ANOTHER DOTTIE K RAK

I received ANOTHER beautiful RAK from my stampin' cyberspace friend, Dorothy Kinnear, aka Dottie K, with the nicest note inside! LUCKY ME!!!!

STAMPIN' UP! NOVEMBER PROMO, PAPER PARTY

If you're at all familiar with my stampin' style, you KNOW I use tons of Stampin' Up! Designer Papers! I call it my "crutch", rarely making a card or project without it! That's why I'm so excited to share with you Stampin' Up!'s November Promotion, Paper Party!

From November 1-30, purchase three packs of Designer Series papers, and receive one pack FREE! You can find the Stampin' Up! Designer Series papers on pages 170-173 of the Fall-Winter Collection 2007. This promotion also includes any Designer Series papers found in the 2007 Holiday Mini Collection too! Best of all, there are no limits as to the number of free packs you can earn!

To view the Fall-Winter Collection 2007 online, click HERE.
To view the 2007 Holiday Mini Collection online, click HERE.

STAMPIN' UP! SPECIAL OFFER, WISHING YOU CHEER

From now until November 3, order the stamp set, Wishing You Cheer, 20% off! Wishing You Cheer can be found on page 33 of the 2007 Fall-Winter Collection.

ALTERED HALLOWEEN DIXIE CUPS

My daughter is the Co-Section Leader of the Clarinet Section of her AWESOME Marching Band, and I always like to send treats with her on the holidays for the 20 girls and 1 boy in their section. I "thought" I would just whip these up yesterday .... "whip" is a relative term! Took me way longer than I thought they would even though they are very very simple! (I know what you're thinking ... "her daughter's in high school, and she's still sending treats to school with her?" ..... hey!, the kids love it!)

Speaking of Marching Band .... the kids had a FANTASTIC day competing in Tucson yesterday! They received a SUPERIOR rating and four captions! WOOHOO!!! One of the judges they had last week was also there yesterday, and said he couldn't believe how one band could improve that much in one week! I am so happy for that incredible group of kids! They work so hard, and put in so many hours .... yesterday's rating defenitely fired them up for the State Competition in two weeks!

These treat holders are 5 oz. Dixie Cups, covered in Creepy Crawly DP. To create a pattern, use an exacto knife to cut the bottom out of one cup, the cut down the seam. I also cut off the top lip for a more accurate pattern. Use this "torn apart" Dixie Cup as your pattern to trace onto the DP and cut out with scissors. When I cut the DP, I cut about 1/4" wider than the pattern so the DP will overlap when adhered to the cup.

Don't forget the KEY ingredient: STICKY STRIP. Because the DP is curving around the cup, regular tape won't hold!

The handle is Basic Black CS measuring 5/8" x 7", attached on the outside of the cup with a More Mustard Brad, surrounded by a 1/2" Basic Black CS Circle and a 3/4" Pumpkin Pie Circle.

The front of the cup is a simple medallion using the stamp set, Batty For You. Had to make these simple since there were 21 of them (would have liked to have embossed them) ... so the Batty For You images are stamped in Jet Black Staz-On on Whisper White twice. Punch the center image (without the surrounding words) out with the 1" Circle Punch, then the entire image with words is punched with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch. Really Rust or More Mustard CS punched with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch and Pumpkin Pie CS punched with the Scallop Circle Punch are used behind the stamped image. Adhere the entire medallion to the front of the Dixie Cup with Sticky Strip.

Now, we just need to fill with treats!

RECIPE
Stamps: Batty For You
Paper: Creepy Crawly DP, Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, and Really Rust CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On
Embellishments: More Mustard Brads
Tools: 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and Scallop Circle Punches
Supplies: Sticky Strip, 5 oz. Dixie Cups

NITESTAMPER CASE

Two of my most favorite stamping artsits on SCS have BRAND NEW BLOGS! I have been so very inspired by these talented stampers, I just HAD to let you all know about them!

