Sweet Pieces by Me

Color Throwdown, Jillibean Soup & The Paper Variety

2012-01-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

I made this layout for a Color Throwdown challenge and for Jillibean Soup's Facebook page. Oh, I forgot! I also used a paper rosette for the challenge over at The Paper Variety too. Just a simple layout showcasing my first pregnancy pictures! I took a test right after my missed period and was pregnant! I am 8 weeks pregnant for this first ultrasound and we saw the tiny blinking heartbeat.
I'm 36 and finally having a baby...we are SO grateful that it didn't take long even though we had a miscarriage back in May. God is great. We find out if we are having a girl or boy this week!! We are soooo ready to know, pink or blue!

Someone's Joining the Becker Family...Can you guess Whooo?

2012-01-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

It's finally time!! I'm 14 weeks pregnant and we find out if we are having a boy or girl on the 27th! We're having a baby reveal party to share the special moment with all our family and friends. I created a very special invitation using Stampin' Up! products. I saw a similar digital one on Pinterest and I used it to create this one.

I used very vanilla for the card base and printed the invitations using my color printer. I used a pea font from Fonts for Peas, they have such cute, original fonts! Then I punched the bottom border with the lace trim border. I attached a piece of soft suede card stock behind it. I also attached a piece of soft suede trim to the top and a piece of patterned paper from Beau Chateau. I stamped the leaves from the Best Friends Forever in soft suede for the background.
I punched the two owls using bashful blue and pretty in pink. Sooo cute!! I love owls. I can't wait to find out if we are having a boy or girl!!

Halloween is over, but here's a little Treat anyway!

2011-11-10T17:12:00.001-08:00

I made these adorable anti-bacterial holders for my class attendees! They deserve a little treat for faithfully attending my card classes once a month! I also gave them a few 6"x6" sheets of Pick Your Poison patterned paper just because :)
I got the instructions for the anti-bac holders from Erica Cerwin's blog about a year ago and I go back to these a few times a year because they are so cute and easy to make!
I can't wait for Christmas to make something special for them again!
You can find the supplies to make these on my website. Remember, you get a stamp for every $35 and once you have 10 stamps you can choose ANY stamp set in the catalog, FREE!

Butterfly Bucks - A project wit my niece (for kids!)

2011-10-29T09:15:00.001-07:00

My niece Allie has a reward program at school. The teacher gives out "Beach Bucks" when the kids are acting extra special, being extra good, or going above and beyond. Then the kids get to spend their beach bucks on Fridays by going to a "treasure" chest and picking out goodies. There are little treats in there like candy, pencils, erasers, homework passes, etc. She absolutely loved this reward program. She has a new teacher this year and asked me if I could help her to make "Butterfly Bucks" so she and her mom could use this system at home. I said SURE! because I already had visions of my SU butterfly punch dancing in my head.
So I had Allie help me and I got her a butterfly stamp from the Itty Bitty Bits, I used the punch and we made a little assembly line. I punched the butterflies and glued them on the buck and she stamped each corner of it like a dollar bill. She had lots of fun making them! We made about 50 of them and her mom put different denominations on them. I heard the reward system is working pretty well. :) She gets bucks for doing her homework, chores, helping out, listening, etc. Then she redeems them for ice cream outings, special toys she wants, etc.

Designing a Fall Card Using Falling Leaves by Stampin' Up!

2011-10-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love that Spice Cake designer paper from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday mini catalog! Did I already mention that?? I love the scallop border punch too, so I had to use it with this card. I started with Early Espresso cardstock and the piece of DSP that has paisley and flower patterns on it in Pear Pizzazz. I layered a 1" piece of scalloped Very Vanilla behind the DSP.

I knew I wanted to use the stamp set Falling Leaves, but wasn't sure how I wanted to stamp them. I even checked with my stamping assistant Hunny...she wasn't sure either ... :)

So, we decided to stamp the leaves in Pear Pizzazz first and mount them on Early Espresso. Too much green?

I checked with my husband Galen and he said I should mix it up a little bit...so...

Then I just needed a sentiment, so I had cut a little banner and curled it using my bone folder...

And here's my finished card! Hunny liked it too.... :) Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!!

Feel free to CASE my card, but if you blog about it please give credit to my design :) Thanks!

Quick Christmas Card using Snow Much Fun

2011-10-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

I love this set! I just love the cute little birdies, they make the set! I just wanted to share a card with you that I made for my upcoming November intermediate card class.

I ran in through the Big Shot using the embossing folder Northern Flurry. Then I stamped the images using Staz-On black ink. You want to use the alcohol based ink (staz-on) when you are going to color an image with water based inks - so the colors won't run in the black. I popped up the snowball with the bird on it and started coloring...

But I wasn't sure which I liked better...I colored the birds in Cherry Cobbler first but they looked so dark! It matched the ribbon perfectly but hmmm too dark! So I changed the birds and colored them with a blender pen in Bashful Blue. Then I used the blender pen to color in his hat and scarf with Cherry Cobbler, but that red looked to light! So...I colored his hat and scarf using the Stampin' Write Cherry Cobbler marker...and...
Perfect! It needed the ribbon just to accent that red a little more! I cut small strips and just folded them over the edge and secured them with my snail tape runner.

And my finished Christmas card! Inside I stamped the sentiment "hope your christmas is snow much fun!"
All of the products mentioned above can be purchased in my Stampin' Up! store. And remember you get 1 candy for every $35 spent. After 10 candies you can choose ANY free stamp set! I look forward to getting your order in! :)
I'm going to an all day crop tomorrow - super excited!! Hope to get some pages done, will post some if I get a chance!!

Root Canal

2011-10-20T00:08:00.001-07:00

No posts lately since I have been having tooth problems! It started out as a sore tooth, which turned out to be cracked. My dentist, Dr. Pan, tried to fix it but the crack was too deep. Going to the endodontist tomorrow to have him clean out the root and put a temp filling in. Then I'll go back to my dentist in a couple weeks to get the perm crown. What a bummer. I hate going to the dentist. I even have anxiety about it. Can't take the valium which I normally take because I "might" be pregnant. Hope I AM!!...Won't know for about 2 more weeks though. :(
So, please pray that all goes well tomorrow so I won't have any more nerve pain! It's been pretty horrible. I need to get back to my crafty self! :o)

Rice Pack

2011-10-11T23:49:00.001-07:00

I have been going to the chiropractor for lower back pain for about 3 weeks now. I stopped going because my symptoms didn't seem to get better. She suggested I continue to do stretches, which I will, and also use a rice "heat" pack. Well I didn't have one so I decided to pull out my Pixie craft sewing machine by Singer and try my hand at it. I had no clue what to do so of course I pulled up a handy video on You Tube!

I used the beautiful Spice Cake fabric available in the Stampin' Up Mini Catalog. You can check it out on my website here. You can make 6 rice packs out of each box of fabric and the box of fabric is $9.95. I just opened the sheet of fabric and cut it in half, then followed the instructions on the video. I'm not a sewer by any means, and it turned out pretty good!!
I have to get moving and making a bunch of these for a craft fair in November!

FREE BIG SHOT or Extra $100 in product with Stampin' Up!!

2011-10-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is by far the BEST promotion I have seen by Stampin' Up! What a great time to join my team :) If you were on the fence, now is the time to sign up. You'll get either a FREE Big Shot or an extra $100 in product!! Join today!!

Just a simple card today...

2011-09-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I made a very simple belated birthday card today for my BFF, Amity. I feel bad for not sending her a card on TIME, especially since I have NO excuse!! Well....maybe except to use this CUTE stamp set Early Events from Stampin' Up! ;) If my card wasn't late I couldn't use the snail stamp! Isn't he adorable?

Cardstock: Pool Party, Wild Wasabi & Whisper White
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake & Melon Mambo, Staz On
Ribbon: Melon Mambo scalloped polka dot
Extras: Ticket corner punch, Dazzling Details (added to present after for a little sparkle!)

All of these items are available in my store online! Earn free stamps from shopping with me - why shop anywhere else? :)

Paper Players Challenge #65

2011-09-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for the Paper Players Challenge #65. I love this simple sketch! I used the new Frostwood Lodge paper from Stampin' Up and the new Stitched Stockings stamp set - love it! I love the matching punch that goes with the stocking set. I can't wait to make more Christmas cards! Thanks for stopping by!

