MFTWSC156

Despite the snow, the rather slick roads and the seriously crazy drivers, I made it over to my friend, Heather's, for a Panera lunch and some fun crafting time.  It was a real treat for me as I have been wanting to use some of her My Favorite Things stamps and dies since I don't have any, yet.  We played along with this week's MFTWSC sketch and this is the card I made.  My oldest grandson, Rodney, has a birthday next month and this was a perfect sketch to use for his card.

The dies used were MFT Die-namics Stacking Stars and Die-namics Blueprints1.  I don't remember the name of the stamp set that the happy birthday came from but I love the cursive.

Now here's the sketch from the MFT blog.

It was such a good day!  I am looking forward to the next time Heather and I get together. 

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubles, nor let it be fearful.

John 14:27

Merry Christmas!

May you have a safe and wonderful Christmas. 

Thank you Jackie Topa for the Snowman Tutorial

Thank you for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe!

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Santa's Christmas Elf

So, what do you think?  Personally, I think all of my grandchildren, from the youngest to the oldest, will love to have one of these hanging on the tree with their name on it.  He's made out of different punched shapes and his arms and legs are candy.  One of the club members made the comment that it could also look like a girl elf.  Just add some earrings, maybe a bit of curly hair and instead of short pants, a skirt.  I think this little elf is just the cutest project.

I don't know all of the different punches used but I just love the way he looks.  Red, green, white, all the perfect Christmas colors.

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

A Beautiful Night of Navy Christmas Card

We had such fun at our Sunday Stamp Club.  We made a couple of neat projects, played a game and won some cool prizes and had some yummy treats.  One of the projects we made was this really pretty Christmas card.  As you may know, blue is my favorite color and Stampin' Up!'s Night of Navy has been my favorite since I was first introduced to Stampin' Up!  The design is clean and simple and I love the sparkle of the Silver Glimmer Paper.

Stamp Sets:  Prince of Peace (#134811), Gorgeous Grunge (#130517); Ink:  Silver Metallic Encore Pad (#132142); Card Stock:  Night of Navy (#100867), Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005); Accessories & Tools:  Deco Labels Collection Die (#130102), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Tomorrow I'll show you the other cute project we made.  It's all made with punches and you are going to love it!

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

The Blitz Continues

The Clearance Rack still has a lot of great products available at up to 80% off the original prices.  You can shop any time at my online store; it's always open for business.  But you'll want to hurry.  Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stampin Cafe...

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.

Psalm 128:1

Whitehaven Welcome Center

This week has been a wild one!  Tuesday and Wednesday was spent on the road with my oldest son making a fast trip to Tennessee and back.  Consequently, that did not give me much time for creating and crafting.  I've spent Thursday and Friday recuperating!  It was an enjoyable ride and the best part was getting to spend so much time with my son.

Today I'm sharing a very cool stop we made on both days.  It's a fantastic rest stop found in Paducah, Kentucky.  We didn't have time for the tour, which I would have loved.  I tell you it is the cleanest and best rest stop I've ever seen.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture myself.  Yes, it was planned for the Wednesday and we took off before I remembered I wanted the picture.  I think my brain was in melt down by then.  Anyway, here are a few pictures I found to share and if you click on the top two photos, you'll go to websites that give a bit of the history of Whitehaven.

We actually saw it at night on Tuesday with the Christmas decorations and it was beautiful all lit up!

Monday should see me back on a more normal schedule and I do have plenty of creating time set up for next week.  I have Christmas cards to make and send as well as gifts to get finished.  Such a busy time!

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

Michelle Brown Postcard

A few weeks ago, I attended a Mixed Media Postcard Art Tutorial given by Michelle Brown.  Mixed Media Art was celebrating it's 4th birthday.  At the end of the tutorial, Michelle gave us the opportunity to win one of the postcards she made.  All we needed to do was leave a comment on her blog.  Low and behold, I was a winner!  I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the postcard.  Well, today the wait ended.  I can't wait to make one of my own!

Isn't it great!  Now I need to save up some cereal boxes and make some of my own.  She makes it look so easy.  She also has a book I purchased, after I took my first class with her, and it is one I go to often just to be sure I haven't forgotten anything.  You can find it on her website.  Be sure to check it out clicking on the link above or on the postcard.

Thank you so much, Michelle, for the postcard and for helping me learn more and more about mixed media art.

Thank you for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe!

