A Touch From the Heart

Decking the Halls

This week's Blogger's Challenge is to create an ornament or decoration.  I chose the latter.

Now, I won't put these decorated blocks up yet.  I will save them for after Christmas.  I decorate with all my snowmen and snow-related decorations in January.  I can't just go cold turkey and have my house all un-decorated after Christmas.  It looks so ordinary.

These blocks were so easy to decorate.  They can be found in the Holiday Mini catalog.  They are not cardboard like others out on the market.  They are made with a MDF natural wood material.  Very durable.

Each side measures 3" x 3".  So, I cut my Christmas Cocoa DSP into squares and adhered to the blocks using my Stampin' Up! glue sticks.  Once I had all the DSP on, I used the Chocolate Chip Holiday Mix Decor Elements for the letters.  So easy to apply!!!

Now it's time to add some embellishments to each block.

For those blocks with the punched snowflakes (Snowflake Punch and Boho Blossom Punch with the Christmas Punch stamp set),  I added a clear rhinestone in the center of each snowflake (removed from Circle Rhinestone brads).

The other blocks have Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon tied into a classic knot.

I am very pleased with how they came out.  I will post a pic of these blocks with all my other wintry decorations.  I bet it will look fabulous!!!

I wonder what the other stampers came up with.  Click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog to check them out with me.

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!

There's still time to order your supplies to make these Snow blocks.  If you don't have a demonstrator, you can order these supplies online at my demonstrator website.

Stamping 411 Color Challenges

I am very excited to announce that I will hosting the brand new Stamping 411 Color Challenges.  Each Thursday I will post a new color challenge for you to try.

Today's card uses this week's Color Challenge:  Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue and Close to Cocoa.

I decided to make a "guy" holiday card.  It's perfect for those single guys you know who don't want to receive a "poofy foo foo" card. 

The base card is Not Quite Navy (one of my favorite colors). 

The focal layer is Bashful Blue.  I stamped the snowflakes (from Serene Snowflakes) in Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa and Bashful Blue ink.  I sponged the edges with Not Quite Navy ink. 

Now it's time for the glimmer (just a touch since it's a "guy" card).  I made my own shimmer mist by mixing some rubbing alcohol and Frost White Shimmer Paint into a little spritz bottle from the travel toiletries section at my local store.  Make sure you shake it really well before you spritz.  It dries so quickly and the shimmer is amazing!!!!

Now, it's time for the sentiment.  I used a sponge dauber to put some Frost White Shimmer Paint directly on my stamp (from Four the Holidays in the Holiday Mini).  I stamped it on a strip of Not Quite Navy cardstock and let it dry thoroughly.  I then used my Photo Corner Punch to make the banner edge.  These are so fun and easy to make.  Sometimes guys don't like ribbon.....so the banner adds a little extra "oomph" to the card.

See the button on the banner?  It's all shimmery too!!!  I threaded a skinny piece of Close to Cocoa cardstock to resemble thread (use a mini glue dot on the back to secure).  I then sponged on some Frost White Shimmer Paint onto the Not Quite Navy button.  It's so cool!!!!

That's it!!!  A great card card......made in just minutes!!!!

If you decide to take the 411 Color Challenge, leave a link to your card in a comment here or on the Stamping 411 blog.  I'd love to see what you came up with. 
 

Final Day of Online Extravaganza

Happy Cyber Monday!!!  If you don't know what Cyber Monday is all about......it's basically Black Friday for online shopping.

Stampin' Up! is also partipating in Cyber Monday.

If you haven't checked out the Online Extravaganza, I encourage you to check it out.  There's lots of individual items and product bundles marked 30 to 50 percent off.

Now, if you don't like online ordering....no worries!!  I can take your traditional order as well.  I will be taking traditional orders until 10pm MT tonight.  After that, I will be hitting the hay....so you will need to place an online order.

Stampin' Up! also added some items to the Clearance Rack, but those can only be ordered on an online order due to the very limited quantities.

You can check out both the Online Extravaganza and Clearance Rack items by going to my demonstrator website.  Click on "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  You will see a list of categories on the left side of the website.  Click on "Online Extravaganza" and "Clearance Rack" to see all the fabulous bargains!!!

Remember, the Online Extravaganza ends tonight at 11:50MT.  Don't miss out on all those fabulous bargains!!!!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email or call me!!!

Stocking Stuffers

I don't know about you, but I always loved digging through my stocking on Christmas morning.  As a teenager, Mom said my stocking was always the most expensive (and the most fun).  That's because Santa always loaded it up with lots and lots of make-up.  I still remember my Maybelline Watermelon lip gloss.....it smelled so yummy!!!! 

