Perfect Handmade Holiday

Create Amazing cards,

Beautiful packaging,

and Cherished gifts

this holiday season!

Now until December 16, 2010, choose from these gorgeous Stampin' Up! holiday bundles- perfect for creating cards, gift packaging, tags, and gifts- all at 20% off!

If you are in Hilo, Hawaii, be sure to visit my calendar here. Classes featuring these bundles will be available in November and December. Classes are free when you purchase your bundle. All events are held at my home in Hilo, near Waiakea Intermediate School, directions will be provided upon receiving your RSVP. Seats are limited. RSVP early! Contact me with any questions.

If you are interested in classes, and are unable to make the date, consider hosting a workshop in your home or mine. Gather a few of your friends, and I will be glad to show you all how to create beautiful projects using Stampin' Up! products.

Happy Stampin'!

Mojo Monday 160

Wow! I always feel guilty when I miss a day of blogging. However, I was creating! Yesterday was my mother-in-law's birthday. I made her a 12x12 framed scrapbook page of my kids, along with a card, of course. I wish I had taken a picture of it to post here. I don't do scrapbooking too often. Oh! But I did start a Halloween scrapbook of my kids. I shall post some pics this week.

Since I was busy yesterday, I completed my Mojo Monday creation today. This is the sketch:

Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Whisper White, Peaceful Season Hostess Stamp Set, Soft Holly Stampin' Around, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Pearls Jewels

I wanted to do a Christmas card today to experiment with colors. My next SU! order will be all my Christmas supplies, so I must figure out which green and red I will be working with this year. This combo of Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive is okay. I think I just used too much white! Yikes! I'm looking at Riding Hood Red and Wild Wasabi also. I haven't decided yet. I must play more!

Well, it is getting late. My daughter had no school all last week, and this week I am having a hard time waking up at 6am to get her ready for school. I'm actually yawning while blogging and watching Y&R. Talk about multi-tasking!

Thanks for stopping in! Good night!

BCAM Nugget Box

I have another pink project to share with you today in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I was craving chocolate all week. I went to Walmart planning to raid their Halloween candy aisle. To my surprise, there were no Hershey's Nuggets. I know they come out with special Nuggets during Christmas, and I had thought they have it during Halloween also. I could be wrong. Well, I ended up in the regular snack/candy aisle buying the small bag (good! less calories should I eat the whole bag by myself!)  My favorites are Milk Chocolate with Toffee & Almonds, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, and Cookies & Cream... Just in case you plan to send me some! Ü

Why nuggets? Yes, I know they come in full-size bars, and it's better to buy just one bar, eat the whole thing, beat myself up about it, then forget it... But I'm a crafter, and I love to wrap them!!! Ü

Lap of Luxury DSP, Acetate

Sorry, the ribbon is not from SU! I'm not sure the brand, I bought it years ago, while I was making wedding invitations

Isn't this box just darling?! I love creating boxes for chocolates. Here I used an acetate slip-on cover. A cardstock cover could easily be used also, but it's so great to see the goodies inside!  Ü

I will have to post the box instructions later. I got dimensions from somewhere and I didn't note it, but the cover didn't come out great, and I had to do the math, cut, score, and construct my own. Check back soon.

I think I may be making more of these today. That way I will stop eating them!! It's harder to eat when they're all so pretty.  Ü

Thank you for visiting. Go get yourself some chocolate... you deserve it!



Papercraft Star Challenge 16

Today is boring! It's Friday and my kids don't seem to have as much energy as I do right now. My son fell asleep watching his favorite movie, Toy Story. It's 11am and he's still in his Buzz Lightyear pajamas. He won't let me take it off! I won't force him either. His obsession with Buzz and Woody is so darn adorable! He will be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween, so check back after October 31 to see the cutest Buzz ever!! Ü My daughter is stamping right now. Her grandma's birthday is on Monday, and I gave her a card project to create for her.

