Happy New Year!

Wishing you a blessed, happy, and healthy 2014!

What do you do with your scraps?

The beautiful silver and gold foil sheets that are in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog are so elegant that I don't want to waste even the smallest of pieces!

I have been using the Gift Bow Bigz Die to make one of these double bows for the hostesses at my parties since I got mine back in August. 

There are many different ways to put these bows together so they have several different looks. This one is my favorite...the double bow with the tails hanging down. 

When the pieces of foil got to be too small to cut a bow I went to the angel. They don't take quite as much foil. It is the same as a small bow but so much more fun. This one will be hung on the Christmas tree. 

There are now lots of little pieces of foil that aren't big enough for bows of either size.

There were enough to cut some 1/2" strips so I designed this note card for the Stamp Along. 

Who wouldn't want to receive this pretty note card with a special message from you? 

Stamp Along choices

The card in the front is the one that I mentioned yesterday as a variation of the three that we did at the workshop. Do you see the similarity? 

Also, here are the New Year cards. The one on the left has some champaign glimmer  paper that can't be caught with a camera. It is one that has to be seen in person to be appreciated. The Best of Christmas set is one of my favorites. The crib scene is one from that set. The Santa in the following photo is another. The Merry Christmas ornament pictured in yesterday's post is a third and the fourth is a very stylish reindeer. I will try to use that one for the Stamp Along also. 

Have you gotten any of the Best of..... sets? Which one is your favorite? 

Leave a comment on this post and I will put your name in a drawing for some blog candy. 

I will pick the name on Monday after the Stamp Along. 

Good luck!

Just because it is Christmas time, doesn't mean that we don't need birthday and sympathy cards. 

I wish we never needed that sympathy ones but it seems like those are the ones I need the most. 

This one uses the beautiful image from the hostess set, Simply Sketched. 

The birthday cards use the Label Love set with the Artisan Label punch. That is one of the many bundles that Stampin' Up! offers. Don't you love that they give a discount when you bundle? 

The other image used here is from Sketched Birthday set. 

There will be more selections available at the Stamp Along but they aren't out of the ink pads yet. 

Which of these do you like the best? Which ones will you be making? 

Leave a comment and let me know. 

Stamp Along Time

We just did these three cards at my last workshop. We made the background for all three at the same time with the triple time technique. I have a variation of these ready for the Stamp Along. 

There will be several Christmas cards again this time (next Monday) but there will also be some Birthday, Sympathy, and New Year ones. 

Do you ever get that one last Christmas card too late to get a return on in the mail in time? 

That's the time to use a Happy New Year card! 

Another card done at a workshop. Some cards are a little too complex to do at the Stamp Along.

This is one of them. 

The center part of this card is an ornament that can be removed easily from the card to be hung on the tree. When the card is stood up, the ornament swings freely. 

Thank you to my sweet friend, Carla, for sharing this design with me! 

If you would like to do this one, give me a call and we can work out a time to do a private class or a workshop before Christmas. 

Tomorrow i will post a few of the ones that will be at the Stamp Along for you to make on Monday.

Thanks for stopping. 

Make sure you don't miss a post by following by email...just put your email in the little box on the right under the little crab.

Click on the little crab to see the specials from Stampin' Up!

Speaking of specials...I will have some of my own at the Stamp Along! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

I made, and sent, several cards but forgot to take a picture of them for you. 

This is one that I had at the Stamp Along and the sentiment is good.

It is what I wish for all of you. 

I am thankful for my family, friends, downline, and customers! 

You are all so special to me. 

Thank you for being a part of my life! 

I have been making the most of the season and have been spending time visiting and having lunch with friends. Of course, that has kept me away from blogging. 

Stamping Up! has loads of specials going on right now. 

They are doing a bang up job of celebrating their 25th anniversary. 

Click on my little crab to see them. They change so often that you should check every day.

They have added new things to the clearance rack also. 

Tuesdays are the time that they announce new ones. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Stamp Along Samples and Calendar Pages

These are just a few of the cards available at the Stamp Along today,

There will also be Birthday and other themes. 

The new envelope punch board will be there for you to try. 

Here are the rest of the calendar pages. 

September

October

November

December

There they are! 

Thanks for stopping by. 

Winners and more Calendar Pages

The winner for the LNS Treasure Hunt is Lisa Eisner. 

Congratulations Lisa.

Thanks to everyone that joined in the hunt and especially those that visited & subscribed to my blog!

I picked two more names from the ones that left comments on my blog.

They are Barb D from Sept 30th

and 

Linda J also from Sept 30th. 

Please send your address so I can send your gift. 

Now, here are a few more calendar pages.

May

June

July

August

I will post the rest of the pages next time. 

Which one is your favorite so far? 

Calendar and Big Sale

First of all...the big sale that Stampin Up! is having for their 25th anniversary!
25 sets for 25% off!
Click on the crab on the right and check out the sale. You can also check the clearance while you are there. If you NEED some of those items you can order right there. Use the hostess code
AWXEDVZM
and you could win $25 of free product from me.
You must have the order in by noon on Monday the 28th of October to be in the drawing.


Calendar
'Tis the time of the year to think about a calendar for next year. 

In my class this week, we made a little hanging calendar with a hand crafted picture for each month. 

Here are the first few pages. 

What do you think?

I will share the rest of the pages next time. 

Stamp set of the Month and Treasure Hunt Reminder

By the Tide

These are the three free cards that were waiting for the people that purchased this set during September at the October Stamp Along on Monday. 

The punch art one was a swap from convention without a name on the back so I can't give credit.

The punches used on it are the Large Oval, Modern Label, 1/2" Circle, and circle from the Itty bitty Punch Pack, as well as the Beautiful Wings Embosslits for the Big Shot. 

I think they were pleased with them. 

The set to purchase for the free cards at the November Stamp Along is:

Backyard Basics.

That one is part of a bundle but only the stamp set is required for the free cards. 

If you purchase the set on line and can't make it to the Stamp Along, I will mail the cards to you. 

Don't forget the LNS Treasure Hunt! 

There are only a few more days before it is over. Send me that list of clues that you find so you have a chance to win the SU! products. You can't win if you don't enter. 

Click on the symbol above my picture for the details. 

I will be picking another winner for blog candy from the ones that leave a comment on my blog.

I will announce the winner of that along with the winner of the Treasure Hunt. 

Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss out on the posts. 

Just put your email in where it says "follow by email." 

Thanks for stopping! 

Halloween Stampin' Up! Punch Art

There are so many cute Halloween ideas and I want to do them all! 

There will be many (including these three) at the October Stamp Along.

But one does not live by Halloween alone so there will be many other themes also. 

That means I will have extra "haul and carry" but it will be worth it for you to have extra choices!

It isn't until the 14th so I still have time to do a few more! 

Remember the one with the chevrons down the side? Well, I saved those scraps and they make awesome spider legs! The spiders I encounter are never this cute! I'm glad they aren't this big either!

The witch was on Patty Bennett's blog and was just so darling that I had to share it with you! She requires the Dress Up framlits as well as the Petite Pennants punch, scallop oval punch, and large oval punch. I mad mine just a little differently than Patty made hers. 

Thanks, Patty! 

If you "need" any of these (or other) Stampin' Up! products before October 14th, please order from my on-line store and use the hostess code     R4TBBVKK    It will be shipped directly to you but will count toward my workshop and I will send you one of these cards! 

If you have ever thought of joining the Stampin' Up! family, now would be the time to try it! 

You can join for only $25. 

You never have to do a workshop unless you want to and you get the discount on every order that you place. You have until March 30 to order your $300 minimum for the quarter. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or just go to my site and click on Join Now. I would love to have you on my team! 

Have you done the LNS Treasure Hunt yet? You could win the $150 shopping spree! 

Winner of Blog Candy and return of Swallowtail

Today is the 30th os September and I did my drawing from the comments on my blog since the LNS Treasure Hunt started. I did two drawings so these are the lucky winners. Send me your snail address so I can send your "candy" to you. 

Penny HanuszakAugust 24, 2013 at 3:17 PM

Hi Carolee. Great blog and great clue for the LNS Treasure Hunt Blog hop. Your card was beautiful and I love how you used the mask. Thanks so much for sharing and playing along in the hop. Enjoy!

and...

RosieAugust 21, 2013 at 12:40 PM

What a fun hop and your card is beautiful. Sponges aren't just for cleaning! LOL

I will be doing another blog candy drawing at the end of the LNS Treasure Hunt from all the comments left on my blog between now and the end of the Hunt. 

It has been awhile since I have done something with the beautiful Swallowtail.

