I know – this could be rushing it a little but, I wanted a few fall things to inspire my customers at my booths this month.  This decoration was inspired by something I saw at my favorite quilt shop last weekend.  (For those of you who have asked – Bay Windows Quilt Shop in Perham, Minnesota) 

You can make this very simply.  First have your husband cut a scrap piece of 2 x 4 into a square. . . . my wonderful hubby even sanded them a bit for me!    mmmmwahhh!  Then I applied a little stain to the block and let it dry (that took awhile in this humidity!).  Then came the fun part – and it was surprisingly easy!

Here are the supplies you need to gather;

Sizzix;  Serif Essentials alphabet set, Leaves #2, Scallop Squares Duo

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Quilted ribbon and BIG button from upcoming holiday mini, brads (I used the filigree ones but, the antique brads would look cool too!), embroidery thread and a glue gun

The fabrics I used were scraps I found in my stash – some were woven and one was a knit.  The leaves were cut from felt. 

There is one other element that I wanted to add – and that is a wrapping the edges in some of our new fall fabric – you'll love it from the holiday mini.   But, alas it appears that I forgot to pre-order it!  darn it anyway! 

Well, I hope you enjoyed this bit of inspiration. . . I have another similar project in mind – or actually maybe 2!  So make sure you stay tuned! 

The fair has been good. . . today you'll see Sue at the booth – a day off for me.  I've got a big day planned. . . . first a second job interview (I think they like me!).   Then I am taking a class at the YMCA on making a bird bath type thing – forgot the name of the class but, I am really excited about it.  Then I am going to the Twins game tonight. . . .taking by sis in law, Bevy.  Bevy is my sis in law who recently lost her husband very unexpectedly.  She has never been to the Twins in their new park – nor has she ridden the light rail. . . it will be truly an adventure!   In fact her and I have been on several adventures lately.  She's not truly a home body – but, she's been out more in the last 6 weeks than she has in the last year!   We're working on expanding her horizons!  It will be fun!

Have a great day everyone!  Blessings! 

The theme of this years Stampin' Up! convention was "Grow".  When you think about the word 'grow' many times you think about flowers or things growing in your garden.  And I have to admit – it is one of the things that comes first to my mind as well.  Reflecting about this theme after convention has me thinking about it in a different way and I think you'll enjoy mulling over these thoughts as well. 

• Believe it or not, I didn't use to be confident in my creative and leadership abilities. Nor was I confident that I could run a business.  Stampin' Up! has helped me grow those abilities.  I am certainly a different person today than I was a few years ago.
• While a job loss hasn't been fun, I can celebrate that I have grown through this experience and am trying to use this growth in a positive way.  (Job interview today – say a little prayer!)

To celebrate this growth, I made a "growth" pot for my open house. . . These flowers were inspired (copied) from ones that I saw at convention.  Here's a close up;

They are made using the new 2012-2013 In Colors and the Printed Brads 122940 (love them!).  The die I used is Fun Flowers 121812.

Speaking of flowers and growing. . . . look what was delivered to my house yesterday! 

Aren't they gorgeous!   LOVE THEM!  and I love who sent them. . . . . I included the word "share" on this picture because they came from my downline.  Yes, as I have "grown" , I have invited others to enjoy the many benefits of Stampin' Up! (and I thought I was only going to get a discount!  hehe!).  These flowers symbolize that I have shared the Stampin' Up! opportunity – and that my downline has grown and are appreciative of their growth.  Thanks to the wonderful group of downline that went to convention with me this year and from whom the flowers are from – what a great time we had!  You're the best!

Now if you are imagining that you want what me and my downline have – you can have it right now for a great deal!  For only $99 you can customize your starter kit that has $185 worth of Stampin' Up! merchandise and supplies.  Hurry – this offer ends in just a few days! 

Oh, you want a sweeter deal?   Perfect!  Got that covered. . . . Stampin' Up! will give you and me this awesome Christmas Gift box (saw it at convention – gorgeous!) 

