HERE (thanks Traci!!)

For my Thanksgiving treats, I used the 3x3 Mini Square Envelopes that Stampin' Up! sells (item #107309) and wheeled them with the Bright Blessings jumbo wheel (item #115626). I stamped half of the envelopes with More Mustard ink and the other half in Close to Cocoa. Next, I punched a hole through the envelopes to make a little window to see the treat inside. I used an old maple leaf stamp that Stampin' Up! used to sell years ago. Glad I kept it !!! For the little tag, I used the Scallop Circle Punch (item #109043) to punch out some Old Olive and Ruby Red cardstock and the 1-3/8" Circle Punch (item #103375) in Whisper White. The "just for you" saying comes from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (item #115370). The tag is also adorned with some maple leaf punch outs in Ruby Red & More Mustard, and Old Olive & Chocolate Chip cardstock. The candy inside is contained in a Small Flat Cello bag (item #103104).

I whipped a bunch of these out and will take them to tennis. Hope they enjoy! The candy inside is Reeses Pieces. I thought it looked very fall-ish. Yum, my favorite :-)

Turkey Basket Favor

2009-11-18T10:24:00.001-08:00

All products by Stampin' Up! (copyright 1990-2009)
with the exception of the ribbon snippet tied on the handle.

I love Fall. I love turkeys. And, I love chocolate. These 3 things come together in this cute little favor that anyone would be happy to have sitting at their place setting.

The basket template came from Becky Roberts' blog Inking Idaho. The turkey design was inspired by my stampin' buddy Sandy Webb's project posted HERE. The 2 ideas together made one fabulous treat !!!

Supplies used:
---------------------
Stamps: Bright Blessings jumbo wheel
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Chocoate Chip, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Punches (Scallop, 1-1/4" circle, 1/2" circle, 1/4" circle, 5-petal, and Horizontal Slot), Gold Brads. Non-Stampin' Up! ribbon.

I used the 5-petal punch (just one petal) for the beak and the Horizontal Slot for that red doohickey thing that hangs off of the beak. What's it called? LOL.

The basket fits 3 Hershey Nuggets perfectly. I wrapped them using some retired fall DSP (Autumn Vine) I had laying around.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. Our spare refrigerator that we normally have in the garage died this summer so now I have to figure out what to throw out or rearrange in our regular refrigerator so when I buy our turkey on Sunday it can fit in there and defrost over several days.

Happy November

2009-11-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

I am experimenting with a blog background program (http://thecutestblogontheblock.com) and thought this was cute for November. I didn't like their headers so I just found a picture I liked, cropped it, and added my text in front of it. I am still playing around with it. I had to change all the colors of the text around but couldn't get all of it to change so this is the way it's going to remain until next month when I play some more.

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T22:47:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. It is definitely a huge favorite of mine and I look forward to the season every year. Every year, though, some people make me really irritated. What I will say here may offend some people, but this is my blog so I can say what I want LOL.

In my mind, there are a few simple rules of trick-or-treating:

1) If you are walking your kids around, let the kids trick or treat. Parents and Grandparents (we had a lady who was about 60!) do not need their own bag, too.

2) If you don't speak English, please at least learn to say "trick or treat" ... and "THANK YOU" !!!!! Don't just stand there with your bag held open waiting for your free candy.

3) Wear a costume. It's very aggravating when people show up in their regular clothes. Take an eyeliner and draw on some whiskers ... or some freckles ... or something else. Use an overload of mascara and go as Tammy Faye Bakker! haha. Stick some curlers in your hair and go as a frumpy housewife. Put on your pajamas and go as a baby. So many easy, free, ideas. If teens think they are too mature to do stupid stuff like that, then re-read Rule #1 and don't go trick-or-treating.

I buy 2 kinds of candy. I buy yummy stuff like Reeses, Snickers and Hersheys for those who comply with my 3 rules. I also buy a big bag of crappy candy to give to those that: (a) don't wear a costume; (b) those who are clearly too old to be doing this; or (c) those trick or treating for their infants (or unborn child, as we had a couple years ago!!).

Tonight we had 333 trick or treaters. This is the most we've ever had. Of those 333, probably only 1/3 of those were from around here. Of the remaining amount, probably 1/4 of those were guilty of not following the #2 rule.

We sit out on our front lawn to hand out candy because otherwise our doorbell would ring non-stop, we'd never sit down, and the dog would go crazy. It's much easier to just park yourself outside and watch everyone walk by. You can also prepare yourself with candy in hand when you see a herd of 20 people walking as a group towards your house. This is the moment to decide ... do they get the good chocolate? Or do they get the crap for being non-compliant of rule #1 or #3. My system works well. haha.

Here is a funny story about tonight. For the first hour or so I wore my Kate Gosselin wig and big white sunglasses.....

No one seemed to know who I was tonight LOL. There was this one Dad who had his 2 little kids with him (wife was standing on the sidewalk). I was clearly holding up my People magazine with Kate on the cover and I turned to my daughter and remarked how no one recognizes me. So I look at the dad and I say "oh, my name is Kate by the way" and he looks at me like I've just tried to pick up on him and he says "oh, uh, hi". hahaha. So I say in true Kate form "Kate as in Kate Gosselin ... you've most likely seen me on TV and in trashy magazines such as this". Then he laughed and said I needed a bunch of kids following me around to finish the costume. I thought it was really funny. hahaha.

If any of our trick or treaters didn't like the stuff I handed out, and thought I was mean, I can blame it all on Kate !!! LOL

Halloween Pillow Box Bucket

2009-10-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest? I had previously made a fall-themed bucket like this at an upline meeting but then saw this idea from a tutorial on Splitcoaststampers. I changed it a little by hand cutting the mouth instead of using punches. I like the more "natural" looking mouth. LOL. How is a pumpkin mouth natural?? haha

The Big Shot is the most awesome tool out there. Who would have thought that you could take 3 pillow box pouches, adhere them together and make a bucket. Pure genious.

Supplies used:
--------------
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Pillow Box die, sticky strip, 1" circle punch, Ribbon (pumpkin pie and Eggplant Envy 1/4" grosgrain, Black Gingham, Pumpkin Pie striped grosgrain).

Wrapped & Stacked Candy Bars

2009-10-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

I got the idea of wrapping and stacking mini candy bars from Becky Roberts' blog, Inking Idaho. You can see her post here. I made a bunch of these for my daughter to take to school today for some of her friends for Halloween.

All supplies by Stampin' Up (with the exception of the bat punch, which is by Martha Stewart). Again, I used retired DSP because I have so much of it leftover and it was so cute. I loved this paper and figured it was better to share it's adorable-ness with others than to keep hoarding it in my stamp room.

The hershey bars are the small snack size that I stole from our Halloween Candy stash. I never should have opened the bag because I can't stop eating them !!!!

Supplies:

----------------

Paper: Ghostly Greetings DSP (retired); Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive & Whisper White CS

Ink: Pumpkin Pie

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: Wide Oval, Scallop Oval, Large Oval punches, 5/8" striped grosgrain (pumpkin pie), Black Gingham, Gold Cord, 1 /8" hole punch, Martha Stewart contraband Bat punch (but oh so cute!!)

Mini Halloween Boxes

2009-10-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Using the template for the inside of my Top Note Nugget Box (see here), I re-calculated the dimensions so it would fit 4 nuggets instead of 8 and came up with this. The box now measures approx. 2" x 2-3/4". I made these for the ladies I play tennis with and our coach for Halloween. Being that i LOVE Halloween, I had to make something for them!

The box closes like a pizza box and it is closed securely with a belly band. I had so much of this retired Halloween Designer Series Paper (Ghostly Greetings) I convinced myself to use it instead of continuing to hoard it. I loved this paper !!!

Other Supplies Used:

-----------------------------

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Happy Jacks wheel (retired)

Punches: Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Modern Label and Word Window

CS colors: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink color: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Top Note Nugget Box

2009-10-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

I made this style box at my upline's demonstrator meeting. I had a couple friends over one day last week and thought this would be fun for them to make. I changed the cardstock color and stamps used and voila! .... a brand new project !! It holds 8 Hersheys Nuggets perfectly. I have since made a couple of these to give to my hair stylist and my nail person, and will be making them (if I can finish) for the ladies I take tennis with and our coach.

The top and bottom piece are made using the Top Note die and my Sizzix Big Shot. The template for the box portion came from Sharon Rivera's blog. Please visit her blog "Artful Avocations" to view the template of where to cut and how to assemble. Her blog is AWESOME!!! My blog wants to grow up to be just like hers LOL.

On the oval Trick or Treat embellishment, I used the Wide Oval Punch (cut in half) in Pumpkin Pie to make the layered base since we don't have a punch larger than the Wide Oval.

The strips of designer series paper to wrap around the nuggests measure 1" x 3-1/8".

Supplies Used:

----------------------

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Holiday Best (hostess set), Halloween Frights (bat)

Cardstock/Paper: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black, Cast-a-Spell DSP

Ink: Basic Black pad; Stampin' Write markers in Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum, Old Olive

Accessories: Sizzix Big Shot, Top Note Die, Wide Oval Punch, Dimensionals

Sweet Treat Cups

2009-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Aren't these Sweet Treat Cups awesome? Item #116802 in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog. There are 12 in a package for 2.95. For this card, w hich measures 3x3 when finished, I made a sliding tab to pull out so you don't have to rip apart the packaging to get to the goods!! Who wants to struggle to get their chocolate? Not me !!

Supplies used:

----------------------

Stamps: Sweet Centers (Holiday Mini #116521), Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Lovely Lilac, Basic Black

Accessories: 1-3/4" circle punch, Round Tab Punch, 1/4" Olive grosgrain, Black gingham, Sweet Treat cup

Halloween Diorama Card

2009-10-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2009.

This was my first attempt at a diorama card. It was much easier than I thought and I love the end result.

The front piece of Basic Black cardstock measures 3" x 8-1/2" and is scored 2" in from each end. The circles are punched with the 1-3/8" circle punch.

The middle piece of Summer Sun cardstock measures 3" x 6-1/2" and is scored 1" in from each end. The circles are punched with the 1-1/4" circle punch.

The back piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock measures 3" x 8-1/2" and is scored 2" in from each end.

Here is a view from the top of the card so you can see how they are pieced together. I used Sticky Strip so it wouldn't fall apart.

This card can fold down flat and fits the Small Open End Envelope #107286.

Stamps: Twick or Tweet, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Haunting Hill jumbo wheel

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black pad; Markers in Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Almost Amethyst

Accessories: Punches (1-3/8 and 1-1/4" circle, Scallop Oval, Larve Oval, Word Window), Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Deal of the Week

2009-10-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

Promotion Details:

During the month of October, Stampin' Up! will offer several discounted products as "Deals of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required. Please note the minimum shipping charge of 6.95 for any individual customer order under 69.50, unless placed on a hostess order.

