PUMPKIN CARVING & Ms. MAD HATTER...

Today was pumpkin carving day!  My youngest daughter, Colleen, carved an awesome headless horseman pumpkin last week, but it has already shriveled up and I forgot to take a picture of it.  :o(  Today, my oldest daughter, Jenni, and her roommate, Bill, and I carved our pumpkins.  Here they are:

Bill's is the skeleton on the left.  Jenni's is the haunted house and spooky tree in the middle.  Mine is the scary pumpkin face on the right.   Here we are working on them.  Fun, fun!  Bill was shy and hiding under a hood, so he's not in the pic.

Colleen put together a great costume for Halloween - Ms. Mad Hatter.  She has her first Halloween party tonight, so I snapped some shots to share with everyone.  She looks awesome!  Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS CARD CLASS #3, Follow the Star to Bethlehem...

Oops! I've been buried up to my neck in my Stampin' Studio for the last several days and forgot to post!  I've been busy going through my retired products and updating my Retired 4 Sale list and cleaning my studio - I can see my desk again!

I spent an entire day and a half just putting together cards that weren't finished from classes (I don't always finish my cards in class).  None of those to share since they were all ones that have already been on my blog.  On the upside, I now have 45 cards done for Christmas and lots of cards made to give or sell!  Of course, that was only the ones I had all the pieces for or cards that only needed an inside.   Now I just have a HUGE pile of "pieces" to transform!  Pieces are little parts I've made that I decided not to use for certain projects or that I have left over that I need to make into cards. I hope to have some time to finish some soon!

Meanwhile, here is one of the cards from last week's Christmas Card class.  I kept it simple (but elegant) so that everyone could finish their 12 cards in the allotted  time.  I love this new stamp set (pg 43 in the Idea Book & Catalog).   It is perfect for making quick and easy cards.  Hope you enjoy it!

FOLLOW THE STAR TO BETHLEHEM SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Come to Bethlehem (W#118732 $19.95, C#120591 $14.95)
• Card Stock – Elegant Eggplant, Brushed Gold, Whisper White
• Ink – VersaMark
• Accessories – Basics Glimmer Brads (#121003, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Gold Embossing Powder, Shimmer Mist made with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (#116806, $5.95) and  70% alcohol
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#115953, $29.95)

CHRISTMAS CARD CLASS #3, Peaceful Reflections...

I held my October Christmas Card class (#3) last Saturday.  Jenni designed this card for the class with the Hostess Level 2 set from the Holiday Mini.  She's been wanting to make a card with an aluminum foil embossed background for a while now, so this was her chance.  With that shininess, it was very difficult to photograph, so this was the best I could do.  Enjoy!

PEACEFUL REFLECTIONS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Peaceful Season (Hostess Level 2), French Filigree (#113742, $14.95)
• Card Stock – Night of Navy, Whisper White
• Ink – VersaMark
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Silver Embossing Powder, Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
• Tools – Big Shot, Ovals Die (#114525, $15.95), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#116824, $7.95), Paper piercer & Mat

HOLIDAY BUNDLE PROMOTION UPDATE...

Holiday Bundle Update:  Due to vendor delays, the Decorative Label Punch is on backorder.  Since this punch is part of our Handmade Holiday promotion that started October 19, Stampin' Up! is offering two options:

   • You can continue to order the Tags til Christmas Bundle and receive the 20% off pricing. The Tags til Christmas stamp set will ship immediately and the Decorative Label Punch will ship as soon as they are in stock.

   • Or you many order our alternative Tags Til Christmas Bundle #2 that includes the Ornament Punch instead of the Decorative Label Punch. This bundle will be available throughout the promotion even when the Decorative Label Punch is no longer on backorder.

PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE online 24/7 at your convenience!  You can also call or email me with your order and I will place it for you.  Contact me if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Here is the updated Holiday Bundles Promotion info with pictures of the included products.  Don't miss out on all these great holiday products all at 20% off!

Holiday Promotion Bundles - 20% OFF!

Vintage Christmas Card Bundle

  • Bells & Boughs Stamp Set
  • Deck the Halls DSP
Wood: #124067, $23.92
Clear: #124068, $19.92

Contempo Christmas Card Bundle

  • Contempo Christmas Stamp Set
  • Jolly Holiday DSP
Wood: #124071, $20.72
Clear: #124072, $17.52

Tags til Christmas Bundle #1

  • Tags til Christmas Set
  • Decorative Label Punch
Wood: #124077, $38.32
Clear:  #124078, $31.92

Tags til Christmas Bundle #2

  • Tags til Christmas Set
  • Ornament Punch
Wood: #124478, $38.32
Clear:  #124477, $31.92

Gift Packaging Bundle

  • Gifted Stamp Set
  • Mini Lunch Sacks
Wood: #124083, $26.32
Clear:  #124084, $19.92

Simply Adorned Gift Bundle

  • Charming Stamp Set
  • Simply Adorned 1" x 1-1/4" Charm
  • Simply Adorned 24" Chain
#124076, $39.88

Frame Gift Bundle

  • Definitely Decorative Chunky Frame
  • Small Chocolate Chip Dotted Flourish Décor Elements
#124075, $19.92

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Faux Letterpress...

