Clearance Rack Blitz--Dec. 15 through Jan. 5

Click here to get to my online store so you can enjoy this great savings on Stampin' Up! products.  Once you are there, click the shop now button in the top right corner of the page.   Hurry while supplies last!

Snowman Soup

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!  Lights, wreaths, you name it, are going up everywhere.  Including in my stamp room.  Wish I could take full credit for this little guy, but I can't.  The basic idea for this decorated tin came from my friend Kim, I was the one who added the Merry Christmas tag and the holly leaves and wreath.  The felt adornments are from Stampin' Up!'s Stitched Felt Winter Wishes (124108--$9.95) in the current Holiday Mini.  Isn't he a cutie?

Inside are all of the ingredients for Snowman Soup.  On the back I attached the words for a Snowman Soup poem.  Don't know what Snowman Soup is?  It's a packet of hot chocolate mix, a candy cane, and three Hershey Kisses.

Here are the words for the saying that go on the back.

Was told you've been
reel good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!

I don't know where the words came from, otherwise I would tell you.  I think this would make a cute little teacher gift for teachers this year...although, all teachers really want for Christmas is for their students to do well!  Trust me, I know.  :)

If you want more information on this little cutie patootie, email me and Iwill send  you the dimensions.

Hope every one's Thanksgiving was awesome...Until next time...

Happy stamping!

Josie

November Birthday Card

Well let me tell you...I logged into Facebook tonight and was reminded that it was my son-in-law's birthday today.  I am so not good at remembering things like that.  But, after setting our turkey out to defrost for tomorrow's dinner, I ran up to my stamp room to make him a card.  You would think that I wouldn't need too because I have so many already done, but I needed something masculine.  I don't have too many masculine stamp sets or DSP for that matter, so I thought I was in a pickle.  But this is what I came up with.  I think I did pretty well for a last minute thing.

Actually, I surprised myself.  I thought I was pretty slick when I decided the Pick Your Poison Designer Series Paper in the Holiday Mini would be perfect for a man's birthday card.   (Item 124001--$10.95).  I paired that with my Create a Cupcake stamp set and it turned out pretty well.  (Item 121982--$16.95).

I used a Basic Black card base and cut it so I would have a 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 card.  The large orange piece of DSP was cut into a 5 x 4 inch piece.  Then I selected another piece to run across the bottom.  It is 1 by 4 1/4 inches.  The third piece of DSP is 1 by 5 1/2 inches and I adhered that piece last. 

The cupcake is stamped on Very Vanilla card stock in Peach Parfait and Basic Black.  It was punched with the coordinating punch.  The bottom of the cupcake is adhered to a piece of 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 Very Vanilla, and the top is popped up with a dimensional.  It turned out exactly like I wanted and that was not girlie.  :)  I adhered a piece of Very Vanilla to the inside of the card so we could write our birthday wishes.  I think he will like it.  He is a pretty reasonable guy!  :)

Well, it is off to bed for me.  I have to get up early to stuff the turkey and get it into the oven.  My husband and I are hosting 12 people for dinner.  Of course, between the two of us we have 4 children (2 apiece) and they will each be bringing their significant others.  The only person that will be missing is my daughter.  She is on a trip of a lifetime.  She went to Thailand about a week ago and won't be back until the 5th of December.  Her husband will be here.  I said he was reasonable.  My daughter is just like I was when I was in my twenties about a million years ago.  She's got  the wanderlust and  likes to see and experience new things.  The trip to Thailand is a story that I will save for my next post.

Until then, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Stamping!

Josie



Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello All!

I have this entire week off from work and have had a lot of time to catch up on things.  One thing being updating my blog with a Thanksgiving card BEFORE the holiday! :)  I spent the day yesterday cleaning my stamp room which hadn't been done since August.  The floor is even vacuumed which is really strange to look at.  I sort of got used to seeing it covered with millions of little bits of paper and the backing from dimensionals. :)

We made this card at my October club.  The card base is Soft Suede card stock (115318--$6.95) with Pear Pizzazz (119795--$6.95 in the IBC) card stock which coordinates with the Spice Cake DSP (124003--$10.95) that you can find in the current Holiday Mini..

Both of the stamp sets I used are from the current IBC.  They are Triple Treat Flower (122909--$8.95) and Day of Gratitude (121148--$18.95).  I used the rock and roll technique with the ink.  The colors I used are Soft Suede, More Mustard, and Pear Pizzazz.  The items numbers for each of these inks are:  115657, 103162, and 119784.  Each Classic Stampin' Ink Pad is $5.95.

Other things I used are Soft Suede 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (125060--$9.95), Chantilly 1/2 " Crochet Trim (119480--$6.95) , the Fancy Flower Punch (118073--$16.95), 5-Petal Flower Punch (119880--$16.95), and Bitty Buttons (118761--$4.95).  The punches coordinate with the Triple Treat Flower Punch.  

You can order any of these items in my online store.  Click on the Shop Now button in the upper rigght hand corner when you get there.

Until my next post, I hope all of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Josie

Online Extravaganza Until November 30th Only!

Go here to view the list of discounted items, then to my online store and click on shop now to order your favoite items!

Come to Bethlehem

As I sit here waiting for my guest to arrive for my Holiday Card Class, I decided to post one of my Christmas Creations. I've been wanting this stamp set for quite some time, so I finally broke down and got it.  I think the image on this set is absolutely beautiful and exactly what Christmas is all about!

I used crumb cake card stock for the base and layered it with real red, night of navy and whisper white.  I stamped the image in night of navey craft ink and then used clear embossing powder over it.  Too bad we don't have embossing powder in all of our colors, because I think the same color powder would have created a crisper image.  But, I'm not unhappy with this.  I still think it is pretty. :)   The ribbon is night of navy as well and of course, I had to add a few Basic Rhinestone Jewels to add the finishing touch. 

