Trying Hard to Get Over the Worst Cold I've Had In My Life

I'm really fighting this awful crud that has invaded my body.  I now have conjunctivitis along with it all.  I'll spare you all the details, but it's pretty bad.  I'm having to write this post using a magnifying glass to check for errors because I can hardly see through the crud and swelling.  I've had more fun days than this in my life, trust me.  I just wanted to give my customers an update so you'll know what I'm doing.  First of all, my Summer Garage Sale has been postponed by a few weeks.  I've been able to rework all my other classes around that.  Here's where we are right now.  As August comes to an end, so will many of the following offers.
Fall days are almost here.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

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   Aug. Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift 
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

AUGUST 1 -31 --- BONUS DAYS --- 
    - SEE INFO ON LEFT SIDE OF PAGE.

REMINDER:
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER, YOU MUST PAY TO REGISTER AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO ANY CLASS. 

SEPTEMBER EVENTS: 
 
MY SUMMER GARAGE SALE HAS BEEN MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 21 AND 22 ... 8:00-4:00 BOTH DAYS.

Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
       PAY TO REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
       PAY TO REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 

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

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Free, Free, and Free ...

Whew!  I had to take a few days away from my blog to keep up with our house painters.  They're almost finished and it looks beautiful.  As part of their job, they cleaned ALL our windows!!!  Unbelievable!!!  Are you wondering what color I decided upon for my front door?  I finally found the swatch strip I wanted in the first place.  It was stuck or hiding, I guess.  I chose Turkish Coffee, or in Stampin' Up! language --- Early Espresso.  I love it!!  It's dramatic and goes with all our oil rubbed bronze light fixtures.  So, back to blogging ... just to be sure you didn't miss anything ...

For local crafters ...
It's almost time for my big SHOPPING DAY, for my customers!!!
It's July 30 --- 5:30-6:30, with my VIP Customers beginning at 5:00.
You may bring a friend with you.

FREE OFFERS --- FROM ME ---

OTHER SUPER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

JULY HOSTESS CODE:   

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 July Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift 
--- First dibs on 'shopping day' for you to shop.   
     You will be a VIP shopper!  
     See shopping days listed below.
--- Equal credit from your order to use @ sale.
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

My July Hostess Code Special runs through to the end of July.  We'll have a new code for August. 

Important dates to remember:

Aug. 13 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
     Joy Sampler / Pay to register at least 2 days before class. 
Aug. 18 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
     Color Your Season Cards -- Brand new!!!
     IF YOU PURCHASE THE BUNDLE IN AUGUST, 
          CLASS IS FREE!
     Fall, All-Occasion, and Christmas cards!
Aug. 26 / Summer Open House Party / PLEASE RSVP!!!
     2:00-5:00 / a no fee event
     Super fun fellowship, stamping, goodies, and shopping!
     It doesn't get better than this!
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.
Sept. 8 / FREE STAMPIN' BLENDS CLASS
      WITH QUALIFYING ORDER / 1:00-4:00 / Let's color!!!
Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
Sept. 29 / FREE BRUSHO CLASS
       WITH QUALIFYING ORDER / 1:00-4:00

SALE DAYS:

July 30 / 5:30-6:30 / VIP Shoppers may come at 5:00 
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.

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

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

What's Up For June?

Greetings on this fine day.  It's the last day of school for my 2 oldest grandsons, so life will soon be a bit different around the Horton household.  I took care of Joey yesterday and had him all to myself.  Even the puppies were gone (to the groomers).  We went to the mall for a couple of errands.  He was good as gold.  He can sit up by himself and play on the floor for an amazingly long time.  We'll be getting out the Pack-N-Play any day now, so the puppies keep away from his toys.  I will admit that, after my busy day - the busiest I've had after being so sick - that I took a 2-hour nap.  Geez!

So... what else have I been doing?  I've been making cards using the new In Colors!!!  Every year at my Catalog Party/Open House, I have my guests play a game of guessing which is my favorite new stamp set ( I may have this one figured out. ) and guessing which is my favorite new In Color.  Holy moly, I've been struggling with this!  Right away I chose the one I thought would be my favorite, hands down.  As soon as I started playing with the colors, I decided that my favorite would be one of three... but then, as I played with the last 2, I realized how gorgeous they were, too.  Well, I have until June 26 to make up my mind.  It just might take that long.

