Fresh as Springtime!

Hello and Happy Friday!

Today's the day that the kiddos are out of school for the holiday break.  It wasn't all that long ago that I was as happy as the kids for this day to finally arrive.  I'm hoping that you've noticed that I've moved away from Christmas cards and I'm now moving forward using new sets and accessories from the Occasions catalog.  I'm hoping that most of you will be receiving your new catalog in the mail, probably around the first of January... or perhaps a bit sooner.  
Today I wanted to show you another spring-like card.  I'm kind of sick of Christmas colors and ready to move on the the pretty pastel colors of springtime.  Here's my card...

I was going for a fresh, clean look.... something reminiscent of white sheets flapping on a clothesline on a sunny, blue-sky spring day.  I used the new stamp set called Painted Petals which is in the Occasions catalog.  I used Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, and Daffodil Delight card stock.  The ink colors are Coastal Cabana, Pear Pizzazz, and Daffodil Delight.  Some of the great Thick Baker's Twine in Coastal Cabana adds a simple touch of color while still keeping the design super-simple.

With family arriving in just two days, I'm going to be taking a much-needed break from blogging.  I'm simply going to be too busy with family to keep up my regular blogging schedule.  And with Christmas coming up in just a few days, I'm sure there are other things that you need to attend to as well.  I'll be back after the holidays.  Monday, January 5th will be my first day back.  Until then, have a wonderful Christmas and I'll look forward to visiting with you in the new year!

Holiday Hugs,
Susan

Brightening Your Day

Hello there, stamping enthusiasts!  

Yikes!  After today, there are only 7 days left until Christmas!  Does that strike a note of terror with you?  I thought I was keeping up the pace pretty well, but suddenly my "to-do" list is looking a little scary.  

We are approaching the shortest day of the year... Dec. 21st.  Or I guess you could also call it the longest night of the year.  After that, the days will slowly start becoming longer... thank goodness!  I realize that you working people are getting up in the dark, going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark.  With all of that darkness going on, I thought it was my duty to brighten your day, so here's my contribution...

Let me briefly tell you about the new goodies I used to create this card.  I used two new stamp sets, some new designer paper, and a new punch.  The new DSP is called Best Year Ever and is one of the free items you can get with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration, which starts on January 6th this year.  I pulled the color combination of Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, and Soft Suede directly from this pretty pack of paper.  The saying is from a new Sale-a-bration set called Best Day Ever.  I stamped it in Coastal Cabana.  The flower is from a new set in the Occasions catalog called Petal Potpourri.  I stamped in Crushed Curry on Crushed Curry card stock.  The flower center was stamped in Soft Suede on Soft Suede card stock.  I used the new Flower Medallion punch and the 7/8 inch scallop circle punch for the flower.  
Aren't those big dots on the Calypso Coral panel fun?  They are part of the Best Day Ever set, one of the freebies for Sale-a-bration.

When I look at this card, I'm reminded of a sunny day on a tropical beach.  Sounds good about now, doesn't it?  Well, I can't dwell on that mental picture too long... I've got things (many things!) to do.
Please come back on Friday when I'll have another springy card for you.
Hugs,
Susan

A Change of Pace

Hello Stampers!  

Thanks for stopping by this fine Monday!  Wasn't that blue sky yesterday just glorious?   

As promised, I'm going to give Christmas a rest.  I think I've designed, cut, stamped, and assembled my last Christmas card, for this year anyway.  It is time to turn our attention elsewhere, before we are thoroughly sick of all things Christmas.  Don't misunderstand.... I love everything about Christmas, but since I started making Christmas cards in October, I hope you'll understand that I need a change of holidays.  

My box of pre-order products from the new Occasions catalog arrived last week, but I was so busy getting ready for my hostess event on Saturday that I barely had time to glance at the stamp sets and accessories in that lovely big box.  Well, yesterday I finally had a chance to try out some of the stamps and accessories.  I only made one card, however, because I must confess that my stamp room is a mess... a very big mess!  I haven't put the stamps and supplies from the hostess event away yet.  Then on top of all that, I pulled out some new goodies to make today's card.  Needless to say, my number one task for today is putting everything away and restoring order to my stamping space before I break out in a rash just looking at the mess.

OK...enough dithering... here's the card

Yes, it's time to think about Valentine's Day!  I pulled the colors of Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe, and Real Red right from the new Stacked with Love designer paper stack that's in the new Occasions catalog.  The stamped images are from the new stamp set You Plus Me, also in the Occasions catalog.  This new catalog goes "live" on January 6th.  If you are one of my regular customers, you should be receiving one in the mail shortly after Christmas.   I used the Sweetheart Punch (page 222 of the annual catalog) to punch out a glittery red heart and then used some of the 1/4 inch cotton ribbon in real red ( page 207 of the annual catalog) for another accent.  I don't think I would have thought of this color combination on my own, but I think the three colors, along with the white look warm and happy... a perfect look for a Valentine!

Please come back on Wednesday, when I'm going to try to have a card made with some of the free Sale-a-bration goodies!  Until then, happy stamping!
Hugs,
Susan

A Classic Combination

Hi again, Stampers!  Happy Friday!


Hasn't this week just flown by?  I know I mentioned that I'd be making some non-Christmas cards for a breath of fresh air, but I'm pretty sure you're not surprised to hear that I just haven't had time yet.  I'm hoping to get some time next week to do a little creating with my goodies from the new Occasions catalog and the new Sale-a-bration Brochure!

By the way, I think you are going to love, love, love the offerings in the Sale-a-bration brochure this year.  There are all sorts of great things that you can get with a $50 purchase!  

Here's the card I want to share with you today... a card with the classic color combination of blue and white... with a little gold thrown in for a festive holiday note...

This pretty card was stamped with the Many Merry Stars stamp set that is in the Holiday Supplement.  I stamped some of the images in Gold Encore metallic ink, then added dimension by punching out some of the images and layering them over the gold stars.  The colors here are Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, and Gold Metallic Encore ink (page 211 of the annual catalog).  The gold ink is pigment-based, which means you need to set it aside to dry or dry it with a heat gun.  The sentiment is part of the Many Merry Stars set, so no additional stamps are needed.  I started with a base of Brushed Gold card stock, then added another layer of Night of Navy, with the Very Vanilla panel on top.  The Night of Navy Seam Binding (page 207 of the annual catalog) adds a soft and silky accent which, along with the pearls, adds an elegant touch to this quick and easy card.

