By The Shore Stamping with Jen Pitta

In the Meantime....

2012-01-31T23:19:00.004-05:00

Hi there! It's been a crazy busy, wonderfully hectic weekend! I had three private classes this weekend and of course card class on Monday so I haven't had a chance to put together my next post about Scrapbooking with Stamps, but I promise I will get there soon!

In the meantime, I thought I'd share this valentine card with you. It uses the take it to heart stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I actually earned it for free as part of a challenge Stampin' Up issued to demonstrators last fall. I love that about Stampin' Up.... they are also giving us perks and such.

Anyway, this card also uses the new embossing folders and the heart framelits for the Big Shot. It cuts out the heart images in the Take it to Heart stamp set perfectly!

I have a few other cards I can show you in between my scrapbooking posts. I'll be back soon with the next installment of the scrapbooking series. I hope you are having a great week!

Scrapbooking with Stamps - Part 2

2012-01-24T07:30:00.005-05:00

Welcome back! Sorry it took me a bit to get back here with installment two, but here it is.

This time we're using stamps as a border. Repeating a stamped image is a great way to add a little pizzazz to a page and by using an image out of the same stamp set as an accent (the heart), it's easy to coordinate the page.

I used the "Best Friends Forever" stamp set (page 90 in the catalog).

You can see in the full picture here that I actually used my first tip of using stamps as backgrounds on this page, too. I stamped the same image I used for the border as a background for my title.

I love the new Labels Framelits for creating titles... it really works well to add a little emphasis.

These pictures were taken at the Stampin' Up convention in July 2011. They had a "Product Park" set up featuring all the new products in these cute little vignettes. Every time I went back to look, I always found something new... fun!

The paper I used here is the new Sale-A-Bration paper, which you can earn free beginning today with every $50 order.

Check out my website for more details and to see some of the other products you can earn for free.

Just a quick note as well to thank everyone for the kind comments about my first post in this seires. I'm so happy that you are enjoying them and I hope I provide you with a bit of inspiration to hit the books... the scrapbooks, that is!

Here's a list of the supplies I used for this page:

Best Friends Forever Stamp Set (w/122805; c/122807)

Labels Collection Framelits (125598)

Enchantment DSP (Sale-A-Bration; 126154)

Top Note Die (113463)

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)

Pearls (119247)

Stampin' Dimensionals ( 104430)

Soft Suede 12 X 12 Cardstock (124298)

Pool Party Cardstock ( 122924)

Pear Pizazz Cardstock (119795)

Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650)

Thanks for stopping by.... see you soon!

Scrapbooking with Stamps - Part 1

2012-01-16T13:24:00.004-05:00

If you've been visiting my blog for any length of time, you likely now that I was originally a scrapbooker. Making cards and 3-D items is totally a "new" past time for me.

Twelve years ago I officially caught the scrapbooking bug. Technically I started long before that by putting my photos in those (horrible) magnetic albums, perfectly captioned with clippings from my favorite magazines.

But it was about a decade ago when I really started scrapbooking in the traditional way we all think about it today.

When I first signed up as a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I was so excited at the opportunity to include stamping in my scrapbooking. Since becoming such a compulsive card maker, my scrapbooking has sort of dwindled to nearly non-existent recently. So in an effort to get some pages done and show you the benefit of using stamps in your scrapbooks, I'm starting this 8-part series on scrapbooking with stamps. In it we'll "talk" about eight great ways to use stamps in your scrapbooking.

Up first is using stamps as backgrounds on your pages. For this "Daddy's Girl" page of my niece and her Dad, I used the Hello Doily background stamp (how appropriate, a background stamp!) to add some visual interest to my page, but without overtaking my photos.

That's what I truly love about Stampin' Up products: Coordination! My cardstock matches my ink, matches my ribbon (if I used any), matches my patterned paper, etc. It really makes designing a cinch!

I started this series by using stamps as backgrounds because this is one of my absolutely favorite ways to stamp on my pages. It adds such depth, but without distracting from our major focus -- the photos!

Here is a close-up of the background stamping I did on this page. You can see it peeking out from under the yellow scallop circle.

I also stamped the Hello Doily Stamp randomly all over the darker purple cardstock (Concord Crush).

Beginning to scrapbook can be intimidating so I also want to point out another little tidbit about my process in creating this page.

The colors actually came from a combination of my niece's school colors (purple & white) and her honor society sash around her neck (yellow). Initially, I was going to pull the blue out of my brother-in-law's shirt and the yellow from her sash, but then I realized blue is the rival schools' color -- not a good idea!

All that to say, I usually do pull my colors directly from my photos as I find that the easiest method for color selection. Of course if you want super simple color ideas, check out the Stampin' Up color coach! It's a great tool and while it makes it easier if you use SU colors, you can also use it with other brands and companies' colors, too -- just get the closest match.

I hope you enjoyed the first part of this series. I'll be back soon with part 2 focusing on creating borders with stamps!

If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section and I'll answer them next time around. Thanks for visiting....

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T10:45:00.009-05:00

Welcome 2012. Glad to have you here! Hopefully, your a kind, healthy and happy year.

If you've been around my blog for any length of time you know that I love a New Year. It's fun to have a fresh start. Are you familiar with Ali Edwards "One Little Word" campaign each year? The gist of it is that she selects one word to focus on each year... it sort of become her mantra for the year and often plays out in ways she never imagined when she first selected the word.

While I've never really participated in "One Little Word," I have selected "realize" as my word this year... as in realizing my blessings, realizing the moment, realizing success. That's what I would like my 2012 to be. What's your word?

One thing I hope YOU realize is that the Stampin' Up Holiday Mini Catalog is ending as of the end of the day today! So if you really wanted the adorable Stocking punch and Stitched Stocking Stamp Set -- get it now or it is gone forever (we've already been told the punch isn't carrying over to the next catalog... gasp!). Here is a really fun Christmas card I made with the stocking stamp set and punch:

Fun, yes? I love the little jingle bells that are on this card, too. Those are in the holiday mini catalog, too so they will be gone as of tomorrow, too.

Don't be too sad, though, as when one catalog ends another begins! We start with the brand new 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog tomorrow. That has some gorgeous new products in it. Be sure to check out my website first thing tomorrow so you can see all the new goodies.

I had a sneak peek event last week for my customers where we played with some of the new products from the mini catalog. Would you like to see??

Below is a card featuring the new Twitterpated product Suite - one of my favorites (although it is hard to pick):

Sorry this picture is a little fuzzy. I still need to get a new camera.... :(

Anyway, this card features hearts made with our new framelits for the Big Shot -- LOVE these! I think they are my favorite new product in the mini... although that is a tough call. I'll show you one more card that is actually part sneak peek and part last chance for the holiday mini:

This card features paper from the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit in the Holiday Mini (so last chance to get that one) and it also features some other new framelits -- the labels collection. Aren't they fun? Love, love them.

Also on this card is the Stamp Set called Apothecary Art. This one is a great scrapbooking stamp set and I can't wait to start creating some fun pages featuring this set.

Of course, before I start "playing" I needed to get to work on making thank you cards for all my wonderful holiday gifts so that is what this card was for. I've already made up several so that I can get them sent out ASAP.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you'll be back to visit me again real soon! Happy Tuesday!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:34:00.003-05:00

Hi There!

Well it's 12:33 am on Christmas morning and I think I can finally say my Christmas to-do list is done (well except the wrapping of one present!). I just finished my final Christmas card.... this one is for my nephew who is saving for a car.... therefore his present was very easy to shop for... I simply whipped out my checkbook! :)

I don't have a picture of it right now. The camera is downstairs and frankly I'm just too tired to put that much effort into this right now! Sorry.... I will post it soon though.... promise!

I just wanted to pop on here quickly to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah or best wishes for whatever holiday it is that you celebrate this time of year! I've had a busy day of baking cookies (that's a first for me on Christmas!), wrapping presents and cleaning house.... getting ready for a full house tomorrow!

Now I'm off to wrap one last gift, put a few other presents under the tree and hopefully get a good nights sleep before tomorrow's festivities (remember how hard it used to be to sleep on Christmas Eve?? Thankfully... it's not so hard for me anymore! :)

Have a wonderful holiday!

(P.S. Is that Santa and his reinder I see out my window??)

New Blog Design!

2011-12-10T12:12:00.013-05:00

Hello!

So obviously I need to start with a big shout out to Erin at Designer Blogs for my new design! What do you think? I love it... so much more fun. If you want to check out other designs they have or possibly a custom design (which I hope to do some day!), click on the link on my sidebar.

Last night was fun. I had our annual Holiday Party with the members of my Stampin' Up demonstrator group, Pitta Padders. We had chinese food, gift swapping, chatting and a fun make and take!

Here are some photos.... First up is the pile of presents I had for each of the girls (if you're long distance I'll have them out shortly!). I don't know how long I'll be able to do this, but while we're still small... I love to spoil them!!

Then we enjoyed some Chinese Food... I didn't take pictures of that... I just enjoyed it without thinking of photos! :)

We had some great gift giving, too! We did a homemade gift swap -- make a gift, get one back! Here is Sally with her gift (designed by me), a journal jar:

Here's Jill with her paper tree made by Missy:

Here is Adrian with her homemade chocoalate fudge made by Sally (Yummy!):

Here is Missy with her handmade ornament by Jill (p.s. check out her hand stamped scarf):

And here is me with my beautiful hot plate made by Adrian:

Fun, right? Then we had make and take time.... We made fold-out scrapbooks using the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Here's some pictures of the project:

And inside....

And one more:

I saw this project at convention in Salt Lake City this past July. I loved the idea -- it's a great little mini book with 8 pages that you can add photos and journaling to. It makes a great gift or just a holiday decoration you can pull out each year to remember Christmas 2011!

Want to join the Christmas fun next year? Because I'm attending Leadership in San Antonio, Texas in January, I'm going to be able to offer my new team members a great special on December 13 & 14th! Be sure to check back here for more details -- or just e-mail me and I'll give you the scoop.

I also have a wonderful box of new products from the upcoming Occasions mini catalog sitting on my floor! So, you'll probably want to check back for some new samples using my new toys, too!

Have a great weekend!

Surprise!

2011-11-26T21:53:00.004-05:00

Hello. It's me, Jen. I used to blog here a long, long, long time ago!

I can't believe it has been four months since I've showed up here. Honestly, it's not because I didn't want to. I thought about it often, but felt too much pressure to keep coming back! ;)

While I'm not promising anything, I do want to have a more regular presence around here again. I miss my little blog... and my two or three readers. ;)

It's full-on holiday preparation time over here in crafty land. I've got two card classes this week, plus a make and take event. Then there's a holiday gift class and a bags & tags class before I take a break for a little while for the holiday. Don't worry though, I won't be stopping with the stamping. Come Dec. 1, I get to pre-order some fun new goodies from the new Occasions Mini Catalog and I plan to make all sorts of fun new things with my new toys -- I first have to narrow down my wish list to a more reasonable amount! Not an uncommon problem for me these days... the new products Stampin' Up is coming out with is really making that a challenge!

Well, I can't spill any more details about that, but stay tuned. I planned to show some sneak peeks of what I'm working on through the holiday. Another big task on my list is the holiday cards -- I'm not sure if I'm going to go traditional or perhaps make some fun digital cards using My Digital Studio -- or perhaps a combination of both. While I'd love to make hand-stamped cards for everyone, the Christmas card list is getting a little intimidating -- approaching the 300 mark!!! We'll see...

I have been playing with My Digital Studio (Stampin' Up's Digital papercrafting software) and it is really impressive. I'm placing an order for some professional printed items shortly -- I'll share those when I get them. I have to finish designing a few things.

Well, talking about this list of things that still needs to get done has made me a little nervous! Must get back to work.

If you're looking to get some good deals on some holiday gifts (for you or for someone else), you still have time to take advantage of the Online Extravaganza at my website.

Happy Shopping!

Let's play catch up....

2011-07-31T16:16:00.006-04:00

Well, I have returned from Convention and I had so much fun I don't even know where to begin for a recap! I had planned to show you a bunch of the displays, some main stage demos, some new friends, some great new project ideas, but unfortunately, I misplaced my camera on the way home so the only picture I have is this wee little one of general session on the first official morning.

I think there were about 5,000 or so of us... so much fun! I actually won prize patrol, which means I got a new package of Designer Series Paper and a stamp set out of the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog. I am in so much trouble with that mini.... soooo much fun stuff in there! Now as a demo, I actually get to pre-order some of that stuff TOMORROW! yipee :)

If you want to take a gander at it and earn 30% off your first order within 45 days... run (don't walk) to my Web site -- well, I guess you wouldn't need to run or walk as you are probably already on the internet... lol) and sign up today for the $99 starter kit. It is such an awesome deal -- with tons of product about half the regular price. It's completely customizable and comes with a $40 Christmas Keepsake Box kit (including another stamp set) for Free. And I get one, too, which means we could make it together! :) Signing up as a demo has never been a decision I doubted... and with all the great stuff they've been doing lately, I SO don't want to miss out!

Anyway, on with the update... I got 180 card swaps at convention, too. I actually have a small photo of that, too (I forgot... I have two photos!)....

I think this year was some of my best swaps ever... so many amazing ideas! Plus I came home with eight free stamp sets! I've got to get to work with them... So many fun possibilites.

With the new Holiday Mini catalog coming up in just over a month (for you -- for me, it's tommorrow!) I've really been thinking about the holiday and traditions and such. Do you have any family traditions that you do every year? I'm thinking I may want to start creating a small mini-book each year to capture the holiday. I feel like my holiday spirit has been waning the last seven years after my Dad died. He was born on Christmas so the holiday just sort of went downhill for me.

This year, I want to try and focus on what is good in my life. What I'm grateful for, etc. It's something I've been trying to be better about in life in general. So I think a small mini album is in order.

Do you have a tradition or crafty project that is a must every year? I'd love to hear about it!

Greetings from a Crazy Girl...

2011-07-07T23:23:00.003-04:00

Hi there, blog friends! I'm just popping on quickly to let you know I haven't forgotten you. I've been super busy getting ready for my hostess appreciation event tomorrow. Want to see the invite?

Cute, huh? It uses a new stamp set called penant parade. My hostess appreciation event is by invitation only to all my hostesses from the past year... We have lots of fun with games, prizes, freebies and yummy food!

Want to come next year? Be sure to book a workshop with me soon :)

Well, a short post today... I'll hopefully be back soon when I'm not so pressed for time. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-01T23:53:00.005-04:00

Well hello there long lost blog world! I seemed to have missed the entire month of June. Hmph. How is it that I'm having such difficulty keeping up with the little old blog these days?

I do have grand plans to update (both literally - as in posting! - and physically - as in giving it a bit of a sprucing up) in the not too distant future. I'm a little bored with it so I'm thinking maybe if I make it a little prettier and maybe offer some things here ... it might be more fun for me! Of course, words of encouragement from my friends in blog land are always fun -- so feel free to comment away when you see something you like! :)

I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, today is a big day! It is the official start to the new Stampin' year! That means a brand new Idea Book & Catalog, folks. Very exciting. I've actually already put in my first order of the year -- and I must say I was very well behaved -- only ordering supplies for upcoming classes. Click here to check it out for yourself. Here's a little sneak peek of the cover:

Beautiful, isn't it? I have to admit the samples in this catalog are truly some of the best ever. I cannot wait for convention in a few weeks as I'm sure I will truly fall in love with lots of other stuff, too :)

The great little bonus for me today was that I earned FIVE free stamp sets during Sale-A-Bration this year - so I got to place my order for those today, too - and they were all just the FUN stuff that I WANTED,not needed.

Would you like to be able to earn free shopping sprees while making money doing something you love? Well, now is the perfect time to join Stampin' Up as a demonstrator. Not only is it super exciting because of all the new product, but right now you can join for just $99!

Plus if you join between July 1 and July 31 you'll also receive an exclusive Creative Kit to make the adorable Christmas keepsake box below -- it would be a great gift or just the perfect thing to keep your own mementos in:

So if you are ready to jump on board and start making money now (doing something that is totally fun!) then visit my Web site and sign up any time -- day or night. If you've got questions, or if you want a little guidance first, feel free to e-mail me and we can set up a time to sit down and chat -- either in person or over the phone. I'd love to have you join my growing team!

With that, I'm off to celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family... but plan to be back real soon with some eye candy.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

June... really?

2011-05-30T15:58:00.009-04:00

Well, hello there long lost blog friends! I'm sorry I've been away so long. Sad to say, but I don't really know what my excuse is. I often thought of updating the little blog, but just didn't have much to say.

Sadly, I don't think I have too much to say today, either, but I couldn't leave it neglected any longer.

I am completely stunned that we are heading into our 6th month of this year. How the heck did that happen so quickly! I don't even think I finished posting my 2011 goals way back in January... You can probably guess how those are going, too. ;)

I've included a couple of creations I've made recently. The scrapbook page I made late last month I think (in April). I really liked how it turned out. I realized though that I am out of practice with scrapbooking. It took me like four days to finally commit and tape it down!

Here's a card, too:

This one features some products from the Summer Mini Catalog including the new triple layer punches. Very cool. You can see the Mini Catalog here.

Here's a fun wildlife photo, too:

Isn't he cute? He was gnawing on that wood like you wouldn't believe. You could actually hear him from the other side of the yard. He was a little guy, too. This past weekend I actually saw a baby bunny in the yard, too. Like a real baby... you could barely see him over the grass (I must admit the grass was a bit long at the time). I love our backyard... there's always something fun to watch.

