Time is Running Out...Take Advantage of the Sales

The chance to take advantage of Stampin Up!'s Half Price Starter Kit ends tomorrow. Purchasing the Starter Kit does not mean that you have to have a workshop, or that you have to sell Stampin' Up! Let me share my Stampin' Up! story with you.

When I purchased the Starter Kit, I was interested in the discount. I had just started stamping, and I was impressed with the quality of Stampin' Up!'s products. Twenty percent off my purchases, as well as 30% off my first qualifying order of $150, seemed too good to be true. I was thrilled to get so many awesome products in my Starter Kit...and the value is even greater today with the Half-Price Special.

I knew that with all of the things I wanted to buy, I would be able to meet the quarterly minimums ($300 per quarter), just with my own purchases, for at least a few quarters. I had no desire to sell Stampin' Up! However, a friend with whom I worked, encouraged me to start a monthly Hostess Club. I started with six stampers at our first meeting. Of course, the rest is history, as they say. I found that I loved designing cards and teaching others how to re-create them. I was also introduced to blogging by my upline, and now I would be lost without my blog...simply because of the wonderful friendships I have forged. That is one of the rewards of stamping...you meet the nicest people. And remember, I only joined for the discount.

Yes, there is money that can be made through instant incomes and volume rebates. You can decide how much you want to earn and how hard you want to work. As for me, I have found a happy balance with my workshops, classes, and yes...my own purchases.

So with one day left to take advantage of this amazing sale, what is keeping you from trying out Stampin' Up!? The products are yours to keep, and there is no penalty for dropping. If you decide that you want to maintain your benefits, you have until March 31st, to meet the minimums. Plus, I will be beside you every step of the way, to mentor you and to answer your questions. What do you have to lose? Please email me for more information, but hurry! We are running out of time. To find out more about this offer, check out this earlier post. I would love to have you as part of my stampin' family! Think of the fun we could have at Convention! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Angelic Joy for The Paper Players

It's time for another Paper Player's challenge! This week The Players are challenging you to pull out the heat gun and embossing powder...it's an embossing challenge!

I inked up the "Angel" from Angelic Joy and two wheels, Elegance and Music Notes, with VersaMark for this card. Heat embossing was accomplished with Gold and Silver Stampin' Emboss Powders. I used several of my favorite products, such as Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, Silver Tinsel, Basic Pearls, and Antique Brads. Plus, I also used the Faux Burning technique. I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed making it!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Emboss and watercolor! Watercoloring is a breeze once your image has been embossed. The Angel image was stamped in VersaMark and embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. Then she was watercolored using the Blender Pen and ink method. (See my tutorial HERE.) So Saffron was used for the hair, Blush Blossom for the skin, Always Artichoke for the gown, and Rich Razzleberry for the cloak.


• Tag...you're it! The Two Tags Bigz Die was used to create the background panel for the Angel. I inked the Music Notes Stampin' Around Wheel with VersaMark and embossed with Gold. I used a VersaMarker to outline the scalloped border of the tag, and once again embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder.


• Star gazing! It is hard to take your eyes off of the silver embossed star. This time, the Elegance Stampin' Around Wheel was inked with VersaMark and rolled over a Brushed Gold Star. Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder was used for contrast. An Antique Brad adds interest.


• Faux burning! The right edge of the "Diamond" patterned Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper was prepared using the Faux Burning technique. (See my tutorial HERE.) Silver Tinsel was then adhered along the burned edge for another vintage touch.


• Joy comes in small packages! The "Joyful" Sizzlits Die was zipped through the Big Shot with Cherry Cobbler card stock. It was adhered to the card using Dotto adhesive. I selected Dotto for its repositionable quality.


• The finishing touches! Basic Pearls adorn the halo. Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding was added for balance. And as a final detail, the edges of the Cherry Cobbler mat were edged with VersaMark and embossed with Gold.

I hope that you will join in the fun this week! And if you have never heat embossed before, it is easy. Just stamp in VersaMark, sprinkle with embossing powder, shake off the excess, and heat with the heat gun! It's so fun to watch the powder melt.

Today is one of those sad Sundays. Brady the Boy heads back to college, and the Twins and I will miss him terribly. Muffy has already gotten into the habit of racing up the stairs after her early morning potty break, and scratching on his bedroom door. Of course, he lets her in and they snuggle in his bed for a few more hours of sleep. I dread tomorrow morning when she looks for him and he is not there. I remember vividly how heartbroken Missy the Boxer was when Brady the Boy first left for college. I just wished that there was some way to make Muffy and Brody understand that he will be back in a few weeks.