Thanks for stopping by this Friday!  I hope the weekend ahead is filled with some fun holiday activities!

Holiday hugs,
Susan

Tree Trio

Hi and Happy Wednesday!

These December days are just going by so quickly that it's almost alarming!  If you are getting a tad tired of Christmas-related stamping, I don't blame you!  Hang on, because yesterday I received my Occasions Catalog pre-order goodies and as soon as I have a spare minute I'll be creating some non-Christmas cards.  
The Holiday Catalog ends on January 5th, so if there are any Christmas stamps/papers/accessories that you'd like to add to your stampin' stash, you have until then to order.  On January 6th the new Occasions catalog goes "live."  This is the spring catalog that covers Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, weddings, babies, and graduation... all those springtime events.  There are some great general sets in this new catalog as well. 

If you are one of my customers, you should receive your new Occasions catalog in the mail by mid December.  You are going to love the gorgeous new stamps, papers, and accessories in this catalog!  

Meanwhile... back to Christmas and this fun card by Janet Jones, one of my talented downline members...

Isn't this a great clean and simple card?  It has such a fresh look, which is always the case with a white-background card.  First Janet embossed the front of the card with the pretty Filigree Frame embossing folder on page 15 of the holiday catalog.  Then, using the Festival of Trees stamp set, she stamped two of the trees directly on the card front in Mossy Meadow ink and stamped the third tree on a scrap, punched it out with the matching tree punch and then popped it up on dimensionals.  The sentiment comes from the ever-fabulous Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  I don't know what I'll do if Stampin'Up! ever retires that set!  It is stamped in real red, then punched out with the Word Window punch and then adhered to a Real Red base punched out with the Modern Label Punch.  The sweet little cardinal was stamped in Real Red, cut out by hand, and stuck to his little nest of Linen Thread with a dimensional.  To make the nest, just twirl some Linen Thread around a pencil, and  secure the ends to the card with a couple of glue dots.  

OK, stampin' peeps, that's it for today!  I'm off to get ready for my big Hostess-Only Stamp-a-Stack which is happening on Saturday afternoon.  This event is to show appreciation for those stampers who opted to host a stamping party,  If you'd like to be included in events like this, you know what to do... just call or email me and set up a date for your very own party!  You'll be happy you did when you see the gobs of freebies you'll get!

Hugs to all,
Susan

So easy, even a child can do it!

Hello Stampers and happy Monday!

Well, the big countdown to Christmas has started.  Let's see, counting today (Dec. 8th) there are only 17 more days to get everything done.  I didn't count Dec. 25th, because by then it's too late.  On the 25th, all the things on your list that didn't get done will just have to be forgotten.  

Are your Christmas cards in the mail yet?  If not, don't despair!  There's still time to stamp up a few and send them off.  Take a look at the cute cards that Emma (my sweet 8 year-old granddaughter) and I made when we were in Seattle for Thanksgiving.  

These cards are super-simple, but cute!  We started off with a plain white card base and a colored panel cut 1/4 inch smaller (5 1/4 by 4 inches).  Then we took a piece of white card stock that was cut the same size (5 1/4 by 4 inches) and tore it to create a snowy hill for the trees to sit on.  Emma had fun stamping and punching out the trees and she very carefully picked glue dots off the strip they come on and applied them to the gold sequins and the gold glimmer paper stars.  We made the card on the right with the Soft Sky background and the Mossy Meadow ribbon for her teacher, who just happens to be a former Stampin'Up! demonstrator.  I think she's going to love her card!  Then we made several of the cards with the red background for Emma's classroom friends.  

I hope all of my stamping friends are happily enjoying this holly-jolly time of year!  It's true... there's a lot to do, but most of things on our lists are fun and creative... like baking and wrapping and decorating and making gifts and sending cards.  Really, friends, we are so incredibly LUCKY to have these kinds of "to-do's" on our lists.  We don't have to walk miles to try to find clean water for our families, then return home with muddy water that will make our children sick.  We don't have to walk miles to get to a clinic that might not have the medicines we need.  We don't have to send our children to bed hungry or go to bed hungry ourselves... although I think I should probably start trying that.  Thinking about how lucky we are should help us speed through all the things we need to do with great big smiles on our faces!

Thanks for stopping by today and please come back on Wednesday for more stamping ideas.
Hugs,
Susan

There's still time....

Big News, Stampers!

Stampin'Up! Year-End Closeouts, up to 80% off started today, Dec. 5th at 11:01 (midnight Mountain Time).  If you didn't see my email last night about this awesome sale, you've now been informed.  Run to the Clearance Rack and see what goodies you can score!  Everything is "while supplies last" so I expect some things will sell out quickly.  OK, now back to the regularly scheduled blog...


Hello Stampers and Happy Friday!

It's a little scary that the first week of December is almost over.  Even if you haven't started your Christmas cards, there's still time to make them.  Especially if you keep them clean and simple, like the card I'm going to show you right now.

I'm a big fan of square cards, but NOT a big fan of having to use extra postage to mail a square card in a square envelope!  My solution is to mail my square cards in regular envelopes.  That way I have the fun of sending a square card, but no extra expense is involved.  

This card starts with a base of Whisper White card stock which is 4 1/4 inch square.  Next, I added a layer of Early Espresso, cut 4 inches by 4 inches.  Then I layered on a piece of All is Calm Designer Paper cut 3 3/4 by 3 3/4.  I wrapped the top two layers with some Early Espresso Seam Binding before adhering them to my card base.  I punched a two and a half inch circle from Early Espresso card stock, then layered on a 2 3/8 inch Crumb Cake Scalloped Circle over it.  Last, I stamped a tree from Festival of Trees in Pear Pizzazz on Whisper White, then stamped over it with the sentiment from "Mingle all the Way" in Early Espresso.  Then I punched it out with my 2 inch circle punch and added it on top of the other two punched circles.  I popped up the sentiment with some dimensionals.  

This card comes together quickly.  A little cutting, minimal stamping, and three punches is all it takes to make this clean, simple, and cute card... no Big Shot required!  

Hope your week went well and that you are enjoying the preparations for Christmas.  Thank you for being my readers!  I appreciate each one of you!
Have a fun and festive week end!
Susan

There's No Happy Like Holiday Happy...

Hi there stamping friends!

