Fancy Flowers

Hi everyone,

Seems like every card or project I do lately takes me at least two days to make it. It's one those things where you create something and it looks ok. That's with little letters. It just doesn't have the wow factor I'm looking for at all. After looking at my card for most of this week, I finally figured out what I didn't like. The main image was just too pale so it wasn't the focal point anymore. I peeled off the leaves and redid them using a darker ink for outlining them. Much better, don't you think?

Supplies are all Stampin'Up! Of course!!

Stamps: Fancy Flowers, Baroque Motifs, and Bella Toile; Sage Shadow, More Mustard, and Whisper White cardstock; Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Really Rust, and Handsome Hunter Classic Ink Pads, Big Shot Top Note Bigz Die, Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, and a sponge quarter.

Now I doubt if any of you are thinking about November's class projects yet, but I am! (smile) This is just a little sneak peak to whet your appetite. Yes, I'm working on the projects now to have them all ready for you next month. Unfortunately for you, you can't see them yet. Na na boo boo. But aren't I being truly nice to give you a hint of what's coming up? I was asked to do a Thanksgiving card, and here it is. Or anyway, here part of it is. (giggle) Sorry, you really do have to wait.

Have a thoughtful Thursday today and enjoy yourself.

Hugs,

Sharon

Halloween Goodies

As it is getting closer to the big candy day, I thought I would share with you some ideas for sharing candy and cuteness with family and friends. My hostess club will be meeting here tomorrow, so they'll be needing some treats.

The first item up for your perusal is a set of two sour cream type containers with yummy candy centers. They've been made from a quarter sheet of our spooky Ghostly Greetings DSP. They each are crimped closed, and then have a smidgen of grosgrain ribbon to dress them up. This is a quick and easy way to make a little treat special for any holiday. Just think of the possibilities! Kids, co-workers, neighbors, anyone would like to get this instead of a trick from you!

Next for your viewing pleasure, we have a small pumpkin bag made from kraft cardstock. Again, the center of this gift are the candies and goodies inside. It's easy to make this bag which is similar to a 2,4,6,8 bag, but the dimensions were changed slightly to give me the look I wanted. If you don't know how to make one of these bags, I'd be happy to show you at a workshop where you and your friends can all make one suitable for the season. This would make a great place-card for your Thanksgiving dinner. Just add a tag with each person's name to each bag. Wouldn't that make your table look festive and inviting?

Last, but certainly not the least are my spider candies. Normally when I see a spider, all I can think of is smooshing it as quickly as possible. When I see these little cuties, all I can think of is YUM! My downline Jan Tink shared this idea with me (not too sure where she got the idea from, but it's making the rounds). I thought they were just too cute and had to make some for everyone. Aren't they just too adorable? These are the ONLY spiders I'm inviting into my house that's for sure. They are made with just two punches - Scallop Circle Punch, and the Photo Corners Punch. And of course, a York Peppermint Patty in the middle. That's where the YUM comes in. These have been a favorite of mine for a long, long time. In fact, I think there's a few left in that bag somewhere after making these. hmmm....

I think I have to go now and check out the remaining Peppermint Patties. They might be getting lonesome. I think I hear them calling my name....

Hugs,

Sharon

Lots of Help

Sometimes you can get just too much help. Today was one of those days. My cat Smokey was trying to be helpful and keep me company today, I guess. My hubby Rick is out of town this weekend. Down on the farm for all of you that are in the know. So Smokey was sticking with me most of today instead of having his usual round of naps, snacks, and more naps. He spent time laying on my cardstock, walking around ink pads, jumping over my Big Shot machine, climbing on my shoulder, etc. Right now he's laying in the top drawer of the desk where I keep my camera. He's been so helpful, it's a wonder that I actually accomplished something today! :-D

But that's not what you're here for, is it? You're interested in what I actually did today, right?! At least I hope you are.
Since I got the Sizzix Leaves #2 die, I've been making cards and scrap pages like crazy. Whether I've used regular cardstock or the DSP, the leaves have come out really cool. This time, the leaves were all sponged, veined with a Chocolate Chip marker, and then crumpled up. There is so much texture, I feel like I should start raking them up! After making the first one, I just couldn't stop myself. It's just like eating chocolate - you can't stop at one. That's just the teaser. I actually made enough cards to send to my family for Thanksgiving. (Now if I can just get them in the mail on time and not forget!!)

