December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas!

Hi all!

A quick Christmas post to share the card I made for close family and friends. I sent them off before taking a photo, but my sister took one and posted it. Thanks Anne!



Due to the depth of greens layered with mistletoe, layered with the ribbon and topped with pinecone embellishments, the post office charged me $2.50+ to mail my standard A2 envelope. I figured the card itself would have sold for much more than that, so the postage was worth it!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!!

Sue

December 22, 2016

Holiday Countdown!

Hi all!

A quick post to share another Secret Santa gift. With everything that goes on this time of year, I'm keeping projects pretty simple. Check out my popcorn pull!



I love how the images from the Layering Love stamp set work perfectly with the Sweet and Sassy Framelits.



Here is the popcorn surprise! This packaging works well with candy bars, hot cocoa packets and any number of things you can find on your grocers shelves.

Loosely wrap the DSP around the item, overlapping the ends to determine the width needed. I measured my popcorn sleeve and added a couple inches for the height. Add Tear N Tape to the back seam and to the bottom of the DSP, wrap the item into the DSP and seal. I used a retired slot punch to punch the holes in the top of my 'pocket'; a small circle punch will work too. Take a length of ribbon - I usually work with it while it's still on the spool. Make a 'U' shape with the ribbon and set your item in the bottom of the 'U'. Gently push the item and ribbon into the pocket. Thread the ribbon through the hole from the inside to the outside, tie it into a knot and trim the ribbon ends. If you're not clear about those directions, leave a note and I'll be sure to follow up with you.

Thanks for stopping - make it a great day!

Sue

December 20, 2016

Holiday Countdown!

Hi All!

Whether you are preparing for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or a gathering of family and friends 'just because', this time of year can get a bit hectic.

I finished the Christmas cards for my family today and got them to the post office. I got home and realized I didn't take a photo of them! I paid a fortune to mail them - $2.69 each, due to the thickness. Had I used a different type of envelope, it likely wouldn't have been as high - oh well. I'll ask one of my sisters to snap a photo so I can share them with you.

So, today I'll share the card I made for a friend who owns a business. I make 200 cards each year. This is the card he chose this year.


I enjoy hearing the comments from his customers each year. I enjoy reading your comments too so feel free to leave a comment below.

Be sure to take time for yourself this week! Take care.

Sue

December 15, 2016

Secret Santa Tea Light Box

Hello!

The holidays always bring opportunities for human resources professionals to plan some extra fun for employees. Monday morning I hung the Secret Santa bags at work for those who opted to participate.

My secret doesn't last long because most of the employees are aware of my paper, ink and stamp 'affinity':)

For the next week I'll share the treats this Not So Secret Santa is gifting.







This sweet tea light box is the first gift I gave. I totally cased fellow Pal Windy Ellard. If you'd like the measurements for this box, check out Windy's blog post here.

Do note that if you're using candles other than Yankee brand, you may need to tweak your measurements. Guess who has made this mistake in the past? It's always good to learn from the errors of others!

Cookie Cutter Christmas and Tin of Tags perfectly paired with the Candy Cane Lane DSP to create this sweet gift. Hope she likes it!

Make today a good one!

Sue

December 14, 2016

All That Sparkles and Shines!




Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for December 2016. We are thankful you stopped by to take a look at our new 2016 Blog Hop monthly themes.  This month our projects showcase products that can add sparkle and/or shine for a finishing touch. We hope to provide you with lots of ideas and that you enjoy our creations.

You may just be strarting the Blog Hop or may have come from the previous link from the Line-up on the Pals Blog Hop listing shown below. The full lineup will help you move along from blog to blog so you may see all the projects.

When I think of sparkle, I think of silver, gold, diamonds - oh which to choose??? Oh why not just go for them all - a girl can never have enough bling!!


To give a loose, space-like background, I used the Swirly Bird stamp set onto a piece of 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" black card stock , stamped it in Versamark - after using the Embossing Buddy on my card stock, of course. I then sprinkled gold embossing powder on sections of the image, tapped off the excess and covered the rest of the image with silver embossing powder and heat embossed the  images to bring out the sparkle and shine! Dimensionals were added to this piece and popped on to a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" cardstock base.


