Best Christmas Present EVER!!!

Yesterday, I got the best present ever! We were finally able to go finalize Brianna's adoption! She has been with us for almost 7 months, and we have been so looking forward to finally getting a court date and officially making her a member of our family. I was so nervous/excited yesterday morning. The butterflies in my tummy were going crazy, I couldn't eat breakfast. We were at the courthouse a little early so that we could visit with our lawyer for a bit. The courtroom opened at 11:00 am. We were the first case #. We had to answer a few questions, and Brianna had to answer a few, you know like, "do you want to be adopted by them? - Do you understand what is happening?" type questions. The Judge, looked over everything smiled and said he was signing the papers then. We were so happy. It all took about 7 minutes! We went to Artic Circle for Egg Nog Shakes to celebrate, then later in the evening we had some of neighbors and friends over to have ice cream sundays and rock out to Sing Star.

January Card Kit

It's card kit time again! You will LOVE this stamp set and these cards!

In this kit, you'll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown above - so you will receive all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total.

You will also receive 2 additional full color samples of "alternative" cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit, as well as step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs.

Card Kit Price is just $15--that's 12 cards, plus envelopes for just $15!

Each month, the card kit also features both a Stamp Set of the Month and an Accessory of the Month. If you purchase the card kit, you may also purchase these items at 20% off.

January Featured Products:

· Always Stamp Set ($28.95) $23.16 with the purchase of the Card Kit
· Filigree Designer Brads ($5.95) $4.76 with the purchase of the Card Kit

What else will you need? See the list below for items that were used to create the cards in this kit. If you already have everything--just buy the card kit and you are ready to create!

If you don't have everything--place a product order with your kit (don't forget about the discount on the "featured products!")

Or--you can use the card kit to create your own designs using other stamps and inks that you already have--the choice is yours!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by January 10th. You will receive your kits by the end of the month.

Call or email me today to order:
Deborah Larsen
(435) 279-8520
stampingsfun@yahoo.com

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $3 postage charge.

Products you will need to complete cards as shown:

· Sage Shadow Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)
· Sage Shadow Classic Ink Pad ($5.25)
· Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad ($5.25)
· Stampin' Sponges ($3.50)
· ½" Circle Punch ($5.95)
· 1 ¼" Circle Punch ($15.95)
· Always Stamp Set ($28.95) $23.16 with the purchase of the Card Kit
· Filigree Designer Brad Assortment ($5.95) $4.76 with the purchase of the Card Kit
· Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95)
· Paper Snips ($9.95)

The Card Kit ($15) Includes:

6 Pieces of 5 ½ x 8 ½” Sage Shadow Cardstock

6 Pieces of 11” x 4 ¼” Chocolate Chip Cardstock

6 Pieces of 2 ¾” x 2 ¾” Very Vanilla Cardstock

6 Pieces of 3” x 3” Creamy Caramel Cardstock

6 Pieces of 2” x 2” Sage Shadow Cardstock

12 Pieces of 1” x 4 ¼” Creamy Caramel Cardstock

6 Pieces of 3 ¼” x 2” Creamy Caramel Cardstock

6 Pieces of 3” x 1 ¾” Very Vanilla Cardstock

6 – 5” Pieces Sage Shadow ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon

6 – 14” Pieces of Chocolate Chip 1” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

18 – Silver Brads

12 – Very Vanilla Envelopes

Step by Step Instructions to complete 4 different card designs using the kit pieces

Love You Much Bundle & Last Day for FREE SHIPPING

Stampin' Up! has done it again! They have put together a fabulous bundle perfect for Valentines preparations! All of the products in this bundle will be available in the Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog individually, but from December 23-January 31, you can get the bundled items for 20% off!DON"T FORGET the last day to order and get free shipping is Tuesday, December 23. So order this cute bundle then and save yourself 30%!! You can shop for this bundle at my Stampin' Up! website, or you can call or email me as I will be placing an order on the 23rd, so everyone will get free shipping regardless.

Have fun with this bundle, get your Valentines day treats, cards, and gifts done in January! If you have any questions feel free to call or email me anytime.

Lastly, I wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS holiday! Drive safely, stay warm, and Cherish time loved ones!

And the Winner Is.......

It was fun to see your guesse for my decorating. Candice is the winner. She was the first to guess the Chocolate Life is Good.

Here is the picture of the landing, and below that a picture of the Decor Elements up close. My oldest sons most current picture is not in his frame though, I had to take it out of for a school project, but you'll get the idea anyway.
Thanks for playing!

Guess Which One I Got

I love all the Decor Elements. I can see so many places I want to put them in my house. The problem is I want to paint or do something to the walls first in every room! Well I finally decided and bought my first DE for my home. I even have it applied to the wall.

