Pumpkin Spice and everything NICE!!

Hey there!! Enjoying the fall crisp weather? The past few mornings have been pretty chilly here in Virginia....I have been repeating over and over in my head "I will not turn on the heat, I will NOT turn on the heat". (Does a space heater count?) I think I'm ready for it..Fall that is. I mean...the summer did indeed FLY by but I am ready to embrace the change and this....

Time to head to Starbucks!! Mmmmmm!!!

I have been running again and on Monday made it 7 miles!! It felt great and when the temps are cooler it is MUCH more enjoyable!!

I need to share with you the cards we made at my last Stamp Camp!!

This first one was tough...I started one thing...then changed the entire design...until finally I walked completely away...poured a glass of wine (sometimes that's JUST what you need!) and distracted myself with a few games of Candy Crush (YES...I am an addict!) Have you played??
WARNING: It's highly addictive!! Don't even try it if you haven't already (you're welcome!!).

Anyway...here is the finished card and it uses a great Hostess set called Bloom with Hope (pg. 240)...I am SO glad I ordered it! The flowers are amazing...and don't have to be colored in (BONUS!)

Supplies

Stamp Set: Bloom with Hope (133949 W, 133952 C)

Card Stock: Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla and Typeset DSP (133704)

Ink: Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Sahara Sand

Access: Very Vintage Designer Buttons (129327), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Heat Tool (129053), Linen Thread (104199), Early Espresso Seam Binding Ribbon (134582), Big Shot (113439), Flower Frenzy Bigz L die (133728), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Sticky Strip (104294), Stamping Sponges (101610)

The next one came pretty easily to me (perhaps it was the wine flowing!) I have a really poopy camera~ my phone takes WAY better pics so be sure to follow me on Instagram (click tab on the right) for better pics of these beauties!! I did however like how the flash really pics up the shimmer...so purdy in real life!!

I have not used this beautiful butterfly in what seems like FOREVER and why?? I LOVE it!!

Supplies

Stamp Set: Million & One (126375 W, 126377 C), Swallowtail (131943 W, 129216 C)

Card Stock: Real Red, Very Vanilla and Typeset DSP (133704)

Ink: Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Versamark 

Access: Big Shot (113439), Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (127751), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Stamping Sponges (101610), Heat Tool (129053), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Black Embossing Powder (109133), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

This Typeset DSP is great because it's thinner than our normal Designer Series Paper...so when stamping on both the CS and this at the same time, your image doesn't become too distorted because of that additional layer.

This card really makes a statement...bold red color...BIG (yet subtle image) and then the wording really POPS with the black embossing. LOOOVE it!! 

Lastly...this one (which was inspired by the card shown in the catalog...look on pg. 127). I knew I wanted to use the stamp set World of Dreams...so I grabbed my catalog...and became inspired!!

Don't...I repeat DON'T throw out those old catalogs!! They aren't called 'Idea' Book & Catalogs for nothing!! 

Supplies

Stamp Set: World of Dreams (134183 W, 134186 C)

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Night of Navy

Ink: Versamark, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Access: Venetian Crochet Trim (134581), Night of Navy Seam Binding Ribbon (134571), Big Shot (113439), Woodgrain Embossing Folder (127821), Ovals Collections Framelits (129381), Heat Tool (129053), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Antique Brads (117273), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Note: My little flower with the pearl in the center is from a retired punch...Shhhhh!! But the new Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (133787) $16.95 would be PERFECT and is on my next order!!

There are a few things that I used on EVERY card shown...and are my Go-To's

1.) Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772) $4.95 (Because well...face it~ everything is better in shimmer!

2.) Sponging!! Stamping Sponges (101610) $3.50 I love to make my cards look grungy and aged sometimes...well MOST times!! My fav colors to use for this are Crumb Cake and Sahara Sand

3.) Typeset DSP (133704) $12.95 

Shop my online Store 24/7 by using the item #'s listed above if it's a goody that you too MUST have...make something special today!!

Creatively yours, 

Erin

See you next time!!

'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

Founder's Circle Elegant Bird 'CASE'

I feel like I have been on vacation~ the last few days have been HORRIBLE....not the kind of vacation anyone would want to take!! I have felt so nasty...that I have remained mostly in bed since Thursday! It took everything in me to try go out Friday evening (mind over matter) I kept telling myself that I was okay...will be even better the next day...but all I wanted to do was stay in bed and watch sappy movies. I did however get a few things accomplished; cleaned my room/bathroom, caught up on the laundry, cleaned the kids bathroom, straightened up in my closet (this girl has some shoes!!).
Even though there are a few times when it's nice to stay in bed and relax. I always feel so guilty and lazy when I do! I should have done some reading...'50 Shades of Gray' anyone?? My girlfriend Mary lent me her copy and I have only read about half...I think I like it...still unsure. It's definetly a different kind of read!
Today I am feeling much better..YAY!! I wanted to share with you my latest creation/CASE from none other than Shelli Gardner...CEO & cofounder of Stampin' Up!. While I was stuck in bed I perused websites and blogs of other demonstrators and I loved seeing/reading their posts about adventures from Founder's Circle. Stampin' Up's Founder's Circle recognizes the top demonstrators in the US and Canada and awards them with fun filled days of treats, relaxation, inspiration and much more! Here is a photo of one of the 'pillow' gifts...left with a card made by Shelli.

