Stamp Some Smiles

Turkey stock transformed and ornament punch transformation

Okay, YUM, my turkey stock was transformed to tortellini soup....

 

 Look at how rich that broth is, OMG it was good!

With garden veggies and herbs, mmmmm, perfection.

I also made a card, transforming the shape of the ornament punch into an acorn.  I figured out how to do this as soon as I got my punch, and thought I made up the idea myself...then I saw it in a couple other places on blogs and realized I share my creative eye with other paper crafters! 

I punched the ornament twice, once in rust and once in choc chip, then trimmed the "stem" and used the scallop oval to shape the top.  Isn't this pretty?  Would you like to make one?  You should join us at my next Stamp Camp on October 17!  You will notice it uses a set from the fabulous Holiday mini, as well as a big shot die, and can you tell what that circle is on top of the ribbon?  It is something we haven't used at my camps or classes yet....it's a build a brad!  All kinds of goodies on this card, twine, ribbon, use of the crimper, background stamping, sponging.  You name it!  You can simplify your own card or go for it and use it all!  I love to "step it up" and this is definitely the stepped up version!  When I look at this card it brings me right into the season.  I love the feel of the breeze in fall (and boy was it blowing today!), with the leaves rustling and crunching under foot.  I think Fall is my most favorite season of all. 

Turkey Dinner, turkey card re-do

We had turkey for dinner yesterday, YUM.  It is a ton of work,but we eat it more then once (leftover Turkey becomes meat in soup and salad toppings, or turkey salad, or casserole, or Turkey and gravy over toast) and then I make stock by roasting the carcass and veggies and then transferring them and all the yummy brown bits over to a stock pot simmering it for hours and hours. Now I have the makings of a really good soup, or two!  Plus I freeze some in muffin tins for adding into my rice, veggies, or other dishes, it really adds so much flavor...I am glad I took the time!

I also took the time for these Turkey card makeovers (using leftovers as well of course, from my last stamp camp):

Look closely, it is different...and here are two more:

How fun!  Sometimes I like the "do-overs" better then the originals!  I believe I got the original Turkey card layout from a mojo challenge (not that I participated, that would mean meeting a deadline, which there was no way I could do! LOL)  I can't believe that Halloween is coming and that October starts THIS WEEK!  How did THAT happen?!  UGH...

I wanted to plan an event for National card making day, but that is this Saturday and I suppose it is too late to be asking people to come stamp at my house on Saturday.  Once I get past this sinus infection I had better be able to think straight!  

Must go get tea, chat with you all soon,

 

Lori

Apple pie, two kinds, and leftover re-dos from stamp camp

Guess what I did today?  I made apple pie! Or should I say apple PIES?!  I couldn't decide (are you SURPRISED?) what kind to make, so I made regular and crumble...using the apples we picked at Holmburgs.

 

Okay, now that is an odd looking pie, where is the pretty edge, you know the crust part that helps you lift the pie out and hold onto it?  Well my pies are too heavy to hold and eat and no one except ME really likes crust and although both of those reasons are true, another reason this pie doesn't have an edge on it is that I ran out of pie dough!  LOL, okay...the reason I ran out is because I was going to make one regular pie and  one crumble pie, but I ended up making two crumble pies and one regular pie and you can only stretch dough for two pies just so far, even if you end up making three!  LOL

By the way, both of these are very good, I couldn't decided what one to eat, so I ate a slice of the regular first... this afternoon after lunch, and the crumble tonight after dinner.  YUM.

I also worked on getting my "extra" cards made up so I can put away the supplies from LAST Saturday's stamp camp! (Yes, sadly they are still out.) I always cut an extra card or two just in case someone needs a re-do, and then after stamp camp if I feel like stamping I will leave everything set up and go around making those cards up to have on hand.  Well, we went over to the fall festival in town after stamp camp, so I left it until Sunday, and we went apple picking on Sunday, so I left it for Monday, but I haven't been feeling well (bad cold) and between errands, appointments, and work, it stayed out waiting for me.  Twice I almost just put everything away ... throwing those card kits into the scrap bin...but I didn't.  I am so glad I decided to make them because I was feeling creative today.  I will show you my Ornament card...here is the original.