This one is three dimensional and done with the Labels Collection of the framelits.

It is another one of the cards that will be at the Stamp Along on the 14th of October. 

Punch art, Framed art, and LNS Treasure Hunt reminder

I got this darling punch art card idea at convention from Dorothy Hensley. 

I have changed the punch used for the feet but other than that it is the same as hers. 

It is all packed and ready to go to the Stamp Along at the Library on October 14th. 

The cute little minions will be back also. 

This is the framed art. It is in a black frame but I got a little too close for the photo. 

This is done mainly with the beautiful Winter Frost Specialty paper (132341) in the Holiday Catalog.

Interested in making one? 

I will prepare the kit for you. 

The class will be on October 30th at Schroeder's in Two Rivers at 1:00. 

The fee is $15. You will need to provide the frame of your choice.

The frame I used is on sale right now at Hobby Lobby for only $5 something until Friday. 

I will also do this class at your home for the same fee if you have a group doing it. 

Email me to set up a date. 

A reminder to leave a comment on my blog to be in the drawing on September 30th for the LNS Treasure Hunt. Click on that LNS symbol above my picture for the details and start hunting for the clues so you can have a chance to win the $150 grand prize consisting of Stampin' Up! product. 

Happy Hunting!  

Busy or Bumming?

I spent some time with my daughter and her kids. Not something I get to do often enough! I went with the purpose of helping her with her busy schedule that included canning tomatoes. 

We did some stamping while I was there and one of the girls came up with these cute little critters. 

Since the girls didn't have school on one of the days that I was there, it was decided that we should do something fun instead of just work. 

Off to the zoo we went! It was a fantastic day! 

We had a great time at the zoo and got the tomatoes canned, too!

Don't forget about the LNS Treasure Hunt. You could win over $150 in Stampin' Up! product! Just click on the LNS square just above my picture. Good luck!

BOO !

Halloween is coming! 

How cute would this be hanging on your door? 

It is much more sparkly in real life. The letters are covered with glitter! 

I will be doing a class so you can make one of these for your door. 

It will be on Wednesday, September 25 at Schroeder's at 1:00 PM

Can't make that? Maybe we can schedule another time. Let me know.

When Halloween is over just turn your door/wall hanging to the other side and it is good to go for another month! 

This is the other side. Both sides included in the class for only $10!

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and leave a comment so you can be in the drawing for blog candy on September 30th. 

Want to win $150 plus? Join the LNS Treasure Hunt! Click on the square above my photo. 

You can't win if you don't enter!

Stamp set of the month

Wetlands

A few more examples of the use of Wetlands set that was set of the month for August...

Those that ordered this set during August will have the supplies to make three cards (not necessarily the ones pictured here) using this set at the Stamp Along on September 9th at the Lester Library. If you can't make it to the Library, please let me know and I will make two of the cards and send them to you.  

September Set of the Month

By the Tide

Purchase this set through me during September and receive the materials to make three cards using the set at the October Stamp Along or have two cards made and sent to you.

The top right card in the picture uses the sponging technique. 

Sponge is my clue word for the LNS Treasure Hunt. 

You can win over $150 in SU! product by following the hunt through 50 blogs and sending the clues to me. See all the details by clicking on the  LNS box above my photo on the right. 

You can't win if you don't enter! 

Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog (any post) so you can be entered in my drawing for a prize on September 30th. 

Order my set of the month, By the Tide, and get an extra entry besides the free cards for ideas!

Paper Pumpkin and other deadlines

Do you need to get away and craft? Can't think of a project to work on? No time to cut the card stock?
Then Paper Pumpkin is for you! Everything you need is in the box. It comes right to your door and all you have to do is grab your adhesive and craft! Join before the end of August and it is only $10 for the first two months.

When we got the Welcome Kit, a friend and I did them together. 

Stamping is always better with a friend! 

Although the kit was designed to make four cards, we added some extra sheets of card stock and some contraband (non Stampin' Up! product) and look at all the cards we got! 

We used the scrap from the sticker sheet and split some of the layer pieces. 

What fun we had! 

Mine are above and hers are below.

One of the recent kits was to make a banner. 

My friend didn't have use for a banner so she used the contents to make these cards! 

If you join the Paper Pumpkin before the end of August, you will receive two months for only $10 each  if you use the code below. You will also be in a drawing to receive and extra kit from me. 

