I'm still here....a tad behind schedule

Oh my goodness my friends, I do hope you and your families enjoyed the holidays. Are you getting ready for New Year's Eve?!?! I meant to post all kinds of fun projects I had completed while I was on vacation, but, from the absence of my postings, you know that didn't work out like I planned. But that's ok, you'll still get to see the goodies soon!

Today I wanted to share a little project with you to RECYCLE all those beautiful cards you received this holiday season! That's right, as you're cleaning off the mantel or the counter or the basket where all your cards have been, think about making I.O.U's or gift card holders for NEXT YEAR!

First I'll share my card.

You can't see them all, but I had 8 different color varieties. If you received a Navy Blue one and you looooove navy, it may not have been by chance ;) I spiced it up a bit for me - so I didn't burn out on making the cards. Usually I try to spread out the process over a week, but I was a bit rushed this year so I decided different color cards would keep me interested. Plus, it was easy to glance down and tell myself, keep going, only three more green ones! This is a fun style card, a pocket card. I made one here a looooong time ago. I decided on the pocket card because it was easy for the receipient to REUSE. The insert is approximately 3"x5". That's the size of an index card. Even non-stampers could pull out the insert, reinsert an index card and give the card to someone else. You could also drop in a gift card or tickets to show!

Edited to Add: Thanks for your interest, I'll share the measurements and quick directions to make your own Pocket Card.

Now, let's get to it. Here are a few of the cards I received.
Lookie at this one from West Virginia! LOVE the ornament look! What patience!

Glitter, glitter, glitter from northern Ohio.

Is that a spotlighting technique I spy from Virginia??

Let's look at reusing the cards!
This one from Michigan used MY DIGITAL STUDIO. The hand-drawn box is something I'll be recreating soon!

On the inside right was the message. Now....tad-dah...it's home for a gift card. See that little punch, it's $5.95 and you need it. It makes the semi circle shape for the gift cards to tuck into!

Here's a vintage-inspired card from Maryland

On the inside was this beautiful plaid paper, I matched the colors and created an I.O.U.. I don't know about you, but I'm always giving I.O.U's.

Ok, just one more. Hang in there!
Dasher from the DC metro area!

Inside easily transforms into another gift card holder.
I hope I didn't bore you - but really, it's what I'm doing with the cards I received. Now, I know some of you are thinking "Sherri, I'll forget about them by next year." "Sherri, I'll misplace them before next Christmas." Here's a little tip, place the remodeled gift card holers or IOU's inside your ornament box. Just sit them right on top. So next Thanksgiving when you're getting out your decorations you'll find them! It will be a happy day and will jump start your holiday projects, because you'll already have several completed!

Please have a SAFE New Year's Eve and enjoy the Rose Bowl.

Go Bucks.
SHERRI

Two for Tuesday

I'm baaaacccck. Here's a great layout - that I reused. Like a layout? Turn it 90 degrees and reuse it. I also used a non-traditional stamp for a Holiday card. The colors are a bit washed, but the Peace on Earth card used Soft Suede and Real Red.
Here's a Thank You card, I used Melon Mambo and Soft Suede.
The center is cut out with a 1-3/8" circle, edges sponged with Soft Suede and popped on a dimensional.
Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Medallion, Four the Holidays
Ink: Melon Mambo, Real Red, Soft Suede
CS: Melon Mambo, Real Red, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Accessories: Half pearl, dimensionals, sponge, 1-3/8" circle

A Very Bad Blogger

Holy reindeer. Christmas is a WEEK away. Seriously. Today's post will be similar to a MadLib, except without the blanks for nouns and verbs. And totally wacky in order and substance. Consider that your warning. And let's get on with our pictoral story.

Remember this special birthday?
Following that birthday, I started my Christmas cards. Ooohh, opps, I can't show you that photo yet - they haven't all arrived at their destinations.

Yes, a little late beginning, but it's not my fault. I moved, I hosted Thanksgiving. I co-designed my mom's Christmas cards (funny story, I'd show you a photo of her card, it uses Dasher and Pattern Pines, but she sent ME a STORE BOUGHT card. Seriously, that's how I rate.)

Oh, and we made over 100 of these

Wedding Invitations. During Thanksgiving - instead of my Christmas cards. You'll have to stop back next spring to see the entire get-up. Black and white, and glorious ribbon. There's place cards and programs, invites, and RSVP cards! Ohhhh la la.

Another Christmas tradition, are these.
Me like cookies. Dozens and dozens of cookies. For neighbors, coworkers, family. My kitchen hasn't seen a clean sink in DAYS. My boyfriend hasn't had a homecooked dinner in DAYS. Poor fella. And see those little baggies - those are the cello bags filled with MUDDY BUDDIES. Cinched with a scrap of polka dot Soft Suede Ribbon. Need a last minute gift? Make muddy buddies because (1) chocolate (2) butter (3) peanut butter (if that's your thing) (4) cereal. It's quick and amazing and one batch makes 9 cups. These are about 1 cup bags. I needed multiple batches, but again, it's OK, it takes less than 10 minutes from beginning to bagging.

And in between all that chaos, I've been hanging out here

Trying to get these to run

But that's not working, so I sit in here
Fortunately, these ones are running properly (that makes Sherri happy)

Oh, and don't forget this stuffThis is where I froze my hiney off yesterday in this ice cold room for hours on end. My feet still haven't thawed :(

Dear Santa,
Please bring me boot socks. Big heavy ones to keep my toes toasty.

Signed,
Frozen Feet in MD

(I warned you there'd be no rhyme or reason to todays posting)
My crafting desk looks like this

See, there's two tables. Two. One for me, and one for you. And I can expand. There's room for more tables. Neato. So come on over, join me for a crop. Bring some chick flicks to put in the DVD player. That's how I roll. And I'll be rolling all winter long right here.

And I meant to share you the new crafting space. The basement has a finished and an unfinished portion. The tables and such are in the finished portion. The shelves and this chaos is neatly tucked behind a door in the unfinished portion.

and

The old system was more built-in. Whereas these (inexpensive baskets and shelves) are transportable, movable, rearrangable. They'll work in almost any configuration. Which means, one day, when we move again, I'm ready. Sorta. But the thought of moving makes me want to cry. The baskets are the cheap-o ones - all labeled with my P-touch.

But now this is in the forecast for this weekend

So no calm. No relaxation. No finishing my weeks of LAUNDRY.

And we're traveling here.

So we're leaving

And that means I will not have time tonight to edit the posts or pack, or finish my laundry. We're going for 10 days.
Our car will look like this
because I require time to organize and pack. I can't throw stuff in a bag; it's not in my body. What if I forget socks? Or the baby. Well, I don't have a baby - because if I had one, I might FORGET it! See?

So I'm off to travel home, to eat moms cookin', to be merry. Maybe I'll get a little rest (probably not). If you're in my hometown, call me - we can visit! I'll be back with posts. Soon. I promise. Mostly because I'm running out of days to show you Christmas things and I'd hate them to go to waste. They're cute. And be prepared for Valentines Day posts soon thereafter.

Snow Traveler,
SHERRI

A Winter Birthday

Man we're having a great weekend! Last night was our company holiday party and I am blessed to work with some of the most wonderful friends. More importantly, it was a dear friends birthday. I don't recall ever truly taking time to celebrate her birthday - probably because we're all hyped on candy and cookies, shopping and baking. This year, I tried to make it a little more special.
Here's a winter card I created just for her! That wonderful DSP is the Christmas Cocoa Specialtly DSP. I layered two snowflake punches - Whisper White and Soft Suede. Isn't that WONDERFUL font in the happy birthday? You'll love the remaining sentiments from this great upcoming set! I punched it out with the wide oval, layered on a Soft Suede tag cut with my Big Shot.

Now, she's a lady, so I can't tell you her age, but I will show you inside of her card!Remember the white craft snowflake from yesterdays card? I used it again. When making a popup card, you want some extra weight on the top, but to keep with the winter theme, I wheeled it.

Have a great Sunday!

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Well Scripted, Snowflake Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Soft Suede, Whisper White Craft
DSP: Christmas Cocoa Specialty
CS: Soft Suede, Whisper White
Accessories: Snowflake punch, 1/2" Polka Dot Soft Suede Ribbon,

Big Shot Flakes

Easy. That's all I need to describe this card. Having a Big Shot really makes a statement. Let's look at todays card...I started with a Soft Suede card base (man, I love that color!), layered with kraft, edges sponged with Soft Suede ink. A simple wide strip of Real Red cardstock across the middle. That's not DSP - it's cardstock stamped with the Snowflakes jumbo wheel in Whisper White Craft ink. When working with craft ink, remember it doesn't dry instantly like other inks. I punched a delicate snowflake with the Big Show and poped it up in the center on a dimensional. Letting the white dry was the longest part.

Be creative today!

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Snowflake jumbo wheel
Ink: Soft Suede, Whisper White Craft
CS: Kraft, Real Red, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot

Happy Friday, Part Deux

It's me again! Check out todays card (scroll down) and a quick note; there's a great sale going on for the next TWELVE DAYS! Whooooo hooo.

Sale item orders may be placed as online orders or by calling/emailing me.

The sale begins Friday, December 11, 2009, 12:01 AM (MT), and ends Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 11:50 PM (MT).

Items must be ordered by December 15, 2009, in order to arrive in time for Christmas.

Discounts range between 15-25 percent.

There are no quantity limits.

SHOP ONLINE NOW!!

Happy Friday!

Dasher is a darling little stamp that you can purchase by itself - a great image, at a great price. Here's a quick and easy card we created at a recent party. Book your party today and we'll make a series of cards- using product and stamps you select!

Have a good Friday and a great weekend.

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Dasher, Four the Holidays
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red
CS: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: 1-1/4" Striped Old Olive grograin, Old Olive ribbon, double slotted punch

Christmas Bonanza Diffuser

I love almost everything about diffusers. You know the ones - the reed diffusers that scent a room. I love that there's not an open flame or anything to "plug" or unplug. I see them all over the place - but they're quite expensive. Well, the cute ones are expensive. But look at these! I scored these in a dollar bin. I disposed of their packaging. I wrapped the glass bottle with a DSP scrap, placed them in a cello bag and tied a quick satin ribbon. I used my Big Shot to make the merry tag - it cuts and embosses concurrently. I used a bit of cord to attach the tag to the ribbon. Cord is GREAT for tags year-round. Get it thru January 4th!
Are you curious about that 5/8" Satin Ribbon? It'll be in the new catalog, in SO MANY COLOR CHOICES! To make that cool little notch, fold the ribbon in half and cut. Easy and cute (and inexpensive). Make a few extras - place them in a basket for those times when you need a quick little gift.

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
DSP: Merry Moments
CS: Garden Green
Accessories: 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, Big Shot, Merry embosslit, Silver elastic cord.

Christmas Bonanza Trio Thank You's

Need a last minute gift? How about a pack of thank you's. Here I'll package these adorable cards - tie with a ribbon, add a candy cane and DONE. I kept them similar but different. Let's take a look.

All the cards start with a nice large scallop square (made easily with my Big Shot!). I added a whisper white card.

I started with a Real Red scallop square and white card. I used a square of the Christmas Cocoa DSP, edges sponged in Soft Suede. I added a Sweet Stems flower, stamped in Soft Suede, colored in Real Red, cut in an oval, edges sponged in Soft Suede. I used the Elegant Thank You stamped in Soft Suede (I love this is a single stamp!). And remember, it's OK to stamp on DSP. Remember Christmas Cocoa and Sweet Stems are only available thru January 4th. I'll miss Sweet Stems, rememeber this entire set of cards I made using this darling set?

This card I started with a Kraft scallop square and white card, and then distressed a square of Soft Suede DSP. I then sponged the edges, crinkled and continued to distress and sponge. I lightly stamped Friend by Definition in Sahara Sand. Then I randonly stamped images from Central Park. I again used the Elegant Thank You stamp in Soft Suede on Kraft. Like the unique border? It's comimg soon - later this month you should be receiving your new Mini and Sale-A-Bration catalogs. Ohhh, it's so wonderful! Friend Definition and Central Park are only available thru January 4th!

I layered a white card on a Soft Suede scallop square. I then added a kraft square, edges sponged. I used Charming images for the rest of the card. Do you know Charming was probably my most favorite card in the Holiday Mini Catalog? I used a half-pearl from the pretties kit and then the Elegant Thank You.

Isn't this a great gift? I hope you have a great day.
xoxo,
SHERRI

DSP Christmas

Can I tell you how much I LOVE Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper? I was looking thru the mini for inspiration (a great thing to do, if you're in a slump!) and I noticed page 26 and a great scrapbook layout. (I'll wait while you go get your mini and look at it!). Hi, welcome back. I love how simply a scallop squares of DSP created this great page so I made a card. I used the Christmas Cocoa DSP. Remember this is only available through January 4th, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. And there's snow flakes and damask that will last all winter long. I used the Four the Holidays for a quick greeting. This is also a set that's only available thru January 4th, 2010. It's perfectly priced and needed by all stampers!

And no, this isn't my Christmas card for 2009. I'm almost finished with my cards. I hope you are too!

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Four the Holidays
Ink: Real Red
DSP: Christmas Cocoa DSP
CS: Kraft, Real Red, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Square punch, sponges

Snowy Sunday Christmas Bonanza

Hi sweet friends. Look what arrived at my house this morning!
I had to run and pick up a bridesmaid dress - it was weird looking at a short summer dress today with this outside.

So, while here's what A is doing today...


This is me....
Hee hee! I've got a blanket and a book and there's some football on tv! I am waiting for a bit more accumulation and then I'm trekking out to build a snowperson! I haven't made a snowperson forever - in Fairfax we had a shared "green space." It was a bummer and the only little space where dogs poo'ed. I did build a snowperson at work last winter! It's so much fun!

