Sign Up For My Mailing List!

By signing up, you will receive:

• My FREE Monthly Stamping Cafe Newsletter!
• First Notification of Classes and Special Events!
• Exclusive Samples!
• Subscriber only content, information and contests!
• ...and More!

Don't wait!  Sign up today!  Just fill out the form on the upper left with your name and e-mail address and receive the September Issue as soon as it is off the press!

Blessings from Marsha

Last Chance

Tomorrow is your last chance to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.   It is also the last chance to purchase your favorite Designer Series Paper through the Buy Three Get One Free special.  As of midnight on Wednesday, they both will be gone.

You can order Here or you can call or e-mail me with your order and payment information.

 Blessings from Marsha

The Best Intentions

Well, I still haven't had a chance to play with my new products from the soon to be released Holiday Mini Catalog.  It has been a busy weekend filled with everything but creativity.  But, it has been a mighty fine one.

Tonight, I'd simply like to know if you have any questions you'd like to ask.  If so, please feel free to leave a comment here or e-mail me at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com and I will do my best to answer them. 

And, I want to remind everyone that there are only three more days to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.  Don't delay, get that order in soon.

See you all tomorrow.

Blessings from Marsha

A Beautiful Late Summer Day

Today is one of those perfect summer days here in Iowa.  Not too hot, not too cold.  A perfect day to run errands, so that's my agenda for today.  Once done, I get to come back to play with a new stamp set.  No, I'm not telling until I have the card ready to share with you.  What I will tell you is, it's another set from the new Holiday Mini Catalog which goes live on September 1st.

So, it's off to get those errands done.

Blessings from Marsha

The Count Down Has Started!

There are only five days left to:

• order your favorite Designer Series Paper through the Buy Three Get One Free
• order from the Summer Mini Catalog
• to wait for the premier of the NEW Holiday Mini Catalog

You can order online Here or call or e-mail me with your order and payment information.

Don't put it off.  Before you know it, they will be gone.

Blessings from Marsha

You Are Loved

Today was full of fun with three of the little men in my life.  Nic (4) and Aiden (22 months) spent the day with me.  Zac (6) joined us after school.  Zac and Nic are brothers and are my youngest son's youngest sons.  :-)  Aiden is my number two son's number two son.  :-)  I love having them over but it does shorten my time to be creative.  Fortunately, I already had a great card made to share with you today.

When I saw the You Are Loved stamp set in the new Holiday Mini Catalog, it had my name all over it.  I love butterflies and flowers and swirls.  And, it doesn't matter what the reason is, sometimes it's just nice to be remembered with love.

Stamp Set:  You Are Loved; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Soft Suede Patterns Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, Love Blossoms Standard Wheel, 3/8" Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, Jewels Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Just another beautiful product featured in the new Holiday Mini Catalog.  This set, along with many other new products, will be available September 1st.

Blessings from Marsha

Easy Events Christmas

Here's a card I designed using the Easy Events Stamp Set.  I wanted to do something quick and simple and I wanted to use the new Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.

Stamp Set:  Easy Events; Inks:  StazOn Black, Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker, Real Red; Card Stock:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Starburst Jumbo Wheel

And there you have another taste of Christmas.  There is only one week left to take advantage of the Buy Three, Get One Free Designer Series Paper special.  And, only one week left to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.  You have until midnight on August 31st.

Blessings from Marsha

Special Cards for Special Girls

Today I had planned to show another card designed using the new Christmas Lodge Stamp Set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  My plans for the day changed and I didn't have time to make another card.  Instead I got to spend a great day with my best friend just simply spending time together.  It is time I so treasure.

What I am sharing tonight are the cards I made for my sweet little girls who I sponsor at Cien Fuego Children's Center in the Dominican Republic.  They are two very special little ladies!

Jahely will be seven next month so her's was definitely a birthday card.  Bright, cheerful just like her adorable smile.

 
Sulennes' is just to let her know I am thinking of her.  She has a gorgeous smile and her eyes just sparkle.

The majority of the cards are from retired product but I wanted to share these with you anyway.  I know the girls love getting mail.

