Stamp Some Smiles

It's 1:00 in the morning, shimmer card time!

Okay, it's actually Saturday now, so I don't think I will be ruining he last surprise for my stamp campers.  Here is the beautiful shimmer card we are making today.

 
 
  Check out that Sparkle!  I made a shimmer mist using rubbing alcohol and the champagne shimmer paint, one spritz and it is a wow for sure!
Add a little sparkle to your day and try it, it is so pretty.  Now I had better get to bed, so I can get some sleep before my stamping friends arrive.  I will post again soon. 
 

Feeling better, a second look at the trifold album class

I am starting to feel better already!  After my visit with the dentist yesterday I found out that the large lump from my chin up to my ear was actually infection in a lymphoid.  Antibiotics and just 29 hours later I am feeling so much better.  The swelling had gone down.  Yeah!  So thanks again for all of the well wishes ... after the root canal next Monday all of this will be behind me!

I have something to show you!  Here is a photo of my trifold album mounted on a canvas that I covered with Old Olive Textured cardstock.  It looks great in real life, such a nice size, it would make a beautiful gift.

Inside:

 

 

Isn't it cute how no matter how old (big) my kids get they still enjoy sitting on their  Papa-claus's lap and getting their picture taken?  I am so lucky!  I Haven't added the journaling yet, looking forward to sharing this with my parents when they come over next week for Thanksgiving dinner.  I am sure I will have lots of pictures to scrap after our family gathering. 
  
 I always have so many ideas for fabulous personalized gifts to give, so keep your eye out for my upcoming classes!
 
 
 
  
 
 

Stamp Camp Prep is well underway

Thanks for your well wishes on my root canal fiasco!  I am going to try my hardest to sleep tonight, and call the dental surgeon tomorrow and have something done about the excruciating pain I am in.  I don't know what he did to me but I can honestly say I have never felt mouth pain like this before! 

Stamp Camp preparation is well underway and I am hoping to be finished before any dental work is done.  I need to sleep tonight so I can go to work with a clear head tomorrow.  The new pain meds I am on are a joke, not helping.  I may miss a few days of posting, and I am sorry to whine but just thought I should explain what is going on.  Here are three card examples I made over the weekend using the Holiday Line Up stamp set. 

 

 I copied a beautiful swap I got from my friend Rose (Hi Rose!) using the designer paper I had in place of what she used and then I made one with each stamp.  This set is so funny.  It cracks me up. 

The Rudolf one makes me wonder... I can come up with a few PG13, and R rated comments to go on this card!  LOL  okay, maybe the meds are working, how did my mind end up there? 

I used a strip of the printed acetate from the Holiday Mini, oh how I love that stuff!  It is so sturdy and thick, the snowflakes (which I am sorry you can't see!) are so beautiful.  We will be making this at Stamp Camp. 

We will also make a cool money holder, for a gift of cold hard cash:

Here it is open with the money showing, I put $10 in this one.

Here it is with the envelope and topper, it's closed and laying on it's side here.

And finally a close up ... isn't it cute?  I used that same snowflake acetate for the globe, and you can see the snowflakes here!

We are also going to make a card using the Shimmer Paint mixed with rubbing alcohol in a spritzer .... to make the most beautiful shimmer you have ever seen, but I am going to wait to show you that one, it is a WOW card for sure!

Going to bed early, I will chat with you again soon.
 
 
 

Hands on, my digital studio, I think I am hooked!

This hobby I love isn't just about making cards, is it.  It's about giving a little piece of ourselves to brighten someone's day...it's about the friends we make along the way...it's the joy of creating...it's connecting with others who share our love of creating.  The other day one of my stampers (HI Cheryl!) left a gift on my porch for me, I will be sharing it during show and share at stamp camp.  I can't begin to tell you how happy it made me feel!  I have gotten lots of gifts, cards, (even jams and goodies) from my stamping friends.  They really know how to put a smile on my face.  I am a hands on learner...and stamping is my creative outlet.  I wasn't sure I was going to be able to "get into" the new digital program Stampin' Up! put out.  Let me warn you, I am hooked!  I am currently working on a project that is in calendar form, called "traditions" inside are my families long held and cherished traditions.  Here is one of the pages:

These photos are from quite a few years back (maybe 5?)  One of the problems I have come across when I started to scrapbook is that none of my photos are in order, or even dated.  By doing this traditions project the year doesn't matter, Jill could be 9 on this page and on the next 14, and on the one after that 3...they are traditions that we have done every year of my kid's lives...a great way to look back at pumpkin carving, Christmas cookie making, camping, berry picking, all of those things that mark the seasons for us.

