Greetings!!!  The Thanksgiving dinner prep has begun!!!   Tonight I made my pumpkin pie and a special cold carrot recipe...I think the carrots and the cranberries are the only things that don't have to go in the oven!!!!  I have so many dishes going in and out of the oven and the microwave, I wonder how my mom did it before the invention of the microwave??  Although my family is small (there will be 8 of us) we still like to make all the trimmings.....and hope for left overs to enjoy for days.  Hope your prep is going well, too!   Tomorrow night is apple pie night...two of those, because we all love apple pie...yum!  Still using the recipe my mom used so many years ago. 
Another Holiday Stamp a stack card for you tonight.....

This card has no stamping,  just die cutting and piecing.  The head and hat of the snowman were cut using the envelope framelet and the head was cut from a folded piece of white cardstock so the head is the part that opens, the green is just a base card to make the card standard in size.  I think it is very cheery and a child might be delighted to see Frosty arrive in the mail.  Love his blushing cheeks!
Peggy

Happy Birthday to my son!!

Hi all
Hope you will allow me a moment to wish my son, Davy, a wonderful 27th birthday.  I am so proud of you and so excited for the many opportunities just ahead of you. Looking forward to being with what is left of my family on Thanksgiving. Family is everything!!!
Peggy

SAS#4 project #2

Hi all
I'm guessing everyone is prepping for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, as we are here.  But we have recently celebrated my birthday in mid Oct, followed by Dave and my 30th wedding anniversary, and before we do Thanksgiving on Thursday, we will celebrate Davy's 27th birthday.   Busy Busy Busy.  I just finished baking his birthday cake, a yummy cake made by combining two boxed cake mixes.   It is a heavy cake (think pound cake)  but absolutely delicious.....Made especially so by the creme cheese frosting ...and Davy particularly enjoys berry filling between the three layers.  Yummy.  No sooner will we finish that event when will move rapidly into the thanksgiving prep....turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, veggie, corn pudding, and pies pies pies.  Luckily for me, Davy is a great assistant when it comes to doing the apple pies...he enjoys using the mechanical apple peeler that cranks to peel the apple in one fell swoop.  We will get two of them made in no time flat.
I hope you have taken the time to look at the Stampin' Up! sale (peggyouten.stampinup.net) as there are many great deals on there for a wide variety of products.  The sale ends soon, so don't delay.
Here is another card project from my most recent stamp a stack session.

These ornaments were made using either the framelits or a hand held punch. Notice that each ornament has a layer of smoky slate cardstock behind them to help them pop visually.  Each ornament also has a rhinestone embellishment.
Remember to check out the sale items....you are likely to find some great Christmas gifts for friends and family.
Peggy

Hi all
Hope yo'al have been having a good fall season.  I cannot believe how quickly these couple of months have flown by and now all four of my Holiday stamp a stack classes are finished for 2013. The gals seemed to enjoy the 20 different card designs we made over the past four months.  My next class is Holiday Tags and Gift cards to be held on Dec 8th.   You need to pre-register with pre-paid fee by Dec 1st if you plan to attend.
I want to begin to share the cards from the final holiday stamp a stack...

This card makes use of the retired Scentsational Season stamp set and it contains my favorite SU gingerbread boy ...this is a set I'll save for quite a while.  The tray is cut from roofing metal with the Deco Label Framelits on the Big Shot and the greeting "Merry" is from the Expressions Thinlits.  There are dazzling details on the gingerbread boys and the mug.  Isn't this a fun little card?!?!?!
Peggy

Change of date

Hi all
I want to announce that due to a surge of paperwork (read progress reports are due) on my day job plate, I am changing the date of the 4th Holiday Stamp a Stack class from Nov 10th to Nov 17th.   You must register for the Nov 17th class by Nov 10 with prepayment of materials fee.  Hope to see you there!  At this time, I do not anticipate doing any more holiday cards classes this season, unless you want a private class for you and your friends....contact me.  There is a tags and gift cards class in December.
Back to the paperwork....................(wish I could be out enjoying the beautiful fall colors!)
Peggy

Holiday SAS, project #5

Hi all
Isn't it exciting to be on the verge of the holiday season?  So many wonderful stamping opportunities - love it!!!
Here is the fifth holiday card from my Stamp a stack class.  Remember there is one more holiday stamp a stack class on November 10th - I need your pre-paid registration by November 3rd.  There is a scheduled gift tag and gift card holder class in December.  Now of the fifth card.....

This card says "Got Mistletoe".  The DSP is from the 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" holiday DSP stack which includes four different patterns.  So helpful when banging out stacks of holiday cards. 
What could be better than banging out a stack of cards which are all pre-cut and ready to stamp and assemble?!?  Join us for some stamping fun.
Peggy

Holiday SAS, project 4

Hi all
Sure hope you have checked out the list of 25 current stamp sets that are 25% off because that offer ends on Monday.... so you need to act quickly to take advantage.  Call me if you need help with your order, or if you want combine your order with others to save on shipping costs.
Here is another project from the last holiday stamp a stack. 

