Hello friend!

Nick turned 18 (gasp!) on Monday. This was the card I made for him.

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Co-Workers Birthday Cards

Hello friend!

These cards were made for co-workers this week.  I'm especially happy with the first one.  My friend Dave is a Civil War buff, and so I printed out a letter written on his birth date in 1863 for the background.  Lots of sponging with More Mustard, Sahara Sand, and River Rock and a Night of Navy background, and it was simple, but appropriate.

 This one was for Teresa.  I always try to make my December birthday cards very different than Christmas cards..... though as I look at this photo it seems you could take all the elements, change the colors, and have a great Christmas card as well.  Hmmm.  Gotta try that.....

Well, I need to get a very important birthday card made today.  Nick is turning 18 (gulp) on Monday.  How can that be?

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

A few Christmas things!

Hello friend!

I had a card club here last week, and these were their projects:

A Christmas stocking card,

and a fun candy holder.

 We wrapped small Hershey's bars (they were the small one you get about 8 or 10 in a package for a dollar)  Originally, I tried cutting the buckle out--but it didn't take long to realize it was MUCH easier to just cut a square the same width as the belt and glue it to the top of the gold buckle.  The white on Santa's suit is not a blurred photo--I didn't punch this particular one very well.  You get the idea.


The following photo really has nothing to do with Stampin' Up, but I still want to show you what I'm doing.  (trying to do--there are not enough hours in the day).  It is a sneak peak of a Christmas wall hanging I'm working on....  Everything is cut free-hand.  It still needs appliqued to the background... and all the little details added.... Yes, I need more time!

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Where did November go?

Hello friend!

It seems I just finished my 12 Days of Christmas post... yesterday--but that was weeks ago.  November disappeared on me. 

Actually, November was a great month with lots of excitement.  My big news is that I'm retiring at the end of December! (there's a big smile on my face!)  In January I'll be working a part-time job I  am really looking forward to.

Now for some catch-up on projects:

We belong to the Old Uniontown Quilt Guild. The members make baby quilts and toddler quilts to donate. I've almost got this one finished to give-- I call it "Owls in the Flowers".

The pieces for the owls were cut with the Big Shot.

 The flowers look scallop-y like they could have been cut with the Big Shot, but they are actually pre-printed "cheater" fabric.  I love the way it came out!

Our niece had a birthday in November. She'd like to have a dog, so I made her a puppy card!  This cutie is all punched with Stampin' Up punches--isn't she adorable?  I just had to give her collar a little bling!

Happy Stamping!

Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Twelve!

Hello friend!

How can this be the last day of my Twelve Days of Christmas already?  This month is flying by....

Well, I saved my favorite project for the last:

This 18-inch pillow was made with the Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die, Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric & Buttons, and Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon.  The applique was done by hand, but you could also use a sewing machine.  The words were also hand stitched.

If you like the idea of using the Big Shot and fabric to create home decor--you should join us for the Block of the Month class at 9:30 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month.  (Which is today, by the way--come on over and see what we are doing!)

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Eleven!

Hello friend!

This tree topper was inspired by the ornaments on page 28 of the Holiday Mini.

It  is made by rolling 2 x 3 inch pieces of the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP into cones.  (to make this easier, just staple the cones at the point where no one will ever see the staple)   Punch two holes in the scallop circle base and thread the ribbon through (I plan on tying the topper to the tree).  The cones are hot-glued to the  base and finished with  Real  Red card stock and Glimmer Paper circles.  

While this looks involved, it actually didn't take much time at all to put together.

Merry Twelve Days of Christmas!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Ten!

Hello friend! 

Can you believe it is Day Ten already?  This is one of my favorites:

The colors are Garden Green, Real Red, and More Mustard.  It was rather time-consuming, but I'm enjoying the way it turned out.  This started with an 8 x 8 inch canvas from the dollar store.  It was horribly ugly, so I painted it white, and used about every punch and Christmas stamp set I own.  (well, not really, but I did use a lot!)