I know I want one!   Blessings Everyone!

Check out this cute tag!  Wouldn't it look cute on your next gift?  You can make one at my open house – it's one of the make-n-takes!  It uses the Easy Events stamp set – remember that stamp set from a few days ago?   Easy Events on page 57 in the Idea Book & Catalog is a new and very versatile set.  Imagine this set in your collection – it could be used for almost any occasion! 

Here's the complete set of "ingredients" for this tag;

• stamp set;  Easy Events, It's Your Day (123682 p 192 $8.95)
• Inks:  Staz On Black, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede
• Cardstock:  Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Naturals White, Calypso Coral
• Accessories;  Rhinestones, Ruffled Ribbon, Bakers Twine, Aqua Painter, Two Tags Sizzix Die, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

Remember that you can order online 24/7! 

Blessings!

Here's an ubber cute card using some of the new DSP (designer series paper).  It's appropriately called Berry Blossoms.  This card is full of brand new things;  Colors;  Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade  Ribbon:  Dotted Scallop (if you love it – check out my ribbon shares - I think there is 1 spot left!), Embossing folder:  Houndstooth.   With the heat this week, I hope this brings you some cool vibes!  The stamp set I used is called the Best of Everything.  This is another versatile set – you'll see some great samples done with it at my Open House Sunday and Monday.

I sure hope everyone is keeping cool out there!   My oldest daughter is off camping this weekend – with the heat, storms coming and high water, I sure hope they have fun and stay safe.  As for me, I'm happy staying home in the AC.  Got a 10 mile bike ride in this morning and now am settling in to do some more preps for the open house and upcoming events. 

I have some good news and bad news to share;  Good news – I have a job interview next week!  I am very hopeful that this one is fruitful.  The bad news, I have a heavy heart.  I have apparently broken a rule that I didn't even know about – what hurts about this are 2 things;  A.  I'm not a rule breaker  and B.  The person who discovered that I broke a rule didn't have the common courtesy to let me know personally.   So, I have fixed my boo boo and am praying for the person that I offended. 

So on to brighter things;  I promised more pics from convention make-n-takes.  I attended a fun extra class called Village of Cuteness – I think it turned out really cool – what do you think?

Isn't it fun what you can create with Stampin' Up! products?  Well, I am promising that there will be more FUN 3D items – and home decor coming very soon! 

Blessings!

Ohhhh lala!   I am workin on making the next 2 events super special!    First, the New Catalog Open House on Sunday and Monday July 24 and 25 from 4-7pm each day.  One of the new things is inspiration for you!   I have my display boards all set and ready for your camera's!   You will be inspired!

Chicks, Chocolate & Cards

The first from the new catalog – so you get to play with fun new sets, new colors, new accessories, etc.  Not to be missed!  Here is one card we will be doing.  It was a swap from convention made by Kathy Kuffel.

I love this new stamp set – Delicate Doilies.  The butterfly on the new lace punch is a perfect accent!   RSVP to hold your spot!

Blessings!

A great trip out to Salt Lake City today!   Uneventful flight.  Got into the hotel early, ironed my clothes, went to the store and got everything squared away.  My teammates arrived throughout the day and we all went to dinner this evening.  This amazing group of women are soooo excited for tomorrow!   The energy was really high! 

Tonight we walked around the temple square area smelling the beautiful flowers and remarking at the beauty of the city and the tabernacle area.  We had a tour of the Joseph Smith building which used to be the Hotel Utah.  Fascinating history.  Everyone loved it and said that we didn't have enough time to see and do everything they wanted so they are all making plans for next year already. 

Here are a couple of the downline gifts I gave my teammates – every girl needs a great purse!  This one is made with the Stampin' Up! fabric, and you might see some of them at my upcoming craft fairs.

