Stampin' Up! supplies were perfect for this occasion.  I created the bold banners with the Big Shot Serif Essentials Alphabet die set, Alphabet Simple Letters die set, Top Note Bigz die, Elegant Bird Bigz die, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, and Label Framelits dies.

This baby boy will have two big sisters to welcome his arrival.  I created chair labels for grandmothers and Mama Leigh Anne to save their seats and later use at other showers or as photo props.  The girls were anxious to decorate their bedroom with their new title.  Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment designer series paper; Alphabet Simple Letters die set; Mixed Bunch stamp set with coordinating Blossom punch; and Basic Pearls were used to create these chair labels.

Although Leigh Anne's "Mama label" was planned for her chair; her daughters insisted she wear it as a necklace or sash.  I guess this marks the beginning of the fun that awaits with her new baby. 

Our shower theme was practical; "Diapers and Wipes."  Leigh Anne was happy to know she will have one less concern or grocery store trip...now that the nursery will be fully stocked with necessities.

We can hardly wait for "Little Boy Blick" to arrive; and we hope the parents will finally choose a name before they leave the hospital.  It will only be a couple more weeks; and the excitement builds more each day.

Are you planning a baby shower, birthday party, bridal shower, retirement party, graduation, or other event for someone special?  I would be happy to help with your party plans or even commission to create the invitations, party favors, banners, and thank you notes.  I will need six weeks notice prior to your event.  Invitations will be mailed three weeks prior to the event.

Stay tuned for more projects and pictures from our "Oh Boy" baby shower.

On Tuesday morning, Hayden was FULL of surprises. First, he was excited to show me how he had used the loofah and soap to wash every shower wall.  He was so proud, and I hugged him with appreciation wondering how I would explain soap scum later. 

Next, Hayden thought it would be great fun to have an Easter egg hunt before school.  I was in the laundry room and returned upstairs to a surprise task of locating hidden eggs.  These eggs looked familiar--much like the spring wreath.  Yes, Hayden pulled five eggs off the wreath to hide, until he found the basket full of plastic eggs on the kitchen table. Another surprise, I would need to find ten more eggs.  With his grin and laughter following me, the eggs weren't hard to locate.

The fun morning couldn't end without Hayden presenting me with our very first daffodil of the season.  We planted the bulbs last fall and were so proud of the first bloom.  Hayden brought the pups inside and showed me the yellow bloom with no stem.  The daffodil now floats in a bowl of water, and I did stop for a lesson on picking long stems when possible.  I also asked him to please let me help him with flower picking, as there are many vacant fields full of wild daffodils waiting to brighten our home.  If we pick a small bouquet, there are plenty more for others to enjoy.  We would plan a trip for flower hunting just before a storm is forecasted, so we can save the beauties from harsh winds and destruction.

The card I shared in the shoe box swap was inspired by products from the Sale-A-Bration and Mini Occasions catalogs. You may recall THIS CARD I created for a WOW Leadership swap. I used a similar sketch to create my fresh spring themed card.

Supplies:

• Stamps: Elementary Elegance #125120W or #125122C
• Ink: Pool Party #122938
• Card Stock: Pool Party #122924, Very Vanilla #101650
• Designer Series Paper: Everyday Enchantment #126154
• Tools/Accessories: Labels Framelits #125598, Big Shot Die Cut Machine #113439, Elegant Bird Bigz die #125593, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335, Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim #118481, Scallop Oval Punch #119856, Large Oval Punch #119855, Basic Pearls #119247

Hayden's final words before drifting to sleep were, "Mama, I know I will wake up to the best valentines for my friends."  I had to literally put on my "Super Mom" cape to create treats worthy of classroom valentine sacks.  I was reminded of an idea I recently found online.

Have you ever purchased something (stiff red felt) because it's on sale and you MIGHT use it later?  During the wee hours of Valentine's Day morning; scissors, a sharpie marker, ribbon, and stiff red felt came to my rescue!  I gathered supplies to create thirty-five valentines to share with classmates, neighbors, and teachers.  Pups, Sammy and Sally, kept me company by sniffing the Tootise pops between naps.

Hayden was happy and excited to share his Tootsie Pop Super Hero Valentines at school.  He would twirl the sucker sticks and grin with pride.  This reaction removed all guilt and exhaustion from my heart and mind. 