It's hard to believe that the retiring stamp list will be released by Stampin' Up on Wednesday, June 1. So if you are not on my e-mail list, either join now by entering your e-mail address above in the right sidebar or be sure to check my website on June 1 to get all the info.

Of course, as a demonstrator I get to preview some sneak peek items from the catalog on June 1, too. So it will probably be the one morning of the year when I'm up early (it's better than Christmas)! The best part is when I place my pre-order (to prepare for upcoming classes) I also get a hard copy of the full catalog sent to me. I'll be able to drool all over it for a whole month! I promise I won't give that to anybody. I'll keep it for myself ;) But, you better believe I'll be stalking my UPS truck driver late this week (because of course I will have it expedited!)

Well, I guess I had more to say than I thought! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and took a few moments to honor those we've lost and who continue to serve our country.

Random Thoughts on a Rainy Thursday evening...

2011-04-28T19:22:00.003-04:00

Lately I've found myself thinking numerous times, "Oh that would be a good blog topic." Yet when I sit down to write about these things... it turns into a sentence or two. Not really the blog feature I was thinking of.

Tonight I was browsing some blogs and found myself very inspired on a number of different levels.

Kelly Rae really made me want to do some soul searching this week. I may have to break down and buy her e-book.

Becky makes me want to do some spring cleaning -- I'm not really sure why this post made me think of that -- Perhaps it was the whole comment about having an empty room for two years. It made me wish I could start over with an empty room or two -- what can I tell you? My brain works in mysterious ways.

This post really made me want to work on my Etsy shop again. I really love focusing on presentation. It does indeed make a difference. It reminded me I need to focus a bit more on that again in my business.

You may see a variation of this card on my blog in the near future as it really speaks to me. I love the layout, the colors, everything.

This post just made me laugh out loud... so dang cute! I have to say I think the second photo is perfect!

I'm ridiculously addicted to this game, but I tell you -- I AM NOT going to play tonight! It's the fastest way for me to lose an hour or two!

Ok.. I guess that's enough randomness for one night. I will say the card I made for tonights post was originally going to be an entry for the Artisian Award. But Miss Procrastinating Patty (that's me, even though my name is not Patty) didn't get her act together fast enough ... I decided to enter the contest two weeks before it was due... yeah... just not enough time for nine quality projects! There's always next year...

Well... I'm off to accomplish something. I hope.

Lazy Day...

2011-04-11T16:35:00.003-04:00

I was so excited that the weathermen were predicting upwards of 6o degree weather today as I knew I had the day off!

So, I was a little disappointed when I saw the fog and rainy weather today. But I always try to find a positive spin on everything lately so... I've been stamping all day! :)

I'm actually working (very last minute) on my Artisian Award entry and in between coming up with some projects for my Stamp Club this week.

I also got to have a 2 hour nap today, which I've said before, always feels rebellious to me on a weekday afternoon :)

Anyway, this card is using the Create a Cupcake stamp said and punch. I honestly can't remember if I cased this layout or not... I think I might have so if it looks familiar please let me know and I will absolutely include you as my inspiration! I'm usually really good about marking whether an idea was mine or "borrowed" from someone else -- and this one... I just can't remember and I didn't write it down! I'm amazed at how old I'm feeling these days :(

I used this card at a workshop recently and everyone loved it. I really like that we have so many punches that coordinate with our stamp sets. Remember these two are only available until the end of April when the Mini Occasions catalog ends (but don't worry I have a fun new Summer Mini Catalog to show you!).

Hope you have a great day!

Happy Sunny Sunday...

2011-04-03T17:39:00.006-04:00

I just got around to unpacking a box of goodies at had shipped to me from my favorite place (Stampin' Up, of course) and you wouldn't believe what I found in the box. It is just yet another reason why I love this company! Mixed in with the stamp sets, cardstock and fun embellishments I found the sweetest little hand-stamped gift... see: Isn't that cute? The front was stamped with the cute little owl from the Aviary stamp set and the back was signed by the woman who must have packed my box. I think I may have to send a thank you card back to Julia, now ;) Today has been a really great day... between finding thank you notes in my box of stamping goodies and have the sun shining brightly (and it's not too cold either), life is good. Plus, I've been in my pajamas since 2:30 (well, I should say back in my pajamas -- as I did shower, get dressed and grab a bite to eat with hubby before returning back to the pjs!). Well, I really must get to work on some taxes now... but I hope to be back soon with some sneak peeks of some new product from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog that you can purchase during April -- or even earn for free! I'll tell you more in my next post. Happy Sunday!

Breathe....

2011-03-26T10:45:00.007-04:00

Let me just say that trying to run a business that has quickly become full-time while having another full-time job during the day is hard. But I love teaching rubber stamping and paper crafting so it is soooo worth it!

I'm not complaining in any way, shape or form, as I am very thankful to have a very successful Stampin' Up business and to have a well-paying day job where I love the people I work with, but some days I feel as though I'm being stretched in six different directions.

However, today is a fantastic day. I slept in until 10 a.m. and I'm in my pajamas, catching up on some things that need to get done and then I plan to goof off a bit.

I also want to acknowledge any of my new friends from Crop on the Cape 2011. I met a TON of new people and I'm so appreciative of their support. So if you are visiting my blog for the first time (and this goes for anyone not just Crop on the Cape-goers), welcome!

I have a progressive scrapbook page to share with you today. I made this actually a few weeks ago and just hadn't had the time to share. I showed progressive scrapbooking at Crop on the Cape and I think it was well received! So let me share with you another example.

For those of you who are not familiar with progressive scrapbooking... what it is, is you start with a 6 X 6 page, then build up to an 8.5 X 11 page and then to a 12 X 12. I just find this to be a great technique when I am stumped looking at a very large 12 X 12 page. :)

So here is the 6 X 6 starting point...

Oops... I just realized that I never cropped these images so you get a glimpse of my bed, too!

So this small little page features the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set and the Fancy Flower Punch (which was embossed with my Big Shot).

It also showcases two of my bestest buds... Laurie and Jackie.

I simply stamped some tone-on-tone butterflies on the Rose Red cardstock, some small yellow flowers on the So Saffron cardstock and then the flower stem on the Old Olive cardstock.

Once I had that done, I made that the focus of the 8.5 X 11 page, which you can see here:

So you can see the 6 X 6 starting point on the right-hand side of this page. I also made a super, cute butterfly embellishment for the page. You can see the tutorial for that here from Tana's blog. She is also doing a fabulous weight loss program where she is trying to lose 111 in 2011 and it's so awesome to see her progress!

So the final step is to make this 8.5 X 11 page the focal point of a 12 X 12 page:

Ta-Da! (Again... sorry about the lack of cropping). I added a few photos along the left-hand side, some patterned paper and a button in the top left corner and Voila! I still have to do some journaling on this page, but I haven't decided what I want the focus of the page to be (there's several different directions I can go with these pictures). However, I did leave some space on the bottom to include some journaling (always remember to include your thoughts on your pages -- it will mean so much to your relatives when they can get some insight to how you think and how you lived).

Well, that is all for me today... I'm off to enjoy a bit of free time today! I hope you have a wonderful Saturday and thanks for stopping by!

Grrrr....

2011-03-01T07:44:00.005-05:00

I honestly don't mean to keep going MIA on you! It's really nothing personal!

I am truly tired of this winter. I know I shouldn't be complaining as it is a really trivial issue, but it just has been kicking my butt! Between just the cold, gray days and the dumb virus I got over the last week, I just don't feel like I can catch up and March is a busy, busy month!

So if you are wondering where I went to last week... well I was curled up on the couch with a blankie pretty much permanently for the entire last half of last week. No stamping. No eating. No talking. No sleeping!

I spent the last two rainy days holed up in my stamp room to catch up -- and I think I did.... at least for now. But this is going to be a super busy week with Stamp Club and three workshops still to go! (Not that I'm complaining!)

So needless to say not a lot to show you. I will hopefully have some cards to show you from my card class last night when I get them uploaded.

In the meantime, let me show you some close-up shots of some of the scrapbook pages I gave you a peek at a while back.

This is page one of a two page spread:

This is page 1 -- I know super simple! But that was kind of what I was going for in this album. There really is no stamping or embellishments at all right now. Although I think I might add some embellishments once I figure out what photos I want to include.

You can't really tell from this photo, but I love how this page has the perfect spot for journaling... the left hand side of the page is made up of ledger paper... making it very easy to jot a few notes.

The second page is just as simple, but perhaps a little more intriguing....

Again.... super simple. Scrapbooking doesn't always have to be complicated, you know. I have to remind myself of that sometimes, too.

We often get so wrapped up in the fancy products that we forget it is really about the photos and recalling important memories.

I created eleven 8 X 8 pages with just a handful of coordinating cardstock and the Botanical Gazette DSP from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

I'll show you some more in the coming days. Right now I'm off for some breakfast. Thanks for stopping by... despite my erratic posting habits lately! :)

Have a great day!

Think Summer....

2011-02-22T07:13:00.003-05:00

I think it is fitting that I am featuring the "Sweet Summer" Sale-A-Bration stamp set this week.

For the second day in a row I'm waking up to snow -- granted it is just flurries and not adding up to much, but I. Am. Done. I don't even like the to look at snow anymore!

I'm also waking up today with the start of a cold... Yuck! You know, sore throat, one side of my nose that won't stop running and an overal feeling of yuckiness.

So to say that I would like summer to arrive would be an understatement! Actually, though, I don't want to skip spring as I love that season. I love the fresh feeling spring brings with new buds on the trees and little birdies chirping in the morning. Just as long as it is no longer 20 degrees and snowing -- that's the weather I would like now. I'm just saying.

Anyway, enough whining from me today... on to today's card. It is actually not very summer-like colors, but I like the pop of bright blue. The color is Pacific Point and I usually find it hard to work with, but this card came together fairly easily.

I love the mix-and-match aspect of the Sweet Summer stamp set. You'll see I used a different "flower" than yesterday so each and every card you make with this set can be truly different. Fun!

Don't forget that if you place a $50 order with me either online or through e-mail you will qualify for free Sale-A-Bration item -- which could be this cute "Sweet Summer" Stamp set!

I hope you have a great day! I'm off to cuddle under a blanket with my breakfast before I must get ready for work.

Back in Business....

2011-02-21T06:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! The only reason why I can say that is because I have the day off ... :)

And it is going to be a goof off day filled with fun stuff -- no housework, no working, nothing boring like that!

I wanted to get back in the routine, however, of posting my daily Sale-A-Bration posts. This week we are looking at the Sweet Summer stamp set, which you can earn free with a $50 order.

This one took a little while to come together. I started with the Sale-A-Bration Ice Cream Parlor Designer Series paper mixed in with this card, but it simply overpowered the stamped images so I went simple with just some embossed polka dots (made fabulously easy with my Big Shot), a little punch action (with my scallop border punch, my little tag puncy and my big circle punch) and of course some ribbon.

This stamp set doesn't look like much when you see it in the catalog, but it really makes some great cards once you start playing with it.

Visit my Web site to place your $50 order and earn your Free Sale-A-Bration set!

I know... I've been naughty!

2011-02-17T21:38:00.005-05:00

Hello there blog friends...

I, of course, must begin with an apology for being absent for the past week and a half. You see, I had every good intention of finishing my Sale-A-Bration preview projects prior to leaving for vacation, but alas I had way too many things on the "to-do" list before I left and it just didn't get done.

And then of course you know how it goes when you return from a vacation... everything and everyone wants something from you.... right now! Well, this is the first time I've had a moment to breathe and take stock of what needs to be done and I've been home for five days now.

So I promise I will get back to the Sale-A-Bration parade of samples on Monday. We'll take a look at the stamp set "Sweet Summer" all next week. It's another one that I think I'm going to have a lot of fun playing with.

In the meantime, I thought I'd show you some 8 X 8 template pages I made with the Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog. It coordinates perfectly with the Nature Walk Stamp set and the Rustic 8 X 8 album. Here's a picture of what I've done so far...

You can't really see all the pages... perhaps I'll load a few of them and show you over the next couple of days -- although I can't promise anything as there is still a lot of work for me to do to catch up! Thankfully, I have a long weekend this week... Yipee!

I'll leave you with a few highlights of my trip to Las Vegas (sorry no photos as I really didn't take any -- gasp!):

Viva Elvis - This Cirque de Soleil Show was one of my all-time favorites. Matt and I love to catch a Cirque show whenever we can. They are a bit expensive, but always deliver. I especially liked this one as Elvis is a favorite of my Mom's -- I wish she could have seen it! I bought her a very cool gift though in the gift shop... can't wait to give it to her!

Pawn Stars - This was probably more exciting for Matt than me, but it is always cool to see what something looks like that you've seen on T.V. We went to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop (I think that is what it is called) -- it is the Las Vegas Pawn Shop featured on the TV show Pawn Stars. The "Old Man" (as he is dubbed on the show) was actually in the store when we went -- although he was hiding in the back!

Candied Apples - I don't know that I've ever had a candy apple, but in The Orleans where we stayed the first two nights they had this won.der.ful. chocolate shop (click on photo gallery to see the candy apples). On Super Bowl Sunday we got three Candy Apples to share -- one of them was called Cheesecake and Oh. My. Goodness. was it yummy!!! I might just go look to see if they will ship me one it was that good!

Gloves? Really? - While there were lots of other highlights from the trip -- one other very funny thing (at least to me) was when we first arrived. We exited the airport to a fabulous 68 degrees and sunny skies at 3 p.m. Vegas time. When we got outside, there was a limo driver waiting there -- unfortunately he was not there for us, but the funny part was that he was dressed in a winter coat, scarf and gloves. Gloves, really? It's 68 degree! Perhaps I should take him home to New England so he can get a taste of what cold really feels like... what do you think?

Never Ending Bliss?

2011-02-04T07:48:00.003-05:00

I really think I could play with this stamp set for another week and still be a happy girl (I probably will!). However, on Monday it will be time to feature another Sale-A-Bration product.

I think next week I will show you Sweet Summer... which is another fun set.

Today's card is loaded with different supplies from vanilla shimmer smooch spritz (so fun to play with!) to First Edition Deisgner Series paper.

I really love how this card came out. I think it is my favorite of the week. I did get a bit carried away and kept adding more and more and more.

The beauty of Sale-A-Bration is that you can spend your dollars on the fun embellishments (like pearls, ribbons, buttons and punches) and then get your stamp set free.

If you'd like to place your Sale-A-Bration order and earn "Bliss" for free, click here.

See you on Monday!

Bliss is good

2011-02-03T06:28:00.000-05:00

I am so in love with this stamp set (Bliss from the Sale-A-Bration brochure)! I played with it tonight and made two more cards that I absolutely love.

I pulled out the Smooch Spritz for today's card (and tomorrow's) -- that stuff is lots of fun, too!

This card is so much prettier in person... Although Matt said he likes this card best out of the two I made tonight -- I prefer the one I will show you tomorrow... You'll have to tell me which one you like.

This card uses patterned paper from the Level 1 hostess 6 X 6 paper pack, the First Edition Designer Series Paper, the word window punch, stampin' dimensionals, log cabin smootch spritz, neutrals brads, and pearls.

The color combo is the same as yesterday ( I was playing with the scraps on the table -- one of my favorite ways to make a card!) -- Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Blushing Bride.

So do you want this stamp set yet? Have I convinced you how wonderful it is? :)

Visit my Web site to place your $50 order and it's yours! Thanks for stopping by today... see you tomorrow!

Blushing Bliss...

2011-02-02T07:35:00.003-05:00

Hi there! I am waking up today to a very soggy morning... we escaped the latest storm with just rain it looks like. I'm a little disappointed as I really would have like to have a snuggle at home snow day... ah, well.... such is life.

Today I have another fun color combo for you. I found this one in my Stampin' Up color coach. I love that thing!

Did you know you can get one for free if you join the Stampin' Up family? It's part of a $50 add-on product bonus for new demonstrators during Sale-A-Bration. Plus, you'll receive 15% off the starter kit, which is normally $175. Visit my Web site for more details.

Back to today's card... I'm really liking this one. Another simple one, but I just thing that First Edition Designer Series paper from the new Mini Ocassions Catalog just makes the card. I also used the eyelet punch and some stampin' dimensionals to give the butterflies "lift."

Just a quick post today as I'm running a little behind in getting ready for work (I'd like to squeeze in some breakfast before my shower!)... see you tomorrow!

A new favorite color combo....

2011-02-01T07:48:00.004-05:00

Hello there snow. Again. It has been a very snowy winter -- although the Cape keeps getting missed a little bit with it usually turning to rain.

Usually I'd be happy with that... but occasionally it is nice to have a snow day :)

Today I have two cards for you showcasing a color combo I found on line that I absolutely LOVE!

It is Crumb Cake, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso and Baja Breeze. Yummy, huh?

This is a very simple card , but I love the layering of stamps on the large circle. It of course uses Bliss again with the large filigree stamp in the background in Crumb Cake and the butterfly on top in Peach Parfait. That is actually a new In Color and I don't know why I haven't used it more often... it is definitely on my re-order list.

My second card is also fairly simple, but it features our new beveled windowpanes that are so very fun!

It's hard to see in the picture, but I stamped the filigree image in Early Espresso this time on the Early Espresso cardstock -- giving it a subtle tone on tone look.

Then I added another butterfly and some pearls and the "Bliss" word image under the windowpane. That's it!

