A little piece of spring...

Okay - well - that's not a springy picture is it??? If I could catch my little Cardinal in the act on this snowy bird feeder - now THEN, I'd have a photo wouldn't I!!!! One of these days! But how 'bout a nice little basket of these:


I can almost smell fresh strawberries when I look at this! This stamp set if from Taylored Expressions - one of those I couldn't pass up. And what fun to color!

Isn't it such a sweet springy looking card? I'd love to receive this one in the mail.

I opted to leave the sentiment off the front, and put it on the inside. I used Rose Red Craft Ink to get a nice rich color.

The baker's twine is wrapped all the way around - kinda adds some interest on the inside of the card. What do you think? Would love some comments~!

Hold onto your snowy hats folks....

Another card for you to admire...if you will! This little snowy wonder could have been our house on Saturday! This was a quick and easy card - paper, a simple stamp on a die cut, some felt and a little bling...I should let you know - that sparkle on the roof is actually the Illuminate Smooch. No glitter involved! Way less mess....


Gotta figure out how to cover my little goof over on the sentiment....maybe a button? How would YOU fix that?

So - we had this little blizzard go thru on Saturday. Have I mentioned before that I love a good blizzard? (as long as there is electricity and heat!) Anyway - here is a view looking out our front window on Saturday....


And here is the view today (Sunday).....

Saturday......

Sunday......

I am always amazed by the power the wind and a little snow have. We only had about 4 inches of snow, but it blew up an 8 ft. drift over there. And it was packed in tight - Andy was able to walk across the top of it. Isn't that awesome? I love what the wind and snow create. Amazing, beautiful works of art.

the little birdies in this house were probably saying - "Baby, it's cold outside...."

WOW!!! I have been absent from this poor ol' blog!! Jeez - I didn't realize it had been so long...SORRY FOLKS! But, as life gets busy, something's gotta give, and unfortunately, the blog is the thing that gets neglected!
What have I been up to? Well, November was really packed with workshops and Stamp Clubs, Scrapbook Clubs, etc. I started December with a Vendor Fair, and so was working like a little elf getting ready for that. Andy and I went and picked up a Christmas tree, I got it decorated (somewhat - STILL not finished) while he spent 3 days deer hunting. I have warned him that I've got a payback weekend planned....it was a weekend where I found great respect for single mothers. The day after deer hunting, Andy and I spent a day Christmas shopping. And the rest of this week, well, I prepped for another workshop and the monthly Stamp Clubs. One of these days I'll get my Christmas gifts made (the ones that I'm making anyway) and everything wrapped up.
Now, today....well, we've had a major blizzard hit us today. Which I love by the way. There is something about a blizzard that sends me running to every window once an hour to check the snow. However, almost all of our windows today are completely covered in snow. I had to open the door a couple of times just so I could see what was going on out there. While I do like a good winter storm, I am VERY thankful that we did not lose electricity! I've gotta be warm! So, do you know what a good storm makes for? GOOD STAMPING! I didn't photograph what I worked on today yet. But, I decided to just stamp for fun. No Christmas cards, no agenda. I just played with my paper and ink. It was refreshing. And it helped that everyone else was sleeping at the same time - Andy included.

So, while I don't have much to show you but the card above...it's an improvement! This card was quite simple. The pine branch is from the Autumn Days set, which I simply inked and stamped several times. Added a strip of Old Olive ribbon to "hide" the connections of the branch, and stamped "Noel". Can you say Easy Peasy. Sure you can. Easy. Peasy!

Good night....Andy says it's time to hit the hay. He must not like me coming to bed at 11:30 and waking him up with my cold toes!

Watercolor Wonder Crayons Now Available!

Great news! The Watercolor Wonder Crayons are now available for purchase. As we mentioned in a previous current update, the Watercolor Wonder Crayons were delayed due to a relocation of our supplier. We now have inventory and you can start ordering today!

When you and your customers receive your Watercolor Wonder Crayons, you may notice that some of the crayon sleeves feature old artwork on them. This does not affect the quality of the crayons; we simply need to deplete inventory of crayons with the old artwork before we use crayons featuring the new artwork.