Oh yes, I did spend a bit of time shopping today too. I had three different coupons for Michaels that were all going to expire today. Of course, they wouldn't let me buy everything at the same time with the coupons. Oh no. You can only use one per visit. And I had no cash in my wallet. So what to do?? Buy one item, use the cc for a $6 purchase, use one coupon, take package out to the car. Come back in, buy one item, use the cc for a $9 purchase, use one coupon, take package out to the car. Come back in... get the idea? I ended up spending over an hour in the store because each time I had to stand in line all over again and then go back outside to the car to drop off the package. There is only one good thing about all that - I got my exercise out of the way for today. Oh yeah, I got everything I wanted on sale too!! Woo Hoo! ;-D

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Sharon

First snowflake of the season

Hi there! Just wanted to quickly share a card today that we did for the make & take on Friday at Penny's workshop. I was so happy with the card, that there will definitely be more than one of these made and sent for Christmas. First of all, it has snowflakes and I love snowflakes. They're so pretty and delicate and glisten in the light. Of course, if you get too many it could turn into a real blizzard. But here we're talkin' about just a couple of the lovely icy crystals. And I guess that alone is enough reason for me. :-D

See? Isn't this just the perfect, glittery, shivery, snowflake card? The glitter isn't really showing up much - it's just a smidgen on the background snowflakes. Doesn't it make you want to have at least one snowfall? Just a little teeny tiny one?

All stamps and products by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Snowburst

Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Ski Slope DSP

Ink: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Little Felt Flurries, 2-Way Glue Pen, Key Tag Punch, Sponge quarter,and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

This card just puts a smile on my face. Hope you enjoy trying this one out yourself too. I'll be back with more ideas for Christmas and anything else I can think of. Have yourself a crispy, crunchy fall day. Hmmmm... It would be a perfect day to make some muffins. Think that's what I'll do next.

Hugs,

Sharon

It just needs a little more...

Have you ever made one of those projects and you weren't satisfied with it? Something wasn't quite right or it was downright boring, but you just weren't sure what it needed? I had worked on a birthday card for Penny's workshop last Friday, and it turned out to be one of those projects! It has been driving me absolutely crazy ever since. Let me show you what I mean and then you'll understand what I'm talking about. Here's the original:

I guess it's ok. I know I liked it more when I was first finished with it. But the more I looked at it, the more dissatisfied I was. As you can see, it really, really needed help.

So, the card came apart in sections first. Then I added Chocolate Chip cardstock layers to punch it up a little. Made dark chocolate frosting instead of milk chocolate and added ribbon. Is the newer version better??

All stamps by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Crazy About Cupcakes

Paper: More Mustard, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Brown, Really Rust, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip, and Sage Shadow Marker

Accessories: Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Small Oval Punch, Vintage Mini Brads, Dazzling Diamond Glitter.

Now this is much more what I had in mind when I got the idea in the first place.

Thanks so much for looking. I'd love your comments.

Hugs,

Sharon

Sunny Saturday

Oh, I certainly hope you're having as beautiful day as I am here in Michigan! It's another of those perfect fall days with the sky an incredibly lovely bright blue, the leaves turning all shades of reds, golds, yellows, etc., and the temps in the 50's. The air smells so fresh and crisp that you've just got to spend some time outside. So I did! I hope the next time Rick plans a weekend down on the farm that he gets a weekend like this! Just perfectamundo as Fonzi would say.

Ok, back to business now that we've gotten the weather out of the way. I did promise to show you what everyone did at class this past week, so drumroll please. Here they are!

I hope you can get a good look at Frankie here. He's just a little sweetie, isn't he? He's made by cutting the cardstock in half the long way and making a tri-fold card. Did you notice that his mouth is made with the stamp that says "yumyumyumyum'. How fun is that?

All materials and stamps are Stampin'Up!.

Stamps - Tasty Sweet

Paper - Old Olive, Whisper White, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie Prints DSP(retired)

Ink - Old Olive and Basic Black

Accessories - Scallop Edge Punch, 1 3/8" and 1" Circle Punches.

Even with the bolts on his neck, such as it is, the card is just the right size to fit in our medium envelopes.

The next card is a winner as far as I'm concerned. I really like to make cards that are multi-purpose and can be used for a variety of occasions. I can see using this one for a wedding, birthday, get well, thinking of you, and the list goes on, and the list goes on (singing). Oops, I got carried away singing to "The Beat Goes On" by Sonny & Cher. Remember that oldie?? Ok, enough of that silliness.

All stamps and materials are Stampin'Up!

Stamps - Sanded background

Paper - Pacific Point, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, and Bella Rose DSP

Accessories - White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Big Shot machine, and Birds & Blooms Sizzlits Set.