The first is Nancy Morgan, aka ncmorgan on SCS. My favorites file is FILLED with her artwork! Her cards ALWAYS catch my eye when browsing the gallery!

ncmorgan's SCS Gallery: HERE

ncmorgan's new blog, Paper Smiles: HERE

The second is Chat Wszelaki, aka nitestamper on SCS. If you've spent ANY time on SCS, you've seen Chat's work! Not only is her work over-the-top gorgeous, unique and creative but she does every single SCS challenge ... every day, in addition to her full-time, night shift nursing job!

nitestamper's SCS Gallery: HERE

nitestamper's new blog, Me, My Stamps, and I: HERE

This card is a CASE of nitestamper's card found HERE. The only changes I made include: a) changed the colors and DP, b) some different bling on the tree, and c) I used the Word Window Punch for the slot in the Old Olive layer that the DP strip goes through, instead of the oval punch.

I had my card all put together with the intention of stamping the "Merry Christmas" sentiment in Very Vanilla Craft Ink as my last step. Well ... this was my very first time using my new Very Vanilla Craft Ink Pad .... let's just say, I think it was defective so I opted for Black Classic. Stampin' Up! is so great about that kind of thing though ... just called them up and they are replacing the defective pad!

The Perfect Presentation tree is stamped twice with the second raised on Stampin' Dimensionals. There is a Red Rhinestone Brad through the starburst of the tree. The circle tag is also stamped twice with the center "Dec. 25" raised on a dimensional.

RECIPE
Stamps: Perfect Presentation (Level Two Hostess), All Holidays, Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel
Paper: River Rock, Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla CS, Dashing DP
Ink: Old Olive and Basic Black Classic
Embellishments: Gold Brads, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Red Rhinestone Brad, Gold Elastic Cord
Tools: Word Window Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/2", 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

FRAN'S STUDIO

My friend, Fran Sabad just posted photos of her incredible Stamp Room this afternoon. You've GOT to see it to believe it! CLICK HERE! I asked her if I could move in, but haven't heard her response yet ... LOL!

SCS ULAS CHALLENGE WINTER BRIGHT

This week, Diane Gilbert (djluvs2stamp on SCS) is hosting the UP LATE AND STAMPING (ULAS) CHALLENGE on SCS. For details, visit Diane's blog, My Little Stampin' Spot.

The challenge was to alter anything. Just when I swore I'd never alter another lunchbox tin, I got the fever again last night! I've really been enjoying using the Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit, and thought it would work well for a tin. I kept the tin generic without dividers so the recipient could use it for whatever she wanted. (I'm keeping the recipient of this gift set a secret so she's surprised ... she reads my blog!)

I was inspired by my upline, Barbara Welch's coaster frame that she made as a door prize for the Portland SU Regionals. See Barbara's coaster frame and gift set on Cambria Turnbow's blog, Stamp A Little Love, Baby, HERE. Wallet size photos can be clipped on to the frame. The clips are by Making Memories and match the Winter Bright colors perfectly! (found at Michael's).
RECIPE
Paper: Winter Bright Simply Scrappin Kit
Ink: Bashful Blue Classic (for inking the edges of the coasters)
Embellishments: On Board Garland Greetings Chipboard Snowflakes (pg. 9 Holiday Mini 2007), Real Red Buttons, Red Gingham and Blue Gingham Ribbon, Pretty In Pink and Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Making Memories Clips
Tools: Spiral Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Corner Rounder, 1 1/4" Circle Punch
Supplies: Sticky Strip

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

I’ve been tagged by DAWN EASTON, TREASURE OILER DESINZ!

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. You can see DAWN EASTON'S inspiring blog here: http://treasureoilerdesignz.blogspot.com/

2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself (on your blog, we all want to know them).

3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

4. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven Random Things About Me:

1. I'm left-handed in MOST situations but do many things right-handed. I tie ribbon like a left-hander which is probably why I'm never happy with the way my ribbon looks. My penmanship, I'm told, is very good, and looks like a right-hander's, but I do it with my left hand! I don't curl my left hand around to write like most left-handers.

2. After living in Arizona for 20 years, my blood is very very thin! I get chilled so easily! My family is constantly rolling theirs eyes at me about it! I bring a jacket with me whenever I go to a public place (especially restaurants and movie theaters), even in the dead of Phoenix summer 110 heat (air conditioning is cold, you know!).

3. I love licorice ... red OR black. Favs include Red Vines, Red Rope, and Nibs.

4. I was a sorority girl in my college days (Alpha Xi Delta). My sorority sisters are STILL some of my most favorite people. Even though we hardly ever see each other .. when we talk via phone or e-mail, it's like going back in time 20 years! Go AZ's!!!!

