Krafty Christmas

It's too early for Christmas.... really. Nothing gets my goat like walking into Wal-Mart weeks before Halloween and seeing Christmas stuff on display. We visited Costco last week and wouldn't you know, they already have the lawn decorations and jumbo sized Almond Roca gift bags out. It's so early and I really want to enjoy all that is to come between now and Christmas. So, while I won't be starting my shopping yet, it isn't too early to start stamping Christmas cards! Although it's tough stamping snow covered cabins when my A/C is kicking on, I can happily do so in the name of making super cute cards to send out this year. What do you think of this one? I love our holiday papers this year and they pair up well with Kraft paper, too! I tried a little twist with the scallop punch, just for a little added detail. I'm switching gears a little bit though.... I have to finish a special project for my brother and sister-in-law who are getting ready to have a sweet little baby girl. I'm not too familiar with making little girly projects, but I'm giving it my best effort ;) Check back soon to see what I've put together for them. Thanks for stopping by and Enjoy!

5

TGIF!

Happy Friday Everyone! This week was a long one at work.... lots of hard work and now it's the weekend.... woohoo! Time to stamp and camp! Tonight the boys are playing Wii and I'm stamping my heart out. Tomorrow we're headed to the local lake for an afternoon of fun and a stay over in our tent trailer. We'll be playing a lot and roasting marshmallows by the fire tomorrow night.... I can't wait and neither can the boys.

Here's a card I recently put together. I'm loving my new stamps and stuff..... Mr. Brown paid me another visit today and brought the Big Shot.... Yeah! Unfortunately, I only have one die for now because everything else is on backorder. I'm sure I'll have all my new toys soon, but I am enjoying figuring out this new "must-have!" For now, I'll leave you with a card. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

4

Straight from the Catalog!

I am loving the new sets that I ordered. This year's In-Colors are so pretty and it's always fun seeing what can be done with new images! One of the greatest things about having a new Stampin' Up! catalog in hand is the hundreds and hundreds of ideas at my fingertips. Sometimes when I set out to create a new card, I've got the design all worked out in my head. Other times, however, I want to be super creative, but it's just not coming together for me. It's at those times that I turn to the SU Idea Book and Catalog.... notice, it's not just a catalog. It is jam-packed with inspiring projects. Sometimes I'll see an overall design idea that I love and I modify the images and colors. Other times, I create the card or project exactly. Stampin' Up! is all about sharing.... I love being inspired by others and sharing my own inspiration in return. So, next time you find yourself with Stampers-Block, flip open that catty..... Don't have a new Fall and Winter Idea Book and Catalog? Send me an email or order one directly from my SU Web Site.... it's a tool you'll turn to again and again! Enjoy!

8

Crazy for Cupcakes!

I can't believe that I received my shipment from Stampin Up! on Wednesday, but wasn't able to put the rubber to the paper until today. It was a hectic week, but luckily, with Stampin' Up!s die-cut stamps, I was able to mount my new sets in no time at all. Hubby took the boys to the movies this afternoon, so I've had utter blissful peace in my craft room! I'll be stamping for a couple more hours before I stop to get ready for my *Hot Date* tonight! WooHoo! We rarely get a night out, but we've been planning for this one a long time. Our favorite winery, Leonesse, is having a special evening.... grape stomping! Doesn't that sound fun?! We are having a fantastic dinner at their restaurant, live music and some stomping. I can't wait!

Among my new sets is Crazy for Cupcakes. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this set.... I loved it right away when the new catty came out. This is a fun birthday card... perfect for anyone who loves cupcakes. That pretty much means everyone.... Enjoy!

