Family Holiday plans.....

Click on picture to enlarge

Graphics from the "Deer Friends" collection by
Mary Fran at NitWits Collections

Fall theme thank you....

I love the colors of fall! I find myself reaching for them a lot. This is a simple design that could be altered to fit a lot of thank you occasions by changing out the small leaf embellishment. I am going to try that and will post when I do. Feel free to copy my design and give it a try.

 Supplies: Stampin' Up! "So Many Thanks" (single) leaf from "Day of Gratitude" set. Crumb Cake mat, Pebble textured (CB embossing folder)  cut to 3  3/4  x  4  3/4 in. Very Vanilla for Image  cut to 2  1/2  x  3  1/4 inches. Cajun Craze mat  cut to 3 1/4  x  4 1/4 inches. Ink: Stampin' Up!  Early Espresso. Striped Ribbon from American Crafts. (Thank you, Susie!)

Sending hugs.....

I think the best kind of card is one that is totally unexpected, don't you? Such a nice thing to get something in the mail besides advertising or bills to pay. Here is one of those all occasion cards that we need for just those times. I really need to stamp some more of these.

Stampin' Up! products: Very Vanilla and Early Espresso card stock. Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes and Elements of Style set. SU rub-ons, Pretty In Pink button, Dotted pattern paper from the Subtles Designer Series Paper pack. Inks: Early Espresso, Pretty In Pink and Crumb Cake. Medium Jewelry Tag punch. Other supplies: embroidery thread, brown satin ribbon and Spica Glitter pens.

Love this little cutie....

I love this little girl digital image! She is so much fun to color. She also reminds me of my youngest granddaughter, Olivia, so of course I had to get her. I think the background could use a little color and my chalking is so pale I don't even know if you can see it. I finally bought the Copic air brush starter set but I haven't had time to give it a try yet. If you know of any air brush tutorials, leave me a comment and thanks for visiting my blog!

Supplies:
From Stampin' Up!  Basic black card stock,  Apricot Appeal Patterns paper. Black checked gingham ribbon, Modern Label and Word Window punches. Apricot brads. Happy Birthday stamp from "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set. Other supplies: Emma and the Butterfly digital image from "Fred She Said",  Copic markers, Nestibilities dies. GP white card stock.

Halloween.......

Not something we do at my house anymore but I couldn't resist sending at least one Halloween card. As long as it is not scary, I like it, and of course there is the candy. I am proud to say no candy has crossed my threshold this year. I stopped pretending I was buying it for the treat or treaters and decided to spare myself the temptation of having it around. So here is my little card share for the eve of Halloween.

Supplies:Stampin' Up!: Lovely Lavender (ret), Whisper White, Blasic Black, and Always Artichoke card stock. 1 inch and 1 1/4 inch circle punches. Stamps SU's Autumn Harvest, Hello there sentiment is from "Goody Goody Gumdrops" (ret), and the Happy Halloween stamp is from "All Year Cheer III" (ret). Green Vine is from a Sizzix die and the embossed square made with a Nestibilities die.

I also used the same stamp set to make this for a Splitcoast challenge to scrounge around in leftovers and scraps to paper piece a card. I really had fun with this one! The paper is retired "Autumn Vine" designer paper from Stampin' Up!

Supplies:All from Stampin' Up! Card stock: Naturals White and Basic Black. Designer paper, Autumn Vine (ret.) Stamp sets-Autumn Harvest and the sentiment is from "Day of Gratitude"

Just a couple more days....

and the Holiday Happenings Blog will be open for those of you who are registered. I will be emailing each of you the blog address and instructions on how to sign in. You do not have to start on Nov 1, you can start anytime after Nov 1 so there is no sign up deadline. The blog will remain open and the tutorials will be available until Jan.1. Remember that you can use the tutorials with supplies you have on hand if you like. You will need Stampin' Up!'s Contempo Christmas stamp set and the Jolly Holiday designer papers, as well as the other products on the supply list to make the cards look exactly as shown.

