Over the next few days I'm going to share the start of my blitz.  I'm going to try and start working on a few kid Valentine projects this weekend, too.  It's always best to come up with these things early.  Not that I am one to talk about being on time.  I am just now getting my Christmas cards out.  I like to spread the Christmas cheer a little longer than others.  

This card uses a fun stamp set called P.S. I love You.  Love the name, Love the set.  This set has 15 stamps in it.  You can get the clear set for just  $27.95! Heck of a deal if you ask me.  Besides, who can put a price tag on something when you are making it for your lover? Check it out:

Anyways, I started this card with a Very Vanilla card base.  I then adhered the First Edition DSP to the front of the card and used my snazzy Edgelits Die and cut the bottom.  Then I added a piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock to the backside of the front panel and embossed with the Adorning Accents Embossing Folder.  WOW! Just a little snazzy texture embossing packs a HARD punch on this card.  I love it.  

I cut my cool hearts using the Hearts Collection Framelits Die.  LOVE it.  I did a little sewing down the middle on two of the hearts.  I liked how that turned out.  Lastly I added my Cherry Cobbler buttons and a little Blushing Bride Smooch Spray. WOW, love that spray.  It's beautiful.  

Even though it had a little sewing machine action on the card it was still pretty simple.  Wanna know my FAVORITE thing about this stamp set? The fonts! You will love the fonts of the sentiments.  No worries, I pushed the limits on this set last night.  More ideas coming your way with this set.  

If you want this set for yourself, click HERE!  I think it's a must have this Love Season! If you want to check out more of the Occasions Mini, Click HERE!

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

First a new Promotion from Stampin' Up!-

Sign up to be a demonstrator between now and October 31st and you will receive a Big Shot included with your KIT! Already have a Big Shot? No worries, you can choose $100 in FREE products! WOW.  Now is a GREAT time to become a demonstrator.  Earn a little cash for the holidays or become a hobby demonstrator and enjoy some of the best crafting supplies around.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain with Stampin' Up!  You can read more about becoming a demonstrator on my Join My Team page.  If you have questions, please never hesitate to ask. 

Normally this time of year I am floating around a room filled with women raising money for Breast Cancer research. This year marks the Sixth Year of Stampin' for a Cure in Colorado Springs, Co.  My team of demonstrators as well as a few not on my team gather together and work hard to come up with projects, silent auctions, and much much more to make this day the best that it can be.  This is the first one I am missing.  It feels very strange not being there but I am confident they are doing an outstanding job.  I've skyped in once today to see all the fun they are having.  Tried not to cry as I miss them all so much.  I could hear the excitement in the background and could see blurry smiles on the faces of both customers and demonstrators.  That makes my heart pound.  Due to our circumstances with the Prince away, I thought it would be best not to travel. There will be many more.  I also plan to start a Stampin' for a Cure event here in my local area.  The only reason I didn't do it this year was because I spent 6 months feeling sorry for myself.  Once I found Kimberly again it was a little late to get it going.  No worries, next year will be great.

October 1st is also World Card Making day.  It's a day to create until your fingers cramp.  Here are a few pieces of inspiration for you. 

This card uses the cute stamp set called Out on a Limb (#123824).  I also used the Pick Your Poison DSP #(124001).  Fun card for Halloween.  My favorite image besides the witch are the clouds. Super cute.

This card is a beauty. Plus it has a Faux Metal Technique that was used with the witches boots.  The added toole just makes it sassy vintage. Lots of stamp sets on this card: Teeny Tiny Wishes(#115370), Wicked Cool (#120600), Piece of Poison (#123754). Also used on this card is the First Edition Specialty (#121878). 

You can find all these fantastic products in my spooky Online Store.  Enjoy World Card Making day and I hope to update you later with how the Stampin' for a Cure event is going. 

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

Cathy was able to leave with 34 completed projects. Can you believe it? That is MASSIVE stamping.  If you follow me on Facebook you probably were able to see many sneak peeks.  If you want to follow me just look to the left of the screen.  Hit that Follow Me button and you can follow my crazy life and other sneak peeks.

Get ready for some great projects, VIDEOS (yes, you see that correctly) and fun new stamping coming your way over the next few weeks. Thank you for letting me recover over the last 4 days too. LOL!

Let's get the party started.  I have a spooky card to share and it's HYBRID!

Why do I love My Digital Studio? Because I can shrink that BIG ole Bingo stamp to the size I wanted. We were inspired by a card in the Paper Crafts magazine and it used the cutest darn Bingo card.  We quickly grabbed our Bingo Stamp and started to create.  I had a big pouty face when the Bingo Stamp was too big for what I was making.  Genius Cathy says, "Silly, grab your digital Bingo stamp and shrink it with MDS!" DUH!

We did it! We shrank the Bingo image to a size we wanted and printed it out.  Holy Cow.  By this time I was doing a jiggle dance. I was super excited. 

