A Card for Kimberly

Here is a card I made using My Digital Studio.  One of my Stampin' Up fellow demonstrators is going through a tough time and I made the card for her.  Kimberly Van Diepen's (StampinByTheSea) husband suffered a stroke last week ... actually he had two strokes suffering the second one after he was moved from ICU to a regular room.  He is doing better now - still hospitalized - but making progress as he was able to sit up for 3 hours today.  Hug your loved ones - you just never know.  Kimberly's prince (that is what she calls her husband - their's is a true love story!) is only 43 years old - too young for this to happen!

Greenville Mouse Hunt

We picked Ashley up last Friday night at the Greenville/Spartanburg airport and spent the weekend in Greenville.  It was a lot of fun.  She ended up bringing Bogart (her cat) with her and didn't get charged for him.  He was in his carrier and she draped her coat over it, got on the airport and slid it under the seat.  Bogart is a mute cat so he didn't make any noise.  Sammie was not excited to see Bogart when we got home Sunday night though!  Hopefully, they will start getting along soon.

We stayed at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville and spent Saturday just wandering around downtown and shopping.  I got a couple of Christmas presents bought so that was a good thing.  A lot of the trees were showing off their beautiful colors.

 

 

 

While we were there, we went on a mouse hunt!  For his senior project at Christ Church Episcopal School in 2000, Jim Ryan proposed the idea of installing a family of nine unique mice sculptures in surprising places along Greenville's Main Street from the Hyatt to the Westin Poinsett Hotel. His original idea spun from the book, Goodnight Moon, which he and his mom read every night when he was small. There are nine mice pictured in that story. Ryan made his way through the red tape involved in any city project and then raised the money, with the assistance of donors and the mayor, to complete his project.  Greenville sculptor, Zan Wells, actually created the mice. She and Ryan became a team, and Wells sculpted nine individual bronze mice, each one with his own look, character, and special place on Main Street.  Ryan and Wells placed the mice in their permanent places, thus creating Greenville's fanciful downtown scavenger hunt.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  Wishing you the happiness of  good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Have a magical thanksgiving!  Hope you enjoy your turkey and all the fixin's today.  My family will be coming plus a few other friends to give thanks with us.  I love Thanksgiving!!  I just wish my son and his family could be with us but they will be in my thoughts all day.

Here's a chuckle for you today -

When I was a young turkey, new to the coop,
My big brother Mike took me out on the stoop,
Then he sat me down, and he spoke real slow,
And he told me there was something that I had to know;
His look and his tone I will always remember,
When he told me of the horrors of..... Black November;
"Come about August, now listen to me,
Each day you'll get six meals instead of just three,
"And soon you'll be thick, where once you were thin,
And you'll grow a big rubbery thing under your chin;
"And then one morning, when you're warm in your bed,
In'll burst the farmer's wife, and hack off your head;
"Then she'll pluck out all your feathers so you're bald 'n pink,
And scoop out all your insides and leave ya lyin' in the sink;
"And then comes the worst part!" he said not bluffing,
"She'll spread your cheeks and pack your rear with stuffing".
Well, the rest of his words were too grim to repeat,
I sat on the stoop like a winged piece of meat,
And decided on the spot that to avoid being cooked,
I'd have to lay low and remain overlooked;
I began a new diet of nuts and granola,
High-roughage salads, juice and diet cola;
And as they ate pastries, chocolates and crepes,
I stayed in my room doing Jane Fonda tapes;
I maintained my weight of two pounds and a half,
And tried not to notice when the bigger birds laughed;
But 'twas I who was laughing, under my breath,
As they chomped and they chewed, ever closer to death;
And sure enough when Black November rolled around,
I was the last turkey left in the entire compound;
So now I'm a pet in the farmer's wife's lap;
I haven't a worry! , so I eat and I nap;
She held me today, while sewing and humming,
And smiled at me and said: "Christmas is coming..."

          **Poet Unknown


After enjoying your Thanksgiving, take some time to look over the weekly specials!!

 

Stamp Club Projects

These are the projects we made this week at Stamp Club.  The angels were a big hit using the Sizzix Bow Die.  I did a search on the internet and found several different versions and mine are a combo of several different ones.

