Merry Christmas

This day in David's city a savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord. Luke 2,11





May you & your family have a very Blessed Christmas!

The Countdown to Christmas --- Oh the Memories!

Christmas is such a special time. I have so many wonderful memories...one was watching the Wizard of Oz every Christmas Eve as a child. Why was it on at Christmas time? I never got the connection...buy enjoyed lying on the floor inches away from the tv (we were always told to get further back...it will hurt your eyes), eating lots of popcorn, & watching that great old movie. It was on last night!!! I still enjoy watching it, even now.

I hope your home is filled with joy, making your own Christmas memories.

No new creations to share, but take a look at this blog zanynotcrazy.blogspot.com. It is sure to give you some inspiration! Wow, isn't she talented.
Until next time, Happy Stamping!

It's Crunch Time!!!

Well, I'd say it's getting down to crunch time preparing for Christmas! You have 4 days left!!! What are you going to put under your tree? When do you have time to go buy it? Will they like it? Will they want to return it?

I was trying to finish my shopping this week and just couldn't decide what to get. For some reason, this year I had a really difficult time selecting Christmas gifts. I just couldn't seem to find that perfect gift. Well, I think I figured it out. It is the gift that always fits...CASH!!!

I made these money cards using Real Red & Old Olive cardstock. I used the Dashing designer paper, stamped with Perfect Presentations Hostess Set. I colored the stamps with markers to make the 2-color image. Basic Black & Real Red grosgrain ribbon finished the projects. All supplies Stampin' Up. Good luck with your Christmas shopping. I will be wrapping the rest of my gifts today, and maybe even some stamping time later:). Have a happy Friday!

Acrylic vs Rubber!

There are a lot stamps on the market! How do you decide which ones to purchase?


I consider my stamps as a long term investment. When I make a purchase, I decide which stamps match the themes I will use most for my personal use, and as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, which stamps will appeal to my customers. Stampin' Up! rubber stamps have earned the Creating Keepsakes' Readers' Choice Award for "best rubber stamps" seven years in a row!!!


Stampin' Up has researched the market trends, and are aware that there is growing interest in acrylic stamps. But their research has found that "Rubber Stamps" produce the best results on your projects. Their images are deeply etched on foam backed rubber to ensure sharp & clear stamped images. The wood blocks were selected because trees are a renewable resource.


Acrylic stamps are appealing because you can see through the acrylic blocks to determine the exact location of your stamped image. However, the acrylic will yellow over time, and the stamps do not give the same quality stamped image as rubber. Also, the stamps can become gummy & sticky.


If you find acrylic stamps in the dollar bin at the craft stores, why not pick-up a few! But, when I want to purchase "award winning, quality rubber stamps that will last a lifetime ", my pick is Stampin' Up! Thanks for visiting. As always, I welcome your comments!!! Have a great day!

Acetate Card

Have you seen Acetate Cards?

They are designed using an acetate sheet for the card base. My card is stamped with the Carte' Postale stamp set using Stazon Ink. (Stazon works best for non-porous materials) Whisper White is adhered inside and lined up with the Soft Sky & Blue Bayou cardstock which is adhered on the top of the card. The image on the top of the card is stamped with Blue Bayou. All supplies (except acetate) Stampin' Up! Have a great day!

Getting In the Holiday Spirit!

Why do people dress up their animals? The answer is "I really don't know"! My only excuse today was I was "bored" and didn't want to do the things I should have been doing. Also... it was fun! I think they look a bit annoyed with me...what do you think? We needed to get into the holiday spirit around here!!!

I also have a card to share with you today. I used the Baroque Motifs stamp set, one of my favorites. The background paper is River Rock & Wintergreen designer paper. The Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon is from the holiday mini catalog (still available at 1/2 price till the end of the month). I used one of the Ice Rhinestone Brads, the Scallop Punch, Tab Punch (punched twice from Purely Pomegranate & adhered 2 together to make the circle behind the scallop) & the Large Oval Punch. Ink is Always Artichoke. All products Stampin' Up! Have a great day. Thanks for visiting.

More Sharing!