Got this Idea from Heather S., I will have to find out how to spell her last name ... a Stampin' Up! demo friend of mine who is in Jan's Stampadilly group.  This is the card we made at stamp camp.  Here is what I made today, using basically the same base with a few new supplies:

Here is a close up of the ornament:

I just sponged over my felted paper!!!! Check this out:

did the same for the background paper here, and added crystal effect to make the ornament shine:

How cool is that?!   

I will show you the "Turkey" re-do tomorrow!  Have a great night

September stamp camp was Sweet, and so is the Hostess Special!

September Stamp camp was SWEET!  We made some Fantastic cards, Check them out:

 I got this dress pattern from Splitcoaststampers, they have so many wonderful templates!  I used a beautiful Stampin' Up! Big Shot Die: Elegant Boquet.  Can you see it?

I got this idea from my fellow demo...an adoptee in our group...Heather, she made one like this for her class.

This card is almost exact case from Dianna Gibbs, I love her use of colors and layers and couldn't wait to copy this card!  I spot beautiful layouts and ideas all over SplitCoast stampers, in my group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators, and on the Stampin' Up! demo website.  This month I made the most of the layouts I found!

I can't begin to tell you how much I love the Le Jardine Botanique set.  Every stamp in it is beautiful.  This stamp in particular makes such a fantistic simple card... Check out the close up, spectacular stamp to "thump"...with markers.

  

We always stamp the inside of our cards as well as the outside.  If you are interested in purchasing any of these sets from me, just follow the link to my demo web site and click on Shop Now...they will be on their way to you in no time!

There is a SWEET Hostess special going on right now, check it out and keep in mind that I give private classes for your group of friends, and for a limited time if they order $250 you will get This Special Deal:

 

  

September Special: Stampin' Up! Hostess Special Bonus my WEBSITE

September through November 2009

• Host a $250 Stampin' Up! workshop, and choose any one item* from the Holiday 2009 Mini Catalog for just $10! (By selecting a Holiday Mini Catalog product as one of your free choices, you actually be earning more hostess benefits!)

On October 1-November 30, when My Digital Studio is released, this offer will become even sweeter:

• Host a workshop of at least $400 and in addition to the above, get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97)! 

Choose from our award-winning stamps, beautiful new Simply Adorned jewelry, exclusive Build-A-Bear Workshop products, or latest dies for the Sizzix Big Shot. With so much to choose from, you'll feel like a kid in a candy shop!

Best of all, this amazing offer is in addition to the

already fantastic hostess benefits we offer.
Make plans today to host your own Stampin' Up! workshop and enjoy this sweet reward., contact me today to hold your own personal class or workshop.

*Offer does not include My Digital Studio or hostess sets

September through November 2009

• Host a $250 Stampin' Up! workshop, and choose any one item* from the Holiday 2009 Mini Catalog for just $10! (By selecting a Holiday Mini Catalog product as one of your free choices, you actually be earning more hostess benefits!)

On October 1-November 30, when My Digital Studio is released, this offer will become even sweeter:

• Host a workshop of at least $400 and in addition to the above, get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97)! 

Choose from our award-winning stamps, beautiful new Simply Adorned jewelry, exclusive Build-A-Bear Workshop products, or latest dies for the Sizzix Big Shot. With so much to choose from, you'll feel like a kid in a candy shop!

Best of all, this amazing offer is in addition to the

already fantastic hostess benefits we offer.
Make plans today to host your own Stampin' Up! workshop and enjoy this sweet reward., contact me today to hold your own personal class or workshop.

*Offer does not include My Digital Studio or hostess sets

Stamp Camp Christmas Shaker Card

Here i s a card we will be making at Stamp Camp, it is a shaker card.  A friend of mine I met at work (HI CHERYL!) was kind enough to bring me the directions for making this card and was also sweet enough to provide the base of the shaker!  I want to find out when she is coming so we can make these at stamp camp. 