So... what do I have to share with you?   Today, I thought I'd let you take a look at what's coming up in my studio for June.  A lot is going on and it's all good.

Super Exciting News:
Our new catalog goes live on June 1.  You're going to love it.  What am I looking forward to ordering first?  Well... all the Big Shot new products... all the new punches... all the new ribbons... and then, a few more stamps.  It's just like Christmas... except you have to buy your own gifts.  Tee, hee, hee.  

Next up:
I'm having a Stampin' Garage Sale --- 
Pre-sale for my customers on June 9, 6:00-7:00
Open to the public on June 10 and June 11, 8:00-5:00
I'll have lots of fun stampin' goodies... bargains... and a few other odds and ends, as well.

I also have 2 classes scheduled:
Monday, June 13 --- Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $18.00

Saturday, June 18 -- Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $18.00

... and wait ... There's more!
Sunday, June 26 / Catalog Party/Open House / 2:00-5:00

Wow!  I guess I'd better rest up for all this.  June is going to be a great month!  

- 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 look on the left for sneak peeks. 

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

I Woke Up Like This

... after reading our new catalog all night...

I hope you're able to come to my catalog Preview Party.  You're going to LOVE the new catalog!!!

- 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.

Let's talk about the party!

Let's talk about my Winter Open House Party.  It's cold.  It's way too cold.  It's blah.  It's winter.  We are tired of it.  Let's have a stampin' party and forget about this winter that won't go away.  Because I'm just now getting back to holding regular classes again, I have new inspiration for you everywhere you look in my studio.  I've cleaned up and rearranged my studio... again:)  I've made all kinds of scrapbook pages, 3-D projects and tons of cards.  I've been designing lots of new card designs and enjoying the time to do it.  Every card/project you see will be brand new!!!  I want to share it all with you!

The party is Sunday, February 23, from 2:00-5:00.  
Sign up by Feb. 22 and yes, you may sign up to bring a friend or two.

Come by my Winter Open House Party if you live in the area and enjoy FOUR cute little projects.  Yes!  You heard me!  Four projects!  It's my gift to you to help us all get through the winter.  If you've been away for a long time, are new to my studio, or just want to get back to more stamping with me, this is your opportunity.  This is a 'no fee' event but I'd like you to let me know (RSVP) if you plan to attend, so I can be sure to have enough kits ready for our projects.  Can you think of a friend or two to bring with you?  Let me know about that, too.

Come see all my new projects in person, enjoy some refreshments, do some stamping and enjoy socializing with fellow paper crafters.  Here's what we'll be making:

No... I'm not telling you what the surprise is inside the goodie bag, but it's worth a woo hoo!

Let's kick it up a notch!
How about a winter boutique / mini garage sale?  I have that, too!!!!!  I've cleaned up and cleared out my storage room until it looks like a work of art.  I'm almost tempted to post a photo to let you see how great it looks... but I won't.

Let's kick it up another notch!!!
How about some FREE shopping at my winter boutique / mini garage sale?  For every dollar you spend on ordering new products, you will get credit for that same amount to spend at my little sale... just like I did at my New Catalog Party.  It's so much fun and you'll get some great bargains.

Sound like fun?  You'd better believe it!  You won't want to miss out on any of it.  Let me hear from you!

Speaking of Christmas ...

Here's a little peek at one of the Christmas projects on which I've been working.  It was inspired by Kim VanDiepen, a very talented lady.  I love, love, love to make Christmas cards and projects.  With our Holiday Catalog just out now, I feel like I want to try nearly every one of the stamp sets.  I was sooooo happy that the stamp set I won at Convention was one from the Holiday Catalog.  I can't wait to play with it more!

Do you have your copy yet of our new Holiday Catalog?  If not, contact me to get your own copy.
Click here to view it.

Speaking of Christmas, don't forget to check out all the opportunities you have to enjoy a creative time with me. 

- 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.

Christmas Is Coming - A Sneak Peek!

