I love getting cards in the mail just as much as I enjoy sending them!   This one came last week and I love the colors, style and message!   It is from one of my uplines – Cherie Manderscheid.   Look closely and you can see the texture on the top portion of the card.   The stamp set used is Just Believe – it has the round embellishment and the greeting in it. 

Register for my card class this week and you will make this one!   Yep – you'll love it just as much as I do. . . and the best thing is – you can change the colors very easily to make it any color you want it to be!

See you Thursday!

Here is the fall banner that adorns my fireplace in my stampin' space.  Don't you love it?  We are at peak color season right now at my area in Minnesota and the colors are absolutely stunning!   Here is a close up of one of the pennants.

Of course I used my Big Shot to create all of the pieces.  Here are some details;

• pennant die 113483 (p208).  Wait till you see what I do with this die closer to Christmas!  :)  The fabric is from WM
• scallop squares duo die 120903 (Holiday Mini Catalog p 17) – I used the larger of the 2 scallop squares
• Serif Essentials Alphabet 113464 (p 207) – I know this die set is an investment.  Think about the multiple applications that it can be used for – scrapbooking, home decor, fabric, cards, etc – that's where you will see the value
• Leaves were cut form felt or fleece and are from the leaves #2 die 113459 (p 213)

I am excited to get out and enjoy the fall colors this weekend – Monday is 6 weeks post surgery for me so, I am thinking I can at least start walking a bit more!   I love the fall and already have some great pics.  Jim and I took the grandkids to the pumpkin patch this week – that is always a ton of fun!

Check out my fall line up of classes!  I think this is the BEST line up of holiday classes ever!!!!!   Yep – all for you.  Lovin' what I do.  My calendar is updated but, you will see some updates posted here to highlight the fabulous line-up! 

I had such a great time at my downline meeting last Saturday!  My friend Lisa and I do it together and we were so priviledged to have Pam Morgan from Stampin' Up! come and join us. . . such a treat!  We had great demos, awesome ideas, fun, challenges, make-n-takes and more fun! 

What a great company we work for!  It really doesn't feel like work when you have some many wonderful friends and have so much fun doing it! 

Stampin' Up! has just added a bunch of new items to their clearance rack.  You'll find a ton of items up to 60% Off!  Some of the recently retired colors are back in stock in the clearance rack!  They came from the European markets.  Hurry!  You know they'll go fast! 

Remember that you can only place orders for clearance items through my online store.  You can order any current items from the new Idea Book & Catalog as well as from the fabulous new Holiday Mini Catalog!

I mentioned this stamp set yesterday and I have two other gorgeous cards with this stamp set. . . check them out;

We made the first card at hostess club this week. . . it was very cute – but wasn't voted the best project (you'll have to wait a couple of days for that).  This set – Paisley Prints is in the new mini catalog and not only is attractive to paisley lovers but, most of the rest of us as well.  One of the other things I love about the first card shown is the layering behind the main accent piece.  I am sure you can relate in that I get tired of the same old – same old layering behind the main accent piece – I love how this layering just makes this piece pop!  Plus it gives me another use for this much used die. . . . can you guess what it is?   Hostess Club members – no fair telling cuz you know!    It's the Island Floral Die!!!  Check it out here;

Do you see how the big flower in this die cut in 2 colors is such a perfect accent for the background of the main element in this card?  Check out the Paisley Prints stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

Order your items here: 

Yes, I know that one shouldn't spotlight spider webs, but, I couldn't help myself!  These 4 cards showcase the Spider Web textured embossing folder found in the new Holiday Mini Catalog (120889 p 6).  Check them out and let me know what you think by leaving me a comment.

BOO card:  To get the spider web look on this card, brayer black ink in your embossing folder on the "valley" side and then run your cardstock through your sizzix as usual.  Isn't this a cute look?  The "eyes" are easy to create with our oval punches and the B is from the Serif Essentials alphabet.  If you have school age kids that are creating projects – the Serif Essentials alphabet (p 207) is worth the money – it's a great investment!

Tasty Sweet card:  Katie used several new colors here:  Pear Pizzaz, Concord Crush and Peach Parfait.  Notice the In color ribbon – I still have a ribbon share with room – check out this post.  Notice the bat punch. . . have you bought yours yet?