If you wanted to order the supplies for both of these cards you could earn the "Bliss" stamp set for free... check it out:

Getting Started Cardstock Collection, $6.95 (120954)

Early Espresso Classic Ink Pad, $5.95 (119670)

Peach Parfait Classic Ink Pad, $5.95 (119783)

Baja Breeze Marker, $3.50 (120965)

Crumb Cake Marker, $3.50 (120967)

Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, $6.95 (122331)

Beveled Windowpanes, $7.95 (121881)

Pearls, $4.95 (119247)

Snail Adhesive, $6.95 (104332)

Bliss Stamp Set, FREE!

Visit my Web site to place an online order or you can e-mail me an order directly through me... either way you can end up with this gorgeous stamp set to play with in just about a week!

A week of Bliss....

2011-01-31T07:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday! I had a nice productive weekend so I'm actually in a fairly good mood (at least for a Monday!) despite being woken up early twice (!) by both my mother and my sister.

That's Ok though as I really needed to get up to make my lunch (I've been trying to be better about the eating habits) and to write my blog post!

So this week we will be looking at the Sale-A-Bration stamp set "Bliss." This is my favorite SAB set I think and the more I made cards with it this weekend, the more I fell in love with it. You can look at it on page 10 of the Sale-A-Bration catalog here.

This card also features the new Big Shot embossing folder called framed tulips. I have to say I wasn't to excited about it when I first saw it in the catalog, but after I saw some samples with it, I knew I had to own it!

The Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini is also featured on this card. The color combo is Rose Red, Baja Breeze, River Rock and Very Vanilla.

Be sure to come back tomorrow when I have two Bliss samples for you using a great color combo!

Wrapping up Punch Bunch...

2011-01-28T06:49:00.000-05:00

Day 5 of the Punch Bunch features brings a card featuring some bright and a bit more manly colors (although I'm not sure if I'd call it a masculine card).

This one uses the Celebrations Designer Series Paper and, of course, Punch Bunch from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.

You could earn Punch Bunch FREE with the following order (the supplies used to create this card):

Celebrations Designer Series paper (117164, $9.95)

Getting Started Cardstock Collection (120954, $6.95)

Real Red Tafeta Ribbon (119763, $6.95)

Scallop Square Punch (119884, $16.95)

Whisper White Medium envelopes (107301, $6.50)

Stampin' dimensionals (104430, $3.95)

That totals $51.25 and then you would receive Punch Bunch for FREE! Free is always fun, right? Be sure to come back next week when I feature the Sale-A-Bration stamp set "Bliss."

A little "Love" for Sale-A-Bration

2011-01-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

The "Love Letters" Designer Series paper from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog is probably my favorite paper pack this year (although somoe of the new mini paper is very, very tempting!).

I used the "Love Letters" DSP on today's card (it was featured on yesterday's card, too!). This is another relatively simple card -- it primarily consists of a lot of layering. In all honesty, this card came together by simply piling on a variety of scraps I had hanging around the table after putting yesterday's card together. That's often times my favorite way to create.

In fact, I have a bin on my paper rack behind my table where I put any small "card-sized" scraps and then when I have a minute to make a card, I simply pull a few scraps from the bin that speak to me and start playing.

This was the method I used when making my crop cards back in October and I came up with 7 different designs that I really liked. You can see a few of those here, here and here.

So, you can scroll down to yesterday's post and see the products you can order to earn the "Punch Bunch" stamp set from Sale-A-Bration for free (the image featured today comes from that stamp set again).

View the Sale-A-Bration catalog here and remember you earn a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set for EVERY $50 you spend! So if you were to order $150 worth of product (say perhaps a Big Shot and some dies) you would not only earn hostess benefits of a free exclusive hostess stamp set and $15 in free merchandise of your choice... you'd also earn THREE Sale-A-Bration stamp sets.

One of the greatest things about Sale-A-Bration is that demonstrators earn free sets for every $50, too so when I placed a supply order of $300 I earned SIX free Sale-A-Bration sets. Cool, huh? Want to learn more about being a demonstrator during the best time of the year? Feel free to come to my group meeting on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. (just please let me know so I have enough supplies cut for the make and takes).

During Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up also offers a great deal for new demos, too, including 15% off the starter kit and an extra $50 in product! Call or e-mail me for details!

See you tomorrow....

Punch Bunch: Day 3!

2011-01-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi There! Are you enjoying these Punch Bunch ideas? I think this is going to be one of the most popular choices for Sale-A-Bration 2011... we'll have to wait and see, though, if my prediction is correct!

Today's card is one of my favorites I made with the Punch Bunch set (well, tomorrow's too as it uses the same basic kit).

You could earn the Punch Bunch stamp set for free and make today's card with the following "kit:"

Love Letters Designer Series Paper (117162, $9.95)

Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402, $15.95)

Scallop Circle Punch (119854, $16.95)

Getting Started Cardstock Collection (120954, $6.95)

Very Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon (109055, $6.95)

Pearls (119247, $4.95)

That kit would cost $61.70 and you would earn the Punch Bunch set for free. Again, remember to come back tomorrow as I will have another card you could make with this kit.

I'm in a giving mood today so after Friday's post, send me an e-mail with your favorite card from the week and I will enter you into a drawing for a free card class!

It's Here, It's Here!

2011-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Day 1 of Sale-A-Bration. I am super excited about this promotion this year... we have some great items up for grabs and plenty of new goodies in the Occasions Mini catalog that we qualify for a $50 order (you'll see more of those products coming up soon!).

Anyway, today's card is somewhat of a continuation of yesterday's blog post. I'm using the same basic supplies to create this card as I used to create yesterday's card. This one still features the Punch Bunch stamp set as well.

I like to make multiple cards using the same supplies because, well, it just makes sense! You have all the stuff out to make the card and you of course make a bunch of scraps when you are cutting into the paper to make the first card. So... I just pick up the pieces and create a new card!

Voila! This is another simple birthday card. It is always handy to have those on hand! See yesterday's post for ideas of what to purchase to make a similiar card to this and earn the Punch Bunch set for Free! (just scroll down and you can see yesterday's list.

Don't forget... I'll be featuring a new card using Punch Bunch all week this week (except Saturday and Sunday) and then come back next week as I'll be featuring the Sale-A-Bration set, "Bliss," which is one of my favorites!

Just One More Day...

2011-01-24T10:36:00.004-05:00

Hello Monday. I have to say I'm overly happy this Monday as we had a fabulous concert for the Cape Cod Symphony this weekend (my new job) and now I have today off.

Of course, having the day off is in and of itself reason to be happy -- but I'm even more happy that I don't have to leave the house (well until my card class tonight). It is COLD outside and I am so not a fan of this weather. Will someone please call me when the 60-degree weather returns and brings those happy little birdies back?

Anyway, another reason to be happy today is that Sale-A-Bration starts tomorrow! What is Sale-A-Bration you ask? It is only the best promotion of the year for Stampin' Up. Starting tomorrow and running through March 31, any time you purchase $50 worth of product you receive a free item from the Sale-A-Bration brochure. Many of the items are exclusive and only available during this 2.5 month time. Although, as they did last year, Stampin' Up has also offered up some of the favorites from the big Idea Book and Catalog as Sale-A-Bration items, too.

The card I made for today's showcase is relatively simple. It uses the Punch Bunch Sale-A-Bration set as the focal image.

Here is a suggested order to earn your free Punch Bunch stamp set (you could use this package to make tomorrow's card, too!):

Scallop Trim Border punch (118402, $15.95)

Scallop Circle Punch (119854, $16.95)

Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper (117390, $11.95)

Getting Started Collection Cardstock (120954, $6.95)

Rose Red Ink Pad (101778, $5.95)

Pumpkin Pie Marker (105115, $3.50)

Pearls (119247, $4.95)

Your total is $65.20 and you would earn the Punch Bunch stamp set free. Be sure to check back tomorrow and see another card you could make with the supplies above.

Hello, Hello!

2011-01-22T15:17:00.003-05:00

How cute is this little owl? He is a member of the adorable Punch Bunch stamp set. You know what the cutest thing is about him? You can get him for FREE!

He is one of the five fantastic products you can earn for free during Sale-A-Bration 2011! Sale-A-Bration starts on Tuesday, January 25. If you are not familiar with this fantastic, long-running promotion -- this is how it works: For EVERY $50 you spend on Stampin' Up product you earn a FREE exclusive item from the Sale-A-Bration brochure.

To help you see the stamps in action... for the next four weeks I am going to post a new card sample featuring one of the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets.

Beginning on Monday, Jan. 24, I will begin posting a card a day. This week I'll be featuring the stamp set "Punch Bunch".

So be sure to check back next week! I'm ready to show you these fantastic new products that you can get for FREE!

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T21:18:00.017-05:00

I say it every year.... I love a New Year. You can get rid of any negatives from the previous year, build on any successes and best of all wipe the slate clean if you choose to! Of course, you can do this at any time of year, but for some reason for me I always find the beginning of the year very inspiring.

I've been scouring all my favorite blogs this past week taking in others' resolutions, "One Word" picks, and plans for 2011. I have to be honest that I haven't really been able to pinpoint my thoughts on this year... so no real insightful thinking to share with you today... but perhaps in the not too distant future... ;)

I figured since I can't really collect all my goals, aspirations and desires for 2011 yet, I'd share my favorite projects from 2010. Have a look back...

January:

While I didn't actually create this layout in January... I made it to commemorate my first trip to Leadership, which was in Phoenix, Arizona last year. This was a big milestone for me for a couple of reasons -- first it was my first flight alone ever! (Not necessarily something I want to do alone again... lol!). And it was my first trip to Leadership, which was amazing! I'm sad I won't be able to attend again this year. I am definitely aiming to attend convention though in July!

February:

I used the crayon resist technique here -- which is an oldie for me -- I learned it in my very beginning stages as a demonstrator and I still love it. I love the sentiment of this card as well and it is something I hope to accomplish more often in 2011!

March:

I loved this set of cards I created using a Sale-A-Bration set from 2010 (Sale-A-Bration 2011 starts Jan. 25 -- don't miss out on some great FREE stamps!). I made these cards for the 2010 Crop on the Cape event. It was my second year attending, but my first as a vendor and I had so much fun and met so many new friends! I'm so excited to be participating again this year -- it's not to late to sign up -- click here right now!

April:

This was a fun and simple card I made with the Awash with Flowers set for a workshop. I love the simplicity of it, but yet it still is impressive to a new (and experienced!) stamper -- LOVE that!

May:

I really like this card a lot... I made it for Stampin' Up's annual Artisan Award contest, but sadly didn't complete my submission so I never sent it. I am determined to submit projects for this year's contest open to demonstrators (in fact I've already been thinking of my projects)... afterall, who wouldn't love $500 in cash and $500 in new SU products!

June:

This card was fun because it was the first card I made with my sneak peak items for the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and catalog, which was released in July... always a favorite month for a Stampin Up demonstrator ;)

July:

This card took me a while to put together -- but I liked it when I finished... and I liked this post because it showed a bit about my process. One of the biggest concerns I hear about rubber stamping is that people feel like they could never be creative enough... the thing is it doesn't always work for me either -- but it is still fun! Time flies when I'm messing around with a card until I get it "just right" -- and it really helps me forget the world when I need to -- perfect!

August:

Another fun, simple workshop card featuring my new toys from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and catalog... Artistic Etchings is still one of my favorite!

September:

This may be my favorite project from 2010 -- I think it's more symbollic than anything -- as I tackled the sewing machine and won (with Mom's help of course!). You can read about it here. And guess what -- I got a sewing machine for Christmas so you might just be seeing some more sewing in my future ;)

October:

I made this scrapbook page to sell and I realized as I was compiling this list -- that I really didn't do too much scrapbooking in 2010, which is sad as it was the initial reason that I signed up as a demo... So that is definitely something I'm going to work on in 2011.

November:

The colors of this card just make me happy ... Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black and Very Vanilla -- plus a little bling of course!

December:

Last but not least -- my favorite holiday card of the year -- these adorable little snowmen. While it's not your typical Christmas card, I think it just makes a great contemporary design.

Well, that's a recap of 2010 through my creative projects... Do you have a favorite project from 2010? Feel free to share it with me (with a link!) in the comments!

Happy Crafting to you in 2011!

Snow Day!

2010-12-21T10:45:00.005-05:00

As much as I hate snow, I'm a little thankful for it today.

I actually started a new job this week, which is great and I think I'm really going to like it. My first day I got three dozen cookies as part of cookie swap that I wasn't even part of and my second day... I got the day off! (Those are not the reasons why I think I will enjoy it, though! lol)

I have to say that as excited as I am to be learning new things and enjoying my new role... I'm a little bit more excited to have an unexpected day off to get a few things accomplished.

One of my "things to do" today will include some simple play time. I got some new products from the upcoming Occasions mini catalog and I really haven't had much time to play with it. I also hope to do some planning for some upcoming classes at the same time -- wouldn't that be a shocker for me to create projects BEFORE the day before the class? lol.

I also have "nap" on the to-do list -- that has to be one of my favorite things to do. I love taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon... there's something rebellious about it! I know, I'm a little strange... but what can I say? Nothing, really.

I do have a little sneak peek to show you today, too. This card was actually a make and take we made at my last meeting of local Stampin' Up demonstrators. This card uses a new stamp set called "Nature Walk" and new paper called "Springtime Vintage." For those of you in the Northeast, I thought you might enjoy a bit of Springtime ;)

Well, that's it for me... I'm off to stamp and nap the day away!

New toys...

2010-12-05T20:50:00.004-05:00

Howdy, friends! Happy Sunday to you... although it is almost over now.

I had a super long "to do" list today, but I'm trying to be better about the old blog-o (I know I've said that before... but I'm trying!)

Today I was actually working on some Christmas gifts... including a My Digital Studio digital scrapbook for my brother's race at Seekonk Speedway earlier this year... among other things.

The card I'm featuring today is actually one from the three-part Holiday Card Classes I held for the past three months. I like how this one has a monotone feel except for the one pop of red. I used Contempo Christmas stamp set, Sanded background stamp, Woodland Walk DSP, the ornament punch and Wild Wasabi as the green.

Now on to the title of this post... Guess what I got on Friday? I got a nice big box of brand new products from the upcoming Ocassion Mini Catalog! I got a ton of fun products to play with to prepare for some classes and events in January. You'll definitely want to keep an eye on the blog for the next few weeks as I share a few sneak peeks of the new products.

After all my digital scrapbooking today, I'm really in the mood to make a traditional scrapbook page -- something I haven't done for at least three months! I'll be sure to share it with my friends here first ;)

Hope you've enjoyed a nice weekend with your family....

The holiday favorite

2010-12-04T00:52:00.004-05:00

Well hello there long lost blog friends! I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

I think things are finally starting to calm down a bit for me these days. Not that that is necessarily good news... but I do have to say it's nice to be able to take a breather!

Of course, this is only for a short time before I kick into high gear for the start of '11! In fact, as we speak I have a box of brand new Stampin' Up product on my stamp room couch. It's begging me to open it and play, but I told myself I could not open the box of new goodies from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog until I cleaned up my room! (I think I'm channeling my mother :)

The card above is a Christmas card I designed for a workshop this season and I have declared it my favorite card of the year. It was supposed to be a nice simple, no coloring card, but really turned into a card that wasn't quite as simple as I had intended. I absolutely love it though. The colors are not your normal Christmas combination, but it just works (at least for me!)

I have to say that I'm very excited to be able to put the Christmas stamps away soon (just have to finish making close to 200 Christmas Cards .... Yikes!) and start working with cardstock that is a color other than red or green!

It's a little sad, though, as I have been working on holiday cards since August, I'm sort of "over" the holiday and not really in the mood to actually celebrate it now that it is here! Hopefully when we venture out for the tree (hopefully not the day before Christmas like last year) I'll feel a little bit more of the holiday spirit.

Well, it is already 1 a.m. and I'm still fiddling around (actually I was working on a Christmas gift for my brother... so it's O.K!) so it's off to bed I think... perhaps a little reading before I actually close my eyes. I started reading the Harry Potter series again so I'd be ready for Part 1 of the final movie... but since I'm only one third of the way through the first book, I'm thinking I may want to see the movie and then continue on with my reading! I guess I can re-read them all so that I'm ready and waiting for the final installment of the series when it comes out next year....

Happy Weekend!

A Simply Amazing Deal

2010-11-22T21:16:00.003-05:00

Hi my blog friends! Sorry it's been so long since I visited... It has been a very busy (but lots of fun) couple of weeks.

I have something very cool to share with you today... If you love Stampin' Up products then you just have to take a look at this...

For just one more week, SU is offering new demonstrators an incredible deal... 50% off the starter kit. That's over $300 worth of supplies for just $87.50!

Seriously... check this out...

You'll receive:

Fun & Fast Notes Stamp Set - $33.95

I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set (clear mount) $18.95

For All You Do Stamp Set - $28.95

So Many Thanks Stamp Set - $5.65 (you save $2.30)

Fast Flowers Stampin' Around Wheel - FREE

Stampin Around Self-Ink Handle - FREE

Uninked wheel Cartridge - FREE

Clear Block C - FREE

Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack - FREE

Assorted Color Smooth Card Stock - FREE

Whisper White Card Stock -FREE

5/8" Satin Ribbon - FREE

VersMark Pad - FREE

FOUR Classic Ink Pads - FREE

TWO Stampin' Write Markers - FREE

Blender Pen - FREE

Classic Ink Refill - FREE

Snail Adhesive - FREE

Stampin' Mist - FREE

Small Songbird Tile Decor Elements - FREE

Stampin' Sponge - FREE

Stampin' Dimensionals - FREE

Decor Applicator Tool - FREE

Plus you'll receive all the business supplies and catalogs you'll need. Seriously this is an absolutely amazing deal and the beauty of a Stampin' Up business is you can do as little or as much as you want!

