Getting Ready for the Hop

Just a quick reminder that Tuesday, December 1, marks the third segment of the Pals' Holiday Hop. A group of talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators are ready to show off their paper crafting skills with inspirational ideas using Stampin' Up! products for the upcoming Christmas/Winter holiday season!

Join us on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 5:00 AM CST as we showcase all that Stampin' Up! has to offer - from rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments, and much more! Mark your calendar now! You don't want to miss out! For your advanced planning, the line-up is featured below!

Holiday Hopper Line-Up

1. Kris Kilcoyne (Kween Bee Kreations)
2. Carla Bazhenow(Carla's Scraps)
3. Linda Callahan (Stampin' Seasons)
4. Melanie Collins(Oops a Daisy)
5. Mary Fish(Stampin' Pretty)
6. Tricia Gillam(Soul Stamper)
7. Jill Gregory(Stamping Heart)
8. Kim Lampone (Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative)
9. Kalshelia Lloyd (Stampin' Fabulousity)
10. Regina Mangum (The Stampin' Bean)
11. Margaret Moody(Margaret Moody)
12. Debbie Pierce(Stampin' Sunshine)
13. Ann Schach (The Stampin' Schach)
14. Gina Shaw (Cards by Gina)
15. Lourdes Torres (Cozy Crafty Corner)

Delightfully Easy Delightful Decoration Card

I love Saturdays! It is a day where I have the luxury of just relaxing and creating cards for various challenges. Today's card was designed with three challenges in mind: Our Creative Corner, which was a sketch challenge, Penny's Challenges, which was a "No DP" challenge, and a new one to me, Crazy 4 Challenges , where the challenge was to use at least one punch on the project. Plus this card has the added luxury of being quick and easy! Enjoy this "Delightfully Easy Delightful Decoration" card!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Texturz for texture! The Big Shot pairs up with the Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate to create an embossed background quick as a wink! Spritzing the paper beforehand deepens the embossing by weakening the paper fibers. Rubbing alcohol can also be used, and evaporates more quickly than water.
• Uniquely unique! The Horizontal Slot Punch was used in creating the slits for the ribbon treatment. Two Circle Fire Brads bring attention to the Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, which has been interwoven through the slots. How cool is that!
• Bling-a-ling! A third Circle Fire Brad is substituted for the "O" in Joy! Good things come in threes!
• Tag Team! I love to layer the Modern Label Punch. The doubled label looks great layered upon a tag from Stampin' Up! Lots of Tags Sizzlit 4-Pack.

I know that I have been featuring many non-traditional holiday colors this fall. It's refreshing to get back to Real Red and Garden Green. I know that during this Tuesday's Holiday Hop you will undoubtedly see all combinations of holiday colors. The Pals' Holiday Hop is hosted by a group of talented Stampin' Up! demonstrators who are ready to show off their paper crafting skills with inspirational ideas using Stampin' Up! products! So please join us on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 5:00 AM CST as we showcase all that Stampin' Up! has to offer - from rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments, and much more! Mark your calendar now! You don't want to miss out! You can enter the hop at any point in the line-up, and we will make certain that you don't get lost! I will include a complete listing of Holiday Hop participants in tomorrow's post! But trust me, you will not be disappointed with the variety!

Remember, there is still time to participate in the Pals Paper Arts challenge. This week we are hosting a KISS challenge. KISS stands for "Keep It Simple, Sweetie". These are cards that are quick and easy, with minimal layers and embellishments. If it is "kissable" to you, it is "kissable" to us. Mr. Linky will close at Noon CST on Tuesday. Who knows? You may be one of the next Pals Artist Picks!

As always, I appreciate your comments! And, never hesitate to email me if you have a question about a technique that I use or a card that I create! I love helping others with their stamping questions. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Sets: Delightful Decorations (116517---Holiday Mini), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Paper: Real Red (102482), Garden Green textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Whisper White (100730); Inks: Real Red (103133); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Impression Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Stampin' Up! Lots of Tags (114508), Modern Label Punch (1166630), Ornament Punch (116794---Holiday Mini), Horizontal Slot Punch (105089); Glitz and Glam: Circle Fire Brads (109110), 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Gold Elastic Cord (109867---Holiday Mini)

Snow Swirled Peace

A few week's ago, I had the chance to participate in my first Penny's Challenges. I am happy that I was able to participate again this week for the "No DP Allowed" challenge. Although we were encouraged to randomly stamp our own designer paper, I opted to emboss a background instead. The "Tree" image is from the beautiful Snow Swirled stamp set, inked in Elegant Eggplant. This card was quick and easy to make, and it's creation was made even more fun since I was able to spend some "QST" (Quality Stamping Time) with my sister and niece after Thanksgiving dinner! If you are up to a challenge, I recommend that you visit Penny's Challenges and see what the design team has prepared for you! Before you do, however, take a look at a few design tips that will help you save time as we enter that hectic period between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Go for the Silver! Brushed Silver card stock adds sparkle and shine in no time, and is a perfect choice for holiday cards! Here it is used to mat the image and for the Modern Label.


