Stamping Granny

2012 OCCASIONS MINI CALENDAR

2012-01-04T23:21:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE NEW OCCASIONS MINI CATALOG!

I am doing well health wise now, but am not totally finished with my treatments. I am still in the reconstruction process. I thank everyone for their many prayers and continued support of my business. Because of YOU, I have been able to hold onto my demo status during my cancer treatment. I am looking forward to getting my creative mojo back and to begin to share more projects with you once again. I plan to be able to work on my blog more now that the treatments and surgeries are over. So, keep watching for more projects and tutorials soon! And I have added the "Print Friendly" feature that will appear after each post, allowing you to print any tutorial or post right from my blog! I'm kind of excited about that!

Right now the biggest news is that our new Occasions Mini Catalog is available! Lots of fantastic new goodies for you to drool over!!!

You can open up the pdf file I posted above, or CLICK HERE to look through the Mini Catalog at my website.

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ!

2011-12-16T09:01:00.004-05:00

Run.....don't walk!!!!

December 15, 2011-January 5, 2012

Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items are being added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail--while supplies last!

80% off....Love Patterns Designer Paper only $1.99!

Great for Valentines' Day!

Only $9.59! Smaller ones even less!

40% off! This is your chance to get the whale style punches at a great price...even some no longer available in the new style! There's also a few of the new style punches available at this discount and so much more.....Big Shot dies, buttons, ribbons....check it out!

Only $5.99

60% off! Includes and 19 new colors: Pink Pirouette, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Ridinghood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla.

The Clearance Rack Blitz includes old-body style punches.

Only online orders qualify for this promotion.

Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items, as well.

There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.

Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards.

Following the Clearance Rack Blitz sales period, some blitz items may remain in the clearance rack; others may be removed and reappear at an undesignated time in the future.

Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last. There are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.

You may view Clearance Rack Blitz items in my Online Store

These are great buys and only available while supplies last!

If you have any questions, contact me ! I'm so excited to let you know about these great deals.....Happy blitz shopping!

Cindy

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA!

2011-11-22T01:13:00.000-05:00

What fantastic bargains!!! I am so happy to offer these specials to you! http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Online_X_flyer_US.pdf Be sure to check out the pdf to see the great savings and then place your order through my online store at http://www.stampinggranny.stampinup.net/

or contact me to place your order.

As always, let me know if you have any questions! Cindy

2011-11-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

Online Extravaganza is our annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season and will begin Monday, November 21, 2011, and run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Log in to my "online store on Monday to take advantage of great savings!

While this promotion is perfect for online orders during an especially busy time of year, sale prices will be available on all order types. So, if you would prefer that I place the order for you, just contact me and I will be happy to do that for you!

Don't miss out on the first 24 hours....TWO ITEMS will be on sale for the first 24 hours only, beginning November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])

See you Monday and have a great Thanksgiving! :=)

Cindy

FREE BIG SHOT OFFER EXTENDED!!!!

2011-11-01T14:50:00.001-04:00

Stampin' Up! has decided to extend the Big Shot Recruiting Promotion through November 11, 2011. With the choice of a FREE Big Shot or up to $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! products,

you can turn your love of stamping into a business!

PLUS, GET A BRAND NEW STAMP SET FREE!
I attended the Stampin' Up! Regional this past weekend in Louisville, Ky, and as a result of my attendance, I am allowed to extend a special offer to you! If you sign up now through November 13, you and I both will receive a brand new stamp set from the upcoming Ocassions Mini catalog....absolutely free! The name of the stamp set ~ Sweet Cake! I have no pictures of it though! But, remember, the Big Shot offer will end on November 11, so I would not wait until the 13th! Have a Big Shot already? Then get $100 of free products of your choice! How cool is that?

If you'd like to begin your own stamping business now, just click here to get started! And, if you have any questions, just contact me. I would love to have you on my team and now is a great time for you to take that leap....look at the freebies you'll get!

Starter Kit

* New recruits may purchase the standard ($175 for over $345 product and business supplies) or Digital+ Starter Kit, and may add the Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio Software Add-On for the regular add-on price.

* New recruits may substitute a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Décor Elements (p. 233) that comes standard in the Starter Kit.

* New recruits who join Stampin' Up! during this promotion are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit, including but not limited to the Extra 10% Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.

* As always, the demonstrator Starter Kit is only available to new recruits and not to current demonstrators.

It's also a great time to be a Hostess!

Beginning today through December 15, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an extra $35 in additional Stampin' Up! products when they host a $350 workshop. What an awesome deal for you! A $350 order will bring you $85 in free product of your choice! Online orders do not qualify, so please contact me with your $350 (or higher!) order and I can submit it for you so that you get the additional $35 Hostess Dollars!

I'm doing well and am ready to create again!!!!
Thank you for all of your prayers. I am doing really well and trying to catch up on things. With all of my treatments this summer, things fell way behind and wow, it's hard to get caught up! My house has been a disaster! I'm doing really good though, although I do have two more surgeries coming up in December. But, I'm ready to put this cancer behind me!!!!

My mojo is returning and I am sooo ready to "play" again! So, last night I whipped up a Halloween treat for my grandchildren! I happened to have some of these tins on hand, but you could just as easily put the Nuggets in a cello bag and tie up with the ribbon!

I wrapped these Nugget candy bars using the stamp set "It's A Wrap Holidays" from the Holiday Mini! What an awesome stamp set to make it quick and easy to wrap these cute little Nuggets!

I love them and already have plans to wrap those little suckers for Thanksgiving and Christmas! The clear mount set is only $19.95 and you can purchase your own set here or contact me and I'll be happy to place the order for you!

It's A Wrap Holidays Stamp Set

Holiday Mini (page 14) - Clear (122772) $19.95 Wood (122770) $27.95

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=122772

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=122770

And here's my little ghosts....with their nugget tins!

Kraft Gift Box

Holiday Mini - Item #124106 - Page 15 - $2.95 for 4 (approx size 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 x 2-1/2)

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=124106

I also whipped up a real fast gift for my sister for her birthday! She is a total Halloween nut and I found a spider bracelet (ewwww) for her...LOL! She loved it! I packaged it up in one of our cute little Kraft Gift Boxes found in the Holiday Mini (page 15). These are only $2.95 for 4 of them....not bad at all! And they are "food safe".....I'm thinking maybe a cupcake could fit into them. I'll have to try that! Decorate it up any way you want, including stamping on it. I was in a hurry, so just whipped this up real fast to hold her bracelet wrapped in tissue. She loved the packaging too! It's so easy to impress people with Stampin' Up!
I just tied our large striped ribbon around it and added the bats punched from our Bat Punch. I purchased both from our Clearance Rack.....do you ever check out the clearance rack? I'm pretty sure the bat punch is gone, but I'm not sure about the ribbon! Keep an eye on the clearance rack, though....lots of good bargains show up there!

And here are the projects we made in our October Class/Club. Time to get started on Christmas! Martha and Linda had run my classes for me all summer (which I soooo appreciated), but it was good to finally be "back in the saddle" in October and prepare for the class myself.

I apologize if I cased your card and don't have that information handy right now. I do know the gift card idea came from Dawn Griffith (thanks Dawn!). We all need gift card holders at Christmas, right?

And now it's time to get ready for our November class....yikes, it will be next Tuesday already! That one came around fast! I got lots of great ideas at the Louisville Convention. Linda went with me and we took lots and lots of pictures of these ideas and we had a great time!

It's good to be back! :=) I'm able to post project ideas once again, so be sure to come back and visit!

Cindy

Wow! Get a FREE BIG SHOT....and CLEARANCE RACK is updated!

2011-10-01T12:36:00.001-04:00

Now is a great time to Join the Stampin' Up! family!

Dates: October 1-31, 2011

Sign up online and get started right away!

Just click here for details and to get signed up!!!!

Email me if you have any questions!

Promotion Details:

The Big Shot is a big deal! And during October, when you join the Stampin' Up! family, you'll get a FREE Big Shot (or up to $100 in free Stampin' Up! products)! Start your Stampin' Up! year strong, while sharing the fun and creativity of Stampin' Up! products with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Things to Remember
Product Bonus

*Any new recruit who signs up during the promotion period will receive a Sizzix Big Shot Machine or $100 in Stampin' Up! products of their choice from any of our current catalogs.

* New recruits who use the online IDA will be given access to the Promotional Product Bonus order type in OEX approximately one hour after they complete their online IDA (they will be provided a link to OEX for this redemption via e-mail). In this order type, they will either enter the item number for the Big Shot (item 113439) or the item numbers for up to $100 in Stampin' Up! products. Products can be chosen from any current catalog and shipping is free!

* New Recruits should ensure that their free total comes as close as possible to $100 without going over since the Promotional Product Bonus order type will not allow items beyond $100 to be added to the order.

* Those who mail in their IDAs can simply list the items they want for free on their accompanying order form.

* New recruits will have until November 30, 2011, to redeem their product bonus.

Starter Kit

* New recruits may purchase the standard ($175 for over $345 product and business supplies) or Digital+ Starter Kit, and may add the Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio Software Add-On for the regular add-on price.

* New recruits may substitute a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Décor Elements (p. 233) that comes standard in the Starter Kit.

* New recruits who join Stampin' Up! during this promotion are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit, including but not limited to the Extra 10% Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.

* As always, the demonstrator Starter Kit is only available to new recruits and not to current demonstrators.
o Mail: Monday, October 31, 2011 (received in office)- contact me me for the form.
o Online: Monday, October 31, 2011; 11:50 PM (MT) - The easiest and fastest way to sign up is online and you can go to my website to do this! Just click here for details and to get signed up!!!!

Wow, have you checked out the Clearance Rack lately?

Lots of great ribbon has just been added today, plus Designer Paper and some punches and other goodies! Run, don't walk....these items are "while supplies last" and just be ordered online.

CLICK HERE to check it out and place your order!!!

NEW HOLIDAY MINI!!!

2011-09-03T22:10:00.001-04:00

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since July! And this will be "short and sweet" tonight, but I wanted to be sure to let you know about the new HOLIDAY MINI that just began in September. It's packed full of lots of new goodies, including a brand new scoring board! Be sure to check it out by clicking on the image in the right hand corner for a pdf of the catalog! Let me know if you have any questions.

I hope to be back to "normal" soon. My summer has been spent fighting cancer and when I look back on it, it amazes me to think of what I've done all summer....biopsies, 2 surgeries, chemo...it just kind of put my life on "hold". I do hope to be sharing projects with you again really soon. I had a double masectomy 6 weeks ago and am now in the process of reconstruction, which is kinda rough....then I'll have two more surgeries coming up in December. So, I am reaching the end of my journey, but am still recuperating and not "up to par" yet. You can read more detail and follow my progress by visiting my "cancer blog", if you are interested.

Meanwhile, thank you for hanging in there with me and as I reach the end of my journey, please know I'll get back to "normal" and be sharing stamping projects again. If you have any questions or want to place an order, you can contact me . Or you can place your order online at my website . I appreciate your orders......they help keep me in an "active" status until I can get my business back to normal again.

Cindy

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO STAMPIN UP!

2011-07-01T22:33:00.002-04:00

I apologize that I've had a hard time keeping my blog up. I just finished my LAST chemo up last week and am still very weak, but I just had to share the NEW CATALOG with you!!! Be sure to check out the awesome NEW HOSTESS BENEFITS! I think you will be very pleased! :=) Have fun looking through it and if you'd like a hardcopy in your hands, contact me. I will mail you one for $10 (postage paid) and will send you a Pay Pal invoice. And of course if you just gotta have something you see in the catalog.....feel free to shop at my website or contact me.

Click the catalog to view online!

Click to Download in .pdf format!

And if you've thought about joining the Stampin' Up family, NOW is a great time!!!! Just visit my website and sign up!

I'll be having my surgery on July 26 and once I begin to heal and put this behind me, I'll be back to my normal sharing! Thanks for hanging with me! Email me if you have any questions! Cindy

LAST CHANCE RETIREMENT LIST, NEW CATALOG, NEW CLUBS

2011-06-07T22:05:00.002-04:00

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've updated my blog, You all know how much I love to make new projects to show you and how I like to keep you up on the latest. But, the truth is....this chemo has knocked me on my butt and it's been hard to keep up. My last chemo is June 22 and I am sooo ready to get that behind me and even though I'll still have surgery facing me, I'm looking forward to being "normal" again and getting back to the fun side of my life.

I do want you to know that I am still "open for business" through my website and I appreciate your continued support. You can also email me and I'll try to answer you as quickly as possible, but there are some days I'm not even on the computer.

There is so much news I need to share with you right now so you don't miss out! The new catalog will debut in July....wow, I can hardly wait! It's just right around the corner. There is always lots to keep up when there is a catalog change and it's no different this time. It's a difficult time for me to be sick, but I am going to do my best to digest all that is happening and pass it on to you.

FIRST UP IS THE RETIREMENT LIST!

Last Chance accessories are only available while supplies last.

The accessories list will be updated each business day by 4:00 PM (MT) with availability information.

Because these items can go quickly, I recommend that you order these items online at my website.

ORDERING DEADLINE IS JUNE 30! AFTER THAT.....THEY'RE GONE!!!!!

NEW CATALOGS! AND NEW CLUBS!

