I Did It!

Yep, I took the plunge. I am, once again, a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Today, I got my email with my new ID# and password to get on the demonstrator website. I find it sad that my new ID# is 7 digits long. My old ID# was only 5 digits. Time rolls along! So things at Stampin' Up! haven't changed too much, but I've had a mental block for the past 2.5 years, so now I need to re-educate myself on all things SU! Another sad fact is that I only have about 12 current stamp sets. Sure, that's enough for workshops, but any self-respecting demonstrator knows that many more stamp sets are needed! Not to mention all the new accessories that have come out in the last 2-3 years.

Like the Big Shot! Beckie brought hers with her when she visited last month. It is so cool! I totally NEED one. It does so many cool things! And there is the Digital Scrap booking program that SU! has now. I have resisted digital scrap booking so far, but the samples I have seen with it are just beautiful! And honestly, I haven't actually scrap booked in a LONG time. So the idea of doing it all on the computer (where the pictures are anyway) is so awesome.

So here is my big plea: Wanna have a workshop? Or come to a class? Keep me in mind, I will be getting all my ducks in a row and setting up some events. As soon as I have my Demonstrator Website set up I will post a link here and you will be able to enjoy the world of Stampin' Up! at your leisure. Until then, keep crafting!

To Be or Not to Be...a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Well, you probably already know that I was once a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. In fact, I was a demo for 8.5 years! I love creating and sharing the joy of creating. It was a hard decision to quit when I did in 2008. I hated to abandon my downline most of all. Over the past 2.5 years I have not regretted quitting at all. But now I am considering rejoining the SU! family.

My upline and dear friend, Beckie, came to visit last week and she had a lot of great ideas about me signing up. To sweeten the deal, there is a special for past demonstrators to rejoin for only $35.00!! Now I have a decision to make. Do I want to be a demo again?

I'm just not sure. There are many things I love out Stampin' Up! The main thing that I miss is the whole social aspect. I miss getting together with my fellow demos and with customers at workshops and at stamp camps. I also miss the big Stampin' Up! events like Leadership Conference and Convention. I really miss the sound of the UPS driver pulling up to my house with new stamps! I live on a corner and that darn UPS truck is in my neighborhood nearly every day, but he never stops here anymore. ; (

There are also a few things that I haven't missed about SU! I haven't missed worrying about making my quarterly sales quota. I haven't missed leaving my family in the evenings to go to a workshop. I haven't missed driving myself crazy trying to come up with new a fabulous make-n-takes, or card swaps. I haven't missed telling my kids I can't do something for them because I am getting ready for a workshop or stamp camp. And mostly, I haven't missed finding new customers and talking people into having workshops or buying stamps.

So there is my conundrum. Do I? or don't I? I'm open to opinions here, so feel free to leave a comment with your ever so humble opinion (and Beckie, I already know yours!). I have another week or so before I have to make my final decision. I will keep you posted.

Baby, Baby, Baby!

Today was card swap day. We swapped Baby Cards. They all turned out so cute! We didn't make assignments for gender specific cards. And we got a nice assortment. So take a look at this month's offering of swaps. I'm looking forward to next month already. We will have some fresh faces joining our swap.

Such a bright, adorable card by Nickie Kenyon.

Another one by Nickie, this one is soft and sweet. I love the lamb and the stitching.

I love the texture on this card by Christine Fouts

The snaps are so adorable on this card by Becca Goodwin

I love the color palette of pink and gray. By, DeeAnn Haworth.

So cute! I love the combo of stripes and polka dots. By, Lisa Jones.

This bunny is stamped on craft foam and colored with markers. By Michelle (Me) Tweedy.

"I do" Wedding Cards Abound

This month's theme for card swap was Wedding Cards. And everyone did a lovely job. Take a look!

by, Nickie Kenyon

by, DeeAnn Haworth

by, Christine Fouts

by, Lisa Jones

by, Me!

by, Michelle Hansen

by, Becca Goodwin

This is the cover for the cute little bound album that Lisa brought to share as a make-n-take.

Inside pages are made from envelopes.

Each envelope has a journaling tag inside.

For more information see Lisa's blog here.

I'm having a ton of fun with our card swap. It gets me stamping every month again. Gosh, I remember a time when I was stamping every DAY! But at least I'm using my supplies and getting those creative juices flowing occasionally. Next month our theme is Baby Cards! They are always so fun!

Thank You Card Swap

Lat week I hosted another card swap. This time the theme was Thank You Cards. Everyone did a great job and we decided that next month we will do Wedding Cards. We also did a make-n-take on swap day. I shared the technique, Reverse Spotlighting, and here is the sample. Just click here for detailed instructions on this fun technique. My husband said the card looked psychedelic! Hope you like it. Scroll on down to see all the cards.

Glitter Flower, by Me

Seeing Spots, by Michelle Hansen

Too Kind, by Christine Fouts

Flowers and Circles, by Mina Krutsch

Polk Dots, by DeeAnn Haworth

Scalloped Thanks, by Lisa Jones

Apricot Flowers, by Kristy Yapp

Going Spotty, by Becca Goodwin

Garden Thanks, by Nickie Kenyon

I hope you are enjoying spring. I sure am!

