Annual Halloween Gathering

Every year I have a "Halloween Gathering".  This is an event where my customers get together, eat, stamp and just enjoy each others company while getting projects done before Halloween.  Some use these cards for their family, teachers, grandchildren, friends and others.  I also include treat bags or containers that they can make to use to give candy to those extra special in their lives.  

This year I plan to use the Pumpkin Keepsake Box and the Owl Fry Box to give extra special treats to all of my Grandsons' Daycare Teachers and also to my Brother-in-Law's Health Care Wokers.  I think they will enjoy them, don't you?

This year I will be holding this event on Ocyober 8 @ 5 PM at one of my customers home.  I hold the "Gathering" like a card buffet.  You get to choose which project you would like to make and how many of each.  If you live in the area and would like to attend, please contact me so I can give you more details.

Enjoy the day!

A Polka Dotted Halloween

I like polka dots.  I remember the first dress I ever made in Home Ec (that really dates me!) was pink with big white polka dots.  At the time I thought it was beautiful but looking back it was NOT a good choice.  But I still like them but maybe I do not use them as much as I did when I was younger.  This year Stampin' Up came out with the Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder and a Polka Dot Mask.  And now I am back in love with dots. 

At convention, I attended an evening class on a variety of techniques and products.  It was there I found a new way to create my beloved dots.  By using the Polka Dot Mask and a marker, you too can create the background for this card.  You place the Mask on your card stock and then using the Basic Black Marker crosshatch inside the open circles.  The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Fall Fest, Halloween Street
PAPER:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
INK:  Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Memento Tuxedo Black
ACCESSORIES:  Fall Fest Framelits, Dimensionals, 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Cotton Ribbon, Polka Dot Mask, Basic Black Marker

Just another way to use the Masks (some use the term stencil) in a very creative way.  If you know me, you know that I like products that have versatility.  And these masks can be used in a variety of ways.  Just love, love, love that.  

Check out the Weekly deals today.  I think you will like them.  Contact me if you would like to place an order.  I will be placing an order on Sunday evening.  But for now...Enjoy the Day!

Fall Fest Halloween

I love the products in the new Holiday catalog!  There is so much to choose from.  I really love it all! But I will say that I really love the way Stampin' Up is offering more matching Framelits and stamp sets.  This set, "FUN FEST"  has to be one of my favorites.  Although I admit that I have a lot of favorites in the catalog!  Here is a card that I made last night.  

I like the idea of the pumpkins sitting on the ground in a pile of multi colored leaves.  I needed a card that was more for a child so I felt that if you have a lot of jack-o-lanterns and a friendly looking ghost that might do the trick.  This is a very friendly kid card and not a scary one.  I am not into scary cards.  The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  Good Greetings, Holiday Home, Fall Fest
PAPER:  Whisper White, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
INK:  Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Tangelo Twist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  White Embossing Powder, Heating Tool Fall Fest Framelits, Big Shot, 1-3/8" Circle Punch

Here are a few tips to make this card:

1. Because these are Photopolymer Stamps, you can place more than one stamp on a clear block.  Load up a clear blocks with stamps and them you can ink a number of them at a time. (this is what I did to stamp the pumpkins and leaves all at the same time)  

2.  You can place all the stamped images on the clear plate and place the co-ordinating framelits on top of the images.  This way you can cut out a number of images at the same time.  This will save you time by doing all and not just one image at a time.

3.  I stamped the pumpkins and leaves in 3 different shades of orange.  This was to create more interest.  

4.  I stamped and cut out a number of pumpkins and leaves.  More than I needed.  I then put them in small bags for later.  This way I can use these leaves and pumpkins on a number of different cards.  I do not have to cut them for each time I create a new card so it saves time when trying to create different designs for cards.  

I hope this tips will help.  I think these tips will help you save time while trying to come up with a number of ideas using the same pieces.  This card might be a contender for my Halloween Gathering that I have each year.  Well... I only have 1 grandchild today and as soon as this posts, we are going to run some errands.  Enjoy the day!

Candy Wrappers for Halloween Gathering

This is the last post about the Halloween Gathering.  When planning my projects for this event,  I try to add a cute way to give candy gifts to teachers and friends.  This year I planned very simple wrappers.  The first was a cute one that I found on Becky Robert's blog, Inking Idaho.  I thought this was such a quick and neat way to package candy for a class treat or a special trick or treater who comes to your home.