New Design

2011-09-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have updated my blog to a more simpler design. I was worried that some people might have problems getting to my site because of too much detail trying to download to their computer. I opted for a simple and plain (blah) blog background. I hope to upgrade and buy a blog package, but it's just not feasible for me right now. I just hope it's easier for my friends to view my site now.
I'm sorry I haven't been blogging or designing lately. I have been very tired for some reason. I have a Dr. appt tomorrow to freeze some bad cells on my cervix. It's called cryotherapy. My husband is going with me which is good. I'm not looking forward to it...HA! who would be? It's also delaying our baby making for another 2-3 weeks (maybe more depending on what the Dr. says). Total bummer.
Anyway, please pray for me that it goes well and recovery is quick. I'll be back soon with some fall card designs!

Wanted to play....

2011-09-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

I am SO tired. I really wanted to play catch up with the last 2 sketch challenges from The Paper Variety's Blogaversary and the new sketch from Apron Strings....but I am falling asleep at my desk! I can't think straight to make a layout!
It was a great weekend!! Saturday night we had my husband's work party for the large tire company he works for. It's black tie so we get all dressed up to the nines. I usually have my hari done and my makeup done but this year, I winged it. I think I came out ok ;) Then Sunday we drove up to Reno for the Gary Allan concert - our first concert together! The concert was awesome, Gary sings with such feeling and heart. I grew up listening to him so it was like going home.
So, no scrabook pages tonight....I did try. I will just leave you with a couple of photos. I am pooped. G'night!

Sketchy Thursday 9.8 Challenge & The Paper Variety Blogaversary Challenge #2

2011-09-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the sketch from Sketchy Thursday's 9.8 Challenge! I paired it with The Paper Variety's challenge which was to use my favorite paper crafting company's supplies and make a paper project. Of course I used Stampin' Up!

I made this page that will go in my sister in law's baby book that I'm making for her son Tyler. I love this design paper paper called Nursery Nest. It works for a boy or a girl and the colors are great together!
The green doesn't do well on a camera, but it's a beautiful shade called Pear Pizzazz. I also used Marina Mist and Perfect Plum. The stickers coordinate with the design paper and of course the buttons match too! All of the items I mentioned can be purchased in my store online and you can earn Sweet Rewards by shopping with me!

The Paper Variety Blogaversary Challenge #1

2011-09-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

I love to hear about a Blogaversary, especially if there are challenges and prizes!! How fun! The Paper Variety turned ONE and will be having a week long celebration this week! There will be a new challenge up everyday! I'm excited to get some cards & scrapbook pages done!
For the first challenge, it is to stamp something on your paper project. I used my Stampin' Up Raining Flowers set because it is so versatile and beautiful! I made this card for a bridal shower my mom is going to and she said the colors were lavender and white. Wisteria Wonder is the perfect choice for me! I used one of the design papers from Berry Blossoms and Pear Pizzazz for the green cardstock and seam binding. I just love these colors together! I finished it off with some pearls. (Got to have a little bling!) ;o) All of the products I used are available through my website.

365 Cards Challenge #190 - Recipe Challenge

2011-09-08T00:20:00.000-07:00

I loved the challenge over at 365 Cards which was to use a recipe. Here is the recipe:

4.25" x 5.5" Card

One Additional Piece of Cardstock (any size)

4 Stickers

4 Buttons

Sentiment

I used my kit Simply Scrappin Playful Polka Dots from Stampin' Up! which was perfect for a quick card. It comes with die cut stickers and coordinating papers! It's also great for the cutest layouts. Just add matching ribbon and buttons. I'm glad I had those matching mini buttons my mom gave me! They are perfect in the center of my larger buttons :)

I love Couponing! CVS trip 9.7.11

2011-09-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

So today I hopped on over to CVS for some good deals! Let me share with you what I got! :)

First, I will show you my goodies...

My total after tax was $36.10...so you're probably thinking that's not that good of a deal...BUT...
I scored some ECB's after my purchase! That's Extra Care Bucks (like cash) for you non-couponers. The "magic coupon machine" also spit out a coupon for a free Dove Bliss or Hershey Bar! Here are the ECB's that I got:

Carefree Pantyliners $1 (on sale for $1, get $1 ECB back)
Hershey's Air Delight Bar $.99 (on sale for $.99, get $.99 ECB)
Physician's Formula Cosmetics $7.00 (buy $10 worth, get a $7.00 ECB)

So that's $8.99 you can minus from my $36.10 = $27.11....but wait! See that little "Try Me Free" tag on the mascara?? Once I mail that in and receive my rebate of $9.95...minus that from $27.11 and you get $17.16! Just to give you an idea of how much I saved, the mascara and the concealer alone were $16.74 + tax.

And that is how you "coupon". ;o) I love to use Hip 2 Save for all my couponing scenarios so check out CVS on her site to get all the ins and outs of couponing there. Love this store!

The Paper Variety Blogaversary!

2011-09-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!

I just wanted to help promote The Paper Variety's Blogaversary! It all starts tomorrow, September 7th and will last for 1 WEEK! This one week celebration will include....
a fun blog hop,
a fabulous sponsor,
Facebook giveaway,
FIVE daily challenges,
and many great prizes!
Hope you can make it and check out all the fun! Oh and I was so happy to see that my Birthday Banner card was featured over at The Paper Variety too!

Simply Scored New Scoring Tool by Stampin' Up!

2011-09-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

So did you guess that it was a new scoring tool that made those paper flowers in my August 8th post?? I guess I didn't give you many clues ;) But isn't it fabulous?? I "simply" love it! ;) I am enjoying scoring my cards before I fold them and I can't wait to make some 3-D boxes!! It will make mass producing them for the holidays SO much easier!! Order yours today from my website and take advantage of my Sweet Rewards program!

Just Add Ink & The Paper Variety Challenges

2011-09-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

I still had 1 more card to make for my class on Wednesday so I used 2 more challenges. The Just Add Ink challenge was to use the sketch below.

And The Paper Variety's challenge was to use a birthday theme and add a banner. I have been wanting to make a banner for a while now! I have my new pennant punch by Stampin' Up and couldn't wait to try it out.
I used the Party This Way stamp set for the pennants and the sentiment. Do you know where the candy is from?? Yep, Jolly Bingo Bits! Those are peppermint candies, but when I stamped them with other colors, they matched the DSP perfectly!! I was SO excited about that! :) Great challenges!!

And a closeup of my candy which I blessed with some Dazzling Diamonds! ;)

Stamping 411 Sketch and 365 Cards Challenge

2011-09-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I had to work on my cards for my upcoming card class on Wednesday, so I thought why not incorporate some challenges while I'm at it? I really love Stamping 411's sketch this week. Very simple and straight forward, good for a class.
It was easy for me to add the 365 Cards Challenge which was to add embellishments in a pattern. I added some metallic brads in a row on my card. I love that look with the soft colors, pearls, lace and rooster paper from the Beau Chateau DSP. It's very shabby chic. I had to make an Anniversary card because I have 3 family members with a wedding anniversary this month!

And here is a closeup of that paper flower stamped from Raining Flowers that I distressed.

I took Hunny to the vet for her annual exam/rabies shot. She's healthy...$165 later. We had some of her lyphomas checked. They are just fatty tissue, thank God. She's also 5 lbs heavier than last year :( I must do better walking her. I will do better!

Thanks for stopping by!!

A Back to School Sketch Card Challenge

2011-08-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

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?

2011-08-23T18:07:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2011-08-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2011-08-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

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!

Camping!!!

2011-07-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been able to blog the last couple of days! Been busy getting my punch art class all together! We made some adorable cards and had a great time. Here are a couple of the cards.

I CASED the owls but the background is my own design. I'll be posting the instructions for it when I get back. Now it's time for a short vacation, camping to New Hogan Lake. Just for a few days. :)
We had turkeys again this year! They walked by right outside my window. Aren't they cute? ;)

I guess they sense the seasons changing and are migrating. It's almost back to school time. Are you getting ready? How are you wrapping up your summer vacation?

NEW Virtual In-Home Workshop!!! FREE

2011-07-23T13:24:00.001-07:00

Do you live in an area where you don't really have access to a SU! Demonstrator? Or are you a technical savvy gal and you are practically attached to your laptop? Want to wow your friends with a "Virtual Workshop" and earn FREE products? Look no further, I'm your tech savvy independent demonstrator ready to help you with your very own FREE virtual workshop!!

