Be on the Lookout--New Products Featured in Blog Hop!

This weekend January 1-3, as you ring in the new year, check out my blog and 23 other amazing demonstrator blogs with projects featuring the new Occasions Mini-Catalog products!

Clear Stamps, new ribbon, new dies, new texturz folders, new stamps, new images, and many new ideas!

Dedicated to all things Stampin’ Up, Stampin’ Addicts offers SU-oriented galleries, challenges and special events. Membership is free of charge, and is open to Stampin’ Up fans everywhere! Click here to check it out!

Digital Ron!

I also made a calender for Ron's guardian Belle. Each Christmas, Bubba strives to find a gift that will make her cry and this one did the job:

I loved making these using My Digital Studio. I could use all my Stampin' Up! favorites without leaving the comfort of my chaise lounge and fleeece blankets on a snow day!

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas

This year, I used Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio to create our Christmas Cards. Still, I didn't get them sent out in time. A few people will be getting paper copy, but to be eco-girl once again in my life--here is the digital version:

and the annual letter. I write the letter and Bubba adds his comments on the side. I've italicized his words in this version:

Happy Winter to all! December 09

What a year! Life is certainly not boring since I met Bubba. We still look at each other once in a while in amazement and say “Can you believe we’re married?” Yet, married life fits us—our way. The winter was pretty uneventful, other than a few road trips for Bubba when I kicked him out so he could have some time to himself. He traveled to Tennessee twice, once on his own and once to visit a friend. Ah, Tennessee. The land of roadside BBQ, country music, and hotel rooms that can comfortably fit me and one other dude.

As Spring neared, my love for my job was evident and I hated the idea of looking elsewhere. One day, Bubba said, “You should just keep your job. You are good at it and they need you.” Little did he know what the consequences of that statement would be! I started looking for cheap places to buy or rent. As usual I should have just kept my big mouth shut. That’s what I get for trying to be a supportive husband. We found a cabin that was perfect for us- me, Bubba, Ron, and Don. In June, Bubba and I became second home owners and the work began. See how she lists herself first? The property was in sad condition as a foreclosure, so Bubba financed a renovation project with the help of our handyman and friend Jim and a weekend of work by my dad, Bubba, and I. “Sad condition” is SaraSpeak for “Where’s the credit card?” The basement has been entirely redone and has a FABULOUS new bathroom, family room, pellet stove, and stamping area. The upstairs got new floors, new paint, and will soon get a new bathroom. I am grateful to Bubba for loving me enough to know what I needed the most!

“Stamping area” is SaraSpeak for the entire basement is a stamping area. What she needed most was to get away from me?

Over the summer, we worked on the house, but also found time to celebrate Bubba’s 40^th birthday at a local BBQ joint, BBQ joint? 3 Michelin Star restaurant is more like it. That stuff is awesome!

visit my brother in law’s family cottage, and generally have fun. Unfortunately, Ron (one of the guys that live with us), broke his left hip and spent three months in the hospital and nursing home. We were sure glad to have him back home, even though it meant sleepless nights for Bubba (as Ron needs frequent assistance at night). Ron is almost back to his old independence, so we are thankful to that. In July, Bubba bought a Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic and found a new passion-riding the road. The bike is really fun and has brought out a whole new side of me. Okay…maybe not “new” but it has certainly enhanced what was already there. In August, he rode from Neenah to Laramie, WY, while Don and I followed in the Urban Assault Vehicle. We reached Salt Lake City just in time for my annual Stampin’ Up! Convention, where I learned new techniques, had fun, and celebrated a hobby I love. Bubba and Don went sightseeing and to movies. Bubba discovered his all-time favorite restaurant- ACME Burgers. He was speechless as he read the menu, because he couldn’t decide which one to get!

As my 11^th year at the Menominee Indian Middle School started, I had a quiet place to go home to, a job I loved, and my face all over the TV in a WEAC commercial. My kids (present and past) loved that their teacher was on TV, so it was worth the make-up and acting. In November, my school was named a NASSP Met Life Breakthrough School, which is a national honor to school that have made significant gains in achievement. Finally, we are being recognized for the improvements we have made as a staff. She’s being modest and downplaying the achievements of her school. The school is one of four in the nation to be named a school of excellence. It is because of the hard work of teachers like Sara that those kids have a real chance in life. I’m both proud and humbled by the work Sara does.