Since my kids were occupied with their own things, I had time to play! I created this card for Papercraft Star. BTW, they are on a mission to get 1,000 followers (they need 187 more!), and if you are one of those first 1,000 followers, you are entered to win a $25.00 gift certificate! C'mon! For free craft supplies... it's not hard to click "Follow." They've got awesome weekly challenges, and the members that participate have such great ideas and can provide great inspiration for your next project. So here is my card:

Whisper White, Old Olive, Wicked Fun DSP, 5/8" Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine, Brights Brads, Brights Buttons, Ticket Corner Punch, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimensionals

*Digital Stamp from Bugaboo Stamps*

Isn't Halloween so much fun? The image is from Bugaboo Stamps. Because this week's Papercraft Star Challenge is sponsored by Bugaboo, I decided to feature their image on my card. Frank is my favorite Halloween character, especially when he's all cute and cuddly. It's his eyes, isn't it?! Ü  Well, here, I watercolored him, added Dazzling Diamonds glitter to his knobs, and Crystal Effects to the candy corn. The picture doesn't show much of it all... Shucks!

I had so much fun with this challenge. I look forward to participating in more of PCS challenges!

Ugh, now I'm bored again... my son is still sleeping and my daughter want to stamp more. Okay! Stamping it is!

Thanks for stopping in.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer is a scary thing to think of. I think many of us ignore the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness. Well, we know it exists... that's not good enough. 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer... 1 in 8! It could be me, it could be my family, my friends, my customers. Early detection and effective treatment decreases the risk of death caused by breast cancer. Know what to look for, and take the time to educate yourself about breast cancer. Visit BreastCancerAwareness.com.They have great information about breast cancer, including facts, tips, prevention, and screening.

For more information about breast cancer visit these great sites: Pink Ribbon, Susan G. Komen for the Cure (find your local Race for the Cure), and Komen Hawaii (breast cancer awareness events in Hawaii)

Pink is the official color for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I created this collection of cards:

Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, Very Vanilla, Lap of Luxury DSP, Silhouette Sentiments Stamp Set, 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval Punch, Extra Large Scallop Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Cirlce Punch, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, 5/8" Victoria Lace Trim, Basic Pearls Jewels

I only now noticed that there is no pink on that card. Oops! Sorry.

I really like this Lap of Luxury DSP. I regret not buying Style Beautiful Stamp Set that coordinates. That will be in my next order.

I'm thinking of handing out pink business cards this month with my info and breast cancer awareness facts.

I hope you take the time to learn more about breast cancer and how detect it. Remember the best protection is early detection. And share your new knowledge with others you love. It may sound silly, but your husband or boyfriend can be your best reminder and supporter. I cannot tell you how many times my husband asks me if I have done a self exam. To tell you the truth, I usually haven't done one in months before he reminds me. I am blessed!

Thanks for stopping in today. Hope you enjoyed my BCAM cards. I will be posting more pink creations throughout the month. Stop in often.

Fun Flashing Jack-o-Lanterns

If you're a follower of my blog, you know very well that I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!  Ü

I was worried that I would not be able to find an appropriate Halloween gift for my daughter to share with her classmates. She attends a Christian private school, and there are rules (which I am very thankful for) prohibiting candy, witches, ghosts, goblins, and the other fun (but still not appropriate for school, I agree) Halloween elements. I was advised that pumpkins would be allowed. I hope Jack-o-lanterns are okay, he is smiling!  Ü

Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Wicked Fun DSP, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch

Using my computer and home printer, I printed "Have a Safe & Happy Halloween   Jesus Shines in You" on Whisper White paper

To make the wrapper (note: it is not an enclosed box, it is open on the sides), cut DSP to 2 1/4" x 5 3/4", score at 2 1/4, 2 3/4, 5, 5 1/2. Use a 1/2" Circle Punch to make a hole at the top for the cord to come through. This will keep the jack-o-lantern from coming out of the wrapper.

I found these cute gifts at Walmart for $1. It is a necklace and there is a button on the back to switch on the blinking light. They come in orange, pink, green, and blue. The faces are all the same... smiling!  Ü

Halloween safety is important. If you don't have some type of reflector or light for your child, please get one. Again, this one is only a dollar at Walmart, but there are the orange sticker type reflectors that are under a buck for a sheet of about 10. Every year I have my kids wear a blinking light. Because they don't like it, I clip it to the back of their costume, so they don't know it is there. If you have an infant or toddler, wear the light for them. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you are confident that you can keep your child safe, you can't always trust that drivers will see your child. It's scary, yes! But please be safe and enjoy your Halloween night.

