LEAVES AND MORE LEAVES

Well I think it is official -- Michigan probably will not be feeling any 80 degree weather for a while!  Actually, I prefer 75 degrees unless it is breezy and no humidity.  But who cares when you can look out your window and see all the cajun craze, summer starfruit, more mustard, rasberry ripple, garden green, so saffron, and so much more.  What a panorama of color!  (My stomach growls every time I name those colors -- LOL.)  Doesn't it just get your artistic side itching to create something?  It does for me, so you will be seeing some of creations today influenced by my outdoor view.

Before I get to that, just a short note to tell you I'm getting in the Christmas mood (I hate to jump into Christmas until I have had plenty of time to play with all my fall colors).  Today I am prepping for my Christmas card stamp-a-stack class.  Stampin' Up (SU) really knows how to celebrate for Christmas with so many awesome stamps and accessories.  Check them out in the 2012 Holiday Mini Catalog after looking in the Holiday section of the large Stampin' Up! Inspire, Create, and Share Catalog.  If you don't have these catalogs, give me a call to find out how you can get them FREE.  SU offers so many stamps, beautiful and unique accessories, and kits that all coordinate to match (you can't get this at a craft store); allowing even a novice to become an artist.  Take a few minutes today and give me a call so I can help you be the artist you have always dreamed about being.  Here are a few samples of what you can do:

This is what I get to see outdoors right now!!   I used my SU Sponge Daubers to apply the ink on the leaves, and lightly tapped a tiny bit of  Rasberry Ripple in the center using a piece of  Stampin Sponge.  I then crinkled the cardstock in my hand, unwrapped it, laid it face down on my Early Espresso Ink Pad, and pushed it down with Stampin' Up's Clear Mount Acrylic Block E to make the leaf veins.

This card features the awesome Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper with the Wonderfall Stamp Set, Autumn Accents Bigz Die, and Houndstooth Embossing Folder.

I got this idea from a swap card (sorry, no name) and changing it a bit.  Love the owl in the tree!!

You really can't tell by this picture, but I used the faux mother of pearl technique on the Apothecary Accents Framelits Die panel and on the leaves.  This card features the Blooming With Kindness Stamp Set.

Until next time,
Sandi

"You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake you will lead and guide me."

-- Psalm 31:4

MORE WONDERFALL

Well, here I sit listening to the debate on TV and trying to complete my 3 tasks for the day.  It took me all day to finish my first task (which should have taken an hour at max) and now I'm on my 2nd task -- updating my blog!  Why am I so slow?????  Okay, don't answer that question. 

It reminds me of last Monday when I got up and thought I could catch up on a lot of things around here.  Got my morning coffee, took the dogs outside to run and do their duties while I had my coffee.  Couldn't figure out why the dogs were going crazy by my vehicle, but figured they had chased a chipmunk that was trying to get away by sitting on my tire.  Finally, when they wouldn't come back into the house, I figured I would get my keys and start my car to scare it away -- did that, but they still were going crazy.  So drove my car back and forth in the driveway thinking that would do it -- NOPE!!  Then I decided I would do something that I have only done once in my whole life (my granddaughter showed me how to add window wash to my car when I was at a store).  Yep, you guessed it, I opened up the hood of my car -- don't even know why I did that as it is not a "normal" thing for me to do. 

Well, let me tell you, I just about dropped over.  My engine was covered entirely, and in a mound as tall as the hood with WALNUTS!!!!  I quickly slammed the hood down because it scared the crap out of me.  Just then my husband comes meandering out the front door asking me what I was doing.  I told him to come over because he was not going to believe this.  Of course he starts mumbling all the way over saying something about me having all these crazy ideas (I have no idea why he says this).  He was so amazed when I showed him that he couldn't even say a word.  Anyway, the moral of the story is that things always seem to happen to interrupt my plans for the day.  It took both of us 2 hours to clean all those walnuts out of the engine.  I wished I would have thought to take a picture.  Sorry this story was so long, but trust me it is a heck of a lot shorter than the chapter I will be writing in my book about the "whole" story of that morning.

Are you ready for some more Wonderfall project pictures?

I saw an ornament done by somebody using the Autumn Accents Bigz Die and loved it so much I decided to make a larger ornament/wreath for my front door.  I was really pleased with the results.