Be watching over the next weeks to come.  Many new things are on the horizon that I will be sharing with you, even a contest or two. 

Blessings from Marsha

Christmas Lodge Tree

Finally, I had a chance to play with some of my new Holiday Mini products.  What I find so interesting about all of this, is usually I'm the last one to even begin to think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving.  With all the fantastic new products, Christmas has grabbed hold and we're off and running.  Yes, I will tone it down the closer we get to Thanksgiving.  I do have several Thanksgiving projects in the design sketch stage that I will share with you later.

In the meantime let me introduce you to one of my favorite sets from the Holiday Mini, the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set.  This is just one of six stamps in the set.  I have a thing for trees so when I saw this one, I just knew we were going to become close friends. While this is a pine tree, my favorite tree is the oak.  Tall, majestic and beautiful, they are a study in the sturdiness of God. There is no other way to describe them.   The Lovely As A Tree Set has a fantastic oak tree stamp.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Lodge; Inks:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Early Espresso, Whisper White; Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Emboss Powder, 3/8" Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Sponge Dauber, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots

Tomorrow's card will feature another stamp from the Christmas Lodge Set.  And, be sure to place your Summer Mini order soon.  Next Wednesday is the last day you can order from that Catalog. 

Blessings from Marsha

Cajun Craze Birthday

This is one of those cards that, once started, just took on a life of its own.  I had no idea where I was going or what I wanted to do once I committed ink to paper.  In the end, I really liked how this turned out.  It's another of the cards designed for the Come & Go Card Buffet.

Stamp Sets: Paisley Petals, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Cajun Craze; Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy; Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details (from the Holiday Mini), sponge dauber

Well, it's late and I have a fantastically busy day lined up for tomorrow.  The best part of tomorrow, is I get my car fixed.  The poor little thing has been sick for a while and he is now over at Dr. Mike's waiting for a new compressor transplant.  I am so thankful that my son has the ability to fix my car.  It's such a blessing to have three mighty fine sons, each with their own talents and abilities.


Blessings from Marsha

A Rare Evening Off

It was pizza and movie night here at the Cafe.  A friend and I watched the movie Secretariat.  It's a good movie and I would recommend it to anyone.  I try to watch the three big horse races each year and I actually remember the race when Secretariat was the 1973 Triple Crown winner.

Tomorrow it's back to business.  My new Holiday Mini products arrived yesterday and I've not had a chance to play with them.  I have this design dancing around in my head, so it's time to see what it looks like on paper.  I'll be sure to share it with you once it's complete.

My question for you tonight is, would you like to know more about becoming a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator?  I would love to share the opportunity with you.  Leave a comment here or e-mail me at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com if you have any questions.

Blessings from Marsha

Land of the Free

Oh what fun the Summer Mini Catalog continues to be.  Last night, I sat down to make another Christmas card but came across the Land of the Free stamp set from the Summer Mini.  Coming from a die hard patriotic family, this single stamp speaks volumes.  It is also a tribute to my oldest brother, Larry, who gave the ultimate sacrifice when his country sent him to Vietnam.  He walked, talked and breathed Marine!  He was proud to be an American, he was proud to be a Marine and he was proud to serve his country.  Big brother, you are missed even after all these years.  Semper Fi.

Okay, on to this great little clean and simple card.  The card base is Real Red.  Next I added a layer of Night of Navy with a strip of 1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Grosgrain Ribbon.  Be sure to attach the ribbon before attaching the Night of Navy card stock to the Real Red.  I took two pieces of Whisper White card stock and, with VersaMark, stamped the image on both pieces.  After using White Stampin' Emboss Powder, I used the Real Red Classic Stamp Pad and brayered it over the embossing then, wiped it off to let the white show through.  I did the same with the other piece of Whisper White but used the Night of Navy Classic Ink Pad.  I attached the red piece to the ribbon.  I cut the stars out and, using Stampin' Dimensionals, I attached it over the red layer.  I like the way the stars and stripes pop with the embossing powder.