Hello Bloggers! Yesterday I got my copy of the brand spankin' new Stampin' Up! Spring & Summer Collection catalog. Many fun, new products including rub-ons, microbeads in a variety of fun colors, felt flowers, new punches, along with MANY new stamp sets. And there is much more! You can get your new catty on January 1st! Another distraction for an addicted stamping fanatic! Well, certainly there are worse addictions, right??? At least mine keeps me home.

Today I am sharing a couple more ideas from my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator web site. Still too cold around here to create my own cards, power was up and running and guess what, off again. At lease we are fortunate to have a generator so I can do my surfing. Today's samples use Fun & Fast Notes and A Tree for All Seasons. Hope you enjoy these ideas, and create something beautiful today!!

Happy Friday Christmas Showcase!

Happy Friday Everyone! Today I am sharing ideas I got direct from my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Web Site! Aren't these cards fabulous! They were designed by fellow demonstrators and are available for Demonstrators to share with their customers! I am so happy to share them with you! The top, left card uses the Doodle This & Warm Words stamp sets. Top right uses Tags For All & several of the Stampin' Up! punches (It is a gift card holder). Third card uses Jolliest Time of Year & Warm Words. The Last card uses Baroque Motifs, Weathered background stamp & Elegant Notes. I hope these ideas help to inspire you to create something beautiful this week-end. Have a safe, wonderful, weekend. Happy Stamping!

Our Frozen World!

Get a load of this!!!

We got "walloped" with ice Monday night! I have been spending a lot of time the past few days looking out the windows at our frozen world. On Tuesday, the only brake from the eery silence was the sound of cracking branches followed by crashing tree limbs. Tens of thousands of homes left without power. We were so very blessed to have our power restored late on Wednesday night, but again Today we had several hours without power. Tonight I am so fortunate to be sitting in my warm home. It may be days before everyone has their power restored.

My prayers are for all those less fortunate than myself. You know what they say, you don't appreciate what you have until it is gone.

More Gift Ideas...& The Retired List!!!

More gift iteas...these are Post It Note holders made from acrylic picture frames. I have a template for the calendar if anyone wants the file e-mailed, just let me know!

The New Stampin'Up! catalog comes out January 1st, and you know what that means...they need to make room for the new items. The retired stamp list is available at stampinup.com. The retired accessory list came out today and is as follows. If there is anything you want to order before it is gone, just give me a call!

Stampin' Up! - Retired Accessories List

Retired wheels and accessories are available while supplies last, so make sure you place your orders no later than January 1. If you are interested in an item, please let me know & I will check current availability.

