Craft Project Central - MY project!

Many of you know me well enough to know that we (my husband, myself and our three kiddos) plant a fair sized garden.  I love it.  Mostly because Andy takes care of the weeding, and I do most of the harvesting and pretty much all of the canning.  But the canning is the fun part - it really is.  I've found it much more fun to can with my girlfriends.  We get together make a huge mess and batches and batches of yumminess!  So, I thought it was fitting to create a giftable project in that theme!

This month I put together some Cinnamon Honey Butter, Strawberry Rhubarb  Jam, and Zucchini Bread; packaged it all up really cute and it will go to our neighbors for a special treat!

Be sure to head on over to Craft Project Central for all the details!

July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Convention Card Swaps - Day 1

Hey there friends!  Today I'm going to showcase some of my favorite swaps that I received (in no particular order!)  I swapped lots of cards, and all of them were amazing.  But, of course we all have some favorites, just because of personal style.

This first card is from Bobbie Hartsell and I love the way she colored that dahlia.  I received this set right before I headed to convention - and can't wait to play!!!  Her color combo is quite striking - that pop of black makes everything really stand out.

Here is a card from Chris Wedell.  A great clean and simple card.  Has she sold me on the Tape It set?  Possibly!  This one is sweet - and the flower die cut suits the card perfectly!

I don't often use the color blue on my cards - unless it's of the Pool Party or Turquoise variety (those blues with green undertones).  But I like the use of it here.  The use of Daffodil Delight and Strawberry Slush really soften every thing up.  Me likey!

Sue created a gorgeous card here!  Wouldn't you say? I'm loving that flower image.  I may not have embossed the floral layer, but I think it's okay here.  Her coloring and sponging are awesome.

Not sure who crafted this one up, but again - Tape It!  Why am I all of a sudden head over heels for this set?
This one has a great color combo - and yet still fits the clean and simple bill.  Besides - this looks like it would be a breeze to whip up.

Another card by an anonymous person.  Wouldn't you love to receive this for your birthday?  Bright and bold and FUN!  Love it!  I really like how she used the Betsy's Blossom image to stamp the flower before she punched it.

One last card for today.  More Dahlias!  Swoon!  The only thing I would change on this one is to use a smaller patterned Designer Series Paper.  I think it would help the focal image stand out more.  But I love the colors and the popped up sentiment!

If you are one of the "Unknown's"  please leave me a comment so I can make you KNOWN!!!  :)



Don't forget to sign up for Paper Pumpkin - your first two months are HALF PRICE!  That makes your crafty kits just $10 (shipping included!!!)  Click here to sign up now!  Use the Promo code: ESCAPE   You can skip a month or cancel at anytime!  But I don't know why you'd want to!


July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Craft Project Central - Summer Garden Gift Set

Hi all - I've got a new project for you from Craft Project Central.  I'm a sucker for daisies, and coneflowers, and sunflowers.  So you can about imagine how I feel about this set!   Be sure to head on over to Craft Project Central and check out the rest of this month's projects!

Naturally Summer Garden Gift Set – Candy Rattray – www.sweetstamper.com 

Summer is here, and this set of projects brings the sunshine of summer gardens and the beauty of nature into a lovely handmade gift complete with coordinating gift bag and card.  Use the mini album for your summer photos or as a perfect gardening journal. 

July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Convention Photos - Day 1

Be the Difference was the theme for the 2013 Stampin' Up! Convention.

Ryan opened with our Convention Theme song, which is so catchy and inspirational.  I could listen to it all day!  You can watch this video of some of the highlights and listen for yourself!

Good wasn't it!

This is what almost 6000 women look like.  And this group continues under the balcony I was standing on.  It was truly amazing!

Here I am after I "made a difference" and completed a birthday kit for a child at Primary Children's Hospital.  And, yes, I'm looking pretty tired!!!  It was the end of the day - and I was operating on limited amount of sleep...I'm sure I wasn't the only one!

One of my favorite reveals on this first day was two new sets of Thinlit Dies.  These dies will cut and score what I typically call Flip Cards.  You may call them Flip Flop cards or Swing cards.  But I think they are all one in the same!  Here's the other elements that the die kits will include:

Yes - those banners on the right are scored for you as they cut!  Sweet - huh???  Love that. Here are a couple of samples using the new thinlits:

Be sure to join me tomorrow as I showcase some of my favorite swap cards that I received!
July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

I'm BACK!!! Convention News!

Howdy everyone!  Wow!  What a whirlwind of a long weekend.  It was a wonderful trip to Salt Lake City and I learned a lot that I can't wait to share with YOU!  So be sure to stay tuned....

