Let me show you the Supah Spooky Card!

As you can see, LOTS of products. Some new, some old.  All together… they make a fun Halloween card.  Below is a list of supplies!

Stamps: From the Crypt (115460), Style Beautiful (120483), Seasonal Sentiments (121130)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Basic Black Striped Grosgrain ribbon (ribbon cut in half), Nite Owl DSP (123012), Cutter Kit (SERIOUSLY, favorite tool!), Distressing Essentials (118762), Rhinestones, Vintage Trinkets

Now, I have to just add one thing.  You NEED the Distressing Essentials.  Super great tool for your stamping needs.  It's like Sugar in your kitchen.  It's a staple product, right? Well, this Distressing Essentials is just that too.  Staple in your stamp room.  Gotta have it!  Add it to your order this month using my Online Shopping button and I will send you a card made using this GREAT tool!

Our vacations continues but only for a few short days.  <sigh>  I think we've packed in more fun this last week than ever.  I know my kids are starting to get wrinkles at a young age from too much smiling. Or, could it be prolonged time in a pool? Either way it's been great watching two very happy chicks play! Today was supah amazing.  We went on my parents boat and fished.  I personally did not touch a pole.  I was there for shooting the pics.  Little did I know Brandon wasn't keen on fishing either.  Let me set the story straight.  This child has a heart for animals.  We caught little minnows early this morning to have bait for fishing.  Once Brandon caught those minnows it was all downhill. They were now his FRIENDS and there was no way we were using them for bait.  Everyone had to be very strategic when baiting their hook.  Anyways, the kids both caught fish.  We threw them back in the ocean and Brandon said a prayer tonight that the fish were okay.  <sigh>  It was an awesome day with AWESOME memories!

Here are TWO happy Kids!

And you know how much I love chubby birds? This one below is one of my favorite photos!

I hope you have great plans for the weekend.  We have one more great day to spend here and then we are back to reality.  I'm hoping our new friend "Hurricane Earl" doesn't decide to stay too close to the coast.  It could make getting home a little nuts. 

Instead of doing the same ole treat I switched it up and created a little treat for Halloween.  My poor kids are so confused with the holidays right now.  Alexis does NOT understand why I am creating for Halloween so soon.  Brandon thinks Christmas is next month!  So funny!

Okay, here it is…

Ready to create? Watch my video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CjCQsmY1PI

Materials List:

Stamps: Wicked Fun

Ink: Basic Black

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Naturals Ivory, DSP Wicked Fun Specialty #117400

Accessories: Decorative Label punch (Holiday Mini), Glimmer Brads (SO fun, coming in the Holiday Mini), Markers: Tangerine Tango, Concord Crush, Basic Black, Vintage Trinkets, 1 1/4 Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Border Scallop punch, Chocolates at Costco…

In other news, I am trying to get my kids ready for school.  You know the drill- haircuts, school clothes and school supplies.  Tonight as I put my boy to bed we had a deep chat.  More like another life lesson.  I have to admit that I love bedtime because it seems to be the time my kids really open up and chat.  Probably because they don't want to go to bed! Tonight's conversation was so sweet.  It was all about making new friends.  He's nervous and misses his friends in Colorado.  I wiped away little tears tonight and shed my big tears later.  Again, this will all be water under the bridge soon.  Friends will be made and we will laugh about all this soon. With our other moves the kids were smaller and meeting new friends was all relative.  Now that they're a little older this is a HUGE issue.  I'm excited for the school year to start so they can meet new buddies.  I think the first day of school will be memories like their first day of Kindergarten.  Bittersweet.  I'll be nervous for them myself. 

Enjoy the video and we'll meet up again in a few days-possibly tomorrow if I can get myself together. 

Tonight will be a quick post and something new.  My goal was to keep showing Summer Mini Products.  I can't lie…. I just needed to touch that new stuff.  It's so pretty and was calling for me to play with it. 

Can you scream for FABRIC???  I'm beyond excited that Stampin' Up! is offering a few pieces of fabric and I think you will too when you see just what you can do with it.  Don't think of of the traditional sewing machine.  If you are like me and have a sewing machine but only know a few stitches, well the fabric is still for you. It will be available on Sept 1st and it's going to be an adventure as I show you non traditional ways to use it.  Yippie.  Now, notice that cute little bag? It's also available on Sept 1st.  Wanna know the coolest thing?  It's already scalloped.  If you are a busy mom looking for FAST, FUN and SUPER cute goodie bags… Look no further.  Stampin' Up! is here to take care of you.  For me, time is precious and this saved me time just making this fast little bag. 