This card uses the single stamp, "Be Merry" which is actually a tag.  I used a strip of DSP to cover up the "To/From".  We stamped the tag with white craft ink and then embossed it with white embossing powder.



This was one of my favorites.  I finally sucked it up and bought the Typeset Alphabet Sizzix Die.  I used cardboard that comes inside the DSP cut into 1 1/2" squares; then I stamped in Garden Green one of the stamps from Tape It.  I used the sticker tape from the Goody Goody set in between the green.  Next I die cut the "j" "o" and "y".  The ornament is from Mosaic Madness and "Christmas" is from the polymer stamp, Endless Wishes which unfortunately is sold out.

I just love these colors - Coastal Cabana, Pumpkin Pie and Brown Sugar.  I used the single stamp, Magnificant Maple and Gorgeous Grunge to make the background on the thinlit card.

Holiday SALE!

Dates: November 20-December 2, 2013 It's time for online holiday shopping! During these 13 days only, you can get incredible discounts-up to 50 percent-on some of your favorite products! This is the perfect time for you to stock up on some of your favorite items or get gifts for your crafty friends and family.

The Fine Print

• This sale is the same as the annual Online Extravaganza sale of years past--just with a simpler name.
• Discounts range between 20 and 50 percent-awesome!
• Discounted products are available on all order types (customer, workshop, and online).
• Hostesses who have earned a 50%-off item may not apply that discount to an already-discounted product.
• There's no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion. Sale on!
• For product bundles, you need to use the bundle item numbers provided. If you use individual item numbers, you won't get the discount-bummer.
• You can buy additional products from any of our current catalogs on the same order. 

Below are just a few of the items that are for sale.  To see the complete list, click HERE.

Merry Warm Wishes

I found a card similar to this one on the web.  It's one of my favorites using the Snowy Day stamp set.  Most people use that set to make the snowman but there is more to the stamp than just a snowman!  I like to use a stamp set for more than just one thing and this is one of those sets.  I really love the framelits and hope we will be getting more words soon!

 

I was happy on Sunday to see my Steelers WIN - I didn't expect it but I was happy to take the loss in my football pool.  Last year I came in 2nd in the football pool (Sonny came in 1st) and got the $$ winnings.  This year there is no way either one of us will come close to winning.  My picks have just not been on target this year.  Now if the Panthers can pull it off ... watching the game now - 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter and tied up.  Come on Panthers!

Fall Leaves

Fall - what a beautiful season!  I was pulling into our driveway one day last week and had to stop the car and take this picture of our house hidden by the trees with all the leaves that have fallen in the yard and in the driveway.  These leaves keep Sonny busy!  It's really hard to see our driveway when we are backing out ... in fact, last year I ran into one of trees because I couldn't make out where the driveway was and where the yard was.  We work our leaf blower overtime!!

This is the backyard right after Sonny blew all the leaves off the yard.  Note how tall they stacked up on the edges of the yard,

Almost looks like it could be a ski slope - imagine that the leaves could be snow drifts!!

Saturday was a busy day at my house.  We had the first Christmas Stamp a Stack.  Boy, was I tired by the end of the day.  In fact, I laid down on the couch and slept for an hour and I am not normally a napper.  Here are the rest of the cards that were made:

Northern Flurry embossing folder used

Marianne created this card using the Snow Day stamp set.  Isn't he cute?

More Christmas Card SAS

I've been working fast and furiously on my Christmas Stamp a Stack for Saturday and Monday.  I have the cards made, the packages bundled up and I am now working on some great door prizes!  I love giving my customers and friends special hand made gifts.   Here are a few more of the cards we will be making on Saturday.

Christmas tree from Lovely As A Tree

Gift Card Holder - Starbucks anyone?

Cute little elf shoes made from the Top Note Die!!

Modern Medley Overlay

If I had finished this card in time, I could have mailed it to my son.  Today is his birthday.  It is hard to believe my "baby" is 35 years old!!  Wow!  How time flies.  Seems like just yesterday he was making sandwiches for the guys in our neighborhood who were building new homes on our street.  He would make peanut butter sandwiches and take them to the construction workers and have lunch with them!  That was in the days that we didn't have to worry if our child went down the street to play.  I know there were predators but they just didn't seem to be every where like they are now.   I called him earlier to wish him a happy birthday.  He told me it was easy to remember how old he, my mom and myself are - Jeff & I are 30 years apart and add another 20 for my mom!  Makes it easy, huh???