I have ordered 3 boxes of new catalogs and am so excited to find out they will be here Friday....3 more days! I haven't seen one for myself yet, although I have seen some "sneak peeks" and I'm drooling. I will be starting NEW six month CLUBS in July, so if you are interested in joining one or need more information, please contact me The catalogs will be handed out to Club Members first and then sold for $10 to anyone not joining a club (if I have any left). If you are interested in buying a catalog, but not joining a club, let me know.

I WILL get past this cancer crap and be ready to roll. Meanwhile, I have my very dear friends, Martha and Linda, who are helping me out until I'm back on my feet so I can keep my business going. It's not been easy. but it shall pass. You can keep up with my progress at my "cancer journey blog" by clicking on my picture in the right hand column. All of your prayers have been much appreciated. And I hope you hang in with me....it's just a "bump in the road" and then I'll be back to my normal, creative self with lots to share!

Cindy

MAY BRINGS MORE THAN FLOWERS!

2011-05-01T14:13:00.001-04:00

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING MONTH!

Be sure to check out the products Stampin' Up is offering at 30% off during May!

Select stamp sets
Select professional print products for My Digital Studio
Special digital download bundles for My Digital Studio

NEW SUMMER MINI

The 2011 Summer Mini is LIVE today, May 1! To view the mini online, click here and place your order online at my website. Of course you can always email me with your order too. Lots of new goodies in the new Mini! Let me know if you have any questions!

STRENGTH AND HOPE CAMPAIGN

As you know, I have just begun my own battle with breast cancer, after watching my sister wage her battle just last year (she's in remission). My mother was diagnosed a month before my sister and passed away 2 months later (Feb 2010) from other health problems. She had just begun her radiation. So, as you can see, this campaign is near and dear to my heart, as I am seeing the results of the research firsthand. I am so excited to see Stampin' Up! have a campaign to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. I can tell you firsthand that the progress that has been made is amazing. Breast Cancer IS beatable, thanks to the many contributions made toward research, so I'm thrilled to have an avenue to help raise funds for this cause. With 1 in 7 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, you can see how important the cause is. Unfortunately, breast cancer is becoming quite common. But, fortunately, there are so many more options for a cure now than ever before! I expect to be one of those cured by all of the research that has brought us this far and I thank everyone who has ever contributed in the past. It just amazes me to see the results of all of this research and I am encouraged by what the doctors can do and are telling me.

As part of our Making a Difference program, Stampin' Up! is proud to partner with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the Strength & Hope Campaign. Throughout the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog sales period, Stampin' Up! will donate $2* from the sale of each Strength & Hope set and Strength & Hope digital kit to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

*Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from this purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® . BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit http://www.bcrfcure.org/.

Click here to see the images in this special Strength and Hope Set. I have already showcased some projects I have made with this set and I can tell you, it's a "must have"! :=) To place your order for this set, visit my website or contact me. And a personal thank you for your help in this cause!

STAMPIN' UP SCRUB NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Stampin' Scrub (item 102642) and Stampin' Scrub Refill Pads (item 101230) are now available for regular orders.

As a result of the material issues, our supplier was unable to provide the same scrubbing pad material. While you may notice a slight difference in the material, the functionality and high-quality standards remain the same. After in-house testing, we approved the material change because we found it to be an excellent alternative.

On a personal note: I'm 10 days out from my first chemo treatment and have to say....it's the best day so far! While I'm very tired, I'm feeling more "like myself" today than any other day. My next treatment is May 11, so maybe I'll have a week of "being myself" before I get hit again! :=) Oh, and I still have my hair! :=) Thanks for all of your prayers. Be sure to visit my health blog for more detailed updates.

CAVE DAY CANCELLED!

2011-04-29T22:20:00.002-04:00

Cave Day for Saturday, April 30 is cancelled. If you have an order to pick up, please feel free to stop by and get it.

Thanks! Cindy

PAISLEY PRINT DESIGNER PAPER!

2011-04-14T00:24:00.004-04:00

Aren't these cards beautiful?

They are cards that were entered into my first "cave challenge" at our class last night. I gave each of these girls a sampling of the gorgeous new Paisley Petals Designer Paper and they designed a card to bring to the class and everyone voted on them (without knowing who's was who's). It was fun and I'm sure we'll have to do this again some time! I loved getting to see the creativity and was just glad I didn't have to vote!

I want to thank the girls for participating in my first "cave challenge"! You did an awesome job, just like I knew you would!

I'm sure you all would like to see some close-ups of these beautiful cards, so here you go!

Teresa Hornaday

Brenda Cox

Martha Culp

Kara Dailey (Kara, I have a card for you in your cubbie!)

Isn't that paper absolutely gorgeous??? This Designer Paper - Paisley Petals - will be in the new Catalog coming out this summer!!! But, would you like to have it early? Like....right now? Well, Stampin' Up! is giving us the opportunity to purchase the paper in the month of April along with a $20 purchase.

Promotion details: Spring is Blossoming with Sneak Peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

Spend $20 (*Net sales before tax and shipping)

on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper (you can purchase up to five of each with any $20 purchase...if you want to purchase more, you can do so with another $20 order, and so on). You can place your order online at my website or contact me if you would like for me to place the order for you.

Use these item numbers when ordering!

Four Frames Stamp Set
W: item 123440 | $20.95
C: item 123442 | $15.95

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper**
item 122367 | $9.95

Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

Online orders are not eligible for this part of the promotion. Contact me if you would like to submit a $350 workshop.

**This gorgeous paper contains 12 sheets: two each of six double-sided designs in Bravo Burgundy, Tangerine Tango, Marina Mist, River Rock, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Early Expresso and Whisper White.

Click on photo below to see the pdf flyer.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE...cancer.....

2011-04-09T02:25:00.003-04:00

I don't normally put much of my personal life on my blog and I promise not to begin doing so now, as this is my business blog. But, I have made many friends on here and wanted to share this with you. I have started a new blog for cancer updates and if you are interested, you can visit it here and bookmark it to keep up with my journey. It will be therapeutic for me to blog about my journey and will be a place where my family and friends can stay up to date with what is happening.

As you have become aware, Breast Cancer has become very personal for me with my mother and sister being diagnosed with breast cancer in the last year. Because we had never been touched with breast cancer in our immediate family, it came as a shock to us. My mother passed away last February (2010) and my sister is in remission after a double masectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Now I must travel that same road as I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer myself. I have personally had several "cancer scares" in my life and have dodged the bullet....until now. My mother was diagnosed in Dec 2009 and my sister was diagnosed in January 2010, and I followed in February with my mammogram showing 4 calcifications that had to be biopsied, which resulted in one surgery and a benign report on all 4. Then I had a follow up mammogram in August and all was fine. But, now just 8 months later I have breast cancer. The first time I said "I have breast cancer" out loud, I felt numb. When they first found the "dark spot" and I was asked to come back for more diagnostic imaging and an ultrasound and then a biopsy, I had a gut feeling by the way they were acting. Then when they wanted to ultrasound my lymph nodes, I "knew". But, I didn't get the official results until yesterday and today I had to go for a consultation.

The consultation went well and I left feeling upbeat and positive. It wasn't the best news...but it wasn't the worst news either. I have invasive ductal carcinoma. What does that mean? Well, my cancer began in the milk duct, but was not contained there. It grew big enough to break through the duct wall into my breast tissue, making it invasive. The treatment....a choice between a lumpectomy or masectomy, radiation and chemotherapy....followed with Tamoxifen (a pill taken for 5 years that will keep my body from producing estrogen, which in my case is feeding my cancer). I had helped research my sister's cancer last year, so already was aware of a lot and have learned a lot. I'm a firm believer in researching and learning as much as you can....to be able to make informed decisions. All of this research helped me today to understand and remember what the doctor was telling me.

Now, I do want to say something. I'm not "all doom and gloom". Much stride has been made in the treatment of breast cancer. While there is some bad news, I prefer to look at the good news!

THE GOOD NEWS!

#1 - the doctor believes it's been caught early

#2 - She doesn't believe it's in my lymph nodes,based on the ultrasound, but there is no certainty until she removes a couple of lymph nodes to biopsy them. So, I will keep hope for my lymph nodes to be clear

#3 - I am being treated at a Breast Center, where they only deal in breasts! I feel very good about that and today proved to me that I'm in the right place. The doctor spent 2 hours with me and was so kind and compassionate and thorough, followed up with a hug.

#4 - I found out that my breast cancer is ER/PR positive, which is a good thing. It would be harder to treat if it was negative because it would not respond to the Tamoxifen pill. I was particularly worried about this because my sister was diagnosed with Triple Negative in this area, which is rarer and harder to treat.

#5. The tumor is 2.5 cm...so not the smallest, but certainly not the largest...a little larger than a peanut.

#6. I'm Stage 2 and Grade 2....certainly not the worse.

#7 - I'm a fighter! I've had battles before and they have just made me stronger! I will fight to beat this! I deal with things as they come and have a strong faith and know that God will be by my side every step of the way. My faith and sense of humor will get me through whatever lies ahead.

#8 - And my family and friends....they will be there for me and I can't thank them enough! I feel so loved. I promise them I will fight this with everything I've got and keep a positive, upbeat attitude. I can do this! Let's get 'er done!

Now, before I can make the decision between a lumpectomy or masectomy, I need to get a few more tests back. I'm still waiting on a Her2 test (hoping it to be negative) and on Monday I will be going for an MRI, which can see any small growths that may have been missed with the mammogram and ultrasound. I will also be having a blood test to be tested for a genetic mutation. Once these tests come back, I will know more about what type of surgery to have. Regardless of the surgery, I will be having the radiation and chemotherapy. I wonder if I'll look good in those cute bandanas! :=)

My message to you...PLEASE GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS! My mom's, my sister's, and now my breast cancer was caught by our mammograms. I, nor my doctors, felt a lump and still don't. I know how easy it can be to get "lax" about your mammograms...I have done it myself in the past. But, I realize more than ever how important they are. Had I not gone to my mammogram, the cancer would just keep growing until it would go into other parts of my body. With my mammogram, I've caught it early. If you have any questions or perhaps are going through your own "journey", please don't hesitate to email me.

If you are waiting on a shipment from me, please forgive me for the delay. This week was not what I planned for it to be and I promise next week will be better and I will get your items shipped out.

My Cancer blog is http://cindys-cancer-journey.blogspot.com/
Nothing there yet, but I am carrying this post over there to get it started for my family and friends. I will be adding daily/weekly news, my thoughts, and helpful links. Please feel welcome to check in any time!

Until next time....prayers are welcome....and I promise the next post will be back to stampin' fun! :=) Cindy

PS...sorry this was so long.

Tea Bags for Hope!

2011-04-06T14:49:00.004-04:00

One of my class members had asked me to help her come up with a tea packet for an upcoming cancer fund raiser, so I worked on something for her today and this is what I came up with, using the new Strength and Hope Stamp Set coming out in May. The greeting "Life Happens. Love Helps" is from the Vintage Vogue Stamp Set and I thought the sentiment was just perfect for this! What do you think? I still have to show it to her. She needs 150 and the class is going to get together and help her make them. We have an awesome group! The fundraiser is for all kinds of cancer, so I thought we could make them in different colors to represent different cancers. Did you know that each cancers have their own colors to represent them....just like pink is for breast cancer? I hope she likes these! :=) I'll have to make one to put in my sister's "hope" bag. Thanks go out to Bev Watt for her inspiration and perfect timing! It was quite a challenge for me to convert cm into inches...LOL! But, by george, I think I did it!

And here's another bag....you know how I'm hooked on them! This is made from some retired designer paper that I bought from the clearance rack some time back. Speaking of which...did you know we have some new clearance items available? Better check them out before they're gone! :=)

Until next time....keep "hope" alive! :=) Cindy

There is always HOPE! - Sneak Peek.....

2011-04-05T23:05:00.000-04:00

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!!

No matter what battle you may be in the midst of, always remember there is Hope. And Stampin' Up! has this wonderful "Strength and Hope" stamp set coming out in May in our new Summer Mini catalog. We had a great time in the cave tonight....me and the Divas plus one! :=) We made these ribbon bookmarks and post it holders. I plan to give this to my sister, Sheila, who battled breast cancer last year and has been declared "in remission". She has had "hope" through her entire battle and many prayers have been answered. I know how much she will love this gift. I think I'll make a matching little gift bag to put it all in to present it to her. Do you know someone in your own life who could use a "gift of hope"? These were very easy to make!

Thank you to Dawn Griffith for her wonderful directions to make this ribbon bookmark from the Fun Flower die (my new favorite die!). It is so pretty and can be made in any color you want! And thanks to Nelia Harper for her instructions for the great Post It Holder! Oops...forgot the pen! You can make a pen to match the holder.

Imagine making these note holders in all kinds of designs....great for teacher gifts, monogrammed gifts, friends, sisters, co-workers, church friends, club members....the ideas are limitless! I can't wait to make more! Gotta go buy me some more 4x6 acrylic frames!

Here are all of them together...mine and the Diva's! I really like the frames going vertical. And isn't the green flower so pretty too! You can see how the flower hangs over the book, as the ribbon holds your place in the book.

I really had fun in the cave tonight girls! Thanks for the therapy...I needed it! :=)

Until next time.....remember to keep hope! :=)

Upcoming class projects (for May!)

