Ear Worm for Today and Important Updates

My ear worm for today is an old ballad ... There's a Man Going Round Taking Names.  My reason is a happier one than the ballad.  I'm taking names of those who have earned special prizes, etc. from June - August.  Because of my illness, I'm extending the surprise gift and Color Coach part through September.  I'll give you more info on all that soon.  Please make note of the following updates.

September Events:
September 15 --- Saturday Stampers
1:00-4:00 / Fall and Christmas cards / $20.00 / Pay to register by September 8; no exceptions. 
September 17 --- Scraps and Prayers (I've postponed class by one week.)
5:30-7:30 / Fall Project / $15.00 / Pay to register by September 10; no exceptions.
September 21-22 --- Fall Garage Sale / 8:00-4:00 (Both days)

-- Class attendees may 'shop' after class while they're here.

Update on me:
I'm still fighting and may be moving over to the winning side of all this.  It turns out that I had an acute ear infection, conjunctivitis, low oxygen levels, and pneumonia.  No wonder I felt so terrible.
Be happy you've not been around me!

September Hostess Code

HWWJDSP9

September orders of $35. +

- Earn surprise (you pick!) gift.

- Earn free Color Coach.

... while waiting for my new camera cord...

I am waiting for the arrival of a new camera cord today, after my sweet little Buster BoJangles chewed a little (to the wires) on my old one.  Once I get that, I'll be able to post a new project for you.  While we wait, here's a little something to make you smile.

My caption:
Let's all get together for some stamping fun!

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world.

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Looking Ahead to 2015

You may have noticed that I've been MIA for a few days of blogging.  My knee has been on a downhill slide since Thanksgiving.  I am having to cancel my classes previously scheduled for tonight and Friday, December 12 so that I can keep off my feet.  In the meantime, here's a little sneak peek at what I have in store for you for 2015.

I will be going to 2 classes a month, with limited size for each.  I like smaller classes and getting to know my people better and giving them more help, as needed, during each class.

UP NEXT FOR 2015:
2nd Tuesday of each month ... Scraps and Prayers ... 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 class fee
3rd Saturday of each month ... Saturday Stampers ... 1:00-3:30 / fees TBA

ALSO IN JANUARY:  a Scrapbook Your Heritage class / Forsyth Library.
January 24 / 10:00-12:00 / By reservation only.

More about the Saturday classes ---

More about the Saturday classes ---
January
We'll make a S-A-S (Stamp-A-Stack) of note cards.
February
Project Life Retreat
March
We'll do a MIXED MEDIA ART PROJECT.
April
Project Life Retreat
May
We'll be working with FRAMELITS AND THINLITS.
June
TBA
July
We'll be making some beautiful VINTAGE CARDS.
August
TBA
September
O-S-W (One-Sheet-Wonder)... Learn what this is and how to do it.
October
OCTOBER CHRISTMAS RETREAT
10:00-3:00 + light lunch
November
NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS RETREAT
10:00-3:00 + light lunch 
December
NO SATURDAY CLASS

MORE DETAILS TBA SOON...

Does any or all of this sound like something you'd like to do?  I hope you'll join us for some creative fun.

As always, thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blog world.  Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Now... go make something!

2014 Schedule of Classes

I've been trying to get more activity back into my days since my knee surgery.  Today, I was able to sit and work longer at my laptop, so I've been working on my upcoming class schedule.  I'm starting the year out taking it a little easy and we'll see how it goes.  I'm really excited to get back to stamping and finally got my order in for the new Occasions Catalog.  I can't wait to get my hands on all my new goodies!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

What else can we make for Christmas?

Today, let's think about what other projects we need to make for Christmas.  We'll need home decor, cards (of course!) gift bags and boxes, gift cards, tags, ornaments, banners and more.  With all this going on, perhaps we should start by organizing it all.  What better way to do this than with our This N' That Christmas Journal?  This year will be our best ever.  It's right around the corner, so let's get started.

I've tried to organize my classes so that you can plan to participate in the ones that will benefit you the most in your holiday preparations.

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Did someone say it's Sun Day?

Happy Sunday ... and sun day ... everyone! 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

My Birthday Card from Sushi

Before July comes to a close, I want to share with you the birthday card I got from my good friend Sue.  (Sushi)  Isn't this great?

I really like this one a lot.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Retirement is Fun ... Changes are Good ... and my Last Try It Kit Journal

First up, I want to share my last Try It Kit journal with you.  This one is very vintage in style.  It was super fun to make it.  If you missed my previous posts, check back here and here.  

My previous post has all the details for making a journal.  For this one, I added some bits of burlap, crochet trim, linen thread and a fancy button from our Artisan Embellishments Kit.  I am not sure if I like this one the best or the one with the seashells and sand dollars.  I love them both.  After we lost my mother to cancer, in going through her things, we often found little notebooks and journals with notes jotted in them.  I must have inherited some sort of gene for loving little books and journals:)

The remainder of today's post is all about 'out with the old and in with the new.'  Retiring items are going fast and I'm knee deep in big plans for the remainder of the calendar year.  Throw out your old schedules and get ready to embrace the new --- new catalog, new products, new class events, new and improved class events ... and it's all good!

