Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Wishing everyone sweet dreams this Christmas night.  Hope you all enjoyed your day with friends, family and loved ones near and far.  May you have peaceful dreams and wonderful rest of the week and into the New Year. I will be focusing on our special houseguests for the next week.  I will see you in 2013 when my regularly scheduled programming resumes.

Dance Thank you notes

J. had her winter dance recital this month and I made the usual "dance themed" thank you notes for her teacher. She did a fantastic job and I was so proud to see her doing her duet in ballet after only 3+ months. It definitely looks like she did not get my "clumsiness" gene :)

Here are this year's quick clipart dance thank you note card samples....

 

Gumball Treat Containers

I have just a few of these Gumball Treat containers leftover from my December craft fair.
Price is $5.00 and they are filled with 25 large double bubble gumballs.  They make perfect stocking stuffers or a cute little gift for a child to give a friend.  They are plastic, so non-breakable!!  What a bonus! Email me if interested!

Winter Gifts

I made some "winter gifts" for J's teachers back at the beginning of December...(funny though...it was 60+ degrees when she gave them to the teachers, so not quite your typical No. VA weather!)
Inside each pail/bucket, was a set of printed tissues, wipes, antibacterial gel, lip balm, hand lotion and cute zippered purse to store them in.  I put them in a tall and clear cello bag (like for party favors) and tied them up with some curling ribbon, added a tag and viola - instant little gift.

SU Clearance Rack

Over 300 new Clearance Rack items have been added to the Online Store at discounts

UP TO 80 PERCENT OFF RETAIL -- ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! And for the first time ever, stamps are included at up to 40% off.

You can only take advantage of these great deals by placing an online order via my SU store at...  www.juliesaylor.stampinup.net

Crafts Class Button embellished artwork

I did a crafts class with some local Girl Scouts this month.  Our project was a button embellished piece of artwork.  The sample was a tree accented with buttons (not shown), but they could create anything they wanted.  I told them we could do button trees and showed the samples, but it's really up to them.  They started with painting the canvas background and deciding on the theme and some sketched out their tree, others just went for it and/or did something totally different.  Not everyone used buttons either...I love their creativity!  The class was a huge hit with the girls.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays stampers and crafters!
Hope you are able to enjoy this time of year with friends, family and loved ones.
Stamp Camps will resume in 2013!
Here's a special holiday wish from Stampin' Up!  Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNX9fa227Pw&feature=youtu.be

Ornament kit is SOLD OUT!

Just an FYI, the ornament kit is sold out now!
Glad to see that several of you were able to get it before it got sold out though!!
Have a great weekend!

Stampin' Up! Ornament Kit

Have you just been fawning over the incredible Stampin Up! ornaments but weren't sure about purchasing all of those supplies?  Well, SU has done it again and created a fantastic special limited time only Ornament Kit available for purchase!!!!

Check it out !

The ornament on the cover of our holiday catalog is such a hit that we are making it available to everyone--just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! We've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (Our Anywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.)

Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination.

Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

.

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) is $14.95 and includes:

• Die-Cut Cardstock Elements
• Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
• Natural Linen Thread
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
• Large Pearl Basic Jewels

The kit makes 10 Heirloom Ornaments...

More info/instructions are here if you want more details:
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=132832

Cocoa Snowman Giftables

Here's my take on the cocoa snowman giftables I am making for my craft fair table to go along with my halo's and wands etc.  The lids unscrew but the jars are attached so the bottom of the top jar is attached to the lid of the 2nd jar etc.  This was my 1st one.  After making my prototype, I think I am going to paint the lid on the bottom jar "chrome silver" to get rid of the red :)

Ornaments Part 4

Here are the final ornaments that I did at my kids class.

These are ceramic star ornaments that I purchased as plain stars and then added my own embellishments to them to make them “pop”.  One side has pink/blue and the other side has purple/green.  They remind me of decorated sugar cookies :) 

 Not sure if I will add anything to the center...I could do the date in sharpie or paint pen or attach a small photo or write an initial or name or maybe a jeweled monogram or fancy sticker....sometimes simple is better though...so, I am still thinking about it.  I have this one "as is" on the tree for now...who knows what it will look like in a few weeks as I get crafting more!

 

 

Ornaments Part 3

These are ceramic bug ornaments. I wanted something “non christmasy themed” and this fit the bill nicely. They started out as unfinished ceramic and we used paint pens to color them.  The kids loved using the paint pens (so much easier and less mess), but you couldn't be quite as detailed due to the thicker tips....so that's the trade off.  Regardless, these were a hit as well and can be tied to a package or hange from a door knob or hook year round.

