Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Video Tutorial - Stuff In A Jar

Oh, yeah!!  It's Wednesday . . . I've got a video for you!
Last year, our 4-H club sold Meals In A Jar at craft shows/bazaars.  They were a huge hit!  We sold out in no time.  So many people were asking about them again this year.
These are a couple of S'Mores In A Jar.  You can change these up for any holiday or occasion.  Very versatile - not to mention, tasty!  Talk about a great gift-giving idea.
Here is a picture of the Halloween one up closer.  In this jar are the Cotton Candy White Chocolate M&Ms.  That will sure make for a different-tasting S'More, won't it?
What a cutie this little guy is!  Love that Googly Eye . . . 
Here's a closer view of just the "Fall" jar.  You can see that doing the ribbon with a bow or just a knot is up to you.  You can use material on the top of the jar or not.  I prefer it simple - lots of people prefer material.
 Isn't that pretty?  The layers look fantastic.  Anyone would LOVE to get this as a present - even as a thank-you for that certain someone hosting a holiday party or get-together.  Think Hostess gift.  Lots of possibilities.
You can see that you're limited only by your imagination.

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Recipe - 1-1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed and put into the bottom of a clean 1 quart mason jar; Add marshmallows all around (use seasonal marshmallows for fun), layer 1/3 cup of brown sugar into the center of the marshmallows.  Top with chocolate chips or seasonal M&Ms.

Directions to make the S'Mores -
Empty jar into large bowl.  Remove marshmallows and combine remaining ingredients, mixing well.  Snip marshmallows into small pieces with scissors. Return to bowl; stir into dry mix. Melt 1/2 cup butter, and add melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/3 cup milk to bowl. Mix well. Press lightly into greased 9 x 9 pan. Bake at 350o for 15 minutes.

Have fun!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Give Them a Smile Today

Are you having some of the Storm Sandy your way?  We're enduring lots of high winds and driving rain here.    Of course, we're experiencing nothing like New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey . . . well, all those states closer to the coast!  Hope everyone is able to stay safe today.

I guess the first thing would be a little quiz for you -- what do Spiced Apple Cider and Cinnamon have in common with stamps?
These BOOtiful little packets for all my co-workers to enjoy!
  I was having fun making some little treats for my co-workers today.  My goal is to make them smile when they see these.  Love that 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Basic Gray.  So pretty!
 Using the Googly Ghouls and Googly Eyes, along with some Tangerine Tango, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock.  The ink is Elegant Eggplant.  
 The Cinnamon stick was put into a small cello bag, tied up with some cute and narrow 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, either in Black or Old Olive.  The image was surrounded by layers of card stock.  You can see the second little card behind this one -- it has Howlstooth and Scarringbone Designer Series Paper on the back of it for  fun and extra color.
 I made up a little poem to go with the goody.  
The Spooky Bingo Bits were used with the Elegant Eggplant and the 1" and 1-1/4" circle punches to add some extra fun to the packet.  I used Snail and Stampin' Dimensionals for the adhesives in this project.
  So I've got a great big bag of these to take with me to work.  Think it will make everyone smile?  Hope so!


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Monday, October 29, 2012

Trying New Things

How have you felt when you managed to accomplish something that you never, ever thought you would do?

I did something that I never thought I'd do this weekend, and I can tell you that it has made me feel really, really good.  

I went to a weekend-long camp with my 16-year-old son to become certified in teaching rifle (the 4-H way) to my 4-H club.  We worked with air rifles, and it was so much fun!!  I've never shot anything like this before in my life, and I had a super great time.  I met more people who are interested in firearms that I ever would have thought in my life . . . they were good people and full of fun.

So now I'm certified and I know about the safety I want to teach the youth in our club -- I'm read and raring to go!!

While I was at the event over the weekend, of course I had to take some crafting stuff with me because -- well, just because.
I hardly took any supplies with me because I didn't think I'd have much time or room, and I didn't.  I took a few packs of 12x12 paper (Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse, First Edition Specialty Paper, and the Regals Designer Paper Pack) one ink pad  (Midnight Muse), my paper piercer Paper-Piercing Mat, and Silver Brads.  The two Stamp sets I grabbed and then used in this quick card were the Countryside and Little Friends.  I had one punch with me, the Word Window.  The only other two items used to make this card were SNAIL adhesive and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Now is this a sign that I'm addicted or what?  Not even able to go to a camp for a couple of days without some project to create!!  Oh well . . . kept me busy and happy, and that's worth something right there!!
I'm sending this card to the coordinator of the camp because it's important to say thank you when you enjoy something.