To purchase any of these items so you can create this beauty, click here to visit my online store.  Once you are there, click on the PRODUCTS  tab across the top of the page, then shop now.

Thanks for stopping by.

Josie

Haunted Forest Halloween and a Little Friend

 Hello All,

I thought before the day ended I'd post my Halloween creations before the doorbell rings with more trick-or-treaters.  You know, it is Halloween all the way up until midnight!  :)  I made this first card with the Haunted Forest stamp set that you can find in the currenet Holiday Mini. (Click on the botton on the right to download the catalog.  You can also find these buttons in the same catalog.  It is from the Autumn Spice suite.  Another one of my favorites.

Just below the photo of the card is a pumpkin that I decorated for my school's pumpkin decorating contest.    Needless to say, I didn't win...that honor went to our Art teacher.  Her pumpkin was awesome, but...I still like mine better.  :)

Hope you have a happy and safe Halloween.

Thanks for looking.

Josie

OMG!!!!

OMG!!! I can't believe it has been this long since I last posted.  Needless to say, I have been very busy.  The middle of August had be returning to school, and I have been running to catch up ever since.  I've switched to teaching a new grade this year, 8th, and the curriculum is totally different so I have actually had to "read" the stories I've been teaching!  :)  All of the literary stuff is the same as 7th grade with some additions, but the reading has really kept me busy.

After the 3rd week of school, I had to get all of the kids in the school tested in reading, and then there was a writing assessment we had to do.  Of course, all of these assessments are hand scored, so...guess what else I've been up to?

School isn't all I've been doing lately.  I have managed to get a little time in stamping.  Thank goodness, otherwise I wouldn't be able to maintain my sanity.  I started a monthly stamp club in September.  We are still looking for a few more members if anyone in this area are interested.  Another thing that took up a lot of my time was an annual Stampin' for a Cure event that I and several other local demonstrators sponsor each October.  It is a fundraiser event for our local chapter  of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  We charge a fee for participants to come to one of two sessions, a.m. or p.m., to stamp.  This year participants made 7 awesome projects.  We also solicit donations from local business for snacks and beverages and silent auction items.  We also do drawings for huge baskets filled with Stampin' Up! product.  It is a lot of work, but also a lot of  fun.  This year, we raised over $6,000.00, but that wasn't even the final total. So I am sure we raised a whole lot more.  There is a photo of the card I designed for the event at the bottom of this post along with a few other special photos. 

I also became a Nonna for the second time in three months.  Back in June, my oldest step-son and his girlfriend had a beautiful baby boy, Noah.  And just recently, my youngest step-son had a baby girl, Madisyn.  I will post photos at the end of this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Josie



BUY 3, GET 1 FREE!

During August, get a FREE package of Stampin’ Up!s exclusive Designer Series Paper—a $10.95 value—when you buy three! Choose from a wide variety of designs and colors available in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog and 2011 Summer Mini Catalog.
Find a Designer Series Paper for every crafting occasion, every crating project, and every creative mood.

Go to my on line store to order yours now!

Happy Stamping!

Josie

Sunday Afternoon Stamp Club

If you live in the Colorado Springs area and want to have some fun,  join my Sunday Afternoon Stamp Club.  The first club will meet on Sunday, September 25th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m and each consecutive month on the 4th Sunday. (Email me for directions).  Each month we will create three different items whether they are 3-d, card, or 6x6 scrapbook page or a combination of all three,  that you can either keep for yourself or use as a gift. I can't wait to get this party started as members will alternate hostess benefits each month until each member has had her opportunity to get her share of free Stampin' Up! product.  Each member will be required to make a minimum of $25.00 purchase each month.  This is a great way to get that new catalog stuff  you've been wanting without breaking the bank! 

Space is limited to the first 8 individuals that sign up.  If demand is really great, I'll add another day of the week!

RSVP by emailing me at: caulerjosanna@yahoo.com.

Until then...
Happy Stamping!

Josie

$99 Starter Kit

Friends, Fun, and Fabulous Products!

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit--valued at $185--comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*

• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*

• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock

• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*

• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*

• Note Cards (20)

• Clear-Mount Block C

• Blender Pen (1)

• SNAIL Adhesive

• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

 Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit--a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful--isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer.

As an added bonus, first-time demonstrators can get two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) when they sign up during their first 21 days as a demonstrator. Subscribing to DBWS means having your own online store, blog, hostess portal, and much more!

Join Stampin' Up! in July and get brand-new products, including an exclusive project kit--all for just $99! Click HERE  to join the fun now!


Sail Away

Hello Everyone!

I know this is a little late, but here is one of the Father's Day cards I made this year using the Sail Away stamp set that can be found in the summer mini.  I also used the Nautical Expedition dsp and Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine in the same mini. 

I love this stamp set and this paper.  I am really sad it didn't make it into the new IBC.  I think this is one I am going to keep for awhile.  It is sooooo masculine and masculine stamp sets are hard to find.

If you want to order the items I mentioned, here is all of the information you need to know.  You can go to my online store to get them.

• Sail Away--123013-- $9.95
• Nautical Expedition dsp--122343--$10.95
• Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine--123125--$2.95

I also used Early Espresso Ink to stamp the image and the sentiment comes from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping!

Josie

Pennant Parade Birthday

Hello Everyone!

