Cropping Weekend

Marianne and I had a fun weekend at the Scrapbook Creations Paper Craft Festival in Spartanburg.  There was cropping, make and takes, demos, classes and lots of socialization!  Sonny and I had lunch with Marianne in Lincolnton on Friday and then she and I took off for the festival.  We went with an open mind but we really weren't sure what was in store for us as I mentioned in my last post.  Upon our arrival, I got my goody bag and tee shirt.  The goody bag was supposed to be $130 worth of product - not so sure about that but it was ok.  I got a large pack of Graphic 45 paper, a 6x6 stack of patterned paper, some embellishments and 6 packets of double page scrapbook layouts.   Friday night we participated in a Make and Take event where we went to 8 different tables making various things.  I thought the make and takes were a bit too simple but it was fun anyway and midway through, they had a fabulous dessert bar!   a representative of Bazzil Paper was doing one of the make and takes and she showed us the samples she was doing for her classes on Saturday.  One of the classes was an 8x8 Mini Album that was super cute so Marianne and I decided to sign up for it.  We took the class on Saturday and as is usual in most classes, didn't get it all finished.  So that gave us something to do back at the crop table.  We were having such a good time working on our album that we decided to stay another night.  We stayed at our hotel Friday for free with Choice Reward points I had earned so paying for one night was no biggie.  Since we had already checked out of our hotel, we had to find another one.  We stayed at the crop until about 11 pm.  There were several hotels within a couple of blocks from the Expo Center so after striking out at the Howard Johnson's, we headed across the street to the Econo Lodge and got one of their last rooms.  We went to sleep around midnight but shortly after we fell asleep, the occupants of the room next to us woke us up with their noises which continue for 2 1/2 hours!  Banging on the walls and hollering "shut up" did nothing to stop them so Marianne finally called the front desk.  At first we were told there were no rooms available but a bit later, they called up to tell us they had a room.  The attendant brought us another key to a room down the hall and told us we could have both rooms - just leave our things and go down the hall to sleep.  So at 3 a.m., Marianne and I are traipsing down the hall with our stuff (didn't want to leave them unattended) in our nightgowns!  It took forever for us to get back to sleep and we were both zombies today!  We ended up sleeping through breakfast service and heading back to the convention center around 10 a.m.  We worked a bit more on our albums until I ran out of glue / tape.  Well, the way they had everything set up, it was easy to just go to their store and purchase what you need.  So, I bought a brand new bottle of Zip Dry Liquid Glue.  After I snipped the tip off of it, I was squeezing it onto one of my pages when the top came off and over half the bottle ended up in my lap!!  Only at a Scrapbook Crop would someone run over with a camera to take a picture of someone with glue in their lap!!  Now I have to figure out how to get all that glue washed out of my jeans!!  Anyway, long story short ... it was a fun weekend.  On the way home, we were starving and found a great restaurant just by chance.  We were looking for somewhere to eat when we drove by a restaurant called Wade's in Spartanburg.  There were a ton of cars in the parking lot so that's always a good sign plus the line of people to get in.  It was good ole' home cooked food that was delicious!  I had fried chicken, field peas, creamed corn and squash casserole plus some melt in your mouth rolls!  The restaurant has been in business since 1947 so you know it's good!

We were shocked to see how much STUFF people bring to these crops.  It was like packing up your whole craft room and taking it all!  Here are a few pictures to prove it:


Marianne and I had nothing compared with our neighbors!!

 


Easy Access Shopping Area



One person's STUFF plus she had a table full too with 3 machines - note her cushy chair cover!  She came prepared!

  

Lots of STUFF! 

RETIRED LISTS - KEEPING THIS ON TOP and UPDATING IT DAILY!

 

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED LIST OF ACCESSORIES - http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/lastChance/2013%20NA%20Retired%20List/Availability_en-US.pdf

 

The 2013 Retired Lists are here! 

Some products up to 60% off!!!

HURRY…don't wait!  Place your order right away! 

Accessories do sell out quickly!  There are punches, lots of ribbon, DSP, card stock, kits ......

All ACCESSORIES are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST…and some things DO sell out quickly…like in hours!!!   Find the list on the pdf file here:

STAMPS

ACCESSORIES

EDITED TO ADD:  The best way to view the items is to go to ORDER ONLINE and SHOP and you can see the items with the pictures!!
 

