It's Blog Candy Friday!

Gooooood Mornin' Stampers!!

Happy TGIF! 

I don't know about you but I'm THRILLED it's finally Friday.  I've got lots to do and it's going to be a gorgeous day.

I thought we could all use a little pixiedust today so I'm doing "Blog Candy Friday"!  Woot! I've wanted to post another bit of Blog Candy to celebrate my blog hitting the big 20K.  It's mind boggling to me that so many people have visited my blog!  I'm overwhelmed.   I mean 20,000 blog visits?  Wow! So this is just my way of saying a huge "THANK YOU" for visiting...following...and especially for all the awesome, sweet notes you guys send me.  I'm SO blessed.

So here's how Blog Candy works.....

Just leave a comment here on my blog (I hopefully have it all fixed now so comments are "allowed") and let me know what your favorite HOLIDAY stamp set is....the one you just can't live without.  It can be Halloween, Christmas etc.  You choose....  On Sunday Linz and I will put all the names of those who comment in a hat and draw the lucky winner.

Wanna know what the Blog Candy is???

Item 125152   -   a $16.95 value

Aren't they just AWESOME?  These are the brand new Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps that will actually be available to order staring tomorrow, October 1st.  I have a set of them and I LOVE them. 

The easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: 

a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.

Just make your favorite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the two included recipes) and stamp away! Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly.

So who wants to win a set of these beauties?  Just leave your comment to enter.

I hope you have a very magical day and a restful and fun weekend.

Blessings,

Punkin' Seeds

Hey there Peeps!

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days.  Things around here are crazy.  Mike had to fly to California on business and I found out I have to have another surgery on my ankle in the very near future.  (I should have a date/time on Friday).  So...."busy" is the name of the game I guess.

Anyway....I've been working on a few projects down in my stamp room.  I'm SO thrilled with all the positive feedback from my first video tutorial.  I had a lot of fun making it (even though I felt sort of weird talking to myself...) and I can't wait to do another one.

I have a couple of events coming up that I need to have Halloween projects to share and I made another one tonight to try out a different design.  I hope you like it.

 This is Rusty....He's dressed up as a pumpkin for Halloween and he's got a sweet treat to share...."Punkin' Seeds".  (I need to get that candy corn OUT of the stamp room!  Good thing it's not available 365 days a year!)

If you'd like to see how to make the basic puppy design, check out my Punch Puppy Tutorial HERE.  I changed this pup up a bit.  He's made from Very Vanilla and Sahara Sand card stock.  His collar and pumpkin hat are made using...what else??  Pumpkin Pie card stock.  His nose and ears are punched from Early Espresso.

The bag topper is cut on the Big Shot using the Top Note die.  It's just folded in half and VOILA....it's a bag topper all ready to decorate for any occasion.  I printed the "Punkin' Seeds" sign up and printed it out on Very Vanilla and then punched it out with the Word Window punch.

Here's a closer look at Rusty....

To see the supplies to make this cute project and lots more....just click HERE to visit my Stampin' Up! Online Store.... 

Ok...back to stampin'.....   Stay tuned and come back to visit soon!

Have a magical day!

Punch Puppy Video Tutorial

Hey there friends!

Well....it's been a FANTASTIC birthday for me today.  Lots of time to relax....and finish my first video tutorial.  Woot!  I've posted it to YouTube but I thought I'd post it here too.  In case the link here doesn't work for you, if you go to YouTube and search "Punch Puppy Tutorial" you should be able to find it there.

These are the puppies that I've included in several projects of late....Buster/Barkley, Magnolia and BOOmer.


Soooo.......here it is......

PUNCH PUPPY VIDEO TUTORIAL

Have a magical day!

Pop Top Christmas Wishes

Ok....I know I said I wouldn't have a project today but....well, I went down to the stamp room to "play" since I couldn't sleep.  I figured I'd be productive.  :-)  This is what I came up with....  I love making these....

This is an altered pop top can.  It used to hold fruit cocktail.  Now....It's filled with Christmas candy and will be a perfect little treat for someone special this year.  These are super easy to make....Here are the details.

First, you need to buy a can with the pop top lid.  They sell veggies, fruits etc. in these type of cans.  They are on the small side.  Once you have them home, you'll need one of those handy, dandy can openers like the ones that Pampered Chef sells.  They don't cut the lid off leaving sharp edges.  They actually....somewhat magically....make it so the top (or in  this case....the bottom) of the can can be popped off.  It's magic!  :-)

So...once  you've opened up the can and emptied out the contents....wash it out and dry it well.

Then you can fill it with whatever you'd like.  You might try candy, fudge, hot drink mixes or maybe even bath salts for a relaxing treat after a long day of Christmas shopping.