With that in mind -- thank you for stopping by today and all the other days that you do.  I enjoy chatting with you and am so glad you stop by.

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Lower Your Holiday Stress

     We're getting closer and closer to that most wonderful time of the year - holiday shopping, festive dinners and gatherings, wrapping gifts ... dashing here and there. 
     Here are a few favorite Stampin’ Up! products that can help to lower your holiday stress:

*  The Noel Notes Simply Sent Kit (#127884)
   Use this card kit to make easy holiday cards.  Just insert your trimmed photo or 5" x 3-1/2" postcard you've made with Traditional Touches - if you choose to get the Noel Notes Bundle (#129909).  Your cards will be ready in a snap and will be at your fingertips when you have a few spare moments to sign, address, and stamp your card envelopes.  
*  Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (#125152)
   These are great for holiday baking as well as for a cute stocking stuffer!
* Season of Sweets Designer Kit (#126912)
     This is an ideal package for cookies that you've made with the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps or other festive treats.  It comes with everything you need to impress your friends and family alike!  Great for some baked treats or a small gift, just add a tag or stampor a handmade, gift-wrapped touch.

*  Punches
   For all of your holiday projects and gifts, using punches will give you the 3D touch without the detailed cutting.

*  Glimmer Paper (Red #121790, Silver #124005, or Champagne # 127885)
   Add glitter and glimmer to your holiday cards and projects without the mess when you use our Glimmer paper.  Use our Ornament (#119847) punch, the Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die (#124098), the the Snowflake Bigz Die, or the Holiday Ornaments Framelits  Dies (#127816) to add more glitz to your decorations, gift wrapping or holiday buffet. 
*  Online Shopping
   No malls, no crowds, no fighting for a parking space ... shop 24/7 in the comfort of your home. Turn on some holiday music, sip a cup of hot cocoa, and get your shopping done with a few pushes of a button. Easy Shopping available at my online store -24/7.

     Hopefully, these will help to ease your holiday stress. Enjoy adding your own handmade touches to the holidays!


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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Somewhere Over the Rainbow . . . Card


   If you'e looking for a tool that you’ll use over and over – look no further ... consider Circle Punches! 
     Punches are top-selling tools that allow you to create beautiful projects quickly. Like this one I did:
     Because our great selection of Circle Punches coordinate with many stamp sets, and each other, you’ll find yourself reaching for them often. 
     Plus, if you’ve ever tried to hand-cut a circle, you know how frustrating it is! 
     I suggest starting with the 2-1/2” and 1-3/8” circles so you can punch large and small images. Then fill in with others, like the 1” and 1-1/4” so you can create a variety of layers.
     I call this my "Rainbow Card".  What do you think?  Does it remind you of a rainbow, too? 
     I saw a rainbow on the way to work this morning.  It was beautiful, and I've been wanting to make a rainbow every since.
What I used:
Stamps - Lacy & Lovely stamp set (#122885 wood, #122887 clear)
Ink:  Tangerine Tango (#126946), Pacific Point (#126951)  & Chocolate Chip (#126979)
Note Card & Envelope (#107311) 1   Note Card & Envelope
Whisper White Card Stock (#100730) 1 piece cut at 1-1/2” x 4-1/4” and a scrap for punching (about 2” x 4”)
Lucky Limeade Card Stock (#122926) one piece cut at  3/4" x 3-1/2” and a scrap for punching (about 2” x 2”)
Pacific Point Card Stock (#111350) a scrap for punching (about  3” x 3”)
International Bazaar Designer Series Paper (#126920) one piece of the pattern you see here cut at  3" x 3-1/2"
Other Wonderful items - Rhinestone Jewels (1 small) (#119246)
Circle Punches: 2-1/2” (#120906), 1-3/4” (#119850), 1-1/4” (#119861) and 1” (#119868)
SNAIL (#104331), Stampin' Dimensionals (4 of 'em) (#104430)

Tip: Use circle punches to make masks that you can stamp or sponge through.