It is so quick and easy to use My digital Studio, and it is so much more than just a digital scrapbook program!  I have had a couple of the cards I created printed.  Here is one of them:

I love it, inside and out!  The ornaments seem to float off the card,The ribbon looks real, the bow pops but really it is all just one layer.  I am going to alter this and the other card a bit, adding touches to bring it to life and to make it more of a 3D card...but it would be beautiful just as it is.  I can't wait to make hybrid 12 x 12 scrapbook pages, adding my touches of embellishments to my finished printed pages to make them even more my own.  Yes, I love the "hands on" of crafting, and if I choose to add more to the printed finished projects I can, and will!  I will also be able to sit back, look at the beautiful finished projects that arrive in my mail box, and be happy that it is perfect just the way it is! 

Here are some of the examples that Stampin' Up! has shared:

 
 
 

You get to use the same great artwork, colors, and accessory images found in our current product line to create personalized projects. The options are endless: create assorted photo albums, calendars, and greeting cards using My Digital Studio. Once you've created your personalized gift or heirloom, have it printed in our high-quality print facility and delivered to your door. A great idea for those hard to shop for family members...create one book and print out 3...one for your parents, one for his parents, and one for you to keep...or one for each child so they can keep their cherished memories close at hand.  If you are interested in finding out more or would like to purchase My Digital Studio just send me an email and I can help you!  I will be creating gifts for my friends and family using this program, and using stamps/inks/ribbons and other awesome Stampin' Up! toys this holiday season...and through the year.  I am sure they will bring a smile to my family's faces, and I know your friends and family would love them too!

 
 

Troubles gone? November stamp camp card and so much to catch up on!

I've had Trouble, with a capital T!  As in Typepad!  I have had people ask why my site is loading so slow, it times out...I have no clue.  I couldn't post!  I actually got an email saying that stampsumsmiles has unsubscribed!  What?  I did no such thing! It took me a while to fix that.  I can't even begin to understand why I am having these problems, but I am hoping that I have figured out how to get this to work...and I am also trying to figure out how to switch back to the old typepad, I know there is a way, but I can't figure it out.  I did a test post and and worked so I am hoping this one will too!  Whew.

So let's see, where should I start?  Well, Bobby had his ACL surgery...he is doing very well this week.  I am so relieved.

I had a Christmas Card Class, here are some examples:

Ugh, as soon as I uploaded that photo the darn thing froze on me, blinking blinking blinking, I guess I didn't figure it out.  I had to restart my computer, and I am trying to add another photo, let's see if it works....

okay here is another

and another there were two choices for this too, one was the dove, oh my goodness, this is the most beautiful one layer card I have ever made, It is my favorite!  I did give them lots of cards to choose from, and the colors were varried too...The ladies had a good time, some designed their own cards, and I enjoyed their company.

Here is a sneak Peek at a card that we will be making at November's Stamp camp:

close up of the door

Here is the card:

I will have my own special Christmas color mix of flower soft/dazzling diamonds
If you purchase Home for Christmas from me in November, I will give you some of my mix! We are going to make some real "WOW" cards this month, and you only have a couple of days left to register to come, I will be making the kits on Saturday and Sunday.  So please contact me ASAP.  Okay, I am going to try to post this quickly, let's cross our fingers and hope it works!  Chat with you again soon (I hope!)
 
 
 
 
 

Holiday mini scrapbook class info

I know that it is way too early to talk about Christmas, but when you are making gifts it is the perfect time to start celebrating the Holiday Season,and  I have created a class for you!  Come and create a mini scrapbook to capture your favorite holiday memories. 

This unique scrapbook is a 6″ x 8″ mini scrapbook album that has room for various size pictures and some journaling. 