Red, White & Blue

Stamp Set:  Land of the Free; Inks:  Real Red, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories:  1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Brayer

And there you have another Summer Mini Stamp Set creation.  The catalog has many great sets.  August 31st is the last day you can order from the Summer Mini Catalog.

Blessings from Marsha

Hello Blossoms from the Summer Mini

As promised here is a card using one of the stamp sets available in the Summer Mini Catalog.  Hello Blossoms is a cheery single stamp that brings a smile to your card.  Another Summer Mini feature is the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.  An easy to use front lever let's you select the image you want.  Three images in one punch lets you create beautiful layered blossoms or you can use each layer by itself.

Stamp Sets:  Hello Blossoms, Just Believe; Inks:  Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker, Old Olive Stampin Write Marker,  Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker, Dusty Durango Stampin' Write Marker (retired); Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Brights Daffodil Delight Polka Dot DSP;  Accessories:  Triple Layer Blossoms Punch, Modern Label Punch, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

And there you have it.  Two great products from the Summer Mini Catalog.  There are only two weeks left before the Hello Blossoms Stamp Set will be gone so place your order now. 

If you have any questions, just let me know.

Blessings from Marsha

National Joke Day

Sometimes a funny story is all it takes to brighten the day.  Today being National Joke Day, and with the day being rainy and gloomy here, I thought a smile was just what was needed.  Having raised three mischievous boys, I can so relate to this one.  Hope you enjoy it, too. 

A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that, if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons were probably involved.

The boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-year-old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon.

The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?”

The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God!!?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD!?"

The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?"

The youngest brother gasped for breath and replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time dude. God is missing and they think WE did it!"

Now I'm off to create that card using a Summer Mini stamp set.  Remember you only have until the end of the month to order from the Mini.  You can  order here or give me a call or e-mail with your order and payment information.

Blessings from Marsha

Christmas in August

I know, who is thinking of Christmas at this time of the year.  Well, today was the start of a monthly Christmas Card Class at the Cafe.  I thought it would be fun to give everyone a chance to make their cards to send to family and friends this year.  Each month will feature a different design.  The simplicity of this card was appreciated by all.

Snow Trees

Stamp Sets:  Lovely As A Tree, Joy (retired), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (retired); Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White Craft; Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White; Accessories:  Dazzling Details

I can remember scenes like this as a child when we would go hunting for the perfect Christmas tree.  Many times it would be snowing and we'd come home cold, wet and ready for some of Grandma's special hot chocolate.  Fond memories of time with family.

Tomorrow I'll show you a card made from one of the sets out of the Summer Mini Catalog.  August 31st is the last day you can order from that catalog, so place your order soon. You can order here or call me or e-mail with me with your order and payment information.  The Cafe is always open.

Blessings from Marsha

Fun On A Saturday

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending my up-line, Andrea's, stamp club.  I met new people, made beautiful cards and learned some new ideas to incorporate into my own designs.   It was so much fun and I hope she invites me to go again.

Andrea used two sets on this card that will are now on my wish list.

 

Happiest Birthday Wishes is one of our current  exclusive Hostess sets.  There are eleven stamps in this set and they all birthday sentiments.

 

The other set is Raining Flowers.  The images on this card are just two from the set.  It's a two-step stamp set and has thirteen images.

Great stamps!  Great fun!  Great time!  It was a perfect day.

If you'd like to learn how to make beautiful cards like this one or would like to join my Cafe Club stamp group, let me know.  You can leave a comment here with your contact information or send me an e-mail at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com.

Pennant Birthday for Him

The Pennant Parade Stamp Set and the Petite Pennants Builder Punch are the perfect combination for a card that a guy won't think too sissy.  :-)  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla and Well Worn Designer Series Paper set the tone for this wish big birthday card.  No frills but just a little sparkle with a touch of Dazzling Details, just one of the new products from in the Holiday Mini. This is the masculine card designed for Thursday's Come & Go Card Buffet.

Stamp Sets:  Pennant Parade, So Happy for You; Ink:  Early Espresso; Card Stock:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Well Worn Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dazzling Details

Time to go for now.  My little people just arrived and I need to give them my undivided attention.  My next project will feature a stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog.  It's only available through August 31st.


