Skating carnival

The Strathroy Skating Club held their to the Big Top and Beyond Carnival this afternoons. The kids all did a wonderful job. Its a tribute to all the coaches, and volunteers and kids to hold a show of this calibre. Jenna was a Lion and a Tight Rope Walker this afternoon. It was nice to see how much she has progressed this year. Good Job Jenna. Glad Dad and Aaron arrived just in time to see your 2nd group number.

We are off to scrapbook and raise money for Cancer too

Jenna and I are packing our supplies for a day of scrapbooking at an all day crop to raise money for Cancer. What fun!

Hopefully we'll have pictures to post later. Have a scrapping day!

Thanks Heather!

My Stampin Up upline, Heather is on a well deserved vacation in Hawaii. You earned it Heather. Hope you are having the time of your life!

Thanks for all your inspiration and support. This card was made especially with you in mind.

Webkinz Cotton Candy Rabbit.

We purchased this little guy as a birthday gift for Jenna's friend. I told Jenna that if Mikenzie got another one she could bring this one back home and I would get her

different one of her choice.

Well it didn't turn out that way. Mikenzie decided to keep both her Cotton Candy Rabbits and I'll have to buy my own to sit beside "GerBear" my Canada Day Build a Bear. I just think he is too cute and would look great sitting out for Easter and maybe a little longer like my Dickens Village that sits out all year long on top of my living room book case.

March Break is over and I must say we had a good time. Back to work for 8 am tomorrow. This is a good week to go back to work though because I work Mon. Tues. and Wed. 8-4 as school support. (This is probably my favourite week of the 6 week cycle.)

Thursday and Friday I hope to get some errands and things done. Saturday Jenna and I are going to an all day scrapbook/stamping day in Arkona. (anyone want to join us)and then Sunday is Jenna's skating carnival at 1 pm at the old arena in Strathroy.

Branching Out

This card using the new Branching Out set CASED directly from the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea book.

I did add texture by using the Cuddlebug Script Embossing plate on the card front, a Chatterbox Gromet for the tire swing and Stampin'Up's Crystal Effects to give the rain boots their shine.

Supplies: Branching Out Spring/Summer 2009 Greeting from Serene Spring (retired spring2009)

Cardstock: Really Rust 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" card base Cuttlebug Script folder , Wild Wasabi 5 1/2 x 3" torn along long side , Garden Green 3 x 4" , Cream 2 3/4 x 3 3/4"

Inks: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Wild Wasabi, Riding Hood Red

7" ribbon Chatterbox Rivet , Crystal Effects

Warning: Don't try to use the silicone rubber pad in your Big Shot

I tried using my new matchbox die this morning but had trouble with the fold lines cutting through. I was talking on the phone to a friend while I did this so warn you not to make the same mistake. I thought I had the crease pad and not the silicone rubber texture pad in my sizzix sandwich. I sent it through without the top acylic pad and it did nothing. So next time I added the top acrylic pad and now I have a silicone rubber pad in the shape of the bottom portion of the matchbox. If only I had taken more care and checked the directions I wouldn't have made the costly mistake.
Marie has a tutorial on how to use the silicone rubber and a texture place in the Big Shot

This is what I should have done instead.
Patty Lynn writes on Splitcoaststampers
This crease pad is to be used on Sizzix dies that have score lines on them (i.e. Pillow Box). I have a Big Shot...so this is the sandwich I use (bottom from top):- cutting pad- two plastic shims (come with the crease pad)- die (facing up)- cardstock- crease pad.

Now I'll just have to replace my silicone rubber sheet with my next order.

Serene Spring

Since I now own some Stampin' Up Cardstock, I will be adding supply list when I post cards using Stampin'Up products. From time to time I will use some non stampin up ribbon or embellishments because I need to use up my stash before I can justify replacing them.

This is a retired set I recently purchased. Serene Spring has a really cute bunny in a basket too but since the first signs of spring are here I wanted to celebrate them. I also used my new Friendly Words Wheel to decorate the bottom of the card. Still practicing my water colouring. I used ink pads and a fine paint brush this time. The layout and colours of the card was inspired by a Spring Mini from 2007. See, I always said the old Idea book and Catalogues and minis are worth keeping for the ideas in them.

Supplies

Serene Spring retired in 2009

Friendly words wheel Spring and Summer 2009 Idea book and catalogue

Dear Friend word stamp

Cardstock: Bashful Blue 4 1/4 x11" card base

Wild Wasabi 3 x 4" torn along bottom edge

Cuttlebug Tapestry Embossing Folder

Chocolate Chip 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 "

Water Colour paper 1 1/4 x 2 3/4"

Ribbon 13 "

2 small brads

Paper saving idea for use with new Match box die

My mom is a dressmaker by trade and she taught me well. I hate to waste fabric or paper for that matter. I was pleased when I came across a video by Patty Bennett about an easy way to use a 12X12" paper with the new matchbox die. She got the idea from Lisa Freeman and here is a copy of her template.

Lisa had another tip on her blog. Take one with you to the dollar store to see what items will fit inside. What a great idea. Especially if you are looking for favours.

New Webkinz named after Stampin' Up Designer Paper

Jenna and I went shopping for a birthday gift for a friend's birthday party and she talked me into getting her one too. She chose the new rabbit for her friend and the blue whale for herself.

She asked me to help her name it so I gave her suggestions and she said no to all of them, Then I thought of Bella (a Stampin' Up Designer paper) which is not blue but she liked the sound of it. So now Jenna has a whale with a designer paper name.

Happy Spring Equinox

The calendar says Spring is here. We have been treated to some Spring temperatures the beginning of this week. Sure didn't like the snow that was falling last night though.

Enjoy the sunshine and it will warm up soon!

Projects from Stampin Up Regionals held in London on the weekend

These are some of the projects we completed at the Stampin Up Regionals held in London last weekend.

There were so many wonderful demonstrators willing to share their enthusiam, support, projects, business information and talents.

As a relative newcomer to the demonstrator side of Stampin Up, I wonder why it took me so long to sign up.

If you are at all interested in becoming part of the Stampin Up family, now is the perfect time to do so. In addition to the Sale-a-bration perks there is an option to use the Three Easy Payments Option for the Starter Kit
Dates: March 13-April 30, 2009,

Contact me for information.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I picked up some Happy St. Patrick's Day while in the US for a few days so in order to use it this year had to make a card today. It was inspired by Heather Summer's punch class, a photo on Becky's blog and a post I saw on Cathy's blog. My version is missing something and after looking at Cathy's version noticed I had to add a nose. I did and it looks more complete. I won't post anothe r photo, Just imagine a nose on the mustache.

I used the tab punch, scallop and circle punches, medium oval, 1/2 small oval folded for mustache and added for hair and belt, small circle punch and I cut a rectangle for pants

Hope your St.Patrick's Day was filled with laughter, joy, happiness, bliss, delight which is out of the set we received at London Regionals.(I can't remember the name right now)

The ribbon and the shamrock stamp are not Stampin' Up.

We have just returned from a mini vacation in Sterling Heights Michigan. I would highly recommend the Best Western Inn for a mid winter getaway. The waterpark kept the kids busy for hours. Click on the picture for their video. I'm working on ours but have a lot of work to do to edit out the sound of the water.

Jenna's new friend

After dinner today Aaron and Jenna went to the games arcade in the hotel to spend $10.00.

They came back with an adorable turquoise bear and a fist full of tickets they can redeem tomorrow when someone is at the counter.

This mini vacation is just what the doctor ordered.

Some R & R and some quality family time too!

The shopping deals don't hurt either!

You know you are addicted when.

We went to Sterling Heights Michigan for a mini vacation and stopped at Archivers. Jenna and I checked out with our selection of cool new products and my husband Arthur asked if we were done yet. I thought he wanted us to leave. Instead he was disappointed we had checked out already because he found some archival page protectors for 1st day issue stamp pages.

Photos from Stampin Up Regionals in London Ontario

A friend sent us this picture taken yesterday at Stampin Up Regionals.
thanks Barb its a great picture.
I've also been tagged in the back row in this photo of the Heather Summer's downline group, The Shining Stars.

It was a fun day with lots of project ideas and lots of business ideas too.

It was so nice to see so many people I have met over the last 7 years I have been involved in stamping.

I Rolled up the Rim and won!

A friend bought me a winning coffee this afternoon when we were on our way home from Stampin'Up London, Ontario Regionals. Instead of saying Please Play Again it said gift card.

The cup says $100.00 I'll let you know when I redeem it.

Yahoo!

Thanks Eliz!

ps: I went to redeem the prize but was told I have to fill in a form and mail it away. 6-8 weeks is what it says on the form. Hopefully it will be here sooner.

Scrapbooking In & Out of the Box

Thurs. April 16, 7-10 pm
or Sat. April 18, 1-4 pm
$30.00
Registration required.

You will be amazed at how simple it is to create a gift Mom will cherish.

When this scrapbook in a box is opened a beautiful scrapbook page appears like magic. It will bring joy to anyone who receives it.
In this class you will make
* 1 scrapbook in a box
* 1 scrapbook page
* 1 co-ordinating gift note.
These beautiful projects feature the Petal Party Simply Scrapping Kit, and the Best Wishes and More stamp set from Stampin Up. Bright colours and bold flowers make these projects bloom.
Can't make a class? It is available as a kit.

Every good knight deserves a dragon

Every good Knight deserves a dragon. I wasn't sure I liked this one until I had it all together.

My attempt at watercolouring

This is one of the Stampendous Good Knight images that just had to be watercoloured. I still need practice but am feeling a bit more comfortable with this whole watercolouring thing.

The heart embellishment is one I had laying around. The "may all your wishes come true" stamp, the watercolour paper, the Baha Breeze cardstock and the scallop punch used are from Stampin Up.