Place your order on my website - click ORDER ONLINE  in my header above OR if you prefer, contact me and I will put your order in for you.  

Make sure to use the CODE  762NUUQV before you check out.  

 When you place your order today through April 30th using the Special Code you will automatically be guaranteed 3 things: 

1) Your order will ship directly to your door!
2) You will receive a hand stamped thank you card from me just for you!
3) You will be entered in a drawing for Stampin' Up! Products

Alert:  the PDF files are pretty small print (at least for these old eyes!)  There is a + and - at the top of the page - click on the + to enlarge the page!!  

 
 

Baby Tee

I made a baby card this week for a friend who became a grandmother again. I always forget to use my wheels.   I keep them in a fabric shoe holder that is hanging on the back of my door which is a great organizing tool for them.  I love the Baby Tees wheel and used it to make two cards.  The first card I made I wheeled the tees onto white card stock and used my Copics to color the little tees.  Then I mounted them onto some bright yellow (non SU) paper I found and then onto the plaid card (non SU).  Aren't they bright and cheery?

Well, when I finished that card, I decided to unmount my wheel.  I took it off the wheel and mounted it onto some clear-mount cling foam.  That way I can use the stamp as a traditional stamp.  I haven't gone so far as to cut the tees apart but that would be an idea also.

But here is the cute baby card I made after un-mounting the stamp!  Love it!

I stamped the tees onto DSP, colored them with markers and cut each one out individually.  They are glued down onto the white paper with the SU Glue Stick (my fav!).  In order to get them (semi-) straight onto the white paper, I used my handy SU Grid Paper.  No need to eyeball it! Remember that you have a handy ruler at the base of your Stampin’ Up! grid paper and gridlines on either side to help get things perfectly aligned.  (NOTE:  Grid paper is on the retired list - it is just being refigured but will be $1 more so you might want to get it now and save.)

I then stamped the "baby" sentiment from One In A Million using my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line it up.  I found some little metal  coat hanger brads in my stash so I put one on each of the baby tees.

 My next step was to make an envelope to put the card into since I made an extra long card.  My card measures about 9" x 7 1/2".   Rather than stick this beautiful card in a plain, legal envelope, I decided to make a coordinated, stylish envelope for its delivery.  A little more costly at the post office, but it's ok once in while.

Here are the directions for my envelope:

• I cut a piece of Bashful Blue Designer Series Paper Stack paper to 9-1/4″x11-3/4″. I chose this DSP with the floral design as the exterior of the envelope.
• I placed the paper on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool with the shortest end of the paper lined up against the top ruler. 
• With the markers at 2-3/8″ and 6-1/2″, I scored the horizontal lines of the envelope. 
• I then turned the paper on its side and scored it 1-1/2″ and 11″. 
• I trimmed the corners off the scored piece of paper, careful to snip on the inside of the score line so that everything would fold over cleanly. 
• With the 3/16″ Corner punch, I rounded all the corners.
• I folded the envelope, using my bone folder to make sure that the envelope completely closes:
  I added adhesive to the shorter side panel and then glued down the longer side.
• And then added adhesive to the bottom panel (the shortest of the remaining panels) and glued it down

Marianne and I are going to an event this weekend in Spartanburg.  It is a Crop and Paper Festival put on by Scrabook Creations in Spartanburg.  It is a weekend of cropping and creating.  Last summer when we went to CKC in Charlotte, Ashley won the grand prize which was free admission to the cropping festival.  She could not come up to go to the event so they let her transfer the ticket to me.

This is how it is advertised:   Full Crop Weekend Registration fee is $135. Includes three days of Crop Time. Upon arrival, croppers will receive a Goody Bag full of scrapbooking and paper crafting items as well a s a Crop T-shirt! All croppers will also receive six two-page layouts with instructions available during the Crop. Seating is limited to 200 croppers!

I don't know about you, but I'm not paying that kind of money just to crop!  I can do that quite comfortably in my own home.  But Marianne and I decided to make a weekend of it and see what it is all about.  Since Marianne did not buy a ticket, she will not be able to go in the crop room with me so I will just be getting my goodie bag and we will do our own thing.   We are real interested to see what it is all about.  There are other classes on Friday and Saturday (extra $$ of course) but we only signed up for a Make and Take event Friday night.  (Friday Night Make-N-Take Event fee is $30. Included is an evening of creative fun. Join the group on Friday night as everyone participates in a great Make-N-Take event. Customers will rotate from table to table in a specific manner every 15 minutes. At each table you will complete a different project. By the end of the night, you will have completed eight projects. Midway, there will be a 15 minute break to indulge in the delicious Dessert Bar.)

