Finally journal entry......

Finally again I apologize for the delay I am still struggling with my health issues which sometimes prevent me from getting to the computer.  I hope you enjoy this quick post of my covered journal.  I love the way the colors turned out.   I hope you have a great day!!!!! Until tomorrow!!!!!
Check out the special for November : Want to get a FREE set of inkpads by either joining my team with Stampin Up or by hosting a workshop that has a total in sales of $450 you can choose your color family of inkpads. 
check out more details at the shop now tab!!!!!!
Happy Stamping xoxoxoxo...... Stehpanie

My journal is almost done!!!!!

Ok, so I am only 2 days behind posting my journal.  I had a busy day with the children on Saturday with the University of Alabama homecoming festivites, and then my body most loudly rejected to all of the activities I did yesterday and I have been down since 7 pm last night.  Enough about me. 
Today I spent MY crafting time helping my precious 10 year old daughter create Indians for a project due at school.  We made them (and coordinating clothes to match with PUNCHES)
So tomorrow , you will not only see my journal, blog candy sneak peek but also I thought tonight I would show you some fun cards made using punches.
Hope you enjoy......and thanks for bearing with me as I am trying to figure this body thing out.

Happy Stamping xoxoxoxo Stephanie
*These 2 samples are from SU demonstrator
Carrie Rhoades **
Just precious!!!!!!

Creating a journal

Have you ever journaled?????? I have started several and found it VERY therapeutic when I stuck with it.  I am getting ready for my first Holiday Bazaar and can't wait because it is going to be more of get my name out there kind of thing.  I am going to try to sell some things that I had left when I closed out my store but for the most part it is going to be a make and take and having samples available for my new classes.
One of the classes that I am going to do is a journal class that is created by covering a composition notebook.  I used to do this class when I had my store but always geared this towards tweens. I now know that this can be fun for all ages.  This picture is from Stampin Up demo Susan Aten.  Great job I love the colors and it VERY girlie  :(((
Here is a very simple video that shows you how this is done.  Tomorrow I am making my sample so I will post it then.  I hope you give this a try. 
****Also, in case you think I forgot (which is NOT impossible) about the 10 days of scrap creating I did not.  I am going to start that on Monday and carry it for 10 days and if you post on here with either your creation or a link to your creation I will enter you in to a random drawing for some BLOG CANDY!!!!!
I will post that on Sunday as an incentive to participate.  I do apologize for not being able to do it when I posted it however that is right about the ttime I got sick.  Although I am not much better I am learning to adapt.  Here is the link to the video how to which tells you how to cut your paper and how to set it. Enjoy,.....would love to see your creations.

Until then.......Happy Stamping!!!!! xoxoxo Stephanie

Playing with Canvas

Ok folks.....confession time!!!! I AM NOT A PAINTER!!!! there I said it and I feel better now that the air is clear.  Why did I say that you ask???? Because I have always shyed away from playing with canvas because I always thought they were for painters. 
Well, last night decided to take the plunge and break out of the zone.  You know ......you've been there.......THE COMFORT ZONE.  I thoroughly enjoyed putting ink to the canvas and moving it around with mod podge.
Using Stampin Up Inks and a small piece of sponge I worked the ink around the canvas that had already been mod podged.  The second one (antiqued) I sponged old Olive, Summer star burst, and pumpkin Pie onto the canvas and then used the mod podge on a sponge to move the color around until I came up with this aged look.
These canvases were super fun and easy to do......I plan on making more of these for Christmas gifts, some will have ribbon to hang with and some will be on a display stand.
Until then......Happy Stamping  xoxoxo Stephanie

Been Wayyyyyyy Under the Weather......

So for those of you who follow my blog or check in regularly I guess you have noticed that I have not posted in a while.   I am soooooo hoping to get back to the routine however I have recently encountered some health issues that have significantly changed my daily routine. I am finding that I am having to stop and rest more often than be up and going or I am in severe pain body wide.  I am hoping that my doctor is going to be able to get to the bottom of this when I have my appointment coming up.   In the meantime I am posting the latest campaign that Stampin Up is running for you to take advantage of......
We have also added several new items to the clearance rack.....check them out as well.  Thank you for the kind thoughts and well wishes.... I certainly hope to get back on my regular schedule soon!!!
Thanks for stopping by....happy stamping !!!!!!
Stephanie

Scraps, Scraps, and more Scraps!!!!