More from my Sale-a-bration Workshop

Another card from my Sale-a-bration Workshop today. It too was inspired by a card on the cover of the catalogue. Just addded some buttons, gems and circles with crystal effects. The greeting was stamped with white ink and embossed with white embossing powder.

Its a Sale-a-bration Workshop

Here are some cards I made for my Sale-a-bration workshop this afternoon. Two were cased from the Sale-a-bration Catalogue. Can you guess which ones? Comment and you will be entered into a draw for some blog candy.

(not all of the embellishments are from Stampin Up. I have to use up some things from my stash before I can justify buying more)

Almost forgot: Received these lovely birthday cards

Thanks to my friends Lizz and Eliz, I received these lovely birthday cards a couple of weeks ago.

Neat Printing trick for mulit page tutorials

I have been downloading some class tutorials that have 20+ pages in them and discovered a way to print them up as 8 1/2 X 5 1/2" booklets on both sides of the paper. Check your printer settings and you may be able to save paper and ink too.

Daylight Savings Time Change

A sure sign of spring. Its time to turn your clocks one hour ahead. Don't forget to change your smoke detector batteries too!

A Purse for every reason!

It's been a happy mail day. My order of chipboard purses arrived today. Can't wait for my new paper to arrive so I can do my class sample. I'll post a photo when I get the suitcase purse done.

Class Dates. Friday March 27, 2009 7:00-10:00 pm

or

My quest continues.

In my quest for a Fairytale Castle, I have found the cutest stamps.

The wooden ones are this Spring's edition of Stampendous' buy 2 get one free set.

The acrylic ones are from Imaginese and are from the Fairest of them all set. I did not buy the frog or the duck. I had to show some restraint after all.

Off to find a castle

I picked up some really cute knight in shining armour stamps (there's a story behind this one. My dad always said my husband Arthur is King Arthur of the round Table)yesterday while in Sarnia with a friend and am off to find a castle. Lasting Impressions had a cute trifold castle card on display and I've been intrigued by Nikki Fairbairn's Castle book for Pink Cat Studio's release of Enchanted Lily stamps.

I know EK Success, Bare Essentials have castle chipboard albums and Maya Road has a crown one.

I may just have to come up with my own design and cut it with my Wishblade.

I'm off to find my castle for my prince charming or at least some chipboard.

ps. Thanks Eliz for a wonderful carefree day yesterday.

You're Invited

Just a Sunny invitation using some Sale-a-bration goodies.

The green ribbon is part of the ribbon bundle 114618. The stamp is from Polka Dot Punches 113788. The patterned paper is from Delicate Dots Designer Paper Pack 114674.

(The You're invited is not a Stampin Up stamp)

4th Annual Arkona Scrapbooking Day

Come join the fun at the 4th ANNUAL ARKONA SCRAPBOOKING DAY and help support Cancer at the same time!!!WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2009. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.WHERE: Arkona Seniors' Hall (beside firehall)COST: $40/person which includes scrapping room, snacks, lunch AND supper, door prizes, free "Make and Takes", etc. Proceeds go to Cancer!You can also shop while you crop! Scribbles and Scraps is bringing the store to us, plus there will be consultants there from CTMH (Close To My Heart), Creative Memories, and Stampin Up! FUN FUN FUN! ----------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT: Lizz Vanderkant at lizz_51@hotmail.com or visit my blog at http://stampingwithfriends.blogspot.com/Eliz Peters at tinlizzy@xcelco.on.ca
Paid registration by March 14 please.

Kid's Birthday Stamp Camp

Its a different kind of March Break Camp

Kid's Birthday Stamp Camp

8 years old and older

Need a card for a birthday? Come and make 4 cards for those special friends and make a container to keep them in.

We'll even have birthday cake and ice cream!

Saturday March 21, 12-4pm
230 Oak Ave. Strathroy, Ontario

$15.00 Contact me to register

Its a Sale-a-bration

Its a Sale-a-bration!
Mar 08

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

or

or 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Come and use the awesome Sale-a-bration sets up close and personal. Go home with several completed projects and you still have time to earn your own Sale-a-bration sets. Contact me to reserve your spot.
230 Oak Ave. Strathroy, Ontario

It's an Open and Shut Case: Occasions Mini Launch

I just love the chipboard suitcase on the front of the occassions mini catalogue. I have to have my own. You can too!

Friday March 21, 2009 7-10 pm (notice the date change)
or Tuesday April 7, 2009 1-3 pm
$30.

I'm not sure yet if we will use the paper shown.
You will take home the suitcase, a card, tag, and mini gift box and the extra designer paper in your package.
Contact me to register

Occasions Sneak Peak

Stampin Up's Occasions Mini catalogue does not come out until April 1st but in order to allow you enough time to get your Easter stamping done, selected items are available for purchase today.

Click here for a sneak peak

As a bonus these items qualify for the

Sale-a-bration promotion in which for every $60 spent before taxes and shipping, you can choose 1 item from the Sale-a-bration catalogue.

Contact me or order directly from my demonstrator's website