PAPERCUTIES

VALENTINE FAVORS

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago I went on a scrapbook retreat with some friends.

I made these little Valentine gift ensembles for the girls that attended the retreat. I bought cinnamon scented small pillar candles at the Dollar Store $1 each. I placed each candle on a red polka dot cupcake paper and a small paper doily base. I used up some older patterned Valentine Paper, Stampin' Up! Red Glimmer paper #121790, and some retired Stampin' Up! ribbon to add some adorable hearts on the front of each candle. I found some adorable red glitter take out boxes at Target before Christmas that matched the Stampin' Up! Glimmer paper perfectly. I added some matching hearts and accents using more of the retired patterned paper to the front of the glitter boxes.

I added some pattered paper and colored stamped images to the fronts of cherry hearts candy boxes to match the rest of the items. Then I attached a punched red glimmer heart and a chocolate heart to the top left corner.

Here are a few of the cards I made for each of the ladies. They are adorable just the way they are or they can add them in their scrapbooks. I love the vintage look they have.

Lizard Love

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Another card I submitted for a magazine card contest. LOVE... LOVE... LOVE this one! I used an older retired SU! Green Galore striped paper and coordinated it with Melon Mambo and Black cardstock.

I just love the layers, the colors, and the embellishments. I think I will give this one to my hubby.

SALEABRATION HAS BEGUN

2012-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

ITS MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR... BUY PRODUCTS AND EARN SOME FREEBIES. WHAT COULD BE BETTER? THIS IS THE TIME TO STOCK UP ON CARD STOCK, INK, TAPE REFILLS, RIBBONS, OR PUNCHES AND EARN FREE STAMPS. FOR EVERY $50 YOU SPEND YOU EARN FREE PRODUCTS FORM THE BROCHURE AND/ OR VARIOUS ITEMS FROM THE CATALOG. HERE IS MORE INFO FROM A PREVIOUS POST.

WREATH OF LOVE

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

I bought this wreath (plain red rose on grapevine base) from a local drugstore after Valentine's day two years ago. It was super cheap, otherwise, I would have made it on my own with a 14 inch grapevine wreath and multiple bundles of silk red roses. Both are available at most craft stores and some dollar stores. Remove all red roses and some leaves from bundle stem and hot glue around wreath fitting tight and filling up entire front and side surfaces. It definitely uses a lot of silk flowers. You could buy multiple colors or all one color just like mine.

I found glitter heart picks in pink and red in 2 different sizes at the Dollar Store. Each pack contains 7 picks and were $1. I bought 3 packs, 2 packs of the small red ones and 1 pack of the pink ones. For my wreath I used a total of 11 of the small red ones and 7 large pink ones. I had 3 small red ones left over which I used in a flower/ berry bundle seen in previous post.

I broke the wood pick (stick) down to 1-2 inches from the top (heart) and randomly placed around the wreath. I used hot glue to attach. I made a bow with the spool of pink sheer wire edged ribbon also found at the dollar store for $1. The ribbon is 2.5 inches wide and contains 3 yards, the perfect length for one 6 inch bow. I made the bow using this tutorial.

I did not stop there. I used the Stampin' Up! Petite Pennants Builder #122361 punch to make an adorable banner of LOVE across the wreath. I added small white chipboard letters to each piece spelling out love! I hot glued the triangle pieces onto red grosgrain ribbon and attached the string to the wreath with heart topped straight pins.

I'M IN THE MOOD... FOR LOVE

2012-01-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Its starting to look LOVELY around here. I did some Valentine crafting and decorating today. I love to decorate the hutch in my kitchen for every holiday. I use a set of red dishes with white snowflakes from December through February and mix in a couple mis- matched pink and white dishes. It is still a work in progress. I am trying to find something to put in the glass apothecary jars (bottom left) and I am going to make some cute Valentine favors with the striped straws (bottom near middle). Stay tuned...

I use this galvanized canister filled with snowy berries and spiral twigs for Christmas. I added pink hearts to give it more of a Valentine feel.

This wreath with glass hurricane is one of my favorite (all time) decorations. I add extra berries, pearls, lights, and valentine hearts to give it a different look than at Christmas. It sits on a small side board in my entrance way. I just love it.

I love these vanilla scented flame less candles. Not only are they battery operated, they are on a timer too. I got the first one for a gift a couple years ago and the same friend has got me one for my birthday and this past Christmas. I just love them. I think I need to tie a red and pink bow around them. What do you think?

I simply added a glitter heart and some hearts picks in the greenery on my old sled. This sits on my front porch through February.

Stay tuned to see my Valentine favors, and wreath.

CHINESE NEW YEAR- YEAR OF THE DRAGON

2012-01-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

At midnight on January 23, 2012, Chinese people around the world will welcome the new year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon.

My youngest and I celebrated a little in our home yesterday. As I looked in the fridge/ freezer to see the ingredients I had on hand, I decided to use the bunch of Bok Choy I purchase earlier this week and frozen chicken broth. Based on those ingredients I researched recipes on the Internet and decided to make a light and filling soup. I decided to make egg rolls along with it. (I did have to run to the store to pick up a few more things to make the rolls). While at the local store I could not pass up the fresh rolled sushi so I picked up a couple veggie rolls. Dinner turned out delicious. It was pretty easy too. I apologize, I did not take pictures and I am using photos from the web.

Bok choy or pak choi is a Chinese leafy cabbage. It is very low in calories but rich source of vitamin C, and vitamin A. I think it truly is delicious. I love it in soups, salads, and stir fry. (image from google).

(image from google)

SOUP

3 cups of chicken broth

10 leaves of chopped bok choy

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 garlic clove, minced

1 chicken breast, cooked, chopped

dried mushrooms, rehydrated according to package (optional)

Bring broth to boil in medium saucepan. Add mushrooms. Stir in seasonings. Add chicken and bok choy. Simmer for up to 10 minutes or until leaves are dark green, wilted, and tender.

serves 4-6 people.

(image from google)

A lot of grocery stores sell EGG ROLLS already made up but, if not, you can always find them in your freezer section or of course make them on your own. There are many recipes and step by step directions on the Internet if you want to attempt this. If you make your own, the veggie filling can be roasted on a cookie sheet in oven and the wrappers can be purchased in your Asian ethnic food aisle. You can use the stems left over from your bok choy as part of your filling. I baked then fried these in a pan on the stove in sesame/ veggie oil. YUM!

THE COLOR FOR SPRING

2012-01-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

According to the latest fashion previews MINT green is the color for Spring. I used to love this color when I was a teenager. I decorated with this color in my first apartment bathroom and oldest daughters nursery ( nearly 18 years ago). I cannot imagine decorating with it now.

I cannot imagine wearing this color in clothing again either, can you?

(I swear I had those jeans back in 1986). I suggest just think about accessories and ease your way into it. Don't be surprised to see mint leather handbags, heels, scarves, and jewelry. Just think Jade (its the perfect mint green color jewelry accessory). I have a couple jade pieces that will work.

It is a calm and soothing color. The bathroom above is definitely a space I could spend some time in. that tub looks so inviting. Also, doesn't this kitchen look fun? So retro, so cool.

SU! used to carry a Mint green card stock, ink, and marker. I no longer own them but am wishing I still had them.

How will you use mint in your life?

SALE A BRATION 2012

2012-01-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

FREE PRODUCTS START HERE!

CHOOSE ONE FREE ITEM FROM THE BROCHURE FOR EVERY $50 YOU SPEND.

HOST A $150 WORKSHOP AND EARN FREE PRODUCTS AND A FREE SHOPPING TOTE.

HOST A $400 SHOW AND EARN 3 FREE PRODUCTS (pgs 6-7).

JOIN STAMPIN UP AND BECOME A DEMONSTRATOR AND EARN A FREE PAPER PACK EACH MONTH FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR ON TOP OF MANY FREEBIES.

DON'T LIKE PAPER? INTO DIGITAL? EARN FREE DIGITAL DOWN LOADS EACH MONTH FOR A YEAR.

CHECK OUT THE SALES PROMOTION HERE.

Stampin Up Occassions Mini Order Period

2012-01-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

The new mini catalog order period has started. Its running from 1-4-12 to 4- 30-12. There are some great items in the mini including:

Framelits Dies- similar to nestabilities.
Lg sizzlit lace doily die- similar to nestabilities and others
lazer cut cards- Valentine theme
smooch spritz- similar to those from other companies
dazzling details- similar to stickles
fabric
lg sizzix die cuts- use for quilting or paper crafting
scoring tool (was in last catalog)
sticker flowers
hat pins
scrapbook kits
journaling cards
pearl and pink gem accents
trinket charms
XL paper rosette die
brads
twine (spring colors)

Hopefully all on my mailing list have had a chance to look at things. Those of you not on my mailing list can check things out here.

YEHAW

2012-01-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a little country in them , right?

Non SU! stamps, embellishments, and papers.

CRAFTY WRAPPING AND SMALL FOOD GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a link that I came across from browsing internet this morning. I love the ideas. I am definately going to try some of these.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Christmas-Recipes/Food-Gift-Ideas/Print

What do you think?

CHRISTMAS CARD DISPLAY IDEAS

2011-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

Those of you that follow my blog have read in previous posts that I really enjoy PINTEREST website. I am on that site more than facebook these days. Its truly an ingenious website (wish I thought of it). Anyway I have come across hundreds of great ideas and wanted to share some Christmas ones with you.

Here are some ideas from PINTEREST for displaying Christmas cards:

Aren't they lovely ideas? In the past I have taped cards to walls, around doors, hung on wreath holder on entryway closet doors, put in basket, put in small metal sleigh, stuck in pine wreaths and various other things like that. This year I did something different- I made a paper chain and attached to chain with Holiday clothes pins. I needed something to dress up my bare windows. (We've lived in our house nearly 10 years and I have no ideas what to do with curtain situation in my front bay window. This was always a "temporary" thing but, its never been changed). Any ideas for the window space, please, let me know.

How do you display your Christmas cards? I would love to know or see your ideas. Feel free to comment and share a link. Thanks for stopping by today. have a great weekend.

Etsy Shop has been Updated

2011-11-27T16:29:00.003-08:00

Just updated some items in my Etsy shop. Check things out here: http://www.etsy.com/your/listings

Who would have thought you could tie bows like this

2011-11-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

I love Pinterest! Have any of you joined yet? I learn many things each day from that site. Cannot get enough. Here is a couple ideas on how to tie perfect bows.

Crazy cool huh? But wait... it gets better, here is another one.

Anyone ever tried this? Let me know how it works. Send me a link or picture.

Happy Crafting.

Stampin' Up! Promotion

2011-11-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION STAMPIN' UP! CUSTOMERS!!! Start your holiday shopping Monday, Nov. 21, as Stampin' Up! launches their On-line Extravaganza. This event was a huge hit last year and promises great savings and deals. The On-line Extravaganza ends Nov. 30

Here's a link to get started: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=776

You can order online, pay with credit card, just enter my name at the time of checkout to get preferred pricing plus discounts.

TURKEY ROASTER

2011-11-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Anyone hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time? Are you prepared? I came across an awesome deal on a roasting pan. Who would have thought WORLD MARKET? This is AN awesome DEAL. There is a 2 roaster pan limit. You could buy one and use it and possibly give one away as a Christmas gift to a friend, teacher, hair stylist, neighbor, or even a donation center.

Happy cooking!

CARAMEL APPLE DESSERT PIZZA

2011-11-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite apple recipes. I used to make this pizza all the time. I have not made it in years (maybe 5 years). As I was going through some old recipes I came across it again and made it the other day for dessert. Everyone loved it...just as they did years ago. My original recipe came from The Pampered Chef (home parties).

I bake mine on a pizza stone but you don't have too. You can use a pizza pan of any style. The original recipe calls for Granny Smith apples, I use any tart cooking apple (Gala, Pink Lady, Fugi, etc...). It truly is a yummy dessert pizza. Goes great with a cup of hot mulled cider.

CARAMEL APPLE PIZZA

1 pkg of refrigerated sugar cookie dough

1/4 C creamy peanut butter

1 8oz block of cream cheese, softened

1/2 C packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 medium- large apple, cored, sliced thin. (removing skin is optional)

1 C lemon lime soda

ground cinnamon to taste

1/4 C caramel ice cream topping

1/2 C chopped peanuts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove cookie dough from tube and roll out onto cookie sheet using floured rolling pin. Bake 12-15 mins. or until golden brown. Cool 10 mins. then remove from sheet surface (so does not stick). Cool completely. Combine peanut butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in small mixing bowl. Mix until smooth; spread over top of cookie. Wash, dry, peel, core, and slice apple. Dip each slice into lemon lime soda (keeps from turning brown). Arrange (dry) slices over top of pizza. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Heat caramel topping in microwave for few seconds, then drizzle on top. Sprinkle with peanuts.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

MASQUERADE MASKS

2011-10-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

As many of you that follow my blog know, I am a HUGE fan of HALLOWEEN. We are hosting a Costume party in the next week and I have been scrambling to make costumes, decorate, plan menus, and gather and wrap prizes. My husband and I decided to go with traditional masquerade type theme for our couple costume (well I kinda took charge and picked costumes since he likes to wait till last minute- I hate waiting until last minute for anything). He likes things a little more "scary" than me and doesn't always want to dress as a "couple".-Sorry, Mike. He is wearing a tuxedo top and cape with a Venetian Bull mask. I am wearing a Renaissance/ Celtic maiden dress. I cannot decide which mask I will wear. I made 2 types. I am waiting for the last minute details for my costume to get here, so I can finish my costume and decide which mask will look best.

