And the winner is...

Congratulation to Linda SS! She is the winner of the $10 Stampin' UP! Gift Certificate. Remember Linda, you have until January 15th to use this up.

Linda shared this about blog surfing:
Generally I blog surf on a daily basis unless I'm too busy or too sick. I enjoy it more than watching TV and sometimes I get so engrossed in it that I forget to eat:) I guess you can say that I'm addicted. Your new colors are so yummy!

Thank you everyone for sharing your comments and checking out my new look.

I hope you all have a safe and fun night! Happy New Year to everyone!

Stamping Marathon Has A New Look!!

So what do you think of the new Stamping Marathon look? I love it!

With the help of Melissa Kulesa www.stampingthroughthetulipsdesign.blogspot.com, we came up with this great new banner and awesome color scheme for my blog. I highly recommend her if you are looking to create a new banner. Thanks Melissa!

To celebrate my new look, I'm doing a little giveaway! Just leave me a comment on this post telling me how often you blog surf (personally I check out blogs everyday!). Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner. And what will you win, a $10 Stampin' UP! Gift Certificate. The certificate is only valid through me and is good through January 15th.

The winner will be randomly drawn on Monday, December 31st at noon CST. Good Luck to everyone!

Retiring Accessories

Here is the list of Retiring Accessories. These are available until January 1st or while supplies last! You can also view the Retiring Stamp Sets online.

Just contact me to place your order before these items are gone for good!

Item # Product Description
109198 Accents & Elements Borders & Blossoms
109199 Accents & Elements Little Reminders 2
109197 Accents & Elements Tagged
100700 Album Leather Post Black 8-1/2x11
105385 Album Linen Post Mellow Moss 8-1/2x11
104520 Album Linen Post Natural 8-1/2x11
104517 Album Linen Post Navy 8-1/2x11
105382 Album Linen Post Real Red 8-1/2x11
105392 Album Linen Ring Mellow Moss 8-1/2x11
104510 Album Linen Ring Natural 8-1/2x11
104513 Album Linen Ring Navy 8-1/2x11
105388 Album Linen Ring Real Red 8-1/2x11
105067 Boxes & Tags Pockets & Pieces Assortment I
105068 Boxes & Tags Pockets & Pieces Assortment II
108798 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Confetti White
107246 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Kraft
105747 Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Large
105748 Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Large Divided
105744 Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Small
105749 Boxes Stamp & Supply Jumbo
105734 Boxes Stamp & Supply Large
105746 Boxes Stamp & Supply Medium
105745 Boxes Stamp & Supply Small
101052 Brayer Attachment Foam
107293 Cards & Envelopes Greeting Very Vanilla Medium
109149 Designer Series Paper Brocade Background
109161 Designer Series Paper Cerise
109162 Designer Series Paper Charbon
109155 Designer Series Paper Creepy Crawley
109152 Designer Series Paper Darling Doodles
109150 Designer Series Paper Dashing
108503 Designer Series Paper Petals & Paisleys
109156 Designer Series Paper Linen Prints
109147 Designer Series Paper Notations No. 2
109148 Designer Series Paper Outlaw
109158 Designer Series Paper Uptown
109157 Designer Series Paper Wintergreen
107285 Envelopes Open End Very Vanilla Large
107284 Envelopes Open End Whisper White Large
107296 Envelopes Shimmery White Medium
107287 Envelopes Square Vellum Large
107310 Envelopes Square Very Vanilla Mini
107294 Envelopes Vellum Medium
107290 Envelopes Very Vanilla Large
107291 Envelopes Whisper White Large
101016 Eyelet Tool Kit
105317 Eyelets Bold Brights II
105379 Eyelets Silver
105315 Eyelets Soft Subtles II
107282 Fancy Fibers Bella
107283 Fancy Fibers Elizabeth
103352 Stampin' Glitter Romantic Red
103349 Stampin' Glitter Silver Shine
106650 Greeting Glue
102620 Liquid Glue
103145 Page Protectors Post 8-1/2x11
104523 Page Protectors Ring 8-1/2x11
103598 Paper Vellum 12x12
105543 Pastel Refills Bold Brights
105544 Pastel Refills Earth Elements
105547 Pastel Refills Neutrals
105545 Pastel Refills Rich Regals
105546 Pastel Refills Soft Subtles
105962 Perfect Layers Tool
104184 Post Extenders
106522 Punch Spring Bouquet Flower
109722 Simply Scrappin' Creative License Hostess Level 1
109611 Simply Scrappin' Happy Me Hostess Level 3
109596 Simply Scrappin' Out & About
109626 Simply Scrappin' Primary Colors
109649 Simply Scrappin' Round Up
109635 Simply Scrappin' Secret Garden
109663 Simply Scrappin' Winter Bright
107415 Simply Sent Friendship Shapes
109230 Simply Sent Happy Day
105580 Spectrum Pad Blue Frost
101492 Spectrum Pad Celebration
105579 Spectrum Pad Cotton Candy
101336 Spectrum Pad Pumpkin Patch
100000 Spectrum Pad Un-inked
103953 Stamp-a-ma-jig Imaging Sheets Refill
104432 Stampin' Around Cartridge & Ink Refill Clear Embossing
101460 Stampin' Around Cartridge & Ink Refill Whisper White
102391 Stampin' Around Ink Refill Clear Embossing
103017 Stampin' Around Ink Refill Whisper White
103151 Stampin' Emboss Powder Hologram Highlights
105677 Stampin' Kids Pad Bear Brown
105676 Stampin' Kids Pad Beetle Black
105675 Stampin' Kids Pad Boxcar Blue
105674 Stampin' Kids Pad Gumball Green
105673 Stampin' Kids Pad Poppin' Purple
105672 Stampin' Kids Pad Princess Pink
105671 Stampin' Kids Pad Robin Red
105670 Stampin' Kids Pad Yahoo Yellow
103174 Stampin' Pastel Applicators
100852 Stampin' Pastel Erasers
100081 Stampin' Write Marker Going Gray
100945 StazOn Ink Refill Timber Brown
103088 StazOn Pad Timber Brown
107235 Tag Sheets Bold Brights
107239 Tag Sheets Confetti White & Kraft
107236 Tag Sheets Earth Elements
107240 Tag Sheets Kraft
107237 Tag Sheets Rich Regals
107238 Tag Sheets Soft Subtles
100894 Watercolor Brush Flat
101551 Watercolor Brush Medium
101331 Watercolor Brush Small
105395 Wire Works Metallic
105652 Wrapping Paper Whisper White
Stampin' Around wheels
100360 Acorns
109812 All about Birthdays*
109690 All about Christmas*
109812 All about Gratitude*
109676 Autumn Dots
104070 Bloomin'
107466 Bodacious*
105750 Bouquet*
107481 Butterflies & Blossoms
104065 Fishy
100267 Happy Jacks
107563 Ho Ho Ho
104312 Hot to Dot
104279 Leaf Prints
106062 Leaves Awash*
107479 Rough around the Edges*
101927 Snowman Fun
107465 Speckled*
105521 Spooky Skyline*
108979 Spotted*
107480 True Hearts
105033 Wings & Things
* Jumbo Stampin' Around wheels

