November Workshop

With Christmas right around the corner I wanted a special project for our November workshop.  Hmmm, box of cards, coupon book, book markers, been there done all that.  Woozer!! How about a mini scrapbook you could give as a gift, or use as "Grandma's Brag Book".  I remembered two gals from our group had made an Accordion Scrapbook that would be perfect.  A big thank you to Nadine and Nancy for sharing the pattern with us.  It definitely was a hit and everyone enjoyed making their own scrapbook, decorating the cover and making some embellishments.  I hope we'll see how they turn out once pictures have been added.

 Here's my scrapbook.

It measures 6 1/2" x 4 1/2"

I had fun filling the pages with pictures of our family, especially our grandchildren.  It was easy to decorate each page using Stampin' Up punches, designer paper, embellishments and our Big Shot Dies - there are just so many possibilities.  You can bet I'll be showing this off on Thanksgiving Day!!

We still had time for one more Christmas card.  The little bird featured on the Beautiful Season stamp set visits our bird feeders every day.

The greeting is stamped on the scallop from the Bigz L Die Perfect Pennants, and Cherry Cobbler ribbon was weaved between the punched holes.  We put Crystal Effects on the red berries to give them a shiny look, and added an antique brad for a final touch.

Our lovely host was Sue Bartels.  She served us a delicious taco casserole and ice cream dessert.  Don't forget to give us that recipe.

Sue loved her hostess "thank you gift."  No I didn't make this, but my wonderful husband did.

This cute little penguin will look great with Sue's Christmas decorations!!

This is our last workshop in 2011, so we ended the night with hugs and wishes for happy holidays.

I got home during the third quarter of Monday Night Football just in time to cheer my Green Bay Packers on to beat the Vikings!!  All in all it was a perfect night.

  

 

Love & Sympathy

Happy Saturday Stampers.  I'm fighting a chest cold so I'm taking advantage of this down time and catching up on some stamping - its better than chicken soup!
  

When our new catalog came out in July, I put the Love & Sympathy stamp set on my wish list.  Its elegant and the sentiment is beautiful.  I like how Island Indigo and Sahara Sand look together, and used the Finial Press Textured Impression Folder to add depth to the card.  Look how beautiful our pearls look when you color them with our Stampin' Write Markers to match your card stock.  Just keep in mind you'll need to allow extra drying time before you mount them on your card.  Check out this stamp set on page 76 of the new catalog.   

Advent Calendar

When I saw the advent calendar in our Holiday Mini I knew I would have to make each of my grandchildren a calendar.  Shhhhhhhhh, don't tell Haley, Jayden and Macie, grandma is busy in her craft room!

The Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die has five little window frames and lets you create your own personalized advent calendar, or can be used for a window or frame on a card.   The new 1" Square Punch used with the 25 & Counting Stamp Set to create the advent calendar, can also be used with the Petal Card Double Punch to create darling gift tags.  There's still plenty of time for you to make your advent calendar for that special someone.

Susie

October Workshop

We are quickly heading into the holiday season and our October workshop was full of fun holiday ideas.

Our first card is from the Pines and Poinsettias stamp set.

The Holly Berry Bouquet DSP will make your holiday cards and paper projects beautiful and elegant.  The greeting is from the Petite Pairs stamp set and the label was made using the Decorative Label punch.  To add highlights to the card we used the Petals-A-Plenty and Finial Press embossing folders.

We used the Christmas Lodge stamp set and Frostwood Lodge DSP to create our second card.  To make the card even more festive we made it a "Z fold card."

 

The Scallop Circle is held with a brad and moves to opens the card and reveal the greeting.

If needed, you can add Whisper White card stock on to the Real Red or Garden Green card stock for more  area to write or to attach a photo. 

And finally, three cute 3-D projects - a 2012 calendar made on a coaster,  Santa made from several of our punches and a cute Snowman tag.

What a fun night!  Sandy Renner was our hostess serving a scrumptious dinner followed by several show and tell cards and projects.