As I came home to three joyful kids, an elated husband and a disaster of a house, I'm going to keep today's post short and sweet.  There is a lot of laundry, cleaning and gardening to be done around here. (note to self: hire a cleaning lady next time I leave for a few days!)

The picture above are all of the wonderful gifts that Stampin' Up! showered us with while at convention!  Can you say - AMAZING! I was impressed with their generosity.

One of my favorite things about Convention was the Service Project.  Many of us pitched in to create Birthday Kits for children that spend their birthday's in Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.  The children that are staying there are suffering from complex illnesses and injuries.  More than 10 children spend their birthdays in the hospital each month.  Many times their parents don't have the funds to throw an elaborate birthday.  Insert Stampin' Up! Demonstrators!!! As a group we created 2,000 kits!  That's right TWO THOUSAND!  That means that 2,000 children will receive something special on their birthday's to spruce up their rooms and help them celebrate.  It makes my heart full knowing that I helped to Make a Difference in the lives of these children.  This is what Stampin' Up! is truly all about.  Making a difference.  It really helped to open my eyes to some things that I can do locally to Be the Difference!  I want so much to give back, and often think to myself that I really don't have the funds to do so.  This project made me realize there is so much more that I can give than money.  My time.  My dedication.  My talents.  My heart.  I hope in the coming year to Be the Difference to many!  For this I am very grateful to Stampin' Up! 

We also saw first hand some fantastic products that are about to be released!  OMG!  I can not wait!!  I'll share more in the coming days - as soon as I get all of my photos downloaded!!! 

In the meantime....if you haven't looked into Paper Pumpkin yet, this is the time!  What is Paper Pumpkin?  It's a box of goodies that is delivered to your door every month.  The projects inside vary, with everything you need included. Every project kit takes about 30 minutes or less to put together, and storage is very minimal.  Right now, you can go to my Paper Pumpkin Website right here, and sign up.  Your first two months will be HALF PRICE with the Promo Code below!!!  Keep in mind, you CAN skip a month, or cancel at anytime without penalties!

Be sure to check back tomorrow.  I'll have some more news and great pictures from Convention to share with you!

July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Craft Project Central - Dry Erase Board

Hey there!  I've got another great project from Craft Project Central.  I really need this in my house.  What a great way to keep my day to day activities organized.  And it's nice to look at too.  

Dry Erase Memo Board – Chris Galbraith – www.chrisgalbraithcreations.blogspot.com 

This beautiful picture is really a memo board to help you organize your week. You can write on the glass with a dry erase marker. There is even a corkboard with a notepad at the bottom. Keep it for yourself or give it as gift with the matching card. You will be surprised at how easy this is to create!

July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

I Miss You Already....Really Good Greetings

Hey there - I'm at Stampin' Up's 25th Anniversary Convention this weekend, and thought I'd send a card off to my kiddos at home.....  This one fits the bill.  (sorry for the bad picture.  I couldn't get the pink cast out of this one!!!)

I do miss my kiddos...as much as I need time away from them, I'll admit that I miss them when I'm gone.  Aubrie's funny expressions, Alex's little smirk and Will's sweetness.  It's the fighting and the whining that I don't miss.....but let's stay positive here shall we!!!!

This card was super fast to create - I let the Designer Series Paper do all the work on this bad boy.  It's from the I Am Me patterns - and I thought the map image and the sentiment would work great together.  I also used the little map arrow (is there a technical name for those things?) was perfect too, set off with a candy dot!  (oh - how I love those things!)

Don't forget about my Cat's Away special - scroll down to read all about it! 

July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

While the Cat's away....

the mice will play - with INK!



While I'm gone to Stampin' Up! Convention - 
my first one ever!
...and the 25th Anniversary of Stampin' Up!
....I'd like to offer you a special offer.  

For every $30 you spend in my online store, I will send you one free ink pad (of your choice, of course!)

Once you've placed your order, send me an email (jen.stampedsilly@gmail.com) with your color choice and I will send you out free ink once I get back. 

This offer is valid only through me, Jen Arkfeld.  Purchase period is July 18th - 20th.

This is a great time to take advantage of our current special!


Also - don't forget to use: July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Craft Project Central - A Card File!

Here is another project that is featured over at Craft Project Central this month.  Isn't this so bright and FUN???  I love the colors - they just scream summer to me!