As I was playing with the Fabric, Alexis asked me to teach her to sew.  I had a feeling of, "oh no!" Where is my mom when I need her?  I really do not know how to sew.  Maybe a basic stitch or two but that is it.  In fact I have to get the instruction book out every time I need to thread the machine.  Seriously pathetic!  I couldn't let my little girl down and I couldn't embarrass myself so I sat with Alexis and taught her pretty much what I know about sewing.  She had a blast and it was GREAT bonding time for the two of us.  Tomorrow we are learning the ZIG ZAG stitch.  Don't laugh… this is HUGE for both of us. 

Here is my girl:

Isn't that sweet? Okay, so much for short…. the video is still not ready. I'm off to bed.  A video will be posted soon.  Hope your week is everything and FABULOUS!

Here we are playing with stamps…

It felt GREAT to teach again.  Ahhhh…. This is what I LOVE!

Let me show you what we made last night. 

I first demonstrated how great the Big Shot is.  Who doesn't love the BIG SHOT? Seriously, it's the BEST. I wanted to show how the Two Tags Die Cut is fabulous and versatile.  Remember the last card I showed to you?  Remember I said I created that card with something in mind? I wanted to show many ways to use this die cut.  I showed the card, Birthday/Christmas Tags and then this little cutie:

I will share how to make the project above tomorrow.  It's fast and easy and great for party favors. 

Then my workshop guests made these two projects:

I love the bright colors of this scrapbook page.  The inspiration for the colors came from my Color Coach that Stampin' Up! has.  This is such a GREAT tool that everyone should purchase. If you struggle with color combinations, Get the "COACH!" -120148

Lastly, we made a Christmas Card.  It's that time to get busy on your Christmas cards.  There are tons of great stamp sets to choose from and this one is a fun, simple set to use.  It's called Welcome Christmas- 120597

It was a fantastic night and I can't wait until the next workshop…. Yes, we will be meeting again.  WHOO HOO!!!!

The rest of my weekend has been filled with enjoying my family and more organizing.  Today I took Russ to IKEA.  He was in a state of confusion because he didn't "get" the store set up.  He probably couldn't concentrate either because I was singing the entire time we were in the store.  What can I say?  The store just makes me happy! I did get a few goodies for my stamp room.  I'll share soon.  LOL!

Enjoy your week. 

I loved using this die cut as a piece to stamp my sentiment.  Here is the card a bit closer…

I used my Scallop Border Punch and added a double scalloped piece to this card.  Kinda fun and different.  Here is a side view.  I mean really, can we have too many views on a card?  My camera was being nice to me so I might as well blog about it. I do love this Favorite Thoughts stamp set from the Summer Mini.  Love the sentiments. 

Here are the supplies used for this card:

Stamps: Favorite Thoughts (120048), Cute by the Inch (Level 1 Hostess Set), Belle Wheel (121430)

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy and Vanilla

Accessories: Blueberry Crisp DSP (117392), Neutral Buttons (119743), Spritzer Tool (107066), Linen Thread (104199), Vanilla Taffeta (109071), Two Tags Sizzix Die Cut (115954), Scallop Border Punch

Okay, before I leave I want to clarify a few things from my video yesterday.  I've received a few questions about a couple things and I can't seem to keep up with all my email. <VERY SAD FACE!>  Well, I could answer you but my kids would be running around naked because of a back log of laundry.  YIKES! 

Here goes… The Scrapbooking Canvas on my wall, you can find a tutorial on Splitcoast.  You can also search on my blog for other close up views of different canvas that I've done. 

For those of you that are new to either Stampin' Up! or rubber stamping, please realize this stamp room is about 7 years in the making.  <smile>  7 years ago when I started my business and started stamping I worked in a very small room with ONE 6 ft table and made some U-G-L-Y cards in the beginning.  I can almost bet the recipients of my FIRST swap laughed and felt sorry for me. My point is that regardless of your space, if you keep it organized it can be your own little paradise.  I've collected a lot of great stampin' tools over the years and when they are out in the open and not in a drawer I use them.  The same with my embellishments… they are out to see and USE. 

