new paint

New paint makes anything look nice! My husband is such a dear to paint for me ... I hate to paint. Since I really wanted the painting finished before Thanksgiving, he has been spending his weekends painting rooms for me. The most drastic change was in our dinning room. I'll show you the before/during/after photos. {just a side note ... if you click on the photo above you can see my little 13 year old couch potato watching tv as daddy paints away, lol!}

BEFORE

The room was sponge painted w/ a stenciled border -- loved it when I first did it, but am so tired of it now -- I wanted a big change, and so, my daughter and I picked out a lovely beige paint. Now, if you really know me ... you know that I don't have any beige walls in my house! Seriously, beige was my last color choice ... until I saw the chestnut glaze ...

DURING

Wow - what a change it is! I really love it, but when I was first putting on the glaze ... it scared me! I worried that I had made a terrible mistake. Brown? What was I thinking?? But it turned out nice. Take a look and let me know what you think:

AFTER

Finally, as a fun touch I altered a M monogram {for our last name} from Hobby Lobby to coordinate with and help decorate our freshly painted walls. I used designer papers, hodgepodge hardware, twill, ribbon, and inks from Stampin' Up! to complete the project.

The rest of the painting was just a fresh coat for the walls in our front room and the bathroom trim. No color changes there, so I'll spare you any photos. It's really unspectacular {is that a word?}.

Solemn Stillness

all images SU! © 1995-2006

Time for stillness and reflection after such a busy holiday weekend. We had a great Thanksgiving at our house {for the very first time}. In all we had 14 people and it was great talking over lunch, watching football, and spending time with relatives we don't see that often except in passing.

I know some of you spent many hours shopping for great holiday gifts during the tax free weekend. Sorry to say, I didn't score anything! Of course, it's hard to find a bargain when I'm sitting in my favorite comfy chair ... my husband calls it my "nest". I did get some cleaning done, and went through some old magazines. I really wanted to do some scrapbooking, but it wasn't to be! I was able to make 11 more Christmas cards, so I think I'm almost done! Now I have to find my list and check it twice!

Happy Stampin' ...

Enjoy the day! Spend time with family ...

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. ~E.P. Powell

City of David

all images SU! © 1995-2006

City of David stamp set. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

oopsie!

all images SU! © 1995-2006

I didn't mean to leave you hanging yesterday! I started cleaning up from the big paint job over the weekend and never got around to checking my emails, blog, etc. Sorry! Today, I'll post two cards and hope that will make up for leaving you alone yesterday, lol!!

Looks like I have snow on my mind! The first card is made with Holiday Tag Team - an adorable set that works for cards or gift tags ... or scrapbook pages. The second card uses It's Snow Time. A really cute set of snowmen and their antics! What I love about snowmen is that they work for projects all winter long - not just during the holidays!

Peaceful Christmas

all images SU! ©1995-2006

Lovely as a Tree is a set that works year-round. This image is stamped with white craft ink on a paint chip. You can emboss the ink with embossing glitter if you want more shine. There is a sheet of torn vellum behind the main image.

Festive Holidays

all images SU! © 1995-2006

Another Festive Favorites card -- I think I should have ordered this set!

Tag!

all images SU! © 1995-2006

Today is Tag Day! Everyone needs tags for Christmas gifts, right? So, here are a few tag ideas that are simple, easy and quick to make. I apologize for the poor quality of this picture. I think I scanned it last year just before a stamp club meeting. The Santa is on an Altoid tin container, and all the smaller tags fit inside. Some are glittered, som open like a small gift card, while others are just a plain tag. Add a ribbon and you're done!

all images SU! © 1995-2006

This mug is from Dollar Tree. Perfect for use with my favorite Snowflakes stamp set. I made the coordinating tag, pen and mini composition book as a gift. Great for teachers!

A Merry Little Christmas to you

all images SU! © 1995-2006 all images SU! © 1995-2006

I couldn't make up my mind this morning on just one card, so I decided to post them all!

• The top card, A Merry Little Christmas, is colored with watercolor crayons for a beautiful scene. Did you notice how the back of the little boy's head sticks out slightly over the mat? That is a small detail that really adds interest.
• Happiest of Holidays is next w/ red berries punched out of the stamped image allowing the red cardstock underneath to show through - a very neat idea for layering ... and much easier than punching and gluing on the tiny dots!
• The last card, made with It's Snow Time, has snowballs made from pom-poms - adorable! You could also use Liquid Applique for the snowballs if you have any left over from last year.