I hope this letter finds you and yours happy and healthy! And I’m competing for my second fantasy football title this weekend. Which I will no doubt win.

Wishing you health, strength, and life in the new year!

Sara and Bubba

Christmas Basket of Warmth

I love giving little gifts that are cute and practical. Here is one I designed for my Last Minute Gifts Stamp Camp.

Stamps: Fresh Cuts

Paper: Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper, Ruby Red, Soft Suede, Handsome Hunter

Ink: Handsome Hunter

Accessories: Scoring Blade with 12 x 12 Paper Trimmer, Sticky Strip, 5 Petal Punch, Large Oval Punch, So Saffron Brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Matte, Paper Crimper, Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon

To make this basket, I first used my grid paper to measure the bottom area of the candles. Then, I added an inch on each side. I cut it out, scored 1 inch in from each side and then trimmed a bit off each tab. The official square measurement was 4 3/4 x 4 3/4.

I then cut a 3 3/4 inch square of Soft Suede to add stability and 4 panels that were 3 3/4 x 1 1/4. I slide those in the side to create a cool edge. (and extra stability).

Next, I added a handle of Ruby Red that was 1 inch wide by 9 inches. I added an accent piece 3/4 inch wide by 9 inches. I used sticky strip to adhere the handle to the inside.

I added belly bands to the candles and put them inside the basket.

For the decorative handle, I folded an oval punch and ran it though the crimper. I punched two 5 petal punches and layered them. I also added brads for the center of the flower.

A cute, but easy gift!

Happy Stamping!

Digital Scrapbooking Don!

For those of you that don't know, Bubba (my husband)'s job is to take care of two fabulous men who live with us, and also happen to be developmentally disabled. Ron and Don. Each year, we try to give their guardians a special present- pottery painted by "the guys," a mini scrapbook, a picture made them, something special. As soon as I knew Stampin' Up! was releasing a digital design software, I knew what I wanted to create this year--a calendar! One of the coolest things about the My Digital Studio Software is that I can create movies with music and other multimedia presentations with my images, so here is Don's calendar:

Cool, huh? I just love his smile and excitement we've seen from him this year!

I fully created this calender with the software, My Digital Studio. Very easy to use and fun to play with Stampin' Up! on my computer!

Happy Gift Giving!

Simple, yet Sweet Wrapping

At Convention, I got this great swap using a top note die and a little bag. It seemed like the perfect way to wrap those small gifts for cousins, neighbors, or co-workers. I knew I had bags in my messy stamp room and since I love the top note die, I knew right what to do:

Stamps: Sweet Season

Paper: Kraft mini lunch bag, Real Red, Kraft

Ink: Glorious Green, Real Red, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Large oval punch, Top Note Bigz Die, Big Shot, Vintage Brads, Paper Piercing tool, Matte pad, Dimensionals

These are very simple to make, but a WOW. I was bored at a craft fair and whipped a bunch up. Pretty soon, I had a crowd around me amazed at my coolness. Really, it wasn't that hard, but hey, I'll take credit!

To me, Real Red and Glorius Green are Christmas colors. The kraft paper works well to finish off the color combo. Now, what to make for inside the bags?

Off to stamp!

Vintage Stenciling for Christmas Cheer

When I was a kid, my mom created her own stencils and my sister and I spent hours making stenciled cards, fabric, and towels--anything we could. Stampin' Up! added a line of stencils to the Definitely Decorative Line and I knew right away that I wanted to make some tiles. Then, I lucked out and found these tiles (as leftovers from the tiling in our house last winter).

Ink: Ruby Red Craft Ink, Handsome Hunter Craft Ink, Ballet Blue Craft Ink, Chocolate Chip Craft Ink, Encore Silver Ink

Accessories: Vintage Ornaments Decor Stencils, Sponge Daubers, a 12 x 12 tile, Join the Cheer Stampin' Up! Sizzlet Decorative Strip Die, Whisper White Vinyl Sheets, Decorative Strip Spacer, Decorative Strip Cutting Pads

How cool is that! I started with the ornaments, then added the "greenery." These stencils are durable and ornate all at the same time. I simply daubed the ink over the stencil opening and created the effect I wanted. Many times in stenciling the edges are darker than the middles--it's "the look" of stencils, but I like solids. The ink isn't dry yet in the picture below, but I could layer the other stencil and do my work! If I made a mistake, I just had to use a baby wipe to clear the tile and I could start over.