Thank you so much for taking the tour and I will keep you posted on new changes that I make to it.  Believe it or not, I've already rearranged a shelf.  <sigh> 

I hope your weekend is spectacular.  I've got TONS of stamping to do.  I plan to turn my tunes up loudly, dance in my stamp room and STAMP, STAMP, STAMP!

There's home improvements:

…a special TOUR at the White House:

*I just love how my family can go from silly to formal in a split second.*

And of course… Organization!  It really seems like the "organization" process of "moving in" takes forever.  If you knew how many times I've  rearranged my stamp room you would laugh.  Nothing really works until you put it to the test.  When I start to create -it's a disaster.  I cannot find anything!!  This brings me to more organization and before I know it 2 am is here.  UGH! Seriously, my stamping time typically doesn't start until 9pm.  I work all day upstairs in the house decorating/organizing. Once those sweet chick's go to bed I climb downstairs to let my mind unwind.

In between the silly's and touring the Greater DC area I've had my personal pity parties.  These tend to come after I talk to my friends far away.  It's okay, really!  I'm still allowed more pity parties for a good two months.  <smile>  Pity parties are good for me.  They make me reflect on all the great things in my life when I think everything is in the toilet!   Russ is a great listener and knows when to answer with, "Yes Dear!" and not give advice-Just listen!

I finally have the next installment of the rest of my craft room.  Keep in mind this room will change many times over until I get it just "right!"  The room is big and I love it.  It's missing one important thing right now… PEOPLE!  Guess what?  It will have GOOD people in it on Saturday for my first workshop! I'm SUPER excited!!!!  There is room for LOTS and LOTS of stampers.  <wink> So… take a peek! 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj0wnWyRiHk

The other day I shared a card I made for my son's first day of school.  Tonight I will share my daughters.  I wanted to go more girlie with hers but ended up using a different color combination that really wasn't girlie but I likey!

Here are the supplies used!  I hope your weekend is filled with lots of family time and stamping. 

Stamps: First Day (120051), Rough Type (120072), Extreme Elements (115181)

Ink: Early Espresso, VersaMark, Real Red

Cardstock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Kraft

Accessories: Go Go Boots Sizzlits, Big Shot, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch (Holiday Mini), Spiral Punch, Rhinestone accents, Brights Decorative Buttons, Play Date Quick Accents (117172)—->This is the self adhesive die cut's found on page 176 of the catalog—-->YOU will LOVE these!

The First Day of school is not far away and already I can tell my kids are excited yet hesitant.  This school year will bring a few changes.  While some of these may seem so trivial they are a pretty big deal at our house.  For instance, I told the kids they would be riding a BUS to school and they thought this was SO cool.  Who knew something so silly would get these two kids flippin' for school?  While they are excited about this I am not.  I'll save that rant for another day.  The other exciting thing is meeting new friends.  Seriously, I cannot WAIT for this.  The neighborhood I currently live in is either staying clear of us or maybe there just isn't any kids around?  We haven't figured this out.  ???  Anyways, I do know my kids are done with Summer and welcome the school year.  There are a few things they are hesitant about.  New teacher, expectations of the school, is the playground up to snuff?  You know, things "kids" think about!  Tonight my card is all about Brandon!  He'll be my little Fourth grader.  My card tonight will be a card I will slip in his backpack on his first day of school.  Just to let him know that I think he's going to be a cool Fourth grader. 

I'm still stickin' to my goal of using my Summer Mini products. I couldn't help but use a few other new tools.    Below you will find a list of supplies and tomorrow night I hope to share two things… Alexis card for her first day and a video showing the other half of the room.  The only thing holding me back from that video is more organization.  I need to just STOP!! 

Stamps: First Day (120051), Rough Type (120072), Sanded Background

Inks: Early Espresso

Cardstock: Real Red, Early Espresso, Marina Mist

Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Modern Label Punch, GoGo Boots Sizzlits, Vintage Tags, Cutter Tool Kit, Decorative Label Punch (Holiday Mini)

See you tomorrow!!

I did make two projects to share with you that I really love.  I do feel like I've been robbed from my Summer Mini.  Not that it's ALL mine but I have many of the stamp sets that I just haven't had the time to play with and I am determined to use them this week to get my fill.  Then of course the NEW catalog stuff that I just can't stop using because it's so beautiful.  I tell ya, Stampin' Up! really does a number on me.  I love it ALL! 