• Selectively select! Select focal stamps that are beautiful on their own merit, and need few if any added embellishments. Three Filigree Brads, with Lilac Circle Fire, centers are all that are needed to accentuate the "Snow Swirled Tree".


• Punch it up a notch! The Brushed Silver Modern Label was lovely on its own, but a second label punched from Elegant Eggplant adds depth in just seconds.


• Sizzlits add sizzle! Swirls Scribbles, one of my personal favorites, was the perfect choice to mimic the swirls of the tree.


• Pop it up! Stampin' Dimensionals were used to adhere the image mat to the card base. In fact, double dimensionals were used on the right side of the sentiment to bring it into alignment with the rest of the card.


• Pull it all together! Determining the dominant design element, in this case swirls, can help you save valuable planning time by steering you in the right direction. As an example, in selecting the sentiment, a cursive "Peace" mirrors the flowing curves of the tree, unifying the total design.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! For me, it marks a time when our small family celebrates the many reasons we have to be thankful. It also marks the beginning of a festive, but hectic time. There are trees to decorate, lights to string, presents to wrap, and cookies to bake! Plus there are challenges and blog hops, too. In fact, to get us all in the holiday spirit, the Pretty Pals Holiday Hop will be occurring on December 1st. You can enter the "hop" at any point, and we will make certain that you will not get lost along the way. Join us as we feature holiday cards and projects! Stayed tuned for more details and the official Holiday Hop participant list!

Don't forget to Play at PPA! Mr. Linky is open until Noon CST Tuesday. If you have any questions about the Pals challenge or the Holiday Hop, please do not hesitate to email me. And remember, I welcome any questions that you may have about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use. Your comments and questions are very important to me! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Snow Swirled (111690), Four the Holidays (116921---Holiday Mini); Inks: Elegant Eggplant (105210); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Brushed Silver (100712), Elegant Eggplant (105126 and 108696---Textured, Rich Regals assorted); Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Modern Label Punch (116630), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Small Oval Punch (107304), Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I (114512), Standard Texturz Impressions Pads (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615); Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits Die (113441); Glitz and Glam: Filigree Brads (112577), Circle Ice Brads (109111)

A Christmas KISS for the PPA

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! On this wonderful Thursday, Pals Paper Arts is challenging you to a KISS! What is a Pals' KISS, you ask? It is a clean and simple card, often characterized by more white space and a minimum of layers and embellishments. KISS-able cards truly are a challenge for me. Since I have a "wee" tendency to over-distress and over-embellish, I really have to keep reminding myself that sometimes "Less is More"!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Let color dictate the "mood" of the card! Bravo Burgundy, Night of Navy, and Brushed Gold impart an air of class and elegance...just exactly the mood I wanted to convey!


• No ribbon? No matter! Create your own "ribbon substitute" from card stock. Brushed Gold card stock forms the perfect backdrop for the Bravo Burgundy Eyelet Border!


• Shake and Shimmy! Keep a little spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and Shimmer Paint on hand to give any card that little color boost! Just a few spritz of Champagne Mist, and you have a "gold mine"! (I tried to angle the card so that you could catch a glimpse of the shimmer. This card is super-sparkly in person!)

Have fun with this week's challenge! With the holiday season and all that it entails, couldn't we all use a little KISS? Just make mine the chocolate kind...wink, wink! So leave a quick comment, head on over to the PPA and check out what the rest of the Design Team has created for you! And remember to mark December 1st on your calendar as we embark on another Pals' Holiday Hop! Happy Thanksgiving! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Gifts of Christmas (115372); Ink: Bravo Burgundy (105214); Card Stock: Night of Navy textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Bravo Burgundy textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Brushed Gold (102935), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Eyelet Border Punch (113692); Glitz and Glam: Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806);