This idea is not particularly new but it does use special DSP, the TIEF (textured impression embossing folder, the paper piercing template, white craft ink, and the dazzling details.  Someone stated that we had made this card before, but in fact, this card was different.  Both cards had wreaths which were punched from the scallop circle punch and the center of each was punched out (circle punch) but that former card was only run through the TIEF whereas this one was also sponged with white ink to pop out the design and the berries were dotted with cherry cobbler dazzling details.  The former card had a plain pressure embossed back ground whereas this card used designer paper.  Both cards had a greeting on the cover but that one used a die cut label and this one has the greeting directly on the card.   This is the essence of designing fresh cards for your collection - tweaking this and that to come up with a new look.   I encourage you to try using an old design with a fresh strategy ...see what you will come up with!!!
Peggy

discount discount discount!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out the latest fab offer from SU
25% off 25 stamp sets.  Sale sets include:

1. A Dozen Thoughts
2. A Gift for You
3. Apothecary Art
4. Betsy’s Blossom
5. Bright Blossoms
6. Christmas Star
7. Crazy, Mixed Up Love
8. Cuddles & Kisses
9. Gently Falling
10. Gifts of Kindness
11. Gorgeous Grunge
12. Happy Day
13. Hearts a Flutter
14. Hello Lovely
15. Itty Bitty Banners
16. Jewish Celebrations
17. Label Love
18. Lots of Thanks
19. Morning Post Alphabet
20. Oh, Hello
21. Ornament Keepsakes
22. Snowflake Soiree
23. That’s the Ticket
24. Yippee-Skippee!
25. Zoo Babies

Limited time offer.....stamps make great holiday gifts!!!!!!!!

Holiday SAS, Pt 3, Project 3

Hello all
Today I have a fun card for you, and yes!, it uses the Big Shot!!  This card uses the new Circle Card Thinlits and the retired Holiday collection (candy cane) die.  The stamp sets are "Oh, Goodie" and "Petite Pairs".  The card base is done in Crumb Cake and the DSP is Season of Style.

I had this idea in mind and wanted to give it a whirl - using the background DSP to show through a cut out.  A fun little card that was easy to assemble.
Peggy

Holiday SAS, Pt 3, project 2

Happy Birthday to me!!!!  I had a great day, full of b-day text messages and emails, and some great cards and gifts.  All that on a work day...pretty cool!

Today I want to share another SAS project ...I glanced back to last year and saw that I had used a similar format for a card last year.  Crazy, huh?   This format must be filed in my head under holiday.  I like to use Navy for Christmas and chose to pair it with silver ...very peaceful I think.  What do you think?

For this card, the circle stands up above the folded night of navy base so the whole card still fits within the 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 standard size.  Let me know if you'd like to make this card with your friends.

Remember to sign up early for the 4th stamp a stack session to be held on Nov 10...I'll need your registration and materials fee by Nov 3rd. 

Peggy

Holiday SAS, Pt 3, project 1

Hi all
I had hoped to begin to post last night's Holiday Stamp a Stack class projects, but just as I was working up the post, my son returned home from a wedding and I wanted to hear all the details of this wedding in a barn!  We are not often "dress up" people so it was great to see him all spiffted up ...to go to a barn.  Funny!
We had a nice group of Raven's fans stampin' here yesterday so the sound of the game was turned up and down while we worked and chatted, but it was such a bummer that the Raven's lost!
The ladies did 5 card designs, four of each design for a total of 20 cards each.  This was the third of four Holiday Stamp a Stack sessions I am hostessing.  Note:  the last holiday stamp a stack is Nov 10th -  you need to register and pre-pay the $25 materials fee in advance by Nov 3rd.  You must make the payment in advance  by check, cash, or paypal.

Now for a project from session 3...............

This card makes use of the Big Shot and the Gift Bow Bigz die.  I love my Big Shot!!!!  I also used the Big Shot  to cut the card base (notice how the corners of the card slide into slots at the bottom), and to cut the deco label (out of DSP), the embossed Holiday Ornaments Framelit, and the Expressions Thinlit ("Merry").  The bow was texturized using the Square Lattice TIEF.  This machine was a great investment!!  I love the crumb cake card base - gives it a homespun feel.  Thanks Sandi Daily for the inspiration.
Come back throughout the week to see the remainder of the cards.
Before I close I want to welcome my most recent recruit, Charlene.  She is so smart to take advantage of the $25 starter kit offer to become a demo (again...she was in a few years ago under another demo).  She will be taking advantage of the extra 10% discount on her first order to get her own Big Shot.  That will give her a 30% discount and hostess benefits on that order, as well.  Wouldn't you like to have a 20% discount on all your SU purchases from now through the end of March (and beyond)?  Did you realize that if you take advantage of this special $25 sign up offer, you have until the end of March, 2014 to get your $300 minimum sales?  What happens if you don't make that mark?  Nothing.  You would  just lose the demonstrator benefits but in the meantime you can take advantage of the discount for yourself.  Contact me for details.
If you are thinking of taking advantage of this $25 starter kit offer, act fast. The offer is only good until Oct 21st!
I hope to post another project tomorrow but since tomorrow is my birthday, I might not make it to the computer to post. check back to see!!!
Peggy

Beginning October 3, Stampin' Up! will begin a series of Thank You Thursdays posts, where we will offer discounted products for one day only (while supplies last)! Visit the blog each Thursday in October to see the new deal.Today's special offer is a discounted price on Washi tape.