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Michael"s Birthday

Today is my youngest son's birthday.  I hadn't used The Open Sea stamp set in quite a while and thought it would be perfect for a guy card.  The design is one I saved  during one of my browsing through card designs days.  I don't remember who originally designed it but I do want to say thank you to whomever it was.  I really like how it all came together.

Stamp Sets:  The Open Sea and Simply Sketched Hostess Set (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar; Card Stock:  Whisper White (Stampin' Up!) Blue card base (unknown), Down by the Shore (Fancy Pants); Accessories & Tools:  Extra Large Oval Punch, Spiral Border Punch - retired and Early Espresso Baker's Twine (Stampin' Up!)

Now I'm headed over to have pizza with the family to celebrate his birthday.  You know I must really love him a whole bunch to go out in this weather.  It's only seven degrees at this time.  By the time I get ready to come back home, it ought to be nice and frigid!

Until next time...happy creating!

Merry Christmas Plaid

Plaid is one of my favorite designs but I never would have thought of stamping in plaid.  A combination of old colors, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive along with new color, Baked Brown Sugar and Pistachio Pudding were used to make this pretty Christmas plaid.

Stamps:  Christmas Lodge (Stampin' Up! - Retired), DC Plaid Background Builder (My Favorite Things); Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Baked Brown Sugar (Stampin' Up!), Tuxedo Black (Momento); Card Stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding and Cherry Cobbler (Stampin' Up!), Classic White (Flourishes); Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Trim Border Punch, Curly Label Punch, Brights Old Olive Button (Retired) and !/8" Silver Ribbon (Stampin' Up!)

Since I used the sketch from My Favorite Things, I decided to play along with this week's challenge.  If you'd like to join, you can click HERE or on the image below to go find out all you need to know to play along.  And, I also entered the make your own background challenge at Simon Says Wednesday Challenge.

Until next time...happy creating!

Silver Wreath Ornament

Another Stamp Club favorite is this clean and simple card with just a touch of sparkle.  Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, the new Mosaic Punch, a circle punch, some 1/8" Silver Ribbon, twine and a stamp and you have the makings of a very cool Christmas card.  And don't you just love that Silver Glimmer Paper!  It comes in Red and Champagne, too.   

Since my upline, Andrea, designed this card, I don't remember what stamp set was used.  I've looked and looked in the catalogs for it and have had no luck finding it.  Of course, your favorite Christmas sentiment would work as well.

Until next time...happy creating!

Time Crafting with a Friend - Priceless!

Yesterday afternoon was spent crafting with my friend, Heather.  I really enjoy the time I spend with her and I always learn something new whenever we get together.  After she had stamped some plaid backgrounds from the new 2013-2015 In Colors, she designed a beautiful Christmas card for me.  I love how she combines the different patterned papers.  She used three different ones on this card alone.

Stamp Set:  Bells & Boughs (Retired Stampin' Up!®); Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento™), Copic Markers; Card Stock:  Naturals White, Strawberry Slush (Stampin' Up!®), True Love Patterned Paper (Basic Grey), Classic White (Flourishes); Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits Dies, Extra-Large Oval Punch (Stampin' Up!®), Pop Dots

She does a fantastic job of fussy cutting, too!  I had such a great day and look forward to crafting with Heather again soon.

Tomorrow I'll share one of the cards I made using one of the plaid backgrounds Heather stamped for me.  They are so cool!

Until next time...happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

The Lord is my strength and shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Psalm 28:7

Swallowtail Hello

Isn't this just a beautiful card?  This one was my favorite of the five we made that day.  I love the colors and now I have got to have that Swallowtail stamp!  It is absolutely gorgeous!  You can find it on page 71 of the Annual Catalog.

The sentiment is from the Lacy & Lovely stamp set found on page 117 of the Annual Catalog.  I love all the elements of this card.

Until next time...happy creating!

Joyful Christmas Wishes

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it's time to start sharing some new Christmas cards.  Here is one of the cards we made in Stamp Club last month.  I love that Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set found on page 109 of the Annual Catalog.  Andrea, my upline, came up with this very cool design using Gorgeous Grunge and the new Hexagon Punch.  I love it!

Such a fun card and the colors are great together.  Tomorrow I'll share another awesome Stamp Club card.

Until next time...happy creating!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.  I know I have much for which I am truly thankful.

This is one of the cards we made in my last Stamp Club.  I love the new Thinlits Card Dies!

Until next time...happy creating!