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

Congratulations to Cassandra!

She is the winner of this weeks TGI Friday Freebie goodies. Cassandra, please contact me with your information so I can get your items to you.

Here is what Cassandra had to say about her handmade gifts:
I have big plans to make some gifts. One is a wedding album for my brother-in-law and his new wife. It's about half finished - I just need to find the safe spot I put the photos!! I am also planning on making some stationary sets for friends and such. I also have been drinking and saving some Starbucks Frappacinos so I can alter those for gifts. We'll see how it all turns out!

This Thanksgiving, I gave my sister two accordian albums filled with pictures from last Thanksgiving. She really loved it.

Have a great week!

TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE

I haven't had a chance to post one thing to my blog this week. The beginning of the week, I started working on my holiday cards. They are coming out cute but I need to pick up the pace.

Well enough of that. Time for the TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE! This week is a bunch of holiday items. They would be great to make gift tags, cards or some cute scrapbook pages.The winner will receive two stamps, one says "Merry Christmas" and the other one has a package on it and says "Do not Open till Christmas". Then there are two packages of stickers, both holiday related.
To enter the Freebie, just leave a comment on this post containing your comment and name. Please, only one post per person. The winner will be selected by random.com and annouced on Monday, December 3rd, at noon CST. Don't forget to check back to see if you are the lucky winner.
Here's your question... Are you giving any handmade gifts this year? Anything that is stamped maybe? If so, share what types of items you are giving.

Have a great weekend!

Double Pocket Baby Card

From the first time I saw this style of card, I wanted to try one out. Some good friends of ours are expecting a baby. Her baby shower is in December and since we now live 2000 miles away from them, I can't make it. This card came to mind and I knew it would be perfect!

The card has two pockets, one at the top for a little tag and one below that. I have a Target gift card in the bottom pocket.I used Cutie Pie Designer paper as I thought it was fitting for a little girl (they are having a girl). The card looks so happy and bright.

I would like to take a moment and wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day, the food, the company, the football and maybe some stamping ;-) However you celebrate, Enjoy!

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

And the winner is... Meighan W. Congratulations!

This is what Meighan shared that is on her Wish List:
On my wish list is the Basic Brocade stamp set and the Brocade Background designer series papers. I think they are beautiful and look so great together.

Meighan, please contact me so I can mail out your goodies.

So many of you had some great items on your Wish List. Many of them are on mine as well. My number one item to get myself for Christmas is the Crop-A-Dile. That tool does so much and with such ease.

Since I like to start my holiday shopping early, I thought it would be fun to help you all get motivated as well. So, here is your incentive to start shopping now! (or get your loved ones shopping for you!)

The first 10 people to email me with a $30 merchandise order, will receive free shipping! So pass that Wish List onto your loved ones and have them contact me with their order. I accept PayPal and checks. This offer expires at noon CST Monday, November 26th, so act now!