Mask #1 was plain black mask bought at local retail store and then altered. I bought and added many details including feathers (peacock, black, and pheasant), gold metallic paper swirls, rhinestones and gold pearls, glitter details and ribbons. I added SU! crinkle paper around the edges. After I attached the crinkle paper I thought a small black lace trim would have been good with the paper ruffle but, it was too late.

After looking at the mask a couple days, I decided to add some more embellishments. I added a paper rosette with teal, black,and gold papers. I added some brass hardware in the center and decided to add a stick (handle) with ribbons. The mask functions without the stick (handle) or with the stick. I thought the handle gave it more authenticity.

Mask #2 was in the trash a couple times. My friend picked it up for me at local craft store It was bought for me to disassemble and use the feathers on the first mask (It was cheaper to buy this pre-made mask than to buy bundles of feathers). I added stickles, puffy paper paint to each sequin. I made one side of the mask black with white around the eyes and the other side is white with black around the eyes. I added pink around the edge. I added a hair clip (pre- assembled black and pink) then one feather plume (meant for pens). I cut out some paper swirls and made a paper rosette. I am still trying to decide if I will add some silver crinkle paper around edges like the first mask. This one is definitely more modern that the other mask. Would look great with a formal black dress, but not the dress I bought. :(

PAPER POM- POMS

2011-10-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

I used to make tissue pom poms for all kinds of occasions when I was young. My mom taught me how to make these when I was about 8. We made them for baby showers, weddings, birthdays, Easter, etc... Back then we used Kleenex tissue mostly.

These are becoming popular again and I have seen them on many blogs. They look great hanging above a buffet table, on the table as centerpieces, tied to the bumper of a wedding car, the ideas are really endless. I rounded the edges of the big black one and made the orange ones 1/2 the size and the edges jagged. I think the orange ones look like mums- don't they?

Here is a link on how to make them.

http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/tissue-paper-pom-poms-how-to#slide_0

More ideas can be seen on Google. (I don't know how to link to Google). Just put in-

How to make Tissue Pom Poms.

HALLOWEEN CARDS

2011-10-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here are my Halloween Cards this year. Loved these images from the minute I saw them. I had so much fun coloring them using Copics. Used SU! retired Halloween papers. Used MS edge punches. Added SU! punched bats or a plastic spider with some added MS glitter.

Be Wicked! Frank's bride...

Good Ol' Frank...

I want my Mummy!

FALL GIFT BAGS

2011-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

I glued the flap (bottom) to the bag. This will keep goody bag from standing up. You can place candies, hair/ face products, baked goods inside the bag this way. It looks lovely filled, laying on plate at a table setting.

I attached misc orange papers to the bags in strips. I used black ink and stamped stitching to the strips. (This is my kind of sewing) ;0

I added more small strips (scraps) to tags, stamped more stitching, and trimmed the edges to fit the tag.

I love these cheap craft foam glitter stickers but for the look I was using on the bags these were a little to bright. I distressed the stickers with brown ink.

I inked mini clothes pins, distressed edges of tags and bags to achieve final look.

What do you think?

HALLOWEEN APOTHECARY JARS

2011-10-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have seen these jars on numerous blogs for weeks now. I love them! They are quite popular in the decorating world but are also quite expensive. After some investigating I decided to make some. I love how easy they are to make.

I bought the pieces at a local craft store and painted all the raw wood with black craft acrylic paint.

Acrylic paint is perfect for painting wood. It covers nicely and dries fairly fast. I did not spray with protective covering. I figure if it gets bumped, scratched, or nicked it would add character.

I attached the ball knobs and wood bases to the glass with a glue called E6000. Great stuff!

Use in a ventilated area. It does have strong fumes for a glue.

I bought some cheap rubber spiders that already were painted green on their bodies. I just added some fine green glitter to add some dazzle.

I attached these spooky spiders to the base of the stand. They look perfect! I tied black lace, black ribbon, and some multi color (fall colored) fibers to the bottom of the glass and at the base. I am pleased with how the apothecary jars turned out.I made 3 tall (featured here) and I made 3 shorter. I have given one to a good friend (filled with chocolates) and I have plans to give a couple more away.

Here are some links to some more cute apothecary jar ideas:

http://fakeitfrugal.blogspot.com/2011/09/halloween-apothecary-jars.html#more

http://treegoldandbeegold.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-love-fall-and-halloween.html

http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/creativity-with-old-fashioned-apothecary-jars/

http://www.crazydomestic.com/2010/09/apothecary-jars-halloween-style.html

http://www.kmckaydesigns.com/projects/halloween-decor.html

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2009/09/potions-and-spells-and-cards-oh-my.html

OCTOBER IS HERE

2011-10-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, October is here and boy does it feel lke it. Its in the 40s, rainy, and gray. I love Fall but I am not fond of the dampness that comes along with the cool weather. I plan on starting my Fall decorating around the house sometime today. Halloween is my very favorite Holiday and I have sooo many cool things to decorate with. I have been playing around in my craft room (wow is it a messy place right now) and making some more spooktacular things.
Yesterday was my 16th wedding anniversary and my husband surprised me with the most adorable handcrafted Haunted House. It is made by a local artist Mike Peterson. We have admired this artist's work for many years at a local art festival ( The Yankee Peddler) held near our house every September. My husband special ordered this piece to include characters (husband, me, and our 2 daughters), and our Name and interests.

Here is a front view of the house.

Here's a closeup of the same view. That is me standing in the doorway. Hahahaha. My girls thought that was the funniest thing.

here is a rear view of the house.

That is my husband sitting on the back porch, yes, that is a can of beer in his hand. The artist added a fish to the top of the porch (my husband likes to fish).

here is a side view of the house. If you look closely you can see the artist added my girls here. Both have softball bats in their hands. Hahahahaha

Swinging Good Time.

2011-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

you guessed it... another magazine card contest. I used flower soft to add depth to the tree and grass. I also thought the green eyelash fiber added a great grassy-like detail to the card. Retired SU! and non SU! images used.

LEAVE IT TO BEAVER

2011-09-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

Here is another card I eneterd in Magazine contest. I colored with COPICS. Added many layers of paper and cardstock. Not sure what company the stamp and tree trunk are from... I got them in an image swap many years ago. Used branch punch and many misc items. All items used on this card are non SU!

MONKEYING AROUND

2011-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a card I made for a magazine contest entry. I love this stamp set but, I am sad to say it retired and I only used it a few times. I paper pieced his body using green polka dot paper that coordinated with a sock monkey paper line (all used on this card) I found at a local craft store.I colored his hat and added it to his head after I placed it onto a mat area raised with foam dots. Didn't he turn out so cute? I love the vibrant colors and patterns. It reminds me of a sock monkey doll I saw at Target.

CARD: stamps *retired*SOCK MONKEY set. Misc paper, tissue paper (ruffle), button, copic markers.

Elegant Anniversary Ensemble

2011-09-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been so long since my last blog post. So much going on around here lately. Because of the busy schedule and having difficulties with blogger, I have not done too much crafting/ blogging. The air is starting to feel cooler. Fall is definately around the corner. Hopefully, I will have more time to do some crafting/ blogging. Here is a quick and easy altered frame and card I made for friends' anniversary. I love the monochromaticcolor scheme. Creme on creme is so elegant and beautiful...isn't it?

card: CONFETTI CREME #102835 and VERY VANILLA #101650 cardstock. ELEGANT LINES TEXTURED EMBOSSING FOLDER #119277. Frame is FOUR FRAMES #123442 Love verse from retired SU set. Misc lace, silk ribbon, and paper rose.

I wrapped more silk ribbon and lace around pewter frame I found at Target for next to nothing. I attached another paper rose to match the card. I guess I should have took the cheesy advertising photo out before I took the picture, huh?

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI MUFFIN

2011-07-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

a delicious breakfast!

Chocolate Zucchini Muffin

3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 cups shredded zucchini

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add sugar, oil, and vanilla and beat again. Stir in zucchini. Sift flour in separate bowl. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix. Slowly add dry into wet while beating on low with mixer. Pour into 2 well greased 8x4x2" loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees F for 60-65 minutes.

For muffins: pour into paper lined muffin cups and bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes.

*Can drizzle with glaze, frost with chocolate frosting, or add powder sugar to top.

A Garden Fresh Dinner

2011-07-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite things to make with fresh green beans. It is so yummy and comforting. Its ham, green beans, onions, and potatoes. I add extra ham for my husband (he doesn't eat the green beans) but will eat everything else. I only make this in the summer and fall. Its more delicious when you have all fresh ingredients (like in the summer), it just doesn't taste the same when you make it other times of the year.

Ingredients:

6 medium red skin potatoes washed and cut into 2" chunks

1 lb green beans washed, snapped and cut into 2 inch length

1 large sweet onion, chopped roughly

1 1/2 lb of peppered ham and/or bacon, chopped roughly into chunks

1 cup water

salt and pepper to taste

How To Make:

Brown bacon with onion for 5-7 minutes. Add ham (if using both) and brown a little more. Add water, potatoes, and beans and allow to cook down. Simmer for 30+ minutes until fall is fork tender. Stir every 5-10 minutes. Do not allow water to evaporate. Serve with cornbread.

Now, what to make with my peas...

From The Garden

2011-07-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my first large picking from the gardens. I worked outside last Friday pulling weeds, watering, and picking. I see shortcake, salad, zuchini bread, and beans for dinner in my near future.

I've been picking strawberries and lettuce for a month and peas for a couple weeks.

I have created wonderful salads- Feta with mandarin oranges; mixed vegetable with homemade poppyseed dressing; egg salad on a bed of lettuce. My family just loves the peas- we eat thm raw all the time. My girls will pick them while they are outside playing. They run and get a handful out of the fridge for a snack.

The zuchini and yellow squash is finally ready to pick. Time to make fried breaded zuchini, squash salad, and yummy zuchini bread.

SOFTBALL FRENZY

2011-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy around here with my oldest's softball schedule. She is playing for a team that is located nearly an hour from our home. She also over an hour from our home. Its been crazy just making all practices throughout each week. She has played in tournaments at least 1 to 3 hours from our home. Although its been a lot of sacrifice and time, we enjoy watching her play and doing what she enjoys and does well. This is her last year playing 16U level ball. She will have to play 18U next year. She has mentioned that she may not play at all. We are trying to hold on to the days we have left. She has played baseball/ softball since she was 6 years old. Its been our life, her life.

Here is my oldest daughter (left) Haleigh with one of her best buddies from High School (right) Alexis. Her friend also plays for this organization but, plays for the 18U team. They were hoping to play for the same team but, it did not work out that way. Good thing... they both play 1st base.

I have always tried to make something crafty for most teams she has played for. Whether its snack bags, cards, scrapbooks, frames, etc... I enjoy crafting and like to share unique creations with the girls that also are memories. I decided to make Softball tags for water bottles for the girls.

I came across this stamp set many years ago (It is not SU!). I jump on anything that has to do with softball. Its very hard to find softball themed items for paper crafting/ scrapbooking. Most the time I use baseball themed things with adaptions. This was the first stamp set I ever saw that had GIRLS playing ball.

I LOVE IT!

I wrapped each water bottle with misc pink paper and taped with regular scotch tape. I found Propel powder individual packets at our local Warehouse Club and have used them all season. They pack so easy in the basket and are easily added to water bottles.

I attached an individual packet with glue dots onto paper and bottle. I stamped each image with Archival black ink. Colored with PrismaColor pencils and blended with Gamsol. Inked edges of each tag with Melon Mambo SU ink. Used 2 different sized star punches, scalloped oval, 1 1/4 inch circle all from SU! Used my die cut for Florette (mentioned in previous post). Attached all items with 3D glue dots, mini glue dots, or hot glue gun. I wrapped black ribbon around lid (loose) and hot glued to back of tag. Allowed ribbon ends to hang past bottom of tag.

I made a couple specific for our team's pitchers (right). The batter image (left) is for the rest of our team. I hope the girls like them.

Patriotic Rockets

2011-07-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great Holiday. The 4th of July is one of my favorite Holidays. I love patriotic decorations, seeing flags throughout landscapes, family picnics. Most of all I love what it stands for FREEDOM! This country is such an amazing place to live. Everyone should be very thankful each and every day.

I made these adorable rockets from toilet paper and paper towel rolls. I stumbled upon these adorable rockets while reading one of my favorite blogs http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/06/red-hots-and-blue-fourth-of-july-rocket.html. After seeing the first sample I did further search and found other ways to make these rockets. Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/patriotic-crafts has a great tutorial and how to make them into party poppers/ favors. Here's how I made them.

