Final Christmas Thank You Note

This little stamp (actually it's a big one) is featured in the Holiday mini catalog that ends on January 4th. It makes a wonderful Thank You for kids of all ages. Who is not delighted by a snowman??

I'm Thinking Snow

Well, it rarely snows here in the sunny south. I am in Atlanta, GA for my visitors who don't know me. I would love to see some snow. And I guess because we rarely get it, it seems fun to me. Maybe that is why I think snowmen are so cute! I am posting a couple of snowmen for your viewing pleasure today. I did not think these up, I just "borrowed" them!

Thank You Notes

Did you know that the more Thank You notes you send out, the more people will come to your funeral! That is just one little tid bit that I found very interesting. Any way, it is time to send out those Thank You notes for all the wonderful Christmas gifts you got. I am posting a couple of ideas for you today.

Sale-A-Bration Sample

Check out this little cutie. It is made using some of the stamps that will only be available during Sale-a-Bration starting January 5th. Don't forget, you are all invited to my Open House on January 9th at 10 a.m. for some stamping fun!



Stamps

• Good Neighbors
• Short & Sweet

Paper

• Not Quite Navy card stock
• Old Olive card stock
• Whisper White card stock

Ink

• Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories

• Elementary Ribbon Originals
• Large Oval punch
• Oval Scallop punch
  

Valentines is coming!

Valentines Day will come and go during Sale-a-Bration and special stamp sets will also be available during this time. Here is a very striking Valentine card that just might work for your special someone.
Stamp Sets

• Happy Moments
• Charming
• Holiday Best (hostess set)

Paper

• Real Red card stock
• Basic Gray card stock
• Basic Black card stock
• Whisper White card stock

Ink

• Basic Black Craft ink
• Real Red Classic ink
• Real Red Stampin' Write marker
• Basic Gray Stampin' Write marker

Accessories

• Blender pen
• Clear Embossing Powder
• Heat tool
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• SNAIL adhesive
• Gray Taffeta ribbon

Sale-A-Bration Sample

Sale-a-Bration is coming on January 5th this year! What is Sale-a-Bration? It is the biggest sale of the year for Stampin' Up! It is a special time where for every $50 you spend, you can earn FREE stamps and supplies. This year's options stand to be bigger and better than ever. I cannot tell you everything just yet...so you will have to come to my BIG OPEN House on January 9th. More details to follow.

This is just one example of a Sale-a-Bration card. It was done using the Happy Moments set. See all the supplies used below:
Stamp Set

• Happy Moments

Paper

• Chocolate Chip card stock
• Old Olive card stock
• Bashful Blue card stock
• Close to Cocoa card stock
• Very Vanilla card stock

Ink

• Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Pad
• Bashful Blue Stampin' Write marker
• Certainly Celery Stampin' Write marker
• Old Olive Stampin' Write marker
• Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write marker

Accessories

• ½" Circle punch
• ¾" Circle punch
• 1" Circle punch
• 1 ¼" Circle punch
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• SNAIL adhesive
  

Merry Christmas

At this time of year more than any other, the world is looking to our Savior and celebrating. Let us take a moment to stop and give thanks for what we have and not dwell on what we do not have. We are so much richer than most of the world around us!

Without using any words this card speaks more than I or any preacher ever could. The stamp set is called Season of Simple Grace. Come let us adore him. Amen.

First Christmas Card

It's hard to imagine that Christmas cards and even the holiday has not always been around. They have for our lifetime so I guess we figure they always were. Today I am posting the first Christmas card known...

The first Christmas Card as we know it that was originated in London in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. Cole decided he was too busy to write individual Christmas greetings to his family, friends, and business colleagues so he asked a friend, painter John Colicott Horsley, to design a card for him. So started the modern day Christmas Card.

Thanks Again!

Here is another sample of a great Thank You note. This one features the:

Priceless Stamp Set Elegant Thank You Stamp Set

Time for Thanks!