My MDS birthday card for the Paper Craft Crew challenge this week is made using red and black.  I love that color combo!

I used a recent stamp that I purchased.  It is the Modern Medley Overlay.  I used the music notes - making one of the overlays black over the white card stock and the other one white over the black card stock.  For "smile" I did the first one in black; copied it and pasted it directly on top and changed the color to Red.  Then I just used my arrow keys to move the word over so it looked like it shadowed the black one.

Check out the great cards the rest of the crew made HERE.

Weekly Deals Plus Festive Flurry Kit

Some great weekly deals this week!!  You can place your order in my Online Store using the Hostess Code #KYR7ZKH9

1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon Price: $7.95 $5.96	Extra-Large Gift Box Price: $3.95 $2.96	Gift Bow Bigz L Die Price: $32.95 $24.71	Mini Muslin Bags Price: $9.95 $7.46
Orchard Harvest Swatchbook Template Price: $12.95 $7.77	Pumpkin Pie Goodie Gear Simply Created Kit Price: $4.95 $3.71	Real Red Goodie Gear Simply Created Kit Price: $4.95 $3.71	Witches Brew DSP

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Add a little festive flare to your holiday decorating with our new Festive Flurry Ornament Kit! Top presents, embellish cards, create a wintery garland, or trim the tree. How you use them is up to you!

The kit includes everything you need (minus adhesive) to create 10 snowflakes, including

• 10 feet of Soft Sky Ribbon
• Printed cardstock - die cut and scored, ready to be assembled (Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, Whisper White Cardstock and Silver Glimmer Paper)
• Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels (40)

Item #135813 - $14.95 - Available while supplies last    
Watch the video below for instructions on making these ornaments.

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Also .... You can win a My Digital Studio CLASS!!

Details from Stampin' Up:

Dates: November 12-22, 2013
What is it:  We are giving away our next My Digital Class for free.  My Digital Classes provide all the basics you need to make the most of our My Digital Studio product line.
Who can win: Anyone! Well, not Stampin' Up! employees or their families, but both demonstrators and customers can win.
How to enter: Go to the My Digital Studio Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mydigitalstudio). Like our page if you don't already, then click the link to enter.
How we'll pick our winners: Every person who enters the giveaway will get their name entered into the drawing. If they then share the link to the giveaway with their friends, their name will be entered in the drawing again for each friend that enters. After November 22, we'll select 10 names at random and contact them about how to redeem their prize.

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Christmas Stamp a Stack

My Christmas Stamp a Stack is this Saturday and the following Monday evening.  If you live in the area and are interested in joining us, please call me or email me.  I will have door prizes and lots of fun is in store!!

This card uses Festive Flurry stamp in two different shades of green.

The cardinal is North Carolina's state bird so it is only fitting that we include him on a Christmas card!

Die cut the "J" and "Y" and use the Ornament die for the "o" - add a little washi tape and bakers twine and you have a JOYful card!

Salute to our troops on Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day to all those who are serving our country or who have served our country with their service. 

I read this article in Sunday's Parade Magazine and thought it worth sharing today.  Perhaps there is something in the list that you can do to show your appreciation for our veterans and those still in uniform.