5. I'm a home-body. Home is always my favorite place to be (probably because there's always so many things to do for dear 'ol Mom!) I find that the older I get, the more anxiety I experience when away from home for long periods of time.

6. I have an eight year old Beagle named Millie. She's very unusual looking ... she has the Beagle face, her body is all white, and she has a crooked tail. I've always told the kids that it'll be easy to draw a picture of her for a "lost dog poster" if ever needed! She's overweight, as Beagles' worlds revolve around food, and she's scared to death of anything in the sky. In the Fall and Spring, we have alot of hot air balloons that hover low to the ground near our home. Hot air balloons are very loud when fired up, and the noise scares Millie. So anything Millie sees in the sky, she's afraid of ... hand gliders, airplanes, sometimes even the moon!

7. Here's a quirky thing about me ... stamping related. I can't stand the sound of my ink pads clanking against the countertop when I ink my stamps so I have several squares of rubbery shelving liner at my workspace that I set my ink pads on when in use. I also have one for my double stick tape dispenser so it doesn't slide around when I use it.

Tag going out to:
Tammy, Creative Juices!
Lorri, Confessions of a Stamping Addict
Fran, Franticstampers
Diane, My Little Stampin' Spot
Lindsey, Stampin' With Linz
Pam, The Stamping Addict
Nancy, Paper Smiles

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE 137 and BEATE'S WEEKEND SKETCH CHALLENGE 24

I did the dumbest thing this morning! ... I sat down to do today's SCS Color Challenge (CC137) ... struggled and struggled ... about an hour later, I realized that one of the colors I was working with was wrong! I was trying to use Basic Black instead of Basic Gray! Since that first card wasn't workin' out for me anyway, it got scratched! Unfortunately, I needed a sympathy card so I used the CORRECT color challenge, along with Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge (WSC24).

So, today's SCS Color Challenge uses the colors of Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky, and Basic Gray (NOT Basic Black!)....and here is Beate's Sketch:

I tell ya' ... this card was impossible to photograph! Maybe it's the photographer?! Luckily, my DH came to the rescue and took this photograph for me. (It's still better IRL ... I don't know about your computer screen, but on mine it looks so GREEN!).RECIPE
Stamps: Baroque Motifs (pg. 126), Holidays & Wishes (pg. 143)
Paper: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White CS, and Soft Sky Prints DP
Ink: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, non-SU self-adhesive rhinestones
Tools: Tag Corner Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS SKETCH CHALLENGE 139

One of my favorite blogs, and bestest blogging friends, is Fran Sabad, Franticstampers. I've admired THIS CARD of Fran's since she posted it the end of August. I absolutely love this layout! I think it lends itself well to so many Stampin' Up! stamp sets. So I thought I would try to apply some of my stamp sets to it (which is also SCS Sketch Challenge 139).

Here's the Sketch 139:

SEASON OF JOY

This first card is very similar to Fran's card... just different colors, DP, ribbon, etc. The bling star on top of the Christmas tree was a Target $1 Spot find back in July. The center dots of the poinsettia were punched with a 1/8" circle punch (Old Olive CS) and adhered with Crystal Effects. The Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon was wrapped around the card, and stays in place with a few small pieces of Sticky Strip. The seam of the ribbon is hidden under the center horizontal CS panel. The bow is adhered with a glue dot.RECIPE
Stamps: Season of Joy (pg. 2-3 Holiday Mini 2007)
Paper: Dashing DP, Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla, and River Rock CS
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red, and River Rock Classic Ink Pads
Embellishments: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Misc. Non-SU Star
Tools: 1/8" Handheld Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, Glue Dot

PERFECT PRESENTATION
This next card turned out to be my favorite ... I'm LOVIN' the Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit! Such fun colors for the holidays, reminding me of the colors you see in the movie, "The Grinch". The Pretty In Pink Star on top of the tree, the blue scallop circle, and the striped vertical strip are die-cut stickers from the Winter Bright SS Kit. The Wild Wasabi and Purely Pomegranate Circles in the medallion are punched from the DP in the Winter Bright SS Kit.

