Sparkly Wreath Card

“May the sparkle of the season warm your heart and home.” What a wonderful sentiment…and so perfect for today’s sparkly wreath card. It’s Sunday, and time to play with The Paper Players!

sparkly wreath card
It’s our monthly sketch challenge this week,  and the amazingly talented Anne Marie has a fabulous sketch for us. It’s so versatile, because you can use any shape for the focal point. While I created a sparkly wreath,  I can’t wait to see what YOU create!

sparkle wreath card
Colors of the Day

sparkly wreath card
Note: Sparkle Glimmer and Tranquil Tide are retired colors.  If you don’t have these colors, you can substitute similar hues!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

This is such a versatile sketch.  I felt it was a perfect one for showcasing the lovely Seasonal Swirls dies.  To make my wreath a little fuller, I used two pine bough swirls, one created from Matte finished Silver Foil and one from Brushed finish.  A third swirl was die cut from retired green glimmer paper to use for embellishing. Although the green glimmer paper is retired, green foil would be the perfect substitute.  The Star swirl was die cut from retired Sparkle Glimmer paper.   A small bird with glittery wings,  courtesy of the Beauty of Tomorrow stamp set, accents the sentiment banner.

sparkly wreath card

To download the free step-by-step tutorial for today’s  Sparkly Wreath Card, which includes all the paper measurements and all of the current products used, please click on the button below. For every card which has been posted on my blog this year, there is a free tutorial.

2021 FREE Tutorial PDF Gallery – CLICK HERE
2020 FREE Tutorial PDF Gallery – CLICK HERE
2019 FREE Tutorial PDF Gallery – CLICK HERE
For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of The Paper Players design team:
I had a little helper today.  As I was getting ready to clean my laptop, up jumped Nueve.  Although he’s sleeping on the job now, I think Nueve secretly wants to become a writer and a stamper. Through the years, I’ve always had a Boxer at my feet or in my lap when stamping or writing up a blog post. First it was Missy, followed  by Muffy and Lexi.  For some reason, it has always been my girls.  Nueve is definitely all boy, but he is a big Momma’s Boy.  He may be the one who carries on the tradition.
sparkle wreath card

I’m sure Nueve will try his paw at writing soon.  He can’t wait to share his story with you.  And, it’s always fun to learn about stamping from a puppy perspective!

There Is Still Time to Take Advantage of the $75 Starter Kit

Starter Kit Special

Through November 30th, Stampin’ Up! is offering a special on their Starter Kit.  For only $75, you can enjoy $125 worth of products! The Starter Kit ships for FREE for an additional savings of 10%.  In addition to your selection of craft supplies, you will be provided with everything you need to start your Stampin’ Up! business strong. Between a pack of business-building tools and unlimited access to the demonstrator website, you will hit the ground running OR you can choose to be your own best customer.

Build a Business or Be Your Own Best Customer – The Choice is Yours!

Purchasing the Starter Kit and joining Stampin’ Up! brings you demonstrator benefits.  With your demonstrator status enjoy:

  • SAVE at least 20% ON EVERYTHING YOU PURCHASE! Once you join, you’ll enjoy a 20 – 25% discount on your favorite Stampin’ Up!®  inks, paper, stamps, tools, and more while you remain active
  • NO PRESSURE OR OBLIGATION TO SELL TO OTHERS! There’s never an obligation to host parties, sell products, or purchase anything else after the kit.
  • THERE’S NO RISK! NO PENALTY TO DROP! If you reach $300 in sales by the end of the first full Stampin’ Up!® quarter after you sign-up, you automatically renew your demonstrator discounts and benefits for another quarter. To continue, you will need to reach $300+ in sales (includes personal purchases) to renew from quarter to quarter. If you don’t reach $300 in sales, you can “drop” with no penalty.
  • ORDER NEW PRODUCTS EARLY!  View new catalogs and pre-order products a month (or more) before their release (with your discount).  The NEW 2022 January – June Mini Catalog and Sale-a-Bration Promotion PDFs will be available to Demonstrators on November 15!  Pre-order (Mini Catalog) and pre-earn (Sale-A-Bration) opportunity begins for demonstrators December 1!
  • CONTINUE the BENEFITS and DISCOUNTS! From the time you join through the end of the first full Stampin’ Up!® quarter, you will be able to take advantage of demonstrator discounts and benefits. The Quarters are January – March, April – June, July – September, October – Dec. You will have the balance of the quarter in which you join PLUS the first full quarter to reach your first $300 in sales (includes personal purchases) and renew for another quarter.
  • JOIN TODAY! Purchase the starter kit through me and instantly become a member of the Schach Pack Pals. You’ll have access to private Facebook groups, receive newsletters, and will be able to engage with a community of other stampers.
  • Questions about joining? Email me at ann@thestampinschach.com. If you are ready to join NOW, CLICK HERE!
****************
Current Host Code Information

Ready to order supplies to make your own cards? I would love to be your Demonstrator. Click Here to place an order in my online store.

