End of Year SALE! (thru Dec 31st ONLY)

Did you get some Christmas Cash you're looking to spend, but you want a great deal...but you missed the Free Shipping and the Retired Stamp Set Sale? Are you looking for some new stamps to take you out of the holidays and into the New Year with a surge of inspiration and joy? Or did you perhaps just realize that you inadvertantly left a special crafter off of your gift-giving list? Then, this sale is just for you!

Click HERE to shop my ONLINE STORE, through December 31st, and you will get:

15% OFF* ALL PURCHASES of $50 or MORE!

Make sure you check out the Retiring Stamp Sets, and the Sneak Peek Love You Much Valentine's Bundle. Retiring Stamp Sets will be available until January 18th, but my 15% OFF special is only valid through December 31st.

The Love You Much Valentine's Bundle has already been discounted 20%, and is available through January 31st. However, you will receive 35% OFF this bundle when you purchase it from me through December 31st! And, when you purchase this bundle, you will get the step-by-step instructions to make the Fantasy Box shown above. The Fantasy Box is shown open, below, with chocolates inside.

*15% discount applies to merchandise total, before tax & shipping. All discounts for Online Store purchases will be refunded in the form of a rebate check, approximately 2 weeks after purchase.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas today :-) I hope your holidays are everything you desire! I have a little gift for you...to help you get all the things you do desire. Just scroll down the right sidebar of my blog, below the Holiday Helper (which you should sign up for if you haven't already!). You'll find a heading that says "Thoughts Become Things...", and you can click on the image under the header to check out some audio recordings by a fellow named Mike Dooley. If you've heard of the Law of Attraction, and you want to manifest your desires in your life, this stuff is for you. Whether you are a stamper who would like more "mad money" to allow you to add to your stampin' stash, or you want to create a comfortable and spacious crafting area that inspires and uplifts you, or you are a SU! demonstrator who would like to create the career of your dreams, or you just want to add prosperity and abundance to your life, these recordings are for you!



For today's stampin' treat, I'll leave you with a couple of cocoa tins I decorated for my mom. I have gotten her the same Christmas gift for the last few years--a tin of Stephen's brand Raspberry Milk Chocolate Cocoa. This year, they made the tins smaller, so I got two of them. I figured, since my mom knows what I'm getting her, I may as well make their appearance a surprise by custom decorating the tins! They are covered with Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, with some rub-ons and ribbon added for embellishment.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!

Reminder: FREE Holiday Helper Newsletter

If you haven't already signed up for this, it's not too late to get all 12 FREE ISSUES--you can use them for next year's holiday planning!

Simply click HERE to go to my main blog page, then scroll down until you see the red Holiday Helper logo in the right sidebar. Enter your name and email address under that, and get all 12 copies sent directly to your email inbox, over the next 12 days.

I think the last day to sign up so that you'll still be able to get all of these newsletters, will be January 3rd, but you should probably play it safe and sign up no later than January 1st. There is no obligation, and all the issues are completely FREE. Just click HERE if you want to learn more about the Holiday Helper Email Newsletter.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Since it's Christmas Eve, I don't typically get much of a nod for my birthday (except from immediate family and close friends) because everyone's too busy with other holiday plans. When I was little, I got about 20 minutes for my birthday in the evening, then our family would open all the presents under the tree. Our Santa presents were the only thing we'd open on Christmas morning. My mom always made sure that I had a special birthday cake, and that no one tried to slip me a birthday present wrapped in holiday paper!

When I had kids, I changed the tradition, cuz I'm a grownup and I'm allowed to do that sort of thing! Now, I give my kids a new set of PJ's as a gift on Christmas Eve, and they wear them to bed. Then, on Christmas morning, with the kids all nestled under the tree in their new PJ's, we open all our gifts. Even though my kids are teenagers now, they still seem to look forward to the PJ's. I always try to find something holiday themed for them. For my birthday "cake" these days, we have a dinner of waffles with strawberries and whipped topping, and usually some bacon to round it out.

I thought it might be fun to see which "famous" people were born on my birthday:

• 1809 Kit Carson
• 1880 Johnny Gruelle (best known as creator of Raggedy Ann)
• 1905 Howard Hughes
• 1922 Ava Gardner
• 1929 Mary Higgins Clark
• 1968 ME, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! (yeah, I'm so famous...hahaha...)
• 1971 Ricky Martin
• 1974 Ryan Seacrest (ew.)

By the way, for those of you who might need help with the math, I'm celebrating the second anniversary of my 39th birthday this year :-D

If you want to check out your birthday, take a quick peek HERE. This is a nice site because it doesn't have a lot of graphically intense stuff...it's mostly just plain text. Wow, I love that.

Anyway, don't forget to put out your Reindeer Food tonight! If you missed the recipe, click HERE and read through the blog post. You can find Snowman Poop and Snowman Soup in there, too :-)

A Sweet Valentine Sneak Peek

Stampin' Up! is offering another Sneak Peek purchase opportunity--a chance for you to get a bundle of new products that you won't otherwise be able to get your hands on until January 19th, when you can begin ordering from the new 2009 Spring-Summer Idea Book & Catalog.


From December 23rd to January 31st, you can order the Love You Much Valentine's Bundle (item 115405, $41.48), which includes the Love You Much stamp set, the coordinating Heart to Heart Punch, and a package of coordinating Candy Lane Designer Series Paper...all at a 20% Discount (reg. price $51.85)!

Click HERE to view, or right click to download, the flyer.

The Heart to Heart Punch is designed to punch out all three of the hearts on the stamp image, at the same time. And the hugs & kisses scallop circle image is the perfect size to punch out with the Scallop Circle Punch, which you probably already have. This is a great bundle of coordinating products you can use for Valentine's Day, and all year long!

REMEMBER: you can get FREE SHIPPING on your Love You Much Bundle, and whatever other products you'd like to add to your order, if you PLACE YOUR ORDER ON DECEMBER 23RD!!!