The master bedroom and 2 other bedrooms are upstairs. There is a wall at the end of the little landing/hall what ever you want to call it, that can be seen from the bottom of the stairs. That is where I hang our family picture and the pictures of the kids.

Well, I got the idea in my head and started to work. I took down the old eucalyptus swag that used to hang over the pictures. I scrubbed the wall and filled in the old nail holes. Then I painted it a nice lighter tan with some left over paint from when we finished my sons room this summer. I really liked the single darker wall. I just got my Decor Elements yesterday and promptly figured out the "layout" for it and the pictures, then applied the DE and hung the pics. I LOVE the result!! and it was so easy to do! Literally took 5 minutes.

What's that you say? You want to see it? You want to know which one I put up? Well, I am feeling a little playful today, so I want to see if you can guess which one and color I put up. Simply leave a comment to this post with your guess and the first person to guess it right will get a goodie! If no one guesses the right one by December 20, I will put the names into random.org and draw a winner. I think we'll play for your choice of Decor Element valued up to $10!

Let the games begin!

Pictures of my Manger

There are several people visiting my blog looking for the picture of my manger from my Christmas tradition I shared with Stampin' Up!. I am writing this update to let you know that I have posted pictures in the original thread HERE. I am so glad you are excited to see it! So, please check back.

A Sunday Afternoon Project

Sundays are always a pretty laid back day around our house. I especially like to stamp on Sundays. Usually I am preparing for an upcoming class or workshop, or putting together left over kits from previous classes or workshops. Yesterday, however, my children seemed to have much energy (perhaps from the freshly fallen snow outside) so we decided to make a project for them to give their friends.

I rummaged through the pantry and pulled out a few boxes of hot chocolate packets, the bag of marshmallows, some Hershey's kisses, and a box of peppermint sticks. Grabbed some of my Stampin' Up! Cello bags - love those!, and some Christmas bows. I printed out a cute little poem for snowman soup and cut some 4x6 cardstock toppers for the poem. Then I realized my workshop on Saturday didn't happen (I ended up in the marshes off the road on my way to the workshop-that's another story) so I pulled out my workshop bag and used the already pre cut DSP to teach the kids how to make those cute little pouches. I did the embossing for the Merry Christmas Faux Metal label.

They proceeded to each make 5 little snowman soup sets. They filled the small cello bag with 3 kisses and 12 marshmallows then taped it shut and stuffed it in the pouch and placed a peppermint stick in next to the bag. Then they put the pouch in a medium cello bag with the hot cocoa packet and stapled on a topper, added the poem and a Christmas bow. Then the hard part was choosing which friends to give them to.

This was a fun simple project that kept them busy for about an hour and half putting them together, and then another half hour while they ran around and gave them out. Give it a try!

Here is the picture of our finished project, I know it isn't the greatest, but that's what you get when scanning a 3D project. Maybe one day we'll get the USB fixed on the comp so I can upload pictures! In the meantime, please for give the quality.

Maybe tomorrow I will put up a tutorial on how to make the pouches.

Oh, and I have heard several different versions of the Snowman Soup poem, the one I used came from OrganizedChristmas.com.

Snowman Soup
Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!

A Chat with Shelli Gardner

Last night we, as demonstrators, had the opportunity to listen to a conference call with Shelli Gardner, co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!. She talked a bit about the company, mentioning how stable it is-even in these stressful economic times. Stampin' Up! is a debt free company and is going to be fine!

Let me rewind a bit, before the call, Stampin' Up! asked demonstrators who planned on listening in to the call, to submit one of their traditions. A few of the traditions would be selected to be read in the call. Well, growing up we had a unique tradition that I wanted to share-so I submitted my "story".

Well, at the end of the conference call, Shelli and the two other presenters shared a tradition of theirs. Shelli's was a fun story about Christmas Eve dinner centered around the neighbor goodies that were brought through out the month as gifts. Cori shared how they would drive around and look at all the lights then eat dinner at Burger King - every year! Pam shared how they make yummy Mexican dinner on Christmas Eve and a fabulous sounding German dinner the next morning.

Well, I was tickled when my tradition was chosen as the first one to be read (out of a stack of emails Shelli said was 1/4 inch thick!). I will share what I wrote in a moment. The other stories were kind of fun too. One gal wrote how she give her daughter a Christmas book every year from the time she was a baby and how her daughter was now being deployed to Afghanistan and how she hoped the Book would this year help her find some normalcy. Another shared how they stay in PJ's all day on New Year's Day. One talked about how when their children were young they started only receiving 3 gifts at Christmas-just like Jesus did. She talked about how it helps them stay on budget and now as older kids, they don't expect more than that.