Paper Craft Crew Sketch

With all the excitement today over the Retiring Lists AND as a demonstrator, being able to view the catalog on-line (still looking!), I forgot to post my card for the Paper Craft Crew Challenge.

I used a few things thaat I recently bought for MDS.  I have been taking a class from Heather Summers and Kimberley Van Diepen and they recommended a few things.  Well, they were right - I love them.  I used Wonderful Whimsies DSP, Sara's Sequins and Paper Doilies.  The flower in the circle is actually a piece of the Wonderful Whimsies DSP! 

Supply List:
Background:  Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wonderful Whimsies - 7

Embellishments:
Paper Doilies\Paper Doilies - whisper white (re-colored)
Paper Doilies\Paper Doilies - whisper white (re-colored)
Crochet Trim Ribbon\Chantilly (re-colored)
Sara's Sequins\Sara's Sequins – teal (3)
Crochet Trim Ribbon\Chantilly - bow (re-colored)

Stamps:
Designer Kits\Family History\Family History - overlay texture, Color = CRUSHED CURRY
Well Scripted\Well Scripted - mother

Punches:
Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wonderful Whimsies - 11
Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wonderful Whimsies - 7
Labels & Tags\Decorative Label Punch, Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wonderful Whimsies -12
Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wonderful Whimsies - 12

Important Alert!

IMPORTANT DATE ALERT

I do not want you to miss out, so make sure you will

Be HERE on Wed. April 24

to view the 2013 Retiring Stamp and Accessory list

from

Stampin' Up!

Accessories are "first come first served" and many of the retiring colors have already sold out.

Better yet... IF there is an accessory in the Stampin' Up! catalog that you know you will not be able to live without, ORDER NOW and don't take a chance that it will be sold out if you see it on the Retiring List on Wednesday.


I got some good news this week!  THIS card I made using MDS won the color challenge on Late Night Stampers this week! 

I made several cards this weekend but forgot to take pictures of them!!  I was so focused on getting them addressed and in the mail.  I hate it when I do that.  And they were those cards you hate to make - sympathy and get well.  So yesterday when I made this card, I made sure I took a picture to share with you.

This card is so much prettier in real life.  I used a few "in-coming" colors that were In Colors at one time - Pear Pizazz and Blush Blossom.  I used the Vintage Wheel for the background.  I forget to use my wheels and they add such a nice touch.  The Blush Blossom scalloped circle was made using Nestabilities.  For the doilies, I cut my doily down the center so I could pleat them.  I punched a 1 3/4" circle of Glimmer paper and backed it with a circle of SU's Multipurpose Adhesive.  That made attaching the pleated doily much easier.  I punched the butterfly with SU's butterfly punch (oops - just noticed a little piece is missing on the bottom - guess I'll be punching another butterfly!)

Supplies:

Card Stock:  Blush Blossom, Pear Pizazz, In Color Patterned Stack DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Pear Pizazz

Accessories:  Butterfly Punch,  Sequins, Doilies, Polytwill Old Olive Ribbon (retired), Very Vintage Wheel

Stamp Club April Cards

I had Stamp Club last week and we made these four cards.

Language Of Friendship

I think this was my favorite one!  I got the stamp set last year during Sale-a-Bration and don't think I have used it before this time.  I bet this is going to be one of those sets that will be retired .... we'll see this week!!  I love the Designer Brads from the Mini Catalog - added just the right touch, don't you think?

This card uses a retired stamp set but it would be easy to recreate using the Aviary stamp in the current catalog.  The colors I used were Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizazz and Island Indigo.

Secret Garden

This was a request by a couple of my stamp club gals.  I used Lucky Limeade with Gumball Green leaves.  The flowers are Calypson Coral which I embossed in white and cut out with the framelits.

flower using soda pop cap for center

These two cards were made using the elements from the Pop-Up Posies Kit.  Some of the gals made the flowers using the cupcake liners for flowers and some used the pre-cut flowers.  The middle was cut out with the Labels framelit.

Pom Pom Flowers

Stampin' Up gives us so many great creative ideas like .....making flower using a plastic fork!!

How about making Pom Pom Flowers using Baker's Twine?  Follow the steps below:



You could also use 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon wrapped around a fork to make a flower that looks like a marigold.