When checking out, if you apply the Host Code to your online orders of at least $50, but under $150, you’ll get a free gift from me. If your order is over $150, please do not apply the host code – you will be receiving your own host rewards, as well as your gift from me. All orders of $50 or more earn points toward my Loyalty Rewards Program.

Current Code: AHTFU6DF
************

NEED A COPY OF THE CATALOG? If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator, please email me at: kimschach@msn.com  and I will drop one into the mail to you free of charge, pronto!

************

Looking for an oldie but goodie? Check out my retired stamps which I have for sale.

Retired Sets for Sale
************

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

siggy-1

  • The $99 Starter Kit is the BEST DEAL EVER! Check out the details HERE.
  • Join Paper Pumpkin
  • Check out the Clearance Rack and save!
  • See my Retired Sets for Sale.
  • Follow me on Facebook.
  • Follow me on Pinterest.
  • Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
  • To receive my daily blog updates, subscription links are in the right sidebar.
  • If you are in need of any current catalog, and you do not have a demonstrator, please email me (kimschach@msn.com). I will send you one free of charge.

Red Poinsettia Card

The quintessential holiday flower teams up with green and gold in today’s red poinsettia card.  It’s time to play at Festive Friday – Home of the Inspo List!

red poinsettia card
For this week’s challenge, we are inspired by Christmas Jumper Day. Remember, at Festive Friday you do not need to actually celebrate the occasion. Your goal is to simply use three or more items from the inspiration list on your project. I used red, green gold and ribbon on my card this week. I can’t wait to see what YOU create!

red poinsettia card

Colors of the Day

red poinsettia card

The Stampin’ Schach’s Design Tips

Nothing says “Classic Christmas” than a red poinsettia! The one on today’s red poinsettia card happens to be a rich confection of Cherry Cobbler and gold.  This stunning focal point was a breeze to create with the Poinsettia Petals stamp set and Poinsettia dies from the Annual Catalog.  Embellishments were quite simple, really. A cluster of gold metallic pearls for the center of the flower, and a double bow created from Cherry Cobbler and Gold ribbon.

red poinsettia card

To download the free step-by-step tutorial for today’s  Red Poinsettia Card, which includes all the paper measurements and all of the current products used, please click on the button below. For every card which has been posted on my blog this year, there is a free tutorial.

2021 FREE Tutorial PDF Gallery – CLICK HERE
2020 FREE Tutorial PDF Gallery – CLICK HERE
2019 FREE Tutorial PDF Gallery – CLICK HERE

For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team:

Ann Schach – That’s Me!

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert – Off This Week

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Stephanie Lanzalotto

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans

Joanne James

Starter Kit Special

Through November 30th, Stampin’ Up! is offering a special on their Starter Kit.  For only $75, you can enjoy $125 worth of products! The Starter Kit ships for FREE for an additional savings of 10%.  In addition to your selection of craft supplies, you will be provided with everything you need to start your Stampin’ Up! business strong. Between a pack of business-building tools and unlimited access to the demonstrator website, you will hit the ground running OR you can choose to be your own best customer.

Build a Business or Be Your Own Best Customer – The Choice is Yours!

Purchasing the Starter Kit and joining Stampin’ Up! brings you demonstrator benefits.  With your demonstrator status enjoy:

  • SAVE at least 20% ON EVERYTHING YOU PURCHASE! Once you join, you’ll enjoy a 20 – 25% discount on your favorite Stampin’ Up!®  inks, paper, stamps, tools, and more while you remain active
  • NO PRESSURE OR OBLIGATION TO SELL TO OTHERS! There’s never an obligation to host parties, sell products, or purchase anything else after the kit.
  • THERE’S NO RISK! NO PENALTY TO DROP! If you reach $300 in sales by the end of the first full Stampin’ Up!® quarter after you sign-up, you automatically renew your demonstrator discounts and benefits for another quarter. To continue, you will need to reach $300+ in sales (includes personal purchases) to renew from quarter to quarter. If you don’t reach $300 in sales, you can “drop” with no penalty.
  • ORDER NEW PRODUCTS EARLY!  View new catalogs and pre-order products a month (or more) before their release (with your discount).  The NEW 2022 January – June Mini Catalog and Sale-a-Bration Promotion PDFs will be available to Demonstrators on November 15!  Pre-order (Mini Catalog) and pre-earn (Sale-A-Bration) opportunity begins for demonstrators December 1!
  • CONTINUE the BENEFITS and DISCOUNTS! From the time you join through the end of the first full Stampin’ Up!® quarter, you will be able to take advantage of demonstrator discounts and benefits. The Quarters are January – March, April – June, July – September, October – Dec. You will have the balance of the quarter in which you join PLUS the first full quarter to reach your first $300 in sales (includes personal purchases) and renew for another quarter.
  • JOIN TODAY! Purchase the starter kit through me and instantly become a member of the Schach Pack Pals. You’ll have access to private Facebook groups, receive newsletters, and will be able to engage with a community of other stampers.
  • Questions about joining? Email me at ann@thestampinschach.com. If you are ready to join NOW, CLICK HERE!
****************
Current Host Code Information