Once it's filled with goodies, you will reattach the bottom of the can using Crystal Effects. (101055)

Let it dry before decorating....

I used the gorgeous lodge stamp from the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  It's gorgeous.

123767 - Wood      123769 - Clear

 

 

 

 The "Merry Christmas" is from the Hand Penned Holiday Stamp Set

124310 - Wood      124312 - Clear

I embossed both with the new Pewter Embossing Powder (124114).  Love that stuff!  The can is covered in a piece of Designer Series Paper from the Frostwood Lodge Collection.  The top of the can is covered with a piece of Cherry Cobbler card stock that was cut with the Circles #2 die for the Big Shot and embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  I made a faux tag using the Pewter Embossing Powder and the "Don't Open Til Christmas" tag is stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink with the stamp from Tags til Christmas stamp set.

120847 - Wood   121169 - Clear

So there you have it.  I really cool and fun project that your friends and family would love to get and you'd definitely hear them say, "How the heck did you do THAT??" 

To see all the products used for this project and TONS more....visit my Online Store.

Thank you SO much for visiting.  Come back soon!

Have a magical day!

Happy Birthday!

Hey there peeps!

I know I've been "MIA" for the past few days....sorry.  It's a little crazy around here.

First let me say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHARY"!  18 years ago today I was given the most precious gift...a sweet baby boy.  I'm so honored to be his mom. He has blessed our lives in way too many ways to count.  He is a sweet, gentle giant (he's 6'5"!!).  He is funny, kind, thoughtful,SMART and a great hugger.  He may not be able to talk a whole lot...but when he does...it's even more special to all of us.  He's not defined by autism.  We love him SOOOOO much and we wish him the happiest birthday ever.

Also....I went for my "follow up" appointment for my foot (I had surgery in May and was in a cast for 8 loooooong weeks....) and I found out that instead of being "done"....I need more surgery!  Ugh.  I will be having an MRI of my ankle on Monday and then the surgery will be scheduled asap.  It's a looooooong story....but I'm SO bummed.  I'll be in another cast for at least 4 weeks.

The rest of this week I've been getting prepared for a very special day today.  For those of you who have just recently started reading my blog....I have a photography business on the side called "Suitable For Framing Photography".  I have been photographing babies, engagements, weddings, families etc. for the last....um, I've lost count how many years.  Last year I actually took on a young photographer whose work I've admired to work with me.  It's my daughter, Brittany.  :-)  She's 22 and has an amazing "eye".  Her creativity astounds me.  So now we work together and I love it.  Today we'll be shooting the wedding of Megan and Keith here in Manassas.  It's so exciting because Megan is the daughter of a very special friend of mine.  I feel so honored to be able to capture their special day.

I did shoot the video yesterday for the tutorial on the puppies I've featured here on the blog recently.  Brittany and I will be editing it tomorrow and I'll have it available very soon as promised.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I hope to spend the day just enjoying time with my family and I can't wait.  The best present I could get would be just a lazy Sunday to enjoy each of them.

So.....that's the news from here.  I promise I'll be back to posting some new, fun projects soon.....so stay tuned!

Wishing you a magical day!

Would you like Sour Cream with that?

Hey there, stampers!  Happy Thursday.  I don't know about you but I'm ready for TGIF.  

Today I'm sharing an "oldie but a goodie".  (This one's for you Shannon!)  :-)   It's a design that's been around for a long time but it's perfect for every holiday.  It's the "Sour Cream Container".  It's one of those little treats/gifts that a great way to use up those scraps you have collecting in your craft room.  Come on....own up to it!  I know I have a bunch of them.  This one is made from a piece of Designer Series Paper cut at 4 1/2" x 6'.  Here's what it looks like....

It's the perfect way to wrap a a small gift for someone special....you can add some candy, maybe a pair of earrings....whatever you'd like. I used a scrap from the "Frostwood Lodge" DSP 124002.  

The stocking is stamped with the "Stitched Stockings" stamp set 123782 (wood)/123784 (clear).

And then I punched out the stocking using the "Stocking Builder Punch" - 124095.  I added one of the new Jingle Bells and a little piece of Baker's Twine and a little "bling" for good measure.

Wanna know the coolest part about this stamp set and punch combo??  You can do much more with it than just Christmas Stockings.  Here's a cute card by a talented stamper, Jackie Topa. with a beautiful example.

Too stinkin' cute, huh??

To check out these and lots more exciting products and projects, visit my Online Store.  We're heading into the "craftiest" time of the year so come visit again soon to get even more ideas for gifts, cards and other projects to share (and keep!).