Here's a picture of the Hostess Gift I made Sandy using the new Simply Scored tool, the Spice Cake DSP and Spice Cake designer buttons.

Wow, I sure love that paper and think I'll make a few more of these!!!  If you have any questions about any of the cards or 3-D projects, give me a call or send an e-mail.  Thanks for stopping by.

Susie

Mom Update and September Workshop

I'm back!!!!  It's been weeks since I've done any stamping or posted anything, and it sure feels good to be back in the saddle again.  My mom is recovering beautifully.  She has a new hip, a new spring to her step and it won't be long and this will all be behind her.  Oh yes, and she will be wearing a special necklace at all times so if she should fall or need help for any reason, someone will always be there for her!!!  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

With the new Holiday Mini Catalog now available it was fun planning for our September Workshop.  Sooooo many cute new goodies to choose from what to demo first?  What were my favorites, well first on my list is the Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  Not only can you score cards, make scored designs, or score 3-D projects, it's just plan fun, fast and easy.

Here are some accordion flowers, or maybe you call them fan or lolly flowers, made with Designer Series Paper (DSP) and scored every 1/4 inch.  They can be used on cards, gifts or wreathes.  The best part of making the flower is when you bring the center in tighter, and tighter and poof, it spreads out and you have a flower and see the design.

I love making Christmas cards and every year I make four or five different ones to send out.  This card is from the stamp set The Sounding Joy. 

 

Cherry Cobbler card stock and ribbon make this card look so rich.  The Wild Wasabi card stock and the new Snow Burst Textured Impressions Folder and Stripes Textured Impression Folder added to the elegance of the card.

And then (be still my heart) a stampers dream, along came Stitched Stockings and a Stocking Building Punch!  Wowzeers!!!

Five different stockings to choose from and you can dress up the cuff, heel and toe and punch them out!  You can create your own unique stockings for gift tags, cards or scrapbook pages.  We used the new Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (DSP) on Crumb Cake card stock and dressed up our stockings with 3/8" Quilted Cherry Cobbler Satin Ribbon, Garden Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Jingle Bells, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, and added a Silver Glimmer Snowflake.  What a cutie!

And finally,

 I came across the directions to make The Christmas Medallion on page 28 of the Holiday Mini Catalog.  It's easy to make and can be used for any holiday, on a card, gift tag, decoration, or scrapbook page.  I added on the Bigz circle scallop to give it more depth.

A big thank you to Beth Griffith who was our hostess this month.  She was presented with the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP and I made her this flowerpot filled with flowers. They were made from the Island Floral Bigz Dies.  You won't have to water these!

Well we got lots of stamping done but still had plenty of time for laughing and fellowship.  We'd love to have you join us.  Just give me a call.  Happy stamping!

Girls Night Out . . .

We were small in number but not in fun and laughter.  Tonight was our first "Girls Stampin' Out Night" and we had a great time.  Beth Griffith, Diane Dilworth, Dana Diorio and her mother, Linda Mohns and myself all sat around the table working on different projects and sharing many ideas.  Linda was making a beautiful "Birthday and Anniversary Calendar," and  gave each one of us our own.  Thanks Linda!!!  I hope you'll be able to join in the fun next time we have "Girls Stampin' Out Night."

August Workshop

What a great turnout for our August workshop.  Karen Sherrell was our hostess and she served delicious pasta and fruit salads, scrumptious wraps and cool summer drinks.  After catching up on conversation Elaine Wilson, Sandy Renner, Dana Diorio and Sue Bartels shared some of the cards and projects they have been working on.  I announced I'd like to introduce a "Girls Stampin' Night Out" beginning this month and everyone thought it was a good idea.

Here are the two hostess thank you gifts I made for Karen.

 

The one on the left is called a Stand Alone Card Holder.  It's very easy to make using one 12 x 12 piece of DSP.  I filled it with Stampin' Up goodies.  The second gift is a 6 x 6 scrapbook that will hold eight pictures.  Karen has been on some recent trips and I know she will be able to fill it up.

Now let's take a look at the projects we made.