OMG...Awesome CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ!!!

Okay, I don't visit the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack often... until NOW!!! SU! is having a Clearance Rack Blitz. What does that mean? You save even more, now until October 18, on clearance items! Up to 80%!! It is just awesome. If you fancy getting great quality products from Stampin' Up! for cheap... You have got to check it out!

Ink, cardstock, DSP, Sizzix dies, and RIBBON & EMBELLISHMENTS galore! Pretties kit, corduroy brads (great for holiday card making and scrapbooking!), build-a-brads, and ribbons- double-stitched, taffeta, gingham, striped, polk-a-dot... OMG! Just check it out for yourself here. Click Shop Now on the bottom of the page, and browse the Clearance Rack.

One of my all-time SU! favorite colors is Chocolate Chip... and there is so much Chocolate Chip yum! yum! clearance goodies!!! Some are under $2!! I better get on it before they run out... It's while supplies last, so check it out today!!

I'm so excited! Can you tell? Count the exclamations. Ü

Gotta go shop. You should do the same Ü

Thanks for visiting!

Jolly Old St. Nick

OMG! 80 days 'til Christmas!

I'm really dreading the holidays this year. For my readers in Hawaii, you can imagine the shock I am about to face... I often had a trouble shopping for the perfect gifts for family and friends in Honolulu (yes, even with Ala Moana, Pearlrige, Waikele and Windward Mall), and now I am about to tackle holiday shopping in Hilo (at the Plaza?!) For my non-resident readers, I have moved from Hawaii's capital city to a small "big town" on another island, where we have one tiny mall on the island, some small shopping centers, and NO Toys R Us!!! LOL. Is there even a toy store here? I know KB closed down years ago.

It seems I will be doing all of my shopping online. Problem there is that you cannot always rely on shipping to arrive in time during holiday season, shipping can be expensive (usually, if they don't offer free shipping, I don't buy!), and I have to pay shipping out to my family in Honolulu. I'm thinking about flying to Honolulu (alone-without my kids *crossing fingers*) for Black Friday. That will decrease my shopping funds by (what is interisland airfare nowadays?) 160?? Oh my... I'm begging, if you live on the Big Island and have any holiday shopping tips and tricks to share, I would love to hear them. Ü

Wouldn't it be nice if all my family members were stampers... Stampin' Up! gifts for everyone!!  Ü 

Okay, enough blabber... I do have a set of cards to share with you:

Featured: Jolly Old St. Nick Stamp Set (Holiday Mini Catalog)

Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Jolly Old St. Nick Stamp Set, 1 3/4 x 7/8" Oval Punch, Extra Large Scallop Oval Punch, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Pearls Jewels

Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Jolly Old St. Nick Stamp Set, 5/8" Victoria Lace Trim, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen

Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Jolly Old St. Nick Stamp Set, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

I'm not yet ready for Christmas, both shopping and stamping. This is the first Christmas set I have purchased for the new Stampin' Up! IB&C and Holiday Mini Catalog. If you've seen Friday's post, not much of that was Christmas. I'm still having fun with Halloween and I'm preparing for Thanksgiving. I've got so much on my holiday wish list, I'm afraid I'll go crazy when I place my next demonstrator order.  Ü

I have lots of plans for this set. Check back soon... I will be making tags next.

Thank you for visiting!

SSC 171

It's been a while since I've visited Stamping 411. They post awesome sketch challenges. Usually I check them out, but don't make the time to participate. I loved this week's sketch so much, I made time!  Ü

I love simple clean sketches... Seriously, I completed my card in 10 minutes!

As promised, I am working to love green and the Woodland Walk DSP. It's starting to work. I was really pleased with the outcome of today's creation. Here it is:

Whisper White, Garden Green, Woodland Walk DSP, Growing Green Stamp Set, 5/8" Victoria Lace Trim, Blender Pen, Basic Pearls Jewels

You may have noticed that I don't always stamp sentiments on my cards. Most of the cards I make are versatile and can be used for many different occasions. I stamp my cards right before I use them as gifts. This way, I don't have to search through a stack of cards for a Thank You, and find everything but. It's really great to have blank cards on hand.

