Winner…Winner & sneak peek!

Winner….Winner Chicken Dinner! Yesterday we had 108 comments on the preference of what type of stamps you like….photopolymer, clear and wood mount! WOWZERS – there was a bunch of great comments and points and I encourage you to browse through them as there were some very great points about each of them!

I will say that the preference was Photopolymer and the random winner is…..Linda!!! Woot-Woot to you and please email me your address so I can mail your goodies to you! Linda is a gal after my own heart as I totally agree with her comment!

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Before I share with you the super sweet card (and really the stamp set is oh so fun….I want to share some thoughts with you about how I feel with the different stamp choices we have.

1st, I love the convenience of the photopolymer. I am the very 1st to say that I can remember when Stampin’ Up! came out with a Photopolymer and I received it and thought – “THERE IS NO WAY THAT THESE WILL BE POPULAR”….(remember, that was not to long ago) and now I can say,  THEY HAVE COME A LONG WAY!

I do love them and I do think that they are here to stay but I do agree with several comments that the coverage, especially for larger ~ more solid stamps can be a challenge…the best tips I can give you are….

My thoughts about Photopolymer Stamps:

  • Make sure you have a piercing mat underneath as this will help a bunch….Also, when I have a new one….I ink it up and then squish it around…twist and turn it…clean it – repeat it…inking it up, twisting and turning and then I find to have better results – I guess you can say I am conditioning it!
  • I totally “get it” with may of you saying that you do not like the staining…I have learn to let that one go as there is nothing that you can do and you should think if it as a “GOOD THING” as that means the stamp is of good quality!
  • Photopolymer is going to be the trend of the future (well, at least I think so) – they are cheaper, they can be made with still creating great detail and I hope that this anology will help you….I was the 1st one that totally fought Digital Cameras….I loved my camera…I loved having the negatives in my hands and I was in total disbelief that one day this way of photography would end….it has and we have learned to adapt ~ this is how I justify and try to embrace photopolymer stamps.
  • For the comments of loosing a stamp because of them being clear and sometimes small – I HAVE BEEN THERE and yep…it is FRUSTRATING! I seem to find them…sometimes it takes a while but I will say that I usually find them on a bottom of an ink pad. I had to laugh when I saw many of you have the same issue!

 

My thoughts about Clear Stamps:

  • LOVE the way you can store them….super , just like the Photopolymer.
  • True I find it to be a ” pain in the drain” to place the images on the stamps etc…..and until I started to use that AMAZING contact vinyl on my mounting blocks, I too was frustrated many times. Please click here to see that post...I have received many comments on this working for you!
  • I also think wiping over the backs of the stamps with an alcohol wipe really helps for both the mounting block and also the back of the stamp.

 

My thoughts about Wood Mount Stamps:

  • If you are purchasing a background stamp – BUY THE WOOD MOUNT. This is one exception I would make…..WHY??? – easy…..when you have a very large stamped image…I find that you can get a much better coverage with the Wood Mount.
  • I do agree with many comments that if you have a wood set and get the sentiment lined up perfectly…than this is the way to go – the problem I have is that I am not exactly perfect in lining up the stamp but have no fear – the Stamp~a~ma~jig is here! I highly recommend that you understand how to use this tool….I had it for easily over 2 years before I mastered it (totally my fault as I never gave it a chance)

Now here is a sneak peak of the Hostess Stamp Set in the New Occasions Catalog…it is fun, FUN, FUN!!! When I saw it – I knew that is would be coming to Randall Lane as is it just fun and different. I love the thickness of the sentiments….

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Now look at this fun and quick card that I put together using many of the new products…can you spot the new products??? I’ll help you!

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The new stamp set…the new enamel dots and the new ribbon! See below how you can get a taste of the new products in the share that I am offering.

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For the sentiment…I used the clear embossing powder and heat set it – I just love the way that this looks giving a classic tone on tone effect. I think the most used embossing powders I use are the clear and the white.

In closing, please do not forget to sign up for a product share if you are interested. You can click here to see the original post that I did for the various offerings of the shares. If you have already emailed me, please do not think I forgot about you – I will be grouping the orders this week and sending a confirmation out to you.

The new catalog is live on January 5th and you betcha that I will be ordering ASAP to be able to turn around your shares to you! Going in on a share is the BEST WAY to get a taste of the new kids on the block without breaking the bank. If you want a share, please email me and put in the subject line PRODUCT SHARE so I can easily SPOT IT !

In closing, remember here is the post that will share with you the super cute card and gift from me for ordering in the month of December. I know that many of you are going to wait until the new catalog (and I get it – I do not blame you at all) but someone is going to be super happy with winning the BIG WIN of the markers! Make sure that you use the Hostess code of VJCAWTZR and guess what….if you ever forget what the current code is – no worries….it will be at the top of the blog post!