This card starts out with a 8 x 8 piece of Calypso Coral.  Fold in half and then open and turn 90 degrees and fold in half again.  Open and turn over and then fold bottom left corner up to top right corner to make a triangle. Open and turn over and now bring all points up to meet.  Be sure to crease all folds with a bone folder.  The inside of this card would be adorable with a photo, a special verse or sentiment or personal note.
The stamp set is Sweets For the Sweet.

The Top Note Gift Card Holder can be used for any gift giving occasion.  With the holiday season approaching you can make these in advance using Stampin' Up's beautiful DSP from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  After assembling the gift card holder it is placed on the Top Note Bigz die leaving the left side of the gift card just within the Top Note die so that it does not cut the fold.  If you would like detailed instructions to make this card, just send me an e-mail.
 

What fun using the new Big Top DSP and Under the Big Top Stamp Set and who doesn't love a clown.  This card is already to be sent to someone special on his or her birthday.   

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!

Do you remember the TV commercials of the grandmother lying on the floor calling out, "I've fallen and I can't get up!" No one was there to help her.  I remember how we laughed at those commercials and thought they were so funny.  Well, they're not so funny any more as our mother fell and broke her hip last week.  She lives alone with her two cats and would not have been able to get to her phone to call for help.  She would have laid on the floor all night in pain and afraid until the morning.  And when she didn't answer her morning check in phone call from my brother, he would have investigated and finally found her.  Fortunately I was visiting and heard her fall.  Mom had surgery the next day and now two days later has moved to Rehab with the goal to go home within two weeks. 

So why have I told you this story?  Well, mom didn't want to wear one of those safety necklaces so that in the event she fell or was having chest pains or any type of emergency, she could alert someone.  I hope now she realizes how important having one is.  This is a reminder to you to make sure your loved ones are safe.

Welcome to Wayne's World

Some people think when you retire you have nothing to do but watch TV or sit behind a computer all day playing games.  Well, their nuts cause you fill your life with things you love to do, and can take a little time to enjoy it.  Whether its volunteering, helping at church, hobbies, grandchildren, traveling, whatever floats your boat.  And of course, we know what I like!  But what does my husband do?? 

Welcome to Wayne's World!  My husband has many hobbies - hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, and now making beautiful handcrafted pens and pencils on his mini lathe.  He uses exotic woods, acrylics, elk and deer horns, and yes even snake skins (yuk!).  In fact you can use just about anything.  I thought today I'd share with you a few of his beautifully handcrafted pens.  They make beautiful gifts for any occasion.
 

So if you're looking for something special and unique, for that special someone, send me an e-mail or give us a call.  You won't be disappointed!!!

It was a Scrappin' Day

Saturday morning Haley and Grandma headed up the loft to Grandma's stampin' haven.  Haley is eight and she loves to make greeting cards with Grandma, but we have never done any scrappin'.  I showed her around all my new cabinets and impressed her with all my stampin' goodies.  She couldn't wait to get her hands on the markers, the Big Shot and the punches.  I decided to make this her project and let her make most of the decisions.  I wanted to teach her how to use the punches, pick out colors and even use my Big Shot.  It took a little time, but I'm very proud of what we made together.

Haley is in Brownies and she and her mother attended the 2011 Mother-Daughter Banquet.  She looks so grown up and pretty in her beautiful dress..

On this page Haley and her brother Jayden (age five) are having some summer fun???  I don't think you can see the size of the fish they caught, but they will make a very nice meal!  All I can say is I'm hooked on scrapbooking and have lots of catching up to do!!!

We had a great time and I know we'll be scrappin' again!!  Hugs and kisses to my two little "honey bunnies" from Grandma!!!
   

Birthday Celebration

Tomorrow my oldest step-son, Jody and his wife Heidi, and my beautiful grandchildren, Haley and Jayden are coming for the weekend.  Jayden turned five on July 22, and Haley will be eight on August 5.  Jody and Heidi also have birthdays in August.  The presents are wrapped and their birthday cards are made.

Here are the cards I made Haley and Jayden.