OR try making these Pom Pom Flowers with SU's Seam Binding Ribbon.  Using cardboard donut shapes made with super-thin white cardboard, a 2-1/2" Circle Punch, a 1/2" Circle Punch, and  Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, they are pretty easy!

All Dolled Up

Just a reminder about the retiring and new colors coming soon.  Shop now while retiring colors are still available.  I know that several re-inkers and some of the card stock have been popular and sold out already, so hurry while supplies last! You can click above to shop on-line.  Get any card stock, ink pads, markers, and re-inkers while you can!!

Also there is a new card kit that is super cute!


 

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

• Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer stamp(1) (happy birthday)
• 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
• 2″ x 4-1/4″ Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
• Dress Up die-cuts (6)
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Spot (1)
• Vanilla 5/8″ Flower Trim (6 pieces)
• Sponge Dauber (1)

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:

1. Place the stamp rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Spot.
2. Stamp “Happy Birthday” at the bottom of the card front.
3. Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
4. Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
   • Doily
   • Very Vanilla Cardstock
   • Dress form
   • Flower

*Adhesive and clear block not included.

Attic Boutique Challenge Card

Well, I made it home safe and sound and now Sonny has gone on a trip!  We've definitely been on the go this past month.  He's gone on a guys trip to the coastal area of South Carolina to shoot clay pigeons or something like that!  Our friends, Margaret and Graham beat me here by about an hour last night from Texas.  Graham went on the shooting trip with Sonny and Margaret and I are just hanging out, visiting and crafting.  I had Stamp Club today and have the second one on Thursday.

I'm just sick at heart about the Boston bombings.  Why does this continue - the hatred and violence.  Why can't we all just get along and be peaceful.  My heart goes out to the many families that were affected by this tragedy.  I heard about the bombings when our plane landed in Atlanta and found a tv in the airport to watch a bit of the news before I had to board my next flight.  Hopefully, the responsible parties will be caught and soon.

This is my card for the Paper Craft Crew Challenge this week. 

Here is the sketch that I followed this week.  My recipe is below the sketch.

Background

     Designer Series Paper -  designer series paper\Attic Boutique - 3

Embellishments

    _Designer Kits\Attic Boutique  - ribbon

    _Designer Kits\Attic Boutique - umbrella frame

    _Designer Kits\Attic Boutique - rain check

    _Designer Kits\Attic Boutique - doily

     Basic Pearls and Rhinestones - pearl large

     

Stamps

    _Designer Kits\Fan Fair\Fan Fair - lace doily, Color = WHISPER WHITE 

Punches

    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch

Make sure you check out the rest of the cards made by the Paper Craft Crew HERE. 

Why don't you play along with us this week?  Here are a few things to consider:

• You may flip or rotate the card sketch, change or replace the shapes, but please make sure the general layout is recognizable.  
• Share a direct link to your creation, not just your blog, using the InLinkz feature.  If InLinkz is down, please add a link with your comment. 
• If you don't have a blog, don't worry! You can still use inLinkz by linking to your photo posted on Facebook or a similar social media site.  
• The Paper Craft Crew Design Team are Stampin' Up! Demonstrators and as such, we would like to see a minimum of 2 Stampin' Up! products or stamped images used on your card but don't let that stop you from participating.  
• Only those individuals that have at least 2 Stampin' Up! products or stamped images are eligible for any blog candy that may be offered along with being a "featured participant."  
• When uploading to online galleries, please use keyword PCCCS038.  
• POSTING END TIME: If you'd like to be considered as one of our Featured Artisans, please be sure to link your project by Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST  

How Time Flies!

I have discovered something today.  Three weeks sure can fly by!!  I can't believe I have been here in San Antonio three weeks ... seems like just a couple of days ago that I was packing my suitcase (and hoping it didn't exceed 50 lbs!).  Now I am packing my suitcase to return home.  No worries over it being too heavy this time - I am not taking 2 cases of Cheerwine in my suitcase like I was coming here.  I've got most of my clothes in and it's only at 30 pounds so I'm good to go.  I wish I could stay just a few more days to make sure Ashley keeps getting stronger but I'm sure she will be ok.  Yesterday we went to the movies and saw "42."  She came back home and hit the couch until dinner time when we went to a Mexican restaurant that is close to her for my final Mexican "fix."  Just those little trips wears her out,  Luckily she has 3 weeks off of work so she will have plenty of time to rest and get stronger.  She tapered herself off the Percodan today but she still has it if she needs it.  It just makes her sleep all the time which is not a bad thing.  We've enjoyed making a couple of meals that Sonny would not even touch.  Tonight we had Quinoa which I had never had before.  I had clipped out a recipe from the Charlotte Observer for stuffed peppers with the quinoa, dried apricots and cherries, pistachio nuts, celery, cilantro, cinnamon, and ginger.  A very different combination of items but it was really good (and good for you!)  Last week we made a Greek Tabouli Salad that I had tasted a few months ago.  The recipe is on the box of tabouli.  It was yummy and I actually ate it for a couple of meals.  Again, nothing I will make at home since only one of us would eat it!

