Meanwhile on the ranch I've been busy getting back to what I love the most.  Stamping! Since the kids are getting ready to go back to school it's time for me to go back to business. Believe it or not my Alexis is the driving force of me going back to work. She wants to know when her stamping friends are coming back? WOW! This could be her gentle way of telling me to get our of her face. *smile* I've put classes on the books and excited to see my customers again.  It seems like forever that I held a class.  

During the hurricane (or leaf blowing event) I was able to get a little stamping in.  The new Holiday Mini goes live in just a few days.  I can't wait.  This mini catalog is super fun with lots of great stamping toys to entertain you for months.  One of the projects I finished was actually a Make n Take project from convention this Summer.  Yes, I'm a slacker.  Not only that I screwed the whole thing up. This is what I get for not READING the directions.  This project was supposed to be made using the beautiful Timeless Portrait Fabric.  Not so much for me.  Since I cut my fabric completely wrong I had to do a switch a roo and use the Spice Cake Fabric that is coming out in the Holiday Mini. Oh how you will love this fabric!!!  Take a peek of my finished project.  I really like these boxes which are also available on September 1st. 

Then I made this card using the Spice Cake Designer Series paper and the Gently Falling stamp set.  Love this two step stamp! This was made for a swap I did with my team.  They are fantastic stampers. 

Time to get back to work.  I have a busy day ahead. 

Make sure you check out my new Stamps in the Mail that will be starting! We are using the Christmas Lodge stamp set from the Holiday Mini.  Details can be found HERE! You can also go to the top of my website and click on Classes to Go.  Just an FYI: The projects you make in this program are not simple projects.  They are projects that make you go WOWSER! Hope you can join me.  It's going to be another GREAT round!! 

I can't thank you enough for your patience in waiting for the FREE class tutorial using the Four Frames stamp set and Paisley Prints DSP.  I think it's a cute and easy project.  It will make a great gift for May Day or Mother's Day.  I'm not quite sure I understand May Day yet.  I looked online and there are so many different countries that celebrate it and then it became a little confusing to me. If it's just a day to give someone something you made I think it has to be a GREAT day! Without any further waiting…

Here are the projects. 

The first photo is the Card Holder.  This is so simple! At the end of the post you will see the document to download with instructions and you will see a short video (shortest I've EVER done!) on how to make this. 

These next four cards fit perfectly inside the Card Holder.  These are Note Card size but the Card Holder fits full size cards.  WOW, isn't that fun?

Download the Spring Blossoms Instructions HERE!  This will ONLY be available until the end of the month.  You will be able to find the document on my Classes to Go page after today. 

You can watch the video on how to make the Card Holder—–>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwowICxBk4g

You can find all the products to make this fun project in my Online Store. 

If you purchase the Four Frames stamp set and Paisley Prints DSP from me you will receive a bonus PDF with more fun card ideas as a THANK YOU!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope this inspires you to stamp away this weekend. I'll have more news on the home front later tonight.

XOXOXO

Anyways, yesterday was my day to spend with Alexis in her classroom. When I arrived I was asked by at least 4 kids who I was.  It's exciting I guess when a mom walks in a room. Lex and a few friends had just finished decorating cupcakes.  I wanted to get a few pictures so I wandered off that way.  Lex had lost interest in me and went off playing with someone else.  One of the little girls at the table asked if she could ask me a question.  I said, "Of course you can!  She says, "Are you poor?"  I looked at her puzzled because #1 I had never been asked this and #2 I was taken off guard. I said to her, "what do you mean?"  The other little girl at the table with us felt the need to chime in now.  She looked at me and said, " You know… Do you live in a Big house or a small house? Do you wear nice clothes or dungy ones?" All I kept thinking was WOW! Where is this coming from.  I told her I was neither rich or poor and asked her where this thought came from.  She looked up at me with the most serious face and said, "Well Alexis says you live on the street!"  Really, I ask? Hmmmm…. 

I asked Alexis later on last night where exactly did she think we lived and why in the world would she tell someone we lived on the street? Of course the answer to that was, "I dunno!"  Grrr…

Needless to say this bothered me a little. Mostly it made me laugh hysterically.  When I laid down to go to bed last night I think I figured out where she got her story confused.  Last week I earned another "Mother of the Year" award when I told Brandon to straighten his attitude or else he would be living on the streets.  I guess I will change how I word things.   The shelf where I hang my special Mother awards is getting a little full lately!

Besides going to parties I did bring the teachers their gifts yesterday.  Each year I like to do a 12 days of Christmas for them.  This year it just wasn't in the cards due to poor planning on my part. They each did receive LOTS of gifties and probably more than 12 but I lumped it into one basket.

I made them lots of "thank you" cards, notecards and little trinkets to go inside the basket.  I hope they enjoy! 

Time for me to work on another project.  I am going to try and scrapbook tonight.  WHOO HOO! It's been awhile.  I hope I have something to share.

Over the first weekend in October I left for Colorado Springs and held our 4th Annual Stampin' for a Cure event.  This event is so near and dear to my heart because we gather as a TEAM of demonstrators and STAMP out Breast Cancer. This team is not just my personal downline but other demonstrators from around the area.  I love how these women work together.  Boy do they work.  The work involves a lot of time, energy and DONATIONS but the end result is truly PRICELESS.  The last three years we have done the event we have never met our fundraising goal.  This year that changed!  Our goal for this year was $6K.  We raised $6110.00!  We also broke a record of having more than 100 participants come to the event.  I loved (SERIOUSLY LOVED) looking around the room all day watching these demonstrators smile ALL day.  I loved watching our participants stamp, meet new friends and reach out to those that have lost loved ones or survivors of Breast Cancer.  This year we had a Breast Cancer Surgeon speak to the participants about the statistics and treatment.  Our local Susan G. Komen chapter came to help support us.  The entire day was filled with AWESOMENESS!  I know the demonstrators were exhausted from their hard work but they went home proud demonstrators. I came home from Colorado a little tired but SO thankful to have so many great demonstrators working with me.  I'm so thankful to each participant that made time that day to come. I am just so proud that we MET our GOAL!  We've never given up on our goal.  The truth is it takes a lot of work to reach your goals but the rewards of meeting them are amazing. 

Here are a few pics of our great day.  I didn't take many because I was too busy running my mouth.  I know, nothing unusual there. 

You can tell everyone is happy.  

Michele is the coordinator of the Silent Auction and she does NOT mess around.  Her and Donna (partner in crime) go around the room showcasing the items and they do a GREAT job.  They are quite a team. 

These little soda bottles are SO cool. They were donated from a local soda shop called Squeak Soda Shop in Colorado Springs.  I loved how they personalized the bottles with our logo.  I made my girlfriend bid so I could just have ONE bottle to take home with me.  Hee hee.  If you're in Colorado Springs I highly recommend this little  shop.  Kids love it and so do adults. 

Last is a little inspiration and a little something for the gals that worked hard that day! Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I challenge you to make a few cards for someone that may be dealing with this awful disease or someone affected by it. 

Now that I am back home I have been busy getting caught up on EVERYTHING.  Being 3 months behind is not easy to play catch up.  I'm proud to say that I am starting to see progress.  This makes me happy. 

I hope you have a FANTASTIC weekend!!!!

I used the ribbon stamp in the idea book & catalog and made the ribbon behind it using the new Blushing Bride ribbon.  I just love those Antique Brads. 

Good things come with patience!  I know this has been a highly requested tutorial and I have delivered at a snails pace.  Sometimes my little chaotic life gets in the way.  <sigh> 

I loved this class because I was able to show how you can use the Glassine Bags in a new fashion.  You can view the TUTORIAL  by clicking HERE!  I would love to see your modifications to this little book.  So please share a link so we can see!  The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy your Easter weekend!  Big Stampin' Hugs!

I did get a lot of stamping done and actually taught a few classes too.  I had a fun class on Saturday called A Trip to Lovers Lane.  This box and card set was super fun.  My downline and super great friend Christy helped me prepare the box.  She is just the smartest girl when it comes to math.  I failed that subject in high school.  We had orginally seen this box at Regionals in Phoenix.  It was a bit smaller and I wanted to make the box fit 4 x 4 cards.  I gave the task to her and she DID it.  Let me show you!

I used all kinds of products on this box.  Since it was a trip on Lovers Lane I wanted it to be soft and romantic.  I love the flower on the front of the box.  I hope to make a video soon.  My sweet friend and fellow Advisory Board member Jan demonstrated this at the Regionals and it just WOW'd me.  You know, one of those "eye's pop out moments!"  I inserted one of the new epoxy brads into the center.  I used lots of Kraft cardstock and used the Very Vintage Wheel (surely you have this…) and rolled it across the top of the box.  I also used the Charming stamp set and the Define Your Life stamp set.  I also used the I {heart} Hearts stamp set.  Whoo Hoo!  So many sets! 

Here are the cards that fit inside:

Each of the cards are using the Sending Love Speciality paper.  It's so pretty.  Lots of bling on it.  I used lots of sets on these cards as well.  I {Heart} Hearts is the main set used on all the cards.  You can see I used lots of embellishments from punches, epoxy brads, and buttons to add dimension to the cards.  The base cardstock on all the cards is Kraft. 

I will try to get directions for this box later in the week or over the weekend.  I hope your week is shaping up to be the best.  Time for bed for me. 