How are your Christmas plans shaping up?  Have you decided what you're giving your co-workers, your children's teachers, and the neighbors?  In years past I've given Gingerbread Muffin Mix in cello bags, Twelve Bean Soup Mix in jars, and of course all sorts of baked goods such as pumpkin bread, cookies, and one year I made a yummy white chocolate bark with cranberries and pistachios.  Oh, and don't forget the chocolate dipped pretzels decorated with holiday sprinkles... those are always a hit!  

When you are giving home-made treats, the packaging is almost as important as the present.  Fortunately, Stampin'Up! has many fun options for you when it comes to gift packaging.  Here's one of the new products from the holiday catalog that would be perfect for giving some spiced nuts, dried fruit, or home-made granola.  It's called the Petite Cafe Gift Bag...

You can find these on page  10 of the holiday catalog.  You get 10 bags for 5.95, so that works out to just 60 cents a bag.  The great thing about these bags is that they are plastic lined to keep your goodies fresh.  The lining will also keep oils from soaking through the bag.  Of course they are food safe.  They have a tin tie closure, just like a coffee bag from the supermarket, so the top stays securely closed. Another great feature of these bags is their small-ish size.  You won't need a ton of treats to fill it--- a definite plus!  I decorated mine with snowflakes stamped in Cherry Cobbler, then added some decorative banners to the top of the bag.  The tag was stamped with the saying "There's no happy like holiday happy" from the Mingle All the Way set on page 17.
I topped it all off with some Cherry Cobbler baker's twine.  

You'll  get to make one of these if you attend my Santa's Workshop class on Saturday Dec. 6th at 10:30 am at my house.

I'm off to tackle my holiday list.  It doesn't seem to be growing smaller, though, as I keep adding to it.  

Have a great Wednesday and I hope you'll come back on Friday for more stamping inspiration.

Hugs,
Susan

Yikes, It's Here!

Happy Monday and Happy December first to all! 

Yes, stampin' peeps, it's here... the most wonderful time of the year (as the song says).  I'm afraid it's also the most harried and crazy time of the year as well.  The secret to staying sane, my friends, is to pace yourself.  Everything on your list doesn't need to be accomplished in the first week of the month.  Another helpful way to cope with so many demands on your time is to stand in front of a mirror and practice saying the word "no" with a smile on your face and warmth in your voice.  It does take a bit of practice, but you'll get better the more you say it.  Give yourself the gift of a slightly emptier calendar so that you'll have time for getting together with friends instead of baking 10 dozen cookies for the school program.  (You can buy those cookies and no one will care!).  

Speaking of cookies, here's a fun box that will hold a stack of cookies very neatly and show them off as well.  

You'll get to decorate this rectangular box with a clear acrylic sleeve that slips over it if you attend my annual Santa's Workshop class this coming Saturday at 10:30 am.  The box is called the Tag a Bag Gift Box and can be seen on page 201 of the annual catalog.  You get 8 boxes and sleeves for just 6.95, so that works out to 87 cents a box.  What a great deal!

I used the new Under the Tree specialty paper on page 5 of the holiday catalog to make a belly band for the box.  Then I used more of the same paper to punch out a tag.  I tied a large bow with the gorgeous new Cherry Cobbler Sheer Linen Ribbon on page 7 of the holiday catalog, then added the tag with some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (page 206 of the annual catalog).  This is a food-safe box, but I'd probably line it with some waxed paper, parchment paper, or foil before adding my cookies or candy.  It's also a nice sized box for jewelry, perfume, cosmetics, bath products, golf balls and tees, socks--- you name it!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Now I think we both need to move forward with our day.  I've got a lot on my list and I'm sure you do too!  Be sure to come back on Wednesday when I'll have more stamping ideas for you.

Don't forget that the Online Extravaganza continues through tomorrow, Dec. 2nd,  There are some great doorbusters today!
Hugs,
Susan

Yippee, It's Friday!

Hello again and a happy "Black Friday" to all!
Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you have some yummy leftovers that will make you feel thankful all over again today!  

I hope you've taken advantage of Stampin'Up!'s big Online Extravaganza sale by now.  If you haven't, there's still time.  It's not over until Dec. 2nd and don't forget that there are some awesome Monday "doorbusters" to come on Monday, Dec. 1st.

Are you one of the intrepid shoppers that got up at o'dark-thirty this  morning to hit the sales?  That is so not me!  My strategy is to shop  during the dinner hour, when most people are home having their evening meal.  I don't enjoy shopping in combat zones.  I'm thankful that my daughters post gift lists for their children on Amazon.  I sit down at the computer, check the lists, click here and click there, and before I know it, the items are delivered to my door.  No stress, no carrying heavy bags and boxes in the rain... I love online shopping!

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I've  got yet another gift package from my Santa's Workshop class to show you today.  

Who wouldn't love to find this on their desk at work some morning in December? Nothing peps up a workday like some chocolate! You'll get one of these cute bottles with a silver lid to decorate at the class.  Then you'll fill it with "whatever" and present it to a friend.  I'm sorry that the Dazzling Diamonds glimmer paper isn't visible here, but in real life, it adds a lot of sparkle to the label.  First, there's a band of Nordic Noel Designer Paper that goes around the bottle.  Then a scalloped circle holds the two ends together.  On top of that is an oval of Whisper White, stamped with the Oh My Goodies stamp set on page 9 of the annual catalog.  I added a tag to the neck of the bottle with some of the very festive Real Red Satin Woven Ribbon on page 15 of the holiday catalog.  

Have a great weekend, everyone!  Please come back on Monday when it will be December first!  Yikes!  I think we all need to buckle down and get some of those holiday "to-do's" under control!
Hugs to all,
Susan

Sweet Ol' Santa

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Did you find a great bargain or two or three at the Online Extravaganza?  There's still time to add some goodies to your stampin' stash at bargain prices!  Check out this amazing sale by going to my business site www.susanrodgers.stampinup.net and click on the shop button.  Or you can just click on the "shop" button under the red blog heading at the top of this post.

I've got another project from my Santa's Workshop class to show you today.  You know that Santa has a sweet tooth, because he's got that rounded shape.  Here's a Santa-approved box to deliver to the neighbors filled with some freshly baked cookies or perhaps some yummy home-made candy...