Do you have an OVER abundance of paper scraps tucked neatly away somewhere????? For are you thinking like I do......I'll use them one day.  Well I challenge you to use them NOW!!!!!!!
I am starting a 10 day challenge and if you show me at least one project that you made using ONLY scrap paper (yes, you can stamp) but use only scraps to make the card (the base you can use new paper).  Post your creation here and on your blog if you have one and link it back here.  I will draw a random winner on 10-19 in the evening.  You will win a prize package TBA but trust me you won't be disappointed.  (Remember I owned a scrapbook store).  Can't wait to see what you come up with and I will be posting my scrap creation daily!!!!!!
Hope to see you participate , I will post a pic of the blog candy tomorrow.
Until then......Happy Stamping!!!!!! xoxo Stephanie

Christmas in October

Check out these great specials!!!!!!!!

Decisions, Decisions

I am blessed to be the mother of 4 incredible children.  My oldest son is 22 and has down syndrome, my youngest son is 21, my oldest daughter is 12 and has Reactive Attatchment Disorder, and my youngest most rambunctious child is 10 and she is SEVERELY ADHD.  My husband and I were forturnate to adopt all 4 of our children and the boys are natural siblings and the girls are natural siblings but they all 4 are not related. 
My oldest Daughter Sarah is a beautiful redhead who has some mental issues dealing with not bonding with a parent at a very young age. This week we are starting the process of transistioning her out of a behavioral school into a regular middle school.  Part of her disorder is that she has NO personal boundries with others.....and guess what she said when she got in the car today....."Mom there is a Middle School Dance on Friday"  can I go?
My heart just sunk......now before you weigh in .....let me explain that my oldest son we have always treated as if there wasn't anything wrong with him, he went to dances, prom EVERYTHING high school had to offer.  I am struggling because people don't see a Mental Illness.  They can see the outward disability with Joshua and are a lot more forgiving.  With Sarah it's different you can't look at her and know anything is wrong therefore when she acts like she does....you kind of go huh????
So what do I do......I want her to go and be a "normal tween" (isn't that an oxymoron?) I want her to live life to the fullest but I also want to protect her from kids that don't understand........Please feel free to weigh in and let me know what you think.
Tonight's image is Princess Anya from The Greeting Farm stamps.  Since I am blessed to be the mother of 2 beautiful princesses, I thought as I struggled I would make a card using this image. 
Here is a video  showing you how to color this image using the Copic Markers. Enjoy......happy stamping!!!!! xoxo Stephanie!!!!!!!
 .  

Coloring Therapy

Ever had one of those days?????? Well today has been one that has tested everything I have to test.  Faith, patience, strength, will and several other things I am too tired to mention.  I went to my room and decided to color.  I try really hard to use ALL stampin up product here on this blog, but today was about relaxing and coloring is GREAT therapy for me.  I got out my copics that have been collecting dust in the closet and pulled out some GREETING FARM stamps that I have tucked away for days just like this.  This little chef fellow started out as a whole body and I decided to cut him out.  The sentiment that you CAN't read is Enjoy all over the side.  The Pie paper is from Webster Pages and the solid cardstock is Old Olive base, Whisper White Cardstock, and Summer Starfruit cardstock.  The sentiment is stamped in Summer Starfruit as well.  I know this isn't my norm but if days like these continue......you may see more like these in the future.  I hope you all have a wonderful night.

Until tomorrow, Happy Stamping!!! xoxo-----Stephanie

sorry for the delay

it has been a weekend of sickness around my house this weekend, thus the life of being a mom.  Even my mother is ill right now. I will be back to the blogging world tomorrow.  I hope you have a great night
happy stamping xoxoxo------stephanie

Does anyone use these? Perfect Layers

Ok, so I am going to throw a question out there......does anyone use the Perfect Layers tool.  I find myself very intrigued by this tool.  Drawn to what seems to be faultless edges perfectly straight, seems too tempting.  I am just curious if you have it or have used it what your thoughts are??? Please post if you have used this intriguing tool so that I might get some other opinions....I think this is going to have to go on my must have list.
Here is the link to the video if you haven't seen what I am talking about:
Perfect Layers tutorial
Happy Stamping!!! xoxo -- Stephanie

Twisted corner bookmark

I have another great video for you tonight from Kelly Gettlefinger who brought us the wildly popular twisted corner greeting card.  Tonight's video is the twisted corner bookmark.  So simple to make for teachers gifts, tie on a present......the possibilities are endless.  I am so looking forward to making these tomorrow.
Until then......happy stamping...xoxo Stephanie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwyeVwL4nGE&feature=player_detailpage
here is Kelly's finished bookmark with matching card!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!!

