Boys will be boys

Seems like September is one of those months with lots of birthdays and so I thought I would share with you a card that I created for a special little guy in our lives.

Boys Will Be Boys

This card was made using the Boys Will Be Boys stamp set (134135/134138). I used the Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper as inspiration for adding color to my blocks. I simply used my Blender Pen and the ink from the lid to color them.

I really like the fun way this card opens too.

Boys Will Be Boys open (1)

Boys Will Be Boys is a set that is filled with all kinds of great childhood images. I especially remember the little plastic parachute dude – my big brother Mark was always dropping his from the top of our stairs over the railing and watching it land in the family room below.

Boys will be Boys image

NEW WEEKLY DEALS FOR SEPTEMBER 16TH

Weekly Deals September 16 2014

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Boys will be Boys (134135/134138) and Gorgeous Grunge (130514/130517)

Inks: Basic Gray (121044), Tangelo Twist (133677), Bermuda Bay (131171), Crushed Curry (131173), Pistachio Pudding (131177), and Strawberry Slush (131178)

Paper: Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper (133646), Basic Gray (126981), and Tangelo Twist (133677) and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Blender Pens (102845), 1/8″ Bermuda Bay Taffeta Ribbon (131206), 1/8″ Mini Brads (122941), Paper Piercing Tool (126189) and Paper Piercing Mat (126199)

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, September 22nd, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin Today!

Subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin Today!

 

My idea of the perfect pumpkin

Ahhh… it is September and here in North Georgia that means the mornings are cooler, the leaves are starting to turn and pumpkins are starting to appear in the stands on the side of the road. Not too long ago it would have meant getting ready to sew a Halloween outfit for my children. I loved planning and putting together costumes based on their current passion at the time. After all who doesn’t like a good craft project LOL!

I’m feeling nostalgic today (stepping back in time 19 years) and thought I’d share a picture with you for my children’s first Halloween together. Johnathan was 3 and thought that dad hung the moon. Larry was a Animal Control Officer with Gwinnett County at the time and so of course, Johnathan wanted to grow up to be just like his dad. I created this costume using one of the old discarded uniforms that I cut down and modified – Kaitlin of course was a puppy. Although most people thought she was a bunny –  LOL. I’m not a seamstress by any means, just using my middle school home ec. skills, but Johnathan didn’t care. He wore this costume a lot playing dress up and pretending he was going to work just like dad!

Johnathan & Kaitlin Halloween 1995

Now a days there isn’t any costume sewing or pumpkin carving, but I still love to decorate and make treats for friends and family – and so the new Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Die is perfect for fall. I’ve been having a blast making all kinds of projects with my newest Thinlit!

Merry Everything Curvy Keepsake Box

Today’s project is a quick and easy one when you use the Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlit – Here is the down and dirty details of how I made this project.

Using Tango Twist card stock I ran the Thinlits Die through my Big Shot twice. Then I ran the pieces through again using my Decorative Dots Embossing Folder. I used some of my Multipurpose Liquid Glue to attach the two pieces. (Our Multipurpose Liquid Glue is great for items with lots of texture.)

Next, I stamped the image onto Whisper White card stock using my Memento Tuxedo Black Pad and colored this cute little guy with my Old Olive Stampin’ Blendabilities Markers. This cute little Dracula image drew me to this stamp set from the beginning!  (Remember you can get the stamp and punch and save 15% when you order them as a bundle 137635/137636).

We don’t carry any Old Olive ribbon in the width I wanted so I simply made my own with the Whisper White 5/8″ Satin Ribbon and my Old Olive Blendabilities Marker. I love that I can customize my ribbon this way – It is soooo easy to do! (Scroll down and you’ll see a quick video tutorial on how I did this.)

I used our cute little Handheld Stapler to attach the punched image and ribbon to the box, put the handles through the hole and voila – finished!

I think this little pumpkin turned out just right. What is your perfect pumpkin?

Want to see my quick video tutorial on Custom Color Ribbon?

Another great reason to have our NEW Stampin’ Blendabilities Markers – I’m really loving them and think you will too! Want to learn more about Blendabilities? Watch for my upcoming Blend with Friends Events – it’s a great way to get started!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Merry Everything (135068/135071)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black Pad (132708)

Paper: Tangelo Twist (133677) and Whisper White card stock (100730)

Accessories: Old Olive Stampin’ Blendabilies Markers (130999), Whisper White 5/8″ Satin Ribbon (134549), Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Die (135853), Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (133520), Note Tag Punch (135860),  Handheld Stapler (135850) and Silver Mini Staples (135847), and Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, September 15th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

NEW Coffee & Cards

My August Coffee & Cards class is now available to order so that you can create at your convenience in your home. No fuss, no muss just stamping!