This is the new Takeout Box that's on page 10 of the holiday catalog.  It's not so huge that you need a large quantity of goodies to fill it.  As Goldilocks would say, it's juuuust right!  I stamped it all over with small snowflakes in Early Espresso.  The tag is made with the new Under the Tree Specialty Designer Paper on page 5 of the holiday catalog. I cut out the shape with the Apothecary Accents framelit, then added a circle of Gold Glimmer paper.  The fun tag is from the Merry Everything stamp set on page 13 of the holiday catalog.  I stamped it in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White card stock and then punched it out with the Note Tag Punch, also on page 13. And isn't that Cherry Cobbler Striped Grosgrain just perfect?  You can find it on page 207 of the big annual catalog.  

Let's go over the details for this "Santa's Workshop" class once more.  It all happens on Saturday, Dec. 6th. The fun starts at 10:30 am with some brunch goodies, so come hungry! You'll make 5 projects for $15, or the class is free with a $40 purchase.  I will be giving away merchandise prizes that day... another reason you won't want to miss this!  The tree will be up, the house will be decorated, the Christmas tunes will be playing, and I'll have a pot of hot cider for you too!

Have a great Wednesday everyone!  May your Thanksgiving Day tomorrow be filled with the blessings of home, friends, family, and of course we can't forget the food. I hope you took the opportunity to share your bounty with those in need.  Please come back on Friday when I'll show you another project that we'll be making at Santa's Workshop.
Susan

Bring Out Your Inner Santa

Hi Stampers!
Instead of reading this blog post, you really should hop on over to my Stampin'Up business site at www.susanrodgers.stampinup.net and check out the big Online Extravaganza sale that started today, November 24th.  There are some great one day "doorbusters" today and there'll be more "doorbusters" on Monday, Dec. 1st as well. In addition, there are items 50% off, 40% off, 30% off, and 20% off.  Be advised, though, that a certain quantity of each item has been set aside for this sale.  Once that quantity has been reached, the item will be listed as "sold out."  So if you see something you'd like to add to your collection, purchase it before it sells out.

On Saturday, Dec. 6th, I'm holding my last class of 2014... my annual Santa's Workshop class, where we make fun gift packaging  projects.  You'll make a total of 5 projects for $15 or the class is free with a $40 purchase.  Here's one of the projects...

This little snowman tea light in a window box would make a fun little gift for co-workers, grandchildren, neighbors... just about anyone.  Wouldn't these be cute table favors too?  You could add a small banner with the person's name on it and use them as a combination decoration/ place card for Christmas dinner.   If you'd like to sign up for the class, just drop me a quick note at sjrstamps@gmail.com.
I'm off to shop the Online Extravaganza now!  
Hope your week is off to a great start!
Susan                                                                                                  

Tree times Three

Hi there!  Thanks for stopping by this fine Friday!

I'm excited for my Crazy for Christmas class that is coming up on Saturday at 1 o'clock!  Yesterday was cleaning day and today is baking day!  I'm getting ready to bake some mini-brownies which will be one of the yummy treats I'm serving on Saturday.  I've got the merchandise prizes all wrapped and ready to give out to the lucky door prize winners.  It's going to be a fun afternoon!

My last SOS (Stamp Out Stress) gathering at Symposium Coffee for 2014 will be on Monday, November 24th at 1 o'clock.   Here's just one of the cute cards we'll be making...

I used the new On Point embossing folder (page 22 of the Holiday catalog)  to emboss the trees on the Crumb Cake panel.  I stamped three trees on Mossy Meadow card stock with the Festival of Trees stamp set, puched all three out with the matching Tree Punch and then trimmed one of them down to a smaller size.  Each tree has a glittery gold star punched from Gold Glimmer Paper with the star from  the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (page 222 of the annual catalog). I added some gold sequins to the smaller tree just to give it a bit more bling. The saying is from the super-popular Endless Wishes stamp set (page 32 of the Holiday catalog).  The final touch is some Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon.  As with all the cards I post here, this one looks better "in real life."

Even if you aren't an SOS "regular," you are more than welcome to join us.  The cost for 2 cards plus envelopes is just $5.00. We always have a good time chatting, stamping, and enjoying a cup of coffee.
If you'd like to attend, please email me at sjrstamps@gmail.com so I can be sure to have enough paper cut for you.  We're usually finished by 2:15 or 2:30, so it won't take your whole afternoon.

Hope you've got some fun plans for the weekend!  
Please come back on Monday for more stamping inspiration.
Hugs,
Susan

The Man in the Red Suit

Hey there, stampin' people!  
How did it get to be Wednesday already?  One thing is for sure... the time is flying by more quickly than ever, just like it always does around this time of year.  One minute you are making your grocery list for the Thanksgiving feast and before you know it you are taking down the Christmas tree!
If only there was some way to slow things down.  No matter how we might try to drag our feet, that chubby guy in the red suit is going to show up before most of us are ready for him.

Take a look at today's card and you can see that he's already out practicing landings with his trusty reindeer.  

I just love the little houses in the Holiday Home set combined with the trees in the White Christmas set.  They go together just perfectly!  I masked off a circular area with a circle punched from Post-it paper, then sponged in the sky in Soft Sky.  Santa and his reindeer look so cool silhouetted against the moon!  The house was stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Cherry Cobbler card stock, then cut out with the matching framelit.  Even if you don't know me very well, you probably know that I don't like glitter, as I don't even try to hide my dislike of the stuff! Once you open that little jar, watch out! It ends up on my forehead, on my clothing, on my upper lip, on my floors, in my hair, etc. etc. etc.  Ugh! However, I think this card would be a whole lot more festive if those bare wintry trees had some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (page 213 of the annual catalog) coating their branches.  

I'm busy getting all my ducks in a row for this coming Saturday's Crazy for Christmas class (Nov. 22nd at 1 pm).You'll be making 4 Christmas cards, sipping some hot spiced cider, enjoying some holiday treats AND winning some fun merchandise instead of the usual door prizes!  I'd love it if you join our friendly group of stampers!  Just send me a quick email and I'll add your name to the list.  The cost is a very reasonable $10, or the class is free with a $35 purchase.  Oh, and don't forget that I'll be announcing a "special" good on Saturday only.

Hope your Wednesday is wonderful!
Hugs,
Susan                      

Red+Green=Christmas

Hey there stamping friends!

Thanks for coming back to The Classic Card and a happy Monday to all!