Washi tape is such a fun, easy way to add a little bit of pattern to a project. The Witches’ Brew Designer Washi Tape was the perfect addition to this quick treat tag. I love how the skulls show through the die-cut H window (made using the Big Shot and the Typeset Alphabet Bigz Die). The chevron pattern tape adds a little pop of color in seconds.


Now for the surprise! We’ve reached a milestone--250 posts on our blog--and we want to celebrate with you! Beginning today (October 3), we will begin a series of Thank You Thursdays posts, where we will offer discounted products for one day only (while supplies last)!

Visit the blog each Thursday in October to see the new deal. And thank you for helping to make our blog an inspiring place to be!

Today's Deal-Designer Washi Tape! Choose from one (or all three) of the designer Washi Tapes below!

	Epic Day This And That Designer Washi Tape   Regular Price $4.95 US/$6.50 CAN   Sale Price  $3.71 US/$4.87 CAN   *Please note-The discounted price will   appear at checkout.*
	Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape   Regular Price $4.95 US/$6.50 CAN   Sale Price  $3.71 US/$4.87 CAN   *Please note-The discounted price will   appear at checkout.*
	Witches' Brew Designer Washi Tape   Regular Price $4.95 US/$6.50 CAN   Sale Price  $3.71 US/$4.87 CAN   *Please note-The discounted price will   appear at checkout.*

wowie wowie wow!!!!

Hi Stampers
October 1st has been an exciting day at Stampin' Up!  with several new offers.

Check out the new Best of 25 years stamp set  for Christmas.  (pic not available here yet) that includes the recent favorite, Dasher.

Have you considered signing up with Stampin' Up! before?   NOW is the time.  Between October 7 and 21, you can sign up with SU for only $25!!  This $25 will get you full demo status and a special starter kit.  You will then be able to receive the SU! magazine, receive at least a 20% discount on all your SU purchases, earn commission on your sales, and have access to the special materials on the demo website.  Once you sign up with me and SU! you have until the end of the next quarter to meet the $300 minimum sales for a quarter (three months).  So if you sign up in October, you have until the end of March to sell/buy $300 in products.  Contact me for details!

During the month of October,  when you hostess a $250 workshop, you earn an additional $25 in hostess dollars to spend in the catalog - that is $65 in hostess dollars instead of just $40!!

Peggy

Fab new product!!

Hi gals!!!
Today I am excited to share with you a nifty new product from Stampin' Up!  This one is going to be especially exciting for new stampers ....OR busy stampers!  Why? Because it is a kit that contains everything you need (except scissors and adhesive) to make 20 cards.

It contains patterned cardstock, stamps (7), a clear acrylic block, two ink spots, envelopes, die cut designs, baker's twine, clips, buttons...even dimensionals....all in a nifty storage box complete with a multifold guide sheet of 20 suggested card designs.
I'm thinking I could fit one of these in my desk drawer at work then when I forget to bring a card for a coworker's birthday or anniversary, I could whip up one of these cards on my lunch break!!   How cool and convenient is that!!!
This product reminds me a bit of the monthly My Paper Pumpkin kits but it has more supplies in it and you can see in advance what you are getting.   Although some of you enjoy the surprise of getting My Paper Pumpkin every month as I do, I know some of you are more discerning and like to examine what you are getting, in advance.  This is a limited supply item...but if it sells well, I'm betting we will see additional editions of the kit in the future.   Wouldn't it be great to be able get a new supply kit every couple of months?!?!?  You can order this product (#134797, price $29.95) through my SU! website my Stampin' Up! website or if you'd like to save a bit on shipping, contact me.  Aren't you already  thinking about someone special who would love to receive this nifty collection for their birthday or as a Christmas gift?  I am!
Stamp on!!!
Peggy

life's little surprises

Well ladies, tonight was my squash album class, which I developed at the request of my friend who wanted a class for her coworkers.  We had a total of 6 ladies and as we stared to select papers, colors and cardstock, I discovered that I had totally misunderstood which album the ladies wanted.  Uh oh!
One lady had signed up for the class based on the picture of the project I THOUGHT we were making ...and of course, I had to give her what she came for.   The other five ladies wanted the alternative project, and that is what I committed to giving them.   No Fear!!   I set the ladies to choosing their papers and cardstock while I quick took a quick look at the new project and began cutting.  The ladies were patient as I measured and re-measured, and in the end, I think they all looked very happy and proud as they finished their unique, truly one of a kind album.  Luckily, I am not put off by having to think on my feet and the ladies were troopers, taking on the challenge of doing the album for the first time.  It was a fun evening...in spite of the O's losing their game.  Thanks, ladies for a fun evening.  Though the ladies didn't know it, I had a horrible day on Thursday and really appreciated their fun spirit....totally lifted my heart!