Anyway, stocking stuffers can be fun without being expensive.  Take these bookmarks, for example.

I purchased these large paper clips at my local store.  I then embellished them with scraps of cardstock.

For the penguin bookmark, I punched two pieces of Tempting Turquoise cardstock using my Scallop Circle punch.  I inked the penguin (from Cold and Cuddly stamp set) using my Stampin' Write markers.  After huffing on the stamp, I stamped it onto some Whisper White cardstock.  I blushed the cheeks with my Chalk Pastels and punched it out using my 1 3/8" circle punch.  To make it fancy schmancy, I tied two ribbon knots (Tempting Turquoise and Pretty in Pink).

For the butterfly bookmark, I punched two Rich Razzleberry 1 3/4" circles.  I stamped the butterfly image (from Flight of the Butterfly) onto some Pale Plum cardstock.  I punched it out with the coordinating Butterfly punch and sponged the edges with Rich Razzleberry ink.  To finish off the bookmark, I tied some Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot grosgrain to the side. 

I like to use Pop-Up Glue Dots to attach the bookmark elements to the large paper clip.  They are nice and sticky!!!!

That's all there is to making bookmarks.....so easy....so inexpensive.  They'd be the perfect accompaniment to a book from Santa. 

P.S.  Don't forget about the Online Extravaganza.  It ends at 10:50pm CT on Monday, November 30th.  All of the items are on sale for 30 to 50% off. 

To check out the Online Extravaganza, simply go to my demonstrator website.  Click on "Shop Now" to go to the online store.  In the left column, click on "Online Extravaganza" to see the fabulous deals!!!! 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me an email.  I'm here to help!!!!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

My parents were married 44 years ago on November 27, 1965.  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! 

Using today's Stamping 411 sketch, I made my parents an anniversary card.  I do have to admit this sketch threw for a loop.  That circle is what did it!!!!

Here's what I designed:

The base card is Kraft cardstock (4 1/4" x 11" folded in half).  I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink.  The bottom edge is pierced with my Paper Piercing Tool (make sure to use the Paper Piercing Guide to make those holes even).

The next layer is Ruby Red cardstock (measures 3" x 4 1/4") and it's edges are also sponged with Close to Cocoa ink. 

The 2 1/2" Old Olive circle is cut using my Circle Scissor Plus. I texturized the cardstock using my Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plate and my Big Shot.  I then sponged the edges with Old Olive ink.

I then added a length of Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon. 

Now onto the focal image.  I stamped the coneflowers (from Inspired By Nature) with Versamark ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  I then used my Chalk Pastels and sponge daubers to color the flowers using the Poppin' Pastels technique.  I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink and then spritzed with my Color Spritzer Tool and my Chocolate Chip marker.  I matted the focal image onto a 1/8" larger piece of More Mustard cardstock.

The final piece of the sketch is the sentiment.  I stamped "Happy Anniversary" (from Teeny Tiny Wishes) onto Old Olive cardstock using Chocolate Chip ink.  I punched it with the Scallop Oval punch, sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink and tucked it under the focal image. 

Now, it's your turn!!!  We would love to have you make a card using this sketch and link it up the the Stamping 411 blog using Mr. Linky.

Until next time....Happy Stamping everyone!!

Happy Black Friday!!!

Happy Black Friday!!!

I might hit a few stores today to try to get some good deals!!!  I haven't decided yet.

I wanted to let you all know about the good deal going on here........

When you place an order with me (online or traditional) of $50 or more, I will mail you a gift from me.  You never know what you're gonna get until it arrives in the mail.  It might be a stamp set, a ribbon bundle, an assortment of brads. 

Life doesn't have too many wonderful surprises.........so don't miss out on this one, okay?

My deal ends on Sunday night (Nov. 29th) at 10pm (CT).

P.S.  Don't forget about Stampin' Up!s Online Extravaganza.  Lots of products marked 30 to 50 percent off!!!  Simply go to my demonstrator website, click on "Shop Now" and then click on "Online Extravaganza".  It's that easy!!

Click HERE to place an online order at my demonstrator website

Happy Shopping everyone!!!

Golden Elegance

 It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow.  Christopher and I are making some apple pies this afternoon.  I changed up the apples a bit upon the advice of the produce guy at the grocery store. 

While Amanda was at dance and the guys were at Taekwondo, I went into the Stampin' Studio to work on some more Christmas cards.  Here is the card I designed tonight.

The base card is Always Artichoke.  

