A SALE with an incentive!!!

Images

Who does not like a sale?

I am sure that many of you have heard by now that today Stampin' Up! added a TON of items to the clearance rack! These items will go fast – I have had a super busy day at work and have been wanting to get this to you ….

There are some "keepers" but the best advice I can give you is…buy it if you LOVE it….trust me, there are sooooooo many new and fun products being unveiled in January  – if you are on the fence….hop on over!

I found GREAT deals especially with the DSP and paper stacks as I line every envelope that I make and with my Breast Cancer projects, the discontinued paper is perfect! Take a peek and have fun!

Click on the image below and it wil take you right to the clearance area!

Stampin' Up! Clearance Products

 

After you look and shop there….click here to see the weekly deals! My top pick is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch….why? – it adds a quick WOW!!!!

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Now here is my incentive for YOU!!!!

Anyone that places and order from me today until Friday evening at 9 p.m. will have the opportunity to win 10 Gift Card Holders that I featured on the post earlier this week….click here to see it!

I will make you 6 Holiday Ones and 4 Birthday Ones…they are so cute and fun!

I will announce the winner on Saturday morning! Have fun shopping…it can be anything from my on line store!

Have a great afternoon and until tomorrow!

Friendship Preserves #2!!!

IMG_3195

If there is something good…why not keep it going! Here is # 2 of this fun stamp set that I focused yesterday! Why haven't I used it before…..it is super-duper!

Wow…it was so fun to see the comment come in yesterday with asking you what your favorite Turkey Day foods are and I was soooo happy to hear that there are many Pork and Sauerkraut fan out there!!!

I will say another food that kept coming up was turnips! I adore them and I truly have forgotten about them – thanks for the culinary enabling and yesterday I did the final BIG wham of the grocery store along with everyone else in my town…they found their way in my basket!

Confessions of an honest demonstrator…Until yesterday, I had not used the Friendship Preserved Stamp Set and I was so happy with the end result that I decided to use it again before it went back to its home on the shelf!

IMG_3192

The Color combination for today’s card came from the Color Coach…when you are in a rut or just want something a bit fresh and out of “your regular” go to…I say Color Coach to the rescue!

I wanted to use the In Color Summer Starfruit and when I looked up that color in the Color Coach – it guided me to pair it up with Elegant Eggplant and Smoky Slate! Sounds great to me!

Still trying to showcase products that are on the Super Holiday Sale besides this stamp set…the Needlepoint Border Embossing Folder is also on sale! If you are like me…you forget about this little gem and look at the fun texture it brings!

IMG_3194

The Whisper White piece is 5 ¼ X 4” and then it is so easy to see where you want the embossing to go!

Put these simple tricks in your “memory bank”!!!

I started this card with the Smoky Slate Pre-cut and scored card bases that Stampin’ Up! has for a limited time! To me, this time of the year – ease and convenience is of the essence in many ways and being able to pull off the shelf a precut – pre-scored card base is a win = win for me! Please click here check out the 7 different colors they come in!

Stamping the “hello” stamp in Summer Starfruit and then using the Windows Frames Collection Framelits a quick run through the Big Shot and BAM – done

IMG_3193

I did the same with the Elegant Eggplant card stock and then simply cut the shape in half before matting them behind the stamped image! Remember odd numbers always work with balance

The Summer Starfruit satin Stitched ribbon is the perfect finishing touch to the card…..I like the way it looks right about the embossed part!

Thank goodness we have the designer series paper in all of the color palette's! WOW – it makes it so easy to go to the color you are using….like Elegant Eggplant here…see that it is in the Regal Collection = BAM….the Regals Designer Paper Stack is perfect! Works every time!

IMG_3191

 I hope that this sweet little card inspires you to say "hello" to someone! There is just nothing like going to the mailbox and seeing a handmade card with a familiar handwriting!

Have a fabulous day, pace yourself with all that needs to get accomplished this week….because it looks like there is going to be lots of great foods on our tables from all of the great comments from yesterday!

Until tomorrow!

Thanksgiving Table Treats!

IMG_2897

I must say…I am pretty darn proud of myself that I am on top of (at least a portion) of Thanksgiving Day! Here are some goodies that I will have at my place setting!

Before you look at this and say…

"NO WAY – IT LOOKS TOO HARD"

Please read through this post and hopefully it will make sense to you! I will try my best to give you great tips but please do not hesitate to email me with any questions! I have made many of these not only for my family but I have made some for customers!

