Birthday Extravaganza!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I'm so excited about my upcoming Birthday Extravaganza card class!! Create beautiful, unique hand-made birthday cards for all the special people in your life. Sunday, February 12 at 4pm at Tulare Community Church. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Or $10 with a $25 order on the day of the class. Registration must be paid by February 1st to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!! 


Here's a birthday card to help kick off the excitement!

FABULOUS PHRASES

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases, Create A Cupcake

Paper:  Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Red Glimmer Paper, All DSP is retired

Accessories:  Scallop Circle die, Decorative Label Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Cupcake Punch, Pennant Punch, Celery Grosgrain (retired), Baker's Twine

I think this layout comes from Carrie Gaskin. Can't remember. You can only have 100 favorites at Stampin' Connection and by the time I get around to posting some cards, they've already been deleted from my favorite file!!

Remember to "like" my FaceBook page. You'll get up-to-date stampin' news and information. Plus, if you click "like" before the end of February, you could win a FREE stamp set!!

And if you live in somewhere between Fresno and Bakersfield, come to my birthday card class.  I promise you'll have tons of fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 2 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!


Psalm 2:2-3 "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains", they say, "and throw off their fetters."

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps: Artistic Etchings

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Naturals White, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Oval Punch (retired)

I confess. I had a difficult time with Psalm 2.  I'm still getting in the groove of "meditating" on a section of Scripture.  I'm usually a "read and go" girl.  Just checkin' the Bible readin' off my list of things to do. That's what I love about this study of the Psalms with Wendy Pope.  You study one passage of Scripture all week.  You think about that "Word from the Lord", for more than just a few minutes.

A few words that kept standing out to me in this passage, were "kings", "rulers", and "enthroned". Thus the crown on my card today. I also chose the color purple as a sign of royalty. Christ is our Eternal King and we are to surrender fully and submit to Him everyday.  He is the rightful King of our hearts and lives. Plus, He is all powerful and has all authority. We can live in victory because of Him.

My Life Application Bible notes for verse 3 say this:

"People often think they will be free if they can get away from God. Yet we all inevitably serve somebody or something, whether a human king, an organization, or even our own selfish desires... We can find the one sure route to freedom by wholeheartedly serving God the Creator. God can set you free to be the person he created you to be."

That's who I want to be, the person God created me to be. Not the person the world tells me I should be. I want God to be the King of my life. I don't want to focus on earthly things, I want to focus on eternal things. I want to take refuge in Him. I want Him to be the "love of my life", thus the sentiment "amour".

Wendy shared a quote by David Guzik and I wanted to share it with you:

"Those who defy God are broken, but those who depend on Him are blessed."

I pray you will be blessed!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

It's Goodie Time!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


It's Goodie time!!  Goodies Cookies that is!  Yesterday I brought 70 unique, hand-crafted greeting cards to their adorable bakery to sell.  I had a variety of birthday, baby, wedding, and Valentine cards.  I've been stamping my little tail off during Christmas vacation and now my play days have come to an end.  But I have lots of pretty cards to show you because of it.  And I got to enjoy the yummiest cookie too!

FOUR FRAMES  #123442  $15.95

Stamps:  Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fine Flourish
Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories:  Framed Tulips EF, Designer Frames EF, Decorative Label Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Pearls, Crocheted Lace Trim, Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Felt Flowers (retired)


This started out as a CASE of an amazing card by Carrie Gaskin and then morphed into something that hardly resembles the original.  But I'm so glad for the inspiration!!  This card uses all current stamp sets, just a few retired accessories.  You could easily change the pink grosgrain ribbon for the current satin ribbon.  And you could use the white crocheted Fleurettes and page 198 for the felt flowers.  I've been stashing those flowers away for quite awhile and finally decided they needed to be used.  Why do I collect all these fabulous products and not use them?  No one is going to find enjoyment from them if they are laying in a drawer somewhere?!!  Letting go is so hard!!  And these are just craft products after all.  It's not like I gave birth to them!!!  :)


Something new I'm starting with the proceeds from the sale of my cards.  I decided to donate 50 cents from each card to the Reformed Church in America Feed One hunger relief program.  Our family is on a quest to spend less in order to give away more.  I figure this is just one more way we can do that.  I'm hoping to get my cards in another local store.  I stopped by there today, but the folks "in charge" were not there.  So now I get to be nervous for a few more days.  :)


Don't forget to "like" my Facebook page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up.  You could win a FREE stamp set!!  Plus you get all the latest Stampin' Up! news and announcements as they happen.  No waiting around for a blog post.


