Filled with Love Bundle

Oh my! Can't believe it's been over a week since my last posting! Yikes!! So much for planning on being more regular with my posts. So sorry!! Hope the rest of the year isn't as crazy as the first 11 days of the year has been. We got together at church last week to stamp cards for the soldiers for From Our Hearts. We had a great time and finished 155 cards that evening. Then it was time to get ready for classes this week. I guess that's how I messed up on blogging this early in the year. Too many deadlines. So, that means I'd better get a move on with this blogging since you've been waiting so long. OK?

This is one of the cards my wonderful ladies are making during classes this week. It uses the stamp set and Designer Series Paper that are bundled for sale right now at SU! When you get the stamp set and paper, you get the tiny buttons free. The card I'll share with you tomorrow will be using all of those items together. Just love the stamp set and papers. It makes it so dog-gone easy to get your Valentine cards made in no time at all. Here's the first one....

Stamps: Filled with Love and Seasonal Sentiments

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Whisper White, and exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Papers

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Sponge quarter, Basic Rhinestones, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

With the heart punch that fits the heart stamp in this set you can finish this card in just minutes. But I love how clean and simple the look is. Just my style! This card features 2 of the patterns of the DSP. There are 2 more prints to play with, so you can find just the right one for your design.

Anyway, that's it for tonight. Only half of the ladies came for class tonight. The weather outside is icy cold and snowing those fine little diamond snowflakes. It looks pretty, but the roads are the pits so no one wanted to come out tonight. So there's a snow-date make up class next Tuesday. Hopefully the weather will settle down for tomorrow's classes! Have a great evening. And thanks for stopping by again!

Sharon

Happy New Year!!

Hope you didn't celebrate too much last night - just enough to have a good time. And I also hope you've found time to reflect on the past year. This is a great time to go over what was good or bad about the previous year, and how you would change your actions or maybe reactions. It's wonderful that God gives us a chance to make a new start each year and use the time to learn to become better people. Of course we all will have our failings, and yes I'm probably the worst offender here. But the slate is wiped clean and it's time for a fresh start. Take the time to think about who you really want to be a year from now, and figure out the steps you need to take to get to that reality.

One of my goals this year is to lose some of my extra weight that's been added the last couple of years. For me that's going to be a really hard thing to do because I hate to exercise! I know hate is a strong word, but it really fits here. I know I'd feel much better and my clothes would fit better too if I got this weight thing under control. shhhh.... Don't tell my hubby. For some reason when we both watch our weight, he loses his and I just watch mine! How unfair!! And it does get very depressing. So I'm not even telling him what I'm trying to do so he won't be comparing how we're doing on this. So what's your biggest goal for next year? Is it physical like mine? Or is it spiritual? Or is it business related? Let's help and encourage each other to be the very best we can be!

Ok, on to sharing a card with you all! I had looked at the Stamping 411 site earlier in the week, but didn't get around to getting my card made in time. Well, the card's finished, but the link to the site is closed. So I'm just sharing it with you instead. It's still a classic layout that's good for so many occasions. And one I need to get out and use more often! Hope you like it.

Stamps: Friends Never Fade

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and the new Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper

Ink: So Saffron and Baja Breeze Markers and Not Quite Navy Pad

Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Vanilla Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and Dimensionals

The two prints I chose for the card is on just one sheet of paper. I thought they went together so very nicely that I had to add a strip of the backside to the card.

The flower accent was colored with the markers then used the rock'n'roll technique on the edges with the Not Quite Navy pad. It gives the flower a bit more dimension. And then adding the glitter really sets it off nicely. Instead of adding leaves, I punched the Artichoke cardstock and layered it behind. It still needed something, so I added the snippet of ribbon.

The card can be used for any occasion at this point depending on what words are chosen for the inside. I think I'll save that decision for later when I need a card at the last minute.

Wishing you a very blessed New Year with all the best that our heavenly Father has in store for you! Let me know what you're planning on working on this year, and I'll keep you posted on any progress that is made in the weight department!!