Go to www.mypaperpumpkin.com and use the code below. Be sure to enter the quantity and choose me for your demonstrator. Thank you! 

Another deadline

Purchase my stamp set of the month, Wetlands, and get two cards for ideas to use the set. Email the order to me or order directly on my site by clicking that cute little crab that says shop now. 

Don't forget to collect the clues and send them to me to be able to win over $150 of SU! product. See details by clicking on the LNS box right by my mug shot. Good luck! 

LNS Treasure Hunt and tutorial for sponged card

Here are a few more blogs for you to visit for clues for the LNS Treasure Hunt.

Click on the symbol by my pix for more information. 

Mary K.          Wessling           http://maryscraftroom.blogspot.com                                    US
Jean              Piersanti            http://beautyandthestamper.blogspot.com/                          US
Karina           Chin                   www.karinaskreation.com                                                   Canada
Samantha      Joyce                www.crafty-sammy.blogspot.co.uk                                      UK
Jennifer         Wren                http://txjennywren.blogspot.com                                           US
Susan           Timchack           http://susan-stampinsue.blogspot.com                                US
Cindy        Mitchell-Clark         www.cindysstampingcorner.wordpress.com                       US
Cindy             Fodor                www.stampthelove.blogspot.com                                        US

Here are the directions for the sponged card from the last post. Scroll down it is there also. 

First, cut a shape from a piece of card stock with a framelit (I used the Ovals collection) on the Big Shot.
Use the Multi Purpose glue to put a very light line around the shape and let it dry completely. This makes it work like a post it.

While that glue is drying, put the card front in the Framed Tulips folder and through the Big Shot.

When the glue is totally dry, place the mask on the card front and sponge in the opening.

While the mask is still in place, stamp your greeting from Sassy Salutations and the flower from Flower Shop in the opening.  

Tips:

***If the sponging looks blotchy, don't worry, it smoothes out as it drys.

***There will be a space along the edge of the opening. 

***Remove the mask as soon as you have it stamped.

Remove the mask.

Stamp the flower from Flower Shop on a piece of Whisper White. 

Tip:

***Mark your stamp so the Pansy punch will match up with it. See the x on the stamp? See the mess? The first time I didn't have it lined up correctly so the punch would reach in from the bottom of the image and line up. I remarked the stamp. Still not right! NOW, it is lined up properly. I remounted the stamp. If you have the clear mount it is easier to mark it. 

Punch the flower with the Pansy Punch. See how nice it lines up! 

Attach the flower with a dimensional.

Did you notice that this one is on the top right and not the bottom left where the other one was placed?

Remember, I said to remove the mask as soon as the stamping was finished? Well, I didn't because of the photo thing so there was a place that the glue grabbed hold and wouldn't let go. There is also a little mark in the upper left that can be removed with the adhesive remover. 

OK, go make some of these very easy, mailable cards. 

Fall Treasure Hunt - 2013!

This very mailable card is made using my clue, sponges, for the Treasure Hunt! Read on to find out how you could win a very nice prize! And stop by again for directions for making this card or just subscribe and you will get an email when I post them.
Leave a comment on my blog each month during the hunt and you will have a chance to win my own personal prize. Check back on Sept 30 to see who wins my first prize. I will also be posting more cards made with my clue....the sponges. Good Luck!

I am very excited to have my readers be able to join this Hunt and be a winner! Look for this symbol on each of the blogs listed below so you know they are participating. Then look for their clue. Read on for the details. Happy Hunting!

Here’s how to play:
-go to the page (listed below) titled ‘List of Participating Demos & Blogs'
-visit each of the blogs listed (it’s always nice to leave a comment!)
 -look for participating Treasure Hunt players – they will have the picture of the SU! box (above), and they will list their clue
-make a note of what the clue is, and whose blog it is on
-once you’ve collected 50 clues, email them to ME at (care2stamp@frontier.com)  listing each clue & where you found it (the Blog name)
-you have from Tuesday August 20th to Friday, October 25th 2013 to collect 50 clues and email them to me, to be entered into the contest
-Contest closes Friday Oct. 25th at midnight PST