Isn't it neat?  When you shake it "snow" and "ice" make a pretty sound as the swooosh and rattle inside the card.  It looks like we are peeking into the night sky by the light of the moon!  (Okay, that's how I see it, LOL) 

It wasn't easy to design this card for some reason.  I had a picture in my head but it just wouldn't come out onto paper.  I asked my husband his opinion after the first one was made, he said it needed to be red and green to look like Christmas, so I made a red one.  I wasn't happy with either one and I worked on changing them for hours.  I finally gave up ... creative block was holding me back, and went to the most talented people I know, my fellow demonstrators in my group.  I am so happy I have Stampin' Up! demonstrator friends, we all help each other and it is such a blessing!  As I was saying this card took me about half a day to figure out, colors, textures, shaker stuff, layers, ribbon, size, how to make it easy.  When I hit my creative block I decided I would bounce the final two designs off of them,  asking them what they thought I could change and how, and what color they liked best... I got some good imput:  "fill in the sky" was one, so the deer moved up and it looked much better. "white ribbon on the corner like a present instead of green ribbon straight across" That was a great idea, "How about a strip of designer paper?" I added the textured paper that I tore to look like snow, and then I decided to add the tree in front of the scene.  What do you think?  Do you like it?  Want to see a couple of the before pictures? 

 

They aren't even CLOSE to as pretty as my final product.  Thank goodness for friends and email!  I sent these side by side in an email and asked their opinions, got ideas emailed back right away, and went to work on it this morning when I was fresh with creativity and I am so glad I changed it!  My group ROCKS! 

Girls Weekend and Stamp Camp Beauties

I had such a WONDERFUL "Girls Weekend"!  I laughed and laughed, it was so much fun.  We stayed up so late it was early (3:30 both nights) We shared ideas, and we got to enjoy my friend/upline Jan's new stampin' studio....What great fun!   I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere after the chaos that last month brought.  Her new stampin' studio is complete with everything we needed, we showered only to put on fresh new PJs, we didn't need to get up early, no rushing, deadlines, and NOT traveling to Utah was the biggest bonus for me (I don't fly well, lol).  The food was wonderful, and there was no real cooking involved, the weather was perfect, we ate outside on her deck,we couldn't have asked for anything more!  My kits are all ready for stamp camp, here is a preview:

 I did cut an extra kit so if you aren't sure if you registered but you know you want to attend, please email me!  Wait until you see these beauties close up and personal!  The hello card was cased from the catty, I cased the elegant congratulations card from Jenn Sanns, but the other three are all me.  It takes me HOURS to come up with an idea, and then get it made, tweaking this and that, changing colors and layout ... until I feel it is JUST right. I can't tell you how many hours I spent trying to get that corner book mark/Card and gift set just right.  I am still not sure it is, so it may look Very Different by the time you get here Saturday...LOL  The Birthday Bliss Jeep has chalked on mud and the effect is so amazing in real life.  And I didn't capture the dimension or the shimmering beauty of the Medallion card.  You will love it!  I also cased someone's swap for the following card:

   I changed it a bit to make it my own, and I am not sure who the originator was.  Now lunch and back to work for me, just wanted to check in and tell you I am well rested and looking forward to some MORE fun with "My Stampin' Ladies" this weekend!

Update on Dad and July Stamp camp

My dad had surgery on Thursday and all went well.  He had a metal ring put around his heart valve, it is amazing what they can do.  Although his kidneys still aren't functioning properly he is breathing much better now and has a bit of color back.  He is mad and in pain, (the nurses were making him get up today and he didn't like it one bit)....but he should be out of ICU soon if he does what they tell him to do.

I carried on with Stamp Camp as planned, and I am so glad I did.  My girls are so wonderful and we had fun today, it was a much needed distraction and I am thankful to have my stampin' friends!  Here is one of the cards we made.  I hope you can join us for the August Stamp Camp.  I am going to try to figure out how to add a gallery and link it to this post to show you the rest.

 

 

July Stamp Camp

I'm Baaaaaack! With a T.V. card

I usually post daily, but as I am sure you have noticed...due to an insane working schedule and family commitments as well as the inability to keep my eyes open and the need to keep my sanity I have been MIA for a while now!  Did you miss me?

  Let me rewind and show you the cutest little card we made at my stamp camp in May.  I was down to designing my very last card and I still had so much to do to get ready.  I was talking to my friend Dianne and told her I wanted to use the set "And Many Mower".  I had already used the golfer guy and the lawn mower.  I had used the 3"R" for my dad's card HERE  Now if you know me, once I make something...it's made, and I don't want to make it again...(I am so bad).  So although there was nothing at all wrong with this card and I am sure my girls would have enjoyed making it...I had already made it and gave it away and I didn't want to make itagain.  Dianne told me that square reminded her of T.V., maybe I could make a t.v. card....hmmmm.  Okay, that is exactly what I did!