RECIPE
Stamps: Perfect Presentation (Level 2 Hostess...pg. 20), "Merry Christmas" sentiment from All Holidays (pg. 143)
Paper: Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit (Bashful Blue, Purely Pomegranate, Pretty In Pink, Wild Wasabi)
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate Classic Ink Pads
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: 1/4", 3/4", 1" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Glue Dot

TRUE FRIEND
RECIPE
Stamps: True Friend (pg. 18 Holiday Mini '07)
Paper: Apple Cider DP (pg. 19 Holiday Mini '07), Really Rust, Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Close To Cocoa, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pads, Versamark
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brass Brads
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, 1", 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dot, Sticky Strip

SCS FEATURED STAMPER CHALLENGE FS37 TRUCARMA

Today's SCS Featured Stamper Challenge (FS37) features the beautiful gallery of Carole Burrage, aka TruCarMa on SCS. I knew the minute I clicked into Carole's gallery which card I wanted to case ... THIS ONE! I've had the stamp set, Perfect Presentation and the Simply Scrappin' Kit, Winter Bright for quite some time, and have been dying to use them! Although, I instantly had the vision in my head of what I wanted to do, once I started the process ... ughh!!! (and you all know what that means!). Funny how things look so different on paper than in my head! With the help of my kids' comments and suggestions, I (think) I pulled it together!

The Bashful Blue background was created using a Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, and using stickers from the Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit. The stitched Purely Pomegranate borders along the top and the bottom of the striped DP are also stickers from the Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit.

Here's what I changed from Carole's original design (part of the challenge is to change at least two things): a) different colors, i.e. ink & paper, b) added stickers to dry embossed background instead of brads and white gel pen, c) used sticker border along middle DP section instead of CS.

RECIPE
Stamps: Perfect Presentation (Level 2 Hostess, pg. 20)
Paper: Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit (pg. 176), Wild Wasabi, Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Purely Pomegranate Classic Ink Pad
Embellishments: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template, Cuttlebug and Embossing Folder
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals
Techniques: Paper Piercing, Dry Embossing

RETIRED STAMPS FOR SALE

I spent my entire day posting Retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets for sale on ebay. Included in my auctions are some unique and rare sets, a lot of retired Stampin' Around wheels, and a lot of non-SU stamps. I'm unable to provide the direct link to these auctions due to Stampin' Up! policy, but I can tell you my Seller ID, and you can look the auctions up that way. My ebay Seller ID: stampinat6213 (same as SCS!).

RAK FROM DAWN EASTON

I received this RAK PACKAGE from DAWN EASTON yesterday, and am STILL drooling over it! You've GOT to visit Dawn's blog, Treasure Oiler Designz! It is FULL of inspiring ideas! You'll want to visit DAILY (if not SEVERAL TIMES A DAY)!!!! Not only does Dawn have one of THE BEST BLOGS around, she's a super sweet person! I have so enjoyed getting to know her in blogland! Look at this card and notebook she made for me using my all-time favorite DP, Cutie Pie!Dawn personalized this notebook for me by using the letter "n" chipboard.... LOVE IT!!! She used a Bind-It-All Machine to make this notebook. GOTTA get me one of those!!!!!

How clever is this that she used Index Cards for the pages in the book, and used the Round Tab Punch for the tabs?!

This next photo shows the BACK of the notebook .... Dawn thought of every last detail! I'll be using this notebook to keep track of my ever-growing circle of blogging friends ... can't wait to start writing in it!

THANK YOU, DAWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

RAK FROM MICHELLE ANAYA

Yesterday was another exciting mail day! I received this RAK from Michelle Anaya. Michelle has been a Stampin' Up! customer of mine from the very beginning (and friend too!), and just recently purchased the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Starter Kit. She made this card for me to say "hello" and to share one of her latest creations using some of her new products from her Starter Kit! I just love how she made a slit for the main image diamond to slide into, and how she decorated the inside of the card too!

THANK YOU, MICHELLE !!!!

BLOG CANDY WINNER

I am in complete shock and awe over the number of comments left for the Blog Candy posted on Monday, 10/15! Not only am I overwhelmed by the numbers, but also the creative Halloween costume ideas ... WOW!!!! I didn't know there were so many things one could do with a cardboard box, balloons, rubber gloves, clotheslines, laundry hamper, burlap sack, longjohns, sheets, tablecloths, and more! If you're looking for Halloween costume ideas, the comment section of THIS POST is the place to go!

