ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA!!

Oh. My. Goodness!!!

Stampin' Up is offering a 10 day sale with items discounted up to 50% off! NOVEMBER 19th-28th

If that weren't enough...they're adding 3 additional items each on MONDAY the 19th and WEDNESDAY the 28th - (6 total!)....some GREAT items!

One of those Monday the 19th ONLY items is...the Big Shot™ Die-Cutting Machine!!!  Know someone who's been wanting one? It could be yourself...or someone on your Christmas List! What a GREAT time for it to be ON SALE!!! I've never seen it go on sale!

How bout I whet your appetite with even MORE items from the list?

Simply Scored™ Diagonal Plate,  Big Shot Doctor’s Bag, Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I), Clear Block Storage Caddy, Stack & Store Caddy, DSP, Stamp Sets, Embossing folder, Smooch Spritz, Gift Boxes, Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps, Ribbon, Brads, Rhinestones, Buttons, Shaker Frames, Spritzer, Tabletop cutter (LOVE mine!!), Punches, Bigz Dies, MDS 2, MDS 2+....and MORE!!

See what I mean when I said "wow" ??!! :)

If you click the picture above, it'll bring you to the SALE LIST.
Once you've made your list, visit my online store (available 24-7) to get the preferred price!

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

Merry Christmas Skating

The last two days, I've shared a cards made with one of my fave (new) sets, For The Birds.
Today, I'm going to share another project with you, but it's not a card.

It's a gift tag! :)

I super-duper adore this little skating bird!  He was so fun to color!










If you look closely, you'll see the red part (Cherry Cobbler) is textured - I embossed it with SU's Chevron embossing folder, then cut it out with the Labels Collections Framelits and my Big Shot.

I stamped the birdie onto Whisper White cardstock with Black Stazon ink, and colored in with a blender pen and ink pad lids! The itty bitty parts were done with SU markers. :)

I attached SU's tiny rhinestones, and the ribbon you see is Gumball Green stitched satin, tied with a bow of Cherry Cobbler baker's twine.

Well, what do you think?

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

Miss Being With You...

Here's another card I made for display at my Annual Party in October...
I used the same stamp set as in yesterday's post.

Watercoloring is one of my most favorite cardmaking techniques. So I *reeeally* wanted the For The Birds stamp set. It just begs me to be colored! :)

This is a more Fall-ish (yup, I officially declare it a word) card than yesterday's...I wanted to use the Orchard Harvest designer paper from the Holiday catalog - LOVE that paper!

LOTS on this card!
Cardbase is Early Espresso. Next layer is Naturals Ivory - I find it a little more forgiving for watercoloring. :) At the bottom you see the Orchard Harvest dsp (as noted earlier), and between the two - a strip of More Mustard punched with the Scallop Trim Border punch. Topped with Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon and 1/8" Early Espresso ribbon, tied together with Linen Thread. The tag is cut with the Bitty Banners Framelits die.

WHEW! Oops - forgot one more thing...it's been awhile, but I'm pretty sure I colored this with our Aquapainter, and assorted SU ink pad lids. :)

Well, what do you think?

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

Thanks For Your Support

You know...there's a few people this card could be for, because...yes, I am SO grateful for their support.  However, the truth is that this is another sample I made for my Annual Party in October. :)

The image is from a set called For The Birds - one of my "must-haves" upon perusing the new catalog when it came out. ;)  I *love* to watercolor, and this set is perfect for that! :)

The card base is our Whisper White cardstock embossed with the Big Shot and new Woodgrain embossing folder from the Holiday Catalog - LOVE it!!

The strips of designer paper are from the Twitterpated dsp.

I stamped the image onto our watercolor paper with Stazon ink, then colored in with my trusty aquapainter and ink pad lids. :)

Finished it off with a button from the Brights Button Assortment, and a bow of white baker's twine. :)

How'd I make the fancy-schmancy cut top and bottom of main image panel?  By inserting the ends into my Designer Label punch!

