DRUM ROLL PLEASE... TREAT TREE!!

FINALLY...the project I have been excited to post, it has just taken longer than planned because I kept tweaking it. I am finally happy with it enough to post for your viewing pleasure.

We all have our favorite things we see and can't wait to make...well, here is mine from convention. The example on display was Halloween themed and I thought it would also be cute for Christmas/Winter.

One of my favorite things about this project is it uses things from around the house, so a lot of recycling went into this! See this of supplies below...



SUPPLY LIST:
Stamp Set: Deer Friends (Hostess Set)
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Ski Slope DSP (Holiday Mini)
Ink: Basic Basic Black
Misc: Only Orange & Basic Black Stampin Write Markers, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Coluzzle, Tombo Multi-purpose Adhesive, Snail Adhesive, 1/8" Handheld Circle Punch, Black Gingham Ribbon, White Grosgrain Ribbon. 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Big Felt Flurries (holiday mini), Snow Blossom Punch, Pretties Kit, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Non-Stampin Up! Products (mostly from around the house): Formula Can (tree base), Tree Branch (got this off the ground), Paper Towel Roll (these are cut at 2" to create ornament containers...you can get 5 ornaments per roll), Rocks (to weight base), Styrofoam block (for branch), shiny shredded paper, and most important...CANDY!!

I really hope you enjoy this treat tree, I had my workshop guests fill their cups with seasonal kisses, but you can do anything you want!! Can't you see how this tree can be used for any holiday or season?!

A Season of Giving!

I love the fall season for many reason, first for the beautiful color and second it is a season that so many people in my family celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and most importantly the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

During my visit home this past weekend I had the joy of giving two birthday gifts early, which you will see below. I decided this fall/holiday season will be a handmade season, why not it's what I do best and there is nothing better than watching someones face when they open a gift you made just for them...it's priceless!

I hope you enjoy these framed arts, I just love them!!

FOR My Mom's 59th BirthdayMy Mom and 8 girlfriends from high school get together every year and have an "Old Hefer" Party (it would take to long to explain)...I must say they are such a hoot! So, I made this frame picture ready to remember this year's event. The picture is of my little man Drew this years model. It was the invitation for this year. I'll have to post all the invites I've done over the years, you will get a good chuckle! The base colors of this frame are Basic Black and Certainly Celery. It also uses Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Styled Silver Hardware, Scallop Circle Punch, 5-Petal Punch, and Boho Blossom Punch..

FOR Little Sis Betsy- 21st Birthday

I just love the elegance of this frame. Betsy is getting close to graduating college and has been in a relationship with a great guy for awhile, so I thought this was appropriate for this time in her life. The main colors on this are Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, and Basic Black. It also uses our pretties kit, Rub-Ons from Seasonal Sayings (hostess) & A Perfect Day, and 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon.

These 12x12 frames are from Michaels and have been on sale quite a bit over the last several weeks. I am working scrapbooking my pictures around the house because you can create them to match your decor and when it comes time to update the pics, I can take these pages out and slip them right into my scrapbook! Who said your pages have to start in a book?!

We All Need A Little Christmas!

Hello again, I know I am dragging this out, but it will be worth it I promise. This is the third of four projects that will be made at my workshop this weekend. I am completely in love with this card. I really stepped out of my norm when I purchased this set, but I thought it was time to do a little stretching. One of the ladies attending the workshop this weekend is a stamper after my own heart because she LOVES dazzling diamonds, ME TO ME TO!! Anytime I can find a reason to sprinkle it on a card, okay in reality I meant POUR, then I'm all over it. See the supply list below! Note: This card will be available on my store soon!



SUPPLY LIST:
Stamp Set/s: Home for Christmas (Holiday Mini), Snow Burst; Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Holiday Treasure DSP; Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Basic Black; Misc: Pop-Up Glue Dots, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Aqua Painter, Riding Hood Red Classic Ink Refill, Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink Refill, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Fire Square Rhinestone Brads

Gearing Up for the Holidays Part One

I am heading to my home state of Iowa this weekend to do a little stamping and of course visiting. Over the next couple of days I will be posting the projects for my workshop! Hopefully these will get you in the mood for a little holiday cheer! Enjoy Part One.. Sorry Barb for the sneak peak, but I didn't think you would mind to much!!

I did this "Snow" card for a class last year, but I loved the simplicity of it so much, I just updated it with current product. Now, I am personally a "Merry Christmas" person, but I know not everyone is...so this is a winter theme.



