Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has managed to save some candy for the kids tonight.  :o)     I'm sneaking out to dinner with my dear husband and hiding out from all the scary monsters.   Our kitties get so stressed over the doorbell and will sometimes try to run out the door, so it is just better for us to avoid the whole candy thing.    I do miss seeing the kids in costume, but I usually catch a glimpse of them out the window after we get home.  

This Friday is my Girls' Night Out stamp club, so I worked on our first project this weekend.   I hope they will love Gently Falling as much as I do.   I modified last week's Just Add Ink card to work for club and Thanksgiving and I love it!   I don't use Pumpkin Pie a lot, but it looks pretty amazing with Early Espresso!   Per the request of one of the members, we'll be making this card from scratch.  It will be different for me to not be pre-cutting everything, but I hope it will help them learn how to utilize their supplies. :)   I have a nice cheat sheet started in My Digital Studio for them, so it should be pretty easy to put together.  

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Woodgrain 

Ink:  Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Scallop Squares Duo, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Color Spritzer, Pumpkin Pie 1/4 grosgrain ribbon

Jason and I carved our pumpkins and got them all ready to shine for Halloween.   I think they turned out pretty good this year.  Mine is on the left and his on the right.   I really love carving them; I think more holidays should involve carving up things.  :)    This year we also roasted the seeds from them and they are delicious!

Play Date Cafe #105

The Play Date Cafe had a wonderful inspiration photo this week and I just had to play along.   I am more than  a little obsessed with any kind of coffee drink, so it took me a bit to quit looking at the picture and actually work on my card!   Don't those look yummy?    Anyway, on the the card....

I'll start by saying that I don't do vintage.  It is totally outside my comfort zone and I find it very confusing.  Distressing?  I end up way more distressed than the paper!  However, I love to challenge myself so I recently purchased the Distressing Essentials kit.   I pulled out my tea stain ink and started swiping, wiping, and crumbling like an old pro.   I hope I managed to achieve a vintage feel to it.  Any suggestions or comments from you vintage professionals?  I'm so happy that Stampin' Up! decided to carry this set over through June.   I had no idea I was such a fan of nautical things until I got it.  

I hope you enjoyed my card today!  I'm off to start some pizza dough and get ready for some football!  Go Texans!   

Stamps:  The Open Sea, Something to Celebrate (retired)

Ink:  Marina Mist, Crumb, Cake, Chocolate Chip, Tea Stain Distress ink

Paper:  Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Tools/Accessories:   Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, Distressing Essentials Kit, Mini Brads - silver, 2 1/2 circle punch, Chocolate Chip 1 1/4 striped ribbon (retired), paper snips

Fall Blog Hop with The Paper Players

Greetings!   Welcome to The Paper Players Fall Blog Hop!   The entire team, along with the fall guest designers, has created some beautiful creations to wow and inspire you.   Some of the Players even have blog candy to share, so be sure to make your way through the entire hop!

Here's the list of participants with clickable links:
Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Cindy Hall

Jaydee

Julie Marshall

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan 

Nance Leedy

Rita Wright (You are here)

Tara Bilbao

I have 2 projects to share with you, so let's get started!    

When I hear fall this year, I automatically think SPICE CAKE!   :o)  This is my absolute favorite paper ever and I can't stop using.  Now there seems to be a bit of debate about Pool Party being a fall color, but it coordinates so well with the others that I think they've welcomed it into their mix.  One of the best ways to show off any gorgeous designer paper is to make a quilt card, so that's what I did.  Isn't it pretty?!   I added some embossing and sponging to really bring out the beauty and add some texture to the card.   

I thought my card could use a matching treat box, so I pulled out my Fancy Favor die and made this cute box.  I decorated the front some some gorgeous leaves from Day of Gratitude and added some sponging to them as well.   I had to use my Spice Cake here too of course, so I added a little belly band of the More Mustard pattern.   The box holds some yummy Godiva chocolates in a cellophane bag that has been stuffed with a bit of homemade confetti and tied with Pool Party ribbon.  