Classmate valentines were fun to give and receive.  Another child shared the sucker photo cards, so we were glad to share something different. 

Hayden enjoyed a Valentine party filled with healthy snacks; Q-tip shooter game; handprint heart art; and Heart Bingo game. We returned home to throw the baseball in the front yard and to later play with neighbors before completing homework.

Lesson Learned: Start valentine projects no later than February 5, to avoid unnecessary stress.

PLAN A: I was planing to make Hayden's valentines as tradition in our family. My clever lollipop photo card was not working as planned. My computer crashed; and I didn't have the program or printer access to complete the details we both envisioned.   While Hayden enjoyed sporting his Darth Vader shirt, cool new haircut, and a fun PVC pipe for the photo; we couldn't make the "funness" work.  I forced the issue and the photo card result was unacceptable. At the sight of my efforts, my "super cool" son informed me that "photo cards are for babies."  Did I imagine a boy jumping up and down at the thought of his "coolness" as the star of this super valentine card???!!!  Boxed valentine cards, here I come!

PLAN B: I purchased strawberry lollipop Star Wars valentines from Walmart. Hayden wrote his name and all his classmate names on index cards. I cut the cards and stapled them to the suckers. In the process, I broke TWO cheap mini plastic staplers. Another confession...we have three heavy duty staplers that are also broken.  I resort to using scotch tape to adhere Hayden's homework papers on Fridays. What is wrong with me? How have I managed to break EVERY stapler in our house??!!

Then, I noticed the food allergy warnings!?? Strawberry suckers contain tree nuts!?! What?!? Are you kidding me??!!   Super Mom here...I just gave my son "ocean water" from Sonic this afternoon; and his face broke out in a rash. Ocean water contains drops of coconut!

PLAN C: With sleet falling and every frantic mother in the Valentine aisle of Walmart; Hayden and I searched the empty shelves with no luck at Walmart. Kmart was our next stop. I preferred the Dr. Suess Lorax bookmark valentines or the Disney Cars pencils. Hayden  compromised with the paper airplane cards. At home, we decided to prepare the cards together as we watched a Lego movie. What a surprise to find these complicated cards unworthy for Hayden's classmates!  I will be the first to admit my weakness for craft perfection, cutting and folding straight lines, and especially oragami art.  I am ashamed to admit I attempted ONE airplane for more than thirty minutes!  Hayden comforted me by telling me the kids could ask their parents for help and our valentines could be a family fun night.  OK, but THIS MOTHER does not want other parents sending home folding projects for me to do. 

PLAN D:  At this late hour....after midnight....I am literally praying for a snow day tomorrow. I have procrastinated; and I must meet this challenge. During bedtime stories, Hayden said, "Mama, I know I will wake up to the best valentine treats for my friends. You will work your craft magic. I just know it!"  What??!! The pressure is on me now.  Sleet is falling, and nothing seems "good enough" to qualify as "craft magic" right now. 

My computer is home; but I have a long process ahead of me that involves transferring files and reloading software. I am tutoring English in the morning; and I volunteered for Hayden's valentine class party. 

As I think once more about these valentines, I realize there is MUCH MORE important challenges in our lives right now. We are blessed beyond belief; and these treats will be quickly received, eaten, and thrown in the trash.  First graders will not appreciate, care, or understand the effort Hayden and I have given to these treats.  As I head to my studio, I will remember to enjoy my craft time and refuse stress to enter the space.  Wish me luck....

My delay in posting has been due to a recent virus on my main computer.  My entire hard drive was infected; and my computer remains in the complicated process (for me) of being wiped clean and uploading a new operating system.  Sadly, the computer was less than a year old; but I am grateful to report my files were completely saved and ready for the lengthy process of reinstallation on my part.

I should receive my "new and improved" computer this week and continue my regular updates.  Thank you for your patience.

---Holle

These projects would be perfect for showering your special someone, family, and friends.  ORDER your heart framelits today!  I LOVE my set--use it several times each week!

I was inspired by so many talented demonstrators, who posted samples to share fabulous ways to use this stamp set.

Notice the use of 1" X 8" clear cello bags.  These are still available!

This project display uses the Dresden Bigz die to form the tree.  The garland mini banners really dress up this holiday tree.

Are these wonderful, or what? These are my favorites, and there were many, many more cards and projects shared among demonstrators.  I just love how Stampin' Up! demonstrators empower each other and stampers around the world.