Anyway, here is my tradition. I hope you enjoy it!

As many others, I grew up with several traditions, everything from making/decorating the special recipe Christmas Cookies, to Caroling, and the annual extended family Christmas party with Santa. But, the one tradition that meant the most to me, even while young, was our manger.

Mom made a manger, about 6 inches long and 4 inches or so high. It was nothing fancy, just made with a few twigs from the backyard and some hot glue. It sat on our piano, next to it was a box full of straw. Every time we,the children, were "caught" doing a good deed during the month of December, Mom would tell us to "Go put a straw in the manger". We were always so eager,as young children, try to get a straw and would often pick out the biggest, fattest pieces first in an effort to fill the manger faster! So, good deed by good deed the manger would fill straw by straw. On Christmas eve, along with placing out the stockings and cookies and milk, we would place the Manger in the middle of the living room floor in front of the tree. Then, as we went to bed, I always hoped there was enough straw in the cradle to make a nice bed for Jesus to be "born". On Christmas morning, as we eagerly ran into the room to see the gifts from Santa, the first thing we had to do was check the Manger. Then we as a family would sit in a circle around the manger holding a sweet Baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, and Dad would say a prayer of thanksgiving, and only after that could we dig into the presents.

I do, however, remember one year, when we were teenagers, that the straw was thin in the manger, and hence, Jesus wasn't born. We still had our prayer of thanksgiving, albeit around an empty manger, but it was a very solemn Christmas. There were lots of presents to open, but, that Christmas morning had a totally different feel from any of the others, a feeling I can still remember today. It really made an impact on me, it was then that I REALLY realized and understood that Christmas wasn't all about the presents that WE give, but it's about the greatest gift of all that was GIVEN TO US, and how empty my life would be without that wonderful gift.

I have always wanted to continue the tradition with my children, but had never gotten around to building the manger. This year, my mother passed down to me her manger and Baby Jesus. So now, my manger and jar of straw sit on my piano, next to my Count Down Till Christmas advent calendar, and my children ages 10, 9, 7 are loving the new tradition. And, as odd as it may sound, I sincerely hope that one year, when they are all old enough to understand, they get the opportunity to NOT have Jesus born.

Merry Christmas!

It's that time of Year!

The retirement list is here. and for a limited time (Dec. 9-23, 2008) you can get the retiring stamp sets for 10% off! How fabulous is that? It gets better though! There is also FREE SHIPPING from Dec. 9 -23, on orders over$70, that includes personal orders, or workshop and catalog show orders. Merry Christmas!

So, without further ado:

Retiring List by page number

Retiring list reflecting the 10% off prices

You can view pictures of the retiring stamp sets and shop online by clicking HERE then on the yellow Shop Now button in the upper right corner. Or, feel free to call or email me with your order or questions.

As Promised....

Last time I told you how I was planning for my December workshops. Well, here is the card that I finally settled on for one of the make and takes. Remember, if you left the 6x6 Real Red cardstock unfolded, so it is a 6x6 square not a 3x6 card, it would be a brag book scrap book page. I used the Season of Joy stamp set Real Red and Old Olive Classic Inks, Real Red-Old Olive Brushed Gold and Very Vanilla Cardstock for the poinsettia along with a gold brad. The background strip is Very Vanilla Textured cardstock and the green stripes came from the Halloween Designer Series Paper set (I just lost the name and don't have a catalog with me).


Then we made this little pouch. Since it was a smaller group for this workshop, I had them do the Faux Metal technique with the Curly Punch bundle. They also stamped an Avery address label and wrapped it around a Hershey Nugget.

The last make and take is a little love note. 3x3 card, uses short and sweet set, Night of Navy, Pacific Point and Baja Breeze inks. The circles on the Right side are punch out and the Pacific Point ink was applied to the edges using a dauber. The snow flakes are actually stamped on the inside. A touch of silver cord from the mini catalog is the finishing touch. Super fast card.

A Different Christmas Color Combo & Sneak Peak behind the sceens of being a Demo

Over the last week and a half of November, I spent some time preparing and planning for my December workshops. In preparing, there are always lots of different criteria (reasons) I choose the projects I do for demos and make and takes. For my first workshop in December, my hostess expressed an interest in scrapbooking, so for one of the make and takes, I wanted to design a 6x6 scrapbook page they could make, but for those who do not scrapbook, I wanted this page to be able to be converted into a 3x6 card. Sometimes that is easier said than done. I also had A LOT of textured Neutrals, so I thought I would try a combo using Basic Gray as the base color. This project also had to be Christmas Related-and my Christmas sets are limited this year. OH, and it has to be a fast project with only 5-7 steps. Wow, that's a lot of criteria! When planning a project like this (page that can also be a card) I find it easiest to start designing the card. So here is the first card I came up with.


