'Sweater Weather' indeed...

Hellooooo!!! Sweater weather indeed!! Even though it is pretty mild today~ it has gotten chilly here in Virginia, the leaves have all changed and fallen...only a few remain on the trees. My morning runs have gotten a little scary because of the damp leaves on the paths~ they are slick!! Some mornings it feels as though it will snow...I am looking forward to seeing the first flakes but not until Decemberrrrrrrr!

Today I have some goodies to share with you that I made recently to decorate the house for Fall and Thanksgiving. I'll be cooking the big ol' bird this year and celebrating with friends and family. It was pretty simple to create a few decorative pieces with the help of the Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit (133463) found in the current Holiday Catalog. It's a great kit~ but since I have decided to use it for other things...my table/place settings will be a wee bit different~ I'll share those in tomorrow's post.

The Designer Series Paper that coordinates with the kit is called 'Sweater Weather' (132184) and I love the plaids, warm colors and it's a great masculine print too! It's often hard to find stamps or paper that scream 'MAN'! Speaking of which... here is a card I made using one of the die-cut leaves from the kit.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Truly Grateful (131733 C),Sassy Salutations (126707 C)
Card Stock: Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Vellum, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Versamark, Chocolate Chip
Access: linen thread (104199), retired button, pewter embossing powder (124114), heat tool (129053), Big Shot (113439), Woodgrain embossing folder (127821)

I also made a set of 4 birch coasters that were stamped with Staz-On ink using the Magnificent Maple stamp (131868 W).

From the kit I took some pieces and made a 'Fall' banner:

Here is a closer view:

And even closer....

Notice the bubbling on the letter 'l'?? I am not sure why...I used the Gold Metallic Encore ink (132141) and non-SU! brand gold embossing powder (Shhhhh!). I didn't have any~ and I wanted it gold! It's on my next order though..(lol). I actually ended up liking the texture...but I am not sure if it's because of the paper that was being used...it's the chalkboard labels from the kit. Anyway...this idea came (CASED) from Janet Wakeland. Thanks Janet!!

Did you notice my flowers above the shelf??

Here is a close-up:

These were simple to make too~ click here for tutorial.

Next is a wreath I made using the 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon (132140)...I love this stuff!! I die-cut the leaves using the Big Shot & Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812) and Gold Foil Sheets (132622)...love this stuff too!!

Close-up:

Oh...another favorite thing?? The birch paper that comes in the kit~ it is meant to be used around candles along with a belly band as part of a centerpiece...so I did! These are battery operated candles that I have had for a few years now...can't even tell you how many times they have been dressed up for the holidays!!

Here is a closer view:

I also wanted to make some paper pumpkins...Dawn Griffith has an easy tutorial. I just added a 'gratitude' tag from the  Harvest of Thanks stamp set (131739 C). 

Close-up:

Tip: On several of the items that use our linen thread...you'll see that the ends are curly? To achieve this, just dampen and wrap around a dowel and heat set..Voila!

Off to finish my place settings and another gift~ see you back here tomorrow!!

Let me just add one more thing~ I haven't been stamping much over the last few months. But WOW it feels good to be back!! Please let me know if you have any questions on anything you see~ I hope you leave (get it...leave?) inspired and maybe you too have lost your Stampin' Mojo~ not to worry..it will return!!

Warm hugs,
Erin

Halloween Treats and Home Decor

I have several Halloween projects to share with you today..I seriously could make Halloween goodies all year long! It's my favorite holiday by far!!
First I'll start with a banner I made using the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit (133507) and the Halloween Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit (132698). These 5x7 canvas banners are AMAZING!!

When you order the pennants in the kit mentioned you get a total of 18 blank paper canvas pennants (6 ea. of 3 designs). The kit comes with the stencils needed, 9' of jute twine and a spritzer. Then if you wanted to...you can order additional canvas pennants by ordering the Banner Simply Created Kit (132699) which comes with 18 more pennants and another 9' of jute.

 Now here is a quick treat using the new Mini Muslin Bags (132180). I stamped directly on them using the Gold Metallic Encore Pad (132141). Added some 'bling' to one of the skulls eyes (Rhinestones Basic Jewels 119246) and added a tag~using the Labels Collection framelits (125598). Very quick and easy!!
 Here is the tag:

 I have already ordered TONS of them~ here is another idea using them~

Click here for the tutorial on how these cuties were made.