The next candy wrapper uses the new ENVELOPE PUNCH BOARD!  At our last downline meeting Susan presented this unique way to wrap a regular sized candy bar.  This wrapper uses a 5" square piece of DSP and Washi Tape. The Envelope Punch Board is used to notch and score the wrapper so it can fit easily around the candy bar.  I LOVE it when products can be used in a variety of ways!  


 I used this wrapper style to make all the cary gifts for Eli's and Emmet's daycare caretakers.  I am sure they will like it.  I mean... who does not like chocolate?  Right?

I hope you have enjoyed the projects we are going to be creating at the Halloween Gathering.  You still have to the end of today to sign up for it.  Let me know if you plan to attend.  Enjoy the day!

Creepy Crawly Halloween

This is such a simple and quick card to make if you need a quick Halloween card.  This card takes minimal stamping and uses the WITCHES BREW DSP.  The Witches Hat is from the Best of 25 Years...Halloween stamp set.  It was a perfect fit inside the Labels Collection Framelits.

If you look very closely, You will see that this is really a Gate Fold Card but held sideways.  I love it and so will anyone that you give this card to.

This is another card that will be available to make at the Halloween Gathering Card Buffet event.  If you are interested in attending, contact me.  A reminder that you get to choose which cards you would like to make and how many of each you would like to make. 

 I also posting a picture of a card that I posted a few days ago.  This was a card that I thought I might use in the card buffet and I did decide to use it for the Card Buffet.  I think that the four cards that I am offering will fit any of your needs this Halloween season.  Tomorrow I am going to post the candy wrappers that will also be offered.

Enjoy the day!

Another Halloween Gathering Card

Here is another one of the cards that I am offering at my "Halloween Gathering".  I saw this card somewhere and really do not know where I found it or who made it.  But I just thought it was so adorable and I decided to CASE it.  It is a different way to use the Thinlets- Label Card.  Believe it or not, it uses the Owl Builder Punch to create the owl.  I think that was why I found this card so interesting. 

If you are interested in making one of cards and more, please contact me.  I will get more information to you then.  The Card Buffet will be held at Maryann's house on Oct. 9 @ 6:30 PM.  Hope to see you there!

If this is your card that I case'd, please contact me so that I can give you credit.

Enjoy the day!

Annual Halloween Gathering Event

Every year I do a "Halloween Gathering Card Buffet" at a customer's home.  This year my Halloween Gathering will be held at Maryann's on Wednesday October  9 @ 6:30.  I hold it like a Card Buffet.  I will offer 4 different cards and 2 candy wrappers.  You get to decide what cards and what candy wrappers you would like to make of each.  

This card is one of the cards that I am offering at the gathering. It is a pull out card.  The piece that pulls out from this card is the white card with the haunted house at the top.  You are able to pull out that piece and place a sentiment or attach a gift card to it and give it to a friend or family member.  It is a cute and simple card to make and your friends will love it.

The cost of the Halloween Gathering Event depends on how many cards and candy wrappers you choose to make. I will be posting the rest of the cards that will be offered all week. Contact me if you would like to attend and I will get a flyer with all the details to you.  

Enjoy the day!

Halloween Happiness

Been working on  my Halloween Gathering cards and project the last week.  Here is one of the card that we will be making at that event.  This is a really easy card to make and does not use the traditional fold completely  For some reason I am on a traditional fold strike.  I think I decided that I need to change up my cards a bit some way.  So the last couple of cards that I have made, I try to change them up in some manner.  

I really liked the "HALLOWEEN HAPPINESS" stamp and decided I really needed to use it in one of my cards.  I did not want the background of the card be so busy because I felt it would take away from the all the details in the stamped image.  For this card I used the following supplies:

STAMPS:  Halloween Happiness
PAPER:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Witches Brew DSP
INK:  Tangerine Tango
ACCESSORIES:  Oval Framelits, Big Shot, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 Way Glue, Dimensionals, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Markers

If you look closely in the top pic, you will see an orange glittery pumpkin.  I made that by using  the orange Glitter from the Holiday Catalog to cover a plastic pumpkin. First I sprayed the pumpkin with spray adhesive and then I sprinkled the orange glitter all over the pumpkin.  Just another way to use it.  Also if you look closely at the pumpkins on the card, you will notice the pumpkin with the face is all glittery.  I used Dazzling Diamonds to create that effect so the pumpkin would stand out.  I will be getting out all the information on the event in the following few days.  I need to finalize a few things first.  