Yes, Christmas is coming.  I have a little sneak peek for you today, along with all my classes that will give you an opportunity to get ready for Christmas.  If you take all (or at least several) of these classes, you will be ready for the best Christmas ever.  I promise! 

Here's a sneak peek at the kinds of cards you can expect to make.  I'm not showing all of any card or project just yet.  You'll have to wait a little bit longer:)

For now, just look at this gorgeous new brad!  And yes, that's a new embossing folder, a new snowflake stamp ... cut with a new framelit.  I have a lot of fun in store for you.  Sign up soon before the Christmas classes fill up.  Class size will be limited.

- 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.

Seriously Fun Cards to Make

I love the Paper Pumpkin 'seriously' stamp that came in April's kit.  These are the cards I made with it.  Remember, if you want to sign up for Paper Pumpkin, do it by the 10th of the month to start getting your kits in the following month.  Your first kit will always be the 'Welcome Kit' and, after that, it will be a surprise each month.

I cut up the blue and white layer, to get several accents out of it.  I even had enough to make 1 (smaller) card with it.  I forgot to get a photo of it.

The 'hey there' stamp is from the 'Welcome Kit' and it is one of my favorites, too.

The butterflies are left from a Paper Pumpkin 'Try It' kit.  I have 2 kits left if you are interested in getting one from me directly.
If you do not live close to me, you can order one through My Paper Pumpkin.

So, seriously, don't you think you should sign up for Paper Pumpkin?  I just love getting a surprise in the mail once a month --- something special, just for me.

- 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.

This will be an amazing week!

Starting Nov. 19, Stampin' Up! is having an ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA --- sales every day.  You really need to check this out every day to see what's going on here!!!

Come back soon and come back often!  I will have news for you about starting up my new booth, too.  I'm going to have a booth in the Root Cellar at the Wildflour.  I've been busy creating all kinds of fun things.  So far, I only had to get out my manual twice for my sewing machine.  I can sew just fine, but haven't had a chance to do so for such a long time that I forgot how to set up a couple of things:)  How crazy is that?

Upcoming excitement:

Nov. 19
  Cards and Prayers / We'll make 6 cards.
Nov. 22  
  Thanksgiving Day / Turkey Day!!!
Nov. 23  
  Grand Opening of the Root Cellar at the Wildflour (My Booth:  Prairie Treasures)
Nov. 24  
  Open House Celebration at Sanders Harristown Depot Antiques
  Come and see my booth all decked out for Christmas!                   
  There will be refreshments, special bargains, and door prizes!!!
Nov. 29  
  Just Christmas Cards --- Come and make 15 cards / 3 each of 5 designs.
Dec. 3
  Hostess Scrapbook Club (I have something special planned for you!)
Dec.   7  
  Friday 3-4-5 (cards will include lots of Christmas designs)
Dec.   9  
  My HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE / CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT (2:00-5:00)
  Save the date:  Refreshments / Door prizes / Projects / Fun / Super special gifts for orders placed
  that day...  (If you are unable to attend, you may still get the super special gift by placing an order 
  with me on Dec. 9.)  RSVP BY DEC. 8!!!!!
Dec. 10  
  Scraps and Prayers
Dec. 14  
  Wrapping up Christmas (Come and make 10 cards or projects.
  Pay to register by Dec. 10 and make 12 cards or projects. 
Dec. 17
  Cards and Prayers / We'll make 6 cards.

Ongoing Class Policy:
Pay to register at least 2 days prior to the class.
Your payment holds your spot.
As always, if you are unable to attend, I will save your kits for you.

Crumb Cake and Comfort Cafe

Here's another cute little card --- 4 X 4" --- using the Comfort Cafe DSP.
I like stamping on a DSP background and used Papaya Collage for this one.
I curled up the ends of the 'flag' pieces using a bone folder.

I'm looking forward to my Friday 3-4-5 Card Buffet Class tonight.
I think they'll like what I have planned for the evening.

What a fun Open House Party!

I've been MIA while trying to catch up a few things in my studio and get acquainted with a new camera.
Here's a peek at the Make and Take projects that we made at my Open House / New Catalog Party last Sunday.  I had so much fun!  I have the nicest customers ever, I'm sure!