Supplies:

empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls

strips of designer papers

(11x12" for towel, 4x8" for TP roll)

scissors

circle cutter

firm hold adhesive

glue gun

ribbon 15 inches in 3 patterns/ colors

Wrap each tube with decorative paper of your choice. Apply tape strip to both ends and in 2 places within center. I reinforced tape at end with hot glue.

Cut 3.25" circles out of various designer papers. This will be used for the coned top of the rocket.

Cut a straight line 1/2 diameter of the 3.25" circle as shown in picture above.

Bring ends together overlapping until the paper forms cone shape. Use hot glue to hold together.

make 3-4 loops into each strip of ribbon. This will be used for flames at bottom of the rocket.

Adhere all loops together with hot glue. Hold together until set and attach 3 various looped ribbon pieces to bottom of rocket.

I used to make my accordian flowerette by hand but I came across this fabulous one that runs through my die cutting machine. I use this for all my small flowerettes. The diecut makes it so much easier.

If you make by hand- cut 1.5 x 12" strip. Score at each 1/4" increments, accordion fold, glue ends together, apply hot glue to 1 " circle and press center down to form flowerette. Hold until glue sets.

Wrap ribbon around bottom of rocket for further decoration. Add circle sticker, stamped image, or stamped verse to center of flowerette.

Here is a photo of various styles I made. I think they turned out super cute.

EASY PEPPERONI ROLLS

2011-05-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here is an easy recipe I make on weekends. The pepperoni rollas are very satisfying. Serve them alone, room temperature or warm, with marinara sauce, and or with a side salad. They are sure to please.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb sandwich pepperoni

36 frozen dinner rolls, thawed (follow directions)

8-12 oz of shredded mozzerella cheese

seasoned salt

black pepper

italian seasonings

1. Let rolls thaw as package directs. Spray large cookie sheet and spray clear wrap with non stick cooking spray.

2. Cut sandwich pepperoni into quarters.

3. Flatten each roll and spread until about 4 inches in diameter.

4. Place pepperoni in center like this. Fill it as much as you like. I like to use 3/4 to 1 slice in each roll.

5. Bring up your sides to cover pepperoni.

6. Once pepperoni is covered then pinch dough to seal.

7. Mix olive oil, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in narrow dish. Brush onto top of rolls prior to baking.

8. Bake at 350 degrees F. until golden brown or 15-20 minutes.

Viola! Add a side salad and some pizza or marinara sauce to make a delicious and easy weeknd meal.

Mission Organization- Part 3

2011-04-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have been cleaning, organizing, somewhat simplifying (my life is never simplified completely) around the house. As I mentioned in a previous post, I tackled my kitchen over my Spring Break Holiday. It took me 2 solid days of cleaning, scrubbing, organizing, donating. I am fortunate to have a walk in pantry in my fairly large country kitchen.

Here are a couple pictures of my walk in pantry BEFORE I cleaned and organized.

I had similar things in my drawers, cabinets, and pantry. Although it was accessible, it was not organized. I have collected recipes and cookbooks for years. I had them in 3 different places. Now, I have the ones I kept (yes, I did get rid of some) all in one spot. I have organized like things, labeled containers, and used up all the space. I am happy with how things have turned out.

Here are pictures of the pantry AFTER I organized.

I invested in some coated wire shelving to add to my wood shelfs in the cupboards and pantry to add more space for dishes and canned goods. I bought lazy Susan (not pictured) and placed in corners of shelves where they overlapped. These work great for oils, sauces, bottled items, ketchup, dressings, etc...

I bought some hanging coated wire shelf drawers on the top of one shelf for popcorn packets and Jello packets. Vertical storage for the plates, platters, and large dishes I use for buffets and parties.

KITCHEN DRAWER ORGANIZATION

2011-04-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been doing some organizing throughout the house. Last week I decided to tackle the kitchen. I cleaned drawers, cupboards, pantry, closets, a hutch, above cupboards and inside of the oven. yeah!!!!

Here is a photo showing the "junk drawer" (next to the kitchen phone). I found this drawer organizer at a thrift store ($1.50). You can find plastic drawer organizers like this at TARGET for under $8.00. It is perfect for holding papers, tape rolls, pens/ pencils, scissors, etc... There is nothing worse than trying to take a message and not being able to find paper and/ or something to write with. With this organizer everything is visible, at your fingertips and accessible.

We replaced a set of knives a while back but did not purchase a knife block to store them in. Personally, I do not like storing knives in a block- they get very dusty and sometimes get food or debris splashed on them from mixing, boiling, preparing at the counter. I found this fabulous knife storage container that adjusts to fit various sized drawers at TARGET. How perfect? Now I don't have to worry about anyone cutting themselves while reaching in the drawer. Especially now that my kids do dishes.

Here is a photo of the drawer containing measuring cups, spoons, straws, fresh clips, coffee scoops, etc... I found this drawer divider at IKEA for under $3.00. LOVE IT! Use this type of divider in many drawers throughout my house especially within my craft room (scroll down to bottom of my blog to see more photos).

Spring is in The Air! Blossoming Everywhere

2011-04-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a some details about a couple exciting things going on at STAMPIN' UP!

SPRING IS BLOSSOMING Promotion dates: April 1-30, 2011

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=791

Promotion details: Spring is Blossoming includes two brand-new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

#122367 - $9.95

Four Frames Stamp Set
Wood: #123440 - $20.95

Clear: #123442 - $15.95

Hostess Gift

#125735 - Four Frames Wood Stamp Set & Paisley Petals DSP - FREE

#125736 - Four Frames Clear Stamp Set & Paisley Petals DSP - FREE

•Orders may be placed either online, in person or at a workshop.

•Customers must spend $20 to be eligible to purchase the Four Frames stamp set and/or the Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper.

•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met.

•Customers will receive the Four Frames and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE if they host a $350 workshop (net sales before tax and shipping).

$5, $10, $15 GRAB BAGS AVAILABLE only while supplies last.

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=793

$5 GRAB BAG= $20 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.
$10 GRAB BAG= $40 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.
$15 GRAB BAG= $65 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.

MISSION ORGANIZATION- FINISHING THE BAKERS RACK

2011-04-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

I was on Spring break this past week and started my Spring Cleaning. I have been on a mission... MISSION ORGANIZATION. Here is one of the first projects I did to organize an often cluttered spot in my kitchen.

I have had this bakers rack from a famous Ohio based basket company for many years. I bought the rack and baskets separately and always said I would eventually get the wood shelves for it one day. Well, many years have passed by and I have never bought those lovely wood shelves.

For years I stored a larger basket on the bottom which covered the bottom part of the rack. Recently we had to replace our telephones and, unfortunately, our new phones did not have a wall mount ( we should have read the details on the box better). I needed a shelf to put on the rack to hold the kitchen phone and use as a charging station for cell phones. (now what to do with the ugly phone jack and cord behind the rack?)

I decided to use some cool paper I bought in a tablet, at a local craft store measuring 12 x 24 inches. This paper is not flat/ matte it has a sheen to it (not vinyl). Its weight is a great for covering items, decoupaging items, and to run through large formatting die cut machines. I especially like it because it can be dusted or wiped clean. The tablet contained 36 various bold designer papers from the HANDMADE line. I chose this subtle green pattern to wrap some corrugated cardboard trimmed to size.

I cut the cardboard 1 inch smaller lengthwise and 2 inches larger width wise for both shelves. I cut the green paper 1.5 inches larger on all sides. I trimmed the corners on bias (diagonal). Wrapped the corners using super sticky adhesive. I finished the edges on under side with wide scotch tape. I am sorry I did not take photos while making it. If you have further questions please let me know.

This shelf is located to the right of a long counter, under phone jack, near drawer containing paper and pencils. I use the top basket for holding vitamins and daily medications and the basket on the bottom holds mail/ bills. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

You cannot tell it is cardboard shhhhhhh... its our little secret. ;)

Easy Skillet Beef Strogonoff

2011-04-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hello, sorry it has been a while since I have posted. I had a computer crash, and after purchasing a new computer and trying to get things set up, I contracted a virus that wiped everything out. I was without a computer off and on for over 3 weeks. Still trying to get things up and running. I am missing my old HP photo processing software. Tying to adjust to the Canon photo stuff. Oh well, it will take time.

I'm back with another semi homemade/ perfect weeknight/ workday recipe.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb lean ground beef (90% or more)

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

1 pint mushrooms, sliced *optional

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbs flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup (reduced fat works)

8 oz sour cream (reduced fat works)

*cooked egg noodles approximately 1 cup per person*

Brown ground beef, onions until just cooked (not pink and onion softened). Drain excess grease. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

Add garlic, flour, salt, pepper, soup and sour cream and stir until mixed thoroughly. Do not allow to boil. Serve on top of egg noodles. Garnish with tops of green onions, chives, fresh parsley or other favorite herbs.

Its not the prettiest dish but it is a good one to fall back on. Both my girls and my husband enjoy it. Its been raining here all day and no sign of letting up for a while- its a good dish to have on a cold damp day like today. I cannot wait until warm weather gets here... we like to grill out nearly everyday. Stay tuned.

My Craft Studio

2011-03-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a photo of my clean space.

SCRAPBOOKING SUGGESTIONS

2011-02-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

I will soon be starting another stamp club and the majority of the ladies wanted to do scrapbooks (some are semi seasoned or seasoned scrapbookers and some are newbies). I thought I would so some comparisons and clarifications regarding style and size of the scrapbooks sold by SU! pg 180 in catalog
First, I want to say that I have been scrapbooking for over 15 years. (Not counting some of the books I put together in HS). I consider myself a SEMI- PRO when it comes to this kind of thing. I am very familiar with terminology, machines, design companies, magazines, etc... Stampin Up! has a great selection of scrapbooks and papers to choose from.

We sell books that are similar to those you will find in craft stores, online, and various other retail stores. Our prices are comparable too. We sell 12 x 12 inch Vinyl printed post bound albums in green leaf pattern, red polkadot pattern, and yellow houdstooth pattern for $19.95. We sell a Natural Linen postbound and ring bound album in 12 x 12; 8.5 x 11; and 6x6 inch size.They range in price from $16.95-$29.95 each. We sell a Red Linen postbound album in 12 x 12 inches at $29.95 and ring bound in 12 x 12 inches at $26.95 and 6 x 6 inches at $16.95 inches. We sell a Navy Linen album in postbound 12 x 12 inches at $29.95 and Ring bound albums in 12 x 12 inches at $26.95 and 6x 6 inches at $16.95. Look at the link above to see scrapbooks.
Keep in mind that we sell SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' KITS (pg 178-179 in main catlog) that coordinate with our books and make your scrapbooking a little easier. Our papers and embellishments idealy coordinate with our albums. That takes some of the thought process and worries away.

Natural Linen Album coordinates with: Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' kit, Newsprint Designer Paper, Elegant Soiree Designer paper, woodland Walk Designer paper, Nursery Suite Specialty paper, Sweet and Sour Specialty paper, Lap of Luxery Designer paper, or Blueberry Crisp Designer paper. (All papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Real Red Linen Album coordinates with: Play Date Designer paper, Build A Bear Pawsitively Prints 2 paper, Celebrations Designer paper, Love letter Designer paper. (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Navy Linen Album coordinates with: Blueberry Crisp Designer paper, Celebrations Designer paper, Good Times Simply Scrappin' kit, Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' kit (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea and catalog).

So Saffron Houndstooth Album coordinates with: Love Birds Simply Scrappin' kit, Build a Bear Pawsitively Prints2 Designer paper, Play Date Designer paper, Nursery Suite Specialty Paper. (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Real Red Polka Dot Album coordinates with: Play Date Designer paper, Newsprint designer paper, Celebrations Designer paper, Love Letter Designer paper. (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Old Olive Leaves Album coordinates with: One great year Simply Scrappin' kit, Play Date Designer paper, Build a Bear Pawsitively Patterns 2 designer paper, Jolly Holiday designer paper, Greenhouse Gala Designer paper, Woodland Walk designer paper, Celebrations, Wicked Fun Specialty Paper (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Also we sell QUICK ACCENTS (pg 176 in main catalog) to assist in adding the finishing touches onto your pages or other projects.
They coordinate with the albums, papers, as well as some stamp sets.

HIGHJACKED!

2011-02-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long abscense. My computer crashed late last week and I have highjacked my kids' computer to write this post. I ordered a new computer, and it arrived yesterday. I am waiting for a CAT 5 line to be run to my computer. Its been so long since I have had a desk top- I forgot about a few things when I ordered it. I ran out last night to get keyboard and mouse (what was I thinking?). I'm not sure when I will be up and running again.
Also, my husband is having surgery in the morning. I'm sure my posts will be sporadic. Hope you all have a great long weekend. Hope you all can get out and enjoy some spring-like weather.

What is for dinner tonight? Chicken and Dumplings

2011-02-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm back with an easy and yummy recipe. As promised, I will be posting at least one recipe each month to my blog site. All recipes will be easy and perfect for 'busy moms' like me to cook after a full day at work. No need to cook all day to get delicious results-I promise. As I have mentioned before, I consider myself a 'SEMI HOMEMADE' cook. I am just as busy as many moms out there and I know what weeknights are like.