Stampin' Up! is having a terrific promotion for several Christmas products and one of them is the combo of the Contempo Christmas stamp set and Jolly Holiday papers here. If you haven't ordered your supplies for the Holiday Happens class you can save 20% and have everything delivered right to your door.

Coming November 1st

Are you ready to make some fabulous Christmas cards?

Well, let's get started. The class fee includes admission to my invitation only Classroom blog, the measurements and clear instructions for five cards and one bonus item. I have includes PDF files to download print for your convenience too. These are my exclusive designs that will not be seen on my regular blog or in an online gallery until after the Christmas Holidays. You can work from the online instructions or print out the PDF files to keep. The classroom will remain open and the files will be accessible until the next online class. You will be able to comment or ask questions in the comments sections and I will monitor the blog daily so I can respond promptly. This is my first online class and I am very excited about it! I hope you are too.

If you would like to join this class please use PayPal to pay via StampPretty@aol.com or email me if you prefer to send a check. On receipt of your class fee, I will send you the link to get into the classroom.

Here is the link to the supply list:

Supply List

Fall is really here. It is getting colder and I can see the beginnings of the colors on the leaves of the trees around here. This weekend we leave to spend some time in the Poconos and I am hoping the rain that is forecast for the week won't be so much that we can't spend time walking and enjoying the lake at the resort.
Now that there is a chill in the air, I am getting the urge to start some holiday cards. This is the first of my Thanksgiving cards. I think something is off, but I can't put my finger on it. I probably will re-work this one, but I like these colors. The sentiment is a 2005 SU stamp, but I don't know the name. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Supplies:
Stamps-Autumn Harvest from Stampin' Up!
Card stock SU's More Mustard, Very Vanilla, and Basic Black
Ink. Basic Black and Early Expresso
Ribbon: 1 1/4 inch Striped Grosgrain from Stampin' Up!
SU's Natural Hemp Twine
Pumpkins colored with Prisma Pencils and Gamsol

Bling time.......

Here is a little peek at a card I made for my granddaughter Lauren. I wanted lots of Bling on this one. The stamp is from Outlines Rubber Stamps and I clear embossed it on glossy white cs then sponged it with Stampin Up!'s Lovely Lavender, Summer Sun and Concord Crush Classic ink. Then I cut it apart and elevated parts with Stampin' Dimensionals. The base card is Crushed Curry with a Concord Crush mat.. The jewels are Stampin' Up!'s Basic Rhinestones. Thanks for looking!

Just a simple card to share..

A simple note card using some of my favorites Stampin Up products, Pocket Silhouettes stamps, Cherry Cobbler and Confetti White card stock, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler ink, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, and the pin from Vintage Trinkets. Thanks for looking!

Sneak Peek

 Holiday Happenings Online Class

My first online class, more information coming soon!
See Supply List Below

Supply List

You will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies to complete your class. You can order these products and have them shipped right to your door from my Stampin' Up! website
You can also call me to order.

From the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog:
119847 Ornament Punch
117159 Jolly Holiday DSP
118734 Contempo Christmas Stamp set(wood) or 120594 (clear)
119246 Basic Rhinestones
104332 Snail Adhesive
119690 Cherry Cobbler cardstock
100702 Old Olive cardstock
121045 Basic Black cardstock
101650 Very Vanilla Cardstock
119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink pad
102277 Old Olive Classic Ink pad

From page 21 of the Holiday Mini:
120992 Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon

Don't forget that you can substitute similar products for these if you wish. You may already have some of the basics so be sure to check your stash before ordering.

I want to share a "first"

I know I am behind the times, but I just recently discovered the art of the Zentangle. What is it? "creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns" This is something you can do while you sit in the dentist's waiting room or when you need an afternoon break. It is relaxing and helps you to focus and it is just plain fun to do! You can learn all about it here: zentangle.com There are lots more sites and tons of online images if you want to see some amazing art work. My example is just my first baby step. I made it into an easel card for my daughter's birthday. I wanted to give her something really original.  (She thought I stamped it, go figure!) Anyway, I hope you will check out the Zentangle site and maybe give it a try.