Stay tuned for more samples from the For The Birds stamp set! :)

*NOTE: Stamp set links send you to the wood-mount version. Clear-mount (what I mostly use) is also available for a lower price. :)

Well, what do you think?

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

A "Corny" Thank You

Love it when I can use a pun in my title. ;)
Today's project is NOT Christmas....it's more Fall-ish. Is that a word? Fall-ish??

Anywho...here's another sample I made to have on display at my Annual Holiday Party in October...

I made this card using another stamp set / matching framelits combo from the Holiday catalog. :)

I used the Perfectly Preserved stamp set, and the Cannery Set framelit dies. Not only was I able to use a matching stamp set and framelit dies, but...I also used the coordinating Orchard Harvest Designer paper! I really really like this paper. So much, I'm thinking about getting more before the catalog is gone in December. :)

Did you know you can purchase the stamp set and coordinating framelit die set as a bundle for 15% off? YES!! You CAN!!! :)

Anyways...it's pretty self-explanatory, but...the card base is Crumb Cake, and the designer paper as mentioned before, is Orchard Harvest. I inked the corn husks with my Lucky Limeade marker, and the corn with a combination of So Saffron and More Mustard markers. Love! :)  I then cut it out using the coordinating framelits dies! :)

The "Thank You" tag is stamped in Lucky Limeade from the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set, and cut out with the Bitty Banners framelits die, then connected to the layers & bow of linen thread for that rustic country look. :)

*NOTE: All stamp set links lead to wood mount stamps, but are also available in clear mount for a lower price. :)

Well, what do you think?

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

Triple Layer Snowflake Wow

Hello and Happy Monday! :)

I'm blogging today between loads of laundry, cleaning, and preparing for tonight's GEMS meeting (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior). So I hope it makes sense with all the starting and stopping! lol

I always try to show at least one technique at my parties, and this last one was no exception. :)  I was really excited to show it, and when I asked the gals what the favorite thing they learned/saw that night was, the unanimous answer was my technique card! :)

So without further adieu...
I give you my "wow" technique card:

It's called "Triple Layer Stamping" and it's really popular right now!

The cool thing about this technique is that even though there's matting around each layer, it still looks as if the stamped images are continuing on through without interruption!



I also made them a template on my computer with measurements and such, emailed after the event.  Hm. Maybe I should film a tutorial and post it here...and include the template too. Whatcha think?

So here's the details:
I stamped the snowflakes from the Snow Swirled stamp set in one of our new InColors - Midnight Muse. LOVE IT!!! I just love the classy look of the simple Whisper White and Midnight Muse. I then stamped "Merry Christmas" from the set Petite Pairs with Midnight Muse ink. Punched it out with our Large Oval punch, and layered it with a Scalloped Oval punch. Popped it up on dimensionals (of course - wink), and finished it off with a coordinating Midnight Muse Stitched Satin ribbon!

Well, what do you think?  I'd love to hear from ya! :)

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

Can't Catch Me, I'm The...

GINGERBREAD MAN!! :)  Ha ha - well, it looks like I caught him - and his little friend, too! ;)

Today I'll be sharing the last of my party samples using the Scentsational Season stamp set. :)  It's not my favorite (and I can't seem to get a good quality picture of it!), but I still like it. :) 

The card layers you see here are Early Espresso, then either Very Vanilla or Whisper White (I don't have it here next to me, lol), and then Cherry Cobbler embossed with the new Lacy Brocade embossing folder and Big Shot.

Love these cute gingerbread men from this set. I stamped them in Early Espresso onto Soft Suede cardstock, and then put them on the Brushed Silver cardstock I made to look like a cookie sheet.

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out with the Word Window Punch, and matted onto the Modern Label Punch in Early Espresso. The itty bitty silver you see on each side is our Silver Mini Brads.