Simply Schach, Simply Serene and PPA Sneak Peek

I know...I know! I have designed umpteen million cards using the Serene Snowflakes stamp set! But I like it! And besides, this one is a little different in that it fits my "Simply Schach" definition of a card that is quicker and easier than the more complicated cards that I usually create. Shimmer paint, a Texturz plate, and Brushed Gold card stock combine to make a statement in a short amount of time with a minimum of fuss and muss! The time that you save in making this card can be time that you can spend with your family...or seeking out those "Black Friday" doorbusters!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• When time is of the essence, using a single color of ink can save a minute or two! Bravo Burgundy is a great holiday color and was used to ink both the snowflake and the greeting.
• Become well-rounded! Using the Corner Rounder on all four corners of the image matting adds visual interest in seconds. Likewise, rounding the lower corners of the card softens it.
• Shimmer and glimmer! Add Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint to rubbing alcohol and mist away! I simply purchased an inexpensive travel size fingertip sprayer (2 ounces) and filled it approximately one-third full of rubbing alcohol. I then added 1/4 teaspoon of shimmer paint and shook well. What could be easier? Not only can you "shimmerize" card stock, you can spritz your ribbon, too!
• Save time by misting Very Vanilla card stock with Shimmer Paint before texturizing. In this case, I used the "Quilted" plate from Stampin' Up! Perfect Details. Extra deep texture can be achieved this way.
• Mix the "bling"! Who says you can't combine circles and squares? A round yellow Circle Fire brad compliments the center of the snowflake, while two yellow Square Fire brads accent the greeting.
• Double the label, double the fun! Punch the sentiment from Very Vanilla card stock with the Modern Label Punch, and then punch the label a second time from Brushed Gold.
• Do you suffer from "Saggy Bow Syndrome"? A few perfectly placed Mini-Glue Dots can put that pesky bow in its place!

I wish that you were here in person to see the shimmer, which does not show up in the photograph. If you have not tried spraying on Shimmer Paint, I encourage you to try it! It is an inexpensive and quick way to add that little something extra!

Would you like a little sneak peek at this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge card? Of course you do! Do you recognize this stamp set? Tune in Thursday and find out if you were correct in your guess! And don't forget to mark your calendars for December 1st and our third installment of the Pals' Holiday Blog Hop! If you liked the first two hops, you are sure to love this one as we highlight cards and projects of the season! If you have any questions about today's card or about the Hop, please do not hesitate to email me. In the meantime, please feel free to leave me a comment! I truly do appreciate them! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp set: Serene Snowflake (115438), Four the Holidays (116640); Ink: Bravo Burgundy (105214); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Brushed Gold (102935), Bravo Burgundy textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Modern Label Punch (116630), Corner Rounder (109047); Glitz and Glam: Circle Fire Brads (109110), Square Fire Brads (109112), 5/8" Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon (109053), Champagne Mist Shimmer Mist (116806); Other: Rubbing Alcohol, Small Spray Bottle

Holiday Extravaganza Sale on Now

Oh my gosh! Now is the time to do your holiday shopping online! For one week only, starting today, November 23rd and running until November 30th, Stampin' Up! is discounting special items from 30%-50%. At this busy time of the year, you can relax and shop from the comfort of your own home just by Clicking Here! These values are too good to be true! But hurry...some supplies are limited! Have fun!

Description
Regular Price/ Discounted Price

Framed with Love Bundle--120280
•Framed with Love stamp set
•Full Heart punch
$43.90/$21.95

Thank You Kindly Bundle--120281
•Thank You Kindly stamp set
•Scallop Edge punch
$29.90/$14.95

Animal Crackers Bundle--120282
•Animal Crackers stamp set
•Star Designer brads
$25.90/$12.95

Corduroy Button Bundle--120283
•Kraft Corduroy buttons
•Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons
•Summer Sun Corduroy buttons
•Basic Gray Corduroy buttons
•Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons
$49.75/$24.88

Game Night Bundle--120284
•Card Games stamp set
•Game Night stamp set
$40.90/$20.45

Four Square Bundle--120285
•Four Square stamp set
•Scallop Square punch
$30.90/$15.45

Heart to Heart Bundle--120286
•Love You Much stamp set
•Heart to Heart punch
•Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
$49.85/$24.93

Chipboard Letter Bundle--120287
•On Board Timeless Type
•On Board Loads of Letters
$25.90/$12.95

Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle--120288
•Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
•Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
$17.90/$10.74

Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle*--120289
•Best Wishes & More stamp set
•Eight Great Greetings stamp set
•On a Pedestal stamp set
•Earth Elements Stampin' Spots
•Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
•Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
•Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•Flower Designer brads
$127.70/$76.62

Build-A-Brad Bundle--120290
•Calendar Alphabet stamp set
•Pewter Build-A-Brad
•Antique Brass Build-A-Brad
$40.85/$24.51

Enjoy Every Moment Bundle--120291
•Enjoy Every Moment stamp set
•Circle Designer brads
•Flower Designer brads
$43.85/$26.31

Cheep Talk Bundle--120292
•Cheep Talk stamp set
•Note cards
•Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons
$42.85/$25.71

Sock Monkey Bundle--120293
•Sock Monkey stamp set
•Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
•Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons
$58.85/$35.31

Alphabet Bundle--120294
•Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set
•Lovely Letters stamp set
$87.90/$52.74

Simply Said Bundle--120295
•Simply Said stamp set
•Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•Full Heart punch
$52.85/$31.71

On Board Bundle--120296
•On Board So Tweet
•On Board Batch of Blooms
•On Board Essentials
$42.85/$25.71

