Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Quick & Easy Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Remember this video from last year? The best part of video tutorials is that you can use the ideas, and change the supplies to what you have on hand now!

That was great paper last year, and this year, I LOVE the Christmas Around the World DSP! I have a feeling I'm going to regret not stocking up on it! Now that I've discovered the Christmas Lamppost Framelits cut out the images on the paper I'm OBSESSED!

Here is a list of supplies I've used to create a NEW style of gift card holder using this same video tutorial!

And here is this year's version of the quick and easy gift card holder! No one will ever know it was a last minute gift!

***UPDATE*** 
So, I made a bunch of gift card holders using the above suppies and FORGOT to take a picture! I guess it means I'm using what I make (which is a GOOD thing!) Here are a few using retired paper and the the Smitten Mittens framelits. You can imagine how much cuter they are with the new paper! 


Here is the facebook live I did on a similar project:



Don't you LOVE the Smitten Mittens bundle??? SO ADORABLE.


Friday, December 8, 2017

It's Beginning to Look a LOT Like Christmas!

SNOW in Houston! 

Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people standing, hat and outdoor

We played in the snow bright and early this morning (before it could melt), and had hot cocoa with marshmallows for breakfast!

We have Christmas movies and music on and are getting our Christmas craft on! This is the most WONDERFUL time of the year!

Thursday, December 7, 2017

November 2017 Paper Pumpkin: Back in Plaid

These stockings are SO DANG CUTE! I still can't decide if I want to use them as gift card holders and give them away or use them as Christmas tree ornaments. Is it selfish of me to keep them? I seriously just LOVE them!


So whether or not I choose to keep them or give them away (I really do prefer giving to getting...usually) I WILL use this stamp set again and again! It's a classic!

I hope you enjoy this month's printable case insert! Let me know if you have any questions printing it! I do have a PDF I can send you, but I've run out of room in my dropbox. So until I find a better free storage solution, we'll have to be satisfied with the jpegs.

Also, don't forget that the deadline each month to order your kits, or change the number of boxes you'll get each month is the 10th. That's in just a few days! If you haven't yet subscribed, you can do so here!

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

October 2017 Paper Pumpkin: Pining for Plaid

I put these cards together IMMEDIATELY and was so sad I couldn't buy refills! 10 cards was NOT enough! Luckily, I had an extra kit from November 2016 that was ALSO full of cute Christmas cards! So SOME of my family will be getting these cards for Christmas, and some will get cards from Wonderful Winterland (ALSO one of my favorite!)



I think it's a sign that I need to order TWO boxes a month instead of just one! (That and the fact that Sophie keeps asking to put together my Paper Pumpkin...maybe she's old enough to get her own subscription!) Seriously, what a great gift to give your daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc. It's really a gift that keeps on giving! It guarantees quality time every month!

Here is your monthly printable case insert you can use to organize your Paper Pumpkin stamps. They are some of my favorite sentiment stamps, and I seem to always look at my "Paper Pumpkin shelf" first to find a good sentiment!

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Tuesday Tutorial Facebook Live Video: Christmas Mailboxes

Hello everyone! Thank you for joining my Facebook LIVE Event today! If you weren't able to make it, you can still watch the video and make these CUTE mailboxes! The original idea came from Kathie Zaban and I just fell in love immediately! I simplified her design a little bit, and created this supply sheet with a diagram to help! (***I updated the DSP for the regular mailbox that was giving me such a hard time in the video! LOL!)

Several of these products are on the "while supplies last" list, which means...get them now! You snooze you lose! (As my Dad always says.) ;)

As a bonus, if you place any order in my online shop using hostess code: XZTJWBCG by Sunday December 10th, I will send you the supplies all cut and scored and ready to assemble for BOTH mailboxes shown in the video today! (Including the treat tubes, but not the filling.) 

Monday, December 4, 2017

2018 SAB & Occasions LIVE unboxing video

Hello friends!

Well, I feel like it was CHRISTMAS at my house today! I received all my new pre-ordered goodies from Stampin' Up! and oh what fun I had unboxing them! If you haven't already liked my facebook page, please do so now so you don't miss future live videos!

OH! Speaking of live videos, I will do a super cute tutorial tomorrow (Tuesday December 5th) at NOON central time on facebook. Don't miss it!

I also did a live video showcasing the plethora of new Designer Series Paper I ordered on my YouTube channel. So run over there and subscribe as well!

I know. I'm all over the place.