Chicken and Dumplings is one of my husband's favorite meals. He has always asked, "you cook so many different things, don't you know how to make chicken and dumplings?" To tell you the truth, I had always heard of this dish but, I had never ate it. My mother never prepared this for us as children. I guess I was deprived. I don't know. I have a good friend that makes FANTASTIC chicken and dumplings- she cooks all day. I don't usually have time or patience for that... I like delicious results at a faster pace.

This dish is perfect for a cold evening (much like we have been experiencing in NE Ohio for the last 2 months). It reheats well and is even more delicious the next day.

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

6 chicken thighs

2 (10.7 oz) cans of condensed cream of celery soup

1 stalk of celery, diced

1 carrot, diced (optional)

1/8 of a large sweet onion, diced

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups of Jiffy biscuit mix

2/3 cup of milk

In medium soup pot over high heat, combine the chicken thighs with enough water to cover. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain some of the water from the pot,but reserve 3 cups in the pot. Remove chicken from the pot and allow to cool (place on cookie sheet an din fridge for a few minutes). Add onion, celery, and carrot into the reserved water within the pot and cook until tender. While veggies are cooking- pull chicken from bones into chunky pieces and return to the pot.
Meanwhile, prepare dough for dumplings baking mix with the milk.
Reduce heat to simmer, add the cans of soup, stir until mixed well. Season with salt and pepper. Drop spoonfuls of dough into pot, cover and cook for additional 20 minutes.

Make dumplings the size you prefer. My husband enjoys large full dumplings. This part is personal choice.

SALE-A-BRATE GOOD TIMES

2011-02-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

Its SALE-A-BRATION time again. Stampin' Up! has had this sale for over 15 years. For those of you that are not familiar, you can earn free merchndise 3 different ways.
1.) When you purchase $50 of merchandise (anything from the main or mini catalogs) you earn a free set, paper pack, button and ribbon package, digital content for digital scrapbooking, or chalkboard decals for use anywhere around the home, from the salabration brochure. You could also pick any set or individual stamp less than $15.
2.) Host a $300 workshop, and pick one of the free items from the main catalog or sale brochure.
3. ) Join Stamin' Up! by becoming a demonstrator during Sale-a-bration and get 15% off your starter kit.Plus get a bonus bundle filled with over $50 free products.

As a Demonstrator we have the opportunity to purchase some of these Sale-a-bration items ahead of time. I purchased one set this year. The Punch Bunch set of 5, seen below. Note this is one of the sets that you can earn for free.

I have made various things with this set, I own all 5 punches that coordinate with this set. That is one thing I love about SU! they do so well developing stamp images that work perfectly with punches. These make for a quick and simple card/ project. Like the one below.

Have I said how much I love the new COLOR COACH #120148. It is a wonderful way to organize your projects, put together custom color schemes that help you express your creativity. Each card includes suggestions for color combinations so you can mix and match colors from different color collections with ease. I decided to use the Creative Combination (at top of the card).

As usual, I put things together in assembly line fashon.

I stamped the owls, punched them out, and colored the eyes and beaks with pink and orange colored pencils. I added wiggly eyes to each owl.

I cut 2.5x 5.5 inch rectangle tag from the Pacific Point (blue). I scored the rectangle at 4 inches. Used the 1 3/8 x 5/8 inch oval punch at crease to make opening. I used retired blue DSP, retired Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon, heart to heart punch #119881, 1 1/4 inch circle punch #119861, 1 3/4 inch scallop circle punch.

Here's a picture of the group.

I placed a bunch of single stamps from various hostess sets into 3 x 10 inch pretzel treat cello bags. The owls from this set are my favorite. I am really digging owls these days.

Here is a baby tag I made using the duck mobile image from the set. I have a friend expecting a boy this Spring. I have rolled a homemade crocheted. baby blanket then tied with a pale yellow tulle ribbon. I tied around the tag with the same tulle. I will place the tag on the front of a gift bag when I give it to her.

Here is a card and box combo I made for the hostesses of my stamp club. I used the FANCY FAVOR BOX #115965 and attached jute handles to make it look like a gift bag- similar to the one on the brochure page. Again, I referred to the COLOR COACH for this color combination- Celery, Daffodil, and Tangerine. The Color Coach suggested Pumpkin pie but I decided that the tangerine looked brighter/ better with the GREENHOUSE GALA Paper #117167. I filled the bag with various pre-cut tags, ribbons, corduroy brads, and a pencil. I used the new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder #121809. We will be making the bag as a make-n-take this weekend at my last stamp club meeting.

Here is the last project I made using this set. I stamped the Happy Birthday image then punched it out using the scallop square punch. I cut out 1 3/4 inch square and pierced around the edges using a piercing tool.

I recycled the box from the Sizzix heart I used for the pop up card in previous post. I cut down both sides and threw away the rest.

I sprayed the acrylic with windex and shined both sides. I layed the acrylic on the Bigz XL Box #2 die and ran it through my machine.

I assembled the box and fastened with 3 mini glue dots.

I wrapped the box with a glitter paper band and added the stamped image, black pierced square, and some polka dot ribbon. Inside I added iridescent metallic filler and some red and silver heart candies (not shown in picture).

2011-02-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

I bought the Heart pop-up Bigz XL Die from Sizzix fairly recently. I have always wondered what a pop-up card would be like but I did not want one that looked too complicated. This one looked perfect. After getting it home, I put it to use. It really was easy... and perfect for me. I added another smaller die cut (Sizzlit) and used the XL Heart Punch fom SU to further add details inside. I used the heart template from the Heart Pouch I added yesterday, to the front of the card. I added hand stitches, another heart, and some curled wrapping ribbon. A quick and easy Valentine.

Valentine Heart Pounches

2011-01-31T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a finished pouch I made from a pattern from SU! demonstrator website. If you'd like the pattern email me and I will get it to you.

You need to cut 2 hearts for each pouch. Two sided paper works best. Once cut out, score from the middle top to the middle bottom point on both front and back heart. Fold on the crease. Use strong adhesive tape on the lower edges (leave top open).

I stamped the heart images, punched them out, punched out the circle and scallop circle, punched more mini hearts, flowers, and Valentine verses.

Anytime you are making more than one project I always put them together assembly line style. It works great. Get all your things punched, stamped, and ready to go- the assembly will be quick.

I attached the scalloped circle with a pink rhinestone brad (no tape). Then, I glued Happy Valentine's Day verse at the bottom center. I attached I Love You to the side of the heart. I added 1/4 inch grosgrain red and pink ribbon to the front heart (only). I tied the ends of ribbon with a simple knot.

Viola! Here they are, so easy and awful cute. Truly perfect to put some sweets into and hang on the kids' bedroom doors. Co workers' doors, a chair, etc... I have used paper shreds to fill in space. You can toss some pencils, candy bars (full size), candies, stamps, or anything you want. What a perfect little gift.

Coupon Codes and Savings

2011-01-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey, just came across some deals and thought I'd share them with you. I don't know about you but, I love to shop. More than shopping I love to save money while shopping. Even better, I love FREE things. In the midst of getting ready for a scrapbooking retreat I go on in February, I processed 250 photograghs for 2010 and 2011. I got 50 of the photos FREE. Yeah! Along with this I also got a FREE 8x8 inch photo book, a FREE 5x7 inch photo card, and FREE shipping. Total savings was over $40.00. Hurray!!! I love it. Right now they are offering 20-50% off Valentine merchandise, free shipping on orders over $25.00, and free photo cards. Here are a few of the codes to use during checkout:

FREE 8x8 photo book JNGK6EWWACCPNJGCGR
FREE (10) 5X7or 5X5 photo cards 4RFF9896F2MB7CZCUB
FREE (1) 5x7 photo card CARD4U
FREE shipping on orders $25 and over SHIP25

Spend $50. at Archivers and earn 50 free 4x6 photo prints through Shutterfly

Here are some more deals I came across:

1. BORDERS.COM offering 20% off list price of 3 items (exclusions apply). code BORD2327M. offer ends January 30, 2011.

2. 365HANGERS.COM has designer clothing already 70% off and now are offering another 10% off by 1-31-2011 use code allyou365

3. JUSTEYEWEAR.COM updating eyeglasses or sunglasses with 2011 styles at 15% off entire purchase by 1-31-2011 use code 4ALLYOUMAG

4. ORGANIZE.COM offering 20% off one item while working on your resolution for getting organized. They carry over 23,000 typesof home storage and organization cubbies. Code ALLYOU20. Offer ends January 31, 2011.

5. ALWAYSFIT.COM is offering 25% off gifts for a mom, sister or girlfriend that is just the right size. Code 25ALLYOU. Offer ends February 1, 2011

6. SPAWEEK.COM is offering e-certificates for spas around the country. 25% starting january 1st. Offer runs through February 14, 2011. Code ALLYOU

7. JOCKEY.COM is offering 15% off the no panty line promise panty. Offer ends February 15, 2011. Code JKYLUXE

8. OMAHASTEAKS.COM 67% off the Celebration Collection plus 2 free gifts. Visit omahasteaks.com/AllYou to redeem, or dial 1 800 960 8400 and ask for coupon code 45609GTK

9. KIRDEVRIES.COM unusual gifts, hard to find gifts, crafted gifts. 15% off entire purchase plus free shipping. code kir957. Offer ends 3-20-2011

Happy Shopping... I'm sorry but I am having trouble getting each website to link.

MINI TAG BASKETS WITH TEMPLATE

2011-01-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple mini cards with baskets that I made from the Filled With LOVE promotion (see previous post and link to see more). The baskets measure 3.5" wide x3.5" deep x4.5" high. The template to create this can be found here. http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/IBC10_pg55gotTreats.pdf
It really is simple to make. If you tweak the size of the template you can make large enough to hold 4 mini milk cartons made using the SU! exclusive Sizzix Bigz L Die # 117310 seen here: http://www.sizzix.com/product/1916 . Any questions or orders feel free to contact me through my email or order directly through stampinup.com here:
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=503 or page 209 in the Idea Book and Catalog.
Material: Love Patterns DSP #124156, Ridinghood Red cs #111348, Pretty In Pink cs #100459, Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder #117335, 1.5" Scallop Edge Square Punch #119884, Full Heart Punch #119883, and pink tulle.

FILLED WITH LOVE CARD SAMPLES

2011-01-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple cards I made using the FILLED WITH LOVE SU! Promotion containing; stamp set, papers, and free buttons. This stamp set contains many solid image stamps and some cute verses. I feel solid images work best on clean line card layouts. I tried to keep both the cards simple and sleek.

Material: Pink and red polka dot pattern from Love Patterns DSP #124156, Filled With Love clear mount stamp set #121154, Pretty In Pink CS # 100459, Ridinghood Red CS #111348, Whisper White CS #100730, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink #101301, Ridinghood Red Classic Ink #111836, Wild Wasabi Classic Ink #109014, 1" Circle Punch #119868, Bitty Buttons #118761, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch #118309, Scallop edge Border #119882, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch #119854, Pretty In Pink 1/4 Grosgrain Ribbon #109032, Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon #109052, and misc. Red and White baker's Twine.

Keep checking back this week, I have other samples of various things I have created using this stamp set, misc sizzix die cuts, rub-ons, box and pouch templates. All using this fabulous SU! DS papers and coordinating cs. I guess you can say I've been "in the mood for love"

Filled With Love Bundle

2011-01-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the Filled With Love Bundle Promotion ends January 24, 2011. You can choose wood or clear mount Filled with Love stamp set, Love patterns paper (only available right now, not in catalog), and get a package of Bitty buttons #118761 ($4.95 value) for FREE.

#124380 Wood Mount Stamp Set, Love Patterns Paper, Bitty Buttons $32.90
#124381 Clear Mount Stamp Set, Love Patterns Paper, Bitty Buttons $26.90
#124156 Extra Love Patterns Paper $9.95

VINTAGE SNOWMAN

2011-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

The week between Christmas and New Year's I worked on a crafty decor project. The pattern was made available via Stampin' Up! through a demonstrator magazine. I absolutely loved it the moment I saw it. The material was readily available at a local craft store.

Although the project was cased, I tweaked colors exact papers, and a few other things the directions suggested. I am pleased with the final product.

