Halloween Treats

I have a couple of fun projects to share today.  Halloween is my favorite stamping holiday.  Even though I rarely give cards or gifts at Halloween (and I regularly forget my camera and have to make my kids dress up again days later just to have Halloween pics to scrap), I love, love, love buying Halloween themed stamps and papers! 

The first is a Pillow Box Bucket that I made using the instructions at Splitcoaststampers.  This was incredibly easy with the pillow box die and I think it turned out adorable.  This basket can be used for any holiday and can hold a fair amount of candy.

I also used the same Stampin' Up! papers to create a fun scrapbook page.  Again, my motto is quick and easy, so this layout is relatively simple.  I like simple scrapbook pages, I think the pictures can shine better (you know, those pics I took in November after I finally realized that I forgot to take pics on Halloween).  Both projects use the Wickedly Cool stamp set as well as the Halloween papers from last year's catalog with some rich razzleberry ribbon thrown in for good measure. 

Hope you enjoyed!

Memory Works Express Kit

I have been using the MemoryWorks monthly kits for some time now and really like them.  They always include enough for several layouts using name brand scrapbook papers and fun accessories.  They also include cards and envelopes, which I think is great because I also enjoy making cards.  Lately, I have been making layouts all ready to drop photos in (mostly because I can't seem to make time to actually print pictures before I go scrapping with friends).  Here are 2 layouts that I made last weekend using the September kit, Harvest.

The above layout was super simple and only took about 2 minutes.  Most of the design is contained within the background paper.  I added only a photo mat, the gold rickrack, the measuring tape ribbon, the button and the three punched butterflies with pearls. 

This second layout only took slightly longer.  I love how one kit can create two such different pages.  When I pre-create my pages before I adding pictures, I always make sure the any embellishments that overlap are not glued down in places I want my pictures.  That way I won't have any problems adding pictures later.  Now, off to upload and print some pictures!

Owl Punch Class

3-D flowers are all the rage in papercrafting right now.  I'm sure many of you have seen them in magazines and stores.  Lots of companies have tools to help you make them.  But I can show you how to use your Owl Punch to make this flower.  The Owl Punch is extremely versatile and can be used for many other things besides making owls.  In this class, we will make 5 different projects showing all the ways this punch can be used AND you keep the punch!  Click here for the description and then email me or call 515.554.4868 to register.  Registration ends on Thursday, February 25th, so contact me before that. 

Hubby Valentine Day Card

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day!  We did.  My hubby got me the upper tier to my clip it up so that I can hang even more stamping/scrapbooking accessories.  Luckily, I already have enough to fill it up without buying more. :)

Here is a pic of the Valentine's Day card I made for my hubby.  I didn't want to share it sooner as I didn't want him to see it in advance.  This card uses the Bliss stamp set available free during Sale-A-Bration. 

Even my teenager said it was a masculine enough valentine's day card (except he though the butterfly was a little feminine).  This new Bliss set is fast becoming one of my favorites.  It is so easy to work with and makes great cards.

Stamps:  Bliss, Always
Cardstock:  Marina Mist, Crumb Cake
Inks:  Night of Navy, Marina Mist
Accessories:  Night of Navy 3/8" grosgrain ribbon, Pearls, Sponge

Easy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is one holiday that I am not swayed to buy stamp sets.  None of them ever call to me.  So, when Stampin' Up! sent me the Love Impressions rub-ons free from the occasions mini this year, it was perfect.  I can make some Valentine's cards to send out and not have another stamp set that I don't really need. :)

Here are the cards I made:

 Easy peasy!  Cardstock (Real Red, Pink Pirouettte, Basic Gray), Love Impressions rub-ons, Scallop Trim Border punch and white and red ribbon. 

Heartfelt Thanks

Finally getting a chance to play with some of my new stamps and this is what I came up with late last night.  I am trying the fabric for the first time with the Fun Flowers die.  That is so fun and easy to create the fabric flowers! 

The button on top of the flower is also from the new Occasions Mini threaded with some Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon.  Background image is from the Sale-A-Bration set Bliss which can be earned free with any order of $50 or more and the sentiment is from Fabulous Phrases.  Shop now and earn free Sale-A-Bration rewards. 

It's here, it's here! Stampin' Up! 2011 Sale-a-Bration! What you've all been waiting!

Download: 2011 Sale-a-Bration Brochure
Download: 2011 SAB Brochure Supply List


Dates: January 25-March 31, 2011

Promotion Details
Our biggest sales event of the year--Sale-A-Bration--is here! This year we've got four great Sale-A-Bration sets for hostesses and customers to choose from--as well as a Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents pack, a Ribbon & Button pack, digital downloads, and Décor Elements! Plus a special bonus and discount for new recruits.

There are three ways for your customers to earn free products (click on links below):

Spend: Customers will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 they spend (before tax and shipping)!

Host: A hostess will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to our regular hostess benefits! Schedule your party now!

*Note: This benefit is only available on qualifying customer, demonstrator, and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify.

Join: New recruits will receive 15 percent off their Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+), plus a special Sale-A-Bration bonus bundle valued up to $50!

See here from more information about the Stampin' Up! Opportunity