As I said the other day I would have a tutorial ready for you on how to make the Halloween Tree Decorations. I am so excited that day is TODAY! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to stamp and every year I add a few new decorations to my tree and my Halloween display.  Let me share my Halloween display as well as the tree.

What's fun about this display is the many memories that go along with the items made.  So many of these fun decorations were made sitting with friends or even a class that I have taught. Every year it's a joy to pull out each decoration and put it on the display. What's better is adding more decorations.  My display consists of a Bakers Rack that I change out every season. There is another project on my display I cannot wait to show you. It's a banner that I made with my friend Denise.  We had so much fun creating it.  I'll share much closer pics soon.

Here a closer look at my tree.

You can see many of the decorations I've made over the years. On the video you will see another Holiday Decoration with the same concept only it's a Christmas Ornament.  Here are a few closer pictures for you:

I used the Christmas Lodge stamp set for this decoration. You can find all the products I've used here in my Online Store.  Make sure you check the Clearance Rack.  There are some great holiday items you can get at a GREAT discount. Don't miss it. 

Here is the video and I hope it helps you as you make a few handmade decorations fro yourself. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6O_cYgXfqY

The weekend is almost here!

XOXOXO

We had to take our doggie to the Vet tonight too.  I have a little 4lb Chihuahua and she has been itching herself to death.  We took her in and we have medicine to help her.  We were there for 2.5 hours.  Good Grief!!

Now it's 11pm and I'm just starting to work a bit in my office.  Oh no.  LOL! It's not like this hasn't happened before, but I'm pretty pooped from the excitement of the day. I'm excited to share a new Halloween treat with you. 

If you have been following my blog for a bit you know I have a Halloween tree and I love to decorate it each year. Last year we made the pretty cones with ribbon.  This year we took a little different approach and I really like them.  Let me share.

All of these projects were made using Stampin' Up!'s great Halloween products.  I used a ton of products on all of these.  I will list for you below and I will be showing a video later this week on assembly.  The great thing about making projects like these is that you can pull them out year after year.  It's fun to look back at the other ornaments I've made through the years. 

Here is a list of products that was used and you can find all these projects in my spooky Online Store. 

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370), Piece of Poison (123754), Dark & Dreary (121151), Out on a Limb (123824), Creative Elements (122647), Wicked Cool (120600). 

Accessories: Pick Your Poison Quick Accents (124263), 3/8" Velvet Stitched Ribbon (125637), Brights Buttons (119747), Vintage Trinkets (118764), First Edition Specialty (121878, Simply Score Tool (122334), White Bakers Twine (124262), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Fine Galaxy Glitter-Champagne (114286), Scallop Squares Duo Sizzix Die Cut (120903), Spritzer Tool (107066), Black Marker (100082) & a Glue Gun!

While there are lots of products used for this project they are easy and fun to make. 

Check back in a few days for a tutorial and make sure you have a Simply Scored Tool on hand.  You can find this great product in the Holiday Mini and in my Online Store. 

Make sure to check the right side bar of my blog. There are THREE NEW specials to check out! WOW!

Until tomorrow…

XOXOXO

Today I hope to make a few folks happy campers.  Actually, I strive for this every day but it doesn't always work out. Just ask my kids.  BTW, I loved hearing the stories of your kids "When I grow up…" They made me laugh hysterically and I also don't feel so alone. 

A few weeks back I showed you a Card Box I had made using the Stampin' Card Box Keeper HERE.  On the top I used the Die Cut Fun Flowers and went to town.  Many have asked how to do this. I put a video together but I'm actually making another project.  It's a double dog Friday type of day! This means you you get to see two projects made using the same thing!

First, here is another box with the flower on it and a picture of the Die Cut I used.  Fun Flowers is a must have to your die cut collection.

I love our fabric! It's beautiful and I love that it coordinates with other products.  The Stampin' Card Keepers make a great gift project to put cards or recipe's in.  How about decorating the box and putting the gift INSIDE the box.  Wouldn't this be a crowd pleaser? Don't forget to add your Simply Adorned bauble to make this project turn into a WOWSER!

Okay, now for the double dog Friday project.  I've made these Paper Flower Bookmarks for my customers who have ordered from me this month.  It's nice to get a little somethin' somethin', sometimes. Isn't it? Here it is:

I received one of these beauties from my SAM early this year and I just loved it.  To keep the flowers in place they used dimensionals.  I changed it up and used my Hot Glue Gun aka Liquid Glue Dots to me. <smile> Putting this flower together is the same concept as the flower on top of the box, I just used more of the flowers. 

Check out the video for some Flower Fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF58zHbtQ-g

These are just as addicting as the pin cushions! Have you checked out my Online Store? It's super cute with Super CUTE things in it.  Check out the clearance items too. 

Have a super fantastic weekend.  Tomorrow is World Card Making Day. I'll have a few cards for you tomorrow.

I put together a video to make the one with the Antique Frame I showed you yesterday.  You can find these frames at any of your craft stores near you. 