As you are making your holiday cards, email a picture to me and I will post them here. I'd love to see what you are doing for the holidays - and if you have taken any ideas from these posts and made them your own!

Tags so Much!

all images SU! © 1995-2006

Tags So Much is a Hostess set that is for all occasions. This set works along with our exclusive Tag Punch. Be on the lookout for a new tag punch for layering in the coming Winter mini catalog!!

2'fer

all images SU! © 1995-2006

Today is a 2'fer ... two cards for one day, lol!! Ok, so I'm not very funny ... but hey, at least you get an extra card today!

The first card is made with the set Heavenly Peace. Wonderful set, perfect for Christmas. The second card uses the ever-famous Snowflakes set plus Merry Messages. Nice. I am surprised by how much I like the non-traditional colors of the brown cards as well. Very classic, yet understated.

I hope you are enjoying all the cards. It's been a nice challenge for me to find a card for every day. Those of you who know me, know I am not organized in any way ... so to be consistent is really challenging!

I think that I shall never see

all images SU! © 1995-2006

... a poem as lovely as a tree. That's the poem that comes to mind when I look at this card. This is a definite WOW card in my book. Monochromatic w/ just the right touch of shimmer! Lovely is true! I may have found the card to make for the remainder of my Christmas stack.

Remember, you can email me a request for a holiday stamp set and I will do my best to find some examples for you. Use what you already have at home ... then you can buy more after the holidays during SAB!!
happy stampin'
Susan

Heavenly Peace to You

all images SU!© 1995-2006

SU demo Wendy Stewart graciously gave permission to post these cards on my blog. She has done a beautiful job coloring each card, and I was WOW'ed by them as soon as I saw them. Notice that two of the cards are pocket cards ... nice! Wendy has a website too ... visit her at http://weastewart.ca/ to see more of her beautiful creations.

Personal update: My mother is home, and enjoying it. She's still in pain, but so glad to be in her own home and living on her own schedule again. Thank you for all the prayers, and keep 'em coming. She is still using a walker and not as spry as before her fall. She also has another surgery ahead on her thyroid. Hugs to everyone who has been praying!!!

Stamps and Papers and Embossing, Oh My!

all images SU! © 1995-2006

This card uses the Christmas Designer paper available now. By using a patterned paper, you create the illusion of depth and add interest to your card or project. Since the patterned paper on this card is used in strips, you can easily create many cards from one 12x12 sheet. Wonderfully conservative!

Solemn Stillness

all images SU© 1995-2006

Solemn Stillness is a beautiful set that can be used in many different ways. I love the effect of multiple trees on the bottom of this card.

In other news: Stamp Club meets tonight ... don't miss out!

See you : )

More Christmas : )

all images by SU! © 1995-2006

More cards for you! Happy {early} Holidays! CLICK on each card to see larger image.

Peace, Love & Hope to you

all images SU! © 1995-2006

Peace, Hope and Love -- isn't that a wonderful sentiment to send with your Christmas wishes? And, I love the blue, so ... peaceful!

Happy Stampin' today!!

Festive Favorites

all images SU! © 1995-2006

I love this reindeer tag! It is the finishing touch on this holiday card, don't you think?
The set used is Festive Favorites and the sentiment is from Sincere Salutations. Adorable ... and festive!

Joy Wreath

images by SU!© 1995-2006

Guess what stamps make this wreath?? Snowflakes! Did you guess correctly?Isn't that a cool way to use a stamp set for something totally different?

On another note, we finished painting the dinning area. After glazing yesterday, I realized the woodwork, in addition to being old and worn, didn't really go w/ the paint colors {too similar} so I restained the woodwork and trim. It made a huge difference, at least to me! Now, I'd like to replace the light over the table ... have you ever read the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?? That's me! I'll post some photos soon, just in case you want to see.

Loads of Joy!

images by SU! © 1995-2006

It's time to begin making your cards, if you plan to send out handmade ones. Making a few cards each week will lighten the load and keep the task manageable -- especially for the unorganized like me!