BONUS OFFER: I am preparing an awesome class to make a Fantasy Box with this bundle, click HERE for photos and a supply list. This class will be available with step-by-step directions for FREE by email when you purchase the Love You Much Bundle, and you can additionally choose to bring your bundle products to my house, and make the project under my direction, for a nominal supply fee!

PLUS, to help you get the additional supplies you'll need if you want to make the project on your own, I am personally offering a 10% Discount* on the following products when ordered with the Love You Much Bundle through January 18th ONLY:

• Sticky Strip, SNAIL, SNAIL Refills, Glue Sticks
• 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
• Corner Rounder Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Square Punch
• Paper Trimmer, Bone Folder
• Pretties Kit
• Riding Hood Red Tafetta Ribbon
• In Color® Assorted Card Stock Packages (8-1/2" x 11", and 12" x 12")
• Whisper White Card Stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Riding Hood Red, and Pink Pirouette ink pads and reinkers
• Blender Pens

*Orders placed through my Online Store will receive their discount as in the form of a rebate, approximately 2 weeks after purchase.

You can place your order in my ONLINE STORE anytime day or night, but feel free to contact me if you'd rather talk to a live person :-)

No Stamp Gift Wrapping!

You might remember the Snowman Poop & Snowman Soup cello bag toppers I posted HERE. Today's quick project uses the Snowman Topper, as a gift tag!

No stamping is involved, just take an ordinary gift bag and punch a couple of holes to thread ribbon through (I used the 1-1/4" Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla candy cane stripe ribbon), then tie the snowman topper to the bow with gold metallic cord. The snowman's head is a Top Note die-cut piece which was folded in half, so you just open that up and write your greeting or "to-from" info on the inside!

Poof, no stamping! Instant Christmas Gift Packaging.

REMINDER: if you are still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, or would like to receive the perfect gift, contact me (or have your loved ones contact me) about a GIFT CERTIFICATE! These are available in any denomination, and I can even send a pretty email notice to the recipient on Christmas Day, if there's not time to pick up your paper copy before Santa arrives.

Fantasy Box

I went to a local demonstrator holiday party last night, and we had a stamped gift exchange. I made the little box shown here, called a Fantasy Box. Several demonstrators asked me where I got the pattern, so I promised to post the link. I got a good giggle when one of the demonstrators said she was afraid to Google the term "Fantasy Box" to find it herself!

I found a great pattern using Stampin' Up! product on the blog of another demonstrator, Julie Reynolds. Click HERE to check out her instructions.

I used the Urban Garden Designer Series Paper (DSP), and Baja Breeze card stock. For the decorative flowers on the outside, I used a flower from the Fall Flair Hostess Set, inked up in Night of Navy, stamped onto a scrap of DSP. Stamping an outline image over a lightly colored patterned piece of paper creates a lot of depth with zero effort!

One tip I'd like to share is that I cut an extra strip of chipboard for the "guts" that was 5" by about 1/8". Then, I laid that between each piece of chipboard and the next, as a spacer between them as I adhered them to the back of the main piece of Designer Series Paper. The spacer doesn't get adhered, you lift it up and move it between the next two pieces of chipboard, and so on. That way, all your pieces of chipboard are evenly spaced apart from each other, and they are level and square with each other.

I also made sure to leave the top of the box lid flat, which you can see in the picture above, instead of adding layers with bling. The reason I did this is because the box lid can be turned over when it's taken off, and used as a fifth container, set under the tallest box in the row, as pictured below. If you have brads or a knot of ribbon on the top of the box lid, you won't be able to set the box lid flat, unless you find something that is taller than your embellishment to adhere to each of the four corners of the box lid. That would lift the box up a bit so it would rest on those four corners.

The boxes inside the Fantasy Box are filled with chocolates. There are stamp covered peppermint patties, and also Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares. Two of either of those candies fit absolutely perfectly in there, stacked on top of each other! The Scallop Circle Punch is used for the covers for the patties, and the Scallop Square Punch is used to embellish the DSP-wrapped chocolate squares.

Video Tutorial: Creative Options with the Big Shot

Have you been wanting to order the Big Shot, but would like to see it in action before you take the leap? Here's your chance...I have a new video on my SU! web site that shows some creative options you can use with the Big Shot. It's so much more than just a fancy paper cutter--you can cut fabric, foam, and lots, lots more!

Click HERE to check out the video.

FREE SHIPPING!!! (Dec 9th-23rd)

Just in time for your last-minute holiday shopping, Stampin' Up! is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $70 or more!

Take advantage of this special to get additional savings on the already discounted retiring stamps. Remember to check the Promotions page on my SU! web site, and my newsletters, for more of my own personal offers, and other current Stampin' Up! specials--bundle them together and save like crazy this holiday season on your favorite stampin' stuff!

REMEMBER: for Christmas delivery, you will need to place your order no later than December 16th in my Online Store, or get your order and payment to me by December 15th if you'd like me to place your order for you.

Retiring Stamps and a SALE!!!

The list of stamps which will be retired from the 2008 Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog has been released today! Click below to get the list in either alphabetical order by stamp set title, or numeric order according to page number in the catalog.

• List of Retiring Stamp Sets (Alphabetical)
• List of Retiring Stamp Sets (Numeric)

These retiring stamp sets will be available only through January 18th.

However, when you buy any set from the retiring list from December 9th through December 23rd, you get a 10% Discount!!

Click HERE for a flyer with discounted pricing.

You may take advantage of this special by contacting me with your order, or you can visit my Online Store and place your order directly through my web site.

Stay tuned for details on a FREE SHIPPING offer, also available from December 9th through 23rd...

Order in Time for Christmas Delivery!

Just a quick note to let you know that Stampin' Up! has set a holiday ordering deadline of December 16th, to process orders in time for delivery by Christmas. You may order through my ONLINE STORE for delivery directly to you, up until 11:50pm Mountain Time on December 16th.

