Stamp with Heather

MDS Blog Hop ... week 9

Happy Friday to you!  It's been a long week around here....productive but long:)  Nathan has still been struggling with school, he is just exhausted but I'm sure this too will pass....right?  I can't blame him, I'm tired by Friday too and am always looking forward to the weekend!  We've got a fun weekend ahead with two birthdays, football and of course the demonstrator event tomorrow!  What fun!!!

Julie laid out a great challenge for us this week on our MDS blog hop:  So Saffron, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz and Cajun Craze.  Well, you'll notice on my page the Night of Navy is pretty subtle (the journaling) but you can easily find and see the other colours!  Thanks for this fun challenge, Julie!

Now, let's put this on YOU!  YOU are also very welcome to participate in this challenge!  I would love to see what you come up with!  If you complete this challenge, leave me a comment on this post with a link to either your site, the My Digital Studio.net site or anywhere else you may post.  I'd love to see what you come up with!

Here is a "rough" ingredient list for what I used this week:

• apple stamp - A is for apple
• background paper - Flirtatious, Cajun Craze Polka Dots
• border strip - Patterned Party
• Title - Smitten Alphabet
• journaling - Arial
• embellishments - Pear Pizzazz Baker's Twine, Paper Buttons, Pear Pizzazz Brads

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!  I will "see" you again tomorrow!

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE for all your Stampin' Up! needs 

1. Jeanna Bohanon

2. Rochelle Gould 

3. Mandy Grant

4. Julie Leblanc 

5. Amber Meadows

6. Terri Mongeon

7. Aly Schilling

8. Cindy Schuster

9. Erica Shaw

10. Heather Summers

11. Alesha Walls

Letters to Santa Take Two ...

YAY!  It's Thursday!  I'm excited that tonight is our Simply Stars downline meeting!  It feels like FOREVER since I've seen so many of my teammates!  We don't tend to meet formally in the summer, but we do each month for the school year.  This meeting will be jam packed with so many fun things...demonstrations, samples, swaps and of course a little make and take:)

So yesterday's card used the Letters to Santa Designer Series paper and if you recall I cut the "big pattern" off as it didn't suite the card I was making.  BUT no one wants paper to go to waste, so I came up with this little card using some of that big image.

The reason for the close up is to show you the YUMMY Cherry Cobbler embossing powder!  Isn't it great!?!?!  Not sure why I don't pull this out more often:)

Here goes...the supply list:

• Letters to Santa DSP - 4 x 3 3/4, 4 x 1 1/2, 3 x 1
• Cherry Cobbler - 4 1/8 x 3 7/8
• Crumb Cake - 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4
• Other - brads, cherry cobbler embossing powder, cherry cobbler grosgrain ribbon, neutral buttons, linen thread

Thanks so much for stopping by!  There's a quick video for you on this card!  I hope you have a splendid day!

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE to order your Cherry Cobbler embossing powder:)

 

Double Pocket Fold Card

Happy Wednesday to you!  Didn't you love yesterday's MDS downloads!!!  I'm going to be broke!  SU made an announcement to keep our eyes peeled on the mydigitalstudio.net site on October 3rd!!!  There will be some new bulk buy pricing and NEW print products!  I can't wait!!!  Christmas here we come!

Today's project is one (modified) that we did at our club this month.  I love gift card holders and making fun holders for them is always a goal for me.  I've already purchased some of my nieces and nephews gifts for Christmas and even have some packaged!  (that's a record for me!)  Some of them will be getting these sweet little pocket cards.  

I LOVE this paper from SU (the Christmas paper in the "big" catalogue) but struggle sometimes with the bigger images.  SO, I cut the paper at 7 3/4 inches so the larger image isn't on this card (but check back later this week for a different card:) and modified the dimensions to create the double pocket card.

Basically you just need a rectangle, and you'll score it in half in both directions!  As simple as that.  For my card, here are the dimensions/supplies:

• DSP - usually I use 8 1/2 x 11 scored at 4 1/4 and 5 1/2 then cut along the 5 1/2 inch score line until you hit the 4 1/4.  BUT for this card I used 7 3/4 x 10 1/2 scored at 3 7/8 and 5 1/4 then cut along the 5 1/4 inch score line until you hit the 3 7/8 inch line
• felt embellishments
• 5/8 x 4 1/8 shimmer paper for the greeting
• 3 1/4 x 4 Early Espresso for the greeting pull out backing
• 3 1/8 x 3 7/8 shimmer paper for the greeting pull out
• other - glimmer brads (brights), Espresso Quilted Ribbon, Dear Santa Stamp Set

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Sorry my video is a little choppy (phone rang, battery died...you know, one of those videos:)

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR Stampin' Up! needs

 

Altered Bat Box

As you saw on my blog a few week's back, I had created a bat box using the Petal Cone die (that was completely cased from Shelli Gardner).  I got thinking that this little guy would be ADORABLE on basically any of our boxes!  So yes, you guessed it...I had to try!

I made a pillow box bat box!  How fun!  I may change not being so lazy and actually getting out of my chair to get an alphabet stamp set and stamped the word "boo" but for the first attempt at the project, I'm thrilled!  (oh and yes, this will hold a 5 cent Twizzlers in it - I had fun reading your comments and emails, thank you!)

