Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Baja Butterflies

Hi guys!

First off, for all of you in the Knoxville area, don't forget about my
MYSTERY HOSTESS CONTEST!!
There are only a few days left to enter! All you need to do to enter is submit a $50 order! It's just that simple. Check out my post below from 23 January for more details.

It's a dreary rainy Wednesday here in Knoxville, so I thought I would share with you some bright thank you cards I made. Earlier this month, a bunch of my girlfriends got together for a good-bye party for me and we went for a Hibachi/sushi dinner and bowling afterwards. It was so much fun and I was so touched that they would do that for me, so I had to make them some hand-stamped thank you cards to show my appreciation.

Here's a close up of one of them:

I'm getting a lot of use out of my swirly Cuttlebug folder, aren't I? Man, I can't wait to get my hands on the textured embossing plates Stampin' Up!'s selling right now! But alas, I'm trying to be good and wait until after the move to buy anything... Anyway, I couldn't decide which color scheme I liked best, so I made them all slightly different. Here's a group shot:


Now for the recipe:

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Ink: Cameo Coral
Paper: Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral, Whisper White
Accessories: Baja Breeze striped grosgrain ribbon, D'Vine Swirls Cuttlebug folder, Big Shot, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches, Large Oval and Word Window punches

Happy stamping!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Valentine Treats

Hi guys!

Today I thought I'd share with you the treats I made for CJ's classmates for Valentine's Day. With our move looming, I've been trying to get everything done because I don't know when I'll be able to stamp again! My aunt has been gracious enough to let us move in with her until the Knoxville house sells and we can get on our feet a bit. I am so grateful to her because we could not make this move without her generosity. Anyway, I don't want to junk up her house with all of my stamping paraphanalia, so I'll be working with really limited supplies, like, what I buy for myself after I get there!

But I digress...

I got this idea from Chick 'n Scratch. I altered it a little to fit the supplies I had on hand. I also changed the dimensions to conserve paper.


I cut the Real Red paper to 4" x 8" so I could get 4 treats out of one 12" x 12" piece of card stock. I scored it at 2 1/4" and 5 1/2".

Here's what it looks like when it's opened:


I used the Ticket Corner Punch to make indentations in the sides so the ribbon closure would sit properly without slipping.

Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Owl Together Now
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Old Olive
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, ticket corner and scallop edge punches, blender pen, faux dimensionals.

Happy stamping!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Knoxville Mystery Hostess CONTEST!!

Hey guys!

This is a bitter-sweet post today. Just like many others around the country, the time has come for me to find a job, and lo and behold, I found one. In Washington, DC. So I'll be heading back from whence I came in mid-February.

It's bitter-sweet because I have thoroughly enjoyed my short time in Knoxville and staying home with my kids. But I'm also looking forward to seeing old friends and getting back to the work-a-day world and finishing a cup of coffee while it's still warm! :)

At this point, I plan on remaining a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. For the next few months, all the classes that I'll be offering will all be done in a Class to Go style. I'll write more about my Classes to Go next week.

As my last hurrah in K-town, I'm holding another Mystery Hostess Contest for anyone living in the Knoxville area! In order to take advantage of Sale-a-Bration which starts on 1 Feb, this contest will run until Monday, 2 February.

Sale-a-Bration works like this: For every $50 you spend, you get to choose a free item from the brochure (linked to above). So if you buy $100 worth of stuff, you'll get to choose 2 items, etc., etc. Mystery Hostess will work the same way! For every $50 you spend, you'll get another chance to win! So anyone who submits an order for a minimum of $50 will not only receive a free Sale-a-Bration item, but your name will be put in a hat to receive all the hostess benefits for that order! It's like having a workshop without getting your house all messy! :)

The perks of being the Mystery Hostess is that you not only get all the regular hostess benes, but if the order totals $300 or more, you'll receive a free Sale-A-Bration product! Yay for more free stuff!!

After the Mystery Hostess name is drawn, another name will be chosen to win today's project:


It's a box of eight 3" x 3" note cards! Great for just about any occasion! There are four different cards, two of each design. Here's a picture of the group of cards, with their matching little envelopes! Aren't they adorable?!


Here's a gratuitous close up of one of the cards, just because I was getting all artsy-fartsy with my camera:


Wanna participate but don't have a copy of the fabulous new catalog? I'll have a free make-n-take for anyone who wants to stop over and check it out! There's no formal time, just come on over when you can! Just give me a call, my number's over in the left-hand column. I'll be accepting orders starting today until Monday, 2 February.

For those of you who are interested in the recipe for today's project, here it is:

Stamps: Tart and Tangy, Fun and Fast Notes
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive markers; Barely Banana and Basic Black Classic ink pads
Paper: Summer Picnic DSP (retired), Real Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue and Whisper White
Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, paper piercer and piercing mat, Chocolate Chip Double Stitched grosgrain ribbon, Big Shot, and Scallop Envelope die

Hope to see you soon!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

My New Catty Must-Haves

Hi guys,

Wanda has asked that I share with you all my 'must-haves' from the new catty. Really, this is my wish list, and I hope to amass at least a few of these, particularly the Decor Elements! :) I've limited my wish list here to include only those items which are new to the Spring-Summer catalog. If I were to be all-inclusive, my list would be a mile long! Regardless, I am not one to disappoint, so here's my list:

Stamps:
1. Special Blessing















2. That's Funny
















3. Sweet Stems (if you liked Pocket Silouettes, you love this set!) I already have this set, but I'm adding this as a Must Have.














