Gratitude Canvas Frame and More!

Gratitude Canvas Frame

Owl Punch Birthday

Thumping Technique :Because I Care stamp

I have been so busy that time just seems to get away from me.  I am in my final semester of school with just five weeks before I've completed my B.A. of Psychology.  What a journey.  I've been working hard trying to prepare for upcoming Bazaars.  My house is filled with Reindeer poop, Snowman Poop, Magic Reindeer food, Pencil ornaments, frames and cards galore.  I have almost depleted my all occasion cards and must soon get to work on them.  I miss the blogging world but know that I will do my best to keep a line of communication until I can get back in full swing! 

Cards, Cards and more Cards! I love Stampin' Up!

Thumping technique: pretty in pink and melon mambo CS, pretty in pink, melon mambo and rose red markers.

 I think my fingers are permanently stained!  I have been having so much fun playing with all the Stampin' Up supplies that keep trickling in my door!  I need to behave before I start cutting into my kids xmas fund!  LOL  I have been tryin some new techniques that I keep hearing everyone rave about.  Of course they look so much easier when I see what everyone else has created and then look at my end result! I ask myself how you all do it!  I need to get my game on! The one thing I know that I excel at is making a mess!  LOL  I tend to cover the table, the floor, the counter and whatever extra tables are set up next to me!  I finally booked my first party outside my home.  I had five days to come up with what the girls are looking for ... 7 women who want two cards.  They want new techniques.  I decided to use the thumping technique with the because I care stamp set (and have examples from day of gratitude).  I also decided to try the polished stone technique ... what a mess!  My end results are included in the post!   

Polished stone technique using not quite navy and garden green.  Lovely as a tree stamp set, garden green CS and tempting turquoise CS.

Business Options and Christmas Fun

It may seem that I have taken a hiatus from the blogging world however I have been busy crafting away.  In my small corner of Northern Vt I have struggled for over a year to book workshops and class events.  I decided that I needed to seek a new vision for what I want to do with my Stampin Up business.  Should I just give up and become a hobbyist?  For those who know me well know that I am not a quitter (especially considering that I am working, raising a family and finishing my college degree!) I decided that before I throw in the towel I am going to try selling cards and craft items already made to friends and family member hoping that my name will circulate and something will bless my life (business aspect as I am blessed in every other way).  
     So don't you just love the Greeting Card Kids Stampin' Up stamp set?  I just think it is absolutely adorable and lifts my spirits every time I use it!  I have noticed that I use Real Red and either Old Olive or Garden Green for my Holiday cards so I am going to challenge myself this week to step outside my comfort zone and try something a bit more dazzling.  Check back soon and see what I've come up with!
   Thanks for visiting! 
Best,
  Samantha

Play Break

 Hi Friends!  
    I've been a busy little Stamper!  After spending way too much time with paper (and not the Stampin' Up kind), I decided to ditch the schoolbooks and get inky!  What fun!  I am addicted to making these cute little Hershey Nugget tins!  I am hoping to use them as gifts for Christmas and as items in upcoming craft fairs.  Stampin' Up's designer series paper makes coming up with eye catching themes such a breeze!  Of course the first one took me a bit to get the measurements right but after that it was cut and glue!  Don't you just love the Holiday paper this year!


After I was done with the nugget tins (for now) I decided to make some Reindeer Food since it was such a big hit last year that I sold out of the first craft fair.  Such a simple project that kids and families love!  I also discovered this cute little project for Rudolph's spares somewhere on the internet.  I could pretty much remember what it looked like so here is my shot at making it.  My kids thought this was just 'awesome mom".  I had to laugh at there response - it sure made me feel good to get such a lift out of them.  




I was in a group buy for these cute little test tube holders.  Though the front of my gift card holder won't show up (I'll keep trying) I love Gretchen Barron's idea to make up these adorable holders.  




Well, the night is young so I'm off to play a bit more.  If I am taking a day off from all my responsibilities ... I'm gonna make the most of it!!


Happy Stamping all!

