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!!

I STAMPED!!

I STAMPED!! I know...say WHAT?? I also have reorganized my stamping goods to make room for my new business supplies for Chloe + Isabel. When it's all completed I'll share pics.

The kids returned back to school this Monday..and I'm #ashamed to say that I am glad!! I love the Fall...but I find that during the cooler months...you can breathe easier you know?? The school schedules and sports activities get you in a routine and schedule and I find that there are no excuses to be lazy and just sit around! I can honestly say the same goes for my children (even though they may not admit to it!)

So...since it's just me and my fur babies...I got BUSY!! I used new goodies from the latest Idea Book & Catalog...and it felt great to get ink on my fingers!! (insert BIG sigh of relief) If you would like a new catalog or the current Holiday Catalog just let me know!! I'll send one out to you right away!!

A sweet friend of mine (who is also a fellow Chloe + Isabel Merchandiser) was having a rough time last week...and I thought a nice 'R.A.K' would be just the thing to make her smile!! She too is a 'crafter' and I KNOW she'll appreciate it!!

I found a really cute 'birdie' jewelry/ring holder and had it wrapped. I couldn't stop there!! I made a coaster and card to go along with it. Here you go~

Here is the coaster:

Back:

Directions: dust off the tile, you could wash it but it takes awhile to dry. (I always wipe mine down really well and it works just fine.). Stamp images using StazOn ink and allow to dry...I like to heat set with the heat tool (129053) or you could bake them in the oven to set. No need to spray...the images last just like that!! I also added a self-adhesive cork backing. Oh...AND after I made the card...I thought the coaster could use some shimmer too!! me loves it!

Card:

Inside:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Choose Happiness ( 134195W, 134198 C), Feel Goods (131916 W, 129684 C)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Sahara Sand, Black StazOn, Dove Gray StazOn
Access: Big Shot (113439), Banners Framelits (132173), Flower Frenzy Bigz L die (133728), Bigz L Fun Flowers (retired), linen thread (104199) vintage trinkets (retired), glue dots (103683), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Champagne Glimmer Paper (127885), Typeset DSP (133704), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)


So...until next time!! Have an AMAZING day!! GO STAMP!!

~ Erin

Retirement Lists!!

Okay...so my BIG news that I mentioned previously is that I have become a Merchandiser with Chloe and Isabel. They are a new jewelry company that recently celebrated their third birthday...I LOVE everything about it...the product, quality, support, price and even their logo: Ca-ute!!!

These little birdies have taken up residency here at the Barker household. This last Tuesday I held my Grand Opening Pop-Up here at my home and I loved that fact that while I was preparing...my 'go-to' for decorations was still Stampin' Up!. I have embraced the fact that I am indeed a paper-crafter...it's in my blood!! It was funny trying NOT to use Stampin' Up!
Here was a banner I made:

Then using the same Etcetera DSP (130129) I made this cute frame:

There was glass, that I removed and screwed it tiny eyebolts. Added some wire and ta-da!! I love that I will be able to swap the paper out to coordinate a themed event or season!! (Thank-you Pinterest!) 


When you get a chance, stop by my online Boutique and see for yourself!! There is something for everyone!!
www.chloeandisabelbyerin.com

Here are the 'thank-you' cards I made for my customers who placed an order during the month of April...I am SO excited that I have lots of bird stamps and accessories!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Hostess set Morning Meadow (129678 C, 129675 W)), En Francais (127790 C,128562 W)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral
Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand
Access: Mini Clothespins, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine (125573), Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon (120999), Big Shot (113439), Big Shot Magnetic Platform (130658), Chalk Talk Framelits (129983), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

The shimmer really POPS with the flash!! It's SO purdy in real life!!

Tomorrow night I am hosting Stamp Camp...it has been QUITE a busy week!! I was supposed to go to Bunco tonight but I have my son's baseball game to attend..the last game I missed he hit a triple!! So I bailed on Bunco this month...I don't want to disappoint Aiden (they grow too quickly as it is!!)

Here is one of the cards we will be making:

It's actually an envelope~ you seal it shut and cut off 1/4" to create a pocket...EASY!!
Here is another pic:

And...last pic is a close-up:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126422 C, 131961 W), Dictionary (130351 C, 130348 W)
Card Stock: Summer Starfruit, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White Craft ink
Access: linen thread (104199), Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Heat tool (129053), Clear Embossing Powder (109130)...oh...I also used the Crumb Cake marker and Color Spritzer tool (retired)....I could use that on everything!!