I don't know how you feel about this cold windy weather, but I think I'm ready to get back to our usual Oregon weather.... rainy and temps in the 40's and 50's.  As much as I love the sun, if it has to come with biting cold and wind, then I'm not much of a fan. OK, that was my negative comment for the day.  And now moving on to more positive thoughts, let's get to the card.

For several weeks I've been showing you all sorts of Christmas cards, but I've realized that very few of them featured the good old traditional colors of red and green.  There's been lots of Cherry Cobbler and Mossy Meadow, Soft Sky and Pear Pizzazz, Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay, but I don't think I've shown a single card in the tried and true Christmas colors of Real Red and Garden Green.  So here you go... a card with traditional colors...

If you attended my Fun and Free Friday event, then you made this card.  The designer paper is called Nordic Noel, the green panel is Garden Green embossed with the Tiny Triangles embossing folder.
The tree is stamped in Garden Green ink on Garden Green card stock with one of the images from the Festival of Trees set, then punched out with the Tree Punch.  The sentiment is from the Wondrous Wreath set, stamped in Real Red ink and cut out with one of the Oval Framelits.  Some of the soft cotton ribbon in Real Red adds the finishing touch, along with the little gold sparkly star, which was punched from gold glimmer paper with the small star punch in the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack on page 222 of the annual catalog.  This card came together quickly and I love its bright and happy look.  

Hope you all had a relaxing weekend and are ready for the new week ahead.  I'll look forward to "seeing" you again on Wednesday for more stamping inspiration.

Hugs to all,
Susan

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Brrrr!  Is it cold enough for you??  

I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed that we didn't get the snow that was predicted for yesterday.  After a long, warm fall the weather forecast of 4-6 inches of snow caught us off guard.  The Mr. spent 3 hours waiting in line at Les Schwab on Wednesday afternoon to get our snow tires put on.  Then Wednesday night about 11 pm I suddenly remembered that we hadn't closed the vents under the house and put the styrofoam blocks in place, so we bundled up, got a flashlight, and took care of the job.  I don't recommend doing this job in the dark on a cold, cold night... not fun!

In observance of the cold snap, I've got a cool (and contemporary) card for you today.  

Some Soft Sky card stock combines with All is Calm Designer Washi Tape (p. 22 of the Holiday catalog), some punched trees in Lost Lagoon and Pear Pizzazz, and a touch of Gorgeous Grunge speckles in Crumb Cake to make this clean, crisp, and cool card.  The greeting is from the Project Life Holiday Cheer set.  Although I'm not a Project Life scrapbooker, I do love the small images and sayings in this set.  They are the perfect size for gift tags and small cards.  Check out this versatile set on page 35 of the Holiday catalog.  I added some Linen Thread and some silvery sequins to give the card a bit more dimension.  I really love how this turned out and hope you do too! 

Today's forecast looks much better than Thursday's, so hopefully the threat of snow, sleet, and other freezy things is over for the time being and we can get back to our regularly scheduled lives.
Have a great weekend and please come back on Monday for more stamping ideas.
Happy weekending, everyone!
Susan

Tag, You're It!

Hi stampers! 
Thanks for coming to visit on this windy Wednesday!   

Our long family weekend came to an end yesterday, as today the children headed back to school. It was great having them here!  The sunny weather was perfect because it meant that the grands got a lot of time outside riding in their little yellow Corvette, cruising on the sidewalks with their scooters, and playing at the Pinehurst playground.  After all that fresh air and exercise, they slept soundly, which makes for happy parents and grandparents.

I'm busy working on some fun projects for my Santa's Workshop class that's coming up on December 6th.  Of course I can't show you those yet, but I do have some fun tags that I'd like for you to take a look at today.

I used quite a few punches to create these.  I used both the Scalloped Tag Topper and the Angled Tag Topper Punches (page 221 of the annual catalog).  The oval base of the second tag was cut using one of the Oval Framelits and then I used the new Note Tag Punch on page 13 of the Holiday catalog to layer over the oval. The Tree Punch was used on two of the tags.  The words and images on the tags are all from the Cheerful Tags stamp set on page 5 of the Holiday catalog.  I used the new thicker cardstock-weight Under the Tree DSP (page 5 of the Holiday catalog).  The sparkly stars were punched from Gold Glimmer paper using the small star punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (page 222 of the annual catalog).  The white snowflake sequins on the last tag are found on the top of page 22 of the Holiday catalog.

I like to make an assortment of tags, package them up in a pretty bag, and use them for holiday hostess gifts.  Everyone can use some fun tags during the holidays, and these are much nicer than the cheap-o stick on tags you get at the dollar store!  

After today, you can start coasting toward the weekend, so if your week hasn't been the best, the weekend will soon be here!  
Oh and please come back on Friday for more stamping inspiration!
Hugs and happiness,
Susan

Today's card forecast...cool and frosty

Hi there stampers!  Here we are at Monday again and the beginning of a new work week.  I'm sure there are plenty of you who are working today, but hopefully most of you will have Tuesday off for Veteran's Day to contemplate the sacrifices made on our behalf by our brave veterans.  It's not just a day for sales at the mall!  

As the title suggests, I've got a cool and frosty Christmas card for you today.  Check it out and then I'll tell you a bit about it...

Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay and Whisper White, along with snowflake images and some sparkly sequins make for a cool card!  
I started out with snowflakes from the Letterpress Winter set stamped randomly in Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay.  Next I embossed the stamped panel with the Decorative Dots embossing folder.  I wrapped the panel with some Thick Baker's Twine in Coastal Cabana.  I stamped the greeting from the Cheerful Tags set in Bermuda Bay over a snowflake in Coastal Cabana.  I punched it out with the 2 3/8 inch Scallop Circle and adhered it to a larger circle of Coastal Cabana punched with the  2 1/2 inch Circle Punch.  Some sequins from the In-Color Sequin Assortment (top of page 208 in the annual catalog) add a little sparkle to the card.  I adhered them with mini glue dots... so quick and easy and they'll stay stuck!  Those glue dots are strong!  And there you have it... a quick and easy card in under 5 minutes... 6 or 7 if you are a bit slower.  
Using the assembly line method, you could easily make 30-40 of these in an evening while watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.

Are you by any chance a Hallmark Christmas movie junkie like me?  I know the movies are schmaltzy and some are pretty sappy, but sometimes sappy is good.  Life can get all too real and sometimes we need a little escape!

Hope your week is off to a smooth start!  
Hugs and happiness,
Susan

Fun and Free Friday, coming right up!

