Happy Birthday!

Today is my 62nd birthday so I am taking the day off to celebrate.  I've decided I need a wee bit of fun time where I'm away from the house and I don't think of business, housework or trying to keep up with my two-year-old grandson. 

One of the things my mother and I shared is a love of flowers.  One of our favorites was lilacs.  Mom is no longer here to celebrate birthdays with me but every time I see a beautiful lilac, I get a smile on my face and know she is enjoying them with me.  I miss you, Mom.

And, don't forget to place that Sale-A-Bration order!  Today is the last day you can get a free product for every $50 you spend. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

My Digital Studio 30-Day FREE Trial

There is so much you can do with My Digital Studio (MDS).  The new banner for the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe was made using MDS.  I can't figure out why I waited so long to give it a try.  Not only does it make scrapbooking a breeze, it gives me the chance to design cards without card stock.  That way I get to see what it will look like before committing it to paper.  Fun!

One of the new designs was made for my Facebook Business Page.  With the switch over to the new timeline, I needed to make a cover photo.  But, here is the new image.  For better detail, you can get to my Facebook Business Page by clicking on the 'F' in the left sidebar.

Now I'm headed to my craft table.  We llamas have a hop coming up in April so I need to get busy and make my projects.

Hope you all have a mighty fine weekend!

Until we meet again...

Word Play

Tonight is the monthly meeting of my local Stampin' Up!® Demonstrators group.  We usually have a Make & Take as well as a Swap.  The card I'm swapping tonight was inspired by a fellow demonstrator.  She designed a similar one, using My Digital Studio, for our upcoming llama blog hop.  I liked it so much that I thought I'd give it a try.  While it is not an exact copy, I do like the way it turned out.  Thank you, Linda, for the inspiration.

Stamp Sets:  Word Play, Just Believe, Elementary Elegance, Itty Bitty Bits; Inks:  Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Whisper White, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Daffodil Delight; Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Top Note Bigz Die, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 3/8" Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Now I'm out of here to go make up a pan of brownies for tonight's meeting.  I volunteered to bring treats since it is so close to my birthday.  The recipe is one I've been using for many years.  Our neighbor worked for a recipe book company and she was always bringing new recipes home to try.  She gave the recipe to my mom, who gave it to me.  This melt-in-your-mouth brownie recipe has turned out to be a favorite of all.

If you love brownies, leave a comment and I'll share the recipe.  You can send your e-mail address to me at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com and I'll e-mail it to you.  Just remember you must leave a comment here as well as sending me your e-mail address.  And, no, you won't be inundated with e-mails from me.  I just realize that some people are leery of leaving their e-mail addresses lying around for anyone to grab.

To receive regular news from the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe, sign up for my mailing list today.  You'll find the link at the upper left.

Final Four

The countdown has begun!  The final four days of Sale-A-Bration are upon us.  What are you favorite four?  Click the image below to place your order today!  Time is running out!

Everyday Enchantment Butterfly

As promised, here is a new card rather than another scrapbook page.  This is the one of the cards we made in the All Occasions Class I held last Saturday.  It is a CASE but I don't remember the original designer's name.  I loved the simplicity of the card.  It was a great way to use up the scraps of the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper left over from other projects.  I try not to waste a single scrap!

Stamp Set:  You Are Loved; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Not Quite Navy, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Butterfly Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, 1" Square Punch, 1/8" Lucky Limeade Organdy Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots

On the card, the squares on the left actually do line up but in the cropping it looks like I cut just a wee bit too much off.

Tomorrow I'll share a set of 3x3 cards I made with the Blossom Punch.  That punch is turning out to be one of my favorites.

Remember, there are only five more days to get that Sale-A-Bration order in.  The Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper is one of the products in the Sale-A-Bration Catalog.

Have You Had Enough, Yet?

Yes, you guessed it, I'm totally hooked on My Digital Studio.  Here's another page I made using the program.  This one features my beautiful granddaughter, Bailey.  She is my second oldest grandchild and the oldest granddaughter.  I can't believe she will be twenty this year.  Time sure does fly.