Of course as a member of my team you'll be invited to my downline Christmas Party on Dec. 8 where we will be stamping, swapping and chatting ourselves silly (of course there will likely be a present, too!).

So don't hesitate to send me an e-mail or give me a call if you have questions. But let me tell you that in five years I think this is the absolutely best deal ever given to new recruits. If you are ready to sign up now... head to my Web site and use the password "pitta padders".

I'm so excited to help some new friends get off to a great start with their own Stampin' Up business. It has done so many great things for my life that I can't help but want to share that with you!

On a side note, if you are into digital scrapbooking you can select the digital starter kit that includes the My Digital Studio software. I used the My Digital Studio software to create the scrapbook page shown today. It's very fun if I do say so myself (although I still love my paper in glue best :)

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by today.

I miss the sun....

2010-11-10T10:26:00.004-05:00

I'm am so tired of rain. I actually like rainy days most of the time... especially if I can stay at home in my pjs. :)

However, last night Matt and I were trying to figure out the last time the sun was out ... and we could not remember! I'm lucky that today is my day off so I don't have to go out in the windy, wet world today (actually I do have to go to the dump later -- such fun!), but I had such a hard time getting up this morning. If a VERY loud truck hadn't stopped outside the house about an hour ago I might still be sleeping!

And you know what... on these rainy days I find it very difficult, though, to stay away from the afternoon nap! :)

Anyway, I selected a bright, cheery card to share with you today. This is one of the cards I made at the crop a few weeks ago. I used my big shot and the flower burst embosslit to make the flowers. I also cut my Old Olive striped ribbon in half so the edges would fray -- I loved how it looks. There's actually not a whole lot of stamping on this one -- I stamped the bottom with the circles from the Apple Blossom Level 2 hostess set (LOVE!). I also used the "just a little note" stamp from that set. I had to add the "thanks so much" tag that I made with my tiny tags stamp set and the jewelry tag punch. Love those tiny little tags, too.

Well, I have to get to work today... I've got two workshops this weekend plus several classes next week to prepare for and my annual trek to the Crazy For Croppin' scrapbooking weekend next week!

Have a great Wednesday...

Hmmm... what to share today?

2010-11-07T09:49:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday morning with an extra hour of sleep to you! I am very thankful it was daylight savings time last night as I stayed up until 2 a.m.! So that extra hour came in very handy this morning. :)

I'm excited that I have a workshop with one of my dearest friends today. It should be lots of fun. We are doing Christmas projects of course, but I thought I'd share this little cutie I made at the crop a few weekends ago.

It uses the Pun Fun stamp set -- it's an oldie, but really is a good one. This cute little lamb image says "Thank Ewe" -- cute, huh?

I of course had to add some glitter to his wool and layered on some fun Rich Razzleberry cardstock -- I'm not usually a big purple fan, but this card really struck my fancy. I sent it to one of the lucky online shoppers last month. That's just one of the little perks of ordering from my online Web site... I send you a little thank you card and guess what? I don't even write in it -- I usually write on a Post It note so you can take it off and use the card yourself! I'm so thoughtful, right? ;)

Well I must go get dressed and pack up the car for the road trip... Have a fabulous Sunday!

'Tis the Season

2010-11-03T10:21:00.003-04:00

Greetings blog friends (that sounds like I'm a martian or something!)...

Anyway, I hope the morning of mid-week Wednesday finds you doing well. I am busy, busy, busy preparing for LOTS of upcoming events! I'm talking workshops, scrapbooking crops, classes, and craft fairs! All within the next three weeks. It's all good.

I'm so happy that my business has really been booming this year -- I hope it continues into 2011.

Believe it or not, when I was deciding what to post today I found myself thinking, "Oh I should post these Christmas cards soon because it's getting late in the season." Really? It's only Nov. 3! As I mentioned in this post, though, I tend to get way ahead of myself with the seasons.... I'm already thinking about Valentine's Day!

Oh well. Today's card is one of my favorite of this year. It includes our new Deck the Hall fabric (the scallop edge under the ribbon). It also has lots and lots of layers, which is always fun. I used the Winter Post stamp set (another one of my favorites!)

Colors on this one are Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla - classic, I think... what about you?

Well, I'm off to cut up a storm in the stamp room -- got three workshops to prepare for THIS week! Yipee!

Thanks for stopping by...

P.S. I haven't forgotten about showing you the crafty care package I awarded a week or so ago (Congratulations Mary B -- It's on the way soon!)... I will show you all the goodness soon!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T10:56:00.004-04:00

I know. This isn't a Halloween image... but the only Halloween project I have that I haven't shown you is a scrpabook page, but every time I load it into blogger it turns sideways. I'd normally just take another picture when that happens, but I no longer have the page!

So here we are on Halloween with a baby card... go figure. I actually made this card for my best friends' little sister who just had her second baby girl, Gabriella Michelle, cute, right?

This is one of the seven cards I made last week at my Crop... (and yes I'm just now getting around to posting it).

I have to warn you that since I already fell off the blog-a-day posting challenge wagon -- I probably will be a little scarce this week in posting. Don't worry I won't disappear altogether -- at least I hope not -- but I have three workshops this week. And that starts my marathon run of 10 events this month! Yahoo... but I'm probably going to be very pooped at the end of each day.

Today I'm being a good little girl and getting a head start (what a concept!) on many of the events... and then hope to take a short little break this afternoon for a trip to Kohl's -- I have a couple of coupons and I desperately need some winter clothes -- especially considering they are talking about 30s next week. Ugh... does this really have to happen? lol...

Well I hope you have a Halloween filled with all treats... I plan to get a few of my own "treats" this afternoon in the form of clothing. Have a great day!

I'm Baaaack....

2010-10-25T22:03:00.013-04:00

So I fell off the wagon of posting every day for a little while. I have to admit the first day (Thursday) was intentional. I remembered just as I was getting ready to go to bed that I hadn't blogged for the day, but I decided ... ah, let's just see if anyone notices...

Congratulations Mary B for catching me in my lack of posting. I will be sending out a fun little crafty care package for you shortly (and don't fear blog readers... I will take a picture of it and post it after I send it).

Now as for the other three days that I didn't post... well, I was very busy getting ready for my first crop! I had 10 croppers at the Chatham VFW on Sunday and we had great fun! Lots of games, challenges, stamping, Big Shotting (I think I made up a new verb...) and, of course, scrapbooking!

Here's some highlights....

Croppers had access to ALL my punches and ALL my stamps and ALL my Big Shot dies....

I had an inspiration table with a few different projects and two scrapbook albums for ideas. I also had a sale table with lots of retired product and paper available (no picture) and we had a yummy lunch of roll-up sandwiches, Ceasar Salad, Cape Cod Potato Chips and Soda.... For dessert we had cookies and lots of this....

Most importantly, though, we got lots of work done... (well I only got 7 cards made... but the other ladies were very productive):

Bee was catching up on a Disney album while Missy worked on a Halloween page for one of my many challenges (Congratulations to Julie for winning the challenge contest and being selected out of all of the participants to earn a free stamp set!)

Linda worked on some holiday tags for some upcoming swaps (and a few scrapbook pages mixed in)

Nicole was hard at work on a family album...

And Julie, Sherry and Barbara worked on Holiday cards, "Big Shotting" and spooky little treats....

Overall a really fun day -- although I was POOPED at the end and I think I drank too much soda as I was up ALL. NIGHT. LONG. Tossing... turning... tossing... turning.... Oh. bother.

That is why I am off to bed early (at least for me). I'll show you the cards I made at the crop over the next few days.

In the meantime, here is the make-n-take the ladies made at the crop. They actually made at least two ... one to keep and one to give to Dream Day on Cape Cod. The cards will be used for the families coming to the Cape for the organization's annual holiday weekend:

I finished up the rest of the cards tonight and will be getting in touch with the executive director, Kathleen tomorrow. We also raised $75 for Dream Day to use for whatever else they might need in the coming months.

Thanks for attending my first crop ladies... I had a blast!

He's making a list...

2010-10-20T22:42:00.003-04:00

Are you on Santa's naughty or nice list this year? Me? I don't know... it might be too early to tell! lol.

This is another card that the crew at my Holiday Card Class earlier this week got to make. The Santa is from a tried and true favorite -- Jolliest Time of Year.

I'm not sure but I may be getting sick of Christmas already! Too bad for me as I've still got a ways to go before I can pack up the holiday until next year.

It's funny because I always gripe when I go into a store and they have Halloween items out in late August, or Christmas in early October or Valentine's Day in December -- but guess what? I do the same thing!

Well, in my defense... if folks want to hand-stamp a special holiday card they need to order supplies in advance -- so therefore, I need to have samples done in advance! You see? Don't blame me... it's an occupational hazard I guess.

Hope you are having a great week. I had the best two days today and yesterday -- First, I was off from work both days and I had a stamping event both nights! Doesn't get any better than waking up when I feel like it and stampin' the day away...

Til' tomorrow!

Sending Christmas Cards....

2010-10-19T16:31:00.003-04:00

Just a quick stop today to show off another one of the cards from tonights Holiday Card Class. I've got a full house attending tonight so I'm sure it will be lots of fun!

This card is not your traditional Holiday Card, but I really like it. Rather simple, but cute. Who says you can't use hearts on a Christmas card?

This is a busy week for me with tonights class the first of three events! Of course, I'm not done planning the other two yet (I only finished planning tonights this morning!) -- some things will never change -- even though I say I'm going to stop procrastinating.

Maybe I'll stop tomorrow!

All I need to know...

2010-10-18T20:29:00.013-04:00

I learned while walking on the beach.

Did you ever read the book that came out years and years ago called "All I need to know I learned in Kindergarten?"

It was a really great book (from what I recall anyway -- I think I read in high school). I should read it again.

But on Sunday, I decided to go for a walk on the beach. Boy do I love having the beach to myself again (well and a few other locals) -- I just wish it were a big warmer! But it's Ok I'll take it.
Anyway -- here is what I learned on my walk:

Lesson 1: Life is good -- don't be afraid to dive in.

Lesson 2: It's O.K. to stop and rest with a friend (as often as possible!)

Lesson 3: It's also good to have some alone time to reflect once in awhile

Lesson 4: Sometimes life includes a lot of "Gunk", but the other side is often beautiful

Lesson 5: Whether it's with family, friends or an important cause, it's important to stick together.

Lesson 6: Always remember to show empathy to everyone. You never know what they are going through. (Doesn't it look like this Sea gull is talking to that fish? I'm sure he's not, but that's how my brain thinks!)

Lesson 7: No matter how big or small ... leave your mark.

Hope you enjoyed my beach lessons... see you tomorrow!

Dang technology...

2010-10-17T07:14:00.004-04:00

I had planned on showing you some of the other pre-made scrapbook pages I made for a customer, but alas technology is against me.

For whatever reason, the three other pages I took pictures of are fine on my computer, but when I load into blogger they turn sideways -- it's driving me nuts! So sadly, I don't think I'll be able to show them to you (I only have the one picture and I've already given the pages to their new owner).

So, instead today I am sharing a full sneak peek of a card from next week's holiday card class. I showed a glimpse of it the other day, but this is the full card. Isn't it cute? This is an old stamp set called "Punch Pals" -- I thought I'd pull out an oldie, but goodie. There are still a couple of spots left for next week if you are interested... we're getting together at 6 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center and will make 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs) for $18.

Supplies for this card are simple: Old Olive Cardstock, Basic Black Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock; Punch Pals Stamp Set and Teeny Tiny Wishes; Old Olive 1/8th inch Tafetta ribbon and a little bit of linen thread and the big shot to do that fabulous polka dot embossing folder.

Thanks so much for stopping by today -- I actually thing I'm going to go back to sleep for awhile (it's 7:20 on a Sunday and I've been up since 5:30 -- waaaayy to early for me :)

Have a great day!

Ahem.... is this thing on?

2010-10-16T19:34:00.004-04:00

So no one caught my flub yesterday when I forgot to post. I actually didn't forget entirely. I remembered just as I was putting my head down on the pillow -- which was just after midnight anyway -- so I missed.

However, no one e-mailed me to tell me I missed -- therefore the "crafty care package" that was up for grabs is still available! So let's get some comments going so someone can win it!! Remember, if I miss another day -- e-mail the next morning to let me know and you get the crafty goodies.... and while your here leave some comments and if I make it all the way through to the Nov. 3 with no more misses, I'll draw a name and that person will get to keep all the crafty goods...

Anyway, I was working on some pre-made scrapbook pages for a customer request and came up with this bright, fun birthday design. Sorry the photo is a little distorted... the camera is acting a little screwy (or maybe it's blogger... not sure).

I used the Celebrations Designer Series Paper -- I think it is really perfect for birthdays! I'll try and share a couple more of my scrapbook page layouts in the next couple of days...

Hope you are having a nice weekend!

For the little ones...

2010-10-14T20:51:00.002-04:00

You almost caught me today! I was coming upstairs to shut down the computer and call it a night (and it's only 9 p.m!) when I remembered that I hadn't posted today.

But, not to worry -- here I am. It will be a quick post though as I am exhausted and am going to hit the hay as they say...

I have one friend that just had a baby girl and another that is going to have a baby girl in just a few weeks -- so here is a new baby card that I plan to send along to one of them (with a little gree, too). This card was a bit of a challenge as I don't currently have any baby stamp sets. So I used the adorable little bear from the new stamp set called Every Little Bit and although it took me a while to figure out how to make this tiny little image th focus of a rather large card (at least it seems large when you are only working with a 1" stamp!)... I like how it came out.

Well, that's about all I've got left today -- I don't really know why I'm so tired (I went to bed at 9:15 yesterday, too!)... but I'm going to go and try and catch up. I wish it were already raining (we're supposed to be getting a Nor'Easter tonight) as I love to curl up in bed with the rain pounding on the windows... oh well, I'll probably be fast asleep by the time that happens -- or better yet I'll be driving to work in it (can you hear my sarcasm?) lol...

Til tomorrow....

Productivity and a peek...

2010-10-13T17:42:00.003-04:00

So do you ever have a day off where you just are NOT productive. You try, but.... Nothing!

That was me today. It started with a startling awakening this morning when the heat kicked on for the first time... what? Already?? It only came on and then off right away. I think that was probably at about 7 a.m. So I rolled over and went back to sleep -- it is my day off afterall.

Well, I didn't get up until 9:10 -- lazy, lazy girl (hey, my bed was comfy!). But then I just couldn't get myself moving... I did my usual routine... e-mails, blogs, breakfast... then nothing.

Monday when I was off I was SOOO productive so I guess it's not all that bad except for the fact that I have three events next week and 8 events in November! Got to get my butt in gear!!

Anyway, this little cutie snowman is a sneak peek at one of the cards from my holiday card class next week. Can you believe I have all 5 cards designed a whole week before I need them?? Shocking huh? Anyway, I think the cards came out really cute and that those attending will like 'em. There are still a couple of spots left if you'd like to join us -- Tuesday, Oct. 19, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center. E-mail me now to RSVP, but be quick as I only have two spots left.

Since I only teased you with the snowman card, here is another card I made that didn't make the cut. I like the card but it would have taken too many pearls (I didn't have enough on hand) to do in next week's class....

What do you think? Don't forget there is still a crafty care package up for grabs! Leave me some comments to enter to win... please? I'm feeling a little lonely! :) Happy Wednesday!

A break from Christmas...

2010-10-12T21:28:00.002-04:00

It's not that I wanted to stray from my Christmas parade of card ideas... I've actually been stamping up a storm of new cards for next week's card class -- but I've been so busy stamping (well, and working -- dang job always gets in the way!) that I haven't had time to take photos of my new creations and upload them!

Tomorrow. I promise!

Anyway, today I thought I'd show you this cutie, which was actually a card design from one of my stamp-a-stacks this summer. It uses one of my favorite sets Chic Boutique (I have to pull that out again -- Oh wait -- we're on Christmas!!! lol)

I wanted to have a sewn looking so I ruffled the ribbon along the card using sticky strip (this was before I had my adventures in sewing so now I could probably really sew it!)

Well, that's probably all for today -- it was a busy day as it was Stampin' Up's first Book-A-Thon event. I booked two workshops today and I'm so excited to share SU with some new friends!

See you tomorrow....

You can't catch me yet....

2010-10-11T20:39:00.003-04:00

I bet you thought I had forgotten to post today, huh? Got ya!

I've been busy, busy today stamping up a storm for a very hectic week next week. I have a holiday card class on Tuesday, stamp club resumes on Wednesday and then my first-ever crop on Sunday! Whew... I'm tired just thinking about it.

Well, I got all the cards done for the card class next week. Maybe I'll show a sneak peek of one of the cards later this week.

Today's sample is actually a 6 X 6 scrapbook page I designed for a recent hostess who loved all the Halloween goodies in the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog. I have to say I'm not normally a Halloween fan, but some of the supplies this year were just too yummy to resist! The paper on this sample is actually called "Wicked Cool" -- very appropriate for New England... and I love that it is flocked. Very fun. I also used some of our new waffle paper -- more fun stuff!

I felt a little guilty being inside all day as it was so beautiful. So I did go for a drive this afternoon to do a couple of errands and I brought along my camera because I wanted to get a photo of some cranberry harvesting that had been happening at a local bog ... but alas... it was over and now was just a big lake of water. Oh well... I guess it's my own fault for not being prepared with a camera... now if only I was still working my reporter job I would have been ready!

