Great Holiday Savings with Online Extravaganza

Happy Black Friday to you all.
Did you brave the stores and malls early this morning in search of the perfect gift? If you did, I hope you were successful. This year we decided to skip it and I must admit I did enjoy the sleep in.
I must admit that in the past I had spent Thanksgiving Day scouring the sales flyers in search of the perfect deal and then planned out my plan of attack for Black Friday to maximize my chances and visit the most stores.  At least three of those stops used to be to the major craft stores, with my coupons in hand, hoping for some hidden treasures.
This year I didn't visit a single craft store. Why? Because Stampin' Up this week is having the most amazing sale with savings, I just couldn't pass up. This week is their Online Extravaganza with savings of 30%, 40% and even 50% off their incredible products.
So, just in case you didn't find all that you were looking for today, take a moment to check out the wonderful deals that are available from Stampin' Up. But don't take too long as these prices are only available until 30th November, 2009.

Item Description                                      Regular Price   Discounted Price

120280 Framed with Love Bundle
• Framed with Love stamp set
• Full Heart punch                                       $43.90           $21.95

120281 Thank You Kindly Bundle
• Thank You Kindly stamp set
• Scallop Edge punch                                 $29.90           $14.95

120976 Thank You Kindly Bundle (French)
• Tous mes remerciements stamp set
• Scallop Edge punch                                $29.90           $14.95

120282 Animal Crackers Bundle
• Animal Crackers stamp set
• Star Designer brads                              $25.90           $12.95

120283 Corduroy Button Bundle
• Kraft Corduroy buttons
• Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons
• Summer Sun Corduroy buttons
• Basic Gray Corduroy buttons
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons         $49.75         $24.88

120284 Game Night Bundle
• Card Games stamp set
• Game Night stamp                                $40.90          $20.45

120285 Four Square Bundle
• Four Square stamp set
• Scallop Square punch                            $30.90        $15.45

120286 Heart to Heart Bundle
• Love You Much stamp
• Heart to Heart punch page
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon $49.85    $24.93
120310 Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish)
• Te Quiero Mucho stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon $49.85   $24.93

120311 Heart to Heart Bundle (French)
• J't'aime beaucoup stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon  $49.85  $24.93

120287 Chipboard Letter Bundle
• On Board Timeless Type
• On Board Loads of Letters                       $25.90   $12.95

120288 Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle
• Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon  $17.90  $10.74

120289 Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle*
• Best Wishes & More stamp set
• Eight Great Greetings stamp set
• On a Pedestal stamp set
• Earth Elements Stampin' Spots
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Flower Designer brads                                $127.70     $76.62

120290 Build-A-Brad Bundle
• Calendar Alphabet stamp set
• Pewter Build-A-Brad
• Antique Brass Build-A-Brad                        $40.85      $24.51

120291 Enjoy Every Moment Bundle
• Enjoy Every Moment stamp set
• Circle Designer brads
• Flower Designer brads                                $43.85      $26.31

120312 Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French)
• Profiter de chaque instant stamp set
• Circle Designer brads
• Flower Designer brads                                $43.85      $26.31

120292 Cheep Talk Bundle
• Cheep Talk stamp set
• Note cards
• Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons                    $42.85       $25.71

120293 Sock Monkey Bundle
• Sock Monkey stamp set
• Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons               $58.85       $35.31

120313 Sock Monkey Bundle (French)
• Sing-chaussette stamp set
• Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons              $58.85       $35.31

120294 Alphabet Bundle
• Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set
• Lovely Letters stamp set                            $87.90       $52.74

120295 Simply Said Bundle
• Simply Said stamp set
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Full Heart punch                                        $52.85      $31.71

120314 Simply Said Bundle (French)
• Amitié stamp set
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Full Heart punch                                       $52.85       $31.71

120296 On Board Bundle
• On Board So Tweet
• On Board Batch of Blooms
• On Board Essentials                                 $42.85       $25.71

120927 Christmas Décor Bundle #1
• Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements  $74.85  $44.91

120298 Christmas Décor Bundle #2
• Holly Beary Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements  $74.85  $44.91

120299 Christmas Décor Bundle #3
• Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements  $74.85  $44.91

120300 For All You Do Bundle
• For All You Do stamp set
• 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads                            $36.90    $25.83

120315 For All You Do Bundle (French)
• Merci pour tout stamp set
• 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads                            $36.90    $25.83