It's hard to see in the photo, but I used the Gold Wink of Stella pen to randomly add sparkle between the embossed images. The sentiment come from Confetti Celebration. I used the same embossing technique. Gold and Silver Metallic Thread were added to the back of the sentiment. I popped up that piece with Dimensionals and offset it onto the main image. Hmm - it calls for more bling - bring on the Rhinestone Basic Jewels and place them strategically on your project.

This card would be a fun for a New Year, birthday, anniversary, retirement or any other event that causes for celebration!

The mixed color embossing is a fun technique - be sure to give it a try!

Thanks for visiting. To continue with the hop, please refer to the Blog Hop Line-up below. We hope to see you on next month's Pals Blog Hop!

Blog Hop Line-up:  

December 13, 2016

Pet Sympathy


Hi all,

A sad post today. I received an email from my friend Laura on Thursday sharing the loss of their family pet, Dawson. Laura's son and mine are best of friends; both boys are college freshman, but at different campuses. They were in contact that night as well.

We've watched Dawson when Laura and family have vacationed; he was a sweet guy. I wanted the family to know how sorry I was for thier loss.


I used a heart shaped punch, 1" circle punch and the little heart is from the owl builder punch. The sentiment comes from Teeny Tiny Wishes. It was an easy card to create and I know the family appreciated it.

On to some happier news!

Last week I shared my BINGO! prizes for my BINGO! game at work and several people asked for a tutorial for the mini coffee cups. My weekend ran out and I didn't have time to create a tutorial, but I will share the link to the tutorial by Heidi Smith. Break out a piece of DSP measuring 5 3/4" x 3 1/4" and you'll be ready to go. You'll have so much fun making these cuties!



BINGO! WINNER

Those who left a comment on blog during BINGO! week were entered in a drawing to win a prize of their own. The BINGO! week winner is......

Michele Slater

Michele, please email me with your address and I will send you a package of Pearl Basic Jewels. 

Thanks to all for playing. Be sure to stop back tomorrow for the December Pal's Blog Hop featuring all that sparkles and shines!

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Sue


December 9, 2016

BINGO! Week

Greetings!

This is the last of my BINGO! prizes. I was off of work one day and truly had a miserable day; I don't even remember why - couldn't have been too serious! Later in the day I escaped to my craft space. I searched for a holder for Ferroro Roche candy. My son, Michael and I had been shopping at Best Buy. We had $115 in coupons to use that we received after purchasing his college laptop. In trying to use the last of the $$ I picked up Ferroro Roche candy figuring I'd use it in my crafts. 

After searching and finding this pattern, my spirits lifted. By the time I finished the first one, I was literally laughing! It takes only a bit of paper and glue to lift my spirits!


The prizes left from the BINGO! game will be given to random people with hopes of brightening their day. I have much more fun giving than receiving! I know one of these will be given in the Starbuck's drive through!

Be sure to leave a comment below to be eligible for a BINGO! prize.

Make today a good one!
Sue

December 8, 2016

BINGO! Week

Welcome back to BINGO! Week!

The BINGO! game at work is rolling along, still only one winner!

My BINGO! memories go back to my grandma, who we called Ma. My aunt and Ma ran a small 'rest home' as they were called back in the day. There were eight ladies who lived there who they cared for; I had lots of grandmas! Often when I'd go to visit, Ma and I would play BINGO! using dimes for markers. When I won, I was able to keep the dimes. I look back on that and realize she cheated so I could win. She was a wonderful grandma. Do you have any BINGO! memories?

Another of the prizes were holder for single Keurigs. I used retired paper and stamps, but think they turned out so cute! I'm always amazed at what you can make out of a bit of paper, some glue, inks and stamps - isn't it fun??



This is another tutorial I found on Pinterest. That site is amazing.

Would you like to win a BINGO! prize? If so, leave a comment section below. At the end of the week, I'll choose one winner who wins, BINGO!!

Thanks for stopping, make your day a great one!

Sue

December 7, 2016

BINGO! Week

Hi All!

I'm back with another BINGO! prize that I created. 

Who couldn't use a mini hand sanitizer to tuck in a drawer, purse or diaper bag? I purchased these for $1 each at Bath and Body. Lots of possibilities in decking these out!





Sorry, the second one is a bit fuzzy. I took them to work prior to checking my photos. I wanted you to se the inside. I followed a tutorial by Dawn Griffith.

