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

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

Raining Flowers Color Combo CC421

Another beautiful 'spring' day, I was able to turn off the heat yesterday...and the windows and doors can now be open to allow a nice warm breeze, it's so soothing! Today is a relaxing day~ decided I was not going to clean the house, workout or mow the grass. Can you believe it's time to mow already? I could probably get away with it for a few more days. Honestly we mostly have weeds in the yard but what is healthy and is actually 'grass' has turned a lush green and thriving. So I guess the higher patches are what need to be mowed. I think I'll wait for the hubby to take care of it over the weekend (I'm nice like that).

Today's share~ is another Color Combo from SCS, it's called 'Black Coral Breeze' or CC421. Basic Black, Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze. You can use a neutral color of choice and add optional dessert which is either burlap or the use of triangles. I decided to add dessert...hey there aren't any calories...what could be better??

Here is my card:

I knew that I wanted to try making a 'chalk' board looking card....not sure if this qualifies looking like a chalkboard but I liked it and it worked. Think this one will be sent to my sister-in-law Lisa. Hope she'll like it!

Inside:

Supplies
Stamp Set: En Francais (109521), Loving Thoughts (125845 C), Raining Flowers (122767 C)
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Calypso Coral
Ink: Whisper White, Calypso Coral and Crumb Cake
Access: Big Shot (113439), Fun Flowers Bigz L die (121812), linen thread (104199), sponge daubers (102892), 3/4" circle punch (119873), Sycamore Street Designer button (130923), burlap

Thinking about going to go and get a pedicure...but that would require me shaving my legs (that's not relaxing). Thought earlier about scheduling a hair appt. (need to cover the grays). But that too would require me getting dressed in something I can be seen in (too much effort) Instead...I think I will soak up some sun and catch up on my book!! I hope that today you too were able to find some relaxation.

Take care and see you next time!!
-Erin

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

Spring really did 'SPRING'!!

You know that saying "Ask and you shall receive"? Well...you all know that I have been asking~ AND asking....for a LONG time and FINALLY!! This past weekend was beautiful and even though I was a wee bit under the weather...I really think it's just allergies. You just had to get out there to enjoy it!! Yesterday we did some work in the yard....until I thought my head was going to fly off from all my sneezing!! I shot this quick pic of the kids playing with the hose after a bike ride...they said they were hot and wanted to go in the sprinkler...are they crazy?? (Mine are the two on the right, Regan and Aiden)

Don't worry...I was a good mommy and said "no". Do allergies bother you?? A few years ago I suffered a little bit...not even enough to take anything for it. But not now...I am loving my Zyrtec. I suppose it's just another little love of aging....Ugh!

Last Friday I noticed that along our back fence the forsythia was beginning to bloom. I read in this month's Better Homes and Gardens 'Country Gardens' (Spring March 2013 Vol. 22, no.2) that you can force bloom by bringing blooming branches inside. It's a great article with lots of pictures for inspiration.Well...I was not that adventurous~ I bought some of the fake stuff. Don't judge me~ I have a serious BLACK thumb (maybe it's from Staz-On ink).
So since I love the bright 'yellow' so cheerful and bright...I bought forsythia.
Here is above our kitchen cabinets:

In the bathroom:

Family room:

and aren't these nests the cutest???

I think that even the fake stuff is making me sneeze~ perhaps I need to dust!!



So...now you know I had to incorporate some 'spring' Stampin' Up! style~


Here is a banner that I made...hard to tell from the pictures because the glitter is so shiny and pretty and elegant and sparkly and pretty...and well~ you get the idea!! (I love it!!)

Close-up:

I kept it fairly simple because all you need to see are the pretty sparkly letters!! I cut the banner using the Perfect Pennants Bigz L die(123126) and Soft Suede CS. Then I applied some Gesso on the edges to give it a white-washed look. Using the same die, I used the smaller pennant and the Tea for Two DSP (129311). For the letters I attached a piece of our Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (120805) to some Very Vanilla CS and cut the letters out using the Typeset Alphabet Bigz die (127553). Once they were cut out, peel off the protective film and press down into the glitter. Here I used the Champagne Glass glitter (120997). This is honestly the first time I used our Adhesive Sheets....shame on me!! They are awesome!! I didn't stop there...check this beauty out~

Isn't she pretty?? I used the Elegant Bird Bigz die (125593). I attached the wing to body with the antique brad and hot glued it to the wreath. The flowers were made using our Tea for Two Designer Fabric (129308). Click here for a link to a video that I made a few years ago on how to create the flowers. Very easy....so I made and extra one and stuck it to my lantern!

Next in the kitchen and speaking of easy....I added some of the same DSP to some battery lit candles and tied a strip of the fabric around one of them.

Lastly I have some lollies...or medallions to share. I love the colors of this paper...it didn't really make me want any tea (Remember it's called Tea for Two). Just a glass of wine~ or two to enjoy as I glance around my home and smile!!

These were both created using the Designer Rosette Bigz XL die (125594) for the larger one I cut the DSP down to 4" x 12" and it used 3 strips. The smaller Gumball Green one was made using (3) 3" x 11" pieces and trimming as needed from the score lines on the die. Decorated the fronts and attached them to a dowel...that I stained using a Stampin' sponge and Soft Suede ink. Found the glass marbles at a local craft store and voila!

Here are close-ups:

Hope it is warming up where you are...and if not~ make some 'spring' creations to make you smile!! Please let me know if you have any questions, or leave  me a comment and let me know what you think! Thanks!!

BIG stampin' hugs,
Erin

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