Christmas Décor Bundle #1--120927
•Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red)
•Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
•Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
$74.85/$44.91

Christmas Décor Bundle #2--120298
•Holly Beary Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red)
•Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
•Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
$74.85/$44.91

Christmas Décor Bundle #3--120299
•Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red)
•Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
•Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
$74.85/$44.91

For All You Do Bundle--120300
•For All You Do stamp set
•5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads
$36.90/$25.83

Striped Ribbon Bundle--120301
•Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
•Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
$47.73/$33.41

Bling Bundle--120302
•Sticky Pages
•Sticky Cuts Sweet
•Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter
•Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
$43.80/$30.66

Fresh-Cut Bundle--120303
•Fresh Cuts stamp set
•Fresh-Cut Notes •5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads
$37.85/$26.50

Pendant Note Bundle--120304
•Pendant Park stamp set
•Pendant notes
•5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads
$39.85/$27.90

Sporting Bundle #1--120305
•Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements
•Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements
$67.90/$47.54

Sporting Bundle #2--120306
•Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements
•Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements
$67.90/$47.54

Sporting Bundle #3--120307
•Large Black Sporting Décor Elements
•Black Just Sports Décor Elements
$67.90/$47.54

Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements--114864
$39.95/$27.97

Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements--114863
$39.95/$27.97

5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads--112534
$7.95/$5.57

5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads--112533
$6.95/$4.87

Scallop Square punch--112081
$15.95/$11.17

Full Heart punch--113693
$15.95/$11.17

Heart to Heart punch--113694
$15.95/$11.17

Scallop Edge punch--112091
$15.95/$11.17

Circle Designer brads--112571
$5.95/$4.17

Flower Designer brads--112579
$5.95/$4.17

Star Designer brads--112572
$5.95/$4.17

Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements--114785
$39.95/$27.97

Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements--114786
$69.95/$48.97

Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements--114791
$39.95/$27.97

Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements--114792
$64.95/$45.47



Save the Date! I will be participating in another Pals' Holiday Blog Hop on December 1! The Pals will be featuring all types of Stampin' Up! Holiday items! Let The Stampin' Schach be your starting point on this amazing journey!


Until next time...

Close to Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Yummy! Doesn't this title sound like a scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert? Although it could be, it's actually three of the four colors in today's Our Creative Corner Color Challenge! Add Whisper White, and you have the quartet! Our Creative Corner is one of my favorite challenges, and sadly I have not been able to play for a few weeks. So this evening I sat down with one of my favorite Designer Series Papers, Autumn Meadows, and one of my favorite stamp sets, Autumn Splendor, and made this challenge a priority. Coupled with the latest Splitcoast Sketch, SC255, we have the recipe for yet another fall card. So relax, sit back, and have a slice of Close to Chocolate Pumpkin Pie. Unlike what many of us will be feasting on this Thanksgiving, it's guaranteed to be calorie free! Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• "Brayer, brayer in my hand, who's the most creative in the land?" You will be, if you create your own custom background colors, like I did with this card. I simply zipped my Brayer over Pumpkin Pie ink and rolled it in all directions over Whisper White card stock. After a little kiss with the Color Spritzer Tool and the Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker, it was ready to serve as the background for the glorious oak leaf stamp from Autumn Splendor! Chocolate Chip ink and a Sponge Dauber completed the distressing of the edges.
• Make your cards "inkredible" by once again using your brayer! This time Chocolate Chip ink is used to highlight the embossed strip, which was created with the Finial Press Embossing Folder and the Big Shot.
• "ISP" those leaves! "Ink" them using Blender Pens and ink (Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, and a hint of Old Olive); "Snip" them out with super-pointy Paper Snips; and Pop them up on Stampin' Dimensionals! The Stampin' Dimensionals and triple matting add so much depth to this card.
• Details make the difference! Ink distressing the edges softens the vivid Pumpkin Pie card stock and lends a masculine feel to this card, while the Pumpkin Pie matting accentuates the brayered Pumpkin Pie panel to create a coordinated look.

I hope that you enjoyed your slice of pie! I definitely enjoyed making it for you! In fact, creating today's card was therapy for me. All of this distressing helped me to de-stress! You see, my new laptop betrayed me a few days ago. Our relationship was only two months long, but during those glorious weeks, I grew to love him dearly. He "wowed" me with his lightening speed, and his 17" screen was large and impressive. Just looking at his sleek and shiny case would cause my heart to beat faster. But alas...ours was to be a short relationship. I came home from work Thursday to find a "Dear Ann" message on a black screen. "No Bootable Device....Insert Boot Disk and Press Any Key" it said. But he didn't have a boot disk. However, I was dedicated to this relationship, and tried every thing to work things out. Using another laptop, I tried six hours of "counseling" with a trained technician to no avail. But in the end, we just could not settle our differences. We will be entering a separation period Tuesday, as the Fed Ex man will be transporting him to the closest treatment facility. And unfortunately, he got my files in the deal! What he's going to do with my lesson plans and photos, I'll never know! But I do know, I hate him for what he has done to me and my files. I know..I know...hate is a strong word. Time will heal my wounds, and I will welcome him back home in a month. But I will never, ever trust him again. You can bet your bottom dollar that from here on out I will be backing up his every move!

