Pink Buckaroo Designs

Have a Soaring Birthday!

2012-02-10T06:17:00.000-06:00

I love when a stamp or punch is used for something other than it's original purpose. This kind of out of the box thinking is so fun! I'm not always so great at this, but when I see someone else do it, I love it! So, when I saw all the examples for the stamp set Send Me Soaring Soaring at Leadership, I was inspired to give it a try!

These little stamps are kites, but the checkered pattern really gives them a racing feel I think! I added them with some Melon Mambo and it makes for a fun birthday card! Just think how cute it would be with red, for a boy birthday!

Stamps: Send Me Soaring, A Word for You
Ink and Paper: Melon Mambo DSP, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Border Punch, Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

For this card, I was inspired by the challenges at Clean and Simple Card Challenge

And Try Stampin' on Tuesday

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Pop Rock Valentine

2012-02-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

Need another Valentine Gift? How about good old fashion POP ROCKS!

I loved these things when I was a kid! I've bought them at Dollar Tree and Michales recently. I think this would be a great kid gift!

This project features the Heart Framelit. If you'd like a full color tutorial, please check out my Sweet Hearts Project Planner!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Simply Mixed

2012-02-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

I wasn't initially drawn to the Mixed Bunch stamp set when I first looked through the Occasions Mini. But, after seeing it used so many times on line, I ordered it. And now I am so glad I have it! It is so versatile and easy to use! In fact, our upcoming Stamp Camp features this stamp and the coordinating punch! Scroll down for more info!

Stamps: Pursuit of Happiness, Mixed Bunch
Ink and Paper: Crumb Cake, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise
Other: Designer Buttons, Basic Rhinestones, White Twine, Decorative Label Punch, Distressing Kit.

(I'll let you in on a little secret. The label punch was not in the original plan. I stamped the phrase on crooked! Uhg! And it was the very last thing I did!! So, if you ever stamp something wrong, try covering it up with a punched stamp instead! Shhh.....)

Erin Gonzales and I are offering another Stamp Camp on March 24. This Stamp Camp is FREE with the purchase of the stamp set, punch, twine and large pearls. AND, because it's celebration time, you also get to pick something FREE from the SAB catalog! Wow! You can't beat that deal!
(Click on the flyer to make it bigger!)

RSVP by March 15!

Email me to sign up!

Today's card was inspired by the beautiful colors at CR84FN!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

HSS #104- The Blues...

2012-02-07T01:15:00.001-06:00

Happy Tuesday! With every Tuesday comes a new Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge. This week's challenge is BLUE.....

We have some cool monochromatic colors for this weeks challenge:

Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, and any neutral color. Let's switch it up a little and show us your fun projects using these colors!!

I LOVE monochromatic cards! I enjoyed making this one a bunch. It's the first time I inked up my Apothecary Art stamp set. B-U-T-FUL!!! It's a little tricky because the detail is so intricate. I wanted to cut apart some of the flowers, and it was time consuming, but I think it was worth it! I stamped the whole stamp in all the colors mentioned in the challenge and then cut out random flowers from each one and popped them on with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I also embossed the background paper with the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder. I ran an inked up sponge over the raised edges to give it a little pop. The "thanks" is from Fabulous Phrases. Ribbon is Night of Navy and the twine is Pool Party.

I hope you decide to give it a try this week! It's an easy challenge that is fun to play with! Make sure you stop back by HSS and let us see your work!

And, if you are still looking for some ideas for Valentine Projects, make sure you check out my Sweet Hearts Project Planner!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

All you need is LOVE....

2012-02-05T21:10:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the delay this weekend. Sometimes it's Scrapbook Saturday, sometimes it's Scrapbook Sunday! Today, it's Scrapbook Sunday Night/Monday morning! Ha!

I love banners. I have a banner problem in fact. I'm sure you've heard... or maybe even noticed... I need an intervention....!!!!

I LOVE embellishment packs. And SU,has one in the Occasions mini! All these goodies are from the Attic Boutique Side Notes. They make scrappin' so much easier!

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Broadhseet Alphabet

Ink and Paper: Attic Boutique DSP, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Pool Party

Other: Big Shot, Pennant Die, Tasteful trims Die, 3/4" circle punch, Pool Party twine

This page was created for the following challenges. Click on the pictures to visit their site!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Sunday Mixed Bunch

2012-02-05T11:53:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! Scrapbook Saturday/Sunday has been postponed. I have a page, two actually, ready to go, but I want to meet the Color Q deadline in 14 minutes! LOL!

I saw something similar on Pinterest this week using these adorable flowers from Mixed Bunch and just couldn't wait to make one!

I filled an old Mason Jar with red hots (I need another bag!) to hold the BBQ skewers! Isn't it cute! I think this will be a teacher gift this year!

I used Real Red and Regal Rose for the flowers and the punched them out with the Blossom Punch. I punched Cork circles with the 3/4" circle punch. The flowers are glued on with hot glue and there are two on each stick.

The tag is Crumb Cake distressed with the Tea Stain from the Distressing Kit. I hand cut it, very simple really. I punched another circle in half for the top. The bow is a ripped strip of Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric and the tag is tied on with white twine. Way easy!

I hot glued the sticks to the edge of the jar to keep them in place. Some of them are free standing in the middle.

Today's project was made for the challenge at the Color Q this week!

I'll be crafting through the super bowl today! I'm take full advantage of the time while everyone else is occupied! Yay! Come back this evening for this weekend's scrapbook page!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

A Cup of Thanks

2012-02-03T05:45:00.000-06:00

What is it about tea cups? They are just so sweet and fun! Have I ever drank tea out of a tea cup? Never. But, I like to make them with paper!

The tea bag was made exactly like Carrie Gaskin's from a long time ago. I remembered it and went searching for it when I wanted to make this card! It's just a piece of CS with vellum taped around it. Pretty realistic if you ask me!

Every girl needs peals on her tea cup, am I right? And, your pinky must be up as well...

I saw a card on Pinterest that had a a ton of different colors of twine tied together and I loved it! I had to give it a try! Cute! I hope SU offers an even wider selection of twine in the new catalog. I need some brights, SU!

Stamps: Tea Shoppe

Ink and Paper: Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Whisper White Domestic Goddess DSP, Vellum

Other- Twine (Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Early Espresso, Small Oval Punch, Eyelet Lace Border Punch, Basic Pearls, 3/4" Circle Punch, stapler, Stampin' Dimensionals

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

My Digital Studio- FREE

2012-02-02T05:00:00.008-06:00

I've been slow to get crazy with My Digital Studio because I am a hands on kinda girl. I love paper and ribbon and I thought the digital version just wouldn't do it for me. But, I have been dabbling with it more recently and I love it!!! It's not to replace paper scrapping, unless you want it too! It's great for quick projects, online projects (like blogs) and really great for projects that you need to make a bunch of!

Here is a layout I knocked out in about 30 minutes!

This is another one I did a while back

I've also done a few invites, which is so great because you make 1, and print them as many times as you need! I hate making the same thing over and over!

So, are you interested, but not ready to comit to buying the whole thing? Well, Stampin' Up has come up with a great way for you to give it a try!

My Digital Studio Express

Free Trial Now Available

Stampin' Up! is offering a 30-day My Digital Studio Express trial version beginning February 1, that you can take advantage of.

With the FREE trial, you'll get:
•Full access to the software at NO COST.
•Full design functionality.
•Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express.
•Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
•Access to our professional print services.

It's simple; add the free My Digital Studio Express trial (item 129600) to your online shopping cart, and then download and install it from your Download Manager. (Just click on the highlighted area above.)

If you don't already have the My Digital Studio software, make sure to take advantage of the free trial offer. Try it out and see the fun and ease of My Digital Studio.

What do you do once you try it and like it?
Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.)

****Did you know that Stampin' Up! has an entire website just for My Digital Studio? You do not have to purchase the software or even download the free trial to read about MDS.
Check it out here on this link: My Digital Studio

And, to make it even better, I am offering two classes! I will walk you through several simple projects to help you become familiar with MDS! We will also print one and I will show you how you can even take it up a notch once it's printed!

February 26 and March 31

Email me if your interested!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

CLICK HERE

I Love What I do and my Six Month Plan!

2012-02-01T05:00:00.004-06:00

When I returned from Leadership a couple of weeks ago, I felt such gratitude for so many things. I was thankful for my husband for allowing me the flexibility and support to be gone when I need to be. I was also very thankful for my loyal customers who have gotten me to where I am in the SU company. I decided to make them a little somthin' somthin' for their bags this month. You'll have to wait till the end of the post to see whats in that bucket! (Club girls- Spoiler alert! Please do not read to the very end!! ;-)

But, most of all, I was thankful for the fact that God has led me in the direction of SU. Growing up with a mother who was an artist, I've always been crafty. A friend in college introduced me to Scrapbooking and it became my main creative outlet. Later, after all the craziness of motherhood had arrived, a friend took me to a SU workshop. I immodestly recognized the uniqueness and high quality of all the SU goodies. I continued to go to SU workshops and stamp camps. At the same time, I had friends and co workers asking me to teach them how to do scrappy things. So, it was kind of a huge beacon pointing me in the right direction! And, I am so glad I joined SU.

It's been 2 1/2 years, and I love every second of it! I am exactly where I am supposed to be! I took a class at Leadership from Bonnie Thurber called "Making the Most of your Title." She had us write down our 6 month career plan. Wow! That was so powerful! To write it down made it feel like a real commitment! It has been such an inspiration! And, I have so far hit my goal for January and am on my way for February already! I thought I would take some time and share with you what it is I love so much about Stampin' Up...

So, with out further ado....

My Top 10 Reasons I Love Being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator:

#10- Silly and fun friends I have made along the way!

This is Krista Jensen and we just met at Leadership. She is a riot! She and my friend Erin Gonzales made Leadership feel like a Girls Weekend! I laughed so much my sides hurt!!

And this is part of the Hand Stamped Sentiments Design Team! Amazing talent, and fun as all get out!

I have to put these pictures in here. These are the shirts Erin scored for us by asking a guy on an elevator if she could have the ones he had in his hand! Thanks You Crew! So, here we are acting like crazy people!

Thanks Erin! I love my shirt!!!

#9- Traveling to Salt Lake City in the summer. It's so beautiful! And cool! It's HOT here in South Texas in July. I can't wait to go back this summer and I've even suggested to my hubby we make a family vaca out of it!

#7- Spending time with "old" FRIENDS! Sorry Tamie- We're not old! I had more fun with Tammie last summer than I could have imagined! She was the parent of one of my students many years ago and SU has helped us stay friends ever since! I'm so lucky to have such a supportive and fun SU friend!

#6- Being treated like a VIP. SU makes you feel important everywhere you go! They are amazing in the "Thoughtful" category!

#5- My artwork is celebrated! As an Artisan Finalist, some of my artwork was on display at convention. Pretty major accomplishment for me! Who knew I'd grow up to be an artist???

And again at Leadership I was made to feel so talented. Thanks SU!

#4- Teaching others to love art and creativity. Even middle schoolers- EEK! :-) I love to teach and SU allows me to grow even more as a teacher!