Stamp Set:  Sprinkled Expressions (Sale-A-Bration); Inks:  Bashful Blue, Barely Banana; Card Stock:  Pacific Point; Accessories & Tools:  Everyday Enchantment Brads, Everyday Enchant 1/8" Calypso Coral Organdy Ribbon

Now try and tell me she is not beautiful!  In my humble opinion, she is gorgeous!

I've been working on some new cards so tomorrow you'll get a break from the My Digital Studio creations.  But, don't forget to take advantage of the 30-day Free Trial.  This program is a lot of fun and makes your scrapbooking so easy!

A Day of Rest and Worship

Oh, come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

(Psalm 95:6)

During Sale-A-Bration, when you join Stampin' Up!®, you can get over $340 worth of products for only $125!  Not only that, but you get free paper or digital downloads for the rest of the year.

But you only have until March 31st to take advantage of this opportunity.

If you have any questions about what it means to be a Demonstrator, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Today's My Digital Stuido Creation

With the way my days have lined up lately, I've not had a chance to get to the craft room and get my hands on paper.  When I sit down for a break, I open up My Digital Studio and make another page for my scrapbook.  It lets me stay creative even when I can't get my fingers into the ink.

Most days I watch my youngest grandson, Aiden, and I've been doing that for over a year now.  He is quite the little character.  Now that he is an active two-year-old, he really keeps me busy.  The picture I used for the following page was taken shortly after he started walking.  One of his favorite things to do is chew on his toys.  Here is one I captured during his teething days.  He has changed a lot since that was taken.  My little man is growing up way too fast!

 

Stamp Set:  Sprinkled Expressions (Sale-A-Bration); Inks:  Crushed Curry, Brilliant Blue, Very Vanilla; Card Stock:  Sweet Details Designer Series Paper, Brilliant Blue, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch, 1/4" Crushed Curry Grosgrain Ribbon

It's Friday, so I'm taking the night off.  I have my All Occasion Card Class tomorrow so I'm going easy on myself tonight and watching a movie.

Until we meet again...

Elementary Elegance Happy Birthday

This card was made using My Digital Studio.  All I need to do now is make it out of stamps and card stock and it makes a perfect addition to the All Occasions Card Class this Saturday.

Stamp Set:  Elementary Elegance (SAB); Ink:  Rich Razzleberry; Card Stock:  Sweet Details Designer Series Paper, Wisteria Wonder, Almost Amethyst, Pale Plum; Accessories & Tools:  Everyday Enchantment Brads (SAB), Perfect Plum 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Daisy Punch

Several of the items I used are retired out of the Annual Catalog but the great thing is, you can still find them in My Digital Studio.  I like that.  It gives me a chance to use colors I like that weren't available after I became a Demonstrator.

For the class, I'm thinking I'll add some rhinestones to the butterfly to sparkle it up.  Since some of the colors I used are retired, I'll be picking different colors for most of the card.  Okay, I'm off to make this card.  I'll be sure to post it here when I'm done so you can see the difference.

Don't forget that Sale-A-Bration ends March 31st.  Some of the products I used are only available during Sale-A-Bration.  Oh, and you can get the One Big Sale-A-Bration CD in digital format free when you place a $50 order.  It includes all the new, exclusive Sale-A-Bration products!.  To order yours today, click on the coffee pot on the upper left.

And, as always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Until we meet again...

My Digital Studio

One of the things I determined to do this year was to learn how to use My Digital Studio.  Over the last couple of weeks I've been experimenting and having a lot of fun.  I have so many photos to scan and start making those scrapbooks I've been wanting to make for my sons and grandchildren and this will be such an easy way to get the job done!  Here is the first page that I made.  Mariah is my youngest granddaughter and loves to come to Grandma's to craft and create.  She is turning into quite the little artist.