I'm so excited! I just can't hide it!

Oh yeah, that's me!  Most of the boxes are unpacked, I have my craft room nearly set up and I can't wait to get started creating again.  If all goes as planned tomorrow, I will finally have my work space set up with everything in easy reach.  It doesn't get any better than that.  But, in the meantime, I wanted to share one of the cards we made in last month's Stamp Club using the Gently Falling Stamp Set and the 7/8" Cotton Ribbon.  I really like being able to stamp right on the cotton ribbon.  Very cool.

The sentiment is from the new Four You Stamp Set found on page 22 of the Annual Catalog.  Tomorrow you'll see another card made at Stamp Club.

Until next time...happy creating!

Hip! Hip! Hooray!

The move is complete!  My Internet has been restored!  Tomorrow I'll have a new card to share with you that I made at my monthly Stamp Club.

It's good to be back.

Until next time...happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

It's Simply an Update

No picture and no new designs to share since everything I own is in a box somewhere.  Since I'm at my son's today, I took my laptop and connected to his Internet so I could share with you that the move is complete and once all things are unpacked, put in their proper new home and Internet has been restored, I"ll be back doing what I love to do. 

Until next time...happy creating!

It's Time to Say Goodbye for Just a While

It is with some sadness that I must say goodbye but it will be for just a short while.  I am moving and tomorrow the Internet will be shut down until I get into my new place.  It will be too many days before I even find my craft supplies again and can make some new projects to share with you.  In the meantime, if you have any questions about placing a Stampin' Up! order or scheduling a Workshop, just send me an e-mail and I'll answer back within 24 hours.

For now, enjoy some pretty Autumn colors.  I'll be back soon.

Until next time...happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

The word of the Lord endureth forever.

1 Peter 1:25

It's Box City!

The packing is coming right along and trust me when I say, I wish it was done and the move was over.  It has sure cut into my creative time.  I have all of these ideas floating around in my head for Christmas gifts and it's making me crazy that I can't get to work on them.  Most of my craft supplies are in sealed boxes and I'm forcing myself not to rip into them.

The box mountain is slowly growing.  The boxes you see are only the a fraction of what's left.  Sad, isn't it!  I still have the kitchen and part of the bedroom.  Oh, let's not forget all the craft supplies.  There are only three small boxes of those in the stacks you see.  Ugh...

The only think I know for sure about tomorrow morning is, I'm going to play with some of my new Stampin' Up! products before they are put in boxes.  So, tomorrow I'll actually have a new project or two to share with you.

Until next time...happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:  for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.

Luke 6:23

Nic's 7th Birthday

It's hard to believe that my next to the youngest grandson is seven today.  Where has the time gone?  Nic and his brother Zac spent the morning with me and made bottle cap necklaces.  They were fascinated by the melting embossing powder.  I have to admit it is fun to watch.

I kept Nic's birthday card very clean and simple.  Being a boy, he just is not into being careful.  :-)  You just gotta love him!

The patterned paper is from Fancy Pants Down by the Shore paper pad.  I love those little whales!

Until next time...happy creating!

No Time to Play!

Over the next few weeks my time to create is going to be very limited.  I'm going to try to post a couple of times a week but that may not happen.  Sigh... I'm moving and I've kept only a few of my craft supplies out just so I can get my fingers in the ink once in a while until I'm moved and unpacked again.  The boxes are being packed and the stacks are growing in my living room.  I try to do one room at a time but that just never seems to happen.  I get a box so full then it's time to add some light weight things to finish it up which, of course, are always in another room.  It's a never ending battle.

To top it all off, the leaves are changing and the days are very cool, in the 50s.  There is going to be no time to take a drive and enjoy the beauty.  Hmm?  I'm headed to my grandson's birthday party on Saturday.  I may just leave early and take the long way just to soak in some of the color.

Until next time...happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

Whosoever shall give drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water . . . he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Matthew 10:42

Happy Birthday to You

You know, you can never have too many birthday cards.  There is just one problem, the birthdays I have coming up in the next couple of months are for my sons and grandsons.  Guess I need to get busy with some guy designs.  For now, here is my latest gal card.  I used more of my Graphic 45 Secret Garden patterned paper and I love how the coral and blue come together.

