My oldest grandson turned 6 and I had to come up with the appropriate wrapping for his new game. . . so I took my Big Shot Box frog and expanded it. . . . It was toadally a fun thing to make!  I had to create the box in a size to fit the game and beyond that with the circle scissors plus, I was set!  

Now, I think the game was the hit of the present – but, I did notice the frog made it to the shelf to observe the remainder of the activities!

He turned 6 years old – and is a great, inquisitive and active kid.  He got to go with his dad to Texas for a week of dog training so, I think the game came in handy!

If you want to learn more about the Circle Scissors Plus – give me a call!

BJ

What do you think of the door banner you'll see on arriving at the Peters house?  Do you think spring has sprung!   I do – and am sooo ready!   As you know, the Stampin' Up! cruise is in April this year – so my vacation is 33 days away!    Not that I'm excited or anything!

OK, back to the spring banner. . . I know that you've heard that I have had a great time with the scallop square die and some quilting (SU style! – easy!).   This banner is easy peasy if you have some basic sewing skills.  The Big shot cuts 8 layers of fabric at a time – and you sew all of the layers at once!  I used these die's;

• Scallop square
• scallop oval
• Flower (clear)
• Blossom party (center of flowers)

Other items I used are fun buttons (they've got to be fun!), scraps of fabric (the blue, flowers and the back I used fabric scraps).  I purchased the multi-colored striped fabric and the ric rac. 

This is the last week to purchase your Big Shot while getting 2 FREE Sale-a-Bration items!!!!    You see the value to your papercrafting and home decor projects. . . how much longer can you not have yours?

I love Stampin' Up!   This month is my 7 year anniversary (after signing up for a discount)!  And I will pass a career sales milestone!  Yippee!!

So, I celebrated with a stamping night with my downline.  Last night 10 of us gathered (2 brand new demos too!).  We celebrated.  I shared some of the great projects I had done with fabric – and let them oooh and ahhh a bit.  They really like this purse – little did they know that when they got ready to stamp and they needed their make n take supplies, Jim pops in with 10 purses on his arm and hands them out.  It was a BLAST watching and hearing their excitement!  I think I will have a smile on my face for days!  

Are you ready for a purse making day of your own!   I would love to teach you how – and you will just marvel at how easy it is!  Give me a call and I will gladly get something scheduled! 

Oh, back to my downline – check them out. . .

Aren't they just the happiest group around!    Yes sireee!   By the way, you too could join my team.  If you are looking for an opportunity to supplement your income, get a discount or grow your own business. . . .until March 31, you can get started for a special price and during the biggest sale of the year!   We have room for more.

P.S. – don't forget to give me a call about scheduling a purse class!

Check out these cool flower pins!   My customer Sue Stein made one and showed me – of course I had to make some myself.  And make them I did – they were a great "keep the fingers" busy thing while JIm was in the hospital. 

They use the Big Shot (of course!) circle die #2 and are made of fleece.  Yum yum.  Susan is a great stamper and crafter.   She is making them to sell for extra spending money for a trip to Ireland this summer! 

Isn't he cute!!!!    I am feeling like the queen of big shot boxes!    I will credit Tami White for turning me on to the Perfect Details texturz plate (p 195).  I used it on the head and also brayered Creamy Caramel ink right on the texturz plate for added dimension.  Here are the products I used on this cute little guy;

Circle Scissors Plus (Head & body), Build a Flower sizzlet #2 (ears), Circle punches in 1/2", 1" and 1 3/8", Heart to Heart punch (nose), Small oval (feet), 2 step bird (tail), bag with scallops die (box), gel pen, dimensionals, sticky strip, etc.

You may be wondering about the tail made with the 2 step bird punch.  This punch from the occasions mini catalog has a branch on it that is perfect for the tail if you cut off 2 of the 3 leaves.  Duh!   When I figured this out – I just had to smile! 

Now, where did I get this inspiration for this little lover?  I was in Michaels one day and saw in their dollar area a bag with something like this on it. . . . and with the help of my cell phone camera – I went right home to make him!  Wouldn't these just be adorable for a children's birthday party?  You'd be the envy of all of the mothers.

Don't have your big shot yet?  You are sooooo missing out!   Now is the time to purchase it – well I have a sale PLUS it is Sale-a-Bration – add a $4.95 die and you will get 2 free items from the Sale-a-Bration brochure!!!  oh lala!

Enjoy!

The next version of the Stinkin' Cute Box Class is here!!!!  Don't miss this popular class on Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30pm.  RSVP!  Cost is $10 or $5 with a $25 order.

Check out these fantastic ideas!  I have used my Big Shot and a little fabric – and don't you just love the results!  Quilters – you are missing out ona fantastic machine if you don't have one!  

The pennant was my first project.  I used the pennant die along with the scallop circle and sans serif alphabet.  This is all machine stitched – and went together in just a couple of hours!  Check out the scallops stitched on the ribbon at the top of the pennant – these are on the pennant die.  This pennant will also serve double duty as the back side says "spring". . . . .you'll see that side later!

Well, I didn't stop with the pennant.  I LOVE the scallop square die!   This table runner was made in just a snippet of time of a standard quilt project!  i hope you'll stop by and check out this very cool idea!    Besides – it's much cuter in person!

And every girls needs another purse – right?  Don't you love this one?  I do!  And not just for the hearts or because I made it. . . . it's just stinkin' cute!  Another simple and easy project to put together!   Crafting made easy with the Big Shot!   Did I tell you that the best time to buy your BIg Shot is right now during Sale-a-Bration?  With your purchase, you'll receive a free SAB product of your choice and when you add at least one die to your order – you'll get 2!

I am loving the Occastions Mini Catalog.  get a load of this VERY cute box shown at our recent Stampin' Up! leadership conference.  It uses 2 of the chipboard hearts (On Board Heart Book – $4.95!)and the new jumbo flower punch and the sweet pea felt flowers.  A perfect gift for valentines day for that someone special.  Here's another sample using the book – a great gift for Valentines Day that is quick and easy!

If you haven't yet checked out the Occasions Mini Catalog, click on the link in the left sidebar.   You won't be disappointed! 

You'll also see and make some awesome ideas at my upcoming events!

• Jan 18 Stampin' Up! class – just 4U!
• Jan 20 Chicks, Chocolate and Cards!
• Jan 21 Scrapbooking Club
• Jan 23 North Starz Get Together
• Jan 24 Fun with Fabrics
• Jan 25 Big Shot Box class
• Jan 30 Birthday Card Bonanza

Don't miss the Hostesses and Club Members Appreciation Event this week!  This is a free event.   Join me Tuesday December 1 or Wednesday, December 2 at 6:30pm.  This is one of the projects you can make.  You will love the other projects as well!  You earned this night by being the best customers and hostesses – so come and let me treat you!  RSVP and enjoy some cider and camraderie while I treat you to a special evening. 

Here's a sneak peak of next years calendar.  I had a great time creating with our colors, stamp sets, paper and of course a little love!  My co-worker gifts are set (shhhhh!).   My annual calendar class will be Saturday, Dec 12.  RSVP by Dec 10.  As always, I will limit the class size so that all can get their calendars done.  Class registrations taken in the order paid.  Cost is $15.   

Join me at Mary Hoffman's Open House at MDK's in Hastings on Dec 16 and 17 if you want to purchase yours or give me a call.