Card File Box Set – Christy Fulk 

– www.createwithchristy.blogspot.com

This card file box is great for keeping your cards organized.  The project includes eight cards with envelopes, but more can be put in the box.  There are also four dividers inside to help keep your cards filed by type.  This box would also work great as a recipe file box.  Make one as a gift and one for yourself!  It would make a great class project, too!

If you'd like to place an order this month (and especially before July 21st - you'll get free ink!) be sure to use:
July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Pick a Kit! for FREE!!!

Ever thought about following your creative dreams?  
Would you like to earn some extra cash?
Just want to spend more time with friends & family doing things you love?
How about making new friends that enjoy the same things as you?
Want to feel Pinterestingly creative?

If you answered YES! You should join my team! 
And here's a bonus for joining before August 31st:

Click the picture to enlarge

I'd love to help you get on your way to creative bliss!  Contact me today to find out more information!

July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Christmas in July Card Class!

Christmas in July Card Class!

OH....the weather outside is frightful, but the conditioned air is so delightful!  And since there's no place to go....let us stamp, let us stamp, let us stamp!

It kinda has a good ring to it doesn't it???

What a better way to cool off than transporting your mind to the cool days of winter!  So let's do it!  In this class, you'll not only create some gorgeous cards (12 of them - 2 ea. of 6 designs) but you'll also get to play with new stamping supplies before they are even available to purchase!!!  And, I'm here to tell you, there are some really amazing things in the new Holiday Catalog (released August 1st).

I'll have everything measured, cut and scored.  You'll just need to stamp and assemble!  It couldn't be any easier.  All you need to bring is your scissors and adhesive (including Stampin' Dimensionals or pop dots)

When: July 26th @ 5:30 pm - work at your own pace
Where: Denison Municipal Utilities Bldg; 7th & Broadway, Denison, IA
Fee: $25
Deadline to register in July 19th

 REGISTER NOW!

 

Can't make class?  You can purchase the class "to-go".  This will include detailed instructions for each card.  All supplies are included (except stamp sets, dies and punches) and will be prepped for you. I will include a list of supplies so you know what stamp sets, etc. you will need.
Fee: $18 + $6 shipping if you are not local. ( I can ship anywhere!)
Ordering deadline is July 24th

ORDER YOUR CLASS TO GO!

To-go Classes

Local Delivery $18.00 USD  To Go Class Shipped to YOU! $24.00 USD

 

Check back soon for sample cards!



July Hostess Code: UTBNM7TV
Learn how to use the code here.

Hello, Lovely! You make me HAPPY!

Howdy folks!  A real quick post today for ya!  I created this card with a single stamp set *gasp*, two ink pads and three colors of cardstock!  Pretty amazing - eh?  I keep finding myself leaning in this direction - less patterned paper and more stamping as my pattern.  I mean, c'mon - just as well get some good use out of those stamps right??  You bet!

This one was pretty easy, and if you'd like to see how I created the patterned background, you can view the tutorial HERE.

Today, however, I'd like to share with you a great way to stretch the use of your dies - in this case, the scalloped square die from the Squares Collection Framelit Dies.  Just watch how easy it is to create custom sized scalloped frames and such with the die:

                      

Please let me know what you think, and do your civic duty and pass this on to your friends!!!  :)

Craft Project Central - a mini suitcase and scrapbook!

Happy Independence Day folks!!!  We have a gorgeous day here in Iowa and some great celebration activities lined up - I can't wait!  My 3 littles are going to be in the kiddie parade in a nearby town.  This was a last minute decision so, I'm trying to scour up some quick decor for their bikes and red wagon....I'll come up with something!  Then we'll stick around for the big parade - which is amazing!  It lasts usually almost 2 hours.  After that, they have rides and games for the kids in the park.  We'll go to my Grandma's for a bite to eat, and then hopefully home for nap time!  It's going to be nice enough out again today that I may even cozy up on the patio for some rest!  The humidity hasn't settled in yet here and I love these perfect summer days! 80 and no humidity!  Mother Nature has been doing me some favors!  Tonight we'll all head to a friends house for a smorgasbord of yummy food, a bonfire and some fireworks.  We also watched fireworks in another nearby town last night, so that means that Friday will be rest and relaxation day! 

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!  Here's today's lineup from Craft Project Central:

Welcome to Craft Project Central, your one-stop shop for great projects showcasing Stampin’ Up! products. From stamping to scrapbooking, home decor, jewelry, and more!

 Whether you're a new or seasoned Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, or an avid crafter looking for fun crafting ideas, you're in the right place! Craft Project Central offers ideas for workshops, classes, clubs and just plain fun crafting!