I
have made “boxes” before that hold the wonder “Hershey’s Nuggets” but I was
intrigued by fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Connie Stewart!I had the pleasure to meet Connie at Leadersdhip last year and I loved her energy and positive spirit!

Connie
just uploaded a video and I follow many aspects of her video but I will say I
switched something’s up and also did not make it so elaborated – and I think
it’s adorable!

In
the Holiday catalog (page 18) there is a product called Thankful Tablescape
Simply Created Kit
…and it contains enough goodies to decorated for 10 guests!

I
have pulled it out and have had so much fun trying to maximize all that I can
get out of it! Today’s treat showcases some odds and ends that are “pretty my
table together”

I
will post another day other things that I have used with this kit and I will
say – it is fun and it is very versatile ! Please hit the shop now button as if
you order it over the weekend, you will get it in ample time to create some
great projects!

IMG_2903

We
have lots to cover so let’s get to it! Remember – f you want…,watch Connie’s Video…but you
will see that I have everything pretty well measured for you!

  • The color of the box is Chocolate Chip and it is 5 ¼” X 8 ½” (WOOT-WOOT
    – you can make (2) boxes out of a sheet of paper!
  • Using the Simply Scored (not sure but for this I find it easier to use
    than the Stampin’ Trimmer…just personal preference) Start with the long side (8
    ½”) and score at ¾” on both ends. (Do one side – rotate around…do the other)

  • Turn it to the short side (5 ¼”) and score at ¾” and 2 ¼” on both ends
    (just score and flip the paper)
  • Use a bone folder (to me a must when making 3-D projects) to give it a
    crisp line!

IMG_2905

  • Cut up as shown in the picture…on the score lines…it is easier to “cut
    in”
    on the parts that you put the sticky tape – just easier to put the box
    together and make the edges look perfect! See picture! TIP:Don't stress about cutting in on the square pieces…just say yo yourself…cut from the inside  – straight up to the edge – remember, this is optional but it does help when making boxes!
  • Before you start to peel off the tape and assemble, take the 1” circle
    punch and punch a half circle on the edge of the box! (this is not necessary
    but it will make it easier for you to open and shut the box!

IMG_2906

  • Assemble the front part of the box first (where the ½ punched circle
    is) and then do the back part of the box!
  • DONE!!! Now to add a bit of interest! I used some of the birch paper
    ribbon ( Remember, this is in the kit and it is SUPER FUN!!!) cut at 1” X 10”. You could easily use designer series paper!
  • I score this at ¾”, 1 ½’ – then turned it around and scored it at 5/8”
    and 1 3/8” (don’t ask me why – it just worked out this way!)
  • I did put adhesive down the birch ribbon strip…it has a different texture and I think if you used a DSP you might not have to do this!

IMG_2908

  • Working at the inner edge of the box….I started and simply guided the paper down the top of the box!
  • Let's get decorating! I used the leaf that was in the kit and I also used my computer to print my family members names on a piece of Naturals Whites Paper ( it has a soft texture to it) and then using the Autumn Accents Bigz Die to cut the shape out! I also used some scraps of Chocolate Chip to make the acorn! THIS DIE IS ON SALE RIGHT NOW…Woot-woot!!!!
  • When I showed John my 1st one, he thought the leaf needed to be blended with some color (Men -why did I ask for an opinion!!!) so I did quickly sponge lightly with crushed curry and then went over it with soft suede to give it some color! (again, not necessary in my opinion!)

IMG_2902

  • Do you remember I said that I have never used the Brads for the Candy Dots! Well, there is always a first and this is it! I pierced the grouping and then pushed a brad through…added a Regals Candy Dot and BAM!

IMG_2901

 I know we all know what Hershey Nuggets look like, but here is the inside of the box! I wrapped the chocolates with a 1" X 3" piece of birch ribbon and simple place a little piece of scotch tape! BINGOBANGO!!!

IMG_2900

I hope that this has inspired you to make some…they truly go fast and once you "get it" you "get it"!!! I am an email away, and I will be happy to call you and walk you through this if you would like!

My goal is to get you to R E A C H out of your comfort zone and to try something different! I know that you will be so proud of yourself!I realize that this might seem to be a lot to do for your table, but it is a special time of the year and there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a beautiful table ready to have your loved ones sit, talk, remember great memories…..