WEEK 1: October 1 to October 11 (10pm)

Item# / Description / Special Price
---------------------------------------------
#109183 Trio Flower punch $10.99 (regular price $15.95)

109041 5-Petal Flower punch $10.99 (regular price $15.95)

110709 My Way punch $11.99 (regular price $15.95)

The next weekly deal will begin on October 12. Stay tuned to my blog or watch your email for notification.

My Mac is the BOMB !!!!!

2009-10-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

I got a new MacBook Pro laptop last week and I am in LOVE !!! It is so easy to use and sooo user friendly it's ridiculous. You know how when you get a printer and you have to download software, then install drivers, etc.??? Well with this ... you plug your printer in and HIT PRINT !!! There is no downloading involved. Same with your digital camera. It's plug and go !! Somehow the computer knows exactly what is needed to run all kinds of different toys.

I've been playing with slideshows and have successfully done 2 so far. I am pretty proud of myself for figuring it out on my own. I'm putting both of them on here to share with you.

This first slideshow is from Stampin' Up! Convention 2008 in Salt Lake City. It features me and my stampin' buddies.

The next one is from our Hawaiian Cruise in 2007. If you were alive in the 70's, you will definately recognize the theme song.

Thanks for watching !!

Eewww Praying Mantis

2009-09-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was in the backyard grilling and was hanging out near my plumeria plant. This plumeria plant has been in my life since I was 10 so that's a lot of years ROFL. My Mom took us to Hawaii one summer and we smuggled a branch home in our suitcase. This was apparently before they sold pieces in stores. It's still living .. and still blooms every year. After breaking off several branches when I moved it from her house to mine after she passed away, I just shoved the broken off pieces in the dirt and they took root and kept on growing.

Anyway, I was out back looking at it, smelling the blooms, and what do I see staring at me but a PRAYING MANTIS. Eeewww, those things are so ugly and alien like. The head turned and looked at me. Very creepy.

Here are a couple pics.

Merry Moments Pocket Card

2009-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

The idea for this pocket card came from an upline meeting last year (Thanks Amy!). She always has the best ideas so I have to steal them and use for other projects :-)

I used the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper and the Sparkly & Bright stamp set (both new in the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog)

All supplies are from Stampin' Up! Cardstock used was Real Red and Kraft. Other supplies used were Scallop Circle punch, Round Tab Punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, Jumbo Grommets, Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain, and a Real Red Marker for Rudolph's nose.

Sunny Day Card

2009-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

This card uses the Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit. I love the Simply Scrappin' Kits because you can whip out cards or scrapbook pages in nothing flat.

Each Simply Scrappin' Kit contains 6 sheets of self-adhesive die cuts (2 each of 3 different sheets), 6 sheets of 12x12 designer series paper (3 each of 2 doubled sided patterns), and 8 sheets of 12x12 textured cardstock (2 sheets each 4 different colors).

Other supplies used in this card (all from Stampin' Up!) is the new Modern Label punch, Word Window Punch, and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

Christmas Box of Tags

2009-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since I"m on vacation this week I've prepared some projects to post automatically while I'm gone. I've been stamping a lot lately so have several fun things to share.

I made this box of tags after seeing Becky Roberts' Valentine box tutorial HERE. You can even buy the pattern & tutorial from her! I basically followed her idea but changed the measurements so the box wasn't quite so deep and mine only had 2 sections compared to hers which had 4. It does not show in the picture below, but there is a divider inside to separate the 2 sizes of tags. You can barely see it in the picture above.

The 6 larger tags were made using the Sizzix Big Shot and the Top Note Die. The mini tags measure 2-1/2 x 3. The Designer Series Paper used on the box lid and the large tags came from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit (item #115696).

Other supplies used: 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Jumbo Grommets, 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain, 1/4" Grosgrain in Old Olive and Whisper White and Twill Tape. Stamps used on the small tags from Winter Post and Christmas Punch (a Level 2 Hostess set in the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog).

Cruising Alaska

2009-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week our family is on a cruise to Alaska. We are boarding the ship in Vancouver, Canada and doing the 7 night northbound cruise. Here's a pic of our ship (Island Princess) and a map of where we are going.

See you all when I get back :-)

Razzleberry Lemonade Flower Card

2009-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the new Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper. This yellow pattern used on the background is one of my favorites. I think I want this color yellow in my kitchen. I've been searching for a nice yellow, one that's not too lemony, and one that's not too pale. I think this is just perfect. This yellow is called Crushed Curry and it's one of the new 2009-2010 In Colors. It's beeeautiful!!

All Supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: For All You Do
Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo, Green Galore, So Saffron
Accessories: Trio Punch, Rhinestone Brads, Silver Brads, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Signo white gel pen.

Recipe Card Box

2009-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe box I altered for a one-on-one swap. I got the box at Michaels in the dollar section and used some of my retired DSP that I had been hoarding. Why do I hoard this stuff and not use it ???

All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Circle Circus
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Wintergreen DSP (retired)
Ink: Sade Shadow
Accessories: 5-petal Punch, 3/4" circle punch, Designer Label Punch, Round Tab Punch, Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware

Top Note Ring Album

2009-07-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

This ring album was so easy to make using my Sizzix Big Shot and the Top Note die. This is another project I made for a fellow stampin' friend. The inside pages are left blank so she can alter it the way she wants.

All products are by Stampin' Up! (well, except for the ring!)

Stamps: Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Fundamental Phrases
Cardstock: So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Pretty In Pink, Tea Party DSP
Ink: Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery
Accessories: 5-petal punch, Trio Flower Punch, Word Window Punch, Big Shot, Top Note Die, assorted 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, jumbo grommets, Crop-a-dile

Workout Journal for a Friend

2009-07-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

I made this workout journal for a friend. I had made a similar cover for my training journal at the gym but this one is completely hand-made ... even the pages contained inside. Sorry for the crummy picture. I can never get the right lighting in my stamp room.

Here's a pic of the inside sections. There are pages for weigh-ins, measurements, and exercise log. The other 2 sections are for photos and notes but I didn't bother taking pics since they are just blank pages with headings.

Supplies used:
--------------------
Stamps are from Hannah Stamps (set called Get Physical)
Cardstock, Ink, Star Punches, Tab Punch, and Ribbons all from Stampin' Up!
Coil bound using my Zutter Bind-It-All

Final Deal of the Week

2009-07-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is the final Deal of the Week as part of Stampin' Up!'s Summer Fun promotion. Through July 31 at 6:50pm (mountain time), you can get the Heart to Heart Punch for only $10.99 (regular price $15.95).

Item #113694

If you are interested in ordering, please contact me by email at stampersim@yahoo.com

Happy Birthday Brother !

2009-07-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

My brother Terry celebrated his 40th birthday last week. Saturday night we had a family gathering at Buca di Beppo (italian) restaurant. If you have one in your area, and you haven't tried it yet, you GOTTA GO !!!! It was so much fun and the food was awesome.

The card I made to go with his gift was really done spur of the moment (like an hour before) so I'm surprised I pulled it together. I hope he liked it. He didn't say anything when he opened it, so maybe he thought it was simply so awesome that it must have been a store bought card and didn't feel the need to yell out what a talented sister he has! haha. His wife is a customer of mine so I'm sure she'll point it out to him. MEN!! They just never know the important things in life like store bought vs. homemade cards.

Everything is by Stampin' Up! The greeting stamp and the striped DSP are both retired. It's just what I had handy. I don't have a lot of manly DSP so had to use retired. The card measures 5-1/4" square and fits our Medium Square Envelopes (item #107289 ... 20/$6.50). I

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Confetti Cupcake (retired)
Paper: Bashful Blue and Old Olive CS; Pumpkin Pie Prints DSP (current); Summer Picnic DSP (retired)
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Chipboard (retired numbers), Dimensionals, Star & Large Star punches

Here's a pic of me with my 2 brothers. Birthday Boy Terry is the one on the right. He's 6'4". Rob is my other brother and he is 6'7". They are very tall compared to me (then again, everyone is tall compared to me -- I'm just shy of 5'2"). This was taken 2 years ago.

Deal of the Week #4

2009-07-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

Deal of the Week #4
Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware

From today (7/20) until Monday July 27 9:50am MT, you can get the Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware for $18.99 (regularly priced at $29.95). That's a little more than 35% off!

Item #112454

You get 10 of each piece (100 pieces) and 100 3/16" brads.

If you are interested in ordering, please contact me privately at stampersim@yahoo.com

My Stamp Room

2009-07-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago my sister and her kids were visiting from out of state and I was forced to clean my stamp room so my sister had somewhere to sleep LOL. I took some pictures after she left because I knew this area wouldn't stay this tidy for long. You can click on any of the pics to see things up close and personal ROFL. There is still a lot of clutter and it's a work in progress, but this is how my room currently looks:

(above) South wall. Current stamp sets are housed on the tall bookcase and all my embellishments and accessories, office supplies, envelopes, tools, etc. are in the white units that I bought from Michaels. The vertical and horizontal slot units hold current designer series paper, my catalog, customer mailing lists, etc.

(above) This is the southwest corner. That's Ryan Reynolds on my laptop desktop. He's so stinkin' cute, don't you think??? My desk is really crowded with laptop, printer, my ink pads, TV, and 2 sets of 3-drawer Sterlite containers which hold cardstock (anything 1/2 sheet or scraps and sorted by color family) that's it's not uncommon for me to only have an 8"x10" area to stamp on. The box to the right of my chair on the floor holds all of my full sheets of cardstock. It's divided by color family and they are in hanging folders.

(above) West wall and the door to my stamp room. This tall bookcase holds a bunch of knick knacky things that are near and dear to me. There are also jars of ribbon, stamped projects, DVD player, and on the lower shelves are photo albums, photoboxes with crafty things sorted by holiday. The white plastic drawer units used to be next to my desk to make an L-shape but it totally blocked off my room and made it look so crowded and messy. Things like office supplies, order forms, alterables, heat gun, glue gun, stampin' scrubs, and paper towels are housed in these drawers.

(above) Northeast corner ... just to the right of my door and opposite my desk. This corner is usually very messy with stuff piled in front .. boxes and such .. and also has a lot of my favorite things stashed on top of the cabinet (like my actual Partridge Family lunchbox from 1st grade at the top left, and my Fisher Price Family Play House, circa 1969 -- not the one I owned, but I bought it off ebay when I turned 40 and felt an urge to reminisce)!! For once I can actually open the drawers in this area LOL. These drawer units hold stuff like my stash of adhesive, alterable items like chipboard coasters I've stolen from restaurants (sssh, don't tell!), retired stamp sets, stamps I"m trying to sell, retired in-colors, retired accessories, extra paper cutters to use at stamp camps, and stamps & accessories from (please forgive me) places other than Stampin' Up! LOL. My postage scale sits on the black drawer unit. That ugly black unit holds crafty things like pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, fabric paint and googly eyes.

