Happy 25th Anniversary Bliss!!

Twenty-five years ago today I married my childhood crush Kevin. Even though we've been down some rocky roads, I can't imagine my life without him. Happy 25th Babe, I love you!!

Thankfully I remembered. Yes, I did say that. In the 25 years we've been married, I am always a day early or a day late. He has never forgotten. When got home from work yesterday, this card was my priority. I put it in his lunch box to surprise him since me remembering our anniversary is a BIG ONE!!

Stamps: Bliss
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Basic Black, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories: 1 1/4 inch Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and miscellaneous hardware

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

January 2011 Stamp Club

My peeps and I had a great time at our monthly Stamp Club. Our projects consisted of one card, an 8 x 8 scrapbook layout and a treat box, all geared toward Valentine's Day and using the Filled With Love Bundle that was a special a few weeks back. Although the group was small, we had a wonderful time. It was nice to finish our projects and then enjoy a cup of tea and visit with one another. That is one of many things I enjoy so much about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I have met some truly wonderful people over the years and look forward to spending time with them.

Debi Kyle, Leticia Canet and I enjoying great conversation and tea.

The mess we made!

Completed projects.

This is Penny, our rescue dog. She loves it when I have my stamp club. I was working on some things in my scrap room and heard a funny noise coming from the kitchen. She made herself at home waiting patiently for the stampers to come. I think she missed Hope.

If you would like to make projects like these, you are welcome to join us if you live in our area or you can order the supplies online at my Stampin' Up! website. Customers that place online orders will receive the printed cutting guides in PDF format and a free gift from me!

Stamps: Filled With Love

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Whisper White, and DSP Pattern Love

Accessories: Lots of Love Letterpress, Box # 2, Heart punch, Threading Water punch, Old Olive ribbon, Pretty in Pink ribbon

Be Blessed Everyone!

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Santa Baby!

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.

Be blessed everyone!

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Cards for Troops Ideas

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

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

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

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/

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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

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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

August 2010 Monthly Card Class

Thankfully I am a little more organized for my August 2010 card class. Last month I didn't have my act together and set out notifications late. I am pleased I am a little ahead of the ball this month.

For our August 2010 card class, we will be making two (2) cards with matching envelopes and one (1) memo cube with matching pen. Since we will be learning a new technique, you will also receive a page for your technique booklet. The cost of the card class is $23.00 and includes everything mentioned above, PLUS one (1) package of DSP Blueberry Crisp paper (12) sheets and one (1) Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write Marker, door prizes, refreshments/light snack, and TONS OF FUN!!! If you are in my area and would like to participate, please let me know or you can shop online in the comforts of your home by clicking HERE.

I love the new Level 1 hostess stamp set Because I Care. It is so beautiful. This stamp set is sooooo easy to get. Call me today to schedule your workshop (at your house or mine), invite some friends over to create beautiful cards and have an qualifying sales of at least $150.00 (easy peasy).

Stamps: Because I Care, All Holidays

Ink: Night of Navy, Old Olive

Paper: Sahara Sand, Watercolor paper, Night of Navy, Whisper White and DSP

Accessories: Big Shot - Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Photo Corner punch, Clips Assortment, Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Techniques: Watercoloring

Be blessed everyone and have a wonderful Sunday.

Shannon Willis

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

Card Club

Since changing the format of my card classes a bit, everyone is very excited about the new projects we will be working on. Each month we will create two cards and one 3-D/Scrapbook layout using new products and featuring a new technique. In preparation, I made each of my friends this cute little book to put the sample technique featured at that class. I made these little books using the Top Note die.

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 78

Oh my!! I am actually early or right on time I should say. I think this is the first time I have submitted my card on Sunday. I must say, Karen did a great job on our sketch for this week. I really enjoyed working on my card for the challenge.

Here is the terrific sketch

and here is my card

I was finally able to get my scraproom cleaned up from my mess last week. It is amazing how much better you can work when things are organized around you. Hopefully I can keep it clean. I spent most of the day in my room working on my card club project. In an earlier post, I am changing the format of our classes a bit and have a nice little gift for my girls on Friday. I will share it with you later.

