Occasions Mini goodies (Stamp Camp treats)

So...where to begin?? This past week was crazy~ the kids only attended school on Tuesday since Monday was a teacher work day and then the remaining days during the week were cancelled due to the inclement weather. Being from Rhode Island...where it snowed WAY more then here in Virginia...often makes me laugh when they cancel school~ seriously for an 1" of snow?? Or sometimes they have called it on a forecast and it didn't snow a bit!! The kids enjoyed it, for we did finally get some accumulating snow...about 9" here in Winchester. I hear they are calling for more next Tues./Wed. so that means I'll be here in the basement keeping warm with my space heater at my little piggies stampin' the days away!!

Currently there are two different 1000 piece puzzles on my dining room table...one is completed and waiting to be glued together while the other is sitting there waiting to be finished. So the pictures I have taken are from the basement and I laughed as I uploaded them to the computer...my sheep's tag 'Baa' is in a few of them.

Anyway...here are the projects that we made at my last Stamp Camp. This one was SUPER easy made out of an envelope. Yup~ an envelope!! You seal it first...and cut the top using the scallop edge punch. Inside I filled it with some shredded scrunched up Very Vanilla CS and an almonf Hershy bar. The outside was stamped using the Eat Chocolate stamp set (122006 C, 121931 W). I added a Chocolate Chip belly band and 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (cut in half). Added a clip from the Clips Assortment pack (112580) and added a punched heart (117193) with the red glimmer paper (121790). Lastly I added some Log Cabin smooch spritz (119921). This project was inspired from pg. 22 of the January's Stampin' Success (a demontrator only publication). If you have any questions, just ask!!

I made covered Mr. Goodbar chocolate treats for every participant that brought their catalog. The paper used here is called Sweet Stitches (121781) and coordinates with these cute little fabric covered brads (121880). Stamped the image using the same Eat Chocolate stamp set (love this set!!) The dimensions for the DSP were 5 1/2" x 7 1/2". Belly band dimensions: 2 1/2" x 5 1/2". Decorate as desired. Here is a close-up picture:

Have you ever heard of the Rules of Chocolate??

1. If you have gotten chocolate all over your hands, you are eating it too slowly.

2. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit so eat as many as you want.

3. The problem: How to get 2 lbs. of chocolate home from the store in a hot car? Solution: Eat it in the parking lot.

4. Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.

5. A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in pne place. Isn't that handy?

6. If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate...what's wrong with you?

7. If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.

8. If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they counteract each other?

9. Money talks. Chocolate sings.

10. Chocolate has many preservatives.Preservatives make you look younger.

11. Q. Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? A. Because nobody wants to quit.

12. If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garmet industry would be devastated.

13. Put "Eat Chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. At least you'll get one thing done!!

Here is another card using another stamp set called Thanks for Caring (121961 C), (121901 W). I find that it's hard to make 'Sympathy' cards...for obvious reasons...it's never for a good cause :(

So you have to make them pretty~ and let them know you truly care!! This is a 'joy' fold card and it uses lots of goodies from the Occasions Mini catalog. The base of the card was embossed using the Framed Tulips embossing folder (121809). The flower was punched out with Springtime Vintage DSP (121782). Added a button and linen thread and here is a peak at the inside:

I will share the other two cards we made tomorrow..expecting a girlfriend ina bit to make some hand-made Valentine's..can't wait to share those with you all too!! Until then..happy stampin' and stay warm!!

~Erin

Love is in the air!!

