First Fruits Thanksgiving Table

Happy Saturday,

I just love Thanksgiving. It makes me angry sometimes that retailers just "jump" right over it in their rush from Halloween to Christmas. To me, it's a time to spend with family and friends and express our thanks to our Father for the blessings we've been given....even in hard times.

Several of my Stamp Campers are hosting Thanksgiving dinner so I thought they might like some ideas for their tables.

I just love Papertrey's First Fruits...so many possibilities! I chose this shock of wheat because it isn't too fussy and would be just as happy paired with Chinet as with your good china.

I used SU's Haiku DP paired with More Mustard and Tangerine Tango CS and inks. After stamping the wheat in More Mustard, I tapped the edges of the image with Tangerine Tango, then stamped in Versamark and clear embossing powder. I added just a touch of additional sparkle to the wheat tops with a Sakura Gelly Roll sparkle pen in a coppery color.

The images are cut with the largest size Spellbinder's Nestibilities plain and scalloped ovals, the edges are embossed and sponged with More Mustard for depth.

I created the names of the placeholder with my computer and punched it out using SU's word window punch.

The tiny tin is perfect for holding mints or a small treasure. I thought a small gift by each place would be a nice touch. I covered the edges with DP after first running a strip of Scor-Tape from Scor-Pal around the edges. The top pieces were also cut with a circle Nestibility.

I made the napkin ring by first cutting a strip of heavyweight acrylic to fit the napkin and then sticking it together with Scor-Tape. I did not adhere the DP to it but made it to slip on so the rings can be re-used. That way you don't have to "re-create the wheel" each time. :-) You can let your guests slip the designer piece off the ring to take home while you keep the master ring to use again!! Pretty clever, don't you think? :-)

I'd love to know what you think!

Season's blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

Chance to Win PhotoShop Elements

Good Morning,
If any of you are photo buffs and want a chance to win Photoshop Elements 7, just go here:
The Secret is in the Sauce and leave them a comment. Easy, peasy and somebody's gotta win, right?

Blessings & Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Believe in Miracles

Hi,
It's been a rough couple of days around here but we are believing in the promise of Philipians 4:13.

I made this card for my brother who is facing a possible liver transplant. We are indeed praying for a miracle.

My DH took this photo at St. Augustine beach last year from the vantage point of a boardwalk. It just feels so comforting to see the waves and know that the One who made them can calm them.

The base of the card is SU Sahara Sand, the black is a cool bumpy texture from a pack of paper that was a gift from a friend. It's lighter than SU cardstock so the layers don't add alot of additional weight. The blue is Baja Breeze. I sponged words in Tim Holtz' Distressed Ink Old Paper since I don't have a Sahara Sand ink pad....hmmmm...will have to add that to the list. The Old Paper does match very well though. I wanted this card to be simple but it really needed that sheer ribbon. I tried a wider sheer, a satin piece, and a grosgrain piece before settling on this one. Click on the photo for a better look if you'd like.

I'd love to know what you think...if you've never tried to make a card from a photo, why not give it a try. If you do, link it here. I'd love to see it. I've got a couple more up my sleeve for later.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

H2 O To Go... To Class, that is!

Edited to add: I've had several requests for the dimensions of this project. I used a 16 oz. Zephyrhills bottle so adjust as needed for your bottle.
See end of post.

Sorry I haven't posted for a few days...it's been busy around here and although I hate to admit it, we're political junkies. I actually emailed my congressman for the first time ever...

At any rate, here is a quick project I made for the teacher thank-you gifts this week. My DH took this photo with his Canon 30D...so much nicer than my little Sony...he said I need a new battery.

I saw these in a smaller version on SCS. I made some alterations to fit a Zephyrhills 16 oz. bottle. They aren't embellished alot to keep cost to a minimum but I still think they turned out pretty nice. Love to know what you think. You can click on any photo for a closer look .

Cut BB cardstock 3 x 11-1/2". Score at 2", flip and score again @ 2-1/2". Punch circle in 2" section. Punch a scallop circle. Punch the center out with same size circle you just used.

Fold up the bottom 2-1/2" section and embellish as desired.

