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:   

36XNEJK9

   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.

Embossing Two Ways ... and Some Tips

I have 2 little 4 X 4" cards for you today.  They show 2 ways to emboss - both dry embossing.  We'll save heat embossing for another day.  Both cards are in our beautiful new color - Soft Sea Foam.

The card on the left above is embossed simply by running the CS through the Big Shot with the Lovely Floral TIEF (Textured Impressions Embossing Folder).

The card on the right above is embossed using our Springtime Impressions Thinlits.  This 'new' way to emboss is so much fun and super easy.  Now we can use our thinlits dies for more than just cutting.  I'll have a tutorial on it in a future post.

I wanted just one more element on my little cards to complete them and I chose our beautiful new butterfly.  It's large for the card, but I like it.  After die cutting it, I spritzed it with my mixture of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and Rubbing Alcohol.  Mix by adding paint to your alcohol until you get the intensity you like.  I use a larger bottle to mix mine because I use it all the time.
TIPS:
- Remove nozzle from your spray bottle and clean it frequently, to prevent clogs.
- I use a little travel size bottle for mine because I use it so much.
- Add a little 'marble' to your bottle to help keep it mixed.
- Swirl your bottle.  Don't shake it.  This prevents bubbles.
- My 'marble' is from an empty Shimmer Paint bottle.  Yes, I use it a lot:)

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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.

A little birdie told me ... Time is running out!

I have a cute little birdie card for you today that I've not had a chance to share with you ... and some important reminders.  Time is running out. 
First, the reminders ---
August is nearly over and, with it, several opportunities that will end.
- Our Color Your Season promotion will end August 31.
- Our Bonus Days promotion will end August 31.
          (Spend $50. / Earn $5. coupon for Sept.)
- My offer of earning 2 free class (Stampin' Blends and Brusho) will end August 31.
- My offer of a free gift + a free Color Coach (with $35.+ orders) will end August 31.

If you're interested in these promotions, I'd suggest you hurry so you won't miss out.  A little birdie told me so ... and here he is ...

My card base is from our last S-A-B catalog and the stamps are retired from our last Occasions Catalog.  I still like to break out some old favorites from time to time.  Many customers have actually requested that I use some of the retired products to give them ideas.  Good idea!

Up close, you can see that I got a little too close to the edges on the bird and birdhouse and it just barely bled a bit.  I didn't even know it at the time because I needed new glasses and didn't realize it until my recent appointment.  I can see the page numbers in the catalog index now!  My eyes had changed so much from my last checkup and I didn't even realize it.  Love the new purple frames, too.  I still love my green ones and hope to get them updated soon.  It's nice to have a backup pair.
I left the coloring the way it was because I wanted you to see how you need to be careful about getting right up to the edges of your image.  If it bleeds over, just take the color lifter and push the color back into the image.  It's kind of like magic:)

That's it for today, my friends.  I'm super busy getting ready for my Summer Open House party (August 26).  I have lots more to do and will be hard at it for the next 3 days.  If you're in the area, I hope you can come.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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

Why are you still waiting?

So why are you still waiting and haven't gotten around to coming to a class or event for a while?  Procrastination is just not a good thing, when it comes to getting around to taking time out of your busy life to do something for yourself.  It isn't selfish.  It's refreshing, so you can give a better version of yourself to others.

If you live in the area, come to my Summer Open House Party.  It's this Sunday, August 26, from 2:00 to 5:00.  Your total dollar amount (before tax and shipping) from your order can be used for equal credit at my garage sale.  I have added many more stamping goodies in the past couple weeks, along with more household goods and a lot of clothes that are too big for me now.

So here's the scoop on the party.
You'll find lots of displays for your creative inspiration, demonstrations on better ways to use the Big Shot, examples of Brusho, Stampin' Blends, and Watercolor Pencils, sneak peeks for upcoming classes, several new framed projects, and more.  Wow!  We're talking fun!!!  Also, I'll have some healthy snacks for you to enjoy while visiting with friends and, of course, several fun Make and Take projects.  But wait!  There's more!  I have a fun favor for you to take home and enjoy and, for those placing orders of $35. or more, I have a special gift that you can take with you, also.  And, speaking of orders, you'll have a surprise gift in with your order, also.  If you order online, you can use the Hostess Code below and still earn your surprise gift.  You can order online whether you come to the party or not.  Online orders will come directly to you and you can pick up your surprise gift the next time you're here.  Please feel free to use party time to ask questions about new products or upcoming classes, as well.

Also, those who have placed orders in June or July will get to choose their special gift from that order while they're here at the party.
 
So, why are you still waiting?  It's not a good idea to wait too long.  Do something for you ... to take care of you.

I'm waiting for your RSVP and I hope it's a YES!
This poor guy waited too long.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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.

I do love my cherry cobbler!