Well, I know you have received some wonderful gifts by now and so it is time to send out those Thank You notes. I am going to post some samples for the next few days to get your juices flowing!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy Stamp Set Thank You Kindly Stamp Set	Paper: Card Stock Ruby Red 8 1/2X11 Card Stock Whisper White 8 1/2X11
Inks: Classic Stampin Pad Ruby Red Classic Stampin Pad Basic Gray	Accessories: Stampin Emboss Powder White Heat Tool Ribbon Organza Whisper White 5/8 Inch Stampin Dimensionals Snail Adhesive Permanent

25 Days of Christmas - Day 25

Another packaging idea for our last day of Christmas ideas. If you are anything like me, you still have one or 2 gifts to purchase and/or wrap. Make up a couple of these little beauties for those last minute gifts. The bags are available via Stampin' Up! of course but I have seen similar ones at craft stores. This bag features stamps from Baroque Motifs and Delightful Decorations. You can use any color scheme you like. The ornament tag is made from 4 ornaments stamped and punched and then folded in half and stuck together to make it 3 D.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 24

This snowflake ornament was made using the chipboard elements. It has been painted white with the craft white ink then glittered with the Dazzling Diamonds. It has a stamped snowflake in the center with a gold brad. The buttons are a special touch around the edges.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 23

I don't know about you but I love having little Christmas things in all the nooks and corners of my home. In fact, as I age I am loving it more and more. Christmas is the best thing about winter to me! What better time to spread the gospel of Jesus than when the whole world is looking at the holiday.

Today I am sharing a cute little block set that Stampin' Up! is offering in the mini catalog. I think it will be carried over into the next mini as well. These blocks are wood and hollow and can be cut in half and used in many different ways. you can paint them, cover them with cardstock or DSP and then embellish as desired.

Instructions

1. Cover each side of two Décor Elements blocks with Real Red card stock (3" x 3"). Cover each side of third block with Whisper White card stock (3" x 3").

2. Cut “Ho ho” from Whisper White card stock and “Ho” from Real Red card stock using Sizzix Big Shot and Alphabet Simple Letters Bigz die.

3. Adhere Whisper White letters and winter scenes from the Holiday Mix Décor Elements to Real Red blocks.

4. Adhere Décor Elements snowflakes to Real Red blocks.

5. Adhere Real Red letters to Whisper White block.

6. Mix a few drops of Champagne Mist shimmer paint with 1 oz. of rubbing alcohol and spritz entire project.

7. When blocks are dry, tie Real Red 3/4" polka-dot grosgrain ribbon (28") around Whisper White block.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 22

This little box is great for small gifts and the colors and simplicity of it lend itself to be great for those hard to craft for men! Why not whip up a couple of these for those manly gift card gifts on your list. Have a great day!

InstructionsOrnament box

1. Print Box Pattern #4 from Pattern Library on Kraft card stock, and cut out.

2. Stamp snowflake image in Chocolate Chip ink on box front, and assemble box.

3. Tie Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon around box.

4. Stamp ornament image in Old Olive ink on Whisper White card stock (2" x 2"), and punch out using Ornament punch. Write names with Real Red Stampin’ Write marker. Tie linen thread in a bow around ornament.

5. Round corners of Chocolate Chip textured card stock (2" x 2") using 3/16" Corner Rounder punch. Punch hole in top of card stock using 1/16" Circle punch. Thread linen thread through hole, and tie to Real Red ribbon. Adhere tag to box using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

6. Adhere ornament to Chocolate Chip tag using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 21

Well, a couple of weeks ago I thought, "What have I done? How can I ever post 25 days of Christmas ideas?!!" Well, we are on day 21 with only 4 more after this. Now I see I not only did it, but it was not as painful as I first imagined. I hope you have been enjoying them as much as I have. 5 left so here we go.