I used Basic Grey Textured, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Brushed Silver Metallic, and Whisper White Cardstocks. Ruby Red, Old Olive Markers, Versamark Pad (for the poinsettias), Silver Cord, Scallop Edge, Scallop Square, 3/4 inch square punches and the Season of Joy stamp set.

Here is the card opened and now a Christmas Page.

It is not what I finally settled on for my projects. I will post them tomorrow after my workshop. I didn't end up going grey, but it was fun to think outside the box a bit for a color combo. Oh, and please forgive the crooked strip. I didn't notice how crooked it was until it was posted.

Have a fun Creative Day!

Nov CIC Challenge

I know I am so behind! I haven't been able to get into my stamp room to just create for the fun of creating for a few weeks now. I was supposed to post my Color Inspiration Challenge #2 card on Nov. 19. Well, Workshops and Thanksgiving later, I still have not had the time to do it. I will post the random winner today, and post my card as soon as I can get it done. There were two players this month I am feeling a little Christmasy....so I think I will send each of you a little something (Kasia, I need your address)!

There were 2 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Rhonda
2. Kasia

Timestamp: 2008-12-02 14:35:48 UTC

I'll share my card a bit later, perhaps this weekend.

Wow! Thanks so Much!

As I was doing my daily blog read of all my favorite blogs a week or so ago, Megan had passed on this award to me. How sweet! Thanks so much Megan! Now, I am asked to nominate 5 other people. Since Megan nominated many of the same blogs I go to, so I picked 5 others that I check on an almost daily basis. I now nominate these:

1.Patty
2.Candice
3.Becky
4.Lynn
5.Dannie


I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

Holiday Extravaganza Sale Bundles

Woooo Hoooo!

Here are the bundles!! Remember these are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!! Better order now if you want anything--Shop Online HERE, then on the yellow Shop Now button in the upper right corner for fastest ordering, or Email Me and I will get the order in for you. Or you can call me between 8:00am and 9:00pm. Don't forget, these would make great gifts for ALL the Stampers in your life! Let me know if you have any questions.

50% off
All In The Family Bundle (item # 116217) sale price: $31.70
~All in the Family Stamp Set
~ family Accessories Stamp Set
~Neighborhood Stampin Around Wheel

The Manly Man's Bundle (item # 116224) sale price: $28.40
Sporting Stamp Set
Just Football Stamp set
Just Basketball stamp set
Just Baseball stamp set

40% OFF
Seasonal Stampers Bundle (item # 116221) sale price: $50.28
Autumn Harvest stamp set
Snow Burst stamp set
A Good Egg stamp set
Something New to Love stamp set

Alpha-Betcha Need This Bundle (item # 116226) sale price: $38.94
Well-Worn Alphabet stamp set*
Well-Worn Numbers stamp set*

30% OFF
I'm On Board Bundle (# 116218) sale price: $46.65
On Board Blossoms
On Board Essentials
On Board Lots of Letters
On Board Timeless Type
On Board 8 1/2 x8 1/2 Album

Bags & Tags Bundle (item # 116216) sale price: $52.46
Punch Pals stamp set
Riding Hood Red Class Pad
Note Cards
White Gift Sacks
Riding Hood Red Patterns Designer Series Paper
Tag punch

Santa's Stocking Stuffer Bundle (item # 116219) sale price: $16.69
Square Ice Rhinestone Brads
Metallic Eyelets
Fresh Favorites II colored buttons

Curly Label Punch Bundle (item # 112966) sale price: $23.77
Curly Label Punch bundle

Star Struck Bundle (item # 116220) sale price: $29.26
Starstruck stamp set*
Starring You stamp set
Star Designer Brads star assortment
Star punch

Sticky Situation Bundle (item # 116222) sale price: $33.11
Sticky Cut Letters
Blue Bead Duo
Green Bead Duo
Fine Cosmo Stampin Glitter
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin Glitter

Mission Embossable Bundle ( item # 116223) sale price: $46.27
Heat Tool
Gold Stampin Emboss powder
Silver Stampin Emboss powder
Iridescent Ice Stampin Emboss powder
Powder Pals
Embossing Buddy

25% OFF
Scrapbooker's Dream Bundle (item # 116227) sale price: $60.71
Blooms Again Die Cuts
Urban Garden Designer Series Paper
On Board Lots of Letters
Roof Garden Accents and Elements
Natural Linen 12x12 album
Basic Gray taffeta ribbon
Basic Black Stampin' Write Journaler

20% OFF
Wild Thing, I think I love you Bundle (item # 116225) sale price: $43.52
Wild about you Stamp set
Bold Brights 8 1/2X 11 assorted Cardstock
Bold Brights Classic Stampin Spots

Ribbon Storage Bundle (item # 116228) sale price $37.48
Small Ribbon Keeper (2)
Medium ribbon Keeper (2)
Large Ribbon Keeper (2)

Turquoise Tin item # 114673 $3.95 each

Silver Skinny Tin (item # 108333) $1.95 each

*These stamps will be on the 2008 Retired stamp set list

Be one of the first 10 people to place an online order during this sale and I will give you a gift certificate for 20% of your Merchandise total ordered to use within the first two weeks of the new catalog (Jan. 19-31, 2009)!!

