Valentine Lollipops

I made these Valentines last year for my son's class. They were super easy! I used paper that is now retired, but you can swap out the Designer Series paper with a new one and new colors. Use the slit punch to create a slot to tuck the card closed and slide stick of lollipop into. I'll try to make a new one with up to date paper to show the versatility of the project.

Here are the supplies used excluding paper and ink:
Stamps: Love You Much
Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch, Scallop Square Punch, 1-1/4" Square Punch, Slit Punch

My Version of Thomas

My little ones are going to a birthday party tomorrow for a little one who loves "Thomas the Train". I decided to try tackling turning our Choo Choo train into Thomas and am quite pleased with my outcome. I love how the ribbon gives the appearance of a track. My little judges approved as well except my oldest was quick to point out the pieces that Thomas does not have. Oh well! Hope to have some Valentines up next week. We finally got our foyer, living room and hall painted so I had limited access to my stamping area this week.

Here are the supplies for this one:
Stamps: Choo Choo
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red and Night of Navy Markers, Craft Whisper White
Accessories: 3/4" Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain (reverse side), Stampin' Dimensionals

Haitian Relief

I am so happy to announce that Stampin' Up! has given us a way to contribute in a small way through our stamping hobby to the Haitian Relief effort. Over the last week, I have been brought to tears several times a day as I hear the stories of devastation that have ravaged this already struggling country.

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

This is only a small way we can help. I encourage those wishing to do more seek out other outlets to reach out in addition to this one! Thank you in advance for your help!

Sneak Peek at Valentine Stamp-A-Stack

I have had a chance to play with some of my new Stampin' Up! toys. I made this card for the Stamp-A-Stack I am hosting at my house next Thursday evening. If you are interested in coming, email me. Can't wait to work on some more Valentines!

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, A Happy Heart
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Chocolate Chip DSP
Ink: Pretty In Pink, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Small Heart Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlits, Sizzix Big Shot, Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Vintage Brads

New Punch Design

I am so excited! Yesterday my order of new supplies arrived and I am so loving everything. I am thoroughly enjoying the new punch design! They seem even sturdier than the old design (if you can believe that!) and they are going to be so much easier to store! I am starting to work on Valentines for my upcoming Stamp-A-Stack on January 28th. Hopefully, I will be able to give you a sneak peek next week! Can't wait to share my new inspiration with all of you!

Sending Sympathy

My least favorite cards to make are sympathy cards becuase of the sadness associated with them. This should probably be on the list of "do ahead card"s so it is not something you are needing to work on when your heart is sad for someone. On the other hand, sometimes the sadness in your heart creates great inspiration to send condolences of love to those hurting deeply. Here is some inspiration for those difficult cards to make:

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers
Paper: Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst, Lavendar Lace, Whisper White
Ink: Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Marker, Lavendar Lace Classic Pad and Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Certainly Celery 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Wide Oval Punch, Sizzix Lots of Tags Die, Sizzix Big Shot

Birthdays A Plenty

As my son is getting invited to more birthday parties, I am finding myself making more birthday cards. I am going to try to make a supply of cards to have on hand for these occasions. If we have an invite at a busy time of year, I will be able to just go to my little card box and pull one out. Birthday cards tend to be the cards we need the most. So when you have a free moment, sit down and stamp a pile of birthday cards so you have one if you need it in a pinch.

Here are the supplies for this card (I love the color combo!):

Stamps Sets: Choo Choo, Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Certainly Celery, Bermuda Bay, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Certainly Celery, Bermuda Bay, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: 1/2" Circle Punch, Not Quite Navy Brads

Sale-A-Bration Begins

Today starts my favorite time of the year, Sale-A-Bration! Sale-A-Bration is the time of year when Stampin' Up! offers free product for every $50 you purchase. This year we have some great stamp sets, a punch, and paper pack available through this promotion. This year Stampin' Up! made the deal even sweeter by enabling you to also choose from select catalog sets for this promo as well. To take advantage of this deal, just click my "Shop Now" button which will take you directly to my web site to place an order. If you want to get even more benefits, contact me to book a party and you can get even more free stuff!

New Things to Come in 2010

Happy New Year! Hope everyone's new year is off to a great start! I am excited to give you a peak into the new style of punches that will become available as of Tuesday, January 5 in the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward!

A few features of the new punch style:
* Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing
* Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport
* Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored
* Available in three sizes: small, medium, and extra-large
* New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.
* Extra -large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog
* Corner punches allow you to punch a corner design along the inside edges of a page, not just corners
* Larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use
* Available in an exclusive Stampin' Up! color