Friend to Friend

Here is another card made using the Love You Much Bundle. Again, I used the Big Shot Top Note Die to cut the card. I then cut another Top Note from the Pink Mini Dot from the Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, cut it and layered on the top half of the card to hide the fold. I stamped the Heart image in Riding Hood Red Ink, twice. Once on Pirouette Pink and once on Riding Hood Red, cut them out by hand and layered them. I used the Word Window Punch for the Friend to Friend sentiment, sponged the edges, and added a Red Brad from the Bold Basics assortment. To finish it up, I tied it with Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon.

I have one more card from the Love You Much Bundle to share with you tomorrow.

Be safe this New Year's Eve, and I will see you in the new year!

dd

Hugs & Kisses

Just a quick post today before I head to work. Here is another card made using the Love You Much Bundle. This card was cut with the Big Shot Top Note Die. The trick is to fold your cardstock, and place it just below the cutting line on the die to create the card. I stamped the scallop Hugs & Kisses image twice. Once on Riding Hood Red, and once on Pirouette Pink, punched it out and layered it. The hearts in the corner where punched out of the Designer Series Paper Candy Lane with the Heart to Heart Punch that comes in the bundle.

I have another card to share with you tomorrow. Be sure to stop by!

Thank you so much for taking the time to check in.

dd

Friend to Friend

Here is a card using the Love You Much Stamp Set that is currently being offered at a discount when you purchase the bundle. Don't you just love those little birds, aren't they adorable. I stamped them with Black Stazon, and used my Blender Pens with Pirouette Pink Ink to color them in. The Striped Paper is from the Designer Series Paper Candy Lane also offered in the bundle. If you look closely, you can see that I stamped the hearts with Versa Mark to create a subtle background.

Remember, this bundle is only being offered through January 31, 2009. Contact me today if you would like to save 20% on this adorable stamp set, paper & coordinating punch.

Supplies: Love You Much Stamp Set; Designer Series Paper Candy Lane; Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White Cardstock; Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon; Scallop Edge Punch; Jet Black Stazon Ink; Versa Mark Ink.

Have a Great Day! Check back tomorrow for another card using the Love You Much Bundle.

dd

Love You Much

I hope you all had the Merriest Christmas! Ours was very nice...very busy...and full of celebrating with family & friends.

Now that Christmas is over, it's time to start thinking about those Valentine Cards & Gifts. Stampin' Up! is offering the "Love You Much Bundle" now through January 31. This bundle includes the Love You Much Stamp Set, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, and the coordinating Heart to Heart Punch. Purchasing these items separately would cost $51.85. You can get it now for only $41.48, a 20% savings, plus shipping & handling.

This promotion began on December 23, and the response has been amazing! The Designer Series Paper Pack is currently on backorder, so the Bundle cannot be ordered online at this time. The manufacturer has promised SU that they will have the paper back in stock this week. If you are interested in ordering, you can still contact me and I can place the orders for you. There will be just a slight delay.

We will be using the Love You Much Bundle in our January class. The cost of this class is $30.00, or you can purchase the bundle, and attend for FREE! We will be making Valentine Cards and Favors. Contact me today to sign up!

The Love You Much Stamp Set, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, and coordinating Heart to Heart Punch will all be available in the New 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog. They are only being offered in the bundle, with the discounted price during this promotion, and will be offered separately, at full price when the new catalog is released.

The New 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog retails for $9.95. You can reserve your copy today for only $5.00*! Contact me before January 10, 2009 to take advantage of this great savings!

*This is my personal promotion, and not endorsed by Stampin' Up!

Have a Great Weekend!

dd

Season of Friendship

I finally got started on my Christmas cards! I do this every year. I make a pact with myself that I will start early...like July...so I won't be so stressed about getting my cards done. Yesterday we received 8 Christmas cards in the mail from family & friends. This made me realize that it was now or never. I'd better get busy, or everyone would be receiving their Christmas cards for Easter! At this point, I knew I needed to keep things simple, and a certain set came to mind. Season of Friendship is my most favorite set that Stampin' Up! released this year. I knew when I turned the page in the Holiday Mini Catalog and saw it that I had to have it. I just hope they put it in the new 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog.

The Tree, Snowflakes and Bird, are all from the Season of Friendship Stamp Set. This set is in the Holiday Mini Catalog and is still available through January 18. The From Our Home to Yours stamp is from the Bellas Bloom set. I used the Chocolate Felt Ribbon from the Ribbon Originals, Alpine, also in the Holiday Mini, and Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon. The Cardstock is Kraft & Riding Hood Red. The snowflakes were stamped with White Craft Ink.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! It's rainy here...a great day to stay home & stamp.

dd

Winter Post

I have a fun card to share with you today. This one took some figuring out, but by the third try, true to the saying...third time is a charm...I got it! This is the Winter Post and Lovely as a Tree Stamp Sets. I used the Masking Technique to layer the images, and create the moon. The Merry Christmas sentiment is from the Holidays & Wishes Stamp Set. The colors are Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White. I also added one of the Felt Flurries Snowflakes, and used Stamin' Dimensionals to pop up the sentiment punched out with the Wide Oval Punch.