Add the final touch to your gift that says "I was thinking of you when I bought this gift" by personalizing it with Décor Elements. Add an Upsy Daisy Décor Elements to a laptop or cut it apart and apply it to a cell phone. Put all of the toys from Santa together in one container and add the So Many Toys Décor Elements to it, or use individual letters to add monograms and names to your gifts. These extra special touches won't go unnoticed.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 20

Today I am veering away from stamping and showing off my grandchildren for a minute. You know how it is with grandparents. Give them a minute and they will show you pictures of their grandchildren! We had a Whoville party and this is her Who Hair! Yes, she is a red head. The photo was made with an I Phone. The little one loved the guitar. He touched it and cried when it wasn't being played. Maybe a musician in the making!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 19

Today I am bringing you another "green" idea. Everyone wants to do their part to save the earth so why not do a little recycling and let Stampin' Up! help. They make all kinds of packaging products. I thought I would do a little candy box today that recycles the cute metal Build a Brad tin. Just embellish, add candy and a tag and you have a great little gift!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 18

A Stocking Ornament gift card holder. Whew! That is a mouthful! Check this out. I made a cute paper stocking that opens to hold a gift card. You can hang it on the tree to add to the fun of a gift...first they have to find it! I used the Big Shot to add texture to the stocking body and used DSP for the heel and toe of the stocking. I hope you like it. If you want more details, just contact me via the comments section.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 17

Want a quick and easy holiday gift for that special friend? Why not get into the jewelry craze with some stamped/crafted jewelry? Yes, even you can make these. I went to my local hardware store and bought a pack of washers. I just guessed at the size and they fit perfectly with 2 of our Stampin' Up! punches! I then chose a designer paper and traced and punched. Then I glued the paper to the washer using Crystal Effects. Then I poured more Crystal Effects over them and let them air dry for 24 hours. I added a little string for the closure and voila...a cute and inexpensive (under $3) gift!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 16

This stamp set has been around for 3 years and I still love it! I think it makes great cards and gifts. 2 years ago I even made a framed project using the Let It Snow stamp. This time I am featuring a card using it. The stamp set is called Big On Christmas. I love the different textures and shapes on the card. Some of the items and colors are now retired but it would be so easy to change them to current colors! Enjoy!

Instructions

1. Pierce row of holes in Chocolate Chip textured card stock (4-1/4" x 1/2") using paper-piercing tool from Crafters’ Tool Kit. Adhere card stock to Old Olive textured card.

2. Punch right edge of Baja Breeze textured card stock (8-3/4" x 3-7/8") using Scallop Edge punch. Fold Baja Breeze card stock around card with scallop border hanging over right edge of card and adhere.

3. Stamp “Happy holidays” in Jet Black StazOn ink on Whisper White textured card stock (5" x 5"). Watercolor “Happy” in Baja Breeze, Old Olive and Riding Hood Red ink using Aqua Painter. Cut out image in a circle using Coluzzle Cutting System.

4. Punch 13 circles from Whisper White textured card stock using 1/4" Circle punch. Adhere seven circles to large stamped circle. Apply Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter to the remaining six circles and adhere to large circle. Adhere large circle to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

5. Cut a scrap piece of chipboard into a tree trunk, cover with Chocolate Chip textured card stock. Cut off one side of a large chipboard star and cover with Old Olive textured card stock; adhere to tree trunk. Adhere So Saffron textured card stock to small chipboard star, and adhere to top of tree. Tie crochet thread through Riding Hood Red button and adhere to tree. Adhere tree to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

6. Tie Riding Hood Red 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon around front of card.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 15

These little cuties are made from the stamp set Sparkly & Bright. They make really cute little treats for your friends. Add a few small candies in a cello bag and put it all together. They are simple and easy to do so you could sit down and do a bunch! It is getting close enough that we are all looking for quick and easy ideas!

Sparkly & Bright Treat Tents
Stamps:
Sparkly & Bright STAMP SET
Paper:
Card Stock Old Olive 8 1/2X11
Card Stock Very Vanilla 8 1/2X11
Card Stock Chocolate Chip 8 1/2X11
Card Stock Real Red 8 1/2X11
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MERRY MOMENTS 12X12
Ink
Stampin Write Marker Real Red
Classic Stampin Pad Chocolate Chip
Classic Stampin Pad Old Olive
Accessories:
2-Way Glue Pen
Glitter Dazzling Diamonds
Punch 1 3/8 Inch Circle
Punch Scallop Circle
Ribbon Taffeta Chocolate Chip 3/8 Inch
Ribbon Taffeta Very Vanilla 3/8 Inch
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
BIGZ TWO TAGS
Instructions

1. Cut two tags from the same color card stock using the Sizzix Big Shot and the Two Tags Bigz die. Fold at score line and adhere together to form tent using Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive.