I hope you enjoyed my projects.  Before you head over to Tara's blog, take a minute to sign up to follow my blog and leave me a comment.   I'll be picking a random winner from all the comments to send this lovely card to next Saturday (November 5th).   

Be sure to visit The Paper Players challenge blog tomorrow for a new challenge!   

Red and Pink Christmas

Well, I've said many times that I love non-traditional colors for Christmas, so here's a bit more proof!     When I saw the color combination at Just Add Ink this week, I knew I'd be doing a Christmas card.   Cherry Cobbler always makes me think Christmas and I knew I could somehow work in Blushing Bride with it.   One of my favorite products is Cherry Cobbler seam binding, so that was my first thought when I saw the Pals Paper Arts challenge to use ribbon.   Nothing makes bows quite like the seam binding.  I love it!

What do you think?   I have a friend who just loves pink, so I know where this one is going next month!   :)

Stamps:  Bright Hopes
Ink:  Versamark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Tools/Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler embossing powder, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, embossing buddy, heat tool, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder

colourQ 108: Roar!

I love dinosaurs, so this set was calling my name when I saw it in the catalog.  I'm not sure that Peach Parfait or Daffodil Delight dinosaurs ever roamed the earth, but for the sake of my card, let's pretend they did, okay?   :o)   This didn't turn out quite how I imagined it, but I think it's a cute card for a little boy.   The colors are from this week's colourQ challenge; they are a fun mix, so go play along!  

Stamps:  Dinoroar
Ink:  Black Staz On, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Lucky Limeade, So Saffron
Paper:  Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, So Saffron, Basic Black, Whisper White, Pick Your Poison DSP
Tools/Accessories:  Paper Snips, Stamp-a-ma-jig

FMS8: Gently Falling

Time for a new challenge from Freshly Made Sketches!   Our featured designer this week is Holly Endress from HollyBeary Creations.  Be sure to drop by and say hello!   This sketch really has endless possibilities, so I can't wait to see all the wonderful creations this week.    

I hope you'll like my take on the sketch.  I tried a different arrangement of leaves to make it a bit more like the sketch, but I ultimately gave up and went with this arrangement.   I enjoyed borrowing this set so much that I ordered my own over the weekend.  I just know my club ladies will LOVE it as much as I do, so I had to get it so they could try it too!

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Pool Party, Soft Suede
Paper:  Spice Cake DSP, Neutrals DSP stack, Pool Party, Soft Suede
Tools/Accessories:  Paper Snips, Linen Thread

Christmas Keepsake Box

Pretty, huh?   If you'd like to have your own to make, you can now order one!    It's such a gorgeous gift box and a steal at only $19.95!   Now you will need a few supplies of your own to complete it, but most of them are pretty standard.  It does come with directions and of course I'm always here to help out!  If you like to order yours, you can get it in my online store (http://ritawright.stampinup.net) using order number 129024.    They are just while supplies last, so don't hesitate if it is something you really want!  

The additional products needed to complete it are:

• Pines & Poinsettias stamp set
• Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker
• Real Red  Stampin’ Write Marker
• Wild Wasabi Stampin’ Write Marker
• Adhesives
• 3/16" Corner Punch
• Paper Cutter
• Paper Snips
• Needle
• Glue gun

Bows and Boxes

Today I decided to work on a hostess gift for my upcoming workshop.   I have always wanted to try making a paper bow, so I pulled up the instructions on Splitcoast Stampers and got to work.  I hope the rest of my designer papers know that they are in trouble now.  I had so much fun making this that I can't wait to do more!   I'm pretty sure there will be bows on everything soon!    :)  I used the lovely Frostwood Lodge designer paper from the Holiday Mini for this one.  It is a bit rustic and works great with the cute Kraft boxes you can also find in the mini.  :)   Don't you want to make your own now?   We'll be doing them next month at my Try It Thursday class, so you might want to mark your calendar and plan to attend!