Here are the details:

* You install Skype for FREE (http://www.skype.com)
* You pay S/H for your kit and pick a day/time for your workshop and I mail you your workshop kit priority mail (I charge $15.95 S/H but this cost will be deducted from your total merchandise order* of $150 or more! - So you will be getting an $15.95 CREDIT!)
* I will confirm your workshop day/time via e-mail and confirm the shipment of your kit!

kit includes:

- A current Idea Book & Catalog with super cute tabs & stickers so you can mark your favorite items!
- A hostess gift (either a card/tag or 3-D item) - I will demo this in the workshop
- Enough card supplies for 8-10 guests(add'l charge for more than 10 kits)
- Mini catalogs
- Order forms
- Return self-addressed stamped envelope for me

*Items in the kit will vary (picture is an example of the actual kit and will be similar)

* You log in to skype on the day/time of your workshop and I'll be there!
* I greet you and your guests and show you how I made the hostess gift, then I walk everyone through the make n take...there will be laughs and fun times at this point!
* Then I close the workshop and you and your guests have time to look through the catalog, place your orders and enjoy the yummy snacks & refreshments you have made!
* You mail the order forms back to me in the self-addressed stamped envelope and as soon as I get it I place your order. It will be shipped directly to you (the hostess) and you can deliver your orders!

You will receive detailed instructions with your kit, so not to worry! It will be effortless and FUN!

* In order to receive the $15.95 credit, you must reach a minimum $150 merchandise order from your workshop. You CAN combine the orders from your workshop to qualify! You will also qualify for $25 in FREE Stampin' Up! product when your workshop reaches $150 in merchandise sales. (before tax & shipping)

Doesn't this sound FUN & SUPER EASY??!! Book your workshop by clicking the PAY NOW button below! I look forward to a fun workshop with you & your friends!

Stampin' Up! Convention 2011 - "Grow" Salt Palace, SLC, UT

2011-07-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

What an amazing event...the Stampin' Up! Convention 2011 was so fun and I was very blessed to be able to go. Just got back on Sunday from being gone 1 week. It was non-stop fun from the moment we arrived, received our bag (which had a binder catalog, pen, Grow pin, and chrome Grow bag tag) and free stamp sets...to the last main stage performance. We received free goodies (stamp sets and card kit) and of course our package of Make n Takes. We also received a "workshop in a bag" kit. I was so amazed by how much free stuff we were given!! It was great and I really appreciated everything!
Of course the highlight of my trip was meeting the amazing and beautiful Shelli Gardner, Co Founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!. I didn't even think I would meet her let alone take a picture with her, but she was very gracious and so sweet.

I also had the pleasure of meeting her daughter Shalae and taking a picture with her (will post soon - it's on a fellow Demonstrator's camera). She was beautiful and we also posed for a cute "shoe" picture since we both had on super cute high heels!
It was so very awesome to meet these wonderful women and be a part of such a great company. (too bad I have the cheesiest smile in this picture - LOL!!)

I saw so many women receive awards and recognition for their SU! business that I was inspired. I'm so ready to "Grow" my business. Especially when they announced that the Incentive trip for this year will be held in FIJI!!! I am so there!!!
I hope you will follow me this year on this journey toward my goals! It would be great if you could join me!!!
© 2011 Stampin’ Up!

Mojo Monday - Nautical Card - The Open Sea

2011-07-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I saw this sketch challenge for Mojo Monday and immediately thought of the stamp set The Open Sea by Stampin' Up and the design paper Nautical Expedition. Both are available in the Summer Mini Catalog until August 31st!

I love the colors because they are not only nautical, but they are patriotic as well! It was easy to incorporate them into this challenge. Hope you like it and come back again soon for more ideas!! :)

Double Embossing Technique & "the News"

2011-07-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

This card shows off the double embossing technique. It's done by stamping your versamark pad onto the raised up image all over your embossing folder. Then your paper through the big shot like normal. Sprinkle embossing powder all over it and tap off excess. Heat with your embossing heat tool. I love this technique!
I used the Word Play stamp set since I thought of a wedding when I started using these colors. I used Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy. The paper is Pocket Full of Posies which is new! You can find all of these products on my website HERE.

I made this card for the CPS Card Sketch Challenge HERE. I love how simple the sketch is, but you can add many layers or dress it up however you want!

Sadly the news I have to share is not so "great" anymore. A couple months ago when we were about to say I do, we found out we were pregnant. I was very shocked that I could get pregnant to easily, we just thought it would take a while. It didn't:) But the baby wasn't meant to be and we lost it after 7 weeks. So, we know that God has a different plan for us and that's alright. We are trying again! We can't wait to be great parents, we are ready!

Thanks for stopping by!

Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for $99 + FREE Christmas Project Kit ($40 value!!)

2011-07-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited because for the whole month of July, Stampin' Up! is running a GREAT promotion for new Demonstrators!!!

Sign up between now and July 31st, and the Starter Kit is only $99!!! If you were waiting for the right time to get started with Stampin' Up! either as a hobby Demonstrator or a Business one, now is the time!!

Here are some benefits of becoming a Demonstrator:
- A 20 percent product discount!
- A free monthly issue of Stampin' Success, Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine!
- Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
- Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
- Regular get-togethers to stamp!
- Free access to a community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
- In addition, you will be eligible for TWO FREE months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS)--including your own business website and Online Store, access to a blog, calendar, a monthly e-newsletter, project gallery, and e-cards--if you sign up within 21 days of becoming a demonstrator.

In your Christmas Kit, you will get:
The Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit--a $40 value--contains the following products (quantities are 1 unless otherwise noted):

Pines & Poinsettias Set (wood-mount)
Keepsake box
Scallop borders (cut from Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die)
First Edition Designer Series Paper (3)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper (6)
First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper strip (2)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper piece*
Real Red Top Note (cut from Top Note Bigz Die)
Real Red Decorative Label (cut from Matchbook Bigz XL Die)
Wild Wasabi Card Stock strips (3)
Naturals Ivory Card Stock piece
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric*
Real Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim
Linen Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Champagne Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
Vanilla Pearl 1/2" Simply Adorned Bauble
Pearl Basic Jewels (1 pkg.)
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons*
Large Wild Wasabi
Small Real Red
Mini Vintage Tags

So why wait?? Please contact me today if you are interested!!! You can sign up online at my website HERE or leave a comment or email me: sweetpiecesbymeATgmailDOTcom

Video - Quick Card Using Cheers To You by Stampin' Up!

2011-06-24T17:51:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!!

A while ago I posted a card HERE and I made a video too but never posted it! Well, here is the video for this cute card using the Cheers to You stamp set and supplies by Stampin' Up!

And... if you didn't know, this stamp set is RETIRING! So, if you love it like I do, you'll want to order it by June 30!! It is wood mounted and only $17.95. (item#114944)
You can purchase these items at Stampin Up, and be sure to enter my name as your SU! Demonstrator, if you don't have one. (Charlene Becker) :o) Thank you!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Basic Black, More Mustard, Whisper White
Ribbon: Black Taffeta 1/8"
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Harlequin Texture Plate

BBQ Punch Art Card for Father's Day

2011-05-19T01:30:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I saw this card on Inkspired Treasures! My dad is an avid Weber-user so I know he'll love it!

I just had to recreate it with my own touch. I made the BBQ with the 1-3/4" punch, cut in half and held together with a brad. The legs are the word window punch, one cut in half. The wheels are the 1/2" punch and a circle from a cropadile (or you can use a hole punch). I put a white dot in the middle using my white gel pen and used it for the dash accents on the grill. The handle is a 1/2" circle punch punched with the circle from itty bitty punch pack. The smoke is a flourish acrylic stamp I had (not sure from where), and I stamped with Versamark then used silver embossing powder. The background is the Backgrounds 1 texturz plates from SU. I used 2 square silver brads as accents on each corner and also punched 2 corners with the Ticket Corner punch from SU. The tag is the modern label punch and the word window punch by Stampin Up.

Hope you enjoy making this cute card! It would be great for a BBQ invitation or a 4th of July celebration (I can see it now in red/white/blue!)...I might make one of those just for fun!

Cardstock used:
Real Red
Basic Black
Whisper White
Sahara Sand
Basic Gray

Nail File Treat Bag! :)

2011-05-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

I made this cute little treat bag for my 3-D Paper Crafts Class tomorrow night. The instructions can be found here at Splitcoast Stampers.
I thought it would be a nice change to insert a little goodie inside instead of candy or chocolate. I found a really cute 3-pack of mini nail files at Bath & Body Works. They fit perfectly inside and they are only $1.50 per pack (less if you have a coupon!)So it's a nice change to make something that doesn't add to the waistline but it's just as cute! ;)

The Paper Players Design Team Call

2011-05-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

I love the Paper Players Challenge Blog because they use all Stampin Up products! Since I'm a SU demonstrator it's great to get ideas and use my supplies. I love to see all the beautiful cards using their challenges. So, I decided to try out for their Design Team, why not? :) I love Stampin Up and being creative and I think it will motivate me to create more cards and blog more! It sounds very exciting!

