Back to Blogging & some cute Valentines!

It has been quite a while since my last post.  Sometimes, life just gets super busy, as I'm sure most of you know, so you have to prioritize.  Unfortunately, my blogged suffers when that happens, but I'm still holding lots of great workshops and classes.  I had a huge pile of projects to post (some of them were from Christmas - yes, I know!), and I just couldn't walk past them anymore.  So, I've decided to make a concerted effort to post all these fun projects.  Yes, I will post the Christmas ones too, since we only have 317 days left - lol!!!  It's always good to have ideas for next year. So be prepared for a strange mix of projects over the next few weeks.

Since Valentines Day is right around the corner, I'm going to share some love themed projects over the next couple of days.

The first project is from a framed art class I held last month.  We used the Sending Love Suite of products from the new Occasions Catalog.

This is the final product in a square gold frame.  

A little closer look at the sampler.  

The second project uses the same suite of products and the Circle Collection Framelits Dies.  I stamped and heat embossed on a Window Sheet put in the center.  I filled it after with candy coated sunflower seeds.  This was one of our annual Hostess Tea projects.

Here's another one made the same way but as a Christmas ornament filled with M&Ms.  

Sealed With Love Photopolymer Bundle 144705 Price: $45.75 Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 10%. Sealed with Love Photopolymer Stamp Set All you need is love and these stamps. An alluring blend of romantic and heartfelt, you'll find yourself infatuated with this set. * Quantity: 27 photopolymer stamps * Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, c, g Love Notes Framelits Dies Create die-cut love notes and envelopes in seconds with Framelits dies and the Big Shot. * 14 dies * Largest image: 5-7/8" x 7/8" (14.9 x 2.2 cm) * Use with Big Shot

Sending Love Designer Series Paper Stack 142733 Price: $10.00 Pick a pack of patterned paper! So many designs, so many colors, so many uses. Each sheet is double-sided for double the creative options. The smaller size works beautifully on card fronts. * 48 sheets, 6 each of 8 double-sided designs * 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) * Acid free * Lignin free Coordinating colors: Real Red, Whisper White

Halloween Decor a and some spooky brayered greetings....

I have some special Halloween projects to share today - it's not too late!!  

Laura Diamond shared this adorable framed Halloween art at our Demonstrator meeting this week.  She used the Witches' Night and Sweet Hauntings stamp sets along with a Spider Web Doily.  Adorable!

This is another one she made using a retired set.  Love all the witches clothes on the line.  Thanks Laura!

Crew stamper Rosamond Crawley has been brayering up a storm!  She made this beautiful card using the Witches' Night stamp set. 

I love all the layers of color, with the raven popped out, keeping the white highlights.  

Here's another card from Rosamond using some sponging and brayering with the Woodland Embossing Folder and the Among the Branches stamp set.  Beautiful!  Thanks Rosamond!  

Witches' Night Photopolymer Stamp Set 139708 Price: $26.00 Get your trick or treat on with elegantly creepy labels and accents. Add a little glitter or embossing for a sophisticated Halloween look. Photopolymer stamps * Are totally transparent for perfect image placement. * Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. * Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don't have to worry about slipping. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 5 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): c, e, f, h

Sweet Hauntings Clear-Mount Stamp Set 139705 Price: $19.00 Are your Halloween treats to die for? There will be no doubts when you wrap them up with tags you make yourself. Our clear-mount stamps * Are made of the same premium rubber as our wood-mount stamps. * Have deeply etched images so you get a superior stamped impression each time. * Are precut so you don't have to trim. * Are repositionable; temporarily mount them on clear blocks for stamping, then remove them for storage. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your clear-mount stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 9 rubber stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, h

Among The Branches Photopolymer Bundle 140872 Price: $21.50 Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 15%. Among the Branches Photopolymer Stamp Set Sometimes a branch is just a branch. And sometimes it can be so much more, especially when you adorn it with Halloween- or Christmas-specific images. This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set. Combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want. Photopolymer stamps * Are totally transparent for perfect image placement. * Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. * Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don't have to worry about slipping. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 13 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, d Woodland Textured Impressions Embossing Folder It’s easy to make a great impression! Just place flat cardstock in this embossing folder, run it through the Big Shot, and out comes cardstock with a bold textured design. Textured Impressions Embossing Folders make deep, crisp impressions—great for card fronts and accents. * 1 folder * 6" x 6" | 15.2 x 15.2 cm * Use with Big Shot

Brayer 102395 Price: $12.50 Provides uniform inking to larger areas like background stamps, or use it to create special ink effects. * Includes handle and soft rubber attachment * Attachment dimensions: 4-1/2" wide, 1-1/4" diameter

Stamping Sponges 141337 Price: $3.50 Easy way to apply Classic Stampin' Ink for a colored effect. Can be cut into wedges for even more use. * 3 sponges * 2-3/4" diameter (NOTE: This item replaces item 101610)

Show and tell....