If you would rather have me place your order, you will need to have an appropriate form of payment to me by December 15th, so I can process it and submit your order on time.

Please Note: Holiday shopping greatly increases the likelihood of backordered and out-of-stock items, so plan ahead to avoid last minute disappointments.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: I can create a Gift Certificate for you in any denomination, which makes a great present for any stamp, scrapbook, or paper craft lover! I'll even wrap the certificate up in a nifty decorated tin that will look oh-so festive under the tree. Why guess which products to buy, when you can let the recipient do her own shopping?? Email me to purchase your gift certificates today!!!

LAST DAY for Current Specials!

Tomorrow (December 1st) is the last day of the HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE. Click HERE to learn more about this event, and the savings you can enjoy, then hop on over to my SU! web site and click SHOP NOW to place your order before these offers are gone!

NOTE: I understand the following bundles are now Sold Out: All in the Family Bundle, Santa's Stocking Stuffer Bundle, Curly Label Punch Bundle, and Mission Embossable Bundle.

Also, don't forget about the RUB-ONS SALE. You can purchase any package of Rub-Ons at a 20% Discount, THROUGH TODAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, ONLY!!! Click HERE for all the details on the Rub-Ons Sale.

Rub-Ons are a great way to bring exclusive Stampin' Up! images, and holiday phrases to your paper crafts, and home décor items, without stamps and ink! Hop on over to my SU! web site and click on the SHOP NOW button to order yours before the special is over.

FREE Holiday Helper 12-Day eNewsletter

Are you looking for crafting inspiration this holiday season? Do you want project ideas to come to you? Would you like a little Holiday Helper to see you through the New Year? How about if you could get all that ABSOLUTELY FREE!?!

Look no further, I have just what you're looking for: the 2008 Holiday Helper. Your one-stop resource to holiday crafting enjoyment!

You'll get a new email every day, for twelve days, delivered right to your Inbox, with easy links to project instructions you can download and save, and all the latest news on holiday products and promotions. You have to see this to believe it, it's like a holiday magazine delivered to your Inbox, in 12 sections...although there are way more articles and samples in this magazine than advertisements!

All you have to do is look over on the right sidebar of my blog, under the red and white Holiday Helper 2008 graphic, and enter your name and email address in the little boxes provided, then click 'Submit'. Even if you are already on my email newsletter list, you STILL have to sign up in that box to get the Holiday Helper.

Here's what's in store for you, with your subscription to the 12 Days of Holiday Helper 2008:

12 Step-by-Step Tutorials, 11 Complimentary Gifts, 10 Easy & Inexpensive Christmas Gifts, 9 Handmade Gift Ideas, 8 Home Décor Projects, 7 Ornament Ideas, 6 Creative Wrapping Ideas, 5 Holiday Card Ideas, 4 Ways to Involve your Family and others in the Fun, 3 Scrapbook Projects, 2 Scrapbooking Theme Ideas, and 1 Creative Consultant (that's me) on Standby to Assist You!!!

Go ahead and sign up now--it's FREE, there is no obligation, and if you decide the newsletter is not your cup of tea (or hot cocoa), there is an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email...so there's no risk and nothing to lose. Please, enjoy this gift from me to you during this holiday season :-)

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE! (Nov 26 thru Dec 1)

ACT NOW, 20%-50% DISCOUNTS ON BUNDLED ITEMS...QUANTITIES LIMITED!!!

Click HERE to view, or right click to download, sales flyer listing of bundles available!

The best and fastest way to take advantage of this sale, is to visit My SU! Web Site, then click on the SHOP NOW button near the top right of the screen. If you have not visited this link on my site before, you'll want to quickly create a login before you shop.

I cannot stress enough the fact that QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED, so please act quickly to ensure you get the sale bundle you want! You are welcome to call me at 719-205-5957, or email me (at procrastistamper@gmail.com), to place your order for you, but you may not catch me in time to get all the items you want before they are out of stock. Holy cow, if you buy nothing else, at least take advantage of the opportunity to purchase the Curly Label Punch Bundle at a 30% savings!!

ONLINE ORDERING BONUS: The first 10 customers to place online orders of $50 or more, through the SHOP NOW function of My SU! Web Site, during the Holiday Extravaganza will receive AN ADDITIONAL $10 in FREE Stampin' Up!® Merchandise from me to coordinate with the items they have purchased. Items will vary in accordance with each customer order.

Holiday Peppermint Patty Basket!

This little basket holds 3 scallop punch covered peppermint patties. The original pattern can be found HERE, but I've recreated a new sample picture for this post, to use current stamp sets with current In Colors and Designer Series Paper.

I used the Deer Friends Hostess Stamp Set for the images layered on top of the patties, because the images are round and solid, much like the ones used in the original tutorial. However, if you're going to use the Punch Pals set to make the tag, you may choose to use some of the images from that set on your patties. Remember, you can stamp your image, color it, then slide your punch upside down over the edge of your image, and choose what you want to have showing in your punched circle! Popular choices are the snowman's head, and the penguin's head.

These make cute little gifts for the office, for school classrooms and teachers, or as place setting favors for holiday parties. You can stack 3 patties in each basket, either on their sides, or one on top of the next, as shown below:

Stampin' Supplies: Deer Friends (Hostess Exclusive Stamp Set - FREE), Punch Pals stamp set, Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, Baja Breeze card stock and ink, Riding Hood Red card stock and ink, Kiwi Kiss ink, Chocolate Chip ink, Whisper White card stock, Small and Large Tag Punches, 1/16" hole punch (for brads and tag), Earth Elements Brads (Ruby Red), Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Linen Thread. And of course, you'll need some Peppermint Patties, in your favorite brand!