I CASEd this card from Ann Schach because I just loved her design layout.  I also got a chance to use Stampin' Up's new Stampin' Spritzer, filled with Early Espresso Ink Refill.  This was my favorite card.



This card was colored with my favorite medium, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, on the Life Shared Stamp Set.

I made this little fall harvest basket for part of my presentation I did last night at Ronda Wade's RubberQueens meeting.  Yes, there are some leaves hidden behind Stampin' Up's new Cherry Cobbler 3 1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon. 
UPDATE:  Instructions for making the basket can be found on Monika Davis's Web Site. 

Here is what it looked like finished in the gift package.  This would make a great booking gift because it uses lots of new Stampin' Up product.

I had a great time at Ronda's RubberQueen meeting last night, and I can't wait to finish up her awesome make'n takes so I can show you (3rd thing that was on my list for today).

Until next time,
Sandi
"No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a bushel, but on a stand, that those who enter may see the light."  -- Luke 11:33

STAMPIN' UP MIXED MEDIA CANVAS

I have a lot to show you today, so I am going to jump right into this update.  First, a couple of pictures of more Fall projects.  I also had quite a few requests for directions on how I made my table setting (see prior post), so at the end I have provided the measurements and short directions on how to put this together (very, very easy). 

At Stampin' Up 2012 Convention I attended a class where we decorated this canvas with designer paper.  After getting home, I decided I didn't like the style at all so I ripped everything off and started completely over to design a mixed media canvas.  The base of the canvas was first painted with blue acrylic paint (at convention), so I kept this the same.  This is what I came up with.  I used a lot of stamps, designer paper, card stock, sponging, and a Precision File (from SU's discontinued Distressing Essentials Kit) to file off the designer paper to make the clouds.

Sorry about the color quality of  this card (too lazy to retake picture).  The pumpkins actually have more color in real life.  Product used:  Full of Blessings Stamp Set, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Apothecary Framelits. Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Naturals Ivory Card Stock, Cherry Cobbler Coor'dinations Card Stock, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, and (Gold) Basics Glimmer Brads.

 Now for some directions on making the table setting holder:



1.    Start with 8" x 11" piece of card stock (use color to match your designer series paper). 

2.    Lay card stock on Simply Scored tool so that 8" width is at top and score at ½", 1", 1 ½",
 6 ½", 7", and 7 ½". 

3.    Turn card stock 90 degrees so that 11" width is at top and score at 4 ¼" and 8 1/2".  

4.    See picture of finished, scored card stock above, and cut away the areas darkened.

 

5.  This is what it should look like after cutting and creasing the score lines.

6.  Turn it over so you can apply Sticky Tape, as shown above.

7.  Turn it back over and fold up to adhere sides and decorate as you wish.

This is how I decorated mine, but I can envision so many different designs for whatever theme you want (Christmas themes would be awesome!!).

Let me know if you have any questions on these directions.  Please note that you can save these directions as a PDF if you click on the "Print in PDF" button below.  Just follow the directions on the dialog boxes when they pop up (you have the option of deleting text you don't want to include).

Until next time,
Sandi

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  -- Psalm 46:1
Thank you, Father, for giving me the friends I need when I need them.

I AM FALL!!

Don't you just love Michigan's Fall season!!  I really wish it would stay this way all year long.  I don't think I would ever get bored with just this one season -- preferably, just the month of September!  It has been a really laid-back week for me, and I'm loven' every bit of it!!  I can't even think of one outrages thing that I have done, which is probably a first for me to go a whole week without something goofy happening.  I probably shouldn't even admit to this because technically I still have one day left for the week. 

Today's post will be more pictures from my presentation, "I AM FALL," at Ronda Wade's Creative Convention.  See my previous post for more information on my presentation.  The picture at the top of this post was used for my table banner at the Convention (all of the presenters created banners to identify what they were doing for their presentation).

I created this table setting (excuse the piece of lint on this picture, just noticed) based on the measurements of the "Season of Sweets Designer Kit," on page 15, of the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog.  I needed a pocket with depth to hold the napkin and tableware -- so this was perfect!!  Product included:  Orchard Harvest Designer Fabric and Designer Paper, Silver Setting  and Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Sets, Pewter Embossing Powder, Framelits Labels Collection, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack, Early Espresso Classic Ink, and Crumb Cake Card Stock.  (Of course the leaf embellishments are another story to come.)