Here is the supply list for this creations:

• Pillow Box Die for the Big Shot (and of course the Big Shot)
• Pennant Die (for the wings)
• Spider Web embossing folder (for the wings)
• 1/2 inch circles from the shimmer paper (love the extra sparkle!) (for the eyes and the banner)
• Pennant Punch (for the teeth from the shimmer paper and the banner from the Frightful Sights DSP)
• Linen Thread (for the banner)
• Glimmer Brads (for the eyes)
• Sticky Strip

Check out the video on how quickly these little gems come together!!!  AND, to top off this spooktacular project, I've got a Halloween class all ready for you NEXT Wednesday!  Hope you can make it!!!  Limited to 8 people so email me if you'd like to join the fun!

Have a great day!  Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR SU NEEDS and to check out today's MDS Downloads!!!  (can't wait til you see them!!!)

 

Twizzlers Treat Holder

Happy Monday to you!  I hope your weekend was a great one!  Mine was full of fun and VERY productive!  Can you believe that I am just about ready for my big demonstrator event on Saturday (with the help of my mom:) AND my downline event on Thursday AND my club on Monday?  This NEVER happens!  Maybe I'm learning it pays to be organized...then again, maybe not:)  We'll see if it keeps up!

Today's project makes me laugh.  Adam thinks it is RIDICULOUS!  He really questions paper crafting sometimes.....here was our conversation (roughly):

• Me: What do you think of these?
• Adam:  Cute?  What's in there?
• Me: Twizzlers.
• Adam:  Like 2 little Twizzler sticks that are worth about a nickel?
• Me:  Yup!
• Adam:  How long did it take to do "that"?
• Me: To make a dozen took about an hour.....
• Adam:  So your 5 cent candy is now worth $1 and took an hour to make....hmmmm....just don't get it!

Anyone else have a spouse like this?  Don't get me wrong, Adam likes Stampin' Up! and loves all it has provided for our family, but sometimes he just questions the practicality of it.  But my response is always just think of how others feel when they get these amazing hand made gifts!  Anyhow, I don't have a supply list for you today, but I do have a video.  If you have any questions, let me know! If not, I'd love to hear your funny paper crafting stories:)  Have a great day!!!

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE for all your Stampin' Up! needs or simply to check out my online store!

 

I Dig You....

Happy Sunday to you!  Hope you are having a GREAT weekend!  You know it's fall when we spend the day apple picking and outside!  Love it!

Last week while I was away (actually I think it was two weeks ago now:) I made lunch box cards for my kids.  This one was Nathan's card.  It's very sweet, he told me he slept with it while I was gone:)  Love my boy!

Here are the dimensions for this card (and supplies):

• Real Red Card Stock - 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4, 1 x 1, 1 1/2 x 1 1/2, 2 x 2
• More Mustard Card Stock - 4 1/8 x 5 3/8, 2 x 5
• Big Top Birthday DSP - 4 x 5 1/4
• Whisper White Card Stock - Cupcake punch then run through the Big Shot texture plate, 7/8 x 7/8, 1 3/8 x 1 3/8, 1 7/8 x 1 7/8
• Inks - Real Red, More Mustard
• Stamps - I Dig You
• Other - sewing machine, dimensionals

I really appreciate your stopping by today and hope you have a GREAT day!!!!  I'll be back tomorrow with a little Halloween treat for you:)  

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE for your Stampin' Up! needs!

Patterned Party

Happy Saturday to you!  Sorry for the late post, it has been a busy week!!!  Thanks to those that have asked about Nathan's transition to school.  He's doing better (less tears).  He really does love going to school and likes the "learning" part, but just gets a little lonely at lunch.  He did come home saying me made a new friend so that's good news!!!!  Emma and Mark are doing great, getting involved and having fun!  Hope these first few weeks of school have been great for you and your little ones:)

Alrighty, onto today's project...A friend of mine asked me to make some generic birthday cards for him for his business....so cards that can be for anyone!  That was a touch challenge for me, as it had to be for any age or gender.  I'm happy with what I cam up with for this card (and they'll be cheap to send in the mail as there are no buttons or big knots:)

I used Island Indigo, Real Red and Pool Party.  The stamp set is the Patterned Party set with the Pennant Punch.  Fun, eh?

Here is a quick dimension list for you:

• card base - 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4
• Crumb Cake layer - 4 x 5 1/4 then stitched
• Ink- Crumb Cake (for the balloons on the card base), Real Red, Island Indigo
• other - Pennant Punch, 1/2 inch circle punch, dimensionals, linen thread

I appreciate your stopping by today and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!  Ours is busy, but will be fun! 

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE for all your Stampin' Up! ordering needs

MDS Blog Hop...week 8!

Happy Friday to you!  Well, it's a PD Day around here, so the kids and I are doing NOTHING today (I hope:)  I love having them home and would love to go out and about but I think they are tired (Nathan especially!)  

So for this week's blog hop for My Digital Studio, the theme was organization.  I was going to scrapbook a my closet, but that would be the OPPOSITE of our theme:)  I've been on a cleaning rampage lately (you'd almost think I'm nesting....no I'm not!) and was toying with scrapping some before and after pictures.  But I'd be embarrassed if you saw my before photos:) 

Anyhow, a few weeks back I shared with you a family menu MDS project (CLICK HERE IF YOU LIKE TO SEE IT).  I've been using it and yes, I've been cooking (although this week was tough:)  Next week we'll be all ready and organized again:)

I loved the layout so decided to just swap things out and recreate something similar!  Here is Emma's chore chart.  I used the Domestic Goddess DSP and the photos are from the Little Coupon Book download....isn't it sweet!!!  Love it!

Of course I had to make three of these (one for each of the older kids).  Nathan LOVES to help and is always sad when the other kids have a job and he doesn't.  (Have I mentioned he's my favourite...kidding!)  