The first card uses the Pedaling Past stamp set.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Pedaling Past (Summer Mini) 120069, Wonderfully Worn Background 118533

Ink; Basic Black 101179, Crumb Cake 121030

Cardstock: Crumb Cake 119686, Basic Black 121045, Very Vanilla 101650, Cherry Cobbler 119685

Designer Paper: Love Letter 117162

Accessories: Curly Label Punch 119851, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Basic Black 115615 (SERIOUSLY MY FAV!), Corner Rounder 119871, Dimensionals 104430, Vintage Trinkets 118764

Here is basically the same layout but a different image and a different technique with the Ribbon. 

This set is called Timeless Treasures 120615.  Great set for the Antique lovers.  Both images are stamped with Basic Black ink and then I used the Wonderfully Worn Background stamp over it using Crumb Cake.  Here are the products used for this card:

Stamp Sets: Timeless Treasures 120615, Wonderfully Worn Background stamp 118533

Ink: Basic Black, Crumb Cake

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler

Designer Series Paper: Love Letter

Accessories: Modern Label Punch 119849, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Basic Black 115615, Antique Brads 117273, Dimensionals

I hope you're having a GREAT weekend.  My day will be spent putting some organization into our Living Room!  Oh Boy!

Here is the card for tonight.  There are so many products on here I will just have to list them.  Seriously a little overboard.  <sigh>

Talk about getting the right angle on these cards.  LOL!  Note the card holder… it was too heavy to stand by itself.  <giggle>

Here are the products that I used.  Many are from the Holiday Mini that will be released SOON.  So exciting.You will notice at the bottom I used the Waffle Paper.  I will show you how to use this great product once you have your hands on it.  I actually double layered the Waffle Paper and did a little silly dance because I thought it was Spooky Cool looking!!

Cardstock: Basic Black, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White,

Ink: Basic Black

Stamps: Dark & Dreary, Wicked Cool

Accessories: Spider Web Embossing Folder, Waffle Paper Assortment 2, Nite Owl DSP, Raven Lace Trim, Brights Designer Buttons, Large Scallop Punch, 1 3/4" Circle punch, Rich Razzleberry Marker, Spritzer Tool, Shimmer Paint, Scallop Border Punch, Cutter Kit

I hope your week is going fantastic.  I'm plugging away at a long list of things to do.  It's all good things.  Things that make me happy!  I'm looking forward to this weekend.  I think we will surprise the kids with something fun to do.  It hasn't been the most event filled summer for them. I did get "Best Mom Award" today when I found Raspberry Filled Krispy Creme donuts.   Oh my word they are soooooooo good! I ate TWO!

I hope to surprise you with something new tomorrow!

I know I'm a day late on posting the video.  I had a full weekend and enjoyed my family all day on Sunday in my pajamas. Love days like that.  The start of my weekend was shared with Janet Wakeland at her team meeting.  It was such a great meeting and her team is filled with amazing talent and gracious women. I appreciate Jan for letting me come to visit and I learned so much. 

I have two videos tonight.  I cannot find where you can upload one long video.  ??? If one of you know where that information is on You Tube, let me know. 

The first video is the last of the questions. I cut my head off.  That should make you laugh.  So glad I can make cards better than videos!  The second video is of my office. This could potentially BORE you.  I will share the other half of my room later this week.  It's coming along but filled with Retired stuff EVERY WHERE! 

Thank you for putting up with the videos.  It's been so much fun and thank you for the feedback. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPdfWHIh_4g

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7SQ1NyB0IA

Now on to my card for tonight.  The new catalog is still so exciting to open because I love almost every stamp set.  Besides the Aviary Stamp Set, the Funky Four stamp set (120438)  is another one of my top favs.  Those little mushrooms are so cute.  Here is my card:

I used Whisper White Craft ink on the Crumb Cake cardstock.  Once that dried I added a little Dazzling Diamonds onto some of the mushroom.  The background of the Chocolate Chip cardstock I used the Wonderfully Worn (118533) background stamp set.  Great background.  The Designer Paper is from the Neutrals Patterns DSP Stack (117157). As for accessories, I used the Antique Brads (117273) and the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (119275).  I also used the Scallop Edge Border (119882).  I seem to use this border punch on every project I do lately! 

I hope your week has started off GREAT.  I know mine has. 

This week is going to be all about STAMPING.  I have lots and lots to stamp both work and play.  I can't wait to share!