(Above). Inside the cabinet. These are the retired sets that I won't part with, and also some new/unmounted stamp sets that I will one day sell. I also keep all retired In-color cardstock, Designer Series papers, Stampin' Up! ribbon holders that I just stopped using, and other miscellaneous junk that I just stuck in here to get out of my way.

Oh, and that's my dog, Phoebe, the black blob at the bottom of the picture. Wherever I am, you can bet she's there too ! She's my partner in crime.

Deal of the Week #3

2009-07-13T11:28:00.001-07:00

Deal of the Week #3
Square Fire Rhinestone Brads

From today (7/13) until Monday July 20 9:50am MT, you can get the Square Fire Rhinestone Brads for only $6.99 (regularly priced at $10.95). That's a little more than 35% off!

Item #109112
If you are interested in ordering, please contact me privately at stampersim@yahoo.com

Happy Birthday Sweet 16

2009-07-07T23:53:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 16 on Thursday last week. She started celebrating the Saturday before with a weekend away with 3 of her best friends (saw Footloose on stage, had dinner at Cheesecake FActory, and then they spent the night at the Hyatt Regency), then for the past week her Aunt and 2 cousins flew here from Oregon to celebrate her big day with her including a day at Disneyland. Here are some pics ...

My beautiful daughter, Katy

BFFs Jillian, Amanda and Kelsie.

Yum, chocolate mousse cheesecake

I decorated their room at the hotel

More balloons

Celebrating at Disneyland

Yaaay, free admission is always a good thing!

Brother J.R. and cousins April & Lucas

Get the fire extinguisher :-)

I have to say that my Katybug had an awesome birthday. Tuesday the festivities slowed down when her Aunt and cousins flew home. Now she has wisdom teeth surgery to look forward to on Friday. Ugh !! Don't worry, I've got lots of bags of frozen peas.

Happy Birthday Katybug. I am so proud of all you do and the beautiful young woman you have become. I love you so much. xoxoxoxo

Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week !!

2009-07-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

What a deal!!! From July 6 until Monday July 13 (8:00am PST) , you can get this Sizzix Doctors Bag at the special price of $49.95 (regularly $69.95). That's almost 30% off! Not only does it hold your Sizzix Big Shot when traveling around (or just for storage), you can use it as a travel bag or anything else you want.

The bottom of the bag measures approx. 12-1/4" x 15" and it's 12" high. The inside lining is PINK !!!! How cute is that???

If you are interested in ordering, please contact me privately at stampersim@yahoo.com.

The New Catalog is Here !!!

2009-07-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, the new catalog is here. Each time the new catalog comes out I say it's the best one ever ... and each year Stampin' Up! outdoes themselves and gives us a catalog that's even better than the last. I don't know how they do it! They are magic :-)

If you pre-ordered a catalog from me, please get in touch with me so you can pick it up or I can mail it to you for flat priority rate of 4.95.

The links to the new catalog, new Decor Elements (Definitely Decorative) and Supply lists for the catalog are all posted on the right side of this blog and will remain there, but here they are too!

Catalog - Click here

Definitely Decorative (Decor Elements) - Click here

Supply List for 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalog - Click here

Final 2 days !!

2009-06-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is the last day to order anything from the retirement list. Please visit this post for the list of retiring stamp sets and the list of retiring accessories.

http://stampersim.blogspot.com/2009/06/retiring-stamp-sets-accessories.html

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact me by email as soon as possible. Don't delay. I cannot guarantee that accessories will still be available ... or that the website won't be giving me a nervous breakdown because of high traffic in the final hours ! LOL.

Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper

2009-06-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

I made this card for a friend. Isn't it bright and cheery. I LOVE this Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper. The great news is that it has been carried over into the new catalog. The colors in this collection are Real Red, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise and Chocolate Chip.
Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (in new catalog)
Cardstock/DSP: Summer Sun, Real Red Textured, Whisper White, Pink Flamingo DSP
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Paper Piercer, Scalloped Oval punch, Large Oval Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Dimensionals, Signo white gel pen

Reminder: Don't forget that Tuesday next week (6/30) is the last day to order from the 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog. Check this post for the list of retiring stamp sets and accessories.

Fathers Day Card

2009-06-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is the card I made for my DH for Fathers Day. I was going to post yesterday but never got around to it. Better late than never ! LOL You can click on the photo for a closeup view.

I got the inspiration to use a truck image from Nancy Riley's blog here. After making my squares with DSP to use as the background, they were too big to use 4 of them like she did so I just used 2 and put them on the diagonal. I used crystal effects on the truck to make it look like a painted car.

The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, which will be available in the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog.

The DSP I used is Manchester. It will be retiring on June 30. Be sure to check my list of retiring stamps and accessories by clicking on the link at the right of my blog to make sure your favorite items haven't sold out. As of this writing, Manchester DSP is still available but once sold out it's gone forever. It's a great paper for men (stripes & plaids in Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Kraft, Very Vanilla color scheme).

Supplies used:
-----------------
Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock/DSP: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Watercolor Paper, Manchester DSP
Ink: Staz-on Black, Baja Breeze, Going Gray
Accessories: Eyelets, Designer Label punch, 1" circle punch, Word Window punch, Crystal Effects, Aqua Painter

In-Color Mania

2009-06-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

One of the stampin' groups I belong to recently had a challenge to use all 6 In-Colors on one card. This is what I came up with.

Weren't the In-Colors fabulous this past year? I am going to miss them (especially Pink Pirouette). 'In-Colors' retire at the end of each catalog year ... so for us that means they will be gone after June 30. If you already own the pads, don't forget to order a reinker so you can juice up your inkpad when it starts to get dry. If you don't own any of the In-colors yet, what are you waiting for??

Please refer to the list of retiring accessories by clicking on the post-it-note picture at the right which will take you to my post listing them. The accessory list is updated daily with items that are sold-out. Remember ... accessories are only available while supplies last !! Don't wait or they might be sold out !!! Besides pads and reinkers, don't forget about coordinating cardstock, ribbon, Designer Series Paper, buttons, Simply Scrappin' kits, and small embellishments.

Supplies used on this project:
-------------------------------------
Stamps: Cheep Talk
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango
Accessories: 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Dimensionals

Retiring Stamp Sets & Accessories

2009-06-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

The lists of retiring stamp sets and accessories has been released !!!!!! Please click on the links below to view the lists. I have included lists for stamp sets both alphabetically and by page number as they appear in the current 2009 spring/summer catalog. Accessories are listed in this posting instead of link. Please check back often (I will update daily) as accessories are available only while supplies last. Stamp sets, however, do not run out. They can manufacture more as needed to fill backorders.

The new catalog takes effect July 1. The last day to order from the 2009 Spring/Summer catalog is June 30.

Retiring Stamp Sets - Alphabetically
http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Retired_Lists_0609_US_alph.pdf

Retiring Stamp Sets - By page number
http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Retired_Lists_0609_US_num.pdf

Retiring Accessories - AVAILABLE ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
(Some of the items are being offered at a 25% to 50% off discount. Don't delay in ordering !!). Items in PINK are sold out.

Item Description	Price	Disc.	Sale Price
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS	$7.95	50%	$3.98
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES	$9.95	50%	$4.98
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II	$14.95
BUTTON BOUQUET- sold out	$7.95	25%	$5.96
CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11- sold out	$5.50
CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12- sold out	$8.95
CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11- sold out	$7.95
CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11- sold out	$5.50
CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12- sold out	$8.95
CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11- sold out	$5.50
CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11- sold out	$5.50
CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11- sold out	$5.50
CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11- sold out	$5.50
CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12- sold out	$11.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE- sold out	$2.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS- sold out	$2.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT	$2.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE	$2.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED- sold out	$2.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO	$2.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE	$5.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS	$5.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT	$5.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE	$5.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED- sold out	$5.95
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO	$5.95
COLUZZLE STARTER KIT-sold out	$19.95
COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS	$9.95	50%	$4.98
COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT	$9.95	50%	$4.98
CRAFTERS TOOL KIT	$39.95
DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 French- sold out	$9.95	50%	$4.98
DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY	$4.95	50%	$2.48
DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO	$4.95	50%	$2.48
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE	$9.95	25%	$7.46
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE-sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO- sold out	$9.95-
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET-sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE- sold out	$11.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY	$11.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER- sold out	$11.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS- sold out	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS	$9.95
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE- sold out	$9.95
DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN- sold out	$8.95	25%	$6.71
DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE- sold out	$8.95
DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES	$8.95	25%	$6.71
ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LARGE- sold out	$5.50
GIFT SACKS WHITE- sold out	$2.95
HEMP TWINE BLACK	$2.95	50%	$1.48
HEMP TWINE RED	$2.95	50%	$1.48
LO MEJOR DE TODO	$19.95	50%	$9.98
NOTES CAROUSEL II- sold out	$11.95	25%	$8.96
NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II	$9.95
NOTES SCALLOP II- sold out	$11.95	25%	$8.96
NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II	$12.95	25%	$9.71
PUNCH KEY TAG- sold out	$15.95	25%	$11.96
PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM	$10.95	50%	$5.48
RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1"	$8.95	25%	$6.71
RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4"	$7.95	25%	$5.96
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8"- sold out	$9.95	25%	$7.46
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8"	$9.95	25%	$7.46
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8"	$9.95	25%	$7.46
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8"	$9.95	25%	$7.46
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8"	$9.95	25%	$7.46
RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8"	$9.95	25%	$7.46
RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP	$12.95	50%	$6.48
RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS	$13.95	50%	$6.98
RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET	$12.95	25%	$9.71
RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8"	$8.95	50%	$4.48
RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA- sold out	$7.95	25%	$5.96
RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED	$6.95	25%	$5.21
RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY	$10.95	25%	$8.21
RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS	$11.95	25%	$8.96
RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA	$10.95	25%	$8.21
RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT- sold out	$10.95	25%	$8.21
RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS	$10.95	25%	$8.21
RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	$10.95	50%	$5.48
RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	$10.95	50%	$5.48
RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS	$10.95	50%	$5.48
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER- sold out	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES- sold out	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY- sold out	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL- sold out	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN- sold out	$19.95
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS- sold out	$19.95
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS- sold out	$42.95
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS	$54.95
STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN- sold out	$3.25
STAZON REFILL WHITE- sold out	$4.95	50%	$2.48
STIPPLE BRUSHES- sold out	$6.95	25%	$5.21
TASTE OF TEXTILES	$9.95	25%	$7.46
TATTOO KIT I- sold out	$13.95
TATTOO KIT II - sold out	$13.95

WHEELS:
Blooms & Bulbs- sold out	$6.50
Doodle - jumbo- sold out	$8.50
Happy, Happy Birthday - jumbo- sold out	$8.50
Love	$6.50
My ABCs- sold out	$6.50
Perfectly Pretty- sold out	$6.50
See You Around - jumbo	$8.50
So Swirly - jumbo	$8.50
Something Fishy - jumbo	$8.50
Stems & Silhouettes - jumbo	$8.50
Watercolor Joy- sold out	$6.50

Trendy Trees Pocket Card ... and 10 year pin !