Here is a keeper of a picture that will make you smile…I just love my fur babies!

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The day after…let’s have some Blog Candy!

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Well…it is over – that special date that marks the annual fun of Christmas is a day behind us and if you are like me…you are POOPED! The best thing is that it is a “great feeling of being tired” as you hopefully were with family and friends.

Many thanks for the comments about the new look of the blog….be patient as it will be a positive transformation as I truly believe that you will be able to find my past projects mush faster and easier. (Now the work is on my end to add to the gallery section)

Change effects us all in different ways – I don’t know about you but when I walk into the grocery store and things have been changed…IT MOMENTARY ROCKS MY WORLD ~ but then I get used to it and move forward!

We  had a fantastic day…totally ate too much but YUMMERS  ~ it was so good! My brother from Europe did make it home on Christmas Eve so “mission accomplished” in keeping Eddie well as he adores him! After we get to the Blog Candy today, I will share with you some pictures of some of the dogs…

It is my pleasure to have another opportunity for you today with some blog candy…I know that this is a hard time to be focused on making /CASING cards…so I say – why not????

LET’S GET SOME COMMENTS GOING ON….

What is your choice of stamps….WOOD MOUNT, CLEAR or PHOTOPOLYMER

(I know that we have had this poll before but it has been a long time so lets see what you are now!)

Here are some KEEPERS of all KEEPERS in Stampin’ Up! Product that you have loved and randomly someone will win this! Same guidlines as before ~ leave me a comment about your preference and tomorrow we will find out who won!

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I will share with you my preference tomorrow – I can hoestly say that I have been back and forth in different preferences etc!

Now to some pictures of my special friends! Eddie had a fun day! His Uncle Jay played ball with him, he took a long walk and had some yummy nibbles of Christmas delights, ( he like his Prime Rib medium rare)!!! I hope that you can see that he has gained weight.

The motto stays true – whatever Eddie wants…Eddie gets!

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Not too much gets past Rosie…I have NEVER….EVER seen a dog be so attached and protective towards John than she is. It truly is a hoot and trust me, her little legs cover lots of ground on our farm in a days time!

Rosie was the one that was for sale at a yard sale for $25.00 and no one would take her….is that terrible or what – she is one great and loyal dog!

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These are (2) great pictures….My Dad – isn’t he adorable! He will be turning 85 in February (I might need your help) and he adores Milo – If he would take him – I would let him have him in a second as he is the best! Don’t you love the fru-fru collar on him?

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Continue to enjoy the season, I am having a great time with the family and it is soooo much fun to see and read your comments! Pop back tomorrow as I have a super fun teaser card from the new catalog and I am sure that you will be simile!

Merry Christmas…a gift for you!

Merry Christmas to all!

Today is such a special day for so many of us and I am happy and blessed that you have POPPED over to my blog and do you see my present? Well….how do you like the new look?!?!?

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Needless to say it has been a work in progress and I still have a lot to do on my end but I know that you are going to love my new blog site, my facebook page and yes, my You Tube channel. These are all goals for me to master with the new year ahead but I must say, I wanted to share my “present’ with you!

I have been working with Brian and Nicole Watt from Integrant Services and they are simply the best! I told them right out of the gate that I am computer challenged but they have made this process so enjoyable! Please be patient with me as I will add to the gallery for your ease of seeing my projects and yep….post to pinterest!

Now to the Blog Candy……I must say, yesterday was a busy day but each and every time I had a chance to read your comments….WOW – please take time to read what traditions were posted….it is sooooo darn easy to say – we are one amazing cyber family that truly loves traditions! THANK YOU for your heart felt comments! (I adored them)

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Between the blog and comments that were sent to me, we had 126 comments – way to go for such a busy day!!!! WOOT-WOOT!!!!!

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The winner is…..Wendy……WAY TO GO and I can also smell the turkey cooking!!! (Sorry that the type is so small – click on it and you can read it better….again, learning curves on m end….sorry!) Please email me with your address!

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I truly hope that you have a special day and are able to make memories….laugh…see people you have’t seen in a while….read a book…take a walk – basically whatever to bring peace and joy into your life today!

Please POP back tomorrow as there will be MORE BLOG CANDY for you….my way of giving back to you! I have another FUN question for you. It is simply wonderful to read and let into our hearts the love, passion, traditions and true inner love we have inside to share!

WAY TO GO….you DO make a difference!