Item #Product Description

109198Accents & Elements Borders & Blossoms

109199Accents & Elements Little Reminders 2

109197Accents & Elements Tagged

100700Album Leather Post Black 8-1/2x11

105385Album Linen Post Mellow Moss 8-1/2x11

104520Album Linen Post Natural 8-1/2x11

104517Album Linen Post Navy 8-1/2x11

105382Album Linen Post Real Red 8-1/2x11

105392Album Linen Ring Mellow Moss 8-1/2x11

104510Album Linen Ring Natural 8-1/2x11

104513Album Linen Ring Navy 8-1/2x11

105388Album Linen Ring Real Red 8-1/2x11

105067Boxes & Tags Pockets & Pieces Assortment I

105068Boxes & Tags Pockets & Pieces Assortment II

108798Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Confetti White

107246Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Kraft

105747Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Large

105748Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Large Divided

105744Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Small

105749Boxes Stamp & Supply Jumbo

105734Boxes Stamp & Supply Large

105746Boxes Stamp & Supply Medium

105745Boxes Stamp & Supply Small

101052Brayer Attachment Foam

107293Cards & Envelopes Greeting Very Vanilla Medium

109149Designer Series Paper Brocade Background

109161Designer Series Paper Cerise

109162Designer Series Paper Charbon

109155Designer Series Paper Creepy Crawley

109152Designer Series Paper Darling Doodles

109150Designer Series Paper Dashing

108503Designer Series Paper Petals & Paisleys

109156Designer Series Paper Linen Prints

109147Designer Series Paper Notations No. 2

109148Designer Series Paper Outlaw

109158Designer Series Paper Uptown

109157Designer Series Paper Wintergreen

107285Envelopes Open End Very Vanilla Large

107284Envelopes Open End Whisper White Large

107296Envelopes Shimmery White Medium

107287Envelopes Square Vellum Large

107310Envelopes Square Very Vanilla Mini

107294Envelopes Vellum Medium

107290Envelopes Very Vanilla Large

107291Envelopes Whisper White Large

101016Eyelet Tool Kit

105317Eyelets Bold Brights II

105379Eyelets Silver

105315Eyelets Soft Subtles II

107282Fancy Fibers Bella

107283Fancy Fibers Elizabeth

103352Stampin' Glitter Romantic Red

103349Stampin' Glitter Silver Shine

106650Greeting Glue

102620Liquid Glue

103145Page Protectors Post 8-1/2x11

104523Page Protectors Ring 8-1/2x11

103598Paper Vellum 12x12

105543Pastel Refills Bold Brights

105544Pastel Refills Earth Elements

105547Pastel Refills Neutrals

105545Pastel Refills Rich Regals

105546Pastel Refills Soft Subtles

105962Perfect Layers Tool

104184Post Extenders

106522Punch Spring Bouquet Flower

109722Simply Scrappin' Creative License Hostess Level 1

109611Simply Scrappin' Happy Me Hostess Level 3

109596Simply Scrappin' Out & About

109626Simply Scrappin' Primary Colors

109649Simply Scrappin' Round Up

109635Simply Scrappin' Secret Garden

109663Simply Scrappin' Winter Bright

107415Simply Sent Friendship Shapes

109230Simply Sent Happy Day

105580Spectrum Pad Blue Frost

101492Spectrum Pad Celebration

105579Spectrum Pad Cotton Candy

101336Spectrum Pad Pumpkin Patch

100000Spectrum Pad Un-inked

103953Stamp-a-ma-jig Imaging Sheets Refill

104432Stampin' Around Cartridge & Ink Refill Clear Embossing

101460Stampin' Around Cartridge & Ink Refill W. White

102391Stampin' Around Ink Refill Clear Embossing

103017Stampin' Around Ink Refill Whisper White

103151Stampin' Emboss Powder Hologram Highlights

105677Stampin' Kids Pad Bear Brown

105676Stampin' Kids Pad Beetle Black

105675Stampin' Kids Pad Boxcar Blue

105674Stampin' Kids Pad Gumball Green

105673Stampin' Kids Pad Poppin' Purple

105672Stampin' Kids Pad Princess Pink

105671Stampin' Kids Pad Robin Red

105670Stampin' Kids Pad Yahoo Yellow

103174Stampin' Pastel Applicators

100852Stampin' Pastel Erasers

100081Stampin' Write Marker Going Gray

100945StazOn Ink Refill Timber Brown

103088StazOn Pad Timber Brown

107235Tag Sheets Bold Brights

107239Tag Sheets Confetti White & Kraft

107236Tag Sheets Earth Elements

107240Tag Sheets Kraft

107237Tag Sheets Rich Regals

107238Tag Sheets Soft Subtles

100894Watercolor Brush Flat

101551Watercolor Brush Medium

101331Watercolor Brush Small

105395Wire Works Metallic

105652Wrapping Paper Whisper White

Stampin' Around wheels
100360 Acorns

109812All about Birthdays*

109690All about Christmas*

109812All about Gratitude*

109676Autumn Dots

104070 Bloomin'

107466 Bodacious*

105750 Bouquet*

107481Butterflies & Blossoms

104065Fishy

100267Happy Jacks

107563Ho Ho Ho

104312Hot to Dot

104279Leaf Prints

106062Leaves Awash*

107479Rough around the Edges*

101927Snowman Fun

107465Speckled*

105521Spooky Skyline*

108979Spotted*

107480True Hearts

105033Wings & Things
* Jumbo Stampin' Around wheels

I sure hate to see some of these wheels being retired...but they must make room for the new items January 1st! Can't wait to see the new catalog!!!

Send Someone a Cup of Tea!