Please let me know what you think! This is such a great time of the year and I must say…

I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!!!

Have a great day and until tomorrow!

 

ONE DAY THURSDAY SALE!!!

Earlier today on my morning post, I shared with you how hard it has been to keep up with all of the "spoiling" Stampin' Up! has been doing to us!!!

Hang on to your craft chair as here is the ONE DAY ONLY – Thursday deal….that's right – ONLY FOR TODAY!!!

I am in awe with the "picks" they are tantalizing us with….all keepers!!!! If  I were to pick my favorite….hands down – you all need the Envelope Framelits Liner! WOOT-WOOT!!!!

It is like Peanut Butter and Jelly to the Big Shot!

Have fun shopping away and do not forget the 25 stamp sets at 25% off….see my earlier post!

It's easy….click the shop now button and have fun!

 

one day only

“Truly Grateful” for my Iguana’s

IMG_2417
Hopefully by now it you have been following my blog for some time there are 2 things that you probably know about me…

  • I would much rather give than get….
  • My dear husband and best friend injured himself 6 weeks ago…(can you believe it's already been 6 weeks….he is doing great – so darn proud of him!

Why am I telling you this? – this is my Birthday month and I will admit, it is a milestone one…but age truly does not bother me one bit…being able to celebrate another year with health is all I need!

I am also not one much for surprises but there is no doubt that I love to have fun…but I do not like to be the center stage of the fun….I'm a giver honestly!

Last night, I was being captured by my dear Iguana's to have a girls night together! My wonderful Dad came out to the house to be with John ! All I know is to be ready at 5:15 sharp….casual dress! It will be fun whatever we do!

We call ourselves the Iguana's (my daughter Hannah laughs at us as she thinks Mom's at our age should not be in a "so called" sorority)

Several years ago….the 10 of us traveled together to the Cayman Islands for the most incredible 4 days together one could imagine…we laughed, we relaxed, we had non-stop fun and we all have a very special bond together! The best way to sum it up is…we are blessed!

Wasn't it great of them to give me some advance notice so I can be a Scout and "Be Prepared"….today's card I made for each of them because I already know whatever we are up to….they made my day!

IMG_2421
This is a simple, festive and super easy and fun card to make a bunch of!

I think by the time John is able to be back to work…he could probably do my cards and blog (ha-ha!!!) He is my best critic and when I showed him the 1st go around….he did not like the embossing folder I chose…back up the steps I went and when I came back with this….he said – now I like it!

Here you go my dear old faithfuls…please CASE away and keep this layout in your mind as it's a keeper for many different cards!

  • Very Vanilla to the rescue in the traditional A-2 card size but I cut it at the 4 1/4" long ways and then scored it at 5 1/2" but had the fold open to the side – just something a bit different!

IMG_2424

  • What next….now's the fun! Using the Sanding Block and giving the embossed surface a good scruff…the magic came to life as the fibers of the paper started to break down and show a new , fun life and texture to the card!
  • Taking a piece of Very Vanilla and stamping in crushed curry the image of the wheat from the Truly Grateful Stamp Set was the perfect start to this sentiment focal part!

Truly Grateful Clear-mount Stamp Set

  • Going "over" the wheat with the sentiment from A Dozen Thoughts was the "hands down", perfect sentiment for my friends! Love…LOVE this set…I have used it over and over!

A Dozen Thoughts

  • What's next….of course a bit of bling for my friends! A simple piece of Soft Suede Ribbon tied in a simple yet classic knot is all that is needed!

IMG_2418

IMG_2422

I hope that today's post inspired you…and you were able to take a tip from it and put it to use! This paper is really fun and I think we forget about it…

Tomorrow is a fun day for the PALS….it is our monthly Blog Hop and you will have a blast hopping from blog to blog being inspired with Halloween ideas….

Many of the participants are having…blog candy – you know I will be offering some and whoever wins it is going to be happy….after all – what is Halloween without the candy!!!

You know what today is….the opportunity of a lifetime!

You can join Stampin Up! for just $25.00 = now there is just no justifiable reason why you would not want to be a part of this fun, inspiring and "spot on" Company that is celebrating it's 25th anniversary and I am sure the best is yet to come!