Thanksgiving break is traditionally when we decorate for the holiday season, and at the Schach house we go all out. However, this will be the "Year Without a Christmas Tree". We discussed it as a family, and decided that it would just be safer. I am sure that with two bouncing baby Boxers, the tree would undoubtedly end up being knocked over. I don't want to spend the entire holiday season policing the tree and having to use the Twin's new middle names. Nor will we have the candles in the windows or the garland on the banister. But there will be a few things that I can display...as long as they are far from the edges of the tables and Brody's inquisitive nose! By not decorating, I will have more time for candy making, baking and stamping. And most importantly, we will still have the joy of sharing the season with family and friends...

I am anxious to hear what you think about today's card. And as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create, or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me. As I always told my students, the only silly questions are the ones that don't get asked! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Angelic Joy (W 120849; C 121172---Holiday Mini), French Foliage (W 120845; C 121166---Holiday Mini), Elegance Stampin' Around Wheel (120325), Music Notes Stampin' Around Wheel (120327); Inks: Soft Suede (115657), Early Espresso (119670), So Saffron (105213), Rich Razzleberry (115658), Always Artichoke (105219), VersaMark (102283), VersaMarker (100901), Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker (100037); Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls (120810---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Always Artichoke (105119), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Brushed Gold (102935); Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Sponge Dauber (102892), Embossing Buddy (103083), Big Shot (113439), Two Tags Bigz Die (115954), Joyful Sizzlits Die (115973), Star Punch (119875), Dotto Adhesive (103305), Blender Pens (102845); Glitz and Glam: Antique Brads (117273), Basic Pearls (119247), Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (120992), Silver Tinsel (120994), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129), Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (109131)

We Have a Winner and Puppy Middle Names

On this day after Thanksgiving, I want to thank all of you for your kind comments during my Blog Candy giveaway. And if you did not win this time, I will be having another giveaway closer to Christmas. I love giving away blog candy!



Using the random number generator from Random .org, the winner was: lisa808, who left comment #33 on Monday's post:

Hi Ann,

Yes, it is amazing the friends we make around the world through blogging. Crafters are awesome! My favorite stamp set in the Holiday Mini is Fireside Christmas. Love that fireplace image.

Lisa

Congratulations, Lisa! Please email me your name and address by Monday, November 29th, and I will get your package in the mail!

The Boxer Twins Now Have Middle Names

The Boxer Twins, Muffy and Brody, made the trip to their Aunt Sissy's for Thanksgiving. Although I was worried what the Twins might do, they were perfect! Well, almost. We do need to work on "no jumping". But there were no potty mistakes, and no whining when crated! Aunt Sissy was so impressed that she took lots of pictures to show her friends, AND she invited the Twins back for Christmas! Woo hoo! As for me, what kind of a mom am I? I forgot my camera!

Since they were such good puppies, there was no reason to use their newly selected middle names. For Muffy, it came down to Muffy Lin and Muffy Marie. We allowed Muffy to choose her own, but calling her these names. She liked Muffy Lin better. Lin was suggested by none other than my good Pal, LINda Callahan!

As for Brody, it was a little tougher. There were so many wonderful choices. I liked "Beal", which means "handsome", because it really fit him. He is one handsome Boxer boy. However, the men in my life did not care for it as much. (I think they are just jealous because their ears are not as big as Brody's.) We narrowed the choices to Brody Andrew, Brody Michael, and Brody James. And the winner was...Brody James. This combination just "came" to me while listening to songs on You Tube. I listened to some real oldies, let me tell you! Well, one of the songs I listened to was "Reuben James", sung by Kenny Rogers. I started singing it to Brody, but changing the words to Brody James. Brody liked it. (OK...so I sing to my dogs. Doesn't everyone? I just change the words to suit them. The Twins love the classic Elton John hit, "Your Bone", and the Aerosmith tune, "Bark This Way".)

So now, if the Twins get into trouble, it will be "Muffy Lin Schach" and "Brody James Schach"! But I am sure that their wild and wanton puppy days are over...NOT!

Stampin' Up! Specials!

Hurry! Until November 30th, Stampin' Up! is offering a fantastic sale with discounts from 20 to 50% off AND free shipping on qualifying orders of $150 (products before shipping and handling). CLICK HERE to see the list of discounted products. CLICK HERE to order.