Now for a little business. Just a reminder that December 23 is the last day to take advantage of the 10% Discount on all Retiring Sets. This is the first time that there has been a discount offered on these sets. You can see the complete list on my website. While you're ordering all those sets that are soon to be gone forever, don't forget you also get FREE Shipping until December 23 on all orders over $70.00! December 31 is the last day to order the Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit. I love my kit! There is so much in it, it is well worth it. And last, but not least, January 18 is the last day to receive a 20% discount on any set from the Fall/Winter Catalog Sampler with a $20.00 order, and to place orders from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

I think that's everything. Keep watching my blog, or my Stampin' Up! website for more great promotions in the near future!

I hope you all know how much I appreciate you stopping by each day to visit. Have a Fabulous Day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another card.

We finally got the new carpet installed in our bedroom! I can't wait to get everything put back together.

dd

Jingle All The Way

I know...it's been a long time since I've been here. We have so much going on around here I haven't had a chance to even create any projects to share with you. I did sneak one in yesterday in between painting and cleaning, and getting ready for the new carpet to be installed today. It will be such a relief to be able to put things back together after they finish installing the carpet.

We saw this project quite some time ago, and my friend Loretta made one and was so kind to buy supplies for me so I could make one too.

This is a glass block purchased at Menards, a set of 50 white lights, ribbon from Michaels, and the Small Decor Elements, Jingle All The Way. Loretta had a friend drill a hole in the bottom of the block, so we could put the lights inside. My lights all kinda squished to the bottom. I need to take them out, stretch the cord out and put them back in.

I'm planing on working on my Christmas cards while my new carpet is being installed. Hopefully, I will have something fun to post tomorrow.

Have a Great Day!

dd

Retiring Stamp Sets Announced

Stampin' Up! has announced the list of Stamp Sets that will be retiring to make room for all of the new sets in the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog. You can see the list by visiting my website, or click on Free Shipping on my sidebar.

Now through December 23, 2008, receive a 10% Discount on all Stamp Sets on this list, no minimum order! And, if that isn't enough, if you place any order of $70.00 or more, you'll receive FREE shipping! Be sure to check out the list so you don't miss out on those sets that you just have to have. These sets will go quickly, and when they're gone, they're gone forever.

As always, thank you for visiting today. Hope you don't have to go out on this rainy Tuesday!

dd

Friday Again--Already?

I can't believe it's Friday again! This week sure flew by. Just a quick post today. I'm playing catch up from a 6am start at Pier 1 again yesterday, then running errands, and having Makayla over night last night.

I do have a couple more small projects to share with you from the Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit.

Won't these be adorable tied on to some one's package? I love the Snowflake. It is actually 6" across. It's hard to see here, but I added some glitter, included in the kit, just to give it a bit of sparkle. The center of the Star/Flower is a Half Pearl from the Pretties Kit. I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch holes to add the Silver Cord for hanging.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. I'm shopping tomorrow with my 3 sisters. We usually go on "Black Friday", but couldn't this year. Hopefully it warms up just a bit.

Quick update on my Father-in-Law. He had a blood transfusion with the hopes of raising the white blood count, so far, so good. He's still in the hospital, under observation. Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

dd

Happy December!

I am posting rather late today. There's so much going on here, this is the first time I've had a chance to get to my computer.

As some of you know, Scott's dad has been battling prostate cancer for several years. He is on several different medications, and they all have different side effects. One, unfortunately seems to effect his balance, and he has fallen 3 times in the last few days. He was admitted to the hospital with the last fall. He is doing well, but his white blood count is extremely low, and they thought it best to keep him so they could monitor him for a couple of days. I am fighting the worst cold I have ever had, so I am not allowed to visit, but Scott has been going to the hospital to spend time with him each evening.

Even with the busy holiday weekend, I did manage to sneak into my craft room to make an Ornament and a couple of Tags with the Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit.

I am in Love with this kit! Everything is just so cute. The die cut paper to perfectly fit the chipboard shapes makes it so easy. I just can't wait to start decorating gift bags and wrapping packages so I can tie on the coordinating tags made from this kit. You get everything you need, from the Exclusive Stamp Set, to the Coordinating Stampin' Spots, (that are pretty darn cute themselves), to the Rhinestone Brads, Glitter, Ribbon, Elastic Cord, and even the Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive & Stampin' Dimensionals.

Check it out for yourself! Visit my website and click on specials. You can even order on line. Just make sure you access ordering from my website to get the best prices on products and shipping.

Have a Great Evening!

I have to go call my dad, and wish him a Happy Birthday!

dd

Country Living Holiday Collection

WOW!

I just received my Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit. It's amazing! There is so much product included in this kit. I can't wait to start making my Decorations, Ornaments, and Tags. The Die Cut Designer Series Paper makes it so easy to create the wonderful projects shown. Not only do you get enough product to make several different projects, there are Instructions with Diagrams, and Tips to help you achieve the best results. Try adding a few Rub-Ons, on sale right now through November 30, with a $20.00 purchase, to create your own unique Holiday Decor. You can order your kit today, on line, by visiting my website. You can also see the complete list of supplies that comes in this amazing kit. Remember, it's only available for purchase through December 31, 2008.

Check back on Monday to see what I've created with my Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit.

Thanks for checking in today!

dd

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!

Just in time for your Holiday Shopping!