To go with my table setting is a party favor box with note cards inside.  Besides the above product, I used:  Kraft Gift Box, Designer Naturals Buttons, Jumbo Sticky Rounds, and Island Indigo Card Stock.

Here is a close-up picture of the flower on top of my box and leaves.

Okay, this is my goofy thing I did at Convention -- I forgot to take the note cards out of the box for my display!!  So hopefully some of  attendees will come to my blog to see them -- LOL!!  I love designing these boxes so had to make two of them for my table.  Once you make one, you just can't stop, plus I use these little note cards a lot for gifts.  I used the same Stampin' Up! product as above for the card box, just different design.  Product used for the note cards:  Very Vanilla Card Stock; Stampin' Spritzer (with Early Espresso Classic Ink); French Foliage Stamp Set; and for the sentiments:  Lacy and Lovely, Petite Pairs, Just Believe, and Elements of Style Stamp Sets. 

Okay, that about does it for me today.  I hope I don't bore you with all of my Fall projects that I will be sharing this month.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  -- Colossians 3:13

"No wonder You tell us to forgive a brother not seven times, Lord, but twenty-seven times, because You know how hard it is."  -- Carol Kuykendall

WONDERFALL FALL!!

No, technically I did not drop off the face of earth, but physically I did!!  I know it has been a month since I last posted, but I hope you all come back to visit me and leave a comment to let me know how you are doing.  It truly has been a whirlwind the last 30 days (I think I packed 6 months into it).  So many big parties and lots of family fun, but I'm so glad it is over.  Will I do it again, hmmmm -- probably so.

I left last Thursday to attend and present at Ronda Wade's Creative Convention that ended on Sunday.  All I can say is:  WOW, WOW, WOW!!!  This is the 2nd time she has had this event, and let me tell you, you would have thought she had been doing this for years.  My brain is bursting with creativity and business tips/ideas!!  And so much fun visiting and laughing with fellow demonstrators from Canada, Kentucky, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and probably many more states.  So guess what projects you will be seeing for at least the next month?????  Yep, pictures and some directions from my presentation.  Ronda asked that I prepare Fall-themed projects; concentrating on the Wonderfall Stamp Set, Autumn Accents Bigz Die, and Orchard Harvest Designer Fabric.  And of course, I threw in some other stamps and accessories from the new Stampin' Up Holiday Mini.  So here are a couple of pictures:

First, I have to thank Ronda's daughter Erica for giving me one of her Barbie dolls and a huge thank you to my sister Pam for doing the actual sewing (I only designed it, she did the hard work).  This was made using the fabulous Orchard Harvest Designer Fabric, Victoria Crochet Trim, and Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon.  I made the basket with Island Indigo Card Stock and Ruffled Ribbon and matching Designer Printed Brads.  (I will post directions on how I made the basket in a future post).

Here is a side picture of dress and basket.  I have to tell you, even though the product I was assigned did not allude to "vintage" projects -- I still had to squeeze in the Victorian Era doll because you know how much I love vintage!!  And of course, let me not forget all those leaves made with the fabulous new Autumn Accents Bigz Die (learned some tricks on making these).

Card features the Wonderfall Stamp Set.  I used the reverse masking technique, with Stampin' Up's Watercolor Wonder Crayons.

I left the Convention early so I could attend my granddaughter's baby shower, which I was co-hosting with my daughter (yep, I'm going to be a great-grandma!!).  So before I leave, I want to show you a couple pictures of projects I did for her shower:

Of course I used some Stampin' Up product for this cute table centerpiece:  retired ribbon and Dazzling Details on the edges of the flower petals (yes, it is hard to see in this picture but looked gorgeous in real life or if you enlarge the picture by right-clicking on the picture and select open in new tab/window).  These flowers were made out of plastic spoons!!!

A close-up showing the Dazzling Details better.

A simple thank you note card for the table favors (sorry, forgot to take picture of inside).

Thank you for stopping by, and come back soon as I have a lot of projects yet to show.

Until next time,

Sandi
"Ye are the light of the world. . . ."  --  Matthew 5:14
"Father, let my attitude light the way for happy times -- anywhere You choose to send me.  -- Pam Kidd"

IS IT CHRISTMAS YET???

