A Little Scrappin' Time

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

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Tote-Ally Awesome Promotion!!!

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.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

SP Color Combo # 62

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.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Order Online 24/7

Demonstrator Friendships

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.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Woo Hoo, I made the TOP 5!!

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.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Order Online 24/7

Finally, A Day To Play!!

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)

Accessories: Misc. Ribbon

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

SP Color Combo Challenge 61 and Card Class Project

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

Accessories: Hemp Twine

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Christmas Card Swap

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 Was Chosen!

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.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

SP Color Combo Challenge # 60

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.

Here is this weeks color combo challenge .

and here is my take.

I hope you like it.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Ink: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight

Paper: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, miscellaneous brad, Daffodil Delight 1/4 grosgrain ribbon

Remember, you can order these and other fantastic products online by clicking HERE.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Aren't They The Cutest??!!!

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.

It's great to be a Mimi!

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

SP Color Combo Challenge # 59

Woo Hoo! I finally got some time to stamp just in time to submit Samantha's color combo challenge. This week is a two-fer. I really enjoy these challenges as I would consider myself "color challenged." Participating really makes my week as it gives me something to look forward to. So thanks Samantha for the inspiration.

Here is this weeks Color Combo Challenge

and here is my take.

I have to admit. It took me some time to get into this color scheme, but I am happy with the way my card turned out. Sorry for the photo quality. I really do need a new camera. This one has seen it's day.

All supplies to make this card can be purchased online 24/7 by clicking HERE.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Daffodil Delight, River Rock, Whisper White

Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, brads

Be Blessed

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Just a post

Sorry for the lapse in postings. My grand "boys" have been here this week and we try and squeeze in as much time as possible. They are leaving this morning so I am a little blue today.

I did want to post this photo I took of my dog Weezer. I got my Stampin' Up! Gala tote today WOO HOO! It has so much room. I can get all kinds of things in there. After unpacking my tote, my dog Weezer likes to spend time in my craft room. This day she found the Stampin' Up! box to be the perfect spot to nap.

I have two cards challenges to finish, a card swap to prepare for and a little house cleaning to do. Having to very active boys in the house left my house a little cluttered (I wouldn't trade it for the world though.)

I will post photos of my boys and my other projects later.

Be Blessed everyone.

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 80

Oh, it is so nice to wake up Sunday morning, grap my cup of coffee and read the blogs I follow. This morning was perfect as I checked in with Karen's blog and there it was ..., a sketch challenge for this week. I had to start working on it right away.

Here is this weeks sketch

and here is my take.

I loved the layout in the sketch. I think this is my favorite thus far. What do you think?

Stamps: Best Yet (retired)

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive

Paper: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White and DSP Build A Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints II

Accessories: Daffodil Delight 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons,

Dies: Beautiful Wings Embosslits

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Shop Online 24/7

My New Score Board!!!

I am so happy today. Last week I ordered one of Martha Stewart's Score Boards. I had seen so many great reviews that I HAD to have one. I went to my local craft store and they were sold out, which made me want one even more. Today mine came in the mail. I had a few minutes to check it out and am very pleased with it. The only thing it didn't have was measurements for smaller envelopes. It took me a few minutes, but I think I have it figured out. I will post a tutorial with some samples in my next post.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net
Order Online 24/7

Gift for Jeannie

Over the weekend I made this cute little brag/scrapbook for my friend and upline Jeannie Romanello who is soon to be a new grandma. She is supposed to be leaving sometime this week and I wanted to make sure she had it before she left for North Carolina. Hopefully while she is helping Melissa, she will take lots of photos to share when she returns home.

I was a little disappointed that I didn't use Stamp' Up! DSP because I was in a hurry and didn't plan properly, but I did use our Big Shot with the Scallop Envelope die and Stampin' Up! punches to accent it.

Congratulations Jeannie (a/k/a grandma)!!!

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Order Online 24.7

SP Color Combo Challenge # 58

While drinking my coffee and reading my blogs, Karen at The Sweetest Thing had to cancel this weeks challenge. I am bummed because I enjoy them so much. No worries, I am certain next weeks sketch will be spectacular. I did however notice that Samantha at Scrapmaster's Paradise does a weekly color combo challenge. Being a fellow demonstrator, she invites participants to create a card, scrapbook layout or other paper craft item using Stampin' Up! colors. I decided to take part in her challenges too. This will be my first submission. Wish me luck!!

This weeks challenge is .....

and here is my take.

I really enjoyed making this card. I really wanted something quick and simple and I believe it covers both criteria. I also was able to use my severely neglected Cricut to cut out the "F" and use one of the new stamp sets, Perfect Punches from our new catalog. If you would like to order the materials that I used to make this card you can do so by clicking HERE. For every $25.00 purchase, I have a free gift for you.

Stamps: Perfect Punches

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Soft Suade and Sweet Pea DSP (scrap - love that!)

Accessories: Certainly Celery 1/4 grosgrain ribbon, Cricut

Be Blessed and Happy Sunday.

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Order Online 24/7