I love the little pictures from the Little Coupon Book...aren't they cute?  The dishes are for "dishes", the picnic baskets are for them to make lunches (yes...I am passing on the torch), the breakfast is for them to make a meal (or two), the baby picture is to amuse Cole while I prep dinner, the vacuum is for extra cleaning and the duck is for cleaning up the toys.  Cute, eh?

I hope you liked this week's challenge.  A little bit different, but a whole lot of fun!  Feel free to check out the other blog hoppers that hopped on board this week's challenge!  Have a great day!

Take care,

Heather

1. Jeanna Bohanon

2. Rochelle Gould 

3. Mandy Grant

4. Julie Leblanc 

5. Cindy Schuster

6. Heather Summers

Miss You....by the Domestic Goddess:)

OK, I truly am loving that title!  Not sure I still qualify to be considered a Domestic Goddess but I'm having fun doing things like cooking, cleaning (gasp!) and sewing(you should see the cute projects I've been making...some of you did last night!)!  What is coming over me?

Well, today's title is that because it's the name of the Designer Series Paper...not me:)  I fell in love with these little clips when they were introduced in our catalogue and I have been staring at them, and staring at them.  I finally thought, "hey, I should use them!"  So here is the debut of my mini clothespins:)

This is a fresh and fun colour combination - Pool Party, So Saffron and Basic Grey...fun!  And this stamp set is SO stinkin cute as well (right Sundee?  right Renee?)  A couple of my oh so sweet downline were knocking this set a little not knowing why we would have it and what could be done with it....so here is the first attempt:)

I stamped the chair in Basic Grey and then stitched around it.  The flowers are from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  The fun plaid background is a stamp from this set (stamped in Pool Party).  then these are layered on the Domestic Goddess DSP.  I attached the clips with glue dots, then attached the ribbon and tags....cute eh?

Hope you like this!  I appreciate your comments and I appreciate your stopping by!  Have a WONDERFUL day!

Take care,

Heather

Here is a video for you as well!

Spooky Hair Clip Tag

Shocker....Halloween project!  I think there are actually people out there that love Halloween more than I do, but I'm okay with that!  While in St. George's I met a fabulous employee at Kanab that LOVES Halloween and makes the coolest Halloween home decor (from scratch) for his haunted house each year.  (I'll get you the link to his awesome You Tube video by Dave in the next few days!)  I wish I had of known as I would have made some different Halloween treats for the employees out at Kanab.  

Today's project was fun to make.  I found these little spiders at a craft store and thought they'd make adorable hair clips.  So I made this litte tag for the clips to rest on.  They are really quick and simple to make and I have a quick video for you to see.  

My favourite part (of course besides the spider) are the ribbons.  I've seen this before, and never actually done it, but I cut the wide striped grosgrain ribbon in half and then it frays and just looks so fun!  I love it!  Check out the video down below for supplies and instructions.  Thanks so much for checking out my blog today!  Hope you have a WONDERFUL day!

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES 

French Foliage....thank you

As you can see from my photos yesterday I had an amazing time in Utah.  BUT, I couldn't have done it without the help of three people....my mom and Bill and of course Adam!  So I wanted to make my mom a special card to say thank you and I have to say this might just be one of my favourite cards.  I just love how it all came together.  As most of you know, my good friend Teneale has turned me to LOVING this set (French Foliage) but I have never actually used the leaves - this was today's challenge. Hope you like it!

I love the depth that was added by sewing on the leaves to the card front.  I stamped in More Mustard and then rock and rolled in Soft Suede (but not all the way around).  Then I sponged the leaves - where it was Mustard I sponged in Mustard, where it was Suede I sponged in Suede.  They just look so real.

Here is the supply list for this card:

• Pool Party - 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2
• More Mustard - 4 x 5 1/4 (stitched around and sponged and stamped on:)
• DSP - 4 x 3 scored at 1/2 and folded down
• Early Espresso - 2 3/4 x 3 3/4, 1/2 x 2 3/4
• Whisper White - 2 1/4 x 3 1/4, scraps for the leaves, 3/8 x 2 5/8
• Inks - More Mustard, Soft Suede
• Stamps - French Foliage, Note of Thanks
• Regals Brads
• Pool Party Ribbon
• Sponges

Well, I hope you have a fabulous day and if you'd like to see this card closer up and all the details, check out the video down below.  Thanks for stopping by (and don't forget to check out mydigitalstudio.net for the latest MDS downloads!!!

Take care,

Heather

 

Founders Fun!

Well, as I mentioned last week, I had the honour of enjoying a spectacular event hosted by Stampin' Up! called Founders Circle.  I had an AMAZING time!  I came home and told Adam I want to move to Utah (he didn't completely object...if only it were that easy!)  It is so beautiful in Utah and the outdoor activities are never ending!  Being outside with friends was probably the highlight for me!  This isn't the best photo (will post better in an MDS page soon:)  but I wanted to show you the Narrows hike.  There was a huge rain storm the day before so the silt is all mixed up in the water (hence the yucky colour).  Normally this is crystal clear.  AND the best part was right around the corner from this photo we walked in water up to our chest!!!  I'm hoping one of my new (or old) amazing friends has a photo fo this!

After doing a morning of hiking in the water, we did a dry hike up to this amazing look out.  The best part of the lunch were all the chipmunks running around us.  No, actually the best part of lunch was the LUNCH!  Fio (one of our guides) is also a chef and boy was it good!!  Paragon adventures is the company we went through for this hike (and our repelling last year.)  They are AMAZING!

