An Extremely Busy Day!

It has been a whirlwind of activity here in my humble abode.  With the Holiday Bazaar tomorrow, I've been finishing up projects and making lists and hoping I don't forget anything tomorrow.  I guess that will remain to be seen.

I've not had a chance to create today so I'm sharing a card I made a couple of months ago.  I used it for a swap last night at a monthly meeting of local Stampin' Up!® Demonstrators.  I think I shared about it in my last post.  It is one of the first Christmas cards I made when the new Idea Book & Catalog came out in July.

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

This is the end of today's post as I still have many things to do before I can get a few minutes of sleep.  Don't forget to order your two Simply Sent kits and receive a free stamp set.  I've seen some lovely cards made with these kits.  The offer ends on Monday, October 31st.

Blessings from Marsha

You Are Loved

It is always a good time to let someone know that you love them.  I think it should be stated on a daily basis to those important to you.  The You Are Loved stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog is so versatile.  My next card is specifically for Valentine's Day but could easily be altered for a birthday or anniversary or just to let someone know they are loved.

 

Stamp Set:  You Are Loved; Ink:  Real Red; Card Stock:  Whisper White, Red Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Whisper Whtie 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Decorative Label Punch

But let's not forget Christmas!  You still have time to sign up for the next, and last, Christmas Card Class.  It's scheduled for Monday, November 21st from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Be sure to register using the button in the left sidebar if you are paying by credit card.  If you choose to pay by cash or check, RSVP with payment no later than Monday, November 14th.  We will make 10 cards (envelopes included) for $25.  If you need more cards, you can make them for $2.50 each.

For a complete list of events scheduled at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe, click on the Stamping Events 2011 tab at the top of my blog.

Blessings from Marsha

Don't Miss Your BIG Opportunity!

It's not too late for you to join the fun and excitement of being a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator.  And, when you sign up during October, you'll receive a FREE Big Shot or up to $100 in free Stampin' Up!® products of your choice!

There is only one week left to take advantage of this opportunity.  Don't delay, sign up today!

This Thanksgiving card was made using the Top Note Die run through the Big Shot.  It is just one example of what you can do with the Big Shot.  The possibilities are endless!

Rememeber, October 31st is the last day you can sign up to become a demonstrator and get the FREE Big Shot.

Blessings from Marsha

Merry Christmas

My favorite holiday of the year is Christmas.  I love the hustle and bustle and the glitz and glitter and the lights and the smells!  The day after Thanksgiving does not find me out shopping, it finds me dragging out all the decorations and the tree.  By the time Sunday rolls around my home has been transformed into my very own winter wonder land!

My next card features the tree from our Christmas Lodge Stamp Set.  Blue and silver have always been a color combination I like.  The tree was embossed with Pewter Embossing Powder.   

Stamp Set:  Christmas Lodge; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Pewter Stampin' Emboss Powder, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Don't forget to place your order soon for the Simply Sent kits.  Come the end of the month, the special will be over.

Blessings from Marsha

Always Thankful

Over the weekend I participated in another llama blog hop.  Now that I've shared my projects over there, I'll show them here, one by one, so you can see what cards I designed.  The hop was all about the holidays. 

This card is for Thanksgiving.  I always enjoyed Thanksgiving as it was just the first of the family gatherings we had during the holidays.  Each year a different family hosted and lots of food, fun and laughter.  We were quite a bunch when we all got together.

Stamp Set:  Always Thankful; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla; Accessories:  Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 3/8" Velvet Stitched Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Jewels Basic Pearls, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Like the card?  Well, leave a comment here or send me an e-mail at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com with your name and e-mail address and I'll send you the card.  You have until midnight Monday, October 24 to respond.  There is only one card, so be the first to contact me and it is yours.

Blessings from Marsha

It's Another Llama Blog Hop!

The llamas are ready for another blog hop.  This one will be all about the Holidays.  We have so many talented llama ladies that it will be interesting to see what designs they'll have to share.