So, before I post the videos here, I want to show you the bundles I created in order to get the free items! But, just remember, this is a SNEAK PEEK. These products will not be available to order until January 3rd. HOWEVER, if you simply cannot wait, go ahead and Treat Yo' Self (like I did)! You can order these products NOW by joining my team for just $99! Just choose $125 worth of product you would like to buy (which CAN be from the upcoming Occasions catalog!) and we'll order you a "starter kit" with NO commitment! You are more than welcome to order and then do NOTHING if you'd like. Or simply share with your friends and they'll want to order from you as well! It is SO much fun! And I'm telling you, my team is a RIOT! We have so much fun! Contact me if you'd like more information on joining!

Ok, so without further ado...

Here is your 2018 SAB & OCCASIONS CATALOG SNEAK PEEK!!!

Starting with my silly unboxing video:


And the semi-close up of the paper... not the best quality. YouTube live isn't my favorite venue. ;) (Another reason to make sure you follow my facebook page!)


SO. MUCH. FUN. The best part is that with all these fun products I have HOURS of crafting ahead of me! And SOOOO many fun ideas in my brain! The kids are going to be playing with their Christmas gifts all day long, and you better believe I'm not going to be cleaning! I'm going to be STAMPIN'! Haha!

So, here are some bundles I created in order to get free product that coordinates together instead of just a bunch of fun crafting supplies you may or may not get around to using. (Available to order January 3rd)

Epic Celebrations
Bundle #1 (Boy)



To get the Epic Celebrations stamp set for free, order the Brusho Crystal Colour, and/or products from the True Gentleman suite! The DSP, the bundle (including the stamps and a punch), and the night of navy corduroy ribbon or True Gentleman Buttons. 

Epic Celebrations
Bundle #2 (Girl)
OR you can go for a completely different look! Order the Brusho Crystal Colour, the Painted with Love DSP, and the Love Mini Tinsel Trim Combo Pack, and get the Epic Celebrations stamp set for free!

Shimmer Ribbon
The FREE Shimmer Ribbon Pack coordinates with SO many things! You can combine it with products from the Myths & Magic Suite! You can either get the bundle, which includes the stamp set and matching thinlits, and some PRETTY washi tape, OR buy the GORGEOUS specialty DSP and the glimmer paper pack! (You'll want more than one pack of each!)

Party Pandas
Ok this free Party Pandas set matches EVERYTHING! You can combine it with products from the Picture Perfect Party Suite. The Picture Perfect Birthday stamp set, and the Picture Perfect Party 6x6 DSP (so fun!) are must haves. There are several other items in the suite to choose from, but I bundled it with the Berry Burst Metallic Edge ribbon, and the Scattered Sequins Dynamic Embossing Folder.

Tutti Frutti Cards & Envelopes
Tutti-Frutti Cards and Envelopes will be FREE with any $50 purchase, and they coordinate with SO MUCH! I've paired them with items from the tutti-frutti suite here. The Tutti-Frutti DSP is even brighter in person! It's beautiful! (And would coordinate REALLY well with the Party Pandas SAB set as well!) The Fruit Basket Bundle includes the stamp set and a set of 4 mini punches! There is also coordinating washi tape, SELF-ADHESIVE sequins! (I KNOW!) and Lemon Lime Twist Mini Striped Ribbon! That's on my next order for sure! I missed it the first time through the catalog!!!

Celebrate You Thinlits OR Happy Wishes (Level 2 SAB Item)

This year, for the first time, there are LEVEL 2 Sale-a-Bration items being offered free with any $100 purchase! I chose the Celebrate You Thinlits, but the Happy Wishes stamp set would coordinate BEAUTIFULLY with these products! I HAD to have the Charming Cafe bundle, AND the Lots of Happy Card Kit...and refill.

Bubbles & Fizz
You'll notice in the video, I got the Bubbles & Fizz paper as a free item, and the ready-made bundle that coordinates with this package PERFECTLY is called the Bubble Over Bundle. Don't forget the Glitter & Clear Epoxy Shapes to add some sparkling bubbles to your projects! The Picture Perfect Party DSP also coordinates exceptionally well with this suite!

And there you have it! My little pre-order party! There are SO many fun products! The wheels in my head are already spinning with fun ideas! Make your list now, and get ready to order on January 3rd! (OR join my team today! Just sayin'! Why wait if you don't have to?)

Friday, December 1, 2017

Year End Sales Event

The retiring list is out! The discounts have begun! Place your order now before they sell out!


Contact me today and I will send you an excel file of the retiring list! Don't want your items to sell out? Shop now and use hostess code: XZTJWBCG  for a free gift with every order!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Birthday Cards

I was just thinking today how much of a stamp collector I am. With every new catalog, I make my list and stock up on all the cute new MUST HAVES. I totally justify this hobby because you know what happened this past weekend? I became an Aunt for the 35th time!

35 people!

That is a LOT of birthday cards to send to family! Plus their parents, which brings that number up to... let's see...59? ish? And then there's my own kids, my parents, and my in-laws, and my Grandmas... speaking of Grandma...