I mentioned yesterday I had a light bulb moment.  I think my light bulb died during that moment because my cool idea did not work.  I was hoping to make the backside look a little cleaner and you will see in the video it's not bad, but I am sure there is a way to make it better.  I get frustrated when something doesn't go the way I had planned, but I am sure we all feel this way, right? LOL!  

Here is another pin cushion using the Beau Chateau fabric.  I love this one because you can see the chicken.  Super pretty and vintage looking.  

Below is the video I promised. I hope this helps you in your quest of making lots of pretty pin cushions. I would love to see your cushions!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvohIu0Yxjg

Have a FANTASTIC Thursday!

You may remember a few weeks back I shared another Pin Cushion. That one was a little more difficult to make.  If you use a Ball Jelly Jar you are in business and they are much easier. 

I used the Beau Chateau (#122336) Fabric for this first one. It has that awesome shabby look and feel.  I added a piece of ribbon and a Crown Trinket (#121891) for a little more umph to this cushion. 

Demonstrators, do you have retired buttons? Here is a great use for them.  The buttons on this pin cushion are retired but SO cute.

This pin cushion uses the Timeless Portrait fabric (#122337).  This is beautiful fabric. 

I was a little fancy with this cushion.  I added that beautiful Vanilla velvet ribbon (#125637) around the jar and then added pearls to the ribbon.  Ohhh weee…. Super pretty.

Now for something completely different.  I received an email from another Crafting company and it had a pin cushion very similar to this.  I went and bought these small antique frames and removed the glass.  I stuffed my Beau Chateau fabric into the opening and stuffed my stuffing inside.  Once it was stuffed to my desired stuffiness I pushed the backing back onto the frame.  Once that was locked in place I pulled the fabric from all sides to make the fabric tight.  The back was not pretty at all and unacceptable.  I decided to get my favorite tool of the season out, My Glue Gun! We are BEST FRIENDS right now.  To make the back a little more presentable I stretched the fabric on the back and used a glue gun to hold it in place.  It was perfect. 

I think these are perfect gifts for friends, families and even teachers. Very delicate for a lady. 

***Just had a light bulb moment to make the backs of this pin cushion pretty.  I'll share tomorrow with more pics.

Back to work for me.  I am pulling all the Fall/Harvest/Halloween decorations out and decorating my stamp room.  I do this every year and it's so much fun.  I love to see all the projects from years past. 

Hope your day is fantastic and you can visit my Spooky Online Craft Store HERE!  Pick up your own Fabric today so you can make a few Pin Cushions yourself.  Then you can coordinate a card or another decor project using the coordinating accessories.  WOW. This is why we LOVE Stampin Up!

XOXOXOXO

They are all the rage and so simple to make.  Let me show you one that I made in about 15 minutes.  I started mine with a clean Jelly Jar.  Just so you know I'm making the kids eat lots of Peanut Butter and Jelly so we can collect more jars.  Okay, just kidding. 

When you start with your fabric, the amount needed will depend on the size of your jar lid.  My lid was pretty small. I used pinking shears to get a nice edge all around the fabric.  It looks so nice. 

I took a wad (great technical term) of pillow stuffing and placed my Spice Cake Fabric over it and over the lid of my jar.  To help me out I placed a rubber band around the fabric and lid to keep it in place. I then took a strip of coordinating fabric from the Spice Cake line and cut this strip using my Pinking shears again.  I wrapped this around my rubber band so you couldn't see it and tied the fabric in a bow.  I placed my pretty heart pins into the pin cushion at an angle because my lid is very shallow.  It works perfectly.

I could add DSP around the bottom of the jar but I really like this simple look just how it is.  Wouldn't this be a fun gift to give to friends, Teachers or loved ones? They would make a great craft show project too. You could add a simple tag made from the coordinating products and SHAZAM you have a FANTASTIC gift. LOVE It!

You can order this amazing Spice Cake Fabric and others in my On Line Store. 

***NEW MDS DOWNLOADS TODAY!!!***

Click HERE to see the fun new downloads! Go to my Digital Store today to get your own. 

Make it a GREAT day!!

XOXOXO

The chocolates can be found at Costco or you can get the fancy flat chocolates at Target.  I prefer the first because you can buy a HUGE bag of them at a reasonable price.  I am in the process of making the kids teachers a Valentines Basket and this is one of the projects that will go into the basket. 

Here is the project & video!  I hope you enjoy! I have to finish up more of my Valentines for the Prince this week and I'm in the middle of stamping chaos as I get my DIVA projects finished and in the MAIL!  I'll share once they have received their pretties.  It's a BUSY stamping week here….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDx1FLUaSbs

To watch the video in HD click on YouTube at the bottom right corner. 

In other news..

I don't know about you but it seems like my weekends FLY by!  It was so nice to sit with friends last night and watch the Super Bowl together and laugh at the commercials.  Russ and I are HUGE Dorito fans so the commercial of the guy licking the finger of the other guy…. made me laugh ALL night.  Just thinking about it right now makes me giggle again.   I really loved everything about the Super Bowl.  I am not much of a football fan but there is something about watching each team and how they come together for the win.  It's almost a little emotional for me.  Then I am so excited for the team that wins and crying sad for the other team.  I know… pretty sad!  Anyways, I loved it all.  The half time show was spectacular and seeing all the people in the stands gave me goosebumps.  I ate all night long.  I love a good reason to graze on food.  <smile> SO, even though I was rooting for the Steelers (Russ said so) I will give a shout out to all my CHEESE HEAD friends and say "Congratulations! Your team did an outstanding job!"  I don't think I could be a Cheese Head.  That hat would surely mess my hair up!

