Eyes in the Woods

Hi there!  Hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was busy and fun!  Friday afternoon was spent with my granddaughter since she only had a half day of school.  We had lunch, then did some crafting.  She helped with a project that can't be revealed just yet.  She was a great help!  Saturday was spent with my stamping peeps, Jayne Singleton, Kim Coulter, and Sally Nusbaum.  Jayne, Kim, and I were assisting in a "covert" operation for Sally's Croptober at the Lake of the Ozarks next month.  Can't wait!  Sunday a great group of gals attended my Card Buffet.  Thank you so much, ladies! 

How about we get to the project above?  It is another 3x3 note card - for September customer orders.  The new Woodland embossing folder by Stampin' Up! was used.  Black ink was applied to the flat side of the embossing folder (the side with the Sizzix logo) before running it through the Big Shot.  I love this technique, which varies the look each time.  The spooky eyes were added using a retired set (sorry!) called Freaky Friends.  Easy peasy..... and fun!

Remember - new Weekly Deals today!  This is your chance to get the Envelope Punch Board and/or the Gift Box Punch Board at a reduced amount.  Both are on sale this week (Sep 29 - Oct 5)!  Check them out by clicking HERE or the picture in the right side bar.

That's all for today.  Hope you have a great day and thank you for stopping by for a look!

Hexagon Wreath

Hi there!  Life got in the way of posting this past Thursday and Friday but I'm back with one of the cards that everyone made at our Christmas Card Workshops.  This year we expanded to include a South location besides our North location.  Cheryl Renth, Jayne Singleton, Kim Coulter, Mary Taylor, and Sally Nusbaum comprised the rest of the Demonstrator team.  Our Christmas Card Workshop at the South location was held this past Saturday.  It went very well and we thank you and appreciate you for making this event a success!   A big thanks also goes out to the team for filling in during for my absence while I was attending my family reunion.  The other five cards will be posted after I collect my supplies and samples from the team.

Must get busy on that to-do list.  Thank you for popping in today!

All Stampin' Up supplies used unless otherwise stated. 

Stamps: Sassy Salutations 

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow, Vanilla 

Ink: Cherry Cobbler 

Tools: Circle from Itty Bitty Punch Pack (retired), Tiny Triangles embossing folder 

Other:  Linen Thread, Dimensionals, glue dots

Bee Happy!

Hi there!  Hope it's sunny where you live.  We're having another rainy, gray day.  These damp days put me in the baking mood, which is what our granddaughter and I did yesterday.  We didn't have time to do any crafting, though.  But I do have a card sample from the display board at our Card Buffet.  This little guy was very popular and can be sent for various ocassions.  Friends and fellow Demonstrators, Kim Coulter and Jayne Singleton, were the inspiration behind this card - and the Sweet Stuff stamp set by Stampin' Up! had the perfect sentiment!  You may want to take a look at this set, as it contains some really cute images.

Need to tackle my to-do list now.  Thank you for stopping in today!

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted. 

Stamps: Sweet Stuff 

Paper: Black, Hello Honey, White, Vellum 

Ink: Black, Blushing Bride, White chalk marker 

Tools:  Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Bird Builder Punch, Ornament shape - MDS & e-cutter, Circle Punches – 1/2", 3/4”, 1”, and 1-3/4”, XL Oval Punch 

Other:  Sponge dauber, Dimensionals, clear block

Spring Fling Make n Takes

 Hi there!  Sorry for the late post sharing the make n takes from Saturdays Spring Fling 

organized by Sally Nusbaum - with the help of Kim Coulter and Cheryl Renth.  The above 

card is showcasing the new Stampin' Up! Ampersand embossing folder, which is found in the 2014 Occasions Catalog (page22).  A piece of gold Foil Sheet was used, as well as gold Washi tape and gold Baker's Twine.   

Our next make n take also uses a piece of the gold Foil Sheet.  This time it peeks out from underneath a piece of gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum.  Here again, gold Baker's Twine was used.  

The sentiment is from Perfect Pennants (found on page 27 of the Occasions Catalog).  It was stamped with Versamark ink and heat embossed using gold embossing powder.

The same patterns in silver can also be found in Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, as used for the following card.

A different sentiment from The Perfect Pennants stamp set was used - only this time, we stamped the sentiment with silver Encore ink.  The banners were cut out with the Banners Framelits Dies.