This is a quick and easy last minute stocking stuffer - or BINGO! prize!

Would you like to win a BINGO! prize? If so, leave a comment section below. At the end of the week, I'll choose one winner who wins, BINGO!!

Hope your day is a great one!

Sue




December 6, 2016

BINGO! Week

Hi All,

'Tis the season and work is a little crazy. To lower the stress level and add a bit of fun to the day, I decided to play BINGO! There are sites that allow you create a game using your own words and the site then creates the BINGO! cards. I send out a word each morning via email and my work peeps are having lots of fun with it. I do have to say that I've heard grumblings that the game is rigged:)  I set it up so there are four ways for people to win, so far, only one winner!

If you're playing BINGO!, there has to be prizes, right? Ohhh, I had fun with that. This week I'll share prize items with you.



I love these mini coffee cups! I filled mine with Peppomint Lifesavers. This has been a great way to use some of my retired DSP!

I made these years ago and designed a holder for them, check out the tutorial HERE.

Would you like to win a BINGO! prize? If so, leave a comment section below. At the end of the week, I'll choose one winner who wins, BINGO!!

Hope your holiday preparation is going well. Take care!

Sue


November 30, 2016

Serene Scenery Magnetic Board Gift Set

It's the November Bonus Project* !!

Michelle Wecksler is the creator of this Magnetic Gift Board Set.

A simple sheet of steel can easily be transformed into a beautiful two-sided magnetic board for hanging your pictures and keepsakes!  This Serene Scenery Magnetic Board Gift Set includes a two-sided magnetic board, decorative magnetic photo pockets and a coordinating gift tag. Find out how to go from hardware store to home décor in this fun tutorial!


*Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row, putting the Craft Project Central badge on their blog, or by referring a friend and when they subscribe, letting us know.  To subscibe, click here.

Enjoy!


Sue





November 29, 2016

Sending Love Sneak Peak

Hi all,

I have an Occasions Catalog sneak peak for you today! The Sending Love Suite is a must have for Valentine's Day, anniversaries and little love notes throughout the year. The Sealed With Love stamp set and Love Notes Framelits Dies will be available as a bundle, which means savings for you!

The Craft Project Central #65 sketch was used to design this card.



Another product from the Sending Love Suite is the Sending Love Designer Series Paper Stack. I LOVE paper stacks! 48 sheets; 6 each of 8 double sided designs cut 6" x 6", all for only $10!!


Is that sweet little envelope too cute or what? There's another teeny square envelope framelit and sweet stamped images that fit perfectly inside. If you don't have a demonstrator, email me and I'll be sure to get an Occasions catalog sent off to you!

Enjoy your day. Thanks much for visiting!

Sue





Dragonfly Dreams

Hi all,

I enjoyed being a part of Craft Project Central this month. Creating a project for the CPC Card Challenge was certainly less stressful than creating my tutorial!

Come and play CPC#25!


I am loving Dragonfly Dreams and pulled it out again for this challenge.


I used a combination of Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo. The background is a piece of Inside The Lines Designer Series Paper from the upcoming Sale-A-Bration mini catalog. I had fun coloring with the new Watercolor Pencils. You'll be able to purchase them from the Occasions Catalog on January 4th. You're going to love them! 

I cropped the main image with the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits. I used another of the Thinlits to crop a detailed dragonfly from Vellum Cardstock. It looks like a shadow - fun!


I added Wink of Stella on my dragonflies; it adds the perfect sparkle. The sentiment is from Dragonfly Dreams.

Hope you enjoyed this card. I'm liking the funky color combo. What's your favorite color combo? Leave a comment below. I'll choose one random comment and will send the recipient a package of Pearl Basic Jewels. 

Have a great Tuesday!

Sue




November 27, 2016

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Greetings

Greetings all!

Today I have a Craft Project Central sneak peak from Sue Plote.

Children love to write a letter to Santa…and to get one in return!  The Greetings from Santa Stamp Set and Detailed Santa Thinlits Dies make it easy and fun to get a letter out to Santa and to get one back…and the Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Papers and Washi Tape are just the ticket to make this project adorable…and Santa approved!