Hi all
Wanted to share with you a picture  of the kind of album we will be making at class on Friday night. Each person will get to choose the designer papers and matching card stock base that appeal to them.  I need to hear from you by Monday night if you want to attend. 
Here is what we are making:

Okay scrapbookers...see ya Friday night...only 3 seats left.
Peggy

holiday SAS, class 2, Project #3

Hi all
Tonight I have another fun card for you.  The idea for this card came to me - a gingerbread boy in an oven - one day while getting ready for work.  The peek a boo frame seemed to be the perfect way to put this idea onto a card. 

Of course, I needed a good greeting to go with it.  Unfortunately, the oven came out to be a bit larger than I wanted so the greeting is inside.

But I thought it was a fun little idea....Hope you enjoy it too.  Note:  I did not put acetate in the window of the oven door since the back side shows when you open the door at the photo turn, but you could.

Remember, I am doing a squash album class this Friday night - contact me by Monday night if you want to participate.   Please indicate if you have a particular color or theme you want to reflect in your album and I will try to find the perfect designer paper for your album
Peggy

Holiday SAS #2, project 2

Hi all
I have another project from last Sunday's Holiday Stamp a stack class for you tonight.......

This project is done in Always Artichoke and Old Olive greens....and of course, I used my Big Shot and the Floral Frames, Chalk Talk, and Gift Bow Dies.  The bow was made using retired designer paper.  I used the smaller bow of the two on the Gift Bow die.  After I cut two of the ends of the ribbon of the bow, I realized using both sections would cover most of the wreath.  Instead I discarded one of those pieces and cut one of the bow ends in half (lengthwise) and I think it looks so much better!  More balanced. The Chalk Talk greeting tag was die cut twice.  First, I die cut the bread tag then turned it around and die cut it again so the straight-cut end was also scalloped and both ends would match. The trick to cutting the tag twice is to place the top plate only over the end of the die that you are cutting the second time.  The edges of the greeting were sponged in gold encore ink. 
I really love the way this card came out - each of the gals was given four different designer papers so each of their cards was unique.
Peggy

Holiday SAS#2, project 1

Hello All
Last Sunday was my second Holiday Stamp a Stack class of the Season.  Tonight  I want to show you the first of the five projects my gals made...they did four of each card design.
This first project made use of the fabulous new Circle Card Thinlit Die.  I love my Big Shot and this die is fast becoming another one of my favorites.

This die can cut a three part card but if you carefully place the paper in and over one end of the frame of the die, you can get a card like this one which consists of four separate parts.  The stamp set is the retired set, Come to Bethlehem.  Look at what you see when you pull open the card....

Did you notice that there is a gift card pocket inside this card(see where my name card is touching the card)?  The fourth segment of the die cut can be folded in to create the pocket......we used the hexagon punch to make a little "grab it" spot inside the card.  We sponge some so saffron ink from the star to the town.   I love the simple elegance of a religious card at Christmas.  Do you?
Peggy

new class added to Sept calendar

Hi all
I will be holding a squash album class on Friday, September 27th at 7PM.  There are only three seats left for this class.  I need to hear from you by the 20th if you plan on attending.  More details on my SU web page ...call me with questions!
Peggy

My Paper Pumpkin deadline

Remember that the 10th of the month is the deadline to sign up or decline the special box for that month.
Contact me if you need help signing up.

Peggy

Hi paper crafters!!!
Did you think I had disappeared?  No!!!!  Remember this was my first week back to work so, of course, I am shifting my schedule from being a night bird to being a day bird...exhausting!
On my schedule I have listed the four different versions of my holiday stamp a stack classes (which all require pre-registration and pre-payment to guarantee your seat at the table).  I already have 6 names for the Sept 15 class..only two seats left. 
I also have a class planned for 9-29 where we will make Halloween (or Raven's) wreaths.  I wanted to post a picture of the wreath so you would have an idea of what the project looks like:

You must pre-register for this class by 9-12 in order for me to have time to prepare the materials for the class.
The format for this project will be used in future classes (soon to be posted) for Fall, Christmas, and Winter.
Look forward to see you at class!
Peggy

Paper clay roses

Hi Stampers!
I am preparing this post ahead of time because the day you see it will be my first day back to work!  Can't imagine how that will go as I am told that the building is still a mess from the workmen who are putting air conditioning in the building!  Could end up to be a frustrating and dirty day!   But we do getto start the day with a nice breakfast, at least!
This card is so special because it uses the rosette die and the new paper clay and molds.  Fun!

