Noel Banner

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! As I wait for my dear husband to get home from work, so we can have our Thanksgiving dinner I thought I'd take the time to post one of my latest projects. I made a Fall banner back in October which I loved dearly and it's been up for two months. Last week, I decided it was time for a new banner so I started on a Christmas one. I had a hard time making up my mind what paper to use for it but ultimately decided to use the Holiday Treasures Designer Series paper from Stampin' Up! I just love the poinsettias in this paper and knew it would be perfect for my banner.

I used the now retired On Board Simon Lower letters (how I wish they were still available) and covered them in Old Olive Craft Ink. I immediately (while they were still wet) covered them in Heat & Stick powder and heated it up then dumped the Celery Chunky Sprinkles glitter on top. This made them really nice and sparkly, just perfect for the holiday season! The banner was cut out using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Big Shot Pennant die. I have really grown to love this die. I used Textured Chocolate Chip cardstock for my backing and then the Holiday Treasures DSP for the inside part of the banner. I used the large scallop Big Shot die for the scallops and then mounted my letters on those. The scallops were cut using Riding Hood Red cardstock. The pom pons on the end are also made using the Pennant die. I cut out the poinsettia pieces from one sheet of the DSP and then used dimenionals to pop them up. I really love the way they look! The banner is strung on the Chocolate Chip felt ribbon from the Alpine Ribbon Originals which is offered in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Below you will see the individual letter pennants. I didn't think to take them before I strung them up, so I'm sorry about the weird angles. I hope you enjoy this fun project! I really loved making it and know it will keep the Stampin' Spot bright and cheery the whole month long!

Have a great rest of the day everyone and safe shopping tomorrow!!

Stampin' Up! HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

I'm so excited about this promotion! Never in my 6 years as a demo has Stampin' Up! ever had a sale like this. What I love most is that there are so many different bundles that appeal to a wide range of stamper or scrapbooker!

You can see the bundles available here: http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/bundles_US.pdf

To order visit my online store: www.roamingstamper.stampinup.net Once there click on the Stampin' Up! products tab at the top. On the drop down menu, click on Shop Now, then sign in and shop! Bundles are available Nov. 26- Dec. 1st--WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email or call me! Just FYI, it's been reported to me by a few customers that the online store is running a little slow. I'm sure it's due to the amount of orders being placed. If you have problems, just let me know and I'll work with you to get it done!

I'm busy working of several projects and hope to update the blog with some of them soon! Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and be careful if you go out "Black Friday" shopping tomorrow!

Sharon

Birthday Boy!

Today's post is a personal one. My baby turned 19 today. It's so hard to believe that it's been 19 years since he came into our lives. We had a really good day and I'd like to share it with you.

When we asked Cameron what he wanted to do on his birthday this year he said that he wanted to go the 6th Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza. As most of you know John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas on November 22nd which happens to be Cam's birthday. Cameron has always had an interest in history and a month or so ago there were several programs on the History Channel about JFK and the assassination. This resparked his interest about the event. Today was the 45th anniversary of this day in history and The Plaza, the "grassy knoll", and the Book Depository (where the museum is housed) were all very busy today. There were a lot of conspiracy theroists there, some men who were "at the scene" the day of the event, as well as many people who just wanted to pay tribute. We met one man who had traveled from California to see the museum, because he too shares his birthday with this date.

We started out by having lunch at TGIFridays in the West End.

