Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!! Hope you all enjoyed the holidays, are feeling rested and refreshed!! Have you made any New Year's Resolutions?? I did (I think)...about a month ago I committed to running my first 1/2 marathon!! What?? I know what you are thinking...am I nuts?? That was what I was thinking when I decided to do it!! I am back!! I used to run all the time...then about 2 years ago I injured my hip...it was brutal and took almost a year to heal. Energized...all revved  up and ready to go~ I have my mind set to complete it! Wish me luck!! I'm sure as it approaches...you'll hear more about it!! I have about 8 weeks left to train and my farthest distance I have run thus far is 5 1/2 miles. I have run quite a few 10-k's (6.2 miles). But the last one I ran was last spring.

This is the first time in my life that I have set such a physical goal. It feels great and I love the distraction it has given me. Bonus: The few pounds I have shed aren't too bad either (hee hee).

The last few months I took off from Stampin' Up! from a business 'point of view'. It was nice...but I really missed it! Now we have the new Occasions Catalog (Jan. 3-June 1, 2014) and upcoming Sale-A-Bration promo (whoop whoop)!! So many new AMAZING goodies...can't wait to play!!


First I want to mention that I am hosting an open Workshop to benefit Relay for Life's "Movin' Mamas". I will donate 10% of proceeds from sales placed under this Workshop using the Hostess Code: RXJJSZ6E
Please note: Valid 1/12/14-1/19/14

I sat down to stamp the other day and I came up with these two cards that we will be making at my next Stamp Camp (Jan. 31st). If you are local and would like to join us...click here to RSVP.


This first card is perfect for Valentine's Day.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Pennant Parade (122742 C)
Card Stock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Red Glimmer paper (121790), Sahara Sand
Ink: Basic Black
Access: Big Shot (113439), Framelits Hearts Collection (125599), Alphabet Press embossing folder (130916), linen thread (104199), mini glue dots (103683), Typeset Alphabet Bigz die (127553), Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), stampin' sponges (101610), heat tool (129053), Pewter embossing powder (124114)

This next card is a great for when you need a 'masculine' card.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Walk in the Wild
Card Stock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Marina Mist
Ink: Early Espresso, Marina Mist
Access: Big Shot (113439), Framelits Label Collection (125598), stampin' sponges (101610), linen thread (104199), Naturals Designer Buttons (127554), mini glue dots (103683), 1 1/4" burlap ribbon (132140)

Tip: To create the reflection of the moose, first stamp image onto card stock. Then on a piece of acetate, re-ink and stamp the image again. Use the acetate upside down (ink facing down and position to mirror the original.


The more I looked at it~ a few things needed to be 'tweaked'...don't you hate that?? Tomorrow I will post the revised version (lol).
I am NOT a perfectionist...I DO NOT have OCD (well...maybe a little). I will also be posting a cute treat holder that we will be making...you will be AMAZED at how easy it is!! Until then...stay warm and healthy and please let me know if you have any questions!!

BIG hugs,

Erin

Playing a little catch up~

WOWsers!!! Where does the time go?? It seems to just zip right on by~ doesn't it?? Lot's to share with you today and over the next few days as I try to make an attempt to get things caught up (especially this blog!!)

I should get an award for the most neglected blog!! Yay for me!! No...not really!!

Okay to begin~ I won't bore you with the details about everything that I have been doing lately...just a few things. I spent some time in the yard (that too had been neglected)! I actually mowed the grass~ twice because it was so darn tall!! Did some weed eating (that doesn't sound or look right). I didn't eat any weeds TRUST me!!

Here is what I found though~

This cute little nest (now empty) was perched in a tree right outside our screened in porch and everyday, we would watch Mrs. Robin lay on her babies and keep them snuggly and warm. Sadlly...after counting the days (they should have hatched according to what I read online (10-14 days). However, a terrible storm ripped through one night and left us with a broken table and umbrella that sat on our deck, I was so worried about our new family...that I didn't even care about the patio furniture. Sadly...since the storm we have not seen mom and our eggs are gone too~Mother Nature is quite a beast sometimes (trust me...I wanted to use another 'B' word). I like to think that Mrs. Robin built another nest (stronger and safer) and moved her babies. Now whenever I am outside...every robin I see I stare at and wonder if it's her?
We also had a big festival here in Winchester, Va. The Apple Blossom Festival. It's a BIG thing for a small town....our Grand Marshal was Scotty McCreery!! How's that for us small country folk??