Thanks as always for stopping by to visit me... see you tomorrow!

Simple sentiments...

2010-10-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday! I'm really looking forward to a day where I don't HAVE to do anything... just relaxing with hubby -- maybe a little road trip or something -- who knows!

This is the last card I used in my first Holiday Card Class last month. I actually cased it from a fellow demonstrator (sorry, I can't remember where I saw it to provide the name -- if it's you, e-mail me and I will give you credit here on the blog-o!)

I love the simplicity of this card, but it is very festive! I actually changed the colors from the original -- but I really like the monotone feel.

Supplies for this card were really simple -- naturals Ivory cardstock, Tags til Christmas Stamp set (Holiday Mini), Many merry Messages, ornament punch and Rhinestone jewels. So simple! I love it....

Can you believe it? I've made it a whole week with a post EVERY day! Thanks for continuing to visit -- don't forget to leave me comments if you'd like to win a crafty care package at the end of the month!

Mommy & Me time....

2010-10-09T08:57:00.000-04:00

It's been almost a month, but I figured I'd share some photos from our annual Mom's Day girls' road trip weekend.

Last year my sister had the brilliant idea to take Mom on a fall trip to Sturbridge for Mother's Day -- she loved it and now it has become a tradition... one I think we all enjoy more than we expected.

This is Mom and me at the Publick House in Sturbridge. This year we did essentially the same trek -- Sturbridge antiques shops, Sadie Green Store and Old Sturbridge Village (we did the half we didn't get to last year).

I think next year we may head off to new adventures somewhere undecided as of yet -- but we're all up for something new.

Here are some more fun photos from the trip last month:

And then there was this cutie:

We had a great time and I'm looking forward to next year! Stay tuned... tomorrow we'll be back to some crafty holiday inspiration....

More holiday cards....

2010-10-08T05:38:00.003-04:00

Here's another card we made in my holiday card class last week (if you get my e-newsletter, you've already seen this card. If you would like to receive my e-newsletter sign up in the box to the right).

This stamp set is called Angelic Joy and I embossed the angel image with white embossing powder. I think this stamp set works really well with heat embossing.

If you'd like to join us and make 10 holiday cards, I still have space for my Oct. 19 class at the Chatham Community Center.

This card also uses the square lattice embossing folder for the Big Shot -- I LOVE those embossing folders -- they make such an impact.

I got the idea for this card from a recent card swap I did with fellow demonstrators. The demonstrator that designed it (Thanks Sharon Cline) used a different stamp set, but the same design. I think it is simple, but elegant.

Here is another card using the same Angelic Joy stamp set. This time a heat embossed the image with gold embossing powder.

It's actually a similar card layout, but very different look (or at least I think so :)

Well, that's all for today -- I couldn't sleep this morning so it's 5:15 am and I think I'm finally tired enough to sleep -- for an hour or so before I have to get up again.... ugh. Have a great day!

Happy Anniversary....

2010-10-07T07:22:00.004-04:00

Greetings blog friends... Well, I'm four for four so far! I'm very impressed that I've kept up with the little blog for four days in a row now! (I know I still have a long way to go, but I really didn't have high expectations for myself!)

Here's a quick little card I put together for hubby. We are celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary today. It's amazing how fast time flies by (especially as you get older... grrr).

Nothing big on the agenda -- maybe a dinner out? I'm not even sure... I think we'll probably do something more "official" this weekend when we both have some time off.

I realized though during my search for a stamp set that was appropriate for a boy that I don't really have many! I'm thinking I need to invest in the "Unchartered Territory" stamp set that is currently in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog. That would be very fitting for Matt.

I hope you have a great day and thanks as always for stopping in....

Another rainy day...

2010-10-06T10:00:00.003-04:00

I'm really missing the sunshine these days. This is day four of rain for us here on Cape Cod. And while I miss the sun, I have to say that the rain always makes me feel less guilty when I stay in my room stamping -- which is on the agenda (hopefully) today.

Sadly, I do have to go out into the cruddy weather a bit today as I didn't get out yesterday and do some of the shopping I need to do (I have a hole in my favorite well-well-worn jeans!).

Todays card is a bright holiday card that generally isn't my style. When I host my card classes I do try to make a variety of styles of cards as everyone likes different things. This one actually almost got axed from the line-up as I just wasn't that fond of it (it's growing on me, though). It's a good thing I kept it in though as it was a class favorite! See you never know.

I used Serene Snowflakes for the stamp set (with Many Merry Messages for the greeting). I love the snowflake punch and then of course I also used the scallop trim border punch, too. It's actually a relatively simple card. This set is perfect for creating your own patterned paper -- you can pick any colors that match your project and stamp away!

Well, that's it for me today. Don't forget though I am in the middle of my blog post a day for 31 days contest -- so at the end if I make it all the way through I will pick a winner from all my comments during the month for a crafty care package. So be sure to comment on the blog-o -- the more comments, the more chances to win!

Of course, if I fall off the wagon and don't post one day -- be the first to e-mail me and let me know I missed a day and you will win the crafty care package! (Please wait until the morning after the day I miss to e-mail -- sometimes I post late, late at night -- you know I like to procrastinate!)

Have a great day... and don't forget to check out the recently updated Clearance Rack!

It's beginning to FEEL like Christmas....

2010-10-05T12:35:00.003-04:00

I cannot get the chill out of my body the last two days! It certainly feels like winter has arrived! What happened to fall??? I love the crisp, cool weather and this is not what I had in mind.

Oh well, I guess I don't really have much say in the matter.

Here's another card we did at my Holiday card class last week. It was actually adapted from a card I made for a workshop a few weeks ago. I love the new pearls we have in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog -- they just add so much to a design... and they are very inexpensive. You get 150 pearls for just $4.95.

Today is going to be a quick post as I've got a ton of things to do on my day off. Lots of shopping errands. I've already been a good girl and cleaned my bathroom (which was way overdue) and finished the laundry.

I've also got some planning and creating to do later tonight, too. I do want to let you know, though, that Stampin' Up has added over 200 items in their clearance rack section of my demonstrator Web site. There are some fantastic deals on retired merchandise that you can get for up to 80 percent off! Check it out here. All orders must be placed online, though. So you can order right through my Web site. Let me know if you have any questions.

I'll "see" you tomorrow!

A little Christmas and a contest...

2010-10-04T07:48:00.004-04:00

Good morning.... Christmas is finally here in my stamp room... I had my first Holiday Card Class last week and have two more coming up (Tuesday, Oct. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 30).

This is a preview of one of the cards we made at my first class (the cards will be different at each class). This little cutie girl was my favorite card of the last class. It's always funny because my favorite card is never the class favorite. In fact, the class favorite from the last round almost got cut from the line-up because I wasn't really a big fan. I decided to keep it in though because it was a different style (really bright and festive). I've been more into the vintage style lately. I'll show you that card later this week.

The card I'm featuring today uses Greeting Card Kids, our Newsprint Designer Series Paper, our big designer buttons from the mini catalog, our Victoria crochet ribbon, the Bold Brights Patterned Paper Stack, and the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (with the Big Shot).

Here is the full card:

What do you think? I'll show you the other cards from my first holiday card class for the rest of this week.

Now for a contest.... I joined a business challenge to post to my blog every day from now (Oct. 4) through Nov. 3 -- that's 31 days that I have to post EVERY day. This is going to be a tough challenge for me as I've been struggling lately with keeping up the blog-o. So to help make this a little fun for you, too -- I'm offering a little game.

There's two ways to win... if I should forget to post one day, if you are the first person to e-mail me the next morning saying I didn't post the previous day you will win a crafty care package from me. However, I'm hoping that's not how anyone gets a prize :)

The second way to win is if I make it all the way through and post every day (remember don't e-mail me until the following day as I am a night owl and may post late at night sometimes)... I will pick a random winner out of those who left me comments on the blog for the whole month. So every time you comment... there's another entry. So if I make it through to Nov. 3, I will pull a winner on Nov. 4 from all the commenters for the month.

Happy blog hopping!

When the scrapbooker goes to far....

2010-09-30T18:08:00.008-04:00

Hi there blog friends! Interesting title, huh? Well, I have a rather silly story for you today. So, whenever I want to take pictures for the little blog I take my cards outside and stage them on my deck (best lighting ever in the afternoon).

Well, I went out there today forgetting that we had a little "incident" on the deck a few days ago. I woke up one morning and found five piles of poo on the back deck. What the heck? We don't have dogs. We don't have cats. We don't even have fish. So where is this poop coming from -- and so much. Overnight. And on the deck?

So we've determined it is raccoon doo-doo. I don't know... did they get "trapped" in the three-sided enclosed deck? Not sure. But anyway, flash forward to today when I'm trying to avoid the little mounds on the deck as I take photos and I think, I should take a picture. Wait, what? Did I just say I'm going to take a picture of poo? Ok... so the scrapbooker in me went a little too far (well, actually I didn't -- because I didn't actually take the picture -- I just thought about it!). Lucky for you, I decided that you have probably seen poop and don't necessarily care to see it up close and personal and certainly don't need it for illustration of a story on a little blog. Geesh....

OK... on to some craftyness. In my last post I mentioned that I had sewn! Quite the feat for this non-sewing type girl. But here's a peek:

My Mom, being the smart girl that she is, decided we needed proof of this big moment and snapped a picture while I was hard at work:

On a side note... that is actually my bedroom from childhood ... although it looks NOTHING like it did when I was a kid. Mom transformed it into her sewing room (probably hours after I left! lol)... It is still as cluttered though as it was when both me and my sister (!) lived in that small little room -- for 16 years! It's lucky we both made it out alive. lol.

Anyway, here is the full picture of the finished rag bag purse:

It blends into the deck a little bit, but I think you get the idea. I used the new Deck the Halls Designer Fabric from the Holiday Mini Catalog (and one extra coordinating print Mom had lying around). I'm really so proud of myself -- you have to understand that somewhere in my Mom's attic is a purple scarf still on knitting needles that is probably about four inches long -- that was about my attention span for any needle work or sewing!

Well, I took numerous photos today on my poop-ridden deck of some other projects that I've been working on ... so be sure to check back for some Holiday inspiration soon.

Happy fall...

2010-09-21T19:01:00.003-04:00

Well, it appears the summer disappeared with Hurricane Earl a couple of weeks ago, huh?

I actually don't mind the fall... except that I really don't look forward to the winter... at all! However, I do enjoy the cool, crisp sunny days of fall. Plus the colorful pumpkins, leaves and scarecrows of fall are beautiful color inspiration for crafters like me! lol...

Fall also means that it's time to start planning for the holidays... it's never to early to start, you know! This card here is a sample from one of my upcoming holiday card classes. The first one is on Wednesday, Sept. 29. There's still time to RSVP if you'd like to come ... just e-mail me ASAP. It will be held at the Chatham Community Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Each guest makes 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs) for $18... and a head start on the holidays... priceless! :)

I'm really excited about this fall. The new holiday mini catalog is fabulous with lots of new product including fabric, which works great with our Big Shot die-cutting machine. Keep an eye on the old blog-o as I will be featuring a fabric project that I made (with the help of my Mom) recently -- and yes, it involves sewing, gasp! I'm very proud of myself ;)

Well, I've got to get to work -- lots of designing, cutting and prepping to do for upcoming classes, a crop, and some workshops.

Talk to you soon!

Vintage Vibe...

2010-09-10T21:57:00.004-04:00

I'm loving the vintage trend that is popular in the papercrafting industry right now. The lace, the subtle colors and old school feel of the products are fabulous.

I made this card using the new Greeting Card Kids stamp set from the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog. It's the same set I used to make a Halloween card recently as well. For those of you on my e-newsletter list, you saw the Halloween card in the newsletter.

On this card I used my blender pens and ink from my ink pad cover (squeeze the ink pad while it is closed and it will leave a little "puddle" of ink you can pick up with the blender pens). I love how it gave the card a softer look than using straight markers.

I also love the new paper ribbon punch (the scallop edge under the torn piece of crumb cake cardstock). It is so fun -- You can use it as a tiny scallop underneath another piece of cardstock or use it as a strip of "ribbon".... so fun.

Well that is all for now... I've got LOTS of stuff going on in the coming months so be sure to check back often. If you'd like to have a copy of the brand new Holiday Mini Catalog, feel free to e-mail me and I'll send one out to you.

Thanks so much for stopping by...

I want to go to Disney World -- and you can come, too!

2010-09-07T14:13:00.004-04:00

The first and last time I was in Disney World was 20 years ago. That seems so impossible, but, unfortunately, is true. I was a Freshman in High School and we drove down to Florida on two large Peter Pan buses so the band could perform at Sea World.

It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life... and not just because I got stuck in the hamburgler statue (remember him?) at the McDonalds PlayPlace (what? I was dared!) or because I can still hear the loud chatter of 60 teenagers on a bus. For 24 hours straight. With no sleep. lol.

It truly is a magical place and turns everyone into a kid again.... no matter how old they are. That is why I was so excited to learn I could earn a trip to Disney... all expenses paid... for two.... and be pampered like I've never been pampered before just for doing something I love.

Those of you that know me or who have been following my blog for a while, know that I love Stampin' Up. I've worked with two other direct sales organizations (for very short periods of time) before I joined SU and I have to say the company is TRULY the best I've worked for. The company truly cares for its demonstrators and does everything it can to make us successful and reward us for our efforts. It's a fun company, too... check this out:

I know, a little silly -- but that's how the company is ... they like to have fun! And all their tunes for convention, leadership and their videos are always so catchy! :)

So all of this is why I really want to earn the incentive trip to Disney in 2012.

When you travel with Stampin' Up you have to know that it's an experience in and of itself. You come back to your room each night to a "pillow gift". You don't pay for a thing. They have special events for hubbies and of course some time for stamping and swapping.

For the 2012 trip, Stampin' Up has reserved Disney's BoardWalk resort hotel and planned a special event at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

I am going to try as hard as I can to earn this trip and I'd love to have a few of my Cape Cod friends on hand to join me in the adventure!

Now is the perfect time to join Stampin' Up, too, as the holidays are just around the corner - my busiest time of year (and likely yours, too!). Plus if you join Stampin' Up right now, in addition to over $350 worth of product and supplies, you also receive an exclusive Stampin' Up carry tote (pictured above) for FREE! It features our Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and can carry 12 X 12 paper, a paper cutter, seven Stampin Up ink pads and plenty of other tools and accessories. It's a phenomenal bag -- one that I can't even order anymore -- and retailed for $39.95.

Of course, I don't want anyone to jump into a new venture without fully understanding all that is involved so that is why I'm hosting an Opportunity Night for anybody interested in being a Stampin' Up demonstrator.

You'll learn a little bit more about the company, how you earn money, the many perks to being a demo and have the opportunity to ask questions.

So join me at my house on Thursday, Sept. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn more about how Stampin' Up can fit into your life. I'm positive you won't regret the decision. I know I joined almost five years ago and haven't looked back!

RSVP before Sunday, Sept. 12 and receive a special gift when you arrive on the 16th.

Howdy...

2010-09-07T13:08:00.003-04:00

Hi There!

Well, it's the unofficial end of summer... sigh. How do you feel about that? I'm sort of torn... I love summer weather (although fall isn't bad either) and endless hours at the beach, but the fall always translates into new beginnings for me... almost like the start of a new year.

So I'm ready to get a fresh start... on life, on business, on the weather (there's nothing better than crisp, fresh fall air).

That means I'm ready for a fresh start with this blog, too! Boy... I am having difficulty keeping up with it and I only expect it to get busier as we head into the fall and holiday seasons as that's my busiest time of year! Yipee!

The card I'm featuring today was from one of my all occasion card classes earlier this summer. It uses the Level 1 hostess set Punch Potpourri, which coordinates with four of our fabulous punches.

If you'd like to make some fun holiday cards shoot me an e-mail to RSVP to one of my THREE upcoming holiday card classes (Sept 29, Oct. 19 and/or Nov. 30). You'll make 10 cards (two each of 5 designs) for $18. The classes will be held at the Chatham Community Center from 6 - 9 p.m. E-mail me today to reserve your spot!

Earn an extra $25 in free Stampin' Up merchandise!

2010-08-10T22:54:00.002-04:00

Hello there. Just a quick post tonight with a simple card I made for a recent workshop. This was one of two make and takes at a recent in-home workshop I had.

Each guest made this card and a 6 X 6 scrapbook page (the one in the previous post) and learned the ins and outs of stamping.

I love meeting new people at workshops and helping my hostesses earn free stamps and accessories.

There's still a few weeks to squeak in a workshop for YOU and you can earn and extra $25 of free Stampin' Up merchandise (on top of the regular hostess benefits) through Aug. 31.

E-mail me today to pick a date for your own workshop and you can help me decide what projects you and your friends will make.

Happy Birthday, Hey Hey!

2010-08-09T01:19:00.008-04:00

This is my beautiful niece, Heather. It's her birthday today so I thought it would be appropriate to post this progressive scrapbook page I did recently of her and her first car.

I have always named my cars - ever since I lived with a school teacher who used to name EVERYTHING (including the sofa) and now I've passed this car-naming characteristic down to my niece.

Her parents bought a car for her to use -- so it is actually THEIR car that she gets to borrow. However, being the teenager that she is, my niece decided to name the car "Miya" -- as in "My-an" or a drawn out -- Mine! Nice try, dear... :)

I love this picture of her... although it makes me feel old... she is just beautiful... even if I am a bit biased (wink, wink). So I wanted to feature it prominently on this scrapbook page.