For that special someone that is far from home, how about sending them a cup of tea!

This card is made with a piece of cardstock measuring 11 x 4. Score every 2 3/4 " (3 score lines). The tea bag holder is cut diagonal from the last section, and folded & adhered across the bottom. The sentiment is from Hugs & Wishes, Snowmen from Tags for All...I used a marker over the snowmen on the tag stamp and colored with markers & my blender pen. (By the way...this stamp set is on sale for $24.76 and is only available until Dec. 15th.) I used Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, & Whisper White cardstock. 5/8 Red Grosgrain ribbon. All supplies Stampin' Up!

Sentiment reads:
On Christmas day at half past three.
have yourself a cup of tea.
I'll think of you, you'll think of me.
Sitting around the Christmas tree!

Send some warm wishes to someone you love. Happy Stamping!

Snow Inspired!

Our first snow!!! How beautiful...that is, if you are looking out the window of your toasty warm home, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee.

This beautiful scene has inspired my card creations. I visited SplitCoastStampers today and decided to try their "ways to use it challenge" .

Their challence was to use tin somewhere on your card. They suggested using aluminum foil if you didn't have any tin. You all know me, love a challenge on a budget:). I came up with these two cards. The first card uses the Perfect Presentations Hostess set, Purely Pomegranate cardstock, ink, & satin ribbon, and Pretty in Pink card base. I also used the 2 way glue pen & dazzling diamonds on the snowman, silver cord, & Small & Large Oval Punches. The sentiment is from Warm Words.

The 2nd card uses the Season of Joy set, Black & Purely Pomegranate ink, Whisper White, Black, & Purely Pomegranate cardstock. I used my Cuttlebug embossing folder with aluminum foil...LOVE THE EFFECT!!! Finished card off with more satin Purely Pomegranate ribbon. All supplies (except Cuttlebug embossing folder & aluminum foil) are Stampin' Up! NOTE: It's not too late to get your Satin Ribbon with the Wrapping Up the Holidays promotion. Contact me today to get yours!!!

The challenges at Splitcoast Stampers are a great way to learn new techniques and go a bit out of your element and have some great creative fun.

Happy Stamping!

Tags, Tags, Tags

The tree is trimmed, now it is time to finish the shopping & wrap the gifts!

These fun Christmas tags were inspired by a very talented artist, Sharon Johnson.

I used a few of her little techniques to make these tags special. She used the Tab Punch on the top of tags, & she used the Horizontal Slot Punch and slipped the Word Window Punch through the slot. The top was adorned by a brad. Just these few little techniques brought the projects up a notch! Also, I stamped some of the images with Certainly Celery, removed ink from a portion of the image & used a Real Red marker to color in, making a 2-color image. I like how the black cardstock makes the layers POP! All of these tags were made with the Perfect Presentation Level 2 Hostess set. You could use any holiday stamp set to create your own distinctive tags.

I hope you are inspired to make your packages special by adding that extra touch. Happy Stamping!

The retired stamp list is now available at stampinup.com.
If you have a favorite being retired, you have until December 30th to place your order. Also, the retiredwheels & accessories list will be available December 10th.

I am a bit behind posting because...Look at the new stamp set I received as a gift from Stampin' Up!

Each current, demonstrator received this "Brand New" stamp set as a Thank You for our contributions to Stampin' Up! What is even better...you can earn this stamp set FREE. It is a Level 3 Hostess set in the upcoming Spring-Summer Collection. I think it is "so awsome"!

I have had fun playing with my new set. I made these 2 cards. One of them is a "Money Holder" card. I have also included a picture of the inside. All products used are, as usual, Stampin' Up! Have a great week!

Christmas Fudge

The Craft Bazzar was last night. Had a lot of fun "showing off" my card display & projects. I'd say the biggest "hit" of the evening was my Christmas Fudge!!! Here are a couple of pictures of the project. You never know what people will enjoy, although in my own "quirky way" I thought these were a lot of fun. People also enjoyed the Altered Clip Boards and playing with the Three For You Punch Box.