Take advantage of the 50% Off Starter Kit for even greater savings! Recieve of all of the perks and benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator at the no-risk price of $87.50 for over $300 worth of products and business tools! Click here for more details. Have questions? I am just an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Glitter and Pearls for Pals Paper Arts

It's Thursday and time for another Pals Paper Arts Challenge! This week we have a delightful sketch for you, which I thought was perfect for showing off my favorite holiday Designer Series Paper, Deck the Halls! Between feasting and shopping, I hope that you find time to join us in our challenge this week! And so that you can get back to spending time with your family, if you are indeed celebrating Thanksgiving, let's get right to today's card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Gold! Brushed Gold card stock is a perfect neutral background to show off the gorgeous patterns from the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper collection. Plus, it adds a touch of elegance and formality.
• Distress! A Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink add a softly distressed edge to all layers of this card for a subtle vintage appearance.
• Layer your labels! After stamping the "Merry Christmas" sentiment from the Come to Bethlehem set in Early Espresso onto a Very Vanilla Modern Label, a second label was punched from Cherry Cobbler. This was cut vertically and extended beyond the ends of the sentiment for more finished look.
• Glitz and Glam! A Gold Glow "smooched" and layered medallion, consisting of a fan-fold flower made from the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch, a Brushed Gold 2-3/8" Scallop Circle, and a Cherry Cobbler 2-1/2" Circle, adorns the center of the card. Basic Pearls, Champagne Glass Glitter, and an Antique Brad complete the look.

Brady the Boy, Kim the husband, the Boxer Twins, and I celebrated our Thanksgiving, Wednesday evening. Today we will make the trip to my sister's, 2 hours away, with the Boxer Twins in tow. Little does my sister know what is in store for her! I just hope that they behave themselves. I have packed food, water, and lots of toys. This is the first time that my sister, who is not really an animal lover, has invited my fur-babies to a family function. Let's hope that it is not the last...

I hope that you enjoyed today's card. Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think. And as always, if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Remember to stop by Friday when I will name the winner of the Thanksgiving Blog Candy. I am excited to find out who it will be! Don't forget that you can comment today until 11:00 PM CST. Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Come to Bethlehem (W 118732, C 120591); Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657); Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls (120810---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler (119685), Always Artichoke (105119), Brushed Gold (102935); Tools: Sponge Daubers (102892), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906), Modern Label Punch (119849), Tombow Adhesive (110755); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Champagne Glass Glitter (120997), Antique Brads (117273), Gold Glow Smooch Spritz (118770)

PPA Sneak Peek and Blog Candy

It's time for this week's sneak peek at my Pals Paper Arts inspiration card! This is just a little snippet to pique your curiosity. The full reveal will be Thursday...Thanksgiving Day! In the meantime, why not check out the winners of our "Living in the Material World Challenge".

Blog Candy

In celebration of Thanksgiving, and the fact that I am thankful for all of my on-line stamping friends, I am offering a chance to win this scrumptious blog candy! Here is what it includes:

• Northern Hearts Clear Mount Stamp Set, which will arrive in time to make holiday cards
• Over 140 sheets of 6" x 6" retired Designer Series Paper
• Over 150 retired Stampin' Up! buttons
• 10 yards of Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, perfect for Christmas or Valentine's Day
• One On Board Bird Book
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Basic Rhinestones
• One Thank You card

All you need to do is leave a comment on any of my posts this week, beginning Monday and ending Thursday...Thanksgiving Day...at 11:00 PM CST. After that time I will tally up all of the comments. A random number generator will be used to determine the winner, whose name I will post on Friday. The winner will then have until Monday, November 29th to email me your name and address so that I can mail your package.

Stampin' Up! Specials!

For one week only, from now until November 30th, Stampin' Up! is offering a fantastic sale! Take advantage of discounts from 20 to 50% off AND receive free shipping on qualifying orders of $150 (products before shipping and handling). Anxious to see what is on sale...wait no more! CLICK HERE to see the list of discounted products.

CLICK HERE to order.

Take advantage of the 50% Off Starter Kit for even greater savings! Why not take advantage of all of the perks and benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator at the no-risk price of $87.50 for over $300 worth of products and business tools! Click here for more details. Have questions? I am just an email away!

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card. And as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

The Original Balloon, Blog Candy, and Super Sales

It's not often that I repeat designs, but I really loved this card which I created while a member of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen. It was, of course, the inspiration for my recent Christmas Balloon card, which can be viewed here. As you can see, I CASED myself, changing only the Designer Series Paper. Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Punch Power! Balloons are so easy to create with the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch. I simply punched five ovals using various patterns from the Newsprint Designer Series Paper collection. To add depth and dimension, the top three were adhered to ovals punched from the cardboard that comes with the paper! After adhering to the cardboard, the edges were rounded with a Sanding Block and distressed with Basic Gray ink.
• Layer your Top Notes! The Top Note Die and Big Shot were used to create two die cuts, one from Very Vanilla card stock, the second from Basic Black card stock. Paper Snips were used to trim the patterned Top Note at the perforation lines.
• Spritz and Daub! The Color Spritzer Tool was paired with a Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker in order to speckle the Very Vanilla Top Note, while the edges were distressed with Basic Gray and a Sponge Dauber.
• Snip! Snip! The "Balloon Gondola" from Sweet Centers was stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed using Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. It was then snipped out with Paper Snips and adhered to the Top Note base.
• It all in the details! Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon is adorned with three Basic Pearls. An Antique Brad accents the Fan-Fold Flower, while a Basic Rhinestone adds a touch of bling to the balloon's basket.
• Finish with a kiss! Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz adds a beautiful patina to the fan-fold flower!

