Time to Trim the Tree....

I am gearing up for the Christmas Season ...I am definitely feeling ahead of the Season and it feels so good.

I learned how to make these adorable Christmas Ornaments from Jodie at our last "Simply Stars" downline meeting. We have so much fun and learn a lot from business tips- from make and takes to WOW demonstrations, to catching up with new friendships and even sharing recipes.
If you have ever thought of joining the Stampin' Up! team' may it be as a hobby demonstrator or as a business, I would love to share this opportunity with you.

Right now until March 31, 2010, Stampin' Up! has a great offer if you are interested in becoming a demonstrator. Click here for more details.

I couldn't wait to make a set of these adorable Christmas Tree Ornaments and although tthey looked simple to make I wasn't sure so I used some retired Stampin' Up! DSP just in case I made a mistake. Well guess what, these are super easy to make. I am very pleased with how they turned out.

Of coarse the four ornaments needed a gift box so I made a box to co-ordinate using the card board from the DSP packaging and decorated it with DSP, a bow and a tag.

Now I have another hostess gift ready to go for this Christmas Season. Thanks Jodie.

I am offering this as a class on:

Date: Friday, November 27

Time: 6:30pm

Cost: $35 which includeds a pkg. of Holiday Lounge DSP and a pkg. of Mini Glue Dots

RSVP by November 11, 2009

If you are unable to attend my class, kits are available with a tutorial

In the Pink - PPA14

"The PPA Design Team are in the pink for Breast Cancer Awareness...celebrting cancer survivors, and remembering those that continue to battle, as well as the countless number of families and friends that have been touched by theis disease.

The PPA Designe Team is honoured to dedicate this weeks challenge to Karol Harris, and her loving daughter (and PPA Design Team member), Kris Kilcoyne. Karol cherishes her family and friends and has a zany sense of humour. She was diagnosed with breast cancer over three years ago and continues to battle its relentless invasion of her body. We hope this simple tribute brings a smile.

During Breast Cancer Awareness month, we would like to encourage everyone to be proactive in early detection and steadfast in your hope for finding a cure."

So I have created this tree ornament in pink (and a little silver) to hang on my tree this Christmas to honour and remember woman and their families who have endured this terrible disease.

Here is to the HOPE we all have to find a cure for Breast Cancer.

Pattern Pines

Have you ever had a creative block and not know what to do with a stamp set?

Pattern Pines stumped me so I had to check out Splitcoaststampers for inspiration.

I found these two cards which popped out at me and come to find out they are designed by the same person - Carole. Thanks Carole for your inspiration.

These were both simple but very pretty.

I attended a Mystery Card class at Heather's tonight and she was featuring the Pattern Pines stamp set as well. Heather had designed a beautiful card using the same materials but different look.
How are your Christmas cards coming along?

Brown paper packages tied up with string...

I love the stamp set Winter Post but I love it even more now that Stampin' Up! has the Christmas Punch stamp set (Level Two Hostess set) which contains the Santa postage stamp.

I was inspired to make this card by Deborah Maden.

I love the idea of brown paper packages wrapped up in string, so thought I would make my card resemble that and cheer it up with the new Christmas Cocoa Specialty designer paper #116770 from the Holiday Mini.

Recipe:

Stamps: Winter Post, Heard from the Heart, Christmas Punch

Paper: Soft Suede, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP

Ink: Soft Suede, Real Red

Embellishments: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Hemp Twine, Scallop Square Punch

The Holiday Mini is only available until January 4th. If you would like to host your own stamping get together with friends, family and co-workers, earn free product and the opportunity earn the Level 2 Hostess Set "Christmas Punch" plese contact me via email at dale.livingston@sympatico.ca.

If you are Canadian and would liek to place an order, email me or order online at Stampin' Up! under demonstrator directory.

Featuring Inspiration from Andrea

Do you ever have moments where you just don't feel like thinking of putting together a colour combinatin or a sketch layout? Or how about the times you just feel like reading stamping blogs and think oh I will have to remember to make that sometime but never do.