Wish me luck!

Mojo Monday Using Stampin Up Summer Mini

2011-05-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
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I was pretty happy about Stampin Up's new Summer Mini as there are a couple of cute stamp sets that I love and they are versatile! I love them all but particularly The Open Sea on page 9 and Fabulous Florets on page 22-23. And check out those gorgeous matching design papers on page 8 and 23! I can also see a nice 4th of July card using those blues and reds from the Nautical Expedition DSP.

Today I'm sharing a card with you that I created for the wonderful challenge over at Mojo Monday. Here is the sketch:

I used a layering of my stamp technique by stamping the flower 3 times. Then I cut away some of the petals on each one. I used dimensionals to stick them all together and it gets a cute 3-D layered effect.
I love this stamp set and DSP, it's such bright, happy colors! Here is my card...

Also, I'm getting married in only 23 more days!! I'm so excited. I also have some GREAT news, which I can't share with everyone yet, but I will SOON.

Have a lovely day!
Charlene xoxo

Cheers to You - Stampin Up Card

2011-04-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Just a quick card I wanted to share with you today. I made this using the Cheers to You stamp set by Stampin Up. I love these colors together, Basic Black, More Mustard and Whisper White. They go together so well!
I used the texture plate Harlequin by SU on the more mustard for the background. Then I stamped the beer mugs, plus stamped, colored and cut out 2 more and popped them up with dimensionals. I added some dazzling diamonds on the foam to top it off! A little of the 1/8" taffeta ribbon adds a little somethin on the card too.

Hope you have a great Thursday! I'll be back soon to post some cards I'm making with some new items from the Stampin Up Summer Mini Catalog!! Hope you can visit again soon!

Merrell Shoe Giveaway!

2011-04-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

There is a great giveaway over at Thrifty & Chic Mom HERE. There are several chances to win so be sure to read the whole post!
She is giving away a pair of Merrell shoes...if you know shoes...these are some comfy ones, cute too! Check em out!

So Shelli April Showers Challenge and something else...

2011-04-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

The good news (yes I do usually look on the bright side!)is that I made a card today. I can't get enough of the Springtime Vintage paper. Just love the colors. I made this card for the April's challenge on Shelli Gardner's blog So Shelli. It's kind of a simple spring card, nothing special like some of the amazing projects linked on Shelli's blog. There are some very talented women out there!

Stampin' Up! Grab Bags!

2011-04-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Beginning April 1st, and continuing while supplies last, you will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $6, the $12, and the $18 grab bag. (Value of $24, $48 and $72!) Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools. Be sure to enter my name as your Demonstrator so you can save an extra 10%!

Punch Bunny Easter Card

2011-03-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to share a video I made with you on how to make a super cute punch bunny Easter card. I used this tutorial HERE on You Tube for the bunny. Then I sponged the cloud background, added some grass and my own Easter eggs. I made the eggs using the 1-3/8" x 5/8" oval punch. Check out my video to see how to make them.

Please leave me a comment to let me know how you like it. Sorry the camera was moving around a lot (I know I need a tripod!!)
It's stormy here, I'm blessed to be indoors warm and able to enjoy this wonderful hobby. Hope you have a great day wherever you may be.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted this week, I have been feeling terrible. I have some sort of head cold/sinus cold. My head feels very heavy, my throat hurts, and I'm sooo tired.So, on to my post!
I wasn't sure of the meaning of St.Patrick's Day, but I love to enjoy Corned Beef, cabbage and potatoes on this day! So I had to Google it...
"St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people." The meal of corned beef, cabbage, and garlic mashed potatoes is a classic Irish St. Patrick's Day feast. So, that's what I'm making for dinner, but I'm doing boiled red potatoes instead of mashed. Here's what I've got going so far...

If you plan on cooking one too, you better get started! It takes about 3-3-1/2" hours to get tender!
I'll try to add a finished picture later and maybe my Easter cards I'm trying to work on. I'm trying to piece them together, but I'm getting so weak and tired. :(
Hope you have a great St. Pat's day, have some green beer (it's tradition) and Erin go Bragh!!! :)
Mmmmm YUM! Here is my finished corned beef!

10-Minute Tuesday Card (on Wednesday)

2011-03-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I decided I am going to have a new 10-Minute Card for you every Tuesday. I'll call it 10-Minute Tuesday! I made this card yesterday but sorry I am posting today.
I have had this stamp set (Fresh Cuts) since I became a Demonstrator last JULY! I just wasn't sure how to use it. Then I saw a similar card using a different stamp set and different colors and I was inspired!
So here is my card and a quick overview of how I created it....

Cut your Rich Razzleberry at 5-1/2" by 4-1/4" and score, fold in half for base. Then I stamped a few of the background flowers in the Versamark then the Rich Razzleberry, then embossed them with clear embossing powder. Be sure to clean your stamp in between stampings so the Versamark won't get colored ink on it! This way the embossing powder really sticks! Then heat emboss. I also stamped some of the background flowers using just the Versamark to give it the monochromatic look.
Cut the Old Olive layer at 3" x 3" and the Whisper White at 2-3/4" x 2-3/4". Stamp the large thinking of you from Fresh Cuts on the whisper white in rich razzleberry. Tie a piece of old olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon onto both layers then adhere with dimensionals. Stamp your sentiment using rich razzleberry. I also used the same flower stamp on the outside of my envelope so they match :)

Hope you enjoyed this heat-emboss, Versamark technique and join me next Tuesday for a simple 10 minute card!

Save the Dates and MORE Save the Dates!!!

2011-03-04T11:52:00.001-08:00

So...funny story...I decided to make my own Save the Dates for my wedding. Which is great because I sell Stampin' Up, which is great quality paper, matching ribbon, embellishments, stamps, ink, etc!
So I calculated how many guests we would have, I purchased all the paper and ribbon and went to town a couple weeks ago. Even my in laws that were in town helped! I got a picture of my future father in law (Galen's Step-dad) Harry. Isn't he the cutest? He was so eager to help knock out these Save the Dates! Galen even decided to help, I had to get a picture of THAT! :) He even looks like he's having fun!

Here are all the finished Save the Dates in the box! Stuffed and ready to go!...But wait, what are all of those on the right that are not stuffed? hmmm EXTRAS?! Yes, that is correct. When I said I counted all the guests, I did...every man, woman and child. I came up with 100 when I really only needed about 50. DARN! LOL! Sooooo I do have 50 extras that I have no idea what to do with them. I suppose I'll take off the ribbons and salvage them and the heart die cuts too. (they won't go to waste!)
Hey, anyone making a project and need 50 real red hearts?? ;) Too bad Valentine's Day is over...well I guess I can save them for next year! :)

Package of 50 embossed hearts in real red with "Love" tag attached w/silver heart brad = $10

A Mini Scrapbook Page with Springtime Vintage

2011-03-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Happy Tuesday!

Just wanted to share with you a mini 6x6 layout I did for my next Meetup class which is tomorrow! I also incorporated the challenge over at The Paper Players which was to use fabric on the project (I used ribbon).
I started with a 6 x 6 sheet of crumb cake and spritzed it with smooch mist. I also sprayed the very vanilla cardstock. Then I punched my squares using the Springtime Vintage DSP (I love this paper!!), hearts (not quite navy) and mini flowers. I used the glitter glass in baja breeze and glued some to the hearts. I put mini pearls on the flowers I punched out and I stamped some flowers from the tiny tags stamp set in rose red. I used the framed tulips texture folder to add a corner embellishment to my picture.
I added a little seam binding ribbon in baja breeze to finish it up and a stamped tag from tiny tags.
Hope you like it!

Color Throwdown #130 & TPV Challenges 22

2011-02-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to use this color challenge at Color Throwdown because I love these pretty spring colors!

So I started off with my base being the chocolate chip.

I knew that the new fabric Sweet Stitches would be perfect since it comes in Tangerine Tango!
I used the Bigz Flower Die to cut a flower for the card, and So Saffron for the middle of the card.

