You Know Prancer and Dancer and Donner and Blitzen......

So this little guy is surely one of Santa's famous reindeer! Hubby took the kids a couple of weeks ago to check him and his other buddies out while I did some Christmas shopping. The kids were thrilled but a little taken aback by the smell lol. The reindeer were feasting to try to fatten up for the big trip, or at least thats what I was told by the littles. And I believe them!

Enough about the reindeer....you probably want to see another amazing card that I've created, right?! ; ) Another blue theme....I love how soft it looks. Another very easy card to make and reproduce over and over.

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jacki

Only Six More Days

I am soooo not ready for Christmas! It has truly snuck up on me this year. Thankfully my shopping is 95% finished. I still need to wrap, bake, make & mail our Christmas cards and so on. I guess I am a last minute kind of girl! This is one of the cards I made that is easy to reproduce. It may or may not make it to the final cut. Tune in to find out which one does . Hopefully you are way more organized and prepared than I am and are enjoying this time of year!

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jacki

Perfect & Bashful

I sometimes struggle with a title for a blog post and today I certainly did. Same when I send an email and leave the subject empty - ever do that? Well at least the title has to do with today's card! I used Perfect Plum & Bashful Blue as my color combo for a little twist on the usual holiday colors. It came out pretty if I do say so myself! Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Medallion,& Sincere Salutations & Serene Snowflakes

Paper: Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue & Whisper White

Ink: Perfect Plum & Bashful Blue

Other: Snowflake Punch, Rhinestones, Subtles Designer Button

Enjoy your weekend!

~ Jacki

Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas....

...in my craft room! I am trying to be ahead of the game or at least not late this year making my Christmas cards. Here is just one of the cards I've made, trying to use up my stash of paper & ribbons that are retired. I love the snowflake punch and how easy it makes a card look instantly more interesting. Be sure to check back soon for more to come!
Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jacki

Simply Amazing!

If you have ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you are in for a sweet deal! From November 15-30, you can purchase the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kit for only $87.50!!! That is 50% off the retail price of $175!

Whether you want to join SU! to become a business demo or just to get a great discount, this is a fantastic offer.

Here are just some of the reasons why joining has its perks:

• Earn additional income while sharing creativity
• Make new and lasting frienships
• Enjoy access to unlimited creative ideas
• Receive a free subscription to an exclusive monthly magazine
• Receive a two month's free subscription to your own business website
• Opportunity to earn free products and incentive trips!
  

Please feel free to contact me with any questions! Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

Owl Love You For 50 More Years.......

Yesterday we celebrated my in laws 50th wedding anniverary. Can you imagine 50 years with your spouse? I can only hope that Michael and I make it there. We have only 34 more years to go and that means I'll be 'x' years old. Did you seriously think I was going to reveal my age?! HA! I didn't think so! Anyway, they are a wonderful couple and still very much in love. They raised an amazing son so I love them even more for that. I used the owl punch for the first time as I made this card for them. I absolutely LOVE this punch! Its a must have as far as I'm concerned. There are so many possibilities with it. I plan to make different things with it to show you just what I mean. They loved it and so I was happy. Mission accomplished.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

What's On Your Bucket List?

I recently got to check off something that was on my mental bucket list.....watch the sunrise! Last week my daughter and I watched it together as she got ready for school. I know I have seen parts of a sunrise before, but never from start to finish. It was glorious! It reminded me how much beauty God has given to us. I was inspired to actually put pen to paper and start writing out my bucket list. I'll share that some other day, as it is a short list right now and a work in progress! Today I will instead share a card that I made for my mother in law's birthday. She is the best mil in the world and like a second mother to me. Since my mom passed 8 years ago, she has been there for me like mine would have been. She is selfless, kind, spiritual, loving, gentle and takes such good care of everyone. I am the luckiest daughter in law ever! Ok, enough gushing....on to her card:






I love the hydrangea image from the "Because I Care" level 1 hostess set.


It was one of the first ones I 'had' to have from the catalog when it first came out. And how about those pearls? I am so excited that SU! sells them. They add so much extra beauty to a project and they are a great deal to boot!





Here's the inside of the card.


Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

P.S. Leave a comment and tell whats on your bucket list!

The Case of the CASE of the CASE!

Its been awhile since I've made something since my craft area is not ready. I've discovered how great the kitchen island is though and have recently taken it over! I made this card after seeing this one. I love Chat's work and visit her blog daily for inspiration. Oh to be as talented! The cool thing is that her card is a CASE of someone else's card. CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything.