If you would like to see the complete project, and learn how to make it, you'll want to subscribe for the month of November. With your subscription, you'll get illustrated, step-by-step instructions for 10 wonderful projects for only $10! You can find out how to gain access to a bonus eleventh project over at Craft Project Central.

Enjoy!

Sue

November 24, 2016

Christmas Fireplace Box and Card Set

Hi all,

Need a festive, handmade Christmas Gift for someone special? Well, here it is! This card set features the Hang Your Stocking Bundle and the Warmth & Cheer Designer Series Paper Stack. The box is a warm and cozy fireplace with Christmas stockings hanging from the mantle. There are also three different, coordinating Christmas card designs. Make two of each design to fill the fireplace box. This project would also make a great Christmas card class.  


Christy Fulk is today's guest designer at Craft Project Central. You can have the tutorial for Christy's project and nine others by subscribing to the November projects. Visit Christy at her blog, www.createwithchristy.blogspot.com.

Thanks for stopping. Until next time, take gentle care,

Sue

November 22, 2016

Be Merry Banner Gift Set!

Amanda Corbet has a fabulous gift set tutorial for you as part of Craft Project Central's November subscription. Click here to check out Amanda's other creations. Here's Amanda's sneak peak!

Deck your halls in a non-traditional style with this pretty banner. The flecks of gold are sure to add sparkle to this simple décor piece. Are red and green more your cup of tea? Easily switch out the colors to make a banner fit for your mantle. Looking for an easy holiday gift? Package up this beautiful banner in the matching box and present it as a gift with the coordinating card. This would make an excellent class project or hostess gift!


The rich gold accents throughout this project are stunning. Be sure to check it out at Craft Project Central.

Today is the last day you can win a FREE Craft Project Central (CPC) subscription by leaving a comment on my November 10th CPC post. I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, take gentle care,

Sue

November 20, 2016

Don't Miss the Online Extravaganza!

Make an online purchase from me this week and receive FREE gift from me!

Be sure to check out today's 24 hour flash sale!!













November 19, 2016

Christmas Cookie Cutter Tags and Matching Gift Box


Hi all,

Craft Project Central's guest designer, Pat Tecza has created a Christmas Cookie Cutter Tags and Matching Gift Box!  

Your holiday presents will stand out from the crowd with these charming tags!  You’ll have fun creating this set of 12 (three each of four different designs) gift tags and the matching lidded box.  The set is created in traditional colors for easy co-ordination and the tags are a generous 3” x 3” size for adding your personal message.  Use the tags and box separately for your gifts or give the entire set to a special friend!



You can purchase a beautiful photo tutorial for this project and nine others from the month of November from Craft Project Central.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my November 10th Craft Project Central post for the chance to win a FREE month of tutorials!

Thanks for stopping - make it a great day!

Sue

November 17, 2016

Fall Pumpkins - Throw Back Thursday

Hi all,

I took the day off of work yesterday to use my PTO before the end of the year. The day was filled with lots of errands and tasks.

One of my stamping groups has a random acts of kindness challenge going. Today I gave this card to an employee of a business I visited. Karen is always so very responsive whenever I call; she's a real sweetheart.



This is one of the first Stampin' Up! stamp sets I ever purchased and I still enjoying pulling it out in the fall.

Even though this stamp set is no longer available, use the layout with one of your favorite stamp sets!

I'm looking forward to the weekend. My niece and three munchkins are coming for a weekend visit. Lots of hugs and kisses for me! Hope you have something that brings a smile to your face this weekend.

Until next time, take gentle care,

Sue

November 16, 2016

Forget Me Not Perpetual Calendar & Cards

Meg Holland is today's featured designer on Craft Project Central.

Forget Me Not Perpetual Calendar and Cards! 

How often do you forget the important events in your life?  One solution for you is to use this lovely Perpetual Birthday + Love, Happiness and Life Calendar, using the Hello Lovely Project Life Collection by Stampin’ Up!.  Each month is designed to document not just birthdays, but other happy events you want to remember.  Also included in this tutorial are designs for 12 greeting cards stored in the Project Life Envelope Pages in the back of the calendar.  This would also make a great gift for someone special!


The tutorial for this project and for all of the other Craft Central Projects featured on my blog this month are availalbe on the Craft Project Central site.

I hope you're enjoying all of the great sneak peaks this month!

Until next time, take gentle care,