How does FEBRUARY FREE TRIAL SOUND????  FABULOUS!!!

■Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days.
■Full design functionality.
■Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express. See included content here.
■Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between. (updated with new downloads nearly every Tuesday)
■Access to our professional print services so you could even print your items that you create!

124483 My Digital Studio Express*
Downloadable version with full software and just enough digital content to get you started
See included content here. Only available as an online order $39.95.

118108 My Digital Studio:
Packaged DVDs with full software and robust digital content; includes nearly 2,000 stamp brush sets, embellishments, designer templates, punches, Designer Series Papers, card stock, and more.
That’s more than a $500 worth on it!
See included content here. $79.95 

Feel free to contact me with further questions.  I love the program and would be happy to teach you to use and love it too!

These projects were displayed by Stampin' Up! and around the conference area as contest entries.

Notice the use of Trinket Crowns and the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored tool.  The pearls, ribbon, and punch art was so clever!

Layers galore--absolutely stunning design!

The fan was created with the

Designer Rosette BigXL die.

The paper flowers, embossed frame, ribbon frame, banner, mini bird accents, tag, and layers are fabulous!  What a masterpiece!

Twitterpated fabric was displayed with several sample projects.  As Valentine's Day and spring approach, I found these bright colors to make me smile and feel happy.

The fabric coordinates well with our buttons.  Colors include: Pear Pizzazz, Island Indigo, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White.

This baby bib features 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon; available in Pear Pizzazz, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, and Baja Breeze.

The Dresden Designs Bigz L die is perfect for quilters.  Just look at these fun pillow projects!

As the rain continues to fall in Tennessee, I find comfort in creating projects with supplies shared in the Occasions Mini catalog.  There are lots of great products to use with the Big Shot--must haves for spring!

This cute birthday bird was on display at Leadership Conference.  I love the details: pearl necklace, ruffled party hat, pearl swirls, button banner, and paper clip feet.

My demonstrator team challenged us to create WOW Swap projects to share at Leadership.  I used Mocha Morning designer series paper, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Labels Framelits, Heart Framelits, Red Glimmer paper, Dazzling Details, rhinestone, Oval punch, and Notably Ornate stamp set.

PRODUCT TIP: When using patterned paper with this die cut, please note the wing is positioned upside down on the die.  Paper must be cut in two pieces for the letters or design to cut right side up.

This project was shared during Leadership Conference, and it is a great example of a workshop card.  Friends will use paper, punches, stamps, cardstock, and ribbon to create a classic card to share with friends.

The FREE stamp sets earned by shoppers and hostesses fit all occasions! When I first saw the Elementary Elegance stamp images, I immediately thought of monograms and personalization. 

Although this project wouldn't fit into the simple category--too many layers and products to create---it was still fun!  This project is also an example of the special treats hostesses earn from me when they invite friends and schedule a stamp party!

This valentine tag was created with the Designer Series Paper chipboard piece as the first layer.  I cut and embossed the tag using the Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder, and Two Tags Bigz die.  Other supplies include: Red Glimmer paper, Heart Framelits, Organza Ribbon, Curly Label punch, Lovely Letters alphabet stamp set, 1" square punch, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, and Real Red cardstock and ink.

This event was scheduled the day before we would gather for the opening General Session.  I sat with Angela and some new Canadian friends; and I admit to watching and talking rather than creating. Surprised?

Thanks to my hostess, Bobbie, for being  a make n take helped because she shared all the supplies needed to complete a stamp session at her kitchen table with friends.

Sale-A-Bration has FINALLY arrived!  NOW is your chance to earn FREE products from the exclusive Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Gather your friends for a stamp session and FREE products for every $50 product order (before tax/shipping).

Stampin' Up! welcomed demonstrators with a make n take logo bag, filled with project kits.  We would soon learn our exclusive fabric bag would match perfectly with the make n take table gift--a coordinating fabric trifold wallet. 

Prize Patrols, clothesline inspiration projects, exclusive announcements, and You Crew teams created fun, freebies, and fond memories.

Stampin' Up! Convention and Leadership always begin with "Bag Pick Up."  The bag usually includes the Make N Take packet; last minute instructions; an exclusive ink pen with the event logo; event button; and other small surprises.  A fabric bag was this year's focus; and it features FOUR different styles to fit the "My Way" theme.

