New Experiences ...

Last weekend I visited my sister in Virginia and participated in a craft fair at her place of employment.  I am so grateful for the experience.  I learned so much about myself, the vendor world, and the connections between success and failure.  I would not hesitate to tackle this endeavor with the knowledge that I have gained.  I have a passion for people and love creating and maintaining friendships.  What better outlet than the crafting world?  Stampin' Up has given me the confidence to take chances and explore new ideas.  

Are you thinking about doing a craft fair this year?  Check back and see what my best sellers were!!  What types of vendors participated and more!


~Samantha

 

Countdown ...

It's that time of year my body readjusts its' clock and I find myself thinking that it is far later than it actually is.  It is so depressing waking in the dark and having few hours of sunlight.  I feel as though I am in a constant battle with myself ... all I want to do is sleep.  My sister arrives from VA on Sunday and I know that I will feel re-energized with her hear.  I have a lot of crafting to get done before the 'dreaded surgery' in November.  

    While I was waiting for the photographer to arrive this evening I tried stamping some bottle magnets for my Uncle and played around with a few other ideas.  I needed to distract myself since it was time to choose Senior Pictures for my daughter Sayde and I just am not ready to accept that it won't be long before she enters the world all on her own! 
    Here is the first set of magnets I tried ...

Thanks for letting me share!  Happy crafting!

Envelope Bag - Gift Card Holder

The countdown is on ... two weeks from tomorrow I will be in my car and headed to Virginia!  I am very fortunate to have a family supportive of my dream of finding a venue to share my card creations and crafts.  I have been busy playing with paper, searching the cyber world for inspiration, and getting inky!  These little bags were made with Stampin' Up envelopes.  I used my favorite stamp set Snow Much Fun and Bashful Blue ink and ribbon.  These can be hung from the tree with a gift card or treat, given to a coworker or used as a Secret Santa gift.  So many ideas!  I made several different designs and played with different colors!  Let me know ... which one is your favorite?

 Happy Stamping!

Hello Friends ... Old and New!

It seems like a lifetime has passed since I visited my blog and shared my love of crafting with the cyber world. So many changes have taken place, not only in my desire to find my niche in the craft business, but in myself as I move forward in life.  Things that used to seem so important to me now seem so trivial.  Much of the change comes from caring for my mom.  She is such an amazing woman.  I watch her struggle daily to remain here with us and I think of what a selfless sacrifice she is making. 

She suffers from chronic COPD and is on oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  She has not left her home for almost two years (except for medical appointments).  As I witness her daily weakening, a bit of me grows to appreciate life 'in the moment'.  I realize I have wasted valuable time and energy in my yearnings for things I did not have.  I realize that what I have, family and faith, makes me one of the richest and strongest persons in the world.  I am learning to accept my weaknesses, embrace my strengths and yes, I am slowly learning to trust in God again.  Thank you mom ... I Love You!

Lost ...

Hello Blogger Friends,

     It has been forever since I've logged on and shared any inspiration or creativity.  I thought that once I graduated from college I would have plenty of free time ... now I sit back and wonder how in the world I even managed to find time to do homework!  Today, I decided that as messy as my house is (my husband is gutting the attic to insulate) it was important for me to pull a stamp set off the shelf, blow the dust off and and create something!  So after mounting half a dozen sets that have been lying around ... I decided to lift an idea from Regionals in CT (I believe).  Cam Meagher made a similar card with white on white and white ribbon.  Here is my take:

 I used the stamp set Word Play and layered the Card Stock to match the scallop circle.  I played around with colors trying out Elegant Eggplant, Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler and Night of Navy.  I used Whisper White ribbon on the Cherry Cobbler card and dies it by just sponging both sides with ink.  

Thanks for taking a peek!
    Samie

Workshop WOW card ...