Coffee & Cards kit - August 2014

Have a supply of cards on hand when you need them. These cards are clean and simple designs that are easy to complete. And cards are designed so that you can easily choose your own sentiments for all kinds of occasions. These kits won’t last long since there are a very limited number available – order yours today.

Coffee & Cards Kits

  • Coffee & Cards Kit Fee: $18 for 6 pre-cut card kits (Kit price includes postage/PayPal fees)
  • US only (mailing addresses)
  • Available while kits last
  • All sales are final
  • Click the Buy Now button to purchase your Coffee & Cards Kit
  • Kits will be mailed within 48 hours of your purchase by USPS; and your PDF will be emailed to you.
  • Email me at [email protected] if you have any questions or a problem with the Buy Now button



Fine Print:

  • You receive 2 each of the three cards shown. (Designer Series Paper patterns and accessories may vary.)
  • Card kit includes envelopes, pre-cut card stock and accessories for you to complete your cards. (Adhesives, Glue Dots, and Stampin’ Dimensionals are not included.)
  • Die cutting and shapes will be punched for you (no stamped images are included). Textured embossing will be done for you, except when stamping first is required. Border punching typically is not include .
  • The PDF will be emailed to you when kit ships by USPS. Detail instructions are not included. A PDF includes a photo and supply list, along with measurements for each card.
  • Stamped images are NOT included in the Coffee & Card Kit. This is in compliance to Stampin’ Up! Policies.  Don’t have a set? Stamp sets can be purchased in my Online Store or through me directly. You may also substitute similar sized images or sentiments you currently have.
  • A supply list and measurements are provided. If detailed instructions are needed, my Coffee & Cards Kit may not be right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]

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

Holiday Cheer

Our Project life products are not just for memory keeping. You can create all kinds of fun things – check out this great little treat I made using the Project Life Holiday Cheer stamp set (135188).

Holiday Cheer Halloween treat

This treat was quick and easy to make using our  Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (133324) and a strip of the Designer Series Paper, Motley Monsters (135819).

I bet you are wondering where the ribbon came from right? Well our Stampin’ Blendabilities Markers make coloring ribbons so easy – As you can see the Whisper White 5/8″ Organza Ribbon is perfect for this technique! Simply lay the ribbon out flat and run the color Blendabities of choice across the surface, flip it over and repeat until the ribbon is saturated. I used the side of my flair tip to do this. Cool right?

I think Larry’s coworkers will enjoy the little nugget it holds too –

Paper Pumpkin 50% Off Offer Expiring Today

Header_PP50percent_July1614

Today is the last day to

  • Subscribe in time to get the September kit. You’re in for a treat-it’s boo-tiful!
  • Get 50% off the first two months if you’re a new subscriber with the “HALFOFF2” promo code. Sign up at MyPaperPumpkin.com

Click here to learn more. Don’t miss out on all the Paper Pumpkin fun!

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Holiday Cheer (135188)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black (132708) and Tangerine Tango (126946)

Paper: Motley Monsters Designer Series Paper (135819), Basic Black (121045), and Whisper White Card stock (110730)

Accessories: Whisper White 5/8″ Organza Ribbon (114319),  Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (133324), Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blendabilities Markers (131005)

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

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, September 8th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Hot Diggity Dog!

Well today is going to be a baking marathon type day at my house. I’ve got two bags of bananas sitting on my counter top that I ran across last week on sale that are just calling my name. And it’s a good thing too since Larry just last night mentioned he was hunting for muffins in the freezer and couldn’t find any. LOL

I really enjoy my days holed up in my kitchen with the tunes cranked and the aromas filling the house. How about you, is baking one of the things you enjoy? Got a banana muffin recipe you love? Want to share it? Email me a copy ([email protected]). I love trying new recipes out and someone else’s favorite it always fun to try!

But before I get baking I wanted to share with you this cute little project that I made for the dog lovers in my life using the Hot Diggity Dog stamp set. This cute set was one that I had to have when I saw it since the images are cute and the sentiments are so much fun.

Hot Diggity Dog Fry Box

I’ve done my little Fry Box in Georgia bulldog colors for those UGA fans so this little guy seemed perfect for this project. Too cute, right?