#3- Flash Mobs! Enough said!! :-)

#2- Free Stuff, Prize Patrol, and Incentives! Who doesn't love a reward???

You can't even begin to imagine how exciting free Peals are until you get them your self! Woot! ;-)

#1- I can run my business MY WAY! Whether that means 1 workshop a month or 5 a month, I get to choose! Wouldn't be able to do it with out that flexibility! I do have a full time job and three kids! Yea, I need flexibility in order to succeeded in life!

Ok, so those are the top 10, but really, isn't it all about this:

Preserving memories like this is the reason I started paper crafting 15 years ago, and it's still the best and most important reason I do it. And, being a part of SU allows me some more flexibility financially to do fun things with these three crazy girls! I'm one ~~lucky~~ BLESSED girl!

So, my SIX month plan started in January. I set out to come up with a new Project Planner (currently in the works), reconnect with some of my down line (done!) and book a few extra workshops (done!) AND, on top of that, I was promoted today! woot! So, I'm ahead of schedule! And, more than half way to earning the Incentive Trip! Thank you Bonnie! I wouldn't have been as gung ho with the motivation had it not been for WRITING IT DOWN!!!

So, if your still here, and you think this looks like an amazing company- it is! I'm so excited about growing my downline and I feel so passionately about showing others how wonderful this company can be for their life. It really is what ever you want it to be! And, if you decide to give it a go during Sale A Bration, there is even a HUGE added bonus:

Please email me if you've got questions or want to hear more. If you know this is for you, you can sign up any time at my DBWS.

Ok, so you want to see the cute little gift I am giving my amazing group of customers this month?

SPOILER ALERT! LOOK AWAY IF YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN YOUR ORDER FROM ME YET!

Cute right!!?? The lipstick pens are from Dollar Tree! Are they not perfect for that SWAK stamp! I saw something similar on Stampin' Connection (sorry, can't remember who!) Thanks girls! Your so awesome!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

ORDER HERE

HSS #103 and a new Video!

2012-01-31T01:15:00.002-06:00

It's Tuesday, so it must be Hand Stamped Sentiments Day! Whoo Hoo!

This week's challenge:

Get crafty making ANYTHING but a Card this week, and to put an added twist on the challenge create something that would be a great gift item.

I pinned this cute little guy on Pinterest a while back and couldn't wait to give it a try using SU's new Framelit Label Dies!

This pouch was made by running the DSF through the Big Shot using the new Framelit Label Dies. Did you know they cut FABRIC? Yep, they do!

I made a video, but, as you know, I am a video newbie. This video is long... I don't like long videos! So, lesson learned- talk faster and quit babbling! So, feel free to fast forward your way through it! :-)

Inside the pouch is a 3"X5" bag filled with strawberry cheesecake bark that I ~~made from scratch~~ bought at the grocery store. (C'mon... I'm not Pioneer Woman everyday! Some times a girl has to fake it a little alright!)

The picture doesn't show it well, but the center fabric is red (Cherry Cobbler) and white. It's beautiful! And, sewing around this tiny label is tricky. This step could be skipped with out much effect!

Another Vintage Heart charm? Yes, please! Oh, and torn ribbon? Sure! ;-)

So, don't have any fabric or feel like the sewing machine ain't your thing? No problem!

Same project, different material- Paper!

This paper is from the Sweet Shop DSP stack and the cherry stamp is from Mouthwatering.

I punched 2 Poppy Parade circles with the 1" circle punch. I added a little shine with the white Unibal pen and added them with dimensionals.

Sewn up the sides, but Sticky strip would work too!

So, wanna give it a try?? I'd LOVE to see what you make!

Don't forget, anything other than a card qualifies for our challenge this week! Make sure you link back to us at Hand Stamped Sentiments!

Have a great week!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Order HERE

My Way!

2012-01-30T05:00:00.001-06:00

I have a quick card to show you today that I made for one of my downline who promoted recently!

We received these little stickers in our bag and I wanted to include them on her card. I used DSP from the Berry Blossoms DSP Stack. The "good for you" is actually from Kidoodles set. I punched a small star from Tempting Turquoise DSP.

Make sure you come back tomorrow for this week's Hand Stamped Sentiment challenge AND a new Video Tutorial! Yay!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Everyday Elanor and New Class Announcments

2012-01-29T08:19:00.000-06:00

We received a yet to be released stamp set at Leadership called Everyday Elanor. It's a large stamp set full of beautiful elements. I played with it again yesterday and just love it!

The stamps I used include a "flourish", a few flowers and a sweet little bird!

I added in a Vintage Heart Trinket! Love these! I am burning through my second package already!

The large circle is is the 3" die and the scallop is the Circle Scallops #2 Die. I added a few teeny tiny little Basic Pearls to each scallop. I used More Mustard CS, Scalloped Edge Ribbon and DSP. The large scallop is from the Tasteful Trims Die. And speaking of dies... make sure you checkout my upcoming classes!

This card was inspired by the sketch at Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge and the colors from the Color Q!

I've added two new classes to my schedule. You guys have been asking for them, so now they are here!

EMAIL ME TO SIGN UP

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Blog Candy Winner and Scrapbook Saturday

2012-01-28T08:03:00.000-06:00

And the winner for the Everyday Enchantment DSP is.....

Congrats Amanda! I will be sending you an email shortly! :-)

Thanks everybody for entering. I loved doing this and will be doing MORE of it! So, stay tuned!

I love these pictures so much. My girls were belly laughing while swinging on this double swing. Laughing so hard I thought they would pee their pants. I created the background to resemble Addie's shirt. It's basic cardstock punched with the full heart punch.

This little stamp was fom last summers Recess stamp set. The kids in the swing was a boy, so I tried to make him look like a girl by adding a ponytail. Not a very good job, but slap a big bow on and anything looks good! LOL!

A few random embellishments with some stitching. Just plain cardstock again and Pumpkin Pie DSP punched with the little heart punch. Easy!

Have I ever told y'all I love banners/pennants? Yea, pretty much addicted! LOL! These were just cut by hand.

And, the journaling block is from the new stamp set we got at Leadership called Everything Eleanor. It's so fantastic!!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Heart Shaped Candy Box

2012-01-26T21:21:00.000-06:00

Need a fun little project for someone? This project is featured in my Sweet Hearts Project Planner!

It features the Heart Framelits, which I LOVE. Seriously y'all! They are the best!

If your interested in purchasing the full color tutorial for all 11 projects, including this fun Heart Candy Box, you can do so by clicking on the picture below!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

Dreams into Plans...

2012-01-25T21:33:00.000-06:00

While at Leadership, we had lots of Make And Takes. I got most of them done there, but this one I waited till I got home. The quote is a print made on My Digital Studio.

I didn't have quite the right size frame, so I improvised and added some Regal Rose CS behind the print.

I've had MDS for quite a while, but have not really felt all that good at it. It just wasn't capturing my "creative juices" like the real stuff does. But, I spent lots of time talking about it, listening about it and looking at samples while I was there. When I got home, I started playing, and haven't stopped! How do you like my new Blog Buttons and Title? It's FUN and addicting!

I used the Blossom Builders Kit for most of the flowers, as well as a few stamped ones from Mixed Bunch. It's is so easy to mix the two for such a beautiful handmade look! The kit makes it so fast! Punch them out, curl the edges with a bone folder and bam- a nice 3D texture for your project.

Stampin' Up has announced that they will begin offering MDS FREE for 30 days on February 1st. And, this isn't a limited time offer kind of thing. It's for good! So, I strongly encourage you to download it and play with it. It's pretty simple and the uses are endless!

Interested in ordering any of the supplies you see here? Order NOW! And, don't forget- It's Sale a Bration time! For every $50 you spend, earn 1 free item! Click below to shop!

And, don't forget- only one more day to win BLOG CANDY!

Herringbone Card, Free Tutorial Video, Blog Candy and Sale A Bration! Oh My!

2012-01-24T20:56:00.002-06:00

Hey everybody! Sale A Bration begins today! From tnow till the end of March, you can earn a free item with every $50 purchase! Scroll down for more details!

Today's card was inspired by Dawn Olchefske's presentation. I could not wait to get home to do this card! So, here it is! It features the free Everyday Enchantment DSP you can earn during Sale A Bration!

I've created a video tutorial so you can see how easy and fun this design is to make.

I'm giving a pack of this paper away for FREE! How? Make sure you watch the video all the way to the end!!

A few closeup shots...

Stamps: Gnome, Sweet Gnome c-126537/w-126535, Occasions Alphabet c-123598/w-117090

Paper- Crumb Cake CS 120953, Baja Breeze CS 111352, Everyday Enchantment DSP 126154 (only available when you make a $50 purchase)

Ribbon- 1/2" Poly Stitched Poppy Parade- 119263

Other- Big Shot- 113439, Big Shot Adhesive Sheets-120805, Label Collection Framelits, 125598, Color Spritzer- 107066, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker 120973, X-Large Tag Punch 119866, Stampin Dimensionals

104430

Have you seen the catalog yet! Click on the image below to see it!

Today's card was inspired by the following challenges:

Our Creative Challenge

Do You Stack Up

If your interested in buying any of the above products and earning a free stamp set, paper set or embellishment set, please visit my online store!

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win some BLOG CANDY!

HSS 101- Beachy!

2012-01-24T05:43:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge at HSS is to create something with a Beach Theme! That's a tough challenge for January! But what a fun escape from the winter blues!

This card features a new stamp set we received at Leadership called Everything Eleanor! Beautiful! I also used the set called Sweets for the Sweet and Pursuit of Happiness. The background was created simply by using the blank stamp from the distressing kit and rubbing it all over the Crumb Cake CS using Soft Suede ink. I also used the Color Spritzer tool to add a little more speckling.

So, we challenge you to take a vacation from the winter drearies and make something with a Beach Theme! Maybe it will warm you up for a bit! Make sure you stop back by and show us what you made!

Don't forget that today is the first day of Sale A Bration! For every $50 you spend, you receive something FREE from the SAB catalog! You can shop HERE at my store.

And, don't forget to jump back to yesterdays post to enter in the Blog Candy Giveaway!!!

Oops!

2012-01-23T05:43:00.001-06:00

Looks like my big post went live this morning instead of this evening! LOL! Sorry friends, you'll have to wait a few more hours!! In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures of some of the Make and Takes we did at Leadership!

All of these cards feature the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit from the Occasions Mini Catalog (#125410, Occasions p. 18.) They are flowers that pop right out and are ready to go! Makes crafting easy and quick! And look how beautiful they are! We also used the Mixed Bunch stamp Set (c-125537/w-125535) as well as the coordinating Blossom Punch (125603).

Come back this evening for a NEW video with a tutorial from something I learned at Leadership and BLOG Candy!! WHOO! HOO!!

Scrapbook Sunday!

2012-01-22T08:16:00.000-06:00

So, have you noticed anything new this morning? I worked on my header and buttons last night! Thanks to my friend Erin, I now know a little bit more on how to make it centered! I made it in My Digital Studio! I am so excited to play with MDS a little more. I've played with it some, but I learned a few things at Leadership which have made me more excited to spend some more time with it!

