Wild about Birthday Cake!

My son Will turned 3 on Sunday the 15th, and even tho he continued to tell me that he wanted a Spiderman cake over and over and OVER! I went my own direction. He really doesn't know who Spiderman is, doesn't have any Spiderman stuff, has never seen Spiderman, I just didn't think Spiderman was quite right. And, well, I had this thought in my head of what I wanted to do for his cake, and I knew it was a little more "age appropriate"! Here is my creation...


I baked one white (well, really I baked two) cake and one chocolate cake, put them side by side, and frosted them. I used the Wilton gel coloring - as it doesn't thin down your frosting. Well, to get the green really green, I used almost the entire container of coloring! And lots and lots of stirring. Okay - I know you are wondering about the 2 white cakes...let me tell you. FOLLOW the DIRECTIONS that come on the box! It says to let your cake cool for 10 minutes prior to removing from the pan. Yeah - they mean that, and it's written there for a reason! If you go to flip your cake over before it's time - you end up with lots of smaller cakes with jagged edges. In other words - an unfrostable cake that can not be put back together, a lot of cus words, and a frantic call to your mother in law to see if she has an extra cake mix on hand. Until I come up with something to do with those cake parts, they are in the freezer, just awaiting their purpose. The next two cakes I baked were allowed to cool the appropriate amount of time, and flipped out of the pan without a cus word to be said!
Okay - onto my cake creation...my fences are pretzel sticks stuck together with frosting and allowed to dry until they are REALLY stuck. Again - patience is the key. They will fall apart if handled before they are ready. I stamped my animals, cut them out and they stood up in the frosting perfectly. I'm sure they saw what happened to that first cake, and thought they needed to be on their best behavior! I think they stood up well, partially because I had frosted the cake and let it set out overnight to let the frosting dry.

And here's the birthday boy - slightly embarassed by everyone singing to him. (Sorry I forgot to take the red-eye out.)

He really liked the alligators which he sometimes referred to as dragons. He wanted to make them swim in the pond. And sometimes he just wanted to make them fly and then land in the cake - and that is why there are several bushes in the cake - to cover up where the "dragons" had landed. He loved his cake, and never again mentioned a Spiderman cake. Maybe the alligator ate Spiderman???

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. I will pick a random person on February 25th from the comments to receive a package of 10 Birthday Cards from me!

Blow out the Birthday Cards!!!

It's time for that Birthday Card Class that I promised you! And here is a peek at the cards that you'll be making! 3 of each card for a total of 12 - PLUS - a gift bag AND a gift card holder! How cool is that??? Details are after the sneek peek pics...

Always in need of a Birthday Card? Can’t find just the right one? You need to attend my Birthday Blowout Class! I’ll show you how quick, fun and easy it is to make your own cards. Give your family and friends cards that have extra meaning.

When: Friday, March 6th; 5:30pm – 7:30pm – or - Saturday March 7th; 9am – Noon
Where: Denison Municipal Utilities Building

Option 1: Make 12 cards, one gift bag, and a gift card holder, all materials included, pre-cut and scored; fee is $25
Option 2: Make 12 cards, one gift bag, one gift card holder; fee includes the Party Hearty Stamp Set ($26.95), ½ pack of Washington Apple Designer Series Paper, plus all materials included, pre-cut and scored.; fee is $40
Option 3: Same as Option 2, only as a Class to Go! All items will be cut and shipped to you on March 9th.

Deadline to sign up is February 25th!!! Sign up before all of the spots are filled!

Contact Me! Jen Arkfeld

More Stamp Club Items

This month my Stamp Club group focused on the Wax Resist Technique. We had a ton of fun, and these are some of the creations we made:


This card uses the Crazy for Cupcakes Stamp Set (which I LOVE!!) and the brand new Texturz Plates from Stampin' Up! Aren't they just the coolest thing ever. Run you cardstock thru the Big Shot and presto! all embossed for you. And I really love the fact that you get 6 different textures for a very reasonable price. The other thing, these texture plates are quite a bit larger than your embossing folders from Cuttlebug. You can cover more area that way!