Birthday Card Swap

I pulled together a Birthday card swap with my friends. Each person had an assignment of what type of birthday card to make, boy, girl, teen, man, woman, or generic. All the cards are fabulous! I will definitely be doing this again next month for Thank you cards. Here are the cards for you to enjoy!

Birthday Balloons, by Becca Goodwin

Celebrate Today, by Michelle Hansen

Lovely Tree, by yours truly!

Cupcake, by DeeAnn Haworth

Purple Flowers, by Becca Goodwin

Slug Bug, by Michelle Hansen

Word Search, by me, again

You Rock!, by Lisa Jones

Gift and Tag, by DeeAnn Haworth

B is for Birthday, by Mina Krutsch

Airplane, by Christine Fouts

Aren't they just great?? I love them all. And I love that I now have a lot of cards to pick from when those birthdays sneak up on me, like they usually do.

If any of you card makers, that aren't local would like to join in our swap by mail, leave a comment with your email address and I will contact you.

Happy Crafting!

100 Things About Me

My friend, DeeAnn, at All the Doodah Day did this on her blog and I inspired to do the same.

1. I love to read.

2. I have always been a one book-at-a-time girl, but lately I have found myself reading several books simultaneously.

3. I love to read blogs.

4. I spend too much time on Facebook, but it's fun to keep in touch with friends.

5. I hate to clean house. (House done correctly won't kill you, but why take the chance!)

6. Being a mom is the best and hardest job I've ever had.

7. I don't enjoy cooking a meal.

8. But I love to bake sweet treats like cookies.

9. Air-popped popcorn is my favorite snack.

10. Although chocolate is good anytime!

11. Right now I am re-reading the Mitford books by Jan Karon.

12. I am a "cat person".

13. My cat's name is Cosmo.

14. I once made my Mom's cat run away. (by accident)

15. I love having the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.

16. I wish I had more courage to share the gospel with those I love.

17. I joined the Church when I was 22 years old.

18. The Church has been a blessing in my life everyday since then.

19. I have moved at least 18 times in my life.

20. The longest I have ever lived in one house is 6 1/2 years.

21. I have lived in Lancaster for almost 17 years.

22. I went to four Elementary Schools,

23. two Middle Schools,

24. and only one High School.

25. I have had 14 cars.

26. I am terrible with money.

27. I hate to do yard work.

28. Plants usually die, that I have planted.

29. I have one houseplant.

30. It was a house warming gift nearly four years ago.

31. I need to water my houseplant.

32. I joke that I have a "black thumb" instead of a "green thumb".

33. But I really think it's true.

34. I love serving in Primary.

35. I miss serving in Young Women, especially since both of my daughters are in there now.

36. I am terrified of serving in Relief Society.

37. I love computers... especially my iMac.

38. I am learning to play the piano.

39. I have lived in Mississippi, Minnesota, Arizona and California.

40. I have never been outside of the USA. Not even to Tiajuana.

41. Besides the states I have lived in, I have been in/through Oregon, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Taxes, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Florida.

42. I have always wanted to visit New York City, England, Italy, Greece and Australia.

43. If I were going to buy a car today, I think it would be a Ford Flex.

44. I would love to learn American Sign Language.

45. I am hooked on Survivor and have been since season 1.

46. I used to watch General Hospital faithfully, but gave it up in 1995 or 96.

47. I have a good eye for color.

48. I love to be crafty.

49. I haven't scrapbooked in a loooonnnnggg time. My pictures are unorganized, and/or trapped in the computer.

50. I watch the Super Bowl for the commercials.

51. Yay, I'm half way!

52. I hate to sew, but I can do it.

53. Independence Day is my favorite holiday.

54. I am a patriot.

55. I attended a Tea Party last year.

56. I'm scared of the direction the country is in.

57. I wish that California could get their act together and make this state great again.

58. My favorite restaurant is B.J.'s. I have loved everything I have gotten there. And the Pizookie is my favorite!

59. My first job was at Taco Bell.

60. I miss my dad.

61. I love to color.

62. I am addicted to paper.

63. I love to see the Temple.

64. I love to go to the movies.

65. My husband is my favorite person!

66. I love the rain.

67. Thunderstorms make me happy!

68. Music is a joy in my life.

69. I love to sing. And I randomly break into song.

70. My kids are fantastic. Even when they are driving my crazy.

71. I'm glad that I have two boys and two girls. It amazes me how different they each are.

72. I loved being pregnant.

73. I didn't have morning sickness even once with any of my pregnancies.

74. I love to save quotes. I put them in a quote book that I decorated with patterned paper, tags, and ribbons.

75. I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for 8 1/2 years. I had twelve people in my downline. I loved having group meetings and doing make-n-takes and swaps.