Have a FABULOUS Monday!

XOXOXO

Finally! Time to share one of my favorite new projects.  I shared these at Leadership….

I know I am terribly late for this video!  I said weeks ago it would be available.  The truth of the matter is I'm always coughing and sniffling with allergies.  The video just wouldn't have sounded pretty!  Not that this one does- I'm laughing at myself in the video!  *giggle*

I am SO excited to share these with you.   I LOVE making these little cuties.  They are fast and fun and YOU can totally make these gems. 

Here is a close up view:

I don't think my Prince will wear this to work on his uniform however it will be part of the last gift for Valentines.  Bwhahahaha!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKa8VHVLSfs

Here is the project from the video all finished and still a little "Jacked-Up!"  This is lingo from my 9 year old that means it was a mess!  Seriously, I cannot stamp and video at the same time.  Hence the giggles on the video.  I crack myself up!

While it may be Jacked-Up, I think I saved it.  <sigh>

Here is the Ginormous one…

You will notice this poor thing didn't come home in perfect condition from Leadership. It was pretty banged up.  I tried to fix it the best I could.  I think you can still get the idea.  Next time maybe I'll have one of those genius moments where I take the pictures BEFORE I leave.  DUH!

Ready to see my new specs?  I'm grateful my little girl can actually take a photo. 

I'm still working on my Valentine Card for tomorrow.  Last minute Nelly as usual!  He'll get it.    I'll share in the morning. 

XOXOXO

Check these out!

I'm so excited because these little snowmen are my babies FINGERS!!! *Okay… they are not babies anymore but they are in my eyeballs!!* Ahhhhhhh!  Make me squeal! This is so fun! I've done all kinds of projects with their little hands but this is just the cutest thing ever.  It's a little messy but I can tell you that my kids and our sweet friend Alex had a BLAST making this project. 

The kids made three each so I can give one to each grandparent and of course one is MINE!  I wrapped a little ribbon around them and they are going straight onto my Christmas Tree.  This project is just so special.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.  You can go HERE for the full tutorial on how to make these and supplies you will need. The main supply will be little fingers.  Hee Hee!  Thank you eighteen25 for such a fun project!

On another note- Thank you for all the comments on the blog design.  I am so glad you like it.  It's pretty exciting. 

I've been in the office today making last minute things for my kids teachers.  You will see the "baskets" in just a few short days.  Plus I finished Lexi's birthday invitations.  Now the only thing hanging over my head are my Christmas cards that are COMPLETED but have to be addressed.  Russ gave me the friendly reminder today.  I explained in my nicest voice I could find that as long as these cards are in the mailbox before December 25th we are "On Time" in my book! 

I hope you had a marvelous weekend.  I sure did.  I feel accomplished this weekend.  It's a good feeling. 

xoxoxo

One of the things I procrastinate the best is wrapping my gifts.  Oh how I hate to wrap gifts.  I do not have a talent for making them beautiful.  However I do have a talent for making the tag on the outside beautiful.  This is one of those times I just accept and move on.  Yesterday I wrapped most of the kids gifts.  I *love* watching them come home and just waiting to see their reaction when they see there are gifts under the tree.  It took 2 hours for them to figure it out.  ??? How does that happen? After they found them it was all over.  They were two monkeys bouncing off the walls and it couldn't be stopped.  Funny how on a normal day this would probably drive me crazy.  Yesterday, it didn't bother me at all.  I loved watching their excitement and it made the evening filled with fun too. 

Since my packaging stinks, let me show you the tags I made.  We made these tags at a workshop this past weekend too.  Now we didn't use all the bells and whistles like the ones I am going to show you but it was pretty darn close. 

Look at what I did to this photo.  I made it look REALLY vintage.  I have an obsession with the SnowMAN above because he is so vintage and fun.  Check this out:

I love it. 

Another thing I made a couple weeks back was Stampin' Up!'s Christmas Countdown calendar.  What a hit this has been in our house.  My mom *always* made these for me and my brother.  Typically they had little candy canes on them and we got to eat a candy cane each night.  It was so exciting until my brother would fall asleep on the couch and get his candy cane stuck in his hair.  Wish I had that picture handy!! 

Anyways, I filled their boxes with all kinds of things.  Each night they take turns opening a box.  This is a photo collage of the big reveal last night.   

The picture of Alexis laughing almost made me pee my pants… The look on Brandons face says it all.  He knows Santa's watching every move.  <smile>

Lastly, another funny:

See no evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil…. Look what I am! ???  As if! 

Hope your week is fantabulous! I'm off tonight to a DSWA meeting up in Alexandria.  I'm excited about this!