A Back to School Sketch Card Challenge

Hello All!

I don't have any little ones to have them go to school, but when I saw this cute bookworm on a card, I had to re-create it for my punch art class!

I used the sketch from the Paper Players challenge HERE and the theme of Back to School from the Stamp Something Challenge.




The cute little apples and the Early Espresso polka dot paper is from the Berry Blossoms Design paper pack. You can still get this paper Buy 3 Get one FREE! until Midnight Mountain time.

Connie & Mary Card Sketch Challenge

I think this is a great sketch over at Create with Connie and Mary.
I had to use my new design paper from Stampin' Up! which will be available September 1st!! Isn't it gorgeous?? It is my new fall favorite! It boasts some cool colors for fall...Pool Party, Soft Suede, More Mustard and Pear Pizzazz. They are just simply yummy together!

I also think that the antique brads go beautifully with this paper! I used the 2-step stamping technique and I embossed the outline using the same color ink and clear embossing powder. To do this technique, just stamp the first stamp in the color you want. Then take the outline stamp and ink it in Versamark first, then the same color. Stamp it over the first image and sprinkle the embossing powder, then heat. I noticed it was much easier to free hand the 2nd step rather than using the stamp-a-ma-jig, but you can use it if it helps you. The versamark takes a while to dry so I had plenty of time to do all the colors then sprinkle the powder. I'm going to use this card for an upline group meeting, hope everyone loves it!



I went back and simplified this card for my upcoming card class on Wednesday. I changed the design paper, but only eliminated the Pear Pizzazz and went with Pool Party. I adore this color combination!



So, due to some minor health issues, our plan to get pregnant has been put on hold. It's a bummer...we are both so ready to be proud parents, but we know that God has His plan for us and it's just not the right time yet. We hope to start trying in a couple months! Hoping for the best. :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sur La Table Coupon - Did you get one?

A couple weeks ago I got a coupon for $10 off a $10 purchase at Sur La Table. Now, if you know me...that is one of my favorite stores!! So, I headed over there today and checked out all the great culinary equipment they had. SO much great stuff http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflike ravioli cutters, gnocchi paddles, Le Creuset pots/pans, bakeware, cloth napkins, recipe books...and my favorite...the Clearance section!!! :) I was able to find some good stuff like 4 cute napkin rings, a vegetable peeler and 18 appetizer skewers! I used my coupon and only paid $2.06! One pack of skewers were regularly $8.00! I really made out! Hope you receive a coupon too, if not, maybe you could sign up for Sur La Table's emails because that could be why I received one :)
Happy Cooking!! ~ Charlene

Introducing..."Sweet Rewards" - Earn even more FREE Stamp Sets While You Shop!!!

Good morning all!

This has been in the works for some time now, and I have finally ironed out the details! I'm introducing a new rewards program for you, my valued customers! It is called Sweet Rewards Customer Loyalty Program. I love rewards programs and even more, free stuff! Don't you? So, here it is:

- Effective August 22nd, 2011
- Place an online order (www.sweetpieces.stampinup.net) or email me at sweetpiecesbyme@gmail.com with your order.
- All orders must be placed through Charlene Becker to qualify.
- For every full increment of $35.00 (before shipping and tax), you earn a sweet reward CANDY.
- Separate orders may not be combined to reach a reward CANDY. Example: A product order of $34.50 would not qualify for a CANDY. However a product order of $71.00 would qualify for 2 CANDIES.
- Product orders of $150.00 or more still earn Hostess rewards from Stampin' Up!
- You are responsible for tracking your own orders and CANDIES (see chart http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbelow).
- When you earn 10 CANDIES, email or mail me your completed tracking sheet with your choice of stamp set, any price.
- Please, one customer per tracking sheet.
- I'll check & confirm your order tracking sheet once I receive it and send you your free stamp set.

I have created a PDF file that you can print out, fill in and mail to me when it is completed. I hope you enjoy this new rewards program! Happy Shopping & Stamping!
~ Charlene

Sneak Peeks of the Holiday Mini 2011!

What are these photos? Just some small sneak peeks of the new 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up!
Gorgeous stamp set and paper flowers!

Look at the cute fabric used here, oh how I will definitely have to get me some of this fabric...or lots of it!!!

And lastly....what do you think this could be??? It's something I can't wait to get my hands on for the holidays!! You'll want one too ;) Can you guess? Try to guess and I'll send out a little treat to the person who comes close :) of course you cannot be a SU! demonstrator!

A Giveaway!!!

It's been farrrr too long since I've had a GIVEAWAY don't you think?? It's been waaaayyyy to long and I promise that won't happen again! :) I am pretty sick right now, have a head cold and sore throat that just keeps getting more raw from coughing and I feel icky. But I wanted to feel better! And I know that if I give away a STAMP SET to some wonderful, crafty person out there in the crafting/stamping world, then I'll feel better!!! ;) Soooo....Here is the prize!



This is a newly retired Stampin' Up! set called Birthday Bliss. I loved this stamp set, but sadly I only used it once or twice. It's time to let it go and let someone else enjoy it!

So, if you'd like to win this set, please comment on this post. Any comment will do...about my blog, anything on my site you like, any post in particular you like, etc.

For those of you that are eager beavers and love to do it all...for extra entries you can: (use separate posts for all please)

1) Blog about my giveaway on your blog and leave me a link to it on this post
2) Like me on Facebook
3) Post about my giveaway on your Facebook page and link me the post
4) Follow me on Twitter
5) Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter and special promos I send out

Last day to do the above will be August 31st! I'll put all the entries in a hat and draw a winner around September 1st! Good Luck!!

Stampin' Up! Convention 2011

I just wanted to share with you one of the highlights video and some of the pictures I took at the Stampin' Up! Convention. It was such a fun trip (most of it!) and I felt very blessed to be able to go. I spent some quality time with some wonderful womhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifen. Trini, Jen, Pam, Kate, Pat and Karen. I shared their stories and watched them craft until the wee hours of the morning. The Convention itself was amazing! All of it, the tour of the Headquarters, the general sessions, the classes. I enjoyed being there and also receiving so many gifts from SU!....free stamps sets, card kits, make n takes, a beautiful business bag and more! It's such a pleasure to say I'm a part of Stampin' Up! Maybe you can see yourself joining me and being able to go next year? I promise you will love it!



I still have that song in my head....Grow, grow, grow! :o)



There were so many cute cards....




And project examples.....





And even a decorative hat contest!!!


There was just too much good stuff that I couldn't possibly post it all! I really hope you will join my team and come with us next year!

Social Network Icons - LeeLou Blogs

O-M-G! I just LOVE these social network icons I found over at Lee Lou Blogs!
Look how cute!!

She has all the "code" on her blog for free! Of course it's nice to donate, so I did! It's worth it. She always makes the most adorable digis! Check it out!