Blog Candy

In celebration of Thanksgiving, and the fact that I am thankful for all of my on-line stamping friends, I am offering a chance to win this scrumptious blog candy! Here is what it includes:

• Northern Hearts Clear Mount Stamp Set, which will arrive in time to make holiday cards
• Over 140 sheets of 6" x 6" retired Designer Series Paper
• Over 150 retired Stampin' Up! buttons
• 10 yards of Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, perfect for Christmas or Valentine's Day
• One On Board Bird Book
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Basic Rhinestones
• One Thank You card

All you need to do is leave a comment on any of my posts this week, beginning Monday and ending Thursday...Thanksgiving Day...at 11:00 PM CST. After that time I will tally up all of the comments. A random number generator will be used to determine the winner, whose name I will post on Friday. The winner will then have until Monday, November 29th to email me their name and address so that I can mail their package.

Stampin' Up! Specials!

For one week only, from now until November 30th, Stampin' Up! is offering a fantastic sale! Take advantage of discounts from 20 to 50% off AND receive free shipping on qualifying orders of $150 (products before shipping and handling). Anxious to see what is on sale...wait no more! CLICK HERE to see the list of discounted products.

CLICK HERE to order.

Take advantage of the 50% Off Starter Kit for even greater savings! Why not take advantage of all of the perks and benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator at the no-risk price of $87.50 for over $300 worth of products and business tools! Click here for more details. Have questions? I am just an email away!

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card. And as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Sweet Centers (116521); Inks: Basic Gray (109120), Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker (120966), VersaMark (102283); Designer Series Papers: Newsprint (117166); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Basic Black (121045); Tools: Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Top Note Bigz Die (113463), Big Shot (113439), 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch (119859), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Sanding Block (103301), Heat Tool (100005), Sponge Dauber (102892); Glitz and Glam: Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117285), Basic Pearls (119247), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Antique Brads (117273)

Online Spectacular is Here! Save 20 -50%

For one week only, from now until November 30th, Stampin' Up! is offering a fantastic sale! Take advantage of discounts from 20 to 50% off AND receive free shipping on qualifying on-line orders of $150 (products before shipping and handling).

Anxious to see what is on sale...wait no more! CLICK HERE to see the list of discounted products.

CLICK HERE to order.

Take advantage of the 50% Off Starter Kit for even greater savings!

It's Blog Candy Time

As Thanksgiving approaches, I would like to thank all of you who visit my blog. There is definitely something to be said for blogging, as it has allowed me to make friends with fellow stampers from around the world. It never ceases to amaze me how much we care about and support each other as we gain little glimpses of each other's lives. We learn the names of our spouses, children and pets. We celebrate weddings, anniversaries, births and promotions. We mourn our losses and our tragedies. We make plans to meet up at Conventions, Regionals, classes and workshops. We send words of encouragement and words of condolences.

I will be forever thankful for the friendships that we have forged. I truly do look forward to your comments and emails. I wish that I could send each and every one of you a card of Thanksgiving, but since that it not possible, I would like to offer you a chance to win Blog Candy. Here is what it includes:

• Northern Hearts Clear Mount Stamp Set, which will arrive in time for Christmas
• Over 140 sheets of 6" x 6" retired Designer Series Paper
• Over 150 retired Stampin' Up! buttons
• 10 yards of Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, perfect for Christmas or Valentine's Day
• One On Board Bird Book
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Basic Rhinestones
• One Thank You card

All you need to do is leave a comment on any of my posts this week, beginning today (Monday) and ending on Thursday...Thanksgiving Day at 11:00 PM CST. After that time I will tally up all of the comments. A random number generator will be used to determine the winner, whose name I will post on Friday. The winner will then have until Monday, November 29th to email me their name and address so that I can mail their package.

Since there is no card on which to comment today, why not just share a "favorite". It could be a favorite tool, color, technique, style, paper, stamp set...you get the picture! I will get you started: My favorite stamp set from the Holiday Mini is French Foliage! Until next time..

P.S. Take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s Starter Kit Special. Why not take advantage of all of the perks and benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator at the no-risk price of $87.50 for over $300 worth of products and business tools! Click here for more details. Have questions? I am just an email away!