To create the words, I had a huge problem. First, I only had Whisper White Decor Element Vinyl, which looked goofy with the vintage feel of the tiles. Second, I needed something for the bottom of the tile. I love the peace and joy from the Join the Cheer Die, so I used the words, but as a reverse stencil:

The final step was to put the tile in the oven at 250 degrees for about 20 minutes to heat set the ink.

Wishing you peace and joy and creativity!

Snowman Cocoa Pouch

I am so proud of myself. Just ask my mom. I called her and squealed when I first finished designing this project (which we made at my Last Minute Gift Stamp Camp). I combined an idea from Tami White at Stampin' Addicts and the sweet center drop door from Becky Roberts at Inking Idaho:

It's cute enough on that side, but it gets even better on the inside:

It's an all you need for a cozy winter night! (choose your favorite mug from your cupboard).

Stamps: none

Paper: Christmas Cocoa, Kraft, Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: none

Accessories: Sweet Centers Cup, 1 3/4 punch, 3/4 punch, 12 inch paper cutter with scoring blade, word window punch, tag punch, Pretties kit, mini glue dots, dimensionals, candy cane, hot cocoa pouch, marshmellows, Paper Snips, sticky strip, ribbon, corduroy buttons, scallop edge punch

This is too cute to keep to myself, so here is a tutorial:

I love this paper and decided that I needed to use it up before Christmas, but I didn't want to waste it. I started with a base of 12" x 4" (so you can get three from a sheet).

Use the scallop punch on the bottom edge of the front flap. By the magic of measurement, it'll sit right where you want it. You can also punch the opening for the sweet centers cup about 2/3 of the way up on the right side, about 1/2 inch from the edge.

I learned that you need to use the 3/4 inch circle punch, which seems large, but helps the candy cane sit flatter than when I tried the 1/2 inch punch.

I love how the double sided paper shows both sides! Love it, love it, love it.

I made a layered panel (ALA Becky Roberts at Inking Idaho's Halloween Sweet Treats Idea). Just-mine is bigger. That way, the marsh mellows can be added to the cup of cocoa! I found that raising the back panel with dimensionals made the slider work better.

Tami White is responsible for showing the snowman punching technique. It's great to have great demonstrators share great ideas!

To finish the snowman, I was inspired by the shimmery paper and decided to use my half pearls from the pretties kit for eyes instead of googly eyes. I like the elegance and the fun of it! (Plus, I used more pearls. I bought the kit almost 2 years ago and still have lots left).

The nose was made by cutting a scalene triangle with my paper snips. Did I just use a math word? Sorry, I've been teaching geometry lately. Scalene just means all sides are different lengths. I used a folded piece of ribbon for the scarf. I adhered it using pop up dots under the corduroy buttons.

Happy Gift Making!

Linen Paper

Well, not really, "linen paper," but a linen effect on paper! This was a real WOW for me when I tried it and for the stampers at my monthly technique class.

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, On Your Birthday

Paper: Glossy White, Perfect Plum, Sage Shadow

Ink: So Saffron, Perfect Plum Marker, Sage Shadow Marker

Accessories: Boho Blossoms Punch, Latte Buttons, Paper Cutter, Sponge Daubers, Sanding Blocks

This is a supercool and supereasy technique: 1) rub Sanding Blocks in one direction across glossy cardstock. Turn paper 90 degrees and rub sanding block in same direction. 2) Use sponge daubers to color cardstock!

So easy (and a bit messy).

Enjoy!

Christmas Countdown

As a kid, I love the advent calenders we bought each year from the High School German Students. Each night, I got a chocolate, which wasn't really around the house much. A friend had these little tins available to me and all I could envision was a fun advent calendar:

Stamps: Best Wishes and More

Paper: Merry Moments Designer Series Paper, Real Red, Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Garden Green, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Go Go Boots Sizzlets Dies, Acrylic Cutting Pads, Multipurpose Platform, Assorted Ribbon, Tag Punch, Silver Elastic Cord, Star Punch, 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Crystal Effects, magnents, tins

I found that our 1 3/4 Circle Punch made perfect circles for the tops of my little tins. How fortunate! I simply punched numerous circles from scraps of my Merry Moments Paper. I cut out the numbers using my Big Shot and Go Go Boots Sizzlets Alphabet. I added some punched out circles with the snowflakes. I used my ribbon scraps around the bases of the tins...all current.