Have a magical day!

Boomer "Boo"

Happy Tuesday!  I have to warn you....I'm having a little bit of hard time gettin' outta the doghouse!

I've been working on projects for a couple of stamp camps I'm doing with Halloween themes and I couldn't resist this one.  I've been overwhelmed by all the "love" you guys have shared for Buster and Magnolia.  Thank you so much!!  

 I figured a trick or treating puppy would be a great addition to the "dog pound". So.....

Here's "BOOMER BOO" with a sweet treat to share.

Boomer is a boo-tiful bat and ready to collect some treats in his cool trick or treat bag. 

Doesn't he look spiffy?

The candy bars are Hershey Miniatures covered with strips of Pumpkin Pie card stock that I stamped with a couple of the awesome stamps from the Spooky Bingo Bits set.  The branches behind Boomer are from the Out on a Limb set and the sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

For those of you that have emailed asking for directions to make these cute pups, I'm working on a video tutorial to share with you.  Yay!  I'll post it as soon as it's done.  Promise!

If you'd like to stamp with friends AND get FREE STAMPS too, send me a note to schedule your own workshop.  I have lots of ideas to share and I'd LOVE to stamp with YOU.

Remember....you can visit my Online Store 24/7...no lines...no waiting.  :-)

Have a magical day!

I fixed it! Comment away!

Ok...My bad!  For those of you who have been so sweet to email me and let me know that you haven't been able to post your comments here on my blog....GOOD NEWS!...it's fixed.  It was an "operator error issue".  (a.k.a.  I flubbed up)  I figured out how to fix it and you should be able to comment away.   

Have a delightful day!

Christmas Kick-Off

Hey Peeps!  Happy Sunday!

Yesterday was a VERY busy (and eventful) day to say the least.  I'm so blessed to have Brittany home from college this weekend and I LOVE having her here for Stamp Camp.  She's such an incredible help to me and she loves seeing all the stampers and being a hostess with the mostest.  

I was ready for camp but realized I needed to run to the store first.  I had a little over an hour to get there and back.  Unfortunately Mike had taken my car to have it inspected so Britt gave me her keys and said I should just take her car.  So I did.  The short version is that I got rear ended!  The car is still driveable...I'm okay except for being really sore...and the guy was insured.  I'll spare you all the details . Now it's just a pain to have to get it fixed but....oh well.

So....back to camp.  I had the first of three "Christmas Stamp A Stack" card classes yesterday.  It was probably one of my favorite classes I've ever done!  I LOVE my stampers!  I have met some amazing ladies and I love having them over. (Come join us sometime!  You'll love it!)  Britt did a couple of fabulous displays for Fall and Christmas with projects for the ladies to take a peek at and she even brought up a few Christmas decorations to get them in "the mood" for the holidays! Britt took a few pics of them during class and 

I thought I'd share a few.....

They all did a GREAT job on their cards!!  Here are the cards we made....  There were 4 designs and they made 3 of each design so they went home with 12 lovely cards to share at Christmas!

 

Aren't they fun?  Now if you're looking at these and wishing you could've been here too....it's not too late!  There are TWO more Christmas Stamp A Stack classes!!  Yep!  There will be 4 different designs at each class...all different from these first four.  Here's the info.....

Christmas SAS #2:  Monday, October 10th from 7-9 p.m.   Class Fee: $20.00

Christmas SAS #3:  Saturday, November 5th from 1-4 p.m.   Class Fee $20.00

Please RSVP to save your spot.  There are a few left in each class.

Ok....I wish you a relaxing Sunday.  Enjoy....Relax....and maybe even STAMP!

Blessings,

My Buddy....Buster!

Wahoooo!  We're closing in on the weekend!  It's supposed to feel like Fall this weekend and I can't wait.  It's my favorite time of the year! (ahem.....I might have mentioned that once or twice....)

A few months ago I came up with a cute little holder for those little anti bacterial bottles they have at Bath and Body Works.  I wanted to make one into a cute gift for my secret pal at work since we were all fighting that "creepin' crud" that the students were bringing in to us.  :-)  It's a great design (if I do say so myself) simply because it can be made for any occasion in any color combo you'd like.  The one I made for today's post is another puppy pal that reminds me of my friend, Robin's pooch, Buster.  I love Buster!  So Buster....this one's for you.  Here's the front view.....

The base is cut from Early Espresso card stock and has accent pieces of Real Red and the plaid piece is from one of the new Designer Series Paper Packs called "Letters To Santa".  It really shows the versatility of all of the DSP and you can see the uses for them are limitless.