I'm going to try and post Christmas card ideas regularly over the next few weeks to share ideas with you. So far I have 31 cards made and ready to send. I have a lot more to do, but I'm well on my way to getting them all done. My biggest problem is deciding which stamp sets to use. I want to use them all!! I probably have more Christmas sets than any other category!

If you have a specific set you'd like to see ideas for email me and let me know. I'll find some ideas and post them here -- and I can email ideas back to you as well.

HA!

Ha, ha! Two posts in one day -- fooled ya didn't I???

Well, actually, I had the time, so I thought ... Why not?

This is a scrapbook page I made using Club Scrap supplies {yummie, club scrap}. It is my youngest son playing at my brother's. We had Easter lunch w/ him, and his yard is more like a park than a yard. This is where I grew up and I spent many, many hours playing in and around this creek. I miss living in the country!! I'd move back in a second. Hope you like the layout.

dance, dance, dance

I spent yesteray at a clogging competition. It was fun, but our team didn't do so well. I must add that the competition was stiff! Like I told my daughter, your team won't get better if you don't dance with people better than you ... that was supposed to console her after placing third in one dance and not placing at all in the other. All in all, I thought they did fine. And, it's good to not always be the winner, kwim?

My dear hubby stayed home to paint for me! He painted our dinning area {I hesitate to call it a "room" since there are only 3 walls!} I had originally picked out a terra cotta color for the walls, but then at the last minute, I went w/ a tan paint and chesnut glaze. I haven't had time to do the glazing yet ... that's on my chore list for this week. Gotta finish before my stampin' posse comes over on Friday.

We're also having to redo our bathroom floors. I'd love to say we're getting tile, but alas, no. However it will be nice to have a new floor down, a leaky toilet fixed {finally} and no soft spots around the tub/shower areas. That is also going on this week -- along w/ the painting -- stamp club -- and my mother coming home from rehab.

It's going to be a very busy week around the house. Maybe I'll get a few pictures posted if I don't have a nervous breakdown first {LOL - just kidding!!}

nerdy?

I am doing a happy dance today! See the new slide show in the side bar -- I actually feel giddy! Does that make me a total nerd? Ok, don't answer.

On another note ... and I don't want to scare anyone ... my college boy won the costume contest at school yesterday. I'll post his picture below -- WARNING -- this is not the typical photo post on my blog! But since he won, and the prize was cash {what better prize for a college kid?}, I felt it necessary to include his photo ... as a Cowboy Zombie.

Why I scrapbook

I read this today and felt in such agreement w/ the author:

"I scrapbook because life is short and time is fleeting; memories fade and good intentions can be forgotten."

It was written by Jlyne Hanback for Scrapbooking.com's online magazine. I couldn't agree more with her reason for scrapbooking. Everyone who enjoys this hobby has a reason; it's relaxing, it's a good excuse for girl time and chocolate, and it's productive. But, really, the older I grow the more time means to me. And I can't think of a better thing to spend my free time doing, than recording my family's history. I love this hobby!

City of David

I love this stamp set, but didn't order it because I couldn't figure out how to use it. It is a very simple design, and needs special treatment. Well browsing around this morning I found what I feel is the perfect card for this set. CLICK HERE to see how Debbie used it.

Another set I LOVE for Christmas is Peaceful Wishes. Isn't this card great? I can't take credit for making it ... but I may case it for some of my cards this year!

Gift for friends

I wanted to quickly share this gift album. A couple at our church were badly burned in a house fire several weeks ago. They are still hospitalized. This is what I'm sending them today. It is a 6x6 album filled with Scripture verses. I hope it ministers to them as they heal in the hospital, and later at home. If you think about it, say a prayer for them.

Stampin' Friday night

Stamp Camp Friday night for Christmas Cards ... don't miss it! We're making 12 cards to get you started on the holidays. Or you can come and stamp on your own projects if you don't need holiday cards. Contact me for more info if you're not on my email list. Click HERE to read the original post and see a sample card. {the card above is an idea only, and not a card we'll be making Friday}

I am so drooling over this ...

The new Club Scrap kit. I LOVE Club Scrap. I used to be a member, and this kit makes me want to join again! The only reason I stopped the kits was because of finances ... darn it! I've never met a CS Kit I didn't like. Visit CS at www.clubscrap.com; tell 'em I sent you!