THANK YOU for an unexpected, wonderful response to the blog candy! Your costume ideas, AND nice comments about my blog and artwork are GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! Unfortuantely, there can only be one winner, and that winner is ............

Melissa .... who said ....
Congrats Nancy! Your blog is awesome! It's easy to see why you have so many hits! : )One of the costumes I had done was pretty simple - odd, but it worked.I wore some clothes backwards. I had cut out Cindy Crawford's face & neck, posted it to cardboard, cut it to fit the shape of me. Put it on the back of my head. Used barbie pins to keep my hair out of her face(LOL). Tucked the neck in my turtleneck to hide it. I would turn backwards, even for pictures. When people would look at the pictures - they'd say 'who was Cindy again?' So the disguise worked. Not to mention, my other half was real purdy! hehe.Thanks for all you do on your blog!~Melissa

Melissa, please contact me via e-mail with your mailing address. Thank you!

SCS SKETCH CHALLENGE 146

This card is for yesterday's SCS Sketch Challenge (SC146). It did not turn out like I had originally envisioned ... not quite sure if I even like it ... for what it's worth, here it is. Don't ask me why, but I wanted to use Basic Black with Purely Pomegranate ... love the dramatic combination, but not sure if I love it for a Christmas card. What do you think?

The "Merry Christmas" sentiment was stamped in White Craft Ink. The rhinestones in the poinsettia centers are adhesive rhinestones from Michaels. The paper pierced panel of CS behind the main image is Rose Red, and the poinsettia images were stamped in Purely Pomegranate and raised with Stampin' Dimensionals.

RECIPE

Stamps: Season of Joy (pg. 2-3 2007 Holiday Mini), "Merry Christmas" sentiment from All Holidays (pg. 143)

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, and Rose Red CS, Holiday Harmony DP (pg. 12 2007 Holiday Mini

Ink: Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate Classic Ink Pads, White Craft Ink Pad

Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon (pg. 22 2007 Holiday Mini), Adhesive Rhinestones from Michaels

Tools: Paper Piercing Tool/Mat/Template, Horizontal Slot Punch

Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

RAK FROM DOTTIE K

You may remember back in September when I was wondering WHO IN THE WORLD IS DOTTIE K?! (see previous post HERE). Dottie K was a mystery woman who left kind comments on my posts all the time. Since that post, I've gotten acquainted with Dottie via e-mail, and she sent me a sample of her artwork in this super cute RAK! Dottie is an avid stamper and scrapbooker, and as you can see from this card, the gal's got talent! Dottie has never shared her artwork in cyberspace before. Maybe with some encouraging comments on this post, we can get her to start sharing on SCS! *hint*hint* We all know what comments can do for our "stampin' self-esteem"!

LONG OVERDUE BLOG CANDY

It was less than 60 days ago when I offered my last blog candy celebrating 10,000 hits (Aug. 20 to be exact!). Today, I'm seeing my counter approach 42,000!!!! It just blows me away that you all are so interested in what I'm doing in my little 'ol craft room! What a hoot this is for me! I thank you very much for checking in every day, and leaving such encouraging comments! I'm overwhelmed!

Here's what's in today's blog candy: an alterable lunchbox tin, 3 sheets of SU Little Reminders Accents & Elements, two packages of self-adhesive rhinestone accents from Michael's, two jumbo paper clips from Walmart, an assortment of miscellaneous clips, eyelets, and brads.

How do you win? Humor me, and leave me a comment telling me about a unique, creative, and/or humorous Halloween costume you've worn or seen someone else wear. Give me all the details! I'll be needing ideas for the kids! If you don't celebrate Halloween, you can leave any kind of comment you like .... just say "hello" if you like! U.S. and CANADIAN Shipping Addresses Only, Please.

I will use Random.org to choose the winner on Thursday evening, Oct. 18. GOOD LUCK!!!

