I wanted to send my grandsons, Andrew and Carlos a little something from their Mimi so I made them these adorable coffee mugs with their names on it. Since we have been having cold weather here in the sunshine state, I thought the snowman soup would be a treat. I haven't had a chance to do much crafting lately so I got out my Cricut and went to town. Of course, I got the idea for the soup from my blogger friend, Chris. She has some adorable projects on her blog. You should check it out.
On Saturday, I hosted my First Annual Christmas Tea/Stamp-A-Stack. It was such a nice and relaxing day. Although the initial plan was to begin at 10:00 and end at 1:00, I was in good company and having a blast. When my guests left, I was surprised to see that it was well past 3:00! I suppose time really does fly when you're having fun. :) I love it when I can get together with friends who share the same passion as I do. It was extra special as two of my newest friends, Eloisa and Leticia were able to attend. Even though it was a smaller crowd, we really enjoyed ourselves.
Today I spent the day in my pj's and cleaned up my studio. I always seem to make the biggest messes and it keeps me from finishing up projects. After reorganizing my paper and scraps, I finished two projects that I will share with you this week in addition to the Stamp-A-Stack projects. I am so excited about the turnout. I am definitely in Christmas mode!
The Christmas spirit is growing here at our house. During the holidays I love having holiday parties and this year was no different. Because I am a procrastinator and was running a little short on time, I decided to combine my annual tea party with a Christmas Stamp-A-Stack. Thankfully my fellow demonstrator friend Debi Kyle came to the rescue. I have to say, being a demonstrator is so rewarding in so many ways. One being the friends you make along the way. Debi is such a talented woman. She DOES IT ALL!!! Her ideas are incredible and I feel so crafty when I am around her. She was kind enough to share her samples AND supplies to help me prepare for my party. Thanks again DEBI!!!
This little project is one of Debi's little gems. She showed it to me recently over coffee and I knew I could make it. Since I was a little limited on time and didn't have the cute little bags she used for the inside, I improvised a bit by adding the Big Shot Box # 2 die instead. Each guest at my tea party will receive one of these little cuties. Wouldn't they be cute as gift card holders??? If you would like to attend my stamp-a-stack/tea party, it is Saturday, December 11th between the hours of 10 - 1, email me for more information.
As reflected in yesterday's post, I have been working on some things lately. Christmas Cards to be exact.
I have been making my own Christmas cards since my son Kody was born. I remember my first homemade cards and getting that perfect picture of my precious little boy to send out to all my family and friends. That perfect picture turned out to be quite the ordeal. I came up with the idea of wrapping a paper box and putting Kody inside (I know, how original...). The box kept flipping over and he would cry so I tried changing his outfits several times. Remember how difficult it is to change your baby's outfit, much less try when he has been placed in a box and keeps dumping over!!!! Needless to say, after all these years, I still enjoy making my own cards and enclosing photos of my precious little ones (yes, I know, they are grown). If it makes you feel better, they still give me a hard time when it's "Christmas photo-op" time.
Here is this year's card and a blast from the past.
Where do I begin!! It has been so long since I have posted anything and here is the reason why ...
Since the beginning of this school year, I have been so busy with my daughter Sara. We are a homeschool family and years past have been just so so. We didn't get too involved in many "groups" as my kids were older and they were having a difficult time finding "their niche". This year however, is the exception. Sara has gotten involved in Youth In Government, FISH Hawks Football and a social life too. Not sure I am ready for the last one :(.
We began our year with YIG and since this year was an election year, we were priviledged to be a part of our local candidates campaign. Little did I know I would be taxi driver or shuttle to not only my kid, but other YIGGERS (I didn't make that up) as well. Even though I don't consider myself to be very "political", I had a blast supporting our local candidates. I have also enjoyed getting to know the members of YIG and their families. Most of them are also FISH Hawks, which brings me to FOOTBALL.
It has been AGES since I have gone to a high school football game. I am not too much of a football fan (except UF vs. FSU), but let me tell you, those guys can play some mean football. The season ended up with the Hawks making it to the semi-finals.
Of course, during football season we managed to squeeze in a homeschool homecoming. Being the parent of a TEENAGE GIRL, there is always so much to do. Shopping for dresses, shoes, makeup, manis and pedis, oh my!! It was an awesome experience for Sara, one she will never forget. I am proud that my daughter did so well in picking her friends. The young women and men she "hangs out" with are truly exceptional kids and their parents are just as great.
