Papillon Potpourri File Folder Card

Yesterday was such a crazy day that I didn’t realize until late last night that I hadn’t posted the project I wanted to share with you. How crazy is that?

So I’ll just share the project with you today – so here  it goes.

This file folder card using the Papillon Potpourri stamp set is one that I made at a demo meeting recently. It uses one of my favorite Designer Series Papers, Afternoon Picnic. The subtle colors and vintage patterns of this paper just make me feel good and feel like spring is right around the corner. And with the couple of days of pretty weather we had recently I’m ready for spring to arrive soon.

Papillon Potpourri File Folder card

Want to know how I made this card? Check out my earlier post sharing my Video Tutorial for my File Folder Card #4 to show you how. You’ll see it’s the same basic card but the colors chosen give it a completely different feel.

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Papillon Potpourri (132058/123759)

Inks: Old Olive (126953) and Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin’ Pads (126985)

Paper:  Afternoon Picnic Designer Series Paper (131390), and Wisteria Wonder Card Stock (122922)

Accessories: Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526), 1 ¾” Circle Punch (119860), 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119850), Envelope Punch Board (133774), Stampin’ Trimmer (126889), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Old Olive 1/8″ Taffeta  Ribbon (119256), and Stampin’ Sponges (101610)

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Scallop Tag Topper Treats Tutorial

As promised yesterday here is my latest tutorial for the Scallop Tag Topper Treats that my Hostesses received during the Hostess Appreciation Brunch this past weekend.

Scallop Tag Topper Treats

They are so much fun to make using the Scallop Tag Topper Punch, and the basic design can be customized for any occasion. Quick and easy to make – I think you’re friends will love them too, since they hold 2 Hershey’s Nuggets.

Everyone needs a little chocolate sometimes and when it’s in a treat there are no calories, right? LOL

Check out my latest video tutorial – Scallop Tag Topper Treats

What event will you make your Scallop Tag Topper Treats for?

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Petite Petals (133152/133155) and Banner Greetings (Hostess Set 129711/129714)

Inks: Real Red (126949)

Paper: Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (132996) and Whisper White (100730)

Accessories: Scallop Tag Topper Punch (133324),  Real Red 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon (126875),  Petite Petals Punch (133322), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), and Glue Dots (103683)

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Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Flyer

Hostess Appreciation Brunch

This past weekend I held my Annual Hostess Appreciation Brunch – I love to say thank you to my Hostesses with a little pampering and a special project. After all I couldn’t do this without you!

Today I wanted to share with you a couple of pictures from the Brunch.

This first picture is of the brunch table.

Hostess Appreciation Brunch 2014 food table

I made one of my newest favorite recipes – Greek Chicken & Artichoke Flatbread. It’s so easy to put together and yummy I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Greek Chicken & Artichoke Flatbread

1 pkg. (11 or 13.8 oz.) refrigerated thin crust pizza crust

1 1/2 c. fresh parsley leaves, divided

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 jar (12) marinated artichokes, drained

1 tbsp. olive oil

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

4 oz. feta cheese, divided

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated

2 c. diced cooked chicken breast

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush large bar pan with oil. Unroll pizza crust onto pan and press to edges. Bake on lowest oven rack 17-20 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Coarsely process 1/2 c. parsley in food processor, remove and set aside for garnish. Add remaining parsley and garlic to processor; process until finely chopped.

Add lemon zest, artichokes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the feta to processor; process until coarsely chopped.

Combine half of the mozzarella, artichoke mixture and chicken; mix well. Microwave, uncovered, on High 1 – 2 minutes or until hot, stirring once.

Sprinkle cooling crust with remaining mozzarella. Top with chicken mixture; spread to edges. Cut flatbread into 16 squares. Crumble remaining feta over top and sprinkle with reserved parsley. Serve.

And here is another of Shirley working on her project.

Hostess Appreciation Brunch 2014 Shirley

Everyone who attended made a gift set of cards using one of our Sale-a-bration stamp sets.

Would you like to be pampered too? It’s easy to become one of my Hostesses – Just hold a party for you and your friends. Or qualify for Hostess Benefits when you place an individual order.

Stop by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing with you the little treat items that I made for everyone. I’ll be filming a quick video tutorial for them later today to share with you.

WEEKLY DEALS

Check out these new Weekly Deals.

Weekly Deals Feb 25 2014

TUESDAY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

Check out these great new My Digital Studio Downloads just released today!