PLUS I will be giving away up to 15 Prizes
1- $25 Gift Certificate
1- Level 3 Just for you Simply Scrappin Kit
1- Level 2 Spring Solitude Bundle
1- Level 1 Prints Pack (current)
1- Decor Elements - Countdown Till Christmas
1- Season of Cheer rub ons
1- Love & Happiness Rub ons
1- boxed set of 10 Scratch N Sniff note cards made with the Tart & Tangy set
3- copies of the New Spring Summer Catalog when it debuts in January
3- packages of decorated note cards (a package contains 5 cards & envelopes)
1- On Board Bitty Book

How to Get Tickets
Place an order during this online mega sale in the following increments:
up to $29.99 = 1 ticket
over $30 = 2 tickets
over $60 = 3 tickets
over $100 = 5 tickets
over $150 = 10 tickets + hostess benefits (1 level one set & $15 shopping spree)
over $200 = 15 tickets + hostess benefits (1 level one set & $20 shopping spree)

Winners will be drawn on December 2 and notified by email and/or phone.

December Card Kit - Get all your 2009 Birthday cards ready in a Jiff!

It's card kit time again! You will LOVE this stamp set and these cards!

In this kit, you'll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown above - so you will receive all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total.

You will also receive 2 additional full color samples of "alternative" cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit, as well as step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs.

Card Kit Price is just $15--that's 12 cards,
plus envelopes for just $15!

Each month, the card kit also features both a Stamp Set of the Month and an Accessory of the Month. If you purchase the card kit, you may also purchase these items at 20% off!

December Featured Products:
· Crazy for Cupcakes Stamp Set ($23.95) $19.16 with the purchase of the
Card Kit
· Red Bead Duo ($9.95) $7.96 with the purchase of the Card Kit

Special Note: You'll want to be sure to get Crystal Effects to go along with this card kit! It plays a big part in making the cupcakes look real with the lacquered look it gives. Here's a close up to see what I mean:

What else will you need? See the list below for items that were used to create the cards in this kit. If you already have everything--just buy the card kit and you are ready to create!

If you don't have everything--place a product order with your kit (don't forget about the discount on the "featured products!")

Or--you can use the card kit to create your own designs using other stamps and inks that you already have--the choice is yours!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by December 10th. You will receive your kits by the end of the month.

Call or email me today to order:
Deborah Larsen
435-730-1036 Cell
435-279-8520 home
stampingsfun@yahoo.com

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $3 shipping charge.

Additional Products you will need to complete cards as shown: · Real Red Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95) · So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95) · Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95) · Blender Pens ($9.95) · Baja Breeze Classic Ink Refill ($2.75) · So Saffron Classic Inkpad ($5.25) · Jet Black StazOn Inkpad ($7.95) · Crystal Effects ($6.25) · Crazy for Cupcakes Stamp Set ($23.95) $19.16 with the purchase of the Card Kit · Red Bead Duo ($9.95) $7.96 with the purchase of the Card Kit · Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95) · SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95) · Paper Snips ($9.95)

Holiday Extravagnaza SALE

Although I don't have many real DETAILS yet, I do know that there will be a HUGE sale starting on November 26-December 1. What is on sale you ask? Well, those are the specifics I don't know yet, but I do know this:

"...One company helping shoppers do more with less is Stampin' Up! For the first time ever the company will host a Holiday Extravaganza sale offering up to 50% off select product bundles November 26-December 1, 2008 only online at [www.deborahlarsen.stampinup.net]. The company will also offer a variety of handcrafted project ideas, ornaments, neighbor gifts and holiday memory books, as well as ready-to-wrap gift giving guide in $10, $25, $50 or $100 increments to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list from now until Christmas....".

Watch my website-www.deborahlarsen.stampinup.net- or just check back here on my blog frequently to find what products will be on sale. Also be sure to share your wishlists with your friends and family and then they can shop for you too either online or by calling me. Get Stampin' Up! in your stocking this year!

Another Point of View

While putting together the left over packets from last night, I made an "Oops". I stamped my snow flakes on the top of the card instead of the bottom. "No biggie" I thought. I would just shift the green and tree down toward the bottom instead.