Here's a view from the side....The ladies in Bath and Body Works are always asking if they can "help me" when I'm shopping and I kindly tell them that I'm making my choices so the colors will coordinate with my card stock and DSP.  LOL!!  I've gotten a few strange looks for sure.  But I know you, my stampin' friends, understand perfectly!

A view with the flap opened up....

You can decorate the the inside too....add a greeting or anything you'd like.  I left mine simple for now so I have the option of personalizing it when I decide who I'll give it to.  Here's the other side.....

Buster is made from Very Vanilla card stock and the edges are sponged with Chocolate Chip ink.  The ears for this sweet pooch are made using the Build A Blossom Punch.  I just curled them a bit with my bone folder.  The ribbon is one of my new favorites....the quilted ribbon in the Holiday Mini.  LOVE IT!  "Get Well Wishes" is from another "staple" here in my stamp room....Teeny Tiny Wishes.

If you'd like the FREE TUTORIAL for this project, just send me and email or leave me a comment here on my blog and I'll be happy to forward it to you.  One really great thing about this project is that it's a perfect way to use your scraps you've been saving.  WOOT!

Check out all the goodies at my ONLINE STORE.  Put on you fuzzy slippers....grab a schmoodgy blanket and a cup of tea and shop to your heart's content.

Wishing you a magical day!

"Some Pig"!

Hey there!  Usually I write the "Linz Quote of the Day" on my Facebook status so I'll be sure to remember them later on.  She does come up with some doozies!  I think often about putting them all in a book like people have suggested but I honestly wouldn't know how to go about making that a reality.

Anyway....today's "Linz Q of the D" ...as I like to call them...started my day off with a great laugh and a smile.  I hope it makes your day a little brighter too.

This morning I was in the family room putting my shoes on....sending a quick email ....and getting ready to leave for school/work.  I opened the sliding glass door next to where I was sitting so Marley could go out one more time and it was such a beautiful morning....I left the door open while I finished up.  Linz came in and she walked out on the deck.  Now if you don't know by now...Linz has great conversations....with herself.  She mumbles a lot sometimes.  So I heard her talking to herself out there on the deck and then she looked back towards the house and said, "Mom!!!  Charlotte built a web by the door!  Oh my gosh!"  I did what all moms do....I gave the standard, "Wow....mmm hmmm....oh cool!" response.  Then she said, "Well....she didn't make a magnum opus though.  That's Latin for "egg sack"."  I laughed and said, "I know.  I remember that from the movie".  So she walked around talking about how cool it was....how all the farm animals would be so excited etc.  (Trust me...you had to be there)  So I was finally ready to go and I told her to come on in and lock the slider because we were leaving.  So on our way out of the house I said, "So....was there a message in the web???"  She looked at me like I was crazy (oops....guess I went too far?)  and said, "Mom!  We don't even have a PIG!".  I seriously laughed out loud!

I called Mike on my way to work and told him about it and he just cracked up.  He said he wished we could find a fake spider web that has the words "Some Dog" woven into it.  HAHAHAHAHA!  That would be hilarious! 

So....I hope you're smiling.  I just LOVE that girl!  

Moonlight Ride....

Happy Wednesday! 

I have to say I'm feeling a little "bipolar"this week in my stamp room!  I'm busy getting things ready for my first Christmas Stamp A Stack Stamp Camp this Saturday and stamping Fall and Halloween projects at the same time.  I think I might have Stamper's ADD!  LOL!!  I can't help it though!  Have you seen the Holiday Mini??  Soooo many gorgeous, new things to create with....so little time.

Since I'll be sharing the Christmas designs soon I thought I'd share another Halloween card today.  This one was created with the "Out on a Limb" set that I used on yesterday's project.  It's so stinkin' cute.  Here's the card....I created it for Diana Gibbs Holiday Mini Swap....

The card base is Concord Crush with layers of Pumpkin Pie and Basic Black on top of it.  The Black is embossed with the Spider Web Embossing Folder.  The stamped layer is Whisper White (or it was....) I sponged the moon with Daffodil Delight and the night sky with Basic Black.  The cat, limb and clouds were stamped in Versamark Ink and embossed with Black Embossing Powder.  The "Boo" sentiment is from the "Spooky Bingo Bits" stamp set and is stamped in Basic Black.  The ribbon is actually the back side of the black and white polka dot ruffled ribbon.  For the clouds I used a glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds to give them a little sparkle. Here's a closer look....

As you can see there are tons of ways to use a single stamp set.  The sky's the limit.  Check out your favorite sets at my ONLINE STORE. 

Also....there are still spots available if you'd like to join the "Inkerbelles Stamp Club"  Check out the details HERE.  I hope you can join us!

Wishing you a magical Wednesday!