Stamp Set:  Botanical Bookplates Vol. 1; Ink:  Tim Holtz Vintage Photo (Ranger); Card Stock:  Very vanilla and Calypso Coral (Stampin' Up!), Secret Garden Patterned Pape3r (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 1/4" Calypso Coral Ribbon and Pearl Basic Jewels (Stampin' Up!), Pop Dots, Blending Tool

I've used this design before and really like the way it looks.  I think it would be pretty as a Christmas Card.  I may just have to give that a try.

Until next time...happy creating!

Pretty and Pink

Yes, it is possible to make a card without stamping an image or sentiment.  Will wonders never cease!  I know it's way to early for Valentine's Day but I was in the mood for something simple and different.  This sweet little design fit the bill perfectly.  It is not often I use pink so my friend, Heather, should be so pleased.

The sentiment was printed using an Inkssentials White Opaque Pen.  For the card base I used Pink Pirouette and Rose Red card stock from Stampin' Up!  The patterned paper is from Jillibean-Soup's Grandma's Lima Bean Soup.  Punches, dies, twine, eyelets and rhinestones finish it off.  The inside has a strip of the patterned paper with a Pink Pirouette heart attached to it.

Until next time...happy creating!

It's Time To Vote!

Hello everyone.  It's time for you to vote for your People's Choice Guest Designer over at Flourishes.  They had a contest for their December Guest Designer spots and I decided to play along.  Now it's your turn to help that dream come true.  Click the link above or the image below to go to the voting booth!  You have until October 14th at 11:59pm CST to cast your vote.

Here is the card I submitted for the contest.

Until next time. . .happy creating!

Christmas with a Twist

It's Flourishes October Release Challenge and I can't wait to see what new Christmas themed stamp sets they will have for us.  So, the challenge was to create a Christmas design without using traditional Christmas colors thus, the Christmas with a Twist.  Okay, no red, no green; not a problem.  Since blue is my favorite, of course it was the first color that came to my mind.

Rather than add a sentiment to the front of the card, I put it on the inside.  I kept the design clean and simple and let the beautiful image be the focal point.  Flourishes Christmas Candles Stamp Set is another favorite.  It's the one I'm using for all the cards I'll be making and sending to family and friends this year.

Stamp Set:  Flourishes Christmas Candles; Ink:  Stampin' Up! Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Flourishes Classic White, Stampin' Up! Night of Navy, Bo Bunny Powder Mountain Collection; Accessories & Tools:  Spellbinders Tear Drop Circles Die, 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Rhinestones

If you would like to join in for a chance to win the whole October Release, click the image below for all the specifics.  I can't wait to see the new stamp sets!

Until next time...happy creating!

Harvest of Plenty

A bow and a new sketch.  Today I used the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches to create this card for the Crazy 4 Challenges Bows Challenge.  Whew!  Can you tell I love challenges?  And, sketches make it so easy to put a card together.  To find out more about the sketch and challenge I used today, just click on the links above.

Stamp Set:  Harvest Expressions (Inkadinkado); Ink:  Early Espresso (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Bravo Burgundy, Cajun Craze and various other colors (Stampin' Up!), Feels Like Home Paper Pack (Little Yellow Bicycle); Accessories & Tools:  Tim Holtz Autumn Gatherings Strip Die (Sizzix), Smooch Pearlized Top Coat, Crystal Effects and 1/4" Calypso Coral Ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Clear Rhinestones

I love Autumn!  Can you tell?  I've been making a lot of fall cards.  Now, I'm off to make a birthday card for my oldest son, Wayne.  His birthday is Saturday and we are getting together for some cake and ice cream.

Until next time...happy creating!

Marsha's Garden Fairy

It's another Timeless Tuesday Challenge and this one was so much fun!  One of the requirements was to do some paper piecing, not to be confused with paper piercing, two very different techniques.  What's more, those who enter have a chance to become a Guest Designer for Flourishes.  Now that would be beyond exciting!  All you have to do is follow the challenge specifics to be considered.

For my card, I used one of the images from the Garden Fairies stamp set.  The main image was stamped on Classic White card stock using Tuxedo Black ink.  I used colored pencils for the grass and flower stem.  Each segment I paper pieced used a different patterned paper for the flower, the dress, the wings and the butterfly.  The image didn't stamp well on the silver glitter paper, so I used a black colored pencil to show the detail in her wings as well as on the butterfly.

I added the sentiment to the inside of the card because I wanted the image to be the focal point of the card.