I made a card tonight using MDS for the Late Night Stamper's color challenge to use Old Olive, Summer Starfruit and Raspberry Ripple.  What do you think?

This would be very easy to reproduce using real paper and stamps. 

Here are the elements I used with MDS:

Background - Old Olive 
Embellishments
    Satin Ribbon\Satin Ribbon - Old Olive
    Satin Ribbon\Satin Ribbon - Old Olive bow

Stamps
    Berry Christmas\Christmas Jingle - stamps\All Scallops\All Scallops - scallop 4, Color = VERY VANILLA
    _Designer Kits\Topsy Turvy Celebration - candle, Color = RASPBERRY RIPPLE 
    _Designer Kits\Topsy Turvy Celebration - candle, Color = RASPBERRY RIPPLE
    _Designer Kits\Topsy Turvy Celebration - candle, Color = SUMMER STARFRUIT
    Perfectly Penned - happy birthday, Color = OLD OLIVE
Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = VERY VANILLA
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = SUMMER STARFRUIT
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = RASPBERRY RIPPLE
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = OLD OLIVE
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = VERY VANILLA

New Packaging!!

Today is a two-post day.  I can't help myself - when I stumble across exciting news, I can't always wait to share.  I just saw this video on Stampin' Up!'s Youtube channel and had to share it with you.  It's a sneak peek at the new packaging for wood mount sets - starting May 31!!  I love to organize so I am beside myself with excitement over this storage solution. It is perfect, and I can’t wait to get my hands on these cases!

While I still collect many wood mount sets, I’ve started buying a lot of clear mounts because they are easier to store and take up less space. This new packaging will definitely make my clear mount / wood mount decision much more difficult when I am selecting sets.

Bombs Away!

Stampin' Up is excited to announce that the second photopolymer stamp set is now available. Bombs Away Birthday (item 133411) is a fun, unique set that will certainly bring a smile to anyone. Try it out today! To learn more about photopolymer stamps, check out the flyer for the Bombs Away Birthday Stamp Set HERE

I had a really long day today.  Waiting is the hardest thing, don't you think?  But Ashley came through her surgery with flying colors and is now recooperating at home.  Talk about hurry up and wait .... We had to be at the hospital at 8:00 a.m. but we sat in the waiting room until 12:30 when they finally took her back to prep her.  The doctor came out and talked to me at 5:30 and we left the hospital about 8:00 pm.  Wow!  12 hours!  She slept when she got home and just got up (10:45 pm) and wanted something to eat.  Hopefully, she won't have much pain and will sleep well tonight.

Sonny and Jack made it back home late / early Tuesday a.m. around 1 or 2 AM.  God was looking after them for sure.  They were just a few cars behind a really bad accident.  A 16-wheeler truck turned over on the median spilling it's load of steel pipes into the other lane.  Sonny said he felt sure there were probably some deaths involved because several ambulances left without their sirens on.  They were delayed by the wreck around 3 hours.  Guess there was an angel sitting on their shoulder or in the bed of their pick-up.

This and That

I am so in love with the This and That digital kit!  But ... if you don't want to go digital, you can get the This and That bundle that includes Designer Series Paper, stamps, journal, washi tape, and stickers that all coordinate.  I have ordered the bundle and it is waiting for me at home.  I'll be sharing it when I go home. 


Today is the Paper Pals Challenge #37.  I used the This and That kit to make my card.

I made this in honor of our 40th anniversary

I liked the card so much, I made another one to send to Ashley.  She found out today that she got the job she had applied for as Program Director for Transitional Medicine.  I am so happy for her!  She works hard and deserves it.

TODAY is the Last Day!