Is it too late to say I like it better for this particular design (the tree and the snow). Just goes to show how an Oops can turn out pretty good.

What do you think?

Directs & Power Team Stamp Night

I have started a new program for my downline, and I am really excited for it. It is for my Direct Recruits and for members of my levels 2-5 who are Supervisors or higher. Basically, this event will be held every quarter and if those who have the previously mentioned qualifications, have met a specific sales mark, they get to come to a free stamp night hosted by me. The projects we will make are fun, fresh projects.

Last night I held the first stamp night. I had so much fun! There were 7 ladies there - my upline Sherri, 4 directs, and 2 from the levels 2-5. This is the project we made. I fell in love with the one Ashley made here, and I think the original idea came from UStamp. She couldn't post the directions, so I set to figuring it out. Not as easy doing it by a picture, as having it in hand, and I don't know if mine was done the same way, but I am happy with the results either way. The bag holds a couple cards, eve lopes, and a beaded pen. We used the Season of Joy stamp set + two other Christmas verses. I love the Vanilla Hodgepodge frame.


This card actually came from parts left over from this card, (also created by Ashley). I thought it would make a nice Christmas card. It's colors are Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White.

The next card is a "Deborah Original". It uses Kiwi Kiss Cardstock, the Designer Series Paper is the Muirfield. The Chocolate circle was punched using the new 1 3/4" Circle Punch and then layered onto the metal edge circle tag, and then topped off with some Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon! Love that stuff! I think I will use Chocolate Craft ink and Clear embossing powder on the verse when I make up the extras. I think that will add some more texture to it.Beaded Pens are one of my most favorite projects. Simple, yet stunning-fits all my requirements! If you would like to learn how to make these pens, lets book a workshop and I will be glad to show you and your friends...you know you want one of these pens!


I am already planning the next meeting. And, I know the girls are also looking forward to it. I love it when we can get together as Stampin Sisters and enjoy each others company, build new friendships, and '...share what we love...' -Stamping. What a perfect evening.

Christmas Card Crunch is comming soon!

Christmas time is right around the corner. It is time to start preparing for it now. I will be holding my annual Christmas Card Crunch on the first Saturday in December. Attendees will make 12 beautiful Christmas Cards - 4 each of 3 different designs for only $12! These cards are designed to be easily duplicated, so you can fit them into the time line I suggested in this post.

Another fun option would be to do this as a private class with your friends at your house. Each guest would pay the $12 for one set of cards. You, as the hostess, would get $12 towards the party total (for hostess benefits) for each guest that attends. Contact me for available dates and more information.

Here is the important information:

When: Saturday, December 6
Time: 10:30 am -12:30
Where: My home
Cost: $12 per set
Registration closes December 1

**You are not registered until you have paid for the class. I can not take any registrations after the close date. You can pay for the class using Pay Pal with my pay to address of stampingsfun@yahoo.com, or call in to me your Debit or Credit card, or bring to me cash or check-but I must have the payment by December 1 in order to have your kit(s) ready. **

Want to see some pics? Here are 2 of the cards we will be making. Reserve your place today, there is limited seating!

Put A Personal "Stamp" on the Holidays!

Samantha Parisi is a fellow demonstrator somewhere in my sideline. We are connected through Amy Johnson. I am introducing you to her because she wrote the bulk of this post and graciously let me copy it and share it with you. I thought it was fantastic and will be very helpful to those wanting to add that personal touch to the holidays. You can check out her blog here. So without further ado, here is Samantha:

Holiday card making doesn’t have to be a huge production…with a little planning you can add your personal touch to the holidays and show all those around you just how much you care. Here is a basic time line to help make the process easier, whether you’re making 10 cards or 100 (keep in mind this could also apply to invitations for parties, weddings & showers!)

Things to Consider: • Crafter know thyself! This should be a stress reducing not a stress inducing activity! If making holiday cards is going to drive you to start popping bourbon balls, then just don’t do it! • Keep it simple! The more cards you make the easier they should be. Adding one extra step when you’re making 5 cards is no biggie…but when you’re making 50, it adds hours to the process! Try to keep each card to less then 7 steps. • Don’t fret that your cards are too simple…get the basic design done and leave a minor embellishment to add if time permits….try not to sweat the small stuff! • Work assembly-line style, do all the cutting, then all the punching, all the coloring, then all the gluing, etc. This not only speeds the process but breaks it into smaller, more manageable chunks. • Delegate! Even Santa has helpers…have the kids stamp envelopes and ask your husband to print out address labels…everyone can pitch in! • Don’t wait for huge chunks of free time to work on this project (it may never come along!) Simply gather all the supplies in one area or in one container (to avoid search & rescue missions) and be ready to go on a moments notice. You can accomplish quite a bit in the 15 minutes it takes for water to boil or while your on hold with the insurance company! Watching T.V. is another ideal time to sit and work on a portion of your cards….little by little you can get them done! • Finally, remember that every card doesn’t have to be identical. Just as each of your friends is unique, so should their card be….a unique reflection of your heartfelt feelings for them.

