Are you in disbelief as I am with today being the last day of 2015?
I know that we often say to new parents to enjoy their children while they are young as they grow up soooo fast but I am thinking that the calendar rolls even faster when we are adults?
Does anyone else feel that way or am I on an Island by myself?
Today is the last day for you to have an opportunity to win the BIG DADDY OF MARKERS…from me, this was one of the very first things I purchased when I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. It is a dream machine to have all of the markers in the Neutrals, Brights, Regals and Subtles Collections!

Please click here to see the blog posting about the scoop on how you can have a chance to win this and also a handmade card from me!
I did something fun and different this month so you will have the opportunity to win “tickets” (which means more opportunities to win) and tonight I will share with you the winner….
The cut off time to order from me for this offering is 9 p.m. Eastern Time today (good luck and I know that the lucky winner will be thrilled) – I think that this product is a key product for what we do!
In ending the year I wanted to share with you a couple of products that I have learned over this past year that I could not be without!
Sometimes it simply takes time to let it sink in….sometimes it is sheer inspiration from others but whatever it is – I wanted to share with you a couple of products that Stampin’ Up! has that I have become to love this year!
- Bakers Twine – I adore it…very easy to use and it works for just about everything…not only is it affordable it gives a great effect with doubling or even tripling it with a simple bow! (glue dots work great to adhere)
- Glue Dots – Where in the world have I been with not loving these gems?!?!? I will say that I have gone through so many boxes of these and would not be without them!
- Tear & Tape Adhesive – a product that once you try it….you will always need to have (2) rolls on hand! It is a dream machine for 3-D projects but I also use it for layered cards that are heavy or a watercolor card that I want it to lay super flat!
- Fast Fuse – This is the BIGGEST TURN OF TIDE for me this year…I totally admit – I disliked it immensely (you can see that I could have used another word but I always told my children not to use that word) as I found it to be SOOOO frustrating but once I learned how to use it…I LOVED IT. It is SUPER-DUPER strong, perfect for 3-D’s but I also use it a bunch on cards for my go-to adhesive.It really is a great bargain…look at how much is on the refill…a super adhesive after you get over that LOVE/?ATE relationship with it!
- Thick Whisper White Cardstock – there is not much to say about this as THANK YOU STAMPIN UP!…..once you use it, you will never go back! I adore it, use it for all of my Stamp of the Month Kits….would not be without it!
- Project Life Journaling Pens – this one will surprise you….but I need to be honest with you. I am amazed at how many cards/notes I receive that the pen bleeds through the top of the card while going through the mail. It is all about the pen. When we go to the time to make a “work of art from our heart”, it is important to use a pen that will be smudge proof. This pen is all that. It will not smear.
- Craft Scissors – (page 168 in the catalog # 108360)….I totally forgot to mention these and I remembered after I put the links for products below. I admit, they are expensive but trust me, it will be the BEST $30.00 you will spend. They cut like butter and I bet after you have these, you will order anther pair for cutting ribbon. It took me forever to justify buying them and trust me, each and every time I use them I think to myself, why did I not get these sooner!?!?! (Silly Susan)
I hope that you have found these comments useful and insightful. The end result is that you need to work with products that work for you, If you do not like it…it will not work for you…that is o.k. – we all see things differently.
Here is a funny for you….as I said above that I adore those scissors…Santa brought both of my boys a pair of Craft Scissors for Christmas. Actually my oldest son that is a teacher already had a pair and actually asked for another pair as he loves them so much he wanted one at school and one at home. My other son wanted them as he says that it is frustrating to never find a sharp pair of scissors at work….see what happens when their Mom is a SUD….they get used to my products….(smart kids)!
I wish each of you a happy and healthy New Years. Please be safe…we are doing the tradition, staying at home…having a great dinner….hopefully someone will play scrabble with me….but being at the most important place….HOME!
Please feel free to leave a comment about the items I have highlighted and give me some “keepers” of yours…..these are just products that I have really reached for more this year than last year!
p.s. – you know that I would never…EVER be without my Green Glue and Stampin Dimensionals…these products I have used for many, many years and are MUST HAVES!
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Thank you, Susan for sharing with us all year and being so kind. YOU ARE SPECIAL! I wish you and your entire family, including the fur children, the best New Year ever. May God bless and thank you for your inspiration. P.S. Please give Eddie a BIG hug for me!
Deb…you are always so kind to leave such heartfelt comments. I love that you are an early bird….best part of the day! I will give Eddie a special hug!
It has been a fast year! My granddaughter went from 4 months to 16 months way too quickly! Thanks for your daily posts and for sharing your talents with us. Happy New Year.
I bet she is a cutie pie….a smile is instantly on my face! Cherish the moments!
This past year I purchased the silicone craft sheet, I love it! It’s great for keeping adhesive on your project if you go off the edge like I sometimes do. Happy and Safe New Year!
WINNER -WINNER CHICKEN DINNER…..you won the blog candy and we get to meet in person – it does not get any better than that! Happy New Year!
Susan, thank you for all your fun blogs and fantastic tips throughout the year. You are our mentor and inspiration! Happy New Year to you and your family (furry ones included as always)!
O.k. – We live 4 hours away from each other????? Let’s make a weekend date…..a fun time with my favorite “Sheep Herder” would be the best! Hugs!