Well, this is how I felt yesterday. I just felt like blog hopping (although I tend to read what my favourite stampers are up to not just look at the photos...you can waste a better part of the day doing this) but then I stopped and told myself that tody was going to be the day that I would make the cards I have been wanting to CASE.

So like yesterdays post, I am featuring inspiration from Andrea Walford; she is extremely talented and you can get more details on her blog here.

I had such a fun day stamping away and as you can see I was quite busy.

Thanks Andrea

Oh my goodness! I had so much fun making this card. I have to confess I did not order any new Christmas Designer Paper this year becasue I have to use up what I have so todays card is about mixing old with new...retired paper with new stamp set.
First I have to say Thank You to Andrea Walford for this beautiful card.

Be sure to pop on over to her blog for the complete details of her card.

For Three Boo-tiful Boys

I am going to have coffee with a friend who has recently moved back to Tillsonburg from Lambeth. Mark and Angie have three adorable little boys who hold a special place in my heart and I thought I just have to take them something. I know for a fact Carter will be in school, not sure about Eli as he is in SK and little Leyton I will get to see him but he doesn't really know me becasue they moved away when he was really small.
I got this cute card idea from Heather. Since I do not have the Serif Essentials Alphabet die for the Big Shot, I thought I would use the chipboard letters I had on hand (ok I was saving them). They are bigger than the treat cups but I am okay with the end result. I put a trap door on the inside of the card to retrieve the treats without wrecking the card.

Halloween Treat Boxes

Although I am not a big fan of Halloween, I couldn't resist making these three fellows to hang on my Holiday Tree. I got the idea from Becky who got the idea from Gretchen so you may just want to check out their versions.
I plan to fill them with treats as the special little ones come to my door but for now they act as a home decor item on my Holiday Tree.

The Frankenstein is also the project we will make on Monday for the Lunch Hour Program at school.

I do not have the new Fancy Favour Die for the Big Shot (yet) so I made due to make my own box to attach the dressed Top Note Die to. I took a 5" x 7" piece of cardstock and scored 1" along the
long edge and turned to score at 3" and 4" along the short side.

I hope you make some spooktacular packages for someone special this Halloween.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift

I have had these cute nuget tins for awhile now and not becasue I didn't know what to do with them but because I had this mind set that if I used them, gave them away then I wouldn't have anymore...collecting is what some would call it.

Anyway I am trying really hard to use my stuff.

We have Thanksgiving dinner today at Grandma Jennie's and tomorrow at my brother and sister-in-laws' home. Yup, we are feasting on two turkey dinners. Both dinners are being held "back home" so we will be on the road each day as one lives an hour and twenty minutes away and my brother lives an hour and forty minutes away.

Last year I made table favours for the dinner table but this year I am giving a hostess gift and card to demonstrate for appreciation and thankfullness for dinner and family.

I made covers for the York Peppermint patties and then put six treats inside the nugget tin.

Recipe:

Stamps: Fall Whimsey (retired)

Paper: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Really Rust. Chocolate Chip Close to Cocoa, Whisper White

Ink: Versa Mark

Embellishments: Gold Embossing Powder, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4 " Circle Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Chocolate Chip Striped Ribbon

Happy Thanksgiving

I do not part with my retired stamps or at least I haven't so far in the four years I have been stamping. I figure if you liked it at one time why not keep it so todays card is about pulling out some of my retired goodies to make a Fall/Thanksgiving card.
Recipe:

Stamps: Barowue Motiff, Teeny Tines Wishes, Fall Whimsey

Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper

Ink: Versa Mark, Black Stazon, Pumpkin Pie, Real Rust, Apricot Appeal, Kiwi Kiss, Creamy Caramel

Embellishments: dimensionals, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Top Note Die, Aqua Painter, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Slot Punch

Happy Thanksgiving to my Blogging friends/family in Canada.

Notes & Treats

As I mentioned yesterday in my post, the Treat Box houses 4 cards with envelopes in the bottom drawer. Here are two of the cards with slight differences with embellishments on the witches hat.