Who's up for a Challenge?

image from Emilymomto3boys on Splitcoaststampers.com

Each week challenges are posted on Splitcoaststampers.com. This week the color challenge is to make a card, scrapbook page, or project using the following colors: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery and Blush Blossom. Click here to read the actual challenge post: SCS Color Challenge.

Emilymomto3boys posted this week's challenge, and that is her card you see posted above. She is a very talented stamper, as you can tell! Emily used the new SU Paisley stamp along with Linen, the SU chipboard flower, cardstock and some Basic Grey patterned paper for a totally awesome card.



Challenges can be inspiring, help you over a case of creative block and usually motivate me to move out of my color rut ... you know, using the same combinations over and over because they are safe, and they work.



If you make a card, you can upload it to SCS, and I would love it if you send a copy to me as well. Happy Stampin'!

Country Blessings

Wow! I am really excited about the newest promotion from my favorite stamp company. Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to offer a stamping kit with everything needed to complete 8 projects plus an exclusive die-cut stamp set. In addition, Stampin' Up! customers have the opportunity to subscribe to Country Living magazine at the incredible rate of only $12 for one year. Contact me if you are interested in ordering this set - available from October 6 - November 30, 2006.

The exclusive Country Living Autumn Elegance Country Blessings Stampin' Kit includes all of the following items:

• Country Blessings die-cut stamp set
• 8 pieces of eight inch Chocolate grosgrain ribbon
• 8 pieces of six inch Natural Hemp
• Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
• 8 pull tabs
• 16 brads
• 8 sheets of glue dots
• 1 watercolor brush
• 10 Natural Ivory envelopes
• 4 Classic Stampin' Spots {always artichoke, choc. chip, more mustard, ruby red}
• 4 sheets of Always Artichoke cs
• 2 sheets of More Mustard cs
• 2 sheets of Naturals Ivory cs

This is a special, limited-time offer and available only while supplies last. $49.95. It would also make a great gift for the holidays, especially if you know someone who wants to learn how to begin making their own cards and papercrafts.

Click HERE to read the entire online article from ivillage.

Click HERE for 6 Table Favors made with the Country Blessings stamp set.

How cool is this?

I found this on another stamper's blog: Altered Container
She has taken the Stampin' Up containers that buttons/brads/eyelets come in and altered it. Here's another shot: Altered Container Insides

Christmas is a'coming

This is a card I made last year. I only made a couple, so I'm considering it for Christmas cards again this year. The technique is called Ghosting. It's simple enough and makes a gorgeous image with lots of dimension. Believe it or not, I made a few cards with the same snowflake image in rose and they were drop dead gorgeous.

Wheeling along ...

I love this new wheel, and stamp set with SPOTS! So adorable.

Stamping is amazingly quick and easy when using a Stampin' Around wheel. You can use the wheels with ink cartridges, or ... if you're like me {wink}, you can simply roll the wheel over a stamp pad. The wheels ink up just fine using a pad as long as you are making a card or other small item. The ink will run out if you're attempting a scrapbook page - so always use an ink cartridge for any items larger than 5 1/2 inches.

Directions:
1) Remove the cover of the ink cartridge and insert cartridge into the handle.
2) Snap the wheel into the handle.
3) Push the cartridge forward so the inked surface rests against the wheel.
4) Roll the wheel on scratch paper or Stampin' Up! Grid Paper to ensure it is thoroughly inked.
5) Push or pull (whichever works best for you) the wheel across your paper or card stock, starting before the edge of the paper and continuing off the other edge. Always roll in the same direction to keep the wheel thoroughly inked. Keep your wrist steady to avoid rocking the wheel. For best results, keep the cartridge well inked.
6) To wheel straight lines use the wheel guide {shown below}. You'll save yourself lots of time and stress with this guide.

Tips:
1) Roll the wheel slowly and firmly across the paper to achieve a darker image.
2) Place your forefinger on top of the handle while wheeling. This will help steady the wheel and prevent it from rocking and creating a smudged image. I find this is essential to a clear image.
3) To keep my cartridges moist when not in use, I seal them up in sandwich baggies.

4) If you're right handed, start rolling the image on your paper from right to left. This will enable you to see the image while rolling and your hand won't be in the way. If you are left handed, roll from left to right.