ALSO - The gingerbread men were embossed with the new Sugar & Spice embossing powder from the Holiday Catalog - smells sooo yummy! :)

I got the idea of the cookies on the sheet from another stamper on a Stampin' Up demo-only website. They also used the mitten punch to look like oven mitts, but since I changed things up from the original, I tried to do the oven mitt thing and it looked ridiculous! I couldn't place things without it looking silly, like I was TRYING so hard to put oven mitts SOMEWHERE! lol  So I left them off. :)

I like gingerbread men...but it's been YEARS since I've made any, much less tasted one! lol
What about you? Do you like or dislike them, and does anyone out there have a great recipe for them?

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

Red & White Delight

So, I didn't end up coming back to post this yesterday, because, well...I'll be honest with ya - I wanted to be sure everyone saw the sale and was able to participate if they wanted to! :)

Here's the project I was *going* to post yesterday -- it's another one from my batch of party samples! Again, I used the Scentsational Season stamp set - love that set and it's matching framelits!! :)

The card base is Real Red cardstock, layered with Whisper White which has been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and Big Shot.

I wrapped the new Real Red stitched 1/4" ribbon around the embossed white layer.

The sentiment is stamped in Real Red onto Whisper White, and it's from the Delightful Dozen stamp set.

Using the Labels Collection Framelits, I cut out both the sentiment and a Real Red layer to frame it, then pierced holes around the red layer for added interest. :)

The candy canes on the left hand side were stamped in Real Red ink and embossed - they're shiny! :)  Then I cut them out with the Holiday Collection framelits, and mounted them next to the sentiment, which was also stamped in Real Red.

Oh...and there are a few dimensionals used in this project too. ;)

Well, what do you think? Would love to hear from y'all (you know, the two of you that still come and check it out, lol)! :)

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

Crystal

WOW - What A Deal!

I will be back to share a card with you soon, but wanted to post this right away as it is time-sensitive!

I have TWO things to share with you in this post (+ 2 "Also" at the end)!

TODAY ONLY!
Every single set is 15% off, on Monday the 29th ONLY

Look through our catalog - determine which sets you need for Holiday projects, or any sets that have been on your wish list. Now is the time - did you know you can order through me online and get them sent to you directly?

** There is no minimum purchase, and no limit to the number of stamps you can order.
** This means all stamps in the current catalogs including :

• Background stamps
• Personalized name stamps
• Cookie press stamps
• Single-image stamps

** This does NOT include:

• Hostess sets
• Bundled stamp sets
• Digital stamp brush sets

WOWWWW!!!!!  AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!! :)
Did you notice at the end it says digital stamp brush sets NOT included?
Well....there's a reason for that:

What do you get when you combine Digital Scrapbooking Day and My Digital Studio?

What: Three FREE downloads. 50% off ALL digital kits!
When: October 29-November 5, 2012

ALSO:
1) Recently, over 70 items have been added to the Clearance Rack!!!
2) MORE stamps added to the single stamp offerings!

Combine your order of 15% off stamps, 50% off digital downloads, and Clearance Rack items on your online order TODAY! :)

Wow - I'm excited. In all my years of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I don't remember EVER seeing a sale on ALL of our stamps at once!

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

Oh Christmas Tree

I have another card to share with you using the stamp set Scentsational Season!
I'll admit...it's not my absolute favorite of the ones I'ce recently made, but I still like it. :)

In yesterday's post, I showed two projects made with the same stamp set, using the coordinating framelits to cut the trees out.

Today, I'm going to remind you that you can just stamp out the images in the set, you don't have to always "cut" them out (even though it's really fun and I definitely still prefer and reccommend the framelits). Oh, and remember if you purchase them together as a bundle, you save 15%!

The card base is Cherry Cobbler.
The neutral color you see is Very Vanilla.
The cool starry looking red designer paper is from the same dsp shown yesterday - Be Of Good Cheer. Love it!! :)

I triple-tied some Cherry Cobbler bakers twine around, and stamped the tree in Gumball Green and Summer Starfruit (both new InColors).

I think before I do anything with it (sell it on Etsy or give to someone), I may just add an itty bitty tag hanging from the bow part...saying 'Merry' or something.

What do you think? Like it the way it is, or add a little tag?

