Playing a little catch up~

WOWsers!!! Where does the time go?? It seems to just zip right on by~ doesn't it?? Lot's to share with you today and over the next few days as I try to make an attempt to get things caught up (especially this blog!!)

I should get an award for the most neglected blog!! Yay for me!! No...not really!!

Okay to begin~ I won't bore you with the details about everything that I have been doing lately...just a few things. I spent some time in the yard (that too had been neglected)! I actually mowed the grass~ twice because it was so darn tall!! Did some weed eating (that doesn't sound or look right). I didn't eat any weeds TRUST me!!

Here is what I found though~

This cute little nest (now empty) was perched in a tree right outside our screened in porch and everyday, we would watch Mrs. Robin lay on her babies and keep them snuggly and warm. Sadlly...after counting the days (they should have hatched according to what I read online (10-14 days). However, a terrible storm ripped through one night and left us with a broken table and umbrella that sat on our deck, I was so worried about our new family...that I didn't even care about the patio furniture. Sadly...since the storm we have not seen mom and our eggs are gone too~Mother Nature is quite a beast sometimes (trust me...I wanted to use another 'B' word). I like to think that Mrs. Robin built another nest (stronger and safer) and moved her babies. Now whenever I am outside...every robin I see I stare at and wonder if it's her?
We also had a big festival here in Winchester, Va. The Apple Blossom Festival. It's a BIG thing for a small town....our Grand Marshal was Scotty McCreery!! How's that for us small country folk??

Anyway... there is a carnival, parades, fireworks and tons of events throughout the week. During the festivities...we have good news and bad~
Good news: I ran the Apple Blossom 10k (6.2 miles!!) while accomplishing two goals...to run the whole thing and in under an hour!! I did it!! I will now wear my t-shirt proudly!!
Sad news: My daughter Regan attended the carnival with a friend and came home with two goldfish....you know already where this is going~ the little one died first the very next day...then the next night we noticed that Tom died too (she named them Tom & Jerry). So she is pretty heartbroken about her little fish...it gets worse~ she then got suspended from school for standing up for a friend of hers who was being bullied and since the attention was on her...after being punched in the head 5 times...she fought back. I don't condone fighting, however I do believe that she had the right to defend herself. So..she was home from school for two days.

My husband celebrated his 49th birthday (can't wait until next year!!). That will be fun to plan for~ cards, banners and more!! But now I am focused on my oldest graduating highschool. I am about to get started on his goodies today...but knew that I had to post something on this here blog to let you know that I am indeed still breathing!!

These were the goodies that we made at my last Stamp Camp.

This first card uses Gesso...LOVE it!!

Hard to even tell from the photo what I have done here...
close-up:

I used a regular small flat brush (foam brush would work great too). I applied a light layer in one direction over the Tea for Two DSP (129311). It doesn't take too long to dry..and you can use your heat tool to speed it up. I love it because it adds subtle texture...and mutes out the boldness of the design of the paper but you can still see it...make sense??

Anyway...me likey!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Stippled Blossoms (126747 C), Sassy Salutations (126707 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Tea for Two DSP (129311), Sahara Sand, Island Indigo
Ink: Island Indigo, Sahara Sand, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Access: Gesso, Big Shot (113439), Fancy Fan embossing folder (127751), sponge daubers (102892), dimensionals (104430), basic pearls (119247), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

This next project was so cool~ as soon as I saw it on Pinterest...I knew it would be a great Stamp Camp project...and perfect for this time of year!

DIY Garden Scrub

It's like the Mary Kay Satin Hands...only cheaper and such a cute idea for bridal shower gifts, teachers...this past Mother's Day~ the list goes on and on. I have had my scrub now for several weeks and it still is gritty...my concern was that the sugar would completely dissolve into a gooey mess.

The tag on top actually is a magnet (two gifts in one!!)

Here is the matching card:

Supplies
Stamp Set: Betsy's Blossoms (126006 C), From My Heart (126557 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight,  Floral District DSP (126919), First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight
Access: Big Shot (113439), Secret Garden framelits (129372), Labels Collection framelits (125598), dimensionals (104430), linen thread (104199), Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555)

That's it for today...be sure to check my Stampin' Up! website for all updated retiring stamp sets and accessories. Current promotions and upcoming scheduled events.
If you have any questions, please contact me or leave a comment!!