The hardest part of making this card was putting the gorgeous Bella Rose paper on backwards. At least, I think it's backwards. I absolutely love, love, love the rose print on that paper. Shelli, that print is a hands-down winner!

Well, I hope you're enjoying your day. Come on back and spend some time again real soon.

Hugs,

Sharon

Classes and More

Wow! What a week this has been so far. How is it that pretty much a whole month of the calendar is fairly empty, until I got to this week. Somehow everything seems to be going on this week. And I can't even go to everything that's happening either! I missed out on Bible Study last night, and I'll be missing a Longaberger Basket party on Friday night. (I know you guys are all having fun without me! Boo hoo!) But that's all right. I'll be at Penny's house having fun with the ladies. We'll be stamping up a storm!



Thought you'd like to take a peak at what was made at the classes this week. The focus was on Diecuts and Punches. As you can see, this card used the BigShot and the Sizzix Circle Scallops #2. This is such a great size to stamp an image inside to really make it the focus of your card. Adding the sponging on the scallop edge and piercing each scallop makes it almost look like an old-fashioned doily. And of course, the new Riding Hood Red is such a nice, rich color to use for Christmas cards. Just lovely, if I do say so myself!





Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas, and Watercolor Vine Jumbo Wheel

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Brushed Gold, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Riding Hood Red and Old Olive Classic Pads, and Stazon Jet Black Pad

Accessories: BigShot, Sizzix Scallop Circle #2, Sponge quarter, Crafters Tool Kit, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, and Jumbo Handle.

Cute, isn't it?

Got to run for now. It's almost time for my downline to be coming over tonight. I think I need a bite to eat to tide me over. One cannot live solely on chocolate. Well almost, but not quite. ;D

Oops! I'm still learning this stuff. I can't believe I didn't publish this yesterday as planned. It's a good thing I check back today, or you might not ever have seen this. Let's try this one again. See ya'll later after my workshop tonight. Hopefully I'll have enough energy to post later!
Hugs,
Sharon

Boo Welcome

Happy Saturday to you. Hope you've been out enjoying today's gorgeous weather. Well, it really is gorgeous around here, even if you don't have the greatest weather where you are. The sun was shining today, the sky was blue, not too hot, not too cold. It was a perfect Indian Summer day. So where was I? Down in my dungeon, of course. I needed to finish up packing for my workshop tomorrow with Phyllis. That didn't take too long, so I got out a project I'd been thinking on for several days.

I like having something on the back door welcoming everyone that comes over for classes, downline meetings, workshops, etc. With all the different signs I own, not a single one was actually designed for Halloween. This was the idea that was floating around in my mind telling me I had to order the Pennant Bigz Die so I could make it! Don't you have projects telling you to buy, buy, buy just so you can make one little thing? Please don't tell me I'm the only one that has these voices telling me what to do?! Heaven help me!

Well, after looking at it hanging there, I'm not sure if it needs any more frou-frou or what. At least it's finished (for now) and hanging on the door. Comments would be appreciated. Come on over and see it!

Stamps - none (oh my, maybe I need to stamp something on it???)

Dies - Pennant Bigz, Serif Essentials Bigz Alphabet

Paper - Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Whisper White cardstock, Autumn Vine DSP

Accessories - More Mustard, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain, and Black Gingham Ribbons, Slot Punch, Sticky Tape, and a dowel that been hanging around forever. You never know when you're going to need things so you just can't throw them out. Right Rick? Ok, maybe I don't need to keep everything, but I never know just what it is that I'll be needing in the future. And I was a Girl Scout way back when, so I need to be prepared. Or is that just the Boy Scouts? Well, if it's not the Girl Scouts, it should be and I hearby say that it is part of their pledge. So there!

Ok, time to get off my soapbox for now. I'm not sure how much more you can take of me today.

Hugs,

Sharon

Lookin' for easy Christmas?

I was going through my emails today when my attention was caught by an ad. Or I should say the graphics of a portion of the ad. Right away I had to stop and make it into my version of a card. I've been looking for something super easy using stamps that many of my customers already have on hand. So many are on a strict budget right now, that I want to give them ideas on how to use what they already own. (I know that isn't always great for the bottom line of a business, but it's the way I work.)

This is the card I came up with, very simple and quick. I used only 3 sets, 2 colors, and 4 punches, and some ribbon and sponges. Most of these items are inexpensive and might just be in your stamping stash. Go check...