I love My Digital Studio and over the next few days, I'll be sharing what I've been creating.  And, don't forget, you can try it yourself for free.  Stampin' Up!® is now offering a 30-day free trial of My Digital Studio.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Just Believe

Today is the first day of Spring but there is no sunshine here.  It's cloudy and we are expecting it to start raining again.  With the less than normal amount of snow this winter, we really do need the moisture.  What I find hard to believe is that we have been in the 70s and 80s for the past couple of weeks.  Talk about unusual!  I do have to admit that I have not missed the cold and snow.

I haven't had a lot of time to create lately as I've been doing my annual spring cleaning early given our nice weather.  Today's card is one I cased from last years' Annual Catalog.

Stamp Set: Just Believe; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Night of Navy, Marina Mist; Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  5/8" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

Just a reminder that Sale-A-Bration ends in eleven days.  You can place your order here or you can e-mail me with your order and payment.

Scallop Circle Birthday

This birthday card was designed as a guy card but it would work well for a gal card, too.  It's another that will be made in the All Occasion Card Class coming up Saturday, March 24th.  I have one more project to design and I'm thinking it will be something that can be given as a gift.  I found a cute pattern for a basket that would be perfect for a May Basket.  But more about that later.

Stamp Set:  Pretty Postage; Ink:  Basic Gray Classic; Card Stock:  Whisper White, basic Gray, Real Red, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Fancy Flower Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Don't forget to reserve your spot in the class.  E-mail me and let me know you are attending.

Until we meet again...

A Day Of Rest And Worship

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalm 98:4 (KJV)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This week I was challenged to write a Limerick, which are one of my favorite to write.  Since I have a few days left in April and May to schedule Workshops, this one came to mind.  In April we'll make Mother's Day cards and in May we'll make Father Day's cards.

There was a Stampin' Up!® Demo
Who jotted down this short memo
Book your Workshop today
Without fear or delay
Become the next Hostess Supremo

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.

If  you'd like to help me fill up my April and May schedule and receive a free gift, contact me today to set the date for your Workshop. 

Triple Treat Flower Birthday

Here is another card we will be making on March 24th for the All Occasion Card Class being held at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  It was designed by my friend Linda and I thought it would be perfect for this class.

Stamp Set:  Triple Treat Flower; Elementary Elegance; Ink:  Night Of Navy; Card Stock:  Night Of Navy, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

The inside of the card is layered with Whisper White with a border of Pretty In Pink punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.  Simple but very elegant.

If you'd like to attend this class, please e-mail me to register as space is limited to ten (10).

Only Two Weeks Left!

Just a short note to remind everyone that Sale-A-Bration ends on March 31st.  Not only will the special products in the Sale-A-Bration be gone, so will the special Starter Kit price of $125 and the free paper pack or digital download for the rest of the year.

So, don't delay, place that order or sign up to start your own stamping business before midnight on March 31st.

A Bit Of Birthday Trivia

Albert Einstein was born on this day in 1879.  He is considered the one who developed the theory of general relativity and best known for the formula E=MC squared (sorry, didn't know how to get the 2 in the right spot so thought it would be best to spell it out).  In reading a bit of his biography, I find him to be quite interesting.  It surprised me to learn that he did not advocate using nuclear fission as a weapon.  To learn more about Albert Einstein, you can start here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein

Albert Einstein, by Yousuf Karsh

And, during my research, I came across some quotes that have been attributed to Mr. Einstein.  I'm sharing a few here and have also included a link below for more.
 

 "A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be."

"All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree."

"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."

"Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish."

To read more of his quotes, click on this link:  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/albert_einstein.html.

I had planned to design a card to go along with this bit of history, but spent so much time reading him that I didn't get it done.  So, tomorrow, I promise to have a new card design for you.

Until we meet again...

Word Play Graduation

Here is another graduation card that can be made when you drop in during the Come & Go Card Buffet.  For more details, click the Stamping Cafe Events tab at the top of this page.