Hugs,

Sharon

Year End Thoughts

Here it is, the day before the end of 2010. What a year it's been. So many ups and downs, twists and turns. But all in all it's been a good year for us here. Of course our greatest blessing has been our little grandson that we love dearly. Thought you'd like to see how much he's grown in 7 months, so here's a pic with him and his proud grandpa. My sister got him the plushy Santa suit and he looked just adorable. Don't you agree? For some reason he was the center of attention throughout the day, and he seemed to really enjoy it!



OK, on with something to share with you. Each year I have customers that want a gift certificate for a friend or family member. And each year I come up with one that I make from scratch. (I also make birthday and thank you certificates, but that's for another time! ) Since everyone probably has received their gift certificates by now, I figured it would be safe to share and not mess up the surprise.

This year I chose to use the Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper for the main theme of the certificates. The prints were all very cute and playful, but there really wasn't a problem deciding which one I wanted to use. The print with the trees and birds fit the size of my certificate very well, so that's what I chose. Here's a picture of one that I'm sharing with you...

Stamps: Occasional Quotes (hostess) and A Cute Christmas

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, and Candy Cane Christmas DSP
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Accessories: 1/4" Circle Punch, Designer Label Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Bone Folder, and Dimensionals

The holly leaves were punched with the small oval punch, then trimmed up with Paper Snips. I don't have a holly punch that's the right size, but it worked out well this way anyway. The inside of the gift certificate is printed on my computer on our white cardstock, then trimmed up and layered. This all fits into a small open-end envelope that's been stamped with the trees from A Cute Christmas to match.

That's it for today. Don't know if I'll get anymore stamping in this year as we're sort of running out of time. My best wishes to each of you for a happy and healthy new year. May God bless the next year for you with pleasant surprises and many warm memories with your family and friends. Happy New Year!
Sharon

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...

But we haven't gotten to the part where nothing was stirring, etc. I just finished wrapping the gifts and making the last gift card holders. The cookies and candies are all finished. At least, I've quit whether I was actually finished or not. And it's almost time to get ready for church. So what's left to do tonight? Share one more post with you! In fact, I should have called this the ornament edition. Yes, I've spent time during the past week or so making a slew of ornaments. My cat chews on the fake tree and then steals stuff off of it, so my delicate glass ones didn't even come out this year. Some I gave away before I got pictures of them, but these are a good representation of what was made.
There were a bunch of the snowflake snowglobe type of ornaments made this year. Those were really fun to make. These two just have glitter for shaking and none on the outside. Others have been glittered all over the place inside and out! Gotta make sure they shine on the tree, ya know!

I used both the Chunky Glitters and the Glass Glitter on the ornaments. It just depended on the look I wanted.



This was my favorite ornament when it was finished. The image has added glitz from the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint that was used over the bells. There was also some Frost White Shimmer Paint accents on the berries, holly, and ribbon. So very pretty!!








This picture might give you a better idea about the shimmer on the image. Like I said, this one's my favorite of all that I made this year. As you can see, I raided my stash of retired DSP's to make these ornaments. I was looking for certain colors to use, and this fit the bill.








My daughter will only put blue and silver ornaments on her tree, so these are for her. I also did a few of the snowflake style (1st one shown) done up with blues for her.

On the backs of the ornaments I used a retired gold/silver Zig Painty pen to add the names and/or years depending on who they're for. It surprised me that my pen was still in working order after sitting around since last Christmas. What a nice surprise for me!

Well, that's it for tonight. Time to get redy for the candlelight service at church tonight. I think this is always the loveliest service in the whole church year and something I never want to miss.

Wishing you a very Blessed Christmas! Take time to thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. He came so you and I can be redeemed and and become children of God. This is the most glorious gift ever!
Sharon

Top Note Gift Box

Hi there! Today I've got a really quick post for you. One of my downline ladies, Phyllis Dahlstrom, made some of these cute little boxes for our Christmas party. Inside she had some homemade fudge. Yummy!! I can't give you too many details on how the box was made, because I've never made one of these. But I'm going to give it a try after Christmas. Hmmm..... The wheels are turning..... Wouldn't it be the perfect size for a Valentine box??? That means I've got to figure out how it's made. I'll get back to you on that later.

Stamps: Bells and Boughs, Serene Snowflakes

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot with Top Note Die, Old Olive Satin Ribbon

Not sure for the ovals just what was used. I guess you need to use your imagination here.