Today I got an awesome box of goodies in the mail from my VERY talented friend, Brandi.   If you aren't following her blog, go now and get that one your reading list.   I absolutely love her work and as a bonus, she makes me laugh a lot too!  Winning her blog candy allowed us to become friends and I'm so happy that the random number generator picked me!   :)   I can't wait to play with my new stamp set and drool a bit over my pretty card.   Maybe my next workshop hostess will get lucky and get a decorated tin!   Don't they look fun to work with?    Thanks again, Brandi!   You rock!

I do apologize for the crummy pictures.   I didn't get in my room until late today and missed the good light.  I am slowly getting together the pieces to make my light tent, so hopefully that won't be an issue in a few more weeks.

Gently Falling Duo Challenge

I had a wonderful day crafting with my two best friends today!   I got up early this morning and made us some soup and banana nut bread to snack on during our girls' day.  They were both yummy and helped fire up our mojo for some card making!    This was the card I worked on today; it uses the fun sketch from Pals Paper Arts.   I love this sketch and will definitely be filing it away for future reference!    I also wanted to play along with The Friday Mashup and use twine on my card.   I adore baker's twine and seem to be using it way more than ribbon lately.

I am really enjoying Gently Falling, so I'm pretty sure I'll be putting an order in for it tomorrow.  :)    To start my card, I played around with my Color Coach and decided I liked the look of Calypso Coral, So Saffron, and Early Espresso together.  Once I figured out how much of each I wanted to feature on my card, everything went together pretty easily.  

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Falling Leaves
Ink:  Early Espresso (ink and marker), So Saffron (ink and marker), Calypso Coral
Paper:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, So Saffron
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Modern Label punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Antique Brads, sponges, Color Spritzer (just for you, Ann!)

JAI 90: Sketch Challenge

First, I apologize for the lack of posts this week.  It's been one of those weeks mentally and my heart just wasn't in trying to create anything.   I decided to try making something today and here's my second card of the day.   The first one you'll have to wait on.  :)   My upline, Denise, was kind enough to lend me her Gently Falling stamp set so I've been putting it to work.   I'll definitely be sad to give this one back next week!  How gorgeous is that leaf?   I normally hate 2-step stamps as they don't fit completely in the lines, but I think I could manage to get over that with this one.  :)   Anyway, I thought it would be great for the sketch over at Just Add Ink.  I don't own an oval die, so I hope it was okay that I used a square!

Stamps:  Gently Falling, en Francais, Tiny Tags, Woodgrain
Ink:  Soft Suede, Pool Party, More Mustard
Paper:  More Mustard, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Scallop Squares duo die, Jewelry Tag punch, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, sponges

FMS7: Glitter Stocking

It's time for a new sketch from Freshly Made Sketches!   We have another wonderful featured designer, Sandra Azzopardi, joining us this week, so be sure to stop by her blog and say hello!   It actually took me a bit to find my card for this post!   I knew I'd be in Florida and tired from the trip, so I made my card quite a while ago.  I didn't want to have to stress about it when I got home and drive my poor husband crazy.   I would probably make something totally different now; I must have been in a traditional Christmas mood when I put this together.  :) 

Red and green galore!  I love the glitter paper; isn't it gorgeous?   I wish I could wrap myself in it!   I used a lot of the different patterns from the Brights designer series paper stack for this one.  I love that stuff!    I feel like I have used it so much and still have so much more left to work with!   I used some of my favorite embellishments, buttons, baker's twine, and mini jingle bells to add a fun, festive feel.   Hopefully I can stand to get it away with all those on there.  :)

Stamps:  none

Ink:  none

Paper:  Brights DSP stack, Red glitter paper, Old Olive, Real Red

Tools/Accessories:  Stocking builder punch, circle punches, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Brights buttons, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, mini jingle bells

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team made to inspire you this week!