• Upgrade a soldier's helmet
  For $35, you can provide a service member cushioning helmet pads to help protect against traumatic brain injury.
  operation-helmet.org
• Foster a companion animal
  Pets for Vets pairs shelter dogs with veterans in an effort to ease the emotional wounds of war. Volunteers are needed to offer foster care for rescues, as are professional trainers to prepare the dogs for their new roles.
  pets-for-vets.com
• Help throw a baby shower
  Celebrate an expectant mom whose husband is deployed or injured by sending a gift or volunteering in person at a party hosted by Operation Shower.
  operationshower.org
• Mail a care package
  Look up specific requests for reading material, DVDs, games, and relief supplies from service members in all five branches of the military; pack the items with a letter of thanks and ship them off.
  booksforsoldiers.com
• Tune in to Tim McGraw
  As part of his initiative with Chase and Operation Homefront to provide mortgage-free homes for vets and service members in need, the country star is performing a concert tonight for military families, to air on the Pentagon channel and on his website (8:45 p.m. ET).
  timmcgraw.com
• Support a Mission Continues fellow
  The Mission Continues fellowship program allows post-9/11 veterans to continue serving at home by volunteering for 26 weeks with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and American Red Cross. Your donation can help vets finds ways to channel their skills as they transition back to the civilian world.
  Missioncontinues.org
• Share your points
  Transfer your hotel rewards points to Fisher House Foundation’s “Hotels for Heroes” program, which provides accommodations to the families of military service members who are undergoing medical treatment.
  Fisherhouse.org
• Offer a vet a ride
  Join the VA’s Volunteer Transportation Network and you can drive veterans to and from their appointments for services.
  Volunteer.va.gov
• Donate gifts for kids in Iraq and Afghanistan
  Operation Give collects toys and school and art supplies that our troops can then distribute to to local children in the areas where they are serving.
  Operationgive.org
• Share your expertise
  Sign up to teach a class or be a mentor to wounded veterans interested in exploring business opportunities after they leave the hospital.
  100entproject.org
• Send a holiday card
  To date, amillionthanks.org has delivered more than six million letters to service members and veterans. This holiday season, express your appreciation for our troops with a festive card containing a personal message or prayer, postmarked by December 1.    http://www.amillionthanks.org/

Ashley with her cousin's son - the day before she left for Iraq

Jeff when he was in the Army

Fall Wreath

Hopefully this week has gotten you inspired to start creating with MDS.  I know there were quite a few of you that missed out on some of the Daily Deals, so as one last final surprise to end Digital Scrapbooking Days, the My Digital Studio team has decided to put all of the Daily Deals back on sale for 24 hours!
Get your orders in between November 8 at midnight and November 9 at midnight 
Here are the downloads that will be on sale at 50% off:

• Amped Up Ampersands Kit (item 134844)
• Hello There Kit (item 133374)
• All Time Fave Photobook Template (item 132915)
• Modern Medley Overlays Kit (item 134839)
• Be Brave Pocket Cards (item 134840)
• Nobody’s Business Photobook Template (item 132812)
• Autumn Traditions Kit (item 127600)
• Afternoon Daydream Kit (item 130861)

Ashley made it back safe and sound Friday from Seoul, Korea.  There was such a huge time difference.  I talked to her around 4-5:00 Friday afternoon while she was waiting to go through Customs in Dallas.  She said she had left Korea around 6 pm Friday - it wasn't even 6 pm here yet so she lost a whole day .... I think!  Hopefully she has not got a full schedule this weekend so she can rest and get readjusted to the Central Time Zone.  She has a three day weekend since Monday is Veterans Day and she is off.  Here she is with the other docs that she was with in Seoul.  Just wish that sign wasn't in front of her!!  She says she's not short but looking at this picture, I'm not so sure!!

I made a wreath for my front door on Wednesday.  I had seen a picture of a nice wreath in Women's Day magazine and they just used a box of potpourri.  So I picked up a twig wreath and a box of potpourri at Hobby Lobby along with some discounted fall leaves and got my trusty hot glue gun out and went to work.  The whole project probably only cost about $20 or less and took me about an hour to make.  Everything was on sale except the box of potpourri and I used my coupon to buy it.

Step 1 - gluing on the leaves - with a little help from Sammie, my supervisor!!

I had a roll of wide burlap that I stuck in along with that plaid burlap ribbon that I bought at H.L.



I already had the little Welcome Friends sign hanging on the wreath hook.



I love how it looks!  And the glass at the top of the door reflects the fall leaves in the trees in my front yard.

Have a great weekend!

Fall Colors

I love the colors of fall.  I think fall is my favorite time of the year - beautiful colors, crisp cool weather, my favorite juicy Honey Crisp apples, my birthday, Sonny's birthday, beautiful cards ....  love it all!!



These are the trees at our neighborhood entrance - beautiful colors!

 Here are the hand made birthday cards that I received:


from Margaret

Margaret sent to Sonny

Marianne's card to Sonny

from my upline, Carol - an actual photograph that she stamped on - gorgeous!

from Judy

A shaped card from Marianne

from NC Demos

from Sharon R (girlfriend)

the card I made for Sonny using Gorgeous Grunge