Supplies: Cardstock - Real Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, DP-Tart and Tangy (retired)
Brads - SU, Punches - Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" Tag Corner, Ink - Basic Black, Water, Crystal Light To Go

Blessings & Happy Stamping,
Charlene

World Alzheimer's Day Card - Cammie's Blog

Here's my card for World Alzheimer's Day. It's so much prettier IRL.

I don't personally know anyone with Alzheimer's but Cammie has given us a wonderful opportunity to participate. The cards are for the caregivers who give of themselves each day in the care of these precious people. If you don't know anyone who has Alzheimer's, Cammie has requested that cards be sent to:

The Staff @ Artman Home
250 N. Bethlehem Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

This is where my card is going.

So come on Stamp Campers...let's overwhelm them with love.

Details: CS - SU Baja Breeze, Pirouette Pink, watercolor paper
DP - Basic Grey Perhaps
Black Embossing powder, Prismacolor markers, Sakura Glitter pen, Scor-Pal, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders dies, embossing folders, MS stick on pearls, vellum tag

Blessings & Happy Stamping,

Charlene

World Alzheimer's Day Blog Giveaway

A big blog giveaway for World Alzheimer's Day!

If you haven't heard or read about what Carolyn King is doing over in her corner of cyberspace, you really need to check this out. She's gathered a bunch of wonderful products from fabulous companies and she's giving away the whole bundle at the end of this week. If you enter to win, you'll be helping to raise the spirits of some dedicated people who care for Alzheimer's patients. You can read the rules here..Now I'm off to make my card so I can enter!


Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Stamp Camp Calendar Project

Happy Wednesday! So sorry I haven't posted in a few days, life has been.....well, LIFE. My oldest son, is dealing with the after effects of TS Ike in Indiana of all places. No electricity and no water as they sent all their county's emergency supplies to Texas. I had to shop for lanterns, batteries, etc. and ship them up there. Our youngest son is dealing with a matter of the heart. Not so easy to fix with a shopping trip.

I'm not sure what's happening in blogger but it's acting up today and will only let me type where IT wants me to type so I apologize in advance for the extra spaces. It's either that or run on sentences. As I said, LIFE!!

This is the project we're making in Stamp Camp this month. It's a 12 month Perpetual Calendar. Just like those super $$ ones they sell in gift shops.

The ladies did an awesome job of stamping each page to suit the season or holiday that falls in each month. Each one so different, yet so beautiful. We all used the Bella Rose DP from Stampin Up for the outside but everyone decorated their cover differently as well. Here's sample of my January page. You can't see it but I highlighted each snowflake with Sakura Glitter pen. Following this post will be the awesome dessert we enjoyed. One of my husband's all time favorites and soooo simple.

Let me know what you think.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

The Secret's Out

I got an email from my upline, Martha, right away! She's terrific, by the way. We live in polar opposite climates. She's in MN, I'm in FL.

For my stamp campers who've emailed me wondering....

It's an Adhesive Remover. You use it just like an eraser. It lifts adhesive without tearing or leaving a mark on your paper. Cool tool, huh? :-)

Now, if you don't have one, this style can be found at Michael's or you can check pg. 191 in the new Stampin Up catalog for their version.

Martha, I will be sending you some stamped images for your good guess.

Blessings & Happy Stamping!
Charlene

Thinking of you.... monochromatically, that is!

I saw a card similar to this some time ago...wish I could remember where so I could give the creator credit. I have changed a number of the elements, however. I'm doing this from memory so forgive me if I'm not exact.

While the stamps used are the same and color/background image are the same, I think I changed nearly everything else. I moved the image placement, changed the ribbon, added the sentiment panel, stamped the interior and the envelope.

I hope you can get an idea of the shimmer in that gorgeous ribbon. I love ribbon!! I only had a tiny piece of this beauty from Really Reasonable Ribbon. It's beautifully sheer and embossed with a swirled pattern that has a subtle shimmer. It's so soft and ties beautifully. It came in a sample pack so I have no reference or color name but it's worth hunting for. I used Color Box Sky Blue pigment ink. Just a caution, this stays wet for awhile. I recommend using your heat gun or setting it aside to dry overnight before adhering your elements. Ask me how I know that! I "schmeared" the first background after I had dried it. I decided to add a few more elements, the side of the hand hit the wet ink and that card was history. Had to begin again. UGH!