 What makes Craft Project Central different? Each month you subscribe to will give you access to 10 projects with detailed, full-color, step-by-step instructions. Projects are easy to duplicate, are practical, and functional projects that you will have fun making and be able to use yourself or give as gifts! Not every project you get on Craft Project Central with be unique, never-before-seen projects, but what you will be getting are projects adapted to current and popular Stampin’ Up! products with easy to follow instructions.  All of this for only $10 for each month that you subscribe!

We’ll also have a bonus project each month.  to receive access to the bonus project, just post our blinkie on your blog, or subscribe to two or more months in a row, or refer your friends and when they subscribe, let us know!

New projects will be loaded every two to three days.  Once you subscribe check back often for your new projects.  Projects once posted will stay on the site for one year.

Mini Travel Album & Suitcase Cover!

A mini travel album is the perfect way to save photos and memorabilia from a special trip and to keep special notes and give a written account of the events about the trip!  There is plenty of space for photos and journaling in this mini album, and there are pockets to hold memorabilia.  One thing that’s needed for ever trip is a suitcase, and this mini travel album has its own suitcase cover, which would be a perfect way to present the album to someone who is getting ready to take a special trip.  Several of these suitcases could be placed on a shelf and there’s plenty of space on the closed end of the cover to attach an identifying label!

This fun travel’s gift comes to you designed by Regina!

To get the instructions for Regina’s project, just subscribe to July!  And if you have a minute, please leave Regina a comment on her project!

Have a fun and safe 4th of July and happy crafting!

Kind & Cozy - 2 color combos to try!

I have fallen in love with the Kind & Cozy Stamp Set from Stampin' Up!  As someone who does quite a bit of canning, I know that this set is going to get a lot of love when the canning season really hits.  Afterall, I can't keep all of those yummy garden goodies just to myself!  Well, I COULD....but I need to share!  But, I also think this set is versatile enough that it does not HAVE to go with anything related to canning.....

Check out today's cards to see why!

This first card was pretty quick and easy.  I challenged myself NOT to use Gingham Garden with the Kind & Cozy set.  While they seem to be a perfect complement of each other...I've been using them too often together.  So I came up with this color combination - Real Red, Gumball Green and Daffodil Delight (so that it doesn't look too Christmas-y)  I used some Natural Composition DSP as a background, but first swiped my Whisper White ink pad over the edges - in a really messy fashion btw!  I used a tissue to remove some of the excess ink, which helped the embossing really show up.

The flower portion was inked up with markers.  Let me share a tip about that!  I find that I get a much better stamped image with markers when I ink it up with my markers, stamp it on scrap paper and then DON'T CLEAN YOUR STAMP.  Ink it up again with your markers, huff on it, like you do when you clean your glasses, then stamp on your cardstock. You may want to do it one more time for a really good, clear image.  I tell you this b/c I really don't like it when I color a stamp with markers and then it's all streaky.  I think this gets me the best results for multiple colors on a stamp.

For my second card, I stuck with the Gingham Garden DSP and color combos.  And the Gingham Garden Washi Tape too!

This one was pretty darn simple to put together.  A layer of Whisper White cardstock that's been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  Then I stuck on a couple of strips of washi tape.  I used my bone folder to really push it into the cardstock and depress any of the polka dots underneath.  Then a strip of Island Indigo gingham.  Punched a couple of circles from Gingham Garden DSP.  And lastly stamped the circle and coffee cup and also the with love sentiment.  When I did the coffee cup, I inked using two ink pads - Island Indigo for the cup, and if you watch very carefully as you ink, you can avoid the steam lines.  Then I inked the steam lines with Smoky Slate.  Add a little flower punch with a candy dot!  Easy peasy!


Don't forget - I'm giving away hostess rewards for all of you that like to order directly from my website! 
Simply go to my webstore and place an order using this JULY HOSTESS CODE: UTBNM7TV
The hostess code goes at the bottom left corner in your shopping bag.  When you place your order, I'll be notified and will ship you a free goodie bag (July only!!)  But you must use the hostess code!  (unless the order is over $150 and you want to collect the hostess rewards)  Your order will be shipped directly to your door from Stampin' Up!

Here's the other great news:  All of those that order with the hostess code will have their name put into a hat for a drawing for the hostess rewards!  Not only are you getting a free goodie bag, you've got a chance at even more free merchandise!  Yay! FYI - items on the Clearance Rack do qualify as long as that hostess code is put in.  I'll draw our lucky winner on July 29th and will notify you via email.

On top of this - we've got a special to throw in the mix.  We all like specials right?