Hope you enjoyed this card. If you've visiting from Stamping411, and are posting your card after me, leave your blog address as a comment, I would love to see you creation.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mojo Monday 159

I am exhausted! I recently got over a cold, although I am still a little conjested at night and early morning. But yesterday, I drove to Kona (90 miles, 2-1/2 hours) alone with my kids to stock up with goodies from Target and Costco. Boy! Yesterday was not a good day for my son. He usually sleeps on the drive over, but not this time. Ugh. The drive home wasn't so bad. He got about an hour nap in. When we got home, they both went crazy!! I went crazy! And I konked out at about 7pm while I was putting my son to sleep. I woke up at 10pm, jumped out of bed to realize my husband fell asleep, too. My daughter had tucked herself in, the table wasn't cleared, the dishes weren't washed, and my garage was wide open. OMG! When do I ever get a break?!  Ü

Even after my long day yesterday, I was still able to squeeze in some time in my stamp room for Mojo Monday. Yes, I'm an addict and that's what addicts do!!  Ü

Here is the sketch:

I was stumped on this challenge, because of the wavy cut on the bottom. I don't have any Sizzix dies that will cut that from the bottom and I'm not good freehand with scissors. So, I tore it. I thought it worked perfectly with this Thanksgiving card.

More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Autumn Spice DSP, Day of Gratitude Stamp Set, 5/8" Victoria Lace, Stampin' Dimensionals

I apologize for the poor photo. It's been pouring rain all day in Hilo and the light in my stamp room isn't as great as I would love it to be...and the flash on my camera makes it worse. Yuck!

Someone asked me a question about tearing paper. Yes, there are tools out there, such as The Tearing Edge, which you can order from me here. I choose not to use tools to tear paper. When I tear, I think of what I want my edge to look like. Then, I draw a line across my paper with a Blender Pen or Aqua Painter. Moistening the paper makes it easier to tear, and it will tear just where you want it to. Tearing dry paper isn't too difficult either. Just do it slowly, you could easily tear too much off.

Thanks for stopping in today. Visit soon or sign up to receive my blog posts via email (the FeedBlitz widget on the left sidebar).  Enjoy your week!

Wicked...

Every year, I make a bucket of goodies for my kids, nephew, and little cousins. Since I've moved, I'm unsure whether I will be doing so this year. To ship a box of that size would cost more than the goodies are worth. Hmm... I'm sure I'll send them all something, so I made a few Halloween 3x3 cards.

Wicked Fun DSP, Rich Razzleberry, Cajun Craze, Wicked Cool Stamp Set, 1/8" Rich Razzleberry Taffeta Ribbon

I punched the DSP with 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch and adhered using Stampin' Dimensionals over Whisper White with the witch hat image stamped in center. Sponged with Cajun Craze ink.

The witches shoes are my fave stamp of this set. I can see myself using it even after Halloween is over.

Spooky stamped in Cajun Craze and punched with 1 3/4 x 7/8" Oval Punch, Cajun Craze CS punched with Extra Large Scalloped Oval Punch

Web stamped in Old Olive on Whisper White and punched with 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Old Olive CS punched with 1 3/4" Scalloped Circle Punch

This is a really fun Halloween DSP and stamp set. I also own the Nite Owl and Dark & Dreary stamp set. I had lots of fun playing with those, too... but this one is more fun... and more kid-friendly! Well, anything with candy is kid-friendly... Scary things become invisible when sugar is present!  Ü

I've got a couple more to make. I will post my final Halloween gifts for the kiddies when I figure out what I'm going to do.

Check back soon. Thanks for visiting.

Tote-Ally Awesome Opportunity!!

Tote-Ally Awesome Opportunity!! {Two Weeks Left!}

New recruits who join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator during from now until October 18, 2010 will receive this adorable Tote-Ally Awesome craft tote (valued at $39.95) FREE with the purchase of their Starter Kit.  **Hurry! While Supplies Last!)**

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote

•100% twill nylon exterior; 100% nylon interior   •Dimensions: 15-3/4" x 7-5/8" x 8-7/8"   •Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport   •Center section fits 12" x 12" card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter   •Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly   •Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories   •Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads

Click here to view this Opportunity Flyer

Click here to Learn More about Becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Contact Me Today to Get Started Right Away!!!