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

The Hostess with the Mostess!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I am currently taking sign-ups for my Spring 2011 Hostess Club.  Joining my hostess club is fun and easy!!  For 6 months (January through June) you are required to place a $25 order each month with the club.  For one of those months, you get to be "the hostess" and receive all the fabulous Stampin' Up! hostess benefits that are found on page 9 of the Stampin' Up! catalog.  If you do not have a Stampin' Up! catalog, you will receive one for FREE for joining the club.  In addition to getting FREE Stampin' Up! products, you will also be invited each month to come stamp with me!!  The hostess club gets together one Sunday afternoon each month to stamp and learn and chat and laugh.  We have a great time.  If you would like to join, contact me as soon as possible, as I only have a few seats available.  Here is a card we made during the last hostess club.

PENNANT PARADE

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Bring on the Cake

Paper:  Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Just Add Cake DSP

Accessories:  Pennant Punch, Daffodil Grosgrain Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Basic Rhinestones

I CASEd this card from one I saw on Stampin' Connection, an amazing online site for SU! demonstrators.  There are some very talented stampers out there!!

I liked this card, but I didn't love all the blue, so I decided to change it up a bit and get it ready for sale at Goodies Cookies (planning on going there Wed. to drop off almost 70 cards!).  Here's my revamp of this card:

The colors are all the same, I just got rid of all that blue.  I changed up the sentiment and added a little more pink.  I like it a lot better now.  It's a little more girly, but it works.  It's always fun to take a great card and make it a "WOW" card.

If you would like to order any of the products to make this card, visit my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS.  If you would like more information about joining my local Spring 2012 Hostess Club, email me and let's chat!  And don't forget to "like" my Krystal's Cards FaceBook page.  Anyone who becomes a fan from now until the end of February will have the chance to earn a FREE stamp set.  Tell your friends to "like" me too!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 1 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!


Psalm 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."

SEASON OF FRIENDSHIP

Stamps:  Season of Friendship, You're a Gem

Paper:  Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Just Add Cake DSP

Accessories:  Scallop Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Square Lattice EF, Poppy Parade Stitched Poly Ribbon, Red Corduroy Button (retired), Espresso Bakers Twine

Sketch Challenge:  Card Postioning Systems #249 

I joined an online Bible study with Wendy Pope.  It is a year long study of the Psalms.  We study one Psalm every week.  Each day you are to read the Psalm aloud (the hardest part!) and pray for understanding and application.  On Mondays she has a short video teaching.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays she provides study questions.  I figured it was a nice slow study that won't overwhelm me, so I signed up for the emails.

After re-reading Psalm 1 a few times, I had a desire to create a card that represents something from the passage.  This is the card I made. I love the word picture of a beautiful, healthy tree filled with glorious green leaves.  And when we "delight" in God's Word by making it a part of our everyday life, (when we walk and when we stand and when we sit) then we too will thrive.  Rooted and water by our faithful God.


I love the notes in my Life Application Bible concerning verse 3... "When Scripture says, "Whatever he does prospers," it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties.  Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth, and happiness.  What the Bible means by prosperity is this: when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products) we bear will be good and receive God's approval.  Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God.  To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts." 

I've been having a little "spiritual battle" within myself about stamping and being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I don't want my "hobby" to be a burden to our family, monetarily and/or time-wise.  But God is so good to me.  He showed me this week how important He thinks creativity is.  After all, he is the most creative being I know!  And he gets pleasure out of creating.  In Genesis, after God created the world, it says, "And God saw that it was good."  God knows what it feels like to look at something you have made and smile.  Just because it makes you happy.  Isn't that why He created us?  To give Him pleasure?  So why do I constantly feel guilty for taking time to be creative?  Because the world looks at "crafting" as a silly money/time waster.  A diversion from the really "important" things.  But if God has given me this gift of creativity, shouldn't I use it?  What is wrong with doing something you really enjoy?  So I've decided to incorporate my creativity with my Bible study of the Psalms.  Not sure if I will accomplish this each week, but when I am inspired, I will not stop myself from creating.

And I plan on being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator until Jesus comes back.  Or at least as long as the Lord lets me.  :)  


If you are interested in finding out more about my local clubs and classes or my February Prize Spectacular, check out this post: New Stampin' News

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Elegant Wedding

Hi Stamping Friends!


Kind of a boring blog post title, but I couldn't come up with anything snazzy.  I was thinking of calling it, "Making a CASE For Myself".  That seemed a little long.  But that's all I've been doing lately is CASEing other people's creations!  And if you are wondering what CASE means, it stands for:
Copy
And
Share
Everything
And when you "CASE" someone, it pretty much means that you have copied their design.  It's kind of like a stamping bibliography, giving reference to the original artist.  I wouldn't want people to get the false impression that I'm totally creative all on my own!!  Mostly, I CASE layouts.  I take up too much time if I try and create a layout on my own.  That's why I love sketch challenges so much.  They do the hard part for you!!  Today's card uses the same layout from Heather Klump as the pink You Are Loved card from Tuesday.  It also uses the same colors that Heather used.  So, yeah, I pretty much copied Heather's card.  But hers is still way more awesome than mine, 'cause she's got "original" talent.  :)

FOUR FRAMES

Stamps:  Four Frames, Sincere Salutations

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Shimmery White, Sahara Sand DSP

Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper EF, White Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Top Note Die,Decorative Label Punch, Crocheted Lace Trim, Vanilla Rosettes 


I just love this layout.  And the neutral colors do look really elegant together.  I made this card to sell at Goodies Cookies.  I hope to bring them over there sometime next week.  If you live in the area and need to stock up on cards for the year, be sure to stop by and get the best selection.


Yesterday was the first day to order from the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  I myself haven't ordered from it yet, but my list just keeps growing and growing!  There are so many beautiful stamps sets and lots of fabulous new tools.  I don't know how a girl is supposed to choose!  If you would like to see what the catalog has, check out my website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS.  It also has a calendar with my upcoming events.  And be sure to become my fan on Facebook.  You could win a free stamp set!!  Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Last Chance To Be Loved!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Today is the very last day that you can order from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Now you may be thinking that the "holidays" are over and there is really nothing else you need to order from this catalog.  Think again!!  There is one little hidden gem in this catalog that was overpowered by all those December holiday items.  It is the beautiful stamp set, You Are Loved.

YOU ARE LOVED

Stamps:  You Are Loved, Fine Flourish

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Real Red

Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper EF, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Button, Linen Thread

I love brown and red together for Valentine's Day.  It reminds me of a big box of chocolates!  You can barely see it in the pic, but I stamped the Fine Flourish on the Real Red label.  Just adds a little more texture.  I cut the heart out by hand, which was very easy to do.  But I can't wait to get the Heart Framelit Dies in the Occasions Mini Catalog!  I ended up adding a pearl to the top of the label, right above the word "love".  It just needed something a little more.  And I have the hardest time "finishing" a card.  I keep adding and adding.  Clean and simple is so hard for me to accomplish!!  Here's another card I did using the You Are Loved stamp set...

Stamps:  You Are Loved, Four Frames

Paper:  Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette

Accessories:  Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Top Note Die, Beautiful Wings Sizzlet, Basic Pearls, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF

I don't usually do monochromatic cards, but I like how this turned out.  This layout was inspired by a card I saw by Heather Klump.  She does some amazing stamping!!  Did you notice that I did not use the "Happy Valentine's Day" sentiment for either of these cards?  Valentine's Day happens only one day out of the year.  But you can tell someone you love them any day!!  Even those these cards look like Valentine's, they could also be anniversary cards, birthday cards and maybe even a baby card.  That way, they have a longer shelf life.  :)

If you don't yet own the You Are Loved stamp set, buy it today!!  You can visit my website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS and order it online.  Don't forget, the Stocking Punch will NOT be carried over either, so ya better get that today too.  While you are there, make sure to check out the Clearance Rack.  There are only a few days left of this terrific sale!!

You can also check my website for my upcoming events.  I am currently taking sign-ups for my Spring 2012 Hostess Club which starts in January.  Spring is the best season to join my hostess club, because you get to take advantage of all the Sale-A-Bration benefits!  If you are interested in joining, email me ASAP, as seating is limited and fills quickly.  For more details, check out my New Year's New Stampin' News blog post.