Well this certainly is an occasion!  Two posts in two days!  :)

I won't say I've been totally mesmerized by the Casey Anthony trial, but I have sort of been keeping track of what's been going on.  I realized on Sunday that she would probably be found not-guilty when I listened to some of her lawyer's closing arguments.  To be honest, I am not surprised at the verdict, even though I am not happy with it.  I am sure glad I wasn't on the jury, that's all I am going to say.

On to more pleasant things...I've spent the last two days stamping.  Mostly, I've been working on a scrapbook that I should have finished a few years ago, and making some cards for an upcoming event that my stamping group puts on during breast cancer awareness month (October).  I know it is July, and October is awhile away, but I have to have my card samples done by Aug. 8.  Next week I will be at convention (can't wait!) and the following week company comes (can't wait for that either).  I decided this time not to procrastinate.  Company will be leaving shortly before my samples are due, so I thought I'd get crackin'!  :)  This card isn't one of my samples, but I guess it could be, huh! 

I will post more about the October stamping event later.  Right now I will talk about the card.  Here is a list of what I used:

• Crumb Cake Card Stock--#120953--$6.95
• Baja Breeze Card Stock--#111352--$6.95
• Early Espresso Card Stock--#119686--6.95
• Just Add Cake DSP--#124339--$10.95
• Petites Pennant Builder Punch--#122361--$16.95
• Scallop Border Punch--#119882--$15.95
• Modern Label Punch--#119849--$16.95
• Small Oval Punch--#120908--$10.95
• 1/2 inch Scallop Dots Ribbon--Chocolate Chip--#124142--$7.95
• Early Espresso Classic Ink--#119670--$5.95
• Pennant Parade Stamp Set--#122740--$21.95 (wood) or #122742--$16.95 (clear)
• Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set--#115370--$36.95 (wood only)
• Linen Thread--#104199--$4.50

If you need any of these items, please visit my online store and place your order.  Until next time~

Happy Stamping!

Josie

Fabulous Florets

Hello Everyone!

It sure has been awhile since I was here.  No...I haven't fallen off the face of the  Earth.  I'm still around.  I've just been keeping pretty busy getting my house back together after having new flooring put in the kitchen, living room and dining room.  A job that was supposed to take a week turned into a month-long project and is a totally upsetting story for me so I won't go into any details.  I am just glad it is DONE!  I've also been getting the place ready for company that is coming for a 10-day visit.  Normally I wouldn't fuss much because it is just my mom, sis and brother-in-law, but this time they are bringing another couple (friends) from back home that I've been trying t get to come out here for a few years now.  I have to admit, I've cleaned in places that haven't seen a dust rag in awhile.  And our guest bedroom...let it be enough to say that now you can actually get to the beds!  :)  The guest bedroom turns into a storage room during the year when we don't know what else to do with stuff.  I have taken tons to Goodwill and there is still much more to take.  I just have to get busy and clean out a few more closets.  It is amazing what you accumulate that you really don't need.  From my rambling you would think I was one of those hoarders...not in the least.  I can't stand clutter and I would never be able to live like that.  But there was a lot to clean out!  :)

In spite of the house work, I've been giving myself the opportunity to stamp every day.  I've made a lot of neat convention gifts (convention is next week!) and some cards to share.  I will post the gifts after convention, but I think I can start posting some of the cards now.

This little cutie was made using the Fabulous Florets stamp set.  It is in both the summer mini and the new Idea Book and Catalog.  Item numbers are:  123025--wood--$23.95 or 123027--clear--$17.95.  The other things I used are:

• Whisper White Card Stock #100730--$8.50
• Poppy Parade Card Stock #119793--$6.95
• Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder #119277--$7.95
• Poppy Parade Classic Ink #119782--$5.95
• Pear Pizazz Classic Ink #119784--$5.95
• 3/16" Corner Punch #119871--$6.95

To order any of these items, just go to my on line store right here.

Thank you for stopping by today.  Until next time~

Happy Stamping!

Josie

Medallion Wedding

Good Morning!

Hope everyone is well this fine morning.  Actually, it's 6:30 a.m. here and I can't believe I am up so early.  After all, I am on summer vacation!  A wood pecker was trying to drill into the stucco near my bedroom window this morning and I woke with a start.  Once my heart started racing after being awakened, I decided I'd just get up.  I need to get dressed before the workers get here to finish my living room floor anyway.  Finish!  What am I talking about?  They haven't even started it. After waiting around for them for half a day yesterday, they finally let me know they wouldn't be working as the floor needed to "breathe" a little while longer before installing.  They tell me they will get it all done today, but I have my doubts and I think we will be living with this disaster area we call a house for a few more days.  I so love the finished product when we remodel things, but I despise the mess in the meantime.

On to the card...I used an old favorite here.  I haven't used my Medallion stamp for quite a while and I decided I'd better pull it out and give it some work before the new IBC comes out on July 1st.  Who knows what the fate of this stamp will be?  Well, actually, I do because I already got my complimentary copy and I know exactly what is happening to it but I can't tell you yet! :)  All I can say is if you love it and you want it, maybe you should visit my online store.  The item number is 115223 and it is $17.95.

This isn't a very good photo of this card because you can't tell that the paper I used was whisper white for the base and brushed silver card stock for the piece that looks gray (#100712--$7.95). I also used a little piece of brushed silver punched with the Decorative Label Punch behind the white card stock I used for the sentiment.  Does all of that make sense?

I stamped the Medallion image with white craft ink and then embossed it with white embossing powder and my heat tool.   

I stamped the frame around the sentiment using the Four Frames stamp set that will be appearing in the new IBC when it comes out in July.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I used silver embossing powder for both the frame and the sentiment.