A Holly Jolly Fellow

I've been working on this project for the last couple of weeks, taking moments here and there to finish it, and I finally got it photographed today. I'm so excited about it that I want to go ahead and share it with you tonight, and I'll follow up with instructions/tutorials in the next couple of days. I think he turned out so cute, I'm so proud of my little Frosty! [Remember: click on any image to see it larger.]

This is a snowman card holder--it holds 8 cards and 8 envelopes, which have been modified to fit the cards. Each card is 4-1/4" square, which means you can get two foldover cards per 8-1/2"x11" sheet of card stock, with some leftover bits you can use to embellish the cards. The layered Ski Slope Designer Series Paper (DSP) pieces are 4" square, so you can get 9 pieces out of one sheet of 12"x12" paper. You can add ribbon to the cards if you like, or leave them plain.

It takes only one sheet of white card stock to make the snowmen, part of a piece of Baja Breeze card stock for the box in-between the snowmen, and part of a piece of Basic Black card stock for the hat, and the punched pieces. Then you just need a scrap of Only Orange card stock for the nose...or you can just get a Stampin' Write marker and color a scrap from the sheet of Whisper White card stock you used for the snowman.

This project makes use of the Coluzzle, and a few punches, including the 1/2" Circle Punch (buttons), Bojo Blossoms Punch (eyes), and the Word Window Punch (carrot nose). You'll want to have a Crop-A-Dile available if you'd like to use the Jumbo Eyelets like I did, and some Baja Breeze 1" Stitched Grosgrain.

Like I said, I'll follow up with more later, but I wanted to show you how easy it is to make a gift of cards this season. It's so easy, and the supplies are used so efficiently, that you can make tons of sets from one small order in an afternoon!

Keep your eyes peeled for more details, and a full list of Stampin' Supplies needed. Below, you'll see the whole set laid out, including the card holder snowman box, 8 cards, and the 8 envelopes (behind the cards--I chose not to decorate them, but you could layer some coordinating DSP pieces on the flap and front of each envelope to brighten them up!). And if you look carefully, you'll see that the cards use only Designer Series Paper, card stock, some Whisper White Tafetta Ribbon and Riding Hood Red Tafetta Ribbon (optional) and the Season of Cheer Rub-Ons. Click HERE for details on the RUB-ONS SALE, to get your supplies at a discount!!

And the great part is, the snowman box doesn't have to hold cards. He can hold a packet of hot cocoa, with a little bag of mini marshmallows, and maybe a candy cane or a chocolate covered spoon for stirring. Or maybe a bag of microwave popcorn, a small box of Junior Mints (both wrapped in DSP), and a video store gift card. These make totally adorable treat holders!

Subscribing to My Blog with EMAIL UPDATES!

I had thought that I had enabled email subscriptions to updates on my blog a long time ago, but found out this morning that I apparently had never completed that process!

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, you can find the options for either subscribing in a READER, or via EMAIL UPDATES on the right sidebar of my blog. Look under the heading Contact Info & Important Links. You may also click on the links in this post, for your convenience.

Just as an FYI, a blog Reader is like a blog update Inbox. You can read all the new blog entries in a separate application, or on a web page you log into, as with Google Reader. If you subscribe to a blog via Email Updates, you will get a message in your email Inbox every time a new blog entry is posted.

You can choose either method, according to your preference. If you like getting notification of everything in your email Inbox, you might prefer Email Updates. If you subscribe to a lot of blogs, and you like the idea of keeping them separate from regular email messages in your Inbox, then you might prefer subscribing through a reader.

Christmas Card Class Stampin' Supplies

I wanted to share the supplies used to make each of the cards below, since the class is over now. Feel free to email me with any questions, or for suggestions on how to make these cards work with images from other sets you may have!

None of the cards use the same supplies, except maybe some adhesive types and extra sets of Paper Snips, so you can set up four different stations for them very easily. This would make a great activity to do with family over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Bella Rose Wow Flowers Christmas Card (top left) Stampin' Supplies:
Curly Label Punch Bundle (use punch and stamp set), Wow Flowers stamp set, Kiwi Kiss ink pad, Old Olive ink pad (for curly label only), Riding Hood Red ink pad, Bella Rose DSP, Whisper White card stock, Kiwi Kiss card stock, Riding Hood Red Tafetta ribbon, Earth Elements brads (Old Olive), 1/8" hole punch (holes for ribbon), Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals (under label punch only), Mini Glue Dots (under brad-centered flowers).
Cutting Notes: Card base is 4-1/4"x11", then folded at the top. Thick strips of DSP are 1", thinner strip of DSP is 1/2", square of DSP is 2"x2". Flowers along bottom edge are hand-trimmed with Paper Snips from center of Wow Flowers Happy Birthday stamp.
Tips/Alternate Suggestions: Instead of brads use 1/8" circles that you've punched out of Old Olive card stock. You could eliminate the little flowers along the bottom if you want to keep it simple. Maybe substitute using the Scalloped Edge Punch along the bottom strip of DSP instead.

Deer Friend Christmas Card (top right) Stampin' Supplies:
Deer Friends Hostess stamp set, Heard from the Heart stamp set, Jumbo So Swirly wheel, Chocolate Chip ink pad, Versamark ink pad (ink up wheel in it), Baja Breeze ink pad (sponge on edges of scalloped square), Creamy Caramel marker (deer's nose and antlers), Real Red marker (optional hand-drawn heart at end of saying), Ski Slope DSP, Whisper White card stock, Chocolate Chip card stock, Baja Breeze card stock, 1/4" circle punch (for ribbon to wrap around and come through from back, to tie in front), Scallop Square punch, Stampin' Dimensionals (under deer only), White Tafetta Ribbon, Stampin' Sponge.
Cutting Notes: Card base is 5-1/2"x8-1/2", then folded on the left. Red layer of DSP is 2"x2" and blue layer is 3"x3". Chocolate Chip card stock layer is 3-1/4" square.
Tips/Alternate Suggestions: Try using the Bashful Blue ink cartridge in the wheel handle, if you don't want to mess with inking up a wheel using a Versamark pad...it may be light enough to work. I tried Baja Breeze with the wheel and I felt it was too dark and heavy.