   Remember these?  I have one in my basement, it was my grandmothers.  What do you thINK of this T.V.?

Inside it says " NOW RELAX, Happy father's day!"  Perfect for all the dads in my life...try one today! 

Nice to be back, I will try to get back on schedule.. I MISS this!

May Stamp Camp Sneak Peek!

Okay, did I mention I am working INSANE hours?  Between working at the church, stampin', and the Chiropractor's office ... I figured out today that I am doing about 70 + hours  Next week and the week after.  This week wasn't as bad, probably only 60+ hours, but next week we have one girl on vacation and the week after a different girl on vacation...and we are one short because Amanda is past due and stopped working last week.  YAWN, I am "tie-Yad" as my children used to say.  So I am posting this extra early, cause I have to be up at 6:30 and go to work. (Did I mention I am working 7 days a week? Moan...)  Although I will get a day off on the 16th for stamp camp (WOOOOWHOOOO) and 22nd too...so that is something to look forward too.  Wondering why am I getting a day off on the 22nd?  Well, it's because I am getting my permanent cap put in...who would have thought I would be happy for dental work!  I shouldn't gripe, I love all my jobs!  It will be nice to have extra money, I will definitely be placing a nice big fat order for myself of TOYS from Stampin' Up!  Okay, waaaa  Waaaa waaaaa!  I am done.

On to happy things...I am posting the four cards we will be making at my May Stamp camp.  If you want to come you need to let me know before Saturday afternoon...that is tomorrow, May 9th.  I have zero time to cut kits so I will be doing it late tomorrow night and late Sunday night.  Here they are:

 

This is that beautiful re-inker technique I mentioned earlier.  I lost my original rose but whipped up two more in a matter of minutes, no kidding, they are QUICK!  Losing the rose almost made me lose my mind, but it turned out to be such a Wonderful little blessing!  I actually changed the way to do this!  My way gives you these cool dark lines that make the petals look even MORE REAL!  Whenever I get roses if the petals have been creased or bent at all ... as they age they get this dark lines and veins in them.  Here is a closer look:

  

HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!!!!  OMG I love it when a moment that starts with total frustration and freaking out over something that is missing ends with a beautiful little item like this!

This is one of the May stamp Camp Cards.  Here is another:

 You can use any word stamps on this one, but for me this is the perfect fit.  God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone but in the trees and flowers and clouds and stars - Martin Luther.

Look at the change in this little guy, by changing the colors I used for my swap he looks perfect for a masculine birthday or a graduation card for guys or girls.  There is a big shot scallop envelope inside for $$$$$GIFTS$SSS$$$!  The paper I used for the envelope is retired and it looks like wood!

Don't forget the Purses:

 

Now I am not going to show you the project, I have to leave some kind of surprise don't I?  Hope to hear from you soon!

Purse punches

 

Isn't this the cutest?  We will be making this at my May stamp camp.  Of course you can use whatever word stamps you would like.  This will be a great mother's day card or birthday card with a little switch of the words.  We are using SO MANY of my punches on this card and it is great fun!   I am starting to cut my kits.  I have been working 7 days a week, so I have to fit it in when I can.  If you are going to attend please email me asap so I can add your name to my list of people to cut for.    Tomorrow I will try to post and show you how adorable my owl card came with my colors switched out.  It will be such a nice male birthday for young or old or and even better graduation card...complete with money holder inside. 

A while back I was looking through blogs and I saw a card someone made so many cute things using punches.  They made a beautiful card, it was long like business size and had the same paper I used...using a few different punches to make purses.  I saved the idea but I forgot to add a link so I can't find the sight now.  I searched for Punch Purses with no luck.  I you know who's idea this is please share the info with me and I will post a link.  I came up with this card using my very favorite paper ever, of course.  If it retires I am going to have to stock up on 10 or 12 packs!  LOL

I promise I will post again soon, but for now, it's off to bed! (early ... I know, but I am working from 7:30 - 7 tomorrow...I need the rest!)

Um, just can't use the dark colors, new blooms for March Stamp Camp

After work today I brought Jake to the dog park.  We had so much fun being outside, playing in the sun....I have Spring fever big time.  I came home and Changed this card: It is just too dark, and not "me".  I looked at it and said to myself..."I don't really need a congratulations card very often and these colors are too dark!"  So now we are making this card:

     

I know, huge difference right?  If you like the dark one better I will let you cut the cardstock to make yours that way, just be sure to clean the stamps when you are done...I LOVE this card, the other one was Okay, but I LOVE this one!  Thanks Jake!