And the ribbon...the ribbon is some retired Stampin' Up! ribbon of which I have an over abundance and decided to use.  But, any shiny white ribbon will do, like the 5/8" satin ribbon in the current catalog...#114616--$8.95.  All of the 5/8" satin ribbons will be retiring at the end of the month so if you love it, you better get it while supplies last.  Just visit my On Line Store to view the remaining items that are on that list. 
Here are the item numbers and prices for some of the items I used that I didn't mention previously.

Basic Pearls  #119247  $4.95
Scallop Trim Border Punch  #118402  $15.95
Whisper White Craft Ink  #101731  $7.50
White Stampin' Emboss Powder  # 109132  $4.75
Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder #109131  $4.75
Versa Mark (for embossing silver powder) #102283  $7.50
Heat Tool  # 100005  $29.95
Decorative Label Punch #120907  $16.95

I think that's it, Peeps.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  Until then...

Happy Stamping~

Josie

The Open Sea Father's Day Card

Hello All!

I can't believe it has been such a long time since my last post.  Time sure does fly by quickly.  Since my last post, school has let out for the summer (YIPPIE!) and I've been off now for two weeks.  I love my teaching job, but I sure do love having more time to stamp! However, I haven't had as much time as I would like.  We are in the process of getting new flooring in our kitchen and living room and the place is literally a mess.  All of the furniture from those two rooms and the dining room are in the garage until the work is done.  I've also spent some time "cleaning up" the house; doing things neglected since last August.

But I did get to make this card using The Open Sea set found in the Summer Mini.  I love this set and had to have it when I first saw it.  It is the only "masculine" stamp set I have and I think it is perfect for Father's Day and male birthdays.

So here is what I used to make this card.

• Nautical Expedition DSP-- #122343--$10.95
• The Open Sea stamp set--#123030 (w)--26.95/#123032(c)--$18.95
• Early Espresso card stock--#119686--$6.95
• Cherry Cobbler card stock--#119685--$6.95
• Crumb Cake card stock--#120953--$6.95
• Crumb Cake Classic Ink--#121030--$5.95
• Early Espresso Classic Ink--#119670--$5.95
• Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine--#123125--$2.95
• Decorative Label Punch--#120907--$16.95
• Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set--115370--$36.95 (for sentiment)

You can visit my online store to purchase any of these items.  While you are there, check out the Last Chance lists for stamps, accessories, and Definitely Decorative items.  There isn't much time left for these things!  Don't be caught short.

Until next time~

Happy stamping!

Josie

Beyond the Garden

Hello Everyone!

You would never know it is May 14th here in Colorado Springs.  The weather today is downright yucky!  It was cloudy all day, and now it is raining.  The rain is good since we had such a dry winter.  But it is May 14th and a little warmer than the 50's would be really nice.  I am sick of the cold.  On Mother's Day weekend, we had temps in the 80's and it got progressively colder as the week passed.

Today, my hubby and I went out to buy flowers for the flower beds, but it is too cold to go out and plant them.  It is supposed to clear up sometime tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully I will be able to get out there and get them in then.  We have such a short growing season in Colorado.  The rule of thumb is to not plant anything before Mother's Day because there is always the chance of frost.  Well, it got pretty close the other night.  It went down to 34 and we had to cover our potted azalea plant that I put out last Sunday.  It seems to be none the worse for wear.

Just wanted to share a card that we made at a workshop I had last Saturday.  We used a lot of new product from the Summer Mini on this simple little card.  I think it is perfect for summer and your best friend, just to let  her (or him :) know you are thinking about her.

Here is what we used.  Whisper White card stock for the base.  The blue scalloped border is Pacific Point card stock and the DSP is Beyond the Garden (#122342).   I also ran the card base through the Big Shot using the Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#123112).  For only $7.95, I think these embossing folders are really neat.  Heck, they are so reasonably priced you could order one of each...they just add so much to a card.  And they sure to beat the old fashioned way of embossing a design on a card!  The stamp set I used to create the flowers is in the Summer Mini as well.  It is Fabulous Florets (#123027-clear/#123025-wood).  I stamped them in coordinating ink that goes with the DSP: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, and Tangerine Tango.  The bird is cut using the Two-step Bird Punch (#117191) out of Pacific Point.  And finally, the sentiment is from one of my all time favorite stamp sets, Season of Friendship (#111776-$23.95) found in the big IBC. 

This is a super easy card to make and I hope you like it.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping~

Josie

Nature Walk Thank You

Hello Everyone!

I know this stamp set is no longer available, but this is something that I wanted to share anyway, because let's face it, if you own the stamp set (Nature Walk) you are probably using it.

This is a thank you card that I created for all of the wonderful people that attended and donated online to my step-son's fundraising event.  It was held back on April 2nd at a local restaurant.  It was called "A Night Out with Trevor Cauler." 

As some of you may already know, on October 27 of this past year, he was in his apartment when someone drove past his apartment complex around 11:30 at night and fired randomly into his apartment.  As he was entering his bedroom, one of the bullets hit him in the shoulder and traveled to the fifth vertebrae at the base of his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life.  They haven't yet found the person who has done this.  At any rate, Trev spent most of the last few months in rehab at Denver's Craig hospital that specializes in spinal cord and brain injuries.  He was unemployed at the time of the incident and without any type of medical insurance, so you can bet he's drowning in medical expenses.  He needs all kinds of special equipment now.  Trevor is doing well emotionally and is living with his mom. 

On the brighter side of things, shortly after the  incident he learned that he was going to be a father this coming June 20th.  Which only means  one thing, dare I say it...I am going to be a...Grandma! :)  That makes me feel old!  :)  But this little baby, Noah, has been a blessing in disguise in that it has given Trevor something to look forward to and live for.  We can't wait for his arrival.