I incorporated Pretty In Pink by using my Top Note die and even embossed a little Tangerine Tango cardstock. I cut out one of the mini buttons on the fabric for my flower center (how cute is that!?) and added a couple early espresso brads.

I even got BRAVE!! I used my Pixie sewing machine for the first time! I had to try out this fancy stich. It was actually SUPER easy and I like how it turned out! hee hee I think you'll be seeing more sewing from me in the future ;) I followed along on The Paper Variety's challenge HERE for stitching on your project.

Stamping 411 Challenge #192

2011-02-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

Today I played along at Stamping 411 and made a simple, masculine birthday card for my fiance, Galen. He turned 28 today! He's catching up to me ;) LOL
Here is the sketch...

Stampin Up has some great masculine but lovely design papers such as the one I used, Elegant Soiree, but there is also Woodland Walk and Blueberry Crisp. (check them out on pages 173, 174 and 175 in the IBC (Idea Book & Catalog).
I distressed the edges of my card to give it a little rough look to it and finished it off with a button in Crumb Cake (from Mini Catalog) and a little bit of the Baja Breeze seam binding. I love the seam binding, and they come in great colors! I also paper pieced the candles...a little awkward since they are so small, but they really finish the cake!
Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment if you have the time! :)

Stylish Blogger Award!

2011-02-13T13:13:00.002-08:00

Wow! I just received the Stylish Blogger Award today! Thank you to Brandi at Scrappy Brandi. This was unexpected and really nice! I didn't think my blog was very "stylish" ;) I am proud to receive this award!!
So, to pay it forward I am picking 8 lovely ladies here that have great talent!...
1) Lou's Leaping Lilly Designs
2) Cardiology: Cards from the heart by Justine
3) Stampin Stress Away with Carole'Anne
4)Stamping n' Scrapping
5)Inking Idaho
6)Inspiration in Action
7)Peanuts and Peppers Papercrafting
8)My Many passions by Monica

Also, I need to tell you 8 things about myself, so here they are:
1) I am 35 years old and about to graduate from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College...Something I've been dreaming about for about 9 years.
2) I've been married twice already (crashed and burned on both-wasn't pretty), but I'm about to marry my Prince Charming in May! It's true...3rd time IS a charm ;)
3) I don't have any kids yet, but I can't wait to get pregnant.
4) We are going to Italy for our honeymoon and it's my first time really out of the country (Mexico didn't really count- it was a work trip!)
5) I would love Stampin Up to one day be my main source of income because I love it!
6) I have a belly button ring. I know I am probably too old for it, so it will probably go when I get pregnant ;)
7) I just started going to the gym to get in shape for the wedding. Those aerobic classes are tough, but I'm gonna stick with it!
8) I have a Pixie craft sewing machine I got for my birthday last June and I'm afraid of it and haven't used it. (But I want to!!! Really I do Lou!;))

Cricut Challenge #43 - Challenge Me Monday

2011-01-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

I found the coolest cricut challenge blog! It's called Fantabulous Cricut. The challenge this week was to create a card using something sweet on your project (ie, ice-cream, candy, cake, etc). I used a cupcake and a present from the Doodlecharms cartridge and made a card for my niece (she just turned 8!).
I used the following Stampin Up paper for my card:
Whisper White for the base
Daffodil Delight patterned paper for the layer
Bashful Blue and Pacific Point for the present
Regal Rose, Rose Red and Crumb Cake for the cupcake

I went back and added Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the candle to make it really shine! Hope you like my card, please comment! I love comments! :) Thanks for stopping by!

Filmstrip Save the Date Tutorial

2011-01-14T00:42:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

I'm excited because I have just created my first video on You Tube! I wanted to make my own Save the Dates for our wedding using a filmstrip photo. My sister in law took some great pictures of us so I just had to make the filmstrip and the card. Take a look at my 4 part video series on You Tube. Here is the first video:

Thanks for watching!

A New Year, No Baggage

2011-01-02T22:08:00.001-08:00

Hi my fellow readers! ... If I have any out there ;) If not, at least I'll know I'll be reading this later in life and maybe my "future" kids as well. ;)
I say "no baggage" in the new year because that is what the guest Pastor Albert Tate spoke about today in church. Leave your baggage behind and trust God. So, that's what I did. I stood up, raised my hands to the sky and said, God, here you go. I have a lot of things in my past that I am not proud of...2 divorces, moving all around all the time, not trusting God, letting a lot of pain and sorrow build up for what I lost and what I don't have. I stood up today in church and gave away all my excess baggage so I can start fresh and look forward to my new life. My life with God, and Galen. Only 143 days until I am Mrs. Becker...I'm SO excited about that! :) We hope to start trying for a baby right after the wedding in May. It all seems so surreal, but I guess that is what makes it a little scary...the unknown. But that is what you get when you lose that familiar baggage you're carrying around and trust God to take you where you need to go.
I'm ready Lord, let's go!

Scraproom Blog Challenge

2010-11-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

For this challenge at The Scraproom Blog, the challenge was to use patterned paper as your background. Easy peasy! I love to do that. I pulled out my Stampin' Up Halloween DSP (love these colors!) and went to town.
I used a sketch layout from Nuts About Sketches (love this site!) It's perfect for when I feel like I have lost my scrapbook mojo!

Scrapbook Challenge - Apron Strings

2010-11-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

I'm back doing scrapbook and card challenges!! I'm so excited to start knocking out some pages because my pile of memories is getting quite large! ;)
I will post Stampin' Up exclusive layouts/cards here on my business site, and any other misc challenges HERE on my new personal site for my family (soon to be Mr & Mrs Becker in May 2011!).

So here is a challenge from Apron Strings where we can only use piles on our desk to create a page layout. Thank goodness I just had my stamp-a-stack and I had lots of goodies to choose from! I used Deck the Halls DSP, Crumb Cake cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Seam binding and a few pearls. You can find specials on my Christmas items HERE. Check out the 20% discount you can get!

Halloween Card, Treat Boxes & Decor!

2010-10-12T11:30:00.001-07:00

Here's a cute Halloween card we made in my Meet Up last Wednesday night. It was very fun making the little treat boxes too! These qualify for a super cool challenge over at Cupcake Craft Challenges too! For more pictures visit my Meet Up site or my Stampin Up website!

I also made a super cool Halloween candle holder for really cheap! I used 2 images from the Spooky Things decor elements from Stampin Up HERE, a glass candle holder from the Dollar Tree, and rocks from the Dollar Tree, added a candle and wa-lah! Spooky but gorgeous candle holder! You can make about 5 candle holders with one set of decor elements. I used the "Trick-or-Treat" element to decorate a candy dish (again bought the dish at the dollar store).

Thanks for checking out my blog! Will post more decorative ideas soon!

Mom's Sewing Room #2

2010-10-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

I would like to post all the pictures and videos with the progress on my mom's sewing room, but I just couldn't figure it out! So, here is a picture of the finished room. My mom was pretty upset, but she got over it real quick :) She does like her new room. Now she just needs her new cabinets and shelves to put all her fabric away.

And here's another one:

My Mom's Sewing Room - An Intervention

2010-09-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

So SORRY I'm a bad blogger! I haven't been on in weeks!! I have been working on a special project. I am in the process of cleaning out and organizing my Mom's sewing room. She doesn't know (she wouldn't let me do it!!), she's on vacation with my Dad. So I have taken the liberty of sneaking in with their spare key and I'm cleaning it out. I'm not throwing anything away, just pulling it all out and I'm going to put it back in an organized manner. I will label everything. I know she might be a little irritated at first but I am hoping she'll appreciate it later.
I'm documenting everything and I am going to share my little videos with you. I think I sound like a dork, but maybe you'll enjoy it and get a laugh out of it.
So here is the first video:

Hmmmm, the video failed...I will have to figure out why and get it posted asap! Here are BEFORE pictures so you can get an idea of what I had to start with!

New Meet Up Group

2010-08-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!!

Just a quick note to say I'm excited that I signed up for Meetup.com again. My new stamping group is Sunset Stampers and we will meet the first Wednesday of every month. Here is a link to my Meet Up group where you can check out our projects and sign up for a workshop. The fee is $5 to cover the cost of supplies. The workshop fee is waived if you spend $25 or more. Hope to see you at a workshop soon!!

So excited!

