Are you ready for this?  An awesome idea that we did the last 2 nights at club.   Love them!   Don't you wish you were there?  (hint:  there's always room!)  My friend Christy Harsch taught me how to make these cutie pies.    Here's what I used;

Cardstock:  Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight

Sizzix Dies:  Scallop Circle, Perfect Polka Dots

Punches:  5 Petal Punch, Boho Blossoms, 2 3/8" extra Large scallop

Accessories:  Fabric Designer Brads from Occasions Mini Catalog, Subtles Collection Glimmer Brads, 5/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Store Containers (103649 p 193 of IB & C)

Won't these be cute at your Easter table, for a shower, or just for fun?  I just have to say – they're Stinkin' Cute!  

In other news, there are no updates on Jim's job yet – maybe we're safe but, I don't feel very safe!  Your favorite door greeter (aka doggie Barlow) had his check up yesterday and with the increasing seizures, he is now on medication – so we'll see how that goes.  He's been a little more "clingy" lately which in part looks like laying right next to me in the stamp room!

Class Updates coming tomorrow – or later today. . . Plus, I have posts lined up for the remainder of the week that you won't want to miss!!!

Blessings!

You are going to LOVE – love several things about todays post. . . . First – it is a sneak peak of the April special – which in itself is a sneak peak from the new catalog.  Second – this is a super quick gift idea (hostess, teacher, friend, etc).  Imagine your friend receiving this cool gift!  Won't you feel sooooo great!

So, check it out.  It is made using our stamp cases.  Don't worry, you don't have to empty out one of your stamp sets to do this – they are available to purchase ( 119105 p 192 in the Idea Book & Catalog).  These cases have a sleeve built into them so, they are perfect for this easy project!  Next, you'll see the tag on the front – it is one of the 4 stamps in the new Four Frames stamp set which is the sneak peak from the new IB &C. . . . you can purchase it when you have a $20 order in April!  All 4 frames punch out using the Decorative Label punch (120907) in the Occasions Mini Catalog – -it's a MUST have in my humble opinion! 

Inside are 4 notecards and envelopes.  These are just the PERFECT size.  Did you know that you can buy them as a set?  Check them out on p 171 of the IB & C (107311).  You can make these from any of our Designer Series Papers – I used the Springtime Vintage from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Here's another little bonus – this whole set is made from 1 sheet of DSP – yep – pretty cool huh!  Want to know how to cut that DSP just right?  Well stay tuned – there may be a class in your near future!

Here are 2 of the cards sitting next to the case. . . . isn't it soooo cute!!!!   My downline made these last Saturday at our meeting – they LOVED them!   Your chance is on April 16 at 9:30am.  Based on the comments at my card class last night, I would expect rsvp's to come in quickly – so make sure you get your spot! 

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!   Blessings today!

Here's when 2 things come together to make a thing of beauty!   There was a DSP I LOVED awhile back, so I purchased 3 square frames thinking I was going to frame some of the DSP for a collage in my living room. . . . hmmmm the time flew by and that just didn't happen.    Enter Botanical Gazette DSP from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  This paper really grew on me and I really loved both sides of the paper and wanted to find a way to showcase the two sides.  So – here is where the Frame and the paper came together – what do you think?  This could be a very cool gift.  And you could adapt it for any size of frame. 

This frame happened to be 10 x 10 – so my squares are 2 x 2.  Of course I had to add a few trinkets and treasures. . . . got to love those accessories!   I wouldn't be a female if I didn't!   Here's a list of accessories along with a little explanation (when needed);

• Baja Breeze and Pear Pizzaz markers – I used them to color in the flower in the lower right corner.  This was cut out form the DSP.
• Champagne Mist Shimmer paint – I added some to the flowers, plus to a few of the images in the background – it just adds to the vintage feel .
• Pearls – gotta have them if you don't already!!!!!!
• Neutrals buttons
• Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzaz seam binding
• Tinket Crowns – from the mini catalog
• Vintage Trinkets p 187 if the IB &C.  I used the brads and a safety pin
• Rosettes from mini catalog
• Tinket Key from mini catalog hung from 1/8" taffeta ribbon
• Antique Brads
• Paper Daisy

Whew!  a fun little list of accessories!   What is your favorite accessory from the list? 

Blessings!

I decided I wanted to do a little pick me up for my hubby.  He's just the best!  As I mentioned in yesterday's post, work is a little stressful for him right now. . . . and I wanted to let him know that I'm there to support him.  I had purchased this chunky frame from the Definately Decorative Catalog (117599) after seeing what Shelli Gardner had shown at the Minneapolis Regional.  I'm super excited at how it turned out!   What do you think?