I love that stampers enjoy sharing with eachother and allow their works of art to be used as inspiration for others.

Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze & DSP
Ink: Certainly Celery & Cajun Craze
Stamps: Baroque Motifs & Tiny Tags
Accessories: Simple Flower Sizzix Die, Gold Brads, Elastic Gold Cord, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon & Scallop Trim Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by!

Where have I been?!

I can't believe how long its been since I last posted something. Actually, I can....life has been super hectic this summer. My family & I moved into our new home after two long years of hard work (on my hubs part). The move was not fun! Remind me never to even think about doing that again anytime soon. We are loving our home and slowly getting acclimated to our new town. I just started unpacking my craft supplies and am in the process of setting up my stampin' room! My first ever stampin' room, I might add! I even made a card yesterday and it felt so good to touch cardstock and stamps! I will be back soon with a photo of that card and many more fun things I've made. TTFN!

Its All About Color

Specials & Promotions - Stampin' Up!: "Retrofit your existing Stampin' Up! products with new color kits! Get all of Stampin' Up!'s new colors (and just the colors you need) without the expense of replacing products you already have."

Click on the above link to take you to the different color kits available for purchase through my online store.

New Catalogs Are Live!

Tim's Card

Tim is so into sports, especially baseball, that I knew exactly what kind of card I would make for him this year. I love the little stick people in the All In The Family stamp set. You can pretty much make them look like anyone you know. (like adding some freckles!) The best part was that he loved his card. What a great kid!

stamps: All In The Family, Just Baseball
paper: Kraft, Night Of Navy, Naturals White
ink: Night Of Navy, Versamark, markers
accessories: Big Shot, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies, Brads, Piercing Tool

Max's Card

Max would probably have preferred a Spider Man card from us but since SU! doesn't carry super hero stamps I had to come up with something a 7 year old might like. Needless to say, he hardly looked at it! That's ok though, I'll put it in safe keeping for him for when he is older and has better taste! And yes, those are "7's" on the background of the card front, not "1's" like everyone thought. Happy 7th Birthday to our little Maxie-man!

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Stamps: Very Thankful, Tiny Tags

Paper: Certainly Celery, Naturals White

Ink: Certainly Celery, Real Red, Black, various markers

Accessories: Modern Jewelry Tag Punch, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Twine, Crystal Effects

10 is a great number!

Timothy turned 10 last week and it was a big deal for him (and this mom!). We are still celebrating since he had a fever the day we had his family party. In fact, in lieu of a party with friends he decided he'd rather go shopping for some fun things and then to dinner with just his parents. What a sweetheart :*)

Ten Things About Tim:

1. He loves sports - every single one that exists

2. He is a huge Yankee fan

3. He is a New England Patriot Fan

4. He is a Celtics fan

5. He loves his sister & brother

6. He has a great sense of humor

7. He is the sweetest kid I've ever known (besides his sister & brother)

8. He looks up to his dad big time

9. School work comes easy to him (lucky boy!)

10.Food is his passion!

Thank you Timothy for blessing our lives 10 years ago! You bring us immeasurable joy, love & laughter. Thanks for teaching me so much about sports too! Who knew?!

The Retirement Lists

Its that time of year again when Stampin' Up! posts the retirement lists to make room for all the new goodies that will be available in the new catalog in July! Everything is on a first-come-first-serve basis. So if there is something you want to buy on any of the lists, don't hesitate! Please feel free to email me with any questions or your order. You may also go to my online store to purchase. Here are the lists:

Retired Stamps

Retired Accessories

Retired Definitely Decorative

Memorial Day

Happy Birthday Max!!!

Seven facts about Max:

1. He's the only blue-eyed, blonde out of my three children

2. He is very musically inclined and maybe someday his drumming, singing (especially in the shower), humming, whistling, beatboxing will bring him a lucrative career!

3. He is very, very sweet!

4. He looks up to his big sister & brother

5. He loves Spider Man, Superman, Iron Man, The Hulk, etc.

6. He still loves to snuggle

7. He has a wicked sense of humor

Happy 7th Birthday to one of the best kids I know! You completed our family Max and I couldn't imagine our lives without you. I love hanging out with you and am so blessed you are my son :-) Rock on little buddy!!!

