This year on cruise since it was later in the year (close to fishing season) and Jim had concerns about his health, he opted to not go on cruise.  Now I can tell you when I left home that he was sad that he chose not to go as he knows how much fun I'll have and how well Stampin' Up! will treat us.  But, he also knows that I will have fun and will treasure the time I will be spending with my sister.  My older sister, Sally from Fort Collins Colorado is cruising with me.  Some of you know that I have only known this sis for about 17 years and with the distance, we don't get to spend as much time together as we would like.  So, we will enjoy this time with great pleasure!

As I got ready for cruise, I thought that I should bring a little gift for my sis to add some of her favorite pictures to.  She already has a My Digital Studio but, knew that she would appreciate something like this.  I used one of the chipboard albums from the current mini catalog (ladies – here's the deal – these are fantastic and you can do so much more than make scrapbooks with them – you will be said if you don't buy 1 or 2 of them before the end of the month when they go away!)  The paper I used is a sneak peak from the upcoming summer mini catalog – I thought it was fun, bright and reminded me of the fun colors I will be seeing in the caribbean.  This album only took a bit to put together but, the memories will last a lifetime. 

Happy Stamping!

Here are some of the great projects we will be doing this week!  Don't miss these great classes this week!

Monday, April 12 Big Shot night - 4 projects using the Big Shot 6:30pm Cost is $5 or free for 4 classes for those who have purchased a Big Shot from me!

Tuesday, April 13 & 14 – Club/Class night - this is OPEN to anyone as it is a bonus night for my club members!  4 projects that include cards and 3D items.  Cost is $5 or free with $25 order.  6:30pm

Thursday, April 15 – Chicks, Chocolate and Cards - My monthly card class features 12 cards and envelopes – check tomorrows post for one of the cards we will be doing – it's pretty cute!!!  Cost is $25 with a $10 credit on your order.  6:30pm  Only 10 spots available!

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!

Gobble – Gobble – will be what your guests want to do when you have these cute little place holders sitting on your Thanksgiving table!  I saw this cute treat idea at Cherie Manderscheids Demos Galore event (Thanks Cherie!)  Using the sweet treat cups and scallops #2 die and a few other punches – these are easy to make and will be the talk of the table!  Give me a call if you want more details. 

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? 

Looking for a seasonal gift box for June?  Here was the second of four boxes in my Summer Boxing Class.  My friend Sandy Poehnelt and I created this box as part of a series of classes.  You missed the first one. . . (psst – several did and if there is enough interest, I’ll do it again). 

Wouldn’t this be a great pick me up with a little chapstick, lotion, sunscreen or something else fun in the box? 

Ingredients?  Top Note DIe, Box #2, Scallop Circle, Clear Circle, Boho Blossoms, Cheers to you stamp set. 

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. 

Finally got to post this card that I made for Club this month.  I highly recommend two new things in the Occasions Mini Catalog .   The set is called "Oval All."  This is a simle but, easy set to work with for many occasions.  You can add to a card with other stamped images or simply make this set your focal point.  Which is the perfect way to go if you need a quick card. 

The addition I highly recommend is the scallop oval punch right below it.  Scallops just add a touch of flair that can’t be replaced.  And you can see from this card how easy it coordinates with the scallop punches we already have. 

Other components of this card include Rasberry Tart Designer Series Paper, Rose Red cardstock that was textured using one of our new textures plates (ask me how to get the best texture!).  Kiwi Kiss ribbon.

Stamp a Stack April 9 at 6:30pm – room is still available.  Bring a friend for an extra gift.  RSVP soon.