2009-05-28T22:43:00.001-07:00

This pocket card is so easy to create. It's a normal size A2 card (4.25"x5.5"). After folding the card in half from a half sheet of CS, just fold down one edge and hold it closed with a piece of ribbon. The card insert measures 3.5"x5".

I made 3 of these to send as RAKs for a stamping group I'm in. I hope the recipients like them!

The DSP I used is Manchester. I love this. The colors featured are Kraft, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and Baja Breeze and the patterns are all stripes, plaid, and argyle.

Supplies used:
-----------------
Stamps: Trendy Trees
CS: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Kraft, Manchester DSP
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Punches (Scallop Circle, Word Window, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle, Round Tab), Dimensionals, 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain.

A week or so ago I received my 10-year pin from Stampin' Up! I can't believe it's been that long already. Over the years I've met so many fabulous people. Thank you to all my customers and fellow demos for all of their support yesterday, today, and in the future.

Check out the bling ....

Jaron's Color Challenge #2

2009-05-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

Yaaay, Jaron has another color challenge. This one required the use of Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, and Chocolate Chip.

I saw the idea of a flower pot card on Nancy Riley's blog. From her blog, there are links to other blogs including one with a tutorial for measurements.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Oval All (Occasions Mini Catalog)
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pretty In Pink marker
Accessories: Punches (5-petal flower, Boho Blossoms, Trio Flower, Scalloped Oval, Large Oval, Scalloped Edge), Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain, Dimensionals, 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Happy Mothers Day !!!

2009-05-10T13:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all you Moms out there !!!! I hope you are having a great day !!!

My mom, me, and my big sister Lindy - 1965

My Mom passed away 6 years ago but I still celebrate her today on Mothers Day. She will always be a very big part of my life. Thanks Mom ... I love you and miss you.

I'm celebrating with my 2 kids and my husband today. It's great spending the day together. We will go out for an early dinner tonight. Yum !!

Summer 2008 - Mexican Cruise

Mothers Day Cards

2009-05-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

This week I made my Mothers Day cards. I was dragging my feet to sit down and stamp them since Mothers Day is now a day that makes me feel sad since my own Mother passed away 6 years ago. I have some wonderful mother figures in my life that I can honor on this day, but it's not the same.

I got the inspiration to use the Bella Rose designer series paper after seeing Becky Roberts' blog, Inking Idaho, HERE. Instead of using my coveted Fleurettes crocheted flowers, I used my punches. I LOVE punches, don't you???

Cardstock used was Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red,and Whisper White. Ink used was Riding Hood Red. the only stamps used on these cards was the greeting which is from the now-retired set, All Year Cheer II. Punches used were the 5-petal flower, Scallop Edge and Boho Blossoms. Some of the flowers were punched out using my Big Shot and the Birds & Blooms sizzlits die.

Right before I put the cards in their envelopes, I decided that the centers of the flowers needed some bling. I glitterized them using 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I think it made all the difference !!

Happy Mothers Day to the MOM figures in my life .... my older sister Lindy (she's not old enough to be my mother figure but she's an outstanding mother), Mother-in-law June, Birthmom Sandy, my Birthfather's wife Kathy, and my sister's Birthmom Cherie. Does this confuse anyone? My sister and I were both adopted as babies and we have both reunited with our birth parents and all of them play a big part in my life.

Jaron's Color Challenge #1

2009-04-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've participated in a color-challenge. It's also the first time in a LONG time that I've stamped. I've been kind of in a funk and not sure why I haven't wanted to stamp. How pathetic that my last blog posting was over a month ago!

This color challenge came from Jaron Winder. Jaron used to work for Stampin' Up! in their home office in their training department and is hugely popular with the demonstrators. Even though he no longer works for them, he will always be our rock star! We've had the good fortune of watching him in action at Convention and Regionals. We will miss you, Jaron!!!!!!!! I'm so happy he has a blog so we can all keep in touch. Besides being incredibly talented (he sings, too), he's stinkin' cute, and he has an adorable family as well. They should all be models !!

Here's a pic of me with Jaron taken at Convention in 2006 in Salt Lake City.

The challenge was to use Taken With Teal, Old Olive, and Soft Sky (a now retired In-Color from '07-'08) together in a card. Soft Sky is still my favorite color and I would love for SU to bring it back somehow. I'm not a big fan of Old Olive, so I used it minimally in this card.

I had this card done, then thought it looked boring so I re-did it with a little texture on the soft sky background, and added glitter to the bird wings and the centers of the little flowers. When something's boring, glitter is the answer. LOVE LOVE LOVE that Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I stamped the bird's legs directly on the white background, then stamped him again in the Soft Sky on a scrap and cut him out and adhered with a Stampin' Dimensional. His beak was stamped in Summer Sun, cut out, and paper pieced onto him.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Cheep Talk
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Taken With Teal, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Old Olive (marker & pad), Close to Cocoa (marker), Summer Sun (marker)
Accessories: Punches (Scallop circle, 1-1/4" and 1-3/4" circle, Trio Flower, Eyelet Border), 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Dimensionals, Grosgrain ribbon (olive and white), Big Shot, Texturz Plates (Backgrounds I), Texturz Impressions Pad, Texturz Silicone Rubber

Baby Girl Shower Card

2009-03-22T10:23:00.001-07:00

I went to a baby shower yesterday and this was the card. I thought it was pretty clever since the wrapping paper had hand prints all over it and you gotta match! I don't think the mom-to-be realized this was a hand-stamped card because it matched so perfect to the paper and the envelope had hand prints on it, too. Oh well. Maybe she'll flip the card over and see my "hand stamped by" impression !!

I FINALLY used my Big Shot Texturz plates for the background of this card. So easy to do and I really think the texture adds so much to the project.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: I'm Here (retired), Curvy Verses
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Texturz Plates (SU Backgrounds I), Silicone Rubber pad, Texturz Impressions Pad, Pink Gingham ribbon (retired), Dimensionals

Pirate Invasion

2009-03-12T22:53:00.001-07:00

My daughter's high school theatre department just finished doing Pirates of Penzance. It was an awesome production. She played the part of one of the singing daughters. I stamped stuff for this and it was all very simple.

First I made 200 "break-a-leggers", which are notecards for people to send messages to cast/crew to "break a leg" before the show. Using the Top Note die and my Big Shot from Sizzix, I punched out 200 assorted colored notes and stamped them with the ship and the pirate from the (now retired) "Ahoy Matey" stamp set in Brocade Blue and Chocolate Chip.

Next I sent my daughter on opening night a cello bag with a "grow your own pirate" and some chocolate coins, and a simple stamped tag with the pirate on it.

Another night, I VERY QUICKLY stamped a gable box because I realized I didn't have a cello big enough to hold all the loot I got. Contained in the box were wax bottles, more chocolate coins, pirate pencil/notepad/sticker set, Grow Your Own Pirate Ship, and some pirate tattoos. I also made a little box using my Big Shot again and the Box #2 die, wheeled with the (now retired) Mateys Map wheel. Inside the mini box were covered fun size Hersheys Bars using the same wheel.

On the final night, I made 70 of these little pillow boxes for each of the cast & crew. I used the pillow box die and my Big Shot. All wheeled with Mateys Map wheel, and tied with jute cord. Very simple but pretty piratey - Arrrrrrr. I was going to punch out tags, but ran out of time so just did labels on the back.

Here are some other pirate people pics:

* Singing daughters curtain call (Katy on far right):

Pirates curtain call:

Scene from the play (Katy is the daughter crying on the right, when her father, Major General Stanley, is being taken by the pirates):

Katy and her pirate after the show:

Lastly, here are a couple of youtube clips of the girls singing their opening song, Climbing Over A Rocky Mountain. Please excuse the quality of my filming. I was trying to hide my camera (wasn't sure if were were allowed to film). Plus, the singing was far better in person than what you can hear. All these girls have terrific talent.

First half of song:

Second half of song:

Thinking of You

2009-03-12T21:58:00.001-07:00

This card was created for the Mom of a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. She had suffered ill health for the past year and was currently in the hospital. Sadly, she passed away within a week after I sent this card.

I used the new Branch Out stamp set from the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog. I love this set. The tree is adorable and just by changing the color of the foliage on the branches you can make it fit into any season.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Branch Out, Trendy Trees (greeting)
Cardstock/Paper: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue and Whisper White CS; Delicate Dots DSP (from Sale-a-Bration*)
Ink: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red
Accessories: Word Window Punch, 1/2" Striped Grosgrain in So Saffron, Filligree Designer Brad

* The Delicate Dots designer series paper can be earned for free during Sale-A-Bration with a $50 purchase. Also available, a ribbon bundle, and 4 limited edition stamp sets. Ask me for more details. See the link on the right.

Happy Birthday Phoebe !!

2009-03-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

Today is my dog's birthday. Phoebe is 7 today but she is still just as much of a puppy as she was when she came to us at 3 mos. old.

Although I didn't make this card for her LOL, I did make several of these in the past few weeks for friends and family who had birthdays. It's a 3x3 card. Fast and easy. Pink is MY favorite color ... so I have to push it on everyone else, too! LOL. The frosting on the cupcakes is glitterized for extra bling.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Crazy For Cupcakes; Cupcake wheel; HB sentiment from Eat Cake (retired) Cardstock/DSP: Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Barely Banana, Regal Rose CS; Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Basic Black & Pretty In Pink classic pads; Markers in Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Barely Banana
Accessories: Scallop circle punch, 1-3/8 and 1-1/4" circle punches, Dimensionals, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Below is a pic of the birthday girl taken at Christmas. We are off to Petsmart now so she can choose a new toy and some rawhides. Happy Birthday to my very best canine friend :-) I love you, Boo !

Mini Valentine Paint Can

2009-01-24T18:21:00.001-08:00

This mini paint can will make a perfect container to hold some Hersheys kisses or other small treat for Valentines Day. Because I can't be trusted with chocolate while I am dieting, the candy will go in LAST MINUTE! hahaha.

The stamps, 3-heart punch and Designer Series Paper are part of the Love You Much Bundle, which is available until January 31. Buying them as a bundle saves you 20%. After January 31, you can still buy them individually but they will be at their full catalog price. Click here for details.

The little paint cans can be purchased at Papertrey Ink.

Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Love You Much
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red Cardstock; Candy Lane Designer Series Paper
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Scallop Punch, 1-3/8" circle, 3-Heart Punch, Scalloped Edge punch, ribbon scraps, dimensional

Stampin' "Garage Sale"

2009-01-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

With the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog here, I need to sell some old things to open up some shelf space and help pay for the new !!!

I have the following retired/used Stampin’ Up! stamp sets and accessories for sale. They are all marked off approx. 50% off (some more) from their last catalog price. Prices do NOT include shipping (see bottom for shipping details). All are in excellent condition unless otherwise noted. If you would like to see a picture of the rubber side, just ask and I’ll take a pic and email to you.

Please check back often as some "pending" items may fall thru in selling and become available again.

Just retired Stamp Sets:
-----------------------------
Wonderful Words 10.00 - SOLD
Fabulous Flowers 11.00 - SOLD
Happiness Background 9.00

Previously Retired Stamp Sets:
-------------------------------------
Beautiful Batik 12.00
Bud Basics 9.00
So Much 15.00
Office Accoutrement 15.00
Polka Dots and Paisley 9.00
Check It Out 9.00
Be Happy 10.00 (box has remnants of Avery label stuck to it)
Les Fleurs 9.00
Just My Type 8.00
Sew Seasonal 16.00 (box has remnants of Avery label stuck to it)
Word Play 10.00
Perfect Party 12.00 (staining on wood from cleaning)
Painted Garden 8.00
Simple Sayings II 10.00
It’s a Party 10.00
Bodacious Bouquet 15.00
Letter Patterns 10.00
Shapes & Shadows 15.00
Little Layers 10.00 (ink staining on wood)
Little Layers II 10.00
Border Builders 11.00
Simply Circles 9.00
Vogue Verses 10.00 (ink staining on wood)
Cute as a Bug 7.00 - SOLD
Springtime Stems 7.00
Alphabits 8.00
Build-a-Blossom 8.00
Garden Collage 8.00
In The Sky (New/Unmounted) 7.00 (ink stain on one wood block)

Wheels: $2.00 each; 2 for $3.00; or 3 for $5.00
------------------------------------------------
Batik
Confetti Play
Party
Pindot
Blossoms & Bugs
Flower Power
Butterfly
Bold Christmas Trees

Retired Accessories:
-------------------------
Groovy Guava Cardstock (NEW, unopened) 4.50 - SOLD
Groovy Guava Inkpad (used) with Reinker (never used) 5.00
River Rock Cardstock (17 sheets) 3.00 - SOLD
River Rock Inkpad (used) 3.00
Soft Sky 3/8” double stitched ribbon (NEW, unopened, 15 yards) 7.00
Wild Wasabi 3/8” double stitched ribbon (opened, 10 yards remaining) 5.00
Wild Wasabi Inkpad (used) 3.00
Wild Wasabi Cardstock (1 sheet missing from package) 4.50 - SOLD
¼” Circle Punch (Black, whale tale style) 4.00
¼” Square Punch (Black, whale tale style) 4.00
Spectrum Stampin’ Pad – Taffy 5.00
Kaleidacolor Pad – Autumn Leaves 5.00
Kaleidacolor Pad – Blue Breeze 5.00
Stampin’ Write Marker – Rose Romance 1.00 - SOLD
8-1/2x11 Simply Scrappin’ Kids At Play 7.00
Purse Boxes & Tags – Soft Subtles 4.00 - SOLD
(6 sheets per package, 1 sheet each of Barely Banana,
Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss, Pretty In Pink)
Pockets & Pieces Boxes & Tags 4.00
(9 sheets per package. 3 each of Confetti White, Black and
Sahara Sand)
Rollagraph Reinkers (Ballet Blue, Summer Sun, Orange, Brown, Black, Red, Positively Pink, Mellow Moss, Forest Foliage, Bordering Blue, Garden Green) 7.00 for all - SOLD

Miscellaneous:
-------------------
NEW SU! Apron 2001 Convention – green puzzle logo “Putting It All Together” 3.00 - SOLD
Stampin’ Up! Calendar 2004 – still in wrapping 1.00 (full color ideas w/recipes) - SOLD
Stampin’ Up! Calendar 2005 - still in wrapping 1.00 - SOLD

Old Catalogs - $1.00 each
-------------------------------
(please note some of them have my demonstrator label on the back. Some don’t, and I will sell the ones without the labels first).
2001-2002 5 available
2002-2003 1 available
2003-2004 1 available
2004-2005 5 available
2006-2007 6 available, 1 coil bound available (your choice)
2007 Fall/Winter 4 available
2008 Spring/Summer 2 available
Stampin’ Memories April-September 2003 1 available
Stampin’ Memories October 2003 – July 2004 1 available

I also have hoards of Mini Catalogs dating back to 2002. If there are any you are looking for, let me know (too many to list). I will sell these 10 for $1.00.

Non-Stampin’ Up! Accessories:
--------------------------------------
Pink Fun Flock (full jar) 1.00
Glossy white door hangers (19) 1.00
Confetti white door hangers (15) 1.00
Misc. Paper Pieces (18 glossy tags, 11 confetti tags, 2 bookmarks, 1 frame, 1 puzzle) 1.00
D.O.T.S. Thanks A Bunch stamp #J125 3.00
D.O.T.S. Ivy Birdhouse stamp #I110 3.00 (light staining on rubber)

Payment & Shipping:
--------------------------
All stamps and products weighing over a pound will be sent Priority Mail with complimentary delivery confirmation. Small items under 1 pound will be sent first class with no delivery confirmation. Please provide your zip code so I can give you a price quote. If you live local, you may pick up from my house. Because stamps and catalogs are heavy, if buying multiples I will do my best to put as many as I can into a flat rate priority box.

Please note: Priority rates recently went up in price. Flat Rate Envelope (fits 1 set) is now 4.95. Small Priority Flat Rate Box also 4.95. Regular Priority Flat Rate Box is 10.35. Large Flat Rate Box is 13.95.

I accept and prefer Paypal and will send you an invoice once shipping is determined. I also accept personal checks for purchases under $10 only. If paying by check, your items will be shipped once the check clears at the bank.

Shipping within the United States only.

If you have any questions, please email me directly.

Sale-a-Bration is Coming !!!

2009-01-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

Just a quick notice to let you know Sale-A-Bration is coming February 1 - March 31, 2009. If you are not familiar with Sale-a-bration, you are in for something great!

For every $50 purchase (amount before tax & shipping) earn FREE ... yes FREE ... Sale-A-Bration product. This year, you have your choice between 4 stamp sets, 1 ribbon bundle, and Designer Series Paper.

Stay tuned for more details.

The New 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog Is Here !!!

2009-01-20T00:08:00.000-08:00

It's here! It's here!! The 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog went live today. Wait until you see all the great new products Stampin' Up! has to offer.

Visit my demonstrator website to shop at your convenience (click on the Shop Now button at the top) or you can email me and I can assist you by placing your order for you.

There are awesome new stamp sets, designer series papers, Simply Scrappin' kits, rub-ons, buttons, brads, ribbons, chipboard, punches, Decor Elements, and TONS of new dies for our Big Shot !

Here's one of my favorite new sets. It's called Cheep Talk and I just LOVE those fat little birds.

To view all of the new products, click here to be directed to the list via my website. To view the entire catalog, click here.

I'm excited about this catalog. It's fantastic and I know you'll love it too.

My phone got killed

2009-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my phone got crushed in my car door. It's pulverized. Just thought I'd share a picture of the devastation LOL. I loved this phone ... it was pink ... and it was stinkin' cute. We were a couple for over 3 years LOL.

Unfortunately, I let my daughter use my phone upgrade last month after she lost hers at school. We don't have another upgrade available until next month or the month after. I have an old phone from 4 years ago that is dirt ugly but it's better than nothing. I"ll be using that until I can get something new and spiffy.

Rest in peace my dear pink Razr.

Hinged Candle Box

2009-01-15T22:19:00.001-08:00

We made Christmas versions of this candle box at our last group meeting (thanks Amy for such awesome projects!). Since Christmas is over, and I burned some of the candles from the box I decided to revamp the box and make a Valentines version.

The hinged tin is from Papertrey Ink. The cardstock insert which keeps the candles from sliding around too much (plus adds color) measures 4-5/8" x 5-1/4". The corners are rounded using the corner rounder punch. Fold the piece in half longways, then score 1-3/4" inch in from each end to make the division in the center.

Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Love You Much*
Cardstock/DSP: Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Candy Lane DSP*
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1/4" Vanilla grosgrain, Dimensionals

* The Love You Much stamp set and the Candy Lane DSP are both part of the Love You Much Bundle available thru 1/31/09. Along with a 3-heart punch, these three items are bundled to provide you with a 20% savings. After 1/31 they are all available individually in the new Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, however they will be at their full retail price. Buy the bundle now and save 20% !!!

Valentine Tree Card

2009-01-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

Inspiration for the heart tree came from this card stamped by Tessa Wise.

I decided to combine my favorite Holiday Mini Catalog set (page 6, Season of Friendship #111776) with the punch and stamps from the the Love You Much Bundle promotion Stampin' Up! has going on right now.

This card measures 5-1/4 x 5-1/4 and fits inside the Medium Square Envelopes (#107289 20 for $6.95).

Supplies used:
---------------------
Stamps: Love You Much
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Accessories: 3-heart punch (from Love You Much Bundle, and will be in the Spring/Summer Catalog), Scallop Punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, Word Window punch, Pink Pirouette 5/8" striped grosgrain

Don't forget .... Holiday Mini Catalog sets and accessories are only available until January 18. I'm sure you'll want to order this Season of Friendship set. It's sooooo versatile, and I just found out it was not carried over into the new catalog (the new catalog has not been released but a little bird told me). So don't miss out.

The Love You Much Bundle (Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, 3-heart punch, and Love You Much stamp set) will be available until January 31. After January 31 you can still get all of these items in the new catalog, however they will be their regular price. Buying them as a bundle now saves you 20% (value 51.85; you get it for 41.48).

Inventory Blowout Sale !!!

2009-01-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up! is having an Inventory Blowout. From January 5-18, get a selection of retired, retiring, and current Stampin' Up! products for up to 50% off regular price.

Click here to see the list.

Visit my demonstrator website to order on your own, or send me an email and I will order for you.

Retiring Accessories

2009-01-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER!!!
List updated 1/18/09 7:15 p.m.

Please check back daily for updates. Items are available only while supplies last, or until January 18. RED indicates that the item is sold out and no longer available.