Tui Nathan

Lesley Croghan

Linda Callahan

Jen Mitchell

Cindy Hall

Jen Timko

Try Stampin' On Tuesday #37

I hope you enjoyed the posts from the weekend.  We took a trip to Florida so I was away and didn't stamp for a whole 4 days!   I was ready to get back in my room and create today, especially since I got some new goodies yesterday!   I decided to try a new challenge today, the Try Stampin' On Tuesday challenge!   It was a very fun sketch to work with and I loved how my card turned out.    Bright Hopes is such an awesome set!  Do you have it yet?  :o)

The beaches of Florida were amazing, so I thought I should share a picture.  :)   Our friends got married on the beach at Navarre and it was just gorgeous there.    This picture was taken in Pensacola; we decided to stay there at a neat little bed-and-breakfast.   It was a nice trip and we stayed busy for the few days we were there.   I would love to go back someday and do a bit more exploring of the area.

Stamps:  Bright Hopes, Woodgrain background
Ink:  Garden Green, Real Red, Crumb Cake
Paper:  Garden Green, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Neutrals DSP stack
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper and Stripes embossing folders, basic pearls, white baker's twine, Brights buttons, sponges, paper snips, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch

MDS Monday

If you visited yesterday, this card probably looks pretty familiar to you.  I wanted to recreate one of my cards in My Digital Studio to show you how nice it would look.    Pretty close, huh?   Stampin' Up! has done a wonderful job adding some of our favorite supplies to the digital side of things.  Even better, the printing is guaranteed to match the SU colors we know and love.

The advantage to making this card in MDS?   I can print as many of this card as I need without doing any further work.  It's a great way to design your invitations or Christmas cards because you can do it once and have as many printed as you need.   If you wanted to add some ribbon or brads, you can always go the hybrid route and do a lot of the work on MDS and then add a few embellishments once you get the cards from the printer.  

If you like to purchase MDS, you can get it here on my online store.   I'd love to answer and questions you have about it or give you a demonstration of how it works.  

Upsy Daisy Birthday

I have been getting a lot of customers who are new to stamping so to be able to help them, I've been looking through the catalog and getting some ideas of what products I think would work best for them.   Upsy Daisy was one of the stamp sets I picked for my Starter Kit last year when I signed up.   I think it's a great set for starting out because it has a nice image to work with as well as three different sentiments.   You can make a birthday, thinking of you, or thank you card with just this one set!

This card would be fairly inexpensive to recreate if you leave off the embossing on the strip of Bashful Blue.   You'd need 2 packs of card stock, 1 pack of designer paper, a stamp pad, baker's twine, and the stamp set. Not too bad, huh?   You could get this stamp set for free in your Starter Kit if you decide to sign up to be a demonstrator.   If you join this month, you'd also get a free Big Shot that would allow you to do that cool embossing too!    It's a great deal for those of you starting out or who want to get a discount on the products you already love.   :)   Contact me for more information or visit my website to sign up today!

Be sure to come back tomorrow so you can see the digital version of this card!

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy
Ink:  Early Espresso
Paper:  First Edition Designer Series paper, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Early Espresso Baker's Twine

Inspired by Maureen's card that can be found here.

Catalog Inspiration: Bright Hopes

Yesterday I posted a card that I copied from the Holiday Mini Catalog.   For today, I wanted to share another card inspired by the catalog, but this one is a bit different.   I loved the card on page 23 of the catalog, but I didn't have the stamp set that I'd need to recreate it.   Instead, I looked at it and decided what parts I could do exactly and what I'd need to find in my supplies to do the rest.   Looking at the image panel, I knew I'd need something to stamp in the background and a large sentiment of some sort.  I looked over my stamps and decided to go with my new favorite, Bright Hopes, for the background image.  My largest Christmas sentiment was from the hostess set in the Holiday Mini, Warmest of Wishes, so I decided to use that as well.