 

 

 

Holiday Ornaments part 2

This holiday ornament is a pretty layered ornament using snowflakes that graduate from a small size to a larger size from the top to the bottom and it includes large reddish/pink beads and a pipe cleaner to create a Christmas tree effect.  This is the sample one of the little kids made. 

It was a kit I purchased, but happens to be one of my favorites because even little kids can do it and it still has a “WOW” factor to it.  Quick and easy and cute - gotta love that!

Holiday Ornaments Craft Class for kids

Here’s a quick peak at some of the ornaments we did recently in my various craft classes.

In one class I had elementary school kids and the others had middle and high school kids and amazingly each group loved the ornaments :)

For this first one, we took wood tags, spray painted them blue and then made snowman using our fingertips and part of the length of our finger covered in white paint.  I wanted to make sure that we did not actually have their "real" fingerprint impression, so the paint is thicker/smudged ever so slightly.  You can see that some of the kids chose 1, 2 or 3 fingers and definitely wanted to give their snow people "personality".

We accented the snow people with paint and tied on a ribbon and viola – instant ornament that a parent would love because it’s made by the kids.

I had the kids sign/date the back with a pearlescent paint pen.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

We will be getting our Christmas tree over the long weekend and working on some decorations around the house.  Plus I need to seriously get my stuff together for the craft vendor fair coming up in Dec.  (It should be interesting as I won't actually be able to make it to the fair and am having a friend run my booth.)  That means I will most likely make less things so she has less to deal with :)
Hope everyone gets some crafting time in over the long holiday - take care!

Are you getting in on the fantastic deals at Stampin' Up?

 

Check them out at my online store at:

www.juliesaylor.stampinup.net
Click on SHOP NOW, then click on ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA!

Sales pages are broken out by 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% off and they wonderful clearance rack is back!
Supplies are limited at these deep discounts so check it out ASAP!

Big Sale at Stampin' Up!
Stampin' Up! November 19 - 28, 2012 Online Extravaganza sale starts now!
www.juliesaylor.stampinup.net

Stamp Camp Card # 5

Stamps: Frosty, Holiday Wishes (sentiment)

Ink: Stazon Black, Pixie Pink               

C/S: White, Regal Rose, Bashful Blue              

Accessories:  Blue/Silver Satin Ribbon, markers

Stampin' Up! November 19 - 28, 2012 Online Extravaganza sale starts now!

Big Sale at Stampin' Up!
Stampin' Up! November 19 - 28, 2012 Online Extravaganza sale starts now!
www.juliesaylor.stampinup.net

Stamp Camp Card # 4

Stamps: Sparkling Season, Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Real Red                 

C/S: White, Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi

Accessories:  Sponge, star jewels, Large hole Scalloped border punch, modern label punch, word window punch, non SU decorative paper

Stamp Camp Card # 3

Stamps: Paisley Prints, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Sentiment)

Ink: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Only Orange  

C/S: White, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango             

Accessories:  Wide Oval Punch, SU Decorative Label Punch, Orange Printed Flower Satin Ribbon

Stamp Camp Card # 2

Stamps: Yule Bits and Borders, Sentiment

Ink: Soft Sky, Lucky Limeade                      

C/S: White, Soft Sky,                         NON-SU Decorative Paper

Accessories:  Marvy Pink Scallop Oval Punch, Marvy Purple Scallop Oval Punch, Tree jewels, SU Oval Punch, SU modern Label Punch, Sponge

 

I love these teeny tiny mini Christmas tree jewels!

 

Stamp Camp Card # 1

Here's the first card we are doing at Stamp Camp Friday night....

Stamps: Acrylic Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Sentiment)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Handsome Hunter, Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango             

C/S: White, Chocolate Chip               NON-SU Decorative Paper

Accessories:  Green Acrylic Dew Drops, Glue dots, SU oval scallop punch, SU large Oval punch, Brown Satin Ribbon, Finger daubers

 

Stamp Camp is on 11/16 - Be sure to reserve your spot!

Stamp camp is now on 11/16. 
Same details as before....
Make sure to RSVP to hold your spot if you can make it!

DETAILS:
Date: 11/16/2012
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Julie's house (if new, email me for the addy!)
Cost: $20 (cash or check is fine!)