Thanks to everyone that left a comment and visits my blog. Have a great day!

Weekend Sketch Challenge 28

Since was making a card for a good friend of mine, I figured I would use the Sketch Challenge as my layout. Beate's Blog has some really cute samples. Mine is very close to Beate's design except I changed the paper. When I put this card together, it was late last night. I think my creativity was already sleeping!

The Wintergreen paper is great to use for all occassions not just Christmas. I really like the colors in this paper.

Recipe:

Stamps: Simply Said

Ink: Basic Black, Always Artichoke

Paper: Wintergreen DS paper, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Soft Sky

Accessories: Hemp Twine, Vintage Brads, Scallop Punch, Circle Punch

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE

Here is your TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE for this week....

You have the chance to win 2 Accent & Elements Love Note sheets, 1 Accent & Elements Little Reminder sheet and a bag of punched flowers with one stamp that says "From the Kitchen of'. With all the holiday baking going on, this stamp will be the perfect addition to your goodies.

To enter the Freebie, just leave a comment on this post containing your comment and name. Please, only one post per person. The winner will be selected by random.com and annouced on Monday, November 19th at noon CST. So don't forget to check back to see if you are the lucky winner.

Here's your question... Are you putting Stampin' UP! products and/or Stampin' UP! Gift Certificates on your Wish List for the holidays? If so, what products are you asking for?

Have a great Friday!

Stampin' UP! Reminders

Just wanted to give you some dates to remember! The Stampin' UP! Holiday Mini Catalog ends November 30th.
Also the Paper Party Promotion, buy 3 Designer Series Papers and get 1 FREE, ends November 30th.

Here is a list of coordinating card stock and ink colors for each package of printed Designer Series Paper:
Outlaw - Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla
Brocade Backgrounds - Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, River Rock
Fall Flowers - Old Olive, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Soft Sky
Linen Prints - Always Apricot, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Pink Passion
Porcelain Prints - Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi
Le Jardin - River Rock, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Uptown - Almost Amethyst, Basic Gray, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi
Wintergreen - Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow, Soft Sky
Flowers for You - Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise
Petals & Paisleys - Certainly Celery, Taken w/Teal, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron
Creepy Crawly - Basic Black, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust
Notations No. 2 - More Mustard, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi
Charbon - Basic Gray, Very Vanilla
Cerise - Real Red, Very Vanilla
Dashing - Old Olive, Real Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla
Cutie Pie - Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron
Darling Doodles - Brocade Blue, Groovy Guava, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi
Prints - These papers come in twelve patterns of one color per pack:
Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Soft Sky, Tempting Turquoise, Brilliant Blue, Blue Bayou, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, River Rock, So Saffron, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Groovy Guava, Rose Red
Hoilday Mini Catalog:
Apple Cider - Close to Cocoa, River Rock, Really Rust, Wild Wasabi
Holiday Harmony - Always Artichoke, Purely Pomegranate, River Rock

The new Spring/Summer Collection 2008 Catalog will be available in January. That means that the discontinued and dormant stamp list will be available December 1st. The discontinued accessories list will be available December 10th.

Contact me today to place your order from the Holiday Mini, Paper Promotion or from the Fall/Winter Catalog.

Quick and Easy Birthday Card

Don't you love when you realize that you have 2 days to get a birthday card in the mail? Well, that's what happened to me today. I needed a card that was quick, easy and cute. What else better to use than a Stampin' Wheel!

Isn't this the cutest card? And it took only minutes to make! Next time you need that quick card, try using a Stampin' Wheel.

Recipe:

Stamps: Dilly Dally Party Jumbo Wheel, It's Your Birthday

Ink: Basic Black, Bold Bright Markers

Paper: Gable Green, Pink Passion, Whisper White

Accessories: Ribbon (retired)

Have fun stamping!

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

Congratulations to Tamara Wheeler!

Tamara wins the Love Notes, Pocket Notes and White Organdy Ribbon. How fun. Tamara, please contact me with your information so I can send out your goodies.

Tamara shared that her favorite color combo is Celery Green and Tan. Very pretty. I encourage everyone to check out the comments on the giveaway post to see all the great color combos that people posted. I'm going to try them out for sure. Thank you all for sharing and giving us some good ideas.

I have to say that I am hooked on Blue Bayou right now. So anything that I can get to go with that, I am using. It's funny I like that color because I'm not a big blue person! Plus the colors in the Wintergreen paper are a favorite too.

Have a great week and thanks for all your comments.

Weekend Sketch Challenge 27

Beate has a Weekend Sketch Challenge each week. The design was so different and nothing that I would have thought of. You can check out the details of challenge here.

This is my first time entering so I'm a little excited. Here is my card. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!I knew I would use Wintergreen Designer Paper so the colors were easy to pick. Did you notice that I didn't use any stamps on this card!
(Sorry for the glare on the photo. I need some tips on shooting my cards.)