The Lit'l Bita Christmas craft show is coming up the second weekend in November so I've been trying to get ready, not very successfully, but still trying.  I had taken bags of punch art to assemble while driving.  I managed to do a little, but ended up doing a lot of the driving and then the roads in a few states were a little on the bumpy side, so I didn't get too much done.

My work space - lol!

We had a class this morning and two of my wonderful Demonstrators brought some projects they had been working on to show to the group.

Aren't these gorgeous fall decorations?  Love it!!!!  I want them both!  I may have to wait until after the craft show, but these are on my list of things to make!

This beautiful framed piece is from Cindy Arnold.  She found a download, then decorated it with Stampin'Up! dies, punches, stamps and Designer Series Papers - Awesome!

Rosamond Crawley made this beautiful pumpkin centerpiece.  The basket was made with the Berry Basket Die and the pumpkins were made from the Bow Builder Die.  Several other dies and punches were used to make all the flowers and leaves.  

Here's a little closer look.  I love all the stamping, sponging and texture in this project.  Adorable Rosamond!!!

Last of the CrEW Party photos, Year-end Closeout & Happy New Year!

You only have until January 5th to take advantage of our Holiday Mini Catalog and the Year-end Closeout Sale.  Take advantage now while supplies last.  Click here for more details.

 I was able to find the rest of the photos for our gift exchange, so I wanted to share those today.

This was Michele's gift which Reta received (they got gifts from each other).  Nope, not a blueberry pie - it's a wonderful pot holder that Michele made.  She loves quilting!  She also made some homemade ornaments to go with it.  

This was a framed art piece from Reta that Michele received.  This is one of our wonderful MDS frameables.  

Okay, I have to give an apology!  I gave homemade chocolates to all my hostess tea attendees and downline in their mugs.  This was how the chocolate started out - perfect, right?  It is dark chocolate with tea and sea salt flakes.  Well, after it sat for a bit, the tea or bits of dried fruit in the tea soaked up the moisture in the chocolate so it ended up dry and crumbly - ugh!!!  I didn't realize that until it had all gone out of course, so for all of you with dark, crumbly chocolate, sorry about that!  I'll try to do better next time.  

This was the gift I made and Laura received.  It's a 16x20 mixed media canvas.  This turned out almost exactly as I planned which is most amazing since it's the first one I've ever made.  I used a combination of old music sheets, paint, stamps, DSP, card stock, etc. with lots of mod podge, some modeling paste and our stars template.  The images are from a retired set which I stamped, scanned and enlarged, then traced on current CS and DSP, then attached to the canvas.  I used an artists pen to outline everything.  I'm really happy how it turned out and plan to make more of these.  Woohoo!  

My sister was visiting when I made mine, so here's her piece - cute!!!  

Here's the last photo from the demo party - I received a Starbucks mug with goodies from Kathy W.  I love mugs, Starbucks and treats, so yay!    I don't have a photo for some reason, but Janet gave me a planner and some KCup coffees for my new Keurig.  I really rely on those planners - so thanks Janet!  

Today's sample is a New Year's card we made at our workshops in November.  This uses the Making Spirits Bright stamp set in the Holiday Mini catalog.  I love the gold and black theme with the champagne glasses.

Supplies used:

Basic Black, Whisper White, Brushed Gold card stock, Gold Glimmer Paper

Black StazOn, Crushed Curry Marker, Gold Pen

Gold Satin Ribbon, Gold Baker's Twine, Gold Sequin Trim

Scallop Tag Topper Punch

Making Spirits Bright Clear-Mount Stamp Set 135089 Price: $19.95 A clink of the glass can say more than words when it comes to wishing someone happy holidays. But don't worry—for the verbose this set also includes a variety of sentiments to welcome in the season. Clear-mount and wood-mount. Set Quantity: 13.