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Snow Swirled, and Best Yet (Level 1 Hostess set)

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke

Accessories: 1 3/4"Circle, Large Oval, Designer Label, and Key Tag Punches, Sponge quarters, Silver Cord, and Dimensionals

Of course, if you wanted to make it more lovely (maybe even downright fabulous!) just add a layer or two behind the card I've done. That wouldn't be at all hard either. So what are you waiting for?

Oh, you think you might need just a little more inspiration today? Yah, I know. I owe you for not getting around to posting yesterday. Ok, let's see what else I've been up to today.

Everyone has been making such wonderful things with the Big Shot that I just had to get in there and make some fun stuff too! I just got my Pennant Bigz XL Die yesterday, so you can guess what I've been playing with. Ahem, this might have just a little something to do with my not posting yesterday. Ok, Ok I was busy with my new toy, alright?! I think it might be time for a chocolate break right about now. Janine, have you got any extra chocolate over there???

Ok, I'm back. Now where was I? Oh yes... Do you ever get intimidated about trying something new? There has to be somebody out there besides me that never knows where to start with something new like this. It was surprising how easy the Big Shot and the Pennant Bigz Die works together to make this simple card! Once you get the hang of it, and know how much paper you need, and where to place it on the die, look out! You can crank these cards out in no time at all!

Materials used:

Stamps: Many Merry Messages and Snow Swirled

Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, and Holiday Treasures DSP

Ink: Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Snow Blossom and Scallop Circle Punches, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Ribbon, and Silver Mini Brads

I was on Patty Bennett's blog (thanks Patty for the idea) and saw what she had done with these cards. Totally blew me away! So much fun, quick,versatile (just change the papers used), and they're easy to boot! What more can you ask for when you're cranking out those piles of cards for Christmas? This card will definitely be part of my classes in November. You ladies will love making this one for sure!

Well, it's off to get things planned for my workshop with Phyllis on Sunday afternoon. Can't wait to see you ladies there and enjoy the afternoon with you!

Hugs,

Sharon

Fragments of Fun

My downline friend, Michelle, got me totally hooked on using Tim Holtz's Fragments. Have you tried them yet? It's so much fun putting together a mosaic of colors and patterns using patterned paper, Crystal Effects, and these acrylic tile pieces. The possibilities of color and placement are absolutely endless. They're so cute, I want to make one for each holiday and season, and any other reason I can think of. Let me show you what I'm talking about. You'll see.....

This is the first one I made. The frame and mirror is from IKEA. I painted it and sanded it smooth then started playing. The paper I used is one of Stampin'Up!s new two-sided DSP called Haiku. When I saw the newest papers, this was the one I knew my friend would like the most. Her house is done in all yellows, oranges, golds, and greens. And her birthday was right around the corner. So I made this for her with a card to match. I liked it so much I wanted to keep it!! Of course, you would never feel that way, hanging on to (ahem, let's be honest now) hoarding things that you think are lovely. Let's hope she's enjoying it.

Anyway, there were more possibilities out there to be tried! Since it's the fall of the year, there is a certain holiday that many people like to decorate their homes and yards to celebrate. This isn't my exact favorite holiday as mentioned before, but I do like cute. So I made one for my home. What do you think of this?

It's on the same order as the first one, but with a decidedly Halloween feel. I used Stampin'Up!'s DSP Ghostly Greetings and the frame is black. I used Only Orange Craft Ink on the chipboard letters and then embossed with Iridescent Ice. Nice and glittery, but not too spooky. It was quicker than the first one to make. Which is a good thing if I want to make another half dozen or so to cover all the holidays. As it was, it took about 4 1/2 to 5 hours all together to finish. Is that what's called a labor of love?

BTW, did you notice Rick's hand in the picture? I wanted to use the pic that you could actually see him, but that one somehow got deleted already. Hope you enjoyed these ideas today. If you have any questions on how to make them, just email me and I'd be happy to go into detail for you. Have a wonderful day. I need to get to stamping. Classes are coming up next week, and not all of the projects have been planned. It'll be fun though!

Hugs,

Sharon

Kids and Cats

Boy, kids sure keep you humble, don't they. My son helped me figure out how to set up a simple blog then went on home. I was having fun and feeling so confident and 'with it' because I actually had a blog. Yippee! After posting my second post, I emailed him and asked for his critique. That was my first mistake.


He emailed back and said it was ok but needed some explosions.


I read that and thought, 'Gee, that must be something important to have on it. Wonder what that is?' So I emailed him back and asked if he could help me to put explosions on my blog. That was my second mistake.