The image panel and the sentiment are popped up on dimensionals. The brads came from a multi package purchased at Michael's.

Thanks for looking.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

What in the World is THAT?

Ugly little thing, isn't it? (giggle)

I just couldn't resist...if I had a nickel for every time I reach for this "tool", I'd be a rich woman. Any guesses what it is?

If you know, leave me a guess. I'll tell you tomorrow. I just love suspense....

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Thankful in Seattle

My DH had a day off today so I baked a peach pie...Yum!! I always use Perfect Pie Crust. The recipe makes 4 crusts at a time and it can be frozen with perfect results every time. We got the peaches (blackberries and blueberries, too!) in GA and froze them. They are wonderful!

But, back to business!

I helped a friend make 9 cards yesterday. She did alot of the creative work herself on most of them but this one I did myself because we were running out of stamping time.

I sure wish Stampin Up would have kept the River Rock cardstock. I just love how it coordinates with so many other colors. This card came together in minutes. The base and image piece are Stampin Up Very Vanilla. The image is the Seattle skyline by Rubber Soul. The edges were punched using SU's Tag Corner Punch. I ran the image piece edges over my SU Basic Black pad to give it some dimension. I love the simplicity and the elegance of this combination. The skyline image almost looks like it's framed.

Thanks for visiting!

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Simple and Elegant Anniversary

Today is the 28th wedding anniversary of our friends, Terrell & Patty.  I thought this Verve Visual sentiment fit them perfectly.  They are the nicest people...truly nice and "so happy together".

I love the simplicity of black and white.  This card is a variation of one Sharon Johnson did a while ago.  The main image is simply a Cuttlebug Birds & Swirls folder embossed on Stampin Up Whisper White.  The Verve sentiment is stamped and embossed using Spellbinders Oval dies.  I popped up the sentiment panel on dimensionals.  That gorgeous ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Oh my goodness!  She has the most gorgeous ribbons!!   I'm not sure you can see it but there's a thin silver line running down both sides of the ribbon.  I layered the ribbon this time rather than tying a bow.  That's all there is to it.  So simple, so elegant.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
                                                                              Charlene

Hurricane Survival Kit!!

If you live, as I do, in one of the SE or Gulf states, you know that June through November is HURRICANE SEASON...it's the price we pay for all that sunshine when our Northern friends are shivering, I guess.

We know, too, that we need survival suppliest to get through those howling winds and driving rains as well as the aftermath of dealing with no electricity, downed trees, flooded roads. leaky roofs...still think this is paradise?

I decided to put together a little Survival Kit of my own. This Stampin Up DP (now retired) reminded me of the swirling and oft times irratic tracks of those storms, only I thought this was much prettier. ;-) What my camera had trouble picking up is that cool little piece of hardware that's threaded through the ribbon. (I just love Stampin Up's HodgePodge sets!!! So many details for such a good price.) Since my DH will be sharing this Survival Kit with me, I couldn't make it too girly. (In truth, he will probably be taking this to work to keep in his desk...to ease the stress.) I used my scissors to distress the edges of the center image pieces. The stamped words are from Stampendous.

Back to the supply list....we NEED batteries, lanterns, propane, gasoline, matches, generators, flashlights, easily prepared foods, medicines, hurricane shutters...the list is endless.... but there's one REALLY important thing, the thing that calms our nerves and saves our sanity...........

CHOCOLATE...LOTS AND LOTS OF CHOCOLATE!!
(YES, THOSE ARE CHOCOLATE COVERED ALTOIDS IN THERE!)


Thanks for visiting with me today...Have a piece of chocolate while you're here.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Big Sale and Blog Candy, too!

Hi,
I saw this here. Sorry to be an enabler, but we're SAVING $$, right?? I pasted this right from her blog. Scroll down to see how to win some blog candy on her site. For my newbies, "blog candy" is free stuff!

Just have to tell you shopping ladies - Paper Pretties is having a week long Labor Day Sale 45% off EVERYTHING in the store sale!!! All you have to do when you check out is enter the coupon code Labor Day (case sensitive).
Something to think about: Many of the things in the sale category are already marked down so you'll be getting 50, 60, all the way up to 80% off of some of those items.
So what are you waiting for - go shopping to satisfy that addiction!! Just make sure there's $ left to feed your family.