Recipe:
Stamps: None
Paper: Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Sky Blue, Wintergreen DS Paper
Ink: Sky Blue, Versamark
Accessories: Sky Blue ribbon, Ice Brads, Photos Corners punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Coluzzle, Old Olive Wide ribbon, dimensionals, Iridescent Ice Emboss Powder ,On Board Garland Greetings

Have a great weekend!

TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE

Happy Friday Everyone! It's time for another TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE. What a great way to end the week.
Today's FREEBIE is...

Four Violet Pocket Notes with envelopes, Four Pretty in Pink Love Notes with envelopes and a new, unopened spool of White Organdy Ribbon!

To enter the FREEBIE, just leave a comment on this post sharing:

Your favorite color combo to use on your projects. It can be your card stock and ink combo or just your card stock combo. I know mine!

The winner will be randomly drawn on Monday, November 12th at noon CST and annouced on this blog. Be sure to share this blog with your family, friends, co-workers, they will thank you.

Just a reminder, check back on Monday to see if you are the winner. Some people have won but never claimed their prize!

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday SplitCoast Challenge

Yesterday was SplitCoastStampers Card Sketches Challenge day. They give you the sketch or layout and you do the rest! I thought the sketch looked like it would be fun, so I got out my stamps. I'm really happy with the way this card turned out. Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks p.96
Paper: Sky Blue, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Wintergreen Designer Series Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Sky Blue Double Stitched Ribbon, dimensionals

The Wintergreen Designer paper is so pretty. The colors are so crisp.

Contact me today if you need any of these supplies to make this card!

Happy Birthday to my big sister, Debbie!

My sister's birthday is Friday, so I made her card today. Since her birthday is in November, I tried to use colors beside Autumn colors. Don't you love this combo? Blue Bayou might be my new favorite card stock!

The recipe for this card is:

Stamps: Simply Said (p. 76) 106598

Paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White, Wintergreen Designer Paper

Ink: Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Scallop Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Vintage Brads, Soft Sky ribbon

Need supplies to make this card? Contact me today to place your order.

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

Congratulations to Jolie Newman!!

Jolie is the winner of the CTMH Brads and Just Blossoms. Jolie, please contact me with your information so I can mail your goodies to you.

Jolie shared that her favorite paper is Cutie Pie. Her complete comment is at the end of this post.

Thank you to everyone that took the time to leave a comment. Be sure to mark Friday on your calendar enter the TGI Friday Freebie's!

So many of you had such great ideas on how to use the paper, from cards to scrapbook pages to altered items. It really does dress up a project!

My current favorite is Apple Cider in the Holiday Mini. Those colors are just so great.

If you haven't tried the Designer Papers from Stampin' UP!, you won't be dissappointed. And there is a large selection to choose from. Check them out in the Fall/Winter Catalog today.

Then contact me today to place your order. Take advantage of the November Special, buy 3 get 1 FREE!

Have a great week!

This is what Jolie had to say about her favorite Designer Papers:
"My favorite designer series paper is the cutie pie...that is this week it is! I'm loving using patterened paper on my cards...a little paper...a stamped image...some ribbon and you're done!!! Makes card making so quick and easy! LOVE IT!"

Party Paper Promotion!

If you are like me, you love a great deal. Stampin' UP! has just that deal for you!

Stock up for all your upcoming projects with Stampin’ Up!®’s exclusive double-sided Designer Series paper. They’ve got so many pretty patterned papers to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect patterns to help you show off your unique crafting style.

And the best part is, you’ll get a FREE pack of Designer Series paper ($9.95 value) for every three packs you buy—no limits, no restrictions!
See pages 170–173 of our Fall-Winter Collection 2007 or our Holiday Mini Collection to see all our Designer Series paper. Or visit us on the web at http://www.stampinup.com/ for free fall Designer Series paper project ideas.

Contact me today 626.676.5827 or email me to place your order!

TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE

Did this week fly by or what? And November is here as well. That means it is time to start those holiday projects!

But now it is time for the TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE!

The giveaway for this week is a tube of 'Just Blooms' from Close To My Heart in Autumn Colors and a tube of Autumn Harvest Bigger Brads from Close To My Heart.

The question is in honor of the Stampin UP! November Promo - Paper Party. Receive a FREE pack of Designer Series paper for every three packs you purchase!

To enter to win these great items, leave me a comment on this post sharing:

Which is your favorite Designer Series Paper and how do you like to use your paper! Do you like to make cards, scrapbook pages, 3-D items...

The winner will be randomly drawn on Monday, November 5th at noon CST and annouced on this blog. Be sure to share this blog with your family, friends, co-workers, they will thank you.

Interested in the Paper Party Promo? Contact me today to place your order!

Good Luck and have a wonderful weekend.

October Stamps By Mail Projects

Last month was our first Stamps By Mail month. The stamp set we are using is called Wishing You Cheer p. 33. It is a cute set and you can do so much with it. See the end of this post to get details on Stamps By Mail.

We did three projects in October, two cards and a set of Gift Tags. So here they are!
This card came right out of the Fall/Winter Catalog!
The second card is a long note style card. I just love the size of this.