Day of Gratitude for Autumn Spice

I am thankful for Autumn Spice DSP... Thank you, Stampin' Up!

If I could wallpaper a few areas of my house with these designs, I sure would! The rich earth tones make me feel happy. Here are some happy cards I created:

Autumn Spice DSP, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Day of Gratitude Stamp Set, 5/8" Victoria Crochet Trim, 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon

Here, I layered the Victoria Lace Trim over Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon

Don't you feel warm?

I love this stamp. It must be beautiful multicolored...but I don't have the patience or precision skills for that. If you do, please share! I would love to see.

I enjoy this stamp set and DSP. My new fave for now! The DSP is so lovely, you can complete a beautiful card with simple stamping.

Again, if you plan to make Thanksgiving/Autumn cards, scrapbook pages, gifts, and/or decorations, get the Autumn Spice DSP. It works great alone or with the coordinating stamp set, Day of Gratitude.

I will have more Thanksgiving cards for you soon. I will think about autumn scrapbook pages, too; although, we do not really have the autumn season in Hawaii.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy World Card Making Day!

Today, October 2, 2010 is World Card Making Day. I got a late start, as I don't usually spend my weekends in my craft room unless I am playing with my daughter. So here are my cards for the day, dedicated to all who read my blog posts. Happy World Card Making Day!!

Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Woodland Walk DSP, Growing Green Stamp Set, Curly Cute Stamp Set, Natural Hemp Twine, Scallop Trim Border, Basic Pearls Jewels

Yay! A masculine-ish card!

This basic card took me a long time to make. I'm really not a fan of green. it's hard to design when the colors are not my usual taste. I think it worked out okay.

I love line art. Color it... Don't color it... It really doesn't matter, it's still beautiful.

I thought I would enjoy the Woodland Walk DSP more than I am right now. I was really excited about the wood grain sheet, and that set the compulsion to buy it. Because I don't care too much for the color green, I'm having a difficult working with it. Usually the more I play with my products, the more I get to liking it. All the more reason to keep playing!  Ü

Hope you had a wonderful World Card Making Day! Comment with your blog, I would love to see your creations. Thank you for stopping by.

Autumn Spice

I'm in love... again!  Ü

If you plan on making Thanksgiving Cards, scrapbook pages, gifts and/or decorations, you MUST get the Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper. This set of DSP is beautiful. The colors are so rich and the designs scream "AUTUMN!"

Sorry! This picture doesn't show how lovely this set really is.

The paper is also a lot thicker than Stampin' Up!'s other DSPs. In fact, this set of DSP is thicker than SU! cardstock, about close to the weight of SU! textured cardstock. I almost never use DSP for a card base, because it isn't heavy enough to hold layers and embellishments, but I am considering using the Autumn Spice DSP to create a box of Thanksgiving cards. I wasn't planning on making too many Thanksgiving cards. But after seeing, feeling, and loving this paper, I will be ordering much more to make LOTS of cards. I want this paper to last forever!

Sorry, no creations yet. I've been spending my time ogling my new goodies... I don't know where to begin! Ü

Check back soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Whoooooo-hoooooo!!!!!!

Can you tell I'm happy.... Look why!

Yikes! It didn't look like this much a few hours ago... & I'm still not ready for the holidays. There is more on my wishlist.  Ü

New stamp sets, DSPs, cardstock, embellishments, ribbon, ink pads... oh my!

To my surprise, when I picked up my daughter from school, her teacher said to me, "Bye! No school all next week!" I thought she was joking. Next week is Fall Intercession. OMG! Where have I been?! It's a great thing I'm not employed, otherwise I would be in big trouble.  Ü

I bought a Design-a-House pack to make with my daughter (in the pic, top right corner), and now we have all week! She can help decorate my house and yard, too. Yay! ...After I dig in the storage closet for last year's Halloween stuff that was never unpacked... no yay!

Okay, I have to stop babbling... I'm gonna go play now! Whoooooo-hoooooo!!!!!!

Thanks for visiting!