This is a very limited time offer. Starting today, November 26-December 1, Stampin' Up! is offering a 20-50% discount on select product bundles. Quantities are limited, so to insure that you get the things you want, please place your orders online by accessing my Demonstrator Business Website at http://www.debbied.stampinup.net/.

The Stampin' Up! offices will be closed Thursday & Friday in honor of Thanksgiving. To minimize the risk of the discounted bundles you need, no longer being available, order online early!


Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

dd

Jingle All The Way

I Love this project!

This is a 16" ceramic tile that I bought at Lowe's, and the Large "Jingle All The Way" Decor Elements. It was so easy to adhere the Decor Elements to the tile. It has a bit of a textue, but I had no problems. Of course, I couldn't just leave it at that, so I sponged Real Red ink on the edges of the tile, and around the design. That was just a little too bright, so then I sponged Encore Gold Ink over that to tone it down just a bit. The Encore ink is a pigment ink, so I had to heat set it. Just be careful not to melt the Vinyl Decor Element. It really is prettier in person, the picture doesn't do it justice.

There are several Holiday Decor Elements that come in various sizes and colors. Check them out at my Stampin' Up! website.

I know you are all very busy during this Thanksgiving Weekend, but, you'll definitely want to make time to...

Check back tomorrow for a Very Limited-Time Discount Offer On Select Product Bundles From Stampin' Up!

"Thanks" again for stopping by!

dd

Pink Snowflakes

Brrrrr! With this cold weather, it makes me think that it won't be long till we get some snow. Call me crazy, but love the snow! Last week when we had those little flurries here & there, it actually made me happy. I think it makes everything look so clean and peaceful, when the ground is covered with the sparkly white blanket. Maybe living in Indiana all my life, I've just resigned myself to the fact that we are going to have snow, so I just make the best of it and enjoy it's beauty.

My friend made this card for our Christmas Card class that we had in October. I Love the Pink Snowflakes. It's so sweet & delicate. This is one of the In-Colors, Pink Pirouette, and the Snow Burst stamp set. She tore the bottom of the Whisper White cardstock and inked the edges so it would blend with the pink cardstock. The Holiday Greetings sentiment is from the Sincere Salutations stamp set.

I can't believe it's Thanksgiving week...
I hope you all know how thankful I am that you take the time to stop by and check out what's going on in my little studio.

Smiles to you all!

dd

Limited-Time Offer

Just a quick post today to let you know that Stampin' Up! has another great special coming your way! I don't even have all of the details yet, but I wanted to let you know to make sure you take the time to check my blog on Wednesday for the announcement! I do know that it is a very limited-time offer. This special will only run for 6 days, and involves on-line ordering. It will start on Wednesday, November 26 and run through Monday, December 1. You can check out the details here on Wednesday morning, or go straight to my Demonstrator website.

I am anxious to find out the details...and share them with you!

Have a Great Weekend.

dd

Leafy Wreath

The idea for this project came to me as I was working on orders for the 4 Seasons Frame. I guess my mind was wandering as I was stamping the leaves on the trees, and I thought, oh, I could use these leaves to make a wreath. So, I did! I think it turned out pretty cute.

The leaves are from the Season of Friendship stamp set that can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. I punched a 1 inch circle out of scrap paper to use as a guide and stamped the leaves around it to form the wreath shape. To add the berries, I used small dots of Crystal Effects, and sprinkled Red Chunky Essentials Glitter on them. The patterned paper is from the Designer Series Paper Ski Slope, also in the Holiday Mini. The Noel stamp is from Many Merry Messages.

Thanks for taking the time to look at today's project!

dd

A Stampin' Up! Christmas Tree

I have been playing and making ornaments for a small Christmas Tree that I will display during the holidays. These are just too cute, and simple to make.

The scallop circle ornaments are made using the Scallop Circle Punch. Just punch 8 circles fold in half and glue them together. Before gluing the last section, I used the hat pin, beads, and flowers from the Pretties Kit to dress them up.

The round tin ornaments were made with tins purchased at Michaels. I used the Deer Friends Hostess set and the Scallop Circle Punch to make the design for the inside. I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch a hole to add the ribbon for hanging, and a little fake snow. Before closing the tin, I put a small amount of Crystal Effects around the edge to seal it so it wouldn't come open. You can also just add a magnet to the back for really cute holiday refrigerator magnets.

The little cube ornaments, my personal favorites, were made using the Scallop Square Punch and the Deer Friends Hostess set. The little glass cube ornaments were purchased at Hobby Lobby. They are the perfect size for the Scallop Square Punch. The set of ornaments comes with a small tube of silver glitter glue, so on a couple of ornaments, I squeezed a little glitter glue inside the ornament. Just enough, to drip down the sides. I gives it a snow or icicle effect.

For this snowflake ornament, I squeezed a small amount of Crystal Effects inside and the added some glitter. The snowflake is from the Little Felt Flurries, in the Holiday Mini Catalog, and the Crystal Brad is from the Pretties Kit.

As I was tying the ribbons on to these ornaments, I noticed that the circle for the hook would hold a name card, so I made a name place holder too!

Hope you enjoyed today's projects.

Thanks for looking!

dd

Where Women Create

Just a quick post today to tell you about a new magazine, it's more like a book, 159 pages.

