It's a bird! It's a plane...no it's a bat!!

I first saw this bat here on Shelli's blog~ she had demo'ed it at a recent Regional event and it immediatly went into my fav's.

I finally got around to making them...honestly I was thinking that they were going to be a bit difficult...NOT!!

Using the Big Shot with the Petal Cone die (121810) and the Perfect Pennants die (123126) made it a breeze...so I made a couple of them and hung them on a branch that I spray painted black. It's hung with some fishing line on my curtain rod~ began thinking that it might be something I keep up through the holidays...picture a white branch with cute little handmade ornaments!! Right now they are empty but I plan on adding some sweet little treats as a Halloween gift to our neigbors.
If you don't have a Big Shot yet....there seriously has never been a better time to join Stampin' Up!...until October 31st...you can earn one FREE!!! Just click the promotional flyer on the right for more info.

This card shown was featured in a previous post...but since it wanted to be on our piano...and it didn't want to be lonely I made it a friend by covering a battery operated candle with matching Frightful Sight DSP (122351) and voila!! Here is a close-up:

Here is a banner that I made in about 10 minutes or less...seriously!! I used the same Frightful Sight DSP and the Perfect Pennants die (123126). Punched out letters with the Serif Essentials Alphabet die (113464).

The other side says 'WICKED'.....because I love witches and these little witch legs in my dining room are the cutest!!

Here I have covered three of our Decor Blocks (116829) in Pick Your Poison DSP (124001). The blocks are shown on pg. 181 in the Idea Book & Catalog. These were totally an inspiration from another demonstrator Donna Hill (thanks Donna!!). You get 4 smooth, MDF natural wood 3" blocks per package for only $9.95. I love these little guys...you could decorate them for all 4 seasons and turn them as needed or stack em'...B-A-B-Y would be cute for a baby shower...the possibilities are endless!!
I also just covered the candles with the same DSP...easy peasy!!

Here is a close-up:

I had mentioned that I had a 'really' cool Halloween card to share with you?? Well...don't worry...it's coming. I am actually in the process of making a video to show how it works...stay tuned!!

Here is one cute and simple idea for a quick treat~ 

I used our new Cellophane Bags (124134), some candy corn and made a tag. Then I just stuck it onto printed Whisper White CS with some glue dots.
Check out this site for lots of cute 'poop' poems..below is the one I used.
Pumkin Poop
I started to carve a pumpkin
With my carving knife and scoop,
But the pumpkin got so scared
That he took a little poop!
It looked so cute and funny
Just like a candy treat,
So I'm sharing it with you now
Because you are so sweet!

I think that might be it for Halloween decorations and ideas...need to get started on some Fall/Winter goodies~ Christmas will be here before you know it..isn't that crazy??

Do you all make your own cards for the holidays?? Leave a comment and let me know what are your traditions...past and present. In the last few years I have not mailed out any hand-made cards (I know...terrible huh??) One year I made about 50 or so and never even mailed them!!
Not the case this year...I have recently found my 'Stampin' Mojo' and the fingers are constantly inky!!

So stay tuned for continued inspiration and let me know if you have any questions!!
Happy Stampin'
~Erin

Apples, Leaves and Cajun Chicken pasta~ read on!!

So the other day I was in a mood to cook up somthin' good...where did I turn?? I ended up online checking out one of my favorites sites: the pioneer woman...ever heard of her?? If not..then I suggest you check it out now...well maybe after you enjoy reading this post. 

This is what I made~ YUM!!

It's called Cajun Chicken Pasta and my friends~ it was SO good!! Posting this picture is making me drool!
I seriously think that everything she makes is out of this world and well worth the mess in the kitchen!
The rules around here are: If you cook...you don't clean!!

Okay now on to some stampin'~ it's why your here right??

I promised some Halloween goodies and first and foremost..I don't want to disapoint anyone~

Here is our Simply Adorned jewelry...pg. 200 in the Idea Book & Catalog...at my next Stamp Camp we be making a total of 5 charm inserts for the 1"x 1 1/4" charm. I wanted to showcase how easy it is to change up the charms for any season or holiday..so here's Halloween's example (I'll post the others in a later post).

Here is the back:
I used the 24" chain (116800) and rectangle charm (116798) along with one of the trinket keys from a set of 4 (121892) and a black crystal bauble (121011).

Here is the bracelet:

The inserts were stamped and I LOVE how our new Pewter embossing powder (124114) matches PERFECTLY!!

Here is the other side of the bracelet:
Please note: If you have a nickel allergy these are a no go~ sorry!! However...these embellishments look GREAT on cards and other crafts!!
Please let me know if you have additional questions on the Simply Adorned collection.

Now on to more goodies..

It's fall right?? So do you think of Apples and Leaves?? Me too!!