The colors I used on this card are Soft Suede and Very Vanilla.  The tag on the front was printed on my computer as I didn't have the stamp set with this sentiment, but I thought it fitting for the occasion.  I also used the Framed Tulips embossing folder (121809--$7.95) which is still available from the Occasions Mini and the Top Note Die for the Big Shot.  The Crumb Cake seam binding is also still available (122332--$6.95).  The First Edition dsp is also a carrry over (121878--$11.95).  You get a big bang for your buck with this dsp as you get 24 sheets of double sided paper.

There is a link on the right had side of my page that will take you to the entire list of carry over items from the Occasions Mini, and a link at the top right that will take you to my online store.

Hope you like what I've had to share today.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping~

Josie

Four Frames & Paisley Petals

Hello Everyone!

Here's a little card I made for my mom's upcoming birthday.  I've had this set and paper for a little while now and finally had the time to get my hands on both.  Needed a card for Mom and that was the perfect excuse.  You can't get this DSP or stamp set yet, but it is just a little something to wet your taste buds for the new IBC that comes out on July 1st.

I used versa mark ink and the Fabulous Florets stamp set that is in the current Summer Mini. (123025--$23.95 wood/ 123027--$17.95 clear) on the Baja Breeze card stock.  The ink I used on the polka dot frame is Not Quite Navy.  And of course, the Happy Birthday sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes in the IBC.  (One of my favorites because it has so many sentiments in the set!)

Hope you like it.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping~

Josie

Hello Blossoms

I am soooooo excited!  Not only does the Summer Mini Catalog go online today, but there are a whole lot of neat things that are being carried over from the Occasions Mini as well.  Life couldn't be better. 

You can access both the Summer Mini and Occasions Mini carry-over list by clicking on the link on the right hand side of my blog.

This little stamp set, Hello Blossoms (#123102--$7.95), is one of my new favorites from the Summer Mini.  I paired it with the Framed Tulips( #121809--$7.95)  textured impressions embossing folder (on the Occasions Mini carry-over list), card stock and ink from Stampin' Up!'s brights family, and I got a simple and pretty card for spring and summer.
Hope you like it!  :)  Until next time...

Happy Stamping~

Josie

Blessed Mother

Boy am I behind the power curve!  The last few months have been crazy hectic, and it seems that some things have been put on the back burner.  My blog posts and stamping are two of the things.  I am soooooooooo sorry. 

We are winding down the school year (only about 3 weeks left) and it seems that I am running the minute my feet hit the floor at 4:45 a.m. each morning.

March and April were spent getting ready for a fundraiser that we had for my oldest step-son.  Many of you don't know that he was injured in a drive-by shooting into his apartment bedroom window back in October.  He was left a quadriplegic and just got out of rehab in the middle of February.  He was in Denver's Craig Hospital which is THE BEST in spinal cord and brain injuries in the nation.  Well, since he didn't have any insurance, we held a fundraiser at the beginning of April for him.  He is doing well given his situation and the fundraiser was a HUGE success, thanks to my wonderful daughter and her awesome husband.   Between that and trying to get in the rest of my curriculum at school, grading essays  (yuck!!!!!) and all of the other stuff that goes with the end of the school year, I have been busy, busy, busy.

I've had this card done for awhile.  It is partially CASED from the Occasion Mini  (p. 18) that expires today.  I loved this mini and I am going to miss many of the stamp sets and dsp that were in it.  I can only hope that some of them reappear in the big IBC that comes out this coming July. 

Since Mother's Day is only a week away, I wanted to get this up to show all of you.  I put my card to my mom in the mail today!

Hope you like it and I promise to be better a posting in the future.  Until my next one...

Happy Stamping~

Josie

Easter Blossoms Class

The beautiful spring blossoms on the Springtime Vintage DP are an amazing backdrop for these four lovely cards! Add in the color blocking technique and you have a match made in heaven! The co-ordinating two-pocket portfolio will bring the whole set together in a stunning spring-time gift set! Also included in this class are two Mother's Day cards (not pictured).



Date:  March 27, 2011

Time: 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Cost:  $25.00 or FREE with a $25.00 order OR with a $50.00 order, receive the class and a Sale-A-Bration stamp set or other Sale-A-Bration item FREE.

Location:  Email me for location.

Please RSVP by March 18th  to sign up for this class: caulerjosanna@yahoo.com

Just Because

Hello Everyone!

Happy President's Day.  The weather here in Colorado Springs is bright and sunny, but we have a very strong, chilly wind going today.  I am not complaining.  As long as the sun is shining, I am happy.  Did you know that Colorado Springs gets 360 days of sunshine a year?  That is one of the many awesome things I love about living here.

I know, it has been a few weeks since my last post.  Things have been busy, busy, busy around here.  But I have a few minutes today since I have this President's Day off from work and I thought I'd share something that I made awhile ago.  I haven't had much time to stamp lately.  But I will be spending this evening in my stamp room.  I need to get ready for a stamp class I am doing after school tomorrow.  I'll make sure to take pictures of the project I am doing with the kids so I can post them here.

I think the Aviary stamp sets is one of my favorites.  I got it awhile ago and just recently started using it.  I also just love this dsp (Springtime Vintage) in the Occasions Mini.   I can't get enough of it.  I've already managed to work my way through one package of it, and I am started on my second.

If you have any questions about this card, please feel free to email me and I would be happy to answer them.

Until next time...
Happy Stamping!