Thank goodness I have an excuse to sit down!!!  Been cleaning non-stop since yesterday at 5:30 a.m. (except that 4 hr. nap last night), and still can't say I have one room completely done.  But only a couple more windows to clean, and then things will go a lot faster.  If I only had to clean the glass, it would take no time at all -- but then I have to wash all the trim, then I move on to the walls, by then the floor has gotten dirty, and I have to polish all the furniture around the window.  I actually spent 4 hours purging my files yesterday and filing new stuff that I have had sitting for 3 months back in the folders.  (I went over to do my first window and decided I couldn't wash the window until I cleaned off my desk -- you know how that goes!!)  I'm thinking that maybe it is time for me to hire somebody to clean my house once a week.  I know my mom had somebody when she was my age (or maybe younger), so why should I feel guilty??  But then I don't know if I could handle it after doing it myself all these years.  My dear husband hires somebody to do all of his work, but then he ends up standing there watching them the whole time -- so what is the point???  I'd love to hear your reason why I should or shouldn't hire somebody -- maybe it will help me decide.

Okay, my break is just about over, so I need to tell you about the cards I'm posting today.  The first four cards (Christmas) were done for Ronda's RubberQueen meeting on Tuesday.  I won a jar of the Peppermint Embossing Powder the month before, so I was to bring 4 samples using the product to this month's meeting.  Of course I forgot until the last minute, but came up with these really quick cards.

Scentsational Season Stamp Set with Peppermint Embossing Powder.

Another Scentsational Season Stamp Set with Peppermint Embossing Powder on Glossy White Card Stock.

No Peeking Stamp Set with Peppermint Embossing Powder and Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack.

And lookie what is inside!!

Another card using No Peeking Stamp Set, Peppermint Embossing Powder, and Baja Breeze Classic Ink brayed over the top of Very Vanilla Card Stock (Emboss Resist Technique).

One of the make'n takes from Convention 2012.  The bottom-right panel is a little mini album -- so very cute!!

Another make'n take from Convention 2012.

Well my break time is over, and I have a few more chores I want to complete before I get comfy for the night.  Hopefully I will get time to post again before my company gets here next week.

Until then,
Sandi
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."  -- II Corinthians 5:7
Lord, give me the courage to walk out in faith to answer Your call.

STAMPIN' UP CONVENTION 2012: MORE PICS!!

Have I told you lately that my life is crazy!!!  I'm beginning to think I am turning into a "social butterfly."  My personal friends/family know that I hate to spend my day in a car, hate any kind of shopping, and hate to be tied to a schedule.  Well, I still feel the same way but obviously I've had to put my "big girl" panties on and just do it whether I like it or not.  I just booked up the rest of this week by saying "yes" again (of course I couldn't say "no" to my 15 yr. old grandson to stay with me the rest of the week).  At least he eats like a bottomless pit, so it will be fun cooking for him.

Today I am going to show you what I thought was the very best display at Convention.  You know I talked with the demonstrator who created this stunning dollhouse for quite a while, and forgot her name!!!  If it was you, or you know who created this, please let me know as she deserves tons of credit!!!  (Update:  Wahoo!!  Suzanne Johnson created this awesome dollhouse.  She is in the process of creating a blog, so I cannot post a link.  Thank you so much Suzanne for leaving a comment to let me know!!) There is so much into this dollhouse.  Every time I look at it I see something new to make this a truly real-life house.

Make sure to right-click on the picture to select "open in new window (or tab) to see the enlarged picture.  So many tiny pieces were made for this dollhouse.

The Stampin' Up Craft Room -- amazing!!

The bedroom -- loving the fabric!!

The living room, complete with stamped picture on wall!!

Better look at beautiful fireplace.

The "60s Kitchen."

Better shot of cups on wall, etc.

The sewing room -- look at all the boxes of fabric/patterns in the bookshelf!!

Outside left of house (vinyl siding???)

Outside left of house complete with fireplace bricks -- no detail is forgotten!!

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did and took the time to enlarge the pictures.  This lady is truly detailed-orientated!!  Let me know what you think!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"And the Lord shall . . . satisfy thy soul in drought. . . .  -- Isaiah 58:11