2. Adhere strip of Merry Moments Designer Series paper (2-3/4" x 1") to Very Vanilla card stock (2-3/4" x 1-1/4"), and adhere to front of tent.

3. Stamp Sparkly & Bright image in Chocolate Chip or Old Olive ink on Very Vanilla card stock, and punch out using 1-3/8" Circle punch. Punch scallop circle from Chocolate Chip or Real Red card stock. Adhere stamped image to scallop circle, and adhere to tent using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

4. Pull taffeta ribbon through holes at top of tent and tie in bow.

5. Accent images with Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter.

6. Fill cellophane bag with candy. Fold in half and insert in tent.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 14

Do you have any old sledding photos laying around? Maybe they are not big enough to fill a whole page and you have been stumped with what to do with them. Here is a scrapbook page that was made by a fellow stamper (we do not have any snow in Hotlanta)!! This is great as a page but how much fun would it be to frame it and enjoy it all season long!

Ink:
Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker

Paper:

Chocolate Chip card stockOld Olive card stock
Real Red card stock
Very Vanilla card stock
Vellum card stock

Accessories:

Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin'
Mistletoe Ribbon Originals
5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads
Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware
Stampin' Dimensionals
Circle Scissor Plus
1/16" Circle punch
Sizzix Big Shot
Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die
Snowflakes #2 Sizzlits die set
Backgrounds 1 Texturz Texture Plates
Perfect Details Texturz Texture Plates

25 Days of Christmas - Day 13

Today I am using a wonderful idea from a fellow stamper and Artisan winner this year, Diana Gibbs. She always does nice work. This one is from the demonstrator web site. As the time gets closer to Christmas I find I may get more and more inspiration from Stampin' Up! Feel free to use and copy these ideas as you need.

Ink: White uni-ball Signo gel pen
Accessories:
Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin'
Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon
Real Red 3/4" polka-dot grosgrain ribbon
Stampin' DimensionalsTake-out container

25 Days of Christmas - Day 12

Well, there are only 19 days to Christmas as I write this post. I have all the decorations out and the trees are lit. I am felling the love, just got to wrap all my gifts! Oh yeah, I still have to send out all my cards! Here is another little card idea for you. You can never go wrong with the classics like Real Red and Garden Green. This features the stamp set Snow Swirled. Enjoy!

25 Days of Christmas-Day 11

This is a simple card made using the wonderful level one hostess set called Holiday Best. The card is Garden Green and the designer paper was used layered over the scalloped edge whisper white. It all pulled together with the ribbon and the Real Red stamped image using the punch and brad to add a little bling to the finished product.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 10

On the 1st day of December, the crazyness has definitely started! Why not make a cute gift to have on hand for all those last minute drop-by's or the forgotten ones. You can pick up these little candles at your local Wally World for only $1. Use your scraps and embellish them. Add a little ribbon and maybe a tag and you are finished. Go ahead and splurge, make a few to share.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 9

Today I am sharing another simple Christmas card idea with you. It is not too late to make and send out those cards, it is only the 3rd of December. Why, you are still ahead in the game.

I made this card using Very Vanilla, Garden Green and Real Red card stock and inks. The stamps are from Tree Trimmings and All Holidays. The designer paper is called Merry Moments. Don't have it? You can easily substitute it for whatever you do have. I used the Eyelet Border punch at the top and the bottom. This card took less than 10 minutes to make and it will be much faster assembly style. So let's get stamping!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 8

Wow! With only 23 days until Christmas and 18 more posts to go I am going to have to post more frequently! I'm ok with it, but if you are playing along, you may want to get ready for more projects and make one or 2 a day.

