Holiday Mini Catalog

The Holiday Mini Catalog is finally available to view online!   Its really stunning and the products are even more beautiful in person.   Here is a direct link for you to browse:  Holiday Mini Catalog

On a more personal note, we are still without power since last Sunday and do not know when it will be restored.   We are so thankful that we did not have any damage to our home or property and that we are all together, safe & healthy.  Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

Happy Birthday Sean!

As soon as I checked out the new Idea Book & Catalog I knew that the new pennant punch would be one of the first things I ordered . I couldn't wait to create with it and I love how easy it makes a project look so good! One of my resolutions this new catalog year is to use up a lot of my designer series paper before I can buy more so this punch helps with that. This card is for a very special boy, my nephew Sean. Sean recently turned 13 and because he is so dear to me :-) I wanted to make a bright, fun card which would represent the bright, fun teen that he is. The punch is cool - it punches out two pieces and you layer them together. I used Stampin' Dimensionals to pop the top piece up and then used some white bakers twine to 'string' them together. The twine is hung in eyelets, which are retired. The "party this way" is from the stamp set with the same name, Party This Way. It has five stamps in total and one is a pennant stamp that coordinates with the pennant punch! I love when stamps have punches that work with them. I didn't use it on this card but will soon on another and will show it in the near future...watch for it ; )

If you see anything that you'd like to purchase, please visit my online store or email me anytime!

Stamping 411

I think this is one of the first times I've done a Stampin 411 Sketch Challenge although I always check them out and love the sketches. This was fun for me because my friend, Lisa, came over to stamp and we made the card together. So what if it took us almost two hours! We talked a lot and had some interruptions, um I mean visits from my children which made it stretch a bit longer than it might have but we both loved the finished product and had a good time too! Here's the Stamping 411 sketch challenge:















Here's our card:
The card base is Elegant Eggplant. The next layer is Whisper White stamped with a retired background stamp, Bella Toile, using Wisteria Wonder ink. Lucky Limeade is the top layer and we ran it through the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. The flower stamp is sold as a single stamp in the catalog, Triple Treat Flower. The really cool thing about this stamp is that not only is it very affordable at $8.95, but you can punch it out using three different punches for a colorful, dimensional look. It uses the Fancy Flower Punch, the 5-Petal Flower Punch and the 1/2" Circle Punch. Then we put on some of the new 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon in Wisteria Wonder and sprinkled on some Adhesive back pearls for a little added touch. If you see any products used on this card that you'd like to have, you can purchase any of them through my online store.

Sweet Sunday Sketch On Monday

I decided to use some of my free time this weekend trying my hand at a couple of card challenges. This card challenge is Sweet Sunday Sketch and although its a longer, more narrow card, I did the standard size so I could actually use it to send to someone in a standard envelope : ) The best part of this card is that I was able to use some paper scraps that I saved for future projects. I love when that happens! The Designer Series Paper (which is retired) needed some pink in it to match the colors I chose for the card so I just grabbed a Pretty In Pink marker and randomly colored in some of the circles. Custom DSP! How fun is that?! (We stampers get a tad excited about these things sometimes!)

Have a great day! ~ Jacki

Supplies Used
Stamps: Touch of Kindness
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink & retired DSP
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
Accessories: Scallop Border Trim Die Cut, Circle Punch & Taffeta Ribbon

Buy 3 Get 1 Free Promotion

Dates: August 1-31, 2011

Promotion Details: During August get a FREE package of Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper when you buy three! Now's the time to stock up on all their favorites, includes brand-new designs from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and 2011 Summer Mini Catalog.

Things to Remember

Download the promotional flyer
Orders may be placed via a workshop, online or by contacting me directly.
There is no limit to the number of free packages of Designer Series Paper you can earn.
Specialty Designer Series Paper and Hostess Designer Series Paper are not part of this promotion.
Ordering deadline is Wednesday, August 31, 2011; 11:50 PM (MT) 

Love & Sympathy

Sometimes theres a need for a sympathy card and although its a sad time for the recipient, it makes me feel much more satisfied to actually make one with my own hands then purchase one. I feel like I am doing just a little more for the person and a little piece of me is given with it. Unfortunately, I've had to make a bunch of them lately and although I have other stamps that could do the job, I really was struck by this new set in the current Idea Book & Catalog. Here's the card with the envelope that I also stamped.