I can’t tell you how much I love Halloween stuff!  I just think there are so many fun things you can stamp for Halloween.  I know not everyone digs it as much as me, but one of my classes I did the end of September and beginning of October was my all time FAVORITE!  This class was not only fun, but has the most unique box.  My friend Christy and I get together monthly to work on a class series that we named "A Trip to…"  Each month we have researched our project and come up with what we think is fun and unique.  Christy is my box guru.  I can give the girl a sketch and she just goes a mile further than I could ever think.  This box is my all time favorite.  This class to go is one I think you will love making and has more possibilities than just a Tombstone!

This tombstone holds 4 cards and 4 envelopes.  It’s a fun gift for anyone.  It uses the Graveyard Gala and From the Crypt stamp set.  Two of my favorites this year in our catalog. 

Class to Go Kit:  $8.95

 This class has a 14 page PDF of instructions to make the box and 4 cards inside the box for $8.95.  If you would like to purchase this class to go, click the Buy Now button below!  I think you will enjoy this fun class!

Once you have purchased the class please allow up to 24 hours for me to send the PDF.  Most of the time I am very quick to get your PDF to you. 

Have a FABULOUS week!

Finally, it’s here!  I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to update my classes to go.  I am so excited about this one!!!  These are classes that I teach every month in my home.  This month we took a trip to the Art Gallery.  We used the gorgeous Gallery stamp set and made a portfolio like no other.  You can purchase the 16 page PDF for only $7.95!  Click HERE to view more details about the class.  I think you will love this box.  There are four beautiful cards that go inside.  The PDF also includes a wonderful template to help you re-create the box. 

Have a FABULOUS week!

I think my Stenil blitz is almost over, but I hope you have been able to see the numerous projects you can make with this great product.  Todays project uses the stencil on Canvas.  I love making these scrapbooking canvas because no one ever pounds on my door to see my scrapbooks.  However, when they walk in my door, this is what they see.  I have them all over the place.  I used Acrylic Paint on the canvas with the stencil.  Worked like a charm.  Even better was using sponge daubers with them.  Here is a close up:

I also used Acrylic paint on the pretties flowers.  You can see all the products used at the bottom of this post. 

Okay, so I rarely save any retired sets unless I can see that I will use it for a craft fair or for one of my darling kiddo’s.  Last night I had to make FAST invitations for Brandons birthday party this coming weekend.  As usual, riding by the seat of my pants.  I used the retired set Ahoy Matey.  I miss this stamp set.  Here is his invitation and needless to say he was a tickled pirate when he went to bed last night. 

I LoVe that Circle Scallop Die Cut and then I used the Textured Impressions plate #4 for the bottom of the card and it looks so REAL!!!  In fact, I have a trick for the textured plates I hope to video soon.  *wink* 

Anyways, I know the set is retired but you can see I had fun making these little invites.  Now to finish the party planning.  YIKES!

Now for a few ANNOUNCEMENTS!  Please check the SPECIALS page for the MAY specials I have this month.  Also, take a look at the $75 Scrapbook Starter Kit.  This is an amazing DEAL and you don’t want to miss out on it.  If you are interested in the slightest about joining my team, check out the JOIN MY TEAM page for more information!  I support many demonstrators all across the United States and overseas. I have a GREAT team that you will find supportive, talented and fun.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact me! I have a special gift for anyone that signs up in May!

Also, I finally posted my NEW Class To Go! This was a fantastic class that I held in April.  If you love the Fifth Ave stamp set, you will love this box and 4 cards tutorial. 

Have a fabulous day!  Lots and lots of planning to do today.  Ut oh!

 Materials Used:

Scrapbook Canvas:

Accessories: Bella Bleu DSP, Pretties Kit, On Board Loads of Letters, Corduroy Buttons, Double Stitched Ribbon, Acrylic Paint, Kind Thoughts Stencil Small

Ahoy, Matey Invitation:

Stamp Set: Ahoy, Matey

Cardstock: Kraft, Real Red, Confetti, Basic Black

Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Black Stazon, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die Cut, Textured Plates #4, Cutter Kit, Clear Circle Die Cut, Blender Pens, paper piercer

All Supplies Stampin’ Up! unless otherwise noted!

Hold me back!  I am SUPER excited about a new program I have started!  I now have Classes To Go!  So many times I’ve heard from my long distance customers that they wanted to attend a class!  Well, now you can in the luxary of your own home!  My first class to go is called  A Trip to the Funky Forest!  To find out all the details and how you can participate, click HERE or go to the link at the top of my blog that says Classes to Go!

Stay tuned for more cute projects later today.  I have a lot of stamping to do!

Have a fantabulous day!