Although I do not own a sewing machine, I greatly appreciate the time and talent of a seamstress.  Attempting such a project would not make it to my "To Do" list--so this was a Wonderful Wow to start my week!!! Thanks to Stampin' Up!

If you would like to create one of these beautiful bags, I will see if the pattern is available.

The layout was created with My Digital Studio program--it is a MUST HAVE!!! I love it, and you will see why very soon!

Once the school bus arrived on Tuesday morning, I bid farewell to Hayden.  He would spend an entire week with his "Honey" (my mother).  Three out of his four school days were "green" (great behavior).  He completed homework, passed an Accellerated Reading test, completed chores, and played well with friends. WOW!!!

Before my flight, Mama surprised me with butter cookies from Nashville's Sweet & Sassy Bakery (my absolute favorite!)  Security was fast and smooth; and I enjoyed lunch before boarding the plane to Texas.  I was also fortunate to have empty seat space on my first flight.  Considerate, friendly seatmates were welcomed on the final leg of my trip.

In San Antonio, my bestest friend, Angela, was waiting with a HUGE HUG! I have missed her more than I imagined; and we would have an entire week together!  My luggage arrived quickly; and we were given an upgrade on the rental car.  The weather was wonderful; and I enjoyed the city tour and local life stories.  We enjoyed dinner at Angela's FAVORITE restaurant in the WORLD----Taco Cabana!  Service was great, and we were given a FREE order of sweetness! Sopapillas with Honey and Dulce de Leche. YUMMY!!!

I will admit my I-10 adventures this week were not the most enjoyable.  However, I am grateful to Bobbie for driving and sharing her home with us last week.  I used to think Colorado and Tennessee traffic and rush hour were horrid.  After a small taste of San Antonio's inner and outer "clock" transportation system, I am grateful for my short, less stressful, wait times.

We visited a fellow stamper, Delores; and she invited us on a tour of her stamp space.  Her detached studio featured natural lighting, controlled climate, and clever organization systems.  Meeting her was a pleasure; and I will cherish our prayer time that evening.

I promise to share the rest of my week---Stampin' Up! events are ALWAYS a wonderful investment of my time and money.  New friends, laughter, kindness, surprises, and more are ALWAYS a part of the event.  I left San Antonio with sadness to realize time had ended so quickly; but Hayden's excitement to see me cured my heartache fast as I returned to reality.

I colored the Fresh Vintage stamp set with Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, and Pool Party Stampin' Write markers before stamping on a pre-cut heart from the Big Shot Framelits collection.

My mind is full of decisions and choices non-stop.  Thanks to Stampin' Up!, my color and product choices coordinate to create stress-free stamp time.  Schedule a Sale-A-Bration workshop with me, and I will create kits and projects for you and your friends to play with these fun products!

FREE? 

Your choice of a FREE product from the Sale-A-Bration mini catlaog awaits on January 24. 

You may also submit your order early, so I may submit it the moment the special promotion begins. 

A handmade treat will be given to the first 10 people who place a FREE Sale-A-Bration order form. (this offer does not include online orders)  Email or call me to place your order ASAP.

The Stampin' Up! Mini Occasions Catalog offers many fun products for the Big Shot.  My favorite (this week) are the Framelits sets.  I created this fun card to swap  at Leadership Conference. Notice the many FREE Sale-A-Bration products I used to design the card (Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack, Fresh Vintage stamp set).

Stampin' Up! offers videos, project samples, and tutorials on the many wonderful ways to make the most of their products.

I hope you will join me in adding the Framelits dies to your Big Shot die collection.  I will share more storage tips, design ideas, and many ways to LOVE this great new product!!

I shared this card during the Ft. Campbell Family Readiness Thank You Card Class last week.  Participants were given a choice between two similar designs, and the polka dots were my favorite.

While military mothers created cards, the children played games and enjoyed crafts. I was impressed by their talent, creativity, and appreciation; and I look forward to hosting workshops for some of the ladies soon.  Sale-A-Bration is a great time to enjoy FREE products!