I CASEd Frenchie

I have been struggling to come up with an idea for an upcoming workshop with a group of ladies who make cards weekly.  What idea could I bring to them that would bring "oohhh's and ahhhh's" from them?  Lacking for mojo, I turned to the cyber world and began searching ideas from the many talented individuals sharing their artwork.  I found this card on a blog by an amazing woman named Frenchie from Wyoming (http://www.frenchiestamps.com/http://www.frenchiestamps.com/).  I thought "why not give it a whirl"?  I love it!  Not only is it gorgeous but my bringing this card to my group it incorporates many of Stampin' Up's amazing products!  It's a Win/Win!  Thank you so much to Frenchie for her tutorial and her inspiration!

Colors:  Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla and Always Artichoke

Stamps:  Blessed Mother

Tools and Accessories:  Stamp-a-Ma Jig, Dimensionals, Bone Folder, 1/2 inch circle punch, Build a Blossom punch, sponge dauber, tulipe embossing folder, crimper

So ... what do you think?  Will the girls drool over this GORGEOUS card?  Let me know what you think?

Happy Crafting,

     Samantha

Hartford Regionals ... here I come!

I can't believe it ... the clock is ticking and I'm starting to get that tingly feeling.  You know, the one you get before you step on the plane for Stampin' Up Convention!!  I decided that since I attended my first Convention in 2010 as a first year demonstrator, i was going to attend Regionals as a second year demonstrator.  I'm so excited.  Now that I'm getting the hang of using the products and playing with the colors ... I'm ready to step on board the +ONE and reach out for some business tips.  I need to recruit and have no idea how to even get started!  They say Regionals are the place to go for support, knowledge and of course ... FUN!

This card was inspired by a card I saw on Ebay of all places.  I just had to take out the Melon Mambo and Pacific Point colors to pop this card right off the page!  What do you think?  So simple yet one of my favorite creations so far.  (I left them blank for regionals but my own stash has the modern label punch layered with whisper white greeting to coordinate to the Melon Mambo and Pacific Point.)  I'm going to have to send in another Sale a Bration order because I want more, more, more of these adorable buttons!

Happy stamping!

Snow, Snow Go Away ....

It just has to be the weather... what else would deter a woman away from her crafting supplies?  We have so much snow that you can only see half of peoples houses when you are driving down the roads as the snow banks are higher than the vehicles on the roads!!  Blast Vermont snowstorms.  The forecast says we are supposed to get another one beginning Thursday.  I just want to hibernate until the flowers start peeping up through some green grass! LOL  I have a tote filled with old card kits from workshops, demo meetings and more.  I have decided that I am going to start mixing and matching and using up the supplies.  My family is always needing more cards.  This lot is one from a woman in Ohio that I played around with and came up with a couple of different ideas.  Do you like the Regal Rose added to the card or just the basic gray?  I would love to know your thoughts.
    As always, thanks for stopping by!
Samantha

Hartford Regionals ... share and update

 

I am so excited that the Hartford Regionals are just around the corner.  I have been looking forward to getting away after much stress and health issues over the past month.  There is nothing to lift one's spirits than being surrounded by an extended Stampin' Up family.  If you are attending ... let me know and we can look each other up!

I've been crazy busy lately.  I was honored to be asked to make wedding cards for a woman  I met through a mutual friend.  How exciting that was.  Then I finished card fronts and some 3d items for Regionals.  Now to come up with an idea for some graduation invitations (anyone want to share some fabulous ideas?), and some Easter gifts!  I am planning a scrapbook night with some girls on April 6th and this will be our first gathering.  I'm a bit nervous but confident that I can put something together.

 Eastern Blossoms Card Recipe

Stamps:  Eastern blossoms

Card stock:  Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla

Ink: Baja Breeze

Accessories:  Polka dots embossing folder, tulipe border embossing folder, SU pearls, SU Ovals Die

Easter Fun ...

 
I'm so ready for our monthly Demonstrator meeting tomorrow evening at my upline Michelle Deslandes!  My family of girls is my lifeline and they bring so much brightness to the dreariest of days.  I hope they don't peek at my blog ... 'cause I'm sharing the swap that I made for them.  The theme this month was a 3D Easter swap.  I had so much fun making these cute little door hangers inspired by Andrea Walford. I ended up filling them with Easter grass and tying a bow around the boxes.  I love them!  After I finished I couldn't settle down so I whipped up some of these cute little Easter cards.  I don't know why my camera messed up the color. I used the Ice Cream Parlor DSP from Sale-a-Bration again.  It goes great with Rose Red and Marina Mist.  What do you think?
Hugs from chilly VT!