My Dad's mom is turning 95 TODAY!!! That's a major accomplishment!


I came up with a somewhat quick and easy card I could send out for invitations. 



Product List
Just a note on the supplies... I used some Kraft Cardstock I had in my stash, which apparently is discontinued! *GASP!!!* But I found that the Merry Little Christmas Cardstock pack also includes Kraft. This color IS different than Crumb Cake, which is lighter. 


I actually printed the party info on a separate piece of cardstock and just inserted it in the card. This way, the guests could actually reuse the invite and write a note inside for Grandma!

I love the shine from the beautiful Foil Frenzy Specialty DSP. And the "Eclipse" technique with the diecut numbers make it simple yet stunning! This card design could work for any celebration. Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation... the possibilities are endless!

Friday, November 17, 2017

Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza!

Time to shop the sales! Online Extravaganza starts on Monday with 24 hour deals on stamps! Make sure you use hostess code: PDGG79K7 and I will send you a free gift with every purchase!



 As usual, the sale will begin and end with exclusive 24 hour deals! Don't miss out!

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Stampin' Up! Stamparatus

I've posted this on my Facebook page, but don't want anyone to miss it! Here is more information on reserving YOUR Stamparatus TODAY! (Don't worry, if you miss it, there will be other chances, you'll just have to wait longer...)

At 1:00 P, 3:00 CST, 4:00 ET, Stampin' Up will update their website with photos/ads showing you where to reserve your Stamparatus.
**You MUST log in or create an online account, to do this. I believe it will prompt you.
**You can ONLY RESERVE ONE.
**You will NOT be charged until they arrive, around Feb. 1
**Once they arrive in the warehouse (again, around Feb 1), you will receive an email that it has been put in your online cart. You will then go over and complete your order. You can even add other things to your order to get Sale a Bration items for free and save on shipping!

If you missed the announcement, here is more information on this amazing (and time-saving) product!

And here is a video showing some tips and tricks!



The Stamparatus is going to allow you create multiple cards FASTER than ever before with precision stamping! I can't wait to get mine! Don't forget to reserve yours TODAY!

Monday, November 6, 2017

Quick and Easy Card with Stampin' Blends

Here is the video tutorial I promised you! This card was so quick and easy to put together! The Floral Statements stamp set alone is a GREAT one, but paired with the new Stampin' Blends, it really can't be beat for a quick and easy, yet STUNNING card!



Product List
If you need a stack of thank you cards, you could even use this same technique with the stamps, Blends, and a pack of notecards and envelopes! Come to think of it, that would make a great teacher's gift! Just add a Memento ink pad! Instant teacher gift that gives them a chance to relax and create! Win win!

Feel free to substitute the Designer Series Paper, and the colors of your cardstock and Stampin' Blends! There are SO many possibilities!

Friday, November 3, 2017

Houston Astros Day

Listen, I know I promised you a quick and easy video today, but I have a really good excuse! So, you may have not heard, but the Houston Astros won the World Series this year... I know. They're my 2nd favorite team. (Yes, 3/4th of my family are Cubs fans, and the other 1/4th is a huge Astros fan! What a lucky family right??? Well, lucky this year and last year... the past 108 years...not so much.)

ANYWAY. There was a parade and celebration today that was a HUGE. DEAL. (Remember how we live in Houston? Yeah.) My kids entire school watched the celebration in the cafeteria. (Best. School. EVER!) The governor of Texas even declared it Houston Astros Day. I tried to find a picture of his "excusal letter" he showed during the celebration, but to no avail. It was pretty funny though. He presents these official declarations and then says for everyone else he has this letter: Please excuse (fill in the blank) today from []school []work []errands.... etc. etc. It was pretty awesome. Awesome to live in a community that pulls together in the face of disaster. Awesome that we have so much to celebrate after (and still amid) such devastation. Life is full of ups and downs.

Long story short, I'll have that video for you on Monday. Thanks for checking in. Now go celebrate!


Thursday, November 2, 2017

Brand spankin' new Stampin' Blends

Have you met the new Stampin' Blends yet? They are amazing! I was surprised at how smooth they glide on cardstock and what an even color they leave (with no lines!)





 If you're still wondering what all the fuss is about, here's a basic technique video.

Tomorrow I will show you a quick and easy tutorial video for the card above! I'm talking SUPER quick and easy!!! Here are some of the supplies that I used:

Product List


If you'd like to get the entire Stampin' Blends collection, why not get them at a discount? Buy the entire collection in your starter kit for $99! Click here for more details. Or if you're not ready for the discount, shop online using hostess code PDGG79K7 for all your Christmas card making supplies!