76. I miss seeing Beckie at the SU! conventions and Leadership Conferences.

77. My favorite season is Autumn.

78. I love the crisp feeling in the air and wearing sweatshirts.

79. I have had my gall bladder removed.

80. I collect Delft porcelain pieces.

81. Almost there!

82. I want to go on a cruise someday.

83. I love to go to the theatre to see musicals.

84. My favorite musical is Wicked.

85. I love 80's music.

86. I got married in 1986.

87. I love to go to Disneyland and want to go to Disneyworld someday.

88. I love to catch reruns of I Love Lucy and the Dick Van Dyke Show.

89.My all-time favorite movie is The Princess Bride.

90. I cry a lot. Even commercials get me! My kids think it's hilarious and weird.

91. I like to go camping.

92. I am well taken care of my my sweetheart. Especially when we go camping.

93. I don't like feet. They gross me out.

94. Except for baby feet. They are the sweetest things ever!

95. I miss having a baby to hold.

96. I am looking forward to being a Grandma someday. But I don't want to be called Grandma... maybe Nana.

97. I like to browse in antique stores.

98. I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and band-aids.

99. I love to play word games.

100. This was fun but it took way to long!!

Tag, you're it!

Cute and Simple Invitations

I'm helping to throw a baby shower this month. Of course, I volunteered to make the invitations. I used old Stampin' Up! paper that I just love along with scalloped circles punched from Chocolate Chip and stamps from the Riveting set in Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink. The ribbon is from Michael's. Beth helped me make them and she liked them so much that she wants me to make these for her baby shower in the WAY distant future. (She's only in middle school, for heaven's sake!)

So enjoy another stamping idea in February! I can't believe how much stamping I've done this month. It's more that I've done in nearly two years, I think.

On a family note: Jacob begins his second semester at AMDA next week. He is loving it there and doing well. I took him job hunting at Universal City yesterday. It was great weather to walk around City Walk. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a job there. Send good thoughts!!

A Gift of Time and Knowledge

I have owned an electric piano for about five years. I have always wanted to play the piano well. I love to listen to piano music. I have longed for someone in my home to be able to play my piano. I am tickled pink when someone comes over and plays beautiful music on said piano. Unfortunately, piano lessons for myself or the children has been out of the question. So the piano has sat there and only occasionally been tinkered with. Until a week ago...

A dear, generous friend of mine has offered to give my kids piano lessons... for free! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. All three of my kids (at home) are so excited to be learning the piano. Especially Matthew. The girls each had a few lessons about four and a half years ago, when money was a little easier to come by, but we never kept it going when their teacher moved away. The best part, is that I get to sit in on the lessons and then apply what I've learned on my own. I did take lessons for about a year when I was twelve, but nearly all of that knowledge has long since been forgotten.

So now I am thoroughly enjoying hearing the piano being played every day. I look forward to the time when I am hearing Church hymns and other music playing softly from the living room. So here is a BIG Thank You to my wonderful friend for her gift of time and knowledge in sharing the piano.

Stamping... What's That?

I seriously cannot remember the last time I stamped before today. But I needed Birthday cards for Primary kids and teachers and I figured I could make a enough for the entire year. It was fun to get back into it. I was so stressed at first, trying to come up with a design and choosing a stamp set was so hard. Once I found the old Smile set from 2000 I knew I was on the right track. So I stamped 25 smile cards using several different background papers.

This card in brown and pink was designed once I had gotten warmed up. This time it was easier to pick stamps and I love the final result. Feel free to CASE me!

Just give credit where credit is due!

I still love this Smile set even after 10 years. It has gotten loads of use and I never tire of it.

I hope to do some more stamping soon. I need to make birthday cards for my own stash. Maybe I'll even get another post in this month!!

Holiday Gift Idea- Oh, the Joy!

This is such a simple gift for Christmas. I used a 6" piece of 2x4 and sanded it and painted it white. Then I mod podged a piece of scrapbook paper on the front of the block. Then I applied a vinyl sticker (you can also use a Cricut to cute your word or phrase). To finish it up, I wrapped a 3' piece of grosgrain ribbon around the block and added a stamped tag and a silver love, heart tag on a silver bead chain. I made 20 for gifts. I got my vinyl lettering from a good friend you makes the most adorable things!! You probably know someone that does that too!

Enjoy this holiday season! I will have more crafts to share later this month.

Meagan's Sweatshirt Quilt

Meagan chose to make a quilt for one of her ten-hour projects for Personal Progress. As we discussed what sort of quilt it would be, she settled on using old sweatshirts for the top. So we gathered up all the old sweatshirts from around the house and bought a couple at the thrift store and she got to cutting.

The process was more difficult than she had anticipated and she even contemplated giving up. But I assured her that she would love the end results and all the work and aggravation would be worth it. So she persevered. For the backing she chose a charcoal gray fleece. A nice solid to coordinate with the colorful top. Then she picked icy teal yarn to tie the quilt with.

Once it was done, she was thrilled with the quilt and so happy that she had finished. She has been curling up with it non-stop since. And it is really warm and cozy!

The finished quilt!