Retiring Colors

For our club last week we used as many soon-to-be retired colors on our projects. In fact, I don't think I've ever used Green Galor or Pixie Pink! I had to open my packages of paper for the first time. I am kind of bummed because I really like then now! At least I have a stash to use and I can always buy more before they are gone. (You can too - just go to "online shopping" at the top of this blog and then click on "Shop Now" to place an order).

Now, I am not really too bummed about the retiring colors (just a few that I'll miss more than others) because I am very excited about the new colors SU is introducing! So many great colors coming - I can't wait to get my hands on them! You will love them too : )

SUPPLIES USED
Stamps: Le Jardin Botanique, Medallion (Background)
Ink: Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Apricot Appeal
Paper: Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Apricot Appeal, Naturals White
Accessories: Round Tab Punch, Brads, Distressing Tool

Tempting Turquoise

I am not sure how tempting turquoise is....maybe tantilizing or tremendous or some other "t" adjective would have worked better. However, it is a really pretty, bold blue and I love it combined with the black & white on this card. Its nice, bold & crisp..... maybe even tantilizing?

SUPPLIES
Stamps: Happy Moments (SAB)
Ink: Black Classic Ink Pad
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Whisper White, Flock Together Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Turquoise Rhinestone Brad, Ticket Corner Punch

Last One For Now

Are you liking the mini cards now too?! I promise that this is the last one for a little while. This birthday one took all of 5 minutes to make. Thats my kind of card when in a hurry! I find that I just dig into my pile of scraps to put them together and then use colors to coordinate. I have way too many scraps so its a good thing when you find a way that helps use them up.

SUPPLIES USED

STAMPS: Happy Moments (SAB)

INK: Black Classic Ink Pad, Melon Mambo, Pretty In Pink & Barely Banana (markers)

PAPER: Whisper White, Melon Mambo (textured) & Lovely Lilac

ACCESSORIES: Brads, Scallop Border & Ticket Corner Punches

Pastel Mini

Ok, so like I said, I'm loving these mini cards! We made a bunch at one of my clubs and they were a big hit. Quick, easy, fun & pretty! This one used one of my fav Sale-a-bration stamp sets, Happy Moments. Really cute flowers that were stamped in Versamark onto Naturals White cardstock (which I like better than Whisper White because its heavier, thicker) and then we used sponges or cotton swabs to apply the Stampin' Pastels. Its fun watching the colors emerge. It gives a soft, muted image....pretty :)




















SUPPLIES USED
Stamps: Happy Moments (SAB)
Ink: Stampin' Pastels
Paper: Certainly Celery, Naturals White, Regal Rose, Real Red
Accessories: Brads, Scallop Trim Bordrer (SAB), ribbon (retired)

Mini Cards Rule!

I'm loving mini cards which are 3x3 and fit perfectly in Mini Square Envelopes (#107309 pg. 168). They are great cards to use with gift bags, presents, a bottle of wine or for sticking a gift card in. I am having so much fun making them because they take no time at all and give such satisfaction in creating something nice but quick! I especially enjoy using them when one of my children has a birthday party to go to and need one to go with a gift. Easy peasy!

Supplies Used
Stamps: Baroque Motifs

Ink: Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink

Paper: Whisper White, C.Celery, P.I.Pink

Accessories: Word Window & Cirlce Punches, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Brad

Summer Mini Catalog

Click on the picture to check it out :) To shop from this catalog go to my website and click on the Shop Now button on the top right.

Clearance Rack

I just wanted to remind you of Stampin' Up's! Clearance Rack. I kind of forgot about it myself and then read that products were recently added. There are some great paper packs for cheap, as well as many other things. Click on the image to go straight to it:

What's Old Is New and What's New is New and......

Stampin' Up! has announced a color shake down! Colors are coming, going and some old favs are returning. Its all about trends and keeping things fresh. I admit that I will miss some of the colors that are leaving, but we will all have time to stock up on them before they do go. The following retiring colors are going on June 30th:















And here is the list of the New Color Collection which will be available July 1st:
























Sorry for the small image....I couldn't get it larger for the life of me! More on this news to come.........Jacki

For Nienie

I am a huge fan of Nienie and would like to direct you to my friend Lisa's blog for a sweet idea to brighten her day. If anyone ever needed it - it would be Nie. She is an incredible soul and was even on Oprah a few months ago. Check out Nie's story and Lisa's wonderful idea for a random act of kindness. . . I bet you'll be glad you did!