I had so much fun on this hike I didn't want it to end. So, I roped Cindy and Missy to come rock climbing with me on Saturday (it truly didn't take much convincing!)  We did 6 different climbs and were rock stars (or at least felt like them!!!)  I'll share more photos soon....promise!  

I just thought I'd share with you why I've been HORRIBLE at my emailing these past few days and wanted to let you know I'll be getting to it today and hope to be caught up by Tuesday!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I may be back with a stamped project later today!!!

Have a great start to your week!

Heather

Fun Craft with Little Ones

I think that Nathan is JUST LIKE ME....well, not really in all ways but he LOVES Halloween!  He has been talking about what he wants to be for Halloween for weeks now and it's changed about a million times....pirate, Star Wars, pylon (yes, those orange things on the road!), tree, remote control....and who knows what next!  One thing I learned through Emma and Mark is that you have to start early with little ones.  Nathan wants to make some Halloween cards for people and he needs to practice his cutting so this is a craft we came up with.

Simple, I know, but cute!  We created a standard card (4 1/4 x 11 scored at 5 1/2).  Then I drew on a "ghost" shape and Nathan practiced his cutting by cutting out the shape.  I left it so the top is still on the crease so this card will open.

After he was done cutting, we glued on the fun big googlie eyes and he wrote on the word "boo".  How fun and cute!!!!

We've made 6 so far and who knows how many more he'll want to do!  I love crafting with my kids and sometimes it's fun to have something at "their" level rather than mine:)

Hope you like this....I did a quick video for you as well!  Have a great day!

Take care,

Heather

 

Halloween Fun!

Can you tell that I am GEARING up for the upcoming season???  Okay, I have to be honest with you, I actually did these display items in AUGUST and had them on display in my home since then!  I couldn't resist!!!  Can you blame me??

This first adorable creation was a complete case from Shelli Gardner (yes, THE Shelli!)  She presented this little gem at a Regional event this fall and shared the creation on her blog!  The SECOND I saw it I made 3 (and since then I've made more:)  They make me so happy!!! It really is quite simple....the Petal Cone Die for the body and the Pennant Big Shot die for the wings.  FUN and sweet!!!

After making the three bats thought I needed to display them.  So I hung them on my little IKEA black tree to realize it looked bare!  So, then the banner came to life.  I used the little pennant punch (which I LOVE!) and strung a bunch of them together and dangled it from the tree.  BUT it was still missing something.

So then I thought of my friend Heidi (a fellow Artisan winner) and her adorable swap she made us.  So I decided to use her fun idea and tweak it to make it my own and decorate the banner with a .... badge ... what would you call it!?!?  I like ribbony circle thing, but I'm sure there is something more appropriate out there for it:)

I used the Spooky Bingo Bits on this decoration and just love how the little spider is so cute and happy!!!

As you can see in the middle photo, I have my test tubes and pumpkins on display from last year.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my bird cage my father-in-law gave me for Christmas last year.  The raven and the Halloween berry stringy thing (again another creative word) is just perfect for the Halloween display.

Well, this is just the beginning of what I know will be a great season!  I hope you like the creations and I'll be back tomorrow with a fun creation from Nathan (he is excited to share with you!)  Have a great day!!!

Take care,

Heather

Click here for all your Halloween needs (and of course any Stampin' Up! supplies...it isn't ALL about Halloween:)

MDS Blog Hop Week 6 (I think!)

Wow, I think it's been six weeks of hopping..maybe five, nonetheless, it's fun!  I love seeing what others are doing on My Digital Studio and I get inspiration from all over!

This week's theme was fall and I have to admit that I did cheat a little bit!  With being away, I wanted to get my blog post done before I left (just in case:) so I used a page I created for an album a while back.  And yes, it's not REALLY fall theme BUT it sure is fall colours!!!  Please forgive me....if you want more samples of fall and this week's downloads, check out Tuesday's post (yes, it's like two for one today:)

OK, I need to stop being silly and tell you about my page.  I used the Tickets and Tokens Designer Series Paper for the filled in punches on the page.  I used the Stitches download for the corner accents (that I think I may lighten a bit) and an assortment of buttons to embellish the page.  For the title, "burger" I typed it once in Old Olive and the copied and pasted it in Vanilla and made it look like the shadow.  I really wanted it to pop and to be noticed (whereas the shadow is very subtle).  I hope you like today's page and I really appreciate your stopping by!  Enjoy the rest of the hop and I'll see you again tomorrow with something spooktacular to share!!!

Have a great day! 

Take care,

Heather

Click here for all your MDS downloads and so much more!

1. Jeanna Bohanon

2. Rochelle Gould 

3. Mandy Grant

4. Julie Leblanc 

5. Amber Meadows

6. Terri Mongeon

7. Aly Schilling

8. Cindy Schuster

9. Erica Shaw

10. Heather Summers (that's me:)

11. Alesha Walls

Forever Young

How is your week going?  I have to say, that mine has been fantastic!  Thank you to EACH OF YOU for being so supportive of my business....because of YOU I am enjoying a few days in Southern Utah here at Founders.  I am SUPER excited to be going on a hike today!  I will share photos....not to worry!!!  OK, on with the card....

This is a sample of one of the sets I had yet to use.  I earned this at Convention, wasn't sure about it and of course went to Teneale's blog and saw her sweet idea of highlighting the sweet girl with a heart.  Cute, eh?

Isn't this combination of Beau Chateau and Forever Young a perfect match?  I also decorated the inside and out of the card.  The following dimensions are for the outside of the card.  Have fun!