Anyway... there is a carnival, parades, fireworks and tons of events throughout the week. During the festivities...we have good news and bad~
Good news: I ran the Apple Blossom 10k (6.2 miles!!) while accomplishing two goals...to run the whole thing and in under an hour!! I did it!! I will now wear my t-shirt proudly!!
Sad news: My daughter Regan attended the carnival with a friend and came home with two goldfish....you know already where this is going~ the little one died first the very next day...then the next night we noticed that Tom died too (she named them Tom & Jerry). So she is pretty heartbroken about her little fish...it gets worse~ she then got suspended from school for standing up for a friend of hers who was being bullied and since the attention was on her...after being punched in the head 5 times...she fought back. I don't condone fighting, however I do believe that she had the right to defend herself. So..she was home from school for two days.

My husband celebrated his 49th birthday (can't wait until next year!!). That will be fun to plan for~ cards, banners and more!! But now I am focused on my oldest graduating highschool. I am about to get started on his goodies today...but knew that I had to post something on this here blog to let you know that I am indeed still breathing!!

These were the goodies that we made at my last Stamp Camp.

This first card uses Gesso...LOVE it!!

Hard to even tell from the photo what I have done here...
close-up:

I used a regular small flat brush (foam brush would work great too). I applied a light layer in one direction over the Tea for Two DSP (129311). It doesn't take too long to dry..and you can use your heat tool to speed it up. I love it because it adds subtle texture...and mutes out the boldness of the design of the paper but you can still see it...make sense??

Anyway...me likey!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Stippled Blossoms (126747 C), Sassy Salutations (126707 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Tea for Two DSP (129311), Sahara Sand, Island Indigo
Ink: Island Indigo, Sahara Sand, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Access: Gesso, Big Shot (113439), Fancy Fan embossing folder (127751), sponge daubers (102892), dimensionals (104430), basic pearls (119247), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

This next project was so cool~ as soon as I saw it on Pinterest...I knew it would be a great Stamp Camp project...and perfect for this time of year!

DIY Garden Scrub

It's like the Mary Kay Satin Hands...only cheaper and such a cute idea for bridal shower gifts, teachers...this past Mother's Day~ the list goes on and on. I have had my scrub now for several weeks and it still is gritty...my concern was that the sugar would completely dissolve into a gooey mess.

The tag on top actually is a magnet (two gifts in one!!)

Here is the matching card:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Betsy's Blossoms (126006 C), From My Heart (126557 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight,  Floral District DSP (126919), First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight
Access: Big Shot (113439), Secret Garden framelits (129372), Labels Collection framelits (125598), dimensionals (104430), linen thread (104199), Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555)

That's it for today...be sure to check my Stampin' Up! website for all updated retiring stamp sets and accessories. Current promotions and upcoming scheduled events.
If you have any questions, please contact me or leave a comment!!

Erin
Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Another two to share....and it's Friday!!

Yahoo!! It's Friday...not sure what that means exactly for me but I am EXCITED!! Mostly I think because the spring season for baseball starts tomorrow. My youngest son Aiden (age 11) will be playing and he has his first practice tomorrow. The fields are probably too wet from the last snow we had...but the cages are fine and he too is ready. Hard to believe that it's here...I remember last year there were a couple of late evening games early on in the season that were a wee bit too chilly for me! He's such a good sport about it...get it...sport?? Oh...I know...I 'think' I'm funny!

Anyway...this morning I was scared I wasn't going to be able to post anything...slept wrong or worked out too much yesterday and my neck is stiff. Hard to stamp when you can't turn your head...all I can do is look down! But here I am~ posting away and sharing with you what I made today.

It uses a couple of sets, which work well together. Not sure if there is a stamp set that I don't like...but I sure do have my favorites!! Anyway...I grabbed the first set...a favorite (Artistic Etchings) stamp set...stared at it for a few minutes wondering what I was going to come up with and started with the card base..Summer Starfruit. This is probably one of my favorite colors, remember Crushed Curry?? It sadly retired...but this is pretty close. Anyway...then I grabbed a piece of First Edition Specialty DSP, cut it at 2" and stamped on it. Then when I was about to place it on the front of the card...I didn't like it (too wide). So...I cut in 1/2 and the piece on the right I stuck to a Soft Suede back (same size) and popped it up with dimensionals.

Love the dimension...here is another picture.

Inside:

My name is Erin Barker and I am a 'Spritz-a-holic'. Yes indeed...I find myself always thinking a project needs just one more element...one final touch. I can't hold back...I grab the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz and SPRITZ away!! But today someone tried to intervene...