2010-07-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

I'm so so excited to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator! I'm getting ready to get my business kicked off with my first workshop coming up on August 8th! I am wanting to open up my workshop to everyone out there as well....hmmm maybe a little order incentive (FREE STUFF) will be happenin'?? I'll ponder this and get back to everyone. I am also getting ready to get back on Meet Up and run my own group again. I need to think of a name for my Stampin Up Workshop Group....any ideas? I'll be posting some cards from my workshops soon! I'm working on them now...getting so excited about new stamps and new projects! I should have my Meet Up group started by August 1st if anyone is interested, check back then. I will be holding a Meet Up workshop once a month, probably in the first week of every month.
Can't wait!!!!

My First Workshop and Baking and Pastry

2010-07-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

So, my first official Stampin' Up workshop will be on August 8th. I'm so excited! I created 2 cards for make n takes. I'll post those when I can. I love all the new colors like the Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight. Those 3 are fabulous together, just awesome summer colors! Check out this cool color tool on the Stampin Up site HERE.

I'm already into my 6 month of school, can you believe it?! I'm in the 4th semester class, Baking and Pastry which is about 6 weeks long. Tomorrow will be the end of week two. It's been so fun so far. We have a great class and we all work well together! This week we've been making things such as pastry cream, fruit pies, quiches, frangipane, apple pear tart and eclairs! Tomorrow we will fill our baked eclairs with some yummy hazelnut cream. I will post some pictures of that! Eventually I will post a link to all my cool recipes I'm learning. The soft pretzels were great!

Thanks for stopping by! Hugs!

New Stampin' Up Demonstrator!!!

2010-07-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

That's right! You heard it here...I just signed up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator! I've been pondering this awesome opportunity for quite some time now. I decided that every month that I attend my Meet Up group, I LOVE to get out my adhesive and put together a cute homemade card that has gorgeous complementary colors and matching paper, inks, and embellishments. I have so much fun stamping, making cards and making new friends! I decided that in my spare time (between going to culinary school) will be my ME time! My time for growing my Stampin' Up business. I've been thinking about this for a year now so I'm glad I finally "took the plunge" :)
So, without further ado...Here is my "official" Stampin' Up website where you can purchase Stampin' Up products from me 24/7!

http://sweetpieces.stampinup.net

I look forward to posting new card ideas and project ideas using the latest and greatest Stampin' Up products! Keep an eye out for a NEW Meet Up group I'll be starting in the Rocklin/Roseville/Lincoln area where you can attend a monthly workshop and make cards for a real low cost!

Hope to get to stamp with ya soon! :)

Paper Posies Challenge - May 3rd

2010-05-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a layout I did using Paper Posies challenge which they got from Scrapbooks Etc magazine. The challenge is to create a layout with strips of paper punch with edge punches and layer them over the same color cardstock to create a unique background.
Here is my page...one more picture down, two hundred and something to go!

Win a Cricut Cake!!

2010-04-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

This is an AWESOME giveaway by Cuttlebug Challenge site. They are giving away a Cricut Cake! Check it out HERE.

Oooh I hope I win it! If I do, I think I will make my own wedding cake next May!!!!

Gnocchi

2010-04-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

We made gnocchi today at school. I totally bombed. I over worked my dough so my gnocchis were doughy. :( I am bummed because I totally love them. I decided to make some tonight and I'll let you know how they turn out. I'll take a picture. Also going to make Ratatouille since I have a practical test tomorrow! We have to make rice pilaf, ratatouille, glazed carrots, Dauphinoise potatoes and green beans amendine! Wish me luck!
Also we had someone come in to talk to us about an externship in Sorrento, Italy. I decided I want to do my 6 weeks abroad somewhere. I would love to do it in Italy, Spain or France. Preferably in Italy. I think I will need some help with the financial part though, it can get pricey with some of these programs. The one they talked about today was $4500 for 3 months (does not include airfare). Also still saving for my wedding next May. Would it be rude to make a Paypal donation button?? :)

Paper Posies Sketch Challenge

2010-04-21T00:34:00.000-07:00

I just love this sketch by Julie Bonner, of course. :) She designed this for Paper Posies Sketch Challenge. I really loved this one! Used some Sasafrass paper on this and a cute popscicle embellishment I've had forever! The stamp inside the popscicle is a Unity Stamp. I'm so into the Our Life, Our Stories stamp set I got from them on special. It's great for scrapbook pages!

Another picture down, 221 more to go! :) Is anyone out there reading this blog? lol
Hopefully someone is getting some enjoyment out of it.

I made Brown Stock tonight. Has to cook for 24 hours...so I'll drop it around 6pm tomorrow evening. (strain it) I can't wait to cook with it! Gonna make some demi-glace with it and some yummy sauces like Marchand de Vin and Sauce Chasseur! Anyone make their own brown stock out there??

Camping at Lake Beardsley Layout

2010-04-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

I love this layout! Partially because I love this paper by Cosmo Cricket and finally got to use it, partially because I love this sketch by Julie Bonner.

She designed it for Magpie Club, love the kits, just haven't been able to get one yet! They sell out so fast. If I'm lucky, I might be able to get a credit crunch kit to try. :)

So, I counted my pictures and I have 222 more to go! After the Sharks game tonight I hope to scrap 1 if not 2 more pages tonight! :) Go Sharks!

Sketchy Thursdays 4.15 Challenge

2010-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

I love the look of this page! I used the sketch challenge from Sketchy Thursdays. The bonus is from Who's That Girl, that challenge blog prompt is "Right Now." What are you into right now, at this point in your life? I am into working on scrapbook pages from my childhood. I have so many and I'm trying to finish them all this year! I loved finally getting to use this Basic Grey Nook & Pantry paper! I did a little Glimmer Mist to the bottom of it in a coppery brown color. The journaling stamp is by Unity Stamp Co. Gotta have thickers too by American Crafts!

Got to make risotto, basmati rice and rice pilaf at school today...I did not know that risotto was soooo good. It's also not that hard to make. If you have never had it, I highly recommend it!! :)It's medium grain rice cooked al dente in chicken stock. Finished with parmesan cheese and butter, which is called mantecare. You can even add a little white wine to it. I'd love to try it with Fontina cheese. MMmmmm

Dolly Parton Look

2010-04-19T00:38:00.000-07:00

Yay, another layout done! This one is for the challenge on The Scrap Room Blog, Challenge Week #15. This is me when I was 8 or 9. We were having a water balloon fight in our backyard and I thought it would be funny to put a couple water balloons in my bathing suit. :) My brother and sister said I looked like Dolly Parton LOL. So that's what I think of whenever I look at this picture. Good times...

Oh, I made the MOST delicious cake I've ever ever had. It is a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. So moist and delicious! I'm sad to say I cannot take credit for the recipe because I got it from Food Network.com. It is Ina Garten's recipe called Beatty's Chocolate Cake. I'm tellin ya, this is a 5-star recipe! I did use espresso instant powder for the instant coffee part in the frosting. :)So I guess I can modify it and say it's mine ;)
Here is the cake I made for my friend Mallory, and here is her "fake" pose for blowing out the candles that she already blew out!
Try the cake and tell me you don't LOVE it =)Life's too short...

My Scrapbook Challenge!

2010-04-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I have been procrastinating long enough and I have a small box of photos (these do not include several albums I have) that I would love to scrapbook. I would love to scrap these photos and incorporate several journaling pages (my diaries/journals)that I have kept over the years in one easy to follow story of my life. I am not writing a book, so it won't be overwhelming. This will be a compilation of my fondest memories, correlating with my fondest photos. I want to save these memories for my family and future children and their children, and so on. So...Here is my challenge to myself...

1 Box of photos from my childhood and early adulthood - approx 228 photos (maybe more)
+
1 Lifetime of Memories & experiences

8 months and 19 days (263 days) to scrap it

I am giving myself just until the end of this year because I know that starting in January I will be 1 busy gal. I will have my culinary externship to do - hopefully OUT of the country, plus I will be 5 months away from my wedding...and other things "ahem". ;)
So, I can't waste any more time! I will use scrapbook challenges when I can (so I have a chance to win goodies to replenish my stash!) I have a few favorites lined up:
Practical Scrappers
Scrapbook Challenges
The Scrap Room
Sketchy Thursdays

If anyone knows of other good scrapbook page challenges, please let me know! Maybe you can join along with me if you want to! I can't wait to get started, but I know that hard part will be staying focused.

I have sauce practicals (tests) tomorrow on Bechamel, Veloute, Espagnole and Hollandaise. Wish me luck!! :)

Scrap Room Lookout! I'm Baaaack!