Of course the girls are loving them!   Check out the posies on the front.  These posies are so cute and easy – just made with circles.  OK, off to get ready for the BIG day tomorrow.  We have momento mall, get our bags, go to the home office for a tour, swap and the best part – reconnecting with my girlie friends from around the country! 

Blessings! 

Wouldn't you love to swap for this card with me at convention?  You'll get to see exactly how to make this card in a soon to be released video.  The name of the set I used is called My Friend.  Imagine the various ways that you can use this set; 

Techniques;

• embossing
• with Stampin' Pastels
• Rock-n-Roll
• Watercolor crayons
• and so much more!

Looks;

• Multiple seasons – I can see using this set all year round because it isn't too "floraly"  (I don't know if that's a word or not!)
• Feminine and Masculine
• Vintage to simple stamping

Here's another idea that was one of the make-n-takes this week at hostess club;

So, there's your inspiration for the day.  I'm off to put some finishing touches on convention swaps, downline gifts and of course the last few samples for the craft fair in Lakeville this weekend.  Just a couple of reminders;

• Get your catalogs soon – you're missing out!   I have a bunch ready to be mailed this Friday!
• RSVP for the first Chicks, Chocolate & Cards event from the new catalog – fresh with convention samples!  July 21 6:30pm
• Details on the new catalog open house coming soon!

Blessings!!!!

and you could make it tonight or tomorrow at my hostess club event – come check it out and see what it's all about!  One of my new favorite stamp sets is the Delicate Doilies set – check it out on page 127 of the new catty.  (If you don't have your new catty yet, email me and I will get you one shipped out, delivered or ready for pick up ASAP!)   Here's what's new on this card;

• Wild Wisteria card base and ink – lovin' this new purple! 
• Delicate Doilies stamp set – a must have!
• Fancy Fan letterpress plate – yummo!
• I also used Victoria lace trim, vintage trinkets (safety pin), Pearls, Doily triple layer punch, Tiny Tags stamp set and punch.  The other colors used on this card are Basic Gray and Very Vanilla.

I was inspired by a card on Stampin' Connection – (available only to SU demos), changed a couple of things and voila – there it is!  If you are sad that you don't have access to the thousands upon thousands of samples available to SU demos, you can get access this month for only $99!   PLUS a $40 Christmas bonus kit and at least 20% off all of your purchases from the new catty – if your list is long, this IS the ticket for you! 

Here's the Christmas box you'll get!   Isn't it fabulous!!!

So, don't miss out, call me today for;

• your new catalog
• come to class tonight or tomorrow – or to get this months schedule!
• get 20% or more off your wish list!

I know I haven't posted for a bit about other life events, so here is a quick update.  I have applied for what seems like hundreds of jobs – a couple of interviews but, no other news.  Jim and I went up to my dad's for a few days last week (I intended to post from up north but the internet connection was so slow – or perhaps I was too impatient!)  We had a great time relaxing and lots of fishing!   Jim was in a tournament and did very well in it.  I was thrilled for him.  I'm busy getting ready for craft shows the next few weeks – and convention next week!   You're sure to hear more about that very soon!

Blessings!

Isn't this cool?  I love the color behind the vellum cardstock.  Want to know how it's done?  Check out this video!

Looky what I got in the mail yesterday!  A sweet card from one of my downline, Julie O.  It's one of several I have received after learning of my lay off.  The message inside was exactly what I needed – and is exactly why we send handcrafted cards!  Thanks Julie!

Julie's creation used the new Fabulous Florets stamp set and the Flower Garden embossing folder.  They are so perfect side by side!

I know, I have lots of flower stamp sets.  The selling point of this one is that it comes with solid and line art images.  Thus you can use it for multiple techniques!  Here's a couple of other samples to tickle your fancy;

Each of these uses the new colored embossing powders (yummy!).  You'll find them in the summer mini in Tangerine Tango, WIld Wasabi and Melon Mambo.  So happy to have these colored embossing powers back!

Off to work on a video that I think you'll love. . . . see you soon friends!

Blessings!