MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope you all have a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Hugs, Cindy

ANOTHER GIFT TIN

Here's another simple (and cute) gift tin....

These are PERFECT for gift cards!!!

Again, projects like this are perfect for those scraps that you have laying around!

The tins that I'm using for the retired tins that SU sold in groups of 5. Now I'm wishing that I had bought a whole LOT MORE of them!!!

Until next time...find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

GIFT TIN AND CARD

I've been busy getting all those last minutes gifts ready for Christmas.....and lately I have been working on gift tins. Today I'm sharing with you a tin and card that I made for some friends of ours. Both are VERY SIMPLE....but I think SUPER CUTE!!!

Projects like these are GREAT ways to use retired DSP and other supplies....I really liked this paper that is a few years old.

Here's a picture of both the tin and card...

Here's a close up of the card.....

Here's the tin....

I have made a few of these and will take pictures and post them individually.

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

BRRRRRRR!!!

Brrrrr!!!

It has been really cold lately.....at least cold for California...lows around 30 degrees.

So cold that our dog and cats have been snuggling up together to keep warm in the garage! We have a couple of blankets for Jesse to cuddle up in on the couch that is in the garage.

Here's a picture of our sweet dog Jesse cozied up with one of our cats...

Here's a close up of their sweet faces......

Aren't they just the cutest???!!!

I'll be back with a stamped project tomorrow!

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

SIMPLE CHRISTMAS TREE

Today I'm sharing with you the second card that we made at my monthly stamp club that was held last Monday.

It is very cute, very simple, Christmas tree! The tree is made using the mid sized pennant from the new Pennant Die for the always fabulous Big Shot.

I also used the Delicate Dots embossing folder for the card's front. I used the small circle from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack for the red glimmer paper, then I used the large oval punch to make slices from the silver glimmer paper. I punched the star using the retired small star punch and the trunk is just a 1/2" piece of Early Espresso. I stamped the Curly Cute sentiment in Real Red on Very Vanilla card stock and used the corner rounder punch for the corners. So easy....but I LOVE this card!!! I am going to make more of these to send out this year.

Here is a peek at the inside....

I used the pennant punch for the tree and a scrap of Early Espresso for the trunk....they are mounted on a piece of Very Vanilla.

Well, that's it for me today.....have a GREAT Christmas season and THANKS for visiting!!

Until next time....find some time for stampin!!

Hugs, Cindy

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ

Here's Christmas shopping made EASY for yourself or the crafter in your life.

Plus, everybody LOVES a sale!!

Take a look at the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack....they've added TONS of super cool stuff!!

(Click on the image to view the Clearance Rack)

Be sure that when you do place an order to designate me as your demonstrator so that you get the "Preferred Price".

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

UPDATED TREAT HOLDER

I already shared with you the treat holder that I made for my Bible study group.....but when I got them all done, I just felt like they needed something......so I added a little bit of bling....a small red gem! Now I think they look just right!

Here's the updated version....

Here's what it looked like BEFORE.....

Here's a picture of all the treats....

Leave me a comment and let me know which one you prefer :-)

Until next time....find some time for stamping!

Hugs, Cindy

TREAT HOLDER

The last couple of days, I have been trying to get all prepared for Christmas. I try to get everything done a week or so before Christmas so that when Christmas rolls around, I can just enjoy the time. Doesn't always work out that way....but it's looking good for this year, despite some of the hectic going ons around here.

Today I'm sharing with you Christmas treats that I made for my Bible study group....they are simple, but cute. They are stuffed with a scrumptious Ghiradelli chocolate and tied with some Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine. I also used up some of last year's Christmas DSP.....I loved this paper and was sorry to see it go.

We are having some friends over tonight for some soup, salad, and bread.....so that's it for me today.

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

PUNCHED SANTA TOPPER

Today I'm sharing with you some punched Santas that I made to put on the top of treats for my stamp club gals. It is pretty much just like the Santa in this post....but without the mini jingle bell.

Here they all are.......

Here's an unfortunately blurry picture of the entire treat.....

I filled them with mint M&M's.....they are sure YUMMY! I felt like the regular M&M's were too small and the peanut ones were too big....but these were just right!!

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MADISON

Yesterday was Madison's 14th birthday.....I can hardly believe it!!! Seems like just yesterday that she was 4.....how quick 10 years go by!! She is growing into a wonderful young woman.

The reason I'm late in acknowledging her birthday....is yesterday Steve had surgery on his foot (he is recovering comfortably now....yesterday he was in quite a bit of pain).

We actually celebrated Madison's birthday last weekend. We all went to Red Robin and ate the MOST DELICIOUS hamburgers along with an onion ring tower. Then they she and her BFF and Andy and another friend went to Skywalk Trampoline Arena and spent an hour bouncing off the walls....literally! They all had a great time!

Here's a couple of pictures that capture the "real" Madison...

Here's a picture of her with her bosom buddy, kindred spirit, BFF, etc....

Aren't they ADORABLE!!!!

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

PUNCH SNOWMAN

Today's card was cased from a fellow demonstrator named Sandra Green Compton.....I saw her card on the demonstrator only site Stampin' Connection.