2011-04-02T20:05:00.008-04:00

Diva Linda and Diva Martha came over today for some fun in the cave and we created all 3 of these projects for the May class. Yep, we haven't even had our April class and already have the May Class planned out! I'm trying hard to stay ahead! :=)

This first project was inspired by Angie Kennedy Juda at Chic 'n Scratch. She taught us how to make this little album and we designed it with the new Paisley Petals Designer paper that will be coming out in the new 2011/2012 Catalog and Idea book! This paper is gorgeous! And, guess what? Even though it is coming out in the new Idea Book this summer, we are giving you a chance to get it in April with any $20 purchase! Now how awesome is that? So, if you want some of this paper for yourself, just contact me or visit my website and place an order of at least $20 and then you can purchase up to 5 packages of this gorgeous Paisley Petals Designer Paper (122367 | $9.95)! You can also purchase the Four Frames Stamp Set with a $20 purchase in April. You can actually purchase both for just a $20 purchase! This Stamp Set will also be in the new 2011/2012 Catalog and Idea Book and coordinates with our Decorative Label Punch (120907)! But, you can get your's now with just a $20 purchase (you can purchase up to five)! Have a $350 workshop and get both free! What a deal! If you would like to have a catalog or home workshop to earn these, just let me know!

Spend $20 (before shipping and tax) on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper. (purchase up to 5 each!)

Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE! Online orders are not eligible for this part of the promotion.

Ok, back to the albums. I got distracted...LOL! So much to tell you about this month!

We loved making these albums and I know you will too! Angie instructed us and we found that they were easier than we expected! What great gifts for any occasion.....Mother's Day, Graduation, Baby....just change up the colors and stamp sets to suit the occasion.

This shows the inside. I just love these! You can add more pages if you like...and then add photos and design the inside pages to give a very special gift. I plan to make some of these for my siblings, with some of the old photos of my mom and dad. I know they will treasure it! This will be our 3-D item for May, so mark your calendar for the 2nd Tuesday or 2nd Thursday of May and email me for details! We'd love to have you join us for the creative fun!

And with June weddings on the horizon, we decided it was time for a wedding card. And isn't this just the cutest Wedding Card!

I cased this card from Dawn Griffith and you're going to love making these in May. Punch art is so much fun and it's truly amazing what you can do with punches! They are so darn cute and very easy to make! Thanks Dawn! Love it, love it, love it!

And, Sunny Fun is on the way...it truly is! So, we wanted to say "goodbye" to this wintry weather and welcome summer with a cute card using a Stamp Set from the new Summer Mini that will be coming out in May! Don't you just love these colors....they remind me of sherbert....yummmm!

Now, while preparing for the May class, I had to keep in mind that the new Summer Mini will be available and I wanted to highlight something from that catalog at my May class. So, we cased this card from Patti Chesky, but since I don't have the stamp set from the Mini that I want to use (yet), we went ahead and designed the card with the intentions to replace the stamped design with the Sunny Fun Stamp Set that is coming out in May! I'll have to get that ordered this week and then I'll be re-doing this card to incorporate the new stamp set. Meanwhile, we looked around the cave to find a summer stamp to use for today and came up with this wheel (thanks to Diva Linda for thinking of it!...she says I can't fire her cause I need her...LOL...I guess she's right!) Now, let me explain to you what I do with my wheels. I'm just not a "wheel person" and often find that I don't reach for them because of this. But, I do have a few and had this retired wheel that I had purchased awhile back from the Clearance Rack. I remove the rubber from the wheels. It's very easy by using your exacto knife and just slicing it on the seam. Then the rubber will come right off of the wheel and I mount it to turn it into a stamp. I love using my wheels this way!

See! Isn't it awesome to be able to turn your wheels into a flat stamp! I just find it easier to get them straight as a stamp. So, if you're "wheel challenged" like me, you might want to look at those wheels in a new way! :=)

Have you visited the Clearance Rack lately? Lots of new items have just been added! Check out the bargains here! Lots of great deals to be had! Because of the nature of the clearance rack availability, these items must be purchased online. And, something new this month! Do you remember as a child how much you loved "grab bags"? Well, now you can purchase Stampin' Up! grab bags! I can't think of anything else I'd like to find in a grab bag, can you? I'm still a "kid at heart" and just love the surprise of a "grab bag"! Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools. So, hurry and visit the CLEARANCE RACK today, as the items, including the "grab bags" are "while supplies last". C'mon...be a kid again and get your grab bag today! I know I am! :=)

$5 Grab Bag (containing at least $20 worth of products!)

$10 Grab Bag (containing at least $40 worth of products!)

$15 Grab Bag (containing at least $60 worth of products!)

Long Distance Class Kits for April!

2011-03-21T22:10:00.001-04:00

I have had some questions regarding the "Class Kits" I am offering for my long distance blog followers. I hear from a lot of you that you wish you could make it to my classes and many of you have asked if I'd consider selling my monthly class kits to you. So, I have decided to take the plunge so you can play along with us there at your own home! You could even have your friends buy their own kits and have a workshop in your home....take up orders and submit them to me and get Hostess Benefits for orders of $150 or more! If you're interested in having a long distance workshop, contact me and we can work out the details!

If you are interested in getting your own April Class Kit, the cost is $15.00 (that includes shipping). You will receive the paper (designer paper may vary), ribbon, or any other embellishments and instructions needed to complete the project. The paper will be cut and scored for you. The stamp set, ink, tools, adhesive, etc. will not be included in the kit. I will include a list of all products used for each project and you can purchase these from me if you'd like, by ordering online from my website or contact me to place the order for you.

To place your order for an April Class Kit, you can pay me through the Pay Pal button below. The kit will ship the beginning of April. Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you for your interest. This is my first time to try this and we'll see how it goes. If it works out, I will be offering all of my monthly class kits to my long distance followers so you can join in on the fun and make the same things that my local class makes! :=)

USA Only (sorry to any out of country followers-shipping is too expensive)

Another Bag and another sneak peek! :-)

2011-03-21T01:04:00.001-04:00

BAGS, BAGS, BAGS!

Oh how I love making these bags! They are so addicting. These will be our 3-D project in April! I can't wait to show the girls how to make these and we'll be making them in all kinds of different Designer papers, so it will be fun to see how each one looks! This little bag really is larger than you might think! It's not huge...but, it's not teeny tiny. I will tell you how to make it once I've taught it to my class, ok? And don't you just love that paper! You don't recognize it? Well, that's because it is BRAND NEW and will be in our upcoming 2011-2012 Catalog! But, in April you will have the opportunity to purchase it in advance! I can't tell you the details until April, so come back on April 1 to see how to get your own! No fooling! It is called Paisley Petals and it's absolutely beautiful! This particular design is one of my favorites and it made such a wonderful bag, don't you think? And then I used the "Friends Never Fade" stamp set for the tag that I hung from it. I just love how it turned out!

APRIL CLASS PROJECTS

These are the projects we will be making at our April Class!

We will make the two cards pictured here and one bag (colors will vary). I'll be teaching you how to use our wonderful new Fun Flowers die (a fast favorite of mine) and you will learn how to make these cute little Easter chicks with punches!

CLASS DETAILS - YOU ARE INVITED!

Our April Class will be the 2nd Tuesday (April 12) and the 2nd Thursday (April 14) at 6 PM (usually lasts a couple of hours). We'd love to have you join us either night, so if you're interested, contact me. If it is your first time to attend one of my classes, you can come absolutely free! If you've been here before, then the cost is $12.00 and you will leave with these 3 finished projects....plus have lots of fun! Oh and food...did I mention food? :=) Bring your friend along. She can come for free too if she's never been to my class before. Otherwise, it's just $12.00! The only thing I ask you to bring is your own adhesive (snail, double sided tape, glue stick) and a sense of humor! :=) All of the other supplies will be supplied with the cost of the class. I do need to know ahead of time if you're coming so that I can prepare your projects for you.

LONG DISTANCE CLASS PROJECTS

What if you live too far??? Well, we'd love to have you join us, but I also know if you live far away that it is not feasible. So, I have decided to offer my class projects to you for a fee (USA only). If you'd like to make these 3 projects yourself, you can purchase the "kits" for $15.00 (part of the cost is for Priority shipping). You will receive the "kits" prepared for you...that will include the cut cardstock you will need, plus any embellishments such as ribbon, brads, etc. and the instructions to make these yourself at home! If there is enough interest, I will continue to offer the kits each month. This will be a "trial run". The stamp sets, ink, adhesive, tools (like punches or Big Shot) will not be included in the kits. I will let you know the products used so you may purchase them or perhaps you have other stamp sets you want to use. Please give me feedback if you'd be interested in the monthly kits. You would be making the same projects that my local classes get to make.

LAST CHANCE! IT ALL ENDS MARCH 31!

Just a friendly reminder that our biggest event of the year....Sale-A-Bration....will be ending on March 31! You still have time to get free goodies from the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog for a $50 purchase (not including shipping and tax). You can place an order online at my website or email me with your order and I can place it for you.

Our Kit Special will be ending March 31 too! So, if you've been "on the fence" about becoming a demo, now is the time to jump off! You get the kit at a great price ($148.75), plus will also get a $50 Bonus Bundle! And, you'll be on your way to beginning your own FUN business! My only regret is not doing it sooner than I did! I'd love to get you signed up and on your way, so email me if you'd like to talk. But, hurry...this special ends March 31 too! Oh, and you'll get in on the "new products" before they are available to the public! Lots of other incentives too....like earning free products on top of the commission you will earn! It's a great company!

Until next time...Happy Stamping! :=) Cindy

EASTER 3D CLASS YESTERDAY!

2011-03-20T12:51:00.001-04:00

Aren't these adorable?

We had our Easter 3-D Class yesterday I know it may seem a "little early", but I like to work on things early enough for my class to have time to order what they need and get it back in time to work on things before the holiday arrives....less rush and stress.

But in case you missed the class (I know it was Spring Break and some of you went off to sunny land and left the rest of us behind).....anyway, I'll be offering the very same class on Saturday, April 2 (10-2 at the cave). So, let me know if you'd like to come! $25.00 for non-club members and $20 for club members. All you need to bring is your adhesive...everything else is provided!

We had such fun yesterday and the projects turned out so cute. Since it was a "small" class I tried something different this time around. Instead of pre-cutting everything for them, I waited and let them pick their own colors. When I do this you can see people's "personalities" come out and I love that! You can definately see what their favorite colors are in the photos!

Just how many does it take to roll that thing through there? LOL!

Now, don't be intimidated if you don't own a Big Shot yet...don't let this scare you away from it. It really isn't hard, but Brenda was having trouble for some reason and the other gals pitched in! That's what I love about our group....everyone pitches in to help each other out! We are a group that didn't know each other for the most part over two years ago and have become friends through our love of creating! We're not a closed group....so come join us! We were all just saying yesterday that this is our "therapy" and has saved our sanity at times. And it's true! I know for myself that creating is my "happy place" and can take my blues away. We all go through rough patches in life and it truly does help to connect with others who share the same passion you do and create and have some good laughs. Now, the way we tease each other you might not think we like each other if you walked in on us...LOL...but we do. It's all in good fun! :=)

Brenda McKain's personality coming through...

her favorite color is orange! Hey, where's her peeps? They must have hopped away!

Teresa Hornaday....our Pink Gal! :=) Looks like her peeps stuck around for the pic! I guess Brenda's are camera shy, just like her!

And Linda Morrow's our Purple gal! Aren't they all adorable!

I told them all to choose their favorite for a pic and they had a hard time deciding on just one (LOL...I guess that's a good thing...it means they liked them all!). So, instead, they all held several so they could show off all of them!

Thanks for coming yesterday girls! I had a really good time and it was just the "medicine" I needed!

Remember, if YOU would like to make these projects, we will be having the same class on Saturday, April 2 (10-2) at the cave (which is at my house here in Seymour!). Contact me if you'd like to join us! You will leave with these 7 darling projects and know how to make them at home!

Until next time.....happy stamping! Cindy

More coasters....and a Summer Mini Sneak Peek!

2011-03-15T20:32:00.003-04:00

One more coaster set before I move on to my Easter projects!

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and after going through surgery, chemo, and radiation, she has been declared "in remission". Praise God!

Stampin' Up! will have a new "Strength and Hope" Stamp Set in the new Summer Mini catalog coming up in May! One of the benefits of being a Demonstrator is that we get to pre-order products before they are available to the public. So, I just got this stamp set this week and while I was making these coasters, I decided to make my sister a "hope" set of coasters.

The Stamp Set has 4 images....this H (hope) image and the wording that I stamped on the side of the wooden holder in White Craft Ink and a butterfly and another design. Here is a close-up of the word stamp....I stamped this on each side of the wooden holder.

And here they are all packaged up! Can't wait to give them to her!

Watch for the Strength and Hope Campaign in the new Summer Mini that comes out May 1. Stampin' Up! will donate $2 from the sale of each Strength & Hope set and Strength & Hope digital kit to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

If you'd like to get to see the new products early (it's fun!), there is still time to sign up for a discounted kit! This offer will end March 31! You can get your kit for $148.75 (15% discount - it's normally $175.00!) and also you will receive an Bonus Bundle worth $50! If you'd like more information or want to sign up and get in on this great deal, just contact me .