4. Three Little Words
















Accessories:


1. Circle Scissor Plus (This is at the TOP of my list!!)
















2. To the Nines Specialty (it's textured and cover-weight!), DSP in Tea Party, and Bella Birds

















3. Fleurettes (these are hand-made, crocheted flowers)
















4. Eyelet Border punch
















Big Shot:

If you don't have a Big Shot, this machine should be at the top of your list!!

1. Box #2
















2. Frame, Oval Scallop















3. Big Bold Cupcakes















4. Backgrounds I (texture plates, similar to Cuttlebug folders)
















Decor Elements:


1. Tree, Thoughts & Prayers















2. Direction of Your Dreams (in case you're having trouble with this one, the quote reads: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. --Henry David Thoreau"














3. Flower Garden
















4. Build a Fairy Tale (my daugther has requested this for her bedroom!)


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Here's The Project I Shoulda Posted Yesterday

Hey guys,

Here's the project I intended to post for you yesterday. This one actually uses new stuff! Today's project is one of the recipe cards we'll be making at this weekend's class. It uses the Big Shot and the new Raspberry Tart DSP.


The recipe stand is handcrafted by my modest upline's husband, Rich. He does beautiful work. You can check out more of his artwork at www.bingamanwoodcrafts.com. The stand you get at my class is the Original stand and it comes all nekked so you can stain or paint it to match your kitchen.

Here's the recipe for the card:
Paper: Real Red , Pretty in Pink, and Whisper White card stock; Kiwi Kiss textured card stock; Raspberry Tart DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, clear button

Now here's the recipe for the cake:
4 tablespoon flour
4 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoon milk
3 tablespoon oil
Splash of vanilla
Optional: 3 tablespoon chocolate chips

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.

In a separate cup, blend wet ingredients. Add to mug and mix well.

Add chocolate chips.


Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes.

Happy stampin'!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Oh, Happy Day!

Hello everyone!

Today is the launch of the new Stampin' Up! catalog!! I'm so excited about it! There are some really awesome new products this year, including a circular cutting system!! I cannot wait to get my hands on that one!! Plus--ALL the stamps are die cut now! That's right, no more cutting!!

I don' t know if they planned it this way, but it's really cool that the launch coincides with Martin Luther King Day. Now you have the day to take it all in and not have to worry about pesky work! :)

Unfortunately you can't view any of it until it goes live at 2 pm eastern time. I'll update this post later this afternoon to add the link.

UPDATE:

View the new catalog HERE!!!
In honor of New Catty Day, I thought I would post a card I made for my husband's birthday on Wednesday. I'm using some of the Ski Slope DSP becuase I need to use up my retired papers!!


Actually, this isn't the project I wanted to post today, but as it turns out, the project I wanted to show you today hasn't been uploaded from my camera yet. Sorry! I'll show you that tomorrow.

Anyway, this card is a CASE of a card I found here. I really need to invest in more masculine stamp sets. I have a hard time coming up with manly cards on my own! I changed the card stock and DSP, but that's about all I changed.


Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Paper: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White cards stock; Ski Slope DSP (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Baja Breeze striped ribbon

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Warm Thoughts

Kinda like Deep Thoughts, except I'm not Jack Handy. :)

I know, I know, I've been totally MIA for what seems like forever!! You see, things have been all topsy-turvy in my little corner of the world. Things have settled down for the moment, at least for now! So I had to take advantage of this relative calm by making a birthday card for my humble friend and upline, Wanda whose birthday is tomorrow. Stop over at her blog and drop her a birthday wish!

Here what I created for her:


Isn't it super cute?! I hope she's gotten it already! Otherwise... surprise! :)

Here's what the inside looks like:


I was having a ton of fun with some new toys! I decided I wanted to make a complete card using the Top Note die for the Big Shot and I originally created the decorated part. Then I decided it was too small. Michaels was having a huge sale on Cuttlebug stuff, so I went and bought myself an embossing folder. I was super siked about my purchase and I wanted to add it to Wanda's card, so I created the base. Here's a better picture of the embossing:


Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Sweet Stems (available 19 Jan) and Crazy About Cupcakes
Ink: Chocolate Chip; So Saffron, Regal Rose and Rose Red Stampin' Write markers
Paper: Old Olive, Glossy White, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Rasberry Tart DSP (available 19 Jan)
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, D'Vine Swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder, Whisper White taffeta and Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbons, Ice rhinestone brad, sponges, dimensionals, faux and otherwise :)

I'm sure you've noticed by now that I used some things from the new catalog! Sweet Stems and the Rasberry Tart DSP will be available on 19 January! The new catalog is amazing!! I can't even begin to tell you... but brace yourselves for some sweet new accessories for the Big Shot!! I'm so siked about those!

More details on the new catalog and another Mystery Hostess contest next week!

Happy birthday, Wanda!!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

It's Been a While...

Hi guys,

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Nothing to post today, but I do have a few things in the works. I've taken some time off to enjoy the holidays with my family.

In the meantime, there's some awesome sales going on! The first one is the Inventory Blowout! Here's the link to the items with their awesomely discounted prices.

The other big thing going on is the list of retiring accessories that was announced yesterday. I know, I'm a day late and a dollar short, but I have an excuse! I was getting new carpets so I didn't have access to the internet! At least that's the story I'm sticking with... :)

Remember: these items sell quickly and when they're gone, they're really gone!

Item # Product Description Availability
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY Not Available
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER
*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Have a great day everyone!!