All in all this project took a couple of hours on a Saturday night. I now can enjoy it for years to come!

Now that we've digested Thanksgiving dinner, often we start to turn our thinking toward Christmas. Black Friday shopping has either started or finished the shopping list, and it's time to think of Christmas Cards. Some organized people have created their cards and are addressing them now. However, if you are like me, it's a dream to have them ready before Christmas! If you are more like me than those pesty organized people, here's a Christmas card idea. It looks fabulous, but actually was pretty quick to finish!

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes

Paper: Merry Moments Designer Series Paper, Soft Suede, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: Big Shot, Snowflakes #2 Original Bigz Die, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, 1/2 Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals

I love snow and snowflakes and red and green and this card fits it! (Sorry for the run-on sentence, pretend you are listening to me talk if it bothers you).

Don't forget: If your Stampin' Wish List includes Stampin' Up! stuff, send your loved ones to my website, click on shop now, and they can order online! Or I can place an order via phone or email.

Happy Turkey Day!

The night before Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite nights of the year. My family is the cause of that. You see, every year of my life until college, my family (Mom, Dad, Sister) went to spend the week at my grandparent's farm. Nic and I had a great time playing on the handmade braided rug in front of the fire place. Mom and Grandma would cook and do "visiting." My Dad and Grandpa would be deer hunting. I would run around from window to window to catch sight of a deer or them hunting. When I finally old enough to join them, I did.

On Monday, Dad went to the "Deer Shack" and Mom, Nic, and I would go to my other grandma's apartment to stay. This was "get homework done time" and visiting time. We usually got to do some fun stuff, too. On Wednesday night, my Dad and Uncles would come home to grandma's and tell raucous stories of the Deer Shack escapades and I would listen in wonder. I loved the anticipation of that night. Also, I got to help cook. Well, kind of. Early on, we'd wash or peel potatoes or mix stuff. Mostly, I watched. As I got older, Grandma Elsie let us help more, as she needed a bit extra help to feel all of the Mattson's the next day.

Thanksgiving itself was split between the two houses: dinner one year at one, supper at the other and vice versa. I loved it at both houses as it was the holiday I got see and play with cousins.

Anyway, reminiscing over: This year, when I saw this little project, I had to make my own and share:

Stamps: Grateful Greetings (inside)

Paper: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Garden Green, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Die #2, Large Oval Punch, Sweet Center Cup, 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Googly Eyes.

Both of my grandma's would be proud. I miss them, but know they are always a part of me!

UP TO 50% off Stampin Up Items!

Excuse me if you have trouble reading this post, but it's hard to type when my jaw is sitting on the floor in awe of this AMAZING SALE FROM STAMPIN' UP!

Check it out at my Stampin' Up! website www.lilyinkpad.stampinup.net

You can email me with your order or place your order online using my SHOP NOW button (upper right hand corner of my Stampin' Up! website).

Here is a list:

Holiday Extravaganza Bundle Offering:
Item Description Regular Price Discounted Price
120280 Framed with Love Bundle
• Framed with Love stamp set
• Full Heart punch $43.90 $21.95

120281 Thank You Kindly Bundle
• Thank You Kindly stamp set
• Scallop Edge punch $29.90 $14.95

120976 Thank You Kindly Bundle (French)
• Tous mes remerciements stamp set
• Scallop Edge punch $29.90 $14.95

120282 Animal Crackers Bundle
• Animal Crackers stamp set
• Star Designer brads $25.90 $12.95

120283 Corduroy Button Bundle
• Kraft Corduroy buttons
• Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons
• Summer Sun Corduroy buttons
• Basic Gray Corduroy buttons
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons $49.75 $24.88

120284 Game Night Bundle
• Card Games stamp set
• Game Night stamp set $40.90 $20.45

120285 Four Square Bundle
• Four Square stamp set
• Scallop Square punch $30.90 $15.45

120286 Heart to Heart Bundle
• Love You Much stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon $49.85 $24.93

120310 Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish)
• Te Quiero Mucho stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon $49.85 $24.93