Next is my wreath...

I found these bats online (bought them). Yes.. I know they would be pretty simple to make but the price was right~ and I had to have them!! Just didn't know what I was going to do with them just yet....I then purchased the wreath and hot-glued them on. It still needed something...it needed to be 'stamped-up'!
I added the rosettes using the Witches' Brew DSP (132185) and additional embellishments. The stamped sentiment is from the Toil & Trouble Stamp Set (131724 W, 131727 C). The buttons were left over from the Halloween Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit!! Bonus!!
Close-up:

Next is this frame..I was in a store recently and saw this cute little Halloween Decor piece that I took  a picture of and thought "Hmmm...I can make that!"

So I did!! I wasn't about to stitch or embroider the wording...it was easier to print it!! In real life..it really does look as though it was stitched! My daughter made me laugh too...she asked if the '3 monsters' meant the dogs...or the kids?? Hee Hee!
Close-up:

Here is another one using muslin..the first (black frame) was more like canvas a wee bit darker.

This one I adhered to some retired fabric...just need to jazz it up a bit and place in a frame!!
(This one is for a friend)...Shhh!!
Here is the video tutorial I found about how to print on canvas/muslin~ worked great!!

Tip: I have an inkjet printer, I read somewhere that a laser printer could actually burn the fabric.

Speaking of my '3 little monsters'...

I made this quick little 8x8 scrapbook page using the same DSP, a piece from the Halloween Banner kit and stamped the sentiment from the Halloween Bash stamp set (130577 W, 130580 C). Oh...and we can't forget to mention the Witches' Brew Washi Tape (132156). Love it!!!

They were so little here!! It was hard to choose which photo I wanted to use~ honestly...where does the time go?? I love the new Black & Orange Stampin' Glitter too (132206)...how does that work you ask?
Step one- stamp image using Versamark and sprinkle Heat & Stick powder (100625) over image (tap off excess).
Step two- Heat using heat tool and you'll see the powder melt. As soon as that has melted, pour glitter and it will stick to the image. Tap off excess again and heat set. Ta-da!


That's it for today...off to make some more goodies~ stay tuned!!
Let me know if you have any questions on anything!!
Stampin' hugs,
Erin

CC443, SCS Color Combo and Stampin' Up! Promo

True story~ I currently do not own one of the classics that Stampin' Up! has sold for years now...Lovely As a Tree (W 128655, C 127793). I know what you are thinking...what?? How is that even possible? Well...my friend Cindy does (she used to be my direct up-line) and lived in the same neighborhood. Why would I?? We share~ which is fabulous!! Actually a bunch of the surrounding demonstrators and several of my customers do, so when we all keep track of who has what...it's fantastic!

Well...sadly Cindy moved to Kentucky about 5 weeks ago. I went and visited her a few over the Labor Day weekend.  We shared laughter, stories and a few bottles of wine! Anyway...I realized today when I was placing an order that I should purchase that...after all it's a classic!!


So...silly me~ I entered my goodies and clicked 'submit'. Oopsy!! I quickly realized that I had forgotten to order the jumbo wheel Butterfly Collection (130112). Earlier this morning I fell in love with this card:

Isn't it a beauty? I will be ordering it...but will wait until Thursday when we can all order the new magnetic platform for the Big Shot (pg. 184). If you already own it..what do you think?? I am SO excited...with the framelits it will be so easy to get keep them perfectly placed! It wasn't available for awhile now...due to back orders (HOT item!!) So...since I fell in love with this card...I had to use it as inspiration for todays Color Combination on SCS.