Yesterday we watched all three youngins and I was exhausted by the end of the day.  Sometimes trying to get all three down for a nap can be a bit tricky and yesterday was one of those days.  The phone kept ringing and waking them up and when all 3 fell asleep at the same time we were ecstatic.  And then someone came to the door and rang the bell and it was chaos with all 3 crying.  At least for 15 minutes all was quiet!  Today it is more quiet with one, so it was easier today to post.  Enjoy the day! 

September Technique Class- Card #2

This is the second card that we will be making at my "FALL / HALLOWEEN" themed September Technique Class.  I have been wanting to do the HERRINGBONE Technique for a while but just could not find the right time to do it.  But when I saw this large Halloween sentiment stamp which is found in the "Halloween Bash" stamp set, I knew it was time to do it.  The Witches Brew DSP is perfect for this technique.  I think the contrast of the patterns in that particular DSP lends itself nicely for   this technique.

I really like this stamp set because it co-ordinates with a number of different punches such as the Ticket Duo Builder Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch and the Labels Collection Framelits.  I used one of the Framelits from the Chalk Talk Collection. 

This is also not the first version of this card.  But I am very pleased with how it turned out.  I tried it with different widths of strips but decided that 3/8" width of my strips seemed to have the best looking results.  I also played around with the colors of strips and with the background colors.  It took longer to do this than what I thought but in the end, it was worth all the time I put into it.

Today should go a bit easier since we are only watching one child today.   And it is a special day for him today because Carter (the youngest of the gang) turns 1 today.  Happy Birthday Carter! 

 Enjoy the day!

September Technique Class- Card 1

I know I have been MIA the past week, but I am now back on track.  I am excited about this month's cards.  I am not a big Halloween fan but with three little grandsons, I have been converted.  This is the first card that we are going to do.  This card uses the "NEW" Thinlits-Circle Card.  This was one of my favorite sneak peeks that was presented

The inside of the card

The front of the card

 at convention this year.  I could not wait to get mine.  This is definitely a "go to" tool.  It makes creating a fancy fold card sooooo easy.  I think people have been afraid to make this type of flip-flop card in the past because of all the measuring and having to cut in all the right places.

This is really the 3rd version of the card that I started with.  I think I am pleases with what I finally decided on for my Technique Class.  I mainly am demonstrating how to use this tool but I slipped in a technique with it.  If you look closely, you can see the "MOONLIGHTING " technique.  I used a 1/2" circle to mask all the sponging I did on it.  After I sponged Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Cajun Craze all over the 2-1/2" Whisper White circle, I removed the 1/2" circle to show you a white moon!  I then stamped the spooky tree over top all my sponging.  I think it looks like a spooky night.  I used the Best of 25 Years- Halloween stamp set.

My technique classes will be held on Tuesday September 17 @ 9:15 AM, Wednesday September @ 7 PM, and Saturday September 28 @ 9 AM .
If interested in attending, please contact me.  We will be making three cards this month with the theme being "FALL/HALLOWEEN CARDS".   1. Herringbone Technique,  2. Thinlits-Circle Card using Moonlight Technique,  3. Colored Vellum.  The cost is $10 for the 3 cards/envelopes plus instruction cards for each.

Today I have all 3 babies so it will be another crazy day for me.  Enjoy the day!

Daycare Teacher's Halloween Treat

 This is one of the gifts that I am sending with Eli to give his Daycare teachers.  Isn't it adorable?  I took a 6" x 6" piece of DSP and folded it into this treat holder.  The supplies that I used for this project were:

STAMP SETS:  Wicked Cool
PAPER: Basic Black, Whisper White, Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP
INK:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie
ACCESSORIES:  1/8 Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread

 What I think is so neat about this holder, is it does not take any adhesive!!  How neat is that?  Quick and easy and just so impressive.  Everyone will love this one.  Especially since it holds 2 pieces of Giardelli chocolate.

 Note:  I will not be posting for the next week because I am going on vacation.  I have not gone on a real vacation in over four fours.  So I intend to take the week off and really enjoy it.  I will be doing as much sightseeing, swimming, and general relaxing.  I will start posting again after November.  Take care until then,   Remember to enjoy the day!