Spooky card:  This is one of my favs!!!!  You will most likely see this at my hostess club this week!  Created by Sue Hood, I love the combination of the Wicked Cool stamp set, punches and colors in this card.  What you don't see so clearly is the shimmer paint misted on the Elegant Eggplant portion of the card.  – it adds just the right touch.  If you haven't tried this technique I guess you'll just have to come to my hostess club this week!

Pumpkin Card:  This card is simple but very cute.  The base is Peach Parfait with accents in Pear Pizazz, naturals cream and whisper white.  The set is Paisley Prints from  p 11 of the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

Can you tell the holiday mini catalog is chock full of awesome stamp sets, decor, dies and more?  If you don't have your holiday mini yet, give me a call or leave me a comment with your address.

Aren't they cute!   Stampin' Up! is much MORE than just cardmaking and scrapbooking!  These pumpkins were the hit of the show last weekend at Woodbury Days.  Want to know how to make them in 10 minutes?  Easy peasy.  Purchase the Spooky Things Decor Elements and Black Flourish Designer Jewels from page 8 in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Add them to your pumpkins – any color(s) will do.  I purchased mine at a local craft store (it's OK to use your coupon on these! ). 

Decor Elements – Spooky Things are available in black (120909) or Dark Gray (122296) and sell for $14.95.

Black Flourish Designer Jewels (120987)  already have the adhesive attached to them!  Only $4.95!  I used 2 sheets. 

Check out the tree in the background. . . it is the perfect compliment!  The tree has bats and leaves strung around it. . . easy and cute!  Just imgine what guests to your home will say when they see your display!  You'll be the envy of your friends!

To create the leaves, I used the Leaves #2 sizzix die (113459) wtih pumpkin pie patterned paper from the Brights Designer Series Paper Pack (117155 p 175), texturized with an embossing folder and spritzed with the log cabin smootch spritz (p195),  The bats were punched with the new bat punch and the Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper (117400).   I know – you are thinking – why would I want a bat punch?  Here are two great reasons;

• Check back in a few days for my "to die for project" with bats!
• Think outside the box – here are two of our punches with the bat punch behind it – see how the shape of the punch is highlighted with this punch?

Pretty clever huh?  One of my downline gave me this tip and I love it!

See you in a couple of days! 

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/default.aspx?dbwsdemoid=61023&email=STAMPINBJ@COMCAST.NET&phone=6514374440

I am lovin' the new In Color Ribbons!   Several of my loyal customers have asked for a ribbon share – so, here it is! 

You will get 3 yards each of these gorgeous ribbons in all of the wonderful new In Colors (remember, they will be here for 2 years!).  To purchase all of these ribbons individually it would cost $52.72.  Purchase a share for $10.95!  If you want it shipped to you, add $2.  What a deal!  Shares are a wonderful way if you HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL!!!! 

Options

In Color Ribbon w/pickup $10.95 In Color Ribbin w/shipping $12.95

You will be “wow’d” by this fabulous project! Use for any occasion, since spring colors coordinate with any event. Not a scrapbooker? TRY IT ANYWAY!! This is a quick and easy way to test-run the hobby!  Plus, I think the simply scrappin' kits are one of the best values in the catalog.  Check them out on page 178 of the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog!  Not a scrapbooker?  Here are several reasons why you should attend this class;

• Thinker – if you are thinking of doing some scrapbooking for a trip, a special event (wedding, birth, etc) – this is a quick and easy way to get started.  Everything is provided for you in the Simply Scrappin' Kit
• Gifter – This makes a FABULOUS gift for a wedding or baby shower.  With the holidays coming up, you could create yours with the Chrismas Cheer simply scrappin' kit.  This would be a perfect place to put those picture Christmas cards!
• Scrapbooker - a mini album that is soooo stinkin' cute, you'll love the pattern you'll receive as part of the class. 

Are you excited?   Here are the class details;  Monday, August 23 6:30pm   Cost is $22 and you'll get a Simply Scrappin' Kit with your class fee.  Please note that I have to order your Simply Scrappin' Sets in advance so, late registrations will not work!  Please register no later than Aug 17.