I've been CASEing

My absence has probably been noticed by few but for those who were wondering where I've disappeared to ... I've been overwhelmed by the talent and creativity that I've witnessed over the past month that I just couldn't help case'ing some of the cards that have wow'd me as I searched the internet for inspiration.  Please know that I do not know the origin of the cards and hope those who inspired me will come forward and say "hey you case'd me" so I can give credit where credit is due.  One of my favorite cards that I have made tons of is the Ornament Punch dangling from pine leaves.  I actually found this card on Ebay and contacted the member who didn't hesitate to offer the names of the stamps used ... and voila I pulled them from a dusty shelf and set to work.  I have to say this crafting time was long overdue.  My stress level took a nose dive!  Thank you my dear Internet friends for lifting my spirits!

Greeting Card Kids and Music to lift the spirit!

It rarely happens but today was one of those days ... all of the daycare children fell asleep at the same time.  Almost too awed to no know what to do withself, I almost didn't take advantage of the quiet time.  There was no way I could accomplish anything before they all woke up ... or so I thought.  I whipped out the new Candy Cane DSP and the Greeting Card Kids stamp set and whipped up this adorable holiday card.  I remember seeing the color combination on another demonstrators website.  I believe the color combo came from Debbie Keane and can be viewed on her blog: (http://www.pungostamper.blogspot.com/). 

Real Red Cardstock

Candy Cane DSP

Greeting Card Kids stamp set

Four the Holidays stamp set

Whisper White Cardstock

2 3/8 scallop punch

2 1/2 circle punch

1/8 Real red taffeta ribbon

Now both of my sisters have commented on their blogs that is my turn to share a bit of my musical library.  (isomcre8tions@blogspot.com and pyropassion@blogspot.com).  I have shared with my siblings the struggles I have finding myself and my relationship with the Lord.  I began to follow Casting Crowns and their hit song from 2009 touched me beyond belief.

"Until The Whole World Hears"

Lord, I want to feel your heart

And see the world through your eyes

I want to be your hands and feet

I want to live a life that leads


Ready yourselves, ready yourselves

Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night

Ready yourselves, ready yourselves

May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise


Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out

Lifting up your name for all to hear the sound

Like voices in the wilderness, we're crying out

And as the day draws near

We'll sing until the whole world hears

 

Thanks for visiting.  I love hearing from you! 

Blessings,

Samie in VT

Stampin' Up Santa Sunday

I certainly made up for my lazy day yesterday!  Though I cherish the time hubby and I shared without the kids, I always am thinking of the many things on my 'to do' list!  I managed to get it all done with time to spare so I pulled out my crafting supplies and an old card that we made at my uplines (Michelle Deslandes)Holiday Stamp-a-Stack last year.  This has to be one of my all time favorite cards and was a popular card to get in a few sales!  I saved my Blush Blossom card stock from my retired stack knowing that I would need it for this very card!  (Wish I had more). 

Supplies:

Blush Blossom Cardstock

Real Red Cardstock

Whisper White Cardstock

Real Red Ink

2-way Glue Pen

Dazzling Diamonds

So ... what do you think?  I would love ideas to alter it up a bit since I've used it for the last couple of years!!

Stampin' Up always on my mind ...

Finally Friday and I managed to survive a crazy week.  The weather was so hot ... and we were teased with the July heat that never found its way during the summer months.  The kids were cranky from spending their days inside hot classrooms and it seemed quite the challenge to maintain any structure.  As soon as the work day ended, I packed up some supplies and headed over to my Stampin' sisters house to play for a couple of hours.  I was surprised that through all of our ahhhing and oohhhing over the Holiday mini and the catty, I managed to make some gift card holders. I also worked on some Santa cards that I will post soon!

   Here is a true Vermont sunset.  Relaxing!


Thanks for stopping by!

Win a $400 shopping Spree!!! Visit my blog and play along!

Win a $400 Shopping Spree

I am part of a fabulous online stamping group called Late Night Stampers. It is a yahoo group where each day you get emails from different members of the group showing off their latest samples, project ideas, or business tips. It really is a great group of gals.


Well today, Sherrill Graff – the woman who started it all – is launching a fun shopping spree game. Hop around the following blogs for clues. When you’ve collected the clues, send in your answers to Sherrill Graff at istmpnv@aol.com.


