Ornaments

Oops~ so in my previous post I had mentioned that I was going to be back to share some more goodies from my trip and a recipe...well...I honestly apologize!! I think since I was gone for so long...I was going through 'rubber withdrawal' (YES~ that's a real symptom in stamp land!). My fingers have been all inky and I even cut myself on my paper cutter!! Not sure how I managed that one...but when your index finger has a boo boo with the hand you do EVERYTHING with it makes for a tough time stamping!!

This ornament I actually made right before I left and will be one of the goodies that my Holiday Open House attendees will be able to make. Here is a side photo:

Details:

Non SU!- Ornament & Snow (craft/hobby store)

Stamp set: Welcome Christmas (118736 W) (120597 C)

Ink: Always Artichoke Classic pad

Card Stock: Vellum

Accessories: paper piercer, 2 1/2" circle punch, Always Artichoke binding ribbon

Now here is another ornament that I made while I was with my mom in AZ. It measures 7 1/2" in diameter and uses our Deck the Halls fabric (121716). Very cute to hand on a door or along with a wreath. I have a few pictures to show you on how it was created...and I was oh so excited that even the back looked good! I can never even sew in a straight line...but good ol' mom showed me a few cool tricks.

I made a total of 4 of them and for the back I used muslin. A few I stuffed with batting. Now...the top is really cool! It's tin foil~ I know right?? I found this great tutorial from the Missouri Quilt Company. Click here to view. The video will demonstrate how the foil was created for the topper. If you have any questions, just ask!! ~Erin

Now as promised: I mentioned I would share with you a delicious recipe for Tamale Pie so here it is! Enjoy and let me know if you enjoy it! Great hot meal (not too spicy) for a cold winter day!

Tamale Pie

Serves 6

For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free baking mix for the flour and baking powder.

Cooking spray

15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

15-ounce can fire-roasted, diced tomatoes

15-ounce can of corn drained

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 cup diced onion

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Corn Bread Topping:

3/4 cup cornmeal

1 1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup milk

1/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1. Spray the inside of a 4 qt. slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour in the filling ingredients- the beans, tomatoes, corn, spices, onion and cheese~ and stir well taking care to evenly distribute the spices.

2. In a seperate bowl, mix the corn bread topping. Pour the batter over the filling, spreading it with a spatula. Cover and cook on low 4-7 hours, or on high doe 2-4 hours.

Per serving: 380 calories, 6g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 630 mg sodium, 68 g carbohydrates, 8 g fiber, 15g sugars, 15g protein.

The BIG day is almost here...

I can't believe how quickly the holiday season is approaching. I spent two weeks recently in AZ visiting my mom...and WOW I miss the weather!! The above photo was the ugliest day...and isn't it ironic that there was a rainbow? We were sitting at her kitchen window and a few clouds quickly rolled in..and it spit about 6 drops of rain! Almost everyday I was able to go out and enjoy the sunshine and warmth. You would think it's difficult to get ready for the holidays when it's so sunny and warm (mid 70's) but you could fell the magic of 'CHRIST'mas in the air. She has a lovely church and I attended mass with her twice and enjoyed a fabulous luncheon. Tomorrow I will share a delicious recipe called Tamale Pie~ YUM! Everyone brought a dish to share and there were several receipes I jotted down (so stay tuned for others!). It was great meeting all of her friends and I now know how she has been able to live there while her husband has been working from southern CA for the past 3 1/2 years. During my visit she received wonderful news that he would be coming back mid January to stay! He works for Raytheon and had been transferred and now is able to come home...so yay for mom!! I helped mom decorate for Christmas and I brought with me our Deck the Halls fabric (121716)...she is 'sew' crafty and I knew she would help me get creative and make something festive.

Here is what I made...(with Mom's help!!)

I know....just BEAUTIFUL!! Just wait...we will have more fabric that coordinates with stamps and accessories in the next Occasions Mini catalog!! I just might have to head back to AZ for some more 'sew' cute crafts!!

Here are a few close up pictures...I was completely WOWED!

She has the lates and greatest Bernina machine that is OUT of this world... 'Dear Santa' (wink wink)~LOL!

Cute huh?? I think the coolest part was watching the magic happen right before my eyes. These pictures show it best...I was unfamiliar with this technique or material called 'free standing lace' or FSL. The material that looks like plastic allows the machine to stitch the programmed design and 'create' the lace image, when you are done all you do is rinse the completed ornament under water and it dissolves...it was SO cool!! Here is right before it was rinsed...this is where I was just blown away and ready to pour a glass of wine and celebrate my/mom's clever creation!! I ended up making three: one for each of the kids back home!!

Here is Aiden's (snowflake).

Regan will receive the angel.

Last but not least, my oldest Tyler will get the tree.

Now...before you nod off to sleep...there is one more thing I would like to share with you in this evening's post. I hate that I have not posted anything since I left...meant to do some blog work while I was away..but it's easier on my own computer and the only way I was able to take photos was with my cell phone...so I apologize if the photos are not very clear, but atleast you get the idea!!

This upcoming Saturday (Dec. 18th) is my Holiday Open House and I have a TON planned. SNEAK PEAK: This is one of the cards that will be part of the days 'Make & Takes'!!

This card is BEAUTIFUL in person...hard to see the shimmer from photo~ but it's indeed a beauty!!

The picture on the right shows how it opens.

Card details:

Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes (115438), All Holidays (114916)

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Brushed Gold

Accessories: Antique Brads (117273), Sponge Daubers (102892),Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Extra Large Decorative Label punch (120907), 1/16" handheld punch (101227).

You will be able pick and choose the creations you would like to recreate. If you live in the area, please stop by!! You can enter in door prize drawings, make cards, ornaments and more!! There will be stamp sets and accessories available for purchase along with handmade treats and other handmade gifts. If you have any questions give me a buzz (540) 667-3799. Or email stampingwitherin@yahoo.com .

So be sure to check my Stampin' Up! website for upcoming scheduled events and to purchase any of the products you have seen here!! Happy Stampin' & Brrrrrr stay warm!! ~Erin