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

As Promised...

In yesterday's post, I promised I would try to post some pictures of the free Make N Takes the girls did at my Annual Holiday party.

I went with a "Christmas" theme on these - even though it's a bit early to be thinking Christmas (for me anyways). ;)

The first is a card, made with the Scensational Season stamp set in the Holiday Catalog:


I just LOVE the colors of the Be Of Good Cheer dsp, so that's what I took my inspiration from (polka dotted designer paper you see behind the tree). :)

The card base is Cherry Cobbler, then a layer of our new In Color - Gumball Green (LOVE that color!), then a layer of Very Vanilla.

Next, we've got a textured panel of Cherry Cobbler - LOVE that texture! I made it using the Big Shot and Chevron Embossing Folder.

A scallop circle and circle punch, and then the tree - stamped in Gumball Green and up on dimensionals (of course - wink).

Oh my, cutting out the tree every time would be kind of a pain. NOPE!!!  Not if you have the coordinating Holiday Collection Framelits Dies!!  Even better, when you purchase the stamp set and die set together as a bundle, you save 15%!  I'm all about saving money - how about you?

(*NOTE - some of the links are sending you to wood mount stamp sets - clear mount is also available for a lower price)

I added a bit of Gumball Green Stitched Satin ribbon below it. Stamped "Merry Christmas" in Cherry Cobbler ink at the bottom from another new set in the Holiday Catalog - Greetings of The Season.

And now, on to the next Make n Take: this one is a gift card holder!
I used many of the same colors and materials - matchy matchy! :)

The sleeve is made of Crumb Cake cardstock, and the red striped strip wrapped around is from the Be Of Good Cheer dsp. Same circle punch, and again...the tree from Scentsational Season stamped in Gumball Green, again cut with the coordinating Holiday Collection Framelits!

See that beautiful glittery star on top of the tree? It's also cut out with the same framelit set...but this is no designer paper - it's the gorgeous Champagne Glimmer paper in the Holiday catalog!

The ribbon bits you see at top is Gumball Green stitched satin, tied with Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.


Would you like to see the inside?
Ok. :)


The inside is our Cherry Cobbler cardstock cut with the Two Tags die and Big Shot. :)

(and a faux AMEX card for picture effect)







Well, what do you think?

It feels SOOOOO goood to be stampin' again!!  It was sure fun to create these projects for the ladies to make. Stay tuned for more items made with this same set, as well as MORE from the Holiday catalog (and IB&C). :)

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

Messy, Messy, Messy!

Ha ha ha...I can totally hear my little neice saying that. She's 3 1/2 now, but I think it was when she was 18months - 2yrs, she used to always say "Messy, Messy, Messy!"  She definitely would've said that about my stamping space these days.

It started with an empty room.

Then came moving day. BOXES, some furniture. All in the center of the room.

Then "Oh boy, I'm going to have to do my Annual Stampin' Up Holiday Party for sure - I'm in pending status! But HOW will I do that with no samples made up, no stamping stuff out AT ALL."

Even though I had hoped to leave things in boxes for painting (and build work done by my dad & hubby!), I finally decided that I would have to unpack the boxes and have somewhat of an organized chaos going on to be able to make cards/samples/figure out M&Ts for my party.

I hadn't stamped in over FIVE MONTHS. LONG months, lol.

It was SO nice to get stampin' again...it's kinda like riding a bicycle - a rusty one, but it did come back. :) I did CASE some stuff, but I also made a lot of my own items, which means I can share it HERE!! WOO HOO!!!  I need to take a few pics, but in the meantime...

Here's a couple pictures of the room post-party prep:

This is looking from the door into the room. See my lovely light? ha ha

This is turning to the left. If turned to left a bit more, would see the door.


See the two little blue rectangles next to the bookcase? I *think* those are the two color possibilities I have it narrowed down to, lol.













SEE?!!  MESSY, MESSY, MESSY!!!! :)

Hoping to have a post tomorrow of the M&T's the gals did at my party! :)

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

SINGLE stamps???