Today's scrapbook page is all about Addie and her total crazy three-ness. Who has a three year old? Then you know what I'm talking about! Happy one minute, made the next! Demanding, sweet, cuddly, wild! All these can describe my third born!

All of these faces happened within about 30 seconds of each other!

I tried to make the word Naughty look like it was falling and tangled in lights. Kind of like Addie's moods!

I'm off to church! Can't wait to spend the afternoon in the bat cave today! Have a great Sunday!

Ledership- Last Day...

2012-01-20T22:42:00.000-06:00

Ok, so wow. Just Wow. I really, really loved the last three days! Stampin' Up never ceases to amaze me with the things they come up with! I am floored by all the things I learned and experienced at Leadership! My brain is just swimming with information!

So, here are the highlights from today;

1. My Digital Studio is going to be a FREE Download for 30 days. And not for a limited time! Su is now offering a "Give it a test drive" opportunity to those of you who are not sure. This will be available very soon! So, I am thinking for those of you who are interested, planning a class where you bring your lap top and I teach you a few basics. Interested?
2. I get to give someone a 3 month subscription to Stampin' Success! SS is our Demonstrator Magazine we get once a month. I count down the days each month for this baby! I love it! So, I have a few people in mind... Still thinking who the lucky lady will be...
3. All recruits who sign up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator during Sale A Bration will get a FREE pack of DSP or a FREE Digital Download EVERY MONTH!! This really isn't new info, just the first time I really thought about how HUGE that is! That's like a $140 value!

Lot's of other tid bits I'll share over the next few days. Those were just the big ones I remember!

My exciting news today is that my Scrapbook Page Oh Gnome won the Stampin' Contest! Yay! I was so excited, I couldn't eat my lunch!

I actually spent a couple hours this week making a duplicate page. I didn't want to loose it because I loved it so much!

Krista was also a winner for her super cute Valentine card!

We literally had to elbow our way up to get these pictures! Sorry ladies!

You can see how crowded it was!

At the prize table...

And getting ridiculously excited about the paper, ribbon and buttons I won!! Whooo Hoo!

This was "the pose" apparently we thought appropriate for all exciting events!

Erin, Krista and I spent some down time being outrageous and ridiculous! I'm not sure I can share any of those pictures.... ;-)

But, I will say it again, just like I said in July, the very best part of a SU even are the people you meet and the friends you make! Seriously y'all! It's SO MUCH FUN!

Oh, and ERIN WON PRIZE PATROL!!!! Whoo Hoooo! (I've NEVER won PP! Boo!) She won the cut little mazes and matching stamp set.

So, we've learned how to make our business "Our Way" and were ready to share it! Make sure you keep checking back because I've got some BIG ideas!

Oh, and I've got more to share with you this week! So, make sure you stop back by EVERY day!!!

Have a Great Saturday!!!

Leaership Day 3

2012-01-20T07:16:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! What a fun and totally exhausting day I had yesterday! Lot's of new information to pass on and ideas to try. I listened to so many talented ladies, it was wonderful!

OK, so here's what you need to know

1. Catalog:

The "Big" catalog that we call the Idea Book and Catalog, will now be called the Annual Catalog. It will come out June 1, instead of July 1. If you are a Demo like me, you get the sneak peek in May. Also, the catalogs are going down in price for us which means giving out more catalogs! They price for a box of 8 is being cut in half to $15. Also, it will be 40 pages smaller. It will not longer feature Decor Elements or Simply Adorned.

2. Mini Catalog:

Now called Seasonal Catalogs and will come out twice a year in August and January. They will be bigger (about 8 1/2" X 11") and have more in them. They will feature the seasonal suites rather than having them in the big catalog. They will cost the same as the current minis.

3. Stampin' Success;

This is the wonderful monthly catalog that Demos get. It has been revamped big time. More user friendly.

4. A Diagonal Score Plate for the Simply Scored

This plate sits right down on the Simply Scored and allows you to score diagonally. I played with it yesterday and it's great. It makes envelopes among other things! Fun!

So, those were the big announcements. I am pretty happy with all of them!

We started the day with a very long general assembly. From left to right Rosemary Diehl, Krista Jensen, Me, Erin Gonzales, Mini

As I browsed the displays, I saw more things I missed the first time!

Free stuff makes us act a fool!!!

Lunch was awesome! I had to take a picture because everybody else was! HA!

Shelli Gardner looked great as always!

Oh my! Rachel and Krista are so excited about the large pearls!! Freeeee!

Sorry Erin! I couldn't resist! LOL! Can you tell how much fun we were having? This morning it just looks dumb, but at the time, we thought we were so funny!!!

There was a FLASH MOB on the stage and it was the highlight of the day for me! I want one of those shirts!!!

We ended the night on the river walk and ate at Rio Rio. I was so tired, I didn't think I would make it back to my car!

Can't wait for today. I'll give you the low down all day on my Facebook Page! Make sure you check in over there because there are more pictures there as well!!

Leadership Day 2

2012-01-19T07:14:00.000-06:00

Today is our first full day of Leadership conference here in my hometown of San Antonio. Yesterday was just a partial day of Make and Takes and Manager's Reception. I was BEAT when I got home because I worked a full day before I headed down town. Hopefully, today will be better!

I made two swaps for Leadership. One I've decided I don't like at all. One, I love. So, I'll show you the one I love!

It features my favorite stamp set from the Occasions Mini Gnome Sweet Gnome. It also features the Doily die, which I also L.O.V.E!!

This is pretty involved for a swap. But, I broke it down and did one step at a time over a week or so, so it wasn't too bad.

And, of course, I had to add my signature ripped in half ribbon! Ha!

I took lots of pictures of the displays. Please bear in mind, I have not edited them, so they are kind of rough! All the displays featured stamp sets from the Occasions Mini.

LOVE this way to store twine! I am so getting me one of these. It's a mail sorter!

I have largely ignored the Designer Cuts Cards. OMG! WHY?? They are so beautiful! They will be on my next order!

I <3 Pennants! New set in the Sale A Bration Catalog.

This was my very favorite project! How simple, yet so beautiful!

And a Pennant using the Doily Die! GENIOUS!

All of this was made with My Digital Studio! Wow!

Pillows made with upcoming fabric??? Maybe!! Red and Turquoise? YES PLEASE!

So, I'm headed downtown! I will try to update my Facebook Page through out the day! Make sure your LIKE me so you can see what's going on!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heartfelt Thanks

2012-01-18T05:00:00.002-06:00

So today is the first day of Stampin' Up's Leadership Convention. I'm lucky because its here in San Antonio! So, needless to say, that made it a lot easier for me to go! But, I have to teach all day before I get to join in the fun! So, stay tuned in the coming days for pictures and fun details!

Today's card features a new stamp available only during Sale A Bration! It's called Sprinkled Expressions.

I used the new scented embossing powders as well. And let me tell ya- they are very smelly! I mean that in a good way! I've tried the embossing with koolaid and cocoa powder, but those never worked for me. This stuff really works! I chose cherry this time! Yummy!!!

I little bling layer! I am in love with this paper! I usually don't like glitter paper, but this one is so pretty! By the way, did you know that if you layer two Round Tab Punches they make a circle that layers behind the 1 3/4" Circle punch perfectly!! Yep, it does! ;-)

The sentiment is from the Sweetheart Set.

I used this fabulous sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketch!

Hope you have a great hump day! And, I hope to meet some of you at Leadership!!

Hand Stamped Sentiments #101- Shaker Cards!

2012-01-17T01:15:00.001-06:00

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments, the challenge is to make a Shaker! I love Shakers, but don't make them very often!

Try this FUN technique- SHAKER CARD - check out the tutorial HERE

I chose to use a Valentine Stamp for this card. It's called Candy Conversations! I stamped it in Calypso Coral, Peach Parfait and Melon Mambo. Paper is from the new Sale a Bration stack as well as Berry Blossoms.

Figuring out this stack took a bit of work. The bottom white scallop is from the Pennant Die, the orange DSP Scallop is the Large Scallop Punch, the next white circle is the 1 3/4 Circle Punch and lastly, the top scallop is the smaller Scallop Punch, All were layered over the larges shaker frame.

I have gotten to where I can not use ribbon regularly! I love to rip it apart and use the fibers! This is the Twill Tape pulled apart tied on the new Stick Pins {LOVE THEM}.

Below the bottom DSP, I added a bit of Whisper White cut with the Doily Lace Die.

So give it a shake, eh?? ;-) Make sure you jump back over to HSS to check out the other designers and to show us yours!

Have a great Tuesday!

Valentine Mini Antibacterial Soap Holder- New Design!

2012-01-16T09:12:00.001-06:00

By far, the most popular post on my blog ever, was the Halloween Soap Holders. They are cute and fun, but a tad tedious to make if your making more than 1 or 2. So, I redesigned the holder to be easier and use less tape!

This one is for Valentine's Day and not only features the Framelit Heart Dies, but also the GORGEOUS Paper Doily Die! Isn't that doily heart just stunning! I love these two combined!!

The antibacterial holder is from Bath and Body Works. They have great themes for each holiday.

This project is part of my Sweet Hearts Project Planner and can be found HERE

For $8, you get detailed tutorials with pictures, for 11 Valentine projects, all featuring the Framelit Heart Dies!

So, today I have the day off, and I am finishing up my swaps for Leadership. I am so stinkin' excited! I am doubting my swaps though... You know, when you make one, it's cute. When you make 50, it's not so cute anymore! But, you've made 50, so what are you going to do!?!?! Uhg!! Oh well... At least I have something to offer!

Check back tomorrow for some Shaking Valentine Ideas! ;-)
Happy MKL Day!

Scrapbook Sunday!

2012-01-14T20:34:00.001-06:00

Ok, so I'm a little late today, so we'll call it Scrapbook Saturday! I have been super busy today making swaps for SU Leadership this week! I am so excited! It's right here in my home town San Antonio! And, I'm taking a few days off of work! Woooot! LOL! So, who else will be here? I'd love to meet you!

So this LO is non SU, but it's certainly fun! Lot's of business going on, but that seems to be my MO lately!

Could she be any cuter? Jamma gave Addie this little baby doll and matching aprons for Christmas. She was so cute, but only kept it on long enough for the picture! All the paper and embelishments are from my stash, sorry, I have no idea what is what!

I just love that silhouette! I have a big one of my oldest daughter and I want to make them of my other two. They are just so pretty!

Have a great weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sweet Water

2012-01-13T16:53:00.000-06:00

Here is a cute and quick treat you can make in a pinch! Most of us have water bottles in the fridge right? Well, check this out!

A simple water bottle wrapped with Tempting Turquoise DSP.

A Real Red heart cut with the Big Shot and Heart Framelit Dies. The heart and circle stamp are from P.S. I Love You. Heart is punched with the Full Hearth punch and the circle is punched with the 1" circle punch. All are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals and a few Basic Rhinestones to finish it off!

The drink mix and straw are attached with some Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon.

And there you have it! Fun, Simple and CHEAP!

TGIF! Thanks for stopping by!

You Rock Valentine!

2012-01-11T05:44:00.001-06:00

I saw a kid's valentine in a store the other day that was shaped like a guitar and I was inspired to create my own!