Just Sayin’ Stamp Brush Set (item 137118)

MDS Just Sayin' Stamp Brush Set

My Digital Class Party Party Ensemble (item 137116)

MDS My Digital Class Party

My Mother Stamp Brush Set (item 137117)

MDS My Mother Stamp Brush Set

Today Starts Here Photobook Template (item 137120)

MDS Today Starts Here Photobook Template

Word Bubbles Punches (item 137119)

MDS Word Bubbles Punches

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Happy Watercolor

This past week I found myself in need of some sympathy cards and the Happy Watercolor stamp set (133188/133191) from the Occasions Catalog (page 22) immediately came to mind.

Why, you may ask? Because recently I had the chance to work with the Happy Watercolor stamp set at a retreat and fell in love with it. It is really so cool since it really does look like you’ve water colored the images. I’m not sure exactly how they do it, but how cool is that right?

Happy Watercolor

So here is my card. I used the sentiment from the Simply Sketched Hostess Set (item 129669/129672) and stamped it in Basic Gray. I just love the sentiments from this Hostess set, the font is just lovely and rather elegant.

Would you like to Host a Private Party and get the Simply Sketched stamp set for your own collection? Sale-a-bration is a great time and you can earn even more in Hostess Benefits when you hold a qualifying party. Contact me today to set up a date for your party.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Happy Watercolor (133188/133191), and Simply Sketched (129669/129672)

Inks: Soft Sky (131181), Blushing Bride (131172), Basic Gray (126981), and Pear Pizzazz (131180)

Paper: Soft Sky (131203), Basic Gray (131202) and Whisper White (100730)

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LAST DAY FOR THIS WEEKS DEALS

Weekly Deals Feb 18 2014

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, February 24th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

New Digital Downloads

A Peachy Keen Hello

Wow, I spent the last couple of days immersed in paper work for taxes and hope I’m through the worst of it now. What a bummer – I sure wish there was a “tax fairy” who could just wave their wand and have it all tied up in a neat little bow for me.  How about you? I thought at this point you’d enjoy a little tax humor – maybe you can relate.

funny_taxes_1

Well on to something a bit more fun – stamping! I got to play a bit in my classroom today and here is what I came up with using the Peachy Keen Stamp Set from the Occasions Catalog. I thought this card would be a bright and cheerful hello for a friend who is a bit under the weather.

Peachy Keen (2)

What do you think? Would it cheer you up?

I love the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper from the Occasions catalog with it’s retro colors and fun patterns. I find myself reaching for it a lot and for all different kinds of projects too – that reminds me I probably need to order another package!

How about you? What has your favorite paper of choice lately? Why not leave me a comment and let me know what is inspiring you lately?

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Peachy Keen (133110/133113)

Paper: Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper (132993), Baked Brown Sugar (131296), Very Vanilla (101650), and Tangerine Tango Card Stock (111349)

Accessories: Tangerine Tango, Coastal Cabana and Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Markers, Soft Suede 3/8″ Taffeta Ribbon (122967),  3/16″ Corner Rounder Punch (119871), and Apothecary Accent Framelits (127003)

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New Digital Downloads

Extra Paper Pumpkin Perk

Paper Pumpkin Perk blog header

Today’s post is going to be a quick one since I need to work on taxes and I have been procrastinating long enough. The kid needs her FAFSA filled out before the end of the month for school – ugh!

I’ve got great news for those of you who are Paper Pumpkin fans! Stampin’ Up! is offering past Paper Pumpkin Kits and Refills for active subscribers. What does this mean for you?

Now you can get additional supplies for those kits you loved! Have a party, or want to make some quick gifts – get some refills. Missed a kit and you really wanted it? Now you can order it.

Click HERE to see what is available right now.

Paper Pumpkin retired kits flyer  image

Then contact me to order yours today since kits are not available through my Online Store.

If you aren’t a Paper Pumpkin subscriber yet, why not try it out? With the bonus gift of FREE Stampin’ Write Markers now is a great time!

paper pumpkin promotion header image

Click HERE to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin now or learn more about it. And remember to forward me your confirmation email so that I can send you a FREE gift.

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Hip Notes Get Well

Recently my nephew broke his leg and I want to send him a card that will bring a smile to his face. It seems like he just can’t catch a break, (no pun intended). Newly married and with a baby on the way, being out of work for 3 months it tough.

So this weekend the first card I created was one for Kevin.

Hip Notes Get Well

I wasn’t sure where to start and I was thinking about a cast, but then I ran across the Hip Notes stamp set (133501/133504) from the Occasions Catalog on page 18. For some reason this sentiment just made me chuckle when I saw it, and I knew the kid would get the sense of humor of the sentiment. Of course the pattern from the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (FREE Sale-a-bration item) reminded me of a hospital gown somehow. See it? Well maybe it was the late night and wine?