This is part of a progressive page that I did for a recent workshop. The above is the 6 X 6 make-and-take that all the attendees got to make. Below is the 6 X 6 page turned into an 8.5 X 11 page:

Sorry... my cropping on this one isn't the best... but you get the idea. I used the new "Word Play" stamp set for the title (on the main picture). This is the best word set ever! It is great for scrapbooking and cardmaking... very versatile with sayings like "Remember when," "So worth the wait," "Happy I Do Day" and "You mean the World to Me" (among others).

The best part is I got the set free thanks to all my fabulous customers who helped me reach lofty sales goals for Sale-A-Bration earlier this year.

Here is the final 12 X 12 version of the scrapbook page:

I used a bunch of our new self-adhesive half-back pearls... I LOVE those things... so, so addictive... and cool! It's a rather simply page... but I love how it came out. The page also features the "Flight of the Butterfly" stamp set, which is another fun, versatile set.

As for the title on this post... in case you are wondering why I wrote Happy Birthday, Hey Hey.... when Heather was just a little tyke just starting to talk, if you asked her what her name was she would sweetly reply, "Hey Hey" as Heather was just too much of a mouthful.

Well to you my favorite (and only) niece "Hey Hey" ... I wish you the happiest of birthdays... and for all of you my faithful readers (all two of you -- wink, wink)... I hope you have the happiest of days, too!

Thanks for stopping by!

Things don't always turn out the way you intend...

2010-07-18T16:16:00.009-04:00

I was trying to prepare for my stamp club yesterday and I decided to try using a sketch from the Mojo Monday blog (a great place to start when you are feeling stumped, by the way).

So this sketch inspired me and I decided to create a card using it. Now I have a rectangular scallop die for my Big Shot and thought I would use that for the focal point of my card.

Well, when I pulled it out, I realized it was too big. So, I thought, "well I have a scallop circle die that I could use instead."

Guess what? When I pulled it out and tried that one, it was too big as well. I had originally planned to use Basic Black, Baja Breeze and the new Cherry Cobbler (a color combo I got from new Stampin' Up color coach).

So I had planned to use the medallion image in the new Artistic Etchings stamp set as a background stamp. So this is where I started....

So I cut out a scallop circle using my Big Shot because I thought the round shape would work well with the Medallion stamp image.

When I got the scallop die-cut next to the card, it was too big and I decided to switch gears. I pulled out my new newsprint Designer Series paper. I decided I wanted a vintage feel for the card, but now the Baja Breeze color wasn't giving me the right feel so I pulled the Baja out and decided to use just the Newsprint, black and Cherry Cobbler.

After fiddling for a little while, I came up with this:

But it wasn't working for me. There was too much open space on the top note die in the background and those two eyes were bugging me behind the Eiffel Tower image. I pulled out my Big Shot again and embossed the top note die, added some "hardware" and a sentiment.

This is the final card:

So... a rather crazy, round-about way to come up with a final version, but I think I like how it came out.

Having said that, though, it's not going to make the cut for club. So now I need to go back to work and come up with another design that WILL work for my stamp club...

Here I go again..... Happy Sunday!

Seriously... am I a scrapbooker or not?

2010-07-17T17:22:00.010-04:00

So I'm supposed to be a scrapbooker, right? Then why is it that I ALWAYS forget to take photos of my Stampin' Up events!?

Last weekend (I know, I'm a little late) I held my first ever Hostess Appreciation event. I had 14 people attend and I think (hope) everyone had a good time.

We had two make-n-takes, lots and lots of yummy food, well-loved retired goodies for sale, games and lots of prizes and free goodies.

Overall, I think it was successful and I look forward to hosting another one next summer. If you want to ensure you are on the invite-only guest list next year, be sure to host a workshop sometime between now and June 30 of next year.

This year I was a little more open with who was invited because my customer base is still rather small. However, I've already got plans in the works to grow my business (hopefully double) by next year -- so I may have to limited it strictly to hostesses -- so be sure to book a date soon to ensure you get invited.

So would you like to see some of the projects and goodies we had? Well, I didn't take a photo of the free goody item that each hostess/VIP got. It was a craft keeper (a 12 X 12 pocket folder to hold paper and keep it from bending) with a new product sampler including designer series paper from two different new patterns plus matching cardstock. I also included matching ribbon, some new designer buttons and an antique brad.

All guests also got a free hand-stamped "sweet treat" filled with M & Ms:

I used the new exclusive Level 2 hostess set called Apple Blossoms. I really like this set. I think it has a lot of versatility. In fact, I used it for the card make-n-take as well:

Very simple, but I like it. The last make-n-take was actually using our 5 X 5 on board journals and a design I copied out of my demonstrator magazine ( I just fell in love with it and thought my customers would, too):

The journal uses a new Level 1 Hostess set called Punch Potpourri. It has four stamps that all coordinate with one of Stampin' Up's fabulous newly designed punches.

I know I've been rather MIA in recent weeks. I'm still having some difficulty getting into a routine with the new job. I've been going to bed early thinking, "Oh, I'll just get up early and get some stamping and updates done." But then when the sun comes up in the morning I just roll over and go back to sleep until the last possible minute!

Hopefully, transitioning my body clock from "night owl" to "early bird" will be successful in the coming weeks... although I'm not really all that confident in that. I'm thinking I may just need to get by on less sleep!

Hope you are enjoying this fabulous summer weekend... thanks for stopping by!

I love the bugs...

2010-06-22T11:58:00.004-04:00

Actually, I'm really not a fan of bugs in general, but I do love the cute little "bugs" in the retiring Stampin' Up level one hostess stamp set called "love bug".

It is a very cute set that I didn't use this set more often... too many stamps, too little time. Lol!

It's not too late to get some of your favorite stamp sets that are on the retiring list.

It's also not too late for you to become a Stampin' Up demonstrator for just $99! This is a great deal and THE BEST time to join us because we have a brand new catalog FULL of fun new product that goes live in just over a week. Pop on over to my website to sign up now (use the recruit password: Pitta Padders).

Thanks for stopping by today....

Say it isn't so...

2010-06-19T05:51:00.006-04:00

In less than two weeks we'll say goodbye to some of our favorite Stampin' Up stamp sets... including this one called Garden Whimsy.

I know it is inevitable each year that I'll have to say so long to a few of my favorites, but it doesn't make it any easier. So dramatic, huh?

Honestly there are so many great new stamp sets and items in the new catalog that in another couple of weeks I won't even remember the names of the sets we lost. BUT if there is a stamp set or two you just have to have be sure to get it now before time runs out. You can see the list of retiring stamps here.

To see what is left of the retiring accessories shop in my store here. Some of these items including retiring cardstock, ink pads and ink refills are going fast.

In other news, I'm making a new start of my own with a new job that I started yesterday. I'm officially no longer a reporter and instead I am a rental agent. I think I will really like it... although it is Saturday and I will soon have to get ready to go to work -- so that will take an adjustment. However, it is only for the summer... and I must say I do like having a day off during the week -- I feel almost rebellious sometimes when I go grocery shopping or to the beach or something in the middle of a weekday! (I know I'm such a rebel.... lol)

Well that is all for now... I have some other projects to share some come back soon! Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by....

Senak Peek!

2010-06-12T16:58:00.005-04:00

So I finally had a minute or two to play with some of my new toys and this is what I made!

It features almost exclusively new product from the colors to the Designer Series Paper to the stamp set. It actually features six new products... can you guess what they are?

I mentioned in my last post that I'm very excited about the new catalog this year. I don't know if I'm just ready for a change or what? Really, I think it is the new color families... the samples in this catalog are gorgeous. I've already marked several that I want to copy!

I also stamped the inside of this card as well. I've been trying to get in the habit of finishing the insides of my cards as I really want to get an online Etsy shop up and running. I had one over the winter, but I really didn't put any time into it and the listings all expired.

Maybe I'll try again later this week... not sure if I will get to it though. I've been in a major photo re-organization project this week. I've sorted through and filed all my photos from the 70s, 80s and 90s... all I have left is the 2000s and I have LOTS of photos from the past 10 years as the year 2000 was actually when I became a scrapbooker and started focusing more on taking photos! Hopefully I can finish up before the end of next week.

Here is the inside of the card (in case you were interested):

Well I'm off to get some more work done today (perhaps tackle a few more photos???). I hope you enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Wow... it's been a long time!

2010-06-08T08:54:00.004-04:00

Hi there! Remember me? I apologize for being so out of touch lately. Do you ever find that once you get out of the routine of something it is so hard to get back into it? Well, that is what happened here with the little blog. I kept saying "I'm going to update, I'm going to update," but it just never happened.

So even though I don't have anything really new to share with you today, I decided to post anyway.

This card is actually one I made months ago. Nothing too spectacular, but I think it came out cute. I was playing with the Chic Boutique stamp set -- too cute.

I do have lots of news for you, though. As you know we are now into the six month of the year (crazy, huh?) and that means the Stampin' Up last chance list is out. You can check it out here. You have until June 30 to get any of the stamps sets off this list and then they are gone forever.

There are also last chance lists for the decor elements and for retiring accessories. You can see those here and here. Don't panic with those lists though -- they are both very long, but can be deceiving. The decor elements list is long because it has to list each retiring element in every color and every size, which means there may be as many as 12 entries for just one image.

As for the retiring accessories list... this is also very long, but a lot of this is because of the color renovation. Anything in one of the 31 retiring colors is on that list so that means ink pads, refills, cardstock, brads, ribbon, markers, buttons... etc. etc. Also, all of our punches are on the list, but that is only because most of them are being reconfigured to the new style -- so they'll still be in the new catalog, but they'll just be in a new format.

Also, for those of you who have hosted a workshop with me in the past year (July 2009 - June 2010), watch your mailbox for a special invitation. I hope to have them all out by the end of the week.

Lastly, I got the brand new 2010-2011 catalog and Oh. My. Word. I was squealing on the couch as I looked at it! There's lots of great new stamp sets and the accessories... fabulous! I can't wait to order on July 1.

I did get to pre-order some of the new goodies and I hope to be able to play a bit later this week and give you a few sneak peeks here on the little blog -- so check back soon. (I promise I won't disappear for a month again!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T09:00:00.010-04:00

These are my new favorite flowers to make and they are sooo easy! This is actually a sneak peek of my Mom's Mother's Day gift this year.

I'm actually very happy with how it turned out and can't wait to give it to her today.

It's really a representation of her "real" gift. You see, last year my sister came up with a fantastic idea of taking my Mom to Sturbridge Village for Mother's Day. So we gave her a picture of the two of us from my wedding and told her the picture would be replaced with a picture from our overnight trip to Sturbridge Village in September. We picked September because my Mom used to go to Sturbridge and/or Deerfield with my Dad in the fall because they like the foliage.

It's also her birthday in September so she gets to pick her birthday presents out from each of us while we're on the trip. Two birds with one stone. And the best part... I can't even tell you how happy it made my Mom. She was on cloud nine I think for at least a week after we got home.

It was rather cute, too, as we were leaving she asked, "So are we going to do this again next year?" Absolutely Mom!

So here is a shadow box I made using pictures from last year to repersent our fall 2010 trip, which will be todays Mother's Day gift (Warning: the supplies I used on this project were not Stampin' Up -- Gasp! -- We don't currently have any black and white paper and my Mom has a toile room that I was trying to coordinate with) You can click on the image to see it larger:

I'm so glad my Mom and I get along so well. I tell you it wasn't always that way! There were a few years in college where I thought we may never speak again. But I'm very fortunate since I was six years younger than my sister (pictured in the blue shirt) and nine years younger than my older brother (his wife is pictured in the bottom right photo on the right next to my beautiful niece) I spent a lot of time with my Mom as a kid.

She used to take me antique shopping with her (always telling me to keep my hands in my pocket and don't touch anything!), she was always my "editor" for my term papers in high school and college and she is my biggest cheerleader (she used to always tell me I could do anything I want to do if I wanted to do it badly enough and because it was from her I believed it!).

I actually got my love for writing, in a way, from her. When we would take those trips to the antique stores I eventually found the bookshelvs and Mom OK'd my looking through (and picking up) the books. On one of those first ventures through the bookshelves I found this:

I was attracted most by the flower printed cover and foil leaf edging, but inside were poems from all the great authors including Edgar Allan Poe, my favorite at the time.

I then fell in love with the inscription: "Lily, From Flick Xmas 1895." I now have probably hundreds of small little poem books, but I think this is still one of my oldest and will always be my favorite because it became a tradition for Mom and me to look for old poem books on every trip from then on out. She even will pick one up for me sometimes when she finds one on her own.

I'm so grateful I have such a great relationship with my Mom. I know I'm probably the cause of many of the gray hairs on her head (although I think my sister caused a lot more than me! lol), but she will always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I'm feeling old...

2010-05-07T05:07:00.005-04:00

Today, I'm up early again (boy the sun starts to come out at 5 a.m. now!) because I was feeling restless.

Well, actually I initially woke up because darling hubby spilled the glass of water he always has on his nightstand when he went to shut the alarm off. The clinking of the glass on the table, the splashing noise and the following cursing jarred me awake. Lol!

Then I just couldn't go back to sleep. I was thinking about my niece's prom, which is tonight. AND the fact that she got her license yesterday! Wow. It feels like just yesterday that she was born and I would spend literally weeks at a time at my sisters house because her husband used to work late and I was still living with my parents and wanted any excuse to get out of the house!

I was texting back and forth with my sister yesterday and I felt so bad because she at one point wrote, "She just left in the car all by herself without me." And even though I knew she was probably having a difficult time with it, but not really thinking I wrote back saying remember when she was just growling at a little flower (a reference to one of those many nights I spent with her while her husband was working. Heather - my niece - was only about 6 months old and she was growling -- and I mean growling -- at a little flower that was on my sister's shirt. It was sooo funny. We even got the video camera out and taped it!).

Well, evidentally after I sent that message my sister broke down and cried. All by herself. (My Mom told me later). What a rotten sister I am, huh?

I honestly can't believe, though, that she is driving and heading out to her Junior Prom tonight! Amazing. Really. I'll try and remember to share a photo or two this weekend as I'm planning to go see her off tonight.

Anyway, on to the card. I actually had a make-and-take kit leftover from this 6 X 6 scrapbook page:

So I challenged myself to make a card out of the leftovers and this (the above card) was what I came up with. I used the fabulous Very Vintage wheel and Vintage Vogue stamp set (both were in the Occasions mini, but will be carried over to the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and catalog!! Yipee!). I love that set.

I aslo used the champagne shimmer paint from the Holiday Mini catalog, which I never got a chance to play with when the catalog was "live." Those shimmer paints are actually still available though if you would like them. They are A LOT of fun. (Frost White, 116854; Champagne Mist, 116806; Platinum, 116807. They are each $5.95 and go a LONG way... well as long as you don't dump them on the table like I did... but I digress...)

I actually inked the flowers in Soft Suede ink and then used my sponge dauber to added the Champagne mist to the flower in a couple of spots before I stamped the image. It really looks cool in person.

Well, I'm off to check off my to-do list before seeing my niece off to the Prom later today. Hopefully I'll have a much more productive day off than last week!

Thanks for stopping by....

Coming Back to Life...

2010-05-06T09:06:00.007-04:00

So I'm finally feeling better after the pulled muscle incident of last week. Today is really the first day that I have no tinge of pain anymore when I look to the left. It was better (so that I was able to function without pain) by Monday, but there were still tinges of pain if I bent down, turned too far to the left, etc. Even yesterday if I looked all the way to the left, I would have a small nudge of pain, but this morning... A O.K.

So I'd love to go to the gym today and get back on track (I had joined Curves and done my first workout the day before the pulled muscle), but I have to admit I'm afraid of a relapse... especially considering I have tomorrow off again because I will have 40 hours in by the end of today. Last week I was so bummed on Friday when I couldn't do anything on my day off... I had so much planned! Isn't that always the way?

Anyway, I may wait until tomorrow afternoon to go so at least I'll be able to get one productive day out of the weekend. I'm sure it will be fine, though.

So last Friday when I was already bummed about not being able to do any housework (OK, I really wasn't bummed about that), craftin' or walkin' I went to answer the door at one point and this is what I saw:

Those naughty bunnies got my tulip! I really didn't think they would get that close to the house (It was literally right at the bottom of by front step)! Remember this:

Oh well, I enjoyed it while it lasted!

Well, I haven't really been able to have much scrappy fun this past week, but I thought I'd share with you a card I made for a contest I was going to enter and then.... well, I didn't. lol. I have great intentions, but no follow-through!!!

So there's a few things happening on this card. I first stamped the background with the cute little flower image from the Stampin' Up Always set in versamark and then clear embossed it. Then I dyed my chipboard brackets using chocolate chip craft ink and set those aside to dry.

I used the curly label punch to create the pumpkin pie "frame" above and below the sentiment and although you can't see it in this photo, I popped up the heart image on the right.

Lastly I added one of those adorable mini library clips and tied a small bow around the top of the clip using linen thread. I really like how this one came out.

Well, that is all for today... thanks for stopping by!

Sneak Peek - a little late

2010-05-03T15:38:00.006-04:00

So this is the sneak peek that I intended to share with you on Friday, but I didn't have it in me to finish up the chipboard letters, take pictures and post.

Thankfully, however, my neck is back to normal (for the most part anyway) and I can resume life (already in progress).