This Valentine was created using the Heart Framelit Dies now available in the Occasions Catalog. It is quite simple and I believe even my oldest daughter will have fun making these!

The back side features the SWAK stamp along side a sentiment from the Hostess set.

The full details and tutorial are available in my Sweet Hearts Project Planner!

One of my Stamp Clubs will also be making this card today!

I am playing along with the Paper Players today as week!

Thanks for stopping by!

HSS 100- Pleats and Ruffles

2012-01-10T01:15:00.001-06:00

Another Tuesday, another fun hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge!

It's ALL about the ruffles and pleats this week- get creative!!

I used a faux ruffle on this month's scrapbook page. I punched lots of 1 3/4" circles out of the Sweet Shop DSP and then layered them in two rows.

And I used this cute little stamp again. I just love this stamp! It's stamped in Calypso Coral and then topped again with Dazzling Details. The shape and frame at from the new Framelit Die set.

I used the negative left from the Framelit to create the journaling block.

So give it a try! We want to see your ruffles and pleats!
Thanks for stopping by!

What a week...

2012-01-06T16:10:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! TGIF! Seriously! It has been an awful week for me... I am happy to move forward to the weekend!

This is one of my Christmas pages I did last week. I took a stab at the Chevron pattern with pieces of DSP that I have been seeing everywhere.

Busy much????

Lots of embellishments. Love the little Nutcrackers. Got them for cheap after Christmas somewhere...

SO I cut strips 1 1/2" wide and then cut them on the angel. It started off easy enough, but I got way off and then it was getting crazy! Luckily, I had lots of junk to go on top...It's a fun technique, give it a try. Maybe go wider on the strips and use less busy paper.

Here and Here are a couple of examples I found on Pinterest for more ideas.

Enjoy your weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Occasions Mini Catalog

2012-01-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

Guess what today is? Release Day for the 2012 Stampin' Up Occasions Catalog! Go check it out now if you have not seen it already. It is simply amazing!

Today's card started as something totally different than what it ended up being. The stamped image is the only thing that remains of the original design. Have you ever torn a project apart? I do it frequently. Very frustrating! And such a waste of precious adhesive!!

This little card features a new set called You're My Type. Simple and cute, bold image with several interchangeable sentiments. Also, the Night of Navy piece in the middle was cut with a new Edgelit. An edge die. Fun and easy! The colors are Rose Red, Pretty in Pink and Night of Navy.

The card was inspired from the sketch at The Sweetest Thing.

Hope you have a GREAT Wednesday!

The Best of 2011...

2012-01-02T22:05:00.000-06:00

If I had to pick just one word from 2011 to add to the dictionary, it would be...

PINTEREST! I know! I can't stop talking about it! So, in honor of the one thing that had the most impact on my art this year, I have created my "Best of 2011" list as a board on Pinterest!

It really is much easier to pin your ideas. There is no "adding code" or remembering what is what by strangely worded labels. It's a simple picture with a direct link to the original post! So, if you would like to see my 23 most favorite projects from 2011, please click below! Let me know what you think!

Have a great Tuesday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-01-01T21:10:00.001-06:00

Yep, I know. Today is New Year's Day. But, I made a Valentine's Day card!

I was very inspired by the colors I saw at OCC- so NOT Christmas! I'm tired of Christmas colors.

And, the Mojo Monday sketch inspired me to give something I've been thinking about a try.

I've been telling you about these new products coming out on Wednesday in the Occasions Catalog called Framelits. I used this one to create a shaped card. It actually required two, to create not just the shape, but the frame! I will try to put together a tutorial this week for you to see exactly what I'm talking about! They are so much fun!

Stamps: Candy Conversations

Ink and Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight

Other: Big Shot. Framelit Dies, Scalloped Border Punch, Wisteria Wonder Twine, Trinket Hearts

Thanks for stopping by!

Choose Joy!

2011-12-31T12:25:00.001-06:00

Where has the time gone? My two week break from school is almost over! I have to report back bright and early Monday morning! Everybody else seems to have Monday off, but not us! (Bitter much?) I had planned to do lots of blogging, but it didn't really seem to happen! But, a lot of crafting did happen, so I do have lots to show you in the comming weeks.

This page was again based on a page I saw on Pinterest. Pinterest is now my new Google. I love it! I have several crafty Boards on Pinterest and I would love for you to follow me and I would LOVE to follow you! Some you might like are: Got Scrap, Paper Art, Gift Tags, Cards and Kids Crafts. I have lots of other boards, but those are just the basic crafty ones.

These letters are chipboard. I inked them with Cajun Craze then ran them through the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder. Easy and big wow factor!

The cork trim was just a cork sheet cut with Tasteful Trims Die. The other pieces are from the old DSP that came embossed and you rub ink on it... why can't I remember the name! Grr!

Other embelishments are from my stash...

So we had a great break. We had a little of this....

(You have no idea how many tries it took for me to get this one picture! And it has a weird yellow tint. Sigh...)

A LOT of this...

(Christmas morning was the best one yet! Lot's of pink toys and art supplies!)

And a whole lot of this....

(Terrible Threes in full force with A!)

Quite a bit of this....

(E an her BFF. The LOVE each other a lot, but like any old married couple, there are lots of fights! LOL!)

And new toys were mostly passed over for the likes of this! Ha!

My very favorite gift came from my Mom and Hubby (I am pretty sure hubby was only the vehicle for pick up! Thanks mom!! LOL!) In this month's issue of Stampin' Ups Demo magazine, Shellie Gardner redid a Demonstrators stamp room. She put all her 12 X 12 paper in a shopping cart. i then became obsessed with finding a vintage shopping cart! I found one on Craigslist that was way to price IMO...

But on Christmas morning, I found this under the tree for me!! LOVE IT!!!!

We had lots of sweet special memories that I won't forget. I hope your Christmas was just as special. And I hope your 2012 is even better!

Don't forget to check out my Sweet Hearts Project Planner on sale now! It features brand new products that will be available in the Occasions Catalog available Jan. 4!

And, if you have some Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, don't forget to check out Stampin' Ups clearance rack!! Lot's of amazing deals!

Hope you have a great NYE! I'll do a Best Of Post tomorrow! Happy New Years Eve!

New Project Planner- Sweet Hearts!

2011-12-28T20:53:00.002-06:00

Now that Christmas is over, I know your ready for Valentine's Day, right? Well, I have been knee deep in V Day for about three days now! I have written a new Project Planner that features the new

Heart Framelits

that will be available January 4th in the new SU Occasions Catalog. If you are a demonstrator like me, this Project Planner will be perfect for you to use as you plan your upcoming workshops and classes. It includes 11 Valentine projects that all feature the use of at least one of the Heart Frame Dies as well as stamps from the new Occasions Mini. You can use these as ideas or you can print it out (16 pages!) and use it at your camp!

This isn't just for Stampin' Up Demonstrators though! Anybody who is looking for Valentine ideas will get plenty of use out of these projects! The planner includes full color pictures, detailed measurements and supply list as well as step by step instructions for making each project! The projects range from very simple, you can do with your kids, to a little challenging, may need an extra pair of hands! But, most are basic, easily reproduced projects.

Included are:
1. Brand new Anti Bacterial Holder Design
2. Wax Paper Candy Heart pouch
3. Felt Coasters
4. Valentine Card
5. Candy Heart Shaped Box with lid
6. Pop Rocks Holder
7. Guitar Treat Holder
8. Elegant Sweet Treat Heart Pocket
9. Lollipop Envelope
10. Tic Tac Card
11. Sweet Lunch Sac

Also, many of these designs are simple enough to substitute tools and paper. I have listed details of the things from the SU catalog that I used specifically, but of course, you are welcome to change and adapt the projects as needed.

The 16 page Project Planner is only $8.
It will be mailed to you in a PDF once I receive your payment via Pay Pal.
You can order it by clicking the button below:

Also, last year's Project Planner is still available if you need more ideas. It is also $8. Most of the things used feature products that are still current.

If you need to order any supplies you can do so directly from my Stampin' Up websight.

Thanks for stopping by! Please email me if you have any questions!

HSS # 99- Cupcake Inspiration

2011-12-27T01:15:00.001-06:00

Hey y'all! Have you recovered from Christmas? Man, this year's was a killer for me! But, it ended up being wonderful for my kids, my family and me! But, I'm ready to pack it away and have a calm life for a while!

Today is Hand Stamped Sentiment's 99th Challenge! That's amazing! And, this week, we have a BEAUTIFUL inspiration photo for you!

I try to not take inspiration photos so literal, you know, think outside the box. But, this one was so beautiful, I really wanted to try to recreate it as best I could.

This fun stamp set is a new one available January 4th in the Stampin' Up's Occasions Catalog. It is called Sweet Cake and it is a set of 4- the cupcake and 3 sentiment's.

I stamped it first in Metallic Gold on Soft Suede CS and embossed it in pewter. I stamped it again on Baja Breeze CS. I cut it out and layered the blue cupcake on top of the Soft Suede one. I added some Dazzling Details and a large Pearl (also in the new catalog.) I stamped the sentiment in Baja Blue on Whisper White and punched it out with the Modern Label.

Turned this way, you can really see the bling! It's very fancy! ;-)

I cut a piece of Baja Breeze CS and embossed it in the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder. I finished it off with a Baja Breeze Seam Binding bow.

So, we'd like for you to give it a try! This inspiration can be interpreted a literally as I did, or as loosely as you'd like. We really want to see what you create so please come back and link to us!

Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow because I can't wait to show you what I got for Christmas!

Thanks Shelli!

2011-12-22T11:21:00.001-06:00

Every month, Shelli Gardner (Stampin Up Founder and CEO) has a creative challenge. Last month it was Neighbor Gifts. I linked up with her blog showing my Peppermint Play dough.

Well, I found out this weekend that she chose my project as one of four winners! Wow! That's a pretty big honor! So, thanks Shelli! I am thrilled!

This is my second time to win one of Shelli's monthly contests, but its still just as exciting as the first time!

So, as you can see, I tweaked the final products just a bit. Smaller, fatter jars helped get the playdough in a little easier. I also made a tag for the top because I started worrying the might think it's cookie dough! LOL! Yuck!

SO, if you need a quick and fun gift for some kid friends, this is pretty darn easy and you probably have everything you need already in your pantry!

The recipe I used can be found HERE.
Only 3 more days! Yikes! I haven't wrapped a thing!! I hate wrapping!
Thanks for stopping by!

One last Christmas Card...

2011-12-21T14:32:00.000-06:00

OK, I think this just might be the last Christmas Card. Not sure I can pull another one out this year! This one is non traditional colors as well. I tend to stick to the old standard of red and green, but this week, I've started to stray. I'm ready for spring I suppose! LOL!

I used the great sketch from Cardabilities...

And the beautiful colors from OCC.

I used some of the Candy Cane Designer Fabric I bought off the clearance rack! I just love this stuff. Sewed it randomly on to the card. The felt snowflake is from the Christmas felt kit in the Holiday Mini. Lots of layers on this guy!