Anyhow so what do you think of the card? Think it will bring a smile to his face? Why not leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Hip Notes (133501/133504)

Inks: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Summer Starfruit (126991), and Blushing Bride (131172)

Paper: Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (Sale-a-bration item 133521), Blushing Bride (131198), Summer Starfruit (126839), Basic Black (121045), and Whisper White (100730)

Accessories: Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (Sale-a-bration item 133520), 3/16″ Corner Rounder (119871), Artisan Label Punch (130920), 1 1/4″ Scallop Circle Punch (127811), and Summer Starfruit 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon (126846)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

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NEW WEEKLY DEALS

Weekly Deals Feb 18 2014

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD TUESDAY

Got the winter blues and looking for a fresh new My Digital Studio download? You’re going to love the NEW Blossoms Abound Kit (137122). How can’t you not feel a touch of spring when you look at this kit?

Blossoms Abound Kit

Why not check out this weeks selection of new downloads that are available? Click HERE or just head on over to my online store.

 Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code UQJ7HZ76

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NEW Clearance Rack just added today (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, February 24th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)

Tanglewood Lodge Retreat

Tanglewood Lodge Helen GA

Wow, I’m back home from Tanglewood Lodge in Helen now and have the car unpacked. I just need to put my supplies away. I know I should be crashing after a weekend of crafting until the wee morning hours, but I’m not, I’m psyched and over flowing with positive energy. Girl time – it’s a wonderful thing! And since my husband was on call all weekend I had no guilt either about spending Valentine’s weekend away from home.

When my girlfriend invited me to the retreat I wasn’t real sure about it since I’ve never done this kind of thing – but I’m soooo glad I did. What a wonderful group of ladies I met. I really enjoyed visiting and getting to know them during our chats and sharing. And it wasn’t just paper crafting and scrapbooking. There was a wide variety of projects everyone was working on so it was really cool to see everyone’s projects and learn about new things.

Here are one of the projects the ladies were working on – it’s wool felting, and when I got back from dinner they were working on the bead work. I really love the colors in Joy’s purse.

Felting Tanglewood Lodge Retreat (2)

And here is another one done in blue tones – each was so different, based on how they chose to combine the wood and then shape it.

Felting Tanglewood Lodge Retreat

Do you see the line art or doodling below the purse? It’s the Zentangle Method – Christine shared with me how Zentangle is done – it’s suppose to be very zen and relaxing. One of the ladies was working on a bear that was just fantastic! What a group of 19 fun and talented ladies I shared the weekend with.

I originally planned on working on my band scrapbook but got side tracked with all the creative energy and wanted to play with my paper and stamps since my computer was taking so long to load the many cds of photos, but I guess that worked out for the best.

Here is my space on day 2 – we each had a table and of course I my son thought I’d taken too much. I thought I’d packed everything but the kitchen sink, but that turned out it wasn’t the case because I still regretted not taking all my circle punches – I’ll know better next time. There’s no such thing as too much! LOL

Tanglewood Retreat Feb 14 2014 (1)

I can’t wait to share with you all the great projects I worked on in the up coming weeks – watch for my class schedule.

And for my Hostesses, I’ve worked on a special project just for you this past weekend and can’t wait to share it with you during the Hostess Appreciation Brunch this coming Saturday. If you were one of my hostesses in 2013 and you haven’t gotten your invitation in the mail yet, please contact me ASAP so you can be included too – I don’t want any of my Hostesses to miss out on the fun.

Want to get an invitation to my 5th Hostess Appreciation Brunch? It’s sooo easy – just contact me to set up a time for your private party! After all with Sale-a-bration happening right now it’s a fantastic time to be a Hostess and earn additional FREE merchandise too!

Last Day for Weekly Deals

Weekly Deals Feb 11 2014

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It’s a Perfect Pennants Valentine’s Day

Wow, can you believe it’s already Valentine’s Day? This week has really flown by with all the snow excitement here in North Georgia. But since we can’t forget our loved ones and Valentine’s Day I thought I would share with you some of the great swaps I got during Leadership with a “love” theme.

This first card was one of my shoebox swaps at Leadership and I really like the way Kathy used all the different textures – it makes it a very interesting card even though it only uses 3 basic colors.

Perfect Pennants Leadership Swap 2014

This card uses a lot of great products from the new Occasions Catalog including our Perfect Pennants stamp set (133227/133230),  Arrows Embossing Folder (132187), and Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (132996).