SCS FEATURED STAMPER CHALLENGE FS36 STAMPERTAMMY

Finally! .... a window of time to sit down and participate in a SCS challenge! Today's SCS Featured Stamper Challenge (FS36) is from the gallery of StamperTammy. Fun gallery to work in ... many wonderful choices ... so much talent! Here is StamperTammy's card that I chose to case. I kept the same layout, changed up the colors and main image.The bling in the centers of the poinsettias are basic craft store rhinestones that I glued on with Crystal Effects. The "O" in "SEASON" is a Light Blue Ice Circle Rhinestone Brad. The "O" in "JOY" was punched out of the Wintergreen DP with the 3/4" Circle Punch and mounted on a Stampin' Dimensional. RECIPE
Stamps: Season of Joy (pg. 7 & 8, '07 Holiday Mini)
Paper: Wintergreen DP, Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Always Artichoke Classic and Versamark
Embellishments: Light Blue Ice Circle Rhinestone Brad, Silver Elastic Cord (pg. 11, '07 Hoiday Mini), non-SU Rhinestones (poinsettia centers)
Tools: 3/4" Circle Punch
Supplies: Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimensionals

RAK FROM CAROL FRERICHS

Do you ever come across a card and think, "Gol, I wish I would have designed that!" because it so so incredibly perfect, unique and original?! That's exactly what I was thinking when I first saw Carol Frerich's CC134 - Embossed Baroque Card! I just sat there at stared at it in complete awe for the longest time! Well, lucky me! .... I received it in my mailbox yesterday!

Check out all the details about this card on Carol's blog, Stamp Like Crazy (her photo of the card is much better than mine too!). It's difficult to tell in the photos, but the main 3-panel image was covered in Versamark (after stamping the Baroque Motifs images), then heat embossed with clear embossing powder and repeated a couple of more times. IRL, it almost looks like it's laminated ... way cool! The Define Your Life stamp set is high on my wish list too!

Carol is incredibly talented, and her blog is FANTASTIC! She is a super nice person too! We've had fun chatting via e-mail ... she is familiar with the midwest farming community that I grew up in! THANK YOU, CAROL !!!!

HOMECOMING 2007

Allie went to the Homecoming Dance tonight ... just HAD to share! The first photo is Allie with her best friend, Britt, and the second photo is Allie and her date, Nick.

HAPPY MAIL

In addition to my eventful week, I've received several FUN things in my mailbox! The first is a RAK from Amy Goldenetz, aka am2gold on SCS, and her blog is amygdesigns. She sent me this beautiful card using the stamp set Heartfelt Thanks. The floral background paper Amy used is GORGEOUS ... looks textured, but is smooth. THANK YOU, AMY !!!I about fell over when I received this True Friend Pocket Card from Janice Weightman of StampaHOWLics. StampaHOWLics is a team of over 900 Stampin' Up! demonstrators that are in some way "related" to Janice (i.e. upline/downline relationship). Janice sent this card to me congratulating me for being in the TOP 30 in StampaHOWLic Sales for August 2007! I was #27!
Last month, I mentioned that I had won TWO blog candies in the same week. Here is the second one from Heather Brueck, Stamping Psycho. Heather's blog candy included a Square Scallop Punch (woohoo!), two TAC stamps, and a heart tin filled with die-cut tag shapes. Heather also included a beautiful hand-stamped card! THANK YOU, HEATHER!

SURPRISE HOMECOMING GUEST

Oh my goodness! What a FUN morning I had! I went to watch my daughter's high school's Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally. Allie's band marched in the parade and performed a portion of their show at the Pep Rally (they were AWESOME, as always!) The bleachers at the Pep Rally were filled with students, and many other school groups performed and made announcements. All of a sudden, they announced a SURPRISE VISITOR ..................... JORDIN SPARKS !!!!! Jordin attended our high school before pursuing her music career. Jordin even said her visit was last minute, and wasn't sure whether she was going to be able to attend or not. In true school spirit, Jordin wore her school jersey! She said she wasn't sure what to do, and the kids all chanted "SING SING SING!!!!". So, she did! I was so wrapped up in the moment and taking pictures that I couldn't even tell you WHAT she sang! The kids said it was one of her new releases. I tell ya', Miss Jordin Sparks is one class act! She is so sweet and down-to-earth ... the kids LOVE her!

If you're an American Idol fan like our family is, you may remember last Spring's episode with the hometown visits. That was Allie's school, and Allie's marching band in many of the shots! Now THAT was an exciting day!

Well, I'm off to the Homecoming Football game. My job tonight is selling 50/50 Raffle Tickets for the Marching Band, John's in charge of water for the band, and Drew will be covering the popcorn consessions during half-time so the parents can watch the kids' show.