Here's one more card I made with our Color Your Season Suite.  It's just like one from my Saturday Stampers class, except I used Stampin' Blends (Cherry Cobbler) instead of our Watercolor Pencils.  The color is just a little bit more intense than with the pencils.  I do love my Cherry Cobbler!  Here's my card.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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.

Measurements for Score Lines for my Joy Sampler

Before we get started with today's post, I'd like to remind you of my Summer Open House Party on August 26 (2:00-5:00) and my big Garage Sale on August 31 - September 1 (8:00-5:00).  If you're in the area, I hope you'll come and check both out.
Now, for today's post.  At our Scraps and Prayers class for making my 'Joy' sampler, I was asked to share the measurements for my scoring on my 12 X 12" background piece.  Today's post is all about those measurements.
Here's the sampler.

Because it's a square, you only have to score on two sides.  I'm sure there are other ways to do your scoring or not use any at all.  This is just the way I decided to do this particular project.
Here's how the measurements worked out on my template and below it are the written out measurements.

Using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool, score at ...
1"
4"
4 1/2"
7 12"
7 3?4"
8"
11"
Turn 90 degrees and repeat same measurements.
You can then decide which side of the CS you'll use for your project.
Having the outside 'borders' of the background at 1" gives you a little wiggle room.  Some of the 12 X 12" frames you get don't leave an opening of completely 12 inches.

I did the scoring for 2 purposes:
- First, it adds a little interest and texture to your project.
- Second, it helps you keep your placement even for attaching the little squares.
If you haven't tried creating your own sampler, I hope you'll give it a try.  You can make them for every season and/or occasion.  
Warning:
They're so much fun, they become almost addictive.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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.

Yesterday was one of my most exciting days ever!

Yesterday was special because I had lunch with one of my most special friends ever.  My daughter, Jenn, and I became good friends with her when we met her at Convention and kept running into her and enjoying long conversations.  We really cemented the friendship when Jenn and I went to a Leadership Conference in Nashville.  We kept getting lost in the huge, beautiful hotel and kept running into her everywhere we went.  We always stopped and talked some more.  It's a wonder we ever got to bed that night.

So who is my wonderful Stampin' Up! BFF?  It's Shannon West!!!  You have probably seen her on some of our Stampin' Up! videos.  She's just so much fun.  She has a sunny disposition, a beautiful smile, an absolute sparkling personality and Jenn and I just love her.  Wow!  This was so special for us.  Shannon called the previous night and said she was on her way from St. Louis to Champaign and wanted to have lunch.

Here are some photos from our time together.  She came to visit my studio!!!

Love ya to pieces, Shannon West.  Thanks for inviting us to lunch, visiting my studio and making our day so special.  You're the best!

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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.

We had a super fun class Monday night.

Today, I want to share with you how much I love my Scraps and Prayers group.  These ladies and I have become quite close as we continue to create and share together.  They loved my Joy Sampler just as much as I do.  They worked so hard and had a wonderful time together.  They even got to see a sneak peek of just a few of the new items from my Holiday Catalog pre-order.  They requested that I share the measurements of each of my score lines, so I'm doing it right away so I don't forget.  I'll share those in a post very soon.   I have a few shots of our fun class.  Enjoy!

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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.

Petal Pink 4 X 4 Cards

Here are two more cards today using the Blended Season stamps, just in a smaller size.  These cards show how simple you can make a card be with this set and yet still look really cute.

This is not a mailable size card, but I usually give these out in person or tucked into a gift or customer order.  You can even make an envelope to fit this card using the Envelope Punch Board (EPB).  If I decide to mail this size, I place it in the A4 size envelope.

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

   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: 

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.

Hello Cherry Cobbler, my Dear Friend

I haven't made a card with Cherry Cobbler for a while, so it was so much fun to get it out again for today's card.  One of our brand new Watercolor Pencils is Cherry Cobbler and it made me so happy to see it.  I was actually amazed at how deep the colors turned out.  You can keep layering on the color as much as you'd like.  I think the flowers came out really pretty. 

The card is kept very simple, to let the colors be the star.  Later, I'll share another version of this card, using Stampin' Blends for the coloring.

Here are all 4 of my cards again.  These were fun to create.  Which one is your favorite?

AUGUST HOSTESS CODE:   

36XNEJK9

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

AUGUST EVENTS: 
Aug. 26 / Summer Open House Party
     PLEASE RSVP!!!
     2:00-5:00 / a 'no fee' event
     Super fun fellowship, stamping, goodies, and shopping!
     I'll even have sneak peeks of Holiday Catalog items:)
     It doesn't get better than this!
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.

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: 
Sept. 8 / FREE STAMPIN' BLENDS CLASS
      2:00-5:00 / Let's color!!! 
      You must qualify for this class in AUGUST.
      Learn how to earn this free class.
      REGISTER ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. 
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. 
Sept. 29 / FREE BRUSHO CLASS
       1:00-4:00 / This should be the most fun ever!!!
       You must qualify for this class in AUGUST.
       Learn how to earn this free class. 

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

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.