Blessings.....

Tonight as I sit here in the quiet of my house (which doesn't happen except at bedtime) I am reminded of just how blessed I am.  I sometimes get so caught up in the woes of life playing the ultimate pity party song for myself.  But when I stop and think about all that I have been given from God in my life.....I am speechless.....(which also doesn't happen until bedtime), 
I hope as you read this you will stop just a moment and reflect on every GOOD thing that you have in your life and not all the crazy and chaotic things that are going on. 
Thank you for letting me share my heart tonight.....we will be back tomorrow for technique Tuesday.
Until then......Happy Stamping.....xoxoStephanie

Criss Cross Card and Video

There seems to be an endless supply of techniques and different folds to do out there.  I am trying to check out the different ones each week day.  That should take me a while :))
Today is the Criss Cross Card I love this design and it's super easy and fun to do...The video is from the Stampcamp.com I hope you enjoy.
What has been your favorite technique for folding this week????? I would love to know
Happy Stamping!!!!!----xoxo Stephanie

 

Here is the link http://youtu.be/KA7A_DKz8vs

 

Double Pocket Greeting Card Tutorial

Ok, I am so loving trying the new techniques that I am finding on the internet. Today's technique is a double pocket card that I found on the Patty Stamps.com channel on You tube. I can't wait to make this card either. I am loving the fact that talented creators are willing to share their ideas and inspiration so that WE can learn new ideas!!! Hope you like it.....stay tuned for my version tomorrow!!!! happy stamping....xoxo Stephnanie

My Twisted Greeting Card

Alright Crafters......if you didn't try this before you went to bed last night.....it's probably a good thing.....because this little card is addictive!!! Ok, before someone gets me.....my paper and ribbon are NOT stampin up. The base card is Melon Mambo but the top layer is from Webster Pages. I am still building up my inventory. I totally love Kelly G for showing this technique it is quick, simple and fun to do something outside of the box. I hope you share your samples with me here!!! Can't wait to see what you have done! Happy Stamping! xoxo-Stephanie

Twisted Greeting Card Tutorial Video

Ok, so it's Tuesday and that means .......a new video.  This video is by
Kelly Gettlefinger and it is a Twisted Greeting Card.  Kelly does an amazing job making something that seems like it would be complicated.....very easy to understand.  I hope you enjoy.  Look for MY sample of this on tomorrow's post.  I haven't forgotten that I still owe you a better card from yesterday.  The more I looked at that card, the more aggrivated I became and I threw it away.   I guess that's why you don't rush. :) :)
Enjoy the video and I will share my version tomorrow!!
Happy Stamping!  xoxo-Stephanie

Butterfly Card

Well, you know what they say about the best layed plans right????? Well that would totally describe my day :) :)!!! So here is the card that I THREW together for this post (sorry for the honesty folks) but when you are a single mother.....sometimes there isn't much time left in the day. I promise I will make another card for tomorrow that the papers actually line up. HAHAHA The papers I used were mambo melon base, turquoise and yellow DSP from the brights collections. I stamped the star onthe paper with mambo melon and tempting turquoise. I hope you enjoy!!!! Please be gentle!!!! Happy stamping! xoxo--- Stephanie

This butterfly is made from this Blossom Punch

Simple paper butterfly tutorial

OK, so here is some food for thought on this Sunday evening.  I LOVE , LOVE this stamp set and punch.  I am going to try to make these little butterflies tomorrow so wish me luck and I will post my efforts tomorrow.  I hope you like this quick video by Mary Fish explaining how to make these cute winged things.  If you want to purchase the Blossom Punch go to my SHOP NOW tab and get started.  Happy Stamping!!!! xoxo- Stephanie

"Tie Another One On"

So today I was experiementing with the whole tie dye effect again but this time I used glossy paper.  I must admit I had to take a couple of tries because I kept getting the glossy paper too hot.  I do like how easy the ink is to spread around the glossy paper versus the regular cardstock.  But today I used it as a background image instead of the focal point.  I used some spellbinders label #2 to cut out the shapes with the big shot.  These are comparable to the ones that Stampin Up sells I just dont' have them yet....(being new and all)
**They are listed here:  Item # 125598.  These retail for 27.00