Use the following item numbers to purchase your Watercolor Wonder Crayons:

120949 New Color Kit
119802 Subtles
119803 Regals
119804 Brights
119805 Neutrals
Thanks for your patience!

Do you know how glad this makes me?? I LOVE my crayons and this will be just in time for a little Merry Christmas to me!!! Get your crayons while the gettings good.

Tag it!

Howdy folks - last day for great deals on my online store!!

CLICK HERE TO GO SHOPPING!

Many of you have heard how I coordinate my Christmas paper - but for those of you who don't know, here's my wrapping strategy:

• I buy 4 rolls of coordinating paper - not the same, but it all has to "go" together.
• Each roll represents each place that we have Christmas at. One for Grandma Arkfeld's house, one for Grandma Mitchell's house, and so on...this way, when it comes time to pack up gifts for traveling, even Andy can load up the gifts without being confused! We just grab all of the snowman paper for that location.....
• My tags also need to coordinate with the paper. I can easily whip up some tags to go with. A lot of times I will do some more "kid" oriented tags for the little ones. Just because my paper doesn't always scream fun for the kiddos.

It's really pretty simple, but a little anal in the same breath. I'm okay with that. Whatever it takes to make the holiday a little easier and less stressful. We always seem to be a little stressed when loading everyone up to go somewhere, and this does help - a tiche. Not much, but a tiche!

Here are some VERY quick tags I whipped up....you like? You want? Head on over to my Etsy Shop, you can find them there!



Well, that's all I've got for you today peeps - don't forget about that sale....

Two More Days to Save! + My Digital Monday

Hiya! You still have two days left to save big on my website!

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN SHOPPING!

The one big item you may want to consider is My Digital Studio. It is half off, and only until tomorrow! There are also several digital downloads that are on sale! I've been hearing from several of you that already have MDS, and are loving it! This is great to hear. I asked one customer yesterday, who bought MDS after struggling with Snapfish, if she thought it was easier and quicker than Snapfish. Her response? Yes and a lot cheaper, I am happy! She whipped up an entire album and sent it to the printer - she's only had her software for about a week and a half!!! How's that for ease of use? I didn't have to guide her but on how to get it to the printer. Another customer - she's done 40 pages in 2 days! YEAH - 40 PAGES!!!

Need to get rocking on a graduation album? This will get you there!

Need a gift idea for a tween or teen? This is sure to be a hit!

Wanna make some awesome, one of a kind gifts? MY DIGITAL STUDIO BABY!!!

Speaking of gifts....here I dittied up a journal cover in MDS - wouldn't this make a sweet new baby gift???

Just need to print it and attach it to a journal. And guess what folks? Other than the picture - this was already done within the software - it was a designer template. I just added the pic. Easy Peasy!

So, hop on over to my website and get some of your holiday shopping DONE!!!

That's all for today folks!

Online Spectacular...

You don't want to miss the awesome savings Stampin' Up! is offering right now! They are spectacular!!!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY ONLINE STORE

If you have been on the fence about My Digital Studio - now is the time to order this amazing software. You're worried about being able to use the software once you get it? No worries - I'll be offering a MDS class on January 15th. You can bring your laptop if you wish and get your own hands on experience. Remember - this isn't just for scrapbooking. Create custom cards, DVD's, journals, calendars - you name it. Posters. Coupons for a little night out with your hubby. Wine labels.....I'm telling you - it's endless and FUN!

BONUS - I'm going to sweeten the deal for you! I'm offering up a little blog candy....
If you order from me between now and November 30th, (sorry Stamp Club orders do not count!) thru my website, phone me, or email me, I will put your name in the hat, and one lucky recipient is going to win a prize package that consists of:

• one roll of Chocolate Chip felt ribbon
• one roll of Alpine Originals striped ribbon - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Very Vanilla and Riding Hood Red colored
• Patterned Pines wood mount stamp set
• 2 3/8" scalloped circle punch
• one package of Jolly Holiday Designer Paper

Is there something on the sale that YOU would like for Christmas? Let me know - I would be glad to play Santa and call your hubby, your kids, anyone that has you on their holiday shopping list! I'll even gift wrap for them!

So, go check out the sale - you'll be glad you did!