Hopefully now that some of the functions are out of the way (for now), I am hoping to get back into the swing of CRAFTY things. I promise to share some really cool items I have been working on over the last few days. On Saturday, I am hosting my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack/tea party. I can't wait to have a day to enjoy my friends and my crafts.
Hopefully very soon I can get things (aka my LIFE) back on track. The start of this school year has been AWESOME but oh sooo busy. It seems this is my daughter Sara's year. We have done so much in the past few months, that I haven't had time to catch my breath. Her social life is getting the best of me and this tired mom needs to get back to scrapbooking. At least I have some wonderful photos and hopefully holiday crafts to share hopefully very soon.
This is the second layout I finished on Sunday. Sara's horse show season starts in November and I wanted to get her album up to date before the new season starts. I was able to use my Cricut Expression that goes untouched for several months. I had a little bit of a challenge getting everything I wanted on just two pages, then I remembered my friend Linda Higgins a/k/a "Queen of Cram" technique of hiding journaling or more photos under a tabbed photo. I think it turned out okay. What do you think?
It is so nice to have some time to myself and scrap. The other day I was talking to some of my friends and someone asked me why I liked to scrapbook so much. My other friends all said something like I don't have the time, not creative, etc. My response was "I'm addicted to it." Later that evening it came to me the reason I love scrapbooking so much. As most of you know, I have two teenage children. I started scrapbooking when they were toddlers. The reason I scrap is because ...
1. I want them to know I love them.
2. I want them to know I am so proud of their accomplishments and see them through my eyes.
3. I want them to know that with every milestone in their lives, I was there for them.
4. I want them to remember our loved ones as several of our beloved family members have made their journey to heaven. I want them to have fond memories of our family even though they may not have had time to create memories with family members themselves.
5. I want them to know how blessed and thankful I am that God trusted me as their mother to raise and nurture them as my very own.
I know there are several other reasons, but these 5 reasons really stuck with me that night. I know I don't always have time to scrapbook, but I really try hard to put aside just a few minutes here and there. I hope one day my kids will enjoy sharing my albums with their children.
I spent most of today in my scrapbook room. My husband Kevin and his brother played golf so I locked myself in my room and worked. I decided to scrap Sara's horse show photos from last season. I only had two shows to complete, but I felt like I was running out of time as the new show season starts in November. At least I can say I am caught up with her show album. Unfortunately I can't say that about their other albums :(
While I was looking through photos, I ran across this first day of school photo. I couldn't help to laugh at the pure JOY on their faces. This photo is next on my scrapping list. I hope you enjoy.
Accessories: Cricut Cartridges = Graphically Speaking and San Serif
Have you had a chance to view the new Holiday Mini Yet??? If not, you can view it HERE. There are soooo many items in there that I want. I am going to have to go on a "holiday diet." At first when I saw the new Letter Presses, I thought to myself, I don't really need those. Like how I use the word need? After seeing this video,I GOTTA HAVE IT!!!! I can literally visualize awesome scrapbook pages, mats for photos, etc. The ideas are endless!!!
Contact me today to order your all your stamping "NEEDS."
That's right, winners!!! Since there were only two who commented, I decided that I would send a little "something" to both participants. Thank you Katherine and Lisa for participating. I will be sending out your blog candy today. This photo is from my August 2010 class. The projects were a big hit and I decided to send both Katherine and Lisa a note pad and matching pen. I love having something handy to write on close to my phone and I also love that I can customize the note pads by stamping my favorite set on them, whether it be holiday, florals, etc.
Since I have two nephews in the service, my niece-in-law is getting together packages to send overseas. A group of my stamping friends and I are getting together once a month to make cards for the troops. We spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, enjoy breakfast together and then dive into card making. The time together is wonderful and just what I need after a long work week. Spending time with my crafting friends is like therapy to me. We have a great time getting together as everyone brings some creative idea or technique to share with the group. It is also helping me use up some of my retired products. Here is a sample of one of the cards we made.
This is one of my favorites and it is sooooo simple to make. The Elegant Bouquet is one of my favorite embossing folders and it makes a beautiful card with very little effort.
Stamps: Well Scripted
Ink: Pixie Pink (retired)
Paper: Whisper White and Pixie Pink (retired)
Accessories: Elegant Bouquet embossing folder and ribbon
Thanks so much for visiting my blog today and for playing Sherrill Graff's Late Night Stampers Scavenger Hunt game. To make this game EVEN MORE FUN, leave a comment on this blog post along with your name and email address and I will send you something special. I wish you all the best of luck!!!
My clue is: Come to Bethlehem page 43.