How many Cards: We will make 10 cards total (2 each of 5 designs). Sentiments can be changed on most of the cards if you need more of a certain "type" of card.  The plan is to have some holiday cards and maybe a generic/birthday card in the mix.

RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot today - space is limited.
Important things to know: All supplies are provided except adhesive.

Monthly stamp camps are for adults. (Please contact me if interested in classes for kids!)
Bring your own adhesive of choice. I recommend glue dots AND double sided tape or snail adhesive.
Drinks and light snacks are provided too.

I have stations set up with a full color sample and instructions so you can stamp & assemble the cards. You go at your own pace and there is someone available to help you if you have question along the way.

Envelopes are not provided. Take home instructions are available for an additional $1.00. If there are extras, kits may be available for purchase as well. Just ask for details or mention that you are interested when you RSVP.

Stamp Camp Canceled !~

In light of the crazy weather this week (power outages, trees down, flooding etc.) and since my office was closed for a few days and I need to catch up on work AT the office, Friday night's stamp camp is canceled.  Stay tuned for a make up date.

Stampin' Up! Big Sale on Monday!

1.  On Monday 10/29/2012, For 24 hours only, almost every stamp Stampin' Up! sells will be reduced 15 percent! SU is calling this the Sell-a-Stamp Spooktacular, and the goal is to sell more stamps in a single day than ever before.

2. SU's week long celebration of Digital Scrapbooking Day begins, and you can get FREE downloads and 50 percent off digital kits! Check out mydigitalstudio.net on Monday for details.

This means all stamps in the current catalogs including o Background stamps
o Personalized name stamps
o Incentive stamp sets from the supply list
o Cookie press stamps
o Single stamps

It DOES NOT include
o Hostess sets
o Bundled stamp sets
o Digital stamp brush sets

There is no minimum purchase, and no limit to the number of stamps you can order.
Be sure to check out the Stampin' Up website on Monday 10/29 for the fantastic deals!

Craft Time - Halloween Wreath

I made this a couple of weeks ago while watching an episode of Castle on our DVR from last season!
It took less than an hour and was a cinch to make :)

Cut tulle to desired length, double knot onto your foam wreath form (or in the case an old pool noodle cut down to size and then duct taped together!)  Gotta love recycling stuff!!
Tie a hanging ribbon onto it to slip onto the wreath hook and viola - instant holiday decor!

I may kick it up a notch or two by adding some halloween "picks" to it or the word BOO in halloween colors...depends what I find in my stash or out on my next trip to Michael's.
I love the inspiration from fellow crafters on the net/pinterest :)

I even did this as a class for my neighbor....her kids loved making a slightly smaller version of it :)

Next Stamp Camp Friday, November 2nd

Mark your calendars!  My next stamp camp is Friday, November 2nd.
Make sure to RSVP to hold your spot if you can make it!

DETAILS:

Date: 11/2/2012

Time: 6:30pm

Place: Julie's house (if new, email me for the addy!)

Cost: $20 (cash or check is fine!)

How many Cards: We will make 10 cards total (2 each of 5 designs). Sentiments can be changed on most of the cards if you need more of a certain "type" of card.

RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot today - space is limited.
Important things to know: All supplies are provided except adhesive.

Monthly stamp camps are for adults. (Please contact me if interested in classes for kids!)

Bring your own adhesive of choice. I recommend glue dots AND double sided tape or snail adhesive.

Drinks and light snacks are provided too.

I have stations set up with a full color sample and instructions so you can stamp & assemble the cards. You go at your own pace and there is someone available to help you if you have question along the way.

Envelopes are not provided. Take home instructions are available for an additional $1.00.  If there are extras, kits may be available for purchase as well.  Just ask for details or mention that you are interested when you RSVP.

Stamp Camp Card # 5

Card 5

Stamps: Pennant Parade, BestDad Ever (sentiment)

C/S: White, Pixie Pink, Yoyo Yellow, Tempting Turquoise

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo yellow, Pixie Pink

Accessories: Pennant Punch, Silver Cord, Scissors, 1/16^th hole punch, decorative paper

Stamp Camp Card # 4

Card 4

Stamps: Blooming with kindness

C/S: White, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: 1 3/8 Circle Punch, 1 ¼ Circle Punch, Rose grosgrain ribbon, Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder

 

I love the simplicity of this set to create quick an easy cards :)

Stamp Camp Card # 3

Card 3

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Quint-Essential Flower, Sentiment of choice

C/S: White, Poppy Parade

Ink: Always Artichoke, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade

Accessories: Scalloped Flower Punch, 2 3/8 Scalloped flower punch, 1/16 hole punch, poppy brads, Dots CB embossing folder, ¾ circle punch, SU decorative label punch

 

Stamp Camp Card # 2

Stamp Camp Card # 2

Stamps: Posy Punch, Sentiment of choice inside card if you wish!