Some folks find the medallions a bit frustrating to make, but when you use a glue gun (I usually avoid glue guns) it works very well.  I did not use the rosette die for this (shocking, right?).  Instead, we simply used a stylus and a straight edge to score from point to point on the Happy Day image. We also used a small circle punch to cut the scooped edges around the outside.  The rose in the center is the paper clay which was dyed to color using a reinker.  Do you like the fake ribbon on the left side?  I saw that idea on Brandyscards blog.  You stamp the image multiple times and it gives a really cool effect...and uses up those scraps of white cardstock we all end up with.  Isn't it a sweet quick card?
Peggy

Silly me!!!

Hi stampers!!
While we were at the Stampin' Up! convention this summer, we were given a sample of the new material Stampin' Up! is selling so you can make your own stamp!  When I was in college, part of the training for occupational therapists had to do with crafts - block printing was one of the crafts we did.  I can tell you that carving away that linoleum block was real work - this product that Stampin' Up! is carrying is soo much easier to manage!!  As soon as I got mine I knew what I wanted to make.  Did you guess a Winnie the Pooh- no!!  I have tons of Pooh stamps!  Nope!  I wanted a Despicable Me minion!!  Take a look...

What do you think?  Not bad for a first try! How did I do it?  I got a coloring book and copied one of the pictures and then shrunk it until it was the size I wanted.  Then I scribbled all over the back of the picture with a #2 pencil.  I laid the paper on the rubber and traced over the lines of the image.  The graphite (from the pencil) on the back of the picture was transferred onto the rubber so I would know what parts to leave untouched.  Then I took my tools and carved away the rest (lucky me, I still have the tools I used back in the '70's!!!).  I love my little minion...hope my students will too!
Peggy

retired cardstock for sale

I have the following recently retired for sale in the US. Buyer pays S&H. I take paypal and money order. Choose 6 items to purchase and the least expensive one is free.

Designer Décor kit Candy Countdown 120926 19.95

Retired Cardstock: 8 ½ x 11 unopened packs $6 each
2 Baja Breeze 111352
3 Bashful Blue 105120
2 Bravo Burgundy 105123
1 Certainly Celery 105125
1 Lucky Limeade 122926
2 More mustard
2 Not Quite Navy
2 Pretty in Pink 100459
2 Regal rose
3 Riding hood Red 111348
2 River rock 108640

Peggy

Holiday SAS #1 project 5

Hi Stampers!
Today I have another fun "moving" card for you!- a fancy fold, if you will.  It is an easel card!
Does anything say Christmas card more than a tree?

This card is also heat embossed.  I had the ladies stamp the tree in versamark ink and then apply green embossing powder to the tree immediately followed by copper embossing powder under the tree,  The trick to doing that is to hold the card with the tree upside down. You pour the green EP on at the bottom branches and let is spill down the length of the tree, then you turn the tree right side up and pour the copper EP from the trunk downward.  Finally, you heat set both.   It is not necessary to heat set in two steps in this instance because you can so easily see where the two colors meet.  After the EP was set the tree was die cut in the Big Shot.
But I told it you was an Easel Card...see....The trick here is to mount the greeting on dimensionals so the bottom edge of the cover catches on the greeting.   The front cover of the card is folded at the midpoint to support the tree layer.
Fun!  Do you love it?
Peggy

Holiday SAS, pt 1 project 4

Hi stampers
Are you catching the pre-holiday spirit yet?  Today I have a fun card for you that uses one of the new  Stampin Up! Thinlits and the Big Shot.   Such a quick, fun die cut card!!!

All the images on this card are heat embossed with white embossing powder.  When you open the card, here is what you see...

Did you notice how the center greeting flips over so the longer message is on the inside?
Isn't this fun????  And the card still fits in a standard A2 envelope.   At a future holiday stamp a stack session I will show you how to make this card even more fun!!
Peggy

Holiday SAS, Pt 1, project 3

Hi Stampers!!
Time for another fun Holiday card!!  This card was really fun for me. I had an idea that percolated in my brain and this is where I ended up!! 

 I wanted to honor our local area (Chesapeake Bay and Ocean City) where we love our beach and crabs and drinks.  I reworked this card several times to try to make it easy for my gals.   There are many small parts, but again, like the tree card, punching makes it easy peasy.  This card uses the Settin' Sail photopolymer stamp set - the greeting says "Life is more fun at the beach".  But to make it a holiday card, I layered the word "Christmas" above the words and blocked out the "Life" with the eyelets. The gals got a mix of gingerbread eyelets and Christmas trees.  The background of the card is polka dotted with the TIEF and my Big Shot!!!!!!!!
Lucky for me, the gals said they surely do have family and friends who will appreciate this somewhat off beat Christmas card.  At least I can say it is a bit out of the box.
Peggy

Holiday SAS pt 1 project 2

Hi all
My project for you today is one of those that you can do in stages.  First, you need to punch out shapes - I used trees and ornaments and two different papers.  I punched out the items for my gals while I watched the ball game.  The punching takes some time but is mindless so you could easily do it while sitting in the car waiting for the kids to come out from football, swimming lessons, or whatever.  The punches themselves are small so they are easily carried around with you. 