Here is the front of a gift bag that we made - isn't it just adorable??? I love the colors, the modern feel of the designer paper (Urban Oasis) and the added texture in this ( with the tearing and curling of the edge of the gray paper). It feels so fashion forward to me???? Photo #2 is a better one to drool over! :)

You know, you too could make projects just like this every month. Ask me how you can become a Stamp Club member. Some of the gals at one of my club meetings commented this month that she really needed the stamp time for herself. Another gal commented that Oprah is saying that you need to put yourself back in the picture - make time for you. And that is exactly what Stamp Club is all about. The gals get together every month - and it's their time. We have a lot of fun, and the great thing is that most of these gals didn't all know each other before we got started - it's a wonderful way to make new friends.... So put yourself back on your calendar - call me, we'll get you in the Club!!!

Here's a challenge for those that are in my Stamp Club - post a comment in this thread and tell us why YOU enjoy Stamp Club so much! There just might be something in it for you if you do!!!! :)

Kristina Werner Challenge #40!

This challenge proved to be - well, a challenge! First off, I knew what I wanted to do, then realized that I don't own More Mustard ink....so improvise - I must, I must! Then I realized that I don't have Taken w/ Teal ink either! UGH! So.... improvise some more....

Here's what I came up with...believe it or not, NO RIBBON!!! That has to be a first. But, I did use some of the new Supernova Glitter from Stampin' Up! I love it!!!!

I don't quite understand what's up with my camera these days - the color is off. I need to find a fix for that (more natural light!). Anyway - this is as good as it gets for now.
Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs

Paper: So Saffron, Taken w/ Teal, Old Olive

Ink: Old Olive, Versamark, Summer Sun

Stamp Club Sneak Peak....

Here's a card that my Stamp Club members will be making this month. We are focusing on the Wax Resist Technique - I think I got the hang of it, and came up with this card...whatcha think???

I was in a fog for a while while trying to come up with a layout, colors, etc....but you know - as soon as you pull out that Designer Paper - the light turns on, and things just seem to work! I love this new Parisan Breeze Specialty DSP!!! It's Special alright - textured, cover weight - it is GREAT to work with...I see more Specialty DSP in my future!

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Ink: Baha Breeze, Black Stazon

Paper: Baha Breeze, Choc. Chip, Parisian Breeze DSP

Accessories: Pixie Pink Ribbon

CASE'd Myself

Alright - I really liked that layout that I did with the Best Wishes and More set, and I really like the colors that are in the new Urban Oasis DSP...sooooo, I thought I would re-invent the wheel, and use my layout and Urban Oasis colors....I wasn't sure I was going to like this, with the black flower and all....but you know what? I think it's really pretty darn boo-t-ful! (if I do say so myself) And now that I've created something I feel better about my husband being a slacker today....now we're off to a party!

Recipe:

Stamps: Best Wishes and More

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Baha Breeze, Stazon Black

Paper, Kiwi Kiss, Baha Breeze, Kraft and Very Vanilla

Accessories: Button Bouquet, Old Olive Striped ribbon, Perfect Day rub-on (thinking of you)

Happy Super Bowl Sunday...if you are MALE!

I swear - I like football just as much as the next person, but I'm pretty sure this is just another "holiday' with MALE benefits. While I was slaving away, cooking the appetizers for the party we will be attending, my husband does nothing but watch the 24 hours of pregame. When is the "holiday" that women are doted upon??? Please let me know. Many of you may answer Mothers' Day - but nope, not at my house. I have been a mother for 3 years (almost) now, and have never received a single Mother's Day gift, and I'm pretty sure that I've spent the afternoon cooking my own meals. In fact last Mother's Day....oh, never mind, it was so bad, I don't even want to go there. This is about the Super Bowl and MALE oriented holidays....anyone else ever think about this before....let's take Christmas for example....the women to the shopping, gift wrapping, prepping, get the kids oh-so-adorable outfits, get THEM ready, pick out what your husband will wear, make the food, etc. etc. And what do the men do???? Sit around and watch football - or just hang out waiting for the meal, and gift opening....I'm pretty sure it's a conspiracy. So, someone Puh-lease! Come up with a "Kick your feet up Women, this is your day" day.