I cut the Pretty in Pink striped ribbon in half and tied it around. I love doing this to the striped ribbon. In fact, it's the only way I seem to use it anymore! I glued the button and the snowflake onto the bow with Crystal Effect. Did you know you could use that as glue? It is the worlds strongest glue! Seriously! That's all I use it for these days. I might need to glue my children to the wall before the break is over... I would definitely use this stuff to do it to make sure they stayed! ha! ;-)

Hope your having and GREAT Wednesday!

HSS #98 Fancy Folds!

2011-12-20T01:15:00.001-06:00

Today's challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments is to make a project with a fancy fold! If you google "fancy Folds" you will fund millions of different ways to fold paper on your card or scrapbook!

I decided to do the fancy folded tree and to do it on a scrapbook page!

The three trees in the front are half circles folded back and forth. It's a very simple technique with a big wow factor.

I also used lots of BLING! Red Glitter Paper was cut with the framelit label as well as Stars#2 die (and layered of the chipboard stars cut with the same die.) I also used Go Go Boot Alpha Sizzlets for the word Stars.

Now, I first tried covering the chipboard stars with the new Dazzling Details Cherry Cobbler. It worked great, but was using up all my DDCC! So, I got smart and just cut the rest of them with the die out of the glitter paper.

You can see a little bit of difference between the top two stars (DD) and the other one (paper.)

So what kind of fancy fold can you use in one of your projects this week? Make sure you link back and show us! Have fun!

Fun last minute HANDMADE gift!

2011-12-19T14:21:00.000-06:00

I was inspired by THIS POST by Hidie Boos to make a few last minute gifts for a few friends. They are simple but pretty darn cute! I am always looking for Christmas frames for the girls' Santa pictures, and this one makes it super easy to throw this years picture right in!

I bought the giant clothespin in the wood section at my local crafts store. I had hubby take them apart and spray them with white spray paint (shat is he doing anyways while I am running around like crazy trying to get Christmas done!! ;-) I adhered scraps of Holly Berry DSP on the front side and tied the ribbon. I created the Christmas 2011 by using the Christmas on the elf stamp from Kidoodles and the 2011 was then stamped using the Calender Numbers.

I couldn't leave it alone... I had to make a little scrapbook page for it! Again, scraps! I am out of almost all my Christmas paper as well as red and green from my stacks!! Yikes!

I adore this little guy! He is from Kiddoodles as well. I used a blender pen and Real red, Garden Green, Lucky Limeade and Pretty in Pink. Now, do you see the SPARKLE! Well, I used Dazzling Details on his hat and Dazzling Details Cherry Cobbler on his coat. Yes, that's right! New Dazzling Details in the upcoming Occasions Catalog! It goes on like glitter glue, but dried like pure glitter. Fabulous! And the tip is very fine, so it's very easy to do it right! Tiny Tag, Rhinestone, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle punch, Larch Scallop Punch and the paper piercer helped to make the rest of the tag.

And here is mine with this years picture!

Take a look at our visit with Santa!! One of these things is not like the other... LOL!

Is she crying because she knows she's on the naughty list???? Probably! LOL!

This project qualified for several challenges! Iam never able to do that!

Color Q, which I missed the deadline-BOO!

Paper Pal Arts

Just Add Ink- Just Add SPARKLE

Inkspirations- Christmas Projects (Their last challenge by the way! Ladies!?!?! I'm so so so so sad! :-()

I did several scrapbook pages yesterday, but am saving them for other days this week! One might just be my most favorite layout of all time. Seriously! You need to stop back by later this week! It's pretty OVER THE TOP!!!

Hope your having a relaxing week before Christmas! (I'm not!!) Thanks for stopping by!!

You Did It!

2011-12-16T11:20:00.000-06:00

A sweet friend of mine graduated from college last weekend. I wasn't able to make the party, but wanted to make her a card to tell her how impressed I was with her Perseverance and hard work!

I loved the Paper Player's colors this week. They are Christmas-y, but also applicable to other occasions!

And, I used the sketch from Clean and Simple. I am such a sucker with a sketch that has repeating elements!

This card uses a NEW stamp set. It will be in the upcoming Sale A Bration catalog which means it will be FREE!! Woot! I had nothing in gold other than ink, so I threw in the silver shimmer paper and it really made things pop! Who knew you could pull of silver and gold at the same time! Ha!

Stamps: Sprinkled Expressions (SAB)

Ink: Brushed Gold (I think..)

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Silver

Other: Big Shot, Stars #2 Die, Cherry Cobbler Twine, Large Scallop Circle Punch, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Stampin' Dimensional.

TGIF!! :-) Thanks or stopping by!

Last Day...

2011-12-15T05:45:00.000-06:00

Today is my student teachers last day! She has been with me since Aug 15! Thats a very long time! I don't know how to function with out her at this point! We have lots of surprises planned for her, and this card is just part of it.

I'll be back in a bit with specifics!

This card was inspired by the sketch at Inkspiration and the colors at The Play Date Cafe.

HSS #97-An Old Fashion Christmas

2011-12-13T01:15:00.001-06:00

It's Hand Stamped Sentiments Time! This week challenge is a cute one!

This weeks challenge is an "Old Fashioned Christmas". Create a card that shows us what this means to you. Have fun!!!

I had trouble getting a good picture. It's been dark and dreary here for days! However, I really do love this card! I have wanted this stamp set for years, but always talked myself out of it. not sure why! This is the first time I am using it. LOVE IT! I cut my card base 4 1/4" X 9" and scored it at 4 1/2". I cut the new Label Framelit shape (new!!! I am IN LOVE with this new product available January 1!) and wanted it to stick up off the card, but it's no higher than 5 1/2" so that it will still fit in an envelope. And what do you think of that ribbon? It is also upcoming in the Occasions Mini. It comes already pleated! Awesome!

Stamps: Winter Post
Ink and Paper: Red Riding Hood, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede,Early Espresso, Garden Green, Red Riding Hood DSP
Other: Big Shot, Framelits Label Collection (Coming soon in the new Occasions mini!), Small Tag Punch, Stocking Accents Die, Red Riding Hood Pleated Satin Ribbon (also in the new mini!), Cherry Cobbler Twine, Small Jingle Bells

So what stamp set do you have that would make a wonderful "Old Fashion Christmas" card? Get creative! Then, come back to Hand Stamped Sentiments and share with us! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Happy Tuesday!

Dear Santa... Stamp CLub December Page

2011-12-12T05:54:00.002-06:00

Hi everybody! Man! Are the weekends crazy for you too this time of the year? Not only am I trying to check of my Christmas To Do list, it was my daughters birthday and slumber party!

~~I am going post pictures of this month's Club page, but I'll have to come back later to give you specifics.~~

I'm back! This page was inspired by a layout I saw in Scrapbook etc. last month. I love ways to add more photos to pages!

The whole bottom section lifts up so you can add more pictures, but not loose "art space" as I like to call it!

And, something I like to do each year is include either my kids wish list or a list of what Santa brought. Someday it will be fun to read! I used teh Petite Pocket to include the hidden journaling.

All the paper I used is Frostwood Lodge and the stamps are from Dear Santa stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow for some "Old Fashion" inspiration!

Oh, Gnomeo! (Occasions Sneak Peek!)

2011-12-08T17:28:00.000-06:00

I got to see the upcoming Occasions catalog a few weeks ago and went CR-A-ZY! So, two days ago I received my pre-order (demo perk-woot!) and have been going wild!

My very favorite stamp set in the new catalog is called Gnome Sweet Gnome. I love garden gnomes and in fact, Hubbs and I dressed up as Gnomeo and Juliet for Halloween! So, I printed out this picture and got to work!

First off, I have to point out this DSP. It's in the Sale A Bration catalog coming out in January! It's BEAUTIFUL and probably one of my very favorite papers EVER from SU. And, the best part...It's FREE during Sale A Bration!

Ok, so seriously! Look at these little Gnomes! Love. Them.
And check out the shape. Yes, that's a a NEW DIE! Ok, not a die, but a flat little framelit. It's a new product to SU, and I am so excited about them! They come in a set of different sizes. And they are FLAT. Yes.. FLAT!
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the pin. Have I mentioned I am excited in this post?? Ok, yes, but I am super excited about these! they are long hat pins, which I have been using for a while, but SU didn't have any. And these are perfect. They are long, which I love!

I used Letter, it for the G and sizzlits for the other letters. the heart is another Framelit! LOVE!

I did a lot of sewing on this page because it just felt like it needed some stitching!

Pennant punch used on the Everyday Enchantment DSP. The lantern and watering can are from Gnome, Sweet Gnome and the little mushroom is from Funky Four. It's perfect to go along with the Gnomes! And, did you spy the new twine! Yep, new twine! In all the In Colors! Woot!

So there you have it! Lots of new stuff featured on this page. I still have more stuff to break into. Should I call into work tomorrow?? Ha! Just kidding... kinda....

I was inspired by this week's Color Q challenge and Sketchy Thursday sketch.

Thanks for stopping by!

Buttons, Buttons!

2011-12-07T05:38:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about today's card! I've been on a dry streak lately, not really liking anything I come up with. But, this one is different!

I used the sketch from Card Pattern Sketches.

And, was really challenged by The Paper Players to use a non holiday stamp for a holiday card! Ooooo. FUN!

I used a mix of real and paper buttons to make the cluster. I love clusters! I use them everywhere!

I couldn't get a very good picture close up. Darn weather!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Button, Button
Ink and Paper: Real Red, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Mocha Morning DSP
Other: Cherry Cobbler Twine, Big Shot, Nestabilities, Stampin Dimensionals, Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Holly Jolly Buttons

Thanks for stopping by!

HSS# 96-Color Challene

2011-12-06T01:15:00.002-06:00

Brrrr! It's finally cold here in South Texas! I made this week's HSS card while freezing and wishing we had snow every now and then instead of just a wet cold. Ha! Oh well...

This weeks color challenge is fun and fresh! Create a card or project using blushing bride, pool party, pear pizazz, and real red and share it with us using the linky tool at the bottom of this post.

I'm experimenting with new card photo op places. This one's not bad! Anyhow, I used the tree from Snow Much Fun. I stamped it on Pear Pizzaz DSP using Staz On White and then embossing it with White Embossing powder. I stamped the birds in Staz on Black on Blushing Bride DSP.

I used a blender pen and Pool Party to give it some snow shadow. The tree and birds are cut out and added to the watercolor paper with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I substituted Poppy Parade for Red. It worked better for me.

Stamps: Snow Much Fun, Tiny Tags

Ink and Paper Staz On (White and Black), Pool Party, Domestic Goddess DSP, Pear Pizzaz DSp, Blushing Bride DSP, Poppy Parade CS, Pool Party CS, Whisper White CS, Watercolor Paper

Other: Big Shot: 3" and 3 1/2" Circle Dies, Tasteful Trims Die, Poppy Parade Ribbon, Tiny Tag Punch, Pinking Heart Punch, White Twine, Jingle Bells, Stampin Dimensioals, Heat Gun, White Embossing Powder

So, is it cold where you are? I am sure it probably is much colder than here... Our "cold" is really nothing to you Northerners!

Come play with us at HSS this week! Make sure you LINK BACK so we can come gush over your gorgeous artwork!

Have a great Tuesday!

Scrapbook Sunday!