My clue is truly unBELIEVEable and found on page 109 of the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog!!
She’ll be picking a winner for a $400 Stampin’ Up! shopping spree soon. So, enter today!
Here are some of the blogs to get you started!
http://www.nwstamper.com/
http://latenightstamper1.blogspot.com/
http://latenitestampinwithsherill.blogspot.com/
http://latenightstamper-stampandscrap.blogspot.com/
http://parttimepapercraft.blogspot.com/
http://yourhiredscrapbooksupplies.blogspot.com/
http://inkabella.com/
http://myinkrediblespot.blogspot.com/
http://www.cynthiascreativecuts.blogspot.com/
http://scrappinalong.blogspot.com/

Stampin' Up Jolly Old Saint Nick and I accept the challenge!

Where does the time go?  It's already September.  The kids are back in school and the days feel shorter!  Though we are being spoiled in Vermont with the summer weather we never got it is still important to keep sight of the upcoming Holidays!  Yes .. the countdown to Christmas has begun.  To kick off the MoJo, I joined a Holiday card swap on Sudsol.  I just couldn't get a good picture of the card.  This was my first card swap with other demonstrators and I was a bit nervous thought I was pleased with how it turned out!

CS and Ink:  Whisper White and Bashful Blue

Stamp Set:  Jolly Old Saint Nick (Holiday mini) and sentiment from Christmas Punch

Accessories: Two way glue, dazzling diamonds and Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbon

On a personal note:  30 Days of Excellent in Every Way.

The challenge that originated with Dana Young-Bailey looks like this:

As a mom, I know that I focus too much on all the wrong things my kids do and miss out on all the right things they do. I get frustrated with chores not done or with their disobediance. When I only see their sin, I miss out on the blessing that my children really are.

Genesis 1:31 says, "Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way." (NLT)

I love how that is worded, "excellent in every way". Our children are excellent in every way, in spite of how they act at times. They were made in Gods' image and he said his creation is excellent.
Do you think your kids are excellent? I know that there are many times that I don't see them as excellent.
I want you to join me in 30 Days of Excellent in Every Way in September.

1. Pray & ask God to show you ways in which your kids are excellent. If you are like me, you may have a child that is more difficult than others. This is the child that you need really need to focus on. Pray for that child & ask God to show you how that child is excellent.
2. Keep a journal if you like of what the Lord shows you about your kids. If you have a blog, blog about it & send me your link!

3. At least once a day, post an status on face book about how one of your children was excellent. Don't use their name if you don't want to, especially if they are on face book.

4. Invite your friends. Ask your mom friends to join us.

5. Use excellent words with your children. Tell them when you catch them doing something wonderful. Compliment them. Build them up with your positive, encouraging words!

So what do you think?  Up for the challenge??

                                                                             

I've been Stampin'!

Pulling out the supplies and playing around ... yup I've been stamping.  I had prepared posts that were scheduled to update on my blog but apparently I did not do something right because I see that I am not showing my blog posts.  I will play around with that later.   Life has been so busy lately that I almost let time go by without stamping ... knowing that the best stress relief treatment is to grab some ink, stmaps and paper and PLAY!  I have making a bit of Holiday cards using some card fronts that went around last year.  I also pulled out one of my favorite stamps and some retired paper.  I have tons of retired items and decided that they would be great to use for cards that I am giving as gifts.  I just finished a box for a very special aunt who goes out of her way to help take care of my mom.  I hope to post some of the cards and projects that I have made so that my blog continues to update.  I also hope to figure out how to add my Stampin' Up blog favorites to the tab on my home page ... I'm just so NOT tech savvy!!  I am off to browse and see what you have all been up to!  Happy Stampin'!!!

Stampin' Up Gratitude

It must be a sign ... this "WHY" statement that has been the center of everything for me lately.  I was in a bit of a depressed mood today.  Been feeling a little bit lonely and thinking I should plan some girl time ... with school preparations for all of the kids and getting ready for a weekend trip to the Great Escape I haven't been able to 'hook up" with any of the girls.  It always seems that when I am in one of these 'moods' my upline, Michelle Deslandes, has a sixth sense.  Not only did she call me today to check in and catch up, I also received a beautiful card in the mail from her today.  There is no question WHY I became a demonstrator ... it's all about family and friendships.  Thanks "My Me-Shel" for touching me with a bit of sunshine today!