Where Women Create is a new publication by Stampington & Company's Somerset Studio. This is the Premier Issue and features several fabulous craft studios. One is of particular interest to me. Shelli Gardner, CEO of Stampin' Up! Her stamping/crafting studio is amazing! All of them are. Most of us probably don't have quite the room, or the resources to have rooms like these, but maybe you'll see something that will work for you in your efforts to organize your craft space.

I got my copy at Michaels.

Thanks for stopping by today!

dd

Rub-On Cheer & Country Living

Stampin' Up! is at it again! This time there are a couple of specials that I need to tell you about. First, if you love SU Rub-Ons as much as I do, you're going to want to take advantage of this spectacular offer. When you spend $20.00 on SU product, you will get 20% off of all Rub-Ons! That includes anything in the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog, the Holiday Mini, and the Celebrando Creatividad--the Spanish Catalog. The rub-ons in this catalog are in Spanish, but there is one on page 39 that is images only that coordinates with the Eastern Blooms set. I plan on using the Christmas Rub-Ons for my Holiday Decorating, Wrapping & Tags.

Once you spend your $20.00, there is no limit to the number of rub-ons that you can get at 20% off. This offer is only available thru November 30, 2008.

Stampin' Up! is featured in the December issue of Country Living. There is a great spread showing lots of projects for the Holidays. You can purchase the Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit which includes all of the products you need to create the projects in Country Living magazine, and more. The kit includes an exclusive set of 6 stamps, 4-12x12 Sheets Die Cut Chipboard Shapes, 2 each of 4-12x12 Double-Sided Die Cut Designer Series Papers that coordinate with the die cut chipboard, 2 each of 2-12x12 Double-Sided Designer Series Papers, 2 sheets 12x12 Whisper White Cardstock, 25 yards Silver Metallic Cord, 10 yards 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, 20 Components from the Pretties Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive, Riding Hood Red and Old Olive Classic Stampin' Spot, uninked Stampin' Spot, and Whisper White Craft Ink Refill. WOW! All of this for only $49.95! Country Living is also offering a special subscription price for SU customers, and a Bonus mini stamp kit with subscription. You can go to http://www.stamp.countryliving.com/ for details. This offer is available now, thru December 31, 2008.

Contact me today to get this super Holiday Collection and start decorating!

dd

Thank Goodness It's Friday--I Guess!

Have you ever had one of those days where things just don't go as planned? Well I seem to be having those days more often than not. I guess I could just stop planning on trying to do so much, but that's just not in my personality. I actually emailed my brothers & sisters today, so I can start planning the menu for Christmas Eve. I know it's like 39 days away! I figured if I start now, I will be so organized that there just may be the possibility that I can get everything done on my ever-growing list. Yes, I am a list maker. I have lists for everything. I am also the type who makes new lists instead of crossing things off. I know, not good, better to see the crossed off items so you can actually see how much you've accomplished. Learned that years ago at some Management Workshop I attended, but those lists are too messy for me, so I just make new ones. Post-It loves me I'm sure!


The card I want to share today is one we did at the Birthday Stamp-a-Stack. It was done using the Watercolor Technique. Several people opted not to do watercolor, and just colored the balloons with Stampin' Write Markers. That works too, of course, and we stress in our classes that we don't want anyone to "stress" over making the cards, and we like to see you express your creativity and do your own thing! I actually got this idea right from the SU website. There is a great video you can watch to see exactly how it was created. You can watch the video by going to http://www.debbied.stampinup.net/.

To get the best effect with Watercoloring you should use watercolor paper, which can be found on page 166 of the Fall/Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog. You should also use Stazon Ink to stamp the image to be watercolored. This is a Solvent Ink, and won't bleed. I did not have the Happy, Happy Birthday Jumbo Wheel used on the SU sample, so I "expressed my creativity" and used the Stars from the Classic Background Set. There are a couple of products you can use to Watercolor. The Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, and the Aqua Painters, which is what I used here. Check out the video & then give it a try! It is really fun and gives a great look to your cards or scrapbook pages.

Okay...now I can go cross another item off of my "to do" list for today!

Thanks for stopping by today--have a Great weekend!

dd

Did You Miss Me?

I definitely missed you!

I have been having major computer issues. I think mine was possessed by the demon aol, so I had to perform an "exorcism" on it yesterday. Long story, and I'll spare you the details. We haven't had aol for quite some time, but it would just pop up randomly, and kept trying to "sign on". I think it was jealous that I had switched, and was using internet explorer. I couldn't do anything on my computer yesterday. I was becoming quite agitated and finally just deleted the whole program. I think my computer is much happier now, and it's working like a dream!

So...I can finally share a couple of cards that we did in the Birthday Card class this past Sunday. We had a fabulous time, as usual, and what a pleasure to have everyone contribute food and snacks! Everything was scrumptious.



One of my assignments for this class was to create the two masculine cards that we would be making. Sometime these are difficult for me, mostly because 95% of the stamps I own are flowery! I actually ordered the Nature Silhouette Set so I would have something masculine to work with. I had recently ordered the Happiness is a Journey Set, because I love that saying. Here are the two cards that I came up with.