* 6-8 Weeks Prior to the Event: • Make a card list (or two! Some crafters make cards only for family members or close friends to cut down on the work load) • Decide on a basic design (including size, color, and sentiment….check back here for class dates and times.) • Compare your supplies on hand to your list of supplies needed • Make a list of supplies to purchase and contact your friendly Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator. Don’t forget extra adhesive…now is not the time to run out!

• 4-5 Weeks Prior: • Purchase supplies including envelopes, address labels and postage • Arrange supplies in one area or container so everything can be accessed quickly and easily as time permits • Start creating your cards, working assembly-line style • Address and stamp envelopes (you can save time here by using the computer)
• 2-3 Weeks Prior: • Finish creating cards (now is the time to add those additional embellishments to certain cards to personalize them) • Double check these against your original list as you slip your cards into the envelopes • Mail your cards Now sit back and relax with a steaming cup of cocoa and just enjoy the holiday season…you deserve it!

Color Inspiration Challenge #2

Kiwi Kiss, Tempting Turquoise, Bravo Burgundy, Kraft, and Whisper White

I LOVE this pillow, brought to you by Pier 1 Imports! I am not sure what it is that draws me to it. I love the colors, I like that it looks all satiny (is that even a word?) and I think it even has some bling in the points of the Burgundy.

Since this challenge falls on a weekend, you will have until Wednesday the 19th to take part of the challenge.

Simply make a card using the colors above, post it to your blog, or other website and then come here and leave me a link in the comments section. On Thursday the 20th, I will post my card and also use Random.org to choose a winner, and probably let my hubby choose a winner too. Winner(s) will receive a little bit of blog candy!

Happy Stampin!

My Dabbleings in Stampin Yesterday

I have been working on the project for a Special Stampin' Night I am offering to my First Level Downline and my Supervisors and above in my levels 2-5. I am SUPER excited for this project and trying to get it just perfect. In my journey to this perfection, came these two cards.

I also have to mention that I am planning to be part of a swap at Leadership Training in January. This swap is for no layer cards. That is simply a card with no mat's or layers-a single piece of cardstock is used.

So, these two cards were created using those two starting points. I will add here that neither one of these cards made the cut for either the Stampin' Night or Leadership Swap. They just didn't materialize exactly like I wanted. But, I will share them since that is the stamping I got done yesterday!This is the first card. If you can tell, the blue hat is cut out and then put on a dimensional. There is also a bit of Dazzling Diamonds on it to help it sparkle! This one felt a little plain, so the in the next one, I traded for some of the green glitter from the Cosmo Glitter Stack, and did a reverse mask with some Kiwi Kiss and my Coluzzle. The scan didn't turn out well, the Kiwi is a bit more soft, not so harsh, and it fades more toward the hats.

20% OFF Rub-Ons

This month, Stampin' Up! is Celebrating their 20 Year anniversary with another great 20% off special. When you purchase $20 in other merchandise, all the rub-ons are then 20% off!! That makes them only $8.76 per package!

Item #	Page #	Rub-Ons Description
111416	178	Chateau Bella
111417	178	Word Flurries
111414	178	Hidden Garden
111277	178	A Perfect Day
110283	179	Take Note
111806	179	Chills & Thrills
111804	179	Chit Chat
111415	179	Greatest Moments
111805	179	School Days
110282	179	Anchored
112844	11*	Old Saint Nick
112843	17*	Season of Cheer
112735	39**	Hidden Garden Blossoms

*From Holiday 2008 Mini Catalog

**From Celebrando Creatividad

You can place a personal order Here, just click the yellow shop now button in the upper right corner. This special is good November 10-30, 2008.

Stampin' Up! & Country Living Magazine Present:

The Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit

Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living Magazine, to bring you this fantastic Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit. Check out the December Issue of Country Living Magazine to see this kit showcased, showing you lots of different holiday ideas using the kit contents.