I’m planning on making up a bunch of these for my friend’s pets for Christmas this year. Just a little something, something for the four footed family members. And wouldn’t it be a great little gift for someone who just adopted a new pet too?

I wanted to share with you my tip for creating the panel of color in the back of the Fry Box so I thought I’d put together a little video tutorial for you. Here is my Hot Diggity Dog Fry Box Video Tutorial. Why not check it out?

So what do you think? Fun? This Fry Box Die is great for all kinds of occasions – what would you use it for? Why not leave me a comment and let me know? And thanks in advance for taking the time to leave me a comment.

You’re Wonderful

Check out this fun new Photopolymer stamp set just released today

You're Wonderful set image

And how about these fun projects made with the set?

You're Wonderful image 1

You're Wonderful image 2

You're Wonderful image 3

Want to learn more about the You’re Wonderful stamp set (139158)? Just click on the flyer below.

You're Wonderful flyer image

NEW Weekly Deals for September 9th

Weekly Deals September 9 2014

PAPER PUMPKIN PROMOTION ENDS TOMORROW

Header_PP50percent_July1614

Been wanting to give Paper Pumpkin a try? Don’t miss out on this great deal. Sign up today by clicking HERE.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Hot Diggity Dog (134021/134024)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black Pad (132708)

Paper: Neutrals Collection Designer Series Paper Stack (130132), Real Red (102482), Basic Black (121045), and Whisper White card stock (100730)

Accessories: Fry Box Die (132966), 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119850), 1 3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch (119854)Paper Piercer (126189) and Mat (126199), Fast Fuse Adhesive (129026), Basic Black Chevron Ribbon (130010), and 4″ x 6″ Cello Bag (102757)

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Caring with Cards Event at the Clarkesville Library

I’m excited to say I’ll be holding a Caring with Cards event at the Clarkesville Library this month. We’ll be working on the goal of 100 cards going to each of the four charities. Why not join us? Stamp a little and make a difference in someone’s life.

Caring with Cards Flyer image

Click HERE for the Clarkesville Library Events Calendar

Click HERE to see my entire Calendar of Events

Hope to see you there!

Bloom with Hope & NEW Digital Downloads

As promised here is my card that I made with the Hostess stamp set Bloom with Hope. I really love the way this card turned out. Black and white is so classic –

Bloom with Hope

and the little pop of color adds a little something I think. The Back to Black Designer Series Paper is just perfect for these types of cards since the package contains 12 sheets of black and white patterns.

Don’t forget the inside too! This set comes with some great sentiments.

Bloom with Hope inside

Want to be a Hostess? Love the Hostess sets? Well during our Hostess promotion you can earn them or any other products that you choose. Well let’s get the party started – Contact me today and we’ll choose a date that works for you!

NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS FOR SEPTEMBER

Did you know that Stampin’ Up! releases new Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio  once a month on the first Tuesday? Well if you missed them – here are the new ones for September.

Holiday Home Stamp Brush Set (138116)

Holiday Home Stamp Brush Set

For All Things Stamp Brush Set (138114)

For All Things Stamp Brush Set

Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper (138115) 

Color Me Autumn DSP

A great selection for your fall projects! To see all our Digital Downloads Click HERE. To learn more about My Digital Studio 30 day FREE trial click HERE.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Bloom with Hope (133949/133952)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black Pad (132708)

Paper: Back to Black Designer Series Paper (133700), Basic Black (121045), Real Red (102482), and Whisper White Card stock (10730)

Accessories: Real Red 1/4″ Cotton Ribbon (134563), Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (133787), and Project Life Corner Punch (135346)

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, September 8th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

PAPER PUMPKIN 50% OFF  (offer ends September 10th)

Nuts About You

With the Hostess Promotion going on right now I thought it would be fun to share with you a card made with the Nuts About You Hostess stamp set.

The Nuts About You set includes 11 stamps – aren’t the little animals cute?

Nuts About You Hostess Set

Want to see the card now?

Nuts About You

I used my Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist and Tangelo Twist  Stampin’ Write Markers to color my images so that I could add multiple colors to them. I also used my Fringe Scissors to create the grass and add some texture to the card.

So what do you think? Why not take advantage of this special promotion and earn a FREE Good Greetings stamp set for yourself? Can you believe that is in addition to your regular hostess benefits – Let choose a date for you and get your party started! Gather with friends or have a book party either way you’ll be a Hostess! Click HERE to learn more about this special promotion.