120316 For All You Do Bundle (Spanish)
• Por todo lo que haces stamp set
• 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads                            $36.90    $25.83

120301 Striped Ribbon Bundle
• Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon           $47.73     $33.41

120302 Bling Bundle
• Sticky Pages
• Sticky Cuts Sweet
• Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter
• Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter                           $43.80    $30.66

120303 Fresh-Cut Bundle
• Fresh Cuts stamp set
• Fresh-Cut Notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads                             $37.85    $26.50

120317 Fresh-Cut Bundle (French)
• Fraicheur exuise stamp set
• Fresh-Cut Notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads                             $37.85    $26.50

120304 Pendant Note Bundle
• Pendant Park stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads                           $39.85      $27.90

120318 Pendant Note Bundle (French)
• Adorable parc stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads                           $39.85      $27.90

120319 Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish)
• Un dia en el parque stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads                          $39.85      $27.90

120305 Sporting Bundle #1
• Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements
• Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements  $67.90      $47.54

120306 Sporting Bundle #2
• Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements
• Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements        $67.90      $47.54

120307 Sporting Bundle #3
• Large Black Sporting Décor Elements
• Black Just Sports Décor Elements               $67.90     $47.54

114864 Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements $39.95   $27.97
114863 Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements $39.95  $27.97

112534 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads                  $7.95     $5.57
112533 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads                    $6.95     $4.87
112081 Scallop Square punch                         $15.95    $11.17
113693 Full Heart punch                                $15.95     $11.17
113694 Heart to Heart punch                         $15.95     $11.17
112091 Scallop Edge punch                           $15.95     $11.17
112571 Circle Designer brads                          $5.95       $4.17
112579 Flower Designer brads                         $5.95      $4.17
112572 Star Designer brads                              $5.95     $4.17

114785 Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements $39.95      $27.97
114786 Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements $69.95  $48.97
114791 Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements   $39.95      $27.97
114792 Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements $64.95    $45.47

*This bundle is only available while supplies last.

To place an order just visit my website here:
http://www.triciabutts.stampinup.net/

Click "Shop Now" in the top right corner and then click "Online Extravaganza" to see the great deals and place your order. Or you can contact me to place your order.

Happy Shopping,
Tricia

P.S. Don't Forget to Check out the Terrific Deals in the Clearance Rack for more great savings.

Project Canstruction: A Giving Experience Needs Your Help

Hello Everyone,

In the spirit of being thankful for the blessings in my life, I would like to share with you a wonderful experience that our family is participating in.

My two daughters are involved in a school project that involves creating a sculpture out of canned food. They are participating in the Canstruction competition here in Denver and the group has decided to construct a "Can"burger out of healthy, nutritious canned food.

They are members of MESA Club, an afterschool club at North Star Elementary, that focuses on teaching children about Math, Engineering and Science using fun and educational activities.  Mrs Rensink, their teacher, has been helping this small group of approx. 20 children (consisting of 3-5 graders) to create their project from the designing phase all the way through to construction.  In addition, this is a wonderful community service project that has helped the children to understand the importance of helping out others in their community.
The kids have been busy asking family and friends to help by donating canned goods to help build their "Can"burger and so far they have collected approx. 200 cans. All the canned food used in their sculpture will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank to help families in need.
As excited as they are about competing in this event, they are more concerned about making sure they collect enough cans to be able to help as many families as possible so they will not be hungry this holiday season. I am so proud of them all for their hard work. They remind me to be thankful for being fortunate enough to have food on the table each meal and the ability to go and buy food when the cupboards are empty. It is a timely reminder that with these economic hard times, there are many families who are struggling to make ends meet, and even one can of food can make a difference in a family's life.
The "Can"burger is made up of layers of different canned foods to create the illusion of a hamburger.  Peanut butter jars are being collected to create the bun on the top and bottom of the burger.  The yummy light brown color of peanut butter is a perfect match to create the look of a whole wheat bun.  We discovered that Walmart's Value Brand has the smallest label to allow the maximum amount of color to show through.  The red lids also provide the illusion of ketchup on the bun. 
The meat layer is created with cans of Bush's Original Baked Beans and the lettuce layer is made up of Del Monte Canned Vegetables with their pretty green labels. We have been tracking down the sales at the various grocery stores in search of canned peas, beans, corn and carrots in our quest for a healthy layer of lettuce.
For the final layers, we are using Hormel Chili with Beans cans with their beautiful bright red and yellow labels to create our layers of tomato and cheese to perfect our "Can"burger.
Last, but not least, we are using Campbell's Tomato Soup to create a handle like an old fashioned stamp on top of our "Can"burger.  The theme for our sculpture: Stamp Out Hunger.
This experience has also helped to teach the children about the importance of eating healthy and they have been studying the food pyramid and applying it to their construction design.
If you would like to learn more about Canstruction, please visit their website: http://www.canstruction.org/  and be prepared to be amazed at the wonderful sculptures that have ben created that will help many families in need. The children need to collect approx. another 900-1000 cans to complete their sculpture and they have just over a week to collect enough cans to begin construction of their "Can"burger.  The competition is on Friday, December 4th and the children will have four hours to construct their sculpture.  After judging is complete, the sculptures will be on display until Sunday, December 13th at the Colorado Mills Shopping Center and then the cans will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
If you would like more information or would like to help the children to meet their goal to collect enough cans to create their "Can"burger, please email me , or if you live in the North Metro Denver area, you can drop off donations of cans or money at the school tomorrow (Tuesday) or next week, Monday through Wednesday. To learn more about North Star click here: http://northstar.adams12.org/ . 
I will keep you updated on their progess as best I can over the next week and a half and will share photos of their finished "Can"burger here on my blog next week so that you can see the fruits of their labor. 