Erin
Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Raining Flowers Color Combo CC421

Another beautiful 'spring' day, I was able to turn off the heat yesterday...and the windows and doors can now be open to allow a nice warm breeze, it's so soothing! Today is a relaxing day~ decided I was not going to clean the house, workout or mow the grass. Can you believe it's time to mow already? I could probably get away with it for a few more days. Honestly we mostly have weeds in the yard but what is healthy and is actually 'grass' has turned a lush green and thriving. So I guess the higher patches are what need to be mowed. I think I'll wait for the hubby to take care of it over the weekend (I'm nice like that).

Today's share~ is another Color Combo from SCS, it's called 'Black Coral Breeze' or CC421. Basic Black, Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze. You can use a neutral color of choice and add optional dessert which is either burlap or the use of triangles. I decided to add dessert...hey there aren't any calories...what could be better??

Here is my card:

I knew that I wanted to try making a 'chalk' board looking card....not sure if this qualifies looking like a chalkboard but I liked it and it worked. Think this one will be sent to my sister-in-law Lisa. Hope she'll like it!

Inside:

Supplies
Stamp Set: En Francais (109521), Loving Thoughts (125845 C), Raining Flowers (122767 C)
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Calypso Coral
Ink: Whisper White, Calypso Coral and Crumb Cake
Access: Big Shot (113439), Fun Flowers Bigz L die (121812), linen thread (104199), sponge daubers (102892), 3/4" circle punch (119873), Sycamore Street Designer button (130923), burlap

Thinking about going to go and get a pedicure...but that would require me shaving my legs (that's not relaxing). Thought earlier about scheduling a hair appt. (need to cover the grays). But that too would require me getting dressed in something I can be seen in (too much effort) Instead...I think I will soak up some sun and catch up on my book!! I hope that today you too were able to find some relaxation.

Take care and see you next time!!
-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com  

Spring really did 'SPRING'!!

You know that saying "Ask and you shall receive"? Well...you all know that I have been asking~ AND asking....for a LONG time and FINALLY!! This past weekend was beautiful and even though I was a wee bit under the weather...I really think it's just allergies. You just had to get out there to enjoy it!! Yesterday we did some work in the yard....until I thought my head was going to fly off from all my sneezing!! I shot this quick pic of the kids playing with the hose after a bike ride...they said they were hot and wanted to go in the sprinkler...are they crazy?? (Mine are the two on the right, Regan and Aiden)

Don't worry...I was a good mommy and said "no". Do allergies bother you?? A few years ago I suffered a little bit...not even enough to take anything for it. But not now...I am loving my Zyrtec. I suppose it's just another little love of aging....Ugh!

Last Friday I noticed that along our back fence the forsythia was beginning to bloom. I read in this month's Better Homes and Gardens 'Country Gardens' (Spring March 2013 Vol. 22, no.2) that you can force bloom by bringing blooming branches inside. It's a great article with lots of pictures for inspiration.Well...I was not that adventurous~ I bought some of the fake stuff. Don't judge me~ I have a serious BLACK thumb (maybe it's from Staz-On ink).
So since I love the bright 'yellow' so cheerful and bright...I bought forsythia.
Here is above our kitchen cabinets:

In the bathroom:

Family room:

and aren't these nests the cutest???

I think that even the fake stuff is making me sneeze~ perhaps I need to dust!!



So...now you know I had to incorporate some 'spring' Stampin' Up! style~


Here is a banner that I made...hard to tell from the pictures because the glitter is so shiny and pretty and elegant and sparkly and pretty...and well~ you get the idea!! (I love it!!)