After lunch, we headed over to Dealey Plaza. We arrived right at 12:30 and there was a lot going on. There were sirens blaring as that was the moment in time that President Kennedy was shot. I have to admit it gave me a strange feeling to be standing in that area even though 45 years have past. As we were walking towards the book depository there were a lot of reporters and people around. We say two older gentlemen and one of the reporters was asking them to recall what happened on that day. I can only imagine how they felt standing in that same spot some 45 years later retelling what they saw that day. If you look at the picture on the right you will see them and the book depository building is in the upper left hand corner. We continued up the street and arrived at the building. There was quite a long line to get into the museum but it didn't matter. It was interesting listening to everyone talk about that day in history. Several people talked about how the day had started out very nice with sunshine and how by the late afternoon the clouds rolled in and it was like the weather changed to fit the gloom that was hanging over the world. I do not remember this day, I was only three at the time but I do remember the day that Presiden Reagan was shot so I understand how this moment in time is so clear for so many people. Photographs were not allowed in the museum and I have to say that it is probably the first time in my life that I saw EVERYONE respecting that rule. The museum was crowded but everyone seemed to understand that and work together to make sure we all got to see what we wanted to see. It is a very good museum and all three of us enjoyed it. I personally was fascinated by the cameras and photographs that were taken by the ordinary people just out to see President and Mrs. Kennedy. I also noticed that while there were a lot of very clear photos prior to the shooting that during and afterwards most were out of focus. I can only guess that these people suddenly realized what was happening and became very shakey. I personally can't even imagine what it would be like out there snapping away happy as a lark to be seeing the President and then the next minute you realize you've just taken a picture of an assasination. I highly suggest to anyone in the DFW area to go and see this museum. It is well worth the time and money. The picture on the left shows the Book Depository building and the window from where the shots were thought to be fired from. It's the second set of windows from the top on the right hand side. The picture on the right shows the building from the street. The X in the street is where the second shot hit President Kennedy.

After we left the museum we took Cameron shopping for his birthday. You see, our son is a computer junkie. He is what you would call a "gamer." His current computer will not play most of the games he'd like to play so we told him that we would help pay for a computer upgrade. He's been saving some money and had asked all the relatives to give him money for his birthday. After a trip to two different Fry's Electronics stores, we made it home with everything he needed to build a new computer. His computer maintenance course is paying off as he was able to build his computer this evening with very little input from Dad. As you can see from the photo on the right, he's a happy guy!

While he worked on the computer, I put the finishing touches on his birthday cake. He has requested a special family recipe cake which I started yesterday (it's a two day process). He (and my nieces) has always called it Goopey Cake but it's real name is Angel Food Fluff. I have to admit it's probably my favorite cake as well despite the time it takes to make it.

I can't believe this is my son's last year as a teenager. The years have gone so fast and he's grown up to be such a great young man. Thanks so much for letting me share his special day!

Peaceful Dove

I showed you a card yesterday using the To You and Yours stamp set and I have another one to share today. Personally, I have really grown to love this simple set. It is simple but it's also very elegant and I love that about it. This card was hard to photograph because the front is done on acetate. I hope I got a good enough picture of it for you to kind of see it. I have to say it really is beautiful in real life.
All products from Stampin' Up! (except acetate):
Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs, To You & Yours
Paper: Brushed Silver, Night of Navy, Shimmery White
Ink: Stazon White, Night of Navy, Baja Breeze
Accessories: White Taffeta ribbon, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, Silver elastic cording, 1 1/6 inch handheld punch, Crystal effects, dazzling diamonds glitter, aquapainter, sticky strip, Scalloped edge punch

I hope to be back tomorrow with another project. I am busily preparing for my Christmas Giftables class which is tomorrow night. I'm so looking forward to sharing such fun projects with a great group of ladies!

Until later....

Wow, it's Wednesday already!

I can't believe that it's already Wednesday! This past weekend I was so busy with my Stamp Clubs on Saturday and then family things on Sunday. Monday I worked and Tuesday I had my 5 year old grandson for most of the day. We had a fabulous time but I didn't have any time to stamp! I did stamp today however, and I got two swaps finished. I'm so lucky to be involved with two wonderful monthly demo swap groups. One is a group that I organized and it's a small group of 8, the other is a group I was invited to join when I swapped with one of the group "Moms" at convention this past July. She liked my swap and invited me to join her group. The one thing I love about both of these groups are the great swaps I get in return to show my customers. I also love that these groups force me to sit down and create something that isn't for a class or my clubs, it's stamping time for me. So here's one of the cards I did for my monthly swap groups. I'll show the other one tomorrow! All products from Stampin' Up:

Stamp Set: To You and Yours

Paper: Riding Hood red, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip, Shimmery White

Ink: Basic Brown, Mellow Moss, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Handmade Holidays Card Elements Kit (pg 177), Celery taffeta ribbon, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, 1/16 handheld punch, Crafters Tool Kit, Crystal effects, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Aquapainter, dimenionals

**I just love all the elements in the Handmade Holidays Kit. I used the DSP and the scalloped border on this card.

Two more Christmas cards

I finally sat down and finished up my last two samples for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-A-Lot. I'll be sending out the newsletter with sign up information today. This class will be held on Friday, Nov. 28th from noon until 6 p.m. You will make 10 cards for $15 and you pick the cards you want to make. I'm taking reservations until Saturday, Nov. 22nd.