Wishing you all a day filled with blessings, big and small.
Stamping Hugs,
Tricia

P.S.  Here is a list of the Cans and sizes we are collecting
190 cans of Bush’s Baked Beans, 28 oz.
210 cans of Hormel Chili, 15 oz.
216 cans of Del Monte “green type” canned vegetables, 15 oz.
394 plastic jars of Value brand Peanut Butter, 17 oz.
61 cans Campbell's Tomato Soup, 10 3/4 oz.

Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought I would share a card that reflects how thankful I am for the many blessings I have in my life.  As the holidays approach it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to be thankful for all the good things that we have in our lives. 

I love the warm colors of Fall.  They remind me of the warmth and love of family, especially during the holidays. I am thankful to have a wonderful husband and four beautiful children who make my life complete as well the family members who live far away but are always in our hearts.
This past weekend I had a wonderful time with some very special friends.  We stamped, created cards and gifts and most importantly, we spent time laughing and talking, catching up on what we have been doing in our busy lives. I am so thankful to be blessed with such wonderful friends and the chance to enjoy their company.

This card was created using one of my favorite techniques: heat embossing.  I just love the way the images appear like magic as the heat gun melts the embossing powder to create a beautiful, glossy sheen to the stamped image. Once again, I used my favorite in colors of Dusty Durango and Soft Suede for the cardstock as they are perfect for Thanksgiving. The background leaves are from the stamp set "Autumn Splendor" which can be found in the Stampin' Up Holiday Mini Catalog and the jumbo wheel "Bright Blessings" and they are stamped with versamark ink.  I used the clear embossing powder to create an understated tone on tone look to the card design. Heat the embossing powder with your heat gun to achieve that wonderful raised, shiny look to your stamped images. And there you have it. A quick and simple card to brighten someone's Thanksgiving.
I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed day.

Stamping Hugs,
Tricia

Stamps Used:  Stampin' Up Autumn Days, Jumbo Wheel Bright Blessings
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Whisper White, Dusty Durango and Soft Suede Cardstock
Accessories: Versamark ink, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch

Click "Shop Now"

Stampin' Up!'s New Clearance Rack

What is the Clearance Rack?
Stampin' Up! is launching a new section of the online store called the Clearance Rack. The purpose of the Clearance Rack is to clear out the inventory of surplus items that have been retired. Many of these retired items will be offered at a substantially reduced price.

What Products will be available on the Clearance Rack?
All products in the Clearance Rack section are retired, discontinued items. No current products will be sold in the Clearance Rack.

How Long will these Items be Available?
Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last. Items will be removed and new items will be posted depending on inventory levels. There is no set time for availability.

How do I order items from the Clearance Rack?
Clearance Rack items will be available for purchase from the online store only. The items will be listed and pictured only in the online store.  All sales of Clearance Rack items are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted, except in the case of defective product.