Close-up:

I kept it fairly simple because all you need to see are the pretty sparkly letters!! I cut the banner using the Perfect Pennants Bigz L die(123126) and Soft Suede CS. Then I applied some Gesso on the edges to give it a white-washed look. Using the same die, I used the smaller pennant and the Tea for Two DSP (129311). For the letters I attached a piece of our Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (120805) to some Very Vanilla CS and cut the letters out using the Typeset Alphabet Bigz die (127553). Once they were cut out, peel off the protective film and press down into the glitter. Here I used the Champagne Glass glitter (120997). This is honestly the first time I used our Adhesive Sheets....shame on me!! They are awesome!! I didn't stop there...check this beauty out~

Isn't she pretty?? I used the Elegant Bird Bigz die (125593). I attached the wing to body with the antique brad and hot glued it to the wreath. The flowers were made using our Tea for Two Designer Fabric (129308). Click here for a link to a video that I made a few years ago on how to create the flowers. Very easy....so I made and extra one and stuck it to my lantern!

Next in the kitchen and speaking of easy....I added some of the same DSP to some battery lit candles and tied a strip of the fabric around one of them.

Lastly I have some lollies...or medallions to share. I love the colors of this paper...it didn't really make me want any tea (Remember it's called Tea for Two). Just a glass of wine~ or two to enjoy as I glance around my home and smile!!

These were both created using the Designer Rosette Bigz XL die (125594) for the larger one I cut the DSP down to 4" x 12" and it used 3 strips. The smaller Gumball Green one was made using (3) 3" x 11" pieces and trimming as needed from the score lines on the die. Decorated the fronts and attached them to a dowel...that I stained using a Stampin' sponge and Soft Suede ink. Found the glass marbles at a local craft store and voila!

Here are close-ups:

Hope it is warming up where you are...and if not~ make some 'spring' creations to make you smile!! Please let me know if you have any questions, or leave  me a comment and let me know what you think! Thanks!!

BIG stampin' hugs,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

This Just In!! Our new 2013 Color Refresh!! and FREE Shipping!!

This just in: Color Refresh!!!

First... before I share with you the color changes (keep your pants on!). I want to say when I saw them...I was both happy and sad. I hate to see favorites go (espicially when you have just purchased a new pack of card stock in that particular color). But I agree with Stampin' Up! in keeping up with what is trending and fresh. I find too that when I rearrange/organize my color families I am eager to play and become familiar with all of the changes. Besides my stampin' closet is needing a make-over. Wanna see my stash??
Only if you ask nicely!


One of my favorites that retired a few years ago was Crushed Curry...and recently I mentioned that and what do you know?? That one is returning!! Yay!!

So..here they are:

Dicontinuing:

• Regal Rose
• Pretty In Pink
• Bashful Blue
• Certainly Celery
• Baja Beeze
• Riding Hood Red
• Bravo Burgundy
• Not Quite Navy
• More Mustard
• River Rock

Stock up now on your favorite colors and don't forget to include Ink Refills if you already have the ink pads! Here is a list of the new and returning colors that will be available on June 1st:

• Bermuda Bay (returning from a few years ago)
• Calypso Coral (In Color staying)
• Wisteria Wonder (In Color staying)
• Pear Pizzazz (returning from last year)
• Soft Sky
• Pool Party (In Color staying)
• Blushing Bride (returning from last year)
• Crushed Curry (returning from last year)
• Island Indigo (In Color staying)
• Smoky Slate

Here is a video that showcases the new collections (the curtains in the background look like Crushed Curry!! (Just click the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOoCRT0Ux2w&feature=player_embedded#t=1s

Also...be sure to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING April 6th-April 8th!!
You can place your order through my online store by clicking the logo below or you can contact me to place your order!

Please let me know if you have any questions!!

Have a great day, I will be back later today to post a few goodies!!
Erin

website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Nature Walk Birthday card and gift

Ummm...first of all~ where is Spring? Have you seen it? Felt it? Not here!! Here in Virginia our warmest day on record was actually in January...can you believe that??

So...they say that if we make it through this week...warmer weather is just around the corner...keeping fingers and toes crossed (no not really...I need my fingers to STAMP!!)

Hope you enjoyed the previous post about Easter treats, just a few more to share with you that I had hoped to post sooner. Oopsy!! The kids went back to school today so Momma's been busy!

Here are a few more sweet treats:

These are marshmallow rabbit Peeps, that were covered in chocolate and sprinkled. My daughter Regan and I made them for some friends.
Here is a close-up:

I also wanted to share with you some cookies made with our Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (sold on pg. 161 in the Idea Book & Catalog).