And the third project was gift tags. I kept these simple because most people just throw gift tags away with the wrapping.

Stamps By Mail is a great program to get you stamping without leaving your house! Your supplies from Stampin' Up are shipping directly to you as well as all the precut card stock and directions to make all the monthly projects! Interested? Contact me today for more information and to get signed up!

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

Congratulations to Laura D.!!!

Laura wins a $15 Stampin' UP! Gift Certificate! FREE Stampin' UP! merchandise for Laura. Laura, please contact me with your information.

Laura said she is making her own Christmas cards this year but her husband 'helped' her pick the stamps. They aren't Stampin' UP! stamps.

So many of you shared that you are making your own cards this year. I think that is a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday with a handmade card. I'm sure that everyone receiving them appreciates the effort.

I will also be making my cards this year. My cards will be made with Block Party and Hung Up on the Holidays both on page 38. However, I haven't unpacked them yet, so I am wondering where they are!

Remember, if you are needing supplies to start those Christmas cards, just contact me to place your order!

Thank you everyone for leaving a comment. My stamps are coming out tonight to prepare for my Stamps By Mail group. I can't wait to get stamping!

I'll be posting the projects from October Stamps By Mail either today or tomorrow. They are cute holiday cards.

Have a great day!

TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE IS BACK!!!!!!

Even though the unpacking process is still underway, it is time for some fun! So that means it is time for the return of the TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE!

Since everyone has hung in there with me and waited for me to get back online, I would like to offer something a little special. This week's TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE is a $15 Stampin' UP! Gift Certificate!! That is right, $15 for you to spend on Stampin' UP! product! The certificate is only good when you place your order through me and it does expire November 9th, 2007.

Here's how you enter this week's TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE give-away. Leave me a comment on this post sharing which stamp set are you using for your holiday cards this year? Not making your cards this year, then tell me which is your favorite holiday stamp set.

I'll pick the name at random on Monday (10/29) at noon CST and announce the winner here! I'll also share their comments as well as my favorite holiday stamp set. Share this great TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE with your friends. They will thank you for the chance to win!

Have a great weekend!

Boxes, boxes and more boxes

Well the unpacking is coming along. This weekend I have decided to get my stamps out. I can't wait!

The weather is a little chilly here, at least for me. The kids have been wearing their one piece pj's at night to keep warm.

Please check back on Friday for the TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE!

Have a great day!

My Move and Marathon Results!

Hi Everyone,

We are in our new house in Naperville, Illinois! Naperville is about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. The move went well. I am just trying to put our life back in order! Wow, what a job.

The painters are here this week paint the first floor. Hopefully it will go quick. This makes it difficult to put things away since they will just have to move them. So a few of the rooms are on hold until the painting is completed.

This past weekend I was back in California. I ran the Long Beach Half Marathon with my two good friends Autumn and Cherish. We decided to switch to the half since we hadn't trained for a full marathon. My finish time was 2:39:16. This was a great time for not running in about a month.

Us girls had so much fun. We got pedicures, went to the movies, ate, drank coffee and had some great laughs. I am looking forward to doing this again really soon!

I miss stamping so much. Today might be the day I work in our basement to get things organized down there. We now have a finished basement and I will have my own stamping room!

Check back for more updates!

Moving Day Is Here

Our big move day is finally here. The movers will be packing up our house tomorrow and they will load the big truck on Friday. Can you say overwhelming?

It should prove to be an intersting move. My daughter, who is 3, is sick with an ear infection and is on medication. My son, who will be 2 the beginning of October, doesn't have a clue what is going on! I am flying alone with both of them. But they are both good travelers.

Once our belongings arrive at the new house and I get my Internet service installed, I will be back online. It will about a week. So don't forget about me!

Be sure to keep checking back because I will have some special surprises for you. Don't you just love a good surprise and a stamping related one at that!

Keep us in your thoughts for a safe trip for us and our things. Oh, and once I get back online, I will let you in on the new location!

Maria

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

Congratulations to Pat S.!!!!
Pat wins a $10 Stampin' UP! Gift Certificate. Don't you love FREE Stampin' UP! merchandise. Pat, please contact me with your information.

Pat's favorite stamp set is Bodacious Bouquet. Many of you had a hard time picking just one set. I'm with you guys on that one.

My favorite set is Priceless. I find myself using at least one stamp from that set on every card!

Thank you everyone for leaving a comment. Be sure to check back on Friday for the TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE give-away.

Have a great week!

Another Thank You

This is the card for my daughter's teacher, Ms. Danae. I, of course, got the idea from Patty Bennett's blog! Can you believe this is from the Accent & Elements Build-a-Flower tin? It looks so cute. And it was a snap to make! She will also be getting a box of See's candy.

Do you see product that you would like to order? Or maybe you have questions on stamping and how to get started. Well contact me and I will be happy to help you! Just email me today!

One and Only

My daughter's last day of school will be Thursday since we are moving. She has two great teachers and I am sad she won't be able to finish out the year with them. By the way, she is 3.5 years old. But these teachers are really wonderful the way they handle these little ones.