It will make a wonderful gift for a friend or family member.  Or choose to keep the album for yourself!  You can add photos and journaling once you get home...or after the holidays.  It's not your typical RED and GREEN colors, so you can custom design the album for any occassion!

I find that this is the perfect time of year to offer a scrapbooking class because everyone is looking for affordable, yet unique Christmas ideas for all those hard-to-shop for people in our lives – parents, grandparents, long-distance relatives. Who wouldn’t love this little album filled with the gift of memories?  Dates and times for this class are listed below.  Let me know if you are interested in attending so I can make a kit for you.  Class fee is $10 due on the day of the class.  Pre-paid Kit fee is $15.  (for a total of $25)

Would you love to make the album but can't find the time to come to class? For just $20 you can get the kit and I will email instructions to you!  You must see this in person to appreciate just how nice it is, so be sure to check it out when you are at my October Stamp Camp.  Sign ups and pre-payments due by October 17th.

 

October Friday 23rd -1pm till 4 and/or  6 to 9 Saturday 24th - 9am till 12

November Friday - 6th - 1pm till 4 and/or  6 to 9 Saturday - 7th -  9am till 12 Sunday - 8th - 9am till 12

This is my dad, or Papa-Claus as the kids like to call him, no matter how old they get they still sit on his lap every year ever since the only grandchildren where Bobby, Mat, and Kyle.  I have proof that my kids are still into it, want to see?

LOL, okay, I can't get too close to these pics or my kids will be mortified, this was from last Christmas, and believe me, they all have huge smiles on their faces.  I am sure you have fantastic memories you could put in this book too!  I hope you can join me this month!
 

Taget Choxie dressed up Stampin' Up! style

You can "step up" any gift you are giving this Christmas with a little Stampin' Up! Style.  Take for example, a regular box of $5 Choxie Chocolates.  Use the original box base, and wrap each individual chocolate in designer paper.  Add a beautiful homemade tag.  Wrap in cellophane and add some ribbon, Ta-Da, Fabulous!  Who wouldn't want to get this as a gift?!

 

Surprise a friend or coworker with a Christmas treat dressed up in cheer-filled patterns and prints from our seasonal Simply Scrappin’ kits or Designer Series paper. It’ll help set the mood for the most wonderful time of the year.

SUPPLIES	PRICE
Spotlight On Christmas	$22.95
Old Olive 8-1/2X11 Card Stock	$5.50
Real Red 8-1/2X11 Card Stock	$5.50
Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock	$7.50
I Wish Simply Scrappin'	$19.95
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25
Old Olive 5/8 Inch Grosgrain Ribbon	$7.95
Scallop Square Punch	$15.95
Pretties Kit	$29.95
Stampin' Dimensionals	$3.95

 