Blessings from Marsha

Photo Transfer Canvas

One of the projects I enjoy making is a photo transfer canvas.  Thanks goes to Thomas Edison and his 1876 invention of the mimeograph machine, the forerunner for today's copy machine.  I can still remember the smell of the ink when we were given a handout fresh off the mimeograph.  It is one of those memories from grade school that is never forgotten.

What a long way the ability to make copies has come.  Now you can copy most everything.  Today's copy machines, with reverse imaging, makes it easy to do my photo transfer canvases.  And, you can even program the size of the image you need.  Now how easy is that, I ask you?

The following photo transfer canvas was made from a photo I took while waiting my turn at Culver's drive through window.  The bush was loaded with blossoms so I snapped the picture right out of my car window.  I always carry my camera with me because you just never know when you'll get a great shot.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Blessings from Marsha

Calypso Coral Thank You

Everything is ready and while I have a wee bit of extra time, here is another card that was designed for today's Come & Go Card Buffet.  Eight designs are available and each day, I'll share one of those designs with you.

I love the new In Colors.  They are bright, sunny and warm.  For this card I combined Not Quite Navy and River Rock with Calypso Coral.  These colors really work well together.  I ran the Calypso Coral layer through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder to give it some texture.

Stamp Set:  Easy Events; Ink:  Night of Navy, Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Marker, Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  Not Quite Navy, River Rock, Calypso Coral, Whisper White; Accessories:  Eyelet Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, 1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

It's time to get to work.  If you'd like to know more about what I do and how you can do it, too, you can get the details here.

Blessings from Marsha

Get Well Wishes

Today has been filled with designing and making cards for the kick off of tomorrow's Come & Go Card Buffet.  There will be eight designs to choose from and you can make as many of each one as you want.  I'm keeping today's post short as I still have a few things to do for tomorrow but, I did want to share one of the cards that will be available.

 

Stamp Sets:  Tagtastic, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla; Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 5/8" Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Texture Jumbo Wheel

Leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.

Blessings from Marsha

New Hostess Benefits Program

The Stampin' Up!® Hostess Benefits Program is now better than ever.  It's so much fun and so easy to earn FREE products. 

Now you can earn Hostess Dollars that you can spend anyway you want.  Select Stamp Sets that are exclusive to you, as a Hostess, or use them to purchase anything in the Idea Book & Catalog or current Mini Catalog. The choice is all yours.

Want to earn some FREE products?  Start now making those special cards to send to friends and family at Christmas.  Contact me today to schedule your Workshop.    You'll be glad you did!

Blessings from Marsha

Thinking of You

It was a fun day spent with three of my twelve grandchildren.  They are so full of energy and keep this grandmother on her toes!  With little ones underfoot, I made cookies instead of cards today.  And, of course, they loved that because they got to help.

Today's card is another earlier design and a simple study in blue and vanilla, one of my favorite combinations.  The Framed Tulips Embossing Folder made the perfect border.  Clean and simple, I love how this all came together.     

Stamp Sets:  For All You Do, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock: Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories:  Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Don't forget to take advantage of the Designer Series Paper special of Buy Three Get One Free that goes until August 31.   Just click on the image on the lower right for all the details.   

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite Designer Series Paper.  I enjoy hearing from you.

Blessings from Marsha

A Day of Rest

That's right, I'm taking the day off and just resting.  It's been a whirlwind of activity this past week and I'm ready for the break.  It's only a short one because tomorrow starts another week of more busyness; grandchildren visiting, cards to design, classes to prepare for... whew!  I love it.

Since I'm not working today, the card I share is one I designed back in February.  It is still one of my favorites.  It has no sentiment so one could be added that appeals to you and is right for the occasion.  The inside is blank so you can add your own personal greeting.

Stamp Set:  Just Believe; Ink:  Early Espresso; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso; Accessories:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, 1/4" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

And that's it for today.  I'm going to go enjoy the beautiful sunshine and blue sky. 