Josie

P. S.  You know you can have this beautiful paper too.  Click on the Order Now link to the right or let me know if I can help you place your order.  Remember, it is Sale-A-Bration, which means you can get free stamp sets and paper with every $50.00 order.  :)

Another Valentine

Here's another of my Valentines.  This one is very easy to make.  I used the Love Impressions DSP in the Occasions Mini Catalog. (#121780- $11.95)  The hearts are punched using the Full Heart Extra-Large Punch (#119883-$16.95).  The oval is punched using the Scallop Oval Extra-Large Punch (#119856- $16.95).  And the scalloped edge was created using the Scallop Edge Border Punch (#119882-$15.95).  All of the punches can be found on pages 200-203 in the IBC. Card stock is Basic Gray(#121044-$6.95), Pink Pirouette (#111351-$6.95), and Real Red (#102482-$6.95). Ink is Basic Gray Classic Ink(#109120-$5.95).  Finally the stamp sets are XOXO (#121909-wood-$16.95 or #121973-clear-$12.95) and Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370-$36.95).

A word about the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.   Yes, it is a little pricey but...it contains 24 separate sentiments that cover every holiday  & occasion you can think of.  I think everyone should have it.  I don't know how I ever stamped before I got it.  It has a stamp for retirement, weddings, Halloween, sympathy, new baby; you name it and it is in this stamp set.  If you want one, and I really think you should, click on the link in the right column and order one.  Or if you need help with your order, email me and I will give you a hand.

Hope you enjoyed your visit today.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping!

Josie

My Sweet Valentine

Oh my!  I just sat down to look at a few stamping blogs and realized I hadn't posted in a little while and I have all of these Valentine cards I want to share.  Thought I should get busy because Valentine's Day is only a few days away.

Here is one that I made for my Sweet Valentine.  I need to be extra good to him this year because he did such a wonderful job on my birthday (it was yesterday).  Not only did he give me a dozen red roses, but he also came home from work and made dinner as well.  He even had my favorite cake...chocolate!  He really is good to me.

I decided to use the Artistic Etchings (#118517- $18.95, wood, or #120537- $14.95, clear) stamp set because of the crown.  He is my king and he definitely deserves to be treated that way!  I also used the Notably Ornate (#117098-$23.95, wood or #120561-$17.95, clear) stamp set.  I got the black and red button from an old tin filled with buttons that my grandmother used to have.  Whenever she got rid of something, she always saved the buttons.

The paper is Love Letter DSP (#117162- $9.95) from Stampin' Up!'s current IBC.  I used black Staz-on (#101406-$7.95) to stamp the images in black.  I find that it gives a more vivid impression than regular basic black classic ink.  The red "Amour" is stamped in Riding Hood Red classic ink (#111836-$5.95).  All images were stamped on Very Vanilla card stock (#101650-$8.50).  And the ribbon is the 1 1/4" striped grosgrain in Basic Black (#115615-$9.95).  I used dimensionals to pop up the image and I also added a few Basic Rhinestones to the "Amour" image.  (#119246-$4.95)  I punched the word Amour with the small oval punch.

Hope you like what you see.  I love to hear your comments.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping!

Josie

P.S.  I've enterd this card in my first contest.  Wish me luck!  If you want to enter the contest too, go to the link below.  :)
http://handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/2011/02/hss-ribbons-lace-theme-challenge-54.html

Love You Much Valentine

 Today I am posting photos of two items I will be making with some students this Tuesday evening after school. 

For the past few weeks I've been holding an after school stamping crafts club for the kids where I work.  The first week we made cloth flower hair pins with the Big Shot and Flower Folds die.  The girls (we had a few boys show up too!) loved them.  I had 22 girls show up for the class!  I think I cranked my Big Shot for at least an hour and a half!

The second week we met, we made washer necklaces for the girls to wear and stamped magnets for their lockers. (I'll post photos when I get a chance.) Again, we had approx. 22 attend, and again, we had a few boys show.  It was a lot of fun. 

Well, since Valentine's Day is almost  here, this Tuesday we will be making valentines!  The first photo is of 3 x 3 card that we will make using the Love You Much stamp set (#113756, $25.95).  The card stock we will be using is Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, and Real Red.  I used white craft ink to stamp the background image and basic black for the birds.  I also used the Scallop Edge Border Punch (#119882, $15.95), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#119854, $116.95), 1 1/4 Circle Punch (#119861, $15.95) and the Heart to Heart Punch (#119881, $16.95).

The second item we will be making is a little treat bag that contains those conversation hearts that I absolutely love to eat.  I think I ate a whole bag of them by myself this week.  :( 
This was really easy to make too!  I used the same colors of card stock and ink as for the card and some of the same punches, only this scalloped circle is from the 2 3/8" Scallop circle punch (#118874, $16.95), and the large pink heart was made using the Full Heart Punch (#119883, $16.95).  I used the Modern Label Punch (#119849, $16.95) for the sentiment.  The sentiment comes from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (#115370, $36.95).  Teeny Tiny Wishes is a definite MUST HAVE stamp set for everyone because it covers every occasion you can think of.  Oh, and I forgot to mention, I stamped the heart with Pink Pirouette ink using the heart from the Hostess Level 1 set Punch Potpourri that is in the IBC.

The measurements on the crumb cake card stock are 3 1/4" x 9 1/2".  With your 9 1/2" side of the card stock along the top of your Fiskars trimmer, score your card stock at 1", 4", and 4 1/2".  I used the small cello bags that are in the IBC (#103104, $3.95).  These little bags measure 3" by 5" and you get 50, count em' 50 for only $3.95!  Think of how many treat bags you can make for that!  Why...you can make... 50!  :)  The cello bag is held inside the card stock with one staple I placed in the top center. 

When I gave the kids at school a sneak peak of these little beauties, they squealed with delight, and I hope you do too. If you need help placing an order, just send me an email and I will be delighted to give you a hand.  Otherwise, just click on the link to the right under "Place and Order."

