12 Days of Christmas, days 7-12

Continuing from my last post, here is what was given to the teachers on days 7-12 of Christmas.

On the 7th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Cake Balls (from Austin Cake Ball Co.) in a decorative box.


On the 8th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A 2013 desk calendar designed with My Digital Studio.


On the 9th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A bird house box filled with their favorite candy.


On the 10th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A stamped candle.


On the 11th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A Designer Series Purse with matching notecards (got this tutorial from Becky Roberts)


On the 12th Day of Christmas the kids gave their teachers....
A plate of homemade cookies and a gift card.


Heather
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12 Days of Christmas, days 1-6

So every year I have this tradition when it comes to gifts for my boys' teachers. Instead of one gift, they get 12 little gifts. The last 12 days before Christmas break the boys bring in a little treat each day. Here is what they received on days 1-6.

On the first day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Candy Cane M&M sticks


On the second day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Binder Clip Photo Holders


On the third day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Poinsettia Ornaments


On the fourth day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Holiday Hershey's


On the fifth day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Snowman Tealight


On the sixth day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
K-cup Mugs


As you can see, they aren't big expensive things, but rather small little handmade tokens. I think (and ive been told) that the suspense and excitement of a new gift everyday is just as fun and enjoyable as the gift. And I think my kids love giving 12 days of gifts too!

Heather
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All the cuteness... Without the work!

Around the holidays, people are always looking for cute ways to package little treats and gifts for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. At a 20% savings, these holiday packaging bundles are an affordable and adorable solution. Simply add a treat or gift and assemble. And because these holiday packaging bundles don't require any stamping, cutting, or creating, they are perfect for everyone who's giving gifts this holiday season-even if you are NOT a papercrafter.


Available until January 2.
Click here to order.
Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Petit Treats Bundle


Did you love that ornament on the cover of the Holiday Mini? It was such a hit that Stampin' Up! is making it available to you --just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! They've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (Our Anywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.) Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination. Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832)

Order these now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.

And finally a little stamping treat. I made this card for my Secret Sister last week.


Stamp set: Papillon Potpourri & Very Vintage wheel
Ink: Early Espresso, Whisper White
Card stock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, So Saffron DSP
Accessories: Linen Thread, Basic Pearls, Paper Piercing tool, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Scallop Trim Border punch

Heather
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Christmas cards, part two

Here are the second set of cards featured in the Christmas card class series. This first one is so elegant and gives me such a peaceful feeling of softly falling snowflakes.


Card stock: Basic Gray, White & Vellum
Stamp set: Greetings of the Season
Accessories: Flurry Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, Decorative Label Punch, Organza Ribbon

This next card was actually CASED from a fellow demonstrator. I love being a part of a group a ladies who are so creative. I am always impressed with how they can see and use images, punches and products in new and unique ways. This one uses images to spell out a festive greeting.


(My iPad takes terrible pictures, I'm sorry.)
Stamp set: Jolly Bingo Bits
Ink: Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Brads, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Heather
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Christmas cards, part one

Every fall I start making Christmas cards. I figure if I start early they will get done before the mad dash of the holidays begins. In keeping with that line of thinking I start offering Christmas card classes in September. Each month I feature two new cards and class attendees make 5 of each card. If they come back to the October and November classes featuring new cards each month, they will have 30 beautiful handmade Christmas cards ready to be mailed out all before the Thanksgiving leftovers are finished!

This is the first of the two cards featured in the September class. Although it's hard to tell from the picture the Dazzling Details on the swirls of the tree make this card sparkle.


Stamp set: Snow Swirled
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Card stock: Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Rich Razzleberry Stitched Ribbon

This second card uses one of my favorite Christmas color combinations, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Old Olive. They just remind me of the warmth and cheer of the holiday.


Stamp set: Delightful Decorations & Greetings of the Season
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Old Olive
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Ornament punch, Linen Thread, Crumb Cake marker, Dimensionals

Both of these cards are easy to follow and mass-produce which makes them great for Christmas cards. Be sure to check back as I will be sharing parts 2 and 3 of my Christmas card classes. Or better yet, join us! Check my calendar for dates and details.

