Thank You, Sparklers!

The Sparklers got together a few nights ago for a "Shoe Box" swap. Everyone designs a project and prepares enough card stock and accessories for everyone who is attending to make one of your cards. Then we pass the shoe boxes around and stamp! It's a lot of fun and one event we need to do more often!

Because this was the first time I was seeing everyone (well, almost everyone) around the holidays, I had a small gift for each of them and gave them this 3 x 3 card with a note from me.

Supplies used: Pretty in Pink & Real Red card stock; Sending Love Specialty Designer Paper; Real Red Classic Ink; Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches; Rhinestone brad.

I will post my Shoe Box swap tomorrow!

Happy Bearthday Lexy!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! Ours has been great - we have had out of town kids and grandkids here so while things can get a bit hectic, we love having everyone here! And of course, my daughter and I are finding some time for stamping!

Our oldest grandaughter, Lexy, turned nine a couple of weeks ago. This is the card I made her. The Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack is from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog. I stamped the bear on watercolor paper with Black Stazon ink and watercolored her with our Watercolor Wonder crayons and Aquapainters. The pink flower she is holding is from our Flower Assortment brads.

I {Heart} Hearts stamp set

The rest of the family headed out to see "Avatar" this afternoon and I decided to stay home and "play" with some of my new stamps! I was sent the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog for FREE about a month or so ago. I am still in "Christmas Card" mode so came up with this idea.

(Garden Green and Real Red card stock and classic ink along with Heard From the Heart )

Here are a couple of more samples using a Bordering Blue and Always Artichoke color scheme on the first card and Melon Mambo and Whisper White on the second card.




Stay tuned for more samples with new stamp sets!

One More Sneak Peek!

The Sweet Treat Cups have been so popular, Stampin' Up! is carrying them over to the Occasions Mini Catalog. Also available will be heart shaped Sweet Treat Cups!! They will be 2.95 for a box of 12 and coordinate with our large Heart Punch! Because crafters will want to use these for Valentine's Day, I am anticipating that these will go on back order very quickly! If you would like to place a pre-order with me, please let me know by January 1st! I am leaving for Phoenix on January 2nd and will place my order while I am gone!

Another Sneak Peek!

It may be hard to see but to coordinate with the Valentine products are Pretty in Pink and Real Red Corduroy Buttons, Sending Love Epoxy Brads, and 5/8" Satin Ribbon in nine colors!!

Last minute Christmas Cards!

I am working feverishly to get my Christmas cards out! I have finished our brief Christmas letter and have the address labels printed. But I realized that I haven't made enough cards. So I pulled out my Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit. These kits are ideal for putting together cards in a hurry! Simply cut the 12 x 12 card stock into four 6 x 6 pieces, and voila! You have 4 cards! Embellish with the designer series paper and die cut adhesives. Maybe add a little ribbon or a few brads. Stamp a greeting or write a quick note on the inside and you are done! These fit into our Open End envelopes and use regular postage.


Check out our other Simply Scrappin' Kits on pages 164 - 167 for card making ideas for all your card sending needs!

More Sneak Peeks!

As I mentioned in my newsletter, starting with Sale-A-Bration and the Occasions Mini Catalog, stamps will be available in both the wood mount and clear acrylic block styles. The rubber stamps for the acrylic blocks come in these DVD size cases for easy storage.

I'll be working on some samples in the very near future and will post them!


I am loving these new punches! They are easy to use and they lock and stack for easier storage!

Thank You, Hostesses!

As many you know, every year I hold a evening of fun (stamping, games, prizes, food) for anyone who has hosted a workshop for me during the year. This year, we met last Sunday evening. Silly me had the camera upstairs and I didn't take one photo! But I will share the projects we made!

Everyone who attended received this gift box filled with goodies!






Here are the projects we made:




Both projects are easy to make! The first projects uses a paper lunch bag. Cut off the top of the bag so that is measures 8 1/2". Fold in half. Randomly stamp snow flakes (we used Serene Snowflakes from the Holiday Mini) with Soft Suede Classic Ink. Attach Soft Suede ribbon to front and back of bag. Randomly stamp snow flakes on Very Vanilla card stock and sponge Soft Suede ink over it. Mat on piece of Soft Suede card stock and adhere over ribbon to the front of the "card". The inside greeting is from Sweet Seasons.