Telling you my troubles has been quite cathartic, as was participating in these two challenges. And speaking of challenges, have you participated in this week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge? If not, Mr. Linky will be open until Noon CST for your upload. Thanks for listening to my computer troubles. Because my laptop was new, I was remiss in backing up my files. Please learn from my mistake...I have! And please, leave me a comment about today's card! I do appreciate them. They are a bright spot in my day! And please do not hesitate to email me if you have questions about any card that I create or technique that I use. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Autumn Splendor; Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Really Rust, More Mustard, Old Olive; Designer Series Paper: Autumn Meadows; Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Whisper White; Tools: Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Finial Press Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Brayer, Blender Pens; Other: Stampin' Dimensionals

Christmas Punch and Cocoa for the PPA

I always look forward to Thursdays and the Pals Paper Arts challenge! This week we are hosting a sketch challenge designed by talented Pal, Margaret Moody. This sketch is definitely a classic. I knew the moment that I saw it that I wanted to incorporate a repeating motif in the center squares. Since I am already in the holiday spirit, I opted for snowflakes stamped from the Christmas Punch set paired with the beautiful Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper. On this cold, crisp Iowa morning, will you share a cup of Christmas Cocoa with me? Or would you prefer a cup of Christmas Punch?



The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Common design elements make your card look "pulled together"! The gold snowflakes on the Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper look as if they are encircled. Therefore, after stamping the "Snowflake" images from the Christmas Punch set, they were punched out using the 1" Circle Punch. This was followed by layering them onto 1-1/4" Circles punched from coordinating paper from the same collection.


• Burgundy and gold are traditionally elegant Christmas colors, and the perfect choice for a classic card. In this case, Bravo Burgundy pairs beautifully with the gold metallic touch on the Snowflake paper!


• Invest time into creating the little extras that will set your card apart from the rest! What better way to accent the sentiment than a tiny Bravo Burgundy heart punched with the Trio of Hearts Punch.


• Sometimes no bling is a good thing! Frequent visitors to The Stampin' Schach know that I will "bling" anything! However, with this card, no bling was necessary. The understated country elegance of the rich burgundy and gold hues was perfect just the way it was!

Usually I am my own worst critic...I think many of us are this way. However, this card, which was quick and easy to create; which combines a classic holiday color palette; and which follows a classic sketch, is one of my all-time favorite cards. And maybe, just maybe, it lies in the sentiment..."Welcome Christmas into your heart".

I loved your Pals Paper Arts creations last week. I know that my fellow design team members have really rocked this sketch, and I know that you will, too! So hurry on over to the PPA and check out all of the other inspiration cards. But first, let me know what you think about today's card by leaving me a comment. Your comments are important to me, as are your questions. Remember, if you ever have a question about any of my cards, or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Christmas Punch (115366---Hostess Level 2), Heard from the Heart (111644); Inks: Bravo Burgundy (105214); Designer Series Paper: Christmas Cocoa (116770---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Bravo Burgundy textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted); Tools: 1" Circle Punch (109046), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (104403), 1-1/4" Square Punch (104400)

Peek-a-Boo, I See...PPA17

Pssssst! Would you like a little peek at the card I made for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #17? Would you? Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone, but here it is:



Hmmm! What could it be? What Designer Series Paper is this? Join me on Thursday, November 19 for the release of Pals Paper Art Challenge #17...and to see the rest of this card.

And, Thursday is also an important date in my life for another reason. Twenty-years ago I gave birth to my son, Brady Kimbel Schach. Although I may forget little things like passwords or where my car is parked, I will never forget the details of that wonderful day...including almost giving birth in the car! Well, a gal has to look nice for delivery, right? So I took a shower, put on my make-up, and prepared for the thirty minute drive to the hospital. After all, the doctor told me that I would probably be in labor for several hours. So much for that theory, because in less than two hours after the first "pangs", Brady made his presence known. In fact, my husband almost missed the big event, since he was busy with admissions! Even from the start, life with Brady was never dull!

Until next time....