I LOVE how the card turned out!!

The snowman is made with punches.....except for his nose, which I cut from a scrap of Pumpkin Pie and the snowflake which I cut with the Big Shot using the Northern Frost die.

I used the dots from the Create a Cupcake stamp set for the snowy background....I think it looks perfect!

It's hard to see in the picture, but I put some Iridescent Ice on the torn edge of the Whisper White paper....it's really sparkly in person!

I'm also still playing with my Sweet Press Cookie Stamps.....here is a cookie that's ready to be baked where I cut out just the snowflake....they're small so they look like silver dollar cookies.

I finally was able to take a picture of a BAKED cookie.....they get eaten pretty quick around here!

I am really pleased with the detail that remains even after baking.....they are going to make a GREAT addition to the goodies that we give away each Christmas.

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

ADVENT CALENDAR

Today I'm sharing with you an Advent Calendar that I made using the Two Tags Die and the 25 & Counting stamp set from the Holiday Mini. I used a variety of current and retired DSP for the tags and then decorated each tag.

Here's a picture of the entire Advent Calendar....

I mounted all the tags on a 1/4" thick piece of plywood that was cut 16" x 14-1/2".....my son sanded and then spray painted it white. Then Steve hammered in some "U" shaped tacks so that I could tie on each tag. I LOVE how it all came together.

Here's a few close up pictures of some of the tags.....

Inside each of the tags is a task for our family to complete together.

Here's a couple of the tasks that we will be completing....

Some other tasks include decorating the tree (of course!), making "real" hot cocoa, reading the Christmas story in the gospels, watching a Christmas movie....and a bunch of other FUN Christmas activities. I'm really looking forward to this!!!

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

May all of you have a most blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

COOKIE STAMPS

The other day, I received my new Cookie Stamp from Stampin' Up! Gosh....as if stamping on paper wasn't good enough....now I can stamp on FOOD too!!!

I LOVED it!!! It was pretty tasty too :-)

I just used the Sugared Shortbread recipe that came with my Cookie Stamp......and I think they turned out wonderfully!

Here's is the dough rolled in a ball....

Here is how they looked after I "stamped" them....

Here's a closer look.....

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the finished product because my family ate them as fast as I could take them out of the oven! The baked cookies looked pretty much the same as before they were baked....except a bit larger and puffier.

I have a TERRIFIC rolled sugar cookie recipe that I am anxious to try with my new stamps. I think once Thanksgiving is over....I am going to experiment with that recipe. But overall, I just love these new cookie stamps. I'm looking forward to new stamp designs that are sure to come!

Just in case you are wondering what the Cookie Stamps look like....here's a picture....

Until next time, find some time for stamping (on paper or food)!!!

Hugs, Cindy

PUNCHED PUMPKIN TREATS

Today I am sharing with you the treats that I made for my Tuesday morning Bible study group. They are very simple....but I think they turned out pretty cute.

Here is a close up of the bag topper....

I used our small cellophane bags and filled them with pumpkin candies....here's the entire goodie bag....

I love how they all looked in the basket....

Life has been extraordinarily hectic in our home....and stamping (even when there isn't much stamping involved...like on these pumpkins) is such good "therapy" for me. It allows me to relax and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

FIELD FLOWERS THANKS

Here is the other card that my club will be making this month.

I'm totally stuck on the color Early Espresso! I didn't really care for it when it first came out...but it has really grown on me. Early Espresso is like "dark chocolate" .....where Chocolate Chip is the "milk chocolate" of SU colors. All so yummy!!

Here's some details.....card's base and layer is Early Espresso, DSP is First Edition, other layer is More Mustard. Inks are More Mustard, Early Espresso, Old Olive. Also used Early Espresso baker's twine.

Until next time, find some time for stamping!

Hugs, Cindy

PS: Steve is having surgery tomorrow....so please keep him in your prayers.

GIVE THANKS

Today's card is one that my stampin' friends are going to be making at our stamp club this month. I saw a card similar to this one on a stamping website.....which I changed up just a bit.

I made the circles by using the masking technique. I punched a circle from a scrap, making a template, and then sponged the middle circle, then masking off the center circle with the punched piece, I put the punched template on each side and sponged the other 2 circles.

I love fall and the cooler weather.....and I love making cards in the colors of the autumn season. Cooler weather also get me in a cooking mood....which my family certainly enjoys!

Here's some details......card's base is Early Espresso, punched edges are More Mustard, the circles are sponged with More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler, and Daffodil Delight, ink is Early Espresso.

Until next time, find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

BABY GIRL BOOTIES

I've been wanting to make a baby card using the new Stocking Building Punch and Stitched Stockings stamp set....so here is a quick card that I made today.....

The only thing I'm not very happy with is the trim on top of the insert....Darn it!!! I didn't centered the border punch very well....so the ends aren't even. Of course, that is where my eye goes each time I look at this card :-o

Oh well.....now don't you go starin' at the trim either!

Here's a close up of the booties....

Colors used were Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery.

This card was super easy....and quick!....which is always good for me!

Well, now I need to find somebody to send this card to.....I'll have to keep my eyes open for a new baby girl!