I used the new stamp set Under The Big Top and the Big Top Birthday DSP.  I just know they'll love their cards and what they find inside them!

Haley and Grandma will have lots of fun making cards and scrapbooking this weekend.  I'll be sure to share some with you.  Have a great weekend!

 

Feeling a little owlie?

While looking in my stash of designer paper I found some I've never used.  What?? Well, you can't take it with you so time to remedy that!

So "hoot" doesn't love an owl and this guy surely will cheer someone up who's feeling blue.  The Aviary stamp set has a variety of birds and cute cages to choose for your next card.  Check this stamp set out in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  If you don't have one give me a call.

Two hearts, one love . . .

I love going to weddings witnessing a couple so in love as they start a new life together.  It reminds me of my wedding and when each of our sons were married.    This card was made with Flirtatious DSP and the Delicate Doilies and Happy Greetings stamp sets.  The Lace Ribbon Border punch and two pearls complete the card. 

How can you earn free Stampin' Up products? Host a workshop!

When you host a workshop you earn hostess dollars and catalog items at 50% off.  You can spend hostess dollars on exclusive specially-priced hostess products or any catalog item.  The greeting on this card is from the Hostess Set, Happiest Birthday Wishes.

I used the Flower Fest stamp set and stamped the flowers on Bravo Burgundy card stock with Black Stazon ink.  The background paper is from the retired Sweet Pea DSP stack.

If you would like to experience the fun of playing with amazing products, learning new techniques at a Stampin' Up workshop, just gather a few family members and friends and I'll do the rest.  Contact me at (608) 339-4164 or sjsmith20@frontier.com.

Strength & Hope

Making a difference starts with one stamp set.

Offer strength and hope to those dealing with breast cancer by purchasing the Strength & Hope set or the Strength & Hope digital kit.  Stampin' Up is donating $2 from this purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).  BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and research worldwide.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.  This set is available in our Summer Mini Catalog through August 31, 2011.

Christmas in July??? Yuk, who wants to think about snow!

It's never too soon for stampers to start thinking ahead.  I like to make a variety of cards and I think our family and friends look forward to them every year.  This was one of my favorites.  I hope you like it!

I love using my Big Shot and to make this card I used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, and the #2 snowflake die on shimmery white and kraft paper stock.  Adding a bashful blue snowflake from the #2 sizzlits snowflake set and an antique brad pulled it all together.  The greeting is from Bells and Boughs.    

July Workshop

Our Monday night workshop was full of fun, laughter and good food!  Sandy Wellumson was our hostess and she made us a delicious dinner.  Sue Bartels, Sandy Wellumson, Dana Diorio and Elaine Wilson brought cards and other goodies they made for an awesome show and tell!

Here are the three projects we made:

The ingredients for the first card were:  Framed Tulips, Finial Press and Square Lattice textured impressions embossing folders; the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer, Fancy Flower and Oval punches; the Delicate Doilies and Happy Greetings stamp sets; Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White card stock; Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder and Daffodil Delight ink; put it all together, run it through the Big Shot and attach with a pretty pink brad and here's what you get!!! 

Thanks for being a Friend!

 Our second card was simple. . . .but elegant.

 

What do you get when you combine the new color Pool Party and Chocolate Chip, with the new stamp set My Friend and the new Lace Ribbon Border punch?  You get a great looking card!!

Our third project was this cute 3 x 3 box.  The gals had a choice of using either Old Olive or Marina Mist card stock for the box, and then decorated with retired Greenhouse Gala DSP.  This cute box can be made for any occassion!

Thank you to all who attended!!!  

Stamp, Color and Punch

This card was so easy to make.  How you say? The stamp set is Flower Fest and all I had to do was stamp, color and punch. The butterfly and flowers have coordinating punches!  Then I mounted them on Beyond the Garden DSP and the card was done. 

The greeting is from the stamp set Happy Greetings.  This set will only be available from the summer mini catalog through August 31, 2011.  Thanks for being a friend!

Sneezie, Wheezie, Ickie, Sickie

Yup, that says it all.  And when I want to cheer someone up, I don't make chicken soup, I send out this card!