2011-12-04T21:12:00.000-06:00

The best part of Thanksgiving this year as meeting my first nephew. My brother and his wife had their first baby in August, but this was the first time we got to see him.

I didn't anticipate the love I would feel for this sweet baby. Even before I knew him. There is something about family, that's for sure!

So we took these great pictures with my Hipstamatic App on my iphone. I love the vintage feel of them and had to scrap them in a vintage way as well!

I used lots of random stuff in my stash. I say that every week don't I! If it's not SU, I don't know what it is! LOL!

I do love my clusters these days!

Oh, and I can't go longer than a week with out a banner! This one was a border sticker I cut up.

Happy Monday!

Even the Naughty deserve something nice....

2011-11-30T01:15:00.002-06:00

As I've talked about before, we moved into a new neighborhood last summer. Our kids are in hog heaven! There are 18 kids on our street, and only 1/2 the lots are occupied! So, needless to say, we are Kid Central! So, when i saw this post on Pinterest for Candy Cane Playdough, I thought what a great gift this would make for all our neighbors!

I did these two last weekend as a trial run. I need a litl eplaydough making practice. Or maybe just playdough twisting practice. What I really need to do is buy a jar with a larger mouth! This is why we do trial runs, right? Anyway, I chose a very appropriate tag...

If you live around LOTS of kids, you know what I'm talking about! It's great to have so many friends, but we are forever putting out fires! OK, figuratively.. LOL! :-)

I tied the tag and cookie cutter on with White Twine and Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. The fabric is Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric. Tag was made using the Tags till Christmas Stamp Set, Real Red ink, Red Glitter Paper, Wild Wasabi CS. I punched two large tag punches and layered them so it was one wider tag base. I also used the 1 1/4" square punch and the Scalloped Square punch. I also sprinked Dazzling Diamonds into the dough!!

Hope my neighboor friends enjoy this fun (and CHEAP!!) gift!

Hand Stamped Sentiments inspired Advent Calendar

2011-11-29T01:15:00.001-06:00

The trees are done! My new addiction this year is this incredible shiny MESH! Ahhh! Love it!

Anyway, I digress.... This week's challenge at HSS really gave me the kick in the pants I needed to finish one MAJOR project I was avoiding. Can you tell what it is.....????

No, not my beautiful tree! The Advent Calendar Ladder down at the bottom! Whew! What a monkey off my back! I thought my girls were going to pack up and move to the neighbors if I didn't have this thing ready in time!

Thanks to Hand Stamped Sentiments, I don't have to worry about that!

Now that Thanksgiving is over it's time to break out all those Christmas decorations! This week is an anything but a card challenge so what better time to make a Christmas ornament or make something using ornaments! Let's start decking the halls!

Rules and Deets:

You may use ANY BRAND of products to create your project.
Use keyword HSSABAC95 when uploading to public galleries.
We would appreciate a link back to our HSS site.
Incorrect links are not eligible and will be deleted.
INLINKZ will close at noon (CST) Monday, December, 5th
Artist Picks will be announced on Tuesday, Tuesday, 6th
Join us for a new challenge every Tuesday.

Three girls each wanting their own Advent Calendar. Whats a mom to do? That's 75 trinkets, and 75 "containers!" I was going to blow my whole Christmas budget on this one tradition. So, I locked myself in the Batcave and dug through drawers and boxes until I got this idea.

These are the little round container Stampin' Up sends their embellishments in. Love them! And, yes, I have been hoarding them! I didn't have enough empty ones, so I did have to combine a few embellishments, but it was worth it! (These are also really cheap and can be purchased by themselves from SU!)

I punched any red and green DSP I had scraps of (mostly form the DSP stacks) using the 2 1/2" Circle Punch,. Then, punched the large Scallop Circle out of Very Vanilla. The ornaments were punched our of the red Shimmer paper as well as some Christmas DSP. Last but not least, I stamped each of the numbers from the SU Countdown to Christmas set. These were punched using the 1" square.

I glued a loop of retired Real Red Grosgrain on the back of each one.

The girls don't get their own. Mama just couldn't cut it! Maybe next year! I combined their trinkets together,. Hopefully there will be no throwdowns in front of the advent calendar each morning! Eek!

I wove some twine through the slats of a little ladder I actually already had and hung each one with a clothespin. This was a super fast project, done in under 2 hours (including mounting the stamps, and opening all those darn Squinkies!)

So, what kind of "ornament" can you create? It doesn't have to be an ornament, but maybe have some kind of ornament punch or stamp on it! Give it a try and maybe scratch one of your projects off your list!

Good luck and don't forget to come back and show us!!

Scrapbook Sunday!

2011-11-27T19:49:00.000-06:00

I missed Scrapbook Saturday y'all! My bad.. I have been home since Friday, but have been a mad Christmas Decorating, Christmas Shopping, School Project Making Fool! I'm exhausted!

But, I do have a page to share!

Sasafrass is the name I have for my youngest.. She acts sassy and silly, so it just seems to fit!

The design is very simple. Three scraps of SU's DSP in Regal Colors. I stamped a flower, stacked a few buttons and added some simple words.

Punched circles help to add some fun along the edge. Matching buttons are always my go to embellishment.

And I didn't have enough letters in one alpha. so I mixed them! Love this look!

Hope you have a great start to your week!

Candy Cane Christmas

2011-11-23T07:44:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to see the Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric on sale at Stampin' Up's Extravaganza! It is so cute! I have been wanting to use some fabric for my stamp clubs and this is the perfect opportunity!

Today's card is inspired by the colors at Inkspirations and the sketch at Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

I ran the fabric through the Big Shot using the pennant die. I also ran some felt through as well. I sewed around the edges, snipped the edges to make them rough and glued on a few embelishments!

Stamps: Four the Holidays
Ink and Paper: Real Red, Baja Blue, Whisper White, Frostwood Lodge DSP
Other: Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric, Big Shot, Pennant Die, Holly Jolly Buttons, Jingle Bells, Crystal Effects, felt

Hope your ready for Thanksgiving! We leave today to meet up with family in East Texas. Can't wait! Happy Thanksgiving!

HSS #92- Winter Wonderland!

2011-11-22T01:15:00.003-06:00

Well, it's been a muggy 82 today here in South Texas while I shopped all day for Christmas! Boo! But, I hope where you are, you are enjoying more seasonable appropriate weather!

I'm ready for something like this:

Hand Stamped Sentiments # 94
As we are getting ready for this wonderful season we want to see how you integrate this festive inspiration WINTER WONDERLAND into this weeks project. What does this phrase mean to you, show us with your project- anything from a card, scrap page, 3-D item, even home decor projects, YOU CREATE!!

I have not loved "pool Party" until today! This soft turquoise is just beautiful with Crumb Cake and crisp Whisper White!

I also used the heck out of my Dazzling Details! I LOVE this stuff! It is so easy to use, unlike regular glitter glue. The tip is very fine and you have better control of it. Also, I have no experienced one bubble or clog since I began using it months ago!

And, isn;t this ribbon yummy! It is called Pool Party Ruffled Grosgrain and is 3/8" Very easy to work with.

I also ran my Whisper White Craft pad all around the edges to give it a frosty feel!
The DSP is from the Domestic Goddess set. Border Punch is the Scallop Ribbon Punch. To create the circle frame, I first cut the scalloped circle out using the big shot, then I punched the middle out with the 2 3/8" circle punch.

Stamp Sets: Jolly Bingo Bits, Merry Winter, Frame It

Now, if I can create a winter card in the middle of what feels like a South American Rainforest, then you have no excuses!! Make sure you come back and link up with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Online Extravaganza- HURRY!

2011-11-21T06:44:00.000-06:00

It's here! Stampin' Up's Online Extravaganze is legendary! And this year is no different! But, don't hesitate! Today there are two items that will only be on sale for 24 hours!

Simpl Scored- $23.96

Cookie Press Stamps- $13.56

Plus, a bunch of other great products that are up to 60% off!

Treat yourself to an early christmas present- Go to my online store to see what all is included.

Happy Shopping!

Scrapbook Saturday- Pinterest Inspired

2011-11-19T13:31:00.000-06:00

Pinterest has become my new go to for everything! I mean, I no longer google, I Pinterest! It is fabulous! My only frustration is that if the person who has pinned the picture has not labeled it as the thing it is (Fall Scrapbook Page) and labels it instead something they feel (Love this!, Awesome!, etc), we won't be able to find it. But, I guess that isn't really the purpose of Pinterest, is it? But, for the most part, I always find what I am looking for!

This week, my little girls had their school Thanksgiving feast. Since I have a fabulous printer, I printed the pictures I took immediately! Then, I headed to Pinterest and searched Thanksgiving Pages. Found nothing great. So, I began clicking here and there and found THIS page and THIS art activity. And, voila- INSPIRED!

See that little "Mayflower"? That's Emma's hand I traced onto Soft Suede CS! Cute! And, I have her little hand print preserved forever! I also used it as my journaling block!

All my embellishments are form my stash..random things I can't credit to any company.. Just cute stuff I stash away for just the right time!

And these "lollies?" I didn't make them. All thought do make them, I don't like making them. These were premade and in a little package I bought SWEET! ;-)

So, that's my latest creation! Today I am preparing for tomorrow's Christmas Card Making Marathon! I am so excited! I have been baking today with ingredients like White Chocolate, Cranberries, Cream Cheese, Peppermint... All Pinterest finds as well! Tomorrow night, I will show you everything I made. Have a great SATURDAY!

One sheet wonder...

2011-11-17T21:46:00.000-06:00

I found this cool little treat holder on Pinterest a while back and had done nothing with it. Honestly, it looked complicated. But, I finally gave it a try with some of Stampin' Up's new Holly Berry paper and Whoa! Cu-te! And so not complicated at all!

You fold it up and it holds cookies or candy or whatever! ONE SHEET! The original artist has directions, so I won't repost them here. It does get a little confusing, so I may make a video this weekend if you all are interested!

I also want to let all my Stampin' Up friends know that the Thanksgiving Extravaganza begins this weekend! Woot! Last year it was amazing! This year, there will be some great deals the whole week, and then some things that will only be discounted for 24 hours! I love a good flash sale! So, make sure you stay tuned here and HERE so you don't miss anything amazing!

Details:
When: Sale will begin Monday, November 21, 2011, and run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Log in to my Online Store on Monday, November 21, to take advantage of great savings, like FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM – 11:59 PM [MT])—so make sure you don’t miss the first 24 hours of Online Extravaganza!

The wrong card..

2011-11-16T21:37:00.000-06:00

This is the card I created for the HSS challenge... The one that was an old challenge, but I thought it was the current challenge. Oh well, I will use it anyhow!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Petite Pairs
Ink and Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Gold, Whisper White
Other: Ornament Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Twine, Small oval Punch, Pewter Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Quilted Cherry Cobbler Ribbon

The ornaments were stamped on white, then I punched the Cherry Cobbler out where the stamps would be. So, they are recessed. And, the one in the middle is popped out, so it's really three layers!

And the oval punch is covering up the original sentiment I stamped crooked! Great little trick!