This card was inspired by one made by Peggy Wilson but she used different papers and a different greeting.   I wanted a smaller greeting that would be more reminiscent of a tree trunk.  Anyway, the trick to assemble this card is to stamp the greeting first and then use a centering ruler.  Are you familiar with those?  The center of the ruler has a "0" and then the inches (and smaller lengths) are marked outward to either side.  When you want to center an image, you look to see if the same length is at either end of the card stock, and when the two ends match you know the center is where the zero is - no measuring!! 
I had the gals place the centering ruler above the greeting and tack it down with temporary adhesive.  Once they attached the bottom 5 trees with dimensionals, they were able to complete the rest of the trees and ornaments by eyeballing them.  Easy Peasy.  This card is similar to one we made last year using hearts.  Remember, reworking an old layout is a great way to create a fresh new look.  Would your friends like to make this card?  contact me to book your workshop, class or party.
Peggy

Holiday SaS #1 project one

Hi all
Today I have my first holiday stamp a stack project of the 2013 season.  This card looks tedious, but once you know how it is assembled, the process is fast.

Yes, the petals and leaves of the poinsettia are made using the mosaic stamps and punch.  You stamp the solid mosaic ten times and then punch them out.   They are attached to a chip board circle, then the second layer is added.  The artichoke petals are attached to the bottom of the chipboard circle.  The small scallop circle punch is placed in the center and then a button is added.  OF COURSE, I used my Big Shot...don't I always!...for the background.  The ribbons are retired but worked really well on this card.  Wouldn't you want to make a few of these.  Thanks, Debbie Henderson for the inspiration.   This class is being repeated on Sunday, August 18th - you could be there!!!!  Leave me a comment and make my day!!!!
Peggy

Sand Dollar

Hi stampers
Enjoyed the company of some long time stampers on Sunday as they made 20 Holiday cards - five designs, four of each card.  Unfortunately, one of our ladies got knocked down by a summer cold and since she was feeling icky, with more than her fair share of germs, she decided to stay home.   Feel better soon, Sharon!  I will be repeating the class this coming Sunday if any of you travelers are back home and want to join us.   Please contact me by Tuesday to register.
The pictures of those projects are not ready to post yet so I will share a picture from a previous class today.   Hope to get some of those holiday card pictures posted tomorrow.
This is one of the cards I took to convention.   Actually, I have done several variations of this card cuz I really like it!!

The sand dollar is on the inside of the card and is stamped in brown and then covered with Dazzling Diamonds glitter glue.  Of course I used my Big Shot to die cut the medallion around the sand dollar.
Peggy

reminder act now!

GOOD REASONS TO TRY PAPER PUMPKIN MONTHLY KITS NOW!

1.  New to paper crafting?  Paper Pumpkin is a simple way to build your skills and enjoy a monthly escape to paper, stamps, ink and fun!  Each project takes about 30 minutes to complete.
2.  Old hand at paper crafting but have so little time to play...answer: My Paper Pumpkin!  I come to your door precut and ready to assemble!  All you need to add is scissors and adhesive.

3.  Looking for the perfect gift?  Introduce your passion for paper to someone new to the craft with a Paper Pumpkin subscription.

4. TRY THE SUBSCRIPTION FOR JUST $10.  Ends August 31:  Pay only $10 a month* for your first two months. BUT if you want to receive your first box in August you must sing up today Aug 10th.  If you wait til tomorrow, your first box will come in September.
Remember ...go to mypaperpumpkin.com to register,  list me as your demo, and use the promo code PUMPKINDEAL . Then let me know you signed up so I can add you to the list of folks to receive additional project ideas to make with the kit.

easel birthday

Hi Stampers
Before I show you another of my recent projects, I want to encourage you to take advantage of the amazing special offer from Stampin' Up! for two months of My Paper Pumpkin for half price - only $10 each for the first two months. This is a complete project kit that comes directly to your door.   I'm urging you to sign up right away because the close date for each month's order is the 10th of the month...if you sign up by the 10th, you will get your first kit in August - around the 15th.  The first kit is the starter kit which includes a clear acrylic block which you can use with future kits.   If you receive the kits and then decide you do not want to continue, all you have to do is go into the mypaperpumpkin.com and cancel your subscription.  But I think you will find it a treat to have a special box arrive each month just for you.  Each project is projected to take about 30 minutes to assemble.  After the first two months the kit price is 19.95.  You have until the end of august to take advantage of this offer but, as I mentioned if you want to receive a box this month you must sign up by the 10th.  Be sure to list me as your demo and use the special promo code  PUMPKINDEAL.
Now to my project  ...a variation of one by Sue Reynolds.

This is an easel card ...once it is set up. 
Here is how it looks when you pull it out of the envelope.