Ready to order supplies to make your own cards? I would love to be your Demonstrator. Click Here to place an order in my online store.

When checking out, if you apply the Host Code to your online orders of at least $50, but under $150, you’ll get a free gift from me. If your order is over $150, please do not apply the host code – you will be receiving your own host rewards, as well as your gift from me. All orders of $50 or more earn points toward my Loyalty Rewards Program.

Current Code: AHTFU6DF
************

NEED A COPY OF THE CATALOG? If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator, please email me at: kimschach@msn.com  and I will drop one into the mail to you free of charge, pronto!

************

Looking for an oldie but goodie? Check out my retired stamps which I have for sale.

Retired Sets for Sale
************

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

siggy-1

  • The $99 Starter Kit is the BEST DEAL EVER! Check out the details HERE.
  • Join Paper Pumpkin
  • Check out the Clearance Rack and save!
  • See my Retired Sets for Sale.
  • Follow me on Facebook.
  • Follow me on Pinterest.
  • Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
  • To receive my daily blog updates, subscription links are in the right sidebar.
  • If you are in need of any current catalog, and you do not have a demonstrator, please email me (kimschach@msn.com). I will send you one free of charge.

Run Free, Sweet Muffy

Run Free Muffy

GCH CH Cimarron’s Do You Know the Muffin Man
August 9, 2010 – November 24, 2021
“Muffy”

My heart is breaking.  We said goodbye to Muffy yesterday.  It was a warm day for November in Iowa, bright and full of sunshine.  We took our final walk down the same block we had traveled for the past eleven years.  We soaked in the sounds.  We soaked in the smells. We soaked in the sun.  But, she was tired. Tired of being unable to stand. Tired of being unable to move.  Tired of having to be lifted up.  I told her that it was okay, that I would hold her up to eat.  That I would move her with her lifter. That I would lift her up when she fell.  But, she was tired.  She was ready to say goodbye.  And sadly, I was not.

Muffy was my best friend. She was my confidante. She was the one I could tell all of my secrets to, and I never feared that she would tell a soul.

She was my rock. She was always there to lift my spirits.  Even as we sat on the floor at the vet’s office, her head on the pink baby blanket she brought with her when she arrived at my house all those years ago, she made sure to lick away my tears.

I’ll never forget the day she arrived. She left her breeder, ran to my side, and never looked backed.  And that’s the way it was for the rest of our life together.  Even when she could longer sleep in my bed, by my side, I slept on the floor by her side.  It’s what old friends do for each other.

Muffy was the first of so many things. My first show dog. My first champion. My first grand champion. My first breed winner. My first group winner. My first multiple group placing girl. She sparkled in the ring.  She was bold and confident, with beautiful movement.  She was probably never the best, but she always ASKED for the win.  She was a delight to travel with, and never missed a meal.

Muffy also produced my first litter.

And sadly, she was my first dog with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).

Muffy fought the good fight, with that indomitable Boxer spirit and dignity.  But with DM, there is no cure.  I steeled myself for the inevitable.  They say that helping your best friend transition across the Rainbow Bridge is the greatest act of love you can express.  That may be so, but it is also the most difficult.

Over the past months, on our “walks”, Muffy and I would watch for feathers as a sign that her guardian angel was near. Every walk, we would find one, until a few weeks ago, when we stopped seeing them. Yesterday, on our final walk, we found one, small and perfect. A comforting sign. And then late last night, as I let the dogs out for one last time before bed, I noticed movement in the screened-in porch (the door was blocked open.) I stepped out, and there was a brown bird. Usually when birds invade the porch, it’s in the light of day, and the dogs go berserk. But in the still of the midnight hour, they stood silently watching. The little bird fluttered and circled above my head, and then flew back out through the door. A final sign that Muffy was at peace… 

Muffy enjoyed the times she wrote my posts.  She enjoyed getting to know so many of you.  So it is with sadness, that I post her signature line one last time.   Please hug your babies and keep them close…