Stampin' Up lovers...watch out!

Ever LOVED one, maybe two, three stamp sets out of a whole set and wish you could just purchase those instead of the whole set? WELL...your wish has been granted (in part). :)

Stampin' Up is giving you the option via trial-run.  From now until January 2, 2013, you can purchase individual stamps from the following THREE stamp sets:

WORD PLAY
PERFECTLY PENNED
SEASONAL SAYINGS

Click on any one of those set names above to see a closer look at each set.
Here's a preview:

Some details to be aware of:

•You must use the stamp item numbers on the flyers.

•The single stamps can be ordered in the online store.

•These won't be sent to you in our typical cases or packaging; they'll be packaged in cello bags. If you'd like a case for your stamp, you can buy our Clear-Mount Stamp Cases that come in packs of four (item 119105).

•This offer is available for clear-mount stamps only.

•The stamps won't come with a Clear-Mount Block, and you'll need to buy a block separately if you don't already have one. The recommended block sizes can be found on the flyers.

•There's no limit on how many pieces you can buy.

•This offer is not available in Quebec.

•Remember that this is a pilot program, so take advantage of it while you can!

WOW, how cool is that??!!

On a personal note:  Do you realize it's probably been over 5 months since I last created a "real" card?  Well... I just FINALLY stamped a real card tonight - YAY!!!

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

Merry Chistmas...a little early!

Happy October!  I don't know about you, but I am SO ready for Fall and all that it brings (though hopefully not too much rain - we've been spoiled!) (:

For me, it's too early to say "Merry Christmas," but at Stampin' Up, they know many of you are planning ahead, and want to get a jump start on preparing. Soooo, they're giving you a little special deal! :)

I don't know if you've seen the beautiful ornament on the front of the Holiday Catalog, but my, oh my! It's just that. Beautiful!  There's a bundle you can purchase to make it happen...and when you do, you get the paper piercing pack for FREE!

Go ahead, click on the picture and take a closer look. :)

Remember, you can order from me anytime, 24-7...online! :)

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

Whooooo's Turned 6?!!

My little Beth turned 6!

Once we (finally) decided on a theme, I had a few ideas up my sleeve.

I made this invitation postcard style, with info on the backside.

Front side is Chocolate Chip and Kiwi Kiss cardstocks,

with a computer generated image printed on our Whisper White cardstock.

For her class treats, she decided NOT to have cupcakes.

Instead, we did something else...but I still used the cupcake idea for her party. :)

Here are the class treats:

Here's the cupcakes I HAD to make for the kiddos...

(family party, both sides - 12 kiddos, 21 adults)

And finally...the part I'm pretty excited about:
We look forward to Costco Cake - 2 times a year (girls' birthdays). :)

I usually get one of the "standard" cakes you can choose from,
but this year I decided I really wanted the owl theme fully carried through.

NOOOO...Costco cannot make me an owl cake.
I didn't ask...I just know you have to choose what they have on the board.

So here's what I ordered from Costco:

And here's what I did after much praying, sighing, and overall fear of ruining the cake:

I decorated a cake! AAAACK!!!

It's not professional or perfect by any means,

I know that...but I'm still pretty proud of how it turned out. :)

My daughter was there through the process, as I deliberated

and quoted scripture. Yep - totally did.

"I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me"

We talked about that verse for awhile...

such a nice little heart learning moment, just me and my daughter.

Anyways...I'm really glad it's over...

we took the weekend to recouperate - after cleaning the huge mess, of course. ;)

It was so nice to do something creative again - makes me want to get to work on my craft room so I can get creative again!  It was a bit of a process to even find the items to make the invites! lol

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



Back to Spool!

I'm a little sad this morning. You see, it's the first morning that BOTH of my babies got on the school bus and left me here alone at home!

Yeah, I know, I should be jumping up and down, chanting "Par-ty, Par-ty, Par-ty"! But I'm not.

