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.

Merry Scrapbook Page

Here is a beautiful example of a Christmas scrapbook page made just using pieces from the Simply Scrappin' Jingle kit and a few other items. I love these Simply Scrappin' kits for their great colors, coordination and inspiration. Why not order your kit now to be ready for all of your Christmas memories. Remember, you can order 24/7 by clicking here.
Accessories

• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Modern Label punch
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Alphabet Simple Letters Bigz die

25 Days of Christmas - Day 1

On the 1st day of Christmas, my demonstrator gave to me...

A cute ornament/game idea. I picked the little circle things up at Target last year and made a couple of quick ornaments using them. It was fairly easy so I am going to attempt to tell you how to do it in 10 easy steps.

1. Using your trusty Circle Scissors Plus cutter cut a circle the size of your ornament. I did 2, one for the bottom(real red) and one to stamp on (whisper white) using dimensionals to give it a lift.
2. Stamp your image. I used the snowflake from 2 Cool Dudes and stamped it in Bordering Blue.
3. Using your Crop-a-Dile, punch 3 holes in the side of the tin.
4. Weave about 24" ribbon through holes starting and ending with 2 pieces coming out of the center hole. Tie a knot at top of ribbon pieces.
5. Punch holes in strategically places on stamped image.
6. Now layer using the afore mentioned dimensionals.
7. Use adhesive and stick the layered images to the bottom of the tin.
8. Add BB's for the game pieces.
9. Glue lid to top of game(I used the sticky strip)
10. Hang on tree or give to child to enjoy!

Keep checking back as I will have 25 projects posted between now and Christmas!

Tree Trimming Card

This cute little stamp set just puts me in the mood for Christmas. This set is called Tree Trimming and is in the Big catalog on page 28. It is a set of 4 stamps for only 14.95. Look at this card and start thinking about making your holiday cards now. I am offering stamp-a-stacks for Christmas cards on multiple days. Check my calendar for dates and times.

Autumn Harvest

Doesn't this card just make you want to rake the leaves and jump in? Well, raking may be a little too much like work for you (I know it is for me). But this card is a great example of a fall card that uses watercoloring and masking. Just feast your eyes on it and then make one for yourself!

Penny Spinner Cards

I know you have heard the phrase "your 2 cents worth." This card and technique gives the phrase a whole new meaning. Why not try one today. Here is a quick technique from Stampin' Up! Have fun and save your pennies!

Christmas Tree Video Technique

Have you seen all the cute cards and such that you can make using the new Tree Pop-Up die in the mini catalog. I got this die for only $10 when I made a $250 order. You can get it also for this price until November 30th with qualifying order or party!

Any way, Stampin' Up! has made a great video for the tree challenged folks like me. I did it and you can too. Watch here for great instructions!

Gifts to Go Class Projects

As promised, here are the 5 projects we will be making this Saturday at my Gifts to Go class. I still have room for a couple of more players. We will start at 10 a.m. and be finished by 1. I will have yummy Christmas cookies/candies to share and great holiday music playing for our inspiration. Just RSVP by Friday so I can be ready for you on Saturday! The cost is only $20. I hope to hear from you soon. Remember, you can click on the photo for close-ups.

Autumn Splendor Card

Autumn Splendor card

Stamps Stamps Autumn Splendor* Grateful Greetings* Paper Chocolate Chip card stock (11" x 4-1/4") Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper* Ink Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad Close to Cocoa Classic Stampin' Pad Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker Accessories Linen thread Mini Library clips Stampin' Dimensionals Color Spritzer Tool 3/16" Corner Rounder punch

Instructions

1. Spritz Chocolate Chip card stock with Chocolate Chip ink using Color Spritzer Tool. Round card corners using 3/16" Corner Rounder punch.
2. Stamp leaf image in Dusty Durango ink on grid Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper, and cut out.
3. Cut Taken with Teal leaf from multicolored leaf Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper.
4. Repeatedly stamp leaf image in Chocolate Chip ink on grid Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper. Stamp sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink on grid paper. Tear top edge of grid paper. Adhere strip of Taken with Teal Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper to bottom of grid paper. Round corners of striped Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper using 3/16" Corner Rounder punch; adhere grid paper to it. Adhere cut-out leaves to grid paper using Stampin' Dimensionals.
5. Tie linen thread around Mini Library clip and attach clip to layered Designer Series paper.
6. Adhere layered paper to card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

*From the Holiday 2009 Mini Catalog

More Craft Show Items

I wanted to make some quick and easy and inexpensive pick-ups for the craft show. These are what I came up with. I know everyone has done them, but still, they are fun and inexpensive and I think everyone is looking for a bargain this year!

Card # 2 for Stamp-a-Stack

This is the 2nd card I am posting for our upcoming Christmas stamp-a-stack on November 14th at 3 p.m. and again on November 21st at 10 a.m. This will be a stack of 10 mix and match cards for $20. You can stamp as many stacks as you need for you holiday cards! I will have all supplies except for your adhesive. I will have refills available for your Snail if needed. Please RSVP to hold your spot!

More Swap Photos

Here is another installment of the Chattanooga swaps. Enjoy!

Craft Show Candlebox

I am busy again getting ready for the craft show that I will be taking part in this coming weekend at Due West Elementary School. I have made lots of projects that I have previously featured on my blog. This is one that I just finished that is new to me. It is a cool candlebox made from one 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock. I embellished the candle to coordinate and it comes all wrapped in this cool little box. I hope everyone likes it as much as I do. I think it would make a great neighbor or teacher gift.

Another Gifts to Go Sneak Peek!

Here is another of the 5 projects that we will be making for our upcoming "Gifts to Go" class on November 14th at my home. This one is the Joy Banner that is going to be hard to give away! I love it and it has been a popular item at my craft shows! Be sure to RSVP soon to hold your place for this fun class. The cost is only $20 and everything will be provided for you. The photo is not that great but the real project is!

Projects from our Y Technique

Wow, I can hardly believe that we have finished letter Y in our tecniques with only the letter Z left. IF you missed these techniques, never fear...I will be starting again in January. Anyway, we did Yummy things with embossing folders!