Item # Product Description Availability
------- ------------------- ---------------
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE - Sold Out
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 - Sold Out
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6* - Sold Out
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6* - Sold Out
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12 - Sold Out
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY - Sold Out
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY - Sold Out
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER - Sold Out
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK - Sold Out
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER - Sold Out
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI - Sold Out
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25 - Sold Out
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE - Sold Out
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE - Sold Out
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE* - Sold Out
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE - Sold Out
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME - Sold Out
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT - Sold Out
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

Stampin' Around Wheels:
---------------------------
107212 MATEYS MAP - wheel - Sold Out
106749 BRIGHT BULBS - wheel
109672 BRONCO - wheel - Sold Out
104100 MAKING TRACKS - wheel - Sold Out
108978 SANDY SHELLS - wheel - Sold Out
110332 SNOW - wheel
101233 SNOWFLAKE - wheel - Sold Out
109694 SWEET STARS - wheel
111249 TAKE A NUMBER - wheel

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Note:

Don't forget about the Love You Much valentine bundle. Click here for details.

2009 Create-a-Calendar Kit

2009-01-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen the Create-a-Calendar kit yet (it's on page 3 of the Holiday Mini Catalog) here it is. I've actually had my kit for a while but didn't put it together until today. There are so many ways you can use this kit.

This kit is available in the Holiday Mini Catalog and will only be available until January 18, when the Holiday Mini expires. It sells for only $7.95 and comes with 12 double-sided calendar pages (print on the front, months on the front), 1 sheet of self-adhesive die cuts, 1 sheet die-cut & scored pocket, and 1 yard of 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon.

You can create this calendar like I did using a coil and making it flip-style, or by using the individual months on Stampin' Up!'s On Board clipboards (page 180 of the IB&C), or use your imagination and create your own. For just $7.95, it's a bargain and makes a wonderful gift for someone (or yourself!!).

I decided to follow the style that Jan Tinklenberg showed on her blog. You can check out hers HERE. I used my Bind-it-all to coil bind it together.

Here are pictures of the individual calendar pages:

Stamps Used (All Stampin' Up!):

Holiday Blitz: P. 46, #109353, 36.95, set of 28

Flight of the Butterfly: p. 97, $111564, 31.95, set of 10

Happy New Year !!!

2009-01-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!! We had a fun night last night. We went to my husband's sister's house and spent the evening playing board games and visiting with eachother.

May 2009 bring you all health & happiness.

Love You Much Bundle promotion

2008-12-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

From now thru January 31, 2009, Stampin' Up! is offering this awesome Love You Much Bundle. The items contained in the bundle will all be available for purchase individually in the new Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog (which comes out January 19th), however when purchased as a bundle it's priced at 20% off! Wow !!

Included in the bundle are:

Love You Much stamp set (25.95) - set of 6 stamps

Pack of 12"x12" Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (9.95) - 12 sheets, 2 of each double sided patterns. The colors in this paper are Pink Pirouette, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, and Very Vanilla.

Heart to Heart punch (15.95) - this punch coordinates with the stamp set so you can easily punch out the hearts.

Send me an email if you'd like to order, or go directly to my demonstrator website, click on the "shop now" link at the top of the site, and order at your convenience. But don't wait past January 31. Order before then to get this bundle at a 20% discount.

From Our House to Yours

2008-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

The next few days before Christmas are going to be crazy busy around here, so I wanted to take an opportunity to wish everyone a joyful holiday. This is the photo we used for this year's Christmas card. It was taken on our cruise this past August.

From our family to yours ..... Merry Christmas !!

Joyeux Noel

2008-12-21T00:37:00.000-08:00

My daughter is taking French in school and she has an awesome teacher. I stamped this card for her to give to him yesterday on their last day of school before Christmas break. I don't have a stamp that says Joyeux Noel (the horror - maybe I'll have to buy one!) so I just printed out the words and punched it out.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Paris in the Springtime (retired)
Cardstock/DSP: Ruby Red, Whisper White, Old Olive, Holiday Treasures DSP
Ink: Ruby Red
Accessories: Oval Punch, Alpine Ribbon Originals, Dimensionals

Happy Hanukkah

2008-12-19T22:01:00.001-08:00

Happy Hanukkah stamp copyright katie & co.

I have several friends who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. I sent them Christmas cards, so thought I'd send them a Hanukkah card, too. This is what I came up with. I found the round Hanukkah stamp at Michaels in the dollar bin a couple months ago. The small menorah is from the Holiday Blitz set.

Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Holiday Blitz; Michaels Dollar stamp
Cardstock/DSP: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Prints Pack (retired Level 1 hostess)
Ink: Bashful Blue
Accessories: 1-3/4" and 3/4" circle punches, dimensionals, Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon

I think it turned out cute. What do you think ??

Santa Candy Bars

2008-12-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

I've made a ton of these full size Santa candybar wrappers lately. They are the perfect holiday giveaway. I made a bunch for my upline group, then I made one for each of the ladies in my monthly Bunco group.

Supplies used:
-----------------
Stamps: Best Yet (hostess set, level 1) ; Petite Posies (retired - for buttons)
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver
Ink: Basic Black classic pad; Whisper White craft
Accessories: 3/4" and 1-1/4" square punches

Ikea Jars strike again !!

2008-12-18T23:56:00.001-08:00

I have so many of these little jars from Ikea stocked up. My daughter wanted something to hand out to a few friends tomorrow on their last day of school before Christmas so luckily I already had these on hand.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Deer Friends (Level 2 hostess set)
Cardstock: Real Red, Glorious Green, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa and Real Red markers
Accessories: Real Red striped grosgrain, silver cord, Word Window Punch, Scallop Punch, Circle Punches (1-3/8" and 1-1/4")
Non-SU!: Google Eyes and red pom poms

I also had a ton of the little google eyes on hand and the pom pom reindeer noses to add a little fun. I think they turned out cute.

Enjoy !!

Retirement List Is Here !!!!

2008-12-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

Here it is ... and yes, I'm up at 2:41 am posting this LOL. Actually I fell asleep on the couch watching TV and just woke up a little while ago so had to sign on to see the retirement list before I climbed into bed. I'm so excited about the deal Stampin' Up! has for everyone, too !!!

Click HERE to view the list of retiring stamp sets (includes photos for easy viewing).

Here's the hot deal ... it's so smokin' hot I need a potholder to type this. Retiring sets will be available until January 18, but order from December 9-23 and get 10% off of them.

If you spend $70 or more during that same time period, get FREE SHIPPING too!!! How awesome is that??? The free shipping is valid on ANY ORDER $70 and over until the 23rd, not just the retiring sets, so if there is something you are thinking of buying for yourself or someone else for the holidays, do it now and take advantage of this!

To order, simply drop me an email, or to make things really easy, visit my Demonstrator Website, click on the "Shop now" button at the top, and order online !!!

Oh, and a little reminder. To ensure delivery before Christmas, order before December 16.

Santa Notecards

2008-11-27T23:26:00.000-08:00

Aren't these little Santa notecards cute? The cards measure 3"x3" and they fit into the Mini Square Envelopes (#107309 -- 40 for 4.95). The belt buckle is one of the pieces from the now-retired Hodgepodge Hardware. 6 of these cards with envelopes are housed nicely into a Silver Skinny Tin (#108333 - $1.95). You can get these tins while supplies last. They make a great holder for gift cards, CDs, etc. I used the 1-1/4" and 3/4" square punches to make the buckle on the belly band that wraps around the tin.

Supplies:
------------
Stamps: Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: White Craft
Accessories: Scalloped Edge Punch, 1-1/4" and 3/4" square punches, Hodgepodge Hardware (retired), Silver Skinny Tin

Holiday Extravaganza Sale -- It's HERE !!

2008-11-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

From Today (november 26) thru December 1, get UP TO 50% OFF select Stampin' Up! products. Click HERE to view the list of bundles including product photos.

You can order online by visiting my Stampin' Up! website (click on Shop Now at the top of the page once you get there). If you have trouble ordering there, just send me a quick email.

Bundles are only good for a very short time (6 days!!) and WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Don't delay !!!!!!!! (I ordered mine at 6:30 this morning hehe).

Holiday Extravaganza Sale

2008-11-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

What is the Holiday Extravaganza sale?

This sale is a limited-time, 20% to 50% discount on select product bundles from November 26 through December 1, 2008. The details are so smokin' hot that even us Demonstrators haven't been told in advance of what's being offered. Can you stand it ??

Details will be announced when the sale begins tomorrow (November 26).

Quantities of discounted bundles are limited, so you should place your orders now!!!

Visit my Demonstrator Website to order online, or contact me by email and I will place your order immediately by credit card payment only (unless you are local and you can drop off a check SAME DAY). Because quantities are limited, I cannot guarantee that they won't be sold out. Don't delay.

Only 5 days ... November 26 thru December 1 !!!!

A Stamping Mystery

2008-11-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I visited a local stamp store. They were hosting a book signing by Terri Thayer, a mystery writer who had authored a rubber stamping mystery. How fun !!!

I picked up my copy of 'Stamped Out' and had the author sign it. The inscription says "Watch out for falling skulls" ... so I need to read the book to find out what that means. She stamped her intials T T on there, too. Stamping books need stamping on them don't they?? I wish I would have taken my camera to get a picture of her with me. Oh well, when her next book comes out I will be sure to remember.

Anyhow, Terri Thayer has mystery books on quilting, too, so I'll be buying those for a family member who is an avid quilter. Maybe she will be doing a book signing somewhere for those and I can get them signed.

Check out Terri's website here and her blog here. The blog contains entries by other writers too and they describe themselves as "7 mystery writers who are dying to discuss the hobbies that drove us to murder.” There's rubber stamping & quilting, scrapbooking, miniatures, pets, diet & exercise , needlework and crocheting.

Fire Update #2

2008-11-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

This is the street leading up to our neighborhood around 4pm today. We live behind the hill on the right and the big hill on the left is completely charred.

This is the road leading up to the State Park. You can see a fire truck parked there on standby in case of flare ups. My friend lives about a half mile from where this pic was taken and when they left at 2:30 this morning she said rabbits, raccoons and other little animals were running in the streets trying to escape. How sad. Her house backs up to the state park and they were about 4 houses away from the flames.

Another view of the state park.

Miraculously, NO homes in Chino Hills were burned. Firefighters from all around Southern California did such an awesome job in preventing any structure loss.

Southern California Fires

2008-11-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

The fires in Southern California got too close for comfort. We first saw the smoke late morning but it was still far enough away that it didn't worry us. The picture above was taken around noon. By early evening we could see the orange glow of the fires from behind the Chino Hills State Park, which backs up to our neighborhood, and it started to make us a bit nervous. We packed up photos, jewelry, special items and important papers just in case. By midnight I couldn't see much of the orange glow anymore and assumed the fire had moved west. I went to bed around 12:30am.

Around 3:30am I woke up from a very light sleep hearing car horns and sirens. I peeked out our bedroom window and the hill was completely on fire. Almost immediately our neighbor knocked on our door to make sure we were awake. We woke the kids up and gathered our stuff and started to pack the cars so we'd be ready to go when/if we had to.