The kit contains:

~Holiday Collection Stamp Set (set of 6) Exclusive for this special
~4 12x12 sheets of die-cut chipboard
~8 12x12 sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper
~4 12x12 sheets of Designer Series Paper (not die-cut)
~2 12x12 sheet of Whisper White cardstock
~25 yards of silver metallic cord
~10 yards 3/8 " whisper White Taffeta Ribbon
~20 pieces from the Pretties Kit
~Stampin' Dimensionals
~Dazzeling Diamonds Glitter
~Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive
~Riding Hood Red Classic Ink Stampin' Spot
~Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot
~Un-Inked Stampin' Spot with a Whisper White Craft Ink Refill

All this for $49.95! You can order this kit online click HERE to shop my website. Click the yellow button in the upper right hand corner. Order # 114447.

PLUS

Click HERE so you can save $30 off the cover price off a Country Living magazine subscription, and subscribe for only $1 a month PLUS get a fantastic Free Gift that includes some Note cards, a double sided stamp and a Stampin' Spot!

Queens of the Stamp Age group photo

Remember the Queens of the Stamp Age group meeting I told you about in October(...you can refresh your memory Here...) well, here is a fun group photo of those who attended the business meeting portion on Saturday. We had 2 birthday cakes...yum! The yellow one was for Shelli Gardner-it turned out we were meeting on her birthday so of course had to celebrate! The other one was to celebrate Stampin' Up!'s 20th anniversary.

This meeting was so much fun and I really appreciate Brandi (in the center of the front row) for putting it together for us every year. She is an awesome group leader, and this bunch of women is just so much fun!

I'm Giving Away 2 Goodie Bags!!

I have 2 FABULOUS Goodie Bags to give away!!


How can you get one? Well, there are 2 ways.
1-Be the first person to place an online order before 11:30pm October 31 and you'll get one!
2-The person who places the largest online order by 11:30 October 31 will get the other one! You could potentially get both!

Whats in the bags? I wish I had a picture to show you, but since my computer crashes every time I plug something into the USB port, and there is no time to run to the store and get a cd made, you'll just have to take my word for it that they are worth it. Each hand crafted bag will contain an assortment Stampin' Up! products worth over $15!

When? Shop HERE (click on the yellow shop now button in the upper right corner) for 24/7 On Line Ordering... but hurry, you have to have the order completed by 11:30 PM on Halloween! This is an online order deal only, you must shop through the link provided (through my Stampin Up! website).

Don't Forget~ Birthday sets are 20% off! And, orders of $150 or more qualify for Stampin' Rewards (hostess stamp sets and Free shopping $$).

November Card Kit of the Month

It's card kit time again! You will LOVE this stamp set and these cards!

In this kit, you'll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH designs shown - so you will receive all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total.

You will also receive 2 additional full color samples of "alternative" cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit, as well as step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs. Card Kit Price is just $15--that's 12 cards, plus envelopes for just $15!

Each month, the card kit also features both a Stamp Set of the Month and an Accessory of the Month. If you purchase the card kit, you may also purchase these items at 20% off!

November Featured Products:

· True Friend Stamp Set ($22.95) $18.36 with the purchase of the Card Kit

· Clip Assortment ($6.95) $5.56 with the purchase of the Card Kit

What else will you need? See the list below for items that were used to create the cards in this kit. If you already have everything--just buy the card kit and you are ready to create! If you don't have everything--place a product order with your kit (don't forget about the discount on the "featured products!") Or--you can use the card kit to create your own designs using other stamps and inks that you already have--the choice is yours!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by November 10th. You will receive your kits by the end of the month.

Call or email me today to order:

Deborah Larsen * (435) 730-1036 * stampingsfun@yahoo.com

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $3 shipping charge.

Products you will need to complete cards as shown:

· Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)

· Really Rust Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)

· More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)

· Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)

· Always Artichoke Classic Ink pad ($5.25)

· Really Rust Classic Ink pad ($5.25)

· True Friend Stamp Set ($22.95) $18.36 with the purchase of the Card Kit

· Clip Assortment ($6.95) $5.56 with the purchase of the Card Kit

· Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95)

Shelli Garnders 3 Holidays Place Settings

Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s CEO and Co-Founder, was featured on KSL's Studio 5 the other day. I love watching Shelli and seeing the projects she is working on. This time she showed 3 different holiday table settings that she created using one package of Designer Series Paper, the Big Shot, and some miscellaneous accessories. You can view the video clip HERE.

Here are the pictures of what she shared:

First is the Thanksgiving set. It features green and brown shades. So fun!

Next is Christmas, using the reds, greens, and even some blues.

The New Year setting is pretty blues and browns.

Some of my favorite parts of these settings are the little treat pillow box made with some acetate and the Big Shot Pillow Box die! I also love that that napkin ring is the Top Note die for the Big Shot! How easy is that! You could sit down and easily have all 3 holiday dinner sets put together and ready to go in one afternoon! Check out the KSL link in the beginning of the post to find directions and supplies and also view the video. Then, go make your own and be sure to come share a link in the comments section!

Have a happy weekend!