Tip: I stamped the bloom image first in the Summer Starfruit and waited until that was dry. Then I applied the Whisper White over that...and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Here is the other card that we will be making which could be perfect for Mother's Day!! Remember that it's on Sunday May 11th!!

Very soft and delicate...shabby chic!! I am in LOVE with this DSP from the current Occasions Catalog...it's seriously amazing!! This card would be great for a wedding...a baby shower...bridal tea...you get the idea!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Four Frames (123442 C, 128589 W), Hostess Express Yourself (130339 C, 130336 W)
Card Stock: Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe
Ink: Smoky Slate
Access: linen thread (104199) Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 7/16" Natural Trim ribbon (129287), Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon (109070), Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Stampin' Sponges (101610), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Watercolor Wonder DSP (132994)

Another HUGE announcement is that the Retirement List is out!!

Dates: April 21-June 4, 2014 (all items available while supplies last)
Details
We're saying goodbye to hundreds of retiring products from the 2013-2014 annual catalog!! ALL products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early!
Also, make sure to take advantage of FREE standard shipping on EVERYTHING from April 21-25.
Retiring Lists

• Retiring Stamps (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)
  • PDF
  • Excel file
• Retiring Accessories (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)
  • PDF
  • Excel file

If you have any questions, please let me know!! Have a great day...I'm off to the game!!

My first 1/2 Marathon!! I did it!!

April already?? Where to begin?? Had taken a bit of a break again from my Stampin' Up! business~ life gets crazy and hectic you know?? To pick up where I left off...my last Stamp Camp was a great success thanks to the help of my good friend Beth!! Beth is also in my downline and instead of stamping the projects I had created...she was a little busy body grabbing supplies from one end of the table and showing everyone what/how to make the projects. A HUGE help and I am SO grateful!!

I made this card as a thank-you (hope she doesn't see it!!) I am finally getting around to sending it out!!

Inside:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Horse Frontier (132019 W, 126347 C), From My Heart (132007 W, 126557 C), Hardwood Background stamp (133032 W)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White, Versamark
Access: black gingham ribbon (retired), heat tool (129053), pewter embossing powder (124114), dimensionals (104430), Blender Pens (102845), pastels (retired)

Okay..other BIG news from my previous post~ I DID IT!!! I successfully ran my first 1/2 Marathon!! Whoop Whoop!! I had a goal to complete it by 2 hours and 27 minutes (because that's my birthday lol). But actually it was a realistic goal since during my training I was running between a 10-11 minute mile...I also had NO idea as to what to expect!! It was an amazing feeling..it was the weekend of March 14th in Virginia Beach. We had beautiful weather and the course was flat (great for beginners). My husband joined me and he actually decided that morning to run it to. He's CRAZY!! I had trained by myself...he injured his hip several weeks prior and thought he was done...I honestly don't think he wanted me to gloat in his face...so he ran it...limping/running the last few miles. He was in some serious pain the rest of the day (needless to say..I drove home!) But it's all good...I still beat him!! I even beat my goal!! I finished at 2:21!! I think that was part of the reason I wasn't dedicated to stamping as much...distance training takes a lot of time, dedication and it's hard to fit that into an already crazy family life!!

I can honestly say though...it has been the most amazing thing I have ever done for myself. I learned a lot...about myself. I grew...in so many ways. I have officially been bitten by the bug...I consider myself a true runner...I love it. I hope I will always be able to get out there (or on the treadmill) even if it's only for a mile or two...to enjoy the sounds of nothing else but my footsteps,beating heart and steady breathing. It is so rewarding and I now know why they refer to it as a 'runner's high'.

Okay...onward~ are you yawning yet?? Hee hee!

Here is another card I made using one of my latest favorite stamp sets. It's called Happy Watercolor (133191 C). It's on pg. 22 of the current Occasions Catalog.
Inside:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Happy Watercolor (133188 W, 133191 C), Dictionary Background stamp (130348)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Vellum, Raspberry Ripple
Ink: Versamark, Raspberry Ripple
Access: heat tool (129053), pewter embossing powder (124114), Antique Brads (117273), Tea Lace  Paper Doilies (129399), Silver Baker's Twine (132976)


Leave a comment if you have any questions, or if you want to place an order please visit my store!! Remember the current Occasions Catalog is valid until June 1, 2014.