(Please Note: the above information was obtained from Stampin' Up! Copyright 2009)

This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase retired Stampin' Up! products at great prices. Do you have someone who loves scrapbooking, cardmaking, papercrafting or just crafting in general, on your holiday shopping list? Here is a great chance to purchase quality products that they are sure to love at a great price that won't hurt your budget. 
Please visit my online store by clicking Stampin' Up website then click on Shop Now.  Once you have reached my Online Store, just click the Clearance Rack link on the left side, to see the items currently available. 
Please contact me if you have any questions and I will be happy to help you.


Stamping Smiles,


Tricia Butts

Stampin' Up!'s Deals of the Week is Back!

 

What great news!  Stampin' Up has brought back the popular "Deals of the Week" for the month of October and here are the special deals for Week 1:

Item        Page     Description             Regular Price    Sale Price
109183   186   Trio Flower punch      $15.95              $10.99

109041    187 5-Petal Flower punch  $15.95             $10.99

110709    187  My Way punch         $15.95              $11.99

This special deal offer is available from October 1, midnight (MT) through October 12 (9:50 AM)

With the holidays just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of some great specials that can help you with your holiday gift giving or to create those special holiday projects.

Visit my Online Store today to take advantage of these great offers, just click Shop Now or contact me today to place your order.

Happy Stamping,

Tricia Butts

My Digital Studio Now Available

I am so excited to tell you about the launch of Stampin' Up's new digital software, My Digital Studio, that went live October 1st.  This software will allow you to create digital scrapbooks, digital cards, calendars as well as create movies and DVD's to create keepsakes for you and your loved ones.
The great thing about this software is that you are able to use Stampin' Up's wonderful colors to coordinate your digital projects with the inks, cardstock and Designer Series Paper as well as Stampin' Up's exclusive stampsets, embellishments etc.  Another great feature is that you have the ability to size images to suit your layout.
You can use this software to design your cards and scrapbook pages and print them out using your printer or have them professionally printed with Stampin' Up.  Create hybrid projects by printing your design on My Digital Studio and then adding extra layers and/or  embellishments using traditional papercrafting methods for that extra WOW! factor.
I love that I can use My Digital Studio to design how I create my cards or scrapbook pages to how I want them, and then be able to create them traditionally with paper.  This way I can play with it as much as I want until I get it just the way I want it without feeling like I am wasting my cardstock, DSP or embellishments.  Plus, I can save my finished digital card so that I have it on hand if I want to create it again later.
My Digital Studio works for both Mac and PC platforms, which is great news for all of us Mac lovers out there.  Stampin' Up will also be offering additional downloads for purchase so that you can add to your digital collection. 

 Watch this great Youtube Video about My Digital Studio:



Please contact me if you any questions or you would like to learn more about My Digital Studio.  You can place your order online through my Stampin' Up online store or contact me and I will be happy to help you.
I will be sharing my new My Digital Studio Projects on my blog to give you a sample of the wonderful projects you can create with this wonderful software.


Hope you have a great day.
Stamping Smiles,
Tricia Butts

Life gets Crazy Sometimes

Sorry I have been absent for the past week, but it has been crazy at my house and let's just say things did not go according to plan.  My plans for World Card Making Day came to a halt when I got sick Friday and I am just starting to feel like I am getting back to normal, so hopefully the worst is over.  I am planning on rescheduling Saturday's class and I will let you all know as soon as I come up with a  new date.
It has been an incredibly busy start to October and there are so many things to tell you, so I think I will break them up into separate posts to make it simpler.  Stampin' Up has launched their new digital software, My Digitial Studio, the Deal of the Week has returned and Stampin' Up has also added a clearance rack that can be found on my online store.
So stay tuned to all this and more.
Stamping Smiles,

Tricia Butts

WCMD - World Card Making Day is coming!

