Oh, the Horror!

I am having an extremely hard time writing this post today. I just have to share a shameful, horrible thing that I've done. Okay.......are you ready?



I bought Kyle's birthday invitations! Gasp!! I know, I know!




Okay, it's out. I feel better. Now, let me tell you my pitiful excuses.

1. You may remember that I had planned on Kyle having a PIRATE birthday party this year. After purchasing 3 different Pirate sets, and choosing the most adorable invitation ever to make, I just couldn't get into the BATMAN theme.

2. I couldn't come up with a good enough bat using my punches. Believe me. I tried and tried and tried. They all just looked silly.

3. After purchasing bat die cuts off Ebay, I worked on two different card versions. I wasn't really happy with either. Especially after Kent asked me if I was making a Halloween party invitation or a Batman invitation.

4. So, after throwing both cards at my dear husband and realizing that I really should send out invitations by Monday, I decided to do the unthinkable and buy invitations at the store.


So, if you must find a new demonstrator who won't lead you astray, then I understand. But, just wait until you see the little bat treat boxes that I'm going to make for the party! Maybe then you'll come back to me!

But, I must confess---I think I just might buy the Thank You notes, too!!

Flower Pot Pocket Card

I made this adorable card for my friend Jennifer's daughter's birthday. These are so fun to make. What I like is that you could also just put this straight onto a scrapbook page!

The pot was made by taking a 1/2 sheet of cardstock (hot dog style--4 1/4 x 11) and folding it in half. I used my paper cutter to make the two diagonal cuts that make the flower pot shape. I scored each end at 1 1/2" and then used the Scallop Edge punch on them. Adhere the flaps down with sticky strip. Adhere the sides to make your pocket. I ran my flower pot through my Big Shot with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder.

For the card insert, I cut a piece of 3 1/4 x 3 1/2" Chocolate Chip, and a piece of 3 x 3 1/4" Whisper White cardstock. This size will vary depending on how large your flowers are and how much room you need to write your message. I cut 3 flowers out using 3 different embosslits. Embosslits actually emboss and cut out the shape when you run it through your Big Shot machine. I just love them!

I also used the Little Leaves sizzlit and some rhinestone brads. I stamped the little ladybugs from Garden Whimsy on scrap cardstock and glued them to the flowers. I added a little Crystal Effects to give them some shine and dimension.

To get the flowers just right, insert the card into your pot. Use dimensionals to adhere your flowers on top of the card so they overlap the front of the pot a bit.

Pirate & Princess Parties

One of the cutest things I spotted right away in the new catalog was this adorable Pirate Party Kit (also comes in a Princess theme)! I thought I had Kyle convinced to have a Pirate Party for his 6th birthday in September, but after spending $60 in stamps and stuff, he decided he wanted to have a Batman party. Batman?!! I don't have any Batman stamps! Luckily, I found an idea to use, so I'll be sharing that with you soon!

Anyway, back to Pirates! You can view a short video on what the kits contain by clicking on the picture above. Each kit comes with materials to make a banner, food toppers/picks, 8 invitations with envelopes, treat boxes, and some type of craft. You can find these products on pages 174-175 in the catalog.

Stampin' Up also offers personalized stamps to go with the themes as well as coordinating stamp sets. So, you could have a Captain Kyle Clary stamp or a Princess Allison stamp. Too cute!

Are You Getting the News?

My August N ewsletter went out yesterday. Did you get it? Yes, I know it's a little late. I'm working on that!

You can sign up for my monthly newsletters by entering your email address in the yellow box to the right. In each newsletter you will find my class schedule, information on specials, project ideas, etc.

I don't spam you and rarely send out more than one newsletter a month. You can unsubscribe at any time!

Upcoming Classes

Birthday Cards & Box

Use half of the Happy Bday Simply Scrappin' Kit to make 10 fantastic cards and a fun gift box to hold them in. 10 Small Open Ended envelopes included!

Date: Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $20 for half kit, $30 for whole kit (use the other half for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

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Dashing Thru Christmas Card Set

Make this beautiful set of 4 cards and a card packet to hold them in (or turn it into a treat bag!). Learn simple folding techniques and use my favorite embossing technique--Faux Diamond Dust!

Class fee includes the Dasher and Merriment stamps found on page 208 in the catalog.

Date: Monday, October 5 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $25, includes two stamps
Add a whole pack of Merry Moments designer paper for an additional $10 (use this for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

Not interested in Christmas Cards? You can choose to make a beautiful set of Autumn cards using the Autumn Splendor stamp set and Autumn Meadows designer paper. Cost is $30 and includes the Autumn Splendor stamp set.

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Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Class
Make 4 two-page layouts using this adorable Simply Scrappin' Kit. Leftover paper and stickers are yours!

Date: Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30
Cost: $30
RSVP & Payment due: October 12

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Fall Scrap Classes

While my clubs take a short break, I am holding two Scrap Classes. Come and make a two-page 12x12 layout for only $12 or place a $25 order. If I get enough people placing orders to receive hostess benefits, I will raffle off the benefits---one person will get the hostess $ and another will get the hostess set(s).

Space is limited to 8 participants, so RSVP early! I am working on the pages for these classes and will post them to my blog as soon as I get them finished.

October Scrap Class--12th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by September 14
***you can sign up for a Holiday page swap (Halloween and Christmas) due on November 9!
Read about swapping here.

November Scrap Class--9th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by October 12

New Round of Clubs!

September is the last month of my current Scrappin' Clubs. We will be taking a "break" from October - December. I will be holding some classes during those months, so you'll still be able to get your stampin' fix! New clubs will begin in January.

I have two nights scheduled and am currently taking sign ups for new members for my 2nd Monday night club and 2nd Tuesday night club. Club begins at 7:00.

ETA: The Tuesday night club is full. I have 3 spots available in the Monday night club. Contact me asap to reserve your spot!

The first meeting for the Monday club is January 11.
The first meeting for the Tuesday club is January 12.

What is a club?

A club is a group of ladies who join me at my Miamisburg home once a month to complete a two-page 12x12 layout. In order to be in club, you commit to making a purchase of $25 or more each month for the duration of the club (usually 6-8 months) . One of the months, you will be "hostess" and receive the hostess benefits---at least $15 to spend and a level 1 hostess-only stamp set.

ETA: I fixed the link to the Club information listed below!

Click here for information about my clubs!

Just for Kids Promotion

Click on picture for bigger view!

August is here and Stampin' Up! is kicking it off with a fun, new promotion. This month, when you spend $35 on stamp sets from the "Growing Up" section in the catalog, you can choose a free package of Designer Buttons---a $7.95 value! So, fun!

Also, from now until September 30, you can purchase this adorable Decor Element Growth Chart. Isn't it fantastic?! Now, I have to figure out a way to get Kent to paint the part of the basement where I want mine!