120311 Heart to Heart Bundle (French)
• J't'aime beaucoup stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon $49.85 $24.93

120287 Chipboard Letter Bundle
• On Board Timeless Type
• On Board Loads of Letters $25.90 $12.95
120288 Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle
• Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon $17.90 $10.74

120289 Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle*
• Best Wishes & More stamp set
• Eight Great Greetings stamp set
• On a Pedestal stamp set
• Earth Elements Stampin' Spots
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Flower Designer brads $127.70 $76.62

120290 Build-A-Brad Bundle
• Calendar Alphabet stamp set
• Pewter Build-A-Brad
• Antique Brass Build-A-Brad $40.85 $24.51

120291 Enjoy Every Moment Bundle
• Enjoy Every Moment stamp set
• Circle Designer brads
• Flower Designer brads $43.85 $26.31

120312 Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French)
• Profiter de chaque instant stamp set
• Circle Designer brads
• Flower Designer brads $43.85 $26.31

120292 Cheep Talk Bundle
• Cheep Talk stamp set
• Note cards
• Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons $42.85 $25.71

120293 Sock Monkey Bundle
• Sock Monkey stamp set
• Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons $58.85 $35.31

120313 Sock Monkey Bundle (French)
• Sing-chaussette stamp set
• Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons $58.85 $35.31

120294 Alphabet Bundle
• Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set
• Lovely Letters stamp set $87.90 $52.74


120295 Simply Said Bundle
• Simply Said stamp set
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Full Heart punch $52.85 $31.71

120314 Simply Said Bundle (French)
• Amitié stamp set
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Full Heart punch $52.85 $31.71

120296 On Board Bundle
• On Board So Tweet
• On Board Batch of Blooms
• On Board Essentials $42.85 $25.71

120927 Christmas Décor Bundle #1
• Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements $74.85 $44.91

120298 Christmas Décor Bundle #2
• Holly Beary Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements $74.85 $44.91

120299 Christmas Décor Bundle #3
• Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements $74.85 $44.91

120300 For All You Do Bundle
• For All You Do stamp set
• 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads $36.90 $25.83

120315 For All You Do Bundle (French)
• Merci pour tout stamp set
• 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads $36.90 $25.83

120316 For All You Do Bundle (Spanish)
• Por todo lo que haces stamp set
• 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads $36.90 $25.83

120301 Striped Ribbon Bundle
• Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon $47.73 $33.41

120302 Bling Bundle
• Sticky Pages
• Sticky Cuts Sweet
• Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter
• Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter $43.80 $30.66

120303 Fresh-Cut Bundle
• Fresh Cuts stamp set
• Fresh-Cut Notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads $37.85 $26.50

120317 Fresh-Cut Bundle (French)
• Fraicheur exuise stamp set
• Fresh-Cut Notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads $37.85 $26.50

120304 Pendant Note Bundle
• Pendant Park stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads $39.85 $27.90

120318 Pendant Note Bundle (French)
• Adorable parc stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads $39.85 $27.90

120319 Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish)
• Un dia en el parque stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads $39.85 $27.90

120305 Sporting Bundle #1
• Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements
• Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements $67.90 $47.54

120306 Sporting Bundle #2
• Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements
• Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements $67.90 $47.54

120307 Sporting Bundle #3
• Large Black Sporting Décor Elements
• Black Just Sports Décor Elements $67.90 $47.54

114864 Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements $39.95 $27.97
114863 Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements $39.95 $27.97
112534 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads $7.95 $5.57
112533 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads $6.95 $4.87
112081 Scallop Square punch $15.95 $11.17
113693 Full Heart punch $15.95 $11.17
113694 Heart to Heart punch $15.95 $11.17
112091 Scallop Edge punch $15.95 $11.17
112571 Circle Designer brads $5.95 $4.17
112579 Flower Designer brads $5.95 $4.17
112572 Star Designer brads $5.95 $4.17
114785 Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements $39.95 $27.97
114786 Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements $69.95 $48.97
114791 Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements $39.95 $27.97
114792 Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements $64.95 $45.47

Can you believe it?

Black and White In Style

At Convention I received a great swap using a technique called emboss resist on DSP. WOW! It was jaw dropping. The image of the paper was highlighted by the embossing and the rest of the card was muted. I wanted to share this right away with my Technique class.