Here is a close up of the base. Made from a wood candlestick. I painted with winter white acrylic paint, distressed with SOFT SUEDE #115657, BAJA BLUE #111833ink (SU!). The tag was punched from XL DECORATIVE LABEL PUNCH #120907. Used JANE'S TYPE ALPHABET #114401 for the letters on the tag, and BAJA BLUE SEAM BINDING RIBBON #122331

The collar was made with multiple layers of BAJA BLUE CARDSTOCK #119972, SCALLOP CIRCLE #2 BIGZ DIE #113469, DAZZLING DIAMONDS GLITTER #120023, MINI VINTAGE TAGS #118763, SNOWFLAKE #2 ORIGINAL DIE #113460,

I used BASIC BLACK CARDSTOCK #120045 and glitter to create the hat. Used decoupage to hold things together and stiffen cardstock. Tutorial for the paper rosette found here:

http://papercuties.blogspot.com/2011/01/vintage-valentine-with-paper-rosette.html

I am selling one of these on my etsy store found here:

http://www.etsy.com/your/listings

Everyone Loves Blog Candy...yum

2011-01-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

As the giveaway stated, I needed 50 followers by Feb 1, 2011; everyone that wanted a chance at winning to sign up to follow my blog; and for them to post my candy on their blog. I only had 29 followers at the due date. Since I have had a recent jump in the amount of followers and 2 poeple did what I asked I went ahead and did the drawing anyway (better late than never) I figure those that did all I asked were serious about winning something. I drew from the two names on Saturday and EdnaTollison from SC won. Yeah Edna... hope you enjoy the goodies. Remember... the tags are not assembled but are easy to assemble. You will need to refer backl to the pictures on this blog post as a reference to assemble. Use a good quality 2 sided tape. Enjoy!

Yes, you read that right, my first ever BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY...YEAH!!!!!! I used an entire pack of designer paper (non SU!) to create many 3x5 inch tags. I will be giving away kits to make 24 tags. I love tags... have always fell back on a tag when I was stuck on a scrapbook layout, card front design, make- and- takes at my workshops, even craft projects at the school parties. You can use tags for many different things.

Here is a closeup glimpse of the goodies you will get with this giveaway. Including: one clear Valentine stamp set (non SU!), 24 Valentine rub on sayings, large heart clothes pin clip, 6 individual kits containing 4 tags in each kit, and a hand held 1/4" heart punch. You will have to assemble them yourself (see individual tags below)

I will mail your prize wrapped up and packaged like this (above) minus the tag on the front.

Tag#1 Tag#2

Tag#3 Tag#4

Tag#5 Tag#6

Ok, Here's how to win...
1. Just sign up and follow my blog.
2.Leave me a comment and a link to your blog or website.
3. Post my giveaway on your blog/website.

If I reach 50 followers by the end of the month I will randomly draw a name. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Vintage Valentine with Paper Rosette Tutorial

2011-01-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the project I instructed this past weekend at a Stamp Club. The ATC (Artist Trading Card) incorporates a couple techniques that I like to use on Vintage-style projects. I have given a small tutorial for the rosette below.

I used the set GREETING CARD KIDS item #120633 from the Idea Book and Catalog. This and the WINTER POST set are my favorite Holiday sets from the current catalog. Here is a link to see the Greeting Card Kids set: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=120633 Now time for the tutorial.

Cut a strip of 2-sided designer paper 1"x 8.5". You can make these larger (if you make the depth larger then you have to make the length larger). I think the 1" x 8.5" is great size for card fronts, scrapbook pages, and ATC embellishments.

You will need a scoring frame. There are a couple different makers for these frames. The one I used is a new release and does 1/8" increments- It is awesome! I feel it is better than the other score frame that has been out for a few years simply because it does closer increments. Email me if you'd like to know more about this specific frame, sorry it is not an SU! product. I wouldn't doubt that they come out with something similar, they do well keeping up with the latest and greatest papercraftiong trends and competitors.

*For this rosette I scored at 1/4" increments the entire length of the strip.

Once the strip is scored entirely, you fold it accordian style. It should fold easily.

Glue ends together. I like using a hot glue gun, it holds the best.

Punch a 1 1/2 or 1 3/8" circle for base. Place glue in center of circle, place paper rosette on top, press the center down and hold until glue sets. You do not see the circle it just provides stability for the rosette.

Viola! Now you can attach another rosette, button, punched shape, or a stamped image on top. You will

love making these, they are kinda addictive. hahaha

Here is a glimpse of another Vintage Valentine that I made for the gals in the stamp club. I love distressing and making things look old.

Materials:

SU! FULL HEART punch #119883

Colored pencils for coloring

Distressed edges with SOFT SUEDE #115657

I used the LOVE LETTER #117162 DSP

Retired pink paper used

* The Love Letter DSP works fantastic for vintage style cards. SU! also sell a coordinating 12 x 12" scrapbook #119809 (red polka dots on cream-just like the paper strip above).

Thanks for stopping by, hope this tutorial is helpful and that you can create fantastic Vintage inspired projects.

ARTISTS PRINTER TRAY- PHOTO DISPLAY

2011-01-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

I visisted a popular Craft store before Christmas and came across these cool trays that function as home decor- photo displays. They sold kits that were left over from a class/ workshop they conducted. I bought some trays and one kit for guidance, and constructed some unique/ personal Christmas gifts.

I followed a template from the original kit for the first but, then tweaked the other trays to make them more my own style and designs. The empty spots (kraft color panels) are meant for photos. I am still gathering photos to put in here. Each section on this tray (they sell many different sizes) are 2.5x 3.5 also same size as and ATC (Artist Trading Card). Love the idea that you can make the sections permanent or temporary. You can switch the panels out for each holiday, season, room, theme, etc... I have seen some fantastic Christmas themed displays. I am working on a Valentine theme right now. I'm sure I will share photos of this later. Thanks for stopping by, I have a workshop to teach, we are making Vintage Valentine ATCs. So fun...

January Recipe- Spaghetti with Crab Meat

2011-01-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

I am going to try and post 1 recipe each month. I love to cook, eat, and entertain but I do work outside the home and I don't have time to make everything from scratch. I consider myself a SEMI- HOMEMADE kind of cook. I love quick and easy recipes that have few ingredients, especially on week nights.

Here is the printed recipe card. I changed the pasta from Angel Hair to Spaghetti, used canned tomatoes instead of fresh (due to not having them on hand),Parmesan cheese from jar, and dried herbs instead of fresh (due to not having them on hand).

Get all your things gathered, prepped, chopped while the water for the pasta is boiling. It really is an easy recipe that can be prepared in 30 minutes. Once water is boiling you can start your sauce. The crab (fully cooked) is added at the end just to get warm.

Garnish the entire dish with Parsley and Parmesan cheese. It truly is delicious. Everyone will ask for seconds, I promise.

TO SERVE: I like to serve my pasta in a large pasta bowl. I found the greatest Pasta serving set on QVC. Its a 6 piece set that contains a large serving bowl that fits on a black iron footed stand, and four wide pasta bowls. If you are interested in the bowl set that I have, here is the link. They are clearanced, less than $30.00 for the set.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K25810.desc.Temptations-Old-World-5piece-Bowl-Set

Christmas Thank Yous

2011-01-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to making some Christmas Thank You cards. I found these chipboard circle phrases at a local craft store last year for 25 cents for 6. I made a New Years resolution to start using some of the stuff I have sitting around here (I hope I can do well with this).

The circle phrases are non traditional Christmas colors (brown, pink, green) and that made them hard for me to use. They colors worked out nice for thank- yous, especially now that the holidays are over. The verses fit perfectly in the center of SU punched ornament. I combined all three colors on all the cards. I used SU! poinsettia embossing folder on the choc. chip portion on the bottom. I found paisely papers (misc) that contained all the colors and attached to the top. I used SU! canvas (celery) ribbon near center. I placed decorative clear tape on top of the ribbon. Stamped 'thank you' on 1/2 a white decorative label punchie. Viola. Nothing too elaborate- simple and sweet.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

I apologize for my long absence from the blog world. The holidays were very crazy and I am glad they are over. Although, I did not post I did do some stamping/ crafting. I did not take pictures of everything (I don't know why). I made some really cute boxes filled with various homemade items like earrings, frames, journals, cards, magnets, and clips for 3 young "tween girls". I also made various gift tags and magnetic picture frames for all my family members. My Christmas cards were a hit...

I sent out quite a few cards so I did them in an assembly line fashion. It took me quite a few weekends to finish from the stage in the above picture. I printed all the B & W photos myself (3x3) then tinted all of them using distress ink (Vintage Photo). I made equal amounts of cards in Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler .

Here is a close up of the finished project. I used 4 spools of red/ green ribbon from SU! by the time they were all done. I found these adorable mini candy canes at a local craft store in the miniature/ doll house section. You can really find some adorable things in that section. This photo does not show the distressing of the photo too well.

Here is a side view of the card. I had to explain to many people (non stampers) that is was an easel card. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year!

I'm still here

2010-11-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hello all, just wanted to pop in and let you all know that I am still here. Its been a rough few days. After a long illness and an unfortunate sudden event last Thursday, my family had to say good- bye to our 15 year old chocolate Lab 'Sadie'. We all miss her dearly, I look around the corner at her favorite spot to sleep multiple times every day... and I miss hearing the jingle of her tags on her collar. She left her paw prints forever in our hearts and is/ will be truly missed.

I've cried everyday and have not been in the mood for stamping in quite a while. Don't worry, I will be stamping soon. I've got so much to do. Right now I'm doing other things, reading, making jewelry, and getting some Christmas shopping done. Thanks for stopping by. Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving... there are so many things to be thankful for... even those pets of ours.

Good bye Sadie girl...

Halloween Fun

2010-11-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Had a "Hauntingly Fun" weekend. Hope yours was a "Spooktacular" as mine.

2010-10-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm going to share a new way for coloring your artistic creations-PAN PASTELS. I have recently discovered them and cannot tell you how fun they are to use. They are a type of chalk (Pastel) that you apply with a sponge tipped applicator. The applicators have multiple sized/ shaped tips. They dry very fast and do not have to be sprayed to keep them from smearing or wiping away. Let get started with a quick tutorial, shall we?

Here is a look at the Pastels. They are very large and can be stacked or placed into this plastic tray. (They kinda remind me of loose powder makeup containers.) You can see (kinda) the applicators in the black cup behind the pastels.

I wanted to make a moon as the center of this image so I punched a 2" circle out of scrap paper and placed it in the center of my cut cardstock as a mask. I started with darker blue and purple near the edge of the punched circle mask to start creating the night sky. I used the applicator and rubbed pastel colors in a circular pattern and blended as I went.

When you achieve the look you want peel the circle up and place the reverse circle (the piece of scrap paper you punched your 2" circle from) over top to mask out the sky that you just chalked.

I used both a bright yellow and an orange yellow to chalk the details of the moon. Going darker (from outer edge) to lighter (inner edge).

Here is what it looks like when you are at this point.

Now you are ready to stamp. This technique works best with solid image stamps like this Stampin' Up! MIDNIGHT RAVEN #116529 single stamp. Use a bold dark color like Stampin' Up!'s BASIC BLACK CLASSIC INK #101179.

Here's what it looks like at this point.

I added some bats from Stampin Up!'s set WICKED COOL #120600 around the moon on both sides.I stamped some random tree branches. I matted the image on navy and cajun cardstock. I added some retired Stampin' Up! buttons at the bottom.

Viola!

ALL WRAPPED UP

2010-10-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

I used a movie theater- size MIKE & IKE to create this spooky candy wrapper/ gift. The box is approximately 7.25 x 3 inches. I wrapped the box of candy with Nite Owl paper. I cut the small pieces for the sides of the box seperately. Used decorative edged scissors to cut the label and then added a skull label found on one of the sheets from this pack of "spooky...ooky" paper.

I added color and depth with the STAMPIN' PASTELS #120962 (all new colors in this kit). Ran some Cajun Craze cs through the machine to emboss with the new embossing texture folder SPPIDER WEB #120889. Attached chalked image to box front with Dimensionals #104430 so that ribbon would lay flat under the image.

STAMP CLUB PROJECT- PAPER PUMPKINS

2010-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

We made these paper pumpkins last Saturday at my last Stamp Club meeting. (A similar but smaller pumpkin is shown on page 27 in the Idea Book and Catalog). I used misc. fall themed papers, large paper connectors (brads), craft wire, tulle, and paper leaf cut outs. Absolutely "NO STAMPING" on these. The really are simple to make, I made all these (pictured above) with the leftovers not used at the workshop (I cut way too many). Thicker paper and cardstock work better than one sided paper. You can stuff these with crumbled tissue paper to help keep its shape. Everyone individualized theirs with color choices, leaf choises, and tags.

Use 9-15 2x12 inch strips of cardstock and/ or designer papers. Lay the strips in design order (A-B-C pattern works great). Punch both ends 1/4 inch from ends and centered with CROPODILE #108362. Place brad in one end to hold pieces together. Flip strips over (white side or non dominant side face up). Take first strip on top and start turning into round shape, add brad. Move in sequence around, taking the next strip then the next until all up, and attached with brad. Fasten brad. take 6 inch piece of craft wire and wrap one time around brad head on top. Punch some leaves or tags and thread onto wire. Curl wire ends using stylus or dowel (curling the wire will hold your tags and leaves on but also add dimension and detail). Spread the strips out evenly and form to look like pumpkin. See pictures.

Here are some close- up pictures of a couple pumpkins. You can see the leaf, wire, and tag details. The one on the left is using one (busy) pattern paper with a contemporary style- clean/ simple. The pumpkin on the right is more country/ shabby style. Scroll back to first picture and you will see a couple pumpkins done with non traditional fall colors. They are done with blue, green, brown, white. I also made a Halloween style- candy corn, white tulle and black ribbon and lace.