Here's the inside of the card. The sentiment is the reason I wanted this stamp set. Its so beautiful and says what we want to say so much more eloquently when someone has lost a loved one.
Stamps: Love & Refuge

Paper: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Whisper White & Old Olive Designer Series Paper

Ink: Old Olive & Marina Mist

Accesories: Large Oval, Corner & Scallop Edge Border Punches

Friends, Fun, and Fabulous Products!

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit--valued at $185--comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit--a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful--isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer.

As an added bonus, first-time demonstrators can get two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) when they sign up during their first 21 days as a demonstrator. Subscribing to DBWS means having your own online store, blog, hostess portal, and much more!

Join Stampin' Up! in July and get brand-new products, including an exclusive project kit--all for just $99! Download the starter paperwork now! Contact me to get started today.

I'm On A Roll

I can't believe I've posted four days in a row! Can you stand it? I am going to try to keep it up or at least post a minimum of three times a week. I love the flower image on this card, but sadly it was retired. I will never part with it though because its one of my favorite stamps ever. This card combines some old products with the new. I left it blank so I can have it on hand for whatever occasion pops up. I don't usually have enough extras so I am happy to add it to my stock. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to keep this posting thing up! ~ Jacki

Stamps: Because I Care (retired)
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Lace Ribbon Border Punch (New!), Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder
& shimmer spray

Oink Oink!

How stinkin' cute is this little pig from Button Buddies? Its the reason I fell in love with this stamp set to begin with. I just had to put a threaded button with a little bow for even more cuteness. How sweet as a baby card for either a boy or girl in blue, pink, etc. I made this as a friend card this time though. Or maybe I can give it to my daughter. The sentiment would fit for either. The outside says "so many smiles" and the inside says "begin with you". Those are from the stamp set, Petite Pairs. It has a pair of sayings that fit together. I got it on my first order because one can never have enough sentiments, especially ones that go together so nicely!

Stamps: Button Buddies & Petite Pairs

Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Regal Rose & Designer Series Paper (retired)

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: button, white bakers twine & Dotted Scallop Border Punch

Playing With My New Stuff....

...as well as some old product. I have too much retired product that I never used up (some not at all!) so I am using both until I feel I have earned the right to buy new paper & accessories. We'll see how long that lasts! This card is using a new stamp set that I could wait to order, Button Buddies. It is sooo cute and you can use a button (or brad, etc) with the images.














































Stamps: Button Buddies, Petite Pairs
Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White & Old Olive Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink: Rich Razzelberry, So Saffron & Old Olive
Accessories: Polka Dot ribbon (retired), Flower Brads & Finial Press Embossing Folder

Stampin' Up! New Year & New Catalog

The new catalog is here and in my hot little hands. It doesn't disappoint either! Lots of new stamp sets, beautiful papers, some new in-colors, embellishments, punches, etc. Plenty of new toys to play with! My order of new goodies is finally here. I can't wait to create some new stuff. Until then, here is a little card I made for my sister-in-law's sister's bridal shower:

Blaine's wedding colors are light blue & navy which is why I chose the colors I did for this card. I love them together! I also stamped & colored the same image on the envelope and really like the way it came out. Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

Stamps: Easter Blossoms (retired)

Paper: Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla & Night of Navy

Ink: Crumb Cake

Accessories: Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch (flowers), Pearls

Happy Spring!!

I love pink & green and this combo came easy to me after I decided which stamp set I was going to use. They are the preppy colors but since I'm not really preppy I think of it as bright and fresh like Spring which is TOMORROW finally! Does it not seem like it took longer than usual? Hopefully it will behave like Spring from here on in.

I hope that where ever you are it is sunny & warm today. Enjoy!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Melon Mambo & Certainly Celery
Paper: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery & Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice textured impressions embossing folder, Decorative Label & Photo Corners Punch, silver brads & Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon

The Lucky Little Leprechaun

I must share with you my littlest's rendition of a leprechaun, oops, I mean lepercone. Bushy eyebrows and all, this was made by Max for me. He asked me if it was going to go on my blog. Of course I wasn't going to let such fine work go unseen by his future fans. So enjoy & heres wishing you a Happy Belated Lepercone Day!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Hope you are enjoying your day even if you aren't Irish. Besides - everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Paddy's Day! Today is my mom's day and will forever be in my mind & my family's. She was a sweet Irish & English girl who married my 100% Italian dad. Every year for as long as I could remember she would wear her green that day, her "Kiss Me I'm Irish" button and some shamrock earrings. We'd all enjoy corned beef, potatoes & carrots and her delish soda bread. Dad would always bring her green carnations home with him. I married a 100% Italian boy too but that doesn't stop us from carrying on the Irish tradition today. I just hope my dinner comes out half as tasty as my mom's. My kids are excited that I used their Mimi Mary's recipes. Hopefully she will be guiding me when I try my hand at the soda bread in a bit!