Blast from the Past Blog Hop

Hi all....I'm participating in Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop. While, I don't have many of her stamp sets, I do love them. I love the art work, I love quality, and I love the coordination! They are so easy to work with.

I needed to come up with an Autumn/Thankful type card. I used the Tweet Hearts set, and using fallish colors, turned it into a branch of an autumn tree. I really like the diversity of this set. It can be springy, summery, fallish, and I bet I can even make it a bit wintery! And what I really love, are the phrases that come with it.


Here's a closer view of the main image.

I used some SU paper, and the cute little mini button brads. The sketch comes from the uber talented Sankari Wegman. I am smitten with this sketch and actually used it on another card that I will post later. About a month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Sankari at my Stamp Out Parkinson's fundraiser. Not only is she talented, she is so cute and very personable. I loved chatting with her. While making this card, I could here her saying, "I just keep adding more and adding more," when we were talking about her card making style. I felt that as I was making this card. It seemed to keep needing something. Even after the designer paper, and the ribbon and the brads....so I added some faux stitching. That helped.




I used the rock and roll technique on my leaves to give them a true feeling of fall. Such an easy technique to add some reality to your cards.



And one of my new favorite sentiments! Dontcha love it!

That's all I've got today folks, I'm on the run!

Go ahead an hop onto the other blogs that are participating today!

The return of.....ME! and My Digital Monday....

How does the phrase go??? Abscence makes the heart grow fonder??? Or does it just make you forget that I have a blog? I really am sorry for my abscence. Life has been crazy busy around here - I've had several workshops, Stamp Clubs, an Open House, a cute little three year old's birthday party in the last 2 1/2 weeks, and the ol' bloggo just went by the wayside....something's gotta give right? However, I've been loading and reloading my Etsy shop. Things are finally moving over there, and that just tickles me pink! People all over the states are enjoying my craftiness. This card is one of the latest creations I put on the Etsy Shop, and it's also a My Digital Studio product.


I took this picture last year during a break from one of our SEVERAL snow storms. It just seemed fitting to turn it into a Christmas card. So, I placed the picture on my workspace, and simply "punched" a couple of pieces of cardstock, and then stamped with the sentiment. I printed it, then adhered to some cardstock, added a button (cuz, HELLO - I had to embellish with SOMETHING!) Then added a phrase to the inside. Viola - done! These were so simple, that I made four of them at once, and packaged them up to sell in a package.

This is much more stunning in person.....photos don't do justice.....

While I have a busy week again - two workshops, Stamp Club, Preschool Program, and a Vendor fair....I will be back. I'm doing a blog hop with Taylored Expressions later this week!

Double the Pleasure, Double the.....

no, not double the gum - I'm not talking about Doublemint gum today folks. I'm talking about double challenges. And I kinda have to laugh. Some of my customers and I were having a chuckle about blogs the other day. When one of them introduced me to a blog that I don't follow - *gasp* there is a blog I don't follow???* - she made the comment, "yah, and she posts almost everyday." The other customer said, and "she is always participating in challenges."

Well, you two know who you are, and I hope you are laughing all the way to your stamp rooms!! Not only have I posted almost everyday this week - I have participated in not one, not two but now FOUR challenges this week. Amazing - huh?

So this card incorporates the Mojo Monday Sketch and the Tuesday Trigger from Moxie Fab. I had a blast with both, and am remembering this week why I like a good sketch - I can make them my style, but don't have to really think about layout. It makes it easy for me. And the Tuesday Trigger was really pretty easy. The polka dot paper came to mind instantly - it's from Cosmo Cricket's Togetherness.

I used a couple of different textures as the sweater was full of gorgeous texture. And I just love the polka dot ruffled paper. Like. Really. Love. It. All in all, I really love this card. Even with it's somewhat monotone colors, I think it's stunning. What do you think? Go ahead, leave me some comments.....I love to hear your thoughts.

SSSC90 - Winter Wish

Alrighty folks, I know, I know....we don't want it to snow yet. But it is coming, and as a matter of fact, we had some flurries today, some rain, and even some sleet! I actually don't mind the snow, as long as I've got electricity, heat, and coffee - I'm good! So, here's to winter...

I decided to play along with this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch. I love a good sketch, and this one was great. I might whip up another...