 I also used lots of sparkly things, like Dazzling Details, Glimmer Paper, and Rhinestone jewels to make it fun.

If you try a decorative piece like this, I'd love to see it!

Happy Tenth Day of Christmas!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Nine!

Hello friend!

Don't you love giving gifts in a gift bag?
1.  Bags are quick gift wrap--it only takes a few seconds to place the gift inside and fluff some tissue paper!
2.  Bags are "recycleable"--because they can be used over and over!
3.  Bags are fun... there is something about a handled gift bag that just makes it fun to give and to receive! 

Anyone receiving a gift in this bag would feel special:

The topper is made with Garden Green card stock.  I punched Whisper White circles and border and made another one of those fun medallions for the accent. 

The thing that really makes this bag stand out however, is the sparkle I added with two of my favorite Mini Catalog (page 41)  products:  Glimmer Paper and Dazzling Details!  While I always love glitter on projects, it can be a real mess.  These products take the mess away.   (If you are wondering where the Dazzling Details is, look at the circles.  I drew a line around each one.) 

I'll see you here tomorrow!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Eight!

Hello friend!

Today's post is all about tags....  and I hope not to disappoint you.  We use a lot of tags around here when we are wrapping gifts, so my tags are practical and only semi-creative:

This is a label sheet (30 per sheet) that I've printed and then stamped.  Quick & easy!

Here is another tag:

For some reason beyond my control, this was rather difficult to photograph, and the Glimmer paper doesn't show to its best.  If you are wondering how I made the longer tag, look at this:

 Cut your strip the same width as the punch, and slide it into the punch from the front.  You'll need to grab it and pull it out like this, but you can make your tag about any length you like.

Happy Twelve Days of Christmas!

Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Seven!

Hello friend!

If you've ever been in my house around Christmastime, you know I love to put trees in most every room of the house.  Here is an ornament for one of my trees this year!

This is made with two strips of Holly Berry Bouquet DSP that are 2" x 12".  They are scored every 1/4 inch with Simply Scored, and folded up (like a fan).  Attach the ends together to make a circle.  Place this "circular fan" on the table in front of you, and push it down flat onto the table--see how easily it creates this accordian ornament? 

My favorite way to hold it all together is with hot glue.  Cut a circle smaller than the finished ornament, and put hot glue on it.  Center the "circular fan" around this circle, and wrap your hands around the fan so you can bring the center together onto the hot glue.  It comes together very well--but I guess I need to learn to do videos so I can show you these things!

Add ribbon and a button, and voila!

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Six!

Hello friend!

Today's post is a little unusual!  Yesterday I showed you a decorated box that would be perfect for giving something small.  Cookies would fit nicely in the box--and here are the ones we made with our new cookie stamps.

You start by rolling out a small ball of dough (recipes are included with the stamps--we made the shortbread and they are delicious).  You roll the dough in sugar, then stamp them.

After they bake, they look like this:

It was difficult getting a good photo--especially since they were quickly being eaten!
Happy Stamping!
Wendy

You need to see this!

Hello friend!

There are some great specials going on with Stampin Up! right now.  You can see them here:

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

They've extended the Big Shot promotion, so you can still earn a free Big Shot by becoming a demonstrator before the 11th.  And for hostesses they have something fabulous going on now--an extra $35 in free merchandise when your workshop is $350 or more!  Awesome!

Check them out, and I'll be back this afternoon with today's Twelve Days of Christmas post!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Five!

Hello friend!

This is one of our Kraft Gift Boxes.  They are a nice size, only 3 1/2" x 3 1/2", but there are lots of things you could put in here--and tomorrow I'm going to show you something that would fit perfectly in this box!

This box is very simply decorated with a strip of Holly Berry Designer Fabric, and a medallion from the Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die.  The stamped image is from the Tags Til Christmas set, and is punched with a Scallop Square Punch.

I'm just realizing I need to work with another color scheme--so far I've done a lot of posting with Wild Wasabi, Real Red, and the Holly Berry fabric & Designer Series Paper!