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Paisley Pines for The Paper Players

Welcome to another Paper Players challenge! This week it is a Sketch Challenge designed by the talented Nance Leedy. As you can tell, today's card has a distinct country flair, combining both the Paisley Prints stamp set and the Paisley Party wheel. I could not resist a little cross-stitching with Linen Thread and adding a few torn paper snow drifts! Please join us this week, won't you? I can't wait to see your interpretation of the sketch!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Select the right tools for the job! I used to hate using wheels...I couldn't "wheel" a straight line for the life of me...until I purchased the Stampin' Around Wheel Guide. You never have to worry about crooked lines or overlapping images. Plus, you can also create mitered corners with it!
• Simply Scrappin' is not just for simply scrappin'! The luscious Always Artichoke Dotted Paper is from the Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' Kit! Don't you love it!
• It's a distressing situation! To accent the edges of the snowdrifts and moon, a little Soft Suede ink and a Sponge Dauber does the trick!
• "Pop" it up! Both the foreground tree and the "Peace" sentiment are popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals to add depth and interest.

I refrained from adding pearls, but I was oh, so tempted! In fact, I may go ahead and try adding a few to the polka dots for a different look! However, sometimes I have a tendency to over embellish. And did you notice the mistake with the stitching? However, I did not go back and redo it. I am proud of myself for accepting it the way it is!

If my day had not been so hectic, though, I just might have changed it! Our satellite dish decided to go wonky during the Iowa-Ohio State football game, which did not set too well with a family room full of college boys. So Mom spent the afternoon "chatting" on-line with technical support. We would no sooner get it to work, and then it would go out again. A mere three hours and three technicians later, the bottom line was that we needed a new receiver, which will be delivered in three to five business days. Yikes...I guess the family will spend quality time together during the upcoming week without the intrusion of television. And gee...it is a good thing that my husband went out and purchased a new laptop for me to chat with, since my old one crashed Thursday night for the second time in less than a year. No way would I ever trust it again! And to top it all off, one of the Boxer Twins decided to talk on my cell phone. I am assuming that they became frustrated with their inability to push the buttons due to their lack of opposable thumbs, and just decided to chew it to bits. Why wasn't I watching them more closely you wonder? Where was I at the time? Well, I was chatting on-line with one of the three dish satellite technicians. Maybe it was Stephanie, or Christine, or Alex. Poor Alex! By technician number three, I was not a happy camper! Arghhh! As for the phone...I am due for a new one at the end of December. Let's hope next week is a better one for me and my electronics!

Please, won't you help to restore my sanity by leaving a comment? And remember, I am more than happy to answer any questions that you might have about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use...and I can even tell you how to conduct a hard reset on your satellite dish! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Paisley Prints (W 120817; C 121121---Holiday Mini), Paisley Party (120875---Holiday Mini), Four the Holidays (116921); Ink: Always Artichoke (105219), Soft Suede (115657), Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker (119680); Paper: Early Espresso (119686), Naturals Ivory (101849), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' Kit (117401); Tools: Stampin' Around Wheel Guide (104834), Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle (103661), Paper Piercer (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (119275), Scallop Oval (119856), 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval Punch (119855), 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199)

Dasher, Diamonds and Pearls for the PPA

It's Thursday and time to play at PPA! This week the Pals at Pals Paper Arts have planned a Clean and Simple challenge entitled "Living in the Material World". Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a Clean and Simple card using ribbon or fabric. I opted to use ribbon, and one of my favorite stamps of all time...Dasher! It's quick, easy, and hopefully elegant and classy, too! Won't you join us this week? We have BLOG CANDY... I can't wait to see what you create!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Don't forget your buddy! When heat embossing, don't forget to swipe an Embossing Buddy over the surface of your paper before stamping. This will reduce the dreaded embossing freckles!
• Did you forget? Don't fret! Camouflage those "freckles" with a smooch...Smooch Spritz, that is!
• Remember your pals, too! I use the Embossing Buddy on the inside of my Powder Pals. Excess embossing powder is returned easily into its container!
• Three second rule! I inked Dasher in VersaMark and stamped him onto Whisper White card stock. When stamping in VersaMark, leave your stamp in contact with the card stock for several seconds for the best possible transfer of ink. It really does make a difference in the quality of your heat embossed image. Try it! Dasher was then heat embossed with Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder.
• Diamonds and Pearls! Dasher's antlers dazzle with Basic Pearls and Rhinestones! And what better way to accent embossed Northern Flurry snowflakes than with a few of these jewels!
• The finishing touch! A Basic Black satin bow, smooched with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, adds a touch of class and elegance!