Ah ha~

Who is this you ask?? This would be Oscar....my very sleepy kitty!

 I need my box!! Oscar...give it back!! I felt bad removing him...but momma needs to 'spritz'..you understand right??

Supplies
Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings (120573 C), Collage Curios (129102 C), French Foliage (121166 C)
Card Stock: First Edition Specialty DSP (121878), Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Versamark pad
Access: Stampin' Write marker Crumb Cake, linen thread (104199), dimensionals (104430), Color Spritzer tool (107066), stampin' sponges (101610), postage stamp punch (122344), 1 " square punch (124094), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), heat tool (129053), silver embossing powder (109131), key (retired)


This next card is one I made for my brother's birthday (his was the day after mine). And yes...you guessed it...I spritzed it!! You can really see the shimmer from the flash. Ahhhh..just looking at it makes me smile!

I used a couple of retired goodies...the copper embossing powder and key tag punch. Shhh!! I just had too!! This image is from the stamp set called Feeling Sentimental (129630 C) available as a FREE item from 'Sale-a-Bration'. Remember for every $50 you spend you get to choose a FREE goodie!!

Note: I heat embossed the bicycle image first using the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to place it perfectly on the raised embossed border, then I stamped it again using Early Espresso ink, then again without re-inking the stamp stamp a third time to achieve the lighter look.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Feeling Sentimental (129630 C)
Card Stock: Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso, Island Indigo
Ink: Early Espresso, Versamark Pad
Access: Big Shot (113439), Textured Impressions Needlepoint border embossing folders (129383), linen thread (104199), Sycamore Street ribbon and button pack (130812), copper brad (retired), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

That's it for today...about to pop some more ibuprofen and have a glass of wine...don't judge me!

Have a great weekend!!
-Erin
Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com  

My two beauties!!

I know that I have once again been MIA~ and for that I'm truly sorry!! Here is a little bit as to why...February is always crazy since it's a short month and loaded with birthdays...including my own!! But then recently...I became REALLY sick! That terrible stomach bug that has been going around?? The 'oh so lovely' Norovirus?? Even the Queen got it! It was horrible...I seriously thought I was going to die! Thank goodness its over and I am feeling human again! The only blessing in disguise was that I lost a few pounds!!

Then the computer in the basement...went kaputz (not sure how you spell that). This past weekend it was repaired and today I am in the basement...installing  My Digital Studio, stamping and LOVING it!!

Yesterday we had a beautiful snowstorm that left us with a blanket of white snow (almost 7"). It was so pretty to see in the morning, but the temperatures went above freezing during the afternoon and it melted as quickly as it fell. So luckily for me the kids only had an hour delay!! Is that mean?? I did feel bad~ the forecast was originally calling for 12-18" of snow!! I figured they would be home all week!

Oh well...bring on SPRING!!

I wanted to share with you what my dear friend Marie made for my birthday:

Yummy Red Velvet cupcakes...made too look like roses!!

Aren't they amazing?? Too pretty to eat!! She is crazy talented!! I know she said that she saw the idea on Pinterest, but if I were to try it..I know that it wouldn't even come close to hers. Thanks again Marie!!!

This is the "thank-you" card that I made for her.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126422 C), Everything Eleanor (124164 C)
Card Stock: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray
Access: Silver Glass Glitter (120995), dimensionals (104430), 2-way glue pen (100425), Big Shot (113439), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Flower Trim (126869), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Lately I have been on a Very Vanilla kick...instead of using Whisper White~ not sure why...but oh well!!

My other beauty I have to share with you today features the new Soda Pop Tops (129388)...LOVE them!! These are sold on pg.24 in the current Spring Mini catalog. You get a total of 16 (8 ea. of 2 sizes). A total must have...not only to be used on cards and scrapbook pages. But crafts galore!! I have seen necklaces...magnets..etc. Just hop on Pinterest for some ideas!!

 
Here is another angle to show that I cut the leaves out of the Very Vanilla CS background piece and placed the First Edition Specialty DSP behind it. I like the way it turned out.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Secret Garden (129144 C), Decorate a Daisy (125991 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede,
Access: Big Shot (113439), Secret Garden framelits (129372), Little Leaves Sizzlits (114511), linen thread (104199), Soft Suede 3/8" taffeta ribbon (122967), dimensionals (104430), sticky strip (104294), Basic Pearls (119247), Fancy Fan embossing folder (127751), 1" circle punch (119868), Soda Pop tops (129388), Sycamore Street Designer buttons (130923), glue dots (103683)

Note: How cool is this?? Pay close attention to the Soda Pop top...I flattened it by running it through the Big Shot!!
Here's how: Using the Multi-Purpose Platform without any tabs, place a clear plate then the cap on it face down and cover with clear plate. Ta-da!!