I am thinking this would be an awesome gift for many occasions;  weddings, birthday, someone who is difficult to buy for, etc. . . . I think I might just have to purchase another frame or two! 

Here's a couple of close up shots;

Here's the ingredients;

• Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Woodland Walk DSP (117389)
• Ink:  Craft ink used – Garden Green, Early Espresso, Soft Suede
• Stamp Set:  Inspired by Nature
• Big Shot:  Tasteful Trim, Beautiful Wings embosslet
• Accessories:  Clear embossing power, Metallic Brads, Glue Dots, Decorative Label Punch, Antique Brads, Scallop Ribbon border punch, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Early Espresso

A few details – cuz I know you are thinking that you would love to try this project out!

• the DSP is glued onto the frame with our Tombo multi-purpose adhesive
• the ribbon is made using a technique I learned from Cherie Manderscheid (an awesome upline) at the Minneapolis Regional.  I simply sewed elastic onto the back of the ribbon!
• The flowers are stamped with craft ink and then embossed with clear embossing powder
• The butterflies stand out just a bit – I made that happen by using the brads to give the back a shape – instead of having the "legs" of the brad flat, have them end up in a "V" shape – then use glue dots to adhere to your project.
• Can't find the Tasteful Trim die?  It was in the Holiday mini and is still available!

I also want to take a moment to thank my customers and friends for the words of encouragement you have sent.  We're at peace with whatever happens. . . prayer is powerful.  One of the things we have talked about is perhaps working our Stampin' Up! business just a bit more!  I love having a business that I can do that with! 

Blessings! 

Here's a quick little treat when you are looking for something fun for St. Patrick's Day. . . quick and oh so easy!  The candy base is a gihardelli chocolate – I chose the flavor that is wrapped in green.  Then I used the Lucky Shamrock stamp from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  This punches out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  The scallop on the outside is the 2 3/8" scallop circle in Wild Wasabi.  It's topped off with just a quick little rhinestone. 

Blessings!

Isn't he so stinkin' cute!!!!   I had made a bunny like this last year and didn't like the sizing of him. . . now that Stampin' Up! has more circle dies, I know I had to try again.  Lots of Big Shot and punches go into making him.  These items are really must haves and staples for your crafting projects.  You can never go wrong with either purchase!  Just imagine having him sitting out on Easter morning with treats in for your family!  There will be many oohhs and ahhhs over this cute guy!

Let's talk about what he's made of; 

Box: 

• Pear Pizzaz cardstock as well as a strip of DSP from the Vintage Sweet collection in the Occasions Mini Catalog
• Scallop Envelope Die  113462 on page 206 in the IB & C (Idea Book & Catalog).  You'll need to cut 4 of them and put them together in a box fashion

Bunny

• Head is from the 3" circle die in the occasions mini catalog.
• Ears are made from 2 punches;  Wide Oval and Large oval
• Eyes are from 2 punches;  3/4" circle and 1/4" circle (part of the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack)
• Nose is the Heart to Heart Punch
• Feet use 2 punches and a crop a dile;  Large oval, medium oval from holiday mini – it's still available and the toes are from the punch made with the large hole punch area on the crop a dile.

On the homefront, I'm off to Mesa Arizona for a few days. . . . hopefully as you read this.  I will try and post some updates.  Keep checking back as I hope to post some fun things – including the gorgeous ideas shared at club this week.   Hmmmm Hmmmm.

Blessings!

Remember this guy?  He was a hit last year when my friend Sandy and I made the 12 months of big shot boxes.  I thought this guy was very fitting to put back on my blog as I posted about the Big Shot Bundle yesterday.  Plus he uses the Top Note die which is part of the bundle and seriously a must have in my book!    So, enjoy this guy – hopefully he inspires you somehow. 

So, yesterday perhaps you read on facebook that I was tired of my wireless internet going out and needing to be reset.  After resetting it 6 times before noon on Tuesday, I was off to buy a new router . . . when to my fav electronics store and bought the one they recommended.  Came home – did the set up according exactly to the instructions (I was trying to work and I figured if I exactly followed the instructions, it would take less time!).  When it prompted me to insert the set up disk I did – COMPUTER CRASH!!!!!   BIg time.  Call the store back – yes maam we did hear about some faulty CD's in that router!  Ugh – went to the local Big Box store and bought a router there -set up was a charm. . .  .. BUT, now my computer is messed up!!!!   I hope by the time you read this that perhaps someone took pity on my and helped me do a restore.  