These cookies used the Occasions set (127081) that includes a rabbit, flower and shamrock.
My friend/downline Anne Butterfield made these...aren't they cute?? They were delicious too!!
When you order the Cookie press stamps, recipes and tips are included. The size of the stamp measures 2 3/4". I want to share with you the recipe that she used..enoy!

Annie Pugh's Sugar Cookies
1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon
salt, 1 cup butter, 1 egg, 3 tsp evap milk, 1 tsp vanilla

Cream sugar and butter, add wet ingredients and then flour,powder and salt...of course butter is at room temperature
Just add colored sugar on them if desired

Butter frosting recipe (for cut- outs)
6tbs butter (room temp)
1lb powdered sugar (which is a box or 4 3/4 cups)
1/4 cup evap milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Note: if you are making reindeer..the perfect color combo for food coloring...we call it "toast" is
1 drop green food coloring
4 yellow drops
3 red drops of food colors = toast

Now you have all our Sugar Cookie secrets....it wasn't a secret though!

(Thanks Anne!!!)

Now...Easter is over and as I have said it before (a million times)...it's SPRING!! Isn't it???

We are all anxious to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. The flowers start blooming and trees start budding. Animals too awaken. We look forward to longer days, planting our flowers and vegetable gardens and walking on the lush carpet of green grass, barefoot! Doesn't that sound just about right??

It inspired me for my next creation..my girlfriends birthday is today (Happy Birthday Shelly!!)

So..I went to my stash of stamp sets and grabbed Nature Walk (121997 C).
Here is the first card I came up with~ icky..I hate it.

Thought it might have been neat in the beginning...to sort of sew the two ripped sides together..but when I added ribbon..all I could see were laces (and that was even before I added the eyelets!!) Remember those?? Eyelets that is?? I have a stash of them...at least I used a few here (lol). So I used my Pool (almost wrote 'poop') Party Seam binding ribbon along the top and added the linen thread and a tag....not sure if I will trash it..or let Regan give to one of her friends. Like the old Life commercials...give it to Mikey...he'll eat it. In this case...give it to Regan~ she'll like it!

Then it was back to the drawing board...I still knew I wanted to use this set.
Well....my determination paid off...never give up!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Nature Walk (121997 C), From My Heart (126557 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Versamark
Access: Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips embossing folder (121809), dimensionals (104430), basic pearls (119247), glue dots (103683), heat tool (129053), pewter embossing powder (124114), linen thread (104199), Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon (120999), stamping sponges (101610), sticky strip (104294), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Color Spritzer tool (107066), Crumb Cake stampin' write marker

Here is an angled shot to show the popped up cage:

Can you tell I was feeling the blue tones?? So....after I sat back and smiled I remembered something else I had wanted to try...it would be the perfect matching gift!!

I ran out to the fabric store...with card in hand and found some pretty darn close synthetic fabrics to Not Quite Navy. Here is the beauty I made....and the little eggs inside are our basic pearls!!

CUTE!!
Here it's on my hand...so you can see IRL the size:

Click here for a tutorial.
NOTE: I didn't use a lighter....I used something even easier...our heat tool!!! You're welcome!!
Here is the box I made using the Bigz XL Bitty Box & Envelope die (retired)

Inside:

That's it for me today...hope you enjoyed. Leave me a comment and make a girl smile :)
Let me know if you have any questions..take care and happy stampin'!

-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Easter Treats, let the daffodils bloom!!

Spring?? Easter??
Maybe you have been trapped under blankets of snow~ugh! Or perhaps living in the warmer climates where flowers and trees are already in bloom. (If so...I am incredibly jealous!!)
Here in Virginia the weather has hopefully made up it's mind and will concentrate on warming up. Just this past Monday we had another quick storm that left about 6" of that white stuff in its wake.

Whichever the case...'SPRING' has officially SPRUNG!! (YAY!!)
This Sunday is Easter Sunday and I have some treats to share with you, the kids are now on spring break and I have a cute little project that I had them make, I'll share that with you tomorrow. 

First are these adorable Peep pops! They are almost too cute to eat...well almost!!

CUTE!!!
These were CASED/inspired by the wonderful Shelli Gardner.
Here are a few more pictures..