Get out there and create yourself a rainbow today!
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Video Tutorial - Adhesive Cleaning Tip

Oh, yeah!!  It's Wednesday . . . I've got a video for you!
So what does a First Aid Kit and

my acrylic blocks I use for stamping


have in common?
Something that is very helpful to both . . . . . . 
Yep!  Alcohol Swabs!!!!

I use these little things to clean my acrylic blocks, scissors, glassware that has adhesive stuck to it.  No elbow grease required!  Gotta love that!!

Tonight, I even used an Alcohol Swab to get some grease off a drawer in our bathroom.  I don't ask how grease gets on a bathroom drawer.  I just clean it.  When you have boys in the house (or girls for that matter), you don't ask after a while.

What a handy and inexpensive thing to use!  There are many uses . . . cleaning your phone, keyboard, printer.  You can let your items air dry or wipe them off with a lint-free cloth.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Secret of Life

Do you know what the secret of life is?

James Taylor says that it's Enjoying the Passing of Time.  Do you agree?

Well . . . I'd have to say that it's probably one of the secrets of life anyway.
There are some super glittery butterflies on this card today!  

I did those butterflies with that fabulous Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  I curved the wings out and down for    3-D effect. 

Tip: A wonderful benefit of Crystal Effects is the fact that it's pliable after it's dry.  Many products that do somewhat the same things as Crystal Effects does not do that.  Those other product will crack when you try to manipulate them after they're dry.  You can even use Crystal Effects for flower petals and then slightly curl the petals afterward -- wonderful!! It will stay just as you have maneuvered it and not crack a bit!  Very versatile stuff.
There was paper piecing and paper piercing used on this sentiment part of the card.  
What I used:
Stamp sets - Papillon Potpourri, From My Heart, Everything Eleanor; Inks - Night of Navy, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso; Card Stock - Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Night of Navy; Regals Paper Patterns Pack; Punches - Postage Stamp, Elegant Butterly, and 1" Square; Big Shot; Apothecary Accents Framelits; Paper Snips; SNAIL Adhesive; Crystal Effects; Dazzling Diamonds; Blender Pens; Paper-Piercing Tool; Stampin' Pierce Mat; Essentials Paper-Piercing pack.

Whew!  That's a bunch of stuff!  And it all comes together so nicely.  Probably the most I've used on one card in a while.  It all began with making some butterflies and then deciding that they had to live on a card.  

This is such a peaceful hobby/pastime.  I love the quiet time I get to spend in my stamping studio.  I come out of that place a happier person.

Hope you have something in your life that makes you a happier person.  
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Monday, October 22, 2012

It's a New Effect

Have you ever picked something up after not using it for a long time and just gone, "Whoa!"?

That's how I felt this weekend when I picked up my Crystal Effects adhesive.  

The cool thing about this stuff is the glossy, glassy look that it gives to things, not to mention its stickability.  So cool.  

For instance, when we were having problems with our laminate countertops coming off, what did we use to stick it back down?  You guessed it . . . Crystal Effects.  It's a wonder glue!!
 Can you see the Crystal Effects on this card around the paisley in the circle from the Lacy & Lovely stamp set?  It's also on the large pattern of Baja Breeze card stock that was rolled on with the Alhambra jumbo Stampin' wheel.  The inks I used were the Baja Breeze and Basic Black with the sponge around the circle and the banner.  

I used the 1-1/4" square to create the ends of the banner.  the 1-3/4" circle punch was used for the circle image. and the 1/2" circle punch was used with the silver glimmer paper in the middle.  Cards stocks were Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Basic Gray.
I have had several people ooo and aaah over this card already because of the nice texture that Crystal Effects creates on the card stock.  

Tip:  When you just a small amount, Crystal Effects dries very quickly.  When you use larger, thicker amounts of the adhesive, it will take longer to dry.  Be patient no matter what or else you may end up with fingerprints in your design!


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Friday, October 19, 2012

Fast can be fabulous!


New stampers often ask me what stamp set they should purchase first.  It’s a tough decision because there are so many great stamp sets and everyone has their own personal style! 