I'm Honored ...

 Finally having found my way back to my blog to add a quick post, I noticed that I had received this beautiful Stylish Blogger Award from Maddiebug Designs  http://www.maddiebugdesigns.blogspot.com/)  This really touched my heart and I am so honored to accept.

In accepting this award I need to do the following:

1.Thank the person/persons that shared this award with me and link it back to their blog/blogs.

2.Share eight things about myself.

3.Pass this award onto eight other bloggers that I have recently discovered.

4.Leave a comment so they can pass along the recognition!

 

Eight things about me:

1.  I live in a very small town with a good 'ol fashion Village Market, Fire Station and we have to get our mail at the post office as they do not deliver mail to our homes.

2.  I just graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Psycholgoy in December.

3.  I have five beautiful and amazing children.

4.  I own and operate my own Registered Family child care in my home and this is my 13th year.

5.  I have a phobia of mice.

6.  I am a chocolate addict.

7.  This is my second year as a SU Demonstrator.

8.  I love to read and my Kindle is fully loaded!

There are so many inspirational blogs to share this award with.  Many have touched my heart!  I would like to pass this award along to:

1.  Kathy Kalthoff:  Stampin to Share 

http://www.stampingtoshare.com/

2.  Wanda:  my Creative Corner

http://www.starlightstamper.com/

3.  Madeline Morcello:  The Stamping Studio

http://thestampingstudio.blogspot.com

4.  Deanna: De Stampin' Corner

http://destampincorner.blogspot.com

5.  Rita:  Cards by Rita

http://ritascreations.blogspot.com

6.  Rose:  Rose's World

http://rosemariediehl.blogspot.com

7.  Chat (nightstamper):  Me, My Stamps and I

http://memystampsandi.blogspot.com

8.  Heather Miles Portney:  Blinging Home the Bacon

http://blinginghomethebacon.com

Hartford Regionals ...

As the date draws closer to the Hartford Regionals, I find myself so excited.  I get into this crafting mood and can't slow down.  I managed to do 70% of my card swaps and made a few 3d items to share.  I have never been to Regionals before so I have no idea what to expect.  All I know ... is that any time spent with demonstrators and Stampin' Up family is a blessed time in my life!!   So ... I'm addicted to making these 4x6 desk calendars.  They were a huge seller at my craft fairs this year so after some quality time with my kids (yes, we went and saw Gnomeo and Juliet and shared some much needed laughter, junk food and family time) I whipped up some of these to swap.  I used clear 4x6 frames that I found in a department store of all places.  I struggled with the first two - taking out my favorite color combo of elegant eggplant and so saffron.  I noticed I had a package of Ice Cream Parlor DSP & Accents from the Sale-a-Bration catty and started to play around.  I love it!  What do you think?
     Hope all is well in your crafting world!

Stampin Up wedding ...

        I've sat here all day frustrated and lacking a bit of confidence.  I was awed that an individual who I have never met before contacted me about whipping up some wedding invitations for her ... I mean, me? Really?  So I was told that she wanted flat invitations around a 3 1/2 x 7 1/2 with pink and purple.  I tried and tried to come up with something that I liked but to no avail.  I changed the invitation size to 4 x 8 in Ellegant Eggplant and pretty in pink.  Though the color combo is great ... for a baby shower or birthday card ...I just couldn't get it to work for these invitations.  I finally contacted the bride to be to please sit down with me and give me a 'vision' of what she has in mind!!  I was honest in explaining that I was having difficult coming up with a card that didn't look too 'feminine'.  We talked for a while and I learned a bit about her ... I got over the hurdle of making phone contact (yay for me - LOL).  She is a very sweet girl!  She is coming over this week with one of our mutual friends to look at colors, stamps and 'feel' the paper etc.  They asked I have a catalog ready!!  I think this is another +One for me ... stepping outside my comfort zone!  I have so much to learn!  I look forward to your comments and thank you for sharing my journey with me!
       Blessings,
            ~Samie

  

Stampin Up' - more than just ink and stamps.

My card - left and Allison - right

 One of the ways that Stampin' Up has impacted my life is the manner in which it has brought family and friends into my life.  Women who I've never met before sharing their talent and growth through inspirational blogs.  My brother and sister-in-law stopped in today and I wanted to make a Valentine's Day care.  She is a newbie - very little crafting or card making experience.  I had pulled a sample from Convention 2010 that I wanted to try (there was no label on the back of the card so I can't give credit - sorry).  She rocked it! My card is on the left and hers is on the right!  Wowser!
 

 Well it just wasn't fair that the girls were having all the fun so my son Caleb and my brother Jeff were brought to the table.  They made cute little Valentine treats with the I {heart} Hearts, the Heart punch and some skinny bags!  After they finished I had them 'exchange valentines'.  What a fun time!


Another treasured relationship that has grown from my Stampin' Up business is the group of young girls that join me on the last Friday of every month. Now these
girls know how to get crafty!  We made pinwheels, valentine treats and washer necklaces!  I've learned to love their individuality and each one has blessed my heart!

Black and White

Black and white ... that kind of sums up the way I've been feeling lately.  Some days I'm in such a dark mood.  The Vermont weather has taken it's toll and moods seem to be plummeting.  I decided that I needed to take a jump out of the snowbank ... and land in my crafting chair.  Though I only had a short amount of spare time, I encompassed the moment and put this card together.  I have to say that I felt like the sun had come out and my mood lifted the moment I had Stampin' Up products in my hand!  I should have added some sponging around the edges.  The new pinking hearts border punch rocks! 

Valentine Defined ...

Here come some fun samples of cards and projects that we made at a Demonstrator swap organized by my upline Michelle Deslandes.  It was so fun getting together with all the girls and sharing our passion for stamping!  I have fallen in love with the new seam binding.  It has become one of my favorite accessories to add to my cards, pages and projects!

For the love of Family... Plus One

Family (I'm kneeling in front in gray sweater)

 They inspire me.  They support me. They listen to me. They make me laugh (sometimes until I cry).  I am so blessed to have these beautiful women in my life ... yes, my Stampin' Up family!  ""Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible -- the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family." Today we all got together for a shoebox swap and to share a bit of motivation with one another.  What an uplifting atmosphere!  We shared what SU's plus One means to each of us, enjoyed laughter and food and some pretty amazing projects!  They are the reason I am a demonstrator and to each and every one of them I thank you!
   My plus One's first goal was to get a monthly club established.  Last night was the first meeting of my It's a Girl Thing girls club.  It was a success!  We had a blast not only crafting but sharing giggles and stories!

I feel inspired and ready to take on 2011.  I'm going to dream big!  Have a great weekend and watch for our shoebox swap projects coming this week!

Lunchtime Lift ...

Inspiration from the Stamp Doc

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life has certainly been challenging.  I've finally accepted that the hard drive is gone and I have to revert to this laptop.  The photos, tutorials and notes from my crafting friends over the past couple of years are of the past.  I've decided not to fret as we know from life's lessons that you can never go back ... you can only go forward.  That is my goal for 2011.  To move forward.  In order to do that I have to make things happen - they are not going to happen by my sitting back in a passive state wishing for them or dreaming about what could be.  Tomorrow night is my step in becoming active.  I am hosting a new monthly club for girls only ... It's a Girl Thing.  I have eight girls signed up to attend and I am so excited.  The girls are making valentine heart treats, a valentine card, a necklace using washers, a pinwheel and their 'big' project will be this amazing Jr. Size legal notebook cover inspired by none other than the Stamp Doc.  You can visit her blog at www.stampdoc.typepad.com.  The second step in moving forward is attending Regionals in March.  Yes, I registered for the Hartford, CT Saturday event in March.  I am so excited. 

Note:  I used the 2011 In Colors on my Jr. Legal Pad notebook cover.  I also used Stampin' Rite markers Crumb Cake (for the hair) and Daffodil Delight on the wings!