The picture above is the view from our driveway just before we left around 4:00am. It was very scary. The flames would get really high then calm down as it moved through the dry brush on the hill. I cried as I drove away, not knowing if the fires would continue towards us and take our house (plus, I had to leave my aquarium and worried about my fish). The fire in the distance is the State Park burning and it was RIGHT AT the houses across the main street from us. My friend and downline Alexa lives right at the top and I haven't been able to get in touch with her since yesterday so she must be out of town. That neighborhood had mandatory evacuations. Ours was voluntary but it was too close for comfort so we left. My other downline Meg lives about 5 minutes East from us and was ready to go last night as soon as they got notice to go. I haven't heard from her yet so hope everything is o.k. with her.

Our neighborhood evacuated to the grocery store down at the bottom of the hill. The photo above is the view looking up the street, the fire at the top was in the middle of a bunch of houses, but it's a miracle none of them burned!! It looked like the houses were completely engulfed, but it was just huge flames behind them from all the dry brush. This picture does not even begin to show the magnitude of what it looked like in person. It's an awful feeling to see your neighborhood in flames.

Fires got under control quickly as the firefighters did a lot of back burning so it didn't move towards structures. We were home by approx. 6:30am and all is o.k. What a relief. Below is the view when we returned home.

This experience of evacuating really taught me to get my stuff organized. I had so many boxes of photos, I need to get them more centrally located.

Kreativ Blogger Award

2008-11-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today I received this Kreativ Blogger award from fellow stamper/blogger Amber. Amber and I have been on the same yahoogroup for years. Thanks for the award, Amber! You totally made my day :-)

Here are the rules of the award:

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 6 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs
5. Send a message to your nominees to let them know they've been nominated.

6 fellow bloggers I am nominating for this award:
-------------------------------------------------
1. Meg P.
2. Jan H.
3. Elissa M.
4. Kimberly M.
5. Rebecca G.
6. Barb M.

Thanks again, Amber, for nominating me :-)

Rub-ons .... November Special !!

2008-11-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ho Ho Ho .. it's time to start thinking about making and stocking up on small gifts for the Holidays. I found these little jars at Ikea and they are perfect for filling with m&ms, Hersheys Kisses, jelly beans, etc. I decorated them using Stampin' Up!'s rub-ons. How easy !!!!! What's even better is that this month rub-ons are 20% off when you spend $20 on any Stampin' Up! merchandise!

Supplies used:

-----------------

Rub-ons: Word Flurries

Cardstock: Glorious Green, Real Red

Accessories: 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain, 1-3/8" circle punch, Scallop Circle punch, Silver Brad, Dimensionals

From now thru November 30, 2008, when you spend $20 on any Stampin' Up! merchandise (amount before tax & shipping) you get 20% off any of our Rub-ons. Normally $10.95, you can get these puppies for $8.76. There are 10 sets to choose from in the Idea Book & Catalog, and 2 sets in the Holiday Mini.

Click here for more details. Rub-ons can be found on pages 178-179 of the Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog, and also in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Click here to see the Catalog & Mini Catalog online.

Contact me today to place your order. :-)

Holiday Stamp-a-stack ... Card 4

2008-11-07T14:27:00.001-08:00

Here is the 4th and final card for my Holiday Stamp-a-stack. My customers will be stamping 20 cards ... 5 each of 4 different designs.

I love this Mr. Twigster stamp set. Mr. Twigster can be found in the current Holiday Mini Catalog (good thru Jan 18, 2009). Besides the Christmas tree and Mr. T, this set of 4 also comes with a stack of gifts and a string of lights.

Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Mr. Twigster, Sincere Salutations stamp sets; Bold Snowflakes jumbo wheel
Paper: Real Red, Baja Breeze and Whisper White CS; Ski Slope DSP (holiday mini catalog)
Ink: Basic Black and Real Red classic ink pads; Stampin' Write markers in Real Red, Only Orange, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Big Shot, Snowflakes Set #2 dies, Silver Brads

Peacock Birthday

2008-11-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine had a birthday on Halloween (hi Natalie!!). She hates sharing her day with that holiday so I had to send her a b'day card that had absolutely nothing to do with anything spooky or orange LOL. She has a pet peacock and collects them too. "Baby" found his way into her family a few years by walking into her house!! Baby has a great life, sleeping up in the arbor at night and eating bugs by day. I am not sure if he still comes into the house or not, but he definately knows where he belongs.

Inspiration for this card came from the November/December issue of Paper Crafts magazine. There was a template to download offline but I could not get it to work so I just drew and hand-cut the pieces out. The card doesn't open up so I just wrote on the back.

Supplies used:
-------------------
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes (for the feather on top of his head); Big Birthday Candle (wording); Pick-a-Petal (circle stamp on feathers)
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Taken With Teal, Green Galore, Basic Black
Ink: Taken With Teal, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Mini Glue Dots, Rhinestones (non-SU), black eyelet, Boho Blossoms punch (for the feet)

Holiday Stamp-a-stack ... Card 3

2008-11-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

This is the 3rd card for my Holiday Stamp-a-stack coming up this weekend. My customers are making 20 cards ... 5 each of 4 different designs.

Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Winter Post (Holiday Mini Catalog)
Cardstock: Ruby Red, Old Olive, and Kraft CS; Holiday Treasures DSP
Ink: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Notes die, 3/4" circle punch, Dimensionals

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is me last year on Halloween. I'm wearing the same thing tonight (creature of habit I guess!). I think we have enough candy ... well hopefully! Last year we had 285 trick or treaters. Hopefully this year they will not be dropped off by the busload. I don't mind little kids and I love seeing how excited they are to come to the door, but when you get these giant teenagers who are clearly not from our neighborhood, not wearing costumes, and almost 8-10 inches taller than me (I'm 5'2), enough is enough. I have different candy for different people ROFL. Is that terrible?

The photo below shows the good candy in the 2-tiered basket, the little pumpkin bottles of bubbles for toddlers of friends/neighbors, the bags of chocolate body parts with eyeball topper for the older kids I know that will be stopping by, and the pumpkin bowl has these Pirates of the Carribean gummy candies that are truly the most gross tasting things I've ever eaten (thought they'd be good). These are reserved for people that bring around their infants barely out of the womb to trick or treat, or those that try to pull things like trick-or-treating for their unborn babies (yes, a woman came to the door last year, about 8-mos pregnant, trick-or-treating for "the baby" (while patting her belly). No, it wasn't her costume!!!! Without the bubbles or the body parts, I figure I have about 275 pieces of candy (maybe a few less since I ate some LOL). Last year I panicked when we still had droves of kids coming by and I cleared out my kids' bags of things they didn't like or things I didn't want them to have and I re-handed them out. Normally I wouldn't be so cheap, but with 285 trick or treaters, that's a lot of candy to buy !!!!!

Happy Halloween !!!!!

Holiday Stamp-A-Stack ... Card 2

2008-10-30T09:59:00.001-07:00

This is the 2nd of four cards my customers will be making at my Holiday Stamp-a-stack. They will be making 20 cards .... 5 each of 4 different designs. For stamp-a-stacks I try to make the cards fast and easy so they are easily duplicated and can be mass produced. You could bling up this card by adding some Dazzling Diamonds glitter on all of the snowflakes, adding additional layers, and maybe some ribbon, but as I said, these are FAST and easy cards. Inspiration from this card came from one I saw on splitcoast

Supplies used:
-----------------
Stamps: Season of Friendship stamp set (Holiday Mini Catalog), Best Yet (Level 1 Hostess Set)
Cardstock: Baja Breeze (2008-09 In Color), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/8" Circle punch, Small Oval punch, Dimensionals

Body Parts

2008-10-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

I found these hysterical foil wrapped chocolate body parts while buying our Halloween candy and had to get them (click on the picture to enlarge and check out the hair coming out of the ears!!). I knew they would be perfect for certain kids in my neighborhood who will no doubt stop by our house Friday night. And no, I don't make these for all of the 250+ Trick-or-Treaters we get. I LOOOVE punches (almost as much as Halloween!) and had to make some eyeball labels for the headers. With my Big Shot and the Top Notes die, these were fast! I also had a full pack of the now-retired Creepy Crawly DSP so I was happy to use something that I had stashed away. See? It's good to hoard !!!

Supplies used:

-----------------

Stamps: Everyday Flexible Phrases

Paper: Creepy Crawly DSP (retired); Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa CS

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Notes die, circle punches (1-3/4", 3/4" and 1/2"), Small Oval punch, Word Window Punch, Dimensionals, white gel pen

Holiday Stamp-a-Stack ... Card 1

2008-10-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of four cards my customers will be making at a Holiday Stamp-A-Stack next weekend. They will be making 20 cards .... 5 each of 4 designs w/envelopes included. The Christmas tree was paper pieced by stamping directly on the DSP, cutting it out, and adhering to the image.

Supplies used:
------------------
Stamps: Big on Christmas stamp set; Christmas Chatter jumbo stampin' around wheel
Paper: Old Olive, Ruby Red, Whisper White cardstock; Holiday Treasures DSP
Ink: Basic Black and Old Olive Classic pads; Stampin' Write markers in Summer Sun and Ruby Red
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Frankie Giftcard Pullup

2008-10-28T15:37:00.001-07:00

Hello! I haven't posted anything stampy in a while. That's terrible of me! I have been busy stamping, though, getting ready for an upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack so I do have some Christmas/Holiday things to show you but for now it's going to be something Halloweeny. I loooooove Halloween and it's coming up in just 3 days !! Whoo hoo !!!

At the gym I always make my trainers a little goodie on holidays. I can't just give them candy because I mean, after all, they are promoting fitness and how would that look if I walked in with a big fat Reeses Peanut Butter cup LOL!! So ... I decided to get them each a $5 gift card to the frozen yogurt store. YUM. I really wanted to do the Frankie face, so I did a pull-up holder for the card.

Supplies Used:
------------------
Stamps: Eat, Drink & Be Scary (Holiday Mini Catalog)
Cardstock: Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper W hite
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad; Stampin' Write Markers in Orchid Opulence, Only Orange, Basic Black
Accessories: Tag Punches (large and small), Circle Punches (1-3/8", 3/4", 1/4" and 1/8"), sponge, Dimensionals, Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain, Black Gingham ribbon.

Update on Macarooney Dog

2008-10-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

After requests from some of my readers, I am posting an update on Mac. I saw him yesterday at the park with my friend Lisa who has had him since he left our house (a little more than 2 weeks ago). Mac still hasn't found his forever home but in the meantime he is living happy, and most of all SAFE and off the streets.