Today I want to share a quick and easy candy wrapper for you. It is always easy to wrap a Hershey's bar (and who doesn't really love chocolate)?! This one is done with a 6x6 piece of designer paper. Wrap around your candy bar and seal shut. I printed a quick little poem for the front of mine and layered it onto some Old Olive cardstock. The poem was printed on Very Vanilla. If you want the words to the poem, leave me a comment and I will email them to you.
Finally, finish the candy with a tag stamped and punched from the Delightful Decorations set. Now, you are ready for gifts for all those office friends. Thoughtful, yet not expensive.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 7

Today I am sharing a Christmas countdown I made for the kids. I wanted something cute but no chocolate. Despite my firm belief in chocolate being good for the soul and whatever ails you, my granddaughter does not like it! So, being thrifty I used some designer papers from last year that I had hoarded all year. The main piece measures 8 1/2 x 8 1/2. I then added a layer that is 8 x 8. The next piece (green) is 7 1/4" tall by 8 (before scalloped). If you do not scallop, just cut square.

I printed the numbers and saying from the computer. At the bottom I used some more of my saved/hoarded snowflakes from last year. I then used my crop-a-dile to punch the holes and add ribbon to hang. The extra numbers are in a pocket on the back.

Another Lovely as a Tree idea

I guess it is no surprise that the set Lovely as a Tree is one of my all time favorites. It is so versatile. It makes great cards for any occasion and even great "manly man" cards. That is why I use it so much. Here is another great card idea using that set. The sentiment is from Four the Holidays in the Holiday mini.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 6

On the 6th day of Christmas my demonstrator gave to me...a cute idea for a neighbor gift. You can pick up these cute little jars at the $ store. Wash and fill with a yummy hot chocolate mix.

RECIPE:

HOT CHOCOLATE MIX:
1 pound Nestle Quick

1 pound powdered sugar

8 1/2 Cups Dry Milk

1 1/2 Cup Coffee Mate Creamer

*do not use off brands of chocolate or creamer

Use 1/4C for each serving

Makes 68 servings (16 Cups)

Embellish a metal tag with a snowflake punch and tie to the ribbons around the top of the jar. Quick, simple and inexpensive but with the touch of handmade that everyone appreciates!

Serene Snowflakes

Is it snowing for you yet? Well, here in Hotlanta (Atlanta, GA) we hardly ever get snow. That is probably why the southern demonstrators just love the snowflakes and snowmen cards. We can make our own snowman even if the temperature is 78!

This little beauty was made using the Serene Snowflakes stamp set from the mini catalog. The snowflakes and the card base are done using the In Color Soft Suede.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have had a wonderful holiday. Did you watch the parades and eat too much? I am sure I did! It is such a blessing to be with friends and families at the holiday times.

Thanksgiving. The day America sets aside for family, for remembrance. It’s a day of Pilgrims, Native Americans, turkey and pumpkin pie but if it wasn’t for a persistent female magazine editor, we may not have the day to celebrate today. It was Sarah Josepha Hale who really pushed hard for a permanent national Thanksgiving celebration. But her involvement was far down the road from the first Thanksgiving.

The first Thanksgiving celebration held in America occurred in 1619. On December fourth of that year, thirty-eight English settlers arrived at the Berkeley Plantation in Virginia. Part of their original charter stated that they would set aside that day every year and observe it as a day of Thanksgiving. Due to the hardships of those early times and various other factors, the celebration turned out to be a short-lived occurrence.

The next recorded celebration is also the most famous. Plymouth, Massachusetts, 1621. The first winter the Pilgrims had in the ‘New World’ was a brutal one (nearly half of those who came over on the Mayflower died). Times did eventually grow easier on them though, the following harvest season was so bountiful in fact that the Pilgrims decided to hold a feast for celebration and thanksgiving. This ‘festival’, which lasted three days, included the participation of nearly one hundred Native Americans. Governor William Bradford had invited the natives to show them appreciation, for helping his colony survive through the harsh weather conditions.

The next ‘thanksgiving’ celebration did not occur until 1623. This year the Pilgrims were again hit with a great natural hardship, a draught. In the hope of bringing much needed rain, they gathered together in a prayer service. The next morning it started to rain and it rained long and hard for the next several days. When it became apparent that the crops (and the colonists) would survive, Governor Bradford declared that they would hold another day of thanksgiving (the Indians were again invited). As other settlers came to the country, they held their own thanksgiving celebrations, but each celebration was independent of the next.