Paws-a-tively Cute

I was asked last week if I would make a birthday card for my friend's grand-daughter's first birthday. I hemmed and hawed. As the mother of a soon-to-be-twenty-year-old son, I am not in the habit of making cards suitable for a one-year-old baby girl. But I relented and said, "Sure!" This would be as great of a challenge as any challenge I could enter, placing me squarely outside of my comfort zone. As I colored and snipped the image, I started to have fun creating this sweet little card and working with this wonderful paper!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Pop it up! After snipping out the image, pop it up on Stampin' Dimensionals for extra depth! For smaller images, like the party hat, Mini Glue Dots will do the job fabulously!
• When selecting patterns to layer, florals and geometrics pair just fine without competing against each other. Coordinating colors make the task even easier!
• Never be afraid of the unexpected! Old Olive would probably not be a first choice on anyone's color wheel for a baby's birthday card. However, it works perfectly on this card by balancing the pastels, and making the Old Olive in the pattern paper stand out.
• Tint the texture! After passing the central circle through the Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, it was tinted with Blender Pens and Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, and So Saffron inks. The tinted embossed flowers are "pawsitively" perfect with the floral paper.
• Even baby's love bling! The centers of the embossed flowers were "dazzled with diamonds" simply by adding a dot of Tombow Adhesive and covering with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Three blue Circle Ice Brads complete the look!
• It's all in the details! The Eyelet Border, punched in Very Vanilla is layered onto Whisper White. Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon hides the interface. The Very Vanilla is perfect with the So Saffron checked paper, while the Whisper White pulls in the embossed circle and the floral paper. The little party hat draws the eye to the sentiment, and is the perfect finishing touch!

I certainly hope that my friend likes this card. It was a delight to create! And speaking of creating, don't forget to enter your creation into the Pals Paper Arts "Christmas Cheer" challenge this week. Plus, it's Blog Candy week at the PPA, but you can't win if you don't enter! For more details, please visit the PPA! I hope that you enjoyed your visit at The Stampin' Schach today, and I hope that in some way my card and tips have served as an inspiration to you! If you ever have any questions about any of the projects that I create or the techniques that I use, please do not hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!"
Stamp Sets: Beary Best Friends (118052), Beary Nice Wishes (118050); Inks: Basic Black (101179), Pretty in Pink (101301), So Saffron (105213), Old Olive (102277); Designer Series Paper: Pawsitively Prints (118060); Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Pretty in Pink (100459), Very Vanilla (101650), Bashful Blue (105120), Whisper White (100730); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (115964), Circle Scissor Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Blender Pens (102845), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Corner Rounder (109047), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive (110755); Embellishments: Circle Ice Brads (109111), Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon (109066), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)

Dazzling Peaceful Pine for the PPA

Thursday is Pals Paper Arts challenge day! If you are new to this challenge, we are a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who sponsor a variety of weekly challenges. This week the challenge is to incorporate the theme, "Christmas Cheer"! Although as a Design Team we are dedicated to using only Stampin' Up! products on our projects, you are more than welcome to use any supplies that you wish! For my inspiration card, I wanted to create something serene and elegant. I fulfilled that vision by using the "Pine Tree" image from "Lovely as a Tree". A "Swirly" Texturz Plate and Dazzling Diamonds glitter are used for effect.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• When is less more? The answer is when you want to design an elegant card. I rarely do elegant...I am more a "distressed and dirty" kind of gal, as is evidenced by my love affair with Sponge Daubers and Chocolate Chip ink. So in my quest for elegance, I kept the color selections to a minimum...Whisper White, Old Olive, and Real Red!


• Move beyond boring! Although I love Whisper White, a large unbroken expanse of it can be "visually boring". That is when the Big Shot and Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate come to the rescue. The soft elegant swirls mimic the feel of snow swirling in a storm.


• Dazzle with Diamonds! After sponging a touch of Frost White Shimmer Paint over the tree, each branch received a coating of "icy" Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The small end of a Stylus was used to apply a thin line of Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive branch by branch. A liberal sprinkling of Dazzling Diamonds was applied, and the excess was tapped away.


• Do pay attention to detail! Rounding opposite corners on the image mats add that little bit of something special, as does the glitter around the edges of the Stampin' Up! Lots of Tags die cut.

I hope that you enjoyed today's card. It truly is much prettier in person! It is so shimmery! Let me know what you think of my efforts by leaving a comment. And, as always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me! For more Pals Paper Arts design inspiration, visit my Pals at the PPA! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree (115026), Four the Holiday (116921); Inks: Old Olive (102277); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Real Red (103133); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Stampin' Up! Lots of Tags Sizzlits (114508), Corner Rounder (109047), Large Oval Punch (107305); Other: Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive (110755), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)

Pals Holiday Hop

Woo Hoo! It's time for the Pal's Holiday Hop Part Two! I have prepared two new projects for you today, including a fall basket and a card. The stamp set which I am showcasing on the card is "Gifts of the Earth". I love this set from the Holiday Mini Catalog and have used it for several cards that I have created, including my winning Mojo Madness card, "Crock of Apples"! The card posted below is a new design, featuring water coloring with Blender Pens and inks.