Gold Stampin' Dazzle Marker 133634 Price: $3.50 Elegant dazzle—especially for darker papers. Metallic silver and gold glitter markers.

Brushed Gold 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock 102935 Price: $7.95 Contains 10 sheets of 80 lb., high-quality 8-1/2" x 11" smooth card stock, dyed with pure color all the way through. Ideal for scrapbooking, this acid-free, lignin-free, and buffered card stock offers all sorts of stamping and scrapbooking options.

CrEW Party!

I wanted to share some of the fun and great gifts that were exchanged at our Demonstrator December meeting and party over the next couple days.  We had a good time with food, stamping and a handmade gift exchange.  Do you feel like you're missing out?  You can join our Stampin'Up! family and attend our free Demonstrator meeting every other month.  We have swaps, make and takes, snacks, business tips, challenges and more.  Lots of fun and bonding!  Here are a few photos of the December party:

Desserts!

JoAnn and Pat

Janet and Michele

Tim and Janet

This was one of a set of 3 trees Janet made and Mary received.  Each tree was a different size.   

JoAnn made this rolled DSP tree art and Janet received it.  

A close up of the tree - cute!  

Check in tomorrow for more great ideas.

Stamporee coming and more holiday gifts!

Hi everyone.  I'm currently working on projects for the annual Stamporee on Feb. 1st.  Don't forget to register by the 16th.  We'll be making 15 different themed cards using all different stamp sets, so something for everyone.  The cost is $35.  More details can be found on my calendar by clicking here.

New Year Resolution #8:  Clean out the attic!  Katie said she'd help me, so we need to do it after the temperature goes above 20 degrees and before she goes back to school - ha!

Here are a few more of the handmade gifts from our party:

This beautiful memo board was made by Bridgette Caples.  

This clever cork/magnet board was made by Brenda Fasulo out of cookie sheet.  

These adorable coasters were made by Reta Daugherty.  

This fun "woodsy" framed art piece was made by Cindy Arnold.  

JoAnn Graham made these awesome vases.  She put rubber bands around them and they spray painted them white.  Love it!

Check out our new weekly deals!

We are currently offering weekly deals in our online store.  Check in every Tuesday for a new set of deals.  You can see the discounted products at my online store here.  The discount is 25% off and will appear after you place the item in your shopping cart.  The discount is also good on workshop orders as long as they're placed before the following Tuesday.  These items will be 25% off through Monday, Oct. 14th.  Prices listed are regular price.

CHEVRON TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Price: $7.95	ESSENTIALS PAPER-PIERCING PACK Price: $7.95	FESTIVE PAPER-PIERCING PACK Price: $7.95	PETITE CURLY LABEL PUNCH Price: $12.95
SQUARES COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES Price: $26.95	TODAY & EVERYDAY DESIGNER PHOTOBOOK TEMPLATE - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Price: $14.95

So yesterday, I showed you a framed art piece using part of a sheet of Witches' Brew DSP.  Well, what to do with the rest of the sheet?  Make more art of course!!!!  Here is one ofmy hostess gifts for October (sorry to spoil the surprise ladies) and each one is a little different.  You can make 4 framed art pieces out of 1 sheet of DSP.  There are 2 of each design in a pack, so if you're careful on cutting, you can make 8 pieces (or more) of art out of 1 pack of Designer Paper.  I've added a little extra DSP of another pattern, glitter, colored Rhinestones and a couple bats (retired punch - sorry) for some fun.

I'm really lovin' these adorable frames!

Supplies used:

Frame from Walmart
Witches Brew DSP  #132185
Black and Orange Stampin' Glitter (132206)
2 Way Glue Pen  #100425
Rhinestone Basic Jewels  #119246 and orange Sharpie
Retired Bat Punch
White Stampin' Chalk Marker  #132133
Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon  #119253

Pumpkin Pie 1/8 Inch Taffeta Ribbon 119253 Price: $5.95 If you want to add a touch of elegance to a project, try using taffeta ribbon. It comes in Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors, and with 10 yards to a spool, you'll have plenty to complete many projects. * 1/8" wide; 100% polyester * Approximately 10 yards * White trimmed edges

White Stampin Chalk Marker 132133 Price: $3.50 Is it chalk? Is it a pen? It's a pen that looks like chalk! Get the popular chalk-look with this permanent-ink pen. Perfect for writing on black and other dark-colored papers. Single tip. Acid free