Happy Halloween

A big "Thank You" goes out to Becky over at Inking Idaho for this adorable Halloween Project.

This box holds three cards with envelopes in the bottom drawer (which I will post tomorrow) and the cool part is when you remove the lid from the box you will find a treat or two. Isn't this a fun and fabulous idea?!

Who wouldn't appreciate this sitting on their desk?

Although any stamp set could be used for this project, I wanted to make my first one similar to Becky's so I say a big "Thank You" to my friedn Barb for lending me her Eat,Drink and Be Scary stamp set.

I think this would be a great Christmas gift so be sure to check back soon for my Christmas version.

Thank you to all my followers who find something to inspire them each day to stamp.

Have a wonderful Fall Day.

Gift Tag or Tree Ornament

clipped from www.splitcoaststampers.com

Boo

I admire all the Halloween projects I see other crafters make and I am trying really hard to get into Halloween. I tend to decorate our home more for Autumn than Halloween.
I am back volunteering in the school during lunch hour with students who want to learn to stamp cards and other 3-D items. This is a perfect opportunity to make some fun Halloween projects with the students. I think they will like this card and the opportunity to use the Big Shot and embossing folder.

My Christmas Wish

I love this set Home for Christmas but I wish I could watercolour.

In my head, I have this beautiful idea of this card being watercoloured but I have a difficult time choosing the colours or perhaps I just don't know how to watercolour; it doesn't turn out great anyways. So, with that being said I just did minimal colour.

Another thing I would change is the ruby red cardstock to ribbon but I don't have wide ribbon in the right shade.

Although I have greater ideas for this card, I am happy with it. I'd love to know what you think. If you would like to leave me a comment, just click on "links to this post" at the bottom.
Recipe:
Stamps: Home for Christmas
Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Ruby Red
Ink: Soft Suede
Embellishments: Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, sponging, dimensinals

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Well, not really or at least not yet.
I love the snow but I am just not ready for it yet becasue I am loving this beautiful weather we are having. Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn and I love the fall colours, the cooler evenings, sunny days and Thanksgiving. We were married in October and the fall colours of the trees reflecting on the water offered a beautiful canvas for our wedding photos.

You know, I love the change of seson and all that it brings with each one.

Boy, you would think the way I was going on about Autumn that I would have a Fall themed card to show you but I don't.

Todays card is a winter or Christmas card that I cased from Ann.

Recipe:

Stamps: Christmas Punch

Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: Soft Suede, Real Red, Sahara Sand

Embellishments: Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon, Petals O Plenty embossing folder, silver brads, Boho Blossom Punch, and a snowflake punch (not Stampin' Up!)

Oops! I almost forgot...

I almost forgot to show you the card I made for the swap. It is a card I cased from Anne Schack and as soon as I saw it I wanted to make one for myself. I had so much fun making it that I decided to make 17 of them for our card swap.
Recipe:
Stamps: Christmas Punch, Teeny Tiny
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Lavender Lace or Lovely Lilac (can't remember which now)
Ink: Stazon Black, Rose Red, Going Gray, Old Olive, DUsty Durnago Stampin' Write Markers, Silver Encore
Embellishments: Rose Red, Whiter, Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Modern Label PUnch, Word Window Punch, dimensionals

The Final Three ...

by Leslie Pergau

by Linda Anderson

by Gerrie Rollins

I Love Snowflakes

I am not sure of the stamp sets Janey used on her card (perhaps I have overlooked them in the catalogue). Nice work Janey.

Card by Heather Bennett using Kraft, Brocade Blue cardstock and the Simple Snowflake stamp and the coordinating Snowflake Punch.

Embossed Serene Snowflakes by Belinda Belowen.

Christmas Card Swap Continues

Although this card by Michelle Hanway has no stamping, it is quite pretty. Michelle used the Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder to give texture and simply cut rectangles of the Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP.

Colleen McCambridge used one of my favourite sets Winter Post along with the Top Note Die and look at the luscious new ribbon; Sleigh Bells and the Red Polka Dot .