Here's my version:

Stamps: Medallion, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Night and Day Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Whisper White, Basic Black

Accessories: Crystal Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Tool, Powder Pal, Sponge daubers, Flower Brads, 5/8 Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Here is the card and technique 6x6 page:

How fun! The trickiest part of this project was seeing the clear ink on the busy paper to figure out 1) if it was inked, and 2) if it was fully embossed. The second trickiest part was the messiness of the sponge daubing! Oh well, it makes a cool card!

Happy Stamping!

I'm Still Here!

Seriously, I haven't dropped off the planet, just my blog. I've had to focus all my energy on my day job and my family and my health, so the blog took a hit. However, in the next few days (hopefully, cross your fingers) I hope to back post all of the great things I've been storing, but not sharing. Be ready to see some great projects, with my original intentions! The dates will be weird, but I hope to fill to GAP I left.

Technique Class--Polished Stone

Falls colors always amaze me. I love the cold weather--the little nip in the air that comes with fall mornings. I am not a fan of the yardwork, but I do love being outdoors this time of year. Lately, the weather has been rainy and cold. I miss the October I love, so I am getting my fall colors in my stamping!

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree

Paper: Glossy White, Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Kraft

Ink: Basic Brown

Accessories: Dusty Durango Reinker, Crushed Curry Reinker, Cotton Balls, Rubbing Alcohol, Heat gun (to speed drying), Scallop Oval Punch, Medium Oval Punch

The technique called Polished stone was modified for this project, as I lacked an ingredient many people use- a metallic reinker. I skipped that step, and just daubed on my reinker. I found it easier to cover a whole page, then cut out my images.

I find this a unique background, great for this kind of project. I can also almost picture a tye dye shirt card in my future!

Happy Stamping! (and Fall!)

Moving Day!

Not me, mind you, my sister and her family. The 100 something with rolling floors has been swapped for a nice, roomy, three level house a few blocks away. Whew!

Being a stamper and a Stampin' Up! customer of mine, she bought the Neighborhood wheel long ago. She wheeled black on Whisper White and colored with colored pencils. And Waited, and Waited, and Waited!

Finally, the house sold just after I got My Digital Studio, so we could make a coordinating back label for her change of address cards. Check it out:

I used the Family images from the software to create the family--mom, dad, kid 1, kid 2. Then, I added the new addy and voila! easy labels! She got all of her cards sent out in one evening and life couldn't be better in the new digs!

Stamps: Neighborhood Wheel, My Digital Studio

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: My Digital Studio, colored pencils

Build a Bear and Boys

Last night, my nephews needed some after school care, (well, between football practice and Dad home from work), so I took them in at the beginning of our monthly scrapbook night. Well, once we got going, it was hard to stop.

They started by wanting to make a couple of cards. As Nathan says, "I need a FEW more cards for birthdays." He found purple paper and started using Party Hearty and was a happy soul. Tim, took a blank white paper, an animal set, and went to town. Nathan ended up with a few well made, almost Aunt Sara -like cards, and Tim had a fun picture story to share.

As I finished unpacking my stuff, I discovered the Build-a-Bear dies I had bought and not played with sufficiently. I took them out, showed the boys how to use the Big Shot, and two hours later, here's what they had:

Stamps: none

Paper: all sorts

Ink: none

Accessories: Big Shot, Build-a-bear Santa Bigz Die, Build-a-bear Bear Die, Build-a-bear Accessories Die

Here's some more:

and one more:

I've forgotten (since I didn't write it down) which boy created which, but I can guess that the bear with the spiky hair is Tim's!

I can think of no better way to entertain pre-teens for two hours without TV, video games, or radio!

Don't Get the Staples Confused!

Huh? You might ask? Well, I am a coffee and tea drinker. I also love K-cups. The tea ones and the coffee ones look a lot alike, especially in the morning, so I bought some basic jar-like containers to separate my faves. Then, I realized that the hostess level 1 Decor Elements were the perfect addition to my project:

I didn't use the flour one (yet), as I have no flour (yet) in the new house. I don't really cook during the week--I reheat rice and vegetables or a simple meal. However, I do drink coffee and tea--so now I am organized in a cool way!

Happy decorating!