This sneak peek includes the new Elements of Style stamp set, which I received free at the 2010 Leadership Conference in January. Love this set. It's great for those of you who like the vintage style.

I also used the smooch spritz again on this and I have to say that I am TOTALLY addicted to this stuff. I think I've already gone through a half a bottle of the vanilla shimmer and the gold glow. Must. order. more.

So here is the whole project. I've been wanting to do this for quite a while.

It is an idea journal so that when I am stumped for where to start a project or scrapbook page, I can pull out this handy, dandy book and get some quick inspiration. Inside, I have four categories. There is a section for color combos (clipping from magazines and such), layout ideas (sketches, clipping from magazines), another section for "topics," which is where I will store ideas for pages or challenges I'd like to try (such as create a page about my current likes and dislikes or document the history of why I'm a little "frog," etc.). The last section is for quotes. As an English major and a writer at heart, I love quotes. So this will be one little spot where I can keep all my favorites.

Here is a peek inside the journal:

This is from the colors section. I love Pottery Barn catalogs for this. The pictures are great inspiration for card color combos or even layout colors.

This is in the layouts section. I pulled these pictures from old Stampin' Up catalogs. That is what is so great about having each and every Idea Book and Catalog on hand. They provide the best inpsiration for projects -- even if the stamp sets are no longer current. Just replace the image with one that fits your topic or holiday and voila -- no need to create from scratch.

So now that I've shared my little journal, it's your turn to think about what you can create using some of these new Summer Mini Catalog Items. Click on the catalog cover to view it now:

Thanks for stopping by today. Feel free to e-mail me or call if you have any questions regarding the new mini or if you'd like me to send you a copy of it.

Such an off week

2010-04-30T22:25:00.002-04:00

Well, sadly I must apologize, but there will be no new project from the summer mini catalog today.

I was so excited to have a whole day off to catch up on housework, do a little crafting and a lot of purging! However, I woke up this morning at 7 a.m. and had the worst pulled muscle (at least I hope that is what it is) ever!

When I first got up I could barely move my head in any direction -- so driving to the doctor was out. Instead I gave them a call and they told me to try a warm shower, some ibuprofen and a hot compress. So I did the warm shower and the ibuprofen and crawled back into bed until 2 p.m.!

I got up and was a little bit better, but was still having difficulty holding my head up straight and turning to the left. So I've been lounging on the couch (or in bed) all day and have not been a ble to do anything!!

So frustrating. I had big plans for today and now I got nothing done. I'm not promising anything for tomorrow either as I don't know how this muscle thing is going to work out... but certainly don't forget to check my website tomorrow to view the new mini catalog (if you didn't already get it in your mailbox).

If you'd like a copy feel free to e-mail me and I'll pop one in the mail for you.

Sorry for the lack of eye candy today... I'll try and come back ASAP!

Summer Mini Catalog - Sneak Peek Day 3

2010-04-29T23:27:00.004-04:00

Well I made it today by the skin of my teeth! It's 11:28 and I've just now finished making a card for Day 3 of sneak peek week!

It's a super simple card as I was working well into the night again today! Ugh... but the good news is that I've worked so many hours this week that I am off tomorrow! So tomorrow's post should be much earlier (although I do need to do some housework!).

Anyway, on to the card. I think I put this together in maybe 15 minutes (I had a vision in my head as I was trying to fall asleep last night -- love when that happens!).

So I used the new stamp set called Go, Graduate. It's very cute... I'm not normally one to buy graduation stamp sets, but this one was just too cute and I do have a niece that will be graduating soon (well, not until next year, but hopefully this set will stick around!).

I used the textured impressions folder Square Lattice again. I absolutely love that thing. It adds so much to a card so even a simple card like this looks great! I colored the little grad feet with a blender pen and ink pads (don't look too close as my coloring in the lines apparently gets a little wonky after 11 p.m.!).

I also include three of the ADORABLE bitty buttons. They come in three different shapes and actually have matching punches to coordinate! So, so cute. It also has a matching stamp set called Itty Bitty Bits. Very fun.

I think you are really going to love this new mini catalog! I can't wait for you to see it. If you aren't already on my mailing list and you don't already have a demonstrator feel free to give me a shout. I'd be happy to send you a copy of this new catalog. It's a good one!

Well, I'm off to get some shut-eye (I hope-- the insomia has come back a bit this week). Be sure to check back again tomorrow for more goodies... I'm shooting to have a new post up by noon.... but if not shortly thereafter. (I have to clean my stamp space first as I've made such a mess I only have a 3" x 3" square to work in!!!).

Talk to you tomorrow... nighty-night!

Here I am!

2010-04-28T20:51:00.004-04:00

Whew... what a day. Busy, busy, busy, but it is now just before 9 p.m. and I'm in my PJs and just about ready to fall into bed and call it a night... BUT I have one thing left to tend to :)

So I apologize for taking ALL day to get back here, but without further ado here is project #3 in the series of sneak peeks for the new Summer Mini Catalog:

This card actually features a bunch of new stuff including two new core colors from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog. I talked a bit about the Color Renovation coming with the next big catalog here. Check it out.

In the meantime, lets talk about the card! One of my new favorite products in the Summer Mini is the Smooch Spritz! It comes in four colors and I used the Vanilla shimmer on the Early Espresso (new) card base and on the layered flowers (an XL Bigz die for the Big Shot machine - from the current main catalog). I also used the Gold Glow Smooch Spritz on the new Presto Patterns Designer Series paper (another one of my FAVORITES!). The paper is actually entirely white and I used the dusty durango ink to color the cardstock (with a sponge) and that reveals the pattern on the cardstock. Cool, huh?

The Smooch Spritz also comes in two other colors - Silver Foil and Log Cabin (brown). Let me just tell you these are VERY addictive! I was only planning on adding it to the new Presto Patterns background paper, but after it looked so cool I added it to my flowers and my card base. Love it!

Also new is the tiny vintage tag attached to the knot. These super cute mini vintage tags come with 12 in each package for just $4.95. I think they provide a great bang for your buck and I love how they look with the Smooch Spritz.

Lastly, there is a tiny sneak peek of another new stamp set from the Summer Mini. It's called Elements of Style and I love it! I actually got this one for free when I attended Leadership back in January. This is a great vintage style set that has a lot of versatility. On this card I just used a swirl element from the set. I'll show you more of this set later this week so be sure to stay tuned!

Oh and by the way there is a second new color from the Color Renovation featured on this card, too. It is the sunny yellow, which is called Daffodil Delight. I think this color will work great with a variety of color combinations. It's a bright, cheery color, but not quite as intense as the current Yo-Yo yellow.

Well, I think I must call it a night as I'm not even sure if this post made sense because I'm so tired!!! Thanks so much for stopping by and please feel free to leave me comments on what you like (or don't like). I love, love, love hearing feedback from you!

Have a great night and be sure to come back tomorrow for more more new goodies!

Hold that thought... Sneak Peek - Day 3

2010-04-28T12:35:00.003-04:00

My third sneak peek project for the new Summer Mini Catalog is complete, but it is a busy day for me.

So I won't have time to fill you in on some more new products, but here is a quick glimpse of today's card. And let me just say that I am super excited to share with you some of the products I used today. So FUN!

Check back later when I will post the whole card and give you some details on the new products!

Summer Mini Catalog Sneak Peek - Day 2

2010-04-27T09:54:00.004-04:00

Good morning! Just a quick post today as I'm running a bit behind already and I have a loooong day ahead of me!

But as promised, I wanted to share another project created using some new Summer Mini Catalog products. Don't forget the catalog goes live on Saturday, May 1.

This card is so not my usual color combos. I actually took the colors from some pillows in a Pottery Barn photo ... and I like how it turned out.

It features the new Bouquet Bunch stamp set from the Summer Mini and lining up the topiary was a cinch with the new clear mount stamps. And I love the little tiny bird on the tag. There is an adorable tiny squirrel in the set, too that I'm dying to use, but he didn't fit on the plant... he was just a tad too big.

Anyway, I digress. The background is a brand new textured embossing folder called square lattice and I think I'm in love (wink, wink). It adds such great texture to a card that I didn't want to cover any of it up -- hence the concentration of items in the center of the card -- including the greeting.

I thought this would be a great get well card since it is so bright and cheery. I just added a few added details like the linen thread bow and the brad with the popped-up tag.

Bouquet Bunch also has a leaf "ball" for the top of the tree and also has a vase and some bunched twigs that are really cute. It's a great value, too with eight stamps for just $10.95 in the clear mount style or $13.95 for wood mount.

Thanks for stopping in today. I will be back tomorrow with some more new stuff... but it may be a bit later than usual. Tomorrow is an earlier day than normal so I may not have time to play in the morning.

Summer Mini Sneak Peek - Day 1

2010-04-26T09:42:00.007-04:00

I have a scrapbook page to share with you today for the first day of the Summer Mini Catalog sneak peek.

The new Summer Mini Catalog goes live on May 1 (Saturday) and has some really great new product that is sure to get your creativity fired up.

The stamp set I used on this scrapbook page was a "must-have" for me when I went through the new mini.

Those of you who know me, know that we love to travel. And this line is perfect for me. The stamp set is called Sentimental Journey and it has coordinating Designer Series Paper called Travel Journal. It's super cute and could actually be used for other pages as well such as talking about the journey of growing up, finding your path in life or documenting a road trip.

What I also love about this line is the new 6 X 6 coordinating album that is available. It would make creating a mini-album about a favorite location or trip super easy!

Here is a close-up of some of the stamps from the Sentimental Journey set. I used them on Pumpkin Pie cardstock with versamark ink to give it a watermark look.

I got the idea for this background from a new product training video on the demonstrator website -- just another perk of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator (not to mention that I'm already playing with these products and the catalog hasn't even gone live yet!).

So would you like to see the completed page? Of course you would! Here it is:

It's fairly simple. I was really trying to feature the new designer series paper prominently. The journaling reads:

I love to travel. I love the new adventure, the new sights and exploring new locations. Travel is probably the biggest reason why Matt and I decided not to have kids. We have no committments and can get up and go whenever we want... well, excpet for that work thing...

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek ... be sure to stop back tomorrow for some more new products from the Summer Mini Catalog. Don't forget, a new mini catalog release means we have to say goodbye to the Occasions Mini Catalog, which was also chock full of goodies. Be sure to order any last minute must-haves by the end of the day on April 30.

Spring has sprung!

2010-04-25T14:56:00.009-04:00

For the past week or so I've been stalking this single tulip that found its way into an ivy bush right outside our side door.

Matt says it has been there for years now, but I've been here with him for the past 3 years and I don't ever remember seeing this tulip outside the door before.

And I think I would remember as tulips are my favorite!

I'm so glad that I finally took a second, though, Thursday morning to snap a quick picture of the bud. It had been there for days but was mostly green up until that morning. This was the first time it had a hint of color at all to it. And this is likely why... by the time I came home from work that afternoon, my lovely little tulip looked like this:

Isn't it pretty? I love all the deep colors in it. It's funny because I had to wait a few minutes to get this shot because there was a big ugly spider crawling all over it when I took this photo (he is actually inside on the lower left petal... yuck! I was going to post the photo I had taken with him on it (not realizing he was there), but then decided why in the world would you want to see that!? ;)

Anyway, I think this year spring is really my favorite season. It is usually summer, but I think because of the horrible winter we had I was just so excited for spring to arrive. Here's a few thoughts on why I love spring:

Bursts of bright color (fantastic inspiration for color combos on cards!)

A fresh start (it must be something about all of nature coming back to life that makes me feel like I get a fresh start, too)

The birds chirping each morning (Is there anything better than this?)

The smell of the first freshly mowed lawn (LOVE that smell)

Walks on the beach where your fingers aren't numb and ready to fall off by the time you get home (AND you still don't have to share the beach with tourists... yet)

The smell of fresh, clean air wafting around the rooms of your house ( open windows, Yipee!)

The re-introduction of flip-flops into my daily life (I've only broken them out once so far, but hopefully that will not be for long!)

The only real downfall of spring is the need to spring clean... and my house is in DIRE need of this... but not today! (hee hee)

May 1 also means a brand new SU mini catalog goes live on my website (and is available from me)! Be sure to check back on Monday to see a sneak peek of some new items from the new Summer Mini Catalog.

In the meantime, don't forget to stock up on all of your favorites from the Occasions Mini Catalog that comes to a close on April 30. Some of the things I'm going to miss from that catalog include the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack, the Well Scripted stamp set, the With All My Heart stamp set and the Sending Love epoxy brads. Be sure to get your favorites before April 30.

Also if you are a fan of the new sneak peek stamp set from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog called Awash with Flowers, be sure to order that before April 30, too. Otherwise, it will be gone until July 1. (It is available in clear # 120549, $27.95 and wood-mount # 117062, $39.95). Here are a few cards I made recently using the new Awash With Flowers set:

Thanks for stopping by... and happy spring!

One More!

2010-04-22T06:00:00.006-04:00

Hello there my blog friends! So I had been waiting to post to the blog because I wanted to share a card for a change, but I just haven't had a minute to download some photos I took this week.

Of course, I can't post without sharing a little eye candy so I figured I would show you ANOTHER progressive scrapbook page.

I did very well in March with getting some scrapbooking done since I had five workshops. This is is actually a page I did for an April workshop. This photo was taken at Leadership 2010 of me and a new stamping friend I made while I was there. Her name is Susan and she was fabulous! She even ditched her friends at lunch one day so that I wouldn't have to sit by myself (not that I would have really sat by myself as everyone is so awesome and inviting -- I would have just sat with a different new friend!).

The journaling reads, "The love of stamps makes strangers into instant friends." And at convention or Leadership it is so true! You have never seen a crazier bunch of women. lol!

I used the Dreams du Jour stamp set on this page. Here is the next size up (8.5 X 11):

For this I added some more photos, a title on the top note die (made with the Big Shot) and the quote from the Dreams du Jour stamp set, which normally says "The way to know life is to love many things," but I changed it to many stamps! hee hee. And boy do I love my many stamps!

For the 12 X 12 version of this page I used the "Write me a Memory" software that we used to carry in the the Idea Book and Catalog to make my title. I love having exclusive Stampin' Up fonts on my computer that I can use on any projects or documents for that matter. I hope they come out with a new one of these in the future -- or maybe offer them in our digital download store.

Well I think that should be it for progressive scrapbook pages for a little bit. Check back soon though as I hope to have some cards that I've made recently. And don't forget that starting on Monday, April 26 I will start featuring items from the new Summer Mini Catalog that goes live on May 1.

Each day next week I hope to showcase a new item included in the fabulous 31-page mini catalog! If you have purchased something from me recently look for your copy in the mail any day now. If you would like to have a copy feel free to e-mail me to request your own copy. I'd be happy to mail one out to you.

I'm off for a very long day today at work, but fortunately I'll be spending Friday with a very good friend for a "girls day." I can't wait.... Let's just hope today flies by!

Thanks for stopping in!

Quick post

2010-04-13T22:41:00.006-04:00

I was fortunate in March to have more workshops than normal and that means more scrapbook pages!

So I figured I'd share another progressive scrapbook page with you today since I haven't been able to put together any insightful or entertaining posts recently.

This was a 6 X 6 make and take we made at a workshop late last month.

I find progressive scrapbooking is great not only for new scrapbookers, but also for cardmakers, too since the smaller size is a similar size canvas to a card. You can't really see it in the picture but the background is stamped with the flower image from "With All My Heart" out of the Occasions Mini Catalog.

The 8.5 X 11 page looked like this:

As you can see I just mounted the 6 X 6 on a polka dot patterned paper (from the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack) and added a small strip of Dusty Durango to the side.

You could easily add photos along the left hand side or add a title there with some smaller photos under the main photo.... You get the idea.

I have to say I even surprise myself sometimes with how quickly these progressive pages come together. It really makes it so much easier because for one your options are somewhat limited when you are building up in smaller increments and two it forces you to be a bit creative so that all your pages don't look the same.

Anyway, the final version of the page (12 X 12) looked like this:

Well I guess that's all for today... I need to go off to dreamland early tonight as I have an early morning tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by!

Scrapbook update

2010-04-11T18:33:00.008-04:00

At the beginning of the year I had set a goal for myself to complete 6 scrapbook pages per month. Well, the results are both good and bad.

On the good side, the little quota I set for myself has increased the amount of scrapbooking I do each month (having a lot of workshops where I demonstrate progressive scrapbooking has helped, too!). Sadly, though I have still not hit the six page requirement yet (that's the bad side).

I've come close. I completed 4 and 1/2 in March. How do you have a half of a scrapbook page, you ask? Well, I laid it out. Continually looked it over day after day for about a week and I just couldn't commit to it (I hadn't taped anything down) so I packed it all up and put it in one of those scrapbook page folders and stored it under my table for a new day. I know, I know. I should just pull it out, tape it down and call it done, but now it is just principal.

I will evenutally probably do just that, but for now it remains in limbo.

The 6 X 6 page pictured above was a make-and-take for a recent workshop. It uses the fabulous Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper that is in the current Occasions Mini Catalog (which is only available until April 30). It is so much fun. I also really like using the Circle Circus Stamp set for scrapbooking (which I also used on this page).

At most of my workshops I always demo how you can take a 6 X 6 scrapbook page and turn it into an 8.5 X 11 page and then into a 12 X 12 (also known as progressive scrapbooking).

So the above page as an 8.5 X 11 looks like this:

And finally as a 12 X 12 page it looks like this:

To see any of the photos a bit closer you can click on the image, which will display it larger. These photos were taken last year at our Fourth of July cookout. We always put out a little pool in the backyard for the kids even though most of them are really too old for that kind of pool.