Until next time~ stay well,of course stamp and think warm thoughts!!

BIG hugs,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net 
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com 

Thanksgiving 2012 pictures~ YUM!

Can you believe it's the end of November?? I don't know how it passes by so quickly...time that is.

It seems there is never enough of it...whether in a day..a month or when family is visiting.
Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday, I have so many pictures of how I decorated my home for the holidays...here are just a few:

First...the bird

Tom was just under 22lbs. and DELICIOUS!!!

Here are the appetizers:

Are you drooling yet??

What about now??

Yummy!!! Okay...I need to stop posting pictures of food because my tummy is starting to growl!!

Here are some hand-stamped goodies~ all made using justa few supplies. Cajun Craze card stock, the Big Shot and Petite Pocket Bigz XL die (123131), First Edition Specialty DSP (121878), Champagne glimmer paper (127885), Comfort Cafe DSP (126898) and a few other accessories. Just to let you know...I only used about 1/2 of the pack of Comfort Cafe DSP...can you believe it?? I was scared when I started using it, that I would run out~ but it went a long way!!

Place settings:

(This is at the 'adult' table)
Here is a close-up:

(This is the kiddos table)

I seriously almost had a heart attack when I found the same color 'Cajun Craze' napkins at Walmart!! 

Here is a banner that I had hung in our family room~ this ones a keeper...LOVE me some fall colors!!

Close-up:

 

 

 

At the kids table I made a few pumkins:

On the counter I displayed a rosette made using the Designer Rosette Bigz XL die (125594).

Here is the back:

One more thing to mention....all of the writing on the tags was done by my friend Marie~ my handwriting stinks!! So a HUGE thank-you to Marie...she used the new Gold Stampin' Dazzle marker (128979). Love it!!!

Now...I mentioned how quickly time goes by?? Here is a picture of me with my niece Kaia (I call her my monster) she is so stinkin' cute and I could just eat her up~ she's growing up so fast!! After dinner we did some stamping! Just ignore the big blob on my forehead...darn skin cancer :(
Don't forget to wear SPF!! Even in the cooler months ahead~ trust me!!

 It was a wonderful holiday, began actually the night before when we started cooking!! The left overs are now gone...and the house is decorated for Christmas!! I was seriosly dreading it...it's a lot of work!! Not sure yet what I'll come up with for Stampin' Up! home decor...but you know it will be something!! So stay tuned!!

Let me know if you would like any of the recipes~ or if you have any questions on anything I have made with Stampin' Up's products!!

If you would like to purchase any of the products used, please visit my online store 24/7 by clicking www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
Thanks and have a great day!!
BIG hugs,
Erin

'Pretty In Pink'

This Friday I am hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp Camp. These are the three cards that we will be making. If you are in the area, please RSVP on my website if you can make it!!

I have not posted on my blog for a few days now...yikes!! These blogs are hard to keep up with~ I did 'think' about posting a creation yesterday for Tuesday's 'Color Challenge' on SCS. But I knew that  I needed to get my booty in gear for Stamp Camp. Here we are approaching the end of the month...and as you know it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...I have been seeing lots of 'pink' cards out there!! The color challenge was to use Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink and Primrose Petals. I thought it was funny that I made the card on the far right before I even saw the Color Challenge..am I psychic?? Maybe psychotic . But since I didn't use any Primrose Petals...I didn't submit my card :(


I am already looking forward to next week's Challenge!! If you have been following my blog...perhaps you were looking forward to my Monday's Christmas card?? Not to worry...I have been keeping track and as of right now..I owe you the past two Monday's cards...they will be posted this upcoming Monday...so be looking for them!!

Here are close-up's

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases (120501 C), Sweet Floral (122855 W), Four Frames (123440 W)
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Basic Black, Pretty In Pink
Access: sticky strip (104294), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Decorative Label punch (120907), Antique Brads (117273)

This one makes me smile... I know that the little snail doesn't really have an expression...but I love his/her face! If you look closely at the photo...I used some Dazzling Details (124117) to represent the gooey snail trail...cute huh? I also liked the way that the wording ended up looking like a 'thought bubble' with the Paper-Piercing Pack (126187).