LIST OF PARTICIPATING DEMOS & BLOGS

First Name Last Name Blog Address Country Tammy Baldwin www.creativeapplescrampers.blogspot.com US Carolyn Bennett www.carolynstamps.com US Jody Brechbill www.jodybrechbillstampinqueen.com US Brenda Cook http://www.cardscraps.com US Carolee Crabb Care2stampwithcarolee.blogspot.com US Tina Davis http://www.tinadavisstamps.blogspot.com/ US Beverly Farmer www.createwithbev.blogspot.com US Sherrill Graff http://yourhiredscrapbooksupplies.blogspot.com/ US Penny Hanuszak http://pennytokensstampinspot.blogspot.com Canada Lori Helvick createwithlori2.blogspot.com/ US Diane Ison http://teachtostamp.blogspot.ca/ Canada Suzanne Johnson www.gottastampwithsuzanne.com US Nancy Legate www.stampnnuggets.com US Carolyn Lindenmayer http://carolynscardcreations.blogspot.com.au/ Other Rhonda Macnally http://rhondalovesstamping.wordpress.com Canada Serena Marsh www.reenybeanies.blogspot.ca Canada Robin Messenheimer http://robinscraftroom.com US Joni Metras www.joniinthespotlightstamping.com US Cynthia Millan http://www.StampWithCynthia.blogspot.com Canada Kimberley Morris http://procrastistamper.blogspot.com US Ruth Pearson http://pearsonifiedcrafting.blogspot.co.uk/ UK Ginger Rabesa http://www.stampingginger.com US Brenda Riehle www.stampandscrapwithbrenda.blogspot.com US Linda Rodenberg www.prettyinky.blogspot.com US Heather Sewczak heatherscutecards.com/blog US Cynthia Simpson http://cynthiastampinhappening.wordpress.com/ US Dee Slater http://createwithdee.typepad.com US Deborah Smart www.stampandcreate.net Canada B Jayne Stenstrom http://www.jaynestamps.com/ US Tanya Stottlemire www.scramptastic.blogspot.com US Charlene Tackvic www.AlwaysStamping.com US Heidi Tekunoff www.twohappystampers.blogspot.com US Jackie Watson jackielwatson.blogspot.com US
Lesley         Lendon            http://lellyjellys.blogspot.com/                                 UK UPDATE: Please see my post dated 8-23-13 for additional participating Demos and Blogs

Wetlands...my set of the month and more bumming

The more I use this set, the better I like it! 

This is one of the cards I have prepared for the people that purchase this set from me this month. 

You could make it free at the next Stamp Along if you purchase the set (p69 in the big catalog) before the end of August. 

***   My stamp set of the month.

Buy Wetlands 126697 (clear-$16.95) or 126695 (wood-$21.95) 

and receive three cards free at the next Stamp Along for ideas to use the set.

If you can't make it to the Stamp Along, I will include two cards using the set with your order. If you order online and have it sent directly to you, I will send you the two cards. 

Yes! You get an extra card if you come to the Stamp Along because you will make them yourself. If I have to make the cards, you only get two. It is still a great deal!

I used the new Sweater Weather DSP and the Burlap Ribbon.

Both great products! 

I used the aqua painter and added those bits of color. 

Here is another great offer for August:

*** Paper Pumpkin is on sale this month! Try it for only $10 for the first two months!

Go to www.mypaperpumpkin.com to check it out.

You need to use the promo code PUMPKINDEAL

If you subscribe, I will put you in a drawing for an extra Paper Pumpkin kit on Sept 1st.

Now, on to the bumming.  

A week ago (plus a few days) a friend and I went north to pick cherries. 

We met my daughter and her husband there and picked lots of the delicious little red things. 

It was a beautiful day for picking as it was cloudy and not too hot. 

It was so much fun because of the company! 

When we were finished we stopped for lunch which was also enjoyable. 

After we "parted ways" with my daughter and husband, Linda and I stopped at a neat shop called 

The Flying Pig. 

It is a unique shop with unique products!

This is the site that greets you when you drive into the parking lot. 

This is along the walk to the pond. In the background is an area for the kids to play. 

The critter on the stone is one of the many unique pieces of art. 

This is indoors, looking down from the balcony. The tree is applied (not sure of the medium) on the wall. Some people are so creative with the way they use junk to create new products.

There was jewelry made with old watch parts and sewing things like safety pins and bobbins.

The incredible things that some people do with cans and cups! 

Even the shelves are creative! 

This delightful critter was out side along the path. 

It was a wonderful day! 

Thanks for the visit!