Here is my version:

Close-up:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Papillon Potpourri (123759 C), Loving Thoughts (125845 C), Background Builders (129150 C)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pear Pizazz, Baked Brown Sugar, Vellum
Ink: Midnight Muse, Baked Brown Sugar, Pear Pizazz, Strawberry Slush
Access: Bitty Butterfly punch (129406), sticky strip (104294), Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker, Color Spritzer tool (retired), Rhinestones Basic Jewels (119246), Baked Brown Sugar 3/8" ruffle trim (130022), glue dots (103683), 1" square punch (124094), Big Shot (113439), Framelits Bitty Banners (129267), VersaMarker (retired), silver embossing powder (109131), Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Tea Lace Paper Dolies (129399)

Stampin' Up! is currently offering the following promotion:

When you order both the stamp set Papillion Potpourri & coordinating Bitty Butterfly punch you save 15%!! Click here for details! Clear-Mount (135311) Wood-Mount 135312

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see my Halloween goodies for this year!!  I actually started decorating two weeks ago when the kids went back to school!! (hee hee)

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

August 1, 2013

August 1, 2013~ you know what that means?? School will be starting before we know it (here in VA anyway!!). I saw this cute commercial the other day where the mom was sitting in her living room enjoying the silence...she called it the 'sound' of September. I thought it was cute...and can relate!

I am SO excited for the upcoming cool months and the holidays...is it too soon to start decorating??


The Holiday catalog went live today~ yay!!  It's packed with things to make it easy to decorate, celebrate and give gifts and cards – from fall through the new year!  You can view it by clicking here – but if you would like a hard copy contact me and I'll send one right out, just let me know!

There is also a new product line that was unveiled at Convention. It's AMAZING!! So if you don't have a Big Shot yet...what are you waiting for? This will put you over the edge and convince you in a second! It's Thinlits Card Dies.  You can make a “flip flop card” with your Sizzix Big Shot in just a few minutes.  Check it out!

Click here to order and see more details!

There are so many new things available today from Stampin’ Up!~ hard to choose what to get first? Perhaps you should consider signing up to become a demonstrator?? Enjoy the discount while you build your collection! There is a great promotion going on right now where you can choose a FREE project kit in addition to the Starter Kit! Click here for more information.

There is also the monthly subscription to Paper Pumpkin, have you joined that yet?? Click here for more details on that~ Be sure to enter Promo Code: PUMPKINDEAL to enjoy the discount for two months!! 

Lastly is also the latest addition of the “Best of 25 Years”. This set is called "Best of Halloween" Item # 134381 $ 14.95

 Click here to order today and get started on some cute Halloween crafts/projects!! 

Heading to the beach tomorrow for a much needed family vacation...then when I return I will be diving in to play with my new goodies. I received an order today with lots of new Holiday goodies...maybe I won't go to the beach!(LOL) If you are needing anything during the next week. I will be checking e-mails~ feel free to contact me! Take care and have a fabulous week!!
BIG hugs,
Erin

Convention 3-D Swap, Wine Bottle Cork Flower Tutorial

What an AMAZING trip!! Convention was as expected.... a BLAST!! Had a little bit of delay leaving Dulles...we boarded the plane...then got off the plane. We boarded the plane...then waited about an hour until we took off. Sitting next to my girlfriend and I sat the most well behaved baby ever!!! I feared that we would hear her cry the whole way...nope!! She and new mommy slept almost through the entire flight!!

We checked into our room at the Hotel Monaco and were greeted by our pet for the week. We named him/her 'Stamper'. (I know original huh?)

Almost too excited to sleep...we finally slept after giggling for about two hours!!

Our first day in SLC started off right!!! We had massages, got pedicures and our hair done.
If you are ever in the area of Salt Lake City...I recommend going to Sanctuary Day Spa. A few years ago we attended Convention with another member in my downline and we treated ourselves the same way. It has become a ritual...can't wait to go back!!
Of course we hit the town and shopped at both the Gateway...and new City Creek shopping malls. The weather was perfect~ 'hot' but you know that 'dry' heat?? It was horrible hearing that back home Virginia's heat index hit 113 degrees!!! Yikes!! Thank goodness that it has cooled off back home...not sure if I would have come back!!

Then the real fun began...

 We went to Riverton (Stampin' Up!'s Home Office). Toured the facility, but my camera died (Ahhhhh!) Thankful we had a nice maintenance man back at the hotel who gave me 4 fresh batteries!! (Yay!!)

Not sure what day this photo was taken, but we had to get a quick pic of main stage and the 25!!
Maybe we can pretend that this picture is for a big birthday celebration...and I'm turning 25??

Prize Patrol was handed out to more people than at any other Convention~

I was very happy that I won...but Stampin' Up! saved the best for last. The last 25 demonstrators who had not won anything yet received all of the stamps in the Holiday Catalog!! Can you imagine??