Merry & Bright Christmas Card (bottom left) Stampin' Supplies**:
Merry & Bright stamp set, Real Red ink pad, Garden Green ink pad (to stamp and watercolor trees, also to stamp snowflakes on green layer), Big Shot & Top Note die, Real Red card stock, Garden Green card stock, Kraft card stock, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch (for ribbon to go thru on one side), Stampin' Sponge (for edges of Top Note), Blender Pen (to color in santa hat and scarf with Real Red), Real Red Striped Grosgrain, Stampin' Dimensionals (under scallop circle only), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter & 2-Way Glue Pen (for ball and brim on santa hat), Paper Snips (to cut "Merry & Bright" saying out in a strip), Mini Glue Dots (under Merry & Bright saying only).
Cutting Notes: Card base is 5-1/2"x8-1/2", then folded on the top. Green layer is 5-1/4"x4", then the corners are rounded.
Tips/Alternate Suggestions: You could use a different Real Red ribbon if you want. You could leave off the sponging of the Top Note, the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and/or the "Merry & Bright" saying to keep it super simple.
**Oddly enough, I liked this card the least, but my teenage daughter liked it the most!

Very Merry Christmas Card (bottom right) Stampin' Supplies:
Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set (gift pkg), Short & Sweet stamp set ("very merry" saying and snowflake), Ruby Red ink pad (for saying and snowflake),Ruby Red marker (to color pkgs), Bashful Blue marker, Certainly Celery marker, StazOn Jet Black ink pad (stamp gifts in this--you may want to do it ahead of time so guests don't get permanent ink all over, or smear it if it isn't dry yet), 1-1/4" Square Punch (gifts), 1-3/8" Square Punch (blue layers), Whisper White card stock, Ruby Red card stock, Bashful Blue card stock, Certainly Celery card stock, Large Oval Punch, Crop-A-Dile (1/8" punch on each side of bottom for ribbon to go thru), Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals (under "very merry" only).
Cutting Notes: Card base is 5-1/2"x8-1/2", then folded on the top. DSP layer is 2"x5-1/2", and Certainly Celery layer is 2-1/2"x5-1/2".
Tips/Alternate Suggestions: This is a pretty simple card, it's just the coloring of the packages that takes a while. Be sure the colors are used on a different part of each pkg on each image--there are 3 parts (bow, pkg background, dots) and 3 colors, so it shouldn't be too hard. Maybe consider using Blender Pens with pastels if you don't want to use markers. You could also switch up the layering and move them around in a different orientation. If you stamp the packages in StazOn and punch them out ahead of time, the kids can color them in with markers or even crayons.

Longaberger Holiday & Collector's Club Baskets

I'm trying to make storage room for all my stamp stuff, and I have a number of Longaberger holiday and Collector's Club baskets that are taking up a good deal of the space I'd like to use. I love the baskets, but I don't end up really using them, and as a result, they've only been displayed a few times (in my non-smoking home). So, I thought maybe I'd share pictures of what I have, and see if any of you might like to give them a good home. I am only too happy to provide courtesy gift-wrapping, complete with "do not open 'til Christmas" tags on the package, along with a custom hand-stamped holiday card, upon request.

I'm not going to sell them directly from my blog, you'll have to email me and let me know what you want. The prices listed are my idea of what they are worth--feel free to make an alternate offer. I intend to charge only the exact shipping amount to get your baskets to you, on top of the agreed upon price(s). Please make sure you ask any pertinent questions before you commit to any purchase. Each basket comes with relevant documentation brochures and certificates, and these are in mint condition.

Here are pictures of some of the baskets I have...please click on any of them to see larger, more detailed images:

(above) SLEIGH BASKETS & RUNNERS $100
This is a set of 3 different sized "sleigh" baskets, each with wrought iron runners (which come in original boxes). Each basket features a holiday fabric liner, and a plastic protector. The large and medium baskets feature divided protectors.

(above) WINTER WISHES & LITTLE JOY BASKETS $75
Two Basket set, each featuring fabric liner and plastic protector. Larger basket features lid with red knob, and handle wrap. Both baskets feature hardware on back of rim to hang baskets.

(above) WELCOME HOME BASKET $75 - SOLD!
Features braided leather handles, fabric liner, and plastic protector. Comes in original collector's box.

(above) HARBOR BASKET $75 - SOLD!
Features wooden swinging handles, fabric liner, and dual level divided plastic protector set. Comes in original collector's box. This makes a great craft or sewing basket. The stairstep-looking weave on the bottom of this basket is phenomenal.

(above) COLLECTOR'S CLUB CHARTER MEMBER BASKET $150
Features brass tag denoting "Collector's Club Charter Member", ceramic tie-on denoting Charter Member status, fabric liner, plastic protector, Charter Member handle wrap, original issue of Collector's Club Signatures magazine, original Collector's Club membership literature, and original collector's box. There are three Longaberger signatures on the bottom of this basket - Rich, his wife JoAnne, and their daughter Heidi.

(above) COLLECTOR'S CLUB 1998 RENEWAL BASKET $50
Features braided leather handles, fabric liner, and plastic protector. Comes in original collector's box.

(above) COLLECTOR'S CLUB 1999 RENEWAL BASKET $35
Features braided leather handles, fabric liner, and plastic protector. Comes in original collector's box.

(above) CENTURY BASKET $50
Features fixed wooden handle, handle tie, wooden lid with embossed metal star on knob (not shown in picture), fabric liner, plastic protector, Century (year 2000) tie-on, and original collector's box.