Supplies:
Nature Silhouette, Inspired by Nature, Sincere Salutations Stamp Sets
Sahara Sand, Bordering Blue, Bashful Blue, Whisper White Cardstock
Bordering Blue, Basic Black Classic Ink
Mini Library Clip, Stampin' Dimensionals

I just realized when typing the supplies, that my Linen Thread that I had tied on the Mini Library Clip is gone. If you want to add just a little something, tie a small bit of Linen Thread in a knot around the Mini Library Clip. It looks really nice...really it did!

Supplies:

Happiness is a Journey Stamp Set

More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla Cardstock

Not Quite Navy, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Gold Brads, Twill Ribbon

There you have it! Two "manly" cards. You can also just change the color combination for some other great looks. Try More Mustard with Bravo Burgandy, or Elegant Eggplant. I also did this card with Always Artichoke. That one will go to my Dad on December 1, for his Birthday. The deer will go to Scott's Dad tomorrow for his Birthday. Looks like I did these cards just in time.

Thanks for checking in today. I'll try not to go a whole week without posting from now on!

dd

New Colors

I finally got around to changing my color scheme. What do you think?

I left the pink up through October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and decided since it has been so beautiful here I would shoot some fall colors. This is actually in my yard, so I get to enjoy it everyday...for a little while longer any way. I'm sure it will get cold soon, and all the leaves will be gone for the winter. After all, it is November, but it still feels like September.

Here is another card that uses Kiwi Kiss and Brown. The patterned paper is from the Designer Series Paper, Bella Rose. This is one of the stamp sets that we got at convention, Inspired By Nature. It is stamped right on the printed paper with White Craft Ink. I love it that you can still see the polka dot pattern through the white ink.

I have a busy day today, mostly preparing for class on Sunday, but a lot of the normal stuff we always have to do to. Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, you know the drill!

Enjoy this Wonderful Fall Wednesday!

dd

Workshop Cards

Good Morning!



I actually did a Workshop in a customer's home this past weekend. I have been focusing on my classes, and haven't done a true workshop in a while. It was good, and fun! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed doing them. I took lots of samples...some you have seen here, and some you haven't seen...yet! I do have a couple of the cards that I demonstrated to share with you today.

This first card was created using the Pocket Silhouette Set, Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink and cardstock, and Pacific Point cardstock. The patterned paper is from the Patterns Designer Series Papers. I used the Scallop Square Punch to punch out the flower image after stamping them. Then I used both the Small and Large Oval Punches to layer the sentiment. The ribbons are the 5/8" Grosgrain Stripe in Kiwi Kiss, and the scrumptious Double-Sided Satin Ribbon, which is also Kiwi Kiss on one side, and Very Vanilla on the other. I love the combination of the Kiwi Kiss and Pacific Point. It's very bright & cheerful!

This next card uses Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, and Baja Breeze, another yummy combination. This is the One of a Kind and the Heard From The Heart Stamp Sets. The flowers were stamped & then punched out with the Boho Blossoms Punch and mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals. I used my Mat Pack to line up my paper piercing. I felt it needed just a little "something", so I added the Linen Thread. The corners were punched with the Ticket Corner Punch.

It's going to be a beautiful day today! Don't forget to VOTE! See you tomorrow.

dd

Reminders

Just a couple of reminders...

Today is the last day to order the Spooky Spider Decor Elements. It's also the last day to take advantage of the 20% Discount on select Birthday Stamp Sets, and the Aqua Painter special. Remember, we will be using several of these Birthday sets in our Stamp-a-Stack coming up on November 9. They are all really great sets, so if you think you need any of them, don't miss out on that 20% discount. Also don't forget that you can order any time online...you don't have to wait to contact me. You can order from the comfort & convenience of your own home. The deadline is midnight tonight for both of these special offers.

Here is a Birthday Card and a Cupcake Treat Box, using two of the sets that are being offered at a discount. This is the Crazy for Cupcakes set, and Simple Birthday Thanks. We will be using the Crazy for Cupcakes set on November 9. This is my favorite set from the ones that are included in this special.

If you want to make this card...contact me today to sign up for the Birthday Stamp-a-Stack on Sunday, November 9. We still have a couple of seats left!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

dd

Snowflakes in October

Isn't this card beautiful! This is one of the cards that was made at our all night stamping event. It is 3 Dimensional. There are two layers of Night of Navy cardstock, with an oval cut out of the top layer. The sides are scored and folded and just the flaps are glued together. The snowflakes were cut with the Snowflakes Set #2 Die for the Big Shot. Look at the close up to see how pretty they are when covered with Stampin' Glitter. Two of the snowflakes are attached to Silver Cord and hang in the opening, the other is mounted behind them on the back layer of cardstock.

The swirl is from the Baroque Motifs set, and the Merry Christmas sentiment is from the Holidays & Wishes set. They were both embossed with Stampin' Silver Embossing Powder.

I have Jazzercise this morning, and a bunch of errands to run after that. My plan is to get a gift wrap project done to share with you tomorrow. It's another 6:00am day tomorrow at Pier 1, so I need to get as much done today as possible. There is one great thing about starting at six though, I get done early too, so the rest of the day is "my" time!

Enjoy "your" time today...see you tomorrow!

dd

Big Shot Ornament

I know I said I would share a couple of cards today, but I got the 3-D Circle Ornament Die for my Big Shot and just had to try it out. These are so simple! The large ornament was done with the Big Shot, and the small ones I made last year with the Scallop Circle Punch. The picture was a little boring with just the one ornament.