I was inspired to make this wreath after talking to my girlfriend Jean (howdy Jean!!). She mentioned that she was going to try to make one of these paper wreaths using some Valentine's Day DSP and I have not ordered mine yet (I know...shame on me!!) So I grabbed some of my new FAVORITE DSP called First Edition (121878) tied a black satin ribbon at the top and added some 'L-O-V-E' ~ now I need to grab the rest of my Valentine's Decor.... and decorate!! So..stay tuned and see what else I come up with...can't use last years paper (I might start twitching!!) So...off to order some new goodies!! Okay, now be honest have you ever ordered something twice or more?? I mentioned that I am about to place an order?? Well...I was going throught my inventory of card stock and deciding what next to order from my never ending 'Wish List' and I realized that I had the stamp set Eat Chocolate on there twice!! I was SO close to ordering it again!! I was so happy the other day when I came across it...looking for the perfect stamp set to use for my candy bar treat!! I think I might have little 'Stamper Elves' in my basment...and hey that's okay...me like!! So there it was, sitting on my shelf waiting for me to play...it's the little things in life that make me all warm and fuzzy! Note: (sorry about blurry picture but since I didn't want to take away from the stamped image...I chose to de-boss the image) Candy Bar Treat Directions: CS base measures 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". Score at 1", 1 1/4", 3 1/2" and 3 3/4". Apply sticky strip to hold closed and decorate as desired....pretty quick and simple!! I used a couple goodies to dress mine up: Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts, C 118571 W117010 Ink: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride Card Stock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip Accessories: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain (109032), silver brads (104336), small heart punch (117193), Elegant Bouquet embossing folder (115964), paper piercing tool (116631) Getting ready to film another video tutorial...I am SO excited and can't wait to share with you all my fabric Valentine's hearts!! Happy Stampin' ~Erin

My Second Video Tutorial!!

Yes...finally I made another video tutorial!! I can't believe that it took me as long as it did...but it's here!! Thanks so much for your patience!! In a previous post I shared with you some fabric rosette rings that I made (click here for the post). I had promised to make a video showing how, so today I pulled out our newest fabric from the Occasions Mini Catalog and went to work.

Above you will see the three designs you get from ordering our Springtime Vintage fabric (121817)...they are so much prettier in person. In addition there are some really cute ideas from Stampin' Up! that use this fabric. Click here for a PDF that you can download and use. (There are really cute ideas on there...can't wait to try them myself!!) Promise me you will not laugh...I hope to get better the more I practice...and I am already getting started on the next one!! Hint: Also uses our fabric and great for Valentine's Day gifts!! So here is a close-up picture of the ring (sorry it's a bit blurry...and that my hand is so pale and hmmm...I desperatly need a manicure!!) LOL! But otherwise...enjoy my video!!

Happy New Year!! Filled with Love Promotion!!

Happy New Year folks!! I have been telling myself to post, post, post something...anything on this blog and never found that I had the time!! I then decided to wait until the new year, so here we are~ a few days later.... ta da!! I had decided to wait until today's date (January 4th) since it's also when the Occasions Mini Catalog is available to order from!! Have you seen it?? You can download the online version by clicking the catalog at the right (or the link created in the text). If you would like me to send you a copy in the mail just send me an e-mail with your address!! All I can say is WOW!! It's hard to pick a favorite item, there are 'sew' many to choose from! There are these stamp sets called Sew Suite (121933 W, 122009 C) and Button Button (122026 W, 122040 C) and a jumbo wheel called In Stitches (121946) and FABRIC to match~ I would say that these goodies are my latest favorites from the 'Oh Sew' Suite Collection (pg. 32).

Here is a project I made using the some of our newest fabric called Sweet Stitches (121818). I cut the fabric using the Big Shot and Scallop Square die (115950) and adhered it to the plate using 3-M spray adhesive. I took another picture to show the plate..the edges are raised and will make a great 'catch all' in my craft area...especially for our new Designer Buttons!! Now...on the top of this post I added a picture of the Filled with Love Promotion (Dec. 17th-Jan. 24th). With this bundle (available in either clear or wood-mount) you will receive the Filled with Love stamp set and the Love Patterns DSP PLUS a pack of Bitty Buttons...so contact me today to order your bundle and get filled with love~and bitty buttons!! Or shop 24/7 on my website.