Even rubber stamps deserve a good retirement!  I love this guy.  This is just a reminder to check the retirement list frequently.  We have 2 lists going... one for stamps and one for accessories.  When items are gone; they're gone.  Also, I sometimes forget to mention that the retirement list includes discounts!!!  If you are planning on ordering to qualify to attend the May 5 Left-Overs Party, you can really stretch your dollars a long way.  You can order up a boatload of new goodies AND go home with a boatload of finished projects from the class, not to mention prizes!!!  It's a win-win situation!!!

Now, for the new!  Please note and save this information.  More details will be coming soon.

Our last Friday 3-4-5 will be May 10.
Our last Walk-In Wednesday will be May 22.
Our last round of Hostess Scrapbook Club will be June 3.

I am NOT doing away with all of these classes.  I am going about them in a better way; a way that will make better use of my time and yours and give us more for our money, as well.  

These new plans are based on comments such as:
"I love all your classes and wish I could attend them all...  I love being in a club, but don't know if I can commit for 6 months at a time... I love your cards and love making the cards with lots of layers and embellishments the best... I love projects --- all kinds of projects... I love making little albums... I need to win the lottery so I can come to everything... I have accumulated a lot of products and am outgrowing my space... I have accumulated a lot of products and need help using them all... I wish I could attend all your classes, but can only come so many times a month... "

I could go on and on but you get the idea.  You talk and I listen.

Here's a peek at what's in the works:

We will have a new club, starting July 1 --- a Stamp Club.

• We will make all kinds of things, from cards to 3-D projects to scrapbooking...  
• You will sign up for just 3 months at a time.  
• I will show you everything that we'll be making for the 3 months BEFORE you sign up.  
• You will be required to pay $40.00 at least 2-4 weeks prior to the date we meet.  
• That money will be used for ordering all the products we will need to complete our special class projects.  
• All products left over from kits and packages, etc. you will get to keep and take home.  
• Stamp Club members may still attend Scraps and Prayers for 1/2 price.
• All classes will now include adhesive in the price of the class.  You won't have to bring your own.
• I think you will love the variety of projects that you will get to create.
• Instead of feeling bad that you can't be in a club AND come to a stamp camp, this will be a combined type of event.  You can do it all!!!
• More details soon, as well as sneak peeks at projects. 

Instead of a Friday 3-4-5 Card Buffet Class, we will have a Friday Night Cards Class.  

• This class will still meet on the second Friday of each month.
• You will make 6 beautiful cards, that have layers, embellishments, perhaps a bit of bling...
• Envelopes AND adhesive will be included.
• I will spread the type of cards out to include all occasions and focus a lot on holidays as we near each special holiday --- particularly Fall and Christmas. 
• Class fee will be just $16. and you must pay to register at least 2 days prior to the class. 
• All classes will now include adhesive in the price of the class.  You won't have to bring your own.

Instead of 3rd Thursday or other types of Stamp Camps, I am moving those projects to the Stamp Club.  It gives everyone more opportunity to do more!

• You will see all projects ahead of time and can sign up for just 3 months at a time.  
• You will get way more in value than the $40. you'll spend each month for the 3 months; I'm positive! 

The one class I will no longer be offering is the Walk-In Wednesday.  I liked doing it, but it was not supported enough to merit adding it to the schedule on a regular basis.  It was an experiment.  If you miss a class, I will still make a kit for you and be sure that you get it finished.  You will not be left out in the cold. 

Christmas News / Christmas Retreat

• I am still, tentatively planning on a Christmas Retreat (Sat., Nov. 16) to help us prepare for the holidays. 
• Details for this event will be announced soon.  
• Save the date!  
• If you join the Stamp Club, we will make holiday creations, as we get closer to the holidays.  
• The Friday Night Cards Class will include some Christmas cards, as we get closer to the holidays.
• If you join Stamp Club, attend Friday Night Cards Class AND come to the Christmas Retreat, you will end up with way more than previously planned in the schedule AND at a great deal of time and savings to us all.

So, in summary, here's what will be on the calendar for each month:

• Stamp Club
• Scraps and Prayers
• Team Meeting
• Friday Night Cards Class
• Special Events will be added occasionally, if noted, such as the Christmas Retreat

So... that's a lot to digest for one day.  You may want to print this out.  It is tentative, so I will let you know if there are any changes, errors, or anything.  Please let me know if you have questions.

This and That Kit... not just for Journaling AND What's Up Next for May

Our new This and That kit is just plain fun!  You get a journal, Washi tape, stickers, DSP, a date stamp and... I hope I'm not forgetting anything. 

