Monday Monster Mash Halloween Count Down Blog Hop - Week Nine

It's week number nine of Shirley Sumption's Monday Monster Mash Halloween Count Down.  I'm running about two weeks behind on this one and am trying to play catchup.  This past two weeks has been hectic with so many doctor appointments and family things happening.  Sometimes life gets in the way of fun!
Speaking of fun when you have time hop on over to Shirley's blog and check out Frankie White's fabulous entry for week eight.

Her card is just too funny!  Frankie designed this
card at the last minute, using the Howl-o-ween Creeps stampset (123827w/123829c) from the Holiday Mini. These little Halloween monsters are having such a great time doing the Monster Mash. Love the light bulbs!  Oh and listen carefully because  you can almost hear the music playing in the background!  No wonder Frankie was the winner!!!! What an awesome card.

While you're visiting the site make sure you check out the other entries because they're simply awesome too and leave some comments for these great projects, they're all very deserving!  

Okay so on to Monday Monster Mash Halloween Count Down Blog Hop Week Nine.  Shirley hasn't even posted yet so I'm sure to make the time line this week.....lol! 

For this week's challenge I chose the A La Card Monkey Challenge sketch #76 from September 30th.

This is a great sketch that lends itself to easy interpretation, and while my entry is a Halloween card, I can envision this sketch being used for just about any occasion.  Wow that sounded a bit heavy and dramatic!

Speaking of dramatic how'd you like this Crow?  I think he's the epitomy of FRIGHT!!!  Although this stamp set featured in last year's catalogue has retired, I know he'll be in my Halloween stash for sometime.............. just can't part with him!

My card base is Very Vanilla layered with a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock that was texturized using the new Houndstooth Embossing Folder.  I've added a Top Note Die Cut from the Pick Your Poison (124001 pg 10 Holiday Mini) that has been jazzed up by adding Basic Black Top Note die cuts on either side.  The edges of the Pick Your Poison paper have been distressed using both Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie inks. 

Bat images were stamped using Basic Black Ink, Versa Mark and Black Embossing Powder to the top section of the DSP.  A second piece of cardstock that was texturized using the Stripes Embossing folder, was run through the Big Shot on the short side of the Top Note Die cut.  See how it fits perfectly across the center of the card.  I've added 3 basic pearls coloured black with a Sharpie Marker. 

For this Lollie base I used a 1 1/2" x 12" strip of Pick Your Poison DSP that was scored every 1/4" on my brand new Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334 pg. 7 Holiday Mini).  What fun that was.  A scalloped oval layer was adhered to the top of the Lollie and then the SPOOKY image from the Wicked Cool stamp set (118738w/120600c pg 24 IB&C 2011/12) was stamped and embossed over top of an orange spider image from the reverse side of the Lollie DSP. 

And here's the inside of the card with it's beautiful spooky crow.

Well that's it for this week.  Remember there's still time to participate.  I hope to see your entry this week!  
Here are the rules:
1. It has to be Halloween, card or 3D item.
2. It does not have to be 100% SU 80% is ok.
3. Yes using Retired is OK...
4. Use this Monster Mash Badge/Graphic in your post and a link back to Shirley Pumpkin's blog: http://lookatmycutestuff.blogspot.com/
5. Add your card to the blog hop then put the code on your post.
6. You can enter as many times as you like, but each entry has to be a new card and a new post.

Stampin Queen Sketch Challenge #7

Wow this week really went by in a flash.  It's week 7 of the Stampin Queen's Sketch Challenge and here's a look at their amazing sketch:

When I looked at this sketch for the first time I really liked the lay out but was a bit intimidated by the bows. However the more I thought about the fancy sentiment, the bows and scallop, it began to remind me of an old saloon or parlour we had visited in Silver City. I began to envision old wall paper and wainscotting and to tell you the truth the bows began to remind me of a showgirl's fancy garters. Where is all this leading to? Well my card definitely had to be along the vintage line and incorporate all of those ideas.  I hope you can envision them like I did.

I chose Very Vanilla for my card base and added layers of Basic Black and Wisteria Wonder in 1/8" increments.  The next layer was First Edition Specialty DSP (121878) that was been distressed around the edges with Wisteria Wonder ink and the butterfly from Bliss was stamped off in the background.  The motif from Baroque Motifs was embossed on it with Versa Mark and Wisteria Wonder ink and Clear Embossing Powders and the new Dazzling Details (12417) from the Holiday Mini was used to add a little sparkle to the motif.  The sentiment is from  Sincere Salutations stamped in Wisteria Wonder ink on Very Vanilla and punched out with the Scalloped Oval Punch.  A small basic rhinestone was adhered over top of the "O" in the word "YOU".  The Wisteria Wonder layer was punched out with the Extra Large Oval Punch.  The final layer is a Basic Black oval scallop die cut.  