Since my 3rd Grader has been getting on the bus a few years now, it's not hard for me, and old hat for her (though she still loves it).  But my baby, my Kindergartener, who will be turning 6 on Friday?!  Nope, not ready. Oh, she was ready, don't get me wrong - so excited to get on that bus! lol

We actually started last week, but I *MUST* bring my kids on their first day of school - it's a rule of mine. :) I have to bring them, take a pic with their teacher, etc. I wonder when they'll put the kabosh on the taking a pic with their teacher part? ;)

ANYWAYS...all this school talk reminds me that I came on here for a REASON, ha ha.

Back to SCHOOL = Back to SPOOL!!

Stampin' Up has released an AWESOME promo that I'm so excited about! It *almost* takes away my sadness about school starting! :)

Are you ready for this??

Hello - FREE RIBBON!

For every $40 you spend, you get a FREE pkg of the 3/8" stitched InColor Satin ribbon of your choice (no limit)! With 5 great colors to choose from, you're sure to find one (or more) that tickle your fancy. :)

<----- CLICK on the picture to bring you to the promotion details on my website.


REMEMBER YOU CAN ORDER ONLINE from me 24/7! 

Well, I'm off to clean, organize, unpack boxes, do laundry, maybe a little weeding too...all while daydreaming of ribbon. ;)

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

Checking In...

Wow, so the other day, I clicked on my blog...and couldn't believe my last post was so long ago! lol....that was back when I was besties with my tape gun and black marker! A stampin' friend was right...it changed to the box cutter after that. Well....and paint tools too. ;)

Moving is quite the process, I've found out. You DON'T have any clue how much goes into it, until you've done it. WOW. Add to that the fact that the place we've moved to needs work in many areas, and I just plain don't have any time leftover!

My stamp room is all boxes. STAMP ROOM? Yep. I'm so excited...I will have my own room to create in this new place!  I'm so excited, but a little overwhelmed at the same time. There are so many possibilities of how people put craft rooms together, and I have a limited budget, so I have a hard time deciding how to make it functional and still look ok, too. :)  Any advice??

First I have other rooms to finish, and more than enough weeds to pull...so I've got time to get advice from all 3 of my readers. ;)

The summer has flown by so quickly...I'm actually quite sad that the girls go to school next week already. It means getting back to a normal structured routine, but I'm gonna miss my girls!

I hope to update you with pictures sometime soon...as soon as I can get the ones my mom took (she's got an eye, took some nice pics!)...and yeah. Have time to put it all together. :)

Oops! ALMOST FORGOT!!!
Here's a link to the Holiday Mini catalog which started this month!

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

Meet My New Friends

We're  >likethis<  (picture crossed fingers)

Seriously.
Been spending a LOT of time together.
So much, I *had* to take a little break.
So here I am...writing about it. lol
See?! Can't get away from it!!

Or maybe because at one week from moving....this is a common sight in our home (& garage)

 And as of today...here's a new common sight (insert sad >sniff, sniff< face)

It's a strange feeling, this empty shelves thing.

Bittersweet.

Well...my "friends" are calling...back to work I go! :)

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

HAPPY NEW SU YEAR!

For you non-crafters out there, that means HAPPY NEW STAMPIN' UP YEAR! :)

The new catalog started (gasp!) 7 days ago!  I know...I'm a little behind the 8-ball.  I have a great excuse though, see the next post for why. ;)

A LOT of fabulous new product in this catalog, soooo excited!  Wish I could play...

Introducing.....
2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog!
(click on pic)

See the "SU Catalogs" Tab for this one and Celebrando Creatividad as well. :)

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

SOLD!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

I agree.

Feeling God's blessings...

Let the packing commence! :)

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

From Drab...to FAB!

This last Monday night was the last night of GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior), and I am/was a leader of (12) 2nd Graders!  I wanted to make a little something special for them, and it didn't take long for me to decide what to do. :)

I did a little shopping, then went through each of their badge books and found on the first badge earned (Creation), what they had colored as their favorite color.

THEN...I tried my best to make their gift match their favorite color, and added the extra-special touch of personalizing with each of their initials.