Happy Stampin'~ Erin

Ornaments

Oops~ so in my previous post I had mentioned that I was going to be back to share some more goodies from my trip and a recipe...well...I honestly apologize!! I think since I was gone for so long...I was going through 'rubber withdrawal' (YES~ that's a real symptom in stamp land!). My fingers have been all inky and I even cut myself on my paper cutter!! Not sure how I managed that one...but when your index finger has a boo boo with the hand you do EVERYTHING with it makes for a tough time stamping!!

This ornament I actually made right before I left and will be one of the goodies that my Holiday Open House attendees will be able to make. Here is a side photo:

Details:

Non SU!- Ornament & Snow (craft/hobby store)

Stamp set: Welcome Christmas (118736 W) (120597 C)

Ink: Always Artichoke Classic pad

Card Stock: Vellum

Accessories: paper piercer, 2 1/2" circle punch, Always Artichoke binding ribbon

Now here is another ornament that I made while I was with my mom in AZ. It measures 7 1/2" in diameter and uses our Deck the Halls fabric (121716). Very cute to hand on a door or along with a wreath. I have a few pictures to show you on how it was created...and I was oh so excited that even the back looked good! I can never even sew in a straight line...but good ol' mom showed me a few cool tricks.

I made a total of 4 of them and for the back I used muslin. A few I stuffed with batting. Now...the top is really cool! It's tin foil~ I know right?? I found this great tutorial from the Missouri Quilt Company. Click here to view. The video will demonstrate how the foil was created for the topper. If you have any questions, just ask!! ~Erin

Now as promised: I mentioned I would share with you a delicious recipe for Tamale Pie so here it is! Enjoy and let me know if you enjoy it! Great hot meal (not too spicy) for a cold winter day!

Tamale Pie

Serves 6

For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free baking mix for the flour and baking powder.

Cooking spray

15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

15-ounce can fire-roasted, diced tomatoes

15-ounce can of corn drained

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 cup diced onion

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Corn Bread Topping:

3/4 cup cornmeal

1 1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup milk

1/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1. Spray the inside of a 4 qt. slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour in the filling ingredients- the beans, tomatoes, corn, spices, onion and cheese~ and stir well taking care to evenly distribute the spices.

2. In a seperate bowl, mix the corn bread topping. Pour the batter over the filling, spreading it with a spatula. Cover and cook on low 4-7 hours, or on high doe 2-4 hours.

Per serving: 380 calories, 6g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 630 mg sodium, 68 g carbohydrates, 8 g fiber, 15g sugars, 15g protein.

The BIG day is almost here...

I can't believe how quickly the holiday season is approaching. I spent two weeks recently in AZ visiting my mom...and WOW I miss the weather!! The above photo was the ugliest day...and isn't it ironic that there was a rainbow? We were sitting at her kitchen window and a few clouds quickly rolled in..and it spit about 6 drops of rain! Almost everyday I was able to go out and enjoy the sunshine and warmth. You would think it's difficult to get ready for the holidays when it's so sunny and warm (mid 70's) but you could fell the magic of 'CHRIST'mas in the air. She has a lovely church and I attended mass with her twice and enjoyed a fabulous luncheon. Tomorrow I will share a delicious recipe called Tamale Pie~ YUM! Everyone brought a dish to share and there were several receipes I jotted down (so stay tuned for others!). It was great meeting all of her friends and I now know how she has been able to live there while her husband has been working from southern CA for the past 3 1/2 years. During my visit she received wonderful news that he would be coming back mid January to stay! He works for Raytheon and had been transferred and now is able to come home...so yay for mom!! I helped mom decorate for Christmas and I brought with me our Deck the Halls fabric (121716)...she is 'sew' crafty and I knew she would help me get creative and make something festive.

Here is what I made...(with Mom's help!!)

I know....just BEAUTIFUL!! Just wait...we will have more fabric that coordinates with stamps and accessories in the next Occasions Mini catalog!! I just might have to head back to AZ for some more 'sew' cute crafts!!

Here are a few close up pictures...I was completely WOWED!

She has the lates and greatest Bernina machine that is OUT of this world... 'Dear Santa' (wink wink)~LOL!