4

Fall is in the Air

Yesterday evening I was able to turn off the A/C and open up the windows. The cool air filled the house and I was in **Heaven**. It's the first time I've been able to completely turn off the A/C since early June or so. That means only one thing.... Fall is close and that makes me very, very happy. Pumpkin pie, falling leaves, sweatshirts, crisp evenings and new episodes of my favorite TV shows.... yeah! And nothing says fall like Earth Elements and watercolored pumpkin images, right?! Here's a quick Fall card I made to celebrate the change of seasons. I love making rick-rack with the new scalloped edge punch.... so fun! Did you know that if you'd like to order that fabulous punch or any other great Stampin' Up! products, you can now do so online through my Stampin' Up Demonstrator website! If you'd like to find out more, drop me an email, or just stop by my online store - it's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience!
My new goodies should be here tomorrow and I can't wait! Check back to see some new creations soon. Until then, thanks for stopping by..... Enjoy!

5

Blossoms Abound and a Birthday!

The card creation continues, taking time out to celebrate the big boy's 6th birthday! We kept the festivities a little small this year, but he enjoyed some great family time. Despite the 100+ weather in SoCal, we spent yesterday outside playing miniature golf, bumper boats, race cars and lazer tag..... Lots of fun! First, I'll share a card with you....

This card uses some of my favorites from the previous Stampin Up catalog.... Wild Wasabi and Blossoms Abound. Why am I still using older stuff, you may ask? I showed great restraint and waited until just this past week to actually place an order from the new catalog. I'm hoping my new rubbah will be here this week, but in the meantime, I'm still enjoying the oldies but goodies :)

I love making my kid's birthday cakes, and this year was no different. Our big boy LOVES soccer... every day at recess he grabs a vest and plays with the other kids on the playground at school. He has some mad soccer skills if I do say so myself, so what better cake to celebrate his big day than a soccer cake!

After some putt-putt and bumber boats, we needed to cool off with a Blue Slurpee! Here's a shot of me and the boys just before we headed out to the batting cages.

I'll be back in my craft room tonight and hopefully I'll be playing with my new goodies later this week, so stop by to see what I've been up to! Enjoy!

7

Embossing Tip

I'm stamping my fingers to the bone, and it's great! Here's a great Thank You card.

I have a tip for you: If you want to emboss an image but don't have the color of craft ink or embossing powder you need, no worries.

• Stamp the image in Versamark, then stamp on classic ink of your choice and then stamp on the paper.
• Quickly cover with Clear Detail embossing powder and heat..... easy peasy!

That's what I did on this card with the Ruby Red "thank you". Thanks for stopping by.... Enjoy!

6

Fun with Kraft

Can I just say how much I love Kraft paper! I love how it goes with everything and just makes my job a little easier!

Here is another card for the stash - I like balancing some Bold Brights with the Kraft for sharp contrast. This is a fun image to watercolor, but I should have used watercolor paper - it just looks better. Anyway, as long as you stamp your image in a permanent ink, you can watercolor on regular cardstock without bleeding the lines. The added ribbon "ties" it all together!

I'm on a roll, so stop by again soon to see more of my Craft Fair Card Creations... Enjoy!

2

Blooms with Beads

So the quest to build my card collection continues! I snuck this one out last night while hubby was playing with the boys. The little guy is feeling better and seems to be recovering fine from the tonsilectomy. Together we enjoyed the long weekend and I was happy to get back in my craft room... yeah! I will have more time today because I'm not quite ready to send the little guy back to daycare.... he needs more time away from all those 4 year old germ-carriers friends in his little class!

This card was inspired by a make-n-take from the SU! Convention. I love this set, Eastern Blooms, and love it even more with a little bead bling on a few of the flowers. The ribbon is from my cheap-o Micheal's collection, but I think it pulls it together well.

Thanks for stopping by.... Enjoy!

3

Catching Up on Cards

Just a quick post... I want to make the most of the time in my craft room this afternoon! I am working on cards this week. I need to have a lot made for an upcoming craft show and I'm having fun with it! Some of the cards are very detailed and involved, while others are quick and simple. Here's one that was especially quick because I took full inspiration from one of my favorite bloggers, KWerner - I copied this almost exactly - and I love it! I'm off to make more cards, so check back this week and see what I've been up to..... Enjoy!

1