A 1 1/2"  layer of Basic Black card stock was used for the bottom layer of the card.  This piece was run through the Stripes Textured Embossing Folder and the Eyelet Border punch was used along the bottom of the strip.  Two pieces of the 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon in Wisteria Wonder were attached to the black strip.  I didn't want to use two bows so chose instead to add two butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Sizzlet die.  I did tie a small bow with the Ruffled Ribbon and attached it to the larger of the two Butterfly images.  3 small basic rhinestones add some bling to the center of the smaller butterfly. 

The inside is fairly plain.  There is one layer of the First Edition Specialty DSP layered with a Top Note Die cut in Wisteria Wonder.  I didn't add a sentiment at this time.

And that's what I intended as my entry for this week, the only problem was that I missed the cut off by 10 minutes.  That's what happens when you leave things to the last minute!  Oh well.  Another challenge next week and maybe I'll be on time.    Hope you've enjoyed this one. 

Happy Thanksgiving to All My Canadian Friends and Customers

Thanksgiving Day has arrived and I wish everyone a wonderful day filled with love, wonderful celebrations with your family and friends and all the things that make it such a very special holiday.  

History of Thanksgiving in Canada:
Wikapedia states that in Canada the origins of the first Thanksgiving celebration goes back to an explorer named Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher's Thanksgiving celebration was not for harvest, but for homecoming. He had safely returned from an unsuccessful search for the Northwest Passage, avoiding the later fate of Henry Hudson and Sir John Franklin. In the year 1578, Frobisher held a formal ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for surviving the long journey. Years later, the tradition of a feast would continue as more settlers began to arrive to the Canadian colonies.

The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving can also be traced to the French settlers who came to New France with explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century, who also took to celebrating their successful harvests. The French settlers in the area typically had feasts at the end of the harvest season and continued throughout the winter season, even sharing their food with the indigenous peoples of the area. Champlain had also proposed for the creation of the Order of Good Cheer in 1606.

As many more settlers arrived in Canada, more celebrations of good harvest became common. New immigrants into the country, such as the Irish, Scottish and Germans, would also add their own traditions to the harvest celebrations. Most of the U.S. aspects of Thanksgiving (such as the turkey) were incorporated when United Empire Loyalists began to flee from the United States during the American Revolution and settled in Canada.

Since 1957 Thanksgiving has been celebrated in Canada on the second Monday of October.  Thanksgiving in Canada falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the United States

What's In the Starter Kit

Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator Our Starter Kits, created exclusively for new demonstrators, contain Stampin' Up! essentials you'll need to get started in your new business. You can choose between the standard Starter Kit and the Digital+ Starter Kit.  Both Starter Kits are customizable allowing you to choose products that you want to run your business your way. The standard Starter Kit includes Four complete stamp sets (including a clear-mount set and clear-mount block) A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge Assortment of Designer Series paper and card stock Four Classic Stampin' Pads Two Stampin' Write markers VersaMark Pad Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon Songbird Décor Elements and applicator Adhesives Blender pen Stamping sponge Stampin' Scrub and Mist Box of Idea Book & Catalogues Business forms and tools The Digital+ Starter Kit includes My Digital Studio software suite Three complete stamp sets (including a clear-mount set and clear-mount block) Assortment of card stock Four Classic Stampin' Pads Two Stampin' Write markers Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon Brights Designer buttons Songbird Décor Elements and applicator Adhesives Stampin' Scrub and Mist Box of Idea Book & Catalogues Business forms and tools If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20 % discount on your favourite 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.*   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 $215--contains over $425 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! Take advantage of this exclusive "Big Shot Promotion Offer" and choose the Starter Kit that best matches your stamping and paper-crafting interests, and you'll get over $425 of Stampin' Up!'s high-quality products for just $215.   Click here to get started.  Watch the demonstrator video to learn more about being a demonstrator and then click on the JOIN NOW button.

  *See First Impressions Video
**Big Shot Dies are sold separately

Clearance Rack Has Been Updated - October 1st !!!!

Stampin' Up! has  added more items to the Clearance Rack in the Online Store, including some holiday products!

There are lots of great deals.  I found the batty punch I forgot to order before it was retired in June and some great wide striped ribbon and Christmas rub-ons for the insides of my cards.    Can you see me doing the happy dance!!! 