Thanks for reading,
Heather

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Anniversaries

Last month I sent out two anniversary cards. One to my parents who were celebrating their 40th anniversary and one to my brother and sister-n-law who were celebrating their 6th. This is the card my parents received.


Card stock: Whisper White & Raspberry Ripple
Stamp Set: Affection Collection (Holiday Mini)
Ink: Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper & Adorning Accents Embossing Folders, Paper Doily Sizzlit, Antique Brads
This one went to my brother and his wife.


Card stock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Calypso Coral DSP, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Dots Embossing Folder, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, small heart punch, jewel rhinestones, calypso coral organdy ribbon (retired)

Don't forget to take advantage of this month's great promotion!


You will receive a FREE roll of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon for every $40 you spend. Choose from any of the 2012-2014 In Colors or spend $200 and get them all!

Be sure to register for the upcoming card and project classes. Click on Events to see the descriptions.

Happy Stamping!
Heather
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Fall-I-Days Blog Hop

Welcome to the Watercooler Llamas Fall Blog Hop! This hop will feature projects from 9 bloggers covering all the fall occasions. I hope you'll take a few minutes to follow the trail and visit all the bloggers because I know you will find tons of inspiration along the way.

This is actually the first stop on the tour. At the end of my post you will be able to click a link to take you to the next great designer, but you can also use this link to go to our homepage where all the participants are listed.









Here in Austin, school will be starting again in just a couple weeks (can you hear the glee in my voice?). Today I'll be sharing a couple projects I'll be featuring in a class next week to start the school year off right.







The first project is an adorable little backpack. Perfect for filling with a few special supplies or a tasty surprise snack, it's sure to put a smile on your student's face. The top stays securely closed thanks to a magnetic clasp and the front pocket is perfect for a special note.







How about a little something for the teacher? This cute pencil card is quick and easy and features the Stripes Embossing folder, Tasteful Trims die and the 3/4" circle punch.







My final project is the coordinating Post-It note holder. There isn't a staff member at school that couldn't use one of these!







Put the whole ensemble together and you are sure to have a successful school year! If you aren't able to attend the class, you cam purchase the tutorial for these projects, complete with photos, by selecting School Tutorial from the list under Upcoming Classes on the sidebar.

Now it's time to hop on over to see what Debbie has in store for you! Thank you for taking the time to stop here. Please leave me a comment (top of post) and then enjoy the rest of the tour.

Heather
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August is here!

Its a grew time of the year - and not just because the kids will soon be going back to school (although I am counting the days!). Stampin' Up! has some great promotions going on this month that you wont want to miss.

MDS 2 is here! The new version of our great digital paper crafting program is here with over 75 new upgrades and features. Now you can add multiple colors to stamped images, manage layers easier and so much more! If you already have MDS, you can upgrade for only $19.95 but there are also several other options for purchasing the new software.


To celebrate the release of MDS 2, SU is offering 31 Days of Savings for the month of August. You receive 31% off 31 digital content and printing options. Click here for all the details.


Also this month, we have a Spooktacular Offer for anyone who joins the Stampin' Up! family this month. All new demonstrators who take advantage of the customizable $99 Starter Kit (where you pick $125 worth of stamping supplies!) you also receive this FREE Howl-o-ween Printers Tray project kit (a $60 value). This is an amazing offer and a wonderful time to join my team. You can read all the details here or contact me and I would be happy to answer all your questions.


Finally, the hotly anticipated Holiday Mini Catalog is here! 40 pages of projects, inspiration and must-have products to make all your fall and winter holiday celebrations special. You can view and place your Mini order (or annual catalog order) directly through my website. Just click on the SHOP NOW link. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Happy Stamping!
Heather
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New Catalog Llama Hop!

It's that time again when llamas start hopping and you get to join us. Did you just come from my friend Martha's page? She and I met at last year's Convention and let me tell you, she is awesome! If you didn't get a chance to check out her post, you can use this beautiful button (designed in My Digital Studio by another awesome llama, Stephanie) to visit Martha. Just be sure to come back, please!





I'll be honest, the thought of a smaller, more streamlined catalog made me a bit nervous at first. Would there be enough for me to love? Hahaha, oh me of little faith in Stampin' Up! Of course my wish list is miles long. During my first breeze through the catalog (yes, this takes many many viewings to feel like I've really seen it all), my heart stopped on Papillon Potpourri. I just love butterflies and this set has both realistic and whimsical images to fit all tastes. And the matching new punch.... Love it!

This first card is a case of a sample from the catalog. In fact, if you are the first person to leave a comment with the page number of where it is in the catalog, I will mail this card to you!





You will see I changed it up just a bit to make it my own. First I embossed the base with the Lattice Embossing Folder and I used the new Adorning Accents Edgelits die on either side of the butterflies. I featured our new In Colors on the butterflies and since they are so detailed, the new foam stamp pads created gorgeous crisp images. The new Elegant Butterfly punch means no fussy-cutting that Gumball Green butterfly and he pops right out with a dimensional and threaded button. I'd love to see your version of this card. How will you make it your own?

This second card features the Daydream Medallions stamp set. It wasn't till I saw the matching Floral Frames Framelits Die that this one popped to the top of my must-have list.





Again, I featured the new In Colors and added a new In Color Dahlias to the center. I just love how easy Stampin' Up! makes it to put everything together. Talk about coordination.

For my final project, I made a small purse box to hold love notes (3x3 cards) in. I love to give these as Hostess Gifts and then let my hostess choose her 3 favorite love notes from my excessive stash to put in it.





I chose Tempting Turquoise, Calypso Coral and Wild Wasabi for this project and featured the new Serene Silhouettes stamp set. The center image is actually set back from the front of the box with Dimensionals and adds a unique prospective. Sorry, the picture doesn't do it justice. I need to work on my photography skills.

Well that's it for me and you've reached the end of our hop. If you didn't get a chance to see all the other great designers and their projects, you can go to our homepage where we are all listed, or hop back to the start with Buffy (click next) and hop around again. Thanks for joining us, leave me a comment and come back again soon!












Heather

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Going, going, gone!

It's the most wonderful time of the Stampin' Up! year. There are only two weeks left before the 2011-2012 catalog retires to make way for the new 2012-2013 catalog release.


Make sure you view the list of Retiring Stamp Sets and Retiring Accessories here and order them before they are gone for good.
I have received my shipment of those brand new catalogs and they are ready and waiting for my Open House on June 1. Stop by between 6-10pm to get one in your hot little hands and be the first to see all the amazing new products. Check out my calendar of events to register and a full listing of all upcoming classes.


And the new standard Starter Kit is here too! Now you can customize your creativity. The price is lower, now only $99 and each kit contains a business supplies pack (valued at $65)-things that you need to start your business. After that, the choice is yours to put together a kit with any of our high-quality products. You can choose $125 worth of any traditional or digital supplies to create a kit valued at over $190 that still ships for free!
I am now booking new catalog workshops so if you would like to reserve a date, let me know ASAP. If you have questions about classes, products or the new Starter Kit, feel free to leave a comment or email me.

Heather
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New friends

This week I had the opportunity to join some new friends to celebrate the birthday of a sweet friend, Krista. Between us moms and the kiddos I think we were a party of 15 enjoying good TexMex food at Chuys. I have to admit I'm still learning the difference between all the dishes and I am regretting not taking Spanish in high school but it was fun nonetheless.

I wanted to give her something special and since we brought several bottles of NYS Finger Lakes wine with us, I decided to give one to her. Of course I needed to work on the 'presentation' so I made a matching card and wine tag.