In 1668 the Plymouth General Court tried to bring some order to the celebration by declaring November 25th to be Thanksgiving. It was a proclamation that only lasted within the colony for five years.

How Thanksgiving came to be held on a Thursday is not widely know. A very logical belief is that the first Thanksgivings were held on Thursday (and in some cases Wednesday) so as to not interfere with the Sabbath. During these times, the Sabbath was an extremely important day; Saturday was a day of preparation and Monday was out to give the Sabbath it’s proper respect so with these ‘restrictions’ Thursday becomes an easy choice.

The first national celebration of Thanksgiving occurred in 1777. This one-time only event occurred at this time also as a way to celebrate the American defeat of the British at Saratoga.

The day worked it’s way on and off local calendars until 1789 when George Washington made the first Presidential proclamation declaring Thanksgiving a national event. The first Thanksgiving held under this proclamation occurred on November 26 of that year. The pattern was set.

When he was named as the Second President of the United States, John Adams, in an effort to be different, declared a day of Thanksgiving but moved it from Thursday to the Wednesday previous. Finding it brought more resistance than he felt it was worth, Adams relented and changed the day back.

When it was Thomas Jefferson’s turn as President, he decided against the idea of Thanksgiving. At this time, many were against the idea of taking a day to honor the hard times of a few pilgrims. And so it went for nearly sixty years, until Sarah Josepha Hale came to bat.

A magazine editor, Hale wrote strong editorials in many of the popular magazines of the time (including Boston Ladies’ Magazine and Godey’s Lady’s Book), she also wrote letters to anyone and everyone (including Presidents, Governors, Congress members and others) who might help her cause. She was concerned with her belief that the country needed to set aside a day to give thanks ‘unto him from who all blessings flow’.

Finally she struck the right chord with Abraham Lincoln and in 1863, Hale saw her dream realized as the President declared the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

For the most part, it is a day that has stayed. In the 1930’s President Roosevelt tried to move the date a bit. He tried to slide it forward by a week to extend the Christmas shopping season. Facing immense critical outrage, he moved the day back with little fanfare. Later during Roosevelt’s administration, in 1941, Congress declared the fourth Thursday in November to be the legal Holiday known as Thanksgiving.

It should be noted that while Thanksgiving has become a holiday deeply associated with America, there have been numerous ‘harvest’, autumn, and ‘thanksgiving’ festivals throughout history including Grecian, Roman and Egyptian celebrations.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 5

Are you ready to put up your tree or have you already? I know we usually wait until Thanksgiving weekend but did it early this year due to the fact that we will be out of town all week. If you are ready to start wrapping those gifts then this tag box will be handy for you. Why not make a couple to hand out as little gifts for the hostess at upcoming events! I will give you all the details here as part of my 25 days of Christmas. Enjoy! Click here for the box pattern. Of course, the stamps are a level 2 hostess set that you can earn FREE with a qualifying party or virtual party or personal order.

Season of Thanks Tile

I have seen these tiles at the big hardware stores and wondered how I could use them for a class or project. Well, look at this. This was done using the Season of Thanks de`cor elements form the Decor Elements booklet.

Last year I made the shadow box using this and now...this giant tile. During the Holiday Giving Event you could get this for FREE. Here is what you need.

SUPPLIES:

18" x 18" tile and Medium Season of Thanks Home Décor or 12" x 12" tile and Small Season of Thank Home Décor
o Note—Tiles available from any home store such as Lowes or Home Depot. Chocolate Chip card stock More Mustard card stock Autumn Vines Designer Series paper Linen thread More Mustard 1/4 grosgrain ribbon Chocolate Chip 5/8 grosgrain ribbon Earth Elements buttons Glue Dots Stampin’ Dimensionals Sticky Strip Big Shot Top Note Bigz die Leaves #2 Originals die