SUPPLIES:

Stamp Sets:  Word Play or  Just Thank You

Cardstock:  Sahara Sand, Whisper White,  Blushing Bride 

Ink: Soft Suede

Designer Series Paper:   2010-2012 In Color Paper Stack   (includes 40 sheets, 4 each of 2 double-sided designs in 5 colors)

Paper Punches:  XL Decorative Label Paper Punch,   2 ½” Circle Paper Punch

Big Shot:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Labels Collection Framelits Die Set, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Other:  Basic Rhinestones

The school system called the house, at 5AM, to report closure. I promised to wake Hayden the moment I heard the news. He was wide awake with excitement and ran to my bedroom for his promised "breakfast in bed" with TV time. 

We faded in and out of rest before the doorbell rang for snow play with neighbors. I looked forward to learning actually HOW fun the white dust could be.  My only idea was to suggest we create messages in the snow.  Hayden's stick was too thin, so we used bootprints.

After a few minutes of cold play, I insisted we dress better for the temperature and get some actual use from our Colorado snow clothes.  Quickly, I remembered Hayden has outgrown most everything. I was prepared with a hat, gloves, warm socks, scarf, and coat.  No weather resistent snow pants this year--oh well.

I am also happy to report I found time to stamp and play with new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration brochure.  While I attend Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference, I will schedule posts of project inspiration to persuade you to use your craft supplies this week.

As we listened for a report of early school closing, I was pleasantly surprised at  Hayden's excitement to remain IN school.  He could hardly wait to finish his balloon globe project in social studies class.

As I type the words for this blog post update, nearly every county in Middle Tennessee will close Friday.  Austin Peay State University and Ft. Campbell Army base have both announced a two-hour delay.  We are among the few counties that will have to wait until morning to discover our fate.  As the wind howls outside our door, Hayden continues to hope for a super extra-long holiday weekend ahead. 

A snow day will mean laundry, errands, and cleaning for me.  However, I promised Hayden we will snuggle and watch morning cartoons with breakfast in bed IF school is delayed or closed.  I also promised myself some "stamp time" while he plays Wii.  

Let it snow........

We created two quick and easy cards using Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper; Vintage Wallpaper and Designer Frames embossing folders; Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die; wide oval punch; Sincere Salutations and Dot, dot, dot stamp sets; hemp twine; Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, and Basic Gray cardstock;  Riding Hood Red and Basic Gray ink; and sprinkles of creativity.

The Designer Series Paper, Everyday Enchantment, will be available FREE with a $50 product order (before tax and shipping fees) on January 24.  There are many more FREE Sale-A-Bration product selections to fit your needs. If you need a mini catalog or would like to host a mini card class, PLEASE contact me to schedule a date. 

Although this was my card design suggestion, many ladies chose to alter their approach.  It was exciting to see the many different designs developed by the same basic kit supplies. They were such a clever group!  I look forward to seeing each of them again soon.

Stampin' Up! is ringing in the new year with a FREE gift for Facebook fans!  "Friend" and "Like" Stampin' Up! to receive a FREE download of the "Day in the Life" My Digital Studio digital kit.(available until January 10, 2012)

THANK YOU, STAMPIN' UP!!!

"Thank you for being our friends! To show our appreciation for our 100,000 (plus) Facebook fans, we’re giving away a free digital kit to EVERYONE to use with My Digital Studio (or any other design software if My Digital Studio is not available where you live). The Day in the Life kit contains Designer Series Papers, embellishments, a Designer Template, and is valued at $14.95(US)! To download the kit, just follow THIS LINK. And so you (and your friends) have plenty of time to download the kit, we’ll make sure it is available through January 10."

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Download includes:
* 38-piece stamp brush set
* 12 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 21 embellishments
* two-page 8" x 8" designer template

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
*Template designed to use for everyday projects. Also great for year-in-review photobook, planner, journal, and more.

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand, Taken with Teal, Very Vanilla

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I hope you enjoy the FREE DOWNLOAD and use it soon. I look forward to playing with my new digital kit.  Thanks again, Stampin' Up!

* My FAVORITE TOOLS are the Big Shot Edgelits, Framelits, and Large Sizzlits.  The Elegant Bird Bigz die is also fabulous! 

* My FAVORITE STAMP SETS are Take it to Heart, Apothecary Art, Loved Ones, and Sweet Cake.

* My FAVORITE EMBELLISHMENTS are Scented Stampin' Embossing Powder, Large Pearl Basic Jewels, Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz, and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details.

Don't have a catalog? Let me know and I will send one!  Can't wait to see the new products?