Here's the original card:

It's not quite the original card, but it is still gorgeous!  Well, I think so anyway.  :)   I am enjoying the inspiration I'm getting from the catalog, so stay tuned for more cards.  I'd love for you to try one too!  If you do, be sure to come back and post a link to your blog or online gallery so we can all go check out your beautiful work!

Stamps:  Warmest of Wishes, Bright Hopes
Ink:  River Rock, Cherry Cobbler, Versamark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, River Rock, Very Vanilla
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Fancy Fan Letterpress plate, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, heat tool, clear embossing powder, basic pearls, Cherry Cobbler seam binding

Catalog Inspiration: Stitched Stocking

One of the questions I get a lot as a demonstrator is where I come up with my ideas.   For those of you who visit frequently, you know I love participating in various challenge blogs.   I really enjoy starting out with a sketch and have quite a few of them printed out to use as a reference.   If that sounds like too much work, you have inspiration right at your fingertips!  If you look at the front of your Stampin' Up! catalog, you should notice that it doesn't just say catalog; it is also an idea book!  There are so many gorgeous samples that you can copy or use as inspiration.   You might like the design of one, the colors of another, and an embellishment you find on yet another one!   I kept it simple with this one and copied a card from the Holiday Mini catalog.  You can find it on page 34 of your catalog and here's what it looks like:

I did change mine to a normal A2 card and, but other than that, it is pretty much the same!   Cool, huh?

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings, Bright Hopes
Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive
Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack, Flirtatious DSP
Tools/Accessories:  Stocking Builder Punch, paper snips, White baker's twine

FMS6: Bright Hopes

It's time for another sketch from Freshly Made Sketches!  This one has a lot of fun elements, so I think you'll have a blast playing along with us!   Lauri Ingram is our featured designer this week, so be sure to stop by her blog to say hello.   She has some gorgeous clean cards on her blog and I love her beautiful creations.  

Here is my second take on the sketch.  I'll show you the first one in a bit.  :)     Jen Timko, one of my fellow design team members, made some beautiful cards with the Bright Hopes stamp set and I had to have it after seeing them.   Isn't it gorgeous?  It is such an elegant set of stamps and one I know I'll be using for years to come.   I paired the set with some equally elegant colors, River Rock and Cherry Cobbler.   I love how it turned out!  I haven't purchased the Cherry Cobbler embossing powder yet, so I did the next best thing and inked my stamp with Cherry Cobbler, then Versamark, and then embossed it with clear embossing powder. It gives it a much richer look than simply stamping it in Cherry Cobbler alone. 

Stamps:  Bright Hopes

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Versamark

Paper:  River Rock, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Neutrals Designer Paper stack

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Northern Frost Decorative Strip die, heat tool, clear embossing powder, embossing buddy, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Basic Rhinestones

This was my first card for the sketch.   I think it turned out nice, but it wasn't quite what I wanted for the challenge.   I do love non-traditional colors for Christmas and I can't say that I've seen many pink and brown ones.  :)    Greeting Card Kids is such an adorable set of stamps and I'm so glad I finally purchased it.   

Stamps:  Greeting Card Kids

Ink:  Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Bashful Blue

Paper:  Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Whisper White, 2010 In Color Hostess stack (retired)

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Fancy Favor die (for the border), Backgrounds #1 Texturz plates, Northern Frost Decorative Strip die, blender pen, mica flakes, Early Espresso taffeta ribbon (retired), In Color Glimmer brads

Be sure to stop and say hello to my fellow designers:

Tui Nathan

Lesley Croghan

Linda Callahan

Jen Mitchell

Cindy Hall

Jen Timko

Christmas Cards Class

I started working on the cards for my upcoming Christmas cards class today.   To keep the postage cost down, I'm going for cards that have a bit of wow to them but can still be mailed with a regular postage stamp.    This one is gorgeous up close; the embossing adds a bit of texture and both the snowflakes and snowman are sparkly with Dazzling Diamonds.  I think I'll make up a few more with different colors to mail out for the holidays.   I love my Snow Much Fun set!