Holiday Extravaganza: Nov. 18th & 20th Christmas Card Classes

Do you want to make your own Christmas cards this year, but just can't get past the design stage? Do you get overwrought trying to figure out what images and colors and styles coordinate with each other? Then my Christmas Card Classes are ideal for you!

I'm offering 4 classes, each with a different set of cards, between now and Santa's debut. The first class will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, and features the cards shown above. You'll make 3 of each design, along with stamped envelopes to match, for a set of TWELVE cards at each class! Christmas Card Class #2 will be held on Thursday, November 20th, but you'll need to RSVP right away--by November 15th. You can RSVP for either, or both, of the November classes HERE.

Publication Notifications

I'd like to call your attention to a few publications, some recently updated, which are available for viewing on my blog. Please note that the catalog files tend to be rather large, and you may benefit most from right clicking on the links to them, and saving a copy of each to your hard drive, for faster access and viewing times.

November Customer Newsletter - on the right sidebar of my blog, under the heading "Customer Newsletter Archives"

2008 Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog - on the right sidebar of my blog, under the heading "Stampin' Up!® Catalogs"

2008 Holiday Mini Catalog - on the right sidebar of my blog, under the heading "Stampin' Up!® Catalogs"

Celebrando Creatividad - a US Hispanic/Latin Catalog Supplement, located on the right sidebar of my blog, under the heading "Stampin' Up!® Catalogs"

Décor Elements - a combined catalog, including complete Phase I and Phase II product line, located under the heading "Stampin' Up!® Catalogs"

Rub-On-O-Rama!

It's time for another great Stampin' Up!® Special! From November 10th through November 30th, when you purchase $20 in regular merchandise, you will get 20% OFF ALL RUB-ONS in the 2008 Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog, Celebrando Creatividad, and in the 2008 Holiday Mini Catalog!!! (Click on any publication link to see a PDF version of that catalog) Each package is normally priced at $10.95, and when you qualify for this special, you can purchase any amount of rub-ons for only $8.76 per package.

The following is a chart of all available packages, for your convenience--the three packages which are ideal for Christmas/Holiday projects are: Word Flurries, Old Saint Nick, and Season of Cheer.

You can email me to place your order, or simply surf on over to my SU! web site and click on the SHOP NOW button near the top right corner, underneath my name and contact info, to place your order online!

Watercolor Video Tutorial

If you've always wanted to learn more about watercoloring, but haven't been able to make it to a workshop or class to see it, here's your chance! Click HERE to view a video tutorial on watercoloring, on my Stampin' Up!® web site. This project was created by using ink pads and an Aquapainter, on Watercolor Paper.

Call me at 719-205-5957, or email me, to book your workshop in the Colorado Springs area. We can feature products and techniques you'd like to learn more about, such as Watercoloring, Heat Embossing, Dry Embossing, or using Stampin' Write Markers.

And don't forget to check out the Events Page on my SU! web site, to find out about all my upcoming holiday classes. If you are looking forward to a handmade holiday this year, I've got all your needs covered! You can also call and request a class, such as a calendar-making class, for you and a group of your friends. The Create-A-Calendar Kit makes a wonderful gift for anyone who isn't on your "naughty" list!

Another Tin-Tinabulation!

For your holiday packaging delight, Stampin' Up!® is offering two different tins, for sale individually--WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

The Turquoise Tin (Item# 114673) is available for $3.95 each. It measures approximately 10-1/2" long x 6-1/2" wide x 3-1/4" tall, with rounded corners, and features a see-through panel on the lid, with a lunch box type closure.

• The Turquoise Tin would make a great treat container, with your baked goods or candies showing through the top!* Either leave it as-is to feature the festive turquiose color, or consider wrapping a strip of coordinating Designer Series Paper around the bottom. The Rainbow Sherbet Designer Series Papers coordinate well with this tin, as do the Pacific Point Patterns Designer Series Papers. If you would like to wrap ribbon around to tie in a bow, the Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon would be lovely, and the Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon would stand out in excellent contrast to the turquoise tin. As you can see from the photo above, I use my turquoise tins to store my different adhesives and adhesive refills throughout the year, so these make great gift packaging that keeps on giving!

The Silver Skinny Tin (Item# 108333) is available for $1.95 each. It measures approximately 5-1/2" long x 4-7/8" wide x 7/16" tall. This tin is solid (no see-through features), with rounded corners, and a notch for pulling the hinged lid open.

• The Skinny Silver Tin is wonderful for packaging a gift of cash, a gift card, a gift certificate, or a few CDs, with a custom-sized greeting card inside! Wrap a sleeve of your favorite Designer Series Paper around it to dress it up...my favorite is the Ski Slope Designer Series Paper assortment. Or, you might want to simply tie your tin closed with some festive ribbon, twill, or twine. Some of my favorites are: Kiwi Kiss 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Alpine Felt Ribbon (you get 3 spools in one package!), and Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain.

*To help extend the life of your tin, please line your tin with waxed paper or parchment paper when using with food, and wipe out to clean--do not submerge.

To place your order, you can call me at 719-205-5957, or email me, or you may visit my Stampin' Up!® web site and click the SHOP NOW button near the top right of the screen.

Psssst...here's a secret...if your office, or your sweetie's office, is having a Christmas party, the Skinny Silver Tins make a beautiful presentation for gift cards! Get the boss to cover the expense out of the party budget, and you get to custom decorate the tins, PLUS you'll most likely get to keep the leftover supplies for use on your own gift packaging and cards!!! Don't worry--I'll be glad to help you design your tins and pick out the supplies you need. I can even prepare an itemized invoice for the accounting office. It will be super easy and totally FUN!

Frosty Day Designer Series Paper

Just wanted to share some samples with you, all made with the Frosty Day Designer Series Paper package. I'm not a fan of using the "orange" colored papers for Christmas, so I'm using them for Fall and Thanksgiving! We'll be making these three cards (and envelopes) on Friday at Beth's Party, in addition to a Reindeer Poop Topper!