Collect all 20 clues and turn your answers in to Sherrill Graff at istmpnv@aol.com. She will pick the winner to our $400.00 Stampin' Up! shopping spree soon, so hurry and enter today!!!
During my glorious scrapbook weekend, I decided to scrap a Christmas layout. I was hoping it would get me in the holiday spirit since they are right around the corner. If it weren't for this heat, I would be there. In this layout, I used some of the new DSP from the Holiday Mini and the new jumbo wheel Jolly Jingles. The new Holiday Mini is packed full of wonderful project ideas and the new products are absolutely fabulous. I had to put myself on a holiday diet if you know what I mean. Call or email me to place your order.
Last weekend I was so happy that I spent pretty much all weekend in my scrap room. That doesn't happen very often as there are so many things that need my attention. It was so nice to just play with my stamps and paper and not have anything to prepare for.
I love the elegance of Black and White. I got out one of my favorite stamp sets, Baroque Motifs and used it to create this card I had seen on MoJo Monday Sketch challenge. It was really simple and took only a few minutes to make.
If you would like to order the products used to make this project, you can do so by clicking HERE.
Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Classic Black
Paper: Whisper White and Basic Black
Accessories: Black polka dot ribbon, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Modern Label Punch and embossing folder
Yesterday I had a moment to finish one of the layouts I started last weekend. It was a layout about my Kody's 10th birthday. I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. I always love it when I can use my Cricut. I had forgotten how versatile Graphically Speaking is. I used it to make the arrows and the jumbled word ten at the end.
Since I can't throw away any photos and I like to keep my layouts no more than 4 pages, I applied the "Queen of Cram" technique I learned from my good friend Linda Higgins. Like me, she likes to keep everything and put them in her scrap pages. To accomplish my goal of not throwing away any pictures and stay with a two page spread, I made this little mini book to hold the rest of the photos.
Stamps: None
Ink: None
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Real Red and Basic Black
Accessories: Eyelets, Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Round Tab Extra Large Punch, Spiral Border Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Clips Assortment and Cricut Graphically Speaking cartridge
Would you like to earn money while doing what you really enjoy? How many people can say "I LOVE My Job". I am one of those lucky people. Paper crafting has been my passion since I was a teen. Since becoming a demonstrator 3 years ago, I have been able to pursue that creativity and earn extra income too. Stampin' Up! plans to hire 10,000 new Demonstrators this year. You could be one of them. There are several types of demonstrators:
Discount Demonstrator: Someone who likes the idea of purchasing stamps, ink, and other paper crafting supplies at a 20% discount.
Hobby Demonstrator: Loves getting together with friends and family members to earn extra money during the holidays or while their kids are in school. Would like to work hard for several months and then take the rest of the time off to spend with their family.
Career Demonstrator: Pursues Stampin' Up! whole heartedly as a viable business. Enjoys the ability to set his/her own schedule. Loves close relationships with their team members. Works his/her business consistently.
Which one are you?!
I became a demonstrator purely for the discount. Over the years I have enjoyed the relationships I have made along the way, while enjoying extra spending money. As you can see, there are several options for anyone. And, to make becoming a demonstrator even more special, from September 1st through October 18th, Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE GREENHOUSE GALA DESIGNER CRAFT TOTE (contents not included)in addition to their already fabulous starter kit. Contact me today for more details or visit my website HERE.
Just in the nick of time. We have been working over at our barn the last few days repairing fences, cleaning up from recent storms etc. and I realized I hadn't submitted my Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Combo Challenge. I believe I did barn chores in record time so I could get my project submitted for the challenge. Thanks Samantha for providing awesome weekly challenges that not only help my creativity, but help motivate me with dreaded chores.
Here is this weeks challenge
and here is my take
I haven't had much time lately to scrap or create cards, so it seemed like the perfect time to use My Digital Studio. It is so quick and easy.
For this weeks challenge, we were to use the colors Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride and So Saffron. I was able to incorporate all of the colors, plus use some of the embellishments and stamps. I am quite happy with my project and the time it took to make.
If you are in my area and would stop by and get it a try, please give me a call.
I had the priviledge to attend a card/technique class taught by my friend Debi Kyle, who is also a demonstrator. I had the best time Monday evening. Debi is super talented and had some wonderful projects lined up for us to make. One thing I enjoy so much about being a demonstrator is the friendships I have made. When you get crafty ladies together, it's a party!!! I am so looking forward to participating in more of her classes.