If you would like to order any of the products shown, click HERE to visit my website where you can shop online 24/7 or you can email me at shannon.willis10@verizon.net.

Stamps: Awash with Flowers

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Old Oliver and Daffodil Delight

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White card stock, DSP Sweet Pea

Accessories: Tempting Turqouise grosgrain ribbon and Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embossit die

Blessings everyone. Have a great week.

Shannon Willis

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

Snaggle Tooth

This is another layout I finished up over the 4th of July weekend. It is a layout of my daughter Sara when she lost a tooth. Since it was SUCH a big deal in our house (she always had to have her dad pull them out) I kept it very simple as I used one of our Sweet Treat cups and wanted to keep the focus on her teeny little tooth.




Stamps: None
Ink: None
Paper: Pixie Pink, So Saffron, Orchid Opulence and Patterns Pack II DSP
Accessories: Sweet Treat Cup, Threading Water Punch and Big Circle Die

Blessings,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net
www.shannonscropstop.blogspot.com

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge # 69

It feels good to finally create something again and what better way to get out of my funk than to complete one of Karen's challenges. Participating in this week's challenge has taken my mind off everything that has been happening around here. I can't believe I have missed three challenges. Here is this week's sketch



and here is my take.



Stamps: All Holidays and Awash with Flowers
Ink: Always Artichoke and Apricot Appeal
Paper: Always Artichoke, Apricot Appeal and Sweet Pea DSP
Accessories: Scallop Circle die, Nestabilities Circles and brads

Sweet Sunday Challenge # 65

This week I am running full speed and wanted to take the time and get my SSSC card done. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I am enjoying my Big Shot that I finally broke down and purchased. "Big Boy" is getting a workout. I really enjoy these challenges that Karen does. It helps me get my week started on a happy note. Here is this week's sketch.

and here is my take.

Stamps: All Holidays
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Sweet Pea DSP
Accessories: Small Tag Punch, Flower Layers #4, Rhinestone Brads, Certainly Celery Ribbon

In other news;

I was comissioned by my cousin Heather to help her with my niece's 13th birthday celebration. Heather, who although is small in size, has enormous ideas. She enlisted me with the herculean task of party favors for the party. Little did I know it would turn into something greater.

It started out with me making the party favors. I happily agreed to make 30 box party favors. This gives me the opportunity to use my new Stampin' Up! Box # 2 die cut I recently purchase (LOVE IT!). It has now turned into making 75 paper flowers. It seems gum paste flowers are SUPER expensive and making scallop punch flowers are a feasible idea for those who are on a budget. These little cuties are so adorable, but my are they labor intensive, especially when making 75! Oh well, I love my cousin dearly and would do anything in the world for her. She has become my bestest cheerleader and marketing agent. It seems the bakery is interested in paper flowers as a "Plan B" for people on a budget. Truth be told, I am loving coming home from a hectic day at work and paper crafting. What could be better?!

Sweet Sunday Sketch #60

I have been SO behind lately with getting ready for the horse show... that said, I still couldn't resist participating in the sweetest thing's 60th Sweet Sunday Sketch. Man, I love these things... :) Here is the original sketch.

Here is my attempt!

I really had a good time making this card, although my first attempt ended with glue splattered all over it. Has this ever happened to any of you?

Stamps: Three Little Words

Ink: Old Olive, Bashful Blue

Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Old Olive, DSP Delicate Dots (retired)

Punches: Scallop Punch

Dies: Flourish, Textured Impression Folder (Perfect Polka Dots)

Accessories: Silver Brad, So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon (Bundle)

Work in Progress

Today I started a new sewing project. For those of you who know me, I am NOT a sewer, and would rather buy a new article of clothing than to sew a button back on it. I got the idea for this project from Angie Kennedy Juda. Although I am not a sewer, I find that (for the most part) sewing is very relaxing... unless I become upset when the sewing machine doesn't work!

My friend Jeannie and I are preparing these projects for a horse show in March that my daughter is participating in. Since we both enjoy crafting, especially paper crafting, we are going to team up and offer a few crafts at the show, including the purse (once it is finished!)