Ready?????

Okay...here we go!
From DRAB....

To FAB! :)

Yes...the pens are now matching designer pens. ;-)

I also added their theme verses to the inside of the back cardboard page. (Prov. 9:10, Prov. 16:16-17) - forgot to take picture. :)





It took way longer than I thought, so it was a bit...hectic at the end there, but I'm really glad I took the time to make each of them a little gift. I packaged it up nicely in clear cello bags and added a small handmade card with personal note inside (another forgotten picture, lol). Hopefully they liked the gifts. :)

Figured it was about time for another post...and thought this would be a nice one to share - I know I always love a good makeover (crafting style) story. ;-)

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

FULL Retiring List!

Hello, I'm back! :)

Stampin' Up has now released the remainder of the retiring items...as I understand it, the Definitely Decorative line will no longer be offered, so all of those items are retiring.  If you've been thinking about using any of these to decorate your home - now's the time!

As always, we have a Retiring Accessories list as well - those items are while supplies last, so if you want something before it's gone, you'd best get it right away! :)  I was so focused on getting this out to you that I hadn't even looked over the list yet. I have to say...I'm a little surprised at all that is retiring - wow! 

HOWEVER, before you freak out (like I did), be sure to look at the notes below about that. :)

Oh, and there are discounted items on this list, too! :-)

The list of accessories will be updated daily with what is still available and what has been sold out

 

I've made a quick reference guide for you:

Available April 15-May 31:

Click to view the RETIRING STAMP SETS (pictures)
Click to view the RETIRING STAMP SETS (printable list)

Available April 25-May 31 While supplies last:

Click to view the RETIRING DEFINITELY DECORATIVE (pictures)
Click to view the RETIRING DEFINITELY DECORATIVE (printable list)

Available April 25-May 31 While supplies last:
Click to view the RETIRING ACCESSORIES (pictures)
Click to view the RETIRING ACCESSORIES (printable list)

**NOTES**

• CLASSIC ink colors are NOT retiring...the STYLE of the Classic ink pads are! **with the exception of the In Colors (2010-2012)**
• CRAFT ink pads will only be available in Black and White in the new catalog.
• Only select Stampin' Write Markers will be available individually (Stampin' Write Markers in color collections will continue to be offered)
• 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered
   
• 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colors and color collections
• Some items are being reconfigured (notice those items on the list with a * or with **) this is explained at the very bottom of the list .

REMEMBER THE CATALOG ENDS ON MAY 31ST THIS YEAR!

Ordering through me always available, online 24/7!

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

RETIRING!

Nope, not me. :)  Stampin' Up has a large list of stamps that are retiring! Beware - it overwhelmed me, until I realized that it was so long largely because if a set comes in both wood and clear mount,

both numbers are listed separately. WHEW! :)

CLICK the picture below to view the stamp sets
CLICK the link here to view in printable list form

These are the Stamps only.

The Accessories list will come out on April 25th.

REMEMBER THE CATALOG ENDS ON MAY 31ST THIS YEAR!

Remember, you can order from me online 24/7!

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

Summer Smooches Promotion!

Yes, I'm a few days late posting this...but hopefully you remember this post HERE and will forgive me. :)

SUMMER SMOOCHES = yummy goodness!

Your chance to purchase Sneak Peek products before the new catalog comes out! Coordinating stamp set, Designer paper, Ribbon, BS die, Fabric, & MDS downloads!  Two additional items available ONLY during this promotion - Fabric buttons and Decor stencil. WOWZA!

Products in the Summer Smooches Suite will only be available through April 30 --and then won't be available again until the new 2012-2013 catalog is released (see exception above).

Product Details

•Designer Series Paper coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry.

•Designer Fabric coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango

•Fabric Designer Brads: 24 pieces, 8 ea. of 3 designs.

•Summer Smooches Photobook Template and Digital Kit are My Digital Studio downloads.

If you have any questions about the Summer Smooches Promotion please feel free to contact me.