And don't forget to become my Facebook fan.  You could win a free stamp set!!  Click the "like" button on my sidebar or search for: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

She's A (stamping) Maniac!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Well I'm finally slowing down.  Yesterday I had my slowest stamping day so far.  I only stamped 12 cards.  All the other days last week I stamped 18 cards each day.  I'm gearing up to supply Goodies Cookies with a fresh batch of cards and I've been stamping my little heart out!!  My goal is to drop off 100 unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade cards.  Well, maybe not ONE of a kind, since I've been making 6 of each design.  But I'm saving two of each card for myself, two for Goodies Cookies, and two for (hopefully!) another location where I can have my cards for sale.  So it's more like unique, two-of-a-kind handmade cards.  :)

When I create cards for sale, I use lots of retired Stampin' Up! products.  I hope that doesn't bother you too much.  You can still be inspired by each card.  Maybe the layout or the color combo will spark your creativity.  And who knows... maybe you have some of the same retired supplies that I do that you've been hoarding away.  :)  I also tend to CASE a lot when I'm doing this type of card making.  So very few of these cards are original designs by me.  Thank you to the fabulous designer of this card.  If I remembered who you were, I wouldn't be in my 40's.  ;)

ARTISTIC ETCHINGS

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings, En Francais BG, Something To Celebrate (retired hostess set)

Paper:  Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Accessories:  Designer Frames EF, Decorative Label Punch, Finial Press EF, Basic Rhinestones, Black Lace (retired)

This card has the least amount of retired products out of all the cards I've made.  Just the lace and the sentiment stamp.  I sell most of my retired stamps, but I do keep a few of my favorites around.  I've also started to take just one "favorite" stamp out of a set and sell it that way.  My used stamp sets are priced super cheap, so I don't have too much guilt over pilfering a stamp here or there.  ;)

I have lots of exciting stamping stuff going on during the month of February.  Be sure to check out this post: NEW STAMPIN' NEWS to find out all the details.  "Like me" on Facebook and you could have the chance to win a FREE stamp set!!

After stamping lots of birthday cards, baby cards, and wedding cards, I feel the need to make a few Valentine's.  So come back tomorrow and "feel the love".

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

New Year... New Stampin' News!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Happy New Year!!
How did you ring in the new year?  Me?  With a pizza, a movie, a box of Kleenex and a carton of orange juice.  We're a real healthy bunch over here with all of our sniffles and coughing.  My 6 yo DS woke me up at 3am, crying with an earache.  Happy New Year to me!  :)

Today's post is to get you up to speed on all the stampin' news I've got going on.  There's so much fun stuff I just can't wait til Monday!!


SPRING 2012 HOSTESS CLUB
JOIN NOW!!!!

My Spring 2012 Hostess Club is open for new members. Joining is fun and easy. Each month, from January through June, you are required to place a $25 order. Once during those 6 months, you will be the “hostess” and will earn FREE Stampin’ Up! products. The club meets once a month at my house to create fabulous stamping projects, learn new stamping techniques, and have lots of stamping FUN!!! Space is limited, so email me and sign-up today!! First club meeting will be on Sunday, January 22nd at 4pm (order will be placed on Jan. 24th for SAB!).


SALE-A-BRATION 2012

January 24 to March 31

Choose FREE Stampin’ Up! products for every $50 order you place.

Now is the perfect time to host a workshop and earn more free products. Call me today to add your workshop to my calendar. Remember, it’s more than a party, it’s creative fun!!

Also, SAB is the perfect time to join my Stampin’ Up! team. Get your Starter Kit for only $125. Plus, when you become a demo during Sale-A-Bration, you get a free paper pack every month for the rest of the year!!!


BIRTHDAY CARD EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday, February 12, 2012

4pm at Tulare Community Church

Need birthday cards for the new year? Come create beautiful, unique hand-made cards for all the special people in your life. Cost is $25 for 10 cards. Registration must be paid by January 31st to be guaranteed a spot. Seating is limited, so RSVP… ASAP!!!


FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!!
THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
 1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

 2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)

3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up



CARDS FOR SALE
I'm still busily stamping away (between the Kleenex and the orange juice!)!  I hope to bring 100 new cards to Goodies Cookies in Visalia by the middle of January.  I will let you know when I deliver them.  I also hope to have my cards for sale at a Tulare location soon!!  Keep your fingers crossed.  I need to get up the nerve to ask the owner.  Hubby seems to think it's a shoe-in.  We'll see.  I've made lots of birthday cards, but am also working on wedding, baby, and Valentine cards.  The only kind I can't seem to get inspired about is "male" cards.  I just don't have the right stamp sets.  Guess I need to get creative!



CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ
There's still time to take advantage of the amazing clearance sale going on at my Stampin' Up! online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS.  Lots of great Stampin' Up! products for bargain prices.  Some supplies up to 80% off!!!  The best deals are the old-style punches... only $10!!!!  Hurry, while supplies last!!

If you have any questions about any of the above news, please send me an email.  I'd love to "chat".  :)  I hope you can stop back by tomorrow.  I will have something creative to share with you.  I promise!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Top 2 and 1 of 2011

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Well today's the day!  The day I reveal my two top favorite cards of 2011.  I'm sure you've been sitting on pins and needles all week just waiting to see what stamping goodness I have picked out.  ;)  Well the wait is over!!  May I have a drum roll please............

#2

And my all-time favorite card from this past year, was also a crowd favorite.  It won a couple of online blog challenges.  So without further ado........

#1

Ta-Da!!  I just love all the textures and soft colors on this card.  And it has just enough chic without being too shabby.  Funny thing about my Top Ten favorites from 2011 is that most of them were the shabby chic style.  Which is not my typical "go to" style.  I've always considered myself sort of a colorful, fun, simple kind of stamper.  But the cards I like best are the ones with lots of layers and textures and "stuff".  The kind that you only make one of.  :)

Well I continue to be a stamping maniac.  Yesterday I stamped another 18 cards.  I can't wait to start showing them to you on Monday.  But first I need to take pictures of them and upload them to my computer.  Bummer is, my computer monitor only shows blue and green tones at the moment.  Makes it really difficult to edit photos!!  Anyone have any idea why the color would go bad on a monitor?  I'm on my third one!!

Also, I created a Facebook Fan Page.  I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but if you like to hang around FB, search for Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up and be my first fan!!  If I was really smart, I would have a button on my sidebar that would link you straight to my page, but I haven't figured that all out yet.  There's always a new techno adventure waiting around the corner!

Don't forget to take advantage of all the great Stampin' Up! clearance items for sale at my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS.  Some items are up to 80% off!!  Hurry and shop while supplies last!

Thanks for taking the time to hang out with me today!!

Happy New Year and

Happy Stamping!!

Top 4 and 3 of 2011

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I can't believe this week is almost over with already.  My how time flies when you are having so much stamping fun!!  I stamped so long yesterday, my legs hurt!  (Yes, I stamp standing up.)  I've designed (mostly CASEd!) 7 different cards.  I've been making 6 of each design.  That means that I've stamped 42 cards since Monday!!  Yes.  I'm on a roll.  Don't stop me now!  Since these cards are going to be sold, I use up lots of my retired stuff.  I also use a few favorite retired stamp sets.  But I will still share them with you here on the blog.  And I'll tell you what I tell all my customers when they see something they want, but it's retired... BUY IT NOW (before it retires)!!!  :)

Here are two more of my favorite cards from 2011:

#4

#3

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow and see my #1 favorite card from 2011.
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Top 6 and 5 of 2011

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today I am continuing my Top Ten stamping countdown of 2011.  Looking through all my past projects from this year really inspired me to stamp again.  It made me realize that I do know how to stamp and I need to stamp more!  Most times the busyness of life gets in the way of my stamping time.  That's why I'm taking advantage of this Christmas vacation and I'm stamping my little heart out!!  At least it will give me lots of cards to use for blog posting.  Hopefully I will blog more than 6 months next year.  :)

Next up are #6 and #5 of my favorites from 2011.  I hope you like them too!

#6

#5

Stampin' Up! added more items to the Clearance Rack.  Some supplies are up to 80% off!!  Be sure to check it out at my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS  They have lots of the old-style punches for only $10!!  Be sure to shop soon.  You wouldn't want to miss this fabulous sale!!!


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Top 8 and 7 of 2011

Hi Stamping Friends!!

I had such a wonderful day yesterday.  I got to stamp!!!  I can't remember when was the last time I stamped so much.  I'm trying to increase my birthday card supply, so I can bring some cards to my friends bakery (Goodies Cookies).  She lets me sell them there and she just asked me for more.  My goal is 100 before January 18th.  Yesterday I stamped 12 for her and 6 for me.  I have some cards laying around from my hostess classes that I can use.  They just need a little fancying up, so I think I'm up to about 30.  Only 70 to go!

Enough with my boring little life.  Let's get to the stamping stuff!!  Here are two more of my favorite projects from 2011:

#8

#7

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!