And don't forget that Sale-A-Bration will also end on March 31, so you only have a short time to get in on any of the freebies (for a $50 order) in the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog! Get them before they're gone! You can place your order here or contact me if you'd like for me to place the order for you!

Next time I come back....I'll have Easter projects to show you! :=)

FUN IN THE CAVE!

2011-03-15T15:51:00.000-04:00

Today I spent the day in my "happy place" (the cave). It always brings me such joy and satisfaction to create! I went out there to work on my Easter 3-D class that is coming up this Saturday, but first I needed to work on birthday gifts I'm behind on for this month. So, here's what I came up with!

First I made the gift bags from Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper (inspiration from Angie Juda Kennedy...thanks Ang!). Of course these little bags can be made with any Designer Paper for any occasions and you can decorate them any way you want! Or just leave them plain...the designer paper will make them beautiful enough!

Here's one up closer. They are really easy to make and so pretty to present your gift in! Ok, do you want to see what's inside? IF you are in my club and have a birthday this month...DON'T LOOK!!!! :=)

I told you not to look Kara...what are you doing???? LOL!

Yep, it's a set of 4 coasters....hand stamped! It was fun picking out what stamps to use on each one. You could make springy ones, Christmas ones, Winter ones....whatever you want to stamp! Then I just tied them up with a pretty ribbon (Stampin' Up! of course!) for a nice presentation and they fit perfectly down in my little bags I made.

I stamped the images on White Cardstock in 4 different colors and then sponged that color around the edges. Then I mounted them on a piece of cardstock of the same color. Then they just slip into some photo coasters I get at a store. These are actually fun and fast to make! These will be my gifts to my club members on their birthdays this year. So, yes, if you're in one of my clubs....you will be getting your own set on your birthday month! Hope you like them! :=)

Ok, my break is over! I just couldn't wait to show you, but now I need to get back to the cave and finish up my projects for the Easter Class! If you would like to attend the Easter Class this Saturday (10-2), just let me know! We'd love to have you join us for the fun!

FUN FLOWER CARD TUTORIAL

2011-03-07T23:06:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I am giving you the tutorial for this card. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to do a video on it, but with this tutorial, you should be able to make this card. Thanks to Kerin Sylvester for her inspiration for this card.

Here are the papers you will need and the measurements.

Basic Black cardstock - 10.5 x 5.25, scored at 5.25

Very Vanilla cardstock - 5 x 5

Riding Hood Red Designer paper 4.75 x 4.75

Very Vanilla cardstock - 3.5 x 3.5

Basic Black cardstock - 3.25 x 3.25

1. Run the Riding Hood Red Designer Paper through your Big Shot with only half of it in the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.

2. Sponge the embossed design with Red Riding Hood Classic Ink.

3. Adhere this to the 5 x 5 Vanilla Cardstock with your Snail.

4. Attach a 6" piece of Riding Hood Red Ribbon in the middle of the card by adding Snail adhesive to the ends and attaching them to the back.

5. Now, on the right side, tie a piece of Linen Thread around the ribbon to gather it up.

6. Attach this layered piece to the black card front with Snail.

7. Now we will work on the middle layer. Attach the smaller Very Vanilla piece to the smaller Black piece with your snail.

8. Cut your flower out of the First Edition Designer Paper with your Fun Flower die. *There is a download for this particular designer paper and I actually purchased it and then printed it out on Very Vanilla cardstock.

9. Sponge the edges of the flower with Early Expresson or Black Classic ink. You can also sponge it with some Riding Hood Red too. I'll show you a picture of both colors at the end of this tutorial.

10. Pierce a hole in the middle of each flower petal and the middle of the layered vanilla/black piece with your Paper Piercer and then attach the petals together and through the layered cardstock with an Antique Brad and through the layered piece.

11. Layer this piece over the top of the ribbon with 4 Dimensionals (on each corner).

12. Stamp your choice of greetings from the Tiny Tags Stamp Set and punch them out with your Jewelry Tag Punch.

13. Punch a hole in your tags with the Paper Piercer.

14. Tie these tags on to the linen thread and trim the thread.

15. You can add the pearls if you like. I colored the white adhesive-backed pearls with my black marker and set them aside to dry. Once dry, just add them to your card! Yep, you could make these pearls any color you want!

That's it! And as Teresa says, don't forget to do your "inside"! :=)

This card shows you how it looks to sponge the flowers in both black and red. The other one pictured above was sponged with Early Expresso.

And this card shows how Teresa Hornaday tied her ribbon to leave a "bow" at the side. I really liked this! Just another idea for you.

As always, let me know if you have any questions! Kerin's card was done in black, but I didn't have black ribbon, so I turned to the ribbon I had...Riding Hood Red. So, remember, you can change the colors any way you want! :=)

Have fun stamping! Cindy

TONIGHT WE HAD OUR SHOEBOX SWAP

2011-03-06T22:52:00.002-05:00

This was our first Shoebox Swap and we had such fun. It's always a fun day in the cave. What is a Shoebox Swap, you say? Well, each person attending designs a card and then they cut the cardstock for it and put everything to make that card in a "shoebox" so that everyone else attending can make their card. It really is a fun thing to do and it's so exciting to see what everyone else comes up with! And this was particularly fun for me because I got to sit and make cards that someone else planned out! :=) I was in awe of the cards we got to make today!

This card was designed by Lisa - my new recruit from Illinois. She was visiting Indiana for a quilting event, so she was able to stop by on her way home and "play" with us for a couple of hours. It was great getting to meet her for the first time and I hope she can make it back to play again someday! Her card was just so springy and a great way to use the Daisie Die and the Square Lattice embossing folder. A great and easy card! Thanks Lisa!

And Kara used the new Cupcake punch and Stamp set! I had fun with this as I don't own the stamp set myself. I do have the punch, but hadn't even had the chance to play with it yet. This was a cute and fun card and just makes me smile! :=) Great card Kara!

This awning card was made by Teresa! Isn't it so cute! It's hard to see from the angle this photo was taken, but the awning actually sticks out from the card. I was intimidated by this card, but it ended up being easier than it looks! And it was a fun card because we got to color with markers! I always love coloring! Thanks for teaching us how to make this awning Teresa!

And this was my contribution. Of course I had to use my new favorite die...the Fun Flower. I saw this card done in black, but I did mine in red and black. I need to find the person who did it to give them credit for the inpiration. I showed two different versions...one on the left was sponged in both black and Riding Hood Red and the one on the right was sponged in Early Expresso. Come back tomorrow and I'll give you a tutorial for making this card. As a matter of fact, I think I'll do a video to show you...if I can remember HOW to make a video. LOL....it's been so long! It really is easy! And Teresa changed it up a little and tied a big bow at the side and I really liked what she did! See what you think! I'll probably do this on the next one I make! Oh, one other thing. I love the look of the new First Edition Designer Paper, but when I got ready to do this card, I didn't have it. Then Diva Linda pointed out to me that there was a MDS digital download of it, so I bought it and printed it out on

Very Vanilla Cardstock! Worked perfectly! Don't forget about those downloads! :=) And I'm reallly loving that Tiny Tag Stamp Set with the Jewelry Tag punch. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get that one!

We'll definately have to plan another Shoebox Swap when more class members can attend. Being on a Sunday evening made it a hard time for some to attend, but it was the time that Lisa was coming through town. Hope to see you at the next one! :=)

On a personal note, can I brag about my daughter, Jennifer?! Today she made a cake for her daughter's (Abby's) birthday bowling party. She makes all of her kids' cakes, and I love to see what she comes up with! No matter what the theme, she comes up with something awesome! Here's the one she did today! Isn't it great! I made cakes for my kids when they were growing up, so I like to think I passed this on to Jennifer, although she's much more creative than I ever was! I did the character cakes for them and Jen says she remembers watching me. Now her own children enjoy watching her make their cakes! I love it! :=)

Abby and her friends had a great time bowling!

See you tomorrow.....Cindy

SHOEBOX SWAP TOMORROW!

2011-03-05T19:48:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited! I just finished up my Shoebox Swap for tomorrow night. I want to show you all sooooo much...but I can't! It's "killing" me...LOL! But, I don't want the gals who are coming tomorrow to see it until they come. Ok, you want a "peek"? Here you go!!!! LOL! I promise, after the swap is over, I'll come back and show you the whole card! I'll even tell you HOW to make it yourself! :=)

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow evening's swap. Not only is this the first shoebox swap I've ever participated in, but I will also be meeting one of my downlines for the first time ever! She lives in Illinois...I'm in Indiana. So, this is going to be fun!

I've been in a work mood and have been getting to some of those things I say I'll get around to "someday". Well, "someday" came for me putting my leftover card kits together. I got them packaged up, along with a photo of each one and will be offering them for $1.50 each at the "cave". If you're interested in them, I would also sell them and ship them....just contact me and I can show you what I've got! Wowser, I am so surprised at how many I have! Every time I'd prepare for a class, I'd cut extras...in case someone unexpected showed up and also thinking I'd make the extras. Look at this! It's time that these get used instead of just piling up in boxes! This was one task I was happy I finally "got around to"!

See you all later with a full report and pictures of the shoebox swap!

I can't wait to see what the other gals come up with....I know I'll be thrilled because they are so talented!

One other thing....today is my sweet granddaughter Abby's birthday and tomorrow we'll be going to her birthday party (in the afternoon before the swap). Busy day tomorrow. Anyway, Happy Birthday to Abby! :=) She's such a good big sister. She's also quite a ham! :=)

Greenhouse Gala cards

2011-03-03T10:39:00.003-05:00

I just love this Greenhouse Gala Designer paper (#117167-$9.95) and have used it for several projects. I got the inspiration for these cards from Angie Kennedy Juda (thanks Angie). I cased her on the last design shown here and then made the other two cards using other designs from the same package of Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper. It is such pretty paper and works well on so many different projects.

And there is a stamp set that goes with this Designer Paper. Did you know that? It's called "Friends Never Fade" (item #120618-$13.95 for clear and #118750-$17.95 for wood) So, I decorated the insides of the cards with it and my good friend, Teresa H, will be so proud of me! :=) (hi Teresa!)

I am getting a head start on my next Card Buffet. I'm not sure when I will be having this, but based on the feedback I received from my very first Card Buffet, I am planning on having more of these...perhaps once a quarter. Everyone really seemed to enjoy this event! And with keeping with my goal of being organized and "ahead of things", I'm already putting together my next one. So you hear that girls....there will be another one! :=) Thanks for your feedback....this is what helps me to know what you like and to plan accordingly.

Remember that this is your last month to get in on the FREE items from the Sale-A-Bration catalog! I've really enjoyed these products and have made some great projects with them! Be sure to get your's this month before it's too late! Spend $50 (merchandise only...shipping and tax does not count toward the total) and receive one free Sale-A-Bration product! And, yes, you can earn more than one! You receive one for every $50 you spend! A party level is $150.00 and you would recieve THREE Sale-a=bration free, and one Level I Hostess set free and $20 to spend! Wowser, just think of all that free stuff you'd be getting? Feel free to place your order at my website ! And don't forget about the awesome new products in the Mini Occasions catalog! This catalog will end on April 30.

Recipe

Baja Breeze Cardstock (#111352-$6.95)

Pear Pizzaz (#119795) or Certainly Celery Cardstock (#105125)

Peach Parfait Cardstock (#119794)

Daffodill Delight Cardstock (#119683)

Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper (#117167-9.95)

Baja Breeze Classic Ink Pad (#111833)

Peach Parfait Classic Ink Pad (#119783)

Chocolate Chip or Early Expresso Marker

Clear Square Scallop Big Shot Die (#115950-$21.95)

Baja Breeze Ribbon

Pear Pizzaz or Certainly Celery Ribbon

Peach Parfait Ribbon (on this one I used a retired Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon, but will be using Peach Parfait when I get it in)

FREE Sale-A-Bration Punch Bunch Stamp Set (C#123211 or W#121847)

Matchbox Messages Stamp Set (#113800-$25.95)

Friends Never Fade Stamp Set (C#120618 or W#118750)

Snail Adhesive

Dimensionals

This Sunday we will be having our very first Shoebox Swap and I am so looking forward to it! I have a feeling it won't be our last! My new recruit from Illinois (hi Lisa!) will be visiting and some of my stamping buddies will be joining us in the cave to participate in this Shoebox Swap. Are you familiar with a Shoebox Swap? Everyone participating will design a card and then they will cut and prepare "kits" for everyone else in the swap. Then they will put these "kits" and everything needed to make their card into a shoebox and we all get together and pass the shoebox so that everyone will be making everyone else's card. I am so looking forward to this and know it will be such fun to see everyone's cards. I have some very creative stampers in my class, so I know they'll come up with something awesome! Plus, it will be a special night because I'll get to meet Lisa! :=) I haven't even designed my swap yet, so I better get off of here and get busy! I'll be sure to take pics and show you all! :=)

Until next time...have fun stamping! Cindy

More Fun Flowers!

2011-02-27T10:51:00.002-05:00

Have I told you lately that this is one of my favorite new dies? :=)

So, yesterday, I cut some more and was trying to think of different ways to use them (of course you could also use them on cards!).