This set came to me in the mail and I had to ink it up right away.....I'm a sucker for this Friendship Jar and all of the filler sets....darn Papertrey Ink anyway....

This one was really quite easy to create. Stamp jar, stamp handle, stamp filler (cocoa), stamp marshmallows, color marshmallows. done. Well, besides the assembling....that was pretty easy.

And here is where I used the die from Taylored Expressions to cut the felt. Pretty adorable - huh? You like the added rhinestones? I just felt this card still needed something.

So, question for you, my dear readers....do you mind that for the past two days I've shown you stuff from other companies? I'd like to know.....would you rather I kept this blog solely Stampin' Up? Or is it okay to throw in an occassional miscellaneous company. I ask because I feel guilty, to an extent, showing you non-SU things. I really love some of these stamp sets from other companies; and while I try not to buy too much from other companies, the stamp Gods just keep tempting me. the stamps, the dies, the paper..... Since I write this blog to keep you happy, that's what I'll aim to do...just let me know how you'd like me to proceed. Leave me some comments so I know how you feel.

Thanks all!

Recipe: Winter Wish
Stamps: Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Winter Fillers (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Jolly Holiday DSP, Vellum Cardstock
Ink: Early Espresso, Choc. Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Ocean Tides Felt (PTI), rhinestones, snowflake punch, scallop die (TE), white chalk

CPS190 - So Tweet!

Howdy folks. If you are looking for the 2010 Christmas Stamp-A-Stack options, head over here or scroll down to yesterday's post.

Now, for today's project. As many of you know, Taylor Van Bruggen was our special guest at my Stamp Out Parkinson's fundraiser. She has an amazing line up of stamp sets and other fabulous paper crafting supplies. Be sure to check out her blog for lots of inspiration. She'll be finishing up her 12 days of Christmas projects this week. You'll surely find some grand ideas. I couldn't resist buying several of her stamp sets on Saturday. The one I used on the card below - Tweet Hearts - is also one that she did a make and take with. It's adorable. I'm dreaming up a Christmas card with this one too.....my head is just thinking it out....

She's also got some great dies - that scalloped trim on the card is one of her dies. It's awesome. I even cut some felt with it - and it worked like butter. Just wait for tomorrow's post!

Recipe:

Stamps: Tweet Hearts (TE)
Paper: Poppy Parade, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Togetherness (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Choc. Chip, Sage Shadow, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Lots of Tags die, Scallop die (TE)

Here they are....the 2010 Christmas Cards!

drumroll please!!! Here they are folks - your first set of options for Round 1 of the 2010 Christmas Card Stamp-A-Stack! Round 2 will be announced in the next few days, and do not fear, it WILL include a photo card, and possibly a gift bag or two. Please keep your blogging channel tuned into Stamped Silly for further details! Many of you may not be familiar with my Christmas Card Stamp-A-Stack, so let me fill you in briefly.

During the holiday season, it can be a treat to get the mail. Tossed in among the bills and catalogs and such is fun mail - cards and greetings from friends and loved ones that we may not have heard from in a while. They come in different sizes, shapes. Some are elegant, some are simple, some sparkly, some comical. You may even get some that are handmade. Those are the ones that you will turn over, admire, turn over some more. And you realize that someone took some time to make this card. They are the ones that are cherished. Don't you want to be the one to give someone a work of art and bless their day? You can, and in a stress free way!

Here's the nitty gritty: You pick a card from below. I will cut and score 10 of that card for you. You stamp and assemble, then admire your work! In the allotted time, you should be able to create 2 "stacks" without a problem. So, feel free to choose 2 cards if you can't decide! All supplies are included - just bring yourself and the adhesive of your choice!

When: Saturday, November 6th; 8 am
Where: Denison Municipal Utilities Bldg.
Fee: $20/stack

Option 1: Sparkly Snowflake Greeting

Option 2: Snowflake Peace on Earth:

Option 3: Musical Greetings

Option 4: Sparkled Wreath

Inside:

Option 5: Ornament Happy Holidays

Option 6: Embossed Snowflakes

Once you have your decisions made, just send me an email to let me know which ones you are making and I'll get to cutting! We always have a blast - come and join us!!!!