Until next time, I wish you nothing but...
Happy Stamping! (How could it be anything else?)

Josie

Stampin' Fool!

Well it is the second day off for cold weather this week and let me tell you...I have been a stampin' fool these last two days.  I have many new creations to show you and hopefully within the next few weeks I'll show you all of them.

I made this card using the Ice Cream Parlor dsp in the Sale-A-Brations catalog and the Big Bold Cupcakes die for the Big Shot (#114509 @ 21.95).  If you buy this die, you are almost halfway to getting one free item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Email me and I will help you place your order. 

I love the brightness of the colors in this card.  Perfect for a young child, don't you think?  Well, I hope you enjoy visiting today as much as I have enjoyed stamping.

Until next time...
Happy Stamping!

Josie

Miracle of Miracles!!!!

Miracle of Miracles...I have the day off!  It is downright frigid outside!  The high here in Colorado Springs is only going to be zero today.  When my hubby left for work this morning, it was -27 figuring in the wind chill.  My school district decided last night to close school for today. Too many kids walk to school, and the temps are dangerously cold.  Bare skin will freeze in a matter of seconds. Yippie!  Hooray!  WooooHoooo!  This is our first snow day this year.  While the rest of the country has been bombarded with feet of snow, we have been experiencing rather unusually high temperatures for this time of year.  On Friday, it was in the low 60's...spring-like for us!  We are paying for it today!  We still don't have a lot of snow, but extreme cold.     BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

On to my card for today.  This is another I've had done for awhile, just not enough time in the day to get it posted.  I've had this stamp set for a long time now, an this is the first time I've used it.  Shame  on me!  I used Early Espresso and Baja Breeze Ink and Crumb Cake card stock and Springtime Vintage DSP.  And of course pearls and the spritzer and ribbon.  Hope you like it.  It was super easy to make.  And I think I'm gonna have to use this stamp set a little more often.  It is on my list of favorites.  Sure wish I would have played with it sooner.

Once again, thanks for stopping by.

Happy Stamping!

Josie

Create a Cupcake Gift Card Holder

Hello All,

It has been a few weeks since my last post.  Sorry about that.  I've been pretty busy here.  My 23, soon to be 24, year old son has been staying with me for the last few weeks while his father is out of town, and I've been busy catching up with him, cooking more than usual (my hubby is loven' it) and driving his big self around since he can't drive due to health issues.  I've had this gift card holder done for a few weeks now, but just haven't had the time to post it.

Don't these little cupcakes look good enough to eat?  I just love this stamp set and dsp.  They are both so much fun!  And the colors are just awesome, I think.  I love the brightness of them.  Funny thing...I just about love everything there is about Stampin' Up! stuff!    :)

Here's how I made the box.

 Start with a 6 1/2 " x 9 1/2" piece of Daffodil Delight card stock (#119683, $6.95).  With the 6 1/2 " side along the top of your Fiskars trimmer score at 1/2", 1", 5 1/2 " and 6".  Turn cardstock so that 9 1/2" side is along the top of your Fiskars trmmer and score at 3/4", 5" and 5 1/2".   Cut away red highlighted areas. (See image at bottom of post.)  Snip in appropriate areas.   Assemble the box with sticky strip item # 104294, 10 yards for $6.95. 

To decorate the box, I used:

• Ice Cream Parlor DSP #122242 from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog
• Whisper White Card stock #100730, $8.50
• Pacific Point Card stock #111350, $6.95
• Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button Pack (#123529) from Sale-A-Bration Catalog
• Create a Cupcake Stamp Set (#121915, wood mount, $22.95/#121982, clear mount, $16.95) from the Occasions Mini
• Build a Cupcake Punch (#121807, $16.95) from the Occasions Mini
• Pacific Point Classic Ink #111837. $5.95
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink #115656, $5.95
• Early Espresso Classic Ink #119670, $5.95
• Linen Thread #104119 , $4.50
• Modern Label Punch #119849, $16.95
• Stampin' Dimensionals #104430, $3.95
• Mini Glue Dots to adhere buttons #103683, $4.95

Once again, thanks for stopping by and Happy Stamping!

Josie

Stampin Frenzy

Hello All,

It has been a few days since my last post, maybe even more than a week, so I thought it was about time I got busy and show you some of the stuff I've been working on.  I spent most of the day yesterday stamping since my school was closed for MLK day.  I decided I would use one of the stamp sets I have that hasn't seen ink yet.  I've been thinking about this set for awhile now and am glad I finally got to play with it a little.  I used the Bliss stamp set which is one of the freebies in the upcoming Sale-A-Bration Catalog.

I'm not real crazy with the quality of this photo.  I'm not sure if it is because I used the Sanded background stamp or what the deal is, but as I always say...I'm not a photographer...I'm a stamper! :)

I love the colors on this.  I used Baja Breeze ink and card stock along with Early Espresso ink and Crumb Cake card stock.  The dsp is Springtime Vintage from the Occasions Mini.  I have to say that I absolutely love this dsp and anything vintage looking.  I'm almost out of it and have to get myself a new package asap.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here today, as much as I enjoyed creating this to share.  If you have time, visit my retired stamp sets for sale page.

Until next time...
Happy Stamping!
Josie

A Piece of Cake!!!