• Pink Pirouette Card Stock  111351 - 4 1/4 x 11 scored at 5 1/2
• Soft Suede Card Stock 115318 - 4 x 5 1/4, 3 3/4 x 3
• Beau Chateau Designer Paper 122357 - 3 3/4 x 5 and 1 1/2 x 4
• Very Vanilla Card Stock 101650 - 2 7/8 x 2 11/16
• French Foliage Stamp Set 121166
• Forever Young Stamp Set  122572
• Best Friends Forever Stamp Set 122807 (the heart)
• Victorian Lace Ribbon 118481
• Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon 122981

Take care,

Heather

 

Miss You ... Ain't Love Grand

Not sure about you, but I think my favourite hostess set this catalogue is the Ain't Love Grand set.  I just love how crisp and clean the images are and how easy they are to colour!  You can certainly do more than what I've done here, but they can be coloured as simply as a few markers!  Have you had the chance to check out the new hostess program in the catalogue?  All you hostesses out there (or people that place a minimum $200 order) get AMAZING deals!!!!  For a $200 order, you get $35 in hostess dollars that can be spent on either catalogue merchandise OR hostess sets OR a combination of the two!  How awesome is that?!?!

I've been having fun sewing on my cards lately.  If you've never done it, it's worth a try!  Just thread your machine as usual and get to it:)  My only advice is to NOT put adhesive under where you are sewing or you'll gum up your needle.  

Here is the recipe/dimensions for this card:

• Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper 122348 (4 x 1 3/4 and 4 x 3 1/2)
• Tempting Turquoise Card Stock 102067 (4 1/8 x 5 3/8 and 2 x 2 3/4)
• Real Red Card Stock 102482 (5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4 and 1 5/8 x 2 3/8)
• Whisper White Card Stock  100730 (1 1/2 x 2 1/4 and "clouds" from the cupcake punch)
• Dimensionals 104430
• Ain't Love Grand Stamp Set 122507
• Cupcake Punch 121807
• Sewing Machine and Thread

Take care,

Heather

Here is the video for you:

 

Yippee....I'm a guest blogger on MDS!

Tuesday's are always exciting as it is MDS download day!  But today is even more special as I get to be the guest blogger!!!  Feel free to check it out on the site if you like (www.mydigitalstudio.net) and be sure to add me as a friend on that site!!!  If you don't have the time...here's the gist of my post:)

I am SO excited to share my project with you today!  For those of you that know me, I LOVE Halloween, so when Andrea asked me to share a Halloween project or idea I screeched with excitement!  After seeing the Holiday Mini and the really cute Big Shot die you can use to create an advent calendar with I started wondering how I could make my own countdown in My Digital Studio.  And, what better holiday to create a countdown calendar for than Halloween!

I decided to just have it be a 13 day countdown (lucky number 13!)  Behind each door, rather than having a treat I wanted to put an activity that we could do as a family.

   

Here are the details on how I made this project:

1.  I created the first page of my countdown calendar first.  I used the square punch for each of the "doors" that will be opened.  

2.  After the square punches were in their exact place, I went to "insert duplicate page".

3.  I deleted all the content in the square punches and then wrote my text in these boxes.  DO NOT move these boxes around or they won't line up when you attach the pages together.

4.  When you're done creating your two pages (the outside sheet and the inside text sheet) send them to Stampin' Up! for printing.

5.  Attach each of the pages to a 12x12 sheet of card stock. (I prefer using the textured card stock as it is more pliable and easier to cut)

6.  Carefully cut each of the countdown doors with a hobby blade. (cut three of the four sides)

IMG 4087

7.  Score the fourth side of the countdown door so when it comes time to open the door it opens easily.

IMG 4088

8.  Use the 1/2 inch circle punch, and punch out a little crescent from the countdown so you can slip your finger in the slot and open the countdown doors easier.

IMG 4090

9.  Using sticky strip, attach the front and back pages together.  I applied the sticky strip between each box and all around the outside of the bottom sheet so when the doors open you don't tear the paper.

IMG 4096

10.  Attach the two sheets together so the edges all line up.

IMG 4097

11.  Attach a hanger for your countdown.

IMG 4098

12.  Have fun with this....I created a "spooky" version for my older two children and the "cute" version for my younger two!

(SHOW THE CUTE VERSION HERE MAYBE?)

Thanks so much for sharing in my excitement for Halloween!  I hope you like the idea and I can't wait to see what you create!

Now here's the kicker!!!  I created TWO different countdowns and I am just FORCING you to visit the My Digital Studio site to see the other one!!!!  Evil, I know!!!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you like today's project!!!

Take care,

Heather    

Magnificent Butterflies

Happy Monday to you!  How was your weekend?  I can't believe how quickly it slipped by!  It was a productive weekend, and we had some fun too...but the kids were pretty tired after their first week of school.

Today's card just makes me PURE happy!  I LOVE these colours (and Sonia...you will too:)  It is such a clean and simple card and really you could make a million of these in no time(might cost you a bit to make a million though:)

I stitched the edges of the Whisper White card stock and the butterflies to add some pop, threw on a greeting and voila!  Easy peasy:)

Here is the "recipe" for this baby:

• Whisper White Card Stock 100730 - 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4, 4 x 5 1/4
• In Colour 2011-2012 DSP 122384 - for the butterflies
• Beautiful Butterflies Big Shot Die 114507
• Island Indigo Ribbon 122974 - 6 inches
• Wisteria Wonder Ribbon 122973 - 6 inches
• Pool Party Ribbon 122975 - 6 inches
• Perfect Words 122470 (hostess set)

To make this card I simply attached the ribbon to the top layer, stitched around the outside, sewed on the butterflies, stamped the greetings and dimensionaled the layer to the card front!  And voila!