March Stamp Camp Project!

Oh my goodness!  While I was "blurfing" the other day (Thanks Rose, for sharing your cool knowledge of computer language with me...blurfing is blog surfing) I came accross this:Click here: eat... sleep... stamp....: Baskets & Blooms Bin

People are SO brilliant!  I love this idea!  WE are going to make this basket at my March Stamp camp, check it out:

 It fits full size CARDS...and LOTS of them too!  Wouldn't that make a great gift?

Or you could fill it with candy: 

Just add paper grass.

You will be able to pick green or pink:

 

Aren't they SWEET?  I had so much fun making these cuties.  You will be able to put this little chick on your basket, Or if you want to use the flower that is on this same big shot die, you can use that.  But just look at this little face, how could you resist?

  This baby is just waiting for you to bring it home.  Hope to see you at stamp camp, I am making the kit today.  Call or email me Today...Saturday March 14th, if you would like to join us.

Creativity and inspiration

  Creativity and Inspiration, My too favorite parts of any day.  I have always had that creative part and I am easily inspired.  What I love about Stampin' Up! is that even if you are the kind of person stronger in ... lets say....math (my greatest weakness) SU makes it easy to be creative and find inspiration.  You remember my stamp camp cards for March?  Well look at them now, here is how you can change one little thing on a card and make it look so different:

   

Okay and how about this:

   

and for this card:

Keep it clean and simple or:

Layer it up (you know me, lots and lots of layers!  That doesn't have to be how you make your card.   Take out one, or two of the layers and make the card your own style!)

It's all up to you:

OR This!  When you consider the change out of words the possibilities of this trio becomes endless!

Quick and easy Congratulations

The card in the middle is the latest addition to my March Stamp camp.  I used it as a congratulations card, but you can use any of my long word stamps:

This card was so quick and easy, I love those kinds of cards don't you?  I saw this idea on Splitcoaststampers 

I was asked today about swapping out the image, for instance...if you didn't like the Rooster could you use a baby stamp set, a butterfly, or how about a monagram, or a heart like the one in "Always".  At my stamp camps I encourage creativity!  I have so many stamps, and most of them would fit nicely in that spot.  Same with the bird, if you are not a bird lover then just stamp the truck from truckloads of love, or flowers, a leaf, or simply a greeting.  I may make up a couple of ideas using the same supplies to show you what I mean.  Be on the lookout for the update.  

Rooster card

My husband's grandmother, Grammy Jones, lives in Maine and in Florida.  She LOVES Roosters.  She has so many wonderful roosters in her house.  Tiny, Big, Old, New, everything from knickknacks to plates!  I love going to her house and seeing her collection.  Being surrounded by things she loves, it is such a treat.  Every time I see a Rooster I think of Grammy Jones, and her yummy biscuits and gravy, and her out of this world meatloaf, or eating fiddle heads for the first time, or sleeping over and having it be darker and more quite than any other place I had ever been.  Maine is like another world, a world I love!  When I was making this card for my stamp camp I thought about Maine, how much snow they have been getting, how cold it is there, and how it warms my heart to stay with Rob's family...Aunt Donna and John.  Seeing his cousin and his family, visiting with Aunt Vassie, and when Grammy is in Maine...seeing her too.  It may be colder there then it ever is here, but thinking of being there gives me a warm feeling inside.  This card is warm too, it gives me the feeling of home and country living.  I hope you like it.  We will be making this card at March's stamp camp.  Have you registered yet?  I need you to be registered by this Friday, because the kits will be made this weekend.  I look forward to seeing you!

close up

 

Thoughts and Prayers card, and a Scrapbook opportunity

When I first saw the new catalog, I picked Thoughts and Prayers out and said "this is going to be on my very first order!" and it was.   I don't regret it one little tiny bit!  I love this tree and have more ideas in store for it.  I used "to the nines" specialty paper with this card and I love the way it looks.  Sage shadow is such a pretty color and this would make a great masculine birthday card...or get well card.  I have used it as a sympathy card, but so many of our word stamps would work here!

