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.

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. 

The vote is in. . . this month’s Club Projects were a hit!  Check this out! 

JOY card - I highly recommend the ornament punch and the coordinating stamp set and rub ons!  If you need ideas, come and check out my display boards – I garantee you’ll love what you see!  Colors on this card are; Rich Razzelberry and Old Olive.  The background usesthe finial press embossing folder.  The "J" and "Y" are from the Serif Essential Sizzix Alphabet, ornament punch, Sincere Salutations greeting punched out with large oval punch, gold cord (limited time in Holiday Mini – strongly recommend it!), jumbo eyelet and narrow grosgrain ribbon.  What a fun holiday card!

Witch Hat - this fun creation came from a great friend I met at Founders Circle.  It is actually a treat box with a brim attached – your special trick or treaters will love it!  Notice the great striped grosgrain ribbon – It frays so well – and adds tons of character to this project!  You’ll be surprised at how quickly this project goes together!  Love it!

Top Note – Lovely as a tree - if you saw this card in person, you would just say – WOW!  The trees are "frosted" with shimmer paint!  I love the shimmer paint in the Holiday Mini Catalog (get it while it lasts!).  The shimmer paint comes in champagne, white and platinum.  For this project, I used a window sheet with the negative image of the top note die.  Sponged the background.  Mixed the Frost White shimmer paint with night of navy reinker and sponge daubered it on the tree stamp.  The result is – Fantastic!!!!  Stop by and see this one in person – better yet, make sure you get your shimmer paint before the Holiday Mini catalog is over!

Christmas Pines - This is a very fun level 1 hostess set (get yours free by hosting a show or gathering orders for a catalog show!).  Check out the white background of this card which I received from a great demonstrator at Founders Circle!  Do you see that I used an embossing folder but there is an oval in the middle that remains flat?  This is an easy and fun technique – I’d love to show you how to do it! 

I have been thinking of this witch for weeks – even had the papers cut!  My friend Sandy and John are here for a night and after we set up for club tomorrow night, we played just a little bit.  It’s fun to play with Stampin’ Up! friends?

The witch uses the Bag in Scallops die, 1 3/4" circle die (face), 2 5/16" neutral brads embossed in green galore, word window punch (nose), scallop circle die (skirt), texturz plate on skirt, ribbon slide from hodgepodge hardware for belt, oval punches for arms, boho blossoms for hands, wide oval for broom wrapped around a twig, and a strip of DSP for the hat!  Ain’t she cute!!!!!

So, the playing didn’t stop there. . . . . we went from a witch to angelic.  Check out this angel!  We used some of the same dies, punches and embellishments!  She is shining in shimmery paint and embossed polka dots!

Then, I thought I could improve the reindeer with our new sweet treat cups. . . . and yup!   Cinnamon candies worked great in the cup for Rudolph’s nose! 

So, what do you think!  Did we do it or what? 

Stampin’ Up! Style. . . . Yes, I have soooo much fun with these boxes.  I saw many of these with some great variations at Stampin’ Up!’s convention. . . . more to come later on that. 

I have three announcements involving boxes today! 

1. My Big Shot class on Wednesday – August 12 will feature a new creature that is red and black and oh, so cute!
2. By popular demand, I have added a night to the Fall Stinkin’ Cute Box Class – Wednesday, August 19 still has some openings.  Please RSVP if you are interested.
3. Stampin’ Up! posted my class on the demonstrator part of it’s website today with instructions!  Don’t you wish you were a demo. . . . ask me how you can do that right now for only $85! 

Were you missing me?   Yes, I am home. . . . . here is what I have been trying to do;

• Call all of you and share the news (Holiday Mini, August and September promotions, My news, etc!)
• Unpack
• Sleep
• Get ready for upcoming events
• Breathe!

Ok, these are not necessarily in order but, they are certainly competing with one another for time!

This is a picture of just one section of the display boards at convention. . . a little Halloween inspiration for you.  Attend my Open House on August 20 or 22 and you’ll see a TON more great ideas to inspire your fall decorating and papercrafting! 

Isn’t he cute?  He is made with the scallop circle – just like the valentine treat shown here. 

These little guys will certainly be adorning my table. . . you can make them yourself by using the scallop circle as a base, oval punches, Full heart and heart to heart punches.  Can’t figure it out – give me a call.