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Button Buddies (122737 C), Petite Pairs (122497 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Pretty In Pink, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede
Access: linen thread (104199), Soft Suede taffeta ribbon (122967), Subtles Designer buttons (119745), Paper Piercing Pack (126187), Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), Dazzling Details (124117), dimensionals (104430)

Here is how it opens...and the inside sentiment

Here is the last one:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Sassy Salutations (126707 C), Papillon Potpourri (123759 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla
Ink: Versamark, Pretty In Pink
Access: heat tool (129053), Pewter embossing powder (124114), denim jean ribbon (125053), Big Shot (113439 ), Flower Garden embossing folder (123113), sponge daubers (102892), Elegant Butterfly punch (127526), Basic Pearls (119247), glue dots (103683), Frost White Shimmer Paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol) (116854)


Obviously you can tell that the color 'Pretty In Pink' was the theme...so enjoy this oldie but goodie!!

 

 

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!! Take care and happy stampin'!

 

~Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J's)

website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net

email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

 



Googly Ghouls Treat Box and Card

Happy Wednesday!! I am tricking myself to be happy..mind over matter right? My neck is still a 'pain in the neck' I would say a wee bit better today so I decided to work on some Halloween treats. Here is a quick card today:

If you know me...then you know I HATE spiders...the real ones..but this little guy from Googly Ghouls is so stinkin' cute!

I made it to go along with this:

It's a treat box that I 'CASED' from Angie's '12 weeks of Halloween'.Click here for the tutorial.
Here is the inside:

I filled a cello bag with Reeses Pieces...and I ate the rest (YUM!)
Supplies:
Stamp Set: Googly Ghouls (128063)
Card Stock: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, Tangerine Tango, Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (126906)
Ink: Basic Gray
Access: stamping sponges (101610), linen thread (104199), 1 3/8" circle punch (119860), 1 3/4" scallop circle punch (119854), Big Shot (113439), spider web embossing folder (120889), Scallop circle Bigz die (113468), Silver Foil Smooch Spritz (118771), googlies (127539)

Just wanted to quickly add that if you have not purchased the Googlies (eyeballs) what are you waiting for?? I have LOTS of eyeballs...and I thought I would pass on ordering Stampin' Up!'s...but they came along with a kit that I had ordered on pg. 27 in the Holiday Catalog.
Here are the eyeballs that I already had~

(as you can see....HUNDREDS!!) but you have to add glue to them!!!

So here are the Stampin' Up! Googlies (very cute name too!!) (item #127539)

These you just peel off and stick! I think the whole package is cute...they are silly the way the eyeballs jiggle all over the place...yes I am very easily amused! You get a package of 50 for only $2.50 (US)
There you have it, shop online in my store for any of the above mentioned supplies. Have a great day!
Stampin' hugs,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Color Challenge CC395 'Heartfelt Thanks'

Today's quick and easy post...momma is 'no bueno' I can hardly move. But look at me go...in major pain...I STILL managed to stamp...have you stamped today??

Color Challenge CC395 'Perfect Summer Tango'~ this week's Color Challenge over on SCS is just that...to use Perfect Plum, Summer Starfruit and Tangerine Tango. My first thought screamed Halloween and to work I went...but then my stamping mojo stalled out on me...must have been the muscle relaxers!!

So I changed it up a bit...and added dessert! When the Color Challenge is created, there is sometimes a theme or technique..and sometimes there is an optional 'dessert' option. This weeks 'dessert' was to add a 4th color, Pool Party. So now we have a Perfect Summer Tango Party!

Here is what I came up with:

It was inspired by a card shown on pg. 143 in the last Idea Book & Catalog (2011-2012).
Supplies:
Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases (120501 C)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit,Tangerine Tango, Perfect Plum, Vellum
Ink: Sahara Sand
Access: Bitty buttons (118761), Whisper White Baker's twine (124262), Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack (118309), Summer Starfruit 3/8" satin ribbon (126846), Sahara Sand Marker, Color Spritzer tool (107066), Big Shot, (113439), Hearts Collections framelits (125599)

I cut a smaller heart than the vellum one using Sahara Sand CS and covered it with snail adhesive, punched a bunch of tiny flowers...and covered the snail. Layered it onto the vellum heart and ta-da!!
Here is a close-up:

Easy and simple...what this girl needed today...as I am now heading back to bed to rest :(

Hoping tomorrow will be better!
-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com