TODAY - Monday, April 8 - is the LAST day to take advantage of FREE shipping!  Contact me if you want to put an order in. 

If you put the order in on-line yourself, please use the CODE # EBB22MUZ

FREE SHIPPING

This will stay at the top of my blog until Monday.

FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING!!  

April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That's right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online).

Free shipping starts:

o Saturday, April 6, 2013; 2:00 AM (EST)

Submit orders by:

o Phone: Monday, April 8, 2013; 8:50 PM (EST)

o OEX or online: Tuesday, April 9, 2013; 1:50 AM (EST)

Happy 40 Years!

Sorry I haven't been posting much ... just enjoying my time with Ashley.  We haven't done a whole lot this week, just visiting and getting caught up with each other.  While she was at work, I've just chilled here at her house.  She took off work on Friday and we ran errands all day.  Yesterday we worked in the yard for a few hours; then met her girlfriend, Courtney, at Typhoon Flats for a pitcher of margaritas and some lunch.  We had a real wholesome lunch - fried pickles, chips and queso and a hot dog!!  But it sure was good.  Courtney and her mom are going with us to New Zealand so we looked through our guidebooks and they got their laptops out to do a little research on our trip.  Today Ashley and I went to church, had a massage and we invited Courtney over for dinner and to watch the Academy of Country Music awards show on tv.  Courtney brought me a beautiful vase of flowers for my anniversary. 

Today was our 40th anniversary!!  How fast those 40 years have flown by - it's hard to believe.  I think this is the first anniversary we've spent apart.  I was so proud of him - I actually got my anniversary card in the mail on Thursday!  Ashley surprised me with a great gift!  She is sending us on a cruise - and she is going with us - in October.  The cruise is by the same company that she takes her Rock Boat cruise with every year.  This one is Alabama and Friends celebrating Alabama's 40th year (in honor of our 40 years of marriage!)  I'm so excited.  I knew she and Sonny had been up to something in the past month or so but I never guessed it was this.  My daughter is such a blessing in my life.

Here is the card I made for Sonny.  I should have left it home for him to get when he returns but since I didn't have time to make it before I left, I'm putting it in the mail tomorrow!

I used Ashley's "Cheers to you" stamp set.

Ashley and I made a wreath today to put on her front door for Fiesta.  Fiesta is a big deal in San Antonio.  It began as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.  Now it has grown into a huge festival to honor the diverse cultures in San Antonio.  It lasts a couple of weeks with parades and events held all over town.  I have actually never been here during Fiesta but I think it would be fun to see some of the parades - especially the one down the Riverwalk.





Girls Gone Wild Trip

I did a MDS challenge for Heather and Kim's Simply My Digital Challenge on Facebook.  Each week they post a new challenge.  This is my first time to participate.  The challenge was to use a pie graph in our layout and to follow this sketch:




I had fun creating the pie graph with MDS.  First I used a Circle Punch and enlarged it.  Next I used a Square Punch and just stretched it down to make a long line.  I dissected the circle with the "line."  Then I took a Triangle Punch and stretched it so it fit in each slice of pie.  I filled the punch with my photos.  When I finished filling all the triangles, I deleted the original circle and lines.

I used pictures that I took last week of Ashley, Mom, Angela, Marianne and I having fun in San Antonio. Note the title - Girls Gone Wild!!   Hope you like it!

HUGE announcement from Stampin' Up

 Get your cup of tea - or coffee - this is a long one!!

TWO HUGE ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY FROM STAMPIN' UP

First some 'refreshing news'!   Today Stampin' Up! has announced that they will be refreshing the four color families.  Don't freak out like I did!  Some of them I am really sad to see go - like Regal Rose and Baja Breeze (my favorites!) and Certainly Celery  and Pretty In Pink .... but I'm happy to see some others like Pear Pizazz and Calypso Coral staying around.  (I'm still looking for my favorite green - Kiwi Kiss but no such luck.)

 

  I love color!  However, I know it's essential to stay up-to-date with color trends. Stampin' Up! has tweaked our current colors. Just take a look at current fashion and home décor to see these new changes are right on target. DON'T MISS there's a brand new color under neutrals called Smoky Slate. I think I'm gonna like that one!

  COLOR REFRESH FLYER

Beginning TODAY (4/4), all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available ONLY while supplies last. This means that some products will not be available through the retired list period (WHICH BEGINS APRIL 24 AND RUNS THROUGH JUNE 3, 2013). Stock up on your favorites this weekend while shipping is FREE (April 6 - 8--SEE   OFFER BELOW).