Do you recognize the image from the hearts on the banner? Well it is our single stamp Flowerful Heart (134617) that is only available through today.

Flowerfull Heart Stamp image

There are a lot of great items in the Whole lot of Love promotion – why not click HERE to see them all and then get yours before it’s too late?

whole lot of love flyer image prices whole lot of love flyer stamp images

Leslie gave me this cute little treat using our Angled Tag Topper Punch (133323) and the Just Sayin’ Stamp Set (133200/133203) and Word Bubbles Framelits Dies (132968).

Just Sayin' Leadership swap 3d

Isn’t it cute? And don’t forget you can get these two fun items in a bundle (134819/134820) and save15%!

And this last card is from Julie and is just too cute I thought. It uses our In With You stamp set, Monstermaniacs (134972/134969).

Monstermaniacs Leadership Swap 2014

Don’t you love the little googlie eye? And the bling added with our Red Glimmer Paper? The hearts were created using our Owl Builder Punch and Small Heart Punches. And can you guess the background texture on the Whisper White card stock? If you guess our exclusive Sale-a-Bration Embossing Folder, Decorative Dots – you’re right! This has been a real favorite and is quickly becoming a must have.

Don’t forget you can get your own exclusive Sale-a-bration items when you purchase $50 in product. You can click HERE for more information about Sale-a-bration.

And of course this month and next is a great time to hold a private party and earn even more FREE goodies! As a hostess you have the opportunity to earn and additional $30 in FREE merchandise when you hold a qualifying party. So why not contact me today so that we can set a date and get your party started?

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Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen is one of our new all occasions sets from the Occasions Catalog and is great for all kinds of projects. Today I’ve teamed it up with the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper (132993) to create this quick and easy card.

Peachy Keen

I simply stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso, but think it would look great using the Early Espresso Embossing Powder too and add a bit of texture to the card. I love the quick and easy banners that you can make using the Hexagon punch (130919). Yes, you heard me right the Hexagon Punch. Give it a try, you’ll find it so easy to do.

Hexagon Punch Banners

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Peachy Keen (133110/133113)

Inks: Early Espresso (126974)

Paper: Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper (132993), Baked Brown Sugar (131296), Coastal Cabana (131297), and So Saffron Card Stock (105118)

Accessories: Early Espresso Baker’s Twine (123124)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code UQJ7HZ76

Snow Storm – Day 3

Snow Storm Feb 13 2014 Day 3

Well the storm has now moved up the east coast and has pretty much finished for us in the North Georgia mountains. The sun has come out and the temperature has started to climb a bit – which is a good thing since things are clearly starting to melt.

We woke to more snow this morning. After sleeting most of the day yesterday, snow is a good thing. We’ve got a snow sandwich on the ground (snow, ice, snow) LOL. But we have fared pretty well so far, our power only flickered off once last night.

Now the cabin fever has set in for my guys and they are itching to get out of the house. I don’t tend to get as antsy since there is always something to do. Of course, it is a great reason to go play in my kitchen and stamp room too!

Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

This mornings project was a big pot of soup for lunch for my guys. It’s great since I can use the frozen tomatoes from our garden last summer and the ground venison in the freezer. It smells heavenly while it is cooking, and even though I can’t eat it, I enjoy making it for them. They say it tastes great – so I thought I’d share the recipe with you in case you’re looking for a quick and easy vegetable soup.

Quick & Easy Vegetable Beef Soup 

1 1/2 – 2 lbs. lean ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 ½ c. water

2 (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes

1 ½ tsp. garlic powder

1 ½ tsp. sea salt, to taste

½ tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. finely ground black pepper, or to taste

3 ½ tsp. beef bouillon

2 (12 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables

Cook and stir ground beef in the pot until completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir onion into the meat and continue to cook and stir until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain fat from the pot and return to medium heat.

Pour water and tomatoes into the pot. Season soup with garlic powder, sea salt, basil, and black pepper. Stir beef bouillon through the soup. Add frozen mixed vegetables to the pot, stir.

Bring the soup to a boil; reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked through, 20 – 30 minutes.

That’s it – Enjoy!

This recipe is pretty forgiving and so I’ve experimented a bit with the original recipe I found on allrecipes.com. This one is my version of the original with the changes I’ve made. So far my substitution or changes have made it even better. I find you can really change things out easily to suit your preferences. I think I’ll be freezing okra next year to add to the other vegetables. The guys seem to like that and I never know what to do with all the extra okra from the garden.

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Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, February 17th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through March 31st, 2014)