Thanks for stopping in!
      Samie

I've been CASEing

I needed a little Inspiration to get back in the groove!  I have a new club starting on the 28th for young girls, a demonstrator group meeting where we are doing a shoebox swap and a scrapbooking club starting (if all works out)!  I found a cute little owl that Lynn Pratt shared (isn't she amazing?) so I played around a bit and made one myself.  I also made another page for my planner and lifted an idea for a valentine treat cup Holly at rubberredneck.typepad.com!

Pillow Box Die Owl

 

 Supplies:
Pillow Box
Oval Scallop punch
5 Petal punch
1 inch and 1/2 inch punch

Planner Page: My Boys (excuse the glare)

Heart treat cup with candy hearts inside!

 

Could it be ... and Convention creator search

Was this your convention swap?

Whew ... what a week.  I so wanted to get my craft savvy hat on but there were other plans in store for me.  No matter what came within reach of my fingertips this week - it broke.  The kicker in the pants for me was losing my hard drive on my desktop that has my life's history (and everything I need to complete year end paperwork for my childcare business).  I had just worked on flyers that mailed out to customers to start various clubs and now I can't remember everything I put in the newsletters!  Yikes!  I'm excited to get things going in 2011 for my Stampin' UP business.  I no longer want to be labeled a hobby demo!  In order for that change to occur I need to lose inhibitions in contacting people and learn that it is okay to hear no, no, no ... because somewhere amidst those no's there might be a yes.  There is only one way to find out!  I believe that Sale - a - Bration is a great time to reintroduce myself and get some bookings!  

While at Convention in Salt Lake City, UT this past July I came across the cutest little display of the color families.  I managed to take a picture of this swap as one of my friends was lucky enough to receive one.  I am looking for the creator of this swap.  If you recognize who made this or if you are the creator could you please contact me via email: ovittfam@ncctv.net.  

I'm off to blog hop and see if it is just the cure for my blues ... I need to get some MoJo since I lost all of my SU pictures and project that I have created over the past year.  I know you will all give me the energy I need to 'share the love'!
Best,
  Samantha

2010 Highlights and It's all about the New Year!

My Upline (and treasured friend): Michelle Deslandes

2010 has certainly been a year full of moments to embrace and moments that left one full of unsettled emotions.  I have learned much about myself - what drives me ... what my capabilities are ... what my dreams are ... and where I want to go in the new Year.  I have been been very blessed to have had many opportunities come my way this past year.  I was able to remain active as a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.  Though it was challenging, my first full year as a Demo was a learning experience.  Many individuals inspired my life and gave me support and inspiration to not give up.  My Stamping "mom", Michelle Deslandes is one of the most special individuals to enter my life.  She has become one of my very best friends. 
     In May, my daughter Sayde and I were part of the American Idol Grand Finale. What an experience for two small town girls from 'Redneck' Vermont!  Our 'true colors' were evident from the moment we landed in L.A.  We had never heard of these shuttle buses that bring you to your hotel so we spent two hours trying to figure out what our transportation was that was waiting for us.  We arrived at the Beverly Hilton exhausted and a bit chilly (yes, it was colder in L.A. than it was in VT and this Northern VT girl didn't bring a jacket!)  Nothing stopped us as we skipped down street and stopped within the first five minutes ... who knew L.A. could be dirty?  It was not at all what we had envisioned from late night television shows!

Never dreamed we get this close.

 

 

The Vermont Girls in Salt Lake City, UT

  It wasn't long after a return from L.A. that I was on a plane heading to my very first Stampin' Up Convention in Salt Lake City, UT.  I fell in love immediately with the West.  A group of VT girls traveled and stayed together.  I can't remember having that much fun since I was in High School!  I also met a cyber friend, Robbie Rubella by a chance bump in! 

Meeting cyber friend:  Robbie

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Dawn Griffith http://www.dawnsstampingthoughts.net/   -

Another of the year's highlights ... I finished my Bachelor of Psychology with Honors in December!  I never thought at 42 years old I would experience the joy of being a college graduate!

The most important of my year ... to have a loving, healthy family to share my life with!