Stop back by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing another card made with a different Hostess set, Bloom with Hope.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Nuts About You (133943/133946)

Inks: Early Espresso (119686) and Marina Mist (126962)

Paper: Early Espresso (126974), Wild Wasabi (108641), Marina Mist (119682), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Fringe Scissors (133325), Large Oval Punch (119855), and Stampin’ Sponges (101610)

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, September 8th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

New Digital Downloads

PAPER PUMPKIN 50% OFF  (offer ends September 10th)

Fun Fall Tiny Treat Box

Check out this fun fall tiny treat that I made using the Fall Fest stamp set and the coordinating Fun Fall Framelits that are available as a Bundle (137628).

Fall Fest Tiny Treat Box

Too cute – And just the right size to brighten someone’s day by giving them a little something as a special treat.

How’d I do it? Before I put the box together. I added some interest  by stamping leaves in Versa Mark. To create a collage of leaves, I simply placed all the leaves on one block in random order. Easy peasy. I also stamped a piece of Old Olive card stock at the same time so it was ready for punching the tag.

Next, I stamped my pumpkin in Tangerine Tango and used my Blender Pen to remove the color from the stem and recolored it using the Old Olive Stampin’ Write Marker. (The Blender Pen is a trick that saves a bit of coloring.) After running it through my Big Shot I popped it up on my tag with a Dimensional.

I then Stamp my sentiments from the Good Greetings stamp set in Old Olive and Tangerine Tango on some scrap strips of Whisper White Card Stock that I had laying around and then punched the tails on them using the Hexagon Punch.

I used my handheld circle punch (loooove them!) so I could add a piece of Linen Thread which I tied onto the Whisper White & Tangerine Tango Two Tone Trim.

These Tiny Treat Boxes are designed to go with our 25 Days stamp set so you can make an easy advent calendar for Christmas – but what you can use them for, as you can see,  is really unlimited!

Why not check this and our other packaging options out? You’ll find them  on page 10 in the Holiday Catalog.

Feeling adventurous?

On a personal note. I thought I’d share one of my favorite new recipes from this summer. It is something that I concocted myself (which is a first),  after desperate pleas from my son that he was sick and tired of my tried and true fried squash recipe I’ve been using for years. (You see, we had a bumper crop of yellow squash  and I’d been trying all kinds of new recipes for a couple of weeks when he cracked LOL – Thus the squash overload.)

I was feeling adventurous and came up with this recipe, suprise it seemed to a big hit in the Merck household! And I got no complaints from my son! Enough said, right? So as we are cleaning up our garden this season I thought I would share it with you. I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

Jini’s Baked Summer Squash

2 tbsp. olive oil
½ – 1 tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. – ½ tsp. pepper (to taste)
½ – 1 tsp. sea salt
8 c. yellow summer squash

Mix first 4 ingredients well. Add summer squash and mix until evenly coated. Spread out squash on baking sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes until tender.
Serve immediately.

It also freezes well. If baked not quite as long before freezing it still has is crisp when reheated after freezing.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Fall Fest (135194) and Good Greetings (135014/135017)

Inks: Versa Mark (102283), Old Olive (1269853), and Tangerine Tango (126946)

Paper: Old Olive (100702) and Whisper White card stock (100730)

Accessories: Tiny Treat Boxes (135829), Note Tag Punch (135860), White & Tangerine Tango Two Tone Trim (135838), 1/8″ Circle Handheld Punch (134365), Linen Thread (104199), Old Olive Stampin’ Write Marker (100079), Blender Pen (102845), and Hexagon Punch (130919)

Supplies:

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, September 8th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

New Digital Downloads

PAPER PUMPKIN 50% OFF  (offer ends September 10th)

Weekly Deals for September 2nd

Check out these new Weekly Deals. Stampin’ Up! is offering a great selection of Reinkers this week. So if you haven’t already got yours to go with your stamp pads it’s a great time to get them.

Weekly Deals September 2 2014

And have you seen the Holiday Catalog project on page 14 using the Simply Pressed Clay? If not why not check out this video tutorial.

Cool right? And you can color your Simply Pressed Clay with our Reinkers – So why not get your Simply Pressed Clay this week while it is part of the Weekly Deals and get a great price? You’ll get a chance to get your holiday project done and save too!

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

Hostess code HKNSYMNZ

Header_PP50percent_July1614

Paper Pumpkin 50% Off First Two Months (expires September 10th)