Stamp Sets:  Word Play, Pennant Parade; Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Top Note Bigz Die, Word Window Punch, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

I think this makes a great card for the guys.  I'll show you the one I've made for the girls at a later time.  For now I'm back to concentrating on Easter and Mother's Day.  Those days are fast approaching.

Got questions?  Leave a comment and I'll answer them as soon as possible.

Until we meet again...

Happy 100th Anniversary!

Wow!  Can you believe it?  I was going to take a picture of my Girl Scout pin but, unfortunately, I couldn't find it.  It's in a box somewhere with all of the other little mementos from my childhood.  It was so exciting to graduate from the Brownies to a full-fledged Girl Scout.  Many things have changed since I was a part of the group.  May it continue for another one hundred years! 

A Day Of Worship And Rest

 

Be still and know that He is God.

It's Spring Ahead Time Again!

That's right, Daylight Savings Time begins tomorrow morning at 2 a.m.  Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed tonight. You can thank Benjamin Franklin.  He is the one who first conceived the idea.  Here are a couple of links if you'd like more information:

http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/c.html
http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/e.html

And, don't forget to check those Smoke Alarm batteries.  Changing them each year, at this time, is a good habit to get into.

How YOU Can Celebrate National Craft Month?

March is National Craft Month, and I'd like to help you celebrate.  Below is a list of upcoming classes being offered during the month of March at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.

March 15th

Techniques Thursday

6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Learn a new technique

Cost $15

March 19th

Card Buffet 

6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cards for all occasions

Cost is $2 per card

For a complete list of classes, visit the Stamping Cafe Events page by clicking the tab at the top.

There is always something happening at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.

Island Indigo Graduation

Spring is nearly upon us and so is graduation.  How many graduation cards do you need to make this year?  It's one of those events that just seems to creep up on us.  I know it does for me.  So, here is one of the cards I made last spring.  The neat thing about this card is the colored stripes on each side are actually embossed Sticky Strip.  I read about it during one of my browsing episodes and thought it would be fun to try.  Now that I've remembered it, I'm going to try it with some of the other colors of emboss powder.

Stamp Sets:  Delicate Doilies, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, VersaMark, Sticky Tape, Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Heat Tool

Come April, I'll be offering a Graduation Card Class.  Be sure to check back often for developing details.  The day and time will be posted to the Events page.

Until we meet again...

Miss Ginger

Today I thought I'd share something a bit different with you.  Every once in a while I start thinking about getting another pet then see pictures of the last little critter who touched my life and I'm not sure I can do it again.  Unfortunately, I had to part with her, due to circumstances beyond my control, and leave her behind with a new family when I left Dallas.

Ginger was five pounds of attitude but such a good little girl.  She was a litter box trained Chihuahua, sweet, loving and so much fun.  She was quite the character.  She loved her 'good girl' biscuits, which was her treat for using her litter box.  She never missed!

Here is one of her favorite places to take a nap.  I had just walked in the door from work and she opened her eyes but otherwise didn't budge.  She did love her sleep time.

Until we meet again...

Simply Scored Diagonal Plate

Have I got a great new tool for you!  Stampin' Up!® has introduced the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate which is a must have companion to your Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  It's perfect for creating envelopes, boxes and so much more!

Product Features

• Sits on top of the Simply Scored base
• Held securely in place by rubber pads on back of the plate
• Has etched grooves every 1/8"
• Can score any size card stock up to 12" x 12"
• Includes instructions for creating common envelope sizes
• Coordinating products included
  • Simply Scored (item 122334)
  • Simply Scored Place Markers (item 125625)
  • Simply Scored Stylus (item 125624)
  • Bone Folder (item 102300)

For more information, go to my online store.                                

How To Order From Me Online

Did you know you can order product from me online?

That's right.

And, you won't believe how easy it can be done.

All you have to do is click on the button in this post or click here.

Next:

1. Select your products.
2. Add them to your shopping cart.
3. Check out.

That's how easy it is.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

Elegant Eggplant Sympathy

This turned out to be my favorite card of the ten made for the class.  It's simple, it's elegant.  The River Rock and the Elegant Eggplant really look nice together.  Over the next several days, I'll continue to share with you all the cards we will make when the class is scheduled.