Regardless what ails you, this card is sure to put a smile on your face.  Who could resist those goggle eyes and big nose.  I used the retired stamp set Pick a Petal and Teeny Tiny Wishes for the greeting.

Happy Anniversary!

I love making cards using Stampin' Up's specialty designer series paper (DSP).  This card was made with the retired Elegant Soirree DSP.

Those cute flowers were created with the Big Shot using the Bigz Dies Flower Daisies #2 and Sizzlits Dies Little Leaves.  The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  

Coffee, Tea or Me!

There's nothing like waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee!  I need at least two cups to get my day started.  And how many "tea parties" have you attended served by sweet little hands eager to play!                                                                          

Morning Cup is a fun stamp set that can be used for birthdays, get well, friendship or many other cards.  You may also like the Take a Sip wheel pattern shown on page 54 of the 2011-2012 catalog.

Live, Laugh & Love

This is a great birthday card - cheerful, bright and the best advice.

To make the sunflower use the 2 3/8" scallop punch and then cut in between each scallop about 2/3rds towards the middle.  Use the 1" circle punch for the center of the flower.  I used the Big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dot Impressions folder on the black card stock to give the card some texture.  Then I added three buttons from the Sweet Buttons embosslits dies. On Your Birthday stamp set, located on page 163 of the 2011-2012 catalog, has several birthday greetings to choose from.  Which one is your favorite?

Thank You "My dear Kind & wonderful Friend"

Here's a quick thank you card using the Paisley Petals DSP and peach parfait card stock.

The greeting is from the retired stamp set All Holidays.  The Paisley Petals DSP is available in the 2011-2012 catalog and it coordinates with the Paisley Petals stamp set on page 117.  Be sure to check it out. 

Happiness Always

Here is another card using the stamp set Fabulous Florets from the summer mini catalog.

The vibrant colors and flowers remind me of my mom's flower garden.  If you look closely, you can see I stamped  two of the flowers on the Beyond the Garden DSP.   The flowers were then mounted on the 3 1/2 inch circle die and on the Bigz Die scallop circle cut on the Big Shot.  The greeting is from the stamp set Happy Greetings featured in the summer mini catalog good through August 31, 2011.

With Sympathy

Here is an example of a simple sympathy card using only whisper white and crumb cake card stock and crumb cake ink.

The Framed Tulip embossing folder gives the card a picture-frame appearance.  I used the Fabulous Florets stamping set and the "stamping off" technique.   The greeting is from the retired set Warmest Regards.  The stamp set used on the inside of the card (not pictured) is from God's Blessings.  Be sure to check that set out on page 161 of the new 2011-2012 catalog!

Really BIG get well wishes!

I made this card to cheer up a friend who recently had surgery.  She loves flowers and I know this will put a smile on her face.

 

As a hostess, you can choose hostess products from the Summer Mini catalog by hosting a workshop before August 31, 2011.  If you are interested, contact me for more information.

 

On The Grow

Today's card comes from the stamp set On the Grow from the summer mini catalog.   

I love using our textured embossing folders to create embossed imagines on our card stock.  The Elegant Lines embossing folder used with Daffodil Delight was perfect for this card.  I used my blender pens to color the flowers and container.  Surely this card will brighten anyone's day.

June 13th Workshop

Hello stampers!  We had a great workshop this month at our new location.  I think we can all agree my son did a good job cooking the brats, yummmmmy!
  
Our first card was from the summer mini catalog and just in time for Father's Day.

You can use The Open Sea stamp set and Nautical Expedition DSP for many different projects and scrapbooking.  The baker's twine really accented the card.

Our second card celebrates a birthday, or did you choose a different greeting from Perfect Punches?

I just love using the Beyond the Garden DSP.  It's bright and bold and makes you feel like walking in a garden!

2010 Christmas Card

This was my favorite Christmas card I made last year, and this is my first post on my blog.  I hope you like it as much as I do.  I'm so happy this stamp is still available in the new 2011-2012 catalog!