Hello stampers and a happy Friday to you all!

I know it's hard to believe, but I'm actually taking an entire weekend off from stamping events.  On Saturday, instead of having a house-full of stampers, I'll have a house-full of family.  Our daughter Amy, her husband Eli, and the three grands (Emma, Luke, and Ben) will be arriving on Saturday and staying through the weekend, as the children are out of school until Wednesday.  

Since November is the season of giving thanks, I'm giving thanks for my wonderful customers with a customer appreciation event "Fun and Free Friday," next Friday, November 14th at 6:30 at my house. I'm going to serve you some hot, delicious Papa Murphy's pizza and a fresh green salad (no limp bagged stuff here!) starting at 6:30.  If you can't join us for dinner, come when you can.  We'll start stamping at 7 pm and then at 8 pm we'll start playing Bunco for merchandise prizes.  There is NO COST to attend, but of course orders are encouraged and very much appreciated.  You'll get to make 2 great Christmas cards and of course I'll also serve you dessert.  You don't want to miss this evening!  

Here's one of the cards you'll be making.... actually, it's a gift card holder. 

This cute card features the bright and festive Nordic Noel DSP that's on page 15 of the annual catalog.  Inside there's a little pocket that you can stuff with cash or a gift card.  I'll give you the easy scoring directions for this card so you can go home and make lots more for Christmas gifts.  You'll also make a coordinating envelope to go with this card, using the Envelope Punch Board.  

I hope lots of you will join me for this evening of fun.  If you've never played Bunco before... no worries!  It's a game of chance and there's absolutely NO SKILL involved.  Best of all, it's a lot of laughs and we all know how healthy laughter is!  

May your weekend find you doing something you enjoy, something that is relaxing, something that brings joy into your life!  

Hugs and happiness!
Susan

Little House in the Big Woods

Hi there stampers and a happy Wednesday to all!

Were you a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan when you were young?  Did you read all the "Little House" books as fast as you could?  I loved them and so did my girls.  You might be wondering why I'm mentioning these books and what possible connection there could be with stamping.  Well, just take a look at today's card and you'll see...

There it is... the little house in the big woods!  I used two different stamp sets to make this card.  The house is from Holiday Home and the trees are from White Christmas.... both sets are in the holiday catalog.  The greeting is from the ever-popular Teeny Tiny Wishes, which can be found on page 18 of the annual catalog.  I stamped the house in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Hello Honey card stock and then cut it out with the matching framelit die.  The leaves are stamped in Hello Honey, Tangerine Tango, and Crushed Curry.
The Early Espresso panel was textured with the Woodgrain embossing folder.  The Hello Honey ribbon is accented with a wooden leaf from the Autumn Wooden Elements set on page 46 of the holiday catalog.  
Don't you have some far-away friends and relatives who'd love getting a card like this from you, letting you know that you're thinking of them on Thanksgiving?  Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reach out with a loving and thoughtful gesture.  In fact, every day is the perfect time to reach out with a loving and thoughtful gesture... no need to wait for a holiday!  Let's all resolve to send more cards.  We can make the world a happier place, one card at a time!
Hope your week is going well!  Around here we're excited for a visit from the Seattle gang!  Haven't seen those grandchildren for a while and we are looking forward to a fun weekend!  Please come back on Friday for more stamping inspiration.
Hugs and happiness,
Susan

Grateful for You!

Hi stampers!  Happy Monday!

Well, here we are in November, but how did we get here so quickly?   It seems like it was summer just a couple of weeks ago and I was wearing my sandals and capris and enjoying lots of sunshine. I know that it had to come to an end, Now that the rainy season is here to stay for a while, I'm planning to focus my attention and energy on the upcoming holidays that are quickly approaching.  When I'm busy getting ready for Christmas, I won't be noticing the gloom outside my window quite so much.

For many people, November is all about working on becoming more grateful.  I'm going to try the "30 days of gratitude"exercise too and write down what I'm grateful for each day of the month of November.  The small everyday blessings that we take for granted ... a hot shower, a steaming cup of coffee, a drink of cold refreshing water, a warm home, a good meal, time spent with a friend... all are amazing blessings.  When we stop our hurrying and busy-ness and take time to reflect on our blessings both great and small, our lives are refocused on what we have, not what we lack.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend."  Melody Beattie

OK... enough philosophising...let's get to the card.  Only today, it's not a card.  Here, let me show you,

I made these little treat holders with my Envelope Punch Board (page 194 of the annual catalog).  They are 3 by 4 envelopes with one side left unglued.  These would be so fun to put by each plate on Thanksgiving, filled with some nice chocolates (Ghirardelli squares or Dove chocolates would slip into these easily).  Who wouldn't love some yummy chocolate to take home after the Thanksgiving feast?

I used some of the beautiful Color Me Autumn Designer Paper for the envelopes, then used the "Grateful for You" stamp from the Merry Everything stamp set on page 13 of the holiday catalog.  I stamped in Cajun Craze on Very Vanilla card stock,then punched it out with the matching Note Tag Punch (also on page 13). I then punched a mat in Cajun Craze using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch on page 221 of the annual catalog.  Some of the 1 1/4 inch Burlap Ribbon (page 207 of the annual catalog) adds a nice fall texture to these fun little holders.  You could also slip in a gift card or cash.
Oh, and let's dream a little, shall we?  Airline tickets to Paris, or keys to a new car could also be slipped inside.

Before I go, I'd like to mention another blessing that I'm very grateful for, and not just in the month of November.  I'm grateful for you, my wonderful customers.  Without you, I would not have a business.  Thank you, thank you for allowing me to be your Stampin'Up! demonstrator... a job I truly love!

Please come back on Wednesday for more stamping inspiration.
Stamping Hugs,
Susan

Fuzzy little guy....

Happy Halloween!  I've been so good, I think I may cave in and go purchase a very small package of "fun-size" Milky Ways.  They are my favorite Halloween treat. Have you been munching on the goodies for the kiddos?? 

 I'm happy to be back in business with blogging.  Sorry for the little glitch in my posts, but thanks to my tech-savvy son-in-law Eli, I'm able to blog again.  Hope your week went smoothly and that you are getting back in rainy-weather mode after our fabulous summer and early fall.  Even I have given up on sandals and capris, but I think I was one of the last hold-outs.  I just don't enjoy closed-in shoes and long pants all that much, but when the rains start, I'm forced to knuckle under. 