The Big Shot Die has 4 circles that you cut all at one time, and it puts the scoring lines on for you. The Double Sided Designer Series Paper, Ski Slope is what I used here, makes coordinating your papers a snap! On the large ornament, I strung the Silver Cord through the center before I attached the last circle. I used my Pretties Kit to make them a little more "pretty".

If you don't have a Big Shot...I know where you can get one! Or, you can order the Star Bright Designer Series Paper Ornaments Kit featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog. This kit includes enough components to make 54 stars, 6 paper strip globes, and up to 25 paper circle globes, depending on the size. The one here is pretty large, I used 20 circles. You can make them smaller. The kit also includes 12 Styled Silver Brads, and 10 yards of Silver Elastic Cord. You could also use this kit to make really cute package & tag embellishments!

You can see the entire Holiday Mini Catalog by visiting my website.

Thanks for stopping by!

dd

Wonderful Weekend

Good Morning! I had a wonderful weekend. I hope you all enjoyed it too. Scott was home, from working out of town all week last week, when I got home from work Friday night. Saturday was our anniversary, and we were going to go somewhere and stay the weekend, but we decided since he had stayed in a hotel all week that we would just take a drive Saturday. We headed west, and ended up at Raccoon Lake. Even though it was a bit dreary in the morning, we did see the sun peek out once in a while. We never take the beaten path when we go on our drives, and Saturday was no different. I always think of the saying "The excitement is in the Journey, not the Destination." The back country roads were beautifully lined with trees bursting in fall colors. I think this was a "grand plan", we have all of this beauty to take in and absorb before winter sets in. Although, there is a lot of beauty in winter too, if you can get past the frigid temperatures.
When we got home, we grilled steaks, and enjoyed a nice quiet dinner.

We had agreed on no presents, but Scott told me that he actually heard me mention something that I thought I would like, and he went out the next day and got it. He got me (us) a Wii, and the Wii Fit. He told me about his cousin who has the Wii Fit and said that it is really a great workout. I mentioned that I thought it would be fun. Well, now I know first hand that it is! We invited the kids and his parents over for dinner last night and played with the Wii. It comes with a sport game that has Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Boxing and Tennis. Then, after everyone left, we tried some of the "Fit" exercises. There was a "step aerobic" routine that I think I worked my abs more, laughing at Scott trying to follow along.

I have to work today, so I may not have time to post a project. I will share a card or two tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by today. Enjoy this last week of October!

dd

Count Down to Christmas Calendar

Oh my! I did something this morning that I rarely ever do...I slept in! Can you imagine my surprise when I opened my eyes to see 7:45 am on the alarm clock? I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Scott has been working out of town all week, so I have been staying up way too late, and it is dreary and rainy today. It still wasn't completely light out at 8:00 am this morning.

Well, are you ready...drum roll please...here is the cutest "Countdown to Christmas Calendar" that I'm sure you've ever seen. Can you tell I'm really proud of this project? It did take some time, another reason I stayed up way too late last night...or climbed into bed too early this morning. It's really not as hard as it looks. Now that the planning is done...picking just the right patterned paper, arranging the colors so they are just right, and figuring out what embellishments to put where. Sometimes I am way too picky about those things, so it takes me a while to get everything "balanced". My mom says I'm a perfectionist, but in what I do, I think that's a good thing. This turned out so cute, that I'm glad I took the extra time.

Okay, okay...stop typing and just show you right? Here it is!

See why I am so proud of this project...isn't just too "stinkin' cute"?

The box measures 8-1/2" wide by 8-1/8" tall, and each little box is about 1-1/2" square.

The box is not Stampin' Up!, but all of the stamp sets & embellishments are. I'm not even going to try to list all of the products that I used to create this, so if you are curious as to what something is, just leave me a comment to this post, and I will be happy to answer any questions.

I just realized that the other picture doesn't enlarge when clicked on, so I added these close ups. Hopefully this will help. I'm still a bit computer challenged.

Tomorrow is our 33rd Anniversary, so we are going away this weekend to spend some time together and leave all the worldly troubles behind.

Thanks for visiting today!

dd

Good Afternoon!

Just a quick post today. I had to be to work at 6am this morning, so I didn't have time to share a project with you. But, I'm going to make up for that tomorrow. I am working on an adorable "Count Down to Christmas Box"...are you getting excited...I sure am...can't wait to share!


Also, a couple reminders:
The Birthday Stamp-a-Stack class is just about full. If you are interested in joining us for this Sensational Day of Stamping, please contact me as soon as possible.


There are only a few days left to order the select Birthday Sets at 20% off with a regular $20.00 purchase. We will be using these sets in class. They are all adorable! You can go to my website and click on "Shop Now", and then "Specials" to see these sets. There is no limit to the number of sets you can order at the discounted price once you order $20.00 regular merchandise.


The Spooky Spider Decor Elements will also be going away in a few short days.


Both of these promotions end Friday, October 31. Let me know if any of these things are things you just can't live without!


Off to finish the box. See you tomorrow!


dd

Envelope Box

No, it isn't a box to keep your envelopes in. It's a box made from the Scallop Envelope Bigz Die. This is an adorable little box created by assembling four of the Scallop Envelopes. These would make great party favors, teacher gifts, or a thanks for being my friend gift.