This is Anne and I all dressed up for Awards Night...

You know...after seeing all these pictures I am feeling really tall!! (LOL) I do have more pictures to share...if you are sick of seeing my silly face..and want some inspiration, you can join the room I created on Snapfish. Click here to join. 

Funny story~ I would love to share with you one more photo (but it's really bad!)
I walked the stage for the first time...to celebrate my 10th year as a demonstrator!! (Yay!!)
I was nervous...excited and proud!! I handed Anne my camera (showed her how to use it) and my cell phone. She too had both her camera and phone. However...trying to figure out my camera she missed it!! The two pictures she captured are blurry...and I look silly. Ahhhhhh!!! Seriously??
She felt terrible... don't worry I still love her!! What makes the story funny is when Bonnie Thurber was demonstrating some scrapbook/hybrid pages. She commented how important it is to preserve memories..to 'capture' the moment. She stated that it doesn't matter if you have the perfect picture...it's that you 'captured' the moment!! Anne and I both looked at each other and smiled!! Now those 'bad' photos are posted on Snapfish...go ahead check them out~ if you want a good laugh!


Okay... in a previous post I shared with you the swaps I made for Convention. Here is my 3-D swap.

The Wine Bottle Flower was a big hit and what else are you going to do with all those corks laying around?? I have received a few e-mails inquiring how it was made, so I decided to make a quick video to show how~

Let me know if you have any questions, or leave me a comment and let me know what you think!!

In closing...thanks Stampin' Up! for an incredible 'memorable' 10 years...looking forward to many more!!
BIG hugs,
Erin

Going to Convention~ Be the Difference!!

Today has arrived!! I'm 'Over the Moon' excited as I am heading to Salt Lake City, Utah. (Scream!!!!)
Over the next several days I will be attending Convention for Stampin' Up! along with 6000 other demonstrators!! Excited to see new things, creations and familiar faces!!
Reconnect with old friends and make some new ones!!
They as you already know are celebrating their 25th!!

I am also celebrating too... 10 years ago I decided to become a demonstrator!! Where has the time gone?? It's crazy!! I remember attending my first Stamp Camp...hooked ever since!

I am blessed to be able to go, along with my downline  Anne Butterfield. We are going to have a blast!!

I think for me the thing I love most about Stampin' Up! are the lasting friendships made...and our statement of the heart. It's so true!!

This years Convention theme is 'Be the Difference'. Say it to yourself...in your head or aloud. Doesn't it make you feel proud? Stand taller?? It does for me~ I can't wait till it begins. Tomorrow in S.L.C is a play day...heading to the spa, sightseeing and shopping before the real fun begins! I will be taking TONS of pictures and will post/share when I can.

Just wanted to quickly share with you the swaps I made. (Swaps are creations that make such as 3-D items, cards, card fronts..etc and you 'swap' with other demonstrators). I seriously waited until the last minute...wondering if I was going to make any. I didn't sign up for any organized swaps this year, then soon regretted it. I started thinking about all the cute things that Anne would be bringing home (she did decide WAY earlier to make swaps) and I would be jealous!!

So...she came over a few nights and over some laughs we created these beauties.

Here is the story...I knew I wanted to use cork (actually stamped cork inside mason jar lids) and use them for coasters...we'll save that for another post and time because since I waited too long, I could not find the lids I wanted in time. I know...shame on me!!

So I started searching the internet and came across this post where I saw a picture of these cute wine bottle cork flowers and my jaw hit the floor~ if you know me...then you know I like wine....and I have TONS of corks!!

The hardest part was after making 40 of them...yes 40~ my fingertips felt like they were going to bleed!! The end result was worth it. Hope whoever gets one will appreciate them!!
Here are close-ups:

This one is the 'white' wine flower (hee hee)

And the 'red'

You can imagine that I had a few more corks to use for future flowers when these were finished!!

These are the cards I made to swap...I only made 12 each. I can't make more than 10 normally of the same card because I go CRAZY!!

This first one I ran out of the Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555), so I replaced it with the largest Naturals Designer Buttons (127554). Which one do you like better??

I like them both and being originally from Rhode Island...I LOVE this stamp set By the Tide (129120 C).