Stampin' Up Family Fun & Sister Blog Candy

Family - it has come to mean everything to me.  We celebrated Grandma Ovitt's memorial over the weekend and so much was shared about the foundations we build over the years.  When I sat down at the table to finish my card fronts for a Christmas swap my youngest daughter Kaetlyn asked is she could make cards too.  Before long three of the four kids were at the table sharing laughter (a bit of chocolate - a crafting staple in our house) and my heart just swelled.  I found myself fighting back tears.  and I reminded myself for the second night in a row WHY I became a demonstrator.  I woke up the next morning to find a card and flower from my nine year old daughter waiting for me.  I was a proud Stampin' Up mom!!

This picture of my family was taking during the outdoor celebration on Sunday.  Myself, husband Blaine, son Ryan (21), daughter Sayde (16), daughter Kaetlyn (9), son Caleb (11) and son Steele (13).  The Lord has blessed my life and to Him I am forever grateful!

If you get a chance, stop by my sisters blog:  Isom Cre8tions.  She is offering up some yummy candy - leave a commet for a chance to win!!

Have a Blessed night!

Stampin' Up - it's a Family thing.

Left to Right: me, husband Blaine, Kaetlyn, Sayde, Ryan
Sitting (floor)  L to R: Caleb, Steele

Discovering My Why ... I've been soul searching over the past few days.  Our upline challenged each of us to write our why statement.  I thought to myself "that's simple, I was buying the product myself so I might as well get a discount".  Last night I was sitting at the table with my youngest child - 9 yr old Kaetlyn- playing around with some new stamps from the Holiday Mini trying to come up with a card front for a Christmas swap.  My daughter whispered to me "can I stamp too Mommy"?  My heart melted as I watched her eyes begin to twinkle as I slowly began to nod my head.  It reminded me of the pitter patter I felt the first time I held a stamp in my hand.  It was like a wow moment ... this is what it's all about.  Building relationships and I knew that she and I were doing just that ... as mother and daughter.  This moment, I realized was one to build on and I know that many more are in store for us.  (I will post the card she made tomorrow - I don't have access to my camera ... I left it at the family reunion today - but don't tell my sisters or they'll induct me in their club -"Forgotten, Misplaced or Lost"! LOL

Here's to another very blessed day!

Stampin Up Convention Mojo and another semester behind me ...

Whew ... I haven't really had time to sit down and catch my breath since returning from my very first Stampin' Up convention.  Utah was gorgeous and there are no words to describe Convention ... I will definitely strive to go again!  I am just finishing up finals and only have one semester to go before I finally have my Bachelor's degree.  This semester was the most challenging semester ... now that I am going to have a two week hiatus I'm ready to get Inky.  We had a demonstrator meeting last night and after sharing the notes from  Convention with everyone I felt energized.  So I'm sharing the Christmas card I made for our swap last night!

Stamp Sets: Punch Potpourri and Pricelss

Cardstock: Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler

Here is my first take on the card but I didn't like it at all:

Well the UPS guy delivered all of my Convention bundles and Holiday mini goodies so I am going to plan a "play" weekend!  Now if the rest of my life cooperates with that plan I'll be all set!

Happy Stamping!

      ~Samantha~

SU Convention Swaps share - my cards

Card Swap #1:  Baroque Motifs and Old Olive

Card Swap #2:  Vintage Vogue wheel in More Mustard with Season of Friendship in Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Forest Friends.

Card Swap #3:  Garden Greenhouse in So Saffron and Perfect Plum

 Call me old fashioned ... I didn't want to spoil the surprise and share the cards I made for my first Stampin' Up Convention so I waited ... biting my nails and remaining as possible.  I left with 302 card fronts and can't believe I was able to swap them!  What fun!  I haven't had time to go through the card fronts I received in return but will share my favorites with you soon! 

Stampin' Up Convention 2010 - simply amazing

I am still recovering from my trip to Salt Lake City.  Never in my dreams had I envisioned such an experience.  I was surrounded by 2800 talented and inspiring women, shared laughter and tears (yes - Shelli moves you to tears!), and discovered a part of me I had kept buried.  The friendships and relations built through the art of Sharing what we Love is priceless and I feel a renewed passion and zest for things. 

Blog Candy Winner!!

 I'm not sure who was more excited about giving blog candy away ... me or my children.  They all gathered around for the drawing tonight!  The lucky winner:
  Jane: Scrappy Grams Designs!