In other news, as some of you know, I have been on a bit of a journey to get in better shape and loose a few pounds.  Fifteen pounds so far!  I have found that my body likes working out at 5:30am 3 times a week at a class offered by my local Y.  The Y started a new session of classes this week and I noticed that they added a 5:30am Boot camp on the opposite days.  I thought – hmm that sounds like a good idea.  Well, let me tell you that I am 50 years old and this body doesn't do some of those things anymore!  I am actually wondering if I will be able to walk when you ready this!   I can almost hear all of you laughing now!  

Oh well. . . . Have a great day!   Many blessings to you.

Imagine this great banner adorning your creative space!  It is sure to attract the attention of your families and friends.  This was a make-n-take at the Minneapolis Regional.  Several visitors to my stampin' spot this week have asked me about the banner so, I have decided to have a class!  Sign up now to hold your spot for Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30pm.  If you would like this class in the mail, I am pleased to offer this as well.  This project uses the Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper (p 26 of Occasions Mini Catalog) and the Nature Walk Stamp Set. 

• Class only $20- you only get the supplies you need to make your project
  
• Basic Bundle – $65 (add shipping costs if mailing)
  • Petal Cone Die (this is the base of the banner) $32.95
  • Nature Walk stamp set – clear mount $18.95
  • Sale-a-Bration Set of your choice
  • Directions and all other supplies to make the banner
• Stepped Up Bundle – for when you really need it all and see the versatility of these dies – $125 (plus shipping if mailing)
  • All components of Basic Bundle
  • Champagne Glass Glitter (yummy!) $3.95
  • Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper $9.95
  • Fun Flowers Bigz Die $32.95
  • Basic Pearls $4.95
  • Another Sale-a-Bration Choice!

Blessings!

Check out this cute and simple treat.  I know this weekend you'll be working on your last minute treats for family and friends.  I hope this inspires you!   There is an abundance of heart shaped suckers out there right now.  I couldn't find them with clear wrapping so, I did unwrap it and put a small cello bag over the top.  Of course this uses the Petal Cone Die (again!).   Let's take it apart;

• The "cone" is made from Sahara Sand cardstock – die cut into the Petal Cone shape(121810)  and then using the "Heart Pressed" letterpress plate (121814), you get the added texture that you can see in the close up shot.  What I did to get the hearts to stand out a bit more was to run Crumb Cake Classic ink over the plate.
• The scallop edges are from the Petal Cone Die and are cut in Real Red cardstock
• The White behind the sucker is a half circle from our 2 1/2" circle punch. 
• I also used the 2 1/2" circle punch to punch a 1/2 circle from the Love Impressions Designer Series Paper (121780).
• The heart is punched from the Red Glimmer Paper (121790) using the Heart to Heart Punch (119881).

The Heart Pressed letterpress template and the Love Impressions DSP are from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  If you haven't seen the Occasions Mini Catalog – it is a MUST see – you need to plan out your purchases from this great catalog! 

Here's another treat idea that you might like.  These have been selling like crazy at my local hair salon (MDK's). 

The scallop topper is from the Petal Cone Die – just fold your cardstock in half and don't cut the top edge of the scallop – you've then created a little pocket to put your treat bag in.  The nuggets are wrapped in 1 x 3" strips of DSP.  I again used the 2 1/2" circle punch  from the Love Impressions DSP to decorate the top of my scallop – and of course one needed a Red Glimmer Paper heart!

Hope this inspires you to create a special "treat" for your Valentine!  Blessings!

This is for my friend (boss) Leanne.   As most of you know, I work full time as a nurse besides my Stampin' Up! business.  I love my boss – and it was her birthday yesterday so, I made her this cute door hanger.  She loved it!

I'll give you 3 guesses what I used to make it – oh, you probably don't need them because, you know I'm in love with the Petal Cone Die!   So, yes it was made with the Petal Cone Die and the Springtime Vintage Fabric.  Both are found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Supplies Used:

Fabric:  Springtime Vintage (121817 p 38)

Accessories:  Fleurettes (115604 p 188), Soft Subtles Buttons (119745 p 186),

Ribbon:  5/8" Satin in Marina Mist and Old Olive, Victoria Lace Trim

A little note about the Fleurettes.  The are handmade, crocheted flowers that add a delicate touch to any project.  You can dye them with our classic ink refills to create flowers to coordinate with our exclusive colors.  There are 12 flowers in a pack, 4 each of 3 sizes. 

Hope you enjoyed today's project – I think it is very cute.  I love hearing your comments about my projects, so please leave me a little note and let me know what you thought.

Blessings!