This cute little gift card holder was made using the 4 Petal Card Die and Merry Moments designer series paper. Simply fold up the bottom petal and fold in the two side petals. Attach card stock and embellish a desired.


I just love hosting this event! And I would love to extend an invitation to you! All you have to do is host a workshop! Sale-A-Bration runs from January through March and is the perfect time to hold a workshop! Everyone can earn FREE stamps!! I still have a few spots in January and am booking into February and March!

Build-A- Bear Workshop™

A week ago I held the first of two Build-A-Bear workshops. Everyone had a great time! I thought I would share some of the photos of the night!

Here are the prizes that were given away!

We started off the evening watching the new animated story of "Hal and Holly Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure"



The kids colored pictures and dressed Die Cut Bears while the adults stamped a Christmas Card with Beary Best Friends.

I invited Stephanie Doran, a mom who lives in the area and has a great blog to bring her kids and come over. She took some great photos and posted about the event on her blog, www.timeslidesby.com. I hope you will check it out!

Here is Stephanie working on her card:


The winner of the video:


Unfortunately, crummy weather forced a cancellation of the second event. So watch my calendar on my web site for a re-schedule! I still have more prizes to give away!

Make Your Gifts Extra Special!

Have fun creating your own gift bags and gift cards for those special gifts!


Supplies used: Garden Green, Ruby Red & Whisper White card stock; Garden Green, Ruby Red & Chocolate Chip Classic Ink; Sweet Season & Four the Holidays & Serene Snowflakes stamp sets; Tag, Small Tag, Scallop Circle, Scallop Oval, Scallop Edge & Large Oval punches; Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon and Linen Thread; Rhinestone brad

Build-A- Bear Workshop™

Only 60 demonstrators have been selected to host some special Build-A-Bear™ workshops in the first 2 weeks of December! I am thrilled to host these! We are going to have a lot of fun! The first one will be held at my home on Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. The second one will be held on Wednesday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m.

There will be some special door prizes provided by Build-A-Bear Workshop™ and of course, we will be making some cute projects!

So give me a call at 734-285-2116 if you would like to participate or send me an e-mail at susan@lacroix.net

Give Thanks

We did these pages at Scrapbook Club last night. The Bright Blessings jumbo wheel is perfect for Thanksgiving pages. The "Give Thanks" were die cut with the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzix die (exclusive to Stampin' Up!) and Leaves #2 Sizzix die.


Other supplies used: Kraft, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum & Natural Ivory card stock; Always Artichoke Classic Ink; Ticket Corner and Photo Corner punches; Gifts of the Earth stamp set (Holiday Mini) - the verse is a perfect embellishment for these pages. Here is the verse:
"For all the good gifts that your kindess imparts, remind us Dear Lord, to give thanks with our hearts"

Joy to the World!

We made this banner at Hostess Club last week. It was made with the Two Tags and Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzix dies. We used the scallop circle image from the Sweet Season stamp set and stamped 2 each for each tag. We punched out the center of one image with the 1" circle punch and inserted a 1 1/4" circle of card stock between the 1" circle image and the larger Scallop circle image. A clear rhinestone brad was placed in the center of the image. Before adhering the scallop design elements to the tags, we used the small double rectangle punch in the red and green scallop areas of the tags and threaded white taffeta through each tag. (see image below) . Make sure you thread the ribbon from the back to front, then front to back on each tag so the ribbon will be in the back. Tie a knot at each end of the ribbon.

Dasher

One of my favorite stamps this year is Dasher. There is just so much you can do with him! Nancy Brown (one of the West Coast Sparklers) made this card at the retreat we attended last month! Great card, Nancy!

Supplies used: Dasher and Snow Swirled stamps; Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper, Whisper White Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede card stock; Whisper White Craft Ink, Soft Suede Classic Ink and Bermuda Bay polka dot grosgrain ribbon

Holiday Place Setting Treat

These cute little treat bags were made with Tags # 2 Sizzix die. Die cut 2 of them, fold at the score line and glue them together. Decorate as desired. I put in some Reindeer Candy Corn in a small cello bag and taped them shut and just tucked them in the inside.

These will be so cute on our Christmas dinner table this year!

Happy Anniversary!

Along with Elise and Maddy's birthdays this fall, are Julie and Jim's wedding anniversary on October 7 and Aimee and Josh's wedding anniversary today (Yep! Maddy arrived on their anniversary 2 years ago!). I made their cards at the retreat last month as well.


Shelli Gardner showed us this technique at the Regional Seminar in Cincinnati in September. The Medallion stamp is embossed with clear embossing powder, then burnished with Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke and Soft Suede. The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

It's been a long time.....

....since I have posted anything! I spent 2 weeks with the flu! Yuck! Wiped me out! But I am back and feeling great! Now I just have to catch up! Let's start with some of the projects I was working on at a weekend retreat last month. My two youngest grandaughters have reached the important milestones of 1 & 2! Elise turned one on October 10 and Maddy turns two tomorrow!


I stenciled a big daisy (the negative image from one of the daisies on the Flower Fold XL die) with Melon Mambo classic inkon Whisper White card stock, and placed a chipboard number covered in Whisper White craft ink and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. This is adhered to Melon Mambo card stock and tied with Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon.

I have lots more projects to share so I hope you will check back soon!

Halloween Cards

I just love getting cards from customers! Aren't these Halloween cards cute? The first card is from Margie White and the second card is from Glynis Heagle! Great cards ladies!

More swap cards....

Here are two more swap cards from our meeting this week. Angie A. used the Pattern Pines hostess set from the Holiday Mini. To get the sparkly trees, stamp the trees on card stock with Classic Ink. Using the direct ink to paper technique, cover the card stock with Versamark clear ink. Sprinkle Heat & Stick powder and melt with a heat gun. Sprinkle Dazlling Diamonds over the melted Heat & Stick and heat set just for a few seconds. If you heat it too long, the glitter will turn brown and burn.
Barb H. used the Bridesmaid Specialty paper as her card base. The swirls coordinate nicely with the ornament from Delightful Decorations (Holiday Mini).

Meeting Swap Cards

Here are a couple of swap cards from our Downline meeting. Sharon used the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder and Ribbon of Hope stamp. How appropriate for Breast Cancer Awareness month! If you are over 40, please remember to get your annual mammogram!


Angie Cleveland used the Gobble, Gobble stamp from the Holiday Mini and some Scallop Circle Punched card stock for this darling Thanksgiving card! The greeting is from the Holiday Best Hostess set. The Mistletoe Ribbon Originals also from the Holiday Mini.

Sepia Technique

Ever other month at our Sparkler Downline meetings, we swap card fronts. Here is my swap using a faux sepia technique.

The image from Gifts From the Earth (Holiday Mini) was embossed with Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and clear embossing powder. Stampin' Pastels were used to lightly color in some of the images. The edges of the Creamy Caramel card stock were sponged with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. The ribbon is from Masterpiece Ribbon Originals.

I will post more swaps from our meeting over the next few days!

Deal of the Week!

The following items are on sale until Sunday, October 25th!

114348
Basic Jumbo grommets
Regularly$6.95 , on sale for $4.49

109857
Mini Library clips
Regularly $12.95, on sale for $8.99

112571
Circle Designer brads
Regualry $5.95, on sale for $3.99

112581
1/2" Library clips
Regularly $6.95, on sale for $3.99


You can go to my website http://www.susanlacroix.stampinup.net and click on "shop now" or e-mail me at susan@la-croix.net to place an order!

My Deepest Sympathy....

Some stamping friends recently lost their father. God Bless you Karen, Kathy and Patsy.

Supplies used: Thoughts & Prayers stamp set; Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock; Old Olive Classic Ink; Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie markers; Blender Pen and Top Note Sizzix Die.

The tree was inked with Old Olive and I used the blender Pen to remove the green from the tree trunk. I colored the tree trunk with Chocolate Chip and "thumped" the leaves with Ruby Red, More Mustard and Pumpkin Pie markers.

This was the second project we made at Hostess Club this month. The original concept is from Jackie Topa and my daughter, Julie came up with this design. I added some "bling" in the form of Dazzling Diamonds and some clear rhinestone brads.

Supplies used: Mellow Moss and Whisper White card stock; Delightful Decorations (Holiday Mini) and Christmas Greetings stamps sets; Ruby Red, Always Artichoke and Ballet Blue Classic Ink; Ornament Punch (Holiday Mini); Dazzling Diamonds glitter and Rhinestone brads.

Sweet Treats!

The sweet treat cups are a fun way to add a little treat to your card! This is one of the projects we made at Hostess Club this month!


This is a photo of the inside of the card. The little tab keeps the card intact and lets the recipient get the "sweet treats" out!


Supplies used to make this card:
Dusty Durango and Summer Sun card stock; Dusty Durango and Chocolate Chip classic ink; Wide Oval, 1 3/4" Circle, Modern Label, Word Window and Round Tab punches; Glue Dots, Snail adhesive and Stampin' Sponges

Autumn Harvest

I just love this time of year and seeing all of the pumpkins and other fall decorations out and about! The following card was made with the Autumn Harvest stamp set. This set is perfect for the Masking technique. I stamped the larger pumpkin on the watercolor paper, then again on a sticky note. I cut out the sticky note pumpkin and placed it over the watercolor paper pumpkin. Then I stamped the smaller pumpkin next to the larger pumpkin. When I took away the sticky note pumpkin, it has the appearance that it is sitting slightly behind the larger pumpkin. Thank you Angie Cleveland for this great design!!

Supplies used to make this card: Autumn Harvest and Holiday Best (hostess) stamp sets; Chocolate Chip & Old Olive card stock; watercolor paper; Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip Ink; Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; Aquapainters.

Another use for Designer Series Paper!

The photo really doesn't do this justice! I love the Night & Day Specialty Paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog! This brooch was made with the Stampin' Up! Flower Folds XL Bigz die. I used the smallest 3 flowers with different patterns. Then I simply curled up the ends of the each petal and adhered them together. I added some chunky black glitter in the center and hot glued a pin setting to the back.

My Digital Studio is Here!

I've added a link to You Tube so you can see some videos from Stampin' Up! The very top one is about My Digital Studio! Check it out! Host a workshop of at least $400 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97) when you use your free hostess dollars!

Clearance Rack

Stampin' Up is now offering retired inventory at a huge discount! The Clearance Rack, a new "aisle" in the on-line store is now available. Just log on to my web site, www.susanlacroix.stampinup.net , hit the shop now button and go to the Clearance Rack! Quantities are limited and will be removed once it is sold out. Additional items will be added on an on-going basis so check back often to see newly discounted items!

Congratulations Nina & Luis!

We are heading to Tampa, FL tomorrow morning for my niece's wedding. Nina & Luis are being married on Friday at sunset in a botanical garden. The years have sure flown by! It seems like just yesterday we were heading down for her Baptism! Here is the card we are giving them:

Supplies used: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac and Whisper White card stock; Teeny Tiny Wishes; Eyelet Edge and Heart punches; Sizzix Big Shot and Movers & Shapers XL Bigz die; Dots & Designs rub-ons; Organza Ribbon

Open House Make & Take

At every Open House we offer a free Make and Take as our way of thanking you for coming. This card uses the Yuletide Christmas stamp set found on page 22 in the Holiday Mini. I just loved how the spiral note book was stamped and decided to CASE it for our Make and Take. (CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything). We used Kraft, Very Vanilla and Real Red card stock, a strip of Merry Moments designer series paper; Scallop Edge, Scallop Oval and Wide Oval punches; Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon; Close to Cocoa Classic Ink for the oval wreath and Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Real Red markers for the greeting.

If you would like to book a workshop, you and your friends can make this fun card!

Build-A-Bears!

I am having so much fun with the Build-A-Bear stamps and dies! Here is the display board we put together for our Holiday Mini Catalog Open House this weekend! I've included a close up of the Halloween Bears as well.




These will look great on scrapbook pages or gift bags! You can run magnetic sheets through the Sizzix with the Build-A-Bear die and make paper doll bears as a gift! Lots of things!