2010-04-11T23:56:00.001-07:00

I am back in the saddle, so to speak! Along with Culinary school I am going to be buckling down and doing some major scrappin this year. I know that with my wedding coming up next May and other things we have planned, I will need to catch up on my scrapping by the END of this year! I am making a challenge for myself and I'll post it up tomorrow. I am still figuring out the details, but it would be cool if you would like to follow along! I know it's great inspiration for me when I get some friends involved. :)
For my page today I used one of the last sketches from Triple the Sketch, and I used The Scrap Room Blog challenge Week #14 challenge which was to cut AROUND some of the fun patterns in your patterned papers. I also used the Practical Scrappers challenge which was to use glitter and bling! (love it!)
I used American Crafts paper, some half pearls and a pearl swirl, rhinestones, and a cute transperancy from Hambly Screen Prints(that I won from Studio Calico). I don't use transperancies much because I never know what to do with them, but I loved this one! It was much easier than I thought! I only did a little bit of distressing with some charcoal ink to add a little somin somin. :) I can't wait to start my challenge tomorrow!!!

2nd Term Culinary School - Foundations II

2010-04-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

So today was my first day back to school, our 2nd term. Our chef is Chef Bruno...he's from Peru and has quite the heavy accent. So, in between his thick accent and talking pretty fast I will strain to keep up. Today we made brown stock and tomorrow we'll drop it (strain it out). When we were almost done with the stock, everyone combined all their ingredients into 2 stock pots. We cleaned up and he announced we had a pop quiz from our 1st term, YIKES! I hoped I remembered everything...
We came back from break and took the test. I felt like I might have missed 5 or 6 out of 20. I hope I didn't miss more than that. Then I suddenly remembered we didn't put in the sachet (or bouquet garni) of herbs into the stock. (He didn't mention it to us) I asked him about it. He said "Do you have it ready?" I said, "no". So he said "oh well, don't worry about it". LOL! Hope our stock will still taste superb anyway! :)
Like Chef Dellar said last term, "It's ON!".

Spring Break!!!

2010-03-29T00:31:00.001-07:00

So I'm on Spring Break and visiting my parent's in the mountains for a couple days. I thought it would be nice to relax for a bit after some stressful finals at school. I did very well, thankfully, getting a 98/100 on the final knife skills test. Also got a 70/75 on my written final. My mayo and hollandaise sauces came out pretty good too. It was a pretty good first 6 weeks of school!

Now I'm diving into planning the wedding! I never thought I would be looking at dresses again but I am. There are sooo many lovely ones. I went to David's Bridal with one of my bridesmaids, Aleanea, yesterday. Just from that store I had about 5 favorites! I'm definately going with white, at least I know that for sure! hahaha

Colors...I still haven't decided on colors. It's tough choosing. This is my 3rd wedding so I'm trying to be original. I am really leaning towards Mostly Moss and Perfect Plum from Stampin Up. The other colors I'm looking at are Night of Navy and Bordering Blue. Also Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay. So do I go with a "contrast" in colors or colors from the same family?? What do you think? :) Maybe I can do a poll....

Knife Skills

2010-03-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ok...knife skills. To say the least, it was a stressful. We only had 30 minutes to do 10 cuts. I don't think I even breathed for those 30 minutes. We had to produce specific amounts and pieces of each item. I did 8 of them. I need to practice!!! 30 minutes does not seem like enough time.
On a lighter note, we watched our Chef instructor make Tomato Sauce today. It was just basic tomato sauce with only an herb sachet, and garlic to flavor it. After it was pureed, it was delish! I want to make some this weekend. We'll see if I have time, I'm going snowboarding! Then headed to my niece's 1st birthday party, then practicing my knife skills. The test is next Wednesday! :O
Oh, I made the potato soup but it had too much chicken bouillon I think. I would share the recipe, but I don't think it is worthy enough. I'll think of something else to share with you all that you'll really enjoy. :)

2nd Week of Culinary School & Some Thoughts

2010-03-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

So this week we have been busy! We are still practicing our knife cuts, julienne, brunoise, baton, small dice, chiffonade, minced. We have a practice test tomorrow! OMG, tomorrow?! Our Chef instructor gave us his grade sheet so we can see how he will judge. I am nervous. I mean, chopping, how hard can it be? But julienne, baton, brunoise?? These are precise cuts people. We're talking 1/4" and 1/8" slices that have to be SQUARE or you will not get a perfect square brunoise or small dice! I better practice. Good thing I am making Baked Potato Soup tonight. :) I will be practicing on my potatoes! I'll let you know how that goes...
We also dropped a beef stock. No we didn't drop it on the floor LOL...but we poured it out from the stock pot into a china cap (sieve). Then we skimmed it, brought it to 70 degrees F in an ice bath and then refrigerated it. I did not realize that there were so many steps to stock making!
Today we watched our Chef instructor make Brown Sauce or Espagnole, White Sauce and Veloute. We only tasted, but he said in our next 6 weeks it will be on! We'll be stock making on the first day of school! I can't wait! There are so many sauces that are made from the "mother" sauces. I hope that I'll be able to learn them all and be able to make them!
So right now I'm wondering what I will do with my training and knowledge from culinary school. I pretty much have no idea. But I do know that I've wanted to do it for so long and it's fun. I'm enjoying it immensely. I will post pictures soon, and maybe a recipe for the Baked Potato Soup!

Off to practice knife cuts!!

The first week of Culinary School...

2010-02-23T00:06:00.001-08:00

So, I made it through the first week of culinary school. We had our first test today. It wasn't too bad, I think I missed maybe 4. It was multiple choice and some T/F.

Today I felt the pure happiness of living a dream. I realized I am so blessed to be attending school full time and not having to work. Not only that, it's culinary school. Something I've dreamed about for probably the last 7 years.

I'm loving it so far. Today we got our knife kits. They are very complete with several tools I can't wait to use like my microplane/zester, my whisk, and my sheet pan rubber thingy (although I don't think that is the name of it)...lol...I'll get the hang of all this name stuff. I'm learning that a saucier makes sauces, hot hor'dourves, stews and sautées foods to order and that Boulanger first starting serving soups he called "restaurants" or "restoratives" in 1765 in Paris.

We practiced some knife cuts today, julienne and brunoise. These cuts are very small, only 1/8". They are pretty difficult, but I know with practice it will get easier.
I'm not sure what my plans will be after culinary school...maybe a food writer, or working in a kitchen somewhere...there are so many possibilities.

I'll have to take some pictures of all the fun I'm having and share them. No actual food is being made yet. Well except for my own cooking at home. :)

Closing Sweet Scrap Deal

2010-02-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

I just wanted to post that I will be closing the site SweetScrapDeal.com. It's been fun running my own business, especially doing something I love. However, after starting culinary school I'd like to focus on that. Remember my word this year is FOCUS! ;)
I will be closing the site down sometime on Friday, February 19th. So, if there is something you were wanting to get, but have been waiting, now is the time to get it. The site will be removed by Saturday.
I think I will still have a couple more Meet Ups because I still have a couple projects in the works. Also, if I have extra items from the class, I may post it here for sale as well.
Thank you so much to all my customers. It's been a pleasure serving your scrapbook needs!
I hope those that love food and love to eat will still read my posts and enjoy them! So far I've had 3 days of culinary school and love it! We're learning knife cuts right now, small dice, baton, julienne and brunoise. I get my knife set on Monday and we have our first test! I need to go practice cutting on my carrots...

A Thank You Card

2010-02-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

I made a few thank you cards for my mom and this was one of them. I used my Stampin' Up demonstrator's card as an example. I just replaced one of the squares with the Thank You stamp from Four Square. I just love these design papers Sending Love from Stampin' Up. They go perfectly with the Real Red cardstock they sell too. My Martha Stewart butterfly punch came in handy...until I get my Butterfly Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die :) (on backorder until March 1st) :( I'm also posting a card on my Ippity site too, so please head over HERE and check it out!

A Game, an Engagement & a Giveaway!

2010-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

So, did you know that Bunco is all the craze?? I found a steal of a deal on the game at Wal-Mart in their kid's toys section. They were $4.97 and included a score pad, 3 pairs of dice, 1 bell, and a fuzzy die for traveller. If you have never played, it's a super fun and easy game for 6 or more people. It works best with 12,but I have played with 8, 9 10, 11 etc.
I purchased a Bunco box (Wal-mart $2.00) so that I would have all the contents on hand, and decorated it using my Cricut. The dice on the box I just cut freehand and rounded the corners. Then I used my Crop-a-dile to punch black circles.
Just something fun to dress up the box!

...................................