Anyhow, I wanted to give them a little something, which will be a box of See's candy. This card is for Mr. Jeffery. I used Rose Red, Blue Bayou and Close to Cocoa card stock. I also used a piece of Apple Cider on the bottom and topped it off with Blue Bayou ribbon. The stamp set is Bronc Buster on p.89.

Build-A-Flower Accents and Elements

Even though I should be doing about a million other things preparing for our move, I just had to make this card after seeing it on Patty Bennett's blog.

This Peek-A-Boo card is so unique and easy to make! You can check out the instructions on Dawn's Blog. The inside of the card has the little Peek-A-Boo window.

I used the Build-A-Flower Accents & Elements kit to make this card. The patterned paper is Prints Design Certainly Celery. Then I had to figure out what to use for the stem. So I tried Doodle This and I think it looks great! The words at the top of each page are Warm Words.

Lately when I am making a card, I try to figure out who is going to receive the card. It seems to go together easier for me. This card is for my neice and her husband. They will be celebrating their 6th wedding anniversary in October.

Have a great weekend. Don't forget to leave a comment for the TGI Friday Freebie give away!

TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE

Wow, this week flew by and Friday is here again. So that means it is time for another TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE! This week I am doing something a little different. Since I will be moving next week, I don't want the winner's prize to get lost in the move. This week's TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE is a $10 Stampin' UP! Gift Certificate!! The certificate is only good when you place your order through me and it does expire October 31st, 2007.

Here's how you enter this week's TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE give-away. Leave me a comment on this post sharing your favorite Stampin' UP! stamp set.

I'll pick the name at random on Monday (9/24) at noon PST and announce the winner here! I'll also share their comments as well as my favorite stamp set.

Share this great TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE with your friends. They will thank you for the chance to win!

Have a great weekend!

Quick Baby Card

This card looks so cute in person but the picture just didn't come out good. I used Almost Amethyst card stock and Prints Designer Series Paper. The stamp set is Wild About You. I added some Gingham Ribbon and Buttons to give it some interest.

The card is for my friends Courtney and Scott. They are expecting their first child in November. She is coming over tonight so we can visit before I move. I hope she likes the card!

SCS Color Challenge

Last night I spent time with my newest stamper, Joni (who is my kids babysitter), to show her the ropes of stamping. After we went over adhesive, wheels, the cutter and so on, we made a card. Of course, I used my favorite Designer Series paper, Apple Cider! We added the new wide Grosgrain Chocolate Chip ribbon for some interest and our card was born. I really like this new ribbon. At first, I thought it was too big for cards but let me tell you... not the case. It might be my new favorite item to use. Love it!

After Joni left, I noticed that the SCS Color Challenge was the exact colors in the card we made! So I added some Copper Brads and the Scallop Circle Punch piece. I was so happy with my end result.

I've seen this style card around and really liked it. When I saw one on Patty Bennett's blog, she was nice enough to give some dimensions to make the card. Thanks Patty! I'll be doing more of these!

Have a great day.

TGI Friday Freebie Winner Is....

Congratulations to Tanya!! She is the winner of the Accent & Elements sheets. Tanya please contact me with your information so I can get your goodies out to you!

Tanya shared that her favorite go-to accessory is 'Ribbon, ribbon and more ribbon.' Her second choice is brads. She is in good company because most of you love ribbon. But how can you not! There are a lot of glitter people out there too!

My favorite accessories are punches. Most of my cards use at least one punch. My favorite is the scallop punch. Love that one!

I was happy to see that the Simply Scrappin' Kits were mentioned. It you haven't tried these kits, you have to! Not only will you make great scrapbook pages but you can make cute quick and easy cards too.

Thank you all for your comments! It was so much fun to read what everyone likes to use. Don't forget to check next Friday for the next TGI Friday Freebie!

TGI Friday Freebie!

Welcome to the first TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE! So here we go...

This Friday's FREEBIE is 6 sheets of Accents & Elements. These die-cut accents will add the perfect touch to your projects. The winner will receive 2 sheets from Sweet Nothings and 4 sheets from Little Reminders sets.

Here's how you enter this week's TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE give-away. Leave me a comment on this post sharing what your favorite go to accessory is when making cards or scrapbook pages. Is it ribbon, brads, Accents & Elements?

I'll pick the name at random on Monday (9/17) at noon PST and announce the winner here! I'll also share their comments as well as my favorite accessory.

Share this great TGI FRIDAY FREEBIE with your friends. They will thank you for the chance to win!

Have a great weekend!

SCS Color Challenge

The Splitcoast Color Challenge this week was interesting, Taken with Teal, Purely Pomegranate, and Always Artichoke! Never would I have put these colors together but... they look cute.

My great-niece's fourth birthday is in October and these colors reminded of a little girl. Since she is only 4, I tried to keep the card cute and simple. This card is 5 x 5 in size. I used Cutie Pie Designer Series paper p. 173 for the background. The small flowers were done with the Spring Flower Bouquet punch on p. 183. 'Giggle' is from Warm Words stamp set p. 142. I use that set so much for all different occasions. I had to get the new Spiral Punch p. 183 in there as well.