He emailed back laughing and said explosions were just that. It was a joke Mom!! He thought I'd get it and have a chuckle. Now he was the one doing all the snickering, not me.


Does God give us kids just to make sure we don't get too full of ourselves? Some days....





Other than that little blip, yesterday was very productive. Rick and I were taking pics of some projects I thought about posting. He's very particular about everything and was taking about 10-12 pictures of each project from different angles and lighting, then I'd have to decide which was the best for posting. Our nosy cat Smoky, who never wants his picture taken, kept jumping on the table just about the time Rick would click a pic. I'd get him and hold him and play with him while Rick snapped away. While Rick was setting up for the next project, I'd put Smoky down and he'd wander away and ignore us. Rick's ready to click again and here comes Smoky to lay down on the card and turn his back to us. Letting us know who's definitely in charge in this house!



I thought this was funny, but Rick not so much! We did get a few grins playing with Smoky yesterday. There are days I wonder whatever possessed me to get a cat. But I really wouldn't trade him for anything!

Hope you have a good and blessed day!
Hugs,
Sharon

We're off and stamping...

This is just so exciting! Meg in Tally actually found my blog already and posted a comment. I had to run upstairs and tell my hubby cuz I was sooooo thrilled! Practically jumping up and down for joy! If I'm not careful, it might almost seem like exercise. Yikes! We can't have that now, unless we have a chocolate break. Hmmmm, now there's a good idea.

Okay, now that the chocolate break is over, there's something cool here to show you. I've been working on gifts for the fabulous hostesses that keep me in business and wanted to share the idea with you. It's so simple to make, but can be changed around to any color and stamp sets you want to use. Well,what do you think??

This is a card holder folder. Don'tcha just love that name? It just sort of flows off the tongue (or twists it up if you're having one of those days!) Or maybe you don't have those kinds of days - boy, are you lucky!

Oh yes, back to the project. The folder uses 1 sheet of cardstock folded in half and scored along the bottom long edge at 2". This folds up inside to make pockets for the matching cards and envies.
Now wouldn't just everybody love one of these? Of course they would!

Stamps: Happiness Always, Canvas and Watercolor Vine Jumbo Wheel

Paper: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Naturals Ivory

Inks: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Chocolate Grosgrain (both widths), Cropadile, and Crafters Tool Kit

That's all it takes to make this cute gift. Now where are all those ladies just dying to be a hostess for me. Come on now, I know you're hiding out there. Oh, maybe I should get on the phone and make some more calls. Whatcha think? Hmmm. Yup,yup,yup. Guess that's what I'm gonna do. Off to the phone lines and scare me up another hostess or two. Have a wonderful day and enjoy the crisp fall weather out there! Drop by tomorrow and we'll chat again.

Hugs,

Sharon

New Beginnings

Well, let's hear it for new beginnings. I've been contemplating this whole blogging world for at least six months. I know, I know. It takes me a long time (ahem... forever) to make a decision and try something new. But I'm excited to be sharing my thoughts and stamping ideas with you, whoever you are. (You are out there somewhere, aren't you??) I imagine it will take awhile for news of this new adventure to catch on, but here goes anyway.


It's been fun working with my stamping friends and coming up with so many adorable Halloween cards and projects. Halloween isn't my favorite holiday of all time, it's somewhere after Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc, etc, etc... But it sure is fun decorating and mailing cute cards out. I don't get into the really spooky, gory stuff. I'm an absolute sucker for cute though!


I think this little cat is so cute flying off on his broom. Or is that a her?? Whichever, I hope my friend likes it because this little feline friend will be flying over her way soon.

All stamps, inks, etc are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Haunting Halloween, Canvas

Paper: Basic Black, More Mustard, Gable Green, Whisper White, and Orchid Opulence(inside)

Inks: Pumkin Pie, Orchid Opulence, Gable Green, and More Mustard

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Corrugator, Bold Brights Mini Brads, Large Oval Punch, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals.




Whew, that's it for my first official posting. Hopefully this has picqued your interest. I'll try to be consistent with this blog so you'll have some inspiration on a regular basis. There are so many of you that I consider friends that I would like to keep in touch with. This seemed like a good way to stay in touch and share my obsession with stamping at the same time. Please let me know what you think of this crazy adventure. I'd love to hear from you. And please, please, be nice. Remember, I'm a blogging virgin. Well, not anymore I guess! he he he



Hugs,
Sharon

hi, its new :)

just started this and trying it out to make sure it works