Well, we didn't get a snow day yesterday or a two-hour delay!  Pretty much every other school district in the city had one...not us!  The roads were snow packed and in some spots icy.  Thank heavens for 4-wheel drive even if it doesn't do any good on ice...it still makes me feel better.  Can't get over the number of people that still passed me because I was going too slow.  CRAZY!  Sure is cold here now.  Bitter cold with the wind chill below zero...brrrrrrr.  It is finally time to get out the long undies.  :)

Enough of that!  I sure wish I had this pattern a year ago when my daughter got married.  Can you imagine an entire layered cake made out of paper?  I would have loved making something like this only in her colors as wedding favors.  I got this pattern from Paper Crafts Magazine.  You can go to their website at http://www.papercraftsmag.com/ and download the pattern for free. 

This is what I used for this looks almost-good-enough-to-eat piece of cake:

STAMP SET:       Baby Blossoms  #121927 (wood) $27.95 or #122000 (clear) $19.95
                             Build a Blossom #121923 (wood) $25.95 or #121994 (clear) $18.95

INK:  Rose Red # 101778 & Always Artichoke  #105219 Classic Stampin' Pads $5.95 each.

PAPER:  Very Vanilla card stock #101650 40 sheets 8 1/2 x 11  $8.50 for the top and Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper  #121782 $9.95 for the Bottom

ACCESSORIES:  Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding #121884, $6.95, Birds & Blooms Sizzlets 4 pack die #113485 $21.95 for the flowers, and Beautiful Wings Embossilits Die #118138 $11.95 for the butterflies.  Basic Pearls #119247 $4.95 for the center of the flower.

Hope you like this as much as I do.  I really loved making it and I can't get enough of the Springtime Vintage dsp.

Until next time...
Happy Stamping!
Josie

Baby Bundle Photo Album

Hello Everyone!

Well, as promised we've got snow here in Colorado Springs.  I'm not sure how much we're supposed to get today and tonight, but I do know the weatherman is predicting rough driving conditions on the way to work tomorrow.  Maybe a miracle will happen and we'll have a snow day...or at the very least a two hour late start.  I hate driving on slippery roads, especially when it is dark out.  So I would be happy with a two hour delay.  Usually, though, when the call comes, I'm already showered and half dressed.  The call comes at 5:30 a.m., and I get out of bed at 4:45.  Oh well, I can always sit and have another cup of coffee and listen to the news.

Here's a little photo album I made for a new mom recently.  I used the Baby Bundle stamp set in the IBC on page 78.  Isn't it adorable?  I also used the Baby Tees jumbo wheel on some of the inside pages.  Here is a list of everything I used along with measurements for the card stock.

• Baby Bundle #118525 (wood) $27.95 or  #120576 (clear) $19.95
• Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel #118621 $8.50
• Crumb Cake c/s (12x12 sheet) cut to 6" x 12" and scored at 5 3/4" and 6 /14" #119929 $6.95 for 12 sheets; 6 smooth & 6 textured
• Springtime Vintage c/s 121782 $9.95 cut to 6" x 2 3/4 " and scored at  1 1/4" and 1 1/2".
• Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric #12181 $9.95
• Always Artichoke c/s #105119 $6.95  for 24 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11.  I used 4 pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 c/s cut to 5" x 5"  pieces and folded them in half for the pages
• Very Vanilla c/s on the front cover cut with the Top Note Die for the Big Shot #113463 $21.95
• INK:  Versa Mark for Baby Tees wheel and Baby Bundle stamps on the inside.
• I stamped the baby carriage stamp in Crumb Cake and colored in the polka dots with a Rose Red Stampin' Write marker.
• The heart on the baby carriage is cut with the Heart to Heart Extra Large Punch #119881 $16.95.  I cut out the smallest heart in the punch using Rose Red c/s.
• 5-Petal Flower Extra Large Punch #119880 $16.95Mo
• Decorative Label Punch #120907 $16.95
• Modern Label Extra Large Punch #119849 $16.95
• Buttons: Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons #122301 $8.95
• Butterfly:  Beautiful Wings Embossilits Die # 118138 $11.95
• Basic Pearls #119257 $4.95

I hope you like this as much as I enjoyed designing it.  I just love the Springtime Vintage Collection in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I can't get enough of that paper, fabric, EVERYTHING!

Until next time...
Happy Stamping!

Josie

You are my Cupcake/XOXO!!!

Looks almost good enough to eat!  I had fun making this cupcake using the XOXO stamp set in the upcoming Occasions Mini.  The DSP is also from the Occasions Mini.  It is called Love Impressions; item number 121780 and you will be able to order your very own beginning Tuesday.  The item number for the XOXO stamp set is 121973 for clear and 121909 for wood mount.  I found the pattern for the cupcake paper in PaperCrafts Magazine.

Hope you enjoy stamping as much as I do!

Until next time!

Happy Stamping.

Josie

Build a Blossom Cardbox & Cards

WOW!  These colors are bright!  Maybe that's why they are in Stampin' Up!'s brights family.  :)  Bright or not, I love this combination as it reminds me of spring.  The thought of spring has been keeping me warm these last few days as Colorado has finally had some extremely cold days these last few days.  It was 10 degrees here on Friday and -8 degrees Friday night.  It is gradually getting warmer and I think tomorrow is set for somewhere in the 40's.  This is a box I designed.  Thought it was ingenious of me to be so creative.  Once I got the box done, I decided it needed something to go in it.  There is a set of 4 cards.  The Build a Blossom stamp set and punch will be making their debut this Tuesday when the Occasions Mini goes up on line.  You'll be able to order one of your very own!  I think this is one of my favorites from the new catalog.  And the Just Believe stamp set which is in the IBC...well that's another of my favs.  I love the fact that it coordinates with Definitely Decorative.  I have the large version of this on my dining room wall.  I'll have to post a photo...I love both of them.

Hope you enjoyed looking.  Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time...

Happy Stamping!

Josie

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and healthy 2011!

Josie