It's almost FRIDAY! Hope you make it! :-)

12 Days of Jokes

2011-11-15T17:44:00.000-06:00

First, ,I want to say I am a total LOOSER. Today is Hand Stamped Sentiments Day. Yes, I did the card, several days ago. It's super cute. However, when I went to link up last night, I realized I did the wrong challenge. Sigh... Loooooo-ZER! Sorry HSS girls. Really, I feel terrible!

So, even thought I failed, you can still join in! Please jump over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and check out what all of those beautiful designers came up with!

OK, that being said, I do want to show you my latest project for U Stamp With Dawn and Friends. It's a set of 12 cards that feature simple punch art. Each one has a Christmas joke inside as well! I created these with my kids' lunch boxes in mind, but I also thank they would be fun for kids to make and give out!

All of the directions, as well as supplies and a PDF of the jokes can be found at U Stamp With Dawn and Friends!

A membership fee is required, and with that you will receive a TON of full color PDF Tutorials for projects featuring SU Punches. And there are some AMAZING projects this go round!

Santa Gift Card Holder

2011-11-13T21:28:00.000-06:00

I spent some time today coming up with a few more designs for the Christmas Card Making Marathon. My challenge has been to come up with something beautiful, yet easy to reproduce. I think this one fits the bill!

It is a normal card base 11" X 4 1/4, scored at 2 and 7 1/2" The black belt is adhered under the top flap and then two white scalloped piece under that. When you flip open the top....

You have a gift card holder! Simple! And Cute!

Stamps: Delightful Dozen
Ink and Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Grey, Basic Black, Gold Craft Ink
Other: Big Shot, Tasteful trims, Curvy Label Punch, 1" square Punch, Medium Oval Punch, White Pen

Please let me know if your interested in the Christmas Card Making marathon next Sunday!

Have a great Monday!

Scrapbook Saturday!

2011-11-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

Good morning! We had these fabulous pictures made a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't wait to scrap them! This is my middle daughter Emma. She is 4. And full of LIFE!

I found a page online and pinned it to Pinterest (FOLLOW ME!) and couldn't wait to lift it!

I have no idea who made these papers... They are random and from my scrap box... Pretty together though right?

This page is way easy. Just uses your scissors to snip rectangles into banners, layer them and your done! Oh, and ink the edges of course!

There are still a couple of spaces in my Christmas Card Marathon next Sunday! RSVP NOW to hold your spot!!!

I'm off to take this little angle and her sweet sisters to dance this morning. I'm a hunting widow. Again. Anybody Else? Sigh.....

In Review...

2011-11-11T05:49:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! It's been such a busy week that I have not gotten home in time to take pictures for the blog! I have projects to show you, I just haven't gotten home before the sun goes down so I can't take pictures! Uhg! I hate Daylight Savings Time!

Anyway, I thought I would show you a few of my favorite things from last November rather than leave the blog on an old post!

This fun card is made using the wing from the Two Step Bird Punch!

How about an adorable Pumpkin Place Card! FREE Tutorial can be found HERE!

Last November, I offered two Class Planners for Christmas Projects. They are still available and can be found HERE.

Last year's Scrapbook Club Layout was a fun one!

And, how about a Thanksgiving Wine Tag for that bottle of wine you'll will be taking to Thanksgiving Dinner?

I'll be back tomorrow with a new page for Scrapbook Saturday! It's a fabulous one (if I do say so myself!) Happy Veteran's Day to all those military out there!

HSS# 92- Over the Top

2011-11-08T01:15:00.002-06:00

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments, we've got a seasonal challenge for you!

For this week's challenge, create a card that is over the top. A card that is decked out with all the bling, layers and detail. Have fun and don't hold back, we can't wait to see what you come up with.

OK, so mine isn't quite over the top, but I think it is beautiful.... LOL! Usually to me, the cards I think are stunning are on the simple side, because that is usually not what I do!

Stamps: Bright Hopes

Ink and Paper: Crumb Cake, Real Red, Whisper White, First Edition DSP

Other: Large and Small Scallop Punch, Big Shot, Scallop Square Die, Basic Rhinestones

This card is part of my Card Making Marathon in two weeks! If your interested, please contact me!

Now please give the Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge a try! Get a jump start on your Christmas Cards and then hop back over and show us what you made!

Thanks for stopping by!

An Oldie But Gooide...

2011-11-06T20:10:00.000-06:00

While working on my cards for the Christmas Card Making Marathon, I used Paper Pal Arts' cool color combo. I also reached back into my tried and true card designs to make a fun reindeer card!

Stamps: Jolly Bingo Bits
Punches: 1" Square, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle Punch
Other: Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Ink and Paper: Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Real Red

If your in the San Antonio are and are interested in the Card Making marathon, email me!

Have a great Monday (uhg!)

Scrapbook Satruday!

2011-11-05T08:18:00.000-05:00

When I first saw Monika Davis' Pumpkin Layout at U Stamp With Dawn, I was in love! How stinking cute were those pumpkins! I had to make one for myself!

The pumpkins are good old paper piecing. Simple shapes traced onto Spice Cake DSP, inked with Soft Suede and then faux stitching added with a Stampin Write Marker.

I also used the coordinating Spice Cake fabric to make the bow. I ripped the fabric to make that frayed edged.

I used the Gently falling stamps in Soft Suede, More Mustard and Pear Pizazz. Those e giant yummy buttons are so fun! The are available in the mini catalog.

Hand Penned Holidays is a beautiful set for sentiments.

Pennant Punch creates a simple embellishment in the corner. The punch makes it fast and simple!

The Left side of the two page Layout is what we ar making at my stamp clubs this month.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a great Saturday!

Christmas Card Buffet!

2011-11-02T18:42:00.001-05:00

It’s beginning to look a lot like

CHRISTMAS CARDS!!

Don’t be like everyone else and give boring store bought cards! Come to the Card Making Marathon on Sunday, November 20th. I will have a Card Buffet set up from 12-5. Make all the cards you need for the holiday season while enjoying some ~~time away from the kids~~ girl time. Make a variety or make them all the same; you decide! It’s a buffet! These cards will be easy to reproduce and make in mass production! Beginners to Advanced, there will be cards for everyone! And your family and friends will “oooo and ahhh” when they open your card!

When: Sunday, Nov. 20. 12-5 pm. Come and Go as you want.

Price: $30
Includes: 15 cards/ envelops, as well as your own package of Rhinestones, Cherry
Cobbler Twine and Jingle Bells. Need more cards? No problem! Each card over 15 will be $1.50.
What- I will have at least 7 designs (maybe more) for you to choose from. I will
also have Gift Card Holders available as a choice as well. All will include the envelopes. Each card features a different stamp set from either the Holiday Mini or the Idea Book and Catalog. (So far, 12 sets and counting!)

When: Sunday, Nov. 20. 12-5 pm. Come and Go as you want.

Price: $30

Includes: 15 cards/ envelops, as well as your own package of Rhinestones, Cherry
Cobbler Twine and Jingle Bells. Need more cards? No problem! Each card over 15 will be $1.50.

What- I will have at least 7 designs (maybe more) for you to choose from. I will
also have Gift Card Holders available as a choice as well. All will include the envelopes. Each card features a different stamp set from either the Holiday Mini or the Idea Book and Catalog. (So far, 12 sets and counting!)

Anything else? Prizes, Prizes, Prizes! Christmas Music, Holiday yummies and
maybe a little Hot Chocolate!

What if I can’t get it all made? Stamp, Punch and take the supplies home to
assemble while your hubby watches football on Thanksgiving Day!

What if I want to buy a few stamp sets? Everybody in attendance gets a $5
credit towards purchasing the supplies we use!

What do I bring? Scissors and Adhesive

What can I expect? Stations set up all over my house with a card sample and all
the supplies pre cut and ready to be made!

Can I bring a friend? Of course! And you get a special prize if you do!

Can I get this all to go? Yes, but I will have to add a stamp/ punch fee to all To Go
Kits. Ask me if your interested!

RSVP Required!
Erica Cerwin
210-865-1264

ericacerwin@sbcglobal.net

HSS Color Chalenge # 91

2011-11-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like....

Yep- Christmas!!! Eeek!

For this weeks color challenge, we'd like to see your projects using Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Wild Wasabi and Very Vanilla. Now that Halloween has passed, it's time to move in to the Holiday season. We can't wait to see what you come up with.

I've been playing with my blender pens this week. Trying to get them ready for stamp club!

This is a pretty simple card!
Stamps: Forest Festivities
Ink and Paper; Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Holly Berry DSP
Other: Scallop Border Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blender Pens

Now, give it a try. You know you have a million Christmas Cards to make! Let this challenge get you started!

Scrapbook Saturday...uhm, Sunday!

2011-10-30T10:44:00.000-05:00

This week's scrapbook page was pretty quick and easy! Love when that happens!

I used the music note background stamp at a diagonal on the background CS. A few DSP Scallops from Tasteful Trims, a dicut scallop flower and a few embelishments and done!

The flower was created by using one of the scallops from the Pennants Die. It's shiny because my glue exploded on top of it.. LOL. Whatever.. it works!

A little cluster around the journaling adds just enough to make it interesting! The A is from the stamp set Letter It.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Almost to November!

2011-10-27T21:57:00.000-05:00

Wow! October is the busiest month of the year for us I believe. Maybe May as well. But it seems like I have more "projects" in October than the rest of the year.

This is a little Reese's PB Cup hat we made this month at Stamp Club. It's been floating all over the net and I had to snag it! Its so SIMPLE! A large scallop punch and 1/2 of a 3" circle die. Adhere the candy to the base, adhere the 1/2 circle around the candy, add a little ribbon and tag! Done! So. Easy.

We've had our annual Pumpkin Patch display at school this year. The kids decorate a pumpkin to look like a book character. The girls LOVE doing this extra project! They are very competitive. No idea where they get that from. At stake this year- A glow in the dark dog tag! EEEk! We must win!!!

I gave little E, who is only 4, a few choices. I picked characters that would be simple to re create!I wanted her to make it, not me!! (I have all the dog tags I need....)

I drew the face with a pencil, she traced and colored in. She also did all the painting!

She even did all the detail drawing on the hat. Tomb Stones, Bats, Skulls... SO cute! She won 4th place! (OK, so 4th place out of 4 in her age group, but who cares! She got the glow in the dark dog tag!! )

Now Big E's pumpkin took a lot more work! But, this is what she lives for, so she loved it! She worked on it for over a week. Her book was Trixie the Halloween Fairy by Daisy Meadow (yes, really, that's the authors "name!" LOL...)

First, she drew the Haunted House. Like 6 times. Then, she colored it, outlined it with marker and added shading.

We carved out half of a fake pumpkin for this so we could keep it. She painted the inside like a sunset.

She then drew Trixie. Like 6 times. I pulled out the vellum and she drew the wings. She inked the edges with Stampin' Sponges and Pumpkin Pie ink (as any good SU Demo daughter does!) She also added Dazzling Details to the wing edges!

Trixie hangs by a wire!

Moon was also vellum and Basic Grey ink stamped very lightly with a Circle Circus stamp. We found those fake tea lights at Dollar Tree and added one behind the moon. It flickered and looked very spooky!