ALSO, Stampin' Up has added 55 NEW ITEMS to the CLEARANCE RACK!


Remember you can order thru me 24/7 HERE!

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

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes!

Well, I promised I'd be back explaining what I've been up to. Some of you may have figured it out from bits and pieces of earlier posts...

HERE's what I've/we've been up to:

De-cluttering. Organizing. Cleaning. Packing. Moving furniture. Staging. Cleaning. Cleaning. Cleaning.

Did I mention cleaning?? ;-)

We're in the process of selling our home, and I never realized how much work goes into that until now.  I'm pretty sure NO ONE realizes how much goes into it until they're in the middle of it, lol.

The multiple "cleaning" part doesn't mean that our house was crazy dirty, lol.  It does mean that we cleaned everything. But mostly it means anytime someone wants to come see it (aka "showing")...it has to be ready to be viewed - which can be difficult with young kids.  I may (or may not) have been a tad bit...ummm...picky about messing things up lately. ;-)

A few pieces of furniture moved out, and here's the part that's my own fault ---- the organizing. My thinking was "hey, if we're going to show each room, let's REALLY tackle each room...inside closets, drawers, everything - pack things away early if we can. Why do it surface-y and have to do it again later??"   Sooo...everything took way longer.

Knee-deep in preparation and a tad bit overwhelmed at times, I decided that something had to give...and that's why the bloggeroo has been pretty quiet these days. ;-)  I am just now finally feeling like I can breathe again. Hoping we've found a new routine - one that includes time again for creating and sharing (and maybe some rambling, too - wink).

Thanks so much for stopping by, for hanging in there with me - have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Fresh Poppy Thank You

I have a quick Thank You card to share with you today - made it a couple of weeks ago, I think. I've lost track of exactly when, lol. It's been a little busy around here, to put it mildly. ;-)  Next time I update, I'll show you what's been going on. :)

I actually sat down to work on the checkbook (on computer)...and then got sidetracked by the things I haven't been able to enjoy for awhile...Facebook, Etsy, and now the Blog. Haven't made it to Pinterest yet, lol.  I'd better get to that checkbook soon, but FIRST...on to the card:

FRESH Vintage (stamp set)
POPPY (color)
THANK YOU (kind of obvious, dontcha think?)

Since I've been low on time, we're talking a BASIC little notecard here, people.

Whisper White cardstock base, stamped repeatedly with Fresh Vintage (FREE during Sale-A-Bration!) in Poppy Parade ink.

Sending Many Thanks sentiment from Petite Pairs stamp set, punched with large oval, backed by a Poppy Parade punched scallop oval. Up on dimensionals, of course. ;-)

Well, what do you think?

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

Cards & Gift...in ONE!

I've been so excited to share something with you. Since JANUARY!
I especially LOVE it because it's all my own - I was feeling inspired and love how it turned out! :)

I made it as a "Hostess Gift" for my SAB workshop back then, but planned on making another one for this week's workshop (scheduled for Feb 22). I didn't want to risk the upcoming Hostess seeing it before she should! lol

Well, the workshop was cancelled this week, so obviously the danger has passed, so now I can share it! :)

READY??!!  Ok.

  

I learned how to make a card holder on our Demonstrator Website - one of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator!

Theirs wasn't decorated this way - this is my own design. Love it when the mojo is workin! :)

Would you like to see what's inside?

OK. :)

  

Four matching cards and four envelopes!

Want all the details??

OK. :)

Card Holder:

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Pool Party
DP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB - free!)

Accessories:  5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Big Shot, Blossom Punch, Simply Scored, Everyday Enchantment Brad (SAB - free!)

Cards:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

DP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB - free!)

Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic pearls

Well, what do YOU think?  I'd love to hear from you! :)

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

I {heart} Crafting

Working on a couple of Etsy orders this morning...

finding myself humming, excited to haul out stamps and ink
...and having FUN!!

Have I mentioned?

Just in case you were wondering. ;-)

What about YOU?

Do you like to craft?

If so...what's your passion?

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