Ghostly Greetings!

Wishing you all a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween! :)

Just one more Halloween card for you today! I don't actually send out that many Halloween cards, but I do enjoy making them! Especially when I have a FUN set like this one from Stampin' Up! It's "Twick or Tweet" (116497)from the Holiday Mini Catalog and it includes all four of these hauntingly cute stamps with sentiments for just $18.95.

I've started with a kraft cardstock base of 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 and used a corner rounder punch on the corners. A great suggestion would be to mount the sentiment on the edge of the wood block instead of with the image so you can stamp them separately. I hadn't done this, so I simply took a piece of scotch tape and covered the sentiment when I inked up the image. Then just take off the tape and stamp! I've punched out my little ghosties with the 1-1/2" circle punch and layered them onto a 1-3/4" black circle. The Halloween print paper is from my stash and so is the "boo" ribbon.

I thought you would like to see the inside of the card too. I've used the same stamp, with the "Ghostly Greetings" sentiment and a touch of BOO ribbon! :)

What are you doing this weekend? Are you or your children dressing up in costume for a party or trick or treating? We had a little party yesterday at work with lots of goodies and a few people wore costumes. It's always fun! :) Right now, I'm watching the Today show while typing this and they are showing pets in costume. It's hilarious! It would be a riot to dress up my dachshund Lilly, but I don't think she would appreciate it!

I want to do some stamping today and finalize plans for my Christmas "Stamp-a-Stack". Thanks so much for stopping by, my friends! Love hearing from you! I leave you with a couple little ghostie jokes, just for grins and giggles....

What did the papa ghost say to the baby ghost?

Fasten your sheet belt!

And what did the mama ghost say to the baby ghost?

Put your socks and boos on!

and one of my favs...

What do you call a ghost in a torn sheet?

A holy terror! hee hee

Happy Halloween!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish Saying

{MTSC45} You Make Me Smile!

Better LATE than never, right??!!

It's TUESDAY and I almost forgot to post my card for

MERCY'S TUESDAY SKETCH CHALLENGE!!!

I made my card on Saturday, but I got so busy planning and preparing for my Stampin' Up! event last night that I totally spaced off posting it! Duh! Good grief...that's why Blogger has the pre-post options! Lord Have Mercy! I think I'm losing it!! : /

I'm going to post this FAST before Mercy's fires me and then I'll be back to tell you a little more about my silly card and post links to all the other cards by Mercy's Muses! :) . . . In the meantime, check out this *awesome* sketch by Mercy . . .

If you haven't already, please blog on over and check out all the other Muse's incredible creations! They'll surely *inspire* you to stamp it up! Special thanks to the super talented Silke Ledlow, our October Guest Muse! :)

•Cindy Haffner
•Pam Varnell
•Julie Lacey
•Crystal Birr
•Jessica Diedrich

How's your week going so far? I hope you're finding time to be creative and do what you most enjoy! Have a GREAT week!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~
Better a diamond with a flaw

than a pebble without.

Confucius

Merry & Bright!

This past week has been a busy, crazy week at work and a bit stressful too... thus my lack of posts. Also, I've been preparing for an event coming up on Monday night to promote Stampin' Up! It's a fundraiser for Relay for Life at our local community college with a variety of different vendors. I'll try to remember and take a photo of my display table so you can see it. Wish me luck, as this is really not my sort of thing and makes me a little nervous!

I've been making several cards with the Stampin' Up! Christmas Cocoa Designer Paper (116770) for my display. And since my mojo is lacking this week, I've used the same color combo and Mercy's sketch again too! This gorgeous paper includes a fabulous feature --*flocking*! The paper gives your projects instant dimension and elegance. The stamp set is Delightful Decorations (116517) along with the Ornament Punch (116794) from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

If you're interested in any of these products and don't have a SU demo in your area, please let me know and I would be happy to order and ship direct to you! :) I almost forgot to mention, the white die cut is from Stampin' Up! also - Top Note (113463).

Well, I better get movin'! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.

Robert Quillen

{MTSC44} A Red Christmas Tree?

It's time for another sketch challenge!

And this one is Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge

at Lord Have Mercy!

Isn't this a unique and fun sketch?! Thanks to Mercy Kerin for such a great design again this week! The stamp set I've used is Patterned Pines, a level 1 Hostess set from Stampin' Up! The designer paper I've used on the background is flocked and from the Christmas Cocoa Specialty series.