Halloween Gift Idea form Pennie's Event

What a cute container idea!  I think anyone would like to receive these "Toxic Treats".  If you look very closely, you will be able to see eyeballs in the jar.  Well actually they are chocolate candy balls wrapped in foil that look like eyeballs.  The glass jar is filled with the spooky treats and decorated with a rosettes that were made form the Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP.  The supplies that were used for this project were:

STAMP SET:  Toxic Treats, Goulish Friends
PAPER:  Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black
INK: Versamark, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango
ACCESSORIES: Rosette Bigz Die, Apothecary Framelits, Big Shot, Sponges, Black Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punch, 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon, wire (non SU), Eyeball Candies

I just think that this was an adorable way to give a special someone a Halloween treat.  Well another busy day.  I am beginning to pack for our vacation.  Tonight I am returning to the school where I taught for 34 years for the annual PTA sponsored "Pumpkin Painting with Pop" event.  I am one of the 3 guest judges.  It will be nice to see some of my former students and their families.  It is a very nice event that the PTA has ben doing for the families for a number of years and one of the students favorite events.  It should be  a very nice evening.  Enjoy the day!

A CASE of Spooky

I saw this card on Becky Robert's blog.  I thought it was the cutest card and would be a perfect card for the Halloween Gathering.  I looked at hers and came up with this.  Again I used the "Ghoulish Friends" stamp set again.  This is my favorite Halloween set behind "Wicked Cool".  If you look closely, you can see that I snuck the sentiment in from "Wicked Cool".  
The supplies that I used from this set were:

STAMP SETS: Wicked Cool, Ghoulish Friends
PAPER:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Wild Wasabi, Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP
INK:  Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
ACCESSORIES:  Googlie Eyes, Chevron Embossing Folder, Scallop Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Oval Punch, Rhinestone Jewels

When my daughter came over to pick up the boys the other day, her eyes went right to this card.  She loved it!  Well I got to get running.  I have a lot of little stuff to do.  Enjoy the day!

Another Card from the Halloween Gathering

I saw a cute card last year by Mindy Bing.  This is my interpretation of her card.  I really like the color combination of Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Rich Razzleberry for Halloween cards.  I also went back to my old favorite Halloween Stamp Set, "Wicked Cool".   This layout is a little out of the box for me but sometimes you have to try different things. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  Wicked Cool
PAPER:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie DSP, Whisper White, Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry
INK: Illuminate
ACCESSORIES:  Spider Web Embossing Folder, Striped Embossing Folder,  2-1/2" Circle Punch, Pumpkin pie, Old Olive, Basic Black, and Rich Razzleberry Markers

Are you wondering what Illuminate is?  It is a NEW Stamp Pad that you can find in the Holiday Catalog.  It is like a Versamark Pad but it has shimmer and shine to it.  Check out the spider web on the card.  I rubbed the Illuminate Pad on the raised surface of the embossed cardstock.  I think it gives a great effect to the card.  If you are interested in attending the Halloween Gathering, please contact me for specifics.  Enjoy the day!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

 I was hesitant about buying this stamp set "Ghoulish Friends" because I was afraid that I would not use it enough.  But I keep using it and using it over and over.  And I keep finding new ways to use it.  I saw this basic layout and paper but can not remember who did it.  I changed the ribbon and image on the oval and finally added the sentiment on the outside.  I then decided to decorate the inside of the card also.  I combined 2 stamp sets to use on this card.  The supplies that I used on the this project were:

STAMP SETS:  Wicked Cool, Ghoulish Friends
PAPER:  Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP Basic Black, Whisper White
INK:  Basic Black
ACCESSORIES:  Googlie Eyes,  Wide Oval Punch, 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon, Oval Designer Frames Embossing Folder

This is a quick and easy card to make if you need to make a lot of the same card.  This would make a great stamp a stack card!  

This is card that will be offered at the "Halloween Gathering"  which will held at MaryAnn's House.  Contact me for more information if interested in attending.

No babysitting today but I have to do major cleaning to make room for a new computer.  one of my family members is moving and is giving me their desktop computer.  I am so excited!  It will be nice to work on projects and not have to worry if my battery is running low.  Enjoy the day!

A CASE for Owls

Last year I saw this cute box done by Vicki Burdick and I thought it was sooo adorable.  I could not wait until I could make this box this year.  I thought it would take long to make it, but once you figure out the dimensions it went faster than what I thought it would.  The supplies that I used for this project were:

PAPER:  Champagne Glimmer Paper, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie Polka Dot Parade DSP
ACCESSORIES:  Basic Glimmer Brads, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Fancy Favor Box Die, Tasteful Trim Die, Big Shot

This project was one of the reasons I broke down and bought the Fancy Favor Box Die.  I kept putting off buying this die because I was afraid I would not get enough use from this die.  But boy was I wrong.  I have used this die so much since I bought it last year.  And I keep seeing more and more projects done using this die. 