Isn't this a fun card?  The background was made with Washi tape.  Love Washi tape!  It is so easy to use.  Gold Baker's Twine was wrapped around the panel a couple of times and embellished with a strip of Gold Sequin Trim and a button from the Very Vintage Designer Buttons collection.  This time a sentiment from a Sale-A-Bration freebie set is used, called See Ya Later.  Cute, cute, cute!

Our last project has become very popular on the internet.  You may have seen similar boxes.  What a presentation for the recipient!  It  wasn't difficult - just a little more time consuming but so worth it!  Cheryl did a lot of advance prep work, which made it go quicker.  Here again, the same elements are used as those in the above projects.  The sentiments are from See Ya Later and Just Sayin'.  Modern Medley Designer Series Paper (found in the Annual Catalog) was used on the panels and for some of the banners.

Here's a better view of the inside workings of the box.  The great thing about this box - it folds flat for mailing! 

What awesome projects, huh?  I just can't express how much I love being a part of Stampin' Up! and among such creative talent!

Not sure what is going on with Blogger today - spacing is all wonky.  I've tried to fix it but it's not happening.  Sooo, I'll sign off for now.  Thanks for stopping by today!

Spring Fling

Hi there!  Yesterday I attended a "Spring Fling" event and had a blast!  Let me tell ya, it certainly didn't feel like Spring outside!  I heard the snow plow come down our street early yesterday morning.  That got me out of bed real quick to peek outside to see how much snow had fallen.  It wasn't even an inch but I had about 30 miles to travel and snow could make that a scary trip.  Fortunately, the roads were fine!  Now back to the event.... Sally Nusbaum organizes a few different events for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators throughout the year, usually after the debut of a new catalog.  There are demonstrations, make n takes, business information, prizes, and card swapping (optional).  Oh, and food!  The best part, for me at least, is meeting other Demonstrators.  Sally's events are so much fun and I have met the nicest people!  If you're a Demonstrator and would like to attend, contact me and I'll connect you to Sally.  She does an awesome job!  So with all that said, the above packaged plastic shovel is one of the favors we received.  Isn't that just too cute?  We also received this one shown below.

This little cutie holds a square of Ghiradelli chocolate.  Yum!  It was made using the new Angled Tag Topper punch, gold Washi tape, and gold Baker's Twine - all from the 2014 Occasions Catalog.  The next favor designed by Kim Coulter is my personal favorite. 

What a gorgeous presentation!  That rose was made using the new Spiral Flower Originals Die.  Polka dot Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum was cut from a Starburst Framelit.  (Each package of Designer Vellum contains 3 sheets of 3 different designs) The branch of leaves (bird punch found in Annual Catalog) and banner (new Framelits) were made from our Foil Sheets found on page 23 of the Occasions Catalog.  The Chevron print kraft bag is a product that appears in the Annual Catalog on page 158 and the Tea Lace Paper Doilies can be found on page 156.  What's inside the bag you ask?  Samples of both gold and silver Designer Vellum, gold and silver Baker's Twine, Mini Metallic Clothespins, Silver 1/8" Ribbon, and Gold Sequin Trim!  
Are you seeing a theme here?  lol  It was gold, silver, and red. 

Tomorrow I'll share the make n take projects.  Thanks for stopping in today!

Love and Sympathy Swap

Hi there!  Hope everyone had a good weekend.  There was a lot of partying in conjunction with the Super Bowl yesterday - despite the weather!   Mary Taylor and I felt it was in everyone's best interest to reschedule our Card Buffet for Feb 15 due to the icy conditions.  Saturday it rained all day, then the temperature dropped below freezing that evening.  It isn't going to get above freezing all week!  I stayed all cozy and warm in the studio working on future projects.  Speaking of projects, how about a couple since I didn't get a chance to post Friday?  The first card was Diane Mikle's shoebox swap.  She used the Love & Sympathy set, which is a great set made for these occasions.  The background panel was embossed with the Decorative Dots embossing folder.  This is just one of the Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration products that can be earned FREE with a $50 purchase (excluding tax and s/h).  The stamped sentiment was cut out from a new Occasions Catalog item, Starburst Framelits die.  This was then matted onto a piece cut from Midnight Muse with the Deco Label Framelits.  Such a beautiful card.