When I asked MW (Mr Wonderful) what he thought of my card. He said "I think the trees should have been green." OK... I prefer *green* trees too, but don't you think the red looks better with the background paper? :)

Now, I'm sure you're as anxious as I am to see what Mercy's other Muses have created:

•Cindy Haffner
•Pam Varnell
•Julie Lacey
•Crystal Birr
•Jackie Pedro
•Jessica Diedrich
•Shannan Teubner
•Silke Ledlow (October Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Simply create a card or scrapbook layout using Mercy's sketch, and link your creation with Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC44 when uploading to a public gallery. Mercy will personally check out each submission, so don't be surprised if she contacts you about being a guest designer for an entire month of Tuesdays!

I'm so glad you stopped by today!

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,

even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.

{SSSC40} My Silly Sweet Sunday Creation

Happy Sweet Sunday!

When I first saw today's Sweet Sunday Sketch, I was *scared* of it! :) Well, not exactly frightened, but intimidated! Mainly because of all the circles . . . so I sat and pondered what in the world I could create with this busy layout. Then . . . I looked at all the spectacular creations by the design team and I was inspired, to say the least! WOW!

My card has very little stamping . . . actually, only the sentiment! The circles are all punched out of a remnant of Halloween designer paper I've had in my stash. I've used three Stampin' Up! punches for this card . . . the 1", 1-1/8" and the scalloped edge punch. The circles are all popped up with dimensionals and the scalloped edge is punched twice, one to get the scallop and again to create the creepy look. :) I did have to make my card a tad larger than Karen's sample to get my circles to fit in the width. I've used a 7" square piece of Stampin' Up! basic black cardstock for the base and folded it in half. What do you think? I think it's sort of sweet and silly at the same time. :)


You're all encouraged to play along in this challenge hosted by Karen Giron from The Sweetest Thing. You know I would *love* to see what each of you do with this one! :) If it frightens you like it did me and you need some inspiration, hop on over to Karen's blog and see what her Sweet Sunday Stampers have created! You'll *scream* with delight! :)

That's all for now as I need to fold some laundry and take care of a few things around the house. We were out late last night (late for us old-timers anyway!) so I slept in this morning and haven't really got much accomplished yet today. Well, I take that back . . . I finally got a few of my programs loaded onto my laptop and updated my address book. Last night, we met some great old friends from high school at a local restaurant and had such a fun time laughing and reminiscing! Omg, can they tell stories! :)

Are you having a good weekend? I hope so! Thanks so much for blogging by and if you have time, leave a short little comment and let me know you were here. And if you make a card with this sketch be sure to let me know that too, because I wanna see it!! I *love* hearing from you, my friends!

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~
Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary,"

"spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title.

Scooby-Doo

{WSC102} Dreaming of a White Christmas...

Another week has just whizzzzzed by! And as you can tell by my lack of posts, I haven't had much time to get inky this week. At least I've had a chance to play along with two of my favorite sketch challenges ~ Mercy's on Tuesday and Beate's today! :)

You'll see the details for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge on her fabulous blog at Fresh & Fun.

I've had a chance to use some of my new Stampin' Up! goodies from the Holiday Mini catalog. The real red cardstock is embossed with the Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petals-a-Plenty (116824) and the specialty designer paper is Christmas Cocoa (116770). I've also used the jumbo snowflake punch (116628) and the rhinestone brads (109110). The card base is a 6 x 6 piece of soft suede textured cardstock folded in half. I didn't realize it until done, that this sentiment is from a retired set ~ Best Yet!

I'm listening to the Nebraska vs Texas Tech football game while I'm stamping this afternoon and it's not going too well in first half for the BIG RED! I hope they can pull it out like they did last week! Go Huskers!

What are you doing this weekend? Whatever it is, be sure to make time for YOU! Thanks so much for stopping by. Your comments always brighten my day and make me SMILE!

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

"Snowflakes are kisses from Heaven."

anonyomous

{MTSC43} Inspired by Nature

It's Tuesday again and time to play along
with Mercy's fabulous Sketch Challenge! :D

For my monochromatic card I've used Inspired by Nature by Stampin' Up!, inked it in soft suede and clear embossed for dimension and sheen. The designer paper is from my stash and coordinated perfectly with the Stampin' Up! soft suede cardstock. The ribbon is polka dot soft suede but I've used the reverse side instead and attached a button with linen thread.

It's so fun to start with Mercy's layout, select my stamp set and away I go to the land of creativity! :)

Now, if you haven't already, you'll want to blog on over and see what Mercy's other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

Cindy Haffner
Pam Varnell
Julie Lacey
Crystal Birr
Jackie Pedro
Jessica Diedrich

Shannan Teubner

Silke Ledlow (October Guest Muse)

You're *all* encouraged to participate! Just create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, blog on over to Lord Have Mercy and link your creation with Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC42 when uploading to a public gallery. Mercy herself will be checking out each submission, so don't be surprised if she contacts you about being a guest designer for an entire month of Tuesdays!

Thanks for stopping by and please come back again soon!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.
Anthony J. D'Angelo

The road to a friend's house is never long.

"The road to a friend's house is never long." is a Danish Proverb and the name of the ATC Swap I'm in at the Stamp Shack. Joanie {aka ccstampin12} thought up this clever idea for a swap. I think I signed up back in August and it isn't due until November, but I thought I best get them done before I forget all about it!

Lately, I've been *trying* to post creations using primarily Stampin' Up! stamps and products to abide by their new demo blog policy. But today, I just had to share this with you because I think it's a stinkin' cute ATC. Check out the button wheels! :) If you don't know who makes this adorable little stamp and want to know, just email me and I'll whisper it in your ear. ;)

Oh look! I did use the *cool* new Modern Label punch {116630} by Stampin' Up! for the computer generated quote. I've used whisper white, basic black and yoyo yellow cardstock and the polka dot paper and ribbon are from my stash. {ATC measures 2-1/2 x 3-1/2"}

Another reason I love this stamp so much is because I drive a yellow VW beetle. This is the first car I've ever owned that I've named. :) Introducing . . . "Harvey" . . .

"Harvey" is named after the one and only Harvey Ball, the original creator of the happy, smiley face. For more smiley face photos and trivia, you can visit my silly website at www.smileycollector.com . Since I've started stamping and blogging the smiley website has been seriously neglected, but I still hear from people all around the world and that makes me SMILE! :) Did you notice my license plate? It's "smiley1". ;)

I want to give a shout out to Linzy today...yes, I've missed you girl! Glad to know you're still reading my blogo. I'm just a couple hour drive from Lincoln and remember . . . "the road to a friend's house is never long". ;) This goes for Debbie, Gail, Michele, Vicki and anyone else within driving distance. Stop by and stamp anytime!

Enjoy your Sunday!
Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

The best car safety device is

a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.

Dudley Moore

{WSC101} Autumn Days & the Ring-Neck Pheasant

Happy Weekend, My Friends!

This card was created especially for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge. I planned to use this new Stampin' Up! Autumn Days. But first I had to figure out how to make it work with this layout. I've used chocolate chip cardstock for the base, more mustard, really rust layers and a few assorted remnants of autumn designer papers.




I wasn't sure what to do with the pheasant! I mean, they are such a beautifully colored bird and I knew I couldn't do it justice if I tried to color it with markers. Instead, I stamped it in brown and embossed with a clear embossing powder. The other stamping of the tall grass, the maple leaf and the background is done with Versamark and clear embossing powder.

Ringneck Pheasant

What are you doing this weekend and how's the weather where you are? We woke up to a temp of 27 and light *SNOW* on the ground!!! The only other time I remember it snowing this early in October is in 1970 ~ on my sister's wedding day! The sun is shining now and it looks like a beautiful Autumn day! The leaves are really falling and I noticed my potted plants are wilted by the frost. I dread the thought of winter to come . . .

Today I got a wireless mouse for my new laptop so I can navigate with a little more speed. Now, I just need to get my files transferred too and I can put the old desktop to rest.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~
I live by this credo: Have a little laugh and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough.
Red Skelton

10 Minute Medallion Card!

The new "Medallion" background stamp by Stampin' Up! is *perfect* for quickly creating a card that's ready to give in 10 minutes or less! I've seen many beautiful variations that have great detail, but this one is super simple!

I've inked the entire stamp with Stampin' Up in-color crushed curry and then "double dipped" the edges in dusty durango. There is a name for this technique, but it's not coming to me at the moment! :) I stamped the image again in dusty durango, cut out the center, attached the clear button with embroidery thread and layered it on top of the card with dimensionals. Easy peasy!