Here is my card.....would love to see what you are doing with this technique

Have a great Saturday!!!! xoxo Stephanie

Video Tutorial for Embossed Resist

Finally found the video again that I was telling you about.  It's amazing how things slip out of the brain wh
when you are tired.  Her card turns out amazing!!!!!  This video was added by Glenda Calkens and she has some  fantastic ideas that I will be sharing with you in the future!
Enjoy your friday!!!! xoxo-- stephanie

Tie Dye Card #2

Ok so I thought I would try another card using this Tie Dye method with embossing.  I relaly like the way the colors mesh together.  Today I used the Mixed Bunch stamp set and sponged Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry together.  The base card is Rich Razzleberry with the mat as old Olive.
I hope you enjoy.....if you use this technique I hope you leave your samples as replies.

Here are the images for the products used. All products can be purchased on my website click the SHOP NOW tab at the top of the page :)

Technique Tuesday (embossed resist)

Ok, so last night as I was waiting for my son to fall asleep, I rambled through the wonderful world of You tube video tutorials. This is an area that I have not yet ventured on my own. I came across this GREAT video about embossing resist. The sample on the video was done on glossy paper and since I am trying to put one of my own samples up with each video I had to try this. Well,,,,,,don't you know I didn't have any glossy paper so my card turned out like a tie dye. Much to my surprise......my girls thought that it was super cool. I hope you have fun playing with this technique and create many beautiful cards and projects. I plan to get some glossy paper this weekend and try it again. Until tomorrow xoxo--Stephanie This is my "tie dye" sample......not too bad for the first time.....be gentle :)

Folded Flower tutorial

Wow, I apologize in advance for waiting a week between postings.....I have had one thing after another this past week. 
Today' is MANIC MONDAY and with that I am going to show you a tutorial for folded flowers.  These are so simple to do, however I differed from the video slightly.  To soften up my flowers I didn't have a crimper so i ran them through the sizzix with the perfect polka dots folder about 4 times flipping them over each time to break down the paper.
My paper is DSP is summer starfruit , I used Soft Suede on the paper as well as the flower to antique them a little.  I really like how these just pop off the paper. 
I would love to see yours if you choose to try them leave them as a post and we can enjoy the beauty of our work.
Until tomorrow----xoxo Stephanie

Here is the link to the video for the Patty Stamps blossom punch folded 3D flowers Happy Stamping!!!!!

I am going to show you the tutorial for the Easel Card from Brian Pilling of the Stampin Up Home office. These can be done in so many different ways.....what a great change up to the "normal handmade card". I hope you enjoy and try your hand at your own too!!!!! until tomorrow xoxo-- Stephanie

Check out this great video explaining the Back To Spool Promotion

Back to SPOOL time!!!

Promotion Details: While the kids are heading back to school, Stampin' Up! is going back to 'spool'! For the month of September, get a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon-an $8.95 value-for every $40 you spend!

	You get to choose from some AMAZING IN Colors:  Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, Razberry Ripple, Midnight Muse and Gumball Green Don't let this opportunity pass you by!!!!!!!
	Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:26:19

Ok ,
so I am SUUPPEERR excited because tomorrow is my first class since signing up to be a stampin up demonstrator. 
I am holding it at the public library and since this is a college town (thank Goodness the game is out of state ) cause we are the reigning National Championships. 
I have created a sample board with all of my samples using the Mixed Bunch set and the Blossom Punch.
One of the things that I love about this stamp set is how many different looks you can create.  Here are some samples that I will use to show you some of the varied looks that you can create:  I am giving credit to the artists

Charlie Louise Camp created this bouquet using the punch and stamp set with coordinating buttons.....Love , Love, Love

 This adorable card is patchwork by Connie Plaumann.  What a creative way to use paper and this adorable punch and stamp set.

This beautiful card is by Christina Achziger.  I love the way the color POPS off of the whisper white cardstock. 

It is simply amazing how these 3 different looks were created using the same stamp set and punch.

MIA

Sorry I have been MIA for a couple days I have been celebrating my birthday with my son and his family. Tomorrow I will be back up and running with some fun samples and a new technique video

Video for triple stamping card

Here is the link to the Triple Stamp Tutorial video that explains in much better detail than I could.  The triple stamped card turns out beautifully and ends up looking like you have cut patterned paper and lined it up.  I hope you enjoy.  I will also be posting some other samples that I have found using this technique.  I can't wait for you to try it. 

Until tomorrow-- xoxo--Stephanie