SUPPLIES:
Stamp Set: Snowburst, Many Merry Messages; Paper: Whisper White, Shimmer Silver, Ballet Blue; Ink: Ballet Blue, Basic Black; Misc: 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Silver Brads, Snow Jumbo Wheel & Handle, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

BOX IN A BAG

I have seen these done by a few people and I just fell in LOVE with it. Check out Diana Gibbs Blog for a great tutorial on how to make this.

SUPPLIES:
Stamp Set: Punches Three (Hostess); Paper: Holiday Treasures DSP, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette'; Ink: Riding Hood Red; Misc: Uni Ball White Gel Pen, Scallop Edge Punch, Sm & Lg Tag Punch, 1/8" Handheld Circle Punch, Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon, Rounded Tab Punch, Soft Subtle Buttons, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

STORE IS NOW OPEN!!

Hello all! All I can say is WHEW... my store is up and running. You will see it evolve a lot over the next few weeks as I add more items and work out the kinks.

To the left you will see one of the most popular cards I made over the past couple years... This card is actually what gave me the motivation to open a store. I am currently working on Christmas items, so look for those to post soon!

I hope you will take the opportunity to stop by the store, check it out, and feel free to offer your comments and/or suggestions. Click here to view the store.

I am sooooooo excited about opening my online store and I hope you will be to!!

MORE SCRAPBOOKING from the PAST!

Just so I don't bore you with to much of my walk through scrapbook memory lane this will be the last one of these posts for a few days. My hope is that these pages will get you all motivated to get out there and scrapbook because to me it is such an accomplishment to preserve my memories in such a special way. No matter your technique or style, get out there and make your memories extra special.

Miss Pierce County (WA)- I use to serve on this executive board. I have been involved in the pageant world since the age of 5. So, you learned something new about me. This particular scrapbook spread won a big rosette at the fair for Outstanding Exhibit.

My BFF Leslie's Wedding- I just loved her color scheme and as you can see it made for a beautiful 12x12 spread. I had the privilege of being her maid-of-honor!

Bella's Second Litter of Puppies (Tax Day Babies)- This was Bella's second set of pups. They are just soooooo cute. I can't believe they will be 3 this coming tax day. I pray they are doing well!!

SCRAPBOOKING From the Past #2

This is so much fun! I am really starting to get the fire back as I look back! I hope you are inspired along with me!! Below are a couple pages I entered in a county fair contest, each one winning a 1st place ribbon!

My Pug Bella's first litter of puppies, cute huh?! I stamped each puppy's paws, who said our inks were only for rubber stamps?!

EASTER CANTATA, each year our WA church, Bethany Baptist would do an amazing Musical production under the direction of our amazing music Minister Scott Vollmer. Boy I miss those days! In this I had the honor of being the women who touched Jesus's robe & sang "Shout to the Lord."

David & I's trip to Maui, Hawaii 8 years ago for our 1st anniversary...seems like soooooooo long ago. Talk about Heaven on earth!!

SCRAPBOOKING...A LOOK BACK!!

Since I am printing pictures galore and having fun organizing them as they arrive, I thought I would look back at some of the pages I have done. I'm hoping to get that spark of motivation to get my hands scrapbooking away. I am a lover of Stampin Up! products first, but I also believe that our products compliment those out in the market so well. You will see I mix it up, however our cardstock & stamps just can't be beat!! I hope you enjoy this look back with me over the next couple of days...

First Up- A couple Pages from My Baby Book (I am redoing it)

Opening Page

My 1977 Page, this is one of my all-time favorites (Oooo I just gave away my age)!!

CALLING ALL SCRAPBOOKERS...FREE PRINTS!

HOWDY ALL... this post is off the beating path from my normal posts, but as I was sharing this information on my family blog I thought to myself I bet you would all love to have this information to since I know alot of you LOVE to scrapbook... So, I hope you get as much benefit from this as I did!

I first received 20 FREE 4x6 prints and one free 8x10 from snapfish after entering Drew, my adorable son, in a GAP contest (see one of the pictures I entered to the left). So, I thought...hmmm... I am sure there are more deals likes this out there...then the research began. Here is what I found:

Snapfish.com: Above offer for new accounts & until Tuesday Oct 14, you can get 50 prints for $.50 using the code FALLPENNY08 at checkout. I did this under my account and David's, so that is 100 prints in addition to the other 20...

Shutterfly.com when you create an account with this company, you get 50 4x6 prints for FREE.

Kodakgallery.com with this company you get 20 FREE prints for new accounts. So you guessed it I created an account for me and David.