DRY EMBOSS PUMPKIN TAG

2010-10-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

I am going to share another quick technique with you today. This will work for anything you want to look defined or round like balls, pumkins, bear's bellies, balloons, etc... It is real simple and once you've tried it you just may do it every time you make something that has an accent that needs to look round.

First you place your stamped, colored image onto a foam surface (thick craft foam) and moisten with small amount of water with use of a mini spritzer. Rub stylus over image on front (direction of image grain) many times to break up cardstock fibers. Flip image over and do the same thing on opposite side (same direction).

It is hard to see in this photo but, it makes the pumpkin look 3D (round). It pops up off the paper. You can place somthing behind it (Stampin dimensions, crumbled paper pieces) depending on how 3D you want it to look.

Above are 2 samples I did using the GREETING CARD KIDS stamp set (#120633) and retired Halloween verse. Colored pencil and Gamsol blending solution. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great weekend.

FAVORITE ALE CHICKEN WITH CARMELIZED ONIONS

2010-10-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hello, if you live in NE Ohio, like me, then your weather has been damp, cold, dreary and gray. Fall is really here. The leaves are turning (quickly) and apples, pumpkins, and sqash are plentiful. I want to share a fantastic "warm you up" recipe with you today. My husband and I got this pan with roasting insert for our birthdays in June. This ceramic baking pan works on stove top, oven, or grill in heat up to 500 F.
A link to the pan is here:
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.CM_SCID.coll.item.K27287.desc.Technique-Flame-10-Round-Covered-Everyday-Pan
I cannot find a link to the upright chicken roaster. I have seen them online and at Walmart (camping/ grilling section) any simple "beer can" chicken rack should work.

INGREDIENTS:
3-4 lb. whole chicken, cleaned and dried
1Tbs. Vegetable oil
2 Tbs. brown sugar
2Tbs. paprika
1tsp. dry mustard powder
1 tsp. chili powder
2Tbs. coarse sea salt or kosher salt
2tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 bottle of favorite ale
3 large sweet onions, sliced
1 bay leaf
4 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)

Brush chicken all over with vegetable oil. Make the rub by combining brown sugar, paprika, mustard, chili, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, inside the cavity as well as all over the skin. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place chicken roaster inside the pan and pour beer into the cup center of the chicken roaster dish. Place all remaining spices inside the beer. Place chicken ove rthe center of the chicken roaster. Season the onions with salt and pepper and place them all around the chicken. Roast until the internal temperature is 165 F. A 4 lb chicken should take around 75 minutes.

Allow chicken to rest/ cool 5 minutes. Carefully remove the chicken and serve with the carmelized onions. Pour drippings over chicken, potatoes and/ or vegetables.

If you decide to make this recipe, let me know what you thought. I would love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by.

SPOOKY DEFINATELY DECORATIVE- DECOR ELEMENTS

2010-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a "how to" with you today. I have a lot of customers asking about the VINYL DEFINATELY DECORATIVE ELEMENTS ( see side catalog or back of Idea Book & Catalog).

QUESTIONS: 1. How do you use them? 2. How do you apply them? 3. What do you do with them? 4. Are the permenent or reusable?

ANSWERS: 1. You can use them just about anywhere. On walls, glassware, ceramics, books, painted wood sufaces, mirrors, or most non porus surfaces 2. You apply them with a credit card or a special tool DECOR ELEMENTS APPLICATOR (#114285), 3. You decorate with them, add detail to elements within a room. You can use the chalkboard labels to organize things in a kitchen, pantry, or office. 4. They are permanent. Once they are applied they can not be re-used. I stongly suggest you use them on glass jars (as I did), ceramic bowls, glass pitchers (chalkboard label so you can write what is on pitcher), glass frames, painted dressers, painted walls.

You do get 4 step directions with your purchase of a decor element but some find them hard to follow. I will break it down for you to make things clearer and easier to follow. Take your element out of the wrapper and place on table top grid side up (as shown in picture below).

Take your tool and go over the entire surface a few times to help loosen image from backing paper. (your applicator tool will be black, not pink like mine).

Once you have gone over the entire surface firmly, you will start to peel grid paper side slowly. If some of the image sticks to grid paper side, put back and go over area again with applicator tool until it loosens.Try not to wrinkle or crease vinyl images when you replace. Don't peel back fast or all at once- you risk ruining your image.

Once you have the entire image peeled back from the grid paper place image onto surface you are decorating. Press firmly with hands, pushing out air bubbles, not wrinkling or creasing. Go over the entire surface with the applicator tool, pressing/ rubbing from left side to right side top to bottom until you have covered the entire image.

Slowly peel back paper viola! Your image should be in place. If some part of the image sticks to paper set the paper on top and go over the area again with applicator.

FROM THE CRYPT

2010-10-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Stamped some more Halloween things today. Dug out the set FROM THE CRYPT (#115460) Used the layout on page 25 from the Idea Book & Catalog as inspiration for my tag and card layouts. This picture is not very clear, scroll down to see some more up close.

Here is a close up of the tag. I used the MODERN LABEL PUNCH (XL #119849) and 1 3/8" CIRCLE PUNCH (# 119860) to add detail behind the main image. I also used the 3/4" CIRCLE PUNCH (#119873) that I stamped BOO! onto. I hand cut the bat image and folded the wings to add dimension, like it is flying. COPPER MINI BRADS (retired) and COPPER EYELETS (#105319) to further embellish. I distressed the edges using the distress tool from the CUTTER KIT (#106958).

I used the Awesome TASTEFUL TRIM Bigz Die (#120893) to add further paper detail to the side of the card and to the botom of the tag. This die cut is awesome (like I said before). Ric Rac, baker's twine, and fabric are all the rage in the paper crafting world right now. I'm so glad SU! is up on the latest and greatest. They really make it fun to craft.

Have I told you how Fantastic the new COLOR COACH (#121620) is? I cannot live without this sucker. It makes everything much easier. It takes the thinking out of planning and making projects of all kinds. I am using the Sweet Pea combination CAJUN CRAZE (#119684), ALWAYS ARTICHOKE (#105119), and PERFECT PLUM (#101889). I would have never used these exact colors on a Halloween project prior to owning this. It opens your eyes to a whole new colorful world. Well, enough rambling, I'm off to bed soon, I have a busy day planned tomorrow. I am attending the Adventures In Stamping convention tomorrow :) I need all the sleep I can get, it may get crazy...

DARK & DREARY ENSEMBLE

2010-09-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a close-up of coordinating projects I made to go with the cards and Bingo Cards posted earlier this week. I love how easy SU! makes it to coordinate stamps, accessories, and colors. No other company can do this well. I don't have to search for colors and coordinating products, I trust SU! to do that for me. They make crafting that much easier.

I recycled a spice jar and decorated it using TANGERINE cs (#111349), TEXTURED BLACK cs (119922), GOING GRAY cs (retired), RAVEN LACE trim (#120988), DECORATIVE LABEL PUNCH (#120907), misc. colored baker's twine, and plastic spider. I used hot glu eto adhere the label, and spider. Distressed the edges of the candle image with TANGERINE INK (#111834) using SPONGE DAUBERS (#102892). I filled the jar with black and white gumdrops. Now, which "lucky", or should I say "unlucky", person should I give this to?

I love making tags! They are one of my favorite things to make. They work for just about everything. They can be super easy to very elaborate but, always so fun to make. "When in doubt, add a tag". This goes for card fronts, scrapbook pages, candles,labels, gifts, etc... I used GOING GRAY cs ( retired), BASIC GRAY cs (#121044), BASIC BLACK cs (#121045), TANGERINE (#111349), RAVEN LACE trim (#120988), DARK & DREARY stamp set (# 121151), SPIDER WEB TEXTURE FOLDER (#120889), decorative edge scissors (retired), misc. ribbon and baker's twine, misc. spider web edge punch, and plastic spider. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed the ensemble and my quick/ easy ideas. Make sur eto stop by again.

BINGO ANYONE?

2010-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

These could not have been any easier. The cards are cut directly from 2 sheets of the NITE OWL DS paper (#123012) for a total of 8 Bingo cards. I mounted each 5.75in. card onto TANGERINE CS (#119949). I think I will use these at my daughter's Halloween Party at school (her last school Halloween party). If you are a fan of this idea you need to check out the BINGO CARD stamp (#120851) on page 29 from the Holiday Mini Catalog. You could make a variety of themed Bingo Cards ie: Baby Shower, Christmas Party, Easter, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's, or Birthday.

In the mini catalog they use black jellybeans for Bingo markers but, I thought that misc. Halloween punched images would be a fun and inexpensive way to mark the card. I used SU's BITTY BAT punch (#119279) along with other small punches (scalloped square, spider, witch, and owl).

DARK & DREARY HALLOWEEN

2010-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

I had time to do some stamping today- yeah! Finally! I bought the entire line of 1800's London Halloween Suite. The minute I saw this line of products, I knew I had to have them. I used the verse/ large rectangle stamp from the set DARK & DREARY (#121151); the gray patterned paper from the NITE OWL DESIGNER PAPER PACK (#123012); BASIC BLACK; BASIC GRAY; TANGERINE cardstock; 1/2" LACE TRIM (#120988) to complete the cards.

Speaking of 1/2 " LACE TRIM, have you bought this yet? If you haven't, shame on you! It is great! It ties easily, lays flat, and is so charming added to a variety of surfaces. Just look at it against this tangerine cardstock before I added it to the card fronts. I assembled everything in an assembly line and thought these looked so great all by themselves. "Kinda Spooky"

I wanted to share an easy tip for adding a little bit of color to this intricate image. First, I stamped the images on a going gray (retired) cardstock. I then cut out the images with decorative edged scissors (retired) and distressed jagged edges and center circle using TANGERINE CLASSIC INK (#111834) with a SPONGE DAUBER (#102892). The diameter works perfect to add a little color to the circle of this image. I cannot live without these daubers. I use them for almost every project.

Viola! Didn't it work out perfect? How else could you add the color in a perfect circle? You can use this technique on many circular images and accents. I have never stamped on a gray and I love the look of it with the distressed edges. Stay tuned for some more fun ideas using this line of products, make sure you check back again this week. Thanks for stopping by.

2010-08-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween and almost everything that goes along with Halloween. It is my absolute favorite time of year. Caramel apples, beautifully colored leaves, crisp air, autumn decorations, hot cider, evening outdoor fires, sweatshirts, and spooky festivities.What could be more fun than a Halloween Party? Its the perfect time for everyone to pretend they are someone/ something else. My friends and family call me a Halloween "FREAK". The funny thing is that my brother, best friend, and next door neighbor are all 'Halloween Lovers' too. I am a sucker for anything orange and black with bats, cats, witches, and ghosts.

These projects are for my upcoming club meeting I have in less than 2 weeks. I chose to use WICKED FUN #117400 ds paper and the coordinating WICKED COOL # 120600 stamp set. Both are new to the SU! line and can be found on pages 22 &23 of the main idea book and catalog. Those of you that don't have a current catalog can view any of the current catalogs here: http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/default.asp.

My Halloween "Spooky" creations were totally insired by two Stampin Up! demonstrators that I follow on a daily basis through their business blogs ( Mary at http://www.stampinpretty.com/ and Angie at http://www.chicnscratch.typepad.com/chic_n_scratch/page/2/ ). Both women are so creative and do such wonderful things with SU! products.

The Spooky Mini Bag is so easy and adorable. It will hold Reese's Cups, Hershey Nuggets, Peppermint Patties, Fruit Snack Packs, or anything that is around that size. It is hand cut and folded (no die cut machine needed) The flap is held closed with velcro- how perfect! You will get 3 from one sheet of 12 x 12 inch paper. The finished mini bag measures 3x3 inches. The bats are from SU!s new large bat punch #119279.

Directions for this project can be found here: http://www.chicnscratchlive.com/

(just scroll down through all the videos until you get to the spooky bag)

Those ladies that are attending my club will get written and pictorial directions.

Directions for an easel card can be found here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/easelcard/

This was the first easel I have made- super easy! Will be making them again. I think they will be perfect for Christmas photo cards. I used the color spritzer tool to splatter ink around the image. I distressed the edges of the image and cardstock with basic balck ink and a sponge dauber. Viola!

Materials used:

Wicked Fun DS Paper: #117400 $11.95 pg 172

Wicked Cool Stamps #120600 $14.95 pg 23

Bitty Bat Punch #119279 $15.95 pg 201

Extra Large Scallop Oval Punch #119856 pg 201

1 1/4 inch circle Punch #119861 $16.95 pg 203

Large oval Punch #119855 $16.95 pg 203

Color Spritzer Tool #107066 $12.95 pg 195

Old Olive Grosgrain 1/4 inch Ribbon #111368 $4.95 pg 191

(Rich Razzleberry/ Old Olive Markers)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I would love to hear from you. thanks for stopping by. Be sure to stop by and see some more Halloween creations. I will be making many more creations up until that Haunting Day.

2010-08-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, my summer has officially ended. I return to work tomorrow. :( This summer just "flew by". The majority of the summer was consumed with softball, baking, cooking, canning, and freezing. I worked a secondary job a couple days a week from June through beginning of August (just to keep me busy- with extra income).