Blessings from Marsha

Open House

What a fantastic day!  The Open House was so much fun and I'd like to share some of the photos with you.  The first picture shows the centerpiece on the table where we put our make 'n takes together.  The basket holds four Idea Book & Catalogs with a Wish List and Order Form in each, the Summer Mini Catalog, Booking Certificates and pens.  Everything you need all in one place.

Centerpiece

 

The box on the right holds the door prize that can be won.  It holds a Classic Stamp Pad, a single Stamp, four 3x3 cards with envelopes and one example of what the card will look like when they complete it.  I kept it simple so the only thing that needs done is to add the sentiment.

Door Prize Card

 

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You; Ink:  Pacific Point; Card Stock:  Pool Party; Whisper White; Accessories:  Beautiful Wings Embosslit

This next photo is the display.  Stationary tins, Candy boxes, a Coaster set, Note Pads and more.  Simply colorful. 

Display Table

Everyone who stopped by, was given a FREE Gift.  The Post-It Note Holder can sit on your desk or hang on the wall. 

FREE Gift

3x3 Make 'n Take

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Melon Mambo:  Card Stock:  Textured Rich Razzleberry, Ice Cream Parlor (retired), Whisper White; Accessories:  Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Postage Stamp Punch,  Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals, permanent markers

And there you have it.  All the fun and a beautiful day.  It doesn't get any better than that.

Leave me a comment and let me know you stopped by.  I love hearing from you.

Blessings from Marsha

Just One More Day

This week has been a whirlwind of activity.  I feel like I've met myself coming and going several times.  :-)  The final preparations for this Saturday's Open House are nearly done.  Our Make 'n Take is ready, a special Door Prize package is just waiting to go home with the lucky recipient and everyone gets a free gift.  Fun, food and fellowship.  What could be better?

I don't have a new card design to show you at this time.  As you can imagine, my focus has been on the Open House.  I decided to share one of my Photo Transfer Canvases with you.  This is another of the projects I love to create.  This was taken right outside my door last winter.  The fog was thick the night before and when I woke, the trees were covered with frozen fog.  It was so beautiful.  Although the actual photo is in color, my love for black and white made these the perfect pictures for this technique.

Leave a comment letting me know what you think?  I always enjoy hearing from you.

Blessings from Marsha

Buy Three, Get One FREE

 
During the month of August, when you purchase three packages of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper (a $10.95 value), you get one FREE.  You can choose from a variety of designs and colors that are available in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and in the Summer Mini Catalog.

Take advantage of this limited time offer and find the Designer Series Paper that's just right for your project. You can order online or contact me with your order.


Blessings from Marsha

A Tribute To Sue

According to my calendar, it's Girlfriends Day.  I have been so blessed with many girl friends through the years but I have one who has stood the test of time and to this day she is and always will be my best girlfriend. We don't get to spend much time together these days but, with today's technology, we are only a text, e-mail or phone call away from each other.

I thought it would be fun to take a journey backward and dig out our high school graduation pictures.  (She is not going to like me for this!) 

Sue and Marsha

Well, here we are way back when gas was $.35 a gallon, we walked everywhere we went and Friday night was spent at the skating rink.  We had such fun together. 

This is the card I made for her.

Stamp Set: My Friend; Ink:Melon Mambo; Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla; Accessories:  Starburst Jumbo Wheel, Jewels Rhinestones, Permanent Markers, Sponge Dauber, VersaMark, Clear Emboss Powder

I used Crumb Cake for the card base and rolled it with the Starburst Jumbo Wheel inked with Melon Mambo.  The stamp was inked with VersaMark then, embossed with Clear Emboss Powder.  I took the sponge dauber and randomly covered the Very Vanilla and before the ink set, rubbed it off with a paper towel to let the embossed image come through.  A little trick I just learned from my llama sister, Buffy, is to color our Jewels Rhinestones with permanent marker.  It's just another way to add a bit of color to your finished project.

It's a simple card but it says so much.  I'm thankful and blessed to have Sue as a friend.

Blessings from Marsha