FREE SHIPPING THIS WEEKEND!

Stampin' Up! is offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That's right. There is NO $6.95 shipping minimum or limit on how large or small your order must be. 

Free shipping starts: Saturday, April 6, 2013; 2:00 AM (EST). Online orders must be completed no later than Tuesday, April 9, 2013 by 1:50 AM (EST)

Need help building your list? Here's a list of some of my favorite promotions going on now:

 

  Stampin' Up! Photopolymer Clear Stamps.  Perfect placement and great cling. #132956 

Sent With Love Bundle 20% off - info HERE

Single Stamps - check them out HERE and HERE

Sign up now for Stampin' Up's Paper Pumpkin Kits.  Quick, simple and fun paper crafting projects delivered to your door each month.  Info HERE.



OnLine Classes #133385 - $14.95 -  Tip, techniques and videos to create 30+ projects.  Wonderful for seasoned as well as new stampers.  I just watched a video that's part of the class on the Stamp-a-ma-jig and learned how to easily line up stamped letters once and for all.  To order - click HERE

New Product - Talking Tags - Buy 'em by the sheet.  With Talking Tag, you can record your own personal message that recipients can access by scanning the Talking Tag. Attach them to cards, invitations, gift tags, business cards, catalogs, scrapbook pages, wine bottles . . . well, anything!    Info HERE.

You never know what is waiting for you in the Clearance Rack!!   Check it out here -

Best of 25 Years Stampin' Up  stamp sets - April's set is butterflies!  Don't miss these monthly collections of Stampin' Up! oldies but goodies (plus a brand new stamp in each set)!   To order and see all the previous month's stamps, click HERE

THIS AND THAT new product line



Spring Surprise - a sneak peek stamp set.  Order here



And a bit of sad news - Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Pencils are being discontinued - the Brights crayons and the pencils are done - the remaining Neutrals, Regals and Subtle Crayons - are available while supplies last and will not be on re-order - so if you want to finish your collection - get them now.


#119802 - Subtles Collection $16.95

#119803 - Regals Collection $16.95

#119805 - Neutrals Collection $16.95

■Place an order with me between April 6 and April 8 to take advantage of TOTALLY FREE SHIPPING. Order as little or as much as you want. This is one exciting promotion! Place your order with free shipping between April 6 and April 8.


■Review the color refresh charts

■Stock up on the retiring colors you love – once the papers and inks are sold out, they are sold out. Get them while you can.

■Go ahead and replenish your stash of the colors that are sticking around for at least another year. These are not retiring. Woo hoo!

Well, are you still with me?  A lot of stuff, huh?  Check it all out and if you decide to place an on-line order (see the ORDER ONLINE button at the top of my blog), if you use the Code  EBB22MUZ - you can have everything shipped directly to your home.  If you cannot order on-line, contact me and I will work something out for you.
   

Sketch Challenge

It's time for Wednesday's sketch challenge from the Paper Craft Crew.  It's pouring down rain here now plus thunder and lightening so hopefully I won't lose power before posting this!!

This was such an easy card to make using My Digital Studio.  Everything on the card came from the digital kit, Simple Snapshots.  By using a designer kit for everything, I don't have to worry about things matching.  The only thing not part of the kit is the button and bakers twine I used on the flower.

My family headed back to NC today.  Ashley was a great sport and took them to the airport at 6:15 AM while I slept!!  I did get up to tell them good bye.  They looked like traveling gypsies!  We were all starting to panic last night when we could not get everything in the suitcase without going over 50 lbs.  At one point, Marianne had her carry on bag so stuffed, it was weighing in at about 40+ lbs.  There was no way she was going to be able to carry it!  But we got everything in finally.  Ashley hung around the airport after letting them off in case she had to come back and get something that wouldn't fit (in case their bags were over 50 lbs.)  As it turned out, everything went through and when they got to the gate, they were able to check two of  their carry on bags.  That just left each of them with one additional carry on, mom's wheelchair and Marianne and Angela each had a sea-pack breathing machine!!   Hopefully, when I return home, I will not have any problems with my luggage being too heavy.

We found a new Mexican restaurant yesterday for lunch over near the mission we toured.  It was really good!

Yum .... sopapillas!



Mom couldn't look at the camera - too busy sipping her Margarita Swirls!