So, I think the best stamp sets for new stampers are ones that work well, and here's why:  It works perfectly for a variety of occasions and techniques and also include some greetings with the images.  I love that!



The Lacy & Lovely stamp set is a great stamp set for new stampers because the circle and floral images are fun for many occasions. The images are also great for a number of techniques like Rock n’ Roll, Heat Embossing, and Resists. 

The greetings, with a combination of script and angular fonts, add character without being overly "blocky" or feminine. 
With a few ink pads and some basic embellishments, you’ll have a great versatile stamp set you’ll use over and over again!

What was used:
Stamps - Lacy & Lovely (#122885 wood and #122887 clear); Ink - Lucky Limeade (#126984), Daffodil Delight (#126944), Chocolate Chip (#126979), and Tangerine Tango (#126946); Note Card and Envelope (#107311); Card Stock - Whisper White (#100730), Lucky Limeade (#122926), and Tangerine Tango (#111349); Designer Series Paper - International Bazaar (#126920); Rhinestone Jewel; Punches - Circle 2-1/2" (120906), 1-3/8" (#119860) and 1" (#119868); SNAIL adhesive (#104331), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)
Tip: Clear-mount stamp sets are great for helping you stamp greetings where you want them.
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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Merry Moments Made Simple and Easy

Simple made easy is  great way to think about lots of stuff . . . things like food, maybe even hobbies, or a friendship, and even life -- don't you think?

When things are easy, we tend to do it more . . . like watch TV.  That's easy, isn't it?  And I don't know about you, but I know I do a lot of that!  Probably more than I should.

I got this card idea from Tara McCormack, and she used it in a presentation that she called "Two Classes at 1 Time"
Using the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' Kit, you can make this simple and super duper easy card!  The papers are all included in the kit and they are Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray and the Old Olive.  The Designer Paper is also from the kit.  The design in the very middle is from one of the sheets of card stock stickers in the kit.  The only thing not from the kit was the Big Shot, the snowflake Bigz Die and the Basic Rhinestone smack in the very center of the card.
And Tara demonstrates how you can make at least 10 different cards out of this kit.  Very handy.

Simple.
Easy.
I'm in.  How about you?

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Video Tutorial - Any Holiday Sweet Treat Box

Oh, yeah!!  It's Wednesday . . . I've got a video for you!
Now, if you comment on this video, you may be the lucky winner of a stamp set, paper, and ink bundle that I am giving away!  Yes, indeedy!! How cool is that?  It's super duper cool.  That's how cool.

Okay.  Now, I know this is not my best video, that's fer sure.  I was really having some issues staying on camera.  I'll do better next time, I promise.  You'll really love the next video.  It's going to be super helpful hints with a product that gets oodles of use.  What is it?  Well, you'll have to wait and see, now won't you?  
 Isn't that cute?  You can just picture yourself making some of these cuties, can't you?
 Even the candy bag is decorated . . . of course!! My younger son and I were eating this candy.  We were, like, at first . . . "It's not so good", and then after a while, "Hey, this isn't so bad!"  Guess it grows on you --  It's M&Ms Candy Corn White Chocolate.
Here's a picture of this great holiday sweet treat.  

What I used:
Howlestooth & Scarringbone Designer Series Paper, More Mustard,
Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla card stock; Simply Scored; Neutrals Glimmer Brads; Toxic Treats Stamp set; StazOn Black Ink; Paper Snips, SNAIL adhesive; Sticky Strip adhesive; Big Shot; Labels Collections Framelits.


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Thanks ever so much for joining me today ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Kindness . . . It Really Matters

What a crazy day!  There was work, work, work . . . come home, oodles of laundry, studying with the high schooler, supper, dishes... you know, your typical home-life type of stuff.

How has your day been?

I'm headed to bed soon, but wanted to share this fantabulous card that Bev sent me with you first.
We're looking at the Daydream Medallions here, along with the Kindness Matters stamp sets.  The Fancy Fan Embossing Folder is saying hello on this card, as well as the Soft Suede Scalloped Tulle Ribbon wrapped up in an Antique Brad and adhered to the card front with a Stampin' Dimensional.  There are lots of layers (my favorite thing!) and the colors are just beautiful together.  