Now I am planning a big camping trip in a few weeks.I did some grocery shopping and started planning our campfire meals. If anyone knows any good fire/coal cooking recipes please email or let me know. I'm always looking for some new ones. My girls love to use pie irons. We take a ton of bread to make pies, pizzas, etc...

I have done very little stamping this summer (I have done enough purchasing but not put anything to use). I have made a few gifts, tags, projects, but not as much as I expected I would once summer began.

I have joined FACEBOOK and got in contact with many people whom I have not spoke to in years. I swore I would not take the plunge but, I did. I am enjoying it- although, I am not playing any games.

I am hosting a make-n-take workshop this weekend and have most everything prepped. Hope things go well- this will be my first workshop since the new catalog has been released. I have some other workshops in the works but wan tto run some ideas by my attendees.

Ok, it is getting late and I need to get some sleep. Enough rambling. I just wanted to touch base and let the few followers I have know that I'm still here. Just not had much stamping MOJO.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

FOX & FRIENDS BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR 6

2010-08-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

I have started selling items on ETSY. This is one of the kits I have for sale here: (http://www.etsy.com/listing/53163104/unique-adorable-birthday-party-ensemble) This set includes paper party hats, party blowers, goody bags, invitations/ thank- yous, cupcake picks, ribbon, store bought serving products, tablecloth, and curly ribbon streamers.

This is an adorably unique ensemble that will work great for any young child's birthday, and/ or a baby shower. I used the Stampin' Up! set FOX & FRIENDS. I used So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Rose Red for the colors. I found plates, napkins, flateware, and cups to coordinate at a local store.

*hint: because these stamps are a solid image stamp, it is best to use permanent ink such as chalk ink. stazon/ or pigment ink. I used chalk inks to get a crisp/ clean image.

Here is a close- up of the party hats. I found a pattern via internet and traced, cut, and assembled. I added paper strips with a hot glue gun and curled the strips with a bone folder. I think they are adorable. In this picture you can also see the mini cards that can be used for invitations/ thank- yous.

In this photo you can see more of the mini cards plus the goody bags (under the party blowers), and the party blowers. Aren't they cute?

Here is a close-up of the cupcake picks and the birthday boy/ girl's ribbon. This kit is sold with a box of confetti cupcake mix (makes 12 cupcakes). The picks will work perfectly to further decorate each yummy treat.

Tropical Luau Ensemble

2010-07-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

All materials are Stampin' Up!
Finally got around to posting some pictures of some projects I made at my last Open House at the end of June. The ladies made the tag and the small take-out style box. I added the adorable coconut drink vessel and the card to make the ensemble complete.
MOST MATERIALS USED FROM SUMMER MINI CATALOG: Island Floral Bigz Die #118871, Island Oasis Party Favor Boxes #117178, Island Oasis Designer Series Paper #117173, Tropical Party Cear stamps #120081, Scallop Circle Punch #119854, Rhinestone Brads (Square Ice) #109113
(sorry cannot adjust this picture size)

Once flowers/ leaves were cut on the Sizzix machine, I distressed/ shadowed the edges with classic ink in the same color (rose red/olive green) I then used a bone folding tool to curl the petals. I threaded string through the small button, tied in a knot, and attatched button to the center with a glue dot. I fell in love with this line of products once I saw them in the catalog. They are so bright, happy, and cheerful.

DISTRESSED SHADOWBOX WITH TIM HOLTZ

2010-07-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, if you follow my blog you know that I met one of my favorite stamp artists back in April. I posted this picture back then but, had not got around to posting the picture of what I did with the photo. I decided to make a distressed shadow box. I coordinated the paper with both Tim's and my shirt.
I came across the shadow frame clearanced in a large chain store. I could not pass up the deal- 80% off. It was already distressed to the extent that I wanted so I did not do anymore with it. It was perfect!

Here's a close up picture of the tag (sorry for the glare). I added pearl-like embellishments (misc.) to coordinate with the pearls I was wearing (my great-grandmother's). I added SU! polka dot ribbon (Bermuda Bay- retired) to the tag (size #8 tag). I added further metal embellishments from Tim's line (of course, could not use anythign else). I distressed with SU! Soft Suede classic ink and sponge dauber.

I am so happy with the way it turned out... LOVE IT!!!! My husband doesn't understand it.

GOODY BAG TAGS

2010-07-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

My youngest turned 9 this week. We had a small birthday party during the day because of our hectic softball schedules. Thank goodness the season is almost over.

Here is a picture of the goody bags I made up for the girls. I found these clear, snap closure bags a while back and decided to use them for take- home bags for the girls. I stamped a tag for each bag coordinated by color. Embossed texture using Sizzix Big Shot machine and plates.Filled each with stamps, ink spots, beads, bath gel, picture frames, and candy. Used a retired SU! set named ALPHABITS and retired 1/4" square punch to label each tag with their names. Tied each tag on with retired SU! rainbow sheer ribbon. Colored each tag with COPICS and viola!

The girls just loved how they truned out! They couldn't wait to use the bags for their makeup and nail polish. They are going to use the tags on their overnight/ book bags.

RETIRED SU! STAMPS FOR SALE

2010-07-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

I have been in a "clean- out" mood. I have went through my stamp cupboard again and decided to get rid of some stamp sets. Some were rarely used and some were never used. All are mounted on original wood blocks and are still in the original plastic container (seen in picture). All prices are 50% or more off original SU! pricing.

If there are any on my list that you are interested in, please contact me by email or here on the blog with your contact info so we can coordinate a transaction. I will get back to you as promptly as I can.

If stamps need to be shipped I am charging a $5 flat rate fee on top of the set price.

I just added the whole group of stamps on EBAY. Make sure you check them out.

ALL THE BEST (7) $5

BASKET FULL (13) $10

BE HAPPY (6) $10

BIG BLOSSOM (1) $5

BIRTHDAY BEST (4) $5

BITTY BASICS (10) $5

BITTY BASICS (4) $5

BOTANICAL BLOOMS (7) $5

BOTH WAY BLOSSOMS (4) $10

DOODLE THIS (5) $10

FLOWER LINES (4- DOUBLE MOUNT) $5

FRIENDSHIP BLOOMS (5) $5

GIVE THANKS (6) $5

HEARTFUL THANKS (9) $10

IN THE SPOTLIGHT (12) $10

ITS A GIRL THING (4+1 EXTRA COORDINATING STAMP) $5

LITTLE BIT OF HAPPINESS (4) $5

LOVE MATTERS (12) $5

MEASURE OF LIFE (5) $10

NATURES SECRET (6) $10

OH, MY WORD (6) $5

PAINTED POSIES (8) $5

POLKA DOT POSIES (8) $5

SEASONAL ICONS (4) $5

SEND A CELEBRATION (4) $5

SHAPES AND SHADOWS (12) $5

SIMPLY SWEET (4) $5

SO MANY SCALLOPS (4) $5

SPRING SOLITUDE (6) $5

STARRING YOU (4) $5

THE ART OF LIFE (4) $5

THE WORLD OVER (3) $5

TIME WELL SPENT (12) $10

TOO CUTE (4) $5

TREE FOR ALL SEASONS (4) $5

VERY PUNNY (8) $5

WEATHER OR NOT (4) $5

WOW FLOWERS $5

2010-07-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is another card using the MOJO146 sketch. I loved this layout- too simple and a great way to use many papers, colors, and textures. I have been on a kick coloring these cute little girl images (non SU!). I have 2 daughters and I think they work great for cards for young girls.

I am always trying to improve my COPIC coloring techniques. I can't get enough of playing with them but, feel I still need major help to use them to their full potential. I have been using my sewing machine for simple straight stitching. This card used 3 different stitches (over top each other) which gave it a more "not- so -perfect" look. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. What do you think?

SU! Materials used:

#117173 Island Oasis DS paper $9.95

Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Peach Parfait Colors used.

#119868 1" Circle Punch

#118874 XL Scallop Circle Punch

Rolling By With A MOJO Hi

2010-07-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

I'm playing around with the new Stampin' Up! COLOR COACH again. I love that thing!!! I have said it many times... "they hit one out of the park with this one" for sure. All papers used are SU! The stamps used are a non SU! company that my aunt designs for. I think these images are perfect for little girls. I pulled this out for the first time, to make a card for my "soon to be 9 year old" daughter's birthday next week. She rides her bike/ scooter everyday. This image was perfect for her.
Card made using MOJO 146 sketch : http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

Card Details: The Creative Combination from the Color Coach is Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Tempting Turquoise. All Designer papers and Cardstock are SU! Large Star punch used for accent on right. I doubled buttons and wired together. Image colored with COPICS. I dusted off the old sewing machine and added a quick zig-zag stitch on the pink vertical paper strip (hard to see- most covered up).
Stop by again tomorrow and see some more creative ideas using this sketch. This sketch is fun.

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

2010-07-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Playing around with some non SU! stamps. Isn't she cute? Couldn't resist this one. Colored with Copics. Punched 3 different size and shaped stars and attached at various heights using dimensionals. Added small brads, star brads, and button in center of each star for more depth and texture. Used up some retired SU! (Ballet Blue) cardstock and some old (misc.) patriotic striped designer paper. I only had a 1/2 sheet of DS paper (I got 12- 1" strips to make 12 of these cards). I thought it was a clever way to use a splash of busy patterned paper that was sitting in my stash for many years. I whipped these up in no time at all. I like to make quick- "no frills"- cards these days.

I always decorate my hutch in my kitchen with various dishes and items that coordinate with the season, Holiday, or time of year. I have recently started to collect antique milk glass (white- from various makers). I like to coordinate these items with new and festive pieces to give an eclectic look. Here's what I did for INDEPENDENCE DAY. I like how it turned out.

COURAGE

2010-07-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the card I made for a local wounded soldier (link for info regarding the soldier on June 30th post). I used the SU! COURAGE set #115330 from pg 49 in the new catalog. I borrowed this from my aunt (thanks Crystal). What a beautiful stamp! I really like the stippled/ collaged image, it is different than something I usually purchase. I may have to add this to my wishlist ( which is a mile long since the new catty release).

I distressed the edges by tearing and inking with the new Crumb Cake Classic ink # 121030 color using an ink dauber #102892 from pg 195 in new catalog. I used a color combination found from the new Color Caoch #121620 on pg 165- Not Quite Navy, Red Ridinghood Red, and Crumb Cake. The Color Coach is a "MUST- HAVE" from the new catalog. I used color pencil to add further color and mounted onto cardstock with dimensionals #104430 on pg 197.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday weekend, and spent many wonderful hours with family/ friends. Thanks for stopping by.

Card For a Local Soldier

2010-06-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have recently started FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/ and am trying to get used to things. I know Iknow What took me so long?" Not sure I like it as much as everyone said I would.
Anyway, I was notified that a local soldier (19 years old) stepped on a mine and is suffering from numerous injuries. Read more here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127569070616771
I was asked to send a card and pass the news along to anyone else that may be interested in making/ sending a card.
If you are interested, please send some get well wishes, and encouragement to both him and his family. The card can be homemade, store bought, or an ecard. It can be a thank you or get well. After all, it is the soldiers that are fighting everyday that make this country great. Truly sad, he's only a couple years older than my daughter. There are too many young men and women over there. I hate to hear things like this. They are happening nearly every day.

Here is the specific info.
National Naval Medical Center
LCpl Timothy Conner
c/o Marine Liaison Office
8901 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20889

Please send me a note or an email letting me know that you participated. Thanks.

NEW 2010-2011 CATALOGS HAVE ARRIVED

2010-06-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

The new catalogs have arrived and they are great! I have done some delivering this week to those that preordered. If you are interested in ordering a catalog and having it delivered priority mail please email me.
You will love all the changes. The colors look fabulous together,the new COLOR COACH is a "must-have", and the papers are yummy.
Let me know what you think.

Flutterby

2010-05-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Not much stamping going on here. I baked last Friday (brownies), my girls love when I bake. I have done some craft supply shopping but, have not done any stamping. I did find time to put together 4 small (6x6) memory books for a few friends I work with . One of the main classrooms I work in is losing the main teacher and both paraprofessionals. The teacher is moving to FL and the others are moving to other buildings/ classrooms. I decided to make a small book to remind them of all the fun we had together (with the kiddos). I put various pictures of each student in the book and decorated them all very similar. Once all the photos were cut, they went together fairly quickly. I cannot post photos of the books secondary to confidentiality. I will give them to the ladies in a couple weeks or when all get together for SUSHI sometime in the next week or so.

I was able to fit in some more small gardening tasks on Sunday. All the sod is lifted and ready for good topsoil and to plant the foliage that I bought last week at a local nursery. I cannot wait to get that project done. The grass has started growing (seed was planted a couple weeks agao when the 20 trees were planted). My Lilac trees are really very pretty this Spring. Friday they had a sworm of butterflies all over them. I was so pleasantly surprised. They smell som wonderful too.