If you have any questions on supplies, instructions, or if you would like to book a Party this month to make these projects, please feel free to email me.

Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit!

Now presenting...the Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin’ Kit. You can create approximately 60 single ornaments, or layer & mix elements to make fewer, more elaborate ornaments, with this chipboard and die-cut paper package! But wait, there's more: you'll also get a coordinating stamp set, three different ink pads, and metallic cord to hang each ornament...all for just $49.95!!! That's less than a dollar per ornament!

After you make the ornaments, you will STILL have the stamp set and ink pads to use for other craft projects later! Use the ornaments on your tree, adorn them with pictures and use as home décor, create an ornamental garland, or even use them as custom tags to dress up your holiday gift packages.

Click HERE to view, or right click to download, promotional flyer.

This promotion will be featured in an eight-page spread in the holiday issue of Country Living magazine. You can subscribe to Country Living HERE to get 12 issues for only $12, PLUS an exclusive Stampin' Up!® Notecard Kit FREE, with your paid subscription!

Kit Contents: exclusive Holiday Collection stamp set (not available in any catalog), four 12" x 12" sheets of die cut chipboard, eight 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 4 double-sided designs), four 12" x 12" sheets of Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 2 double-sided designs), two 12" x 12" sheets of Whisper White card stock, 25 yds. Silver Metallic cord, 10 yds. 3/8" Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Pretties Kit components (20 pieces), Stampin’ Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter 1/2 oz), Tombow® Multi Purpose Adhesive, Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin’ Spot, Old Olive Craft Stampin’ Spot, uninked Stampin’ Spot, and Whisper White Craft Ink refill.

To purchase your kit, you may email me with your order, or hop on over to my Stampin' Up!® Web Site, then click on the SHOP NOW rectangle near the top right corner of the screen, under my name and contact information.

ONLINE ORDERING BONUS: Order your Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit through the SHOP NOW button on my web site, between November 1st and November 30th, and receive 5 yards of coordinating Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon FREE!

When a Black Cat Talks...

...you really should listen, especially if it's on Halloween.

Select party-themed stamp sets are available at 20% Off their regular prices, with the purchase of $20 in any other catalog merchandise, THROUGH TONIGHT ONLY! These sets lend themselves wonderfully to year-round use, for anyone's birthday. I have tons of ideas and samples I will freely share with you, to give you inspiration and direction in creating your own cards, no matter which set(s) you choose.

Check out THIS flyer for all the details of this SALE, then go to my Stampin' Up! Web Site and click on the SHOP NOW rectangle near the top right of the screen, under my name and contact information. You will be able to place your order online, with a debit or credit card, for immediate delivery, directly to your door! Online ordering is the only guaranteed method for you to take advantage of this sale on its last day, today.

LAST MINUTE ONLINE ORDERING BONUS: Anyone who places an online order of $50 or more BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT will get their choice of a FREE set of 10 hand-stamped custom-designed Christmas/Holiday cards, or a FREE set of 10 handmade custom-designed Thanksgiving placecards, or a FREE festive/seasonal customized Pennant Banner!!! If you choose to order $100 or more, you may pick TWO Bonus Gifts. For an order of $150 or more, you may choose THREE Bonus Gifts (in any combination), and you will also qualify for the online version of Hostess Benefits, which are called Stampin' Rewards--for a total bonus value of at least $75.00!!! If you've been thinking of ordering the Big Shot die-cutting machine, this would be a sweet time to make that purchase.

HAPPY FRIGHT NIGHT :-)

Of Candy Boxes & Bars

So, I've been a bit MIA lately...I really like Halloween and I've been trying to get everything in line before the big event, which doesn't happen very easily with 4 kids who go to 3 different schools, living in the house! It's not just school, it's the volunteering at their schools, getting them to and from activities, making "treats" and birthday cakes and all that stuff. Do I have to do all that? No, you're right, it's my choice. Although, kids do tend to be less whiny and sullen when you actually pay attention to them on a regular basis. Even the teenagers, as much as they try to disassociate themselves from Mom, seem to benefit from it in at least small amounts!

And of course, there's the freakin' laundry. I hate laundry, but even more than hating doing laundry, I hate someone else doing the laundry. Yes, I'm a bit of a control freak about that--mainly because MY clothes are inevitably the ones that get ruined if someone else gets their paws on the machine. And more than hating to do laundry, I hate going clothes shopping. My dream is to be able to hire someone to do the laundry and regular cleaning, so I don't have to vacillate between feeling like a rotten housekeeper or a rotten stamper!!!

Anyway, one of my little projects for Halloween is hand-stamped treats. It's not as hard as it sounds, and I found some packages with boxes of candies in them that work like a charm! As you can see from the picture at the top of this post, I am filling up a big bowl with them quite rapidly. All I did was measure around the box, then cut out a piece of Ghostly Greetings Designer Series Paper to wrap around in a sleeve. Then I added a little strip of coordinating card stock to the front, and stamped images in coordinating ink colors from the Eat, Drink & Be Scary stamp set--which fit into the Curly Label Punch, and the Small Tag Punch! Super easy...now, if I can just stop snacking on the treats as I make them up, it would be awesome. (there's a little hint there at why I hate clothes shopping, by the way) Here's a closeup of some of the designs for you:

Speaking of snacking on candy, I found the Nestlé® 100 Grand® Fun Size bars on sale at the store and had to grab some. These were my favorite candy bar when I was a kid, and I apparently still love them because I keep eating them. I have yet to have decorated ANY, but I've eaten like 10 of them. Eeeks, talk about horrifying! But I cannot call them "100 Grand" bars, because they were "$100,000 Bars" when I was a kid. It's like the whole "KFC" thing...I absolutely cannot call it that, it's "Kentucky Fried Chicken", thank you very much. My teenage daughter is disgusted that I won't call these things by their current names. She says, "that's what they're CALLED, Mom!". Hey, not when I was her age. I must be turning into an old dog, because I just refuse to learn that new trick.