Jane ... said...
Happy birthday, Samie! So glad you're back! Your cards are beautiful. Love the colors and the sentiments!

Thank you Jane for your continued support and encouragement!  Email your snail mail and I'll get this out to you!

Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments!!

 

Too sticky to stamp?

It's hard to believe that only two weeks ago we were suffering unseasonably cold weather in Vermont and were threatening to turn the heat back on with highs in the 50's and low 60's.  Today we are facing our first heat wave since 2003!  I sat down yesterday to work on a few card fronts for Convention but found myself sticking to everything! LOL  What a mess I ended up with!  It was a tough decision but I decided to can it and take the kids out to the pool instead!!  The party favor I am sharing was part of our demonstrator shoe box swap inspired by stamping sister Andrea Sharp.  It holds eight Hershey nuggets though can be used for many other little gifts!  


The two boys are cousins out cooling off for a bit in the pool yesterday.  The one on the left is my nephew Chase and the one on the right my son Steele.  Please keep Steele in your prayers as we have been visiting Vermont Children's Hospital regularly.  He has stopped growing and we have been undergoing some monthly testing ... no fun!


Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Stamping!

Saturday and Sunshine

Finally ... the sun is shining in Vermont and I can hear nothing but laughter as my children and their friends splash about in the pool.  The sound of a child's laughter is certainly enough to lift the spirits!  I am blessed to have the pool in the yard ... it allows for me to keep a "mother's eye" on my children and it allows them the company of friends.  I've been scurrying about reorganizing all of my new supplies and updating my files (my sister Marie (www.isomcre8tions.blogspot.com) calls me the Queen of Organization and my new SU family has followed suit.  I need to know where all of my 'toys' are and everything has a spot, labeled and all!  LOL  I'm sharing a couple of photo's of projects that I made at our demonstrator shoe box swap a couple of weeks ago.  The best part about getting together with my 'family' is the inspiration I always walk away with! 

I have to say that my favorite project was taking a simple folder and recreating a card folio with it.  Lift the flap on one side and fill with cards.  Lift the flap on the opposie side and fill with envelopes!

Have a super day!!

Whew ... finally! and Blog candy

Hi Fellow 'Bloggers', Stampers and Friends!

   After spending far too many hours trying to figure out how to post pictures and links to my blog I decided to sign up for BlogsbyHeather monthly maintenance program so that I can use my time to create and share!  I have been working hard on preparing for my first Convention trip.  I was like a little girl today when my badge came in the mail ... I just wanted to hold it and hold it!  LOL 
   Since I've been missing in action for a bit I decided to return with some blog candy in celebration of my 42nd birthday yesterday!  (Shhh ... my kids think I'm still 39).  All you have to do to be entered into my drawing:

           Leave a comment = 1 entry

   Post my link = 1 entry

Follow me = 1 entry

                  Drawing will be held on July 7th!

Here are a couple of cards I made in between preparing swaps for Convention!  I love the set Thoughts and Prayers.  I've begun to use up my mounds of retired papers - focusing on Sage Shadow here. I have a file filled with photos to share since I've been unable to keep my blog updated!  Watch for more!

Tick Tock

I just can't seem to keep track of time lately.  Sayde and I returned from Idol with our internal clocks all out of wack.  A week has passed and I am still trying to return to a somewhat normal routine.  I am finding it hard to believe that we are in June and the kids will all be out of school in a week!!  Then the chaos truly begins.  It donned on me that I am doing a free class tomorrow night for a group of mom's who have children with disabilities.  It will be a small group of women ~~ 8 to 10 at the most.  I felt it important that these moms be supported and I can't tell you how excited they are.  I scurried about tonight trying to put a few simple projects together and while doing so I found Angie Juda (Chic n Scratch) had this adorable envelope card on her videos.  I pulled out some envelopes and a stamp set and voila... quick and easy.  
   I also received a SU order while I was going.  I wanted to put a special thank you gift in for this group because they scheduled a card class and placed orders.  I whipped up a few Jr. Legal pad holders that used to be all the craze a year or so ago!  I know that i could have given product as a thank you but in giving a handmade gift I hope to perhaps get another class!
   I'll do my best to keep up - it's time to begin planning my first Convention trip!  Best to all you Creative Souls!
  ~Samantha