Here is Kim Coulter's swap.

The honeycomb background was cut from a new item, Hexagon Hive Thinlits die, which can be found on page 26 of the 2014 Occasions Catalog.  The flower and bee images on the focal piece can also be found in the Occasions Catalog (page 21), called Springtime Hello.  A hostess set in the annual catalog, Express Yourself, was used for the sentiment.  The Tea Lace Paper Doily, Linen Thread, and pearls finish off this stunning card.

That's it for now.  Your visit today is very much appreciated!  Thank you!

Top Note Grinch and Treats

Hi there!  Are ready to ring in the New Year?  Where did the year go????  Well, I'm gonna wrap up the year with one last Christmas card.  For several years I've wanted to make a Grinch card and this year it finally came to fruition.  My inspiration came from Chris Twing.  You can view her video here.

Thought I'd also share the treats received from the Christmas party that Sally Nusbaum organized but was cancelled because of snow.  Kim Coulter made these cute treat holders.  The Santa is a container of Tic Tacs and the other little goodie is a lip balm holder.  Aren't they adorable?! 

The last treat, one of which was given to our granddaughter, is a cello bag of cookies sporting some elf legs.  Grandma's cookies are even better when they're presented in a cute way don't ya think?

That's it for this year!  Have a safe and Happy New Year and as always, thanks for stopping in today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi there and happy Turkey Day!  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!  Love turkey and dressing -  and no pressure of gift giving!
The stamp set used on the above card is Tags 4 You and is paired with Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper.  It was one of the cards I made at Sally, Kim, and Cheryl's Card Buffet.  Here is another one from their Buffet.

The same DSP was used, along with the Harvest of Thanks stamp set.  These items can be found in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog.  All products in the Holiday catalog will be available until Jan 2, 2014.
Didn't have a chance to post yesterday - had the granddaughter visiting.  She, my brother-in-law, and I played Old Maid.  Boy, it's been a long time since I played that card game!  lol  I taught her how to play War.  Remember that card game?  She enjoyed learning it. 
Must go to get ready to feast with the family! 
Have a safe holiday and thank you for stopping in for a visit!  I am truly grateful for all of you!

Christmas Collectibles

Hi there!  I'm back with another card made at the Card Buffet last month hosted by Sally Nusbaum, Kim Coulter, and Cheryl Renth.  This is a Z fold card.  (Directions can be found by doing a Google search.)  Three sizes of the Window Frames Collection Framelits were used for the front layers.  The gold layer was cut from Stampin' Up!s foil sheets found in the Holiday catalog (page 28).  The ornament was stamped using an image from the Christmas Collectibles set (page 35 of the Holiday catalog), then punched out with the Christmas Ornament punch.  As in yesterday's card, the envelope is lined to coordinate with the card.

That's all for now.  Must pack up for our Card Buffet at DeLeo's tomorrow.  Have a great weekend and thank you so much for stopping in today!

Color Me Christmas

Hi there!  Today I'm sharing a card I made at the Card Buffet hosted by Sally Nusbaum, Kim Coulter, and Cheryl Renth last month.  When I first saw the Color Me Christmas set in the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog, it didn't appeal to me.  Since then, I've had a change of heart.  There have been so many cute cards made with this set posted on the internet!  Love this sentiment from Christmas Messages, too!  The card base was cut from our Circle Thinlits die.  Below is what the card looks like open.

Notice the lined envelope?  We used the new Envelope Liners Framelit die to make the liner, which can be found on page 37 of the Holiday catalog.  (You can peruse the catalog by clicking on the picture of the Holiday catalog on the right side bar.)  The Season of Style Designer Series Paper was used for both the card and envelope.

Must run for now.  Thanks for stopping in today!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone!  I'm jumping right in with a card perfect for today.  Isn't this cute?  I made it at a Holiday Card Buffet earlier this month hosted by Sally Nusbaum, Kim Coulter, and Cheryl Renth.  They are some talented ladies and good friends.  The Circle Thinlits was used for the big eyeball.  Below is the open card.

The "hair" was hand cut and additional eyes were made from punches for the inside of the card.  My granddaughter should get a kick out of this card!

Here is another card made at the same event.