Today's card is simple but I like how it turned out. Again - easy peasy using the basics: punches, Big Shot & some ink. Here's a couple of looks at it:

This one's for you Mom xo xo xo

Stamps: Lucky Shamrock
Ink: Certainly Celery
Paper: Certainly Celery, Old Olive & Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot & Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Circle punches, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon

Papa Phil

Yesterday was my father in law's 76th birthday. I needed to make his card in 5 minutes since Michael & the kids were ready to pile in the car to go to the family birthday party. The man loves brown - its his favorite color. Who's favorite color is BROWN?! LOL! I mean seriously, is it even really a color? Its the 'color' you get when you mix too many colors together. I've seen it many times when my kids were younger and made their masterpieces for us. Anyway, I needed to quickly throw together a masculine card. Thank goodness for the Big Shot and the textured impression embossing folders. Those little guys make everything look so good. I grabbed my three favorite shades of brown - Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip & Crumb Cake and did some stamping, gluing and voila! A manly, brown birthday card for my most cherished father in law.

He means everything to our family, especially his five grandchildren who adore him to pieces. Papa Phil is currently going through cancer treatments and with our love and prayers and his amazing strength, we will hopefully be celebrating many, many more birthdays with this beloved man. Happy 76th to my 'favorite' father in law! xo Jacki

Stamps: Apple Blossoms (level 2 hostess) & Wonderful Favorites

Paper: Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip & Crumb Cake

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice textured impressions embossing folder & medium oval punch

Loads of Love

So Valentine's Day is over but we can always make cards for our loved ones! Who needs a specific holiday to inspire us, right?! I love the colors in this card and was pleased with the way it came out. This stamp set is one of the oldest ones in the Stampin' Up! catalog. I am not sure if its one of the original ones or not but I would bet on it. Its great for coloring with either markers or aqua painters, etc. I used markers this time because I wanted the color to be vibrant. I don't use this set enough but will have to remember to - it has a lot of cute stamps for the bed of the truck. Maybe you'll be seeing some more creations soon from me using it! Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Loads of Love
Paper: Baja Breeze, Real Red, Regal Rose & Whisper White
Ink: Black, Baja Breeze (sponged around punched sentiment) & markers
Other: Circle punches, Dotted Scallop Border Punch & Small Heart Punch

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love this card and wish the photo captured it better. For some reason its kind of dark in the picture. I was never into vintage anything but it is so huge now and its beginning to grow on me. I bought the crochet ribbon to try it out and ended up loving it and used it all up! I have to reorder more! Enjoy your day & thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Paper: Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip & Sending Love DSP

Ink: Pretty In Pink & Chocolate Chip

Other: Scallop Border & Jewelry Tag punches, "Victoria" Crochet Trim & Silver Cord, Big Shot Dies - Circle & Scallop Circle

Sweet Valentine

With Valentine's Day fast approaching I thought I'd show some cards that I've made recently before its too late. Today's card is one that I cased but don't remember where from. (sorry!) I love punches and use them in almost all of my cards & pages. The owl punch is definitely a fun one. I am thinking I will give this card to my husband, as he is certainly my sweet valentine.

Stamps: Level 2 Hostess set from Occasions Mini Catalog & Season Of Friendship (branch)

Paper: Real Red, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Early Espresso & Whisper White, Play Date DSP

Ink: Early Espresso

Other: Modern Label & Small Heart punches

Filled With Love Promotion

Stampin' Up!'s latest promotion goes until January 24, 2011. Purchase the Filled With Love Bundle (wood mount $32.90 or clear mount $26.90) and receive a free package of Bitty Buttons. Here is what is included in the bundle:

12x12 paper pack containes 12 sheets total. Three 12x12 sheets of two double-sided designs in Real Red & Pretty In Pink Click HERE to go to my website to purchase this bundle and get the preferred pricing!

Three Little Words

The Occasions Mini Catalog is out and it is chock full of beautiful Stampin' Up! goodness. I got my order on Friday but haven't had time to make anything with all the new fun toys yet. So until then, here's a little thank you card I made for a friend. Its simple and sweet, just what I needed in a hurry.

If you haven't seen the new mini catalog, click HERE to go directly to it. Enjoy :-)

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki