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!

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!

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!

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!

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!!