I think this card by Shanon is so adorable using traditional colours for Christmas and the circles remind me of snowballs which of coarse make a snowman.

More Swaps

Card number one made by Jenine using the Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP and Christmas Punches.

This card made by Charlene using the Christmas Punch as well.

Renne made this card using the Hostess Level One set Patterned Pines from the Holiday Mini and the Merry Moments DSP.

Simply Stars

Card #1 by Martha Inchley http://web.mac.com/aninchofcreativity/An_Inch_of_Creativity/Blog/Blog.html

Card #2 by Jodie http://stampwithjodie.typepad.com

Card #3 by Paula Ballard http://paulamballard.blogspot.com

As I mentioned yesterday, I would be posting cards from the Christmas Card Swap from some of the members of the Simply Stars Team.

Warning: Ooozing with talent

My Mystery Card

I cannot say I am a big Halloween lover but my friend and super talented upline Heather Summers absolutely loves it. She goes all out in decorating for this fun occassion.
I tend to decorate for Autumn and when the kids were small, I loved to dress them up in fun custumes (not a fan of scary ones).
On Saturday we had our donwline meeting and it is always fun to get together and share our lives and love of stamping with one another.
Heather gave everyone the same materials (precut and prestamped) and each of us had to come up with a card. It is amazing that not one of us had the exact same card after we were finished with the "Mystery Card". This is my Halloween Card.
We have an organized card swap and this month was "Christmas" so over the next few days, I will posting some of the fabulous cards from the "Simply Stars" team who participated.
Martha demonstrated a workshop featuring Stampin' Pastels, Heater B demonstrated a WOW project, Renee prepared the make' n take and Jodie and Martha organized the swap. Along with refreshaments and prizes with have a fun, full meeting and leave feeling pumped to promote Stampin' Up!, inspired by the new techniques and connected to our frienships we have developed. I just love being a member of Simply Stars.
Now if you know me you will know that I am a bit shy and do not particularly enjoy speaking in front of people and next month at our meeting, I am presenting the WOW project (yikes). I am knowledgable about what I am doing it is just the talking...sometimes my mind is working faster than my lips (or vise versa) and my words are not coming out the way they are suppose to. However, I am excited and looking forward to doing it and I know that the more I do it the better I get.

Get Well Wishes

While I had the Cottage Wall DSP out on my desk, I thought I would make another cardwith it but on a happier note.
It dawned on me that Nicole's friends' Mom had surgery and would need some cheerful thoughts and that we are thinking of her.
Recipe:
Stamps: Close As A Memory, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Cottage Wall DSP, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Modern Label Punch, slot punch, crystal effects, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon

Heartfelt Sympathy

Today's card is a card challenge from Mojo Monday 103 which I am thrilled to participate in.

I had to make another Sympathy card and I always find them difficult to make so I was happy for the help of a sketch challenge.

My brother and sister in law flew home from B.C. on Sunday so I was excited to hear about their trip. They had a wonderful 10 days out there but did not come home to happy news. My sister in law (Lori) found out that her sister's husband lost his nephew.

My heart goes out to families who loose loved ones of any age but when they are children it doesn't seem right as there time on earth is so short.

Cody was only seventeen. He died in the ambulance Saturday night and an autopsy is being preformed today.

It is never easy but I can only trust God knowing that His good and perfect will be done and that He is in control of all things.

My deepest and most heartfelt Sympathy goes out to the families of Cody and I pray that God will be your comfort, peace and love during this extremely difficult time.

Isn't she cute?

Last night we brought home a new addition to our family. I'd like you meet Jazz.
Four weeks ago when we went "home" for haircuts, Joanne was nursing 4 kittens (since they were 3 weeks old) who lost their momma. Our daughter decide it was time to have a kitten since we haven't had one for a while. The kittens were not ready to leave the attachement of each other as they were only 5 weeks old. I thought Nicole may forget about the little kittens by the time our next appointment rolled around or they would be spoken for and sadly there would be none left for us.
Guess what? There were still three left. Well actually there was only one available as Joanne was keeping one and the other was a male kitten (which was not an option) so one little kitten remained up for adoption.
I don't recall saying, "Yes, we can take one home" but by the time we were ready to go, the last little female kitten was adopted.
I was wondering how our Chocolate Lab - Boston would make out with a kitten.
Boston was curious about this little fur ball and once he could check her out thought it might be nice to have a playmate. Now for Jazz, the feelings are not mutual. Boston gets along fine with Jazz and there won't be any problems once Jazz is old enough to be declawed (don't worry, Jazz will be a spoiled indoor cat)
Have a great holiday weekend.

