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!