Yesterday, I shared with you what I've done with my journal so far and how I designed and decorated the cover for it.  I've already used up all my coordinating stickers inside it.  I'll be jotting notes as I think of something I want to add to it.  I love that it has pockets inside, so you can slip in some mementos.

You don't have to stop at working on the journal though.  You can make some quick cards.  Remember, the bundle comes with an entire package of DSP, so you can make a LOT of cards ... or perhaps some scrapbook pages.

In case you missed it, here is my journal cover:

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Cards and Layouts and Fun, Oh My!

I'm having fun getting ready for my Jan. 26 Winter Scrap and Stamp Retreat.  Here's a little sneak peek.  Enjoy!

The summer layout is one I made a while back and I've had a lot of requests to make it, so I thought this would be a good time to do it.

The Swallowtail card is from our new Spring Catalog and the bike card is from a S-A-B set called Feeling Sentimental.  Both involve special embossing and coloring techniques that promise to be a lot of fun.  (Sale-A-Bration starts tomorrow, so be ready for even more fun!!!)

I have several tutorials coming up, so be sure to check back soon.  I have so much stamping fun to share with you!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

3 More Fun Cards

Slowly but surely, I'm getting all my cards posted for my Jan. 17 class.  As promised in my last post, these are full of color.  One is with softer, subtle colors, one is monochromatic and one is very bright and cheerful.  I've used lots of our new Spring Catalog products for these cards.  It was super fun!

Here are more close-ups of each, along with a few details:

As you can see, I've bumped up my card fun by making the envelope a lot more special, to compliment the coordinating card.  Sometimes I stamp on the front (usually lower left corner) and sometimes on the back flap, as well.  Sometimes, I emboss the flap and sometimes I cover the flap with coordinating DSP.  It's like a little sneak peek that something special is inside.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Sneak Peek for More Cardmaking Fun

I love the look of crisp, clean, black and white cards.  They are so elegant and sophisticated.  I've been busy in my studio making some fun cards for my class this Thursday night (3rd Thursday Class) we are going to be making 20 cards --- 4 each of 5 designs.  The categories will be:
Birthday
Wedding/Anniversary
Sympathy
Get Well / Thinking of You
Thank You

Today, I'll show you 2 of the cards.  These 2 are for the categories of sympathy and wedding.  The wedding card my be adapted for an anniversary (or even an engagement card) with just a quick change of sentiments.

I used an embossing folder on the larger white layer on the front of each card.  It adds so much to a card and really bumps up the elegance factor.

It's difficult to see it in a photo, but I've added a spritzing of shimmer to the embossed layer of the card.  I added a couple of red hearts to the inside, for a fun little pop of color.

The 'Mr. and Mrs.' stamp is one of our single stamps.  I've actually used it quite a bit already.  The flourish on the envelope is one of my favorite stamps, from the Everything Eleanor stamp set. 

The Love and Sympathy stamp set is another of my very favorite stamp sets.  The flower image lends itself to lots more than just sympathy cards, too.

I always try to make my sympathy cards as elegant as possible because, when you make a sympathy card, you're sending a message of caring at a difficult time for the recipient and you want it to really be special.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Wrapping up my 2013 Calendar

Before I wrap up my 2013 calendar pages today, I'd like to say how much FUN we had at my Friday 3-4-5 class last night.  The inks were flying!  Everyone was really enjoying how much quicker it is to make a fancy card by using framelits (with the Big Shot) rather than hand cutting every little piece.  Thank you, Stampin' Up!  A LOT of cards were made last night.  That means that most of my kits will be closed out and replaced with new ones at the February class.  I offer 12 kit choices, so there is always a big selection of themes for each person.  Fun, fun, fun!

So... now let's wrap up my 2013 calendar pages and then I'll show them all again, in review.  Enjoy!

I chose to tie them all together by using a mat under each calendar piece and by using a 2" strip along the side.  I alternated which side I placed the strips, so the pages wouldn't be too bulky on one side.  This way, they hang better in my little stand.  They go into page protectors and hang with notebook rings over a dowel.  I forgot to take a photo of the calendar on the stand!

Now, here are all the pages, in review.

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the calendar pages.  Come back again and see lots of new projects and lots of great new products.

I'm on Nanna duty this weekend.  I'm working in my studio while the boys play with their Legos.  This afternoon, we're going to surprise them and take them to one of their favorite places - the Children's Museum.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Aug./Sept./Oct. Calendar Pages

Here we go today with August, September, and October:

 ...and here are some close-ups of the calendar pages:

Enjoy and have a great day.  I'm off to do a quick little antiquing trip at a special event today, then check my Prairie Treasures booth and add some new goodies, and then back home for my final prep for my Friday 3-4-5 class tonight.   So... a busy day, doing lots of my favorite things:)

Calendar Pages: April/May + June/July

Here are my next 4 pages of my ongoing calendar posts:

... and more shots:

Enjoy today's inspiration and contact me if you'd like more details on a class.  Have a great day!