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Earth Element inks provide a perfect palette for coloring "Gifts of the Earth"! Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, More Mustard and Old Olive team up with Elegant Eggplant and Bordering Blue to make quick work in the tinting department!


• To finish your "watercolored" images, shade with Sahara Sand to anchor the image and add depth!


• Double the fun! A double Eyelet Border adds visual interest to the bottom of the card and balances the large image.


• It's all about the details! The Vintage Brads which border the image mat and the Brads on the sentiment pull this card together. A snippet of Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon hides the interface between the Always Artichoke and More Mustard card stocks.


• Keep with the theme, but don't be afraid to stray a little! I was focusing on the "earthiness" of this set, so I stayed with earthy elements: inks, paper colors, distressing the edges, use of wood sheets, and vintage brads. However, I added a touch of Victorian in the Eyelet Border and the Finial Press Embossing Folder.

Here is a "parade" of previously posted "Gifts of the Earth" cards so you can see the other stamps in this set and how the image looks "in the round":

The card above features the "Pumpkin" image stamped onto a circle which was cut using the Circle Scissors Plus. I could not live without my CSP!

The "Turkey" image in this set is just perfect for Thanksgiving!

And last, but certainly not least, we see the "Crock of Apples" which was the focal point of this Mojo Monday-Mojo Madness winning card!

For my second Blog Hop project I wanted to feature a three-dimensional project. Since I love using my Pillowbox Die and Big Shot to create wonderful baskets that are just too cute, this was a logical choice for me! For a classic Fall look, Chocolate Chip and Kraft card stock were paired together. I zipped the Kraft panels through the Big Shot with the Quilted Texturz Plate. The leaves were a snap to make using the Leaves #2 Original Die and Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper!

I hope that you enjoyed your stay at The Stampin' Schach and my focus on the "Gifts of the Earth" stamp set. I am happy to send you off on the next step of your Blog Hop journey...Gina Shaw's website, Cards by Gina. But first, please leave me a comment to let me know what you think of today's new card and basket. You know that I appreciate and love your comments! Until next time...

Holiday Hopper Line-Up

1. Kris Kilcoyne (Kween Bee Kreations)
2. Carla Bazhenow(Carla's Scraps)
3. Linda Callahan (Stampin' Seasons)
4. Mary Fish(Stampin' Pretty)
5. Tricia Gillam(Soul Stamper)
6. Jill Gregory(Stamping Heart)
7. Liz Hughes(DIY Paper Creations)
8. Kim Lampone (Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative)
9. Kalshelia Lloyd (Stampin' Fabulousity)
10. Regina Mangum (The Stampin' Bean)
11. Margaret Moody(Margaret Moody)
12. Debbie Pierce(Stampin' Sunshine)
13. Ann Schach (The Stampin' Schach)
14. Gina Shaw (Cards by Gina)
15. Lourdes Torres (Cozy Crafty Corner)

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Gifts of the Earth, Falling Leaves; Inks: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue, Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant, Summer Sun; Designer Series Paper: Autumn Traditions, Autumn Meadows; Card Stock: Really Rust textured, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Texture Cuts Wood Sheets; Tools: Eyelet Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Big Shot, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Original Dies Leaves #2, Pillowbox Die, Color Spritzer, Blender Pens, Sponge Dauber; Embellishments: Vintage Brads, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Fire Brads

If you enjoyed the Halloween Hop last month, you will not want to miss the Thanksgiving and Fall Hop on Tuesday, November 10 as my Pals and I showcase all that Stampin’ Up! has to offer---rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments, and so much more.

And make sure to "Save the Date" on your calendar for our next hop. You won’t want to miss the creations we have to share as we focus on Christmas and Winter on December 1, 2009! So tune in to Tuesday!

For your advanced planning, the line-up is featured below!

Holiday Hopper Line-Up

1. Kris Kilcoyne (Kween Bee Kreations)
2. Carla Bazhenow(Carla's Scraps)
3. Linda Callahan (Stampin' Seasons)
4. Melanie Collins(Oops a Daisy)
5. Mary Fish(Stampin' Pretty)
6. Tricia Gillam(Soul Stamper)
7. Jill Gregory(Stamping Heart)
8. Liz Hughes(DIY Paper Creations)
9. Kim Lampone (Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative)
10. Kalshelia Lloyd (Stampin' Fabulousity)
11. Regina Mangum (The Stampin' Bean)
12. Margaret Moody(Margaret Moody)
13. Debbie Pierce(Stampin' Sunshine)
14. Ann Schach (The Stampin' Schach)
15. Gina Shaw (Cards by Gina)
16. Lourdes Torres (Cozy Crafty Corner)

I am still trying to catch up from a busy week last week. However, I am so looking forward to the Hop and to Thursday's Pals Paper Arts challenge! And there is still time to participate in last week's color challenge. But don't hesitate...Mr. Linky closes at Noon CST Tuesday. Until next time...