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Four!

Hello friend!

Here it is, Day Four, and I have a scrapbook page for you.  My Friday Night Scrap Club is meeting right now... and this is one of the pages they will be making:

 The strip on the left is Very Vanilla, with a torn piece of Holly Berry Bouquet DesignerFabric.  The fabric is jazzed up with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and the accent was punched from Red Glimmer Paper and Very Vanilla card stock.

 The gift is made with the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper (more glittery goodness!) and is accented on the bow with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. 

And by the way, the bow on top of the present was made with three punched hearts from the Heart to Heart Punch.
Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Three!

Hello friend!

Here it is, Day Three already.  There are no french hens, but I do have a special gift card holder for you:

 This cute little stocking is cut with the Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die, and embossed with the Snow Burst Embossing Folder--both from the Mini Catalog.   The greeting is from Hand-Penned Holidays, which is also in the Mini.

Not only is stocking cute, but it is practical, too.  When I attached the layers, I used Sticky Strip in this way so that it can hold a gift card: 

These will be so cute hanging on the Christmas tree!

Talk to you tomorow!
Wendy

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Two!

Merry Christmas, friend!

Here is sample #2 in my Twelve Days of Christmas:


Stamps:  Pennant Parade
Inks:  Old Olive ink pad; Real Red and Chocolate Chip markers
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Pool Party
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Small Oval Punch

Stay tuned for 10 more fun projects!
Happy Stamping!
Wendy

the Twelve Days of Christmas--Day One!

Hello friend... and Merry Christmas!

Today is the first day of the Twelve Days of Christmas!  Well, at least in my world it is....

Each day for twelve days I'm going to show you a special Christmas item.  I've got lots of fun things planned, so let's get started. 

You've got to hear the song in your head while you think these words: "On the first day of Christmas, my demonstrator gave to me, a Joy card from a surprising source!"

The "surprising source" is Spice Cake Designer Series Paper.  The small star and the strip are both cut from Spice Cake--our fall-themed DSP.  Add some bling with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder & the Sounding Joy stamp set and one Rhinestone Brad, and  you have a beautiful (and fairly simple) Christmas card.

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps by Stampin' Up!

Hello friend!

Doesn't this look like fun?  I'm excited for my stamps to arrive!

Happy (cookie) Stamping!
Wendy

A Friendly Bat

Hello friend!

When I have a few moments, I have an addiction (in addition to stamping, scrapping, and quilting)... I love to blog hop.  Somedays it doesn't inspire me at all, but then there are days when I'm overwhelmed with ideas.

The other day I came across this blog:
 http://apopofpretty.com/2011/10/googly-eyed-bat-wreath-too-cute-to-spook/
and fell in love with the friendly bats on her wreath.  It only took me a few seconds to realize I could re-create the look with our punches... so here is what I did:

He's made with circle punches and the 5 petal flower punch (for the ears).  Very simple.  (and my apologies for the glue that was smeared across his face--it didn't look so bad til I took the photo!)

Natalie was going to a birthday party and needed a quick card:

 More punches--this time our wonderful Pennant punch--to the rescue!

Happy Stamping!

Wendy

An Offer to 'Die' For!

How would you like to get the Big Shot (or $100 in products) for free? Thought that would get your attention! This month, StampinUp! is giving every new demonstrator a FREE Big Shot--or the choice of $100 in free products!


Call if you have any questions!
Wendy








Learn more about it here

A fun birthday card

Hello friend!

This is a card I made for my brother, Scott.  The idea came to me last year, but since I didn't have time, it had to wait til this year.  Scott is very talented in fixing pinball machines and video games, so I made him a pinball machine card.  This is the front:

And this is the inside--where cupcakes attack!

You can't see it in this photo, but I even found a silvery marble and put it inside.  It rolls around and everything!  (wish I could have figured a spring to set in in motion... but that would take Scott's talent)

This card went to Hannah yesterday. 

I used the "Hand-Penned Holidays" and "Gently Falling" stamp sets and the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper--all from the Holiday Mini catalog. 