Can you believe it is almost that time of year? No, not the holidays although they are getting closer everyday. I'm talking about World Card Making Day which this year will be on Saturday, October 3rd. Now you are probably wondering why I would be excited about this particular day, after all it's not a major holiday or anything.
Well, each year I use this day to kick start my cardmaking for the holiday season and this year is even more special because I am planning on sharing it with as many people as I can who would love to make cards with me.
This year I am holding an All Occasions Card Class at my house from 10am to 2pm and I am inviting you to come and join in the fun. We will be creating 5 fabulous cards for just $10 and because I know how busy your Saturdays can be, I am having an open house style class so that you can come and go any time during 10am and 2pm to create your cards. (I recommend that you arrive no later than 1:30pm so that you have time to create your cards). I will provide a variety of sentiment stamps for you to use so that you will have the freedom to create the kind of cards you like to give.
I am also excited to be able to share with you Stampin' Up's wonderful new digital software program, My Digital Studio, which goes on sale October 1st. Come and see all the wonderful digital cards, scrapbooks, calendars and so much more that you can create with this incredible new program. I love that I am now able to find time to scrapbook without the clutter and I can still use Stampin' Up's wonderful colors, stamps and embellishments to create my pages.
I will be demonstrating how to put together a simple scrapbook page as well as design a card using the many features of this great new program.
Need ideas for the upcoming holidays? I will have displays with cards and gift ideas for the holidays as well as details of my new classes to help you get prepared. There will be door prizes and fun incentives.
So if you live in the Northglenn, Colorado area and would like to have some creative fun, please contact me to sign up to save your spot by clicking here to email me or go to my website link for contact information. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about this class or anything about Stampin' Up!. Registration closes Wednesday, September 30th so sign up today to join in the fun.
I will be sharing sneak peeks of the cards that we will be creating at this card class over the new few days, so don't forget to come back and visit. In addition, I will be posting ideas to help you to jump start you preparations for the holidays.
With Halloween (October 31st), Thanksgiving Day (November 26th), Hannukkah (begins December 11th) and Christmas Day (December 25th) just weeks apart, there is no time like the present to make a start and avoid the last minute headaches so you can enjoy the holidays with your family.

Hope you have a great day.
Stamping Smiles,

Tricia

It's Official: Fall is here

Well, today is officially the first day of Fall but it sure feels more like Winter to me. I think it is going to take me a little while to get used to these cold, rainy days and it doesn't help that the forecast for tomorrow morning is our first dusting of snow for the season. The ski resorts in the mountains are already going crazy with the snow making machines to capitalize on the snow that fell in their backyards yesterday. Mind you, the temperatures are supposed to be back in the 80's by the weekend, so there is hope for me yet.

Anyway, to celebrate the official beginning of Fall I decided to share another Fall themed card. This card was one that I had the chance to create at my upline's card class last month using the stamp set Branch Out, which is one of the stamp sets on the Dormant List. What is the Dormant List, I hear you ask? Well, Stampin' Up each year has so many wonderful stamp sets that they can't fit them all in the catalog, so they create a dormant list so that we still have the opportunity to enjoy them for another year. Branch Out is such a versatile set that can be used all year round just by varying the colors you use with it.

To create the look of Fall, I used Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry Cardstock and created the base and stamped areas using Confetti White cardstock. The tree and sentiment are stamped in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and the leaves were stamped with Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango and Old Olive Classic Ink.

This card design is very versatile and can be used for all occasions and works great for men and women. The reason I point this out? Well, if you are anything like me, you struggle with what to come up with when it comes to the men in your life. Let's face it, feminine cards are a lot easier to design (at least for me) and so when I come across something that would make a great card for the guys, I definitely make a note of it.

Hope you enjoy today's card share. Now, I wonder if I should start planning something for Winter? I mean, how many seasons can you have in one week? After all, it is only Tuesday.

Have a great day.

Stamping Hugs,

Tricia

Stamp Sets Used:

Branch Out 113200 (Dormant List)
Price: $22.95 Set Quantity: 8

Short & Sweet 115060 page 141
Price: $17.95 Set Quantity: 12

Cardstock: Confetti White, Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Old Olive

Accessories: Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Vintage Brads, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

Fall is in the Air

Happy Almost Fall to you all.

Today I thought I would share with you a card that reflects the changing weather here in Northglenn, Colorado. Yes, the balmy days of summer are drawing to a close and there is a definite chill in the air that signals the change in seasons. Today's cold winds and rain have replaced the warm, sunny weather we had this weekend and the temperature has dropped about 30 degrees. Can you say Brrrr!

We took a trip up into the mountains last weekend and the leaves were already beginning to change to the tell tale yellows and russets of autumn. The trees in our front yard are a little slower to change, but I did notice a couple of yellow leaves this morning, so Fall is definitely making its presence known.