I would love the opportunity to talk with you….please click here and email me…this truly is a wonderful opportunity…

As I have shared with you being able to be so blessed to have the Iguanas get together and have a fun evening…I feel equally blessed with my Stampin Up! family of friends that I have met through this great and short time with you!

I have been a demonstrator for just 17 months….and I will say I love what I do, I love helping you, and I know that it does make a difference….one step at a time! I would not trade the relationships I have built for anything!

Being a part of Mary Fish's incredible team in itself has been so uplifting and fun! I would love for you to be on this journey with me and experience 1st hand what it is like to be a part of this fun and inspiring family!

Have a fabulous day…here's to a new week…here's to a great week!

Until tomorrow!

Pals Paper Art Color Fun….come play!

IMG_2359

It's Thursday and you know what that means…It's time for a PPA challenge and this week it is a color challenge using the colors of Baked Brown Sugar, Pear Pizazz and Pumpkin Pie! I was so excited to see these colors together!

My personal favorite are the color challenges….they really push me out of my comfort zone and make me think out of the box!

There are 2 things that I love about this card:

  • It has a WOW factor that looks like it would be a hard one to do…but let me tell you – can you say "easy-peasy". Go to page 22 in the catalog, I have always looked at that card and said – I want to do something like that one day….and today is the day! So darn' simple!
  • I adore the odd size it is. The card is 5 1/2" X 3 1/2"…I truly did not have a ton of time to make this so I went to the Envelope Punch Board and read all of the different sizes you can make that are odd…and when I saw this size and knowing that I am going to use the 1" square punch – I knew this would work! BINGO-BANGO!!!

Let's get to business BUT after you see my post, I do hope that you hop over to the Pals Paper Art Website and see all of the fabulous ideas and then I hope that YOU take on this challenge! It is open to anyone and if you need help uploading your picture….I would be thrilled to help you…..JUST DO IT!

IMG_2365

  • The whisper white card base is 5 1/2" X 3 1/2" and then truthfully I just start using up scraps and inking  up the stamp with the Baked Brown Sugar and the Pear Pizzazz and then POPPED them out with the 1" Square Punch!
  • The Stamp Set is Hello, Lovely and it is so fun and versatile! The designs on the stamps itself are just beautiful and if you just let yourself wander and play – look what you can come up with!

Hello Lovely

  • I took a piece of Pumpkin Pie paper larger than I needed (I figured this would not be as stressful and it worked like a charm)…I simply place alternating colors trying to leave the same amount of color peeking through…making it 5 across and 3 high….then presto – to the Stampin' trimmer we went!

World Treasures Clear-Mount Stamp Set

  • Can you see that I used 2 of the framelits…this made it a quick and easy focal point to really let the sentiment shine…but of course adding the Brights Candy Dots was a sweet and perfect touch and not lets not forget how special and vital stampin dimensionals are….they make it!

IMG_2361

  • Easy right!?!? Just think of all of the yummy colors you could put together…these would be super to heat emboss and then punch out…let's get to the envelope! The envelope punch board was the key element to the works of this card! I simply followed the size measurements…punch…score…punch…score!

IMG_2364
Wanting to do a bit more to the Baked Brown Sugar envelope, I lined the outside of the envelope with a selection from the Quatryfancy Specialty Paper Pack and it is PERFECT with the feel of the card -  since I had extra stamped images and a framelit piece I thought how perfect to make the mailman smile!

IMG_2360
Now before we leave for the day….answer this – Was this an easy card? I know that you are saying yes once you saw how I broke it down for you! Please CASE away and have fun with your own creations!

Remember….there are NO rules, you create whatever your little heart desires and know that I will be here for you when ever you need it! Email me, leave a comment….whatever – I will get back to you but as you know I have been quite busy with my hubby but I will respond!

I am still trying to take all of the fabulous and exciting Stampin' Up! news…..please pop back to yesterdays blog to read about the new hostess benefits and the OOBER exciting news about the $25.00 Stampin' Up Kit….this is only for 2 weeks and I will be breaking it all down for you over the weekend!

Pop back tomorrow as it is BLOG CANDY TIME in celebration of my 250th post!

Woot-Woot! I thank you for subscribing and popping onto my blog, giving me comments, feedback, ideas and being super-duper customers!

I love spoiling you as I THANK YOU for your support and dedication to me!

You'll be happy if you are the winner!!!!

Until tomorrow!