I plan to make more of these boxes to place Halloween Treats in for those special neighborhood kids for Trick or Treat night.  Since we will be on vacation then, I am going to give them to those kids next door and across the street before we leave.  I think they will like them.

This box is also one of the projects we will be making at my annual "Halloween Gathering".  Enjoy the day! 

September Technique Class- Card 3

This is the third card we will be making this month.  I CASE'd this from Dawn Griffith.  I just fell in love with this card.  This is a TRI FOLD CARD with peek windows!.  The little openings is what really makes this card.

The supplies that I used for this card are:

STAMP SETS:  Spooky Bingo Bits, Wicked Cool
PAPER: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black, Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP
INK:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie
ACCESSORIES:  Rhinestone Jewels, Orange Sharpie (non SU), 1/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon, 1-3/8: Square Punch, 1-1/4" Square Punch, Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals

If you wish to attend one of my Technique Classes this month, her are the dates and times:

Tuesday, September 18 @ 9:15-11:45 AM
Wednesday, September 19 @ 7-9:30 PM
Saturday, September 29 @ 9- 11:30 AM

Cost is $10 or $5 if $25 worth of product is purchased.  If interested in attending , please contact me.

If you notice, I colored the Rhinestone Jewels orange with a sharpie.  I think adding the colored jewels spices this card up.  Sometimes it is just the smallest of embellishments that can add so much to a card. This post is very short today because I have both grandsons today and it is hard to be able to concentrate on what I am trying to write.  Enjoy the day

September Technique Class- Card 2

While I have a chance I will try to get this card posted while the baby is sleeping. The baby was sick yesterday with a fever which he has had for 3 days.  I took him to the Dr. and they said it was a virus.  But when a baby is sick,  all you want to do is hold them and give them lots of love until they feel better.  

But anyway...this is the second card that we will be making in Technique Class.  This is a POP SLIDER CARD and it is such an easy card to make but boy will it make the recipient smile.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP  SETS:  Wicked Cool, Googly Ghouls, Delightful Dozen
PAPER:  Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
INK:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
ACCESSORIES:  Cutting and Scoring Tool, 1/2" Black Scallop Dots Ribbon, 1" Cicle Punch, Sticky Strip, Black Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, Googlie Eyes, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals

I think this is such a cute card that anyone would enjoy getting.  I think it is so neat how you get to see the sentiment on the inside of the card.


If you wish to attend one of my Technique Classes this month, her are the dates and times:

Tuesday, September 18 @ 9:15-11:45 AM
Wednesday, September 19 @ 7-9:30 PM
Saturday, September 29 @ 9- 11:30 AM

Cost is $10 or $5 if $25 worth of product is purchased.  If interested in attending , please contact me.

Emmett will be here soon.  I hope he is feeling better today.  While he is napping, I am going to try to finish samples for a stamp camp I am planning.  It is supposed to be another beautiful day.  Enjoy your day!

A Swap Card for Pennie

   This month my Upline Pennie is flying into Pennsylvania to hold an event.  She is holding it for her 5 downline levels.  There will be SU demos coming from New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.  I can not wait!  It will be great to see people that I only get to see at Leadership, convention or from Pennie's events.  It is a day long event and we will be swapping ideas as well as cards.
    
    This is the card I came up with for the swap session.  There is a lot going on and there is some very subtle things going on.  I used the Googlie Eyes from the Holiday Catalog on the word spooky.  If you look very closely at the Black card back, you will see spider webs which I embossed using clear embossing powder.  On the sentiment there is also a spider's web stamped with Basic Gray and the sentiment is stamped over top using Rich Razzleberry.  The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  Wicked Cool
PAPER:  Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
INK: Rich Razzleberry,  Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  Googlie Eyes, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Lace Brocade, Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, and Rich Razzleberry Markers

This stamp set has been my favorite Halloween Stamp Set since it was in the catalog.  It is my go to set when I need inspiration for a Halloween card.  I hope the girls will like it at the get together.  I do not have any grandchildren to watch today so I will be working on my stamping all day. Have a great Labor Day!  Enjoy the day!