I'm off to create something.....

Retro Pun!

Oh, how I think I will come to like this Puns from the Past set...I tend to like vintage things, so this is right up my alley. And I'm gonna be giving myself a few pats on the back for this card! I love the colors, the clean style...I just love it! And super bonus - it's an under 5 minute card to make!!! Gotta love that! Leave me a comment - let me know what you think...

Recipe:

Stamps: Puns From The Past

Paper: Kraft, Baha Breeze, Urban Oasis DSP

Ink: Stazon Black

Accessories: Valet Ribbon, Silver Brad

Hey Cupcake....

I'm going to focus on Birthday cards in the month of February (I know it's not February yet, but I'm just ready for this January cold to GO AWAY!!!) - February is when our son Will has a birthday (3 years already!) and it is the month of Presidents' Day, celebrating their birthdays...so I just thought it was fitting. Be sure to check back, as I will be offering a Birthday Card Blowout at the end of this month. Take the class and you won't be left without a birthday card when you are in dire need!

Here is a card I created using up some retired Stampin' Up! Designer paper. I LOVE this Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set. You can view the entire set here. There is a great coordinating wheel that goes along with the set too!





Recipe:
Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes
Paper: Pixie Pink, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Paisley DSP (retired)
Ink: Stazon Black, Close to Cocoa, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Aqua painter, Tempting Turquoise Marker, Rose Red Marker, Scallop Edge Punch, Photo Corners Punch, Tempting Turquiose 1/4 grosgrain ribbon.

Let me know what you think!

Puns...

Here is a quick card I did tonight...I've been wanting to use this Puns from the past set for quite a while...so I broke it out and inked it up for the first time. Then, I really went out of my comfort zone and used colors I wouldn't normally use together. My pictures don't seem to portray the true colors, but they are Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa and More Mustard...interesting combo, and really, I'm loving the look.

Color Inspiration!

It's time again for this week's Color Challenge over at Krisina Werner's blog. This was much harder! Here's what we had to work with:

And here's what I came up with!

Supplies:

Stamps: Season of Friendship

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White cardstock

Ink: Stazon Black, Real Red, So Saffron, Green Galore

Accessories: Real Red Wide grosgrain ribbon; Chit Chat Rub ons

FYI - I rock and rolled some of the flowers so that the centers were So Saffron and the tips were Real Red. Let me know what you think!

Color Inspiration #2

Here is another card I did for Kristina's color challenge. This one uses more clean, simple lines. Now that I look at it - it might be a bit on the boring side??? I don't know - but her challenge WAS a challenge!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Big Deal Alphabet

Paper: Basic Black, So Saffron, Whisper White

Accessories: Real Red brads; Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon

Love You Much!

Isn't this just the cutest little box you ever did see? I found the directions for it on Splitcoast Stampers - it's just the right size to hold 3x3 gift notes. I'm loving it! I used Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, and the new Candy Lane Designer series paper, the stamp set used was Love You Much.

I've found a new customer!

Since he's only 1 he has to pay me with kisses. Funny thing is, Alex only receives kisses, he won't give them. He'll stick his forehead out when he wants a kiss - don't be kissin' him on the lips - he won't have any of that! But he was so stinkin' sweet when I saw that he'd climbed up into my chair and started browsing the catalog.... I just had to share him with you! What a face!!!

FINALLY!!!

I finally completed one of Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenges!

I've been wanting to do her color challenges since about the 17th one - which is when I discovered her blog to begin with. Here's what I came up with:

Stamp set: Best Wishes and More

Card Stock: Whisper White, Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Striped Ribbon, Button Boutique Buttons

Sorry for the dark picture - not quite sure what happened there??? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about my creation!

Mom and Me Valentine's Class!

Come and attend this class with your little crafter! Kids love to create things on their own. They get the same satisfaction from it as you do - the sense of accomplishment. Plus they get lots of praise from you for doing such a good job! This class is geared towards kids 3 years and older with your supervision and help. Together you will have a great time making all sorts of Valentines. You'll go home with 6 mini cards, a treat bag topper and a treat box. And a great big smile.