I already had these giant paperclips, so all I had to do was glue the flowers onto them and you have a bookmark! These flowers were made from the coasters that I showed you. I also glued a "back" to them to cover up the back side of the paperclip and to also hide the glue. You can stick them on with glue dots and they hold great! Or, hot glue them! Very fast and very cute!

I wanted to venture out into some different colors and found some fun foam in my stash and made some with it. Just think of the colors of fun foam! You could even do school colors! As a matter of fact, the red and black one I did are the school colors of a little town in our county that just won the girl's Basketball Semi-State tourney to get to advance to State (congratulations to the Brownstown Lady Braves!). Now, the only fun foam I had on hand was the kind that has adhesive on the back, so I just adhered it to some white cardstock before I put it through the Big Shot. It actually gave it some stability, but I rushed out and got some regular fun foam to play around with today to see which I like better. I'm thinking the regular fun foam should work just fine and will be cheaper and I'll be able to skip that step of adding it to cardstock. These are just sooooo easy to make!

Aren't they cute?

And how about this beauty?!

Well, I was talking about the barrett (LOL), but yes, she's a cutie too! My pre-teen granddaughter and her friend spent the night with me, so I asked for a volunteer to model my barrett for a picture. Her friend (Michelle), stepped right up and let me snap her picture....then I told her she'd be on my blog. LOL!

I actually love this pink and black one! I always think pink and black looks so "sharp" and "girlie". All I did after I made the flower was to hot glue it to a barrett. That's it! Just think of doing these in school colors! All of the pre-teens are wearing BIG FLOWERS in their hair or even clipping them to their clothes and bags! As a matter of fact, I'm thinking I'll make them into a brooch/pin or clip just for that! How about a keychain?

I hope you give these a try! And remember, if you don't have your own Fun Flower die yet, I know where you can get one! LOL Here you go...I'll make it easy for you! :=) Just click here or Email Me

Hmmmm.....I'm thinking I might try the Daisie Die next! :=) Although I'm having way too much fun with the Fun Flowers!

'Til next time....have fun stamping...or big shotting! :=)

Cindy

Easter Chicks

2011-02-21T23:05:00.001-05:00

I know.....it's only February and Easter is in April....but when designing for classes I like to work ahead of the season. Diva Martha came over tonight and we came up with a card for my April class. I already have the March class ready! :=) Wow, I love getting ahead!

Aren't these too stinkin' cute! These little "chicks" just make me smile! In April I will be teaching the class how to make these adorable chicks with the Two Step Bird Punch. Thanks go to Ann for her inspiration! We made a few changes to "make it our own".

I will list the supplies so you can work on getting them early enough to be all ready to make your cards in time for Easter! This card just makes me smile! :=)

Recipe

Pretty in Pink Cardstock

So Saffron Cardstock

Very Vanilla Cardstock

Crumb Cake Cardstock

Black cardstock (scrap for eyes)

Designer paper or Cardstock for the butterfly

Inspired by Nature Stamp Set

Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set

Beautiful Wings Embosslit

Garden Green Classic Ink Pad

More Mustard Ink Pad

Regal Rose Ink Pad

1/16" hand held circle punch

Scallop Oval Punch (optional)

2-Step Bird Punch

Boho Blossoms Punch

Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Sponges

\Basic Pearls (adhesive backed)

Mini glue dots

Dimensionals

Snail Adhesive

Word Window Punch (for one on left)

Modern Label Punch (for one on left)

More fun with the Fun Flowers Die!

2011-02-18T21:42:00.001-05:00

Well, this die is living up to it's name...FUN! It's fun to play around with it and see what else we can do with it. I saw someone cut out polar fleece flowers with it on another blog (can't remember where) and I thought it was so cute. So, I thought I'd go get some and give it a try! But, I haven't gotten out where they have any yet, but today I was out in a "store" and ran across these foam coasters and the lightbulb went off!

So I bought a package of these three colors to give it a try! Look at this! Now, can you tell what I've attached it to????

Did you figure it out? Do you know these BIG flowers are all the rage with young girls today? I know my 12 (almost 13 year old) granddaughter loves them and so do my nieces! They put them on their purses, backpacks...even their clothes...oh...and their headbands!

How awesome is that? I already had the headband around the house and the lightbulb went off again. My granddaughter, Jenna, is going to love this! So will my other granddaughter, Abby. Grandson Luke...not so much! LOL!

Just imagine how well these would sell at craft shows! I'm telling you, they're the hottest things going right now! I was shocked to learn the young girls were wearing these big flowers!

Even though I made these with those foam coasters, I'm thinking maybe the fun foam will work too. Just imagine the different color combinations you could come up with...even school colors! I think I'm "onto" something! :=) And these are so fast, as there are only 3 pieces to the flower! Or you could use the two circle pieces for the center where I put one of our Antique Brads.

Remember, you can order your own Fun Flower die from the new Occasions catalog for $32.95 (plus shipping and tax). Add just $17.05 more and you'd hit $50 to get a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!

Order your own Fun Flower die here

Or contact me if you'd like me to order it for you!

Tomorrow I'll be having my first Card Buffet. I've got everything cut out and just a few more things to finish up before the girls come at 10 in the morning. I can't wait....a day in the "stamp cave" is always a good day! :=)

Until next time....have fun stamping! Cindy

I love this NEW Fun Flower Die from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

2011-02-17T23:13:00.002-05:00

Isn't that flower beautiful?

Diva Linda came over tonight and this time she taught me! It was fun being a "student" for a change and I let her cut the parts for me and instruct me on putting it together. Last night she had borrowed my brand new Fun Flower die that I hadn't even had the chance to play with yet. She was wanting to make an "elegant" card for someone. She used this retired Designer Paper shown here (not sure what the name of it is, but it is so pretty). She said she got the inspiration from Glenda (not sure of last name). So tonight she came over and brought my die back and brought all of the supplies to help me make one. Isn't it an awesome card? Linda says she HAS to have this die now! :=)

We cut the flower petals from Rich Razzleberry and sponged the edges of the flower petals with Early Expresso (Linda said she used Basic Gray last night). Basically, by sponging the edges with a darker color gives it such depth. I curled the petals upward with my bone folder and put an antique brad in the center. These Antique Brads are in the Occasions Mini Catalog and they look awesome in the center of a flower.

See the dimension of the flower petals. Isn't it so pretty! And it's so easy to put it together....only 3 petals!

You can find this die in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

To order it online, just click this link . Or if you'd like for me to order it for you, just let me know!

Been working on the Birthday Card Buffet today and will finish up preparations for it tomorrow. So, if you want to come, there is still time. It's Saturday, 10-2. Just contact me if you want to come!

Until next time....Happy Stampin'!

Birthday Card Buffet

2011-02-16T10:58:00.002-05:00

We are trying something different in the "cave" this Saturday!

If you would like to join us, just let me know! This event will open at 10 am and close at 2 pm, but you can come and go any time during that period! YOU will choose how many cards you want to make and which ones....just like a lunch buffet where you choose how much you want to eat and what you want to eat from the choices offered! The fee is $10 and you will get to choose 5 cards for that fee. You can stop there, or you can choose more cards to make for $1.50 each! It's a great time to bring your birthday list along and make cards for the year so you'll be ready when the birthday rolls around! There will be "kits" for each of these cards and once they're gone, they're gone! If you would like to choose the cards ahead of time, you can do so and I'll make sure that I have those "kits" held for you. Each card is numbered and if you want to choose ahead of time, just email me with your choices and be sure to tell me how many of each choice. Even though you may choose some NOW, you may still purchase more on the day of the event. So, come join the fun! It's always a good time in the "cave"! I'll even feed ya! :=)

Ok, here are your choices! Choose now and be guaranteed to get your choices...or just wait and go through the "buffet line" on Saturday! And remember, even if you choose some now, it doesn't mean you can't choose more on Saturday! Oh, and pardon the pictures....they aren't the greatest. It looks like I put my head on crooked this morning! LOL! But, it will at least give you the idea of the card design!

I cased a few of these cards and will have to look up to give "credit", so if you see a card here that looks like one you did in the past, I thank you and just let me know and I'll add your name to the design. Other's I actually designed myself! :=)

Card Box Class

2011-02-16T01:09:00.002-05:00

Click on the images to see them larger!

We had such fun in the "cave" tonight! Thanks to a tutorial from Andrea Walford , I was able to teach how to make this awesome card box! We had a lot of fun and laughter and everyone did a great job! It's actually very easy (isn't it girls?).

Everyone was so proud of their boxes and now we'll be making birthday cards on Saturday to fill our boxes. Then we'll be all "set" to send out cards the rest of the year for the birthdays in our lives!

We made our boxes from Baja Breeze cardstock and decorated them with the Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper (love that paper!).

We were able to stamp out "CARDS" with the Sweet Shoppe Alphabet stamp set for the front of the box and it worked out great! We spelled it out on a clear block so we were able to stamp the word all at once! We used the Daisie Die to cut out a Daisie for the top of the box from the designer paper.

Thanks for the great time girls! You did an awesome job!

See you Saturday! :=)

MARCH CLASS PROJECTS

2011-02-14T02:04:00.002-05:00

I've already got the March Class projects designed and if you know me very well....you know that's a "biggie". Let's just say...I've been accused of being a "procrastinator" before. LOL! One of my "New Year's Resolutions" is to "stay ahead of things" and I'm pretty pleased with myself...so far.

The March Class will be held on Tuesday, March 8th and Thursday, March 10th at 6 PM in the Cave.

The morning class (if there is enough interest) will be held Monday, March 14th, at 10 AM. It will be the beginning of Spring Break for some, but not everyone (like me!) gets to go to a sandy, sunny beach on Spring Break! So, come join us for a morning class of stamping! Contact me if you would like to attend any of my classes in March! Your first visit is FREE and if you haven't attended in the past year, you can also come for FREE to see what's happening since you've been with us! :=) We will be making these two cards and one 3-D item. I will list the Recipe under each project so you will know what you'll need to order to make these at home. Remember, that Sale-A-Bration continues through March, which means you receive a FREE item from the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog with every $50 order. If you have any of these items and would like to bring them to class to use, please feel free to do so, but be sure to mark your items to identify them.

Our 3-D item will be this adorable Seed Packet....just in time for Spring! I think they would be wonderful "favors" for Weddings or Baby Showers or even a Baby Announcement (adhere the details of the birth of the baby on the front of the flower package). For a boy, just change the flowers and ribbon to Bashful Blue. Or, if the sex of the baby is not known at shower time, how about So Saffon for the flowers and ribbon! The Tiny Tags stamp set has a "Mr. & Mrs." stamp, so that would be perfect to make these for wedding favors! Of course anyone would love to get one of these for any occasion! Thanks to Carla Brasher for this tutorial. I did make an adjustment to the top of the packet by designing my own top so that it fits perfectly and easily over the envelope. The bottom of the packet is made from Stampin' Up! Small Open End Envelopes (item # 107286)

Recipe:

Just Believe Stamp Set

Tiny Tags Stamp Set

Small Open End Envelopes

Wild Wasabi Classic Ink

Pretty in Pink Classic Ink

Eyelet Border Punch

Sponge

Pretty In Pink Striped Ribbon

Scallop Circle Punch

1-3/8" Circle Punch

Jewelry Tag Medium Punch

1/16" Circle Punch or Paper Piercer

Linen Thread

Dimensionals

Oooooh, I need a better, clearer photo of this one! I promise...I'll take one tomorrow and update it!

We will be making this Pinwheel card as one of our cards in March. Thanks to Dawn Griffith for her great tutorial for making the pinwheel. I think this is such a fun, cheerful card that just screams "Happy Birthday", so that's the sentiment I used on it. Of course you can turn it into any kind of card by just using a different sentiment. This card has that "wow" to it that makes it look difficult, but in reality it is really very simple!

Recipe:

So Happy For You Stamp Set (FREE Sale-A-Bration set)

Curly Cute Stamp Set

Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper (FREE Sale-A-Bration item)

Jumbo Brad for Center

Whisper White Cardstock

Melon Mambo Cardstock

Pacific Point Classic Ink

I have to tell you that Diva Martha came over today and we made this card and we both absolutely fell in love with it! Thanks to Chat for her inspiration for this card. We made a few changes to the original, but followed it pretty closely. These are actually colors I probably would have never put together, but now that I did....I love them! This is a square card and SU sells Square Envelopes! Did you know that? Have you tried this ribbon technique yet? Would you like a video showing you how to do it?

Recipe:

Sweet Summer Stamp Set (FREE during Sale-A-Bration)

Because I Care Stamp Set

Whisper White Cardstock

Bravo Burgandy (or Cherry Cobbler) Cardstock

Pumpkin Pie (or Peach Parfait ) Cardstock

Bravo Burgandy (or Cherry Cobbler) Classic Ink Pad

Bravo Burgandy Ribbon (or Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding)

In Color Designer Paper (FREE Hostess Level I)

Old Olive Marker

Pumpkin Pie (or Peach Parfait) marker

Bravo Burgandy (or Cherry Cobbler) marker

1-3/4" Circle Punch

Modern Label Punch

2-3/8" Extra Large Scallop Circle Punch

Sponge

Sticky Strip

Dimensionals

Snail Adhesive

We'd love to have you join us in March to make these projects!