Thanks, Susan, for your special upbeat outlook and your wonderful creativity you share with us. I have learned so much from you. Here’s wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Oh my gosh…I feel like a teacher….I am thrilled that you like my blog and cards….more to come! Happy New Year!
Hello my friend, Susan, thank you so much for your inspiration and personal stories. I look forward to the day when we can meet. Happiest and Healthy 2016!
🙂
DITTOS – July 2016 cannot come soon enough! A hug from Nancy will be a great day!
Thanks for turning me on to journaling pens. Yes they are great
They make such a huge difference….it does take a while to remember to use them but the end result – worth it!
Hope you have a happy 2016. Quite by chance, I got a silicon mat this year and now use it all the time. I was really bummed when I misplaced it for a short while. I also love the white gel pen. I probably never would have tried either product without your blog. Thanks for always being so helpful.
You sooooooo deserved the silicone mat….that is a TOTAL KEEPER – I actually have 2 of them…they are the best…..like YOU and your side kicks! xoxoxoxox
I had to smile at your sons and scissors story! I guess I am not sure what my favorite keepers are today. I have yet to use the tear and tape but I think it would be a keeper! Fast fuse, I sometimes get to use it at my local demo’s house but I can take or leave it. I still can’t believe it is the last day of the year and I just popped my last white chocolate peppermint Lindor truffle in my mouth. Wishing all of us a great new year. Ted is howling at something, I had better go check. Go Hawks!
How was the truffle….what the heck that was LAST YEAR……I adore you and I thank you for always being there for me!
I also love the glue dots but would be lost without the Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad. I always have at least three of them and have the best luck with them over all other brands. So very glad SU came on board with them. I also love the candy dots…just the right thickness and they really make an impression. Happy new year to you and your family.
Peas in a pod we are – agree – that ink is great but I also am SUPER happy with our new black ink! Hugs my friend!
Hi Mary,
Hope I am not to late to be considered for the blog candy. The prize would be great, but the card from you would surpass. I did not receive the notice about the entry until this morning. Regardless, Happy New Year and I look forward to your creativity in the coming year.
Now this is a HUGE compliment – I think that you thought that you were on Mary Fish’s Blog……adore her! Sooooooo lucky to have her as a friend and upline!
Hello Susan, had a good chuckle over your scissors story. My hubby says us crafters always hide the good stuff–the best scissors, the best glue, the best pens…. if you want to know what they are and where they are, just ask us! Fabulous prize opportunity!
Your hubbie is a smart man…..hide them from him!
Great list of must have items! Happy New Year Susan!
I am sure that I forgot some….but these are go-to’s that I use just about daily!
Susan, just wanted to say that I love the new blog format. I love, love that I can read everything WITHIN my email browser! It just saves me time in the long run. Glad you switched and I like the new fonts and formatting when I do go to your site! Have a happy new year! (Hope to see some lunar new year cards, if possible.)
YEAH and YIPPEE – it is a work in progress but then again, Rome was not built in a day! Thanks for popping in!
I love the journaling pens and I am sad cuz I already misplaced one. Good thing they are very inexpensive!! I think there are great products covered in today’s blog. I will be ordering the scissors in January. I love the twine more than ribbon….even though rinbox can be sooo pretty.
P.S. I love Scrabble too!
Trust me…you will find it one day and then you will laugh! It happens to me all of the time! Getting ready to play Scrabble now!
Yes! I second the silicone mat!
Hello Susan, I just want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog every day. You are so down home with your stories and suggestions also I love your fur babies stories. Sometimes they bring tears to my eyes. I hope you have a wonderful 2016 and stay healthy and safe all year.
Happy New Year…….Love, Mary Ann
Thank you….your words are soooo sweet…my fur babies are such a part of my life, just like my blog!
Hi Susan, I wanted to thank YOU for always inspiring me. Your posts are always happy and upbeat, and I can actually “hear” your voice when you type. It’s awesome! 2015 has been a good year; I got to retire and enjoying every minute, although I’m busier now than ever. Which is a good thing. May 2016 bring the best of everything to you and your family and fur babies. I so enjoy seeing photos of them and knowing how they’re doing. And, no more broken bones for you young lady! I saw you whizzing by at Convention, and you were so fast, I never got a chance to stop you and introduce myself. Maybe next time. My love and prayers to you and your family for a safe, healthy and Happy New Year!
My fingers are crossed for no more broken ANYTHINGS!!!! I love what I do….YIPPEE…you are retired….have fun….make lots of cards….do whatever you want!!!!
Happy New Year! I totally agree with your list of must haves! I only own 1 pair of the craft scissors and use them for ribbon, but I think I need to treat myself to another pair for cutting. I do love them! I’m sad that I do not get your blog via email anymore since your change.
Yeah for the scissors – go ahead – you deserve it!….sad for not getting my daily posts! Just type in my blog address….it is the same – your computer is just used to the old server. http://www.simplestampin.com
I start each day with your post ( & I thank you for having it go live EARLY~so many blogs go up after 6 or 7 AM but I can count on you being 1st) & I can’t remember a project you have shown us that I didn’t just love. May the New Year hold nothing but health, happiness and love for you and yours. You are our inspiration.
I am an early bird as well….it is the BEST time of the day! Blessings!