I used the Big Shot to cut the 4 envelopes from Old Olive cardstock. When assembled, the box measures 3-1/4" wide by 2-1/4" high. The stripe is from the Designer Series Paper Ski Slope, which can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The Very Merry Christmas Scallop Square is from the Level 1 Hostess Set, Punches Three. I wanted to highlight the square so it would stand out, so I layered the Scallop Circle behind it in Real Red. Here is another picture so you can see what is inside the box.

I also wanted to remind you that we only have 5 spots left for our Birthday Stamp-a-Stack scheduled for Sunday, November 9, from 11-3. If you haven't registered yet, contact me today so you don't miss out! Some of the cards we are going to do are in the picture from our all night stamping event.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

dd

Season of Thanks

Season of Thanks, Season of Blessings, Season of Love.

I know it's still October, but why wait to express our thankfulness. It's something I feel that we do all year long, but we really seem to stop and think about it at Thanksgiving time. Especially when we are gathered with our families enjoying the time we have to share with them. I have so much to be thankful for, I could list something everyday of the year and still have much more to add to that list.

I wanted to share one of my latest projects with you. This is one of the New Decor Elements from Phase II. Season of Thanks comes in two sizes, and three colors. This is the small black one applied right to the outside of the glass of a shadow box frame. I filled the shadow box with fall flowers, leaves, pinecones and acorns for a very festive look.

You can see all of the Decor Elements on my Demonstrator website. If you like what you see, you can order immediately, online and have your order delivered directly to you just in time for the Holidays!

I am Thankful for all of my friends who stop by to visit me each day & share in my joy of Stampin' Up!

dd

Stampin', Stampin', Stampin'!

My "favorite Daughter-in-Law with brown hair" sent me an email with "stampin', stampin', stampin'" as the subject line, and I thought it was the perfect title for today's post...thanks, Andrea!

That is exactly what we did Saturday night! Here is the pile of most of the projects that we did.

I picked Loretta up at about 7:30 Saturday morning. We stopped at Starbucks for some energy for the road trip, and were on our way. It was about a 4 hour drive, but we gained an hour because of the time difference. Great...more stamping time! We were actually the first ones to arrive at the hotel...and we travelled way farther than anyone else. We immediately started setting up the room, rearranging tables and bringing all of our stuff in.

Everyone else arrived shortly after us, and Phyllis even stopped at Subway and brought us lunch. Great...we can get eating out of the way and then start stamping! We all shared our samples, ooohing and ahhhing over them all, and decided which cards/projects that we wanted to make. Great...let the stamping begin! And that it did! We had so much fun! You can see in the picture that we got a lot accomplished. I didn't count the number of cards/projects, but they almost covered my kitchen table. It is always great to get together with other Demonstrators to share tips, techniques, class and business ideas.

We were in the "Breakfast Room" at the hotel, and the Night Manager came in at one point and told us that he started preparing the room for breakfast at about 5:30 each morning. We commented that that wouldn't be a problem, we would be done long before then. Well, after stampin', stampin', stampin', we packed up our stuff, cleaned up the room, and climbed into bed at 5:00am Indiana time. We stamped for 17 hours!

Thanks for checking in!

dd

All Night Stamping Party

I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while. I will be going to Illinois tomorrow to an all night stamping party. This is the same group of ladies that travelled to Indy for our quarterly Stampin' Up! meeting in August. We all got together with our supplies to stamp and share new projects and ideas. We had such a great time, and came home with loads of new samples and fabulous new project ideas that we can then share with you. With the holidays rapidly approaching, I am very excited to see what everyone has come up with.

I have a large family...3 brothers, and 3 sisters. Between the 7 of us we have 18 kids. There are 6 great grand kids, and 1 more on the way. My sister just got married, and now has 2 step sons. Then add our 7 spouses, and 7 more spouses with the grand kids who are married...and let's not forget there's a few boyfriends and girlfriends in there as well...anyway, you get the idea. I haven't done the math in a while, so I'm not sure what that totals, but I know it's a lot!

My whole reason for telling you all this is that we all take turns hosting Christmas Eve. This is my year, and my plan is to be very creative with my holiday wrapping. I think my family actually expects that now. We no longer buy for everyone, since we can't even keep track of how many of us there are, but we do each bring a gift, and do an exchange. We put all of the gifts in the center of the room, and draw numbers to determine who gets to choose the first gift. I like to entice the recipient with creative wrapping. I have actually done some Christmas shopping, and have some ideas to avoid just putting each gift in a box and wrapping it in ordinary wrapping paper. In the next few weeks, I will share some of those ideas with you. Here is one gift bag idea to get you started.

I love snowmen! This bag is really easy to create. The snowflakes are randomly stamped with White Craft Ink on the bag first. Then, depending on the size of your bag, this one is 8 x 10, cut a square from red cardstock. Then layer a white square on top of that. The eyes and mouth were made using the 3/4" circle punch and highlighted with the Signo White Gel Pen. Crimp a piece of orange cardstock and tear to create his carrot nose. Use a Sponge Dauber to make some rosy cheeks, add some ribbon, and you're done!

A nice addition to this Snowman Bag would be to use a Stampin' Wheel and create your own coordinating tissue paper.

This adorable Snowman would definitely stand out and be the first package picked from the pile of exchange gifts.