**Side Note** If you don't have My Digital Studio, you need it.  Wait till I show you all the cool things I've made with it.  Oh boy! Also, coming soon will be a limited time Digital Hostess Option that is KILLER! Email me to book a workshop today.  I promise to make something super fun and cool with you and your friends!

The rest of the card uses many more fun products such as the Piece of Poison stamp set (#123754), Pick Your Poison Quick Accents(#124263), Pick Your Poison DSP (#124001), Dark & Dreary Stamp set (#121151) and the sweet new Pewter Embossing Powder.  We used this on the crow.  Did you know "Crows" are super trendy for Halloween?  These are great to add to your Halloween decorations and make sure your crow isn't naked.  Dress it up. I'll show you what I mean in a few days.  <wink>

Here is a little closer look at the card:

Don't forget to add a little bling bling to your card using or self adhesive Rhinestones.  Makes a project look super fun.Somehow I just think this silly Skeleton is CUTE! Is there such a thing?  

So there you have the first look of many more fun things to come.  You can find all these great products in my Spooky Online Store.  Check out the fun stuff and check out the Clearance items too.  Everyone likes a good deal. 

*Breaking News* New Digital Downloads today! Check them out HERE!

Have a fanTasTic Tuesday!

XOXOXOXO

P.S. The iPod bit the dust….

It's hard with Russ away and leaving the kids with family.  While my family would take them in a minute flat I have no worries when they take them I just feel like I am the one that needs to be home with them right now. I love my girlfriends but there is something about when these two cuties put their arms around your neck and hug you tight.  It feels so good.  Right now things are going SO great with the kids I want it to stay that way. I'm excited to hear all about the trip from my girlfriends attending and I know they are going to have the BEST time ever!

Other happenings:

Remember Sue who made the cool sunshine boxes for the kids? She sent the most amazing "Grand" Finale for the kids.  I'll be sharing as soon as I can get them still to take a picture. Again Sue, you are amazing. We love Sue!!

The little Gem's pulled a prank on me this past Sunday.  I'll share the full report tomorrow. It was hysterical.

 Now onward…

I'm gently falling into a trap of using this stamp set for everything.  Though isn't it the BEST ever when you can keep getting a ton of "mileage" on a good stamp set.  It makes me giggly happy when I can see my stamp set black from over use.  If it's clean rubber that means I wasted my money. This set is becoming a nice dark shade of rubbah! WHOO HOO!  

Here is a card I made with the intentions of making LOTS of them…

I loved the entire layout of the card because it was fairly easy. To finish this card off I decided to stamp the leaf onto Very Vanilla cardstock using Soft Suede Craft ink and embossed it with Clear Embossing Powder.  Then I took a dauber and used Pool Party, Cajun Craze and More Mustard ink to color inside the leaf.  Then using my snips I cut the pretty leaf out.  I plopped it onto my card using dimensionals and then admired my card. 

There was a BIG problem.  I needed to make a TON of this card.  While I loved the added leaf I knew this card would not be my friend after making them in bulk.  The leaf had to go.  I think it's fun that you can add just one element to a card and give it a little more dimension and WOW factor.  

I decided to go with this version:

This version was a little easier to make in bulk and I love those big buttons.  You can find these beautiful buttons HERE.  Again, I love the pool party added to these fall colors. 

If you are looking for more Fall Stamping supplies, take a look in my fancy Online Store filled with tons of fun products. Don't forget to check the samples there too.  Very pretty. 

Make it a great week.

XOXOXO

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

You are simply WONDERFUL for all the advice that you gave Brandon and I about his iPod.  I was pretty horrified with what I had done and I'm pleased to announce today that the iPod WORKS! There is no trace of a problem either.  I love White Rice.  It's my new friend and Brandon's too.  We were doing high fives in the kitchen as we started it up.  Brandon was doing some type of dance around the kitchen and I sat there sweating bullets prayerfully thanking God that I had not ruined it.  The three of us couldn't believe it and we couldn't wait to tell Russ. Can you believe it? Again, thank you for all your advice.  You are so kind.  This card is for YOU!

It's no secret that the Gently Falling (#123804) stamp set and matching DSP is one of my favorite Fall sets and paper this year. I love how the color Pool Party compliments all the colors in the paper.  It's truly a beautiful color that I think we would typically only use as a Summer color.  Maybe that's just my opinion but I never would have thought to use it in a Fall project. I love how Two Step stamping looks and the beauty of clear stamps make this fun technique even better.  To make this card I used a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock as the base.  Then I cut a piece of Very Vanilla at 4 x 10 1/2 and folded it in half.  I then mounted this onto the Crumb Cake card base.  Super simple and a fun way to make a card.  

I hope you are having a FABULOUS Monday.  I know this is going to be a GREAT week!!

XOXOXO