Our class was on flowers. We made a total of 4 projects that were amazing. I love the Shabby Chic look of the large flower made from Stampin' Ups! exclusive Flower Folds die found HERE. I can't wait until the weather cools off so I can add it to my jean jacket. It will be the perfect accessory. My second FAVORITE project was the Manhattan Flower card. I love distressing things and this card was SUPER easy to make. If you would like to create any of these projects, give me a call.
BTW, I haven't forgotten to share my other projects. My daughter Sara came home from her trip today and I am retaking the photos. I will post my other projects shortly.
I made the Top 5 on last weeks Scrap Master's Paradise. I am pretty jazzed about that. I really have good time participating. Color has always been a challenge for me, but the combo challenges are so easy. It's like having my own Color Coach (which BTW, if you don't have one, you should consider it, it is AWESOME.)
On another note, I was able to spend most of yesterday in my scrap room. My husband watched golf, my son worked in the shop, Sara is still in Washington DC and my scrap room was calling my name. It was sooooo nice working on various projects. I started out by making these cute little Milk Carton (Item # 117310 - click HERE to order) treat holders for Andrew and Carlos. I am a little early, but getting packages in the mail on time is a problem for me. I figured it best to plan ahead. I am pleased with how they turned out. Even though they are small, they still hold a lot of candy.
I will share the other projects tomorrow. I have yet to figure out this pocket camera.
I finally got a day where the laundry isn't overwhelming, house is pretty clean, kids are tended to and I can just play in my scrap room. I spent last night cleaning it up so I could focus on some projects. I don't know about you, but if my room is a mess, I can't concentrate.
I started my morning with a terrific cup of coffee, reading my blogs and then jumped in. In a previous post, I mentioned that my sister and I have recently re-opened our campground in Murphy, North Carolina. As a personal touch, I like to send our guests a thank you note for staying with us. This is what I came up with. Sorry for the quality of the photos. I am still using the pocket camera since Sara has "the real" one with her in Washington DC.
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree and Thank You Kindly
Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip (markers)
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Handsome Hunter (retired)
I finally got a chance to work on some projects today. I made the samples for my upcoming monthly card class. My project was inspired by Samantha's color combo challenge this week. She picked beautiful fall colors just in time for my September card class.
Here is this weeks color combo
and here is my card/project.
I know the quality of the photo stinks. My daughter Sara left this morning on a trip to Washington DC and took our main camera and left me with the pocket camera. It takes decent photos far away, but not close up. This is the best I can do. I tried to stage it to help, but that didn't work either. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes and Autumn Harvest
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Tangerine Tango, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla
I was invited to participate in a Christmas card swap by my adopted upline Jeri Fontana. I was really excited to be asked as this is my first card swap. Jeri made the swap so easy by allowing us to pick a layout in the new Idea Book & Catalog or the new Holiday Mini Catalog (those on my mailing list should be receiving any day now) and we needed to use current colors and product. Since I just got my Stampin' Up! order yesterday, that was REALLY easy. The Christmas DSP ROCKS! For my project, I chose a layout in the Holiday Mini on page 26. Take a good look as I have used some of the new items from that catalog that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE! So, what do you think? I may use this card as my Christmas Cards this year.
BTW, did you notice my new watermark? I have been playing around with My Digital Studio again. It is such an versatile program. With the particular watermark, I used the images in Microsoft Publisher.
Stamps: Dasher Ink: Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso (one of my favs) Paper: Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Whisper White and DSP Candy Cane Christmas Accessories: Brights Designer Buttons
Be Blessed,
Shannon Willis www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net Order Online 24/7
I received some great news yesterday. Each week I participate in Samantha's Color Combo Challenge and one of my cards was selected as the winner. Since there were only 6 participants in this weeks challenge, Samantha hand selected my entry. That totally made my day. If you are up for the challenge, you should check it out. She has some really neat prizes for participating.
Nothing like the last minute. This seems to be the norm for me lately. I wanted to get my challenge card posted before running errands. I have spent the last two days painting furniture, painting rooms, cleaning out closets (oh the joy!) and remembered that I had one last card to do for the challenge two-fer.
Aren't they just the cutest boys? I know, I am bragging, but I can't help it. Andrew and Carlos just melt my heart. I had such a great time with them this past week. I have to admit, they wore this Mimi out, but afternoon walks to the park and ice cream are the best. I sure do miss them and can't wait to see them in October. We are going to host Andrew's 8th birthday party here. He and I are planning an EXTREME sports party. I have the perfect stamp set for the invitations. Andrew gave his approval before he left. We will be Skyping each other to finalize the details.
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