This card is easier to assemble than you might think! Of course, I used my Big Shot and the Framelits to make the various layers.  Had to run two layers through a textured impressions embossing folder to get some TEXTURE!  The coloring of the flowers and the greeting was accomplished by applying bleach to the areas after they were heat embossed.  So pretty!
Peggy

banners and flags

Hi Stampers!
Hope you are enjoying these last few weeks of summer...in spite of the rain. 
Flags and banners are very popular elements in cards these days and this card that I have for you attempts to include them.  It is inspired by a card I saw on Barb stamps blog... with a few tweaks.  The most challenging part is the hole in the card front.  Can you tell that the zig zag DSP is actually on the inside of the card, not on the cover?  I used an Apothecary Accents Framelit but I cut a hole

that did not go all the way up to the top of the card front. I wanted some stability across the top so the hole couldn't go to the top.   How do I do that?  It's tricky, but actually fairly simple.  When I ran the card through the Big Shot to cut the hole, I made sure that the base plate was not under all of the card front but instead was slid downwards a bit.  By sliding the plate downward, the framelit did not cut where there was no plate and left me the header card stock I wanted.  Nifty, huh?  Feel free to contact me if this is not a clear enough explanation.
The valence at the top (made from another Apothecary Accent Framelit) covers up the butt end of the hole.  I was happy with the end product.
Are you one of those folks who wishes you could enjoy the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demo? .. the discount,.... the early access to new products, ..... ready access to the "demo only" aspects of the Stampin' Up! website...convention.....webinars.... fellowship....fun....income?  During the month of August, we are offering additional perks to new recruits.   If you are ready to give us a try, contact me and we can have a chat about what this opportunity can do for you.  Obviously, after 16 years with Stampin' Up! I believe in this company and this opportunity.   Would love to have you join me!  Don't let fear or hesitation keep you from giving it a try.  You could have a blast!
Peggy

Hi Stampers
Well, it seems that the countdown to "Back to School" has begun! Only two more weeks of summer vacation for staff.  The kids get three more weeks of fun!  but hey!  when I have my stamps ready, any day is fun!
My project share today was inspired by Jeanne Harris.  It is fairly simple to do but uses a special technique.

First, I inked up a square stamp made from scrap rubber - the edges were cut using the old deckle scissors.  Have you been a stamper long enough to remember when special scissors were one of the only tools we had? We've come a long way, baby!  Those days are over!!
I used our new "In Colors" inks - the color on the top left is Pistachio Pudding and the bottom right color is Cantaloupe Crisp.  After stamping the block on the Natruals White cardstock, we used daubers to spread the ink around within the space borders.  The greeting (from Simply Sketched) was stamped in Baked Brown Sugar In Color Ink.  Then the splatter effect was made using Baked Brown Sugar Ink and the stamp from Gorgeous Grunge set.  We used Black Stazon Ink to stamp the tulip from the Backyard Basics set onto whisper white cardstock and cut it out using the Backyard Basics Framelits set and the Big Shot.  It is popped up on dimensionals.  The tulip had been colored using markers.  The base of the card is Crisp Cantaloupe Cardstock.  This is one of those cards that could easily have a variety of greetings - birthday, thank you, get well, etc.
Peggy

Mosaic and flowers

Hi Stampers
I hope you can enjoy today's card...I don't think it photographed very well but it is a great card in person. 

 The base layer is smoky slate cardstock, with a folded layer of whisper white next and another layer of smoky slate cardstock on top.   That top layer had been run through the Big Shot in the Modern Mosaic Textured Impression Embossing Folder (TIEF).  The greeting was stamped in Black Stazon ink on whisper white cardstock and the flowers were stamped in Perfect Plum ink.  The highlights of the larger flower were colored in using a Perfect Plum marker.  The larger flower is attached directly to the card front and the smaller flower is on dimensionals.  Each flower has dazzling diamonds in the center.   Thanks to Jamilac for this card idea.
Hope you have contacted me about attending my next class so you can get started on your holiday cards. 
Peggy

Hexagon hexagon hexagon!

Hi Stampers
Today I have a lovely card for you featuring our hexagon stamp and punch.  Hexagons are hot right now but punches have always been hot with busy stampers!!  I love my punches almost as much as I love my Big Shot ...which I also used to make this card!

The base of the card is Smoky Slate cardstock with a layer of Island Indigo on to top of that ....but the Island Indigo cardstock was first run though the Big Shot in the Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (TIEF).  Like you, I like to be thrifty, so I used half a doily up against the left edge to add a bit of frilly to the card.  The three hexagons (Six-sided Sampler set) were stamped in Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, and Island Indigo inks and they were punched out and then popped up on dimensionals.  The words are from the Loving Thoughts stamp set in the same three blue inks on whisper white c/s and punched out using the word window punch (love my punches!).  The ribbon is the ruffle ribbon and there is a bit of bling in the rhinestones(can you see the three of them at the start of the three words?).  Thanks to Beverly M for this idea I tweaked.
Reminder that I need to hear from you by Sunday, August 4th if you plan to attend the August Christmas Stamp a Stack class to be held on August 11th.  Materials fee is $25 (due in advance) and you need to bring your scissors, bone folder, and adhesives.  We will make 20 cards: five different designs, four of each designs.
Peggy

fabulous offer!!