All products from Stampin' Up!

Left side:

Stamp Set: To You & Yours

Ink: Baja Breeze

Paper: Baja Breeze, Shimmery White

Accessories: Large Snowflake Big Shot Die, Top Note die, large oval punch, rhinestone brad, versamarker, iridescent ice embossing powder

Right side:

Stamp Sets: It's A Stretch, Spotlight On Christmas

Ink: Basic Black, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss

Paper: Kraft, Riding Hood Red,Kiwi Kiss, Shimmer White, Holiday Treaurers DSP

Accessories: Pacific Point striped grosgrain, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, aquapainter

Here is a picture of all the cards that are available for you to do at the Christmas Card Stamp-A-Lot. When you register, you will need to tell me which cards you want to do and how many of each one.

Top Note Gift Card or Small Gift Boxes

I have really enjoyed my Big Shot and it's assorted dies but the one die that I always seem to reach for is the Top Note. Not only does it make elegant cards and great bag toppers, it does so much more! My club ladies will be making one of these great boxes on Saturday! I had to do two different versions because of the designer series paper but I love them both so much, I don't think the two groups will mind that one group is making one version and the other group is making the other version. At least I'm hoping they don't! As always, all products are from Stampin' Up!


Rudolph Box (right hand side)-- Stamp set: Deer Friends
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Shimmer White, Holiday Treasures DSP
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Real Red marker
Accessories: Trimmer with scoring blade, Alpine Originals ribbon, Sticky strip, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, Scallop circle punch, dimensionals, Top Note Die
Frosty Box (left hand side)--
Stamp set: Deer Friends
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Bashful Blue, Tangerine Tango, Ski Slope DSP
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Basic Black

Accessories: Trimmer with scoring blade, Tangerine striped grosgain ribbon, Sticky Strip, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, Scallop circle punch, dimensionals, Top Note Die

Here's a little bit better picture of the box when it's open. These are not large boxes, a regular sized gift card really fits perfectly inside.

Many thanks to Angie Teman for sharing the directions for this great box!

Ribbon Poinsettia card

When I attended the Stampin' Up San Antonio regionals a couple weeks ago, we did a make and take that featured a flower made out of ribbon. As I was making it, I thought to myself how cute it would look made out of red on a Christmas card and thus, my ribbon Poinsettia card was born! What I really love about this card is the simplicity of it, yet it just makes a statement. Not to mention everyone wants to know how you did it...LOL! All products from Stampin' Up.

Stamp sets: Snow Burst, Heard from the Heart

Ink: Old Olive, Whisper White Craft

Paper: Old Olive, Old Olive Patterns, Shimmer white, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: 1/8 inch circle hand punch, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, Ice Circle brads, White embossing powder, heat tool, dimensionals

Open End Envelope Gift Card Holder

Oh, it's the time of year for gift cards (at least in my family)! I always try to find different ways to package gift cards because otherwise it just seems kind of boring. This gift card holder is made from the small open end envelopes that are on page 167 of the catalog. I used the kraft ones as I felt they went best with the Holiday Treasures designer series paper. I also used the large scallop circle die for the Big Shot on this. It just made it look prettier. When it's opened, you can slip the gift card inside and write a little note on the envelope. All products (except gift card, and velcro dot) from Stampin' Up!
Stamp set: Punches Three (level 1 hostess set)
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Paper: Holiday Treasures DSP, Shimmery White
Accessories: Kraft Small Open Ended Envelope, Large scallop die, Alpine Ribbon Originals felt ribbon, stick strip, Filigree designer brads, scallop square punch

Busy, busy, busy....

That describes my life right now. It seems I just go from one project to the next and never seem to get caught up. I'm guessing everyone else is the same way but I'm ready for life to slow down a little bit. I haven't had time to work on anything for the blog. Between Christmas projects and club projects, there hasn't been any free stamping time. So, I'm going to share some projects that my stamp club members will be doing this coming Saturday. Sorry ladies if you are reading the blog. I normally don't post club projects until after club, but I'm making an exception as I wouldn't have anything to post this week if I didn't.