By the way, I noticed something today.  When I was listening to my IPod, a Christmas song came on.  Usually I would just skip it without thinking, but not today... which made me realize something.  I'm thinking Christmas!  If you are, as well, you can look forward to my "Twelve Days of Christmas Projects" which will begin on November 1.  Check back here often!

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

All-Day Stamp & Scrap Report & More!

Hello friend!

Wow, I think I've recovered from the All-Day Scrap & Stamp last Saturday, and I'd like to tell you a little about it..... unfortunately I can't show you much because  I forgot to take pictures.  Guess we were having too much fun and I just didn't think about it.

If you've been to one of my events, you know I always ask everyone to bring food to share.  (thanks everyone!)  When Victoria Duckworth brought her snack, I just HAD to take a photo of it:

 She used some of Stampin' Up's Halloween stamps, punches & cardstock, and made these adorable cupcake picks.  Cute & delicious! 

This little fella showed up and really wanted to join us.  He was really friendly, and Natalie Simmons named him Buddy.

 

In their gift bags, everyone received several projects, one of which was this pumpkin.  It is made with one of the Decor Blocks from Stampin' Up.  (It was inspired by another demonstrator named Wendy Knowles--thank you!)  It would have been cool to take a picture of all 16 pumpkins lined up together, but of course I didn't think of that til later. (sigh)

If you would like to make your own pumpkin (and a turkey and a snowman), I am having a "Block Buddies" class on Thursday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m.  We'll use punches and the Big Shot to turn four blocks into these three creatures.  They are adorable, and I'd love to have you join the class.  The cost is only $20, and I'll need your RSVP by November 1 so I can have all the supplies here.

Happy Stamping!
Wendy



Scrap & Stamp is full!

Hello friend!

Today I received the final registration for the Scrap & Stamp.  And then I received another.... so I've sold my own table!  There isn't any more space to sell, so hopefully I don't have to disappoint anyone.  You might wonder what I will do without a table.  I'll be working on my computer--trying to finish the digital vacation scrapbook I started--so I don't need much space....  This will be interesting!
 

My family has a lot to celebrate in the fall.  We started with my brother Mark's birthday last week, so here is his card:

I used the Totally Tool stamp set (love it for guy cards--you can find it on page 54 of the Idea Book) and the "floorboards" are 1/2 inch strips of our Wood Sheets (page 216 of the Idea Book) "stained" with various brown inks.  I punched holes and added Silver Brads for nail heads for a final touch.

Happy Stamping!

Wendy

Final call!

Hello friend!

Well, today I have good news and I have bad news--and they are the same thing... there is only one spot left for the All-Day Scrap & Stamp.  This is tough for me, because my heart wants EVERYONE to come--but my brain knows there is a limit!

This reminds me that I also need to start work on the Overnight Scrap & Stamp in February...

If you want this last spot, don't delay.
Wendy

Warning!

Hello friend!

Today I have several things to show you.  First though, I must warn you that there are only five four spots left for the All Day Scrap & Stamp.  If you are planning to attend, you must register immediately!

Ok, so now let me show you some fun from earlier today:

I call this fun block "Easy as Pie"!  My quilt class made this one today.  They also made a card using the Spice Cake color scheme (and a half inch strip of Spice Cake DSP).  And if you are wondering what I'm talking about when I say "Spice Cake", click on the link to the right to see the Holiday Mini Catalog.  (and go to pages 16-18)

The colors are Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, and Soft Suede.

It isn't easy to see, but the little oak leaf was die cut from our Wood Sheets. 

This fun block was shared by Cristiy Switzer.  (Last month we talked about a pinwheel, and I sorta had it in my head, but couldn't remember what it looked like.  She went home & figured it out!)  Pardon the pins, it isn't sewn yet...

Do you like the button?  It is an inch and a half wide!  (and these are also in the Spice Cake colors)

Happy Stamping!

Wendy

The schoolhouse!

Hello friend!