I apologize for being in my 'learning mode' with a new camera.  Bear with me and I'll get better.  Hopefully, you can get the idea.  Here's one more shot.

By the way, if you were unable to attend, arrange a time with me this week to come by and place an order.  Those placing an order this week may still have their free catalog and stay a minute to make our 2 projects and see some of my new displays and, if you wish, check out what's left of my big Garage Sale.  After Saturday, it all gets put away so don't wait and miss out.

I will be practicing like crazy on learning just how to work this new camera and still trying to keep up with my posts.  I have so much more to share with you.  The beginning of a new catalog launch is always so exciting!  This might not have been the best time to start with a new camera, but the old one was just dying a little more each day.

If you missed me lately, I didn't get a chance to post anything because I had my sweet Olive Jane all night Sunday night and then Monday I went to lunch with my girls.  Monday night, my husband and I went out for dinner with another couple with whom we share our anniversary date.  They were celebrating 29 years and we were celebrating 40!  I don't know where the time goes.  We had a wonderful time together and had a really elegant meal.  Now, I'm back on the straight and narrow of my Atkins plan.  I feel a little guilty about the appetizer and dessert that I enjoyed with our meal, but maybe a little guilty that I don't regret it more:)  Once in a while, you have to celebrate, right?

Yesterday was spent playing catch up in my studio and waiting for the initial charging of my new camera.  I should have picked it up earlier in the day because it didn't finish charging until nearly midnight!

By the way, if you still wish to get in on my Product Bundles available, you have until June 30 to do so.  On June 30, I will hold a drawing for a prize.  Each Product Bundle you order will earn you 1 entry into the drawing!  Contact me if you wish more information.

Today, I'm cleaning and then stamping.  No dust will settle in my studio this week because I will be stamping up a storm.

We Love Our Hostesses!

There's never been a better time to host a party than now!  From June 1 - July 31, you have the opportunity to earn $115. or more in free products, with a qualifying party!!!  We love our Hostesses because they give us the opportunity to share what we love with others!
By hosting a party, you share the opportunity with your friends to enjoy a fun time stamping, enjoy a social outing with friends, learn about new products and how to use them AND you give yourself the opportunity to earn lots of free products.

I'd like to make it just a little bit more fun, too, as if that's not enough.  I have a little display in my studio of cute little purses that I made with the petite purses die.  It's my 'Book to Look' display.  If you book a Summer Party for June, July or August, you get to pick a purse and see the message inside.  If you book a Holiday Party for Sept., Oct., Nov. or December you get to pick a purse and see the message inside.  If you book a Summer Party AND a Holiday Party, you get to pick TWO purses and see the messages inside.  Hint:  It names a product you get free as an extra thank you for hosting the party.  You get to keep the little purse, too!
ALSO:
If you place an online order that earns benefits as a qualifying party, I will send you a purse and whatever product the message has on it from inside the purse.  I'll let Toby Joe pick the purse for you:)  He loves to help out in my studio.

So, what do you think?  That's a lot of incentive to book a party and have a whole lot of fun!  I hope to see you at my Open House Sunday (June 3).  Remember, it's from 2:00-5:00.

Why I Love Being a Mom

Here's why I love being a mom:
children
grandchildren
getting to stamp something for them
getting to stamp something with them
getting something stamped from them

For example, here's the card my daughter made me for Mother's Day.  See what I mean?  Gorgeous!!!

Well, it's a quick and short post today because we have our garage sale and I'm putting the finishing touches on my preparations for my Open House/Catalog Party this Sunday.  I hope you've marked your calendars.  The party is from 2:00-5:00 and I have lots of fun in store for you.

Remember, I have the Stampin' Bucks Store going on and Product Bundle Specials for you.  Our new Catalog goes live at noon today, so we can start ordering lots and lots of wonderful new products.  You WON'T want to miss out on all this!

Poor Baby

I'm home with a sick Toby Joe today.  We'll be making a trip to the vet this afternoon.  Nothing like needing help on a holiday weekend.  Keep us in your thoughts.

I was busy all yesterday afternoon and evening making favors and other goodies for my upcoming Open House/Catalog Party.  It's next Sunday afternoon and I hope you can join us for all the fun.  I'll share some sneak peeks this week!