I just finished my post on my llama blog and I encourage all of you to hop on over and check it out.  Just click Here A Llama, There A Llama and away you'll go.  And, don't forget to visit each blog to enjoy all the great ideas.

See you at the Hop!

Blessings from Marsha

Lucky Limeade And Perfect Plum!

In just one short week, I have a Holiday Bazaar where I'll be showing and selling the products I've made using Stampin' Up!® supplies. I have so much to get done. Along with making product for the Bazaar, I have a blog hop, two swaps and several birthday cards to design for family to get done all within the next two week time frame. Guess I'm going to be one busy little stamper!

The card set below is one that will be available for sale at the Holiday Bazaar. It holds five 3x3 cards along with envelopes and a pen.

If you'd like more details on the product used and I how I made the set, leave a comment or e-mail me at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com.

Blessings from Marsha

Are You Ready To Be Your Own Boss?

Do you enjoy crafting?  Wouldn't you love to earn money while doing something you enjoy?  And, what about the convenience of setting your own hours?  If you find that appealing, then Stampin' Up!® is the right opportunity for you.

Creating beautiful cards, scrapbook pages and 3-D projects is something I love to do.  I also enjoy helping others explore their creativity by sharing what I do.  Sharing my passion for stamping, meeting new people and having the chance to build my own business are just a few reasons that made me decide to become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator.  I also get to set my own schedule!

Other great benefits of being a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator, include:

• A 20 percent product discount!
• A free monthly issue of Stampin’ Up!’s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin’ Success!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin’ Up!® events!
• Regular get togethers to stamp!
• Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!

Now is a great time to become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator.  Throughout the month of October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot (or up to $100 in Free Stampin' Up!® products) when you sign up to be a Demonstrator.

Contact me today for more information! 

What Do You Do When You Can't Sleep?

Tonight, or should I say last night, was one of those nights for me.  So, what do I do?  I just dig out the stamps and ink.  Daring Adventure is another of the new stamp sets found in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  This card was quick and easy to put together.

Stamp Set:  Daring Adventure; Ink:  Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Cherry Cobbler; Accessories:  Eyelet Border Punch, 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

The inside of the card is stamped using the Helen Keller sentiment, "Life is a DARING ADVENTURE or Nothing."  She is a woman who I greatly admire.

So, tell me, what do you do when you can't sleep?  Leave me a comment and share your remedy.

Blessings from Marsha

What Is A Workshop, You Ask?

A Stampin' Up!® Workshop is a creative event you host in your home and invite your friends to enjoy an evening of stamping fun guided by your own personal creative coach.  When you host a Workshop, you'll see new project ideas, learn different techniques and make a project that is yours to keep.

Click here to check my event calendar and find a date that's right for you.  I will help make it a fun-filled event for you and your friends as you all explore your own creativity!

And let's not forget the wonderful Hostess Benefits available to you for hosting your Workshop.

Contact me today to schedule your very own creative workshop.  You'll be glad you did!


Blessings from Marsha

Precious Butterflies

We have been experiencing our Indian Summer here in Iowa and the butterflies have been flitting past my living room window in recent days.  They made me think of a new Hostess stamp set I've been wanting to use.  My time to create was limited today so I thought a clean and simple design would be perfect for Precious Butterflies.

Stamp Set:  Precious Butterflies; Inks:  River Rock, Concord Crush; Card Stock:  River Rock, Concord Crush, Whisper White; Accessories:  Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Jewels Basic Rhinestones ( six colored with permanent marker), Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die

I stamped the images and sentiment on the oval before I ran it though the Big Shot using the Stripes Embossing Folder.

If you'd like to know how you can receive the beautiful Precious Butterflies Stamp Set, e-mail me for details.

Blessings from Marsha

Always Thankful

I love Autumn.  It is my most favorite time of the year.  Leaves are changing, crops are harvested and the evenings have just a touch of crispness to them.  And, it won't be long before the holidays will be in full swing. Personally, I can't wait.