And, just in case I don't have a chance to post tomorrow:

HAVE A GHOULISHLY GREAT HALLOWEEN!

October Newsletter & Fall Festival Class

Just a note to let you know that my October 2008 Customer Newsletter has been posted on my blog. You can check it out HERE. To receive future editions of my newsletter via email, please use the signup box in the right sidebar of my blog. Archived versions of my three most recent newsletters can be found in the right sidebar of my blog. (NOTE: This is a Customer Newsletter, so if you are a SU! Demonstrator, please do not sign up for an email subscription--view the archived versions instead.)

As a reminder, I'm taking reservations for my Fall Festival Class, which will be held on November 6th, from 6-9pm in my home. The cost is $25, and we will be making Fall and Thanksgiving themed cards, placecards, treat holders, and other projects. The last day to RSVP and send payment is October 25th. Call me at 719-205-5957 or email me with your reservation, and to make payment arrangements.

For a special treat, check out this Studio 5 Video Segment with the Co-Founder of Stampin' Up!®, Shelli Gardner, showing a single place setting idea to take your table from Thanksgiving, to Christmas, and through the New Year!

Reindeer & Snowman Holiday Toppers

I know, I know...Halloween's still not over yet, so please don't shoot me for posting this! I was sitting here and got a couple of ideas and had to try them out. And of course, once I was done, I just had to share them! Don't get disgusted and stop coming to my blog, I promise I'll post more Halloween, Thanksgiving, and fall stuff again soon :-)

These would make adorable stocking stuffers, as well as party favors, so I wanted to get them posted to allow you to plan ahead. If you have a child who's having a holiday party at school, or you or your spouse is having a holiday party for work, or you want some little goodies you can set aside to give your postal worker, package delivery person, or other people you'll see during the holidays, these are just ideal to make ahead and keep on hand.

Of course, some people might be offended by the "poop" sayings and being called naughty, so I made sure to create alternative tags for each topper.

• Click HERE to download Reindeer Poop tag
• Click HERE to download Snowman Poop tag
• Click HERE to download Reindeer Food tag
• Click HERE to download Snowman Soup tag
• Click HERE to download Reindeer Kisses* tag
  * (NEW! - Thanks to demonstrator Sami Flanagan for the idea and verse)

Both toppers were made using the Bigz™ Top Note Sizzix die, available exclusively from Stampin' Up!®. The snowman topper is Whisper White, and the reindeer topper is Creamy Caramel. The reindeer topper also uses the Tulipe Bigz™ die, for the antlers and eyes. To get all your reindeer parts from your Tulipe die in one cut, place a strip of Chocolate Chip card stock over the flourish parts which will make the antlers, then place two small pieces of Basic Black over the little oval in the center of the Tulipe design, for the eyes. You can run all 3 of these card stock pieces through the Big Shot die-cutting machine at the same time. The tags were printed on card stock and trimmed out, then adhered to the front of the bags with Mini Glue Dots®.

Reindeer Design Notes: Cut apart the flourish of the Tulipe to get 2 antlers. Because they are so delicate, you'll want to use the Two-Way Glue pen to adhere the antlers to the topper, placing adhesive only on the area that will be glued down. You can mark this by holding the antler in place while turning your topper over, then using a pencil to trace around the Top Note edges where the antler extends past it. Then, simply keep your adhesive within those lines on the back of the antler, and you should be fine. A 3/4" Circle Punch was used on Real Red card stock for the nose. The eyes and nose were adhered with Mini Glue Dots®.

Snowman Design Notes: Cut a piece of Basic Black card stock to 3/4" by 4" for the hat brim, and 2" by 3" for the hat top. Use the Corner Rounder Punch to round all 4 corners of brim, and top 2 corners of hat top. Adhere Baja Breeze 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain across hat top piece, approximately 3/4" from the top (you'll need about 6-1/2" of length to wrap around hat top). Then, line up bottom of hat brim with bottom of hat top, center with hat top (leaving about 1/2" on each side), and adhere. You may use Sticky Strip, but a few Mini Glue Dots® will work just as well. Adhere hat to front of folded Top Note (again, Sticky Strip works wonderfully, but Mini Glue Dots® are much more convenient and do the trick). The eyes are made using the 1/2" Circle Punch on Basic Black card stock, and the nose (carrot) was made using the Word Window Punch on Pumpkin Pie card stock, then trimming one end with Paper Snips. The eyes and nose were adhered with Mini Glue Dots®.

Cello Bag Contents: For Reindeer Poop, you can use malted milk balls, chocolate covered raisins or peanuts, or any other roundish, brown treat! For Snowman Poop, the most commonly used treat is marshmallows, but you could also use yogurt covered raisins, white mints, or any other white, roundish candy. For Reindeer Food, mix 1/4 cup rolled oats with either red or green sugar crystals, like those used to decorate cookies. This keeps the "sparkle" edible and biodegradable! And for the Snowman Soup, place 1/4 to 1/3 cup cocoa mix, one or two Hershey Kisses, a few mini marshmallows, and a miniature candy cane in your cello bag. (UPDATED to ADD: for Reindeer Kisses, use any kind of chocolate kisses.)

If you slide your cello bag all the way up to the fold of the topper, and then adhere the topper to the bag, you probably don't need to seal your cello bags when you enclose candy, but if you have oats or cocoa mix in the bag, it will surely leak out if the bag is overturned. You can fold over the top of your cello bag in one or two small folds,and staple it shut to help seal it, or use a commercial sealer that actually melts the cello together.

DISCLAIMER: If you decide to make and sell these toppers, please note that the die designs are exclusive to Stampin' Up!®, and the tags were created using Stampin' Up!®'s Write Me a Memory Font CD (Vol. II - Jodyola font), so all of your creations using these pieces MUST include a copyright notice in accordance with the Angel Policy.