Well, thanks for dropping in.

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

SPOOKY TREATS

Today my monthly Stamp Club meets for a great time of visiting and stamping. This spring and summer I took a short hiatus from hosting it....so I am really looking forward to getting together with this great group of women!

Because I was so excited about seeing them again.....I made each of them a little Halloween treat. I made toppers for the new 1"x8" cellophane treat bags....I stuffed each one with a black licorice.

Here's a close up.....

Here's the entire thing.....almost....

Have a great week and THANKS for visiting!!!

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

WICKED COOL

Today I'm going to share with you a fun Halloween card. I'm not a big Halloween fan....but I do enjoy some Halloween in small doses.

The card features a cool punch art cauldron.....which was perfect for cookin' up some witch's brew!

The punches used were the extra large oval, word window, jewelry tag, 3/4" circle punch, and a good ol' regular hole punch (not sure what size that is).

The base is Pumpkin Pie and the DSP is some Night and Day DSP that I ordered from the Clearance Rack....click HERE to see some GREAT items marked down at least 60%!!

I think things are beginning to level out here at home.....truth be told....I don't think I could take much more of sicknesses and casts! Other than Steve and Andy being in their matching casts....Madison is pretty much over her mono. The upside of mono is that bedtime is now welcomed by her and she's usually in bed asleep long before her bedtime :-)

Well...that's it for me.

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

SUNFLOWER

Today's card was inspired from a sample I saw in the current Idea Book & Catalog.

The Stampin' Up! catalog is truly a treasure trove of ideas! I believe that each stamp set has at least one sample featured in the catalog. So, no matter what current set you have.....you can draw inspiration from what you find in the catalog.

Also, each 2 page spread has a color theme as well. So, if you ever get stumped on what colors to use....which is common for me....you can just flip through and find a color combo that strikes your fancy. Pretty cool!!!

Like I said....today's card was inspired by one I saw in the catalog. It's main image is the new Sunflower background stamp....which I LOVE!!!

The middle circle was made with the 1-3/4" circle punch. I inked up the Sunflower stamp with one of my favorite colors, Chocolate Chip, and punched out the middle. The sentiment is from the Field Flowers set....it is punched with the 1" circle...which I sponged with Chocolate Chip.

The little accent flower was made using the Boho Blossom punch and flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack...I use this little punch LOTS!!! And the middle is a Daffodil Delight brad.

Simple....yet pretty!! I really like how it turned out.

Well...THANKS for visiting.....and leave me a comment to let me know that you popped by!

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

FIELD FLOWERS

The other day I finally ordered the Field Flowers stamp set.....I have been wanting that set for awhile and, Yeah! I finally ordered it!!! So, of course, I had to immediately ink it up and make a card!

I really like how it turned out!!

I haven't spent this much time cutting out in awhile, it was actually a bit therapeutic :-)

The colors are Elegant Eggplant (I just LOVE this color!), Always Artichoke, More Mustard, and then I used some retired DSP.

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy

HAND-PENNED HOLIDAY PUMPKIN

Today's card was a quickie that I made the other afternoon. It's a very simple card....which I love simple....but I also think it turned out very cute.

For an added touch.....I embossed the background with the Elegant Lines embossing folder.

The sentiment is from the new Hand-Penned Holidays stamp set that is in the Holiday Mini. I LOVE this set....it is beautiful and elegant.

One of these days I need to make an elegant card....I'm not very good at elegant or shabby chic. Gosh! there's another reason I need to stamp more :-)

THANKS for visiting!! Leave me a comment to let me know you dropped by....anybody who blogs....LOVES comments!!

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!!

Hugs, Cindy

STAMPIN' UP! PROMOTIONS!!!

There are some pretty cool promotions from Stampin' Up!

I hardly know where to begin!!

Of course, they all began on October 1....

I'll start with an

OFFER TO DIE FOR!!!!

If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20 discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.*

Boy, if I wasn't already a demonstrator I'd be signing up to get me one of these babies!!

Plus, who doesn't like FREE!!!

Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies** to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

In addition, the new-demonstrator Starter Kit--a steal at just $175--contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business.

There are so many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including

• A 20 percent product discount!
• A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
• Regular get-togethers to stamp!
• Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
• Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!

Don't miss this BIG deal! Contact your demonstrator today to learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!

*Or up to $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! products

**Big Shot dies sold separately

This next promotion is simply sweet too!!

Buy two Simply Sent Kits and get a FREE coordinating stamp set! Our Simply Sent Kits are the ideal choice for the beginning crafter. The card kits offer a variety of basic themes, so it's easy to create cards for any occasion.

Both of these promotions are for the month of October ONLY!!

Now here's a delicious offer!!!

Stampin' Up! is introducing their brand new line of cookie stamps!

As if stamping on paper wasn't good enough :-) now we can stamp on food!!!

With the easy-to-use cookie stamps, you can create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. Just make your favorite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the 2 included recipes) and stamp away! The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly. Click HERE for more details.

Well....that should give you enough to think about for today.

Until next time....find some time for stamping!!

Hugs, Cindy