Try out the Color Challenge from Splitcoast sometime. It is really fun. Have a great day!

TGI Friday Freebies!!

Everyone loves getting something FREE. And we all love FRIDAY. So I decided to start TGI Friday Freebies! Here's how it works.

Each Friday, check my blog for the TGI Friday Freebie item. Then just answer the question for that day by leaving a comment on that post.

Your name will go into the drawing for the TGI Friday Freebie! On Monday, I will draw a name at random and the winner will be announced on my blog. If you are the winner, contact me with your information and the TGI Friday Freebie will be on it's way to you!

So mark your calendars and be sure to check my blog each FRIDAY!! Share the TGI Friday Freebie spirit and make someone's day by telling them about TGI Friday Freebies.

Farewell Stamp Club

Sunday was my final Stamp Club in California. My group of ladies is awesome. I will miss hanging out with them once a month and sharing projects. My hope is they have enjoyed Club as much as I have enjoyed putting the projects together for them. Ladies, thank you for making Club special! Keep stamping and creating.

One of my ladies decided to become a demonstrator to keep Club going. Welcome and Congrats to Lizette. You will be great as a demo!

Here are two of the cards we did on Sunday. The one is just a simple card using the new Apple Cider paper. Love the colors in that paper. The second card is a spinner card. Most of the ladies had never done one, so it was fun to show them that project.

Get Well Soon Joey!

My cousin's little boy, Joey, had surgery on his arm after taking a fall. He is only 5. So my daughter and son picked out some books for him as a Get Well Soon present. I made this card out of my new stamp set Bronc Buster on p. 89 of the Fall/Winter Catalog. The Apple Cider paper, which can be found the in the Holiday Mini Catalog on p. 19, works so well with this set. My goal was to keep the card simple and boyish.

Patty Bennett suggested using punches on this paper to punch out the images. It looks great on this card. Thanks Patty!

Marathon Training Update

Since one of my passions is running, I thought it would be fitting to provide an update on my training. My next event is October 14th in Long Beach, California. I'll be running the full marathon.

On Saturday, my running shoes were back in action after sitting for 4 weeks! My training has been hit or miss due to our pending move (too long of a story). But Saturday I was able to get out and run 12 miles. Wow, it was great to be running again. I didn't realize how much I missed it. My run felt good and I was happy to get the miles in.

Now when I woke up on Sunday, that was a different story. Not running for 4 weeks makes a huge difference. I wasn't this sore after my last marathon. They say that your body remembers and will bounce back. I have learned that your body also holds a grudge and makes you pay when you don't take care of it ;-)

So I'll be running a couple times a week from now until Long Beach!

Featured Card of the Week

We all love to sit down and stamp away, creating wonderful cards, goodie bags and so on. Do you have a card you are proud of? Or maybe a card that is showcasing some new product? Have you tried a new technique you would like to show off? If so, send it to me and I will feature it on my blog. Once a week, I will post a card that was shared with me as the 'Featured Card of the Week'.

I won't be able to send your card back to you, so if you love the card, make a copy!

Re-Inkers and Sketch Challenge

Today was filled with all sorts of challenges. My 2 year old was starting his first day of Playschool. How exciting. He was dressed all cute and ready to conquer school. We all get in the car and about 5 minutes from home, he gets sick. Yes, that kind of sick. I turn the car around and proceed to face the challenge of getting him out of his car seat through all the mess. My daughter was very kind to tell me over and over that my car was stinky and she wanted out. So as my son walked up and down our driveway in his diaper, I removed the stinky car seat from my car. After a quick bath for the little guy, the next challenge was cleaning the car seat. Any mom that has been experienced this, can feel my pain! I did my best.

My final challenge of the day was the Sketch Challenge on Splitcoast. Yes, finally something fun. I am happy with the way this card came out but it was a challenge. Some cards just go together but not this one.

I used the Polished Stone technique. You take a cotton ball moistened with alcohol, not too much. From your re-inker, drop 3 - 4 drops of ink onto the cotton ball. Dab cotton ball on a piece of glossy white card stock until covered. Let dry. I used Bashful Blue and Almost Amethyst. Then I put the card together using the sketch layout.

My friend is coming over to stamp. The kids are in bed and all is well. So my challenges for the day have come to a close ;-)

Good Things Come in Small Packages

These little 3x3 cards were part of my Open House last month. The theme was 'Quick & Easy' and these cards were both. I love to have this size card handy to include in a gift bag or on a gift box. If you are looking for a gift for a teacher or someone special, these are perfect! On p.169, you'll find the Mini Square Envelopes that fit these cards. You can also purchase the Love Notes which include 30 scored cards 10 of each, Soft Sky, Rose Red, and Very Vanilla. You even get envelopes! Whether you cut your own card stock or purchase the Love Notes, try making this size card.

World Card Making Day - Only 34 Days away!