Lookie at this lil' bag. These are PERFECT for teachers or neighbors or coworkers - they're quick and easy too! I've filled mine with peppermint candies. It's a Big Shot XL Fancy Bag. I punched a wide oval for a peek inside. I used the Delightful Decorations and the Ornament Punch to finish off this QUICK project. Wouldn't these be darling little favors at a birthday party (add crayons or candy!) or a bridal shower (add a candle or a cookie cutter)?


Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Delightful Decorations
Ink: Ruby Red
DSP: Holiday Lounge
CS: Whisper White
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Big Shot, Fancy Favor XL die, dimensional

Christmas Bonanza part 2

Good happy Wednesday crafters!
I have a couple annoucements before todays project....
First, I had a great question "where's MDS Monday??" Don't worry, it will be back after the holidays (and traditional scrapbooking pages too!).

Second, if ANY of these items are on your wish list - they will no longer be available after January 4th. They are being discontinued. You'll find these items on the DORMANT list.

Item Number Stamp Set
113407 Back Woods
114492 Beautiful Baby
114486 Birthday Wish
113200 Branch Out
114496 Celebrations
113732 Central Park
113206 Classic Sketches
113226 Classy & Fabulous
114498 Flowers in Silhouette
113405 Font of You
113216 For the Bride
114494 Forever
109425 Friend by Definition
114488 Fun Flowers
113716 Garden Greetings
114490 Glad Friends
111580 Grand Soiree
113242 Hit the Road
113710 Lexicon of Leaves
113236 Man's Best Friend
114423 Ocean Commotion
113728 Playful Petals
109276 Polka Dot
111544 Putt Putt
113240 Quilt Quips
113754 Really Retro
113403 Sip by Sip
113726 Sweet Stems
113250 That's Funny
113688 Wonderful Watercolors
114028 Para la novia
114032 Acuarelas Maravillosa

Ok, now onto the good stuff. I'm still working on gifts here and this one uses a Decor Element. Decor elements can be applied to a wall or most flat surfaces (maybe that boring file cabinet at work, your computer, a door, wood paneling..). Remember this summer I painted a tray? Here I'm using a floating frame. I made several of these last year for Christmas too :) I love this tree, it's identical (but larger) from the Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set. I ordered it in chocolate chip and found this great mahogony frame (online & onsale of course!). It fits perfectly in a 16" x 20" frame. Do you love it??


Have a great Wednesday.
-SHERRI

Christmas Bonanza (and a sale extension!)

Ok, before today's project, I must let you in on a little secret.....today I ordered NEW stuff. NEW, NEW, NEW. Product you'll see in the Sale-a-Bration catalog AND from the Occassions Mini Catalog. Soon I'll have glorious designer papers, buttons, felt pieces, satin ribbons, rub-ons and stamps in m lil' fingers. I saved 30% today on my order. You can save that much and possibly more by joining my team this month… READ ON!

JOIN MY team today for your chance to get your hands our our new product at a minimum 20% savings but potentially a 30% savings before the public can get them...
1. CLEAR MOUNT stamps
2. PUNCHES (border punches with coordinating corner punches & more)
3. STAMPS (duh!)
4. BIG SHOT – new xl die, embosslit, sizzlit
5. BUILD A BEAR -new accessories just in time for SPRING.

Number 2 - Did you have trouble placing an order for the Online Extravaganza Sale last night?? Maybe you wish you would-have bought something?? I can place those orders for you today. Yes, today, until 11:50 pm tonight (but please don't wait until then to call me - that's waaaaayy past my bedtime!). You can call me or email me at sherri(dot)eddleblute(at)gmail(dot)com. Operators are standing by - I'll be checking my email all night - remember to send me a contact telephone number so I can call you back. These orders have to be placed by me and online ordering for the sale items is not available.

And finally a long overdue Christmas Bonanza project! Whoo hooo! Ok, look at this little gem.

It's an artist canvas I picked up at a craft store, 8"x8". This particular one had a depth to it - and is able to freestand.
I used black acryllic paint to turn my white canvas into a dark night!
After it was dried, I used SHIMMER PAINT to streak the black. The paint is from the mini. $5.95 gets you a (small) bottle, but it GOES a LOOOOOOONNNNGGGG way! Seriously!
After that was dried, I used the shimmer paint as a mister (1/2 tsp. shimmer paint plus rubbing alcohol mixed in a spray bottle) and generously coated the canvas for a glorious starry night. It's really difficult to pick up the shimmer on the camera - but it's really beautiful!
I dug out an photo from last year, matted it on gold cardstock and punched a few snowflakes.
Quick, economical and easy. QEE.
Look for more QEE projects during Christmas Bonanza!
I hope you take time to do something creative today.
Hugs,
SHERRI