Two possibilities for a new home both fell through. Lisa wants to make sure Mac gets the best and she determined that both possible homes would not be the best for Mac. He has been through so much and he needs to have an owner who will treat him with the love and affection he deserves, and not just keep him as an outdoor dog.

Mac has been sleeping in Lisa's house at night since just a few days after he got there (and in and out all day long!). She was worried about him lifting his leg and peeing to mark his territory. We had some really bad winds here for a couple days so Mac had to come inside and he was the perfect house guest. He has never peed in the house and he won't go upstairs. Lisa told him he couldn't, and that dog stays at the bottom of the stairs all night waiting for the family to come back down in the morning. What a well behaved pooch!!

Anyhow, I saw him yesterday and he looked great. He's had a nice bath, he's walked daily, he plays with his foster dog-siblings Lucy & Chloe, and he has 2 kids to play with too. Please send good thoughts his way that he will find his forever home soon. Lisa is going to post new flyers advertising that he is available for adoption to a loving family.

Halloween Goodies Class

2008-10-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Halloween Goodies/Treats class. I had 6 projects planned. Here are 4 of the 6. I'll post the other 2 later tonight. I still need to take pictures of them and download. Enjoy these.

Frankenstein box: Frankie's face has been seen all over the web on a myriad of projects ... boxes, candybar wrappers, cards, scrapbook pages, etc. I chose to do a box/basket to hold candy. The cardstock measures 7-1/4 x 11 (save the strip you cut off to use for the handle). On the 7-1/4 inch side, score at 2 and 5-1/4. On the 11 inch side, score at 4-1/2 and 6-1/2. Snip the score lines at 4-1/2 and 6-1/2 on both side up to where it meets the 2" and 5-1/4" score lines. This will make the flaps to fold in at the bottom of the box.

Supplies used: Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, and Whisper White; Ink: Kiwi Kiss; Accessories: 1-3/8" and 3/4" circle punches, sponge, dimensionals, black Sharpie, Signo White gel pen, silver brads.

Hersheys Nugget Box (above): I purchased the hinged tins from http://www.papertreyink.com/. They have fast shipping and tons of great packaging items, as well as fun clear stamps. Lots of fun ideas listed there, too! Check them out.

Supplies used: Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Whisper White CS and Ghostly Greetings DSP; Ink: Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss; Accessories: 1/8" hole punch, 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain, Scallop Edge punch, Black Gingham ribbon.

Wrapped Candy Bars (above): There are 2 fun-sized Kit-Kats inside. So many possibilities for this. It could be filled with Hersheys Kisses, candy corn, just about anything. The DSP measures 6x6 so you get 4 out of each sheet of DSP. How easy (and no waste!!). I used Sticky Strip for the back flap so it is sure to stay closed. On the ends regular Snail or Monoadhesive will work since you run the edges thru the crimper to make a tight seal.

Supplies used: Stamps: Eat Drink & Be Scary (from the current Holiday Mini Catalog); Paper: Basic Black and Kiwi Kiss CS, Ghostly Greetings DSP; Ink: Basic Black; Accessories: Crimper, Whisper White and Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain, gold cord, Large & Small Tag Punches

Pencil Holder (above): I got this project idea from Jamie Sears' blog. What a great treat for kids to pass out at school ! They get so much candy from parties and trick or treating, it's nice to have something that doesn't promote cavities !!!

Supplies used: Stamps: Eat Drink & Be Scary (Holiday Mini Catalog); Paper: Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White CS, Ghostly Greetings DSP; Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive markers; Accessories: 1/4" hole punch, Scallop Square punch, Elegant Eggplant 1/4" grosgrain, Dimensionals

Hope you have enjoyed these. Be sure to check back soon for the last 2 projects.

Puppy Dog in Need

2008-10-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

**UPDATE** After 3 days at our house Mac (aka Macarooney, Mac-n-Cheese) moved over to a friend's house. The 2 houses behind me have a combined 4 or 5 dogs and Mac was going crazy barking ALL DAY on Sunday and it was getting worse as the day wore on. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but the homes in our neighborhood are so close together we can hear conversations in their house (among other things that I won't go into detail over LOL) when windows are open. Mac has done great since moving to my friend's house Monday night (they have 2 dogs that Mac plays well with, but NO dogs neighboring their house for him to bark at). Mac is such a sweet dog and incredibly cute, too! My friend contacted 15-20 no-kill shelters and rescues and either they didn't have room, or they wouldn't take strays. So sad!! But, good news as of yesterday she has a hopefully new home for Mac. I haven't heard yet if it's a go, but I'm optimistic :-).

If any of you remember my blog from December last year, you'll remember the heartbreaking story about Bruno. You can read about him here.

Once again, I'm a dog rescuer!! I am a sucker for lost/homeless pets. For the past 2 weeks another stray has been roaming my neighborhood. No one could get close enough to him to slip a leash on to get him off the streets. I walk my dog every morning at the park along with a friend and her 2 dogs and although the stray got along great with the other dogs while we were at the park, he was very cautious and afraid of humans.

To make a really long story short, the dog is now with me after my neighbor was able to catch him Thursday. The humane society came to pick him up but I wouldn't let them, so I took him and I am now on a quest to either find his owners, or to find him a new forever home.

I am calling him Mac. I think he looks like a mix of chow, sheltie, and maybe some golden retriever. His teeth are VERY white and no buildup leading me to assume is very young, maybe about a year. He is not neutered but really needs to be (he's been humping all over the place ... everybody and every thing!!)

If you are in southern california and would love to have Mac join your home, please contact me by email. He is a very sweet dog and needs some time to be comfortable with all people (he's probably had a very scary couple of weeks on the run, with coyotes around here, dodging cars, and people chasing him down trying to catch him).

Today it rained a little here and after I dried him off with warm towels, he looked over at me and gave me some licks. What a sweetie.

I am calling a no-kill shelter to see if they have room for him. I have been wanting to volunteer at this shelter since last year and if they can take him I promise to help out there in any way I can.

Thanks everyone ... and Mac thanks you too !!!

Happy Birthday Stampin' Up!

2008-10-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Stampin' Up!!! Stampin' Up! is 20 years old this month.

From October 1-31, you can purchase any of the following select birthday stamp sets at 20% off, with any $20 or more purchase. Click here to view the sets.

#109439 p. 62 Big Bold Birthday 22.36 (regularly 27.95)
(also available in spanish, Cupleanos genial y divertido)
#111532 p. 63 Party Hearty 21.56 (regularly 26.95)
#110994 p. 64 Bitty Birthday 10.36 (regularly 12.95)
#111618 p. 64 Crazy for Cupcakes 19.16 (regularly 23.95)
#111546 p. 65 Simple Birthday Thanks 14.36 (regularly 17.95)
#111702 p. 65 Time to Party 13.56 (regularly 16.95)
#108559 p. 68 Crab & Company 22.36 (regularly 27.95)

Also included in this month's special is a special product offer ....

Single large-tip Aqua Painter
Item #114617
$7.95
While Supplies Last !!!!!!

Contact me today to place your order!

One more day .... Never Before Seen promotion

2008-09-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday, September 30) is the last day for the "Never Before Seen" promotion. Selected stamp sets are being offered at 15% off. Don't miss out. These are all FABULOUS sets !!!

Click here for the details on the special

and ...

Click here for the link to the 2008 Fall/Winter Catalog so you can view the sets.

If you are interested in ordering, please contact me as soon as possible (email me here). I will need a credit card to run the order through, unless you live local and can drop off cash or check.

Thanks everyone !!!

Stamp Camp Projects

2008-09-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

I finally held my New Catalog stamp camp yesterday. I had 6 stampin' buddies here .... Natalie, Susan, Megan, Pat, Cathy and Emma. I hope you all had fun :-) .

Here is a picture of the projects they made:

Acknowledgements:

All stamps, cardstock, ink, and accessories (with the exception of the white lunchbag) are Stampin' Up! products. Stampin' Up! images are copyright 1990-2008. If you would like information on supplies used for any of these products, just send me an email.

The Season of Friendship card (Season of Friendship will be available from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog, beginning October 1) was inspired by a combination of Jenn at igotstamps.com and AubrieB on SCS.

The Upsy Daisy card was inspired by happysherrie on SCS.

The pink notecard box was a modified version of a project we made at Convention. I made the box a little smaller, changed the embellishment on the front to a scallop punch instead of a ribbon flower, added a little floral strip of Bella Rose DSP, and changed the cards a bit. The box contained three 3x3 cards w/envelopes. If you would like instructions for this box, I created a template on excel off of my modified instructions and would be happy to send it through the wires. Just email me.

The mustard card on the back left, was copied from a scrapbook page we also made at Convention.

The header on the poinsettia covered peppermint patties was made using the Top Notes die in my new Big Shot from Stampin' Up!

Here is a picture of my sample table. This is only a very small portion of the awesome swaps I received at convention. I trired to include mostly things using new sets.

The day wouldn't be complete without a little Rock Band on the playstation at the end of the day LOL. Here is a pic of me with my friend Susan (she's going to kill me for posting this!!). Rock on girlfriend! haha.

Arrrrr, It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!!!

2008-09-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Avast ye! (that's pirate talk for 'Pay Attention' !). Today, September 19, is Talk Like a Pirate Day ! Arrrrrr.

One of the yahoogroups that I belong to issued a challenge for today to use the Ahoy Matey stamp set. This set is not featured in the Fall/Winter Catalog, however it IS on the Dormant List meaning you can still order it. I don't own the set (I know, how sad!), but I do have the Matey's Map wheel that goes with it.

Supplies:
Stamps: Matey's Map jumbo wheel
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Bordering Blue, Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue pads. Old Olive, Creamy Caramel and Real Red markers.
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Vintage brad, Linen Thread, 3/4" and 1" circle punches, Dimensionals, Aqua Painter.

Halloween Bulbs

2008-09-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween is pretty much a tie with Christmas in terms of how much I love it. I have always loved Halloween. I'm kind of a Halloween fanatic. I have boxes and boxes of decorations in storage. Only 43 more days 'til Halloween ... but only 12 more days until I can put all my stuff up on October 1!!! hehehe. Can't wait.

Stampin' Up! has some awesome new stamp sets, Designer Series Paper, and Rub-ons for Halloween this year. I could hardly contain myself when I first saw the catalog. I had to have it all!! The new Halloween rub-ons are so fun, I just love them. They are called Chills & Thrills and you get 2 sheets in a pack (1 black, 1 white) for 10.95. There are a LOT of images on these ... bats, spider webs, spiders, words, and jack-o-lantern faces. You can find them on page 179 of the Fall/Winter Catalog & Idea Book. During a trip to Michaels a couple weeks ago, I saw some fun Halloween tree decorations. I bought some plain orange and black bulbs and knew the rub-ons would be perfect for this.

Here are the bulbs...

And here they are on my spooky, glittery, Halloween tree.....