Game on ... It's Swap Time!

The year's ups and downs have me lagging behind at home as my Stampin' Sisters prepare to head to Salt Lake City for this years Stampin' Up Convention and 25th anniversary celebration.  I decided that I wanted in on some of the fun so I have joined several 'virtual' swaps.  Tonight I created thirty of these cards using one of my favorite color combinations Pool Party and Early Expresso!  Some day I will figure out how to use some of the settings on my camera so that I am able to share better photo's. 

Supplies:
    CS:  Early Expresso, Pool Party and Very Vanilla
  Stamps:  Daydream Medallions and Blue Ribbon
    EF:  Stripes
  Punch:  Scallop, Owl (for the circles), 1 1/4 circle, 1 3/4 circle

Thanks for stopping by!!  See you soon!

All Day Play

Today was such a rainy, chilly day in Vermont.  I couldn't deny that this was the best kind of day for getting inky.  I walked around in circles avoiding my stamping stash until my 'Wicked' stepmother arrived to do some crafting. (We have called her this playful nickname for years).  Knowing that I have signed up for several swaps coming up I had to do what I could to kickstart some mojo.  I turned to a favorite card I had been saving to try from Dawn Griffith to get me going before I dusted off my Clockworks set that I still had not put to use.  I had seen oodles and oodles of cards blasting the internet using this set and would love to credit one individual for the inspiration behind my card but it would be impossible.

After completing over 35 cards, I decided to call it a day!  I'm looking forward to some creative time in the near future!

Thanks for visiting!
      ~Samantha

Rejoining the blogger world ...

I don't know why blogging seems to be so difficult for me!  I love Stampin' Up and everything about their products.  I enjoy creating and sharing with friends and family.  I don't understand why I am still struggling with the passing of my mother eight months ago.  I go through uplifting times where I dig out the ink and start stamping ... before long something reminds of a special moment or card I created for her and it is back on the shelf they go.  I hope the new catalog brings the MoJo back!  Please don't give up on me!!



 

Inspired by my Colorado Sister

You read that right ... inspiration is everywhere!  When I hit a brick wall I know that my sister will give me just the push I need to find a little MoJo.  I am not referring to a Stampin' Up sister (not yet anyway!) but my amazingly talented sister Marie!  I was working on a card for an upcoming workshop in a couple of weeks and kept saying to myself, "it's missing something".  I took a break and jumped on Facebook for a minute.  Sure enough there was a post sharing a card she had made in her Creative Cave.  As I looked at her creation, I realized that all I needed to add was a little something on the inside of the card.  The result was a true transformation!

Be sure to check out my sisters block and enjoy her creativity!  http://isomcre8tions.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by!

You asked ... Stampin Up listened!

What an exciting day- a new product is available from Stampin' Up! but ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

The best part is it's an affordable new product!

Introducing the...

Textured Boutique Embossing Machine!!!

 

In a test trial partnership with Sizzix, Stampin' Up! is offering ONLY.....I repeat.....ONLY 4000 of these new Embossing machines!

So, what does it do?

 

So, if you LOVE using embossing folders......this is the machine for you

 

How much does it cost???

 

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
 Item 132657

$29.95

Includes:

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim 
•  
• Texture Boutique Bundle
   Item 132700
• 39.95
  Includes:
• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
• Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
• Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
• Visit www.samiesentiments.stampinup.net
• Click on "Shop Now", and place your order! It will be shipped directly to you, and you can even combine this order with any other products you may want! Be sure to check out the clearance rack for more great deals too!!
•  
• Don't wait ... these will sell out FAST! 

 

 

It's in the Air ...

 

It was such a cool day in Vermont ... the scent of Fall lingers in the air as I watch the yellows, reds and oranges shadow the backyard.  That could only mean one thing ... Christmas is around the corner.  For me that means it is time to switch in to overdrive and prepare for an annual craft fair I attend in VA with my sister.  The Ovitt household has endured a very tough year (I had two major surgeries) so I am praying that I may bring in a bit of holiday income.  My mind is swirling with many project and card ideas ... just waiting for my body to catch up with my mind!!  

What are you up to ... crafting for the holidays?  Would love to hear from you!

Stampin Up ... it's all about fAMily.

    I have been asked quite a few times why I love Stampin' Up so much ... certainly I have been unsuccessful thus far in making it the business I dream about it becoming so why stay in it?  The answer is quite simple ... I love my family.  When I talk about my family I am not simply referring to my biological family but also my extended Stampin' Up family - women (and men) I have met and some I haven't who have become important support pillars in my life.  Each year Shelly, founder of SU, presents a theme for the business.  This year's the was "I AM".  I finally realized ... I AM fAMily!

  On a lighter note, I spent the day playing with composition notebooks ... what fun they are to alter.  I enjoyed coming up with some fun color themes while maintaining my "Less is More' motto!  What do you think?

Happy Stamping !
                Thanks for stopping by!
        

Jingle Bell Rockin’ Cards!

Sunday, Oct. 14 @ 10:00-4:00

Set your sights on holiday lights and eggnog around the tree.

We hope you can join us for our holiday card festivity!

VFW

58353 Lake Road

St. Albans, VT  05478

Pre Registration:  $25.00 for 12 cards (including envelopes)

Pre Registration due by:  Monday, Oct. 1^st – Limited Spaces Available

Pre Registration doesn’t include adhesive.  Please bring plenty.                                                

Event will include:

Make 12 homemade holiday cards before Frosty the Snowman is here!

Everyone will Rock Around the Christmas Tree for a homemade ornament!

There will be Elves to assist you in making your cards!

It’s a Marshmallow World around the luncheon table!

Have a Holly Jolly time with your family & friends!

*This event is for everyone including the beginners - 12 years and older!

*You can come and go as you please & stamp at your own leisure!

*Card Kits are prepped for you, all you need to do is stamp and assemble!

*We will have a Raffle & Ordering/Booking Specials!

If you have any questions on this event please contact me @ 827-6547 or email @ ovittfam@comcast.net.

Please mail pre registration before Monday, Oct. 1^st

I'm in Love!

I'm in Love

 

I dug out the Keepsake Ornaments bundle and man this is one product I fell in love with!   I cut a piece of card stock that was 5x4 and was able to cut out three ornaments at once using the framelits and the forth I used the 3/4 inch punch to punch out the circle.  Save some paper!!  I am learning to use the edgelits and framelits.   I was able to use my favorite color combo on cherry cobbler and crumb cake! I plan on using the Greetings of the Season stamp set on my holiday cards but the order isn't here yet!!   I'm feeling festive!

Thanks for visiting!

Lurking around the corner ...

     Where has the time gone?  I feel as though summer has slipped through my fingertips.  I look around me and ask, "What have you accomplished"?  I shrug to myself "nothing". The calendar is chanting 'school, school, school' in my ear.  The realization that time with my children is dwindling as we scurry about making the preparations.  I try to imagine what it will be like to say goodbye to my oldest daughter as she begins a new journey in college.  I can't even fathom it! 

      The start of school also sends signals darting at me as reminders that the annual craft fair I attend with my sister in VA  is just around the corner.  I decided to play for a bit today.  In order to transition slowly after spending months healing from surgeries I decided to start out small.  I remembered how loved the envelope gift card holder / treat bag was in previous years and decided to put a few together.  It felt amazing to craft ... my favorite country music playing in the background ... my mind escaping from its depths of stress.  Stamping is so therapeutic!

Can't Keep a SU Demonstrator down!

I just couldn't help myself!  I have been visiting Brian King's blog quite frequently during my recovery period and the past two days I have found myself motivated to get my fingers inky!  If you haven't checked it out ... www.stampwithbrian.com!

For this card I grabbed some Early Expresso and Crumb Cake paper and ink.  I knew that I wanted to play with the color combination.  I remember seeing Fabulous Florets stamped in similar colors on Stampin Connection.  I only wish that I had some wide ribbon in Early Expresso as the Chocolate Chip is a bit off.  What do you think?

Yes ... I have to stand to stamp since I can't look down!  I just had to get inky!!

 
 

Triple Time Stamping Technique using Everything Eleanor and in Midnight Muse / Crumb Cake and Black / Pretty in Pink

Dear Friends,
    I am so blessed to find that you haven't left me!  It has just not been my year!  As I found myself healing from shoulder surgery that I had at the end of November I began looking forward to moving forward with my Stampin' Up business.  My body had other plans.  The shooting pains and numbness returned in my arms and fingers sending me back to the neurosurgeon who confirmed another necessary surgery.  I had cervical disk fusion in 2005 that did not fuse and thus caused problems in a couple of other levels.  In June I had another multi - level fusion done and my body seems to be rejecting the manufactured bone that they used.  I have been in a brace for over six weeks!!
    Two days ago I decided that the only thing that would make me feel better was to stamp ... but oh where to begin?  I found myself visiting a favorite blog Stamp and Scrap with Frenchie http://www.frenchiestamps.com/.  I fell in love with her Triple Time Stamping card she shared and decided to 'get my feet wet' by CASEing her!  I am sharing the results with you!
      Thank you for your continued support!

~Samie

Welcome NEW CATTY!

With the introduction of the 2012-2013 annual catalog, we have made a very big change to our Stampin’ Pads.

Introducing firm foam pads! They change your stamping experience for the better.

We know you’re going to love these new Stampin’ Pads—just look at all the exciting benefits listed below:

• Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
• Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!

In addition, our new Stampin’ Pads

• Create wonderfully solid images. The Firm Foam releases more ink onto your rubber stamp than the felt pads. When using the Firm Foam pad, your stamp will get an even, solid covering of ink that you may not have been able to achieve with the felt pads. Please note: if you are using the ink pad frequently you may need to re-ink your Firm Foam pad more often.
• Have a crisply printed, glossy label on the top of the pad that is easier to read and that will not fade or chip off!
• Come with color name labels in all four languages (English, Spanish, French, and German)--just choose your language, peel it off the back, and add it to the side of the pad for easy identification! 
• Use the same patented flip-top case design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist!
• Are available in all colors, including our exclusive In Colors!

Please note: Five ink colors have undergone formula changes to improve functionality and color stability with the new firm foam pads. These colors are

• Basic Black
• Basic Gray
• Marina Mist
• Perfect Plum
• Tempting Turquoise

All five colors of the reformulated inks have been fully tested and approved. While using the new ink formula in the old Stampin’ Pads is fine, we do not recommend using the old ink formula for these five colors in the new firm foam pads. Any refills purchased after April 30, 2012, will contain the new formulated ink.

Contact me for more information! 

Come out!  Come out!  Wherever you are!

I finally found my way back to my blog!  Oh how I have missed blogging with my cyber friends.  I am determined to figure out this blog posting thing so as I may join in future blog hops. I joined an amazing yahoo group VC Rocks and want to share some of my creations.  In a final plea for help I purchased a book written by Heather Wright - Porto titled Beginning Google Blogger.  My fear of 'all that techy stuff'' is being tossed in the can and I am ready for this challenge!!

I have been doing a bit of crafting.  My upline, Michelle Bushey Deslandes, shared a really cute card at our Cards for Cancer benefit and I couldn't leave it alone.  I had to play with the color combination until I came up with the "just right" look.  My winning combo:  Cajun Craze and I Dig You!!  Such an easy card to put together don't you think?

 As is was crafting and visiting with my sister who is in Vermont from Virginia, I needed a 'girlie' card for her to send back to a special little girl at home.  I remember seeing lots of ideas to make a cheerleader girl using punches.  Though I wasn't sure exactly what punches were used I did manage to put one together using her favorite color purple.  I can't wait to have time to play around with this idea some more soon!

 Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  

    ~Samie

 

I love my amazing daughter

Graduation Announce for my daughter

Just yesterday I was holding her on my lap and singing lullaby's in her ear as she gazed at me with the unconditional love shared between a mother and daughter.  As I sat amongst stacks of Stampin' Up card stock I found myself wandering through time ... we have shared so much over the past 18 years.  I fight the tears as I think about the changes we are in for as my daughter prepares for her High School graduation.  I have been trying to get her invitations made (not easy working with card stock and ink when you have a tear escape every now and again!)  I hope she treasures them as they were made from the heart!

We've been spoiled ...

Inspired by Connie Babbert and Barb Mulikin

The weather in Vermont has been record breaking ... reaching near 80 this past week!  I found myself drawn to the outdoor sun.  We just finished a few short weeks of making some yummy syrup in the backyard sugar shack (the season cut short by the unusual weather).  I found myself slacking in preparation for a scheduled Stampin' Up workshop (Yup, it's tomorrow) ... tonight I pulled some supplies off the shelf and enjoyed some time putting together some card kits.  I made this adorable tootsie pop bouquet inspired by Cindy Vinson.  I love the Mixed Bunch stamp set and punch offered by Stampin' Up in their current mini catalog!  There is so much that you can do with it...


Now it wouldn't be right to talk about Vermont syrup making without sharing some of the fun with you.  It is such a priceless experience to share with your children and I can not wait to take the pictures from our season in the backyard sugar shack!

 Here I am with my first jar of pure Vermont maple syrup!  For those who do not know ... it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup ... and we do it all by hand from tapping trees, to gathering sap right down to the boil and draw!



Below you will see the stages of boiling sap - a truly amazing picture captured!

And of course I had to share a tapped tree!