If you'd like to make some Christmas cards  to send out to your family and friends, come join me!  No experience required!

Here are the details for the class:

Christmas Cards #1

Oct 22 
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM  (Central)

We'll be making a total of 9 Christmas cards (3 each of 3 different designs) during this fun class.    Drinks and snacks will be provided so we can relax and enjoy a day of creating together.   Cost for the class is $25 and includes envelopes.  As always, please bring along your scissors and favorite adhesive. If you don't have adhesive, you can purchase it the day of the event for $7.   Please RSVP by the 18th to hold your spot.  

PP67: French Foliage

I've been so busy with classes and clubs for the past two weeks and missed out on doing my challenges.   Last night I decided to take some time to play along with The Paper Players.  It has been a while since I got to play along with them on this side of things and I've missed it.   Jaydee is the hostess this week and presented a fun color challenge.   I was a bit stumped at first because the only Bravo Burgundy I had was a scrap of ribbon and a marker.   That's why they call it a challenge though, right?  :)    

Here's what I came up with; isn't it pretty?    I was in a mood to really spend some time on a card last night, so this one has lots of things going on.   I brayed the embossing folders, added some distressing and spritzing (totally channeling Ann), and fussy cut some leaves.    I think it was well worth the time and has a bit of a wow factor when you hold it and look over all the details and feel the texture.   I used last week's Mojo Monday sketch, but not in time to submit it.   

I hope you enjoyed my card today.   I know I had a blast making it.   :)

Stamps:  French Foliage, Tiny Tags

Ink:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgundy (marker)

Paper:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice embossing folders, Cutter Kit, Jewelry Tag punch, Scallop Edge border punch, brayer, color spritzer tool,  sponges, linen thread, Bravo Burgundy ribbon (retired)

My Digital Studio Christmas Tag

Isn't this cute?   I was playing around in My Digital Studio tonight and thought I'd make up a few Christmas tags.   I fell in love with the Holly & Jolly Rub-ons last year and was so happy when they were offered on MDS.   Those trees are just too darn cute!    Having access to retired products is one of the reasons why I love this program so much.   There have been times when I loved a stamp, but it just wasn't in my budget at the time or else I forgot to order it and it retired.   My Digital Studio allows me to get some of those and usually a bit cheaper too!  I was able to go back and buy the Motorcycle stamp that I missed out on a few summers ago and I can print it on some Whisper White and color it in just like a stamped image.

With Christmas coming up, of course we are all starting to think about gifts.  These images are part of a calendar that I made for my brother last year.   He LOVED it and couldn't believe that I made it all by myself.  I bought MDS and  in just 3 days, I taught myself how to use it and made the calendar!   I was able to share all the pictures I'd taken of his dogs in a way that he could enjoy throughout the year.   I was quite proud of my first effort.  :)    I hope to do one for my whole family using pictures from our childhood.   The good thing is that I can make it once, but get it printed as many times as I need!

If you'd like to know more about the program or would like to see it in action, let me know and we'll get together for a little digital stamping.  :)  It is a great program that does so many things including photo books, calendar, greeting cards, blog headers, tags, etc.   My goal is to start using mine more, so be on the lookout for more projects here on my blog.

Friday Mashup: Halloween

I finally found some time to do a challenge today!   I made my next design team card for Freshly Made Sketches (well, I did two because I didn't love the first one) and then I had a bit of time left to do a challenge card!  I decided to try the challenge at The Friday Mashup and really mash it up and do both Halloween and the colors!  