APPLE DIP RECIPE

I served this Apple Dip at my Stamp Class the other night, and had requests to share it on my blog. It is super EASY, and is a staple in my refrigerator this time of year.

APPLE DIP

8 oz. Whipped Cream Cheese

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

Blend well, chill, and serve with sliced apples.

DREW'S 13TH BIRTHDAY

My youngest, Drew, turned 13 today ... and I am now a mother of TWO teenagers! Last week, I promised a photo of Drew all cleaned up ... here's my handsome young man with his homemade birthday cake. I baked it this morning, Drew did the frosting and sprinkles, and Allie did the writing. John and I took Subway to him at school for lunch. One of Drew's teacher's started the entire 7th grade class in singing "happy birthday" to Drew. He was mortified, but felt better about it when he discovered that I had nothing to do with it! I made his favorite for dinner tonight ... enchiladas! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DREWMAN!

HALLOWEEN SHOEBOX SWAP

My friend, Sandy Braddock is one of the biggest Halloween witches (oops, I mean "nuts"!) I know! She invited me and three other stampin' friends to a Halloween Shoebox Swap at her home Wednesday morning. If you've never heard of a Shoebox Swap, it's where each person creates a stamped project for the other participants to create, i.e. all the supplies, paper cut, etc. I believe the name comes from the idea that all the supplies for one project could fit into a shoebox. Sandy's home was the perfect setting for our Halloween themed Shoebox Swap! Her home is lavishly decorated for the holiday ... lots of whimsical and spooky items!

Below is a photo of our group. From left to right: Sandy Braddock, our hostess with the mostest (aka doublesmom on SCS), me (I've noticed that I'm wearing black in every single photo I've posted on my blog .... I DO own other colors of clothing!), Karen Laub (aka nikesmom on SCS), Lorri Heiling (aka lorriheiling on SCS, and her blog, Confessions of a Stamping Addict), and Tammy Mendoza. Karen and Sandy are fellow band booster moms, Lorri is my Stampin' Up! sideline, and Tammy is my neighbor. Of course, what brings us all closer together is our love of stamping!

Here are the five adorable projects we made Wednesday morning. This first one is a treat box by Karen Laub, using a template by Sherry Graves. Sorry, I haven't been able to find the link to the template. If anyone out there knows where I can find it, I'd be happy to link it! The stamped pumpkin images are from the stamp set, Carved & Candlelit. We filled the box with shred and candies ... YUM YUM!!! This mummy card was Sandy Braddock's project.The Very Vanilla CS strips were actually wrapped around the large Very Vanilla piece for the mummy effect. The Very Vanilla CS was randomly stamped with Itty Bitty Backgrounds, and the edges were sponged with Creamy Caramel. The twill tape already had the words "HAPPY HALLOWEEN" printed on it! Sandy found it in her summer travels. Don't you just love those large googlie eyes?!This Halloween Firecracker is a project by Lorri Heiling. Looks difficult, but is super easy to make! Lorri's project uses the spider from Booglie Eyes and Creepy Crawly DP. Halloween candies are inside. This cute Halloween card was created by Tammy Mendoza. It uses an actual 35mm negative filmstrip, and plastic spider rings (with the ring portion removed).This altered fruit can was my project. I've shared this before here on my blog. For all the details, click HERE.Tammy altered these jumbo root beer and cream soda bottles, and gave one to each of us! Are these FUN, or what?! Tammy is a Halloween NUT, just like Sandy! Tammy and her dog, Gandoff have coordinating costumes each year, and they are the highlight on our street on Halloween night!
Sandy made our Shoebox Swap so much fun! She had all her Autumn and Halloween stamped cards displayed for us to oooh and aaaah over. Wouldn't she make a wonderful Stampin' Up! demonstrator???!!! Here are a few of her creations.




Gotta show you one more thing! Sandy has all kinds of interesting things in her home ... the gal's got style! This is one of my favorite things .... not only is Sandy a talented stamper, she is also a talented quilter! This is her Halloween quilt that hangs in a high niche in her entryway. I'm standing on the 2nd level stairway to take the photo, and she has to get up on an extention ladder to hang it. She made this quilt about 12 years ago when she was pregnant with her twin daughters. It's hard to see in the photo, but the group of pumpkins on the right, second from the top, represent her family of five. She had to add the fifth pumpkin when she discovered she was having twins! THANK YOU for a wonderful Shoebox Swap, my dear friends!