Cute huh?? I think the coolest part was watching the magic happen right before my eyes. These pictures show it best...I was unfamiliar with this technique or material called 'free standing lace' or FSL. The material that looks like plastic allows the machine to stitch the programmed design and 'create' the lace image, when you are done all you do is rinse the completed ornament under water and it dissolves...it was SO cool!! Here is right before it was rinsed...this is where I was just blown away and ready to pour a glass of wine and celebrate my/mom's clever creation!! I ended up making three: one for each of the kids back home!!

Here is Aiden's (snowflake).

Regan will receive the angel.

Last but not least, my oldest Tyler will get the tree.

Now...before you nod off to sleep...there is one more thing I would like to share with you in this evening's post. I hate that I have not posted anything since I left...meant to do some blog work while I was away..but it's easier on my own computer and the only way I was able to take photos was with my cell phone...so I apologize if the photos are not very clear, but atleast you get the idea!!

This upcoming Saturday (Dec. 18th) is my Holiday Open House and I have a TON planned. SNEAK PEAK: This is one of the cards that will be part of the days 'Make & Takes'!!

This card is BEAUTIFUL in person...hard to see the shimmer from photo~ but it's indeed a beauty!!

The picture on the right shows how it opens.

Card details:

Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes (115438), All Holidays (114916)

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Brushed Gold

Accessories: Antique Brads (117273), Sponge Daubers (102892),Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Extra Large Decorative Label punch (120907), 1/16" handheld punch (101227).

You will be able pick and choose the creations you would like to recreate. If you live in the area, please stop by!! You can enter in door prize drawings, make cards, ornaments and more!! There will be stamp sets and accessories available for purchase along with handmade treats and other handmade gifts. If you have any questions give me a buzz (540) 667-3799. Or email stampingwitherin@yahoo.com .

So be sure to check my Stampin' Up! website for upcoming scheduled events and to purchase any of the products you have seen here!! Happy Stampin' & Brrrrrr stay warm!! ~Erin

Remind you of something??

It's basically the wreath from the cover of the Holiday Mini-Catalog!! So...in an earlier post I had mentioned that fabric was SO not my friend...seriously I am not joking!! So I really can't believe that I made this!! I had tons of help from my friend and downline Anne (thanks Anne!!). She made one using the Candy Cane Christmas fabric (121715). This one uses our Deck the Halls fabric (121716) it just matched my home decor so much more...and it is now hung in my newly painted bathroom in our basement~ LOVE IT!! It will be there to stay forever and ever!! Here is a close up of the flower embellishments:

Instructions on how to make this wreath and a bunch more cute projects come with the fabric so make sure you hang on to your instruction sheet. Now...I can normally follow instructions but I have to admit that in making the yo-yo flowers I had some difficulty...but it was probably just that I wanted it to be PERFECT and I am new at sewing...so I ended up going to YouTube and searched several 'how-to' videos and wound up ordering a a product called the Yo-Yo Maker made by Clover~ Sew easy !! I know I will be ordering some more sizes and shapes in the future because Stampin' Up! will have more fabric coming in the next catalogs....Shhhhh!!! Isn't that excited??? Just wait until you see the next Occasions Mini Catalog...its going to 'freak your freak out'!

Speaking of fabric...here is a cute little card I made using a scrap piece I had laying around...and I didn't even need to sew it!! All I did was placed a strip of sticky strip and stuck the fabric on scrunching it up as I went along. Now the card I took a picture of at an angle to show how it was scored: start with a standard card 4 1/4" x 11". Fold in half as you normally would, then score a 1/4" up from that center fold and down a 1/4" from the center. Mountain/Valley fold to create a gap in your card to hold a little treat:

The greeting inside is one of our personalized stamps: I love these because if there is a saying you love or a special nickname for a loved one...you can have Stampin' Up! design what you want!! The candy I just attached with two glue dots.

Remaining card details:

Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Stamp Set: Tags Till Christmas (120847 W) (121169 C)

Access: Decorative Label punch (120907)Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (120175), Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons (121002), linen thread (104199), stampin' write markers.

Happy Stampin'~Erin