Bath Salts gift idea

Here is a beautiful idea for a perfect gift. So simple, so elegant, perfect for the person you want to pamper. Stampin' Up! ALWAYS comes up with great ideas to share, I got this one from my Stampin' Up! web site for demonstrators. For another great idea check page 143 of the Fall Winter 2008 catalog. Flower Fancy Bath Salts Jar Stamps Flower Fancy (set of 10; 111578; $36.95) Frames with a Flourish (set of 7; 111041; $33.95) Wonderful Favorites (set of 23; 109461; $40.95) Paper Confetti White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Bella Rose Designer Series paper Design 1: 9" x 1/8" Design 2: 2" x 2" Design 3: 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" Design 4: 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" On Board Timeless Type Ink Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Pad Kiwi Kiss Classic Stampin’ Pad Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin’ Pad Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin’ Pad Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin’ Pad Stampin' Up! Accessories Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon Chocolate Chip 3/8" taffeta ribbon Pretty in Pink 3/8" taffeta ribbon Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Chateau Bella Rub-Ons Stampin’ Dimensionals 1" Circle punch Sanding blocks Instructions Apply flower border and frame Rub-Ons to jar using wooden stick included with Rub-On assortment. Adhere Bella Rose Designer Series paper (Design 1) around jar. Stamp two flower images in Riding Hood Red ink and four in Chocolate Chip ink on Confetti White card stock. Cut out Riding Hood Red flowers. Cut out centers of two Chocolate Chip flowers, and adhere to middle of Riding Hood Red flowers. Set flowers aside. Stamp two flower images in Pink Pirouette ink. Stamp flower outline images Pretty in Pink ink over Pink Pirouette flowers; cut out. Adhere remaining two Chocolate Chip centers to Pink Pirouette flowers. Set flowers aside. Stamp leafy stem image in Kiwi Kiss ink and leafy stem outline image in Old Olive ink; cut out. Adhere stems to jar. Stamp square frame image in Chocolate Chip ink on Designer Series paper (Design 2). Stamp circle frame image in Chocolate Chip ink inside square frame. Cut out square frame, and adhere to jar. Punch out circle from Designer Series paper (Design 3) using 1" Circle punch, and adhere to alternate paper pattern (Design 4). Cut out around punched circle. Adhere to frame. Adhere Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware frame to jar. Adhere Pink Pirouette flowers to jar. Adhere Riding Hood Red flowers to jar using Stampin’ Dimensionals. Lay On Board Timeless Type letter face down on Confetti White card stock; trace, and cut out. Adhere paper to On Board letter and color with Riding Hood Red ink using direct-to-paper technique. Sand edges using sanding blocks. Adhere to jar in center of frame. Stamp "To my friend" in Chocolate Chip ink on Confetti White card stock. Cut out, and adhere to jar. Pull center thread in Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, and gather ribbon. Tie Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink 3/8" taffeta ribbons around top of jar

Surprise a friend or coworker with a Christmas treat

Surprise a friend or coworker with a Christmas treat dressed up in a very cool box. . It’ll help set the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. In a box like this, it won't matter much what you put inside, it is just too cute! These dudes are cool, and everyone will think you are pretty cool too when they see this darling little treat! Two Cool Dudes Box Stamps Two Cool Dudes (set of 4; 111708; $21.95) Paper Basic Black card stock: 7/8" x 3/4"; 2-3/4" x 6-3/8" Riding Hood Red card stock: 3" x 3"; 3-1/2" x 1/2" Whisper White card stock: 2" x 2"; three at 2-3/8" x 2-5/8"; 3" x 3"; 8-1/2" x 11" Old Olive textured card stock: 2-5/8" x 2-7/8"; 7" x 5/8" Ink Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pad Accessories & Tools Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon: 7" Riding Hood Red 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon: 7" Linen thread Pretties Kit Stampin' Dimensionals Small Tag punch Tag punch Wide Oval punch 1/16" Circle punch Instructions Print pattern on Whisper White card stock, and cut out. Note: This box does not require the handle portion of the pattern. Cut off top inch of box. Stamp snowflake images in Real Red ink on unassembled box. Assemble box, and punch window in front of box using Wide Oval punch. Wrap Old Olive textured card stock (7" x 5/8") around front of box, and adhere. Stamp greeting in Basic Black ink on Riding Hood Red card stock (3-1/2" x 1/2"), and trim. Adhere to front of box. Attach Clear Rhinestone brads to box. Adhere Old Olive textured card stock (2-5/8" x 2-7/8") to Basic Black insert (2-3/4" x 6-3/8"). Apply Rub-On greeting to insert using stick included with Rub-Ons assortment. Stamp snowman block image in Riding Hood Red ink on Whisper White card stock (2-3/8" x 2-5/8"). Adhere to insert. Stamp snowman block image in Basic Black ink on Whisper White card stock (2-3/8" x 2-5/8"), and cut out snowman. Stamp snowman block image in Old Olive ink on Whisper White card stock (2-3/8" x 2-5/8"), and cut out scarf. Adhere Old Olive scarf to Basic Black snowman. Attach Clear Rhinestone brad to snowman for button. Cut hat from Basic Black card stock, and adhere to snowman using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere snowman to insert using Stampin' Dimensionals. Tie Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain and Riding Hood Red 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon around cellophane bag filled with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Stamp snowman tag image in Old Olive ink on Whisper White card stock (3" x 3"), and punch out using Small Tag punch. Adhere tag to Riding Hood Red card stock (3" x 3"). Center tag punch over card stock so that full tag can be seen through punch window, and punch out. Stamp snowman tag image in Basic Black ink on Whisper White card stock (2" x 2"), and cut out snowman body (not twig arms). Adhere to tag over Old Olive snowman. Punch hole in top of tag using 1/16" Circle punch. Tie tag to cellophane bag using linen thread. Throw in some candies, fudge, cookies, or even hot chocolate and a candy cane! Everyone will be on your Christmas List next year.