Top 10 and 9 of 2011

Hi Stamping Friends!!

This week I will be posting my favorite stamp projects from 2011.  I will post two projects each day, for a total of ten favorites.  It's so much fun to look back over the year and see everything I've made.  There weren't as many projects to choose from, since the only stamping I've done from May to the present, is my monthly hostess class.  I hope to remedy that situation in the next few weeks.  I plan on doing some major stamping during Christmas vacation.  And since we don't start school again until January 18th, I should be able to make a nice, big, creative mess!!

Starting backward at number ten, here are two faves from 2011:

#10 So Happy For You

#9 Word Play

Don't forget to shop the Year-End Clearance Sale going on at my Stampin' Up! online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS.  Lots of fabulous Stampin' Up! products on sale for up to 80% off!!  But you better hurry.  This sale is only good until January 5th or while supplies last!!

Stop back by tomorrow and see more favorites.
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Merry Christmas!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Merry Christmas!!  Here is the Christmas postcard I designed in My Digital Studio, that I never mailed.  If you want the full story of why I did not mail out Christmas cards this year, check out our "family" blog post: The Christmas Card Blues.

This is a pic of my three kiddos at my brother's wedding this past July.  15yo man-child was an usher, 6yo DS was the ring bearer (with 7 flower girls!!), and 13 yo DD got a pretty dress and hair-do "just because".  Can you see the nice "shiner" the 6yo is sportin'?  His 4yo cousin, the day before the wedding, decided to whack him in the eye with a hard plastic toy.  It was a big day of "firsts" for him.  First time being a ring bearer and the first time he had a black eye.  Great memories!!

I hope you are enjoying a blessed Christmas.  And since I'm not very original and like to CASE everything, I'm going to CASE a Stampin' Up! sentiment...

"May the miracle of Christmas

find you safe in the Peace of God,

warm in the light of Christ."

Merry Christmas!!!

12th Day of Christmas

Hi Stamping Freinds!!

We have finally reached the end of my 12 Days of Christmas tour.  I can't believe I've blogged for 12 days straight!!!  And I'm super excited because beginning on Monday, I'm going to start my Top Ten of 2011 series.  Each day, Monday through Friday, I will be posting two of my most favorite cards from 2011, for a total of 10 projects.  It's been kind of fun to look through what I've created this past year.  Especially with the little stamping I've done recently.  It's nice to remember that I do actually know how to stamp.  :)

Today's card is another CASE.  Very fun and easy card to make.

Stamps:  Medallion BG, Perfect Punches

Paper:  Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Red Glimmer Paper, Whisper White

Accessories:  Red Satin Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punch

Not sure if you noticed it, but my Perfect Punches stamp is not so perfect.  See the little gap in the line around the sentiment?  That is a flaw in the rubber.  Looks like something touched it while the rubber was still warm and damaged it slightly.  Stampin' Up! is so good about replacing flawed stamps like this.  They just send you the rubber replacement in the mail.  Problem is I've been too lazy to bring it to their attention.  I should just email them this pic and save myself the trouble of having to explain to my stamp club why the stamp doesn't stamp perfectly.  But since Stampin' Up! is closed for the holidays, I'll probably forget until I'm ready to use the stamp again.

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas Eve!!  Tomorrow I'll be posting the Christmas postcard I created in MDS, but didn't mail.  ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

11th Day of Christmas

Hi Stamping Friends!!

One of the first things I just "had to have" out of the Holiday Mini Catalog was the Holiday Stocking die and the coordinating Stocking Accents die.  My Big Shot is one of my most used tools and I love all the Stampin' Up! exclusive dies.



 Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Whisper White, Frostwood Lodge DSP

Accessories:  Holiday Stocking and Accents die, Snow Flurry EF, Eyelet Scallop Punch, Mini Jingle Bells

I love these little stockings because they are the perfect size to slide a gift card into.  This particular stocking is going to hubby's grandma with a Mimi's Cafe gift card tucked inside.  If you haven't ordered these dies yet, you still have until January 2nd.  Don't miss out!  We just found out this week that the Stocking Builder Punch will not carry over to the big catty.  So you never know how long they will be offering things.  Got to get em while there hot!!  ;) 

Ready or not, tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  I thought I would brave Costco this morning.  Can't imagine what it's going to look like tomorrow!!  I think I have everything I need.  If I've forgotten anything, I'm going to make a midnight run to WalMart.  They've been open til 1am all week.  Crazy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!