It never would have occurred to me to put these stamp sets together.  I love the way Bev's brain works!!  And what a sweetie pie she is to share her creations with me.  She is very kind to me.  And her kindness really matters to me . . . 
Check out her blog at www.stampingwithbev.blogspot.com.

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and Scrappin'!

Monday, October 15, 2012

The Nicest Things Happen

The nicest thing happened on Friday.  Well -- actually several nice things.  

The nicest thing was coming home and finding snail mail from one of my best friends.  She sent me three beautiful cards.  I would like to share one of them with you today.
Yep!  Bev sent me this fabulous card using the Daydream Medallions stamp set.  I see Cajun Craze on here, Rich Razzleberry, including the ribbon, and Tangerine Tango.  She used lots of heat embossing, which is something I haven't done for a while, but she's making me itch to bring it out.  The Floral Frames Framelits also get a showing on this beautiful card. 
What's better than the embossing?  IT'S AN EASEL CARD!!!!  Yes, I'm yelling that -- sorry if that hurt your ears!  I really like easel cards.  They're so much fun.  The Perfectly Penned stamps set is what was used here.
See all that easel-ness?  So cool.

The other nice thing that happened was that it was sent around the office that I am going to be working for the managing partner at our patent law firm!  I still get to keep the fellow I've been working for -- wouldn't trade him for the world!  Super great guy with the bestest sense of humor!!  And the managing partner is a good guy, too.

I begin my new assignment on Thursday -- yeah - I just double-checked it.  It's on Thursday.  I'm looking forward to the change because I could use being busier . . . I'm still nervous about it though 'cuz change is still change.  

Anyway - I've got a vid coming up this week about a Halloween project I'm thinking about taking to our office.  I've also got some goodies to share that I'm making for our 4-H club.

Hope you've gotten creative today in some say.  I had to do a lot of grocery shopping (groan).  I did get to make the video, though.  It was probably the least organized I've ever been to make one!!

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Thanks so much for stopping by today ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Daydream Believer

Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean
to a daydream believer and a homecoming queen?

Do you know that song?  

My hubby and I played it at my nephew's wedding.  

Seriously.

He played his guitar, and I played my viola.  

It was okay.  Not great ~~ but it was okay.

We were going to sing it, but -- do you know how tough it is to sing that song really well?

An instrumental version won out.

Any . . . 
 Here's a Daydream Medallion card that we made at Stamper's Club this week.  

Lots of layers to enjoy on this baby, aren't there?
We were all enjoying the Big Shot, big time, when we were making these beauties.  

It was so much fun.  All that laughing and joking with each other.  I love Stamper's Club.  I almost wish it was every night.  But then it wouldn't be as special, would it?

What I used:
Daydream Medallions and Petite Pairs stamp sets; Real Red, Island Indigo, and Very Vanilla card stocks; Candlelight Christmas Specialty Paper; Real Red classic ink; Floral Frames Framelits; Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon; SNAIL adhesive; Big Shot.

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

So Glad That Time of Year Has Rolled Around Again

Do you like to get together with friends?

Do you like to talk with your friends and laugh together?

That's what I did last night!  

I got to get together with a bunch of my friends, have a tasty snack and create fun stuff.

It was great.
 We listened to music, told stories, and cracked each other up!

Some took over the Big Shot -- Some let others do all the Big Shotting (is that a word?).
All in all, it was a really great time.  

I don't know what I'd do without those gals.  You know what?  They help keep me sane.  I'm tellin' ya -- it's cheaper than therapy!

What I used:
Evergreen Stamp Set; Core'dinations card stock, Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, and Early Espresso card stocks; Gumball Green, Island Indigo, and Early Espresso classic inks; Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon, Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder; Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper, SNAIL adhesive and Stampin' Dimensionals, Sanding Block.

The "tapping" technique was used on this card.  We inked up the evergreen tree image in the Gumball Green and then tapped it onto the Island Indigo ink pad and then stamped our image onto the Very Vanilla card stock.  Early Espresso was used to stamp the outside image on top of the 'green'.

Everyone enjoyed the Core'dinations card stock.  It distresses so perfectly.  So many ways to use that wonderful stuff.  

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Thanks ever so much for joining me today ~~ Happy Stampin' and Srappin'!