On another note, I bought me some Lithium (rechargable) batteries at the recommendations of my good friends, Linda and Martha. What does this mean? Well, I plan to begin doing videos again! Real soon! So, if there's a video you'd like to see, just let me know. :=)

TOMORROW I will be posting photos of the Birthday Cards for our Birthday Card Buffet that will be held Saturday, February 19!

If attending, you can select which cards you'd like to make!

See you tomorrow! :=)

Tissue Boxes!!!!

2011-02-11T21:22:00.001-05:00

Aren't these beautiful?

I taught two classes this past week and we made two cards and this tissue box. I let everyone choose their own colors and it was so much fun to see the boxes done in different colors. And I love them all! These boxes were made by my Thursday class...sorry Tuesday class, I forgot to get your pics!

We really had a great tine on both nights!

Oh Kara...dear Kara, our class clown! You always have to have a class clown, right? LOL!

They really aren't hard at all and everyone just loved them! We used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder to emboss the sides and top of the boxes and then we sponged these pieces in whatever color we chose. Teresa left her's un-sponged, though, and it looked great! And we made the flower with the NEW Build A Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals punch. I love, love, love that set and punch! It makes such beautiful flowers! You can find it in the new Occasions Mini Catalog!

Next week we will be making Greeting Card boxes on Tuesday and then will be having a Birthday Smorgasboard class on Saturday where we will make Birthday Cards to fill our Card boxes! If you live in the area and would like to attend, please let me know! I will be posting the birthday card designs tomorrow.

Come join us for the fun!

CLASS PROJECTS FOR NEXT WEEK'S CLASS!

2011-02-03T20:02:00.003-05:00

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 8 or Thursday, Feb. 10

Time: 6 PM

Place: The "Cave" at my house (call for directions)

Cost: $12.00 for non-club members ($6 with a $25 order or FREE with a $50 order). First time class member-Free!

Please register with me if you want to join us so I'll have

enough projects cut! Come join the fun and make these projects!

We will make two cards and one 3-D project.

Our 3 D project will be this Tissue Box!

I will teach you how to make this tissue box and decorate it with a flower made with our NEW Build A Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals punch. Doesn't this flower look awesome! You're going to love learning how to make it and I can hardly wait to show you! I will be offering a variety of colors to choose from. If you have a preference of colors, let me know and I'll prepare them for you (if I have those colors available). This box can be decorated more elaborately, but looks nice with just the flower on the front. Due to time restraints, I will teach you how to decorate it with the flower. Thanks to my genius Diva Linda, I'm able to teach this tissue box this week. I was following directions calling for 12x12 cardstock and since I didn't have much of that on hand, I was postponing this project for a future class...to give myself time to order the cardstock. Then genius Linda asked me why it had to be 12x12. Uh...because the directions say so. LOL! But, in reality, the measurements didn't dictate that. Duh, I just couldn't think beyond the instructions! Thanks Linda!

Tutorial for the Tissue Box can be found here.

This is such a simple card, but so bright and cheery!

Thanks go to Dawn Olchefske for the inspiration for this card.

We will use the NEW Punch Bunch Stamp Set from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. The best part about this stamp set (besides it's got great images that have a coordinating punch) is that it's FREE! Yep, you can get this stamp set absolutely free with a $50 purchase during our sale-a-bration promotion.

And notice that greeting! It is from another FREE Sale-A-Bration stamp set - So Happy For You. Spend $100 and you can earn both of these sets free! We also will use the Two Tags die on this card. Do you see it?

This card will feature our NEW Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (#121809). And I will be teaching you how to make the oval design in the center of the Decorative Label Punch (#120907).

It's a really neat and simple little "technique". And we'll use my new favorite greeting set - Curly Cute (#W117014/C120510)

Be sure to sign up to join the fun!

Contact me with any questions!

Tissue Boxes - Future Class Project

2011-02-02T18:11:00.002-05:00

Aren't these awesome! Linda and Martha came over today to play in the cave and we made some tissue boxes. These are actually very easy to make and I will be holding a "special class' in the future to make these. I love them! And we decorated them with a flower punched with the NEW Blossom Petals punch (item #121808) from the NEW Occasions Mini Catalog! This was the first chance I had to play with this punch and I love it!

This punch also has a stamp set to match it and I was expecting it to be delivered today. but the Indianapolis UPS shut down today because of the weather, so my package didn't get delivered. I was so sad. :=( But, I played around with the punch I already had and had fun with it after all!

A tip: Cut a strip of paper/cardstock to punch the petals out so that you aren't wasting a lot of paper. This way you can concentrate on only punching out the petals you want.

On this flower I used some retired cardstock and punched out 12 of the larger petals. I then sponged the edges of each petal and curled the ends and layered them in 3 layers. I tried curling each petal downward and upward and decided I liked them both ways. Don't you just love the dimension it gives!

Petals curled downward

Petals curled upward

Aren't these great? I'll be scheduling a future class, so watch for details if you'd like to come and learn how to make these! And be sure to get your own Blossom Petals punch so you can make these awesome flowers! These flowers can be used on all kinds of projects, including cards. And don't forget that you get a FREE Sale-A-Bration item for a $50 purchase!

As soon as I get my matching stamp set Build A Blossom (hopefully tomorrow), I'll come back and show you what those flowers look like. Meanwhile, it was fun using designer paper to make these flowers.

Matching Build A Blossom Stamp Set

Future Class projects and Fun in the Cave

2011-01-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

Saturday we had our first "monthly Cave Day" and it was a success! I am offering to open the "cave" the last Saturday of each month between 10 am - 2 pm for anyone to come and create with friends and be able to use any of my tools (punches, Big Shot and dies, etc). for a $5 fee. What a deal! And what fun! It was such a nice, relaxed atmosphere with everyone working on their own projects. I even got to work on projects of my own and here are some cards I created (yes, these will be taught in future classes).

I even made some extras to actually SEND! One of my New Year's Resolutions is to SEND cards instead of just making them! LOL!

So, every time I make one I'm trying to make at least 2 or 3 at the same time.

Thanks to Dawn Olchefske and Dawn Griffith for the inspiration for two of these cards. Having the name Dawn must make you automatically creative! :=)

Although I didn't make these on "Cave Day", I did just recently make these cute little boxes that will be taught in my upcoming Easter 3-D class. Can you tell what they are made from? The "Two Tags Die". I love different uses for the dies than what the obvious original use is. And I love making all kinds of boxes. These reminded me of a small Easter basket.

I used the square lattice embossing folder on the left one to give it that "basket weave look". The one on the right is just as cute with it's stamped background.

Thanks to Julie Davison for her inspiration for these!

And here is a cute 3x6 card that I cased from Angie of Chic'n Scratch. I told her we're bffs but I didn't know if she realized that. LOL! I just love her projects and she inspires me a lot. I had never made a card this size and it is really cute! And this card was so simple to make! And they fit in our Open End envelopes!

And here's the gals working on their creations on Cave Day!

These are the projects we recently made at our Valentine 3-D Class held on a recent Saturday in the cave.

It was fun seeing everyone's completed projects. I turn them loose to decorate them in their own way if they want to change them from my designs. And it's fun to watch everyone's creative wheels turning! I kept them busy all day and I think everyone had a good time....well, see for yourself! :=)

Such fun! If you live closeby, consider joining in on the fun next time! You can find my schedule of classes in the left column. Just contact me with any questions or to register for our next class. Our next regular monthly class is Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6 PM in the cave. The cost is $12.00, but you can come for FREE for your first time and we will make two cards and one 3-D item. Come join the fun and see what it's all about!

BIG SHOT SPECIAL!

2011-01-27T12:16:00.001-05:00

Have you had your eye on the Big Shot Machine? Well, let me tell you, it is wonderful and there are so many things you will use it for! And Stampin' Up just keeps coming out with more new exclusive dies!

Sale-A-Bration is a great time to get a Big Shot! The cost of the Big shot is $99.95, so by adding something else with it to get to $100.00 (of course we don't have anything for a nickel..LOL...but you could add a Embossing Folder or die for your Big Shot). Once you hit that $100.00, you qualify for TWO FREE Sale-A-Bration items!!! Now, if you'd like to add some more to your order (get dies, folders, or another accessory for your Big Shot) and get your order up to $150, and you will qualify for THREE FREE Sale-A-Bration items. But, not only that, you would also qualify for Hostess benefits of one FREE Level I item and $15.00 to spend on anything (get you another die or folders for your Big Shot!).

See what I mean? Look at all you'd get FREE and you'd have your Big Shot and some dies, folders, embosslits to go with it!

And, as if that isn't enough....if you buy a Big Shot from me during the Sale-A-Bration period, I will also throw in your choice of a Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die (a favorite of mine) or the BRAND NEW Sweet Buttons Embosslit die for FREE! This is a personal offer from me, so it will not be shipped with your order from Stampin' Up! But, as soon as you purchase the Big Shot, I will order one of these for you and ship it on to you.

Email me with any questions!

You can see all of our wonderful Big Shot accessories at this link!

You can order online, or if you'd like for me to help you place the order, just let me know! It can still be shipped directly to you, even if I order it for you! What are you waiting for? This is a great time to get your very own Big Shot machine! :=) You won't regret it!

Smiles! Cindy

PS...I use my Big Shot all the time and show many projects that show different ways to use the dies! You will be amazed how a die can be used for a different project than intended!

IT'S SALE-A-BRATION 2011!

2011-01-25T10:23:00.002-05:00

http://204.228.150.61/20102011catalogs/SAB11_US.pdf

I just love Sale-A-Bration time! You get to choose a free item from the Sale-A-Bration for any $50 order. Order $100, you get to choose 2 items- $150, choose 3 free items! You get the picture! :=) And, if your order totals $300, you will even get a "bonus freebie" (a $300 order must be placed through me to get the extra free item- it cannot be placed online. But it can still be shipped directly to you)

Click on the link above to download the pdf of the catalog if you don't have one. If you'd like for me to send you one, just email me.

It's loaded with great freebies (free is always good!) and don't forget there are lots of great new things in the new Occasions catalog too!

HOST YOUR OWN WORKSHOP!

If you would like to host a workshop...even long distance....you can earn FREE product (minimum for benefits is $150 in orders...earn more as your total increases) You can earn another "free Sale-A-Bration" item if your workshop order reaches $300 (to get this extra free item,I must place the order for you...it can't be placed online. I can, however, still be shipped directly to you)

If you live close enough to Seymour, IN and would like to have a workshop in your home or in my cave and earn the Hostess benefits, just let me know and we can arrange that! I will open my "cave" to you and your friends! I provide everything - you just provide the guests and refreshments! How easy can that be! :=) If you live farther away, you can still take up an order and the whole order can be shipped directly to you for you to distribute to your friends! So, just let me know if you'd like to do that and I can get a catalog to you to show your friends and gather orders!

CONTACT ME TODAY to set up your own workshop and earn the benefits! Sale-A-Bration is a great time to host a workshop!

SIGN UP TO BE A DEMO!

Or...have you ever considered signing up to be a Demo yourself? It's great fun! There is a fantastic deal going on right now where you can get the kit for 15% off, plus a bonus bundle of products worth up to $50! Join now and get this great deal!

*Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+) for 15 percent off--that's over $310 worth of Stampin' Up! products for just $148.75!

*Bonus Bundle (worth up to $50) on top of the fabulous Starter Kit to get you off to an awesome start

*If you join early-on, you can tap into the excitement surrounding Sale-A-Bration and the Occasions Mini Catalog to book their first workshops!

So, what are you waiting for? Do you love paper crafting? Do you enjoy sharing it with others? Then this would be a "perfect fit" for you! I have loved every minute of it! You can sign up right now at this link and be on your way! If you have any questions or need my help, just contact me. I don't like to put my phone number out on the internet, but if you contact me, I'd be happy to call you if you need my help!

VALENTINE 3-D CLASS THIS SATURDAY!

2011-01-19T17:38:00.001-05:00

This Saturday, January 22, and Sunday, January 23, I will be holding a 3-D Valentine class and these are the projects we'll be making! I'm so excited to teach these 3-D items to everyone! There is still room for more if you'd like to sign up! It will be in the "cave" from 10-2 on Saturday and 2-6 on Sunday. Just email me if you're interested! The cost for making all 5 of these projects is $25 ($20 for club members).

I just love these boxes! I had already showed you the smaller one in a different design using the new Designer paper. I'm showing two different sizes here, but in reality, these boxes can be made any height just by shortening the length that you cut the cardstock.

This tall size is great for these lotions from Bath and Beyond. The bottle fits perfectly! What a great way to present a gift to someone! That's what I love about these boxes! They are not your typical flat boxes and can hold a number of gift items! And are very simple to make! The box lid is actually made from the Clear Scallop Square die, which makes it super easy to make!

I will give you the measurements and instructions after the class on Saturday! If you're in the area, consider coming and joining us! Lots of fun! :=)

MATCHBOX DRAWERS

2011-01-16T18:25:00.002-05:00

How incredibly cute are these!? Ok, I took a break from dishes and Diva Martha and Diva Linda came over, along with my granddaughter, Jenna, and we had fun making these little drawers.