I personally love the look of the matted Dasher, but if you are in a pinch for time, this card looks great with only the Dasher mat, making it a viable option if you need to make several to send to family and friends.

The Puppies Need Middle Names

For half a century (doesn't that make me sound old?), I have always given my dogs middle names. Just like any parent, when they misbehave, they get the "full-name-treatment". For example, Missy the Boxer was "Missy Jo Schach". Whenever she heard her full name, she would give me the infamous "Boxer eyes" look, knowing she had done something wrong. However, I am having a wee bit of a problem with Muffy and Brody. I know, I know...people will think I am crazy. But surely I am not alone in this. Any suggestions?

Brody the Boxer wanted me to alert everyone that he will be offering Brody Blog Candy, just as soon as Mom gets it photographed, in celebration of his "Big Boy Ears"! His handler, Michelle Cramblett, thinks he looks "amazing". I think they look like very big ears...but I was assured that he will grow into them. The Boxer Twins are growing up so fast. Brody has trained me well, so he is nearly "potty-proofed". Little Muffy, on the other hand, isn't quite there yet...although she has not made a mistake today! On the other hand, Muffy is doing much better at her leash training, and walks most of the time on a loose lead. Plus she is learning how to use SNAIL Adhesive...at least I think that was what she was trying to do when I found her with it! Brody, on the other hand, prefers Crystal Effects. (Don't even ask about that mess! How I wished he had a middle name that day.) They are both going to be such great little stampers!

Muffy would also like to thank Nancy E. for the adorable get well card, and Jaydee for posting the "ouchy ear" picture. Poor Muffy almost lost her left ear in a freak crate accident and required emergency surgery. A few weeks later she had an allergic reaction to what I think was a bee sting. However, she is back to her sassy self...and I do mean sassy!

I hope that you enjoyed today's inspiration card. It truly is quick and easy to make. Won't you leave me a comment and let me know what you think? And remember, I really do like answering your questions...it's the teacher in me! So never hesitate to email me if you have a question about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use. Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up 24/7

Stamp Set: Dasher (116816); Ink: VersaMark (102283); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (121045), Brushed Silver (100712); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120902), Embossing Buddy (103083), Powder Pals (102197), Heat Tool (100005); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (109131), Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117285), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

PPA Peek and Starter Kit Special

If you have ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, there is no time like the present! What could be better than 50% savings on the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit? Let me share the details with you!

• You can select from the Standard Starter Kit OR the Digital Starter Kit for the same low price of $87.50. To view the contents of these kits, click HERE.
• You can customize your kit by substituting items of equal or lesser value, including items from the Holiday Mini! Get the stamp sets, ink pads and paper YOU want!
• There are no strings attached! Upon purchase of the Starter Kit, you are NOT required to purchase anything else. You are not required to sell or hold workshops...unless that is what you want to do! The choice is yours, and the Kit is yours to keep regardless of your decision.
• You will receive discounts and benefits through March 31, 2011. This means you will be able to participate in the Occasions Mini preorder!
• To extend your benefits and continue to receive the demonstrator discount, you would only need to sell $300 in product by March 31. This means you would continue to receive benefits through June! Only $300 of product sales per quarter will keep you an active demonstrator.
• If you decide that this is not for you, there is never a penalty to drop.
• By becoming a member of The Schach Pack you will have access to a private blog where you will receive daily updates and support. I will be available to answer all of your questions and serve as your mentor!
• And think of the fun we could have at Convention!

What a great opportunity! For only $87.50 plus tax(shipping is free), the Starter Kit provides you with over $300 in products. Many of you regularly order this much in product...why not take the plunge, whittle down that Wish List, take advantage of the next preorder, and receive 30% off of your first order of $150 of product? Wouldn't this be a great way to treat yourself to the products you love? Please email me if you have questions. And if you are ready to join, let me know...I will provide you with my recruiting password!

Pals Paper Arts Sneak Peek


Well, there is no disguising what this is! However, there is more to this card than what you see! Tune in Thursday for the full reveal! In the meantime, why not check out this week's PPA Artist Picks? Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up 24/7

Peace for The Paper Players

Welcome to another Paper Players Challenge! This week we have a color challenge and I got to select the colors! 'Tis the season to be working on our holiday cards, so I picked what I think is a classic Christmas color combination:

In creating today's inspiration card, I headed straight for my favorite Christmas Designer Series Paper, Deck the Halls! I love the rich colors of Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso, as well as the Soft Suede and Very Vanilla color palette. My patterns of choice: "Sheet Music" and "Holly". I hope that you enjoy "Peace for The Paper Players"!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Texture! When wide margins of card base will show, go for the textured card stock! The linen-like appearance adds warmth and elegance!
• Neutrals! The warm tone of Naturals Ivory card stock coordinates perfectly with Deck the Halls. To add even more texture, I zipped a piece through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. For slight contrast, I stamped the "Peace on Earth" sentiment from the Peaceful Season Hostess Level 2 set from the Holiday Mini onto Very Vanilla.
• All that glitters isn't gold! In this case, it is Champagne...Champagne Glass Glitter, that is! Did you know that over time, the finish will slightly tarnish, giving an aged appearance to your cards and projects? To adhere, I simply use Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
• It's all about the details! Sing along with me! Basic Pearls on boughs of holly! Falalalalalalalala! Scrunchy ribbon sure looks jolly! Falalalalalalalala! Use your Spritzer to add speckles! Falalalalalalalalala! See how they resemble freckles! Falalalalalalalala! (Need a refresher on how I scrunch my ribbon? Click here for a video tutorial from my archives.)

I hope that you enjoyed today's card as much as I enjoyed creating it! And I hope that you will join us at The Paper Players! So leave me a comment, and then pull out these holiday colors and start creating! As always, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Peaceful Season (W 120819; C 121124---Holiday Mini); Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973); Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls (120810---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler Textured (119690), Naturals Ivory (101849), Brushed Gold (102935), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (116824), Heat Tool (100005), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Champagne Glass Glitter (120997---Holiday Mini), Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (120992---Holiday Mini)

Half Price Starter Kit Offer

Stampin' Up! has released today that they will be offering an amazing Starter Kit Special beginning November 15th and running through November 30th. For two short weeks, the Starter Kit will be priced at $87.50 for over $310 worth of products. This is 50% off the regular price of $175. This is an unprecedented offer!

Here are just a few of the perks and benefits you would receive by joining Stampin' Up!:

• Participation in the Occasions Mini pre-order which starts December 1st (and all other pre-orders a month or more before the customer sales period, often with additional discounts)
• Receive 30% off your first $150 order if placed within 45 days from your start date
• 20% off Stampin' Up! products
• Earn additional income (called a volume rebate) on your monthly sales of $400 or more...if you decide to host parties!
• Earn free stamps with Stampin' Start, Sale-A-Bration and other promotions
• Earn free hostess sets, and be able to purchase selected Hostess Sets with the release of the new catalog
• Access to a members only blog
• Receive Stampin' Success magazine, an exclusive for demonstrators, which publishes monthly
• Access to Stampin' Connection...Stampin' Up!'s official blog site where you can share ideas with thousands of other Stampin' Up! demonstrators, as well as benefit from video tutorials and projects
• CLICK HERE to see what is included in your kit! And remember, the kit can be customized!

What a fabulous early Christmas present!

There is absolutely NO catch or strings attached. You can keep everything in the Starter Kit and never sell a thing. However, IF you wish to remain active and maintain your discount, you would need to reach $300 in sales prior to March 31, 2011. The choice is yours! I would love to help you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! Please EMAIL me...let's talk! Until next time...

An Inspiration Challenge for Pals Paper Arts

It's Thursday and time to play with the Pals! This week, Pals Paper Arts is having an inspiration challenge based on this photograph:

When I first saw this opulent spread of elegant deserts, one thing really stood out...the gorgeous tablecloth. In addition, this buffet screamed "Holiday Open House" to me. So I recreated the tablecloth, in a slightly different color combination, added Basic Pearls for a touch of class, and mimicked the gold mirror by embossing a trio of festive trees. I hope you like my "Holiday Open House Invitation"! Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Damask, you ask? The background of this card was made by brayering a layer of Bravo Burgundy ink onto the Damask Texturz Plate from the Backgrounds I collection. I then zipped it through the Big Shot with a piece of Bashful Blue card stock. This was the technique that I had seen others use, but I had never tried it myself. You know why? Because I thought it looked hard! I could not have been any more wrong. It was so easy! And to make it even easier, I used a freshly inked pad and dampened the card stock with a misting of water.
  
• Tree easy pieces! The "Tree Sections" from the Playful Pieces Hostess Level 3 set were actually cut from the "Swirl Rectangle", which had been heat embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. Don't forget to use your Embossing Buddy to avoid the dreaded "Embossing Spotted Fever". I then assembled the trees by adhering the pieces onto Very Vanilla card stock, after which I cut out the silhouettes.


• Texture! The trio of trees were then popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals and adhered to a mat of Perfect Polka Dots.


• A touch of opulence! Basic Pearl triads accent three corners of the image and sentiment, while the smallest Basic Pearls adorn the damask!