Wheels work great on an assortment of projects like on a scrapbook page, gift packaging, card, envelope, or letterhead. Stampin' Around wheels are not only versatile, but they're a great value too. While only one handle is necessary, sometimes you will find an extra handle is always useful for projects stamped with multiple wheels or when more than one family member wants to use a wheel.

Reminder and new class: Art Journal

I wanted to post a quick reminder for the Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack coming up in October {see detailed post below}. If you are really interested, please give me a shout by Oct. 1 because that is the date I'm ordering supplies. I plan to order extra, but for those who know you want to attend, it will help me with counting the sheets of cardstock I'll need. However, if you aren't sure, and still want to come ... it's {almost} never too late ... just give me a call! Now on to the more interesting news ...


This is a new class I am working on using the On Board Art Journals. These journals are easy to personalize for gifts ... and the holidays are a'coming! I'll post more info once I have a date for the class. Or, if you're the real crafty type, you can get started with the On Board journals yourself!

Dry Embossing

Here's a quick lesson on making elegant cards with dry embossing.

1) Secure the Classy Brass template to a light source (a light table or window) with a small piece of tape.
2) Rub waxed paper on the surface of the card stock so the stylus will glide more smoothly and to help prevent tears in the paper.
3) Place the paper or card stock face down over the template, positioning it so that you'll have the image where you want it.
4) Using the large end of the stylus tool, press the paper through the open areas of the template. This will produce a raised image. Use the small end of the stylus to emboss small areas if needed.



Tips:
1) When dry embossing a large open area, press only around the edges of the template, not the entire open area.
2) If a colored raised image is desired, replace the brass template on the right side of the card. It will act as a mask to protect the unraised surfaces. Apply color with a small sponge or sponge daubers using our ink pads or Stampin' Pastels.
3) If you're having a hard time seeing the template through some of our darker colors of card stock, try dry embossing on our background papers instead.
4) Classy Brass templates aren't the only product we carry that works great with dry embossing. Try any of our shape or journaling stencils, the Plaidmaker, even The Tearing Edge!

Stamp-a-Stack of cards for Christmas

I'm hosting a Stamp-a-Stack event on October 24 & 27 where you can come a stamp a whole stack of cards for Christmas.

Here are the details:
12 cards {3 each of 4 different designs} for $25 - stamp club members receive a discount as always.

Everything is pre-cut and ready for you to go to work! We'll stamp to Christmas Carols and snack on chocolate. In one evening, you can stamp as many sets of cards as you like.

Stampers can choose how many sets of cards to make - remember each set will make 12 cards.
Stamp-a-Stack will be held two separate dates for your convenience. Pick the date that works best with your schedule -- or come both nights and make more cards!

* Tuesday, October 24 @ 6:30 pm
* Friday, October 27 @ 6:30 pm

RSVP by October 1 for a special goodie prize!
However, I will take sign-ups until all seats are filled ...

The cost is $25 for each set of 12 cards. Stamp Club members receive a discounted price of $21 per set.

neat-o website

This is a very neat website. I've visited it before, but today I looked over the entire site and really liked what I saw.
PAGE MAPS Becky has maps or sketches of cards and scrapbook ideas. The card maps are especially useful when you have a mental block and need to churn out a few cards. Take a look at her site and see what you think.

Just a quick reminder of upcoming events:
Tuesday, Sept 19 - Love Your Heart Stamp Camp
A $2 donation from all purchases of A Light Heart Stamp Set go to the American Heart Association.
$30 w/ stamp set
$10 w/out stamp set

Friday, Sept 29 - Spartanburg Stamp Club meeting
Yea!
Shoshannah is our Hostess w/ the Mostess!

This is the board in my office/craft room. I thought I'd share it today as a little window into my world. I don't change the items on the board often, because most of them are things I like to look at ... photos our family, friends and a drawing by my youngest son. There are also 3 calendars {?}, a note on how to restart our internet connection when it goes down, and a color chart for SU colors to use with my printer. Not much, but this little board tells a lot about me! What items in your home tell your story?

I was going to show one more scrapbook page I complete this weekend - but blogger keeps turning the photo on it's side? I completed 3 whole pages for a 4 day weekend ... wow ... at this rate I'll be caught up by 2065.

I had hoped to scrapbook all weekend - so far, only 2 pages, and I'm willing to show only one of them! Well, I still have one day left. This is from the beach this summer. Supplies by Club Scrap. The ribbons hold a tag w/ journaling.