Here is the poem for the Christmas Fudge (I got this from SplitCoastStampers...link to SCS is on my blog)

Also, gals, I know you have been peaking at my blog!!! I would love your comments, input, and requests! Have a Great Day!

A day or 2 ago,

I thought I'd make a treat,

For all my friends & relatives,

A tasty gift to eat!

My intentions were top notch

But my schedule would not budge.

hence here's this year's version of...

Homemade Christmas fudge!

Craft Bazzar Project

Busy, busy, busy is the word for the coming week!!!

But, yes, a fun kind of busy. On Wed. Nov. 28th from 3-8 p.m. join me for the St. Francis Xavier 2nd Annual Holiday Bazzar. It is located at 26th & Seneca, 1 block N. of Mitchell. There will be 30 craft booths with a wide array of crafts perfect for Holiday Gifts.

Even Santa will be there for the kids.

I will be selling Altered Clipboards decorated with Stampin' Up! designer paper, some currently available, some retired. Also selling Christmas Fudge...no, this is not your standard kind of fudge! I will post some pictures when I can. I will be selling some of my retired stamp sets...will post a list soon, and will have a free make & take (while supplies last) demonstrating the Three For You Punch Box. It is soooooo cute, what a great Christmas Gift! It includes everyting you need to create adorable projects except the cardstock & envelopes! It even comes in a decorative tin.

There is a lot going on at Stampin' Up right now!!! Don't forget to check out the 3 great promotions currently being offered, & the Holiday Mini Collection is only available until November 30th! The retiring stamp list is available in just 5 days... December 1st, and New Spring-Summer Collection begins January 1st! All this info is listed at http://stampinup.com under Specials & Promotions!

Have a great day!

Final Card in a Series of Season of Joy

Just wanted to share the last of the series of posts with the Season of Joy stamp set. The background cardstock is Basic Black, and uses Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, & Whisper White for accent colors. Same background stamping as previous posts. I also used the Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbon & silver brads for accents. This card could be used for any occasion. I hope these 5 cards have given you some simple ideas for your holiday cards this year. This is a very versatile set which I will be using all year long!

Stampin' Up! has some great special offers from now until December 15th with their Wrapping Up the Holidays promotion!!! They even have the gorgeous Satin Ribbon from the Holiday Mini Catalog buy 1 get 1 FREE!!! It is a definite Must Have!!! There are also some fun items including Tins which could be decorated for mini-scrapbook albums or gift card holders. LOTS of fun ideas as well. Be sure to check out this new promotion at stampinup.com and look under Specials & Promotions! Until next time...happy stamping!

A Little More Christmas

Happy Friday, everyone!

This card sample is a simple layout...using Season of Joy background stamping. Sentiment is from the Perfect Presentation set. Card uses Wild Wasabi & Basic Black Cardstock.

This card uses the Christmas tree stamp from Perfect Presentations, background stamps from Season of Joy. Wild Wasabi ink & cardstock, Purely Pomegranate cardstock, Basic Black cardstock, Mat Pack, & Silver cord from the Holiday Mini.

All Supplies Stampin' Up!

Turkey with a Tan

LOL!!! Isn't this a hoot! I found this turkey on Misti's blog and just had to share. With some stratgically placed aluminum foil you can prepare your turkey with a tan.











Now back to some serious stamping business...today's post is using the Season of Joy, Warm Words, & Wild about You. I love that little penguin!



This card also features the new Scallop Punch, & the 1 1/4 circle punch. Very simple card layout. Same colors as yesterday's post, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, & Basic Black.

All supplies Stampin' Up!

Have a great day!

Tis the Season

Hope everyone had a great week-end!

This is the 1st of 5 Christmas cards I will post this week. They all feature the Season of Joy stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog. The background (Whisper White) is stamped with Basic Black, Wild Wasabi & Purely Pomegranate. The top image is stamped with Wild Wasabi, removed the ink from the word Joy & re-inked with the blender pen using Purely Pomegranate. I used Dazzling Diamonds with my 2-way glue pen over the snowflake. (A little difficult to see in this picture). Framed the top image in Purely Pomegranate cardstock. Card base is Basic Black. Also used the White grosgrain ribbon. I love this color combo with the new In Colors! I'll be back tomorrow with more Christmas!!!