Supplies all Stampin' Up!:

I used my black Stampin' Write marker on Whisper White card stock, then mounted it on Real Red card stock with Dimensionals and then on a Basic Black mat.

Finally, something crafty to post...

This is the card I made for my brother-in-law, Dave for his birthday. Of course, he is a fly fisherman. I thought he would get a kick out of this and I was not disappointed. The inside is finished and the belt goes all around the back. It opens in the center.

Supplies:
Stampin' Up! card stock: Crumb Cake and Soft Suede
Stampin' Write marker, black, Lattice embossing folder
Brown enamel brads and two pewter lacing brads

I haven't abandoned my blog.....

I'm sorry that it has been so long since I posted something crafty. I am working on some cards and I will post them soon. This summer has gone by so fast! Today was the first day of the new school year here is our county. Remember when they used to ask us, "what did you do on your summer vacation?" Well, I didn't do a lot but we did have a house guest. This is Toby, my brother-in-law's little dog. We had the pleasure of caring for him while they traveled to Paris and Budapest this past month. Isn't he a little cutie?

Well I don't suppose I can blame him for my lack of creativity, but I felt like I had to post something here for your entertainment. Okay, now everyone say awwww........  Now if that one didn't do it, how about this one?

I promise some new creations soon. I have lots of new stamps and some gorgeous new paper from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini. Until then, thanks for visiting!

I have been busy cleaning out closets and getting stuff boxed up to give to charity. Good for them and good for me. Several boxes were picked up today and it feels so good to get this accomplished. Although there is so much more to go, at least I made a good start. I did manage to finish a card during one of my many breaks. This one could be for a wedding or an anniversary.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up!'s Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede and River Rock. Stamps: Stampin' Up! Whimsical Words and Fifth Avenue Floral. Ink: Soft Suede and Blushing Bride. Accessories: Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tool. Little Leaves Sizzlet

I think it is going to take forever....

for me to use up my Stampin' Up! retired products. That is okay, though. I love the new products but I am still enjoying my old favorites and using them to make cards to sell. Here are a couple of cards I finished up tonight.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Sage Shadow. Stamps- "Forest Friends", sentiments from "Vintage Labels" Ink: Basic Black. Designer Paper from the SAB "Welcome Neighbor" pack. Basic Black Stampin Write marker. Scallop edge punch, Round tab punch. "Perfect Polka Dots" embossing folder. Black gingham ribbon.

A special shout out to my sister Carol today...

and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her. I couldn't be with her today but her friend took her out to brunch at her favorite Lewes, Delaware restaurant (at least for brunch, anyway) Sending lots of hugs, love you, girl!

I am preparing for a little workshop that I am having tomorrow. My projects are finished, now I just have to clean up the big mess I made in the stamp room. I won't share what we will work on tomorrow but I have another card to post tonight. I've seen a lot of cards using the ornament punch as a vase and always meant to
do a card using it, but haven't gotten around to it until now. I am always way behind on trends, lol. Here is my version. A simple card, but with lots of texture.

Supplies all from Stampin' Up!:
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, River Rock, and Very Vanilla. Ink: Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, and Cherry Cobbler. Stamps: "Pocket Silhouettes", "Sanded" Background stamp, "For All You Do", and "Fourteen Phrases". SU Ornament punch, Finial Press embossing folder, and Linen Thread.

Something in the vintage style....

I have had this stamp set for a while but I am just getting around to using it. Wendy Janson's card inspired me to make this one. You can find her card here

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Cardstock: Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive
Accessories: Stampin Dimensionals, Clear Rhinestone Brads,
Scallop Trim Border punch and some ribbon from my non-SU stash

One for the guys....