Isn't it pretty? I think she did a great job on both the box and the fudge!! Hope you like Phyllis' idea as much as I do. After I track her down for some dimensions after Christmas, this is one of the first ideas I'm going to try my hand at. Check back later for another version for another occasion.

Hurry up now. Only 3 days left til Christmas! Hope you're not too frazzled to think about the true meaning of this holiday - when the Christ Child was born and God came to earth to live with us. What a blessing and honor to serve Him!!

Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family in the coming year.

Sharon

Last Minute Christmas Cards

What a week this is turning out to be - sheesh!! Yesterday I had an appointment to get my teeth cleaned. I know, who in their right mind would plan that for the week before Christmas. Me, that's who! Unfortunately I had to cancel my appointment twice in the previous 6 weeks, and I was determined to get it done before the end of the year. So my gums were sore from that. Then today while eating something quite innocuous, a section of one of my teeth just broke off. I called and they'd had a cancellation - could I come right now. So I spent part of this afternoon getting a temporary crown put on my tooth. Doesn't that sound like fun??? My jaw and gum area around the tooth still hurts. Boo hoo little me :( Oh well, I get to look forward to getting the permanent crown put on right after the first of the year!! Hooray! What a way to start out the new year! Well, I am thankful they could get me in today and I didn't have this happen over the holidays. Wouldn't that be the pits? Alright, enough whining here and let's get on with the cards!!

Ok now, I know it's only 4 days til Christmas and you've had all your cards in the mail eons ago, but I ran out of cards that I'd made and had to whip up a few more on Sunday. Seems to happen every year. I should know better by now and just make twice as many as I think I'll need. Anyway, I thought I'd use up a few segments of dsp that I had left and make up some super-quick cards. Here you go....


Materials for all three cards are as follows:

Stamps: Peaceful Season (hostess)
Cardstock: Crumb Cake and either Always Artichoke or Cherry Cobbler with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke on #3
Accessories: White Pearlized Smooch Accent Ink, Sponge Dauber, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, and the Ticket Corner Punch on card #3




These three cards are very basic, but because of the lovely Deck the Halls DSP used they are still gorgeous. I added the sponging on the DSP on each card to give them more of a vintage look.

On the first two cards, I used touches of the Smooch Accent Ink to give them a hint of luxury and opulence. Even if they only took moments to make, I still think they look quite nice. The Bells and Boughs Designer Paper has been one of the easiest to use with the prettiest results!!




This last card also used the slot punch for the ribbon to slide through. Then a tied bow was attached with a Mini Glue Dot.

Now aren't you glad you took a minute to check these cards out? Simple, but I'm still very happy with them.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope your Christmas preparations are going better than mine!

Sharon

Birthday Hydrangea

Ok, today I have another class project for you. One of the nicest sets in the catalog can't be purchased, but you can get it free when you're a hostess. Can you guess which set I totally love?? It's called 'Because I Care', and I'm really excited about using it. I've done several cards with it already that I like, but I've always veered toward using very subtle colors. This time I got a bit bolder and used richer versions of my beloved subtles. See what you think of it....

Stamps: Because I Care and Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, and Whisper White

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight, and Certainly Celery

Accessories: Big Shot with Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Sponge Dauber, Striped Organza Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Aqua Painter, and Dimensionals

For this card, the ladies also got to choose whichever sentiment they wanted. Most all of the stamps in the Sincere Salutations set fit nicely into the scallop oval punch, so there was alot of switching around and changing minds of what stamp they really wanted to use. Sometimes having choices just makes it harder to make a card. (At least that's what they tell me!)

Seems like I cut a few too many cardstock sets of this sample, so I think I'll get them stamped up today before I get everything put away. Yeah, I know, I should have put it all away last night after class, but I got lazy. Oh well. That just means it's time to stamp today before I get on with getting my own cards finished, addressed, and mailed. And it's not even 3 days before Christmas yet!! Wow - this might be a new record for getting cards out on time! I'll let you know if they actually get finished today!

Have a great day! Take a deep breath, you still have 8 days before Christmas to get everything finished!!! Help.......

Sharon