Maybe that's why most of my designs of late have been reflections of the upcoming holidays.  Today's card is a perfect example of a fall harvest.  Pumpkins and squash and corn from the garden, all destined to be part of a Thanksgiving dinner.

Stamp Sets:  Always Thankful, Teeny Tiny Wishes;  Inks:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Basic Gray; Stampin Write Markers:  Old Olive, So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight; Card Stock:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Watercolor Paper; Accessories:  Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Blender Pen, Sponge Dauber, Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals

On the inside of the card, the two sentiments from the Always Thankful Stamp Set were stamped in VersaMark, then embossed using Clear Emboss Powder.

Don't forget to sign up for the Christmas Card Class to be held Monday, October 17 and the Card Buffet on Thursday, October 27.  Check the Events tab for a complete schedule of what's brewing at the Stamping Cafe.

Blessings from Marsha

Peekaboo Greeting

Finally, a chance to play with some some of the new product from my last Stampin' Up!® order. Since it is so late, I'm going to keep this short and simply share my design with you.  I love the new Peekaboo Frames Bigs L Die.  It's going to 'open' up a whole new look to future projects. 

Stamp Sets:  Bells & Boughs, Language of Friendship; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Peekaboo Frames Bigs L Die, Bird Builder Punch, Basic Jewels Rhinestones (colored with permanent marker), Basic Jewels Pearl (colored with permanent marker), Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals

There you have it.  Simple and sparkly.   If you'd like detailed instructions, just e-mail me and I'll be sure to send them on to you.

Blessings from Marsha

So You Think You're Not Creative!

Well, I have a solution just for you.  Our Simply Sent Kits are the ideal choice for the new stamper.  During October, when you Buy two Simply Sent Kits you can choose a FREE coordinating stamp set!  The card kits offer a variety of basic themes, so it's easy to create cards for any occasion.

And, think of what it would mean to friends and family to receive a special handmade by you card.

Get A FREE Stamp Set

Click Image for More Details

Don't wait.  Order your kits today and start wowing everyone with you creative ability.

Blessings from Marsha

And Then There Was FREE!

It's a great time to become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator!  During the month of October, join Stampin’ Up!® and you’ll get a FREE Big Shot.  Or, if you already have a Big Shot, you can get up to $100 in FREE Stampin’ Up!® products.



Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin’ Up!®’s exclusive dies to create uniquely beautiful projects.

The new demonstrator Starter Kit contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, as well as everything you need to start your new business.

You don't want to miss this BIG deal!  Contact me today to learn how you can take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.  You can sign up online by clicking on the Join The Fun tab at the top right of my demonstrator business website.

Celebrating World Vegetarian Day With My Favorite Vegetarian Recipe

Fall is in the air, the leaves are changing color and the days are getting cooler.  I love autumn.  It is my favorite time of the year.  When the weather starts cooling off, I start thinking of all of those cold weather foods I enjoy preparing.  Soup is one of them.

To celebrate World Vegetarian day, I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes with you.  When I came across this recipe, I just knew it was going to be good.  Curry and sweet potatoes, two favorites.

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

Rhonda Malkmus

Ingredients:  
4 cups sweet potato (cubed)
1 medium sweet onion (diced)
2 celery ribs (diced)
1 garlic clove (peeled & minced)
¼ inch fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
½ tsp curry powder
½ tsp coriander
¼ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt (optional and to taste)
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
5 cups vegetable stock
1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 Tbsp raw coconut oil or butter

Directions:
1.  Heat coconut oil in large pot and sauté onions and celery until onions are translucent.
2.  Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
3.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.
4.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5.  After soup has cooled sufficiently, place soup in a food processor with the “S” blade and puree in batches until smooth.
6.  If soup is too thick, add a little more stock.
7.  Serve with a large, colorful salad and a slice of your favorite whole grain bread or crackers.

Organic ingredients, when available, are always recommended.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. 

Blessings from Marsha