I won't be posting over the weekend, but I will be stamping! Check back on Monday, as I'm sure I will have some great new projects and ideas to share with you.

Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy all those marvelous fall colors!

dd

p.s. The pictures from Alaska were amazing! That is one place that I hope to see someday.

More Cute Spiders

Okay...I think I've said the words cute & spiders more in the same sentence in the last few weeks than I have in my entire life, or probably will again...until next Halloween.

I must say SU Demonstrators are incredibly creative. I can not take credit for these "cute spiders". I'm not sure where the idea originated, but it has been going around a lot of sites, and I couldn't resist.

These little guys were created entirely by using punches. The Scallop Circle Punch is the perfect size to cover a York Peppermint Patty. Wouldn't these be adorable setting around the tables at a Halloween Party? Or, fill a Ghostly pinata, and have them spill out all over the ground when it's busted open. Oh, the possibilities...

My parents have just recently returned home from an eight week driving trip to Alaska. They are coming over for dinner tonight to share their 3911 pictures, and tell us all about their trip. So, I have a busy day. Jazzercise this morning, banking, grocery store, pick Makayla up from school, and I will be cleaning...you know how you always feel like you have to do a little "extra" when your Mom comes to visit. I will also be cooking...which I love...but don't do a lot any more now that it's just me & Scott at home. Well, better get started...

Thanks for checking in today!

dd

Supplies: Scallop Circle Punch, Photo Corner Punch, 1/4" & 1/2" Circle Punch

BOO!

Here is the Halloween project that I told you about using the Big Shot Bigz Pennant Die. This pennant is a little large for my bucket, but this was the best way to photograph it. There are two different sizes of pennants, and 4 scallop circles, all one size, on this die. The small pennant is about 5 inches, and the large one is about 9 inches. The scallop circles are the ones I showed you yesterday, that layer perfectly behind the Scallop Circle Punch.


The large scallop circle on the pennant was cut with the Big Shot as well, as was the word "BOO". This is the Serif Essentials Alphabet Die Set. These letters are about 2 inches tall, great for titles for your scrapbook pages. The Scallop Circle measures about 4-1/4 inches. This is the perfect size to layer on the Carousel Notes.


The little Pixie Stix toppers were done using the Batty for You stamp set. Isn't nice how their colors coordinate so well with the SU colors!

I got my bucket at Target a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if they still have them. They had a couple different colors and designs. This one came with the word "boo!" already on it, but you could use a rub-on to create your own.

Here are a couple of close up pictures, so you can see more of the details.










Have a Terrific Tuesday!
dd

Thanksgiving Card

I finally have a card to share with you today. This working thing is really getting in the way of my stamping. Somehow, I got scheduled to work 7 days in a row. They were only short days, but it made it difficult to get many extra-curricular activities done. It actually made it hard to get my normal everyday things done...laundry, cleaning...you know. Anyway, enough whining. I was planning on sharing a Halloween project, but it's not quite ready, so I moved on to Thanksgiving. Later this week, we'll jump back to Halloween.

This card uses the Designer Series Paper Autumn Vine that can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The stamped image is from the set Wanted. I found a quick & easy way to get multiple colors on your stamp. Ink up your image as normal, starting with the lightest color. I used More Mustard here. Then, with your Stampin' Write markers you can color right over the top of the parts that you want different colors. I used Really Rust and Chocolate Chip to coordinate with the printed paper. I wanted a more natural look, so I used the Twill Ribbon as an accent, and tied the knot with Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon. The Happy Thanksgiving saying is from the Holidays & Wishes stamp set.

I punched out the stamped image with the Scallop Circle Punch and cut the Chocolate Chip layer with my Big Shot using the Pennant Bigz Die. Check back tomorrow for my Halloween project using this same die. This is one of the Big Shot Dies designed exclusively for Stampin' Up!

We only have 6 spots left in our Birthday Stamp-a-Stack scheduled for Sunday, November 9. Don't miss out on this great class. Contact me today to reserve your seat.

Thanks for stopping by today!

dd

A Couple Announcements

There are only a couple more days to take advantage of the 3 different Starter Kits for only $99.00. Or, select the Standard Starter Kit, and get a FREE stamp set of your choice from the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog. If you are interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, check out these great deals. Click on the picture on my sidebar for more details, or contact me today!


It's Stampin' Up!'s 20th Birthday & they're throwing a party! From now through October 31, when you spend $20.00 in regular catalog merchandise, you can get a 20% discount off select Birthday stamp sets. Click on the picture on my sidebar, or visit my Stampin' Up! website, to see which sets can be purchased at a discount.

We will be using the Party Hearty and Crazy for Cupcakes sets for the Birthday Stamp-a-Stack. If you would like to have your own set to use during class, place your order now and get 20% off! There is no limit to the number of sets you can order with the 20% discount.

Remember the Spooky Spider? He is only going to be hanging around

for little while longer. This little guy comes in black or white, and 3 different sizes, and coordinates with the Ghostly Greetings Designer Series Paper and the Chills & Thrills Rub-Ons in the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog. Once again, click on the picture on my sidebar

for more details, or visit my website. But, be sure to check it out soon, because after Halloween, he'll vanish into the night with all the other spooks.

Thanks for stopping by...

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

dd