Irene & Tracey have been busy brewing up some toil & trouble! Check them out here and if you don't want to pay full price you don't have to! Use code savetendb when you place your order in the coupon code box & hit re-calculate, that's all there is to it for 10% off your Starving Artistamps & Doodlefactory images!

Clouds DoodleFactory Halloween II Halloween Sentiments Witch Trio

Want to Win Some Blog Candy? Tracy is giving some away but you don't have to wait to get these sets, you can order them now and if you win the blog candy you can choose something of equal value instead? Cool, huh? To enter for the blog candy you have to do two things. First, you need to spread the word about the new candy (please say where you spread the word!) and second, you need to leave a comment here . Make sure you leave a way to contact you in your post!

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Chocolate Chip Cookies To Go

Here are a few of those yummy chocolate chip cookies packaged and ready to be shared. I think, however, that this bag is going into my DH's suitcase. He's working on team for a men's retreat this weekend.

The card is my submission for SCS Featured Stamper challenge FS82-" NikiE's Gallery is a Knock Out". She used Papertrey's Quilter's Sampler. The rules are that you have to change at least 2 things. Her gorgeous card is here.

I used Papertrey's Summer Sunrise for the bottom layer, the red is Papertrey's Poppy Red, the DP is Papertrey as well. The scripture stamp is an unmounted I've had for a long time. I sewed along the edges of the DP with my sewing machine to replicate the faux stitching on NikiE's card. I sponged the edges of the Summer Sunrise with matching ink however it doesn't show up well in the photo. The sentiment on the bag is from Papertrey's Boxes and Bags set. I used Crystal Effects on the heart. I noticed AFTER I took the photo that I needed to trim the bag ribbon a bit more. UGH!

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey and unmounted, Cardstock - Papertrey & Stampin Up, DP - Papertrey, Ink - Papertrey & Versamark Red Magic, Ribbon - Papertrey, Crystal Effects

Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

Who Wants a Chocolate Chip Cookie?

A few of you have noticed that my email address, my SCS moniker and my profile indicate that I'm "cookiebaker" and have wondered if I'd share some recipes. Baking is another of my passions. I absolutely LOVE to bake and share. It's a gift I received from my step-mother. Whenever she baked, she'd always send us out with plate for neighbors.

So today, I baked you some chocolate chip cookies! Enjoy!! This is absolutely the best recipe I've ever found. I've actually bartered work on my house for these. :-)

The recipe follows but here are a few tips you might want to know:

1. If you want the recipes to turn out properly you MUST use good ingredients.
2. If a recipe calls for real butter, do not substitute margarine or shortening...the results will be disappointing Use the best chocolate you can afford. I use Ghiradelli because the chips stay creamy even after baking.
3. Butter and eggs should always be at room temperature so they will mix properly.
4. Flour should be spooned lightly into a dry measure. Do not tap it onto the counter.  Level it with a knife or the back of your spoon or scoop.
5. Every oven is different. Yours might need a minute or two less or longer than mine so err on the side of less time...you can always add another minute.
6. If you want the perfect cookie, crisp on the edges, soft and creamy on the inside, under bake your cookies slightly.
7. I use a Silpat liner and a heavy aluminum cookie sheet. If you don't have a liner, just bake on the sheet or use parchment. Do not butter the pan. I also use a cookie scoop. You can use a tablespoon if you don't have one.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1-1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened

1-1/4 c. white sugar

1-1/4 c. brown sugar

1 T. vanilla (real)

2 eggs

4 c. flour (1/2 all purpose and 1/2 whole wheat is great)

2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips or

3 c. chips and 1 c. chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, beat again. On lowest speed, mix in flour, baking soda and salt just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if using, by hand. Scoop onto cookie sheets. Bake 9-12 minutes or until the centers look slightly underbaked and the edges are browned. Allow to cool for a minute on the cookie sheet. Cool completely on wire racks. This recipe makes about 5 dozen. They freeze well...if you can keep them that long.

I've packaged them with a card in the next post. Let me know if you make them.

Blessings and Happy Baking,

Charlene

Easy One Page Notes

Hi,

I just love these...I'm thinking I need to make myself a set. LOL

I needed a fast birthday gift and had purchased a box of colored paper with matching envelopes from Target. These were a great buy in the stationary department - 200 pieces for $9.97.