Hi Stampers
I know some of you love to stamp but just can't seem to find the time to hostess a workshop, come to my classes, or pull out your materials, dream up a project, cut it out, and then assemble it.  But you feel you are missing the fun and excitement of completing a wonderful project. 
Well... now I have a special offer just for you.  
If you sign up to begin receiving the monthly My Paper Pumpkin kit, you get your first two months for only $10 each (half price!).  You will receive a wonderful project in a special box each month around the 15th.  Projects are expected to take only 30 minutes to complete and contain everything you need to assemble the project, except adhesive and scissors.  The first kit includes a clear block to mount the stamps (that has a value of $8.95 itself!!).  After these two special offer months, the monthly cost of the kit is 19.95 but continues to contain all the goodies (except adhesive and scissors) you need to complete the projects. 
So far, each of the kits has included "spots" - small 1 x 1" ink pads which are a great way to collect the various SU colors but take up very little storage room....they are especially fabulous to take when traveling.  And, like our regular sized pads, they can be reinked easily.   And each kit has included one or more stamps (the last kit had three stamps!) and some embellishments such as baker's twine, die cuts, or doo dads. 
I encourage you to sign up for My Paper Pumpkin at mypaperpumpkin.com and please remember to choose me as your demonstrator (Peggy Outen).  I have been sending my pumpkineers additional ideas of things to do with the contents of each kit.  Don't throw anything in the kit away!!   Even the cloud shaped logo sticker on the kit can be used as a template to make a cloud for your own creative project (like a baby mobile).  The colored tissue paper is also useful ...I use it to make paper flowers.  Pretty!
You say you want to get together with friends to stamp?  I would be happy to hostess you and your friends to complete the kit project at no extra cost.   Or for a small fee, I can also have you make other projects using the reusables in the kit.  Let's chat.  Contact your friends and see if they would like to hold a monthly klatch to assemble the kit projects - a play date for mom!!!!
Here are  a couple of the projects we have already done...

This is another kool project from My Paper Pumpkin....a brag book.

As you can see the projects are not always cards...we had a brag book and in July we made a banner to put on top of a cake (or a scrapbook page) complete with bamboo sticks to hold up the ends of the banner (sorry I don't have a picture of that).
Have Questions call me.   Like always...this two month at half price offer is not a deadly commitment.   If you try the first two reduced price kits and find you are not able to continue, you can easily skip a month or withdraw completely...no penalty.   Don't you deserve at least $10 a month of fun for two months?
Remember you sign up for this deal at  mypaperpumpkin.com and be sure to put my name as your demo so you get the additional ideas.
Peggy

reminder

Today is the last day to take advantage of the "buy 3 packs of Designer Series paper and get one free" sale from Stampin' Up!  The papers included in this sale are on pages 151, 153, and 154.  You have until 11:40 (MT) to place your order through my website or by contacting me.  If you do a customer direct order, be sure to list the three DSP's you are buying separately from the one you are getting for free even if they are all the same papers.  Questions?   I am just a phone call away!!!

I was finally able to locate the link to another of the Stampin Up! commercials submitted to convention by some demos.   This one came in fourth place but I thought it was GREAT!
check it out     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38jFYC5JoyU

Today is also the last day to purchase single stamps from the last two assortments.
check them out ............

- Basic Label, item # 132669, $6.95, coordinates with Apothecary Accents Framelits Die and fits best on Block E
- Boutique Blossom, item # 132663, $7.95, fits best on Block E
- Ears to You, item # 132659, $6.95, fits best on Block E
- Hello Foxy, item # 132677, $7.95, fits best on Block E
- Hello Hello, item # 132675, $7.95, fits best on Block E
- Oh Baby, item # 132667, $6.95, fits best on Block E

- Spec-tacular, item # 132673, $7.95, fits best on Block E
- Sunshine, item # 132671, $5.95, fits best on Block D
- Towels for Two, item # 132665, $5.95, fits best on Block D
- Woo Hoo, item # 132661, $6.95, fits best on Block E
Some important things to remember about the single image stamps:

• single image stamps are available in Clear-Mount only
• single image stamps are packaged in cello bags, if you want a case for your stamps, you'll need to order some Clear-Mount Stamp Cases (pack of 4, item # 119105, $5.95)
• single image stamps do NOT come with a Clear-Mount Block, if you don't already have one, you'll need to be sure to order one
• single image stamps are only available through July 31, 2013

To order any of the single image stamps, please contact me at david.outen@verizon.net or click on the Shop Now button in the upper right corner of my blog.  Then, just enter the item number of the stamp you want into the search box.

Peggy