Well, needless to say when you give a bunch of kids access to water on a hot summer day a water fight is generally the outcome. And of course when you have a bunch of "big" kids that are also members of the family this is what generally happens:

And, of course there is retaliation... so this is what happens next:

But that's a whole different page! :o)

Thanks for stopping by!

Let's Renovate!

2010-04-09T07:16:00.008-04:00

This week has been a great week for me. Of course one of the main reasons it was such a great week was because the weather was so fabulous here on the East Coast. I even pulled out the flip flops and capris this week! So. Excited.

The second reason why I am so excited is Stampin' Up announced a new Color Renovation for the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog! We're still going to have four color collections (they are no longer called color families), but there will be 10 colors per family instead of 12 (a little less intimidating for new stampers). The new collections are Brights, Subtles, Regals and Neutrals and combines some of our old favorites, with former In Colors (Welcome Back Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Soft Suede, Red Riding Hood Red, Rich Razzlebery, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette and Baja Breeze) and five brand new colors (Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, and Marina Mist).

What is also great about this new color program is our In Colors will stick around for two years instead of one and we'll have five new In Colors introduced each year. That means after this year (the start up year) we will always have 10 In Colors to choose from! Yipee.. I love new colors!

So would you like to see the colors for yourself? Check it out...

Nice huh? Now of course this means we'll lose some of our old favorites. Be sure to stock up on these prior to June 31:

I honestly am so excited about these changes and I can't wait to see what other surprises will be in store in the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog on July 1!

Remember if you'd like to stock up on any of those retiring colors (or even those that are not retiring!), you can shop anytime, 24/7, on my website.

All good things must come to an end.... BUT...

2010-04-01T11:39:00.007-04:00

Hello there friends! Happy Thursday to you... it's nice here in the Northeast not to see any rain today! No real sun in my neck of the woods right now -- but hopefully later!

Now of course, many of you know that the fabulous three-month Sale-A-Bration promotion is now over -- very sad -- but don't worry I've got other good news for you! Let me just start by saying thank you to everyone who purchased from me from January through March. I really sent March out with a bang -- exceeding my best sales month by $2,000! Holy Cow. Thank you all soooo much!

Now, a couple of things to share with you:

I am going to be ordering some new product from the upcoming summer mini catalog this week, so be sure to book your workshops for May if you'd like to be first to order from this fabulous catalog!
April workshops will be great, too -- with a sneak peek at a brand new stamp set from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog that hostesses can earn FREE and customers can purchase now! There are also four other flower stamp sets that will be available at 20 percent off and let me say I already own three of the four -- so you know they are good! (Wink, wink)
And lastly, the clearance rack in my online store has been updated to include TONS of new items at HUGE discounts -- up to 60 percent off! Here are some pictures of some of my favorites:

Now I'm talking BIG discounts on these -- Simply Scrappin' kits (usually $19.95) $7.99, and Courduroy buttons and rub-ons for just $5! Go check it out. Remember, Clearance rack items must be ordered from my website, but if you have any questions feel free to give me a shout!

Insomnia...

2010-03-26T04:52:00.006-04:00

I hate when I get insomnia! I'm fortunate that it doesn't happen very often, but I honestly don't think I have slept a wink tonight. It's ten minutes to 5 (a.m.) and I'm playin' on the computer already (and those of you who know me, know I'm NOT a morning person).

I'm hoping I survive today as I have a 12-hour day at Crop on the Cape this afternoon and evening. Yesterday was fun. It was a short day for the first day of the event from 6 to 10, but it FLEW by.

Now I'm trying to clean up my scrap room a bit while it's a bit emptier than usual!

The cards in this post are from another card and scrapbooking kit I created for the Crop. It uses one-half of the Simply Scrappin' kit to make 12 cards and two scrapbook pages. You can see some of the designs from my previous version here.

I'm watching the early news this morning and they just said that the rain is supposed to turn to snow later today??? What? Isn't it spring now? I'm just not accepting that snow is possible! Hopefully they meant in Boston. lol!

Anyway, I think my brain cells might be sleeping (unlike me!) so I'm going to call this the end of today's post. But here are a few more pictures of the card/scrapbook kit. Don't forget you can pop into the crop on Saturday. It is open to the public from 9 am to 9 p.m at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis (the former Four Points Sheraton behind the Cape Cod Melody Tent).

Chaos...

2010-03-18T12:24:00.009-04:00

Someday I will become this super organized, non-procrastinating, always on top of the ball, plan ahead type of gal. But not today. Not this week. Not this month!

Now don't get me wrong... I am super excited to have been so busy for the month of March -- I am well on track of making March 2010 the best month of my entire four years as a SU demonstrator... but let me tell you being busy makes me messy! lol!

This is my desk top right now. It is filled with card samples to be made, kits to be packed for workshops, clubs and events and who knows what else is under that pile!

I also need to go to the dump. This is the pile of Stampin' Up boxes from the past couple of weeks... that's a lot of orders... and I'm expecting more this week and probably a few more in the last couple of weeks in March, too.

I am truly blessed to have such a growing business in a time when many other business owners are struggling.

Of course, those of you that are regular customers of mine know Sale-A-Bration has been a wonderful boost to my business (as always). I've seen so many of you at the 16 events I've had during Sale-A-Bration.

Many of my customers always comment on how I find time to do all of this in addition to my 40-hour-a-week "real job." I get so much happiness and meet so many incredible people through Stampin' Up... I can't imagine NOT doing it! It's not work ... it's just fun. AND I make extra money doing it... I've been much better in 2010 about not spending as much on stamps and supplies just for myself. I'm actually very close to paying off my credit card and have even bought myself some new toys (outside of stamps!) using my SU money.

This is the note that greets me each time I open a box since Sale-A-Bration started:

Isn't that funny? And it's true -- even after 4 years as a demonstrator I still get excited when I get a new box of goodies!

Anyway, this long, round-about story is really just to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you that has supported me and my business. I am truly grateful.

Don't forget if you'd like to see how Stampin' Up can change your life, you still have a couple weeks left of the Sale-A-Bration promotion of 15% off the starter kit and you'll receive an additional free stamp set with it, too! That's about $400 in product and supplies for just $169.

Feel free to call or e-mail me if you'd like to learn more.

For those of you in my neck of the woods (the Northeast)... enjoy the sunshine!

Another dreary day...

2010-03-15T12:48:00.005-04:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing a few bright and cheery cards today since it is day number four of the lousy weather!

I actually made these cheery cards with one-half of the Petal Party Simply Scrappin' kit. I love these kits... they are filled to the brim with product!

I made 12 cards and 2 scrapbook pages from just HALF of the kit -- so that means with a full kit you could make at least 24 cards and 4 scrapbook pages for just $19.95! The best part is that you don't really have to think much about it because everything coordinates.

I made these cards as a kit that I'm planning to sell at the Crop on the Cape event in a couple of weeks. It will include pictures of each of the cards and pages, a supply list and various added embellishments such as ribbon, brads and rub-ons.

I'm working on a second kit using the Love Sparkles Simply Scrappin' kit, too. I'm just addicted to making these quick and easy cards! Check out a few more that come from the Petal Party kit:

As you can see, I took these photos last week when we were having that spectacular weather -- such a perfect backdrop for these bright and cheery projects! Please, please, Mother Nature, let the sun come back! ;o)

And these are just a SMALL sampling of the projects I made with this kit. To see the rest be sure to stop by the Crop on the Cape event on Saturday, March 27 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Happy Monday!

The new 'do

2010-03-12T22:38:00.001-05:00

So I promised I would update the blog with a photo of the new 'do when I had showered and made myself a little more presentable... well, I'm not sure if I'm any better off than this morning (lol!), but here it is... the debut of the new 'do.

What do you think? I personally really like the red in my hair -- you actually can't see it really well in this photo...

I'm not as sure about the cut -- I think I like it, but of course I don't know how to style it right...

Oh well, maybe I'll try it straight this weekend, too. I just don't have the time to straighten my hair when it is long -- so now that it is quite a bit shorter maybe I'll give it a shot. It's got lots of fun layers now so maybe it will be cute straight and a little flippy.

So what do ya think? Maybe I should just stick to sharing crafty stuff, huh? (smile)

A day off....

2010-03-12T11:26:00.004-05:00

Well I hope to get a ton done today... I have the day off now as I finished up a few things I had to do for the newspaper and I've reached my 40 hours for the week already. That means I have the rest of the day to get some major work done for some upcoming stamp clubs (two next week), some upcoming workshops (two the following week) and the big Crop on the Cape event from March 25 - 28th. Boy it's going to be a busy few weeks!!! I'm excited though!

I love getting out and meeting new people and teaching new projects. I think the people are what make this job the absolute best! I've truly made some incredible friends in the four years I've been a Stampin' Up demonstrator and I am so grateful. Thank you all for your friendship and support!

Anyway, I was going to show you my new 'do, but between bed-head and no make-up it's just not going to happen right now! I thought it would be better to take the picture now before I showered as it's still in fairly good condition after sleeping on it last night and you know how your hair ALWAYS looks better when the hairdresser does it. Well, it was a little too wild right now and I really need some help with the aging face here this morning.

Actually part of the problem is that I went for a walk with my Mom Wednesday and we walked down to the boatyard where my brother works. He had Sam (my favorite little puppy) and just as I bent over to say hello to him, he jumped up to say hi and got me right in the nose! So now I have a little scratch right between my eyes where his tooth got me. Attractive, right?

So when I get a little make-up on to cover that, I'll post a picture of my new hair 'do. I'm really excited about the color... I went a little crazy and did a really intense red highlight. Pretty cool if I do say so myself! Thanks to Becca at Essential Beauty in the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center!

So how about some crafty news? As I said I've been super busy preparing for some upcoming events and I'm sort of excited that it's supposed to be a bit rainy this weekend. I know, I know... don't shoot me, it's just that, that way I won't feel guilty when I'm trapped inside every day!

Here is a card that I'm featuring at the Crop on the Cape event:

It's a pretty simple card and it actually looks better in person. There's a bit of bling on the bird cage.

I used the Shades of Spring Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini and the new Sale-A-Bration stamp set called Happy Moments.

If you aren't already signed up for the Crop on the Cape be sure to stop by and see what it is all about on Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any more spots to actually participate in the crop, but you can come and check out the vendors (that's me!). I'll have some specials, pre-made kits and retired stamps for you to peruse plus I'd love to see your happy face! :o)

Well, I really need to get back to work (as if stamping is really work! Ha!). Be sure to check back soon as I will post a picture of the new 'do as soon as I can get a decent one! (Ok so that might be a while... ! hee hee...)

Have a great weekend!

Scrapbooking 101

2010-03-04T09:53:00.010-05:00

I think I may have showed you these scrapbook pages before, but I'm re-posting them again as a sample of what you can make in my upcoming Scrapbooking 101 class at the Chatham Community Center.

Here's the class description:

Interested in learning how to record treasured memories in an heirloom album created by you? Have tons of photos lying around and not sure what to do with them? Learn the ins and outs of scrapbooking in this class. We'll go over a five-step process to perfect pages and create at least one page of our own (maybe more!). Besides the completed scrapbook page, students will take home two "scrap maps" to be used to create additional pages at home and all the leftovers from the Simply Sent Scrappin' Kit we'll use in class. Students should bring 5 to 10 photos to class, scissors and a paper trimmer if you have one. Class cost is $35. Class runs from 1 to 4 p.m.

I'd love to have you join me! It's a fun, self-paced class and you really can get a lot done. Here are some more pages I made with that same Happy B-day Simply Scrappin' Kit:

I actually did one more page, but I can't get it to upload! Grrr. And actually there are a lot more leftover supplies... I could probably get even one or two more pages out of the kit.You really get a lot of supplies for your money.

If you want to "play" please call the Chatham Community Center at 508-945-5175 to reserve your spot. I need to order the supplies no later than March 12 so I won't be able to take any late reservations.

If you want, you can even pick which Simply Scrappin' Kit you'd like to use. Just visit pages 164-167 of the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog to make your selection. When you call to register just let them know which kit you'd like to use. If you don't give a preference I will order you the Happy B-Day kit I used above.

Thanks for stopping by today!

March already?

2010-03-01T23:03:00.009-05:00

Isn't funny how time can seem to fly by, but at the same time it feels as if it is dragging?

I know, I know. I don't make sense. But you see I can't believe it is March already. It seems like we just started 2010. I still haven't written down my "new year resolutions" or picked my word of the year, which has become popular recently (see Ali Edwards Word of the year entry here).

At the same time, though it feels like this winter is NEVER ENDING! I am so anxious for sunshine and flowers. Spring jackets and birds chirping. Big puffy clouds and long walks along the beach without my fingers falling off!

Anyway, that's my two cents. Not that you asked for it! ;o)

This mini book I made last month to use as a stamp club project, but it got cut from the lineup. Why you ask? Well I painted the binding and as I filled up all of the pages it began to crack and look yucky. Also once I got the book completed the pages didn't line up right and the book doesn't even remotely close. All these little things are minor, but added up enough to bug me. So it was pulled and we made some of the cute projects featured here.

But just in case you were wondering, here are some of the interior pages of the mini book:

Plenty of Personality

2010-02-23T01:46:00.007-05:00

Well, I'm still very far off from my 2010 scrapbooking quota (six pages per month), but here is one more towards that goal!

Although it's hard to see, this page is actually a progressive scrapbook page as well. I created it for a workshop I had last week.

I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of the page in its three stages - 6 X 6, 8.5 X 11 and then 12 X 12 -- but if you look closely I think you can figure it out.

I took these pictures of my niece on July 4th last year and actually there were probably at least four more featuring her. I got the idea for the page because each picture illustrated a different side of her -- bored, sweet, beautiful are the character traits I showcased here.

Here is a closeup of the stamped embellishments:

I've been rather light on journaling in most of my recent scrapbook pages. I don't know what's wrong with me... You usually can't keep me quiet! lol!

Well it is 2 a.m. right now so I really should hit the hay... I'm going to be beat tomorrow (or should I say later today?) Nighty-night.

Spring Card Class this week

2010-02-22T09:43:00.006-05:00

Just "hopping" on today to remind all of my blog readers about a spring card class I am hosting on Thursday (Feb. 25) at the Chatham Community Center.

Class attendees will make 10 cards for $18 (2 each of five designs, includes envelopes). This class will feature Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, St. Patrick's Day and a Birthday card.

Don't worry if you've never stamped before. These cards are very simple and I will provide complete step-by-step directions.

The class runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and you work at your own pace. You may stay the entire three hours to finish your cards, but many people don't need that much time.

If you'd like to register for the class please call the Chatham Community Center directly at 508-945-5175 or e-mail swinkfield@chatham-ma.gov.

Hope to see you there!

Ideas and Inspiration

2010-02-20T09:48:00.009-05:00

One of the questions I'm most frequently asked as a Stampin' Up demonstrator is, "'where do you get all of your ideas?"

Because I love to play with all things paper and with my rubber stamps, a lot of times I come up with ideas all by myself!

However, there are days when I just don't seem to have a creative bone in my body. Last week was a perfect example of that.

Thankfully each month Stampin' Up demonstrators get a monthly magazine called Stampin' Success, which is full of project samples and business ideas. Well let me just say thank goodness for that!

The project above was taken from our September 2009 edition and it was a huge hit with my stamp club. It is a piece of chipboard cut from my Big Shot using the scallop square die cut and then decorated using the Kind and Caring Thoughts hostess stamp set and the butterfly from the Good Friend stamp set.

You could use this as a decor element in a room, the cover of a scallop square scrapbook album, or as an embellishment in a larger framed item.

This wasn't the only project I CASEd (Copy And Share Everything) from the Stampin' Success magazine. The project below was also "borrowed" from the January 2010 issue:

In the magazine it was mostly pink and white, but having just completed my last Valentine card last weekend I was tired of pink and red! So I changed the color to gray and used our Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper as an accent.

Then there was this one that I also CASEd from the Stampin' Success magazine from February 2010:

Again, I changed this one up a bit because the original card was 6" X 3" and I didn't have any envelopes to go along with that size right now so I changed it to a standard card size.

So as you can see you don't need to be a creative genius to be a SU demonstrator -- you could actually not have a creative bone in your body and still do fabulous. In fact, one of the members of my Wednesday night stamp club said these were some of their favorite projects ever! Just goes to show me that I don't need to stress myself out and re"create" the wheel every time I have an event. Easy Peasy. Now have you ever thought about being a demonstrator but thought you weren't "creative" enough??? You may want to think again!

Thanks for stopping by today and have a great weekend!

Sign of spring?

2010-02-17T16:06:00.004-05:00

Look what I found in the tree in my backyard! This little guy was quite a distance from the window in my scraproom, but he stood out in the snow coated tree and caught my eye.

I don't know about you but I've had enough of the white stuff for this year. Let's call it a wrap, OK?

This morning (and quite frequently on recent mornings) there were probably 50 to 100 birds that camped out in the trees on the side of my house. I was going to take a picture, but I'm not sure it would do it justice because you'd have to zoom out quite a bit to get them all and they are pretty far up in the tree and therefore wouldn't show up as nicely as I would like.

I thought of making a video of them instead because all their chirpin' was giving me spring fever like you wouldn't believe! I can't wait for the warmer weather, but until then I guess I'll have to work on stamping some springy projects, right?

Anyway, just a quick pop-in today to show off my cardinal friend. Here is a close-up of him:

Pudgy little guy, huh?