There is a moral to this card: Never be afraid to attempt something because you think it is "too hard". When I was teaching, I would never have allowed my students to use this excuse, for we need to stretch ourselves in order to continue to grow. The same applies to our craft. And you never know...it may be easier than you think!

I wish that all of you lived closer to me! Couldn't we have a fun Holiday Open House? We could do a little stamping, you could let me teach you a technique (because old teachers never die, they just lose their class), and then we could eat! Of course, you could play with the Boxer Twins, too. How fun would that be! However, since nobody lives close to me, how about you leave a comment and let me know a technique which you would like to learn more about. Maybe we could at least do that part! Sound like fun? So, leave me a comment before you head out. And as always, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Playful Pieces Hostess Level 3 (W 119993, C 120145), Wedding Sweet (115466); Inks: Bravo Burgundy (105214), VersaMark (102283); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Brushed Gold (102935), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Bashful Blue (105120); Tools: Brayer (102395), Heat Tool (100005), Embossing Buddy

(103083), Big Shot (113439), Background Collection 1 Texturz Plates (114512); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129)

Monochromatic Vintage Collage and Sneak Peek for Pals Paper Arts

I had fully planned on having a holiday card to share with you today, but more puppy drama, which I will share after the card, got in the way. So instead of a new card, I would like to share one that I created earlier this year during my tenure as a member of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team. And I am excited to share a peek at my Pals Paper Arts card for this week's challenge. Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Distress! The Seven-Sided Tool from the Cutter Kit is one of my favorite tools for roughing up the edges of card stock! So easy! Follow this up with a little Early Espresso ink applied with a Sponge Dauber. And lest I forget...never forget the Color Spritzer Tool! Coupled with an Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker and Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, we have instant speckles. (For an updated version of this card, I would definitely use the "Watermark" stamp from the French Foliage set.)
• Emboss! Heat embossing is an easy way to add texture! The "Eiffel Tower" image and the "Medallion" image from Artistic Etchings were stamped in VersaMark and then heat embossed with a bronze embossing powder. (Remember, this was created for the Dirty Dozen. For a Stampin' Up! only card, I would simply use Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder.)
• Layer your ribbons! What a nice vintage touch Chantilly Crochet Trim adds to Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon. Of course, Basic Pearls are always in vogue for the vintage look!

At the time that this card was made, French Foliage had not been released. If I were to refurbish this card, I would definitely replace the Tim Holtz Shabby French "Post Mark" and "Script" with those from French Foliage. If I had to select my favorite set from the Holiday Mini, French Foliage is it!

Pals Paper Arts Sneak Peek

And here is your peek for this week! I will let you know that I did a technique that others have used before, but I have not! Any ideas as to what it is? Tune in Thursday to find out!

Puppy Drama...Poor Muffy

Just as I was getting ready to create a new card, Muffy the Boxer fell ill. Within a matter of minutes, her breathing became labored and she broke out with small hives ALL over her body. She was literally covered from snubby nose to stubby tail. Having experienced this once before with Missy the Boxer, I knew that she was having an anaphylactic reaction. So I quickly placed Brody in his crate, grabbed Muffy, jumped in the car, and rushed to the vet, calling the office on the cell phone as we drove off.

Once we reached the vet's office, we were rushed back to an exam room. Dr. Brooke started an IV of diphenylhydramine, plus Muffy got an injection of Dexasone in her little Boxer bum. Well...change that to her "getting-bigger-every-day-Boxer-butt". Within a few hours, the welts started to subside. Of course, she had to sleep on Mom's lap when we got home, and then her Dad's lap, and then back to her Mom's lap...you get the picture. My husband, Kim, did check the living room where Muffy had been playing before the incident, and I think he found the culprit...a dead honeybee. Dr. Brooke had stated that she felt that it could have been an insect sting or bite, or perhaps a spider bite. Arghhh! Poor Muffy! As I write this post, she is feeling better, and Dr. Brooke even called this evening to see how she was doing. Her concern was so heartfelt. I will make certain that Muffy makes her a card, with my help.

Whew! What a day Tuesday was! I do appreciate your comments, so please, let me know what you think of today's vintage collage card and sneak peek. And as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Sets: Because I Care Level 1 Hostess Set (W 118384, C 120118), Artistic Etchings (W 118517, C 120573), Notably Ornate (W 117098, C 120561), En Francais (109521), 2004 Valentine Set (available for sale on my retired sets page); Stampers Anonymous Shabby French (Tim Holtz Collection); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Crumb Cake (120953); Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Crumb Cake (121030), VersaMark (102283), Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker (119680); Tools: Cutter Kit (106958), Heat Tool (100005), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Sponge Dauber (102892), Log Cabin Smooch Spritz (119921); Creative Beginnings Copper Embossing Powder; Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon (119753), Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480)