From the instant I first saw the layout in the Holiday Mini created with the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin’ Kit, I knew I had to buy this kit.  I did CASE it almost exactly, although there are a few minor changes, like adding a couple of pearls.  I plan to use Christmas pictures of the Twins and Lexi to complete it later this year.

In addition, I CASEd this card, also made with the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin’ Kit, which appeared in the October issue of Stampin’ Success. 

Stampin’ Success is magazine for Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.  It is filled with so many creative ideas.  I look forward to it with anticipation every month.  If you would like to receive your own copy of Stampin’ Success, consider taking advantage of the Halloween Spooktacular Starter Kit Special.  I tell you, the Halloween Printer’s Tray is even more adorable in person!  I just wish I could keep mine.  From the moment Brady saw it, he wanted it for his apartment!  Click here for more information about joining my Stampin’ Up! family. 

Lookin’ Like a Show Dog

Little Lexi is really looking fabulous!  Can you believe she will only be 5 months old on September 17th?  She looks like a “big girl”, standing so pretty for the camera!  And in case you are wondering, yes, those are Breathe-Rite strips in her ears.  Her cartilage is still strengthening, and this is a very gentle way to help her ears stand.  This picture was sent to me by her handler, Rhonda, who knows how much we miss our baby girl.

Blog Candy

As a little treat, I have two new stamp sets from last year’s Holiday Mini…Festive and Fun and It’s a Wrap Holidays.  I thought they were adorable, but I never did get around to inking them up.  Does that ever happen to you?  With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought maybe one of you could put them to good use.  

 

In addition, I am starting to downsize my stash of favorite cards that I couldn’t bear to part with right after creating them.  I am including this Nature Walk card.  

All you have to do is a leave a comment on this post, or Saturday’s and Sunday’s posts.  I will randomly select a winner from all comments left through 10:00 PM CST on Monday, and announce the winner on Tuesday.  I am sorry, but I can only ship to US addresses, as per Stampin’ Up! guidelines.  HOWEVER, if the first randomly selected name is from outside the United States, I will send you a consolation prize of three of my favorite cards, if you would like.

So…let’s get started on those comments!  They are important to me, and I do read each and every one of them.  Of course, I am always ready to answer any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques I use…I am only an email away!  Until next time...

Freshly Made Sketches is celebrating its One Year Anniversary this week by opening up our Sketch Gallery and asking you to make a card using ANY of our past sketches.  As for me, I selected Sketch #5,  but you can access past sketches right here.  I reached for the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and stamped up a jar of Blue Ribbon winning Pear Preserves! Enjoy!

Here is the sketch I used:

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:  Perfectly Preserved
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.

• The glass has class! A vellum overlay gives the illusion of real glass when placed over the stamped Mason jar.  Strategically placed Mini Glue Dots hold it in place.

• First place! These prize-winning preserves sport an Island Indigo ribbon created from the new 1-1/4″ Scallop Circle Punch.  To add depth, the “One” image from the Blue Ribbon stamp set was inked in Raspberry Ripple and stamped onto Naturals Ivory cardstock.  It was then punched out with the 1″ Circle Punch.  A second “One” was stamped, snipped out and “popped” on top!

 

• Pearls! A quintet of Basic Pearls accents the circle of patterned Raspberry Ripple from the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper collection.

I had a ton of fun designing today’s card.  I got caught up in childhood memories of trips to the County Fair, where jams, jellies and preserves….as well as sundry other baked goods and canned items…were judged and awarded ribbons.  The best of the best often went on to compete at the Iowa State Fair.  From its life-size, hand-sculpted “Butter Cow” to its enormous selection of “deep-fried everything on a stick”, the Iowa State Fair delights the senses! Check out this slide show featuring Deep Fried Everything at the Iowa State Fair!

I hope you enjoyed today’s card…and just out of curiosity, have you ever tried Pear Preserves?  Or have you ever attended a state fair?  Won’t you let me know in today’s comment?  And of course, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

Stamp Sets:  Perfectly Preserved, Blue Ribbon; Inks:  Lucky Limeade, Raspberry Ripple, Early Espresso, Jet Black StazOn; Stampin’ Write Markers:  Early Espresso, Raspberry Ripple; Designer Series Paper:  Orchard Harvest; Card Stock: Raspberry Ripple, Island Indigo, Very Vanilla, Naturals Ivory, Vellum; Tools:  Big Shot, Cannery Framelits, 1″ Circle Punch, 1-1/4″ Scalloped Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, 2-1/2″ Circle Punch,  Bitty Banners Framelits;  Glitz and Glam:  Linen Thread, Very Vanilla 1/8″ Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Naturals Designer Buttons

It’s “Back-to-Spool” time at Stampin’ Up! Get a FREE spool of 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon with every $40 purchase.  You can choose your favorite new In Color, or add to your collection by earning all five!

And, if that is not enough to get you hopping with excitement, Stampin’ Up! has extended the Howl-o-ween Printer’s Tray kit offer.  Join Stampin’ Up! by September 16th, and here is what you will receive in the Halloween Project Kit (a $60 Value):

• Everything pictured, including your choice of either a wood or clear Toxic Treat stamp set, a full package of Rhinestones, a full package of Baker’s Twine, and enough ribbon and buttons to make the kit!

And with the Demonstrator Starter Kit, you will receive $125 worth of any Stampin’ Up! products for only $99 + tax.  The shipping is free!  The Starter Kit is completely customizable, and therefore can be tailor-made to fit YOUR needs!  There is absolutely NO obligation to sell if you purchase the Starter Kit, and there are NO strings attached.  The Starter Kit products are yours to keep…and so is the Halloween project. If you have been on the fence as to whether or not to join my group, there is no better time than now.  Please email me with any questions you may have.  I would love to discuss them with you! Or check this out to learn more and to join now!

A Peek at Freshly Made Sketches

My Freshly Made Sketches Design Team Inspiration Card has a story behind it.  Here’s a little peek.  Join me Wednesday for the reveal!

Upcoming Posts:  Wednesday…Freshly Made Sketches;  Thursday…Blog Candy and a Lexi Picture