STEPS:
1. Cut Blessings of Thanks Home Décor into 4 sections
a. Season of Thanks
b. Seasons of Blessings
c. Season of Love
d. Swirls
2. Wipe tile with damp rag, and dry to remove any dust.
3. Burnish and apply Décor Elements per instructions. Begin with Seasons of thanks and apply all sections as shown in picture.
4. Use Big shot to cut one Top Note and assorted leaves with solid card stock and Autumn Vines Designer Series paper.
5. Cut Top Note in half, and adhere to tile with Sticky Strip as shown.
6. Adhere leaves to tile using Glue Dots and Stampin’ Dimensionals as desired.
7. Thread linen thread through button and note. Adhere to tile using Glue Dots as desired.
8. Cut length of Chocolate Chip ribbon long enough to wrap around your tile and tie into knot.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 4

Don't be a Grinch this year! Make cards to send to all your friends and family. Sure the budget is tight and we are all cutting back, so why not at least show that you took the time to handmake your Christmas cards!

This little Grinch was made using the Top Note die cut. Cut one with old olive and one with real red. Cut the 2 ends off the real red to make 2 hats for the grinch. Add a 1 1/4" whisper white circle for the hat pom pom. Also, using your scalloped punch, make the white fur trim and punch 2 1" circles for his eyes. Now punch 1 1 3/8" circle and cut in half for the eyelids. With your basic black punch a 1" circle for his nose and 2 3/4" circles for his eyes. Use your basic black marker to draw on the facial features and volia...you have a grinch. Add him to the card stock of your choice and give to your boss! LOL!

Online Extravaganza Is Here!

What is this online extravaganza? It is a promotion Stampin' Up! is offering for the first time this year. It will be one week long and will be a way for you to get holiday sales (discounts) only via my demonstrator website. This way you can take advantage of holiday sales during the holidays but still be free to eat all the turkey you want and get out to buy gifts for all those "hard to shop for" men! LOL! Jump online here and order up a bunch of savings. This sale lasts from Monday the 23rd until Monday the 30th...so Hurry!

Petals a Plenty Tree

Here is another cute idea for the Petals a Plenty embossing folder. Use the folder to emboss only the tree part of the card. Dot the dots with Real Red, add a star and a sentiment. Simple, fun and quick. What more could you ask for?

Remember, the Online Extravanganza sale starts on the 23rd and you can save up to 50% on some items. Be sure to log onto my website to place your orders and get them in time to make some of your cards and gifts this year.

25 Days of Christmas - Day 3

Today I am sharing a simple and elegant card idea. I love the quick and easy cards because I can pump out a stack in a short time. This card is just that easy. I also love the vintage look of this card. It is done in chocolate chip with just real red highlights and a little sponging with close to cocoa. The card itself is done with Sahara Sand and the layers are Real Red and Very Vanilla. Of course, you gotta love that polka dot red ribbon! The stamp set is called Home for Christmas.

I Believe in Santa - Do You?

At my house as long as I believe in Santa, he still comes to see me. I have always been a believer and will always believe in the spirit of Santa Claus and all that comes with this wonderful season. In that spirit I share this card with you today. It is from the mini and it is a set called Just Because. I love the watercolored look on this card, especially the "hit and miss: look. So cute and clever.

Holiday Gift Giving Guide

I have not said much about it, but the Holiday Gift Giving Guide from Stampin' Up! is here and you can see it and order online anytime here on my website. The guide has 4 pages and it is full or great ideas for lots of folks on your holiday shopping lists. Why not beat the crowds and hop on over and order today! While you are there, why not order a little something just for you. You will love yourself for it!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 2

On the 2nd day of Christmas my demonstrator gave to me...a beautiful Christmas card idea. I was rummaging through my stash of stuff and found this gold brushed cardstock. It has been hiding for a long time now. I dusted it off and made a simply beautiful card with it. I used the tree from the set Snow Swirled (seen on page 36) in the 09-10 catalog. I stamped the tree using my Versamark then I embossed it with Irridescent Ice embossing powder. I layered it onto the brushed gold cardstock. I wrapped a ribbon and bow around the stamped image and added to a whisper white card. This is a simply elegant card IRL (in real life). I know the photo does not do it justice.