This first card is one I really love. I love glitter for the holidays, I mean honestly who doesn't? This card uses Heat and Stick powder and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. It also uses the Holiday Lineup stamp set which I just adore. Here's the project and all the info, as always all supplies from Stampin' Up! I apoligize that the picture isn't better, since it was raining today, I had to shoot indoors which I don't like to do and I kept getting a glare on the glitter!

Stamp sets: Holiday Lineup, Sweet Serendipity (this sentiment is perfect for this card)

Paper: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, Shimmery White, Ski Slope DSP

Ink: Basic Grey, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Baja Striped grosgrain, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, dimensionals, heat and stick powder, dazzling diamonds, tombow glue, heat tool, white stain ribbon

I chose to do a totally monochromatic scheme for this card and love the way it turned out. While I love lots of colors on cards, for some reason this one just screamed monochromatic to me. Hope the ladies like it, I do!

Christmas Card Class #3

Today's cards are just whimsical and fun! One is made almost entirely with punches! The other one is using the adorable Mr. Twigster. He so reminds me of the snowmen (well more like ice/slush men) that we sometimes get to build here in Texas. His card is made with VERY non-traditional holiday colors but that's why I like it so much. I also love that the DSP has words on it all about winter which makes it perfect for this card.

Left hand card: Stamp sets: Spotlight on Christmas, Holidays & Wishes Paper: Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Blush Blossom, Whisper White Ink: Riding Hood Red, Blush Blossom Accessories: Scallop Square punch, Word Window punch, Trio Flower punch, 1/2 inch circle punch, 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/4 inch circle punch, Sponge, dimensionals, Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla striped grosgrain ribbon

Right hand card: Stamp sets: Mr. Twigster, Warm Words Paper: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Shimmer White Ink: Basic Black, Tangerine Tango Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers many colors, Soft Subtles brads, 1/16 inch punch, dimensionals

Christmas Card Class Part 2

I'm excited to show you these two cards today. One is from a set that I just had to have the minute I opened up the catalog but I didn't order it right away. However, as more and more of my customers started ordering it, I knew I had to get it. I'm so glad I did as I love it so much. The other one is using Snow Swirled which I did order right away. I've used the tree a lot already so I wanted to focus on using the other images in the set. I participated in a swap with some fellow demos and got a card very similar to the one I did. I changed up the colors quite a bit and altered the design slightly. One of the main reasons I participate in swaps is to gather ideas from other demonstrators. While I rarely copy a card exactly, I find that they are such a good springboard for ideas. One of my favorite things to do is use their card as a "sketch" and work from there.

Left hand card--Stamp sets: Holiday Lineup, Cute & Curly, Sanded background Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Kraft Ink: Basic Brown, Versamark,, Riding Hood Red Accessories: Curly Label punch, Stampin' Write makers in many colors, White gel pen, Alpine Ribbon originals, dimensionals, tombow glue, Chunky red glitter Right hand card: Stamp sets: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Shimmery White, Riding Hood Red patterns DSP Ink: Versamark Accessories: Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain, white embossing powder, 1 3/8 circle punch, 1 3/4 circle punch, dimensionals

Christmas Card Class

Wow, it's Monday already! I've been busy making samples for my upcoming Christmas Card class. This week, I will be showing you some of the cards that will be available to make at the class. More information will be sent this week in a newsletter.

Here are two of the cards for the class. I really like both of these cards because they feature non traditional colors mixed in with traditional colors. I sometimes think that so many Christmas cards look alike. By choosing colors that aren't normal holiday colors your card will stand out from all the rest.

Left hand card: Stamp sets: Season of Joy Paper: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Pirouette Pink, Holiday Treasures DSP Ink: Ruby red craft, Chocolate Chip Accessories: Scallop edge punch, ribbon slide, pink grosgrain, clear embossing powder, glue dots, dimensionals

Right hand card: Stamp sets: Scandinavian Season Paper: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Ski Slope DSP Ink: Versmark, Riding Hood Red, Pirouette Pink, Old Olive Accessories: Silver embossing powder, aquapainter, Felt Flurries, Pretties kit (clear rhinestone brad), Kiwi satin ribbon, Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon, slot punch, 1/16 inch punch, dimesionals