Both my girls are still playing softball this season. That absorbs so much of my time both evenings and weekends. Not to mention that my husband has been working out of town. Its so hard to keep up with everything. I don't know how some (single) women do it. My oldest daughter's JV (HS) team won first place the county tournament this past weekend. She hit back to back home runs (5 runs batted in) in the final tournament game. This was her first over- the- fence home run "ever" and it was so exciting. I am so proud. I know it couldn't have come at a better time. The girls all did well. It was an exciting good time.

Well, I guess I have run on a bit. It is getting late and have some things to do. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.

2010-2011 IN COLORS

2010-05-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

I just got the latest edition of my Demonstrator Publication- Stamin' Success today in the mail. I was pleasantly pleased to see the new IN COLORS that will be available for the next TWO YEARS.
Wow, so many changes and so much to keep up with. Along with the new ink colors, you will also find new Designer Series Papers, Stamp Sets, Single Stamps, Ribbon, Big Shot Dies, Simply Scrappin' Kits, Stampin' Around Wheels, Punches, and embellishments.
Check out the new colors below:

I am loving the COLOR RENOVATION announced last month. I have cleaned out, reorganized, and have starting using these colors together more and more. They are truly beautiful. The new IN COLORS will fit in with the new families fabulously. I cannot wait until I can order them. I think I want all of them, for sure. I know many of my customers will also. I'm hoping they will have Stampin' Spots and markers available... will have to wait and see.
Stay tuned for some samples using some new sets from the Summer Mini, some of the new color combinations, and sizzix dies.

An Eventful Weekend- Without Stamping

2010-05-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Even though we had spotty rain all weekend, my husband and I got a ton of yard work done. We had 4+ tons of dirt hauled in on Thursday evening. We borrowed a tractor and hauled all the dirt to the back yard to build a raised bed and to fill in a low spot (previous swing set/ playground area). The swing set came down last fall and the cut out rectangular spot needed to be filled in. We got the grass planted and hopefully it will fill in quickly. Ahhhh... my yard back. Cannot wait to see the green grass.
All our neighbors have planted fences around us and as you can see from the picture, my yard bumps into yards of the neighbors behind us. This drives us crazy! It was one of the cons when we bought this house. We decided to go a little green and plant a NATURAL fence line. I hope we do not regret this decision. It took us a year to decide what to do- we went back to our original plan after talking with professionals. I planted small perinneals (Spirea) in front of the trees (hard to see in the picture) for a little color contrast in fron to f the everbearing trees. We are happy thus far.

I fit in some time while he was hauling the loose dirt (top soil) to plant my annuals in my planters on the deck and around the house. I have 4 of these large urn-like planters that I plant every spring. I always change the flower choice and colors. This year I decided purple (pansies) and orange (unknown) and instead of Sweet Potatoe Vine as I have always used, I decided to use English Ivy to grow and drape over the edge. I hope these do well. I have always had great success with Pansies- one of my very favorite flowers. GORGEOUS!

KRAFTY TESS

2010-04-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

I found a fun challenge while searching through my (near) daily blog list. The challenge is to use KRAFT anywhere and anyhow on a card or project. Yeah- I'm digging this, Kraft has become my new favorite color . I'm so glad SU! has decided to keep it (renaming it Crumb Cake).

I decided to try out my new binding system that I purchased this past weekend at Adventure's In Stamping. Wahoo- I had a blast! It took me less than five minutes to figure things out. I made one error and I was soon off and running. I used thin chipboard (back of a used tablet of paper) in Kraft color to make the front and back cover. I filled it with 20+ pages.

I thought TOTE-ALLY TESS would fit on this size notebook perfectly. She was colored with Gamsol and pencils. I paper pieced her tote and her jeans from retired SU! papers."I love thosejeans". I sewed the buttons together with wire I learned this (from T!M HOLTZ) this past weekend. I decided to curl the ends around a pencil tip.I love the way that turned out.

TIM HOLTZ

2010-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

OMG... I finally met one of my favorite stampers- T!M HOLTZ. He is amazing, I took his Distress Class on Friday and then watched demos for nearly 3 hours on Saturday during the Akron's Adventures In Stamping Convention. He really is fun to watch and does some amazing things. He's got clever thoughts and is so knowledgeable. It was such a treat. I had a wonderful time both days.

COLOR TALK

2010-04-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

I got my hands on actual CS in the new (upcoming) colors. WOW! They've done it again. I love them! I know a lot of my customers have had many questions so I thought I'd do some color comparisons for you.

DAFFODIL: Yum! This color is lighter than CURRY but darker/ brighter than SAFFRON. Forget the vivid YO-YO, this is truly a perfect shade of yellow. Perfect for cheery Birthday, Spring, and Summer cards or projects.

MARINA MIST: This color is lighter than the previous In- Color BLUE BAYOU but definately a similar hue. It is a blue with a green undertone. It is a very inviting color. It has a nautical/ beach feel to it. Definately can be used for Birthday, Masculine, Sympathy and Thinking of you cards and projects.

CAJUN CRAZE: Wow! This color is rich, rich, rich! It is darker than REALLY RUST. Very nice compliment to Baja Breeze, and Early Expresso. Will work fabulously for all Fall Projects.

CHERRY COBBLER: Sumptuous! Truly the color of cherries. This just may be the perfect shade of red. Less bright than REAL RED and darker/ richer than RUBY RED. Totally different shade than RIDINGHOOD RED. Will work great for all Christmas, birthday, Thank - you, and misc cards and projects.

EARLY EXPRESSO: Delicious! Truly looks like a cup of expresso. Very dark. rich chocolate color. This brown is darker than CHOCOLATE CHIP. When held next to CHOCOLATE CHIP it shows the red undertones in the CHOCOLATE CHIP that are not noticeable at first. If you thought CHOCOLATE CHIP was a perfect brown you will love EARLY EXPRESSO, I promise.

All of the new colors, plus newly relaesed In- Colors (will be announced soon) will be available in markers, CS, inks, refills, and ribbon. As always, SU! has covered all areas of design and makes it easy to coordinate all items needed to make a completely matched project.

2010-04-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Due to upcoming circumstances/ changes, I will be selling some retiring ink colors and stamp sets from the existing SU! catalog. The changes will take place by the end of June 2010. Please email me or let me know if you are interested in me reserving any of these for you. I will sell once they have retired. I will be adding retiring stamp sets when I get notification in a couple weeks.

I have 3+ sheets of cardstock, classic ink pad, classic ink refill, and stampin' marker for all the following: $8.00 each bundle
Lovely Lilac
Almost Amethyst
Pale Plum
Ballet Blue
Sage Shadow
Mint Melody
Gable Green
Blush Blossom
Only Orange
Barely banana

I have Bordering Blue cardstock, classic ink pad, classic ink refill, stamin' marker, and classic wheel cartridge for $10.00 for bundle.

I am selling these retired stamp sets now:
It's A Loop Thing $5.00 (2009)
Doodle That $5.00 (2007)
Pocket Full of Posies $5.00 (2005)
Made From Scratch $5.00 (2005)
Spring Solitude $5.00 (2008)
All The Best $5.00 (2004)
Shapes and Shadows $5.00 (2004)

COLOR RENOVATION

2010-04-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! announced last week their plans to renovate their colors. They have decided to scale down and "weed out" a lot of colors. The changes have received various reviews. I am still feeling uncertain about the change. I need to see how things will work out in the next 6+ months to feel more comfortable. There are going to be many changes. Some gradual and some abrupt. Getting used to the changes will take some time. I hope this announcement does not upset my customers and people too much.

As a demonstrator I have decided to not to keep stock in some of the retiring colors. I will be selling inks, cardstock, papers, refills, and markers. I am expected to buy new colors and new inventory so i will need to purchase these things. I received a piece of cardstock in all the new colors today in th email- beautiful! I was upset to hear CURRY was going but DAFFODIL is a very good "fill in" choice- "I love it".

The renovated palettes in the new color collections (formerly known as color families) are "hip" and ""highly functional". They are exciting colors and will be very easy to coordinate.

BRIGHTS: This new collection is a mix of happy colors. Easier to work with than the previous brights. This collection covers all basic colors without being overly dramatic. You will be reaching for these colors more than you did before.

SUBTLES: This collection hold luscious, "yummy" colors in all pastel glory. This color collection brings back many of the previous IN- COLORS and adds a soothing shade of blue (Marina Mist). This collection is still baby soft but, yet sophisticated.

REGALS: This collection is rich and delightful. They have depth, and warmth. These lavish colors are a "must" for all vintage projects. Sumptious!

NEUTRALS: Who can live without this collection? One or more from this family are used on nearly every card made. They work flawlessly with all the other color collections and smashingly when used together. Crumb Cake (formerly known as Kraft) will be a "must have" and will now be available in ink, marker, along with cardstock. Each color in this collection should be available for individual cardstock color packs.

***It sounds like SU! will still have IN COLORS and they will last 2 years opposed to just the 1 year. SU! will slowly fade colors out of each color collection (3-5 years). They will release more specific info regarding IN COLORS in May. Expect more changes with stamps, embellishments, and papers too***

Saint Patrick's Cupcakes

2010-03-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Had time to bake some cupcakes yesterday (cheated and made from box mix). Found these toppers, candies, and adorable shamrock paper wrappers at the local craft store a couple weeks ago. Added green coloring into the batter prior to baking. Colored vanilla frosting and Viola! You definately get a green tongue afte reating them. Gave away cupcakes to a couple neighbors as a "good luck" surprise. Everyone enjoyed them. My girls will have the rest gone by the end of the week. YUM!

"Luck of the Irish to ya"

BALSAMIC GLAZED CHICKEN WITH GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD

2010-03-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here is my new recipe this week. Balsamic glazed chicken. I made this for dinner last night. I cooked the chicken in a grill pan on the stove. My outdoor grill has not been uncovered yet. Spring will be here very soon and that "puppy" will be put to use nearly every night for months. I love the taste of grilled/ charcoal grilled foods. Ok, enough about the grill and on to the recipe. I am a semi- homemade kind of cook, and when I came across this recipe I knew I had to try it.

RECIPE:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 C olive oil, use some for vegatables too

1/4 C balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. Dijon- style mustard

1 red pepper, sliced thick

1 red onion, sliced thick

Mix ingredients in 1 gallon resealable bag and place chicken breasts in bag and turn to coat. Marinate for 2 hours -overnight in refrigerator. Remove chicken from marinade and discard bag. Grill chicken on medium about 14 minutes or until cooked through. Turn chicken over half way through. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil. salt and pepper to taste. Add vegetables to grill and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add warm vegetables to bed of baby spinach. Dress with favorite dressing. I also added a little crumbled blue cheese. Viola! This salad looked so "gourmet" it really could not have been easier or more delicious.

2010-03-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Here is my try at MOJO128. I pulled out the trusty SU! color wheel and picked these colors- saffron, Amethyst, and Celery. I used 6x6 DS paper samplers- mixed and matched. I found these great light green bling stickers at a local store and used them on my shamrock cards last week-wanted to use them again on this cutie. I am so in to owls... I think I have 10 single owl stamps and 5+ sets with owls in them. I even found some funky carved owls for my living room. They remind me of the 70s and the decor of my house as a child.

Material: So Saffron, Almost Amethyst, and Certainly Celery CS; XL 2-Step Bird Punch (branch and leaves);Scallop Trim Corner Punch; 1 3/4 Circle Punch; Fox & Friends Stamp Set (owl); Scallop Mega Punch; Green Sticky Rhinestones.

YOU'RE LATE FOR A VERY IMPORTANT DATE

2010-03-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

If you have not got your tickets or have not seen the new Alice In Wonderland you are LATE... it's fantastic! Bizarre, Burton-like, Thrilling, Humourous, Colorful, and Action packed... I loved it. We saw it in 2D and it still was great. Gotta love Johnny Depp! Yum!

2010-03-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

I was totally inspired by this month's STAMPIN' SUCCESS examples on page 13 for these cards. This was a pefect opportunity for me to hit the scrap bin again. I used multiple green scraps punched with triple heart punch to make the shamrock cuties. Used up some old 1yd spools of ribbon bought at local store. I did not purchase the GOING GREEN individual stamp as used for my inspiration pieces (highly suggest you get this one,it is perfect to use for St. Patricks cards. I used an old (probably 10+ yrs. old) St. Patricks verse from multiple holiday set. I stamped on a 1 3/4 inch circle and mounted on a coordinating green square. Embellished square piece with mini silver brads in 3 corners. Stuck a bling/bead in center of the shamrock to give a finished look. I had some extra hearts punched and some more sahara cs scraps so I chose to make some tags. I love tags...they are so easy and fun to make. Now, I have to decide what I will do with the tags. Any ideas? give me ideas in your comments.

GOING GREEN individual stamp #117074
1 3/4 circle punch # 112004

silver brads #104336

sahara sand CS #105328

Heart to Heart punch #113694

2010-02-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Here is another project we made at my last workshop. Rather simple really- looks harder than it is. It is 1/2 sheet of 12x12 paper cut on the bias and then rolled (similar to a party hat I made for new years). Once rolled and glued I attached a butterfly punchie and ribbon to hang it. You could always add longer ribbon so it could be hung on a door knob or hook. It can be filled with candies and other goodies. I glued 2 cherry candy canes togeher to form a heart and placed it inside.