Please leave me a comment and let me know how you like the new look….and remember, have a memorable day and pop back tomorrow as you will have the chance to win more BLOG CANDY! Enjoy the blessed day upon us~ Merry Christmas!

 

Use it up day!

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Good Morning! Yesterday I shared with you that today I was going to share with you a way to "Use It Up" and this is an oldie but goodie….a keeper of all keepers because many people like a FUN way to give a check or cash!

I had a request from my dear Dad for these sweet little fun holders for the holidays…I know that I have been sharing with you many different ideas for gift cards….but my Dad is in the generation that prefers to give checks rather than a gift card!

 

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Here are a bunch of pictures and I have bullet pointed the scoop for you! Please feel free to email me if you have any specific questions….It is my goal to have you be able to make FUN…EAST…PRACTICAL projects that YOU CAN DO!

 

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  • Take a 7" square of Card Stock

 

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  • Score at 1 1/4" and 4 1/4", fold and use bone folder
  • Cut your DSP at 2" X 6 3/4" and 1" X 6 3/4". Use a small circle punch to do a half punch on the long side (just to make the check/cash stand out.
  • Add Tear -n- Tape on the short sides and shown in the photos
  • For the belly band – (the key for belly bands are to NOT TO make them TOO TIGHT as you want to be able to slide them off easily) take a strip of paper 1" X 7 " and  coordinating color at 3/4" X 7" (I do not like to score the belly band, rather I wrap it around and naturally let the score hit where they need to and then use the bone folder….just remember not to make them too tight)

 

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  • To decorate, JUST HAVE FUN and USE WHAT YOU HAVE! I know that we are all in the same boat, there are many things that we have stashed away….USE IT UP!

I hope that you have enjoyed this post and have found it useful! This is one that I would definitely jot down the dimensions for the future. Actually I would MAKE ONE….then tuck the measurements in it for the future – I find it useful to do projects this way as then I can look at it and see the finished product!

 

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Enjoy this Sunday. Many of us are getting ready for family, friends, great food….wonderful and special memories….WOW – a fabulous time of the year….enjoy it – embrace it!

 

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Until tomorrow!

p.s. – I have not mentioned Eddie thins week – he is eating like a champion….chasing the donkey…..showing his teeth to Daisey-Mae when she is at HIS fire place….but each day is a day of joy…..he means the world to me and continues to make me smile! My brother comes home on the 30th….I just want him to see him as he is now….

Oh what a day…..

Today is a fun post for you! Yesterday I stayed at the house all day finishing up my Stamp of the Month Kits and vowed to myself to tie up loose ends! I had something different planned for you but I just couldn't resist sharing!

It was a great day with my play toys (stampin' goodies), all 7 dogs….the Christmas music on and watching stamping You Tube videos while having fun! (yep, multi-tasking and I get along just fine) This sounds like a perfect day…right?

You need to look at this quick video…it is so darn tootin' cute! You betcha that if there are refills available, I will be swooping some up to share for classes – WOW – what a great kit…I am SUPER excited to get this!

If you are a member of Paper Pumpkin, one of the perks is that you can purchase refills (if available) and WOW….you will see what a wonderful gift this would be!

 

I am amazed at how this monthly concept has grown to such a high quality program! If you are in need of a quick Christmas gift…I say – go for it…purchase a 1 or 3 month prepaid subscription to treat someone to a bit of "me time"

Heck, if you are not a current subscriber, treat yourself – you can stop at any time……as Mikey says….

Try it….You might like it!

Hope to see you tomorrow…it is a "USE WHAT YOU HAVE" day….but I know you will smile!

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Go grab a fork!!!

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Good Friday to you…..yikes – this time next week we will seeing the joys that Santa brings! I hope that you can go to your kitchen….get a fork – then get some bakers twine, – a cup of coffee and see that there are other bow challenged people out there besides myself!

Sharon sent this to me and I will say – I totally laughed and then when I watched it (it actually took me several views) I thought how in the world do people come up with this stuff and then when I saw how many You Tube Videos there were out there in tying a bow with a fork….I really felt deflated! (I swear, I feel like I am on the back of the bus)

I love the way that Nori used the music to set the tone of the video! – Great job!

 

  

 

Sharon is one of the 3 Stamp-a-teers that always makes me smile! When she sent me this You Tube link, I knew that I needed to share it with you!

I laughed even harder as had just completed tying 50 bows for my Stamp of the Month Club Kits…..but I tried it and it works! I even tried it using 2 strands of bakers twine and it worked!

So I ask you…..

DID YOU GET A FORK AND TRY???

We are so blessed to have so many resources out there….and I thank Sharon for sharing this with me and making me smile, learn and laugh! A perfect trio!

Until tomorrow….a quickie but a keeper!