This is another technique from my Technique Thursday class. This one is the Faux Letterpress technique.  By inking up your embossing folder, you can easily add color to the just the flat portion or background of the embossed piece or to just the raised portion of the embossed piece.  This gives you an instant two color effect.  In my two examples there is a stark contrast between the two colors used.  However, one of my favorite uses is to use colors much closer in color for a more subtle effect.  Whisper White and Crumb Cake or Bashful Blue is gorgeous!

For this Halloween card, I went very dreary and monocromatic with just a pop of color in the sentiment to really showcase the contrast you can achieve with Faux Letterpress.  Technique directions follow the recipe.  The legs of the spider are achieved by using the top of the Bitty Bat punch on the edge of cardstock and then punching "over and around" just above the first punch.  You can also do this with the long side of the Round Tab punch.  Do this four times for your legs.  Enjoy!

FANG-TASTIC FAUX LETTERPRESS WEB SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Fang-tastic (W#120853 $24.95, C#121178 $17.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Wicked Fun Specialty DSP (#117400, $11.95)
• Ink – Basic Gray, Basic Black Classic, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango & Real Red Stampin' Write Markers, White Signo Gel Pen
• Punches – Bitty Bat (#119279, $15.95), 3/4" Circle (#119873, $10.95), 1/2" Circle (#119869, $5.95), Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval Punch (#119855, $15.95)  
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Spider Web Embossing Folder (#120889, $7.95), Stampin' Sponges

FAUX LETTERPRESS TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Ink the desired side of the embossing folder using a Classic Stampin' Pad directly or apply with a brayer.  For color on the "flat" portions of the card stock, ink the indented side.  For color on the "raised" portions of the card stock, ink the raised side.
2. Lay your cardstock on the inked side of the embossing folder and close. Run through the Big Shot in your normal sandwich: Multipurpose platform with Tab 1, standard cutting pad, embossing folder, standard cutting pad.
3. Carefully remove the cardstock and allow to dry a bit before using.

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Faux Suede...

Last night was my Technique Thursday class.  Most of the attendees are big time Halloween enthusiasts, so I had to make Halloween cards, of course!   For the first project, we learned the Faux Suede technique.  I thought that the texture lent itself well to the Spooky Halloween feeling.  I kept the card itself simple so that the Faux Suede piece would be featured well.  There is lots of texture though with the flocked paper, the Faux Suede piece, the lace trim and the glittery embossing.  Technique directions follow the recipe.  Tomorrow I will share another technique.  Enjoy!

I also did this version with the Faux Suede piece being embossed with the Spider Web Embossing Folder.  Ultimately, I decided that it "crushed" some of the Faux Suede characteristics, so I decided to go with the plain version that showed off the technique better:

FAUX SUEDE FRIGHT SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Midnight Raven (#116529, $7.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Wicked Fun Specialty DSP (#117400, $11.95)
• Ink – Cajun Craze, Basic Black Classic, Basic Black Craft
• Ribbon – Raven 1/2" Lace Trim (#120988, $5.95)
• Accessories – Iridescent Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Top Note Die (#113463, $21.95), Ovals Die (#114525, $15.95), Stampin' Sponges

FAUX SUEDE TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. This technique looks especially nice with black or dark card stock.
2. Curl a piece of cardstock between your thumb and your bone folder as if you were curling ribbon. Curl it in all directions until you see the corners start to separate.
3. You can also crumble or run it through a crimper many times.  The main idea is that you are breaking down the fibers of the cardstock to separate it.  The more you work your cardstock, the easier it will separate.
4. Stick your thumb nails between the two layers and slowly pull them apart. If you meet some resistance, curl your cardstock again. 
5. Voila!  You now have Faux Suede!  Isn't it fab?

BACKGROUND #2...

Well, I had the first blog background choice up for a day. Now I will put the second background up for a bit. Keep giving me your opinions, everyone!  I really appreciate it.  I need the clarity!  So far with all the comments and emails, opinions are EXACTLY divided.  Not even a little bit one way or the other. What to do, what to do?