I also have been a bad blogger and I do apologize!! For this reason I had an earlier blog giveaway that I'm changing. To enter the old one, you would have to leave a comment on every blog post...But there weren't many posts! SO, just leave 1 comment on this post to win blog candy. I'll pick a name on Sunday, the 14th and announce it on the 15th. Here are the yummy Valentine goodies you can win:

...................................

And...last but not least, I just wanted to share that on Saturday, my boyfriend Galen asked me to marry him!!! I was so, so shocked! I didn't see it coming at all. I am so so happy and it shows. :) I just wanted all my blogging friends to know. I've been through a lot of stuff in the past and it was really hard to see a happy ending. We haven't set a date yet. I'm also starting Culinary school on Monday!!! It's going to be a year of exciting and new experiences! I hope to share my journey with you and maybe some tips and yummy recipes! Oh, you probably want to see the ring??? He did good, it's dainty yet elegant - I LOVE IT! I feel like the luckiest girl....

Sweet & Simple Saturday #2 - Valentine Treat Bag

2010-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for joining me on another Sweet & Simple Saturday tutorial. Today I'll show you how to make a quick and easy and super yummy treat bag.
You will need:

* One 4" x 10 1/2" piece of cardstock for treat bag cover (you can make 2 bags with one 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock)

*One design paper 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"
*One very vanilla or whisper white cardstock 3" x 3" (or matching cardstock)

*Scor-Pal™, or other scoring tool
* Scor-Tape™, or other strong adhesive (optional)

* Border Punch (optional)

* Stamps, I used Ippity's Because of You set

* Ink

* Ribbon

* Crop-a-dile™, or other hole punch

* 4" x 4" Cello Bag

* Candy to fill your cello bag

Score the cardstock at 4", 4-1/2", 5" and 9".

Fold cardstock in half at the 4 1/2" score line. Now fold the 4" and 5" score line in the opposite direction to create the bottom of the treat bag cover.

Fold the flap down and punch along the edge with a border punch if you'd like...

Stamp the outside of the cardstock.

Stamp your image and adhere it to the design paper. I also stamped and cut out a duplicate image and popped it up with dimensionals to give it a little extra pop. Then I used Stampin' Ups ticket corner punch on all the corners.

Add a strip of Scor-Tape™ on the score line under the flap. Place the candy filled cello bag on the cardstock.
Line the bottom of the cello bag up with the edge of the first score line, centering over the cardstock.
Fold the part of the cello bag that extends over the score line of the flap down.
Now fold up the cover front. Fold your flap down and punch a hole close to the center of the flap. Punch a second hole next to it.

Then thread your ribbon through the holes and tie your bow and wa-lah!

You have an adorable treat bag to give to someone you love! It's quite simple and fun to make! Here are some close-ups:

Hope you liked this week's tutorial and come back next week for another Sweet & Simple Saturday!
Oh, I almost forgot...please comment to be entered to win blog candy! You'll be entered for every comment starting on this post until Feb 14th. One comment per person per post. I'll draw a winner on Monday, February 15th!

Sweet, Simple, Saturday - Quick gift idea - Calendar

2010-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

So, I got this idea from making a post-it note holder in my Stampin Up group...I thought why not make a cute calendar for the fridge since I needed one! So, here is a quick little tutorial for you! Hope you like it. I plan to post more projects and ideas this year! That's my GOAL. That is my FOCUS. :) I hope to post something sweet and simple every SATURDAY. Wow, wouldn't that be awesome?!?

Supplies you need:
1 - 4" x 6" Acrylic Magnetic Frame (I got mine at Aaron Brothers for $1.99 + 1 for $0.01)
1 - mini calendar (found mine in a set at Michael's)
1 - 4" x 6" piece of design paper ( I used My Mind's Eye paper)
1 - 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" matching cardstock
1 - 3" x 2" white or vanilla cardstock (I used very vanilla by Stampin Up)
- your favorite stamp set
- double sided mounting tape

First stamp your image on the plain white or vanilla cardstock, then use your tombow/glue glider pro or handy adhesive to adhere it to the matching cardstock. Then line it up on the far right side of the 4" x 6" design paper and adhere it. Just leave a little margin on the right side. Then stamp another image (optional) on the bottom left as in my picture here. Then slide your 4"x6" paper into the frame.

Use your mounting tape and use 1 or 2 strips on the back on the mini calendar. Peel off the backing and adhere this to the outside of your frame. That's it you're done! Quick and easy and oh so cute!

OH, and here is a picture of my sweet doggie Hunny, I just had to share :)

Happy Birthday my sweet little niece, Allie!

2010-01-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today, in 2003 I was very blessed to watch my sweet little niece, Allison Kate enter this world in a hospital in Texas! Thank goodness we are all living near each other again and back in California. (this picture was when she was 1 year old and we were in TX)

Allison, today and always I wish you...

Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

Happy Birthday Allie, Love you!!!

New Scraproom...

2010-01-16T20:08:00.001-08:00

So, since I have moved, I now have a new WHOLE room to scrap in! I have not done much scrapping since I have moved in because I was living out of boxes...but it's starting to come along! I bought some 9-cubicle storage sets from Wal-mart and a 2-door cupboard for my cricut. Think I'll make a trip to Ikea tomorrow after church to get a bigger scrap table and more plastic containers. The containers are stack-able and I can fit 2 in each cubby! I'm very excited because as soon as I'm done, I can scrap and stamp more! It's hard when you are unorganized! Stay tuned for some very cute projects and cards...pictures...and

BLOG CANDY!!! :)

Grand Re-Opening!!

2010-01-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

I have finally completed the upload of ALL my sweet scrap deals to my online store Sweet Scrap Deal.com. What's new about my store? Everything! The look and feel, oooh now I have an online gallery of layouts, cards and projects! Also, before it was only "ONE" sweet deal a day...now it is ALL the sweet deals, ALL DAY LONG! :) I do not want people to feel pressured to buy something because it is going away and only available for 1 day. Now you can shop anytime you want at your leisure and be confident the low prices will always be there. There is also a contact form to reach me. If you have any questions, comments or problems with your order, feel free to use that form and I will get back to you within 24 hours. We will have exceptional customer service to offer you!
Be sure to click on MORE at the top of the site which leads to all our products and a close-out, money-saving clearance section! (several Christmas items on sale there!)

AND to celebrate my Grand Re-Opening...get an extra punch on your punch card with every purchase from now until January 31st!!!

ALSO, today is a special day because I am the sponsor (my FIRST sponsorship) for Sketchy Thursdays!!! Be sure to head on over there to participate in the sketch contest and you could win my prize, a Unity Stamp Co October Store Kit!!

Thanks so much for visiting!!!

Check this out!

2010-01-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

So, do you not adore Elizabeth Kartchner?? {Author of 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges}

Well, if you don't know who she is, please take a moment to check out her site HERE and see what she's got going on. I'm excited because she is teaming up with one of my FAVORITES, American Crafts and coming out with her own line of scrapbooking goodies! Just take a peek at these cuties here! They will definitely be making an appearance in the Sweet Scrap Deal store as soon as they are available!!! And yes they will be discounted, as everything in the store IS! :)

A New Year's Resolution in a Word...

2010-01-05T23:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!! So this year I decided to have a New Year's Resolution WORD. My word is ENHANCE. I would like to work on enhancing ME. :) I hope to improve my culinary skills this year, work on my scrapbooking techniques & scrap n stamp MORE, work on growing my business and customer base, work on strengthening my family & friends relationships and really working on my spiritual relationship with God. A more enhanced version of me in 2010 would be great! Charlene 2.0 in twentyten! What would be your word?

A couple of last minute Christmas ideas!

2009-12-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas everyone!! I have finally gotten settled into our new place. I feel bad for not posting more! I've also been consumed by reading the Twilight series. I decided to read the 3rd and 4th book after seeing the movies last week. They are hard to put down!
So, if you need an idea for some last minute things...you are in the right place! I'm so last minute this year, it's terrible. I have LOTS to do! UGH! Ok, so first off you probably ran out of gift tags and need more, right? heehee SO, you can use the October store stamp kit by Unity, for sale HERE, (get $2 OFF Shipping, use coupon code: GET2OFF in the comments when you check out - valid until 12/31/09), and make some quick and super easy gift tags!
I just used a circle punch and a scallop circle punch on these then stamped the back with To: and From:. Then of course added a little bling with stickles!

Looking for more quick ideas like a 5 minute card or a gift card holder? Check out my Ippity website HERE.