Stamp Set:  Garden Fairies;  Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Classic White (Flourishes), Silver & Gold Collection (Bo Bunny), Vintage Christmas (My Mind's Eye), Silver Glitzy Glitter (DCWV); Accessories & Tools:  White Organdy Ribbon, Silver Rhinestones, Standard Circles Dies (Spellbinder), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (Stampin' Up!), Pop Dots, Glue Dots, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

If you want to more details about the challenge and special contest, click the image below.  There is still time for you to join in the challenge.

This stamp set is one of my favorites.  I loved reading about fairies and fairy tales when I was a girl.  And, yes, I still believe in fairy tales!

Until next time...happy creating!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I'm playing along with a new, to me, challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays.  The challenge was to use a Fall color palette and at least one leaf in a clean and simple design.  It also gave me the opportunity to use one of the cut files I have for my Silhouette SD.

The leaves have now started to change here in Iowa.  The trees out my front door are adding a touch of golden yellow to their branches.  I think this weekend will be a good one to go check how much Fall color is out there.  Another week or two and should be beautiful.

 

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Tim Holtz Vintage Photo (Ranger), Soft Suede (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Whisper White, Soft Suede and Tangerine Tango (Stampin' Up!), Happy Harvest Patterned Paper (Doodlebug Design); Accessories & Tools:  Leaves Silhouette Cut File, Tim Holtz Candy Stripes Embossing Folder (Sizzix), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder,  Large Oval Punch and Scallop Oval Punch (Stampin' Up!), Pearl Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels), Clear Gems, Pop Dots

The Glimmer Mist is hard to see in the photo but it gave the whole card a very pretty shimmer. Now it's time for you to go check out all the other talented designers.  Just click the image below to head over to CAS-ual Fridays.

For me, it's time to go make some bows.  I have my week all planned out and it's a busy one!  You'll find me most days and evenings sitting at my craft table inking and stamping and cutting and gluing and just plain having fun.

Until next time. . .happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

The Lord koweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.

2 Peter 2:9

Windy Tree

This is the final card in the Graphic 45  September A Place in Time card set.  It is also my favorite one from the set.  Sometimes it's nice to make a card that is not a traditional shape.

Don't you just love that cute little tree?  It's the Windy Tree Die from Taylored Expressions.  It is definitely on my wishlist now.

This was such a fun class and I love all the new cards I have to send out to family and friends.

Until next time. . .happy creating! 

Autumn

Today's post is going to be a very short one but I wanted to share this clean and simple card with you.  With the start of the Fall season and the beginning color change of the trees, I pulled out a new Bo Bunny paper pad and punch out some fall colored labels.

Stamp Set:  A Season of Giving (Hero Arts); Inks:  Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up!), Tim Holtz Vintage Photo (Ranger); Card Stock:  Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), Autumn Song (Bo Bunny); Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Label Punch and 1/8" Calypso Coral Ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Clear Rhinestones, Pop Dots, Blending Tool, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

I love the colors of Fall.  As the season progresses, I'm hoping that we have some beautiful color in the trees.  With have had such a dry summer with so little rain, I'm not sure that is going to happen.

Until next time. . .happy creating!

A Simple Thanksgiving Pumpkin

You know, sometimes it feels like I'm been cleaning and sorting for years.  I know, it's only be a couple of months.  How does any one collect so much "stuff"?  When I was cleaning out my craft supply closet, I put all of my scraps in a box and every now and again, I'll pull out some colors and make a card like today's Thanksgiving card.  As a former Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I have a lot of retired card stock and designer series paper.  I love how the Cajun Craze and Not Quite Navy card stock along with the Well Worn Designer Series Paper look together.  I have been concentrating on making my Thanksgiving cards to send to family and friends.  Here's my latest.

Stamp Sets:  Pumpkin (Studio G), A Season of Giving (Hero Arts); Inks:  Cajun Craze (Stampin' Up!), Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink (Ranger); Card Stock:  Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze and Well Worn Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!), Autumn Song Collection (Bo Bunny); Accessories & Tools:  Clear Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up!), White Doily (Bo Bunny), Pop Dots

I also added a sentiment to the inside of the card using the Cajun Craze card stock and clear embossed it as well.  I was going to add the rest of the doily but it looked rather odd, so I just left it off.  Although you can't see it, I stamped the pumpkin on the doily, then stamped it on some patterned paper, cut it out and used pop dots to attach it to the card.

A few more Thanksgiving cards and I can start in on those Christmas cards.  I have a few done but now that I've made my list, I have quite a few to go.

Until next time. . .happy creating!