Here they are shown with the drawers opened. These are so stinkin' cute and really easy to make! Of course we used the Matchbox die to make our 3 little drawers with! Jenna chose some cool wild colors with her design (she's 12...almost 13) and the rest of us went with So Saffron and Certainly Celery for our springy look. We were all just so pleased with the way they turned out and they were really fun to put together.

This will be a project for a future 3-D class, so stay tuned for more details on that later.

Look how cute the drawer pulls/handles are!

Look how proud they are! :=) These would be great on your desk with embellishments. Or, fill with small items for a gift...candy, embellishments, punch shapes or sentiments ready to put on a card. Jenna says she's going to put her's in her locker for small things like paper clips. I'm thinking that would be a good idea for me to put on my desk....paper clips, stamps....sooo cute!

My granddaugher, Jenna, did a great job! Sooo cute!

Me and the Divas have so much fun on "play days"! And we are working diligentally on futue class projects. If you'd like more information on classes held here in Seymour, just contact me and remember there is a new MORNING CLASS beginning in February! Ask me for details for both the evening and morning classes! Join us for the creative fun and great fellowship! We have a great time!

Thanks and credit for the tutorial go to Andrea Walford

MULTI-TASKING!!!!

2011-01-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a new project for you....LOL....me doing dishes!

Now, those who really KNOW me or come to my house often enough, knows that I HATE doing dishes and I do NOT have a dishwasher! :=( Not sure I'd want one though, other than to hide the dirty dishes...LOL!

Well, TODAY IS THE DAY....My dishes WILL BE DONE!

And as you can see from my photo, I have a plan! hehe!

I took my laptop in there and put it up on the counter (yeah, I see I need to take the mouse cord behind the computer). I'm watching stamping videos for class ideas while I do dishes! Whooohoooo....go Cindy! And I've even got chili cooking at the same time! Whoa, what a productive day so far! It will feel soooo good to get my kitchen totally done...I never seem to get completely finished. And I can't even figure out why there are so many dishes....since I rarely cook! LOL! But, actually, I've started cooking more (one of my New Year's Resolutions). Come Spring, I'm cleaning out my cabinets and half of these dishes are gone! We have way tooooo many for two people and I prefer paper anyway! haha!

Enjoy your day girls! I am and will come back later to share some projects with you! I still hope to get out to the cave today for some fun! :=)

Cindy

THEY'RE COMING! MORNING CLASSES!

2011-01-16T00:56:00.000-05:00

Would you love to attend classes and live nearby, but work second shift or have other committments keeping you from making it to my evening classes? Good news! Morning classes will begin in February!

I've had several people along the way to ask me if I had any morning classes, so I've decided to set up a morning class for those who find it hard to make it to my evening classes. Everything will be the same as the other classes....two cards and one 3-D item for $12.00. Please contact me me if you are interested.

Hope to see you there! Now is your chance to join in on the fun! :=) And spread the word....invite your friends!
Cindy

JANUARY CLASS PROJECTS

2011-01-11T19:12:00.003-05:00

These are the projects we will be making at our Monthly Stampin' classes for January.

As much as I love making Christmas cards and projects, I was ready to put the winter/Christmas things away and turn my attention to love and chocolate!

In our January class we will be making two cards and one 3-D item. We have always made 4 cards in our monthly class, but I have so many 3-D items I want to teach the class, that we thought we'd try changing it up a bit this year. For our 3-D project we will be using the NEW Petal Cone die and Big Shot to make this Valentine themed cone. We will also be stamping our own tissue paper. I just love this new die and have found so many different ideas for it. We'll be using it in future classes in a different way. It could be used as a cone, as pictured, for any occasion/season.

It seemed so strange to only design two cards for our class, when I've been so used to designing 4. I truly hope the class is happy with this change. This first card we'll be making can be used for any occasion, even Valentine's Day. I'm even thinking we need to adhere a small piece of wrapped chocolate to the inside of it.

We will be using the new Eat Chocolate stamp set found in the new Occasion Mini Catalog! This is such a neat stamp set. We also will be using the Pinking Hearts Border Punch. We've never made a card with the circle cut-out at the top of the card, so I hope they will enjoy learning how to do that. The card is made in Chocolate Chip and Cherry Cobbler cardstock, which look awesome together!

I will be offering this next card in Real Red or Pretty in Pink to the class, but it is the same card. I like both and couldn't pick between the two!

The pink one is Pretty in Pink and uses the NEW Love Impressions Designer Paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog. The stamp set is Love You Much from the Idea Book & Catalog.

And here it is in Real Red....same designer paper.

The class got cancelled due to snow tonight, but we plan to meet Thursday at 6 PM. If you would like to attend, please let me know. You can attend for free and make these three projects if you have not attended any of my classes for the past year. If you are not new to the classes, you can attend for a $12 fee and make the three projects.

As always, let me know if you have any questions!

Looking forward to some stamp fun with you all on Thursday! :=)

Cindy

I need to give credit to some gals I "cased" these projects from and will do so as soon as I find where I saw them.

A Soft Flowered Top Note Purse for your Valentine

2011-01-06T14:46:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm going to show you this, even though I'm not happy with it and will be coming back with a "re-design". We will be making these purses at our Valentine 3D Class. I had made these in December with a Christmas design and everyone wanted to know how to make them, so this is on the agenda to teach them in a class. And what better time than Valentine's Day. You could put a little box of chocolates in it or a little box of conversation hearts. I'll be back later to show you my re-do. This is what happens....I might create several before I decide...that's it! That's what we'll do in class! :=)

Later! Enjoy the day! I'm getting lots of "therapy" out in the cave! If you're in my area and have never come to any of my classes and would like to check them out, let me know! I am offering a FREE regular class to anyone who has not attended any of my classes for the past year! That way you can check it out and see if it's something you enjoy! Be warned though....you will get addicted! LOL!

A Cute Valentine Box

2011-01-05T19:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm at it again! I'm having so much fun planning this Valentine Class! This will be another project we'll be making at it.

I made this with the Scallop Envelope die and it is really simple to do! As you can see, I filled it with a cello bag of conversation hearts.

Once again, I printed my own Designer Paper (just for designing....I will be purchasing it for the class)...it's another design from the Love Impressions Designer Paper. I'm really enjoying using it!

As always let me know if you have any questions! Cindy

Heart Cone from the new Petal Cone Die!

2011-01-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Isn't this great! I saw this idea on another blog (credit below) and went with it! I mean, look at that Petal Cone Die! It's a total heart if you don't fold it up. I used the new Love Impressions Designer Paper....ok, I cannot tell a lie! This is NOT actually the designer paper! It is one of our NEW My Digital Studio downloads of the designer paper and I printed it myself! Fact is, I'm waiting to order my Designer Paper (money was short at Christmas time), but I do plan to get it before class! But, this worked for me so I could go ahead and start designing with it! I was so excited when I saw the new downloads! Have you checked them out? Don't have My Digital Studio? You can actually use these downloads in any program that accepts jpg files! How awesome is that! Of course I recommend that you get My Digital Studio because it's awesome! I told my printer to print it "borderless" and walaaah!

You can see and order all of the digital downloads here .

Let me know if you have any questions!

This will be a project we will be making at my special Valentine Class on January 22. Haven't signed up yet? Do you live in the area? Get signed up and come join the fun! Just contact me for more information!

I added the ribboned handle with the Jumbo Eyelets (I'm so loving using eyelets lately!). Of course I used my Crop A Dile to set the eyelets. It makes a handle so secure as it keeps the paper from tearing. I will have the details after my class, but if you want to know before then, just let me know!

I even stamped plain white tissue paper with Real Red hearts from the Heart to Heart stamp set! If I had some red tissue on hand, I might have used it. But, all I had was white...so I made it work! :=) Just another idea for you....keep white tissue on hand and stamp it for any occasion you're working on!

Having fun in the cave today (in between dishes...ugh!)

Credit: Julie Pitta

http://thoughtsthatstick.blogspot.com/2010/12/petal-cone-heart.html

NEW! OCCASION MINI CATALOG!!!

2011-01-04T11:00:00.008-05:00

I am soooo excited that the new Occasions Mini Catalog goes "live" today! You can now order from it. If you don't have a copy of it, just click on the image above and you can see a pdf file of the catalog! You are going to love what you see!

Remember the Cones I showed you the other day? Yep, that Petal Cone die (page 15) is in there!

And the chocolate stamp I used on yesterday's box. Yep, it's in there too. Plus lots of other "goodies"!

I just love this Eat Chocolate (page 30) set!

And click on the image below to learn how to get some FREE Bitty Buttons!

Click here for a pdf of the supplies that were used for each project shown in the mini.

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/US_2011_Occasions_Mini_supplies.pdf

Remember, you can place your order online at stampinggranny.stampinup.net or contact me if you need help!

Also, Sale-A-Bration begins on January 25th. What is Sale-A-Bration, you ask? Well, on January 25th, I will show you another mini catalog and you can choose anything from that catalog FREE with a $50 order! Can't wait!

As always, let me know if you have any questions! :=) Cindy

VALENTINE BOXES

2011-01-03T22:15:00.001-05:00

Ok, I admit it...I love, love, love making boxes! This is one of the boxes we'll be making at my Valentine 3-D Class on January 22.

There are two sizes and I'm trying to think of different things to put in them. Let me know any ideas you might have! The taller box is right at 6" tall and the smaller one is around 4" tall. I'd love to hear your ideas!

I love the finished look of the jumbo eyelets on the sides (love my Crop-A-Dile for that!) and the way the ribbon ties the lid tightly onto the box. I am going to put a cello bag of chocolates in this box, so I added a "chocolate" tag to the top. This is a new set in the Occasions Mini Catalog called "Eat Chocolate". You can order from this catalog beginning tomorrow and don't forget about Sale-A-Bration beginning on January 25th!

I'm thinking a bottle of lotion could fit into the taller box and maybe even a small bottle could fit into the smaller box. How about some fingernail polish in the smaller box....I'm thinking my pre-teen granddaughter would like that on Valentine's Day. I'm going to be trying some different things in them and report back to you. :=)

If you're interested in coming to my 3-D Valentine Class , contact me for details!

Thanks and credit goes to Sandy Hancock

http://www.sandystamper.com/

CARD BOX...another fun day in the cave!

2010-12-30T15:29:00.003-05:00

Do you often wish you had a box to keep your cards in? My New Year's Resolution (well, one of them), is to actually begin USING all these cards I make! I stay so busy preparing for class that I don't sit down and just make a bunch of cards to use myself! My dear older daughter said to me..."Mom, why don't you ever send your cards out?". Well, because I rarely get any extras made! So, this year I am going to do just that and wanted to make a box (or boxes) to keep them in so that I can just reach for a card when I need it! So, I found a tutorial for this box and loved the idea and Diva Linda joined me in the cave today for some more fun. I made this particular box for Birthday Cards only and I think I'll make more boxes for other occasions. What do you think?

I just love the Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper!

I see a corner that needs some more adhesive and even though it's "bugging" me (LOL), I'm going to go ahead and post this picture. I also want to put a "jewel" in the center of the butterfly, but goodness, where did they go? My "cave" became a Christmas center (wrapping, Christmas dinner, etc) over the holidays and now I need to get everything back in it's place and organized so I can find them! But, I will find those adhesvie backed "diamonds" and add it to my butterfly later.

And this is showing the inside with some cards in it. I'm not sure yet how many cards it will hold, but it's plenty big! I love it so much I'm ready to make more! I'm even thinking it could also serve as a recipe box! Hmm...might have to work on one of those too!

We will be making this box at a special class in 2011! So, if you live nearby and would like to come make this box with us, be sure to let me know and I'll send you the details of the class! I will also be having a Birthday Card Buffet in February! So, if you're close enough, come join us and make your birthday cards for the rest of the year! Be prepared to get those cards sent out this year! If you would like a calendar of my classes, please let me know and I can send it to you. Or, you can visit me at my website to view my calendar of events. Give me a couple of days to get it updated for 2011. I'm ready for another fun year of classes....are you?

Credit: Andrea Walford

Demos can get this tutorial from her at this link

OH WHAT FUN! A PLAY DAY IN THE CAVE!

2010-12-29T17:17:00.002-05:00

Today Diva Linda and Diva Martha came over for a "play day" and Teresa Hornaday joined us too! We had such a good, relaxing time of brainstorming together and this is what we came up with! Of course our minds are fixated on the next "holiday"....Valentine's day! It was great therapy!!! With Christmas and all, I hadn't been in the cave for over a week, I think.

The cones were made from the brand new Petal Cone die coming up in the NEW Occasions mini catalog. It will be available as of January 4th. It's such a cute, fun die! And don't forget, Sale-A-Bration will begin on January 25. If you are in any of my clubs, you will be getting a catalog from me. If you aren't in a club and would like to have one, just let me know!

We will be making this "valentine cone" as our 3-D project at our January class, along with two cards.

And we'll be making the "bag in a box" at a special "4 hour" 3-D Valentine Class on Saturday, January 22. So, mark your calendars! You won't want to miss it! :=)

As always, let me know if you have any questions! Cindy

Thanks to Diana Gibbs for her tutorial.

NOTEBOOKS FOR SANTA....LITERALLY!

2010-12-17T18:31:00.004-05:00

Beginning on Monday evening, Dec. 13, someone began leaving "gifts" on our front porch with a little note saying "The First Day of Christmas...."....."The Second Day of Christmas...."...Well, see for yourself! :=)

And this is my personal favorite...it just cracks me up! LOL!