All supplies Stampin' Up!

Enjoy the Fall Colors

I hope you take time to enjoy our beautiful Fall colors! Have a safe, enjoyable week-end!

November Workshop Cards

These are the 2 workshop cards I have been demonstrating for November. The 1st card uses the Season of Joy stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog. Love this set! It is pre-die cut a great new feature for all stamp sets in the Holiday Mini catalog. It is stamped using Certainly Celery ink, then removed the ink from the word JOY and re-inked with Bordering Blue marker. Also used 2 way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds (although you cant see the glitter in this picture). It is a Z-fold. Base is 8 1/2 by 4 1/4. Fold in half, then fold half again towards the top! Used the new Silver Cord from the Holiday Mini catalog. This card also uses the WinterGreen Designer Paper! Don't forget to join in on the "Paper Party" at Stampin' Up. When you buy 3 designer paper packs, you get the 4th one FREE!!! This promo is good only until November 30th!!! Click on the Stampin' Up! link for info!

The 2nd card uses the Lovely as a Tree and Holidays & wishes stamp sets. I used Stampin' write markers to color the image, using More Mustard, Olive Green, & Chocolate Chip. To make the reflection, I stamped the image once on the Whisper White Cardstock and again on a piece of acetate. Flip over the acetate & line up image with the trees, & rub over the image. Sponging image with Soft Sky ink completes the artwork. Card base is Bravo Burgandy with Soft Sky. Ribbon is the new 5/8" Grosgrain added through small slit punch. This card could be used with many different sentiments, sympathy, man birthday, etc. All supplies Stampin' Up!

Christmas Joy!

This is one of the cards we made on Monday. It uses the Season of Joy stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog, the Dashing Designer Paper, & the Holidays & Wishes sentiment. Card base is Sahara Sand, cardstock & ink Real Red & Wild Wasabi! Grosgrain ribbon is Real Red. The Season of Joy is a great pick! It is so versatile...I will try to post more from this set. Have a happy Thursday!

All supplies Stampin' Up!

Simple Hand Made Box

On Monday, I went to the Senior Center to make crafts with the residents. Something I have been doing for over 1 year. Love working with them. After we finished our cards, we had extra time so they taught me something fun! I learned how to make a simple box. I revised their directions a little bit, and love the result. For my box I started with a 6" x 4" sheet of double sided designer paper. I used the Celery Designer Paper. On the 6" side divide it into fourths...score in 1/4 of measurements of your paper from each side. For 6" that was 1 1/2" from each side. Turn the paper to 4" side and score in 1" from each side (1/4 of the paper). You then make slits on the 6"side towards the center up to the fold mark. Do this on all 4 corners. You then fold up towards center of box, folding the long pieces 1st, and wraping the paper over the end on each side. Repeat for bottom of box. See the picture above for folding guide. For my box, I used Whisper White. I added the beautiful Chocolate ribbon for a bow, some gold cord, and the beautiful poem they shared with me. Once you learn to make a box, you can change any measurement to suit the box size you are looking for! Thank you April, and ladies for sharing your project with me! All supplies Stampin"Up!

This is my version of the Reverse Masking Technique. I used my cutting system to make an oval, and used the negative image to create a mask for the card. I masked the whisper white cardstock, and chalked the outer edges. I stamped the leaves with versamark, and used the poppin pastels technique to pounce chalk over the images. I liked the soft look of the leaves.

Supplies: Whisper White cardstock, Autumn Fest & Holidays & Wishes stamps, Versamark, Stampin' Pastels, & Bravo Burgandy ink, & Mellow Moss grosgrain ribbon (although it looks much darker in this photo). All supplies are Stampin' Up!.

My New Blog!

I finally took the plunge into cyberspace! I have admired so many blogs and have been silently stalking my favorites. This is my attempt to share ideas with my customers and fellow stamping addicts! I have been a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since April, 2006. Although I have learned a great deal in 1 1/2 years, I have so much more to learn. I welcome your comments, and suggestions. Happy Stamping!