AUTUMN SPICE BLOG REDESIGN...

I've been meaning to purchase the FABULOUS Autumn Spice Digital Kit Digital Download since it came out last week, but with the craft show last weekend, I've been behind.  Yesterday, I finally got time to purchase it and I spent all of last night playing with it and ended up redesigning my blog in My Digital Studio.  LOVE it!  If you've checked in today, you may have seen several different background versions.  I think I have it narrowed down to two now.  Either the Clean and Simple Stripe:

OR the Early Espresso Spice:

Which one do you like better and why?  Click the photos to enlarge to full size.  Please vote and help me choose my new blog background!  Also, what do you think of my new banner?  Too busy?  Just right Vintage Nouveau Fall?  Let me know your thoughts - I need your feedback!

I'm really loving this Digital Kit!  The Vintage Trinkets, Antique Brads and Crochet Trim Ribbon complement it so well.  Can you tell how much I LOVE My Digital Studio?  Now off to design more buttons for the blog!

20% OFF HOLIDAY BUNDLES FOR THE PERFECT HANDMADE HOLIDAY...

It's hard to believe, but the holidays are right around the corner--and Stampin' Up! wants to make your holidays more special than ever!  The ABCs of the Perfect Handmade Holiday will help you prepare for the holidays without all the stress.   From October 19 - December 16, 2010, we'll be offering you holiday bundles perfect for creating Amazing cards, Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts this holiday season--all at 20% off!

For local customers, book your fabulous ABC workshop today and let me help you take the stress out of the holidays while having fun with your friends, learning new techniques and earning FREE products!

Holiday Promotion Bundles

Bundle Description	Wood-Mount  Item/Sale Price	Clear-Mount Item/Sale Price
Vintage Christmas Card Bundle Bells & Boughs Set Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper	124067 $23.92	124068  $19.92
Contempo Christmas Card Bundle Contempo Christmas Set Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper	124071 $20.72	124072  $17.52
Tags til Christmas Bundle Tags til Christmas Set Decorative Label Punch	124077  $38.32	124078  $31.92
Gift Packaging Bundle Gifted Set Mini Lunch Sacks	124083  $26.32	124084  $19.92
Simply Adorned Gift Bundle Charming Set  Simply Adorned 1" x 1-1/4" Charm Simply Adorned 24" Chain	124076  $39.88
Frame Gift Bundle Definitely Decorative Chunky Frame Small Chocolate Chip Dotted Flourish Décor Elements	124075 $19.92

You can order these bundles online or through me via email or phone.  If ordering online, please be sure to order THROUGH my direct website rather than the general Stampin' Up! site and choosing me at the end (which I still appreciate).  By doing so, you'll get lower preferred prices, a lower minimum shipping cost and hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards for qualifying orders (FREE stamp set and $15 FREE merchandise with orders of $150 or more).

Also, if ordering online, right now many of  the Clearance Rack items are still available at the Blitz prices, but I'm not sure how long they will remain so as they have already changed the graphic back to the 60% off one.  Be sure to check them out quickly!  Especially the Christmas items listed here:  Stock Up for Christmas.

Not to be a broken record, but some people are still having difficulties shopping online, so I have added pictorial directions to help you out here:

SHOPPING MARIE'S STAMPIN' UP! STORE:
Click the pictures to enlarge.

To shop, Click HERE.  You will arrive at my website similar to the left picture.  Click "Shop Now" in one of the three spots indicated on the picture:  the large button on the lower right, the small one on the upper right or Shop Now from the Products pull-down menu.

You may want to bookmark this link:  http://mariestamps.stampinup.net.  You can always find it at the top right of my blog by clicking the Shop Online 24/7 button.

Once there, I should be designated as your demonstrator on the top left.  If at any time, you do not see my name (due to being timed out after you have been inactive on the site for a while), please go back to the beginning and sign in again.

There will be a menu on the left to help you find products.  There is always a choice for the current Mini Catalog and any special promotions.  You can also use the "Search the Store" option.  It is best to keep it to one word - the most unique word in the item you are looking for.  Example:  for the Day of Gratitude stamp set, choose Gratitude as your search word.

For the "Clearance Rack", be sure to click on the Show arrow (on the right side about half-way down) and choose All to see all the Clearance items.

If you have been inactive for a time, you may be timed out to the general Stampin' Up! site (meaning higher prices and shipping costs, no Stampin' Rewards) and that your shopping bag may be emptied.  Just come back and enter my site again from the beginning of the directions.

If you are still having problems, please do not hesitate to contact me.  That's what I'm here for!  I deeply appreciate you honoring me with your business!