This last week I planned a project for the All-Day Scrap & Stamp (sorry, no photos cause it has to be a surprise, but its an awesome fall idea!) and made purchases of "goodies" for you!  I'm really happy with what I've got so far--including 7 registrations.  That means we are almost half-way filled.  Don't delay if you want to register.

Here are some photos I took of the school today. 

 It is so darn sweet, I want one of my own. (Shhhh, don't tell my husband I said that/)


Inside, looking from the kitchen area to the front.  (don't worry, we'll be using 6 foot tables, not the schoolhouse desks!)

From the stage to the entrance.

The view from the parking area.

There is a nice bit of land around the school.  I'm hoping for a beautiful fall day.  And if you want to bring a lawn chair so you can go outside & take a break, that's a good idea.

Happy Stamping!

Wendy

I'm feeling like "fall"!

Hello friend!

This morning when I left for work I was surprised at how cold it was. There was definitely a feeling of fall in the air--and I loved it!  Fall is my favorite season.  Cool, crisp weather... the kids are back to school ... birthdays... trick or treat... Thanksgiving... and its almost Christmas!  (I know, I know, I'm jumping the gun a little, but Christmas is less than 4 months away!)

My mind has turned to fall projects.  In the Holiday Mini (which starts on Thursday!) we have a product line called "Spice Cake".  While I'm not a fan of real spice cake, I am a very big fan of this line!  I've got the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and Spice Cake fabric as well as a beautiful leaf set (Gently Falling) and Designer Buttons--they are 1 1/2 inches wide!  The colors are totally yummy: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, River Rock & Very Vanilla.  They are not necessarily what I might think of as "fall colors", but they work together wonderfully. 

If you are in a club or attend a workshop in September, you'll be using some of these products, but here is a preview:

If you do not have your Holiday Mini yet, please let me know.

Another of my most favorite fall activities is pumpkin carving.  (every year we have a "contest" in my family--and we get pretty stinking serious about it!)  Not all pumpkins need to be carved, however.  Here is a little one that is made of fabric:

I've gotta try this with that Spice Cake fabric....

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

All-Day Stamp & Scrap!

Hello friend!

You are invited to attend my All-Day Stamp & Scrap on Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.!  It will be held at a darling little schoolhouse (built in the 1800's) at the corner of County Roads 1600 and 655.  (Montgomery Township map)

Each attendee will have a 6-foot table, but the first five attendees who register and promise to bring their own table will save $5 off the registration fee. (Thank you for your help with this—there are not quite enough tables there for us!) I’ll have many of my supplies for you to borrow and a couple small projects for you to play with.


We will have a potluck lunch (with a sign-up sheet so we have a wide array of foods) that we can snack from all day long. To keep the costs down, I won’t be providing an evening meal—but there are plenty of fast food places close by if you need a sandwich later for supper. (Of course, a lack of food has never been a problem before, and I don’t anticipate it this time either.)

Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll get you a registration form. Space limits us to a smaller number, so don’t delay getting your reservation to me.

Happy Stamping!
Wendy

It is too hot out there!

Hello friend!

I'm "hiding" in my house from this heat.  It wasn't bad last week when we had an ocean to go jump in... but this is ridiculous!

Gotta show you a couple of things.  Our friend Amanda is getting married next month, and we had an informal shower for her last night.  I made this bag and card for her in about 10 minutes flat cause I was running behind--as always.

The bag decor should look familiar--I needed something large to quickly fill the space,

so I used the flashing to create an ornament.

 This is one of our notecards, so its small.  I was able to fun it through the Big Shot with the Framed Tulips Folder to create this fun border on the edge of the card.  Her wedding is purple & silver, so I used Elegant Eggplant & Wisteria Wonder with a little silver ribbon. 

This is special.  Just before we left on vacation I received my 10-year anniversary pin in the mail from Stampin' Up!  Pretty cool.  (I also received 3 free stamp sets the same week that I earned by my activity during Sale-A-Bration.  Free is good!)

Stay cool out there!

Happy Stamping!

Wendy