A quick trip through the Hobby Lobby miniature section scored us a spooky fence and a few pumpkins. A little moss and spray painted twigs and you've got yourself an AMAZING pumpkin if I do say so myself!

I have been looking for an excuse to buy some of Kryon's new glitter spry paint, so we sprayed the outside with the orange! Love this stuff! Just be prepared for glitter all over you!

Big E won 2nd place. I was a little disappointed because she won first place last year. But, she came running into my classroom so excited. Again, GLOW IN THE DARK DOG TAG!!!

Ah, if only I were so easily motivated!

Anyway, it's been a jam packed month, and hopefully things will slow down a bit before Christmas rolls around... Yea, right!

Have a great FRIDAY!!!

2011-10-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

This weeks Challenge is "Giving Thanks". As we gather around the table this Holiday Season, let's give thanks for friends and family that have blessed our lives. Show us your inspiration of what the table brings to you during this special time when we gather together.

Ok, I couldn't help myself! I found these soaps while looking for these. So, last one for a while! I just can't stop making these antibacterial holders!

Tutorial can be found here.

Make sure you link back with us a HSS

Simple School Treat

2011-10-24T05:40:00.000-05:00

I made these simple treats for my October Stamp Club. I thought they would be a great treat for school, since schools here are not aloud to hand out any food items. Kids (and moms) like to give out treats, and sometimes it is hard finding something fun with out the sugar included!

I used dollar store pencils inside the 1 X 8" cello bags. I love these bags and they are dirt cheap! (50 for $2.50!)

I didn't seal them. I used sticky strip behind the "lid" and then put a peek a boo frame around a square punched in the cardstock. That way, the cute artwork doesn't have to be ripped apart to get to the pencils!

And, a little candy corn made with paper scraps glued together and then punched with the pennant die! Fun! Stamp is from Delightful Dozen.

Hope you have a great Monday! Only one more week until Halloween! Yay!

Scrapbook Satruday!

2011-10-22T08:39:00.000-05:00

I've been really bad about scrapbooking this last year. I've been busy making lots of things, but have neglected my pictures and the things that made me fall in love with paper crafting to begin with! And, I have had a few of you tell me you miss the scrapbook pages too! So, I am hoping to bring back Scrapbook Saturday! Hopefully it will force me to get back into my SB groove!

These pictures were taken last weekend. I love scrapbooking pumpkin pictures!

I used my 1 3/4" circle punch and punched a BUNCH of circles out of Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango and Peach Parfait. And, I inked EVERY SINGLE ONE! Lots of work, but so worth it!

A simple tag made with the 3" circle die and a pumpkin, leaf, acorn combo from Gently Falling. I did a little "rock and roll" technique with the pumpkin.

Thanks for the push! I really needed it!

Make sure you check out Tip Junkie! they have featured some great Paper Craft Halloween Tutorials, including my Halloween Antibacterial Holders!

Round Antibacterial Holder 2.0!

2011-10-19T19:21:00.000-05:00

If you saw yesterday's post, you read that I found these super cute Antibacterial Holders at Bath and Body Works this past weekend. (50% off! Score!) I went for the regular ones, but had to have these too! Anyway, I used last years design (tutorial HERE) and just added a few inches to house these puppies!

Stamps used are from Hall-o-ween Creeps. Cute little monsters, aren't they!

Paper is Fright Night DSP. Drops of blood (yes, that's what they are.... I know.... I've been reading to many vampire books I think!) are the wing from the Two Step Bird Punch.

See little round Frankenstein in there! I used the 1 3/4" circle punch for him. Perfect little fit!

Velcor to hold it closed. They actually look like fangs don't thet. I so ~~did not~~ planned it that way!

And there he is! Ok, for the measurements: Basic Black 3 X 11" scored at 1" 3", 6", 8". Small piece of Basic Black 2 1/2" X 7" scored at 1", 2" 5", 6" and 1/4 on each side of the short end. Please refer to last year's tutorial for more specifics!

This cutie was inspired by this week's Color Q challenge and Color Throwdown.

Have a great Thursday!

HHS #89- Clean Shave and a VIDEO TUTORIAL!!

2011-10-18T01:00:00.003-05:00

This week, our challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments is to use Shaving Cream, Crayons or Pastels. I am going to be honest... I wasn't excited.. AT FIRST! None of those listed are techniques I use. Ever. But, I took the challenge to step out of my comfort zone and I have fallen in LOVE!!!

This is a {Super Creepy and Bloody} antibacterial soap holder! The background was made with shaving cream and reinkers! Looks quite bloody doesn't it?

I had a little skull from the skeleton stamp in the middle of this bow. Guess I didn't use enough adhesive! LOL!

This box is made just like last years anti bac tutorial. Tomorrow, I have another one to share with you and I will have the dimensions for this box then.

Pick Of Poison skeleton! Love him!

This eye ball anti bacterial soap can be found at my favorite favor store Bath and Body Works. I got it on Saturday and it was 50% off! Woot!

Side view. Look at those veins! Creepy!

The edges of my paper are distressed with a razor.

Ok, so for the Shaving Cream. Messy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely! A "WOW" project? For Sure! I've made you a video so you can see how easy it is!

OK, so now no excuses! You know how to do it. So grab your hubby's shaving cream (or buy some in the travel section at your local grocer) and get busy!

Make sure you link back to us a Hand Stamped Sentiments so we can see what you did!

Cherry on Top!

2011-10-17T05:37:00.000-05:00

There is a very popular set that came out in the IBC this year called Button Buddies. It caught my attention right away, but I didn't order it for months because I "needed" other things more. But, I finally got it and LOVE it! I used it for today's card but thought it was so cute that I couldn't cover it up with the buttons!

I did add one of the Giant Spice Cake Buttons. Love these! And, I am realizing that Soft Suede has become my go to color lately!

Lots of distressing on today's card. I crumbled up the DSP and then used the Distressing Kit to make the wrinkles stand out. This kit is so fabulous. Who knew a blank stamp could do so much to a project! Have you tried it yet? You really should!

And I also did the gingham technique using the Stripes Embossing Folder and red ink.

Stamps: Button Buddies
Ink and Paper: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Whisper White, First Edition DSP
Other: Big Shot, Striped Embossing Folder, 3" Circle Die, Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Spice Cake Buttons, Distressing Kit, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Circle Die, Basic Pearls, Vintage Trinket

I used these colors from CR84FN and the sketch from Inkspirations.

If you want or "need" any of these or other Stampin' Up products, please check out my online store.
Have a GREAT Monday!

Busy Spider!

2011-10-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

I finally got some uninterrupted time in my "Bat Cave" yesterday and it felt GOOD! I have lots of things to show you this week!

Today's card was inspired by Stampin 411's sketch...

And these super fun colors at Color Q

I used my two favorite Halloween sets: Out on a Limb and Jack of all Trades. They are, hands down, my two favorites this year!

I also used Occasions Alphabet for the sentiment. This is a great set that I don't use enough!

Ink and Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Basic Grey, Basic Black, Frightful Sight DSp, First Edition DSP

Other: Big Shot, Peek a Boo Frames Die, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Vintage Trinkets, Tasteful Trims Die, Stampin' Write Markers, Distressing Kit, Daffodil Delight Striped Ribbon.

We went to the Pumpkin Patch yesterday and I just have to share with you a few of the pictures we got! Love them!

This little girl WOULD not look at the camera and be serious! This is the only good one we got! LOL!

Can't wait to SB these!

Have a great Sunday!!!

Simple Saturday

2011-10-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

Hola! It sure has been quiet around here. I apologize to all my loyal followers. October just seems to be a super busy month every year! I tried to simplify this year and ordered the girls' Halloween costumes rather than make them, but that didn't seem to help. So, anyway, I have a simple Halloween card to share this morning.

I was inspired by the colors at JUGS this week.

Stamps: Spooky Bingo Bits, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink and Paper: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler and Basic Grey, Frightful Sight DSP
Other: 1" Circle Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Big Shot, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Black Lace (retired), Stampin Dimensionals

We're off to the Pumpkin Patch this afternoon! Hope your enjoying your Saturday!

What's Up Wednesday?!?!

2011-10-12T05:12:00.003-05:00

This weekend I had a "very simple project" on my list. This project was "so simple" that I had many other "to do" things on the list after this project. Unfortunately, this "simple" project took the whole day! Sigh... Oh well, it was worth it!

We had these beautiful pictures made in May and I have been slowly collecting things to go in the "montage" on a very large wall in our new house. I loved these sub way art signs I have been seeing all over Pinterest, so the last thing I needed to do was to make this sign and get Hubby up on the ladder.

It's a very tall ladder.... Our living room is a two story open living room and there is this giant wall, well 4 of them, but this one in particular really needed something!

He looks so happy to be helping. He is such a good liar! It's agood thing he's cute! And good with a hammer and drill...

So here is my version of the "In this House..." sign. If you notice the spelling mistake on the last one, just refer to #2. Yea, I planned it that way... riiiight.

The sign really was easy, just lots of steps. And waiting. First I used my "on its last leg" Cricut mat and Cricut to cut the letters out of contact paper. If your wondering, they were 3" and I can't remember the cart I used. Email me if you really want to know and I'll go look... LOL!

Since we live in a new neighborhood, there is lots of free lumber laying around! Yea, they leave it all over the place so the new home owners can build shelves and Subway art sign!! (Giggle, Giggle, Snort!) Anyway, Hubby went for a little look see around the neighborhood and found some 1 X 4 pieces. he cut them down to 2 feet sections and used wood glue and screws to adhere them onto some scrap wood pieces across the back. I painted it with some old off white house paint. This is where all the waiting came in. The wood was wet from the big rain the night before... I was not being patient!

Finally, I put the letters onto the wood and then spray painted it Black. I let this dry and then peeled the letters off. And, voila! Subway art!

Here is the view from the top of the stairs.

And the whole picture...

I just love the way the light streams in the windows in the late afternoon... I love my new house!

Linking Up with Tip Junkie today!

Also, don't forget that I have a few To Go kits left over from our amazing Holiday Stamp Camp. Each project comes with a video tutorial! Wow! If you would like to purchase one, I will ship it for FREE. Cost for the videos as well as all the materials and pre stamped images is $40. Email me if your interested!

And last but not least, don't forget to consider Stampin' Up's amazing October Promotion. Buy the Starter Kit and get a FREE Big Shot! That is a $99 value! Plus, become a part of my team and enjoy all the amazing benefits of being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator! CLICK HERE for details!

Have a great Wednesday!!

HSS #88- Think Pink!

2011-10-11T05:51:00.000-05:00

This week, we at Hand Stamped Sentiments, are reminding you that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and for this challenge we want you to Think Pink! Create a project using pink. Early detection is the key. Be proactive. Practice regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, schedule regular visits and annual mammograms with your healthcare professional. Be empowered!

This is an easy challenge for a mom of all three girls!

Stamps: Kidoodles

Ink and Paper: Melon Mambo, Melon Mambo DSP, Flirtacious DSP

Other: Larch Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, Melon Mambo Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer, Stampin Dimensionals, Dazzling Details

Now get busy creating something Pink! Make sure you link back with us so we can see!

Thanks for playing at Hand Stamped Sentiments!