Happiness Is...

I have been participating in sketch challenges and this makes me get out of my comfort zone in a great way. Sometimes it takes caseing someone elses work to do this.
I saw this layout on Sharon Johnston's blog and thought I would try it too.
I am cleaning up my craft area and like yesterday am using up retired stock.
Recipe:
Stamps: Happy Harmony
Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White,Doodle DSP
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: scallop punch, scallop circle punch (not SU!), circle cutter, designer buttons, organza ribbon, paper piercer and mat pack

A Bit of Stitching

Todays card is for all you stampers who hold on to (hoard) retired product.
I am also learning to use card sketches to help with my card making.
Todays sketch is from Jen at http://iheart2stamp.com/2009/08/29/sketch-for-you-to-try-27/
I am not a big fan of Halloween but there are some stampers out there (yes, You Heather) who are slowly getting me to change my mind. I tend to decorate for Autumn so I can enjoy my decor until it is time for Christmas.
Recipe for todays card:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Haunting Halloween
Paper: Ghostly Greetings DSP, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Watercolour Paper, Haiku DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Old Olive, Only Orange, Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers, Aqua Painter
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Black Brads, emboidery floss, dimensionals
Thanks for dropping in to see what I have been up to. Have a blessed day full of smiles.

With Heartfelt Sympathy

Todays post comes with a heavy heart. I made this card for first time parents and friends John & Danielle, who are grieving the loss of their precious baby boy Nathanial.

Nathanial was born prematurly on May 27th with congenital heart disease and some other complications. Nathanial and his Mommy and Daddy spent most of his life in the NICU in Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. Nathanial caught a virus and was put on a respirator on July 6th and taken off of life support on July 18th and was able to go home for the first time. Nathanial (along with Mommy & Daddy) had a lot of "firsts" like a buggy ride, a walk to the park, meet his puppy, sleep in his own bed, attend church and be close to his entire family.

Nathanial lived 5 weeks and 4 days off of life support and went home to be with Jesus on August 26, 2009.

I am convinced God had a plan for Nathanial and that Nathanial has completed His work. Nathanial has touched so many hearts and we saw God's hand at work.

Nathanial recieved the best care from doctors and nurses in the NICU and was given so many nick names; he was a fighter for sure. Nathanial left the doctors puzzled and amazed that such a tiny little body could endure so much pain.

Today at the funeral service, a celebration of his life, Danielle expressed that her little man had taught her more in such a short time than she could have learned in a life time.

Nathanial, you have blessed so many.

Love and Prays for you John & Danielle.

There's Still Time!

What are the benefits of being a demonstrator?

Demonstrators enjoy many benefits, including Product discount.

Demonstrators get a 20% discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.

Extra income.

You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's up to you!

Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put as much (or as little) time into it as you'd like!

Support from Stampin' Up!

We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics on our Demonstrator Web Site.

The Mini Starter Kit Special runs through August 31st. For only $105, you will receive the following:

For All You Do stamp set

All six In-Color Classic Stampin’ Pads (Bahama Bay, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede)

Whisper White Card Stock (8-1/2” x 11”)

In-Color Assorted Card Stock (8-1/2” x 11”)

Business Tools including (8) 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalogs, 8 Holiday Mini catalogs, 50 Customer forms, Getting Started DVD and more!

And if this is not enough, the Standard Starter Kit is available for $269

You decide if you wish to be a hobby demonstrator or make it a business to suit your needs.

Contact me at dale.livingston@sympatico.ca if you would like more information on becoming a demonstrator.