Stamp Sets:  God's Blessings, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Perfect Plum; Card Stock:  Elegant Eggplant, River Rock, Perfect Plum, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper - Blushing Bride; Accessories & Tools:  Blossom Punch, Snowflake Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Curly Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

In the upper left of the inside of the card, I stamped the sentiment from the God's Blessings Stamp Set.  The Perfect Plum Ink looks good on the River Rock Card Stock.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.  Also, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Until we meet again...

Morning Cup Perk Up

Since I first saw this stamp set, it has been on my wish list.  It is now on the shelf in my craft room.  Woo! Hoo!  This card is a CASE of one that my upline, Andrea had in her tray of swap cards.  When I offered to buy it from her, she took pity on me and simply let me have it.  She is so generous that way.  Mine is a bit different in that I did not layer as much as the original.  And the fact that I love my coffee, just added to the appeal of the whole stamp set.

Stamp Sets:  Morning Cup, Mixed Bunch; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack - Soft Suede; Accessories & Tools:  Word Window Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Mini Brads, 1/4" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber

Okay, so here is my second post of the day.  Technically, it should be my first post of the day but as I said in the previous post, I missed yesterday so the first post was yesterday's post and the second post is today's post.  Now I'm all caught up again.

Until we meet again...

Sincere Salutations Thanks

Well, I was on a roll and all of a sudden fell right off of it.  I missed a post yesterday so today you are going to get two of them.  I know! I know!  It's just not the same but I just feel the need.  I've been busy creating and prepping for a class I was to hold today but due to circumstances beyond my control, it was canceled.  One good thing that will come out of it, is that everything is ready for when it is scheduled again.  It's an All Occasions Card Class and this is the thank you card.  It's a spin off of one I did at one of my local demonstrator meetings.

Stamp Set:  Sincere Salutations; Ink:  Rich Razzleberry; Card Stock:  Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist, Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack - Neutrals Collection, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch

Interested in making cards for your friends and family?  Here are a few options for you to consider.  You can host a Workshop or attend one of the several classes I offer throughout the year.  For more information, click the Stamping Cafe Events tab at the top of this page.

Until we meet again...

Blushing Bride Bookmark

Ahh... alliteration!  I love words.  I love to write and try to do so each day whether it's journaling or adding to my novel.  Today's short story is all about my youngest grandson, Aiden.  I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I watch him during the week while Mom and Dad work and big brother and big sister are in school.  He is quite the little man and overflowing with personality!  He is two and has turned into a little jabber jaw.  Most of the time he and I communicate well but there are those times when he is trying very hard to make himself heard and Grandma just doesn't get it.

His favorite TV show is Thomas and His Friends.  It's a really cute program and even I enjoy watching it with him.  Here is a link, http://www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/Thomas.mvc/Home, for those who might like to know more about the program.

Today he was talking away, trying to tell me something about his new train engine, Diesel 10, but I just wasn't getting it.  Smiling at him I said, "You are a little Dutchman."  To which he answered with a frown, "No I not!"  So, I asked him if he was a little German.  He got the biggest smile on his face and said, "Yes, derman."  Needless to said I just couldn't hold back the laughter.  He is such a sweet little guy and can definitely melt my butter!

So, now it's on to this neat little bookmark I saw and knew I had to try one of my own.  It's very easy and mostly done by folding.  I'll be making more of these.  Thank you, Jessica!

Stamp Set:  Mixed Bunch; Ink:  Perfect Plum; Card Stock:  2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack - Blushing Bride, Perfect Plum, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Blossom Punch, 1" Circle Punch, VersaMark, Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss® Powder, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals, Heat Tool

The bookmark doesn't show up well but it at least gives you the idea of how it is to be used.  Now I'm off to work on more of the cards I need for Saturday's Class.  I'll be sharing those with you soon.

Until we meet again...