Hope you like it!  I also did a QUICK video on the card should you be interested:)  Have a GREAT start to your week!

Take care,

Heather

 

GI Cancer Fundraiser

Well, it's my favourite time of year!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE our GI Cancer Fundraiser.  For those of you that are "new" to my blog or a "new" customer let me fill you in a bit on my story behind this event.  In January of 2004, my dad passed away from GI Cancer at the young age of 56.  For the first few years after my dad passed away, Emma and I stamped cards and sold them donating all proceeds to Cancer Research.  Then my Simply Stars team and I decided to host a full and fun day of stamping to our customers, friends and family.  In the four big events we've hosted, we have raised over $15 000 in honour of my dad.  This is really touching to me, so you can see why this event is so important to me!  My goal this year is to pass the $20 000!  That would be amazing!

Here are the details:

Here's what we're making:

• 3 cards
• 3 gift card holders
• 6 tags
• these projects are made using three different colour combinations (that I LOVE!)

Here are the details:

• Saturday October 29
• 9:30 or 1 pm sitting 
• event is at King's College
• $42 ($32 is the cost of the supplies, $10 is a donation for GI Cancer Research)
• you will receive the following items in your bag to help you make your creations (and you keep all the extras!) - 1/8 inch roll of Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, Jingle Bells, Linen Thread and Dazzling Details (this is instead of a stamp set this year)
• all projects are made using the Stitched Stocking Stamp Set and matching punch so we are offering a bundle on these items!  Save 20% and purchase this bundle for only $50 ... for fundraiser attendees only
• we will be hosting a raffle and a 50/50 draw on the day of the event

Please email me at adamsum@yahoo.com if you are able to attend or would like to order a kit (Canadians only)  Please indicate in the email which sitting you would prefer (if you know) and if you're interested in the product bundle!  I am SO excited about this event and can't wait to share the day with you!  HUGE HUGS!!!

Take care,

Heather

 

Happy Harvestfest to You!

It's our annual festival here in Lambeth so will be a busy, but fun couple of days!  Today's "big" event is the parade...I love that Emma still loves to go (I know it's for the candy, but that's okay!!!)  On a different note, I have NO idea why the video cut off yesterday, I'll see about reshooting it in the near future for you though:)

Today's post is a quick one for you.  I had the pleasure of going to my downline's class a few weeks back and we made this ADORABLE little monkey purse (thank you Laura!)  I love it!  It holds 3x3 cards and will make the PERFECT baby gift!  Isn't it just TOO cute!?!?!  I love it (thank you Laura!!!)

I'd love to fill you in on the details and dimensions but I didn't cut out the pieces or come up with the idea...I had the pleasure of simply making it!!!  What a great pleasure that was!  SO, enjoy the eye candy post today and I may just be back this afternoon as I've been busy crafting these past few days!!!  Have a great Saturday!

Take care,

Heather

Hybrid Halloween Treats in MDS

Happy Friday to you!  You know what that means....MY DIGITAL STUDIO blog hop!  What fun!  Now I will apologize up front here that I have not done a very good job keeping track of who is participating this week.  With the crazy weather south of us and back to school life has gotten in the way for some so please forgive me for having some of the links up:)  I know you won't mind:)

My good friend Mandy set the theme this week!  She is such a sweetheart and I really think she picked Halloween just for me!  NO, not really...it's because there are so many great downloads this week that are fall and Halloween related!

Now you'll notice that my little vellum baggie is empty, but not to worry, Nathan and I will fill them before the "big" day!  Let me explain the hybrid part of this project first.  I cut two pieces of vellum (4 1/4 x 5 1/2) and stitched the two of them together leaving the top open.  I then simply folded over the top edge (so the treats don't fall out).  I then wrapped the ribbon around the little envelope and secured the tag onto the ribbon and tied a bow!  Voila!  Hybrid, cute and I can make a million (well, not really...but at least a bunch!) without going too crazy!

As for the MDS portions, I used the following(the picture to the left is what the project looked like in MDS before printing):

• Frightful Sites DSP - background
• Rectangles - Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler
• Spider - Spooky Things Stamp Brush
• "web stringy thing" - text box and then I just used dashes
• Scalloped Circle - Basic Grey
• Circle - Whisper White matted in Black 2
• BOO - Alphabet punch filled with Frightful Sites DSP
• Spider Web - Spooky Treats Stamp 
• Font - Pea Girly Girls

Hope you like today's project!  Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!!!  Hard to believe one week of school is already done (4 lunches made a million to go:)  Take care,

Heather

Here is the video:  

1. Jeanna Bohanon

2. Rochelle Gould 

3. Mandy Grant

4. Julie Leblanc 

5. Terri Mongeon

6. Aly Schilling

7. Cindy Schuster

8. Erica Shaw

9. Heather Summers

Button Buddies Take Three....

Well, I had something else planned for my post today and I crashed last night before writing up my blog:)  But there's always today, right.  Today is Nathan's first "big" day at school.  He's pretty nervous and I think a little scared.  There were some tears last night but we made the bus driver (he wanted to bike today but the weather is just too questionable) and his teacher a card so it "forces" him to get on the bus and also to school.  I think it'll all work out just fine (for him:) but I'll keep you posted!

SO, I thought I'd share with you one of the favourites from class last night!  I wanted to also thank all the ladies at class last night, I had a GREAT night thanks to each of you!  Can you tell why I love my job?  I had so much fun and went to bed with a smile on my face, thank you!