I LOVE the use of the 'leaf' as the wing...very shabby chic!
So here is my re-creation:

I added a basic pearl to his eye and sprizted it with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772).
Here is a close-up:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Gently Falling (123804 C), Loving Thoughts (125845 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, So Saffron
Ink: Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy, So Saffron
Access: linen thread (104199), 2-way glue pen (100425), basic pearls (119247), stamping sponges (101610), Big Shot (113439), Elegant Bird Bigz die (125593), soft suede marker, color spritzer tool (107066)

I also made a coordinating tag for a bottle of 'bubbly' (champagne or bath). Or a bottle of vino~ as shown here where I have added a small strand of white lights. I think the addition of the leaf celebrates the season of thanks...this would make a very 'thoughtful' hostess gift.
Additional supplies for the tag:
Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (120175), antique brads (117273)

Now here is one more amazing creation...again done with the same die...you already know that I LOVE me some crows~ check this out:

I was considering trying to make this little guy into one~ wondered just how it would look. I think it's AMAZING!! It was part of a Halloween banner that I saw posted on Stampin' By The Sea's facebook wall.

Please let me know if you have any questions!!
Shop online at my store 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s) for the supplies mentioned and create your own piece of art!
Take care,
Erin

9-11-01 Never Forget, CC392 Color Challange

I know what you are thinking...'WOW' two posts in one day?? Actually I meant for earlier's post to have been yesterday's post...but forgot to click the 'publish' button!! Came down this morning to sit at the computer and low and behold...it was still there staring back at me!! Oops!!

Anyway...on to officially today's post. Today is 9/11 a day that none of us can forget. I was pregnant with Aiden watching PBS (which didn't break for any news/special reports) with my daughter Regan. My husband had called and told me to turn to the news, at that time only the first plane had crashed...sadly you know the rest. My heart goes out to all of the families affected by this tradgedy and for all of the lives lost. I am also grateful for the brave men and women who gave their lives on this day 11 years ago... and who continue to serve this amazing country. Thank-you~ 9-11-01 'Never Forget'.

 In early August I went on vacation with my two youngest (Regan and Aiden) to NYC. I could not believe it was my first time! We had a great time and took in all of what this wonderful city had to offer (Spiderman on Broadway, The Empire State Building, Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, Times Square and yes...even The Naked Cowboy!).

Here are Regan and Aiden at the 9-11 Memorial which honors the 2,983 men, women and children who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

I look forward to going back and think that during the cooler months it would be beautiful to take a nice autumn stroll through Central Park, or maybe in February (my B-Day month) asking my hubby to take me ice-skating at Rockefeller Plaza. We'll see~

Guess what??? I did something for the first time today...participated in a Color Challange posted on www.splitcoaststampers.com. There is a new 'Color Challenge' posted every Tuesday and now I can't wait until next week!! This week's challenge was to use the colors; Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze and Midnight Muse and create a 'Fall'/Thanksgiving themed card. It's called CC392 Crazy Midnight Pumpkin. Check it out and play along...or check back next Tuesday for more inspiration!
Here is my card:

Inside:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Gently Falling (123804 C), Pursuit of Happiness (121970 C), Elements of Style (120045 C)
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP
Ink: bleach (for the background leaves) Midnight Muse, Versamark
Access: heat tool, pewter embossing powder, linen thread, dimensionals, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, dotted scallop ribbon border punch, champagne mist shimmer paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol)

I knew it needed something...so I ventured outside and found 'a stick' and attached it with linen thread. The 'For You' sentiment has two layers of dimensionals to give it a wee bit more height. When it was done...it needed shimmer~ (everything does!!) I liked it~ so I decided then to make a gift:

Here is a close-up of the candle...click here for a tutorial on how to stamp on candles..it's fun and it has been awhile since I made one.

Tomorrow I will be posting my video tutorial on how I made my burlap banners...check back then!!

Take care,
Erin
Shop online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
www.erinsstampart.stampinup..net
stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

 

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

Give Thanks..

Honestly the only thing I like about this time of year are the Holidays!! If you know me...you know I hate the cold, being cold, losing my tan (okay...that was a joke!) I never have a tan!!

But I love the Holidays!! Things seem to slow down a bit and you are able to spend time with family and friends. How amny of you only send those cards out...to long lost relatives but once a year?? Shame on you!! Just kidding...I'm guilty too!! This time of year is for giving thanks and counting your blessings and truly appreciating what you have.

Sure the decorations are fun...the fall colors are BEAUTIFUL and the food?? YUMMY!!! So whats not to love?? I can handle a few cooler/COLD days and spend them in the basement stamping!! This upcoming Friday I am hosting a Stamp Camp...hopefully in the basement~ it's currently under construction...we decided to re-paint the walls. It's a bit stinky down here so as long as it's completed and not overwhelming with toxic fumes we'll be down here, otherwise we will stamp upstairs in the kitchen or dining room..not to worry folks...I have it under control~wink wink!

Here is the first card we will be making: Lot's of goodies were used on this card. Stamp sets- Growing Green, En Francais and Elegant Thank-you (the inside). CS- very vanilla, sahara sand, garden green and Woodland Walk DSP. Ink- garden green craft spot, sahara sand. Access- vanilla taffeta ribbon, clear embossing powder, antique brads.

The second card: Loved this one~ thanks to www.splitcoaststampers.com I was totally inspired to make this beauty~ I LOVE this stamp set and if you look closely at the background it was made using just the inked clear block!! I know....genious right?? I just can't take the credit for it...it's a total CASE!!

Now I was hoping to show how to make a cute wooden 'tree' coaster as seen in this month's issue of Country Living Magazine and have ordered my BEAUTIFUL birch logs...it's just they are coming from Canada and not sure how long they will take to arrive. So if they are not here by Friday...that will be available at another Stamp Camp. I think it will make a great gift!! But not to worry, in it's place you will make another cute little 3-D treat!!

So if you are in the area, come on by!! Contact me if you have any questions!! Happy Stampin'~Erin