I've got an "interesting" card for you today... interesting because I've never seen a hairy bird like this.  Yes, I know we don't have cardinals here in Oregon, and I must confess that I don't get out much, so I've never seen a cardinal up close.  But I'm pretty sure they don't have little hairy things sticking out of their feathers. I don't know what the artist who drew this image was thinking.
Maybe this little guy is a baby bird and he still has his downy fuzz.  Or maybe he's cold and his feathers are fluffed up.  Whatever the reason, check out the card and you'll see what I mean.

I used the Beauty of the Season stamp set from the holiday catalog and stamped it in Staz-On ink on watercolor paper.  I colored the bird with an aqua-painter and Cherry Cobbler ink.  The branch is colored in Soft Suede and the berries are done in Cherry Cobbler.  
The strip of printed card stock along the side is from the Under the Tree collection of extra-heavy card stock (page 5 of the holiday catalog).  The greeting was stamped on watercolor paper with Jet Black Staz-On ink.  Mossy Meadow goes so nicely with Cherry Cobbler that it's my new favorite for Christmas.  

Thanks for stopping in today!  You might want to make a last-minute trip to the store and get yourself some goodies that you actually like.  It's a lot of work running back and forth to answer the doorbell and you're going to need the energy to keep up.  So I've just given you the excuse you need to purchase and consume your favorite Halloween treat.  I think I hear a chorus of "thank you's" out there and I want you to know that you are entirely welcome.  
Enjoy!
Hugs to all,
Susan

Clean and Simple Christmas

Hi there stampers!

Wow... what I busy weekend I had!  But it was all fun... first at my Gifted Stamper class on Saturday and then at Charlotte's party on Sunday.  It's always fun to get together with my stamping customers.  They are the nicest people and so much fun too!  When we get together, I'm 100% sure that I'm going to laugh and since laughter is healthy, then it just stands to reason that stamping is healthy too because the two always seem to go together.  

After a short break of non-holiday cards, today we return to Christmas cards.  I received this card at a recent meeting of demonstrators and I just love it.  This clean and simple card is the work of Shannon Carrier. Everyone at the meeting loved it too.  
Check it out...

I don't think this photo really does justice to this card, but hopefully you can see it well enough to appreciate it. I know I need to get a better camera, but let's not go into that right now.  The folded card base is is Crumb Cake, with a thin border of Early Espresso setting off the focal panel of more Crumb Cake.  The stamps are all from the Endless Wishes stamp set (page 32 of the Holiday Catalog).  The snowflakes are stamped in Soft Suede, while the words "a little dash of cheer" are stamped in Early Espresso.  The word Christmas is stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  Adding the rhinestones to the snowflake centers proves to be the perfect finishing touch.  Nice work, Shannon!

I'm excited to be meeting with my SOS (Stamp Out Stress) friends today at Symposium Coffee in Old Town Sherwood.  We took a break from our get-togethers over the summer, and then I was on a trip on the last Monday of September, so this is the first time we've met in ages.  It will be good to get back to our regular routine of stamping on the last Monday of each month at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.  We talk, stamp, drink coffee, stamp, laugh, and stamp some more.  If you like coffee, stamping, talking, and laughing, you really should join us sometime.  I promise that your stress level will drop dramatically!

Thanks for stopping by this last Monday of October.  Didn't this month just fly by?   Please come back on Wednesday for another classic card.
Hugs to all,
Susan

Yippe, it's Friday!

Hi and happy Friday, everyone!

Are you feeling a little soggy around the edges yet?  There are parts of the country that are flooding, while others, like California, are experiencing a terrible drought.  So I guess we really have nothing to complain about.  This is just our typical fall weather and as I watch the rain, I'm thankful that we are not drought-stricken like they are in California.  

As promised, I'm bringing you another non-holiday card today.  I will probably get back to showing you Christmas cards on Monday, but for today we'll take a look at another one of the cards that will be made at The Gifted Stamper this Saturday.  I'm excited that I have a full house for this class.  We're going to have a busy afternoon of stamping, as everyone will be making 6 cards plus a 
folder to store them in.  This will make a great gift for friends this holiday season.

I'm hoping I haven't shown you this card yet... I'm having a bit of trouble with my computer and I can't access all of my recent posts.  If this is a repeat, I apologize.

This is a gatefold card that opens in the center, just for something a little bit different.  The stamp set is Kinda Eclectic and the colors are Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, and Mossy Meadow... all stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  The greeting is from the Hostess Set "Hello There," on page 237 of the annual catalog.  The Vanilla and Blackberry panels are cut with the Label Collection Framelits on page 231 of the annual catalog.  The butterflies were punches with the Elegant Butterfly and Bitty Butterfly punches on page 219 of the annual catalog.  

With all the rain in the forecast, I'm hoping that you'll use that as an excuse to stay inside this weekend and stamp.  You can even stay in your jammies if you want to, drink tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and just generally goof off.  That's what weekends are for, unless you're a Stampin'Up! demonstrator.  I'll be stamping all weekend too, but definitely not in my pj's!

Have a relaxing weekend, and please come back on Monday for another classic card.
Susan 

A Holiday Break

Hi there and happy Wednesday!

I've been showing you fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas cards for quite a while now and I think it's time for a little break.  After all, life goes on and we need all sorts of everyday cards, such as birthday, get well, thinking of you, and sympathy cards.  

Today's pretty card was made by one of my team members, Mary Peterson.  Check it out below and then I'll give you a run-down of all of products she used to create this beauty.

The colors Mary used are Soft Sky, Whisper White, and Early Espresso.  Those pretty little vines in the background are from the Bordering Blooms set on page 162 of the annual catalog.  They're stamped in Early Espresso.  The larger flowers come from the Flower Shop stamp set on page 67 of the annual catalog and are punched out with the Pansy Punch. The smaller flowers in the center are from the Petite Petals stamp set and they are punched out with the matching Petite Petals punch.  
The sentiment is from the Perfect Pennants set on page 16 of the annual catalog.  The Early Espresso Cotton ribbon is the perfect finishing touch.  As pretty as this is done in Soft Sky, I can imagine this same design done in So Saffron or Blushing Bride, with the same Early Espresso ink.  

If you've got a bit of time today to stamp, why not pull out some flower stamps, a nice sentiment, and stamp up a pretty card?  You must know someone who could use a bit of encouragement.  You'll feel good just by sending it and your friend will be so appreciative.