These cards were simple in terms of supplies (although I needed a TON of Crumb Cake!!!)  The card is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 scored at 4 1/4, the front layer is popped up with dimensionals, stitched and sponged with White Craft Ink and measures 4 x 5 1/4.  The stamps we used were Button Buddies and Petite Pairs.  And then a whack of buttons and glue dots!

On a different note, here are the dimensions to the pencil chocolate bar holder the other day:

• Daffodil Delight - 5 x 6 scored at 1/4 and 3 1/4
• Silver - 3/4 x 6
• Regal Rose - 1 1/4 x 6

Hope that helps!  Enjoy your day....we'll try:)  

Take care,

Heather

Button Buddies ... so many smiles...

Truly....can you be any sweeter?  The emails and comments yesterday were very much appreciated and made a little bit of a sad day a really happy day!  For those of you that were wondering, Nathan did great!  So did Emma and Mark.  It was a fun back to school day and Nathan is ready to just GO...he has gradual entry though so he's not officially in until Monday:)  

I do apologize that today's post is a quickie....ran out of time on Tuesday to get some things done (spent the day with my boys!) and well, today is yet another one....need to get those last minute back to school items...you know, binders, a green pen, an odd sock (truly these are on Mark's list....how fun!)

In honour of my Button Buddies class that I have going on tonight (can't wait!) I thought I'd share another one of our quick and fun cards.  I really do love the cuteness and simplicity of these little gems...hope you do too!  If time permits I'll be back with a supply list!  In the meantime, did you check out yesterday's MDS downloads!!!!  WOWSERS...I am BROKE!  I love them (yes there are a few Halloween, but also the fall ones are GORGEOUS!!)  Check them out HERE if you're interested or intrigued!  Then head on over to mydigitalstudio.net and see what Andrea did with these amazing downloads!

Have yourself a great day!!!  Take care,

Heather

Back to School

Well, I am officially a little sad today!  I can't believe our summer is over and school has hit!  I know I've said this before but I love having everyone home.  Again, I am excited to get back into a routine and our daily lives BUT I am going to miss everyone.  I am especially going to miss my little helper, Nathan!  He starts school today!!!  Unfortunately/fortunately, he is in an all day every day program that starts on Monday!  WOW, that seems crazy and I'm sure he'll love it, but it's tough seeing your little ones grow up so fast!  I'll keep you posted on how his day goes today (we have a 30 minute interview time today).  He is SO excited I can't be sad:)

So, in honour of the big day, here is a super cute treat for their lunches!  Now, I can't take the credit for this project, my mom made these for my munchkins....are they not ADORABLE!!!

My mom said it was okay to share a video and instructions with you so we did:)  I hope you like it!  The video is a little longer, but I really wanted to show you how to get a few of the tricks (like the 3D pencil end).  Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you feel inspired!  I sure am!

In the meantime, I hope your back to school is a safe and happy one:)  I will enjoy my morning with Nathan and Cole before Nathan treks off into the "real world":)   Have a great day!

Heather

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ALL YOUR SU SUPPLIES

Out on a Limb

I love Halloween....did you know that???  I am going crazy for it and all I want to do is create for Halloween....but I can't!  I am just about done the planning for my big demonstrator event on October 1st (CLICK HERE for all the details...the price goes up tomorrow!)  Truth be told, I am having fun stamping Christmas projects as well!!!  I can't wait to share....details for my annual fundraiser and photos will be ready in a few short days as well!!!

I had fun making this card...it is not a typical colour combination for me....More Mustard, Rich Razzleberry and Basic Black.  Fun, eh?  All the images (except the greeting) are from the new stamp set, Out on a Limb from the holiday mini catalogue.  CLICK HERE if you haven't viewed it yet.  It's tough to see in the photo, but the little bats on the bottom are stamped in Stazon on the black paper...cute!

All the sponging is done with More Mustard.  Today's video showcases how I used the Decorative Label punch to make the two frames on the greeting.  Hope you like it!

Here is a quick supply list for you:

• Out on a Limb Stamp Set 123824
• More Mustard Card Stock 100946
• Brights DSP 117155
• Rich Razzleberry Card Stock 115316
• Basic Black Card Stock 121045 
• Decorative Label Punch 120907
• Staz On Ink 101406
• More Mustard Scalloped Ribbon 124140
• Sewing Machine (LOVE the look of this!)

Thanks so much for spending your holiday Monday with me!!!  I hope you enjoy the LAST day of summer holidays (WHAAAAAA!!!!) and have fun making lunches tomorrow (BIGGER WHAAAAAA!!!!)  It's been a great summer and let's hope this carries through the fall:)

Take care,

Heather

 

C is for Congrats

I have the BEST team of demonstrators around!  I know all you lovely demonstrators that visit my blog would disagree (and I'm okay with that) but my team seems to be the perfect fit!  I have made so many friends through Stampin' Up! and am proud of each and every member of my downline.  They have all overcome different obstacles and created a stamping environment that is perfect for them!  I have lots of hobby demonstrators that are their only or best customer.  I have some demonstrators that maintain a business that helps pay a bill or two (including that VISA bill for Stampin' Up! products:) and then I have some that are building a business.  No one is more important to another and each woman is an important part of our team!!  Thank you Stars for being so great!!!  If you've ever thought of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator talk to your demonstrator and see what it's all about!!!  The more the merrier:)