Isn't this fun?   I love the embossed panel and of course my witchy owl.  I couldn't get a good picture where the sentiment didn't look so washed out, so you'll have to use your imagination a bit there.  

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Wicked Cool

Ink:  Staz On Black

Paper:  Concord Crush, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Spider Web embossing folder, Little Leaves sizzlit, Owl builder punch

Simply Sent Special

One of the specials for October is a free coordinating stamp set when you purchase 2 of the Simply Sent Kits.   These kits are great for new stampers and for those times when you need a quick card, but still want something with a handmade look.   I plan to pick up several of them to give as gifts for the holidays.  I think 2 of the kits, the free stamp set, and a marker or ink pad all wrapped up would be a nice gift for both friends and family members.   It's a great way to share your hobby with others and possibly gain some new stampin' buddies. :)

Now the kits themselves are great, but I decided to play around with mine a bit this morning and add in a few extras to dress them up.   :)  Just goes to show how they work for all levels of stampers, even demonstrators! I love that I have a gorgeous card and a matching gift box to give to someone special this Christmas.   (Big thanks to my fellow demonstrators Leena and Lael for the inspiration and box tutorial).   After making these, I decided to get 2 of this kit and add in a spool of ribbon and a package of the basic pearls for that special person on my gift list.  I hope she'll like it.  

If you'd like to order your kits, you can find them in my online store here or you can contact me to place your order.   Remember this special is only good for October, so don't wait too long or you'll miss out.

Club Project #3: Stockings!

Whew....I finally finished preparing for my clubs this week!  I was so used to prepping for 4 or 5 people, so going up to 12 was a wow moment for me.   I hope the ladies will enjoy them all.   I had to pull out my new favorite Stitched Stockings stamp set and its matching punch.    I also got in some fun new designer paper, Frostwood Lodge.  Isn't it cute?!   I can't wait to cut into the woodgrain paper in that one!   :)

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings, Petite Pairs
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Garden Green
Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Garden Green, Frostwood Lodge designer paper
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Houndstooth embossing folder, Stocking builder punch, Mini Clothespins (TOO CUTE!), Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps are a brand-new product and perfect for crafters and non-crafters, alike--not to mention kids!

The easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.

Just make your favorite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the two included recipes) and stamp away! Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly.

Now I'm not a cookie maker, but the easy recipes that come with the stamps make yummy cookies that work well with the cookie stamps.    I've made both and they received rave reviews from my sweet customers. 

 Assembled ingredients; not too many, right?   Long lists of ingredients scare me, so this was a good start. 

My Kitchenaid mixer whipped up the dough easily and I was ready to start rolling!

Next step, roll in sugar. Mmmm...sugar!  :)   

Now comes the fun part, stamping!   Doesn't this look fun?   You just press down on the balls and lift!  You get a nice flat cookie with a cute image in the middle.  Easy peasy!  

Aren't they pretty?! The heart stamped cookies are the sugared shortbread that I made for my club last month.  Below are the sugar cookies that I made for my class last week.   Both are yummy, so you can't go wrong with whichever one you decide to make!

Are you ready for the details so you can order yours today?   :)

Item Number  125152  Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps:  Includes solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images, two recipes, and tips for use.   $16.95

Don't forget these coordinating products that will help you make some beautiful gifts for the holidays!

19	Simple Snowflake Single Stamp	$8.95
20	Homemade Single Stamp	$9.95
162	Creatively Yours Set	$18.95
194	Baker's Twine	$2.95
224	Lots of Tags Sizzlits Die Set	$21.95
15*	Kraft Gift Box (4)	$2.95

If you'd like to give these a try, come to my Try It Thursday class on November 17th!  The cost is only $10, but I'll waive that if you purchase the featured bundle that day. Either way, you'll go home with a completed project or cards and have a fun time stamping. :)  This event will feature the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps, the Kraft Gift Boxes, and Stampin' Up! fabric.   Please RSVP by the 13th to reserve your spot.