There are 5 subtle colors in the box. I chose to layer the papers onto Ruby Red and Regal Rose cardstock. A strip of (retired) Ginger Blossom DP is layered on top of a strip of matching CS on the top. I used my Small Round Monogram stamper from JustRite Stampers to stamp her initial on circles cut with my Stampin Up 1-1'4" and layered onto circles cut with my SU 1-3/8" circle punch. Then layered again onto a 1-1/2" circle. (click on the photo for a closer look)

I placed 2 of each color into a clear card box, wrapped the box with a DP belly band then added another monogrammed circle to the front. Let me know what you think!

Blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

With Sympathy

Hi,

I don't know anyone who enjoys making sympathy cards, however, they are a necessity in life.

These are simple, yet elegant, I think and could be used for birthdays, thank you's, or other occasions with a sentiment change

The card on the left is 4-1/2" square. The one on the right is a regular A2 size. Both were made using Papertrey's white cardstock. This is a heavier weight cardstock and forms a deeper impression when embossed than does the Stampin' Up Whisper White. Both cards were ebmbossed using the Spellbinders square dies. They are stamped with SU's Oh So Lovely (retired), colored with Prismacolor markers and highlighted with Sakura glitter pen. I used the piercing technique on the corners and a stick on pearl.

Let me know what you think. Remember, you can click on the photo for a closer look.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

Ann Goes to School

My little granddaughter, Ann, is going to school!

Gosh, it seems like just yesterday she was a tiny little baby. Her school doesn't start until after Labor Day so I can get this card in the mail in time.

Yep, that's right...it's a card. It's called a Free Standing Pop-Up card and it folds flat for mailing. I used the adorable Lily from Pink Cat Studio. I just love her sweet face! She looks so innocent.

I know these aren't traditional school colors but they're Ann's favorite colors. Lily comes with lots of accessories but no school supplies so I used a stamp from Inkadinkadoo that has alot of school things on it. I cut them out and used dimensionals to add some of them to the base of the pop-up. The apple is shiny with Crystal Effects and I wrote her name on the book. I colored Lily with Prismacolor markers and placed the pencil in her hand. Her dress and the flower on it are lined with glitter pen although it doesn't show up in the photo.

Let me know if you like it. You can find the instructions to make your own here. If you do make one, link it here. I'd love to see it.

Supplies: Scor-Pal, Scor-Tape, PCS Lily & Inkadinkadoo stamps, SU cardstock, Nana's Kids DP, Scalloped Circle punch, circle punches, Crop-a-dile, eyelet, ribbon, dew drops, Crystal Effects, dimensionals, glitter pen

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

Thank You Teacher!

Hi!
Our church is starting a new branch in our area. They're holding services, for now, in the high school. We wanted to say "thank you" to the teachers who have graciously allowed us to use their classrooms.
Today's project is nothing new or exciting for you seasoned stampers, however, I thought you might like to see another use for the JustRite StampersSmall letter kit.
When I first got mine, my first thought was, "You've got to be kidding!"....the letters are so tiny and my eyes are so old! The tweezers should have been a dead giveaway, right? Was I surprised!!!
The kit is ULTRA easy to use. The beauty of it is that you can say literally anything you want to say. I didn't know the individual teacher's names so I used the initials of the school. (just click on the photo for a close up)
I had only a couple of hours to think first of what to make, (that's always the hard part for me) for 11 people and then to actually do the creating. I wanted a close approximation of the school colors but was limited to my stock on hand. Additionally, the gift had to work for both men and women...there went all my bling! Everyone loves chocolate, or knows someone who does, so I decided to wrap those giant Cadbury bars. I like the silver paper on them.
This paper by American Arts was a deal at Big Lots...$2 for an entire package of 24...all the same pattern but for $2, I figured I'd find a use for it, right? LOL! The reverse side is solid blue and because I didn't have a ribbon to match, I just made a "belly band". The circles are all cut with my Spellbinders circle dies and Cuttlebug. I popped the center circle up on dimensionals. I recommend using Scor-Tape to make sure the wrapper stays put.
We placed these on packages of printer paper. We hope they liked it.
Blessings and Happy Stamping!
Charlene