I have tons of FREE 4x6 prints coming in, some have already arrived. I am really anxious to get scrapbooking and work on other projects, so this was a huge help financially. I ended up getting.....drum roll please....230 4x6 prints & 1 8x10 for around $10 which was for shipping and the $1 for the snapfish special. Scrapbooking here I come!

Note: I am not a glossy picture fan, so if you prefer matte finish remember to click matte during the checkout process as all of these sites default to glossy. Get your scrapbooking fingers ready!!

While I Wait.....Sneak Peak & Save

Hello All... I was so excited to order the big shot, but I my timing was off as it is backordered. I am antsy to get it, so I can make some fun things to show you. While I'm waiting I'm currently preparing for an upcoming Christmas workshop, so stay tuned for sneak peaks.

In the meantime, I am happy to announce my doodle daze store is almost ready to open although I'm still creating items just in time for Christmas to purchase. Over the course of the next couple months you will see it evolve and grow, my goal is to have a great selection of products available for purchase.

I know this doesn't tell you much, but I promise it will be worth it. Thank you to those of you who have encouraged me to get this store up and running. I will have a grand opening for the store soon...stay tuned for more details!

BUDGET GIFT: Below is a cute sample of a candle I made at team meeting. The Rub Ons are retired, but I wanted to show you how neat Run Ons are. I am in love with them and you can use them on just about anything. This is a great gift idea and cost less than $2 to make... I used a Michael's coupon for the candle stand, so it was about $1.50 and the candle came in a set of 4, so at most it was $.50. With the holidays coming up I know we are all watching our budget, so I hope this helps!!

I know this is a hodgepodge of information, but there is lots going on and coming up!

A MONTH OF SPOOKY-I-NESS....

Hello All! I have to admit that I am not a huge Halloween fan, but who can resist those cute kiddos all dressed up?! You will see my little guy in his scary lion costume to the left, so boo or in his gibberish...RAWR!

Since I am more of a fall gal, I thought I would share some Halloween cards samples I received from other wonderful stampers. This is why it is great to be part of a oh-so sharing company.

I really hope you enjoy these samples using the stamp set Just Jawing. Not normally a stamp set I would look at, but I must say these are cute!

By Tacea Wall

By Mimi Henwood (My Upline- 2 up) By: Unknown
By Kelly Taylor

Who says a skull & crossbones couldn't have a little bling?! As you can see it kind of makes them cute!!

LUNCH SACK, or NOT?!

I love to step outside the box and usually that inspiration happens from things around the house. Below is a card I created for a swap I participated in earlier this year. You may not notice it by looking at the picture, but it is created using a brown lunch sack.

This card is a new, inexpensive, and of course creative way to send gift cards. Just let your imagination run away with all the occasions you could use this for, got ya thinking huh?!

See my supplies list below:

SUPPLIES
Stamp Sets: Always, Curvy Verses
Card Stock: Regal Rose, Basic Black, Naturals Kraft
Ink Pads: Regal Rose, VersaMark
Misc: Black Embossing Powder, Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Rounded Tab Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Snail Adhesive, Regal Rose Stampin Write Marker, Soft Subtle Brads, Slit Punch, Non-Su! Product: Craft Lunch Sack

WHAT's NEW & HOW CAN YOU SAVE?!

There are so many exciting things happening with Stampin Up! this month. So, I am officially welcoming you to the month of OCTOBER! It's exciting to me that October marks the first step towards the holiday season for me. There's not a better time of the year in my book, not because of the cold weather, but purely because it's a time we spend with family, to give thanks, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. My little guy will be one during this holiday season and I just can't wait to start our own family traditions this year.

Now, onto sharing with you, this month in yours to SAVE BIG!! See details below:

SPOOKY SPIDER: This beyond cute Decor Element is available early for all of you just in time to decorate for Halloween. Look how cute this spooky spider jar is, wouldn't you like to make one for your home? Click on flyer for details...

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL: With this SU! Birthday special, you can earn 20% off select birthday/celebration stamp sets by simply ordering $20 in SU! merchandise. Click on flyer for details...

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY: It's that time of year again. This year from October 4-11 you can purchase one of our Simply Sent Card Kits and Simply Sent Card Elements at a 20% discount. Click on the flyer for more details.

As you can see October is adding up to be a WIN WIN for you! Don't miss out on these awesome specials! You can contact me to place an order or click here to order directly through my Stampin Up! website. If you have any questions feel free to contact me anytime!!