Ok, my husband found the first one...the dish of mints. He came and woke me up, saying excitedly and puzzledly..."Look what someone left on the front porch". In my sleepy state, I took one look and said, "Oh my, there's 11 more to come!"! LOL!

Now, I go to bed rather late (but not as late as I used to). He gets up really early (4 AM) to get ready for work. So, they only had about a 4 hour window to sneak up to our front porch to leave this gift. Next night the same thing....they got away with it!

Ok, I have to admit it's driving me CRAZY trying to guess "who" is our Santa! I have a short list of suspects and a long list and go back and forth on who it is! And yes, I've even been tempted to stay up all night to find out who it is! As a matter of fact, last night I tried to catch them! They are walking up through the snow to the front porch from the street....and our front yard is big, so it's a good little distance! Surely I should be able to catch them walking back to the car! So, Larry went to bed and I turned all of the lights out and snuggled under a blanket watching tv, turned down softly. Every time I'd "hear something" outside, I'd jump and peep out the window...nothing! I was wearing myself out! LOL! Then about the 5th or 6th time I did that...there they were....NEW footprints in the snow! No, surely not! I ran to the door and flung it open (ok, I didn't actually fling it...hehe) and yep, there was Day #4 gift! Oh my, they're sneaky!!!!!!

So, I decided to turn the tables on them and last night I left them a note for Santa with an apple...and told him we'd been really, really good and we were leaving him an apple and hoped the critters (squirrels, cats, possums) didn't beat him to it. Oh, and I asked him while he was here if he could haul off that broken "toilet planter" since it was too cold for us to mess with it...and he loved this kind of weather! The toilet planter is still there (that's another story....LOL)

So, I saw these notebooks on someone's blog today (sorry I forget who it was and I'm too lazy to look right now-haha....I'll come back and give credit later, ok? But, if it's you...thanks so much! Your timing couldn't have been better!). I instantly knew I needed to make one to leave Santa tonight! Then it hit me to make TWO...one for his naughty list and one for his good list! He's going to need some new books for the new year! Ho-Ho-Ho! So, I'll be leaving these out tonight! I figure it's cookies and hot chocolate the last night!

Oh, and I went ahead and wrote some names in his books to help him get started. I think you'll be able to figure out which are "naughty" and which are "good"! :=)

Oh my, we are having so much fun with this!!!!!! Have you ever had a Secret Santa like this? The funny thing is, we've had cold, icy, snowy weather and poor Santa has had to get out in horrible weather to brighten our Christmas....so he/she deserves some treats!

Now....just who could it be???? I even thought of hiding out in the van tonight to watch...LOL! It's driving me crazy!

PS...Yikes! I just realized I left off the "balls" on the ends of my hats! I gotta go do that! (Ok, done and changed the pic!)

Ready and waiting for Santa! :=) Let me know if you have other ideas of things Santa can use! I'm thinking a calendar for 2011 with the "big day" circled! Some candy treats....I'm sure he loves candy! I gotta put my thinking cap on! How about a map....LOL!

And the credit goes to Monika! Your timing was perfect!

PRODUCT UPDATE! Keeping you informed.....

2010-12-01T21:15:00.011-05:00

Designer Paper Update
As much as I hate to tell you this, I must! Our Candy Cane Christmas Designer paper# 120809 has been so popular that supplies have been depleted and it is no longer available. I do apologize, but we still have our Deck the Halls DSP #120810 and also the Jolly Holiday DSP # 117159 available for your Holiday stamping/crafting!

Punch News!
The 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch #118874 and Ornament Punch #119847 are temporarily unavailable for ordering due to quality issues.
Stampin'Up! is currently working with the vendor to solve these quality issues as soon as possible. The following bundles will be affected by this issue and will not be available for ordering:

Tags 'til Christmas Bundle 2 (w-124478; c-124477)
Tags 'til Christmas Bundle 2 (Spanish w-124482; c-124481)
Tags 'til Christmas Bundle 2 (French w-124480; c-124479)

Decorative label punch # 120907 is NO longer on backorder. Yay!!!! Love this punch!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Gift certificates are available in any amount! They are offered through me and only redeemable through me.

Let your family know about them so they can surprise you with a gift you'll love for Christmas, birthday, or other occasions! I can even accept credit cards or Pay Pal for these. So make their shopping easy! :=)

You can also make your own shopping easy! Get a gift certificate for your stampin' friends or family member. No crowds or hunting for parking places or getting out in the cold. Let me make your shopping easy! :=) Or, you could even give them a "Wish List" of items they could purchase for you to wrap and put under the tree. But, hurry, so they can receive these items in time to wrap them up for you and put them under the tree for Christmas! :=) Just let them know to contact me and I'll do the rest!

Please CONTACT ME for a gift certificate of a different denomination! Only available to those in United States. Gift certificates will be mailed out via USPS within 24 hours.

Time is running out on the half price kit and online spectacular sale! Start your own business TODAY!!!

2010-11-27T13:48:00.004-05:00

Time is running out! Do you want to sign up to be a Demonstrator for half price? The deadline is Tuesday, November 30. You will get your starter kit for $87.50 and be on your way!!!!! What are you waiting for? It's a terrific deal and the only requirement is $300 in sales for a quarter! Do you know how EASY that is? Very!!! So, if you want to sign up NOW, go to my website here and use my password ready4stampfun and be on your way! If you have any questions, just contact me .

Also, the Online Spectacular Sale is ending on Tuesday, November 30, so don't miss out on these special buys! Just check them out here and remember, any online order of $150 or more receives Free Shipping! What a deal! There's lots of other deals too, so get your order placed before they dissappear!

Stampin' Up! recently honored their 10,000 demonstrator with a surprise visit from Shelly Gardner hand deliverying her kit! What a fun company! Watch the video for yourself! Want to become a part of such a "fun family"? Sign up today! What are you waiting for?

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR SALE!!!!

2010-11-22T17:50:00.001-05:00

Click on image for details of the sale!
Only Online Orders qualify for Free Shipping! What a deal!

Contact Me with any questions! I'll be happy to help you! :=)

Cindy

TOP NOTE BOX

2010-11-18T22:33:00.001-05:00

I really love this little box we made at our last class. We normally make cards at our classes, but with Christmas coming, I wanted to teach some items they could give for gifts. I found some little chocolates that fit perfectly in these little boxes...one layer for 6, or two layers for 12 chocolates. You could also use these little boxes for other small gifts, such as some jewelry (just add some cotton batting), a small stamp or other stamping item, such as embossing powder, an ornament. I just really love this box and it could be used for any occasion and is very easy to make! And of course you can decorate the top as you wish! :=)

The Box Ingredients

Early Expresso Cardstock - 8" x 5-1/2". Score at 1", 3-1/2", 4-1/2" and 7". Turn your cardstock and score at 1" in each long side. You will need to clip the corner flaps up to the score line so these can be folded in and adhered with Sticky Strip. This will form your box. The lid will come down over the sides.

The Top Note Boxtop and bottom

Cut a piece of Deck the Halls designer paper 5-1/2 x 4-1/4" and glue it to a piece of cardstock the same size with your Snail. Run this glued piece through your Big Shot with your Top Note Die and it will cut both pieces at once. Then you will glue this piece onto the top of your box. It is easier to put Sticky Strip onto the top of the box and lay your Top Note piece down on your table with the plain side up and center the box over it and adhere it together. Cut another piece of cardstock to run through your Big Shot to cut another Top Note piece for the bottom of the box (no designer paper glued to this one). Glue it onto the box in the same manner.

Decorate the top as you wish!

It really is a very simple and fast box to put together. Give it a try! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! :=)

BECOME A DEMONSTRATOR TODAY FOR ONLY $87.50!!!!

2010-11-15T16:24:00.001-05:00

Get $310 in crafting and business supplies and start your own business for only $87.50!!!!

Beginning today through November 30, you can sign up to be a Demonstrator for only $87.50!

So, what are you waiting for?

You can sign up here, using the password ready4stampfun

Contact me if you have any questions! :=) Cindy

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A STAMPIN' UP DEMONSTRATOR?

2010-11-11T21:14:00.001-05:00

If you've ever considered starting your own Stampin' Up! business, it would be a great time to begin your business with this amazing offer from Stampin' Up! For 15 days, beginning November 15, you can purchase the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits for only $87.50--that is 50 percent off the regular price of $175 for over $310 worth of paper or digital crafting and business supplies! This is an awesome deal and then you will be on your way to running your own Stampin' Up! business. I love what I do....so can you! :=)

If you have any questions or are interested, don't hesitate to contact me . As of November 15, you can sign up on my website using my password: ready4stampfun I'd love to help you get started with your own business. Cindy

NOVEMBER STAMP CLASS TOMORROW!

2010-11-08T23:46:00.001-05:00

My local monthly class is tomorrow night and I've been preparing for it all day. I thought I'd give a "sneak peek" of what we'll be making. We normally make 4 cards but with Christmas fast approaching I am teaching some extra Christmas gift ideas. I will have a 4th project ready too....depends on how our time goes. If you live in the area and would like to join us, please let me know. We begin at 6 PM at my home in my "stamp cave".

This box of Monogrammed Notecards will make a great Christmas gift for your family and friends!

This is a slider card that I've made to hold a gift card.

And I originally was making this box to hold "tags", but I had these mints and just wondered if they'd fit....oh my, they fit perfectly in these boxes! So, mints it will be! These taste like Andes Mints and are wrapped for Christmas. What a cute little candy treat for co-workers, etc.

Come join us for the fun if you're nearby! :=)

We had a great time at this year's Annual Holiday Stamp Camp!!!

2010-11-07T11:33:00.002-05:00

So sorry I haven't posted much lately. I've spent the past month substitute teaching every day and am just soooo far behind! That job is "over" (unless I get a call back), so I'm looking forward to trying to catch up this week!

Last Saturday we gathered together in my new "Stamp Cave" for my second Annual Holiday Stamp Camp! Last year it was held downtown and I enjoyed getting to hold it in my own home. It was nice not having to pack everything up to take downtown and made things possible that weren't possible downtown (like a Christmas Tree). I think it went very smoothly and everyone really seemed to enjoy the projects. We had a lot of laughs and fun, food and projects. I think it's safe to say that everyone left "happy"! :=) And my goal was to give them some ideas for Christmas gifts and I think I succeeded in that. Mission accomplished!

As everyone arrived, they were handed a Blank Bingo card and their first "project" of the day was to stamp their bingo card with the Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set....putting the images where they wanted....to be used to play Bingo (for prizes) throughout the day!

Our next project was to recover a Composition book (you know, those ugly black books). I am using mine to keep "stamping project ideas" in and thought they could take notes in them through-out the camp, so we made it first. They will make great Christmas gifts! I know I plan to make some for gifts myself. We used one package of Designer Paper to make all of these different books and it was fun to see how each one turned out.

This is my book. The next one I make I will make my ribbon longer so it can be tied in a bow. This one is really too short. I saw this design on a blog somewhere and need to find the person to give credit to. If you are this person, please let me know so I can give you credit. I so appreciated your tutorial!

Brenda working on her book.

Ta dah! Brenda's finished notebook! Love it!

Brenda McKain's finished book!

Cute picture Brenda! Your book turned out great and you look so proud of it!

Kara's finished book! She's just beaming with pride!

Love it Kara!

Norma hard at work on her book!

Oh how pretty Norma!

Teresa Hornaday's finished book! Love it, love it, love it!

Unfortunately at this point, my camera battery went dead. :=( I actually think there must be something wrong with my camera...whaaa! I might have to ask for a new one for Christmas!

But, I had taken these photos previous to the Stamp Camp, so can still show you other projects we made at the "camp".

These coasters were a big hit and will make such a great Christmas gift. And they were sooo easy! I found the "tiles" over at Home Depot and we stamped them with Staz On ink, added cork to the corners of the back and tied together with a ribbon. That's it! No baking, no spraying....if you use Staz On ink! Martha and I even soaked these under water and rubbed then while they were wet and nothing smeared. So easy and a "wow" project!

This next project is a nightlight I found at one of my favorite stores. We stamped the "Lovely As A Tree" stamp in black Staz On on Vellum cardstock (Stampin' Up sells this, did you know?) and then used sponges to add the color. Easy and turns out real pretty!

And such a useful gift!

We made the Nugget Tins I had shown you before.

We made a few other things that I didn't get pictures of. I'll work on getting a photograph of those too and let you see them.

We had a great day! I have so many "ideas" in my head we could do it again. LOL! Next year....... :=)

A special thanks to Diva Martha for all of her help that day (and previous days)! I was working on "no sleep" (LOL) and she was there for me, especiallly when she saw me fading fast in the last hour! :=) You are soooo appreciated Martha! And a special thanks to Diva Linda for her help in the days preceeding the camp. Unfortunately Linda was not able to attend the camp, as planned, due to a death in her family. You were missed Linda and were in our thoughts and hearts that day. I'm glad you were able to stop in for a few minutes. I hope you and Martha know how very much I appreciate you both!

And I appreciate all of my customers/campers/clubbers who have continued to support my business. I couldn't have this much fun without you! :=)