Lookee What I Got!

Last week, we had sunshine!

One of those lovely days,

my daughters came running to me from the backyard.

Grinning, they proudly stretched out their arms to me in love,

giving me a gift from their hearts.

I oohed and ahhed,

 then promptly went to the cupboard and pulled out a vase -

one just perfect for this bouquet.

Yes, they're dandelions.

Bits of sunshine from the loves of my life. :)

As I filled the vase with water, they came and added more in just the right spots.

(I've since had to throw them all out, but needn't have worried.)

While defrosting our freezer in the garage today, I received a few more from my youngest.

She said "here's some more flowers, mom...cuz I love you."

Tucking away these moments in my heart and mind,

I realize all too soon these bouquets from my little girls will disappear.

Makes me tear up to even think about it.

Okay, so the tears are filling my eyes.

Yup...there goes one down my cheek.

Yeesh.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!

Crystal

5 Days Left for Cake!

Did you know there are only 5 days left to order from the Occasions Mini catalog?
That's right, only 5 more days to get your hands on Nature Walk, Take A Spin, Build A Blossom, Easter Blossoms, Blessed Mother, Eat Chocolate, Create a Cupcake, and more!!

And one of my personal favorites...Bring On the Cake.
Here's a little project I made awhile back (when I had my SAB party) using that stamp set and a color that is *slowly* growing on me...

Here's a closeup of the lovely cake...in all it's glittery gloriousness! :)

















Just in case you're wondering, the color is Poppy Parade. ;-)

The dotted DSP is paper from the Hostess Paper Pack, and I used markers to ink and color in the stamp. Oh, and don't forget the matching ribbon! ;-)

Did you know you can order online from me, 24-7? Yup. Totally.
Just click here to get started (then click shop now)!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

New Video Tutorial

By ME! :)
It's only my 3rd one ever...and the last one was over a year ago! Yikes!

This time was a *little* easier (with my laptop!), with a newer video editing program (good, same, but different...still figuring out the bugs)...but I *may* just keep trying to do more! lol

FYI: This is using an "old" stampa-ma-jig...Stampin' Up now has a lovely black one. :)



Be nice! ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

So Pretty Pizzazz Peek!

Well, I'm finally back. It was a lovely Spring Break and I'm kinda sad it's over. It was a perfect mix of lazy downtime and fun sprinkled throughout - no wonder I'm sad! lol  Yes, it's officially been over since Monday, but I've been busy around here with a certain someone's 7th birthday coming up. ;-)

I dunno about you, but for me...the longer I've been away from stamping, the harder it is to get back into it.  Am I the only one who has this problem?

So last night, with kids in bed and hubby late at work, I sat down, determined to make something. Got back in the stamping saddle again, so to speak. ;-)

I surfed for awhile...putting it off a little longer...then found something that sparked my interest. A color challenge! I knew I wanted to use something "new," and I set about putting my thinking cap on...feels pretty good to stamp again, but boy do I feel rusty, and my work shows it! lol

Here's the color challenge (hence the title of this post - plus peak meaning Sneak Peek)!
So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz

And here's what I made. YES, there's Saffron on there - in the center of the flowers! :)

The stamp set I used is called "On The Grow" and it'll soon be available to you...in the Summer Mini! (May 1). I'll probably add a little tiny tag or two hanging from the ribbon with sentiment once I figure out what it's for. ;-)

Base - Very Vanilla / 2nd Layer - Pear Pizzazz / 3rd Layer - Very Vanilla (embossed with Big Shot & polka dot embossing folder) / 4th Layer - Pear Pizzazz / 5th Layer - Watercolor paper. Stamped with image in Stazon Black ink & colored in with my markers and aquapainter. / Ribbon - Pear Pizzazz

Yes, pretty simple and basic...but it's calming, and I'm glad to have stamped! lol :)

Well, what do YOU think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Spring Break...and a Card

Well, it's April...and that means Spring Break at school this week.
So far, it's only Tuesday...but I have to say...it's been nice. :)

My eldest daughter is home and it's been nice to have her around...all three of us just hanging out. She's growing up way too quickly, and I feel like I don't spend much time with her, now that she's full time in 1st Grade. Taking our time with things, not having to rush about...it's been nice. I even have a few surprises planned for the week. :)

Today...we're going to the Railway Museum. I really don't know much about it, except that someone told me about it, and my youngest LOVES trains. :) We shall see. :)

I've been pretty busy during March, and April will be as well...
One thing I've been doing is making cards for my Etsy shop....
This one (and many others) have been added!  :)















This card uses an old favorite of mine...Almost Amethyst. A sweet, soft purple. I even bought a pkg. of the cardstock when it retired. :)

The beautiful roses outline you see is the Manhattan Flower embossing folder on vellum. :)  Made it with my Big Shot (yesss....I FINALLY have a Big Shot - oh boy has that been nice!)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Grab Bag and Sneak Peek!

Well hello, April....I'm glad you're here. :)

Does that mean we'll get some more sun? I certainly hope the "April Showers Bring May Flowers" ditty won't be applicable this year...I think we've had enough rain for awhile. ;-)

Here's a bit of SUNSHINE to warm my stampin' friends! :)
Stampin' Up has some fun promos going on...after looking at these promos, if you see something you'd like...head on over to my website 24-7 to order!

***FIRST***

Grab a Bag of Stampin' Up! Products!

Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools.

Please keep the following in mind:
•Grab bag orders can only be placed on demonstrator orders or in the Online Store.

•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.

•There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last.
•All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

•Not all grab bags will be unique.

•You should use the following item numbers when ordering grab bags:

Item

125873 -

$5 Grab Bag (containing at least $20 worth of products!)

125874-
$10 Grab Bag (containing at least $40 worth of products!)

125875-

$15 Grab Bag (containing at least $60 worth of products!)

****SECOND****

Promotion dates: April 1-30, 2011

Promotion details: Spring is Blossoming with Sneak Peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

Four Frames Stamp Set

Wood: item 123440  $20.95

Clear: item 123442  $15.95

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Item 122367  $9.95

Please use the following bundle item numbers when entering the free stamp set and Designer Series Paper into OEX as a workshop reward:

125735
Four Frames Wood-Mount Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE with qualifying workshop!

125736
Four Frames Clear-Mount Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE with qualifying workshop!

Things to Remember:
Customer order option
•Orders may be placed online, in person or at a workshop.
•Customers must spend $20 to be eligible to purchase the Four Frames stamp set and/or Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.
•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met. Ordering another $20 of Stampin' Up! products resets the limit and allows the customer to purchase another five Designer Series Papers and/or stamp sets.


Hostess option
•Orders must be placed on a workshop, customer, or demonstrator order to qualify. Online orders are not eligible for this part of the promotion. But ...you are welcome to contact me and I'll place the order for you.
•Customers will receive the Four Frames and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE if they host a $350 workshop (net sales before tax and shipping).
•You must use the special bundle item numbers above when ordering the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper as a reward for hosting a qualifying workshop.
•There is a limit of one Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper per workshop.
•Workshop must meet $350 minimum to be eligible for sneak peek products. Reward is for reaching the $350 level and is not incremental.
•Hostess may choose either the wood-mount or clear-mount set. Clear blocks are not included in the clear mount set.

WHEW!  I *think* that's all...
Did you know you can order online from me 24-7?
Yup. Here's the link! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal