Traditions...

We have a tradition in our little family that I started when my oldest was two. Being a teacher, I of course love books! I started collecting Christmas literature many years ago. I buy lots of books through the Scholastic Book Orders, as well as half priced book stores. I decided that for our "Countdown to Christmas," my kids would unwrap a book each night until we got to Christmas Eve, where the book of course would be "The Night Before Christmas."

Our book collection has grown considerably over the years. Now we get 2-3 books each night (we use the same ones each year!) My husband and I would grinch each year as we spent an entire evening in November wrapping all those stinking books! So, this year I splurged and bought gift bags (Ok, 2/$1.00 isn't really all that bad, thank you Dollar Tree!)

And those plane old bags needed a little dressing up! I used Stampin' Up's Two Tags die and a couple of punches to make simple, easy to read tags. My girls know that each night, they look for the next number and we open that gift. We snuggle up as a family and read them right then! Its a fabulous tradition!

So, how long do you think it's going to take my 2 year old to notice these??? LOL! And how many times will I be restuffing these bags over the next 25 days?? AHHH! :-)

Pinecone Punch Art- PPC #26

Hi everybody! This week at The Paper Players Challenge, they are encouraging you to get out your heat gun! I love embossing and do it alot. My heat gun stays plugged in in fact!

My idea for this card looked a lot better in my mind... sigh.. don't you hate it when that happens! :-( My pine cone just wouldn't shape right. Oh well...

I punched a BUNCH of wings from the Two Step Bird Punch. I ran each of them over the Whisper White Craft Ink pad and sprinkled some white embossing powder over each one. I layered them from the bottom up. I topped it with Real Red Striped Gross Grain Ribbon. The sentiment is a rub on from the Candy Cane Rub Ons and punched with the large oval.

Thanks for stopping by!

Only two more days...

OK friends, only two more days for you to take advantage of Stampin' Ups Starter kit for 50% off. I know your thinking about it!

If you spend lots of your own money on SU every month, this is the deal you do not want to let pass you by. Even if you don't want to be a working Demonstrator, this is a fabulous investment in products!

Plus, if you sign up under me by Tuesday night, I will throw in an extra stamp set! Wow! Does it get any better that that?

Look what is included! Most things are interchangeable so you can get exactly what you want in your kit!

Standard kit has 4 stamps sets, 4 ink pads, markers, a wheel, Decor Elements, ribbon, adhesive, cardstock, Designer Paper, clear mount block, blender pen, Stampin' Scrub, Stampin' Sponge, Ink Refill, and Stampin' Dimensionals.
Included are $310 worth of SU supplies for only $87.50 (no shipping!) I can think of several of you off the top of my head who spend this on a monthly basis!

Here are a few more details:

• Take 30% off your first $150 Stampin' Up! product order (placed w/in 45 days).
  


• Save 20% on all other orders
  


• Pre-order from the 2011 Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration catalogs starting Dec. 1. Sale-A-Bration is around the corner and free stamp set opportunities multiply!
  


• Enjoy tons of learning tools, including video tutorials on the Stampin' Up! demo site.
  


• Sign up on line and enjoy instant benefits. Go to http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/ericacerwin/ Click on Start Your Own Business, and the password is Pink Buckaroo.
  


• IT'S GOOD TO KNOW: There's no penalty to drop and you keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount! You'll enjoy full demonstrator privileges through March 31, 2011. To remain active beyond March 31, 2011, $300 in product sales is required.
  


• JOIN MY TEAM! When you sign up for your starter kit with me, you become a member of my personal downline.

So, if your addicted to Stampin' Up like me, then now is the time!! If you have questions about this amazing offer, please do not hesitate to call me (210-865-1264) or email me at any time!

Scrapbook Saturday

Drive by post today... Were traveling back to San Antonio, and it will take all.day.looong.... Hopefully my two year old won't drop her drawers in the middle of the airport while looking for a potty this time! Traveling with three children is so much fun {NOT!}

I made the little note pad by copying and pasting an image from Google! The pencil was stollen..uhm, I mean accidently taken... from IKEA! ;-)

Added a little dimension to my trees with a variety of buttons!

Last Day to Register for Got Gift Cards? Class

Today is the last day to register for my Got Gift Cards Class. It is available as a "To Go" class or as a class at my house!


What: Got Gift Cards Stamp Camp
When: Saturday, December 4, 2010 10 am- 12pm
Where: My House!
Cost: $15, or FREE with a $25 purchase the day of the event!

RSVP: Please confirm your place no later than Friday, November 26. Payment is required to hold your spot. If you decide to place a purchase the day of the class, you will receive $15 credit towards your purcahse of $25 or more!

*Prizes to anyone who:

Registers a Friend

Places an Order the day of Class

Books a Workshop

Don't live in town? No problem! Get the class To Go!
Cost:$20, plus $4 for shipping. All supplies will come with supplies pre cut, stamped and punched as well as directions for assembly.

Email me if you have any questions!

Happy Thanksgiving! (CCMC !)

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Today's challenge at Create with Connie and Mary is to make a Thanksgiving favor! How fun! I used these fabulous test tubes to make these fun favors.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude

Ink and Paper: Autumn Spice, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler Stampin Write Marker, Early Espresso (Marker)

Other: Big Shot, Match Box Die, Heat Gun, Clear Embossing Powder, 1" Circle Punch, Daffodil Delight Gross grain Ribbon, Antique Brads, twine

So, what kind of Thanksgiving treat can you come up with? Make sure to hop on over to CCMC and show us!

Noah's Ark Punch Art

My Sister In Law if having a baby and her theme is Noah's Ark. Well, of course, I had to make a boat using some punches!

I was inspired by Carrie Gaskin's Snoopy card and made my boat using the Word Window punch in the same manner she did. I used masks (punched circles and scallop circles) and a Stampin' Sponge to make the rainbow and clouds.

I inked the heck out of the boards using Early Espresso and a Stampin' Sponge.

I used lots of Stampin' Diemensionals!

And the PERFECT sentiment for the inside!

Dasher Returns!

This single stamp called Dasher was one of my favorites last year. He has been collecting dust this year, replaced by newer stamps. But, I resuced him fro the dust bunnies and put him to get use!

Stamps: Dasher

Ink and Paper: Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP, Very Vanilla

Other: Big Shot, Nestabilities, Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Scallop Trim Border

My projects were inspired by the JUGS color sketch and the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge .

Unbelievable Thanksgiving Week Sale!!!

The've done it again! Stampin' Up has an amazing sale this week! Just call it Black Friday all week long!

You can get up to 50% off selected merchandise. Plus, orders of $150 or more receive FREE Shipping! $150 orders also qualify to receive a FREE Hostess Level 1 set and at least $15 more in free products.

Please click HERE to view the flyer that shows everything on sale. You can email me with your order, OR shop on my online website, found HERE.

PPA69- Clean and Simple

Clean and Simple... why is this concept so hard for me??? Well, this is as close as I get! This week at Paper Pal Arts, the challenge is to use fabric or ribbon and keep it clean and simple!

I used the Candy Cane Designer Fabric and just ripped a couple of strips and tied a bow on Crumb Cake CS. I used those cute little vintage tags and stamped a u in Early Espresso. Punched a heart using the Two Step Owl punch and popped it with a Stampin' Dimensional. Add a designer button and, Voila! Done!

Reminders:

• Have you ever consdered signing up and "getting the SU discount?" Looking for a way to earn some extra money to supplement your family budget? Now is the best time ever! Click HERE to find out why.
• Only 5 days left to register for Got Gift Cards class.
• Need some help getting your hubby to put Stampin' Up goodies under the tree for you this year?? Email me for my wish list and let me talk to him! I'll make it so easy he won't be able to resist! I'll even gift wrap it for you! No more ugly fuzzy flippers!!
• Check back later today for all the details of Stampin' Up's Online Holiday Sale! It's going to be HUGE!
  
  

Simply Amazing!

Have you been thinking about becomming a Stampin' Up Demonstrator? Have you ever thought "I spend so much, I should be getting the dicount!" Well, there has NEVER been a better time to join.

Starter kits; 50% off plus FREE SHIPPING!

Now through November 30th, you can join the Stampin' Up! family and my team for only $87.50. That is half price! You can purchase either the Standard or Digital + Starter Kit at 50 % off the regular price..... plus free shipping!

HOBBY STAMPERS ALERT! From NOW until Nov. 30, you have an incredible opportunity to purchase a Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for $87.50 (1/2 off the regular price of $175). The kit includes over $300 worth of products (and free shipping) with many substitution options available. There's no obligation to sell, hold workshops or purchase anything further!

Here are a few details:

• 
  Available Nov. 15 thru Nov. 30!
  
• Take 30% off your first $150 Stampin' Up! product order (placed w/in 45 days).
  
• Save 20% on all other orders
  
• Pre-order from the 2011 Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration catalogs starting Dec. 1. Sale-A-Bration is around the corner and free stamp set opportunities multiply!
  
• Enjoy tons of learning tools, including video tutorials on the Stampin' Up! demo site.
  
• Sign up on line and enjoy instant benefits. Go to http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/ericacerwin/ Click on Start Your Own Business, and the password is pinkbuckaroo.
  
• IT'S GOOD TO KNOW: There's no penalty to drop and you keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount! You'll enjoy full demonstrator privileges thru March 31, 2011. To remain active beyond March 31, 2011, $300 in product sales is required.
  
• JOIN MY TEAM! When you sign up for your starter kit with me, you become a member of my personal downline.

So, if your addicted to Stampin' Up like me, then now is the time!! If you have questions abou thtis amazing offer, please do not hesitate to call me (210-865-1264) or email me at any time!

Scrapbook Saturday!

It's Saturday, so that means time for a SB page! This week, I was dying to scrap the pictures of my oldest winning her ribbon at the Art Festival!

I needed to get a lot of pictures on one page here. I cropped the business out of the ones on the bottom and did a kind of film strip look across.

I used SU Day of Gratitude in pastel colors around the edge of the tag. I LOVE this set and truly hope it makes a return in the main catalog next year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday's Best

It's that time again- my favorite Sunday Challenges!

Colors from the Curtain Call were a little bit challenging for me at first since I am in Christmas mode, but I ended up loving them!

Sketch is from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

I wanted to include these super cute little lunch sacks from the mini catalog. I cut mine and sewed it up the sides so it would fit. They come scalloped like that already. I included a small pull out sentiment inside!

Stamps: Apple Blossom, Because I Care

Ink and Paper: So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, In Color DSP Stack, Very Vanilla

Other: Daffodil Delight Gross grain Ribbon, Mini Lunch Sacks, Sewing Machine, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Round Tab Punch, Antique Brad,

SCIC #29- Season's Greetings

The beautiful challenge this week at Stampin' Celebration is fabulous! I love white pumpkins!! I want everything in these pictures to be in my house!

I drew from the door image as well as the woodgrain texture. I love the white and decided to go that way with my wreath!

Stamps: Four the Holidays, Northern Hearts, Woodgrain

Ink and paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla Craft ink

Other: Heat Gun, White Embossing Powder, Metallic Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Distressing Tool

Now, your turn! Hop on over to Stampin' Celebration!

Feeling all Blue... Create With Connie and Mary #125

This week at Create With Connie and Mary, we have a fabulous sketch challenge for you! Check it out!
For this card, I made my own DSP! I used a variety of "Thanks" sentiment stamps. I stamped them with Versa Mark on Pacific Point CS and embossed them with clear embossing powder! Cool, eh?

Stamps: Word Play, Thank yous from random sets....I can't even remember all the ones I used!

Ink and Paper: Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Versa Mark, Pacific Point DSP

Other: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Basic Rhinestones, Decorative Label Punch, Marina Mist Striped Gross grain Ribbon

Now, its your turn! Hope on over to CCMC and give it a try!

PPA- Purple for Christmas? Yes!

I normally only like traditional colors for Christmas. But, this year, I've been trying out some non traditionaly ones and I kinda like it!

This week at Paper Pal Arts, the inspiration is just that!

I had fun playing with these colors!

Stamps: Tags Till Christmas, Tiny Tags

Ink and Paper: Concord Crush DSP, Chery Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Other: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Ornament Punch, Tiny Tag Punch, Basic Rhinestones

Will Stamp For Food!

Did I get your attention?? LOL! Well, I wanted to tell you about an AMAZING promotion Stampin' Up is offering!

Starting today, November 15th you can join the Stampin' Up! family and my team for only $87.50. That is half price! You can purchase either the Standard or Digital + Starter Kit at 50 % off the regular price..... plus free shipping!

HOBBY STAMPERS ALERT! From NOW until Nov. 30, you have an incredible opportunity to purchase a Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for $87.50 (1/2 off the regular price of $175). The kit includes over $300 worth of products (and free shipping) with many substitution options available. There's no obligation to sell, hold workshops or purchase anything further!

Here are a few details:

• 
  Available Nov. 15 thru Nov. 30!
  
• Take 30% off your first $150 Stampin' Up! product order (placed w/in 45 days).
  
• Save 20% on all other orders
  
• Pre-order from the 2011 Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration catalogs starting Dec. 1. Sale-A-Bration is around the corner and free stamp set opportunities multiply!
  
• Enjoy tons of learning tools, including video tutorials on the Stampin' Up! demo site.
  
• Sign up on line and enjoy instant benefits. Go to http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/ericacerwin/ Click on Start Your Own Business, and the password is yousignupnow.
  
• IT'S GOOD TO KNOW: There's no penalty to drop and you keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount! You'll enjoy full demonstrator privileges thru March 31, 2011. To remain active beyond March 31, 2011, $300 in product sales is required.
  