Baby Gift

While at Convention this year, they had a room set up as a nursery. There were so many cute ideas in this room I almost wished.......ooooh, I won't say it. My kids are too big now to be wishing such a thing! But I must say I thought it would be fun to make some of the adorable items as gifts. Here is one that was so simple, you just Won't be able to resist whipping up a few for those little boys (or with a simple change in color, girls) in your life. Look how cute that blanket looks with that beautiful Stampin' Up! Ribbon around it and that fabulous and simple tag?! I bet you have these supplies in your craft space! Try making a few tags to give any gift that "made with love" feeling people appreciate.

More ideas for the readers in your life

Readers, so many of them in my family...books of all types too! Students, I have three of them. Teachers, too many to count with three kids in school! Office friends, mail delivery person, Church gifts, oh, and don't forget your UPS person...I LOVE mine! I saw so many wonderful ideas at Convention this year, and here are the bookmarkers that I know will make a perfect gift: Just using ribbon and some embelishments, or even rub-ons, you can create beautiful gifts like these in a snap! Personalize it to fit the person you are giving it to...use masculine stamps, cute kid stamps, holiday stamps, the sky is the limit! Pick your favorite type of ribbon, I am sure you have lots of colors on hand. Don't forget to make one for yourself, or maybe even TWO! Oh, and Speaking of Rub-ons....There are only a few days left .... don't miss the Rub-Ons Special! Stampin’ Up! is offering a GREAT special on rub-ons! ALL rub-ons in the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalog and also those in the 2008 Holiday Mini are on sale - what can get better than that?? This is a great bonus for the upcoming holidays! Rub-ons are so versatile and can be used on cards, candles, glassware, ceramic, plastic and so many other materials. You can make quick, beautiful and inexpensive gifts with them! They’re only on sale through November 30th for 20% off the retail price ($8.76 per package; regularly $10.95) with a qualifying purchase of $20! Once the $20 minimum purchase has been reached, you may purchase as many discounted Rub-Ons as you like!

Advent Calendar

Here is another idea from Convention, this was on one of the beautiful displays at Riverton. It is a simple tradition that you can make now, and change to fit your family! For instance, you might have one of the tags say "stay up late" (making sure it lands on a friday) or "You choose dessert", or "four kisses for you" ... (Hersheys kisses that is). As your children get older you can change up the tags "no chores day" or "download your favorite new song". I really love this idea, and could have my three take turns pulling a tag, and have them all get the days treat. You could also make this be a great reflection tool...or a thankful calendar. on the first the number 1 tag could say "perform one random act of kindness today" as the numbers get higher it could be "name 12 things you are thankful for" you get the idea. So here it is:

Simple Christmas Gift ~ Stationary Set

This Christmas is going to be different. Rising prices are keeping me closer to home and weighing heavy on my purchasing decisions. Like many people I definitely see myself adjusting the way I shop this Christmas. This is the year to simplify. This is the year to cut back. This year I will focus on my kids, one big family gift and a few little goodies. This year I will try my best to be organized and create the handmade gifts we've always wanted to give. Join me as I plan and prepare for having a simple and meaningful Christmas. Here is a great idea for almost anyone in your life that loves to keep in touch with family and friends both far and near the old fashion way, through the mail. It would be a perfect gift for a work friend, someone special in your child's life, School or Church people you appreciate, and while you are at it make one for yourself: Isn't this a beautiful Stationary Set? "S" For Stevenson, not stationary...lol I saw this at convention and fell in love, I knew I wanted to make one for myself, and while I was at it ... a few extra for my family gifts. Wouldn't you appreciate getting a gift like this, made especially for you in your favorite colors? I love purple and green. This is so ME! If you need help, ideas, or supplies to make your gifts this Christmas, just drop me a line at stampsumsmiles@aol.com I would love to hear from you.