These new deals will go fast so make sure you don't miss out.  Check it out today, there's lots of great deals you can find on high-quality, discontinued Stampin' Up! products in the Clearance Rack. Use my on-line store to order by clicking here. 

Just a reminder that all Clearance Rack items are non-refundable and only available while supplies last.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:04:43

October Promotion - Be A Big Shot!!!

If you've been thinking of joining my team as a Stampin' Up! demo but have been holding back for that great starter deal.............you needn't wait any longer!  From October 1st to 31st you can explore your own creativity and take advantage of this fantastic Stampin' Up! opportunity.  

When you sign up you'll get a FREE Big Shot (or up to $125 in free Stampin' Up! products) just by joining the Stampin' Up! family! Start your Stampin' Up! year strong, while sharing the fun and creativity of Stampin' Up! products with your friends, family, and neighbours.

Still hestitating, ask yourself:

• Do I want to get Stampin' Up! catalogs before everyone else?
• Do I want to purchase new Stampin' Up! products before everyone else?
• Do I want to earn FREE Stampin' UP! products?
• Do I want to earn some extra money?
• Do I want to get a discount off my Stampin' Up! orders

If you answered yes to any of these questions then maybe it's time to think about joining my team.  Even if you want to remain a hobby stamper this is a fantastic time to sign up under this promotion, because you'll earn demonstrator perks through March 31st, 2012 with NO OBLIGATION to purchase or sell anything further. 

Still not convinced, then here are some of the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demo:

• EARN  a 20% product discount on orders you place
• EARN a 30% discount off your first qualifying order order of $200 if redeemed within 45 days of joining Stampin' Up!
• Have the ability to pre-order new lines of products before your customers
• Annually receive a Birthday discount and birthday card from Stampin' Up on your special day
• Monthly you'll receive a free subscription of the Stampin' Success Magazine (only available to SU demos).  This fabulous magazine shows you what's new, introduces you to successful demos, and gives you business tips you won't get elsewhere.
• You'll receive automatic FREE membership to Stampin' Connection, SU's on-line web site for demos that includes valuable links, galleries and forums - and is a fabulous source of information and way to meet new friends
• Videos and tutorials to help you grow your business and learn new skills
• Great opportunitues to earn incentive stamp sets and trips (think FIJI 2013)
• 2 FREE months of a personalized Stampin'Up! on-line store and blog with the options of signing up for a low monthly fee of $15.95 after your trial date
• Participate in Regional events, Convention (join me July 2012 in Salt Lake City), Leadership.  These are fantastically fun social events for Stampin' Up! demonstrators
  

If you're interested and want to learn more:

• Click HERE to learn more about the Starter Kit.
• Click HERE to learn more about the Business Opportunities
• Email ME with your questions.

Ready to Join Now?

Click HERE and then click on the JOIN NOW link on the left hand side of the screen.

Simply Sent Kits! Awesome Promotion

Buy two Simply Sent Kits and get a FREE coordinating stamp set! 

Today is the beginning of a new Stampin' Up! Promotion that will last until October 31st, 2011.  Have you checked out the Simply Sent Kits in the Idea Book and Catalogue, well if not, they 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.   These would make an ideal Christmas present for someone you love who hasn't ventured into the world of paper crafting yet!   Buy any two of the following Simply Sent Kits:

Page	Item	Description	Price
192	122375	Simply Sent Great Day Kit Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, So Saffron, and Whisper White.  Kit contains:  8 printed cards, 4 sheets self-adhesive coordinating accents, 8 Whisper White small flower buttons, 8 precut Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon strips,  8 White envelopes.	$15.95    
193	122377	Simply Sent Everyday Elegance Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White.  Kit contains 8 printed embossed die-cut cards, 16 self adhesive tags, 8 white envelopes )	$14.95
193	122376	Simply Sent Sweet Moments Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, River Rock, Whisper White, and Wisteria Wonder card stocks.  Kit contains:  8 printed, die-cut edged, gable-fold cards, 16 die-cut tags (8 each of 2 designs),  4 precut Pink Pirouette 5/8" Satin Ribbon strips, 4 precut Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon strips, 84 adhesive-backed pearls (24: 3mm; 60: 2mm), 8 White envelopes (5-3/4" x 4-3/8")	$16.95 

And get a FREE coordinating stamp set:

Page	Item	Description	Price
192	123682	It's Your Day	$10.95
192	124685	Es tu día (Spanish It's Your day)	$10.95
192	124800	C'est ta fête (French It's Your Day)	$10.95
193	123686	Everyday Wishes	$11.95
193	123684	You're Cherished	$10.95
193	124865	Chérissons les anges (French You're Cherished)	$10.95