Now, I just love Stampin' Up's new In Colors and I just had to use three of them for this card as they are the perfect match for Fall: Soft Suede, Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry. I embossed the Crushed Curry cardstock using my Big Shot with the new textured impressions Folder, SU's Petals-a-Plenty that can be found in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. Now I am a huge fan of the textured impressions folders from Stampin' Up and the Petals-a-Plenty is fast becoming one of my favorites. It provides a wonderfully deep and crisp embossed image over the entire piece of Crushed Curry Cardstock in a manner of seconds with the help of the versatile Big Shot.

Using the maple leaf stamp from the Autumn Days stamp set (one of the newest additions to Stampin' Up's collection), I created my own patterned paper look on Whisper White cardstock with the Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango classic inks for that Fall leaf look.

With the holiday season creeping up on us, I thought that this would make a great Thanksgiving Card so I stamped the Happy Thanksgiving sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (another new addition) with Dusty Durango classic ink. I then punched it out with my large oval punch and framed it with Dusty Durango punched with the scalloped oval punch. To finish it off, I added the wonderful new Dusty Durango Polka Dot ribbon to tie it all together.

Hope you enjoy the card. Have a great day.

Stamping Smiles,

Tricia

Stamp Sets Used:
Autumn Days 115452
Price: $23.95 Set Quantity: 6

Teeny Tiny Wishes 115370
Price: $36.95 Set Quantity: 24

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Big Shot, SU Petals A Plenty Textured Impressions Folder, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, mini glue dots, dimensionals

Counting Our Blessings

No matter how many years pass, the mention of September 11th still evokes strong memories and feelings in people across the world. As I went about my usual morning routine this morning of getting up and getting my children ready for school, I was thinking in the back of my mind about that Tuesday morning 8 years ago, and what I was doing when the world changed forever. I remember the shock and disbelief as I watched the TV screen while feeding my eldest son breakfast. I remember struggling to take him to school that morning while still appearing normal until I saw the look on my son's 1st grade teacher, and we hugged each other, unable to speak.

I remember calling all the parents on our son's flag football team (my husband was their coach) to explain that practice would be cancelled that day and hearing the same shock and disbelief reflected in their voices.

So today, as I remember that tragic day, I think of how blessed I am and how thankful I am for my life, my family and the chance to be here in front of my computer typing this post. It is easy to get caught up in the negatives that we face each day, but definitely more rewarding to remember the positives that are out there, no matter how small.

Today I would like to share with you a card I created using the chalkboard technique that I first saw on Dawn Griffith's blog a few weeks ago. The butterfly image and the sentiment "for you" are softly colored using SU Stampin' Pastels. The bermuda bay cardstock has been dry embossed using the SU Finial Press Embossing Folder with my Sizzix Big Shot to create texture without competing with the focal image. The melon mambo helps to draw focus to the butterfly floating on the basic black cardstock. I just love the contrast between the strong, bright colors against the darkness from the basic black. Yet in all that strength, it is the soft color of the butterfly that captures your attention.

So tonight, as I prepare for sleep, I will be thankful for the life I have and say a prayer for the many families whose lives were changed on this date 8 years ago.

Stamping Blessings,

Tricia

Stamp Set:
Great Friend 113792
Price: $17.95 Set Quantity: 5

Cardstock: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Big Shot, SU Finial Press Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Stampin' Pastels, Dimensionals, Snail adhesive.

Sweet Days of Summer

With the kids back in school, I look back on the lazy days of summer with a smile. Autumn is just around the corner and with the passing of Labor Day, it is inevitable that soon the temperatures will start to fall and the first snowflakes will not be far away. So in memory of those wonderful days of summer I thought I would share a card that reflects the sunshine and life that we think of on those warmer days, like bright flowers in gardens and butterflies flitting around.

I created this card at a card class my upline, Tara Bazata, held earlier this month. What a wonderful card to cheer someone up or to let them know that you are thinking of them. When I look at this card I can't help but smile. Isn't that what cards are all about.

Enjoy these remaining summer days and store up the warm memories for a chilly winter's day.

Happy Stamping,

Tricia



Stamp Set:
Hello Again 113780 page 114
Price: $12.95 Set Quantity: 5
Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon, Dimensionals








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Welcome

After many months of procrastinating, I have finally decided to take the plunge and create a blog. I am certainly not a tech expert but hopefully I will be able to muddle through with the help of my teenage son who has become quite the blog expert in the past year. I hope you will bear with me as I learn all the ins and outs of blogging and check in once in a while to see what I have to share. Hope you all have a wonderful, sunny day.

Stamping Smiles,
Tricia