• JOIN MY TEAM! When you sign up for your starter kit with me, you become a member of my personal downline.

So, if your addicted to Stampin' Up like me, then now is the time!! If you have questions abou thtis amazing offer, please do not hesitate to call me (210-865-1264) or email me at any time!

Just Add Christmas- Snow Globe Ornament

This week at Just Add Ink, the challenge is to Just Add Christmas! Well, I've been doing nothing but Christmas for a while! I have seen lots of snow globes using the sweet treat cups on the web, so I took a swing at it. I made mine an ornament, or a gift tag.

Stamps: A Cute Christmas (To and From on the back), Sweet Snowglobe
Ink and Paper: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Other: Big Shot, Snoflake #4 die, Sweet treat Cups, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 1 3/4 Circle Punch, 2 3/8 Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Real Red Striped Gross Grain Ribbon, Twine

Got Gift Cards? Class to go available too!

Got gift cards??? I do! Yep, I give a lot of them! And, you can't just give a gift card rattling around inside a plain old card, can ya? Nope! You need an adorable, handmade gift card holder that says "I care enough to give you something you can use, but also enough to make it handmade! ;-) Right??? Well, I have planned a holiday class just for that!

What: Got Gift Cards Stamp Camp
When: Saturday, December 4, 2010 10 am- 12pm
Where: My House!
Cost: $15, or FREE with a $25 purchase the day of the event!

RSVP: Please confirm your place no later than Friday, November 26. Payment is required to hold your spot. If you decide to place a purchase the day of the class, you will receive $15 credit towards your purcahse of $25 or more!

*Prizes to anyone who:

Registers a Friend

Places an Order the day of Class

Books a Workshop

Don't live in town? No problem! Get the class To Go!
Cost:$20, plus $4 for shipping. All supplies will come with supplies pre cut, stamped and punched as well as directions for assembly.

Email me if you have any questions!

Cherry Cobbler Christmas

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Snow Swirled, Northern Hearts, Paisley Party Wheel
Ink and Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Other: Big Shot, top Note Die, Designer Buttons, 1 3/4" circle punch, 1' circle punch, twine, glue dots, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Colors and Sketch today by:

Color Throwdown
Clean and Simple

Scrapbook Saturday!

In honor of my friend Jessica, I've decided to designate Saturday's as "Scrapbook Saturday!" She is after me to show some more SB pages! Thanks Jess! ;-)

I've fallen behind in my scrapbooking, and with three kids, you know I can't fall behind too far or I will never catch up! So, as a way to make myself scrap pictures and not just do cards, I am going to showcase at least 1 page ever Saturday. Maybe even more!

Not everything I use on my SB pages is SU because I have an unbelievable stash of stuff I can't ignore! LOL! But, I did use my favorite Big Shot die, Tasteful Trims, to make that cute curvy border. I also used Wicked Fun stamp set and the SU Bat Punch.

The title, Haloweena 2.0, references the costume. I made that for my first daughter and Emma wanted to wear so it so badly. I've never used a costume twice, but this one was definitely a keeper!

Operation Gratitude

Happy Veteran's Day everybody! I have some very special pictures to share with you! As I've told you before, my real job is being a Teacher in a wonderful elementary school. One of my stamp club members is our counselor, Donna Van Allen. She approached me with an amazing idea last summer and I jumped at the chance to help!

Donna was the brains and the majority of the muscle behind this huge undertaking she named Operation Gratitude. The idea was to make packages of 12 greeting cards, one for each month, to give to families of deployed personnel. On a school holiday, she and I set up the cafeteria and invited the community and staff to come stamp! We worked together to come up with 12 simple cards that anyone, including students, could make.

I took some pictures, but don't have them all. you can see some of them set up on the tables.

The staff jumped right in! I was most impressed with the willingness of our male teachers! There was lots of joking going on, but they did take it pretty seriously and were so proud of their end product!

Our fearless leader, Principal Mark Rustan, even got his hands dirty!

So, we packaged them up and ended up with 1200 cards! WOW!!


So, today our school had a Veteran's Day Town meeting. Donna invited many important military leaders from the local bases to come and accept our gift.

My two daughters, along with Donna's two kids and another student from school, were asked to present the baskets to the military dignitaries. My girls, were so excited!

Donna and I didn't get a picture together (or at least one I approved of!), but you can see her here standing behind her kids!

Being a former military wife, and knowing how hard it is to have your spouse away in a combat zone, I was so excited about this project. I truly hope all 1200 cards are used and sent by loved ones in the coming year!

Now that's a cool way to use my stamp! :-)