October 6th is World Card Making Day. This event happens each year on the first Saturday in October. It is a special event especially for card makers around the world to:

• Celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family
• Kick off (and get a head start on) the holiday card-making season

You can visit their website to get all the details.

To celebrate this event, from October 4th - October 8th, Stampin' UP! is offering 20% off all of their Simple Stampin Card Kits! You can find these kits in the Fall/Winter 2007 catalog on pages 12 - 14.

These kits include instructions and supplies to make at least 10 cards. You get everything, ink, stamps, embellishments and envelopes!

What a great holiday gift this would make! Be sure to check your holiday gift list and order now to receive your 20% discount.

September Stampin' UP! Special - Fall Frenzy

The Fall Frenzy promotion runs from September 1st - September 30th.

Spend $30 in regular priced merchandise and qualify to purchase one of each of the six promotional stamp sets listed below at 30% off!

#105355 - Bitty Boos Too (page 26)...................................$12.57
#109284 - Haunting Halloween (page 29)............................$13.27
#107383 - Thoroughly Thankful (page 30)...........................$16.07
#109373 - Autumn Fest (page 108).....................................$16.77
#109421 - Elementary Essentials (page 91).........................$19.57
#110366 - Stem Silhouettes (Holiday Mini page 17)..............$23.37

Contact me today to take advantage of this great special offer!

Can Pencils Look Any Cuter?

Since I saw this project, it's been on my mind. Out came my stamps and here is the result!

This is such a cute gift for a teacher. Or you could surprise that special student for doing a great job in school! If my kids were old enough, they would be getting one.

Remember those candies that was a powder in a paper straw? Those would fit perfect in here for a party favor (if they still make them!).

Well I am off to watch Big Brother and then back to stamping. Thanks for stopping by and looking.

Hot, Hot, Hot!

Wow is it hot outside! Great time to stay cool indoors and break out the stamps. Yesterday on Splitcoast was the Card Sketches challenge. They give you the layout of the card and you do the rest. I am really happy with the way my card came out. The colors are bright and fun.

I used the new Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper on p. 173 and one of my favorite stamp sets, Be Happy on p. 51. The ribbon is Wasabi Double Stitched.

Speaking of ribbon, if you are looking for a way to get samples of all the new ribbon, contact me about participating in a ribbon swap!

SCS Color Challenge

Everyday on Splitcoaststampers, they have a different challenge. Tuesday is the Color Challenge and for the first time, I decided to try it. They give you the color card stock to use and you create! Since I had a limited amount of time (Curious George is 30 minutes long and that's what the kids were doing), I had to think quick.

The colors for today were Purely Pomegranate, Pretty In Pink and Old Olive. I used the Blossoms Abound stamp set, one of my favorite sets because my wedding flowers were Lilacs. Sprinkled it with some Petals & Paisleys Designer Series Paper and Hodgepodge hardware and my card was complete. I'm happy with the way it came out!

Try the Color Challenge when you have a minute. It is really fun and gets you to try colors together that you might not do otherwise. But the best part is, it gets you stamping!

Today I attended Barbara Jackson's Holiday Class. What fun it was. We made some great cards using all products from the new Holiday Mini beginning September 1st. I'll be posting some of those samples soon.

Stamps By Mail

If you are looking for an alternative to Stamp Club, Stamps By Mail is for you! All your supplies are sent directly to your home along with pre-cut card stock, instructions and email samples. You just grab a cold drink and follow the instructions to create 2 -3 projects a month!

Here's how it works:

• Sign up for 6 months - like you would Stamp Club
• Receive supplies from Stampin' UP! each month to complete 2 -3 projects
• Receive pre-cut card stock, directions and emails from me to assemble your projects
• The first and fourth month, your order will contain a stamp set
• Monthly supply cost is $30 - $35, excluding shipping/handling and tax
• Payment is due by the 5th of each month; Order will be placed the 10th of each month
• You may pay by check, credit cards or PayPal
• You may add items to your order as long as payment is received by the 5th of each month
• If you already have any of the supplies, substitutions may be made for items of equal or lesser value

Stamps By Mail begins October 1st, so don't wait. Sign up by September 1st and you will receive 10% off your first three months of supply orders! This will also include any additional merchandise you purchase. What a Deal! Email me today to save your spot.

Welcome!

Well I decided to join the masses and create a blog! I enjoy browsing all the great stamping blogs so hopefully you will enjoy browsing mine. On my blog, you will see mostly stamping related items. But I'm sure I will sneak in a few other things here and there.

I decided to name my blog after one of favorite past times, running. June 2007, I completed my first marathon (that's 26.2 miles). What a great feeling. My second is coming up this October. I'm sure you will hear all about it.

It is fitting that the first card I am posting is my best card to date! The design of the card came from Beate's blog. If you haven't visited her blog, don't wait another minute! Anyhow, I changed the stamps, card stock and colors. I love the way it came out. It is a birthday card for my cousin Gina. She is very special to me so I wanted the card to reflect that. Happy Birthday Gina!