I stamped the inside as well, and you all know how I feel about naked envelopes, so when I send this the envelope will be co-ordinating as well!  LOL

We will be making this card at my stamp camp this Saturday.  I will share more with you tomorrow.  For now I have a question:

 

 I would like to know if there is interest in attending a "Year In A Day" scrapbook workshop here at my stampin' studio.  Using my bigshot, stamps, and ink...I will sell you the kit with all the papers you need.  You can copy my designs exactly or you can change them to fit your own style...with an unlimited amount of inks and stamps I am sure you will be able to make pages you will love!  Let me know what you think. 

You will make:

·         4 Spring Pages

·         6 Summer Pages

·         4 Fall Pages

·         4 Winter Pages

In addition you will receive:

·         One 12 x 12 linen album – 3 ring binder (your color choice)

·         Elements from the 

Sunshine

Garden

Simply Scrappin’ Kit

·         Buttons, ribbons, brads, chipboard and all the supplies to make great pages

·         1 package of glue dots

PLUS

·         Your choice of a FREE SALE-a-bration product! 

SUPPLIES YOU WOULD NEED TO BRING TO CLASS: SNAIL adhesive & a refill, paper snips, and a paper trimmer

SPACE WOULD BE VERY LIMITED!!  Stations will be set up, with a limit of  two people per station.

Let me know as soon as possible if you are interested so I can pick a date and start my extensive planning, and give you a price.  THANKS!

Simply beautiful friendship, and a Jake Watch moment

Okay, as promised I am starting to use more of my new stamps and giving my 24 -7 a bit of a break, bet you are glad to hear that! The name of the set I used on the following card is called "simple friendship"

Simple Friendship

113397

 

I was looking on the SU site and saw this:

"Nothing means more than having a true friend. You love having someone to share life's ups and downs as well as the joys and sorrows. Only your best friend knows how to finish your sentences!  Telling your dearest friend how much you care doesn't need to be complicated—in fact, the simpler, the better. With our Simple Friendship set, you'll be able to say and show how much you care. Each image in this set—from the simple verse, to the swirls, to the single flowers, and friend circle—has a style as unique as your very best friendships."

Wow, how perfect! 

I will be using this set at my stamp camp next Saturday, I think the girls will enjoy the Spring colors.  I am so sick of winter, sorry all you snow and cold weather lovers.  I have Spring fever BIG TIME!  Here's the Simple Friendship card:

The colors on this are wild huh?  Wait to you see it in person, it is AWESOME!  This is such a simple card too, I love it when they are easy!  Spring...oh please hurry up and get here!  I am so happy I have Stampin' friends, it helps the time pass faster.

Okay, time for a Jake watch: Drum roll please.......

  Here is my boy, with a "Kong" bone hanging out of his mouth, he looks funny huh?  He cracks me up.  

He is such a mama's boy.  The kids are on vacation this week which actually means he may be home alone more, or he may have days with a full house...If Jill is here or I am home he handles everything with a spring in his step...happy go lucky Jake...when we are gone he actually pouts, can you believe it?  He does, he pouts!  Rob will do his best to get him interested in something fun, or in this case something delicious to doggies.  That gets his tail waggin for a short time, but he isn't truely happy, wild and crazy happy, until Mommy gets home.  What a sweet heart.  If feels so good to get his love when I walk in the door.  I am so glad we have Jake in our lives! 

Sew vintage!

This stamp is So (sew) sweet!  It is from the puns from the past set.  We will be using this at my January stamp camp.  Elegant, vintage, classic...quick and simple...all of these words describe this card, I love it!  I hope you do too:

 

Have you seen the other stamps in the set?  They are so cute!  Okay, these are my style, but even if they aren't yours I think you will love the "Puns".  Check it out: 

too cute huh?  You can order this set anytime by ordering my website and clicking on Shop Now. 

Big Warm Bear Hugs

How's About a big warm Bear Hug?  I borrowed this set from my friend Laurie who is also a demonstrator.  She is in my group and we all help each other out as much as we can.  I had this bear hug idea in my head and it was driving me crazy, I just had to get it on paper...and what better for a Valentine's card than hug and a treat all in one?  This card has a package of cocoa inside.  So it is a card and a small gift, and it's pretty cute too.  