This card features my newest favorite stamp set called Countryside(116998 W, 120495 C) this is a GREAT set for when you are needing more 'manly' cards. I came across so many great creations on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ but this is the card that I decided on for my inspiration...I needed one that didn't involve too much coloring because yup it's a Stamp Camp card...so the highlights on the truck were easy...Poppy Parade marker (119801) for the apples (these markers are a set of 5 for the 2010-2012 In Color Markers) and some white chalk (Stampin' Pastels 120962)~ LOVE IT!!
Card Details
Stamp Set: Countryside (116998 W, 120495 C),Woodgrain Background (117100 W), Tiny Tags (
Card Stock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers (Poppy Parade and Early Espresso), Stampin' Pastels (120962), Jewelry Tag punch (117190), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854), Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon (119959), Color Spritzer tool (107066)

This next card came to me so quickly...don't you love it when that happens?? I have been off work the past four days  and the ideas and have been flowin'..what do they call it?? Stampin' Mojo??
Again a great 'man' card if needed, but I don't know...it's pretty too!! The insides of both cards I have left blank because I don't know which sentiment I want to use yet...but they will probably both use stamps from Curly and Cute (117014 W, 120510 C).  This is the first time I have used this denim ribbon...where has it been all my life?? Oh yeah~my stampin' closet!! I love it~ it really does look and feel like blue jeans!!

Here is a close-up:
I knew that I wanted to use a stick...plane and simple a stick...so I ventured outside in the rain and stood under a big ol' Oak tree to look for some small dry twigs...I quickly learned I was under attack..squirrels in the tree were dropping acorns all over the place!!

Now check this out...
'BABY' acorns...aren't these the cutest things you have ever seen?? My mind is now racing on what crafty thing I can do with these little guys!!

Card Details
Stamp Set: French Foliage (120845 W, 121166 C)
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze
Ink: Soft Suede,  Versamark pad (102283)
Accessories: sponges (101610), blue denim jean ribbon (125053), mini vintage tags (118763), heat tool (100005), pewter embossing powder (124114), champagne mist shimmer paint (116806) and a twig!
That's it for today, thanks for stopping by!!
Happy Stampin'
~Erin

'Boo'!! Did I scare you??

Here is what is hanging above my stampin' desk~ totally inspired by Kimberly's beautiful creation shown here...mine is nowhere close to her beauty but it makes me smile!! I love this DSP called Frightful Sight(122351). I think I have gone through two packs already...the colors are just awesome for Halloween and the polka dotted background pages can be used for so many things besides Halloween.

Here is a close-up of what I did to two of the spiders...
did you notice that this little guy only has 6 legs?? I think that may have been an oversight~ he still looks like a creepy little spider!! I took a small piece of our White Baker's Twine (124262) and un-twisted it to get just one string. Poked a hole in the CS and taped it from the back. It's also secured under the CS at the top to make it look like he's just hangin' around.

Using the same DSP I made a Halloween card too. I also grabbed some of the sparkly Glimmer Paper (124005) in silver~ this paper is BEAUTIFUL!!!

The card base is Cajun Craze CS, embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder (117335). Added some Basic Black 5/8" satin ribbon (117285). I embossed the greeting using the Scaredy Cat stamp set (122555 W, 122557 C) with Basic Black Craft ink (102192) and clear embossing powder (109130)...stamped it again onto Whisper White CS, cut the little ghost out and stuck him on with a dimensional (104430).

Here is a close-up of the little ghost~

Lastly, here is a cute little 3-D item for you.

Inside the witch's hat is a small Reeses cup. This idea came from Wendy (I think like 3 years ago!!). I tweaked mine just a bit~ but you'll get the idea. The bottom of mine uses the 2 1/2" circle punch (120906).

The Halloween card, witch hat and the 'Give Thanks' Diorama card in this post are the goodies that were created for my last Stamp Camp. Over the weekend I will be posting some more Halloween goodies including 3-D treats, home decor and a really cool Halloween card!! Stay tuned!!

Have a great day!

~Erin

Shamrock Stampers Downline Meeting Goodies

First and foremost...now is a GREAT time to join Stampin' Up!~ check this out!!!

If you sign up to be a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator in October, you’ll get a FREE Big Shot. And if you already have a Big Shot, how about $100 in FREE product? Yep, that’s right! So if you’ve been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20 discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive dies (sold separately) to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash!!

In addition, the new-demonstrator Starter Kit–a steal at just $175–contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business.
Don't hesitate to ask me any questions you may have to join...it has been almost 10 years since I signed up and I am truly thankful for all my stampin' memories!! I was recently able to create an 'official' Stampin' Up! Group...we are called the 'Shamrock Stampers' and I would love for you to join our group!!