I missed a friend's birthday so I wanted to make him something special. Although there are a few things I would change, I am pleased with how this one turned out. I am not very adept with the brayer, so I used sponges for the sunset blending.
Thanks for looking!

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up!'s "Autumn Days" and "Teeny Tiny Wishes"
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, and Early Espresso.
Ink: So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze.
Markers: More Mustard and Tempting Turquoise.
Accessories: SU Hemp Twine, and sponges.

Baby Kangaroos.....

What is cuter that that? I have had this set for a while but I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it. Baby cards, shower and after the fact. Too cute, don't you think?

Supplies:
Stampin' Up!'s "Build-A-Roo stamp set. Bashful Blue, Pink Pirouette, Naturals White and Early Espresso cardstock. Basic Black ink. SU Square Lattice embossing folder. Satin ribbon from my ribbon stash.

Something old, something new.....

something borrowed, something blue. Okay, I fibbed about the borrowed. I made this cute little card with two Stampin' Up! stamps. "Lace" background, and "Nice and Easy Notes", that is the old since they are both retired sets. The new and the blue is the Marina Mist cardstock and ink. Such a pretty blue! The ribbon is from SU too. Border was punched with the Scallop Edge punch. The image was colored with Copic markers.

I have another tonight. This one is in the vintage style, also made with a retired stamp, Garden Collage. The sentiment is from a current set, "For All You Do". I used Crumb Cake (Kraft) cardstock, Basic Black cardstock, the circle punches and Basic Black ink from Stampin' Up!. I also used some newsprint patterned paper, a vintage button, some distressing ink and teal ribbon from my scrapbooking stash. Thanks for visiting and for commenting!

The three S's......

One for Samples, one for Selling, and one for Sending. Oh yeah, one more this time. It's my prototype. Not the best of the bunch but still okay to send. I really dislike making more than one of each card, but I am trying to make myself do it for practical purposes. I am happiest when I am creating without a plan, not keeping track of supplies and not thinking about making more of the same. Do you always make more than one of a card design?

Supplies:
Card stock: Stampin' Up! Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and 4 of the 5 new '10-'11 In Colors- Pear  Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, and Poppy Parade. Twill ribbon, button from my button stash and SU Linen thread. Stamp- Flight of the Butterfly inked with the In Color markers.

The storage "issue"

As with any collector, ahem, I mean stamp artist, storing stamps is always a problem at my house. The basic idea is to acquire the stamps and supplies and have them assimilate into the current stash without taking up more space or calling attention to themselves. Yes, you know exactly what I mean, admit it! Unfortunately that means that sometimes you can not find things. (has anyone seen my Bow Easy?) Lately I've noticed that I use the same sentiments or greetings because they are handy and then I come across something that would have worked much better. Unfortunately it was buried with a stamp set. I recently started pulling the word and sentiment stamps out and writing the set name on the side of the wood block. I wanted to have them out where I can see them easily. I took some of them and arranged them in this wooden box and hung it up on the wall so I can see them at a glance. I wanted them to look nice too. The box is an old cassette case I took half of the wood dividers out of. Think this will be a solution?

I doesn't get any easier than this....

Hi all, I've been away again and I am sorry to say, neglecting my blog. My suitcase has been in use a lot this summer. I still haven't had a chance to play with any of the new stamps or paper I pre-ordered from the new catalog. I think I will go into stamping withdrawal if I don't get some ink on my fingers soon. I have a few cards partially finished so I decided to work on completing those this weekend. Here is one that I found in the "card starts" box. Just a little advice, never get 3 packs of your favorite paper. After two, you start to overdose. I still have...TA DA..."Raspberry Tart"! Yep, still have some, so you get to look at it again, lol!

Supplies: All from Stampin' Up!
Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, and Basic Black SU cardstock. Fifth Ave Floral and Best Yet stamp sets. Raspberry Tart designer paper (retired). Ink: SU Basic Black and Rose Red.
Thanks for looking,