Cute huh? I'm still in love with the 2011-2013 In Colors and glad they will still be around for another year. For this one I used Wisteria Wonder, Island Indigo, and Calypso Coral. I added the Lucky Limeade to the flower on the tag as well. So simple but so cute.
Enjoy!
Heather
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Settling In

We have finally arrived and are getting settled in here in Austin, Texas. The move went quite smoothly, everything arrived on time and in one piece and the kids are adjusting well and making new friends at school.

I have been busy unpacking and working to make our new house a home. Last weekend I finally got to work on my new stamping studio! I finally have a whole room devoted just to my business and I love how it came out. It is the only room I've painted so far. It was painted a very dark gray-green since it was the former owner's media room. Obviously I needed to lighten it up. I knew I wanted a classy but fun feel to the room so I decided my color scheme would be gray, black and hot pink. Hey, its my girly room so I needed to have some pink somewhere in my house! I painted the walls a light gray and all my bookshelves and my desk are black which compliment nicely. Then I added pops of pink all over with baskets, accents and flowers. This is the view of one half of the room.


I plan to get or make some cute pink valences for the windows and this little black table will soon be replaced with a big one that seats 8 as soon as my new kitchen table arrives! Sorry it's so dark but if I opened the blinds the bright sunshine made glares.


For Christmas my parents bought me this storage unit for all my ink pads and reinkers. Right now it's on my Big Shot table but as soon as I get some heavy duty anchors it will be up on the wall. Don't you just love it?


So now I am ready and open for business! I've scheduled a few classes and hope to start booking workshops as well. If you are in the Austin area, please check my calendar to see what classes are coming up or contact me to book your own workshop. I've got lots of ideas to inspire you!


Heather
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Llama Occasions Hop

The llamas are hopping again! This time we are showcasing our favorite products from the Occasions Mini as well as the Sale-a-Bration brochure. If this is your first stop, no worries. You can follow the links at the end of this post on to the next stop and loop through all the stops or use the button to hop back to start at the beginning. Just be sure you don't skip any of these amazingly talented and fun ladies!


When I first saw the intricate flower image from Punch Bunch in the Occasions Mini my mind traveled back to sign I remember seeing at my grandparents house when I was a child. Now I haven't seen this sign in about 20 years so the memory was foggy but the connection was there. I remembered the colors were bright against a black background and there was a chicken or some strange bird on it. I started searching online for similar images and soon discovered that what I was remembering was a traditional Dutch hex sign like these.





These signs were used to decorate the homes and barns of early Pennsylvania Dutch settlers and being of Dutch heritage, my grandparents hung one in their home with pride. That 'chicken' I was remembering is actually called a distelfink and was a sign of luck and happiness. You can read more about these beautiful hex signs and their meanings here. The first card inspired by these designs was a 3x3 love note.



I love the symmetrical patterns and swirls of this image. I simply inked the stamp image with Black, Garden Green, Real Red, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie and remoistened the ink with the "breath of life" before stamping it on white. The coordinating punch was a real time saver! The Daffodil card stock was embossed with the Dots Embossing folder for a little added dimension.
For my second card I decided to take things a bit further but I'll be honest, I had no idea where this card was going till it was done. I knew I wanted to attempt to recreate the distelfink using our bird punch but after that there were numerous changes and "do-overs". I was very pleased with the final result though.


The tail of the bird used the new Blossom Punch and those tear drop shapes came from the Triple Layer Punch. I probably had enough of those on my craft room floor to use but I was too lazy to pick them all up so I punched more! And did you notice the new Doily Die?? That is quickly becoming my favorite product of the mini.
This card went out in the mail today to my grandparents. I wanted to thank them for the Christmas money they gave us and remind them that even with our upcoming long distance move, they won't be far from our hearts and minds.
I hope you will leave me a comment and then hop on over to Kathe's blog. I think she's creating with that adorable kite stamp set.  I have a feeling whatever it is is going to make resisting the urge to purchase that set pointless! Happy hopping!

Heather