This month I wanted to send out some Congrats cards to my ladies so this is what I came up with.  Now, please forgive me, because the video is a little choppy and unpolished.  I have had a few people asking me to just "stamp" on a video.  "HUH?"  They wanted to actually see me stamp and see me create on camera.  SO, I did just that.  I didn't preplan the card, have a sample done or even prestamp an image (oh, that's not true, I did prestamp one about a month ago that I decided to use:)  SO, I mutter my way through the video and you can sortof hear me talk my way through my creation.  I hope you like it, but I can say I won't do it often as I felt a little lost at times:) I do appreciate the kind words though and this video suggestion.  Well, if you like this card, here is the supply list:

• Best Friends Forever Stamp Set 122807
• Occasions Alphabet 123598
• Pacific Point Card Stock 111350
• Soft Suede Card Stock 115318
• Postage Punch 122344
• 1 3/4 inch Punch 119850
• Decorative Label Punch 120907
• Basic Pearls 119247

Alrighty, I hope you enjoy your Sunday!  I'm hoping for uneventful and maybe even jammies all day!  We shall see.....school prep is a must.  Thank you for stopping by and I'll see you again tomorrow!

Take care,

Heather

CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR STAMPIN' UP! NEEDS

Here's today's video:

Halloween Treats.....

Am I too early!?!?  Tough!!!  I've had Halloween up in my studio now for two weeks and I'm DYING to share!  This is just an early sneak peek...there is a ton of SUPER FUN stuff to come!  (not to worry, if you don't love Halloween I'll still like you AND I won't post it everyday...promise!)  

These little treats are SO quick and easy to whip up.  I actually made them for my club girls filled with embellishments as a thanks for being in my club:)  It was fun!

I made a quick video for you on how to put these together (seriously they are QUICK!)  Here is a basic supply list that I used, but you can make these out of virtually anything for any occasion!  Have fun!

• Frightful Sights DSP 122351
• Crimper 101618
• Spooky BINGO Bits 123946
• 1 3/8 inch circle punch 119850
• scallop circle punch 119854
• Cajun Craze Striped Grosgrain 125055

Thanks so much for sharing your day with me!  Just prepping like a crazy woman for my family coming over for dinner tonight (must clean basement....UGH!!!)

Have a great day!

Heather

 

It's Friday...MDS Blog Hop Time!!!

Whew...good thing Fridays ARE MDS days as that's all I've got for you:)  I actually did a ton of stamping and creating yesterday so I just have to tweak a few videos and take a few pictures and I'm ready for paper creations!  Thank you so much for all the sweet comments on my post yesterday (both on this site and on my app!)  I love reading them and appreciate your taking the time to comment:)

As for an update, let me tell you....I'm three for three (so far!!!)  Three days, three meals planned and executed!  AND the best part is I've made double each night so while I'm away at Founders Circle there are meals already made for my family!!!  YAY!!!  OK, onto my post....

This week's blog theme is outdoors so what better thing to scrapbook than our time at the cottage!  I had a lot of fun making this page.  OF COURSE it uses my two favourite downloads...Vintage Overlays and Downtown Grunge (please tell me if you're sick of me using these downloads...actually don't:)

Here is a quick supply list of what is used on this page:

• Smitten Alphabet Punch
• Sweet Details DSP
• Anchored Stamp Brush
• First Addition DSP
• Vintage Overlay
• Downtown Grunge

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Have fun on the rest of the blog hop and I'll see you again tomorrow!

Take care,

Heather

 

 

1. Jeanna Bohanon

2. Rochelle Gould 

3. Mandy Grant

4. Julie Leblanc 

5. Amber Meadows

6. Terri Mongeon

7. Aly Schilling

8. Cindy Schuster

9. Erica Shaw

10. Heather Summers(you're here)

11. Alesha Walls

I AM a Domestic Goddess....truly!

Stop laughing....seriously!  OK, one thing I LOVE about back to school is the feeling of "new".  It's more significant to me than a true "New Year's Eve" and "New Year's Resolutions".  Back to school is the beginning of an exciting and BUSY time that needs structure and routine (and if you're anything like me, it's fallen apart by April...or sooner!)

I must admit that having Adam home with me all summer (he is a teacher) is wonderful but I get lazy!  Meals are thrown together, groceries are done a a really NEED to get basis (you know, the cereal is in the bowl and you have no milk....that's a good time to run to the store:)  I do enjoy to cook, but it's hard to cook when you're not organized and you don't have the groceries!  SO, here's my solution for that!  (It's practical and it's cute!)

Here is my plan...I am emailing this to Staples first thing in the morning.  I'll have them print four (so I can do a four week meal plan...make notes of recipes we like so when scheduling the upcoming weeks I can remember the meals that were a hit or as we day a "make again").  Then I am going to have them heavy duty laminate them so they are reusable.

Then I will of course buy the cutest dry erase marker I can find in a colour that hopefully matches:)  I'll hole punch them in the top left corner, put them on a ring (add a little ribbon) and voila!!!!  What do you think?  Can you tell that I am SUPER excited!?!!?  I can't take complete credit for this idea....on the mydigitalstudio.net site, Stampin' Up! has demonstrated a few cute projects with this idea of laminating them to make a reusable writing surface.  I just made the concept suite my needs and here it is!  Hope you like it!!!!  Here is the list of downloads used:

• Compliments to the Chef (menu)
• Domestic Goddess Designer Series Paper 123150
• Now You're Cookin' (cup, utensils) 123149
• Top Note Punch 124414
• Year in Review (days of the week) 125743
• Lots of Tags Shape 2 124439
• Lots of Tags Shape 1 124440

I will be back with stamping projects soon...I have to be honest, my projects have either been Halloween or non existent!  I'm trying to spend my last few days with the kids as much as possible!  So not to worry, fun new projects are on the horizon and I sure do appreciate your stopping by!!!

Take care,

Heather