Lastnight we enjoyed a 'Shamrock Stampers' Downline meeting and after a quick discussion and MDS video we got down to stampin'. At this meeting I asked those that were interested to sign-up for a Holiday Themed Shoebox Swap. Here is the card I created:

It's a very easy 'quilt' card made using our new Holly Berry Bouquet DSP (124004) and 1" square punch (124094). So here is how I created mine~
Punch out a total of 20 squares and lay them out as a 'dry' run till you are happy with your quilt design. Then adhere to a piece of CS that measures 4"x5". I covered my entire sheet of CS with adhesive from our gluestick..made it SO easy to apply the squares. If you don't have our gluestick..then be sure to add it to your next order (104045). You get two of them and they seriously are the best!! Then center that piece over your Top Note die (113463) and cut out. Then I embossed it using the Snow Burst embossing folder (124096). Not done yet...now to finish it up I added some yummy 3/8" velvet Very Vanilla trim (125637), linen thread (104199), mini jingle bells (124116), and hand-made tags.

Lots of these goodies are from the current Holiday Mini Catalog. Man...it makes me so excited for the upcoming months. These toys are so fun to play with and creating these cards and gifts make me SO happy!!

Here is the inside:
It's a quilt right?? Warmest of Wishes?? Get it?? Oh.. sometimes I amuse myself .
This set is the Hostess set from the Holiday Mini (you can earn it FREE!). Here I stamped it with Early Espresso ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. The last thing I did and it's hard to tell from the photos...is 'spritzed' it with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772). Oh wait...almost forgot the envelope! I 'spritzed' it too and stamped the front with Pines & Poinsettias (123762 W), (123764 C) ...which matches this paper perfectly!!!

Here is the card that Beth designed:   

It uses the Snowflake die (113460) and a Cherry Cola can~ cute huh?? Used the same embossing folder as noted above, added one of our glimmer brads (121003) then sprayed the whole card (inside and outside) with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806). Here is the inside:

Order your Personsalized stamp (pg. 172 in the Idea Book & Catalog) today to make those Holiday cards FAST!! It's 'short, sweet and right to the point'!

Here is Jean's card:

I had SO much fun making this card, it wasn't that it was difficult...just a bunch of steps...but the end result was SO worth it...can't you feel the warmth from the flames?? It was also the first time that I used our new Mica Flakes (124115) these little flakes are sure pretty..but if you don't like glitter or Easter grass...you may not likey...just sayin'.
 Here is the inside:

Thought it was perfect...maybe he wants to come down my chimney!!  Be sure to check out her blog for additional details.

This last card is Anne's with a dash of me... I changed mine a little. I didn't get a photo of hers...but have asked her to send me one and I will post hers as soon as I get it. 

The window was created using our 1 3/8" square punch (119877). Wouldn't it be great if Stampin' Up! made a die for this?? Behind that is a piece of vellum VS and I stamped the image in going gray, then flipped it over...notice how the image is different than in the catalog?? It looks more faded in person as if you are truly looking into a window...added some more Mica (aka snow). The faux wreath was made with Always Artichoke CS and our 2 3/8" scallop punch (118874) and 1 3/8" circle punch (119860). I embossed it with the Snow Burst embossing folder (124096) and added a Real Red 1/8" taffeta bow (119251). The last wintery step was spraying it with Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854).

Here is a close-up of the wreath:

 

Here is the inside of the card:

That's it for Christmas...now back to Halloween!!! Here in Virginia the weather sure seems like the holidays are upon us...it's FREEZING~ the heat has been on the past few days and the sunshine has vanished. Outside it's rainy, raw and wet..YUCK!! It's nice to stay inside and stamp the day away. I have lots of projects to share with you and since I'm off from work..I am taking advantage of my free time!! Here is a project that Anne made...I would love to take the credit but I just wouldn't have the patience to make this topiary.

Here is close-up:

She punched out about a million or so of the Blossom Triple Layer Punch (122464) and added cool little spiders using the Scaredy Cat stamp set (122555 W, 122557 C) then to make the bodies look 3-D here is a cool little trick~ color our Basic Rhinestones (119246) with a black Sharpie marker and ta-da....isn't it AMAZING?? 

Lastly here is what I made for my downline members who attended the meeting:

It's a box made using our Bitty Box & Envelope Die (115967) and Basic Black CS. The topper was made with the Pick Your Poison DSP (124001) and no...I did not use the Piece of Poison stamp set...because I forgot to order it (OOPS!) but I punched out the skeleton heads from one of the pieces of paper and 1" circle punch (119868) layered onto 1 1/4" circle punch (119861). Love those rhinestone eyes!!!
Inside:

.... a 'spooky' little hair clip.

Here is the back...I hot glued a 3/4" circle (119873) punched piece of CS to the back and then to the barrett.

This was really easy to make:
Details: satin fabric and tulle (is that how you spell that??)
Cut out circles using the Circles # 2 die (114526). My layers were:
-largest circle- 2 black, 1 orange
-2nd largest circle- 2 black, 1 orange
-3rd largest circle- 1 black
 Then you just heat with the heat tool (100005). I sewed them all together with the skeleton button and that's it!! I also sprayed mine with the Champagne Mist Shimmer...man I use that stuff on EVERYTHING!!
Told you it was easy!!
SO... just think you too can make all of these great projects quickly with our BIG SHOT!!! Join today!! Or...you can just buy one shopping (24/7) on my website .

Happy Stampin'
~Erin