Wednesday's Mojo Monday From Last Monday

I came across last week's Mojo Monday sketch and decided to play a little more with the pretty papers on my desk :) I promise I'll post a non-Valentine's Day card very soon.

Stamps: Love Bug (Hostess Set), Well Scripted

Paper: Sending Love, Choc Chip, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Regal Rose

Ink: Choc Chip, Basic Black, Regal Rose, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Bigz Clear Circle Die, Scallop Circle Die, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Crystal Effects, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

More More More . . .

. . . Valentine's Day cards that is. Just. One. More. (for today) xo

Stamps: none!

Paper: Sending Love, Real Red, Pretty In Pink & Very Vanilla

Ink: none!

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, Circle #2 Die, Perfect Polka Dots & Finial Press Textured Impressions Folders, Circle Scissors Plus

Valentine's Day Card

Just playing around today with my stuff, making some cards for Valentine's. I plan on using as much of this pretty paper as possible! Repeat after me: "I will not hoard, I will not hoard".

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Paper: Sending Love, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla & Pretty In Pink
Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, Circle #2 Die, Circle Scissors Plus, Full Heart Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercer, Mat, Piercing Template, Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Cord

You Raise Kindness To An Art

Just a quick post as I'm trying to keep up with my resolution of blogging more often. I love making cards using my Big Shot as it gives some nice touches like the scallop edge of this card. Its quick too. If I had to punch that out myself it would have taken too long and probably would have ended up crooked. Loving the Vintage Vogue stamp set too!

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100% Stampin' Up! Supplies Used!

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip & Old Olive

Ink: Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Rose Red, Old Olive

Accessories: Big Shot, Bigz Clear Scallop Square Die, Square Rhinestone Brad

A Few Of My Favorites

I am in love with a lot of the new product in the Occasions Mini catalog, and below are some of my very favorites! (Click on image to go directly to online store for details).

Vintage Vogue

Another new stamp set from the mini catalog, Vintage Vogue. It was the first one on my list as a must have. I used Razzleberry Lemonade DSP which dictated the colors to use with it. I haven't used that paper once and I bought it months ago. Silly me....its so pretty. Another of my New Year resolutions is to use what I have, especially paper, which I seem to hoard.

All Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade, Creamy Caramel, Regal Rose, Crushed Curry & Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Regal Rose, Old Olive, Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer, Mat

Love You Much

Another hostess club creation and not a Jacki original, I'm sorry to say! I've been seeing cards like this on other blogs and just had to make one too. More new goodness from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Check out the inside of the card - the sentiment comes from a new stamp set, Well Scripted. Besides the fact that the lettering is very pretty, the cool thing about it is that it comes in wood-mount or clear-mount! I bought all the sets from the mini in clear-mount and I love love love them! So did my club ladies! Thank you SU! for offering them. The great thing about these clear-mount stamps is that its the same high quality rubber stamps from SU! but offered in a clear-mount option instead of just the wood-mount option. You've got to try them.

All Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Stamps: Well Scripted, Tiny Tags

Paper: Sending Love Specialty Paper, Very Vanilla, Real Red & Pretty In Pink Card Stock

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Medium Jewelry Tag, Full Heart, Heart-to-Heart & Small Heart Punches, Soft Subtles Brad, Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Bigz Die

Be Mine

Last night we had our hostess club and for the first time we made a scrap page. It was a welcome change from just making cards. The best part was that we used some new goodies from the Occasions Mini catalog. The flowers were all made from the gorgeous new designer series paper, Sending Love and the flower centers were brads, including the new little beauties, Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads. The pictures don't do justice to these products - especially the paper. Its glittery and thick. If you click on the image you can see the details better. The pretty border on the photo mat is the new Scallop Trim Border Punch that could be yours FREE from the Sale-A-Bration catalog when you spend $50!























Isn't the flower on the bottom corner so pretty? We used the Full Heart punch to create it (so smart, I know!). The new Pretty In Pink corduroy button is the center. Love those! I hope SU! offers those in more colors in the next catalog. And more of the Epoxy Brads. And Designer Series Paper, and...............!












Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
Stamps: Sprinkles (for the background)
Paper: Sending Love Specialty Paper, Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock, Very Vanilla, Real Red, Pretty In Pink
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Full Heart Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Timeless Type Alphabet Junior Medium Sizzlets Die, Big Shot, Paper Piercer, Mat