If you are at work today, just think... it's "hump day" and you're officially over the hump and it's all downhill to the weekend!  


Thank you, my faithful readers, for stopping in today. Please come back on Friday when I'll have another non-holiday card to inspire your stamping.  

Choose happiness,
Susan
Susan

Oh boy... Halloween!

Whoa!  It's Monday again!  The days are zipping by too quickly for me.  Don't you wish we could slow things down?  Wasn't Sunday the most glorious autumn day?  I'm sorry I didn't get a chance for an afternoon walk in the sunshine, but I did go to the grand opening of the new Home Goods store in Tualatin, along with about half the population of Portland.  My goodness... what a mob!  

I just checked the 7 day forecast for Portland and it's not looking so good, unless you are a stamper. For those of us who are addicted to stamping, the weather is looking pretty perfect.... rain, rain, and rain... with a 100% chance of rain on Wednesday.  

Last Friday I showed you the Halloween card I made for my granddaughters, so today I'm going to show you the cards I made for my grandsons.  Being typical boys, both Luke and Ben think monsters are pretty cool.  And they know "the count" (Count Dracula) from Sesame Street, so I'm hoping they'll like their Halloween cards.  Of course being typical boys they'll probably fling the cards onto the floor.  I'm pretty sure they'll be happy about the cash that's in the card, though. I'm asking Amy to take them to Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in the U Village or to Top Pot Donuts, a Seattle favorite, for their annual Halloween treat from Oma and Opa.

Here are their fun Halloween cards...

These cute cards are made with the Motley Monsters designer paper on page 45 of the Holiday catalog.  I simply cut out a strip of the monsters and glued the strip onto some Tangerine Tango card stock which I embossed with the Tiny Triangles embossing folder.

For the sayings, I used the Just Sayin' stamp set (page 109 of the annual catalog) and cut them out with the matching Word Bubbles Framelit Dies.  

I would like to have tied some of the new Tangerine Tango extra thick Twine on these, but we all know that lumps and bumps in an envelope are not appreciated by the US Postal Service.  I'm pretty sure the boys wouldn't notice anyway.  

Thanks for dropping by today.  Hope your week is off to a smooth start and that you'll find some time during the week ahead to do a little stamping.  When we take time out for creativity, it makes life so much happier!  

Susan

Sweet Halloween

Hi there stampers and may I just add a small "yippee" for the weekend that is just around the corner?
I've got a couple of events that I'm looking forward to... a party this afternoon with Sandy and her friends, and then another one on Saturday afternoon with Yoko and her friends.  There's going to be a whole lotta stampin; going on!

If you've checked your calendar lately, you'll see that October is just flying by and that soon, Halloween is going to be here.  Do you have your candy stash ready for the little ghosts and goblins?? I know that many of you have heard me say that, when it comes to candy,  if it's not chocolate, it's not worth eating.  Actually, I think many adult women feel that way.  Let the kiddos eat the Skittles, Jelly Bellies, Red Vines, and other non-chocolate schtuff, but give us the Dark Milky Ways, the Snickers bars, yummy Twix bars, and all of those other chocolate-y goodies.  Today's card, though, reminds me that I do love one Halloweeny thing that isn't chocolate, and that is candy corn! I don't know what it is about candy corn that I love.  Maybe it's just the association with childhood that make it so satisfying.  Of course I'd like it better if it was dipped in chocolate!

Here's one of the sweet Halloween cards I made for my granddaughters.  

Doesn't that candy corn make you wish you had some right now?  I used the Motley Monsters Designer Paper on page 45 of the Holiday Catalog and paired it with some Tangerine Tango card stock.  I love how the triangular shapes created with the Tiny Triangles Embossing Folder (page 227 of the annual catalog) echo the triangular candy corn.  I didn't want anything remotely scary on this card, so I chose the single stamp Halloween Street (page 47 of the Holiday Catalog) for my greeting.  
I stamped the pumpkin from the Fall Fest stamp set ( page 46 of the Holiday Catalog) in Tangerine Tango and added the carved face with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (page 212 of the annual catalog). This is, by far, my favorite black ink.  I think if you give it a try, you'll agree that it is awesome. It stamps nice and dark and doesn't smear. It's also the type of ink you must use when coloring with the new Blendabilities alcohol markers. I cut out the pumpkin with the matching Fun Fall Framelit Dies. If you've got some small children or grandchildren to remember on Halloween, this could be the perfect card. 

Thanks for stopping by on this very busy Friday.  I know I'm not the only one with a lot on my list today, so I appreciate you taking some of your valuable time to read my blog.  
Have a relaxing and restorative weekend, everyone!

Susan

Blossoming in Blackberry Bliss

Helloooo Stamping Weather!

Just checked today's forecast and it is definitely looking like you'll have a really good excuse to stay in your jammies longer than usual and stamp away a few hours.  Since I spent the entire day yesterday in my stamp room, prepping for upcoming parties and classes, I need to get out of the house today to run errands, shop, and go to Curves.  Sometimes it's necessary to pay attention to things other than stamping.  Sad, I know, but necessary.  So while I'm out braving the rain today, I give you permission (in case you need it) to stay inside, keep warm and dry, and stamp to your heart's content.

I have another card from my next class, The Gifted Stamper, to show you today.  This class is at my house on Saturday, October 25th at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.  You're going to create your own designer paper, and then cut it up to make 6 great cards.  You'll also make a quick and easy portfolio to store the cards and envelopes, making this a perfect holiday gift for friends.

Here's the card

The stamp set is Kinda Eclectic (page 164 of the annual catalog) and the sentiment is from Another Thank You (page 148 of the annual catalog).  The flower was punched using 4 different punches:
the Blossom Punch, the Pansy Punch, the 7/8 inch Scallop Circle Punch and the flower from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.  The flower was textured with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, as was the Hello Honey panel behind the stamped panel.  The colors are Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Mossy Meadow, and Very Vanilla.  These new In-Colors look so gorgeous together!

We'll I'm off to run my errands.  Hope you'll have a wonderful Wednesday and even if you have to be out and about in the rain, I hope that at some point you'll have a few spare minutes to stamp something pretty.  There's nothing like a little stamping therapy to make a day happier!
Thanks for coming by to read my ramblings and I hope you'll come back on Friday for more stamping ideas.
Susan