This next card was a surprise...for me (sound strange??)

I have owned a sewing machine for a few years now...use it occasionally. I had never tried stitching paper though and always wanted to try~ here I gave it a go and LOVED the result!! It was easy and think it might be my next addiction...have you tried it??

Tip: I punched out the vellum butterflies using both the Bitty Butterfly punch (129406), Elegant Butterfly (127526). Then just added a small dab of 2-Way Glue (100425) to hold them in place while I stitched. 

I think I have also said this before...Summer Starfruit is my FAVORITE color!!

On to the next one~ I mentioned earlier that I wanted to use cork (like that was stamped??)

I found these cork sheets (8 1/2"x11") and stamped them with Staz-On (101406) and punched it with the new Artisan Label punch (130920) it cut like butter!! I love how we have so many sets that coordinate with punches and dies. Here I used the stamp set called Label Love (130622 C).

Lastly...and by this time my brain was fried, fingers bleeding and stress was taking over my body as I have been camping out in my studio (aka basement). I made this card~

Pretty simple...(it had to be!) LOL
I can't remember what this 'technique' is called at the moment...I told you my brain is fried!! But you use markers and color directly onto the clear block..spritz with water and flip it over and stamp onto your card stock..here I used Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, and Gumball Green. Over that I stamped the tree image from Serene Silhouettes (127324 C) with Staz-On. Then I added a piece of Vellum CS over that stamped with a sentiment from Lacy & Lovely (122887 C) embossed with black embossing powder.

Tip: I used just a dab of SNAIL (104332) in the top corners to hold the vellum. Very pleased that it didn't show through...no need for vellum tape!! I also cheated with the linen thread (104199)...wrapped it around the card a couple of times and secured it with tape on the back. Then added the button tied with a bow using a glue dot (103683).


That's it for me today~ see you in Salt Lake City!!

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

CC428 and it's almost June!!!

Anyone else as excited as I am about June arriving?? Not only is it when the new 2013 Idea Book & Catalog go live~ but it screams summer!! School will be ending..and just as January and September signal new beginnings in the year so does June. Summer weekends, vacations and even weekdays that linger longer~ I remember when I was younger my mother said we could stay outside playing until the street lights came on.

Of course it also means 'air-conditioning'...right?? This Spring has been crazy, just this past Memorial weekend the evenings got so chilly that overnight the heat came on!! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend, things have been crazy here~ not so much in a good way either. But this weekend was perfect!!

Not only did I get my best score ever bowling...198 (and I also beat the hubby!) But the weather was beautiful enough during the day to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. We enjoyed an afternoon at a local wild animal park (Wilson's Wild Animal Park).

Here are a few photos:

Seriously...how do you not smile when you see this face??

The lemurs were our favorite...look at the baby!!

The biggest treat for me was this~

I can not even tell you the last time we (as an entire family were together, happy, healthy and carefree!!).  
From the left: Ryan, Aiden, (me), John, Regan and Tyler. Love it!!
Bonus: The park bench was long enough to fit my whole brood!!

I mentioned in a previous post that I was trying to get caught up on my blog to keep you all up-to-date on promotions, and all of the goodies retiring...etc. But...if you have been good little stampers (and you know who you are) you have already have been on my website to check things out!!

Reminder: This Friday (May 31st) is the last day to order from the current Spring Mini catalog and the current Idea Book & Catalog!!

Today I decided that I would participate in the SCS Color Combo. The colors you had to use are Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo and Pool Party. I thought a 'beachy' themed card would be perfect...so when I went to my stash I grabbed the Postage Due stamp set. The dessert option was to do some paper-piercing (who doesn't love a calorie free dessert??)

Note: Everything used here on this card will still be available June 1st. except for the color Lucky Limeade...but if you like love it, swap it out for another color!!


Supplies
Stamp Set: Postage Due (126397 C), My Friend (122587 C)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Vellum
Ink: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Versamark
Access: Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), Paper-Pierce Tool (126189), Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126187), Heat Tool (129053), Silver embossing powder (109131), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings embosslits (118138), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), 2-Way glue pen (100425), Platinum Shimmer paint (retired) :(

That's it for me today...thanks for stopping by!! Until next time~ happy stampin'!
~ Erin