Free Markers

Over 7,000 people are enjoying their brand-new In Color Stampin’ Write^® Markers right now. Are you?

Paper Pumpkin™ by Stampin’ Up!^® makes creativity easy for everyone. Each month a fully designed project kit arrives in a charming box filled with stamps, ink and paper—everything cut and ready to go. With friends or on your own, Paper Pumpkin is the perfect, stress-free way to shine, by creating and sharing what you love. And new members who join by March 31 will get a FREE set of In Color markers—a $14.95 US/$19.95 CA value! 

Visit www.mypaperpumpkin.com today to get started—and enjoy your FREE markers!

Paper Pumpkin Project

Have you subscribed to Paper Pumpkin yet?  If not, you should think about it.  I've mentioned it before in my blog posts.  I personally find that it really is a neat way to get my craft "fix" - especially when I am short on time.  Each month, the project is different, and you never know what it is going to be until it arrives.  The projects are usually quick and easy to do, so if you are a beginning crafter, you will be able to do these without any problem.  For old pros, you have the opportunity to be creative, and come up with your own ideas from the supplies in the kit.   

Today, after attending - and actively participating in - Zumba class, I finally had a chance to pull out the orange box (Paper Pumpkin comes in a bright orange box), and work on the project we received this month.  It is a set of five bags to put together.  These would be really sweet to package a small gift in.

Isn't this cute?  All supplies are in the kit: bags, ribbon, mini clothes pins, Baker's twine, punch out circles, starbursts and letters.  Also included is a Stampin' Spot (a mini stamp pad), and two polymer stamps.  I don't know about you, but I'd love to receive a gift in my own personalized gift bag!

After I finished the bag, I started thinking about how to use the supplies in a different way.  I'll show you what I created in my next blog.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hugs.....

Nancy

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals

I can not believe that I didn't get this posted yesterday!!  So sorry about that....but don't miss out on these fantastic prices from Stampin' Up!

WEEKLY DEALS Feb 25th - Mar 3rd (while supplies last) BACKYARD BASICS FRAMELITS DIES Price: $24.95 $18.71 BASICS GLIMMER BRADS Price: $4.95 $3.71 GOLD METALLIC ENCORE PAD Price: $9.95 $7.46 PAPER DOILY SIZZLITS DIE Price: $21.95 $16.46 PRIMROSE PETALS 3/8" STITCHED SATIN RIBBON Price: $8.95 $6.71 SEASON BY SEASON KIT - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Price: $9.95 $5.97 SUMMER STARFRUIT 3/8" STITCHED SATIN RIBBON Price: $8.95 $6.71

By Faith

I'm not a preachy person, but I am going to share a little of myself with you right now........
The other morning, I was in a major funk - do you ever feel like that?  Nothing specific, just not feeling particularly happy, dis-satisfied with just about everything in your life, and NOT counting your blessings?  Well, that's how I was feeling as I was driving to the grocery store.  As I pulled closer to the car in front of me, I looked at the license plate and it read "BYFAITH".  Can I tell you how just reading that license plate changed my attitude instantly?  Evidently, I needed to be driving behind that car that particular morning, because there could not have been a more poignant message for me at that moment.

So, what is "faith"?  You can find several definitions when you look it up.  To begin with, this noun comes from the Old French word feid, meaning “faith, belief, trust, confidence, pledge.”  It's often used when describing religion or the supernatural: people have faith in God, or actually refer to the religion they practice as their faith. Some choose to have the same amount of faith in a good friend or a well written recipe — anything that will come through for them in a time of need.  So when you have faith, you trust or believe in something VERY strongly.

For me, it is faith that God will take me where I NEED to go, WHEN I need to be there.  He has been with me through so many challenging and tragic events in the last five years.  I have no reason to not continue to count my blessings, get out of my funk, and by faith KNOW that He will take care of me.  So remember, when you start feeling down - look up!!  I am ending this blog post with the verse that became my favorite following my life saving surgery, and one that I continue to hold dear.

Hugs, 

Nancy

   
 

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A Masculine Thank You Card

Good Morning - or Afternoon (depending on where you are right now) - thanks for stopping by my blog today.  I am so happy the the sun is shining here - even if it's only 19 degrees!  The sun just warms my soul!  I want to share with you a card that I made a while ago, when I needed to send a "thank you" to a special male.  I don't know about you, but it seems that many of the cards I make end up looking a little too girly for guys.  You know, with flowers, ribbon/bows, bling, etc.  So whenever I want to send out a masculine card, I have to really dig through my stash - and often end up making one because I just don't have that many.  I think this one will be nice to alter & replicate though, and keep in my card box.  I hope you like it.

In this original card, some of the supplies are retired unfortunately.  The Designer Series Paper that I used for instance, but we have others that would work well, like Soho Subway (#130140) in the annual catty, or even High Tide (#132992) in the Occasions catty.  Likewise, the embossing folder is an old one I received as a gift (I don't even remember if it was Stamin' Up! or just one from Sizzix).  It can easily be replaced though by one of several current Stampin' Up! embossing folders - like Square Lattice (#119976).  The square brad is another item no longer available, but not to worry - just use our Antique Brads (#117273).

So - here is a remix - all supplies are current.  What do you think about this one?

Stamp Sets: The Open Sea, Sweet Essentials; Cardstock: Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso; 

DSP: Soho Subway; Ink: Early Espresso, Midnight Muse; Embellishments: Antique Brad, 

Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Square Lattice Embossing Folder

I changed this a little by embossing a smaller piece of card stock and adhering that to the card front first.  I  stamped on the top piece of DSP with both ink colors, and did a lot of shading.  I also decided to change my inscription.  To top it off, I had to add that cute little anchor to the inside of the card. 