So here it is: 

Isn't this bear funny?  I am so glad I got to use him...but I have a few other ideas for this set and I think I may end up buying it.  You know how when you use something, and it works so good, and it is so easy, that you just HAVE to have it?  Uh huh...that happens to me too.  In our group we are always "making" each other buy things!  LOL

Workshop Wow

I have a video from SU that is called "Workshop WOW". It has a technique shown where you take Metallic paper, and emboss it with Metallic Ink, then brayer over the top with a color. It's called "Brayer Over Embossing"and is by Lisa Hirsch, it really is a WOW! I have looked and looked high and low for this video (I watched it right after convention...who knows were I put it....I have the empty case though, that certainly is helpful isn't it?) Okay, so I thought I could most likely figure out exactly what to do by the name listed on the back of the CD box....Brayer over Embossing. Brilliant huh? So here is my attempt at this technique and it is also one of the cards we will be making at my December Stamp camp....it is a MONEY card. (the kind my kids love best. They actually do a money chant over each card they get in the mail "Money, Money, Money, Money, Money" they say as they hold the card in their left hand with their right hand hovering about an inch over the card and circling clockwise. It seems to work for them. strangely enough. Any how, as I was saying before being distracted by the sweet money chant, here is my card: Isn't it pretty? I is gold metallic paper with gold embossed snowflakes, and then I used Burgundy ink and brayered it over the top. It comes out with almost a copper look to it. You can use any colors, and believe me, I tried many combinations before landing on this one. Some are not pretty...but, you learn by trying...and I am so glad I tried this! You will get to try it too if you are coming to my stamp camp.

December Stamp Camp Christmas Cardinal Ornament

Here is a sneak peek at the ornament, which is our stocking stuffer project, that we will be making at Stamp Camp in December. Here is a riddle for you: How can you tell it is time to get glasses? When you see a picture of an ornament you made close up and you can see the mess you made coloring out of the lines! LOL I swear when I colored this I stayed in the lines. When I looked at it I didn't see any mess, but now, whoa~ I have those fake glasses, but they are all scratched and I need to get a new pair. They are in my purse because I MUST have them at work to read all of those tiny little codes in the charts and the numbers on the checks, you know, important things like that. I need them at home too, but I am so afraid I will forget to put them back in my purse and be stuck with no way to really see what I am doing at work! Okay Lori, they are like...what...five bucks? I think I can go spring for a couple of new pairs. Now if only I wasn't having the problem of REMEMBERING to get them! Darn! I am getting too old, Bobby turned 21 on Monday so there is no denying it! I am having a hard time getting everything done this year, not enough time in the day...This saturday is the last day to register for my stamp camp, so please let me know if you will be coming. Starting this month I will need to get better at requiring a firm count two weeks before stamp camp. Pulling everything back out to cut kits the night before stamp camp has really become almost a monthy event for me, it is too overwhelming and I have to start being more organized ~ it will be my Resolution this New Year~ this old girl is hoping to avoid overload!

More from November's Stamp Camp

Hello again stampin' friends. I am here to show you more from our November Stamp Camp this past Saturday....Here is card three: Yup, another cardinal card, but this one is itty bitty adorable~Dont you think? Here is our project: My guests were able to choose the bird or the flower for their bookmarker. I Love the dove the best. Some white embossed their frames with winter white embossing powder, it looked like metal and was beautiful. We also made the deer card that is posted here: Deer It was such a fun day. Lots was shared at swap and share time and the swaps were the best ever! I am so glad the girls are enjoying this because I sure can't get enough, lol. Hope to hear from more of you, please join me for next months Stamp camp, email me for details.

Christmas cards from November Stamp Camp ... I'm Back

Okay, as you could probably tell from my last couple of posts, I wasn't really feeling well....I mean, when do I ever "talk" so little? UMMmmmm, Never! Those posts were short, and then followed by a long silence. That is because I had run myself down to the point where I ended up sick, Ugh. When will I ever learn? Hmmm, I don't know, I am pretty thick headed, maybe I won't. LOL Okay, on a brighter, happier note, I got lots of rest and I feel just like ME again! Which is a good thing...cause that means I am all done whining. tee hee I thought I would share a few things about my weekend. I will start with this pretty card: This is the cardinal we ended up making at Stamp Camp on Saturday. I think it was the favorite of most of the campers. Here is my favorite: It is so pretty "IRL" In Real Life....lots of sparkles where the ice and snow is...and I just love this paper. I will add the project tomorrow. It's good to be back!