The Envelope Punch Board was used to make the "file folder".  Some Washi tape was added on the front edge and to one of the coffee cups, which are from Perfect Blend set.  Those spiders....Cheryl made her own stamp using our Undefined stamp carving kit.  Wasn't she the clever one!  The insert can be used for a gift card, a message, a photo....  So many possibilities for this type of card!

Before signing off, the last Thank You Thursday special is...

If you want to place an order TODAY, please go to my online store here or contact me (information on the right side bar and in the header).  Don't forget about the Weekly Deals seen here.  The Weekly Deal prices are good through Monday, Nov 4th. Thank you!

Have a safe Halloween and thank you for stopping in today!

Halloween at Sally's Fall Regional

Hi there!  Today I'm sharing projects designed by Kim Coulter that we made at Sally Nusbaum's Fall Regional held this past Saturday.  It was so much FUN!  Kim used the new Label Thinlits for this card. Other products from the Holiday catalog include Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper, Halloween Bash stamp set, Witches' Brew Washi Tape, and the Label Bracket punch.

Here is a view of the card open.  The cardstock was cut to extend the piece to allow an area for writing a message on the inside.  The washi tape decorates the white panel.  Cute, huh?  How about this next project - an adorable little muslin bag.

The bag can be found on page 36 of the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog.  We used a sponge dauber to rub ink onto the negative area of the stencil that came with the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit (pg 31).  How fun!  This would be so cute for a Halloween party or as a Hostess gift - maybe even a little something for your childs teacher.  The last Halloween project showcases a product often overlooked in our annual catalog, Tag a Bag Gift Boxes (pg 158).

The clear acetate sleeve was embossed with the Chevron embossing folder.  Our new Gift Bow Bigz L die (pg 37 of Holiday catalog) used for the bow adorns the belly band, along with a cute tag.

Tomorrow will be Jayne's "Winter" projects.  Thank you for stopping in today!

Sally's Fall Regional

Hi there!  Hope you had a great weekend!  I sure did!  Saturday was an all day Demo event.  Stampin' Up! announced they were no longer having Fall Regionals.  Soooo...Sally Nusbaum being the organizer of previous local events for us Demonstrators, stepped up to the plate to plan a St Louis "Fall Regional".  It was FABULOUS!!!  The projects were awesome!  Of course, she had help from Cheyrl Renth, Jayne Singleton, and Kim Coulter designing projects and others helping with various tasks.  You know - it takes a village.  There was kind of an an owl theme with the decor, so Sally's team of helpers was affectionaly known as the "Hooter" girls.  lol  Everyone received the cute little owl bag above packed with treats.  Sally ordered them from Current found here.  This event was run a bit differently than those in the past.  The attendees signed up to bring a food item to share with the group, rather than have it catered.  Wow, we have some great cooks - lunch was the best and so much of it!  Yum!  OK, now for a look at some of the projects we made:

Cheryl had "Fall" so her projects were designed around that season.  The stamp set Truly Grateful used on this card can be found in the Holiday catalog.  Next we have a treat bag. The scarecrow is made from the Top Note die and Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper.

Isn't this adorable?  Love it!  This is what we had to put inside.  Cheryl already had this packaged for us.  The cello bag contains packaged apple cider mix, a cinnamon stick, and some candy corn to fix a warm drink on a chilly night.  (Click on the photo if you want to read the poem.)

See what I mean about the projects?  That's it for today.  Come back tomorrow for "Halloween" by Kim Coulter.  Thanks for stopping in today!

Blossom Flower

Hi there!  Today's card is showcasing one that I made at the Card Buffet of fellow Demos (Sally Nusbaum and Kim Coulter) this past Friday night.  The strips of Designer Series Paper are from the Floral District collection.  For the life of me, I can't remember which stamp set was used for the sentiment.  The flower was made by stacking five layers of punched flowers, spritzing with water, then wadding up to obtain that distressed look.  Such a pretty card to personally deliver to the recipient - or carefully wrap to mail!

All Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted
Stamps:  sentiment ?
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, White, Floral District DSP
Ink: Lucky Limeade
Other:  White taffeta ribbon, 3/8" Designer Printed Brads, Blossom punch,  Blossoms Petals Builder punch, Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder

Remember!  Get your favorite retiring products before supplies are depleted!  You can look at the list of retiring products here at my on-line store - with some items discounted as much as 60%!

That's it for now.  Thanks for looking in today!