Now it's your turn.  Take an old card, and "remix" it!  You don't even need to use the same stamp set, or colors.  Use your old cards as inspiration for layouts to fit the stamping' supplies you already have.  Let your creativity flow free..........

Hugs, 

Nancy  

Hands of an Artist

I'm in the Metro area, and I was so happy to be able to see my son Jack today.  He lives about three hours away from us, and with my schedule and his, I just don't get to see him as much as I'd like to.  My husband sees him more frequently because he travels to the other side of the state about twice a month.  Jack is doing his Masters at Cranbrook Art Institute in Print Media, and has been hard at work preparing for his "Review" by the Artists in Residence - which is tomorrow.  This will be his first review, so he wanted to do his best work, of course.  

To help pay the bills, Jack also works as a server at a really good bar and grill called Champs.  The food is yummy, and he is the best server there! (I'm not biased)  So, Jack was working today, and I decided to kill three birds with one stone - (1) I'd get to see my son, (2) I could help him out a little financially (with a generous tip), and (3) I could get a REALLY great Greek Salad.  While there, we were able to talk a little, and I took some pictures to remind him of his hard work.  I have entitled this.....The Hands of an Artist.

Jack really likes the fact that he has a bandaid on one finger, and ink under his nails (sounds like a stamper) - so I had to feature those points!  We are so proud of him, and happy that he was accepted into such a prestigious school - the one he really wanted to attend.

Stampin' Up Weekly Deals

Here are the great deals for the week.....while supplies last.  I was excited to see the Label Insert Pop 'N Cuts Die - I haven't picked that one up yet!!  Whoo-hoo....

You should also check out the Clearance Rack - new items have been added!  

Sweet Treats Challenge

I decided to do another challenge this week with The Paper Players.  The Challenge Hostess came up with a "Sweet Treat" theme this week, making either a Valentine card or 3-D project with a "food or treat" theme.  Since I love cupcakes any time, and those little candy Valentine hearts (that used to be seasonal but seem to be more readily available now), I decided to use both.  I hope you enjoy my card - these colors together just make me happy when I look at them.  I got the card instructions from Laura Lipe who was featured on Splitcoaststampers.

Stamp Set(s): Best of Love #132987- clear, Create a Cupcake #121982 - clear, Candy Conversation (retired), XOXO (retired), Filled with Love (retired);  Cardstock: Real Red #102482, Whisper White #100730; DSP - Fresh Prints Paper Stack #132996; Ink Pad: Real Red #126949; Stampin' Write Marker: Pretty in Pink (retired); Punches: Cupcake Builder #121807, Small Heart #117193; Pearl Basic Jewels #119247

Check out the site here.

What's Up at Stampin' Up!?

Good Morning.....I hope you all are doing well.  Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I want to quickly let you know about some of the great things going on with Stampin' Up!  I know I've said it before, but they are always bringing us great deals.  Here are a few I don't want you to miss:   

PERSONALIZED NAME STAMP

With our personalized stamps you can create a cool address label or even use it for everything from marking your territory on books or other belongings to having a fun way to give a personal touch to gifts and goodies. Here are just a few customization ideas for you or for the perfect gift:

• Address stamp
• Thank you
• From the classroom of (for a teacher gift)
• From the kitchen of
• Made with love
• This book belongs to
• From the desk of
• Just married
• Save the date
• Promote your business (add your name, website, and contact info)

Coordinates with the 1-3/8" Circle Punch (item 119860). Clear Block B (item 117147) recommended. Purchase separately. Available in photopolymer only.

VALENTINE PRODUCTS

FLOWERFULL HEART WOOD-MOUNT STAMP Price: $9.95 FOLLOW MY HEART WOOD-MOUNT STAMP SET Price: $15.95 LOVE YOU MORE CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Price: $16.95 LOVE YOU MORE WOOD-MOUNT STAMP SET Price: $21.95 MONSTER HUGS BOY Price: $5.95 MONSTER HUGS GIRL Price: $5.95 SWEET SAYINGS CARDS AND ENVELOPES Price: $5.95 SWEETHEART TREAT BAGS Price: $4.95

WEEKLY DEALS - Feb 4-10, 2014 ...while supplies last

CALYPSO CORAL 3/4" CHEVRON RIBBON Price: $8.95 $6.71 CANVAS CREATIONS Price: $3.95 $2.96 DELICATE DOILIES SIZZLITS DIE Price: $21.95 $16.46 FROM MY HEART Price: $39.95 $29.96 ISLAND INDIGO 3/4" CHEVRON RIBBON Price: $8.95 $6.71 SIMPLY PRESSED CLAY Price: $6.95 $5.21 SOFT SKY 1/2" SEAM BINDING RIBBON Price: $6.95 $5.21 SWEETEST EVER VALENTINE'S DESIGNER TEMPLATE - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Price: $9.95 $5.97

SALE-A-BRATION

Sale-A-Bration is Stampin' Up!'s biggest sales event - from January 28-March 31.  There are so many ways to get involved whether it's through shopping, hosting a party, or joining Stampin' Up! Check out the catty on the right.

I was going to enter another card into a challenge, but didn't get if finished in time - I need to work on my scheduling!  I don't think I've shared it with you yet.  Very interesting colors together - don't you think?  

Stamp Set: Lots of Thanks (129687-wood, 129690-clear); 

Cardstock: Island Indigo (122923), Midnight Muse (126843),  Rich Razzleberry (115316), 

Whisper White (100730); DSP: Retired; 

Ink Pads: Island Indigo (126986), Rich Razzleberry (126950); 

Embossing Folders: Needlepoint Border (129383), Stripe (123128)

Well - I'm off to do some stampin'.  I'll show you what I come up with later.

Hugs, 

Nancy