OCTOBER STAMP CLASS PROJECTS

These are the five projects I prepared for my October stamp classes that were held on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

SPOOKY SKYLINE CARD
This first card is a total case from Pam Varnell, The Stamping Addict. See her original card HERE. The only change I made from Pam's original is the addition of the full moon, done by masking with a 1 3/8" Circle Punch. To achieve the Spooky Skyline Scene, brayer the Glossy White CS with the Pumpkin Patch Spectrum Pad (with 1 3/8" Post-It Note Circle temporarily adhered in place), remove the circle then roll the Spooky Skyline Jumbo Wheel across with Basic Black Ink. Allow to dry for a few minutes.

RECIPE
Stamps: Spooky Skyline Jumbo Wheel (pg. 26), HAPPY HALLOWEEN sentiment from All Holidays (pg. 143)
Paper: Glossy White, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Old Olive CS
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink Pad, Pumpkin Patch Spectrum Pad
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Jumbo Stampin’ Around Handle, Brayer w/ Rubber Attachment, 1 3/8” Circle Punch
Supplies: Post It Notes (non-SU)
Techniques: Masking, Brayer


FALL FLOWERS CRISS CROSS CARD Click HERE for a wonderful Criss Cross Card Tutorial by Beate Johns on SCS. These are super easy to make and are so-o-o cute! The flower on the insert is cut out from the Fall Flowers DP, an Old Olive Brad is placed in the middle of the flower, and popped up with a Stampin' Dimensional. This card also uses the new Stampin' Up! Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.

RECIPE
Stamps: Priceless (pg. 117)
Paper: Fall Flowers DP, Really Rust, Old Olive and Sahara Sand CS
Ink: Sahara Sand
Embellishments: Old Olive Brad, Old Olive 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Round Tab Punch, 1/16” Handheld Circle Punch
Supplies: Sticky Strip, Stampin’ Dimensionals


HALLOWEEN POPCORN PULL
These Halloweeen Popcorn Pulls were created using various patterns from the Creepy Crawly DP. The DP was cut 6 1/2" x 9", and scored at 2 1/4" and 6 1/2" to wrap around the standard size microwave popcorn pack. Sticky Strip was used the adhere the bottom and back seam, then the bottom was crimped with the Crimper. The Pewter Jumbo Eyelets were set (in front AND back) with the Crop-a-dile. The Black Grosgrain Ribbon is looped around the popcorn pack, threaded through the Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, and tied in a bow.
RECIPE
Stamps: Booglie Eyes (pg. 29)
Paper: Creepy Crawly DP, Basic Black, Whisper White, and Pumpkin Pie CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Black Stampin’ Write Marker
Embellishments: Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Black Gingham Ribbon Tools: Crop-A-Dile, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/2" and 1 3/8” Circle Punches, Paper Crimper, 1/8” Handheld Circle Punch
Supplies: craft store "eyes" glued on with Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

2-5-7-10 AUTUMN HARVEST BOX

This 2-5-7-10 Box is a total case from Deborah Southard, aka debils on SCS. See her original box HERE. HERE is a tutorial for a 2-5-7-10 Box by Jenn Balcer. This box was made shorter than the one in the tutorial, measuring 5" tall. Instead of scoring at 2" in Step 2, CUT at 2". The pumpkins from Autumn Harvest (pg. 6 of the 2007 Holiday Mini) were stamped in Black Classic on Pumpkin Pie CS and cut out. The smaller pumpkin is raised up on Stampin' Dimensionals. The leaves on the Old Olive CS were stamped in Versamark.RECIPE
Stamps: Whimsy Jumbo Wheel (pg. 101), Autumn Harvest (pg. 6 Holiday Mini 2007)
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive CS
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink Pads, White Craft Ink, Versamark
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie Gingham Ribbon, Black Brads
Tools: Jumbo Stampin’ Around Handle, 1/16” Handheld Circle Punch
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals/Foam Tape, Sticky Strip

HALLOWEEN ALTERED ALTOID TINS

You've all seen this 5th project HERE on my blog.