The next layer is Very Vanilla that has been embossed with the Petals-a-Plenty Impressions die.  Have I mentioned lately how much I adore my Big Shot?  Thanks Mom & Dad (they bought it for me for my birthday).  Now, if you look closely, you'll see that I dotted the centers of each of the poinsettias with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.  

Now onto the tree.  This beauty (from Snow Swirled) is stamped with Versamark ink, sprinkled with gold embossing powder and heated.  I cut the image out and adhered it onto a Bravo Burgandy circle (also dotted with the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint).  It looked too plain....like it was just sitting there in space....it needed a tree trunk.  So I pulled out my Round Tab punch and punched one half of it.  That did the trick!!! 

The final embellishment was the Bravo Burgandy wide grosgrain ribbon.  I tucked it onto itself and added an Always Artichoke button (with some gold cord in the center).

Well, it's time to go.....for now.......

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Snow Swirled
paper:  Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgandy, Very Vanilla
ink:  Versamark
accessories:  Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, embossing stylus, Petals a Plenty Impressions Die, Circle Scissor Plus, Gold Embossing Powder, Bravo Burgandy wide grosgrain ribbon, Always Artichoke button, Gold Elastic Cord

Click here to place a Stampin' Up! order with Patti

Decorating for Thanksgiving

Although the weather is turning colder, Autumn and Winter are my favorite times of year for decorating my house.

I thought I would share with you some of the decorations that we put up around Thanksgiving.  I handpainted these ceramic pieces five years ago.  I also have pieces put away for the kids for when they move out and start their own homes (that concept seems so unreal to me, but they are almost 17 and 15 now....where does the time go?).

Prior to stamping, my creative outlet was ceramics.  I would sell my handpainted pieces at craft fairs.  I really never made money on it because it took hours to paint each piece to the level that I liked it.  I painted for about 5 years.....then a pinched nerve in my neck from all the drybrushing forced me to stop painting on a large scale basis.  I do miss it sometimes. 

Here's one of my favorite pieces:

As you can see, I was attracted to "cute" things back then too.  You all know how much I go for "cute" stamps. 

Here's the fireplace mantle all lit up in it's lighted foliage finest.......it will be switched out to Christmas on Friday.

I also like to include papercrafted items in my decorating.  You've already seen this, but here is my turkey bucket.  He decorates the family room.  He is so stinkin' cute (if I do say so myself).

Well, I am off to the grocery store to purchase my apples.  Chris and I will be making apple pies tomorrow afternoon.

Until next time....Happy Stamping everyone!!!!
 
  

Online Extravaganza Starts Today!!!

Well, it's the busiest shopping week of the year.  There are great deals everywhere......including with Stampin' Up!

Starting today, Stampin' Up! is holding an amazing Online Extravaganza. 

The sale runs from Nov. 23rd through Nov. 30th (while supplies last).

There are individual items and product bundles all priced 30 to 50 percent off.  Woo hoo!

To see the items available for sale, click HERE to go to my demonstrator website.  Click on "Shop Now" to go to the Online Store.  Then click on "Online Extravaganza" to see the items on special. 

Remember, these are while supplies last. 

Happy Shopping Everyone!!!!

Little Gifts and a Handmade Holiday

This time of year, everyone seems to make lots of lists.  Kids start flipping through catalogs and make their lists to Santa.  Moms make lists of all the things they need to take of during the holidays.......grocery lists, recipes they want to try, gifts to buy and so much more.

The "gift list" can be extremely long, but there are so many people to remember around the holidays.  There are our children's teachers, daycare providers, hairdressers, nail technicians, dance instructors, etc......

Those of us who think "crafty" have an advantage.  We know that we can take a simple item (like this notepad) and alter it to make it special.  Heck, we can package an ordinary item to make it look extraodinary.  Crafting is a wonderful thing!!!!

So, the message is this......even though your gift list seems endless, try to remember those people that touch your life.  Let them know that you are thankful for what they do.  It doesn't need to be an expensive gift.......as Mom always says "it's the thought that counts".  Try your hand at a homemade holiday.

If you're ready to start your handmade holiday and need papercrafting supplies, I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  Click HERE to go to my demonstrator website.  Click on "Shop Now" to go to the online store.  In addition to ordering your Stampin' Up! products, there are lots of projects to look at to help get you started.  Of course, you can always look through my blog for more inspiration as well.

Project Recipe

stamps:  Friends 24-7
paper:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, patterned paper (retired hostess pack)
ink:  Timber Brown StazOn (retired), Close to Cocoa (sponging)
accessories:  Color Spritzer Tool, Chocolate Chip marker, aquapainter, reinkers

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!