What do you think? Is it too plain? Does it need ribbon, glitter or a brad or two?


How's your week going? Mine has gone FAST and I'm *happy* tomorrow is FRIDAY! Yes! I live for my weekends and time to do as I please! I really want to spend some time learning how to use the new digital software by Stampin' Up! ~ My Digital Studio. The little bit I've played with it, I am SO impressed! It's *amazing* what it can do!!!

Thanks for dropping in today! Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

Erma Bombeck

{MTSC42} Sending Halloween Smiles . . .

. . . across the miles!

Here is my card for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge!

I've used the new "Pumpkin Patch" set {116499} from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog.

Mercy's Sketch Challenges are as much FUN as a trip to the pumpkin patch!! :D Be sure to blog on over to Lord Have Mercy and see what Mercy and all the Muses have created to inspire you this week! There you'll find all the details if you want to participate and I just know you will!! This month we're all excited to have the mega-talented Silke Ledlow join us as our October Guest Muse. You may know her as "sparklegirl" at Splitcoaststampers.

~ Mercy's Muses ~

Silke Ledlow ~ My Life

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

**Shannan Tuebner ~ Shannan Tuebner Designs

** Shannan won't be participating this week as she is in the hospital. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery! Bless her heart. XXXOOO

Below is a photo of Mercy's awesome sketch. Can you see the circle on the left side? Love it! If you have any questions at all about my card, please don't hesitate to ask! I *love* all your comments and it really makes my day to hear from you! :D

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself

than be crowded on a velvet cushion.

Henry David Thoreau

Stampin' Up! Open House Projects & Pix!

Happy Hi, My Friends! :D
Have you wondered where I've been all week? Goodness sakes, time flies when you're having FUN!!! :D I was busy preparing for my Stampin' Up! Open House held yesterday on World Cardmaking Day! We had such a GREAT time! I thought you would all enjoy seeing the three projects we made and a few random stamping photos too . . .



This yummy little treat was created with the Pumpkin Patch set and the new Sweet Treat Cups from the new Holiday Mini Catalog. FUN and good to eat too!


For this one, we used the Falling Leaves set and stamped with the new "In-colors" ~ soft suede, dustry durango and crushed curry ~ along with some old olive to coordinate with the background paper. The grateful sentiment and the leaf are popped up with dimensionals. I love demonstrating all the incredible punches that Stampin' Up! offers. This one is the Modern Label punch and you can layer it so easily by cutting the background piece in half.

Since I wanted to offer three projects, I tried to keep them all fairly simple and this one was a quickie. We stamped "Dasher" in chocolate chip, layered him on choc chip and real red cardstock. We punched a piece of always artichoke with the Curly Label punch (another FAV!), folded it in half and attached it to the side with the Crop-a-dile and a large eyelet. These colors coordinate perfectly with the beautiful "Sleigh Bells" cotton ribbon from the Holiday Mini. The snowflake on the background was stamped with Versamark and the snowflake from the Patterned Pines hostess set.

Yvonne was SO excited when she discovered she could change the sentiments on the Falling Leaves card and make it into a congratulations card for the wedding she was attending later in the day! I really wish I had thought to take a photo of her finished card! She stamped "the BEST is yet to Be" instead of "Grateful" and punched it out with the Curly Label punch. Instead of using the giving thanks leaf, she cut out another one and adhered it next to the sentiment at the bottom. It was beautiful and perfect for an autumn wedding card!

Lindsey and Deb (daughter and Mom) are looking very intense here, but I heard a lot of laughing and teasing going on too. :D

Omg, my hand on my hip and I look like a Big Boss! :D My sweet DIL Jami took this photo when I wasn't looking. (obviously!) LoL!

This is precious little Briley who came along with her Mommy to stamp it up! She was such a sweetie and SO good the entire day! Here we decided to have Briley draw for the Door Prize! Congratulations to KAREN ~ the lucky winner

of a new Stampin' Up set!


Briley and I were both ready for a nap at the end of the day!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and if you stuck with me through this long post, you're quite a trooper! :D Sure wish you *all* could have come to my Open House!! Stamping together and sharing our creative ideas makes for such a great time!

Smiles 2 U!

Stampin' Up! Statement of the Heart:

To love what we do and share what we love,
as we help others enjoy creativitity
and worthwhile accomplishments
in this we make a difference!