Have a fabulous day!! More BIG news to announce for tomorrow!! See you then!!

Erin

Yay! It's February!!

I'm excited for a few reasons~ it's a crazy month! From anniversaries to births (I have a new niece!!) and birthdays galore!! Since it's already a short month, it will go by even faster!! So what ...the ground hog predicted 6 more weeks of winter!! 'Spring' will be here before we know it!! Honestly in comparison to other parts of the country we (here in Northern Va.) have been truly lucky!! At times... do you find yourself wishing you had one of these??

I have yet to visit my brother and his newest pride and joy :(
His other daughter has been sick...poor thing! When he tells me to stay away that she is vomiting...he doesn't need to say that twice!! So..when I do visit...hopefully next weekend I'll be sure to post pics!!

I LOVE me some babies!! I personally am not having any more~ but to snuggle and cuddle and give her back to 'mom' or 'dad' when she cries?? Sounds like perfection to me!!

Anyway...here is a picture of the last Stamp Camp~ we had a ton of fun and laughs!!

My girlfriend Marie brought the most AMAZING dessert (thanks Marie!). She must have been psychic to have known that they would fit perfectly in the paper cones we made!! After everyone left I quickly made another one for my neighbor's... birthday.

I used the Modern Medley DSP (126926) and the sentiment is from the See Ya Later stamp set (133536 C) from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.

I LOVE this paper...you can never go wrong with black and white. Add some gold?? And if you listen real close...you can hear the paper sing!!

Here is a card that I made for my nephew Michael's graduation from VCU (their colors are black and gold too...so duh...it was perfect!)

Then one night I decided to make a quick 'LOVE' banner using the same DSP.

That's about it for me today...need to make a few cards...I'll share those with you tomorrow!
Sadly one is for John's mother who was hit by a car while crossing the street...she's okay. Fractured her wrist and hip and has had surgery. I can only imagine the long road to recovery she has ahead...ouch!!
I am still running (so far hip is still okay!!) I'm getting excited for the BIG race!!

Stay healthy!! 
Warm hugs,

Erin

Brrr......what happened to global warming?

This weather is crazy!! First of all...I have a quick update on my running...Monday's are my BIG ones...and last Monday I ran 8 miles...a personal best~ it was crazy but better than the 7! I must be making progress!! During quick moments I would stop and take a drink of water or stop to get a rock out of my shoe I would feel my muscles tighten up...it was better to just keep going~ I heard over and over in my head "Run, Forrest, Run!" I wonder now if I could have kept going!! My husband actually passed me on the road in his truck, rolled down the window to cheer me on...asked how I was doing and he could see in my face "not good" but I assured him I would make it....and that is such an incredible feeling!!

It feels so good to be able to get outside! I am feeling "meh" about winter...the snow is pretty and we haven't had too much of it~ but the kids were home from school ALL week (due to the colder temps and bad roads). It's making me crazy!!
Yesterday and today I ran indoors...had to~ with the windchill I think my face would have broken into little bits of porcelain!
Today I am looking forward to meeting up with some girlies and perhaps we'll craft away to stay warm!! What do you do when you are stuck inside and trying to keep warm??

So...as promised...last post I mentioned that I would share my 'revised' moose~ I had hoped to post it sooner but things have been CRAZY!!
Here he/she is...besides the 'obvious' how can you tell?? (hee hee)

I like this one better...and this will be the one that we will be making at next Friday's Stamp Camp (1/31). I changed it a wee bit~ I think however I may lose the vellum piece~ what do you think?

Now...here is the 3-D gift holder that we will be making:

I am IN LOVE with the new Spiral Flower die (129379)...this is a MUST!! I followed Patty Bennett's tutorial using only one sheet of CS.
Supplies
Stamp Set: Perfect Pennants (133230 C), Happy Watercolor (133191 C)

Card Stock: Soho Subway DSP (130140), Very Vanilla, Soft Suede Core'dinations (from the Neutrals pack 129956)
Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Summer Starfruit
Access: Big Shot (113439), Magnetic platform (130658), Banners Framelits Dies (132173), Spiral Flower die (129379)

Here was the first one I made for my girlfriend Anne (this is the Sweater Weather DSP) from the last Holiday Catalog.

Inspired by these. Cute!! I will also have treats to put inside. These babies are addicting!!

Well...that's it for me today~ I hope that you all are safe, warm and ready for Sale-A-Bration!! (Starts Jan.28th!)

BIG hugs,
Erin

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