There are two fee options for this class: Pre-purchase the stamp set used for $25.95 and take the class for $5. Otherwise the fee is $15. All supplies are included.

When: January 31st; 9am - Noon (come and go)

Where: Denison Municipal Utilities Bldg (Broadway & 7th St)

Fee: $15

RSVP: Deadline to sign up is January 22nd - so that I am sure to have enough supplies on hand for everyone. If you don't RSVP, you won't have a guarenteed spot.

More of the same, but different!

Okay - here are some of the other Christmas gifts that I made. For our niece Allana - who loves to draw - I decorated the cover of a Sketch Book for her. Gave it the title of "Allana Art" and she even noticed that part and thought it was cool how I shared the A for the two words. I thought that was pretty good for a 6 year old! I think this turned out good. I used Pink Pirouhette paper (and yea - I'm pretty sure I just misspelled that! Oh well) with a little Kiwi Kiss - and I have to say that they look pretty Cha-Cha-Cha together. I also used a rub-on from Love and Happiness (it was a Sale-A-Bration set last year). The hearts are from the new and not yeat release 2009 Spring/Summer Catty - Love you Much Stamp Set. Cute - eh! The bonus here - the little hearts have a coordinating punch! Makes life a snap. Add in a little Dazzling Diamonds and viola! Instant cute....oh, about forgot - all of that lovely ribbon on the coils. Too, too cute, right?

Here's Abby's name frame. Again, a mix of chipboard. I love chipboard. Add a little craft ink, or decorative paper, and you are good to go. I really like to mix the fonts with one another, and to also use the negative images too. There really can be minimal waste. Think outside of the box on how to use your chipboard.

I don't remember what Designer Paper this was from, but it is retired. The flower was a Sale-A-Bration set from a couple of years ago. I was happy to finally get to use it. Boys and flowers just don't go well together!

And then, there is Gabe. I really think this one turned out to be my favorite. I used Star Brads, Large Star punch, Sporting Stamp Set. My paper was Kraft and Not Quite Navy. The paper was also retired, and I'm not quite sure what pattern it was. But very sportsman like I thought!

It's hard to tell in the picture above, but the G is in white and the a is plain old naked chipboard. I love that look too.

I'm anxiously awaiting our new catalog to arrive in the mail. I'm hearing of some WONDERFUL stuff that will be included. But, for the time being, I must go get things cut for Saturday's Stamp Club...wait til you see what we're making this month!

I'mmmm Baaaackkkkk!

And I'm back with Name Frames Galore! Take a lookie at what Santa delivered to all the little ones in my family this year...well, okay have a look at a couple of them for now. More to be posted later - I'd hate to inundate you with oodles of name frames at once! Might as well drag it out and make it more fun for your enjoyment! These were quite simple, and not terribly labor intensive. I used various chipboard letters, and some Simply Scrappin' Kits from day gone by (read: long ago retired!). And lots of Designer paper of the same nature. I have to say tho, I did not stray from Stampin' Up! Aren't you proud. It may be vintage Stampin' Up, but it's still SU!

Sorry for the blurry photo - I think Alex was pulling on my pant leg when I was trying to be photographer extrodinairre! And, if I didn't spell that right - well, sound it out, the word sounds like what I typed...yeah - I hear you sounding it out, that's X-tro-din-air. There - why didn't I just spell in like that to begin with - you know, Jan Tink style???

This shows the close up of the flowers - which btw are all die cuts. They made my life easy. I pierced the stems.

Grady is the newest addition to the Mitchell clan. He's super cute with a TON of hair. Very dark hair. Very dark spikey hair. At Christmas Will was asking his mom if we could keep him. I think Alex wanted to keep him too. He couldn't get enough. Anyway - here's his name frame. I didn't want it too babyish, because I wanted them to be able to keep it in his room for a while. Yet, it still needed that baby feel. I think I achieved what I was going for.

Alright - my hubby says that I must hit the hay now or he'll ban me from my bedroom. (he hates when I go to bed after he's fallen asleep, b/c then he wakes up and can't get back to sleep - please send him your sympathy) I'll post more name frames in the days to come! Ta-ta!