Close-up:

Note: This supply list contains ingredients used in all of these projects, let me know if you have any questions!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Everybunny (122707 C), Spring Sampler (125512 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White
Access: Big Shot (113439), First Edition Specialty DSP (, Large Oval punch (119855), Scallop Oval punch (119856), 1/16" circle handheld punch (101227), linen thread (104199), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack (118309), 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, basic rhinestones (119246), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), stampin' sponges (101610), 1" circle punch (119861), 1 3/4" scallop circle punch (119854), 1"x8" cello bags (124134), 4"x6" cello bags (102757), Vanilla Flower trim (126869), small oval punch (120908)


Here is another quick treat using our 1"x8" cello bags. (124134)

 Quick and easy!!

You know mason jars are everywhere and being used for all sorts of handmade gifts. Check out this idea found on Pinterest (LOVE that site!)

I shredded some CS and stuffed it down into the bottom of the jar, added my chocolate bunny and held the ears while I dropped in some robins eggs. Voila!!

Here is the tag:

Lastly I made some cute little boxes.

Here is a video tutorial on how to make the box, they hold a Reeses Peanut Butter Egg perfectly!!

As you can see...the common element used in all of these projects is the Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon. The inspiration came from the yellow peeps...but hopefully now the daffodils can bloom!! I hope that wherever you live..that you are surrounded by warmth from either sunshine, family or friends!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

~Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

St. Patty's Day treat

Guess what gang?? I didn't use any 'Spritz' on today's projects!! I know...can you believe it?? Well...to be honest you'll see that I used a wee bit of the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol)...but that's different!! (LOL)

I figured I would post earlier in the day so I wouldn't peter out...just ran 3.7 miles and I am a wee bit tired...the other day I saw a picture that a friend had posted on Facebook that read "I will run till I don't jiggle". I'm not sure why it made me laugh, but it was today's motivation. Anyway,on to today's goodies:

This card was pretty simple, very soft and elegant. It uses just a bit of the new Tea for Two DSP....which is such a shame it's SO pretty!! That's okay...it just means I have a lot left over to make more goodies!!
Here is a close-up, the vellum butterfly is stuck with one glue dot...and you can't even see it!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Elements of Style (120045 C), French Foliage (121166 C)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Tea for Two DSP (129311), Vellum (101856)
Ink: Lucky Limeade. Versamark pad
Access: heat tool (129053), Pewter embossing powder (124114), Elegant Butterfly punch (127526), Decorative Label punch (120907), antique brads (117273), Very Vanilla 1/2" seam binding ribbon (120999), sticky strip (104294)

Anyone making corned beef and cabbage this weekend?? I am planning on making enough Saturday to have leftovers on Sunday. My husband and I are in a bowling league Sunday evenings...so I will be eating it twice!! From a lot of people I have heard it both ways: Love it...or hate it.
I LOVE it...the smell when it fills the house makes my tummy growl! Yum!! I also being from New England...add turnips to mine. The only time I eat them actually...an odd taste. I remember when I was young my mom would tell me to just add more butter to my 'potato' I thought it was the nastiest potato ever!! Funny how your taste buds change as you mature (yes I have matured!)

So in honor of St. Patrick's Day I have used this stamp:

It is featured on pg. 24 in the Spring Catalog called Lucky Day.
Note: This is only available as a wood mount stamp (129177 W) for $6.95.

Here is a treat to give teachers, kids neighbors...really anyone but remember to pinch them if they aren't wearing any green!!
Note: I used the Garden Green Marker to color just the LUCK~ cute!!!
This idea came from Kimberley Morris. Thanks Kimberley!! Inside it holds a Ghirardelli chocolate~ this one happens to be Dark & Mint (YUM!!)

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Every Little Bit, Lucky Day
Card Stock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP
Ink: Versamark pad, Crumb Cake, and Stampin' Write Markers in Garden Green, Basic Black & Real Red
Access: heat tool (129053), Gold embossing powder (109129), Ticket Duo Builder punch (126883), linen thread (104199), sponge daubers (102892), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Word Window punch (119857)

Here is another picture:

and the back:

Please leave me a comment if you like what you  see...or if you have any questions!! Take care and see you next time!!
-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com