Rising Star Judy Garza Visits The Stampin' Schach

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting one of Stampin' Up!s Rising Stars, Judy Garza! Judy came all of the way from Victoria, Texas to attend The Stampin' Schach Open House. Afterwards, she was going to visit relatives in Cedar Rapids, which is about two hours away from me...Or maybe she flew in from Texas to visit relatives in Iowa, and decided to take a busman's holiday by stopping by the Open House! OK...OK! She really didn't come all the way from Texas just to see me. However, after reading about the Open House, she did email me to find out how far out of the way I would be. Thank goodness she didn't think two hours was too far! What a wonderful and talented stamper! Judy shared the beautiful cards from her "Autumn Days" class! They were absolutely gorgeous! I would sign up for one of her classes in a heartbeat! Thank you, Judy, for stopping by and spending a few hours with us! We will definitely meet up again at Convention 2010!

Get Ready for Holiday Hop Part Two!

I wish that you could have seen the trees in my yard this past week. You can just catch a glimpse of the color in the picture above. Is it any wonder that Autumn Splendor is one of my favorite sets? In fact, I will be featuring a new Autumn Splendor card Tuesday as we embark on Part Two of the Pretty Pals Holiday Blog Hop. I can hardly wait to share this latest card with you. So get ready to start hoppin'! For your advanced planning, the line-up is featured below!

Holiday Hopper Line-Up

1. Kris Kilcoyne (Kween Bee Kreations)
2. Carla Bazhenow(Carla's Scraps)
3. Linda Callahan (Stampin' Seasons)
4. Melanie Collins(Oops a Daisy)
5. Mary Fish(Stampin' Pretty)
6. Tricia Gillam(Soul Stamper)
7. Jill Gregory(Stamping Heart)
8. Liz Hughes(DIY Paper Creations)
9. Kim Lampone (Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative)
10. Kalshelia Lloyd (Stampin' Fabulousity)
11. Regina Mangum (The Stampin' Bean)
12. Margaret Moody(Margaret Moody)
13. Debbie Pierce(Stampin' Sunshine)
14. Ann Schach (The Stampin' Schach)
15. Gina Shaw (Cards by Gina)
16. Lourdes Torres (Cozy Crafty Corner)

Parent-Teacher Conferences certainly put me behind in my stamping! However, next week should prove fantastic...with the Hop and another PPA challenge on Thursday! Until next time...

Basic Teal Ruby at the PPA

It's time for another Pals Paper Arts challenge! Everyone knows that I love this challenge, not just because I am on the Design Team, but because of the variety it offers. This week just happens to be a Color Challenge featuring Taken with Teal, Ruby Red and Basic Gray! Have fun with this combination, and let your creativity run wild! Remember that the PPA challenge is open to everyone, regardless of the products that you use!


The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Be a "hot shot" with your Big Shot! I couldn't live without mine! For this card, I've texturized using the "Quilted" Perfect Details Texturz Plate and I've zipped the Top Note die through with Ruby Red card stock. And if that wasn't enough, I zipped and texturized Very Vanilla! Whew! But wait...there's more! I zipped a piece of Taken with Teal card stock through with the Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die (which is just the perfect size for a three inch circle!)


• Punch it up! Don't be afraid to try different combinations of punches! One of my favorite combos is to layer the Designer Label and Modern Label punches. And unlike fast food combos...this one is calorie free!


• "Ice, Ice Baby"! The smaller Square Ice Turquoise Brad mirrors the larger Square Ice Turquoise Brad and visually ties the sentiment to the image. The angularity of the square brads compliments the "arms" of the Serene Snowflake, adding cohesiveness to the design.


• Pay attention to details! Soften edges with a Sponge Dauber and Basic Gray ink! Paper pierce the scallops! Add a snippet of Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon! Pop up elements on Stampin' Dimensionals! All of these details add so much, and will elevate even the most mundane card to marvelous!

I hope that you enjoyed today's card and tips! I know that I found these colors to be a tad tricky...but isn't that the purpose of a challenge? I will be anxious to see what you create this week. And, thanks to all of you who participated in last week's "Think Pink" challenge. It was heartwarming to see us all united in honoring all who have been affected by breast cancer. So, leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this "Basic Teal Ruby" card, and then hop on over to the PPA and few what my fellow Design Team members have created for your inspiration! You will not be disappointed! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes (115438---Holiday Mini), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Inks: Basic Gray (109120), Taken with Teal Stampin' Write Marker (100068), Real Ruby Stampin' Write Marker (100075), Blender Pens (102845); Card Stock: Basic Gray textured (108693---Neutrals assorted), Ruby Red textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Taken with Teal textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Top Note Die (113463), Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die (113469), Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Sponge Dauber (102892), Paper Piercer (116631), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Embellishments: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064), Square Ice Brads (109113)