C/S: Bashful Blue, White

Ink: Soft Sky, Almost Amethyst, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Victoria CB Embossing folder, Blue/Silver satin ribbon, ¾ inch circle punch, 5 petal flower punch, half pearls

Stamp Camp Card #1

Here's a sneak peak at card # 1 from Stamp Camp Friday night.

Stamps: Warmest of Wishes (hostess/retired), Halloween Sentiment

C/S: White, Violet, Kiwi Kiss, Black

Ink: Black, Groovy Guava

Accessories: MS Zig Zag Border Embossing Punch, Tangerine Satin Ribbon, Medium Google Eyes, SU Owl Punch, Glue dots, stampin dimensionals

Last Call - Stamp Camp Friday night 9/28

Last Call September Stamp Camp is set for Friday 9/28 at 6:30pm


Make sure to RSVP to hold your spot if you can make it!

DETAILS:
Date: 9/28/2012
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Julie's house (if new, email me for the addy!)
Cost: $20
How many Cards: We will make 10 cards total (2 each of 5 designs). Sentiments can be changed on most of the cards if you need more of a certain "type" of card.
RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot today - space is limited.

Important things to know: All supplies are provided except adhesive.
Monthly stamp camps are for adults. (Please contact me if interested in classes for kids!)
Bring your own adhesive of choice.
I recommend glue dots AND double sided tape or snail adhesive.
Drinks and light snacks provided too.
I have stations set up with a full color sample and instructions so you can stamp & assemble the cards. You go at your own pace and there is someone available to help you if you have question along the way.
Envelopes are not provided. Take home instructions are available for an additional $1.00. 

September Stamp Camp set for 9/28

September Stamp Camp is set for Friday 9/28 at 6:30pm

Thanks to everyone that brought me the clothes hangers at last camp.  I was able to use every last one of them and you really saved me.

The new SU Winter catalog and the new YEARLY catalog are getting rave reviews. I have several sets that came in from the catalogs and now just need to choose what to use at the camp.  Not sure what the themes of cards will be for the stamp camp, but I will post as I create them to give you a headsup.

Make sure to RSVP to hold your spot if you can make it!

DETAILS:
Date: 9/28/2012
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Julie's house (if new, email me for the addy!)
Cost: $20
How many Cards: We will make 10 cards total (2 each of 5 designs). Sentiments can be changed on most of the cards if you need more of a certain "type" of card.
RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot today - space is limited.

Important things to know: All supplies are provided except adhesive.
Monthly stamp camps are for adults. (Please contact me if interested in classes for kids!) Bring your own adhesive of choice.
I recommend glue dots AND double sided tape or snail adhesive. Drinks and light snacks provided too.
I have stations set up with a full color sample and instructions so you can stamp & assemble the cards.
You go at your own pace and there is someone available to help you if you have question along the way.
Envelopes are not provided. Take home instructions are available for an additional $1.00. 

Stampin' Up! Back to "Spool" Special!!

In honor of the new school year, Stampin' Up! is offering a Back to "Spool" Special. During September, you will receive a FREE package of 3/8" In Color Stitched Satin Ribbon with every $40 purchase. Choose from any of the 2012-2014 In Colors—or spend $200 and get all five! Qualifying product totals exclude shipping and tax.   Check out page 172 in the BIG catalog :)

Here are your 5 luscious choices from the Stampin' Up! 2012-2014 In Color collection:
Primrose Petals Item # 126844 - this is such a pretty pink!
Midnght Muse Item # 126847 - a nice deep blue!
Summer Starfruit Item # 126846 - this is a lovely yellow!
Gumball Green Item # 126848 - enough said!
Raspberry Ripple Item # 126845 - a rich color for fall!
See photo below :)

 

The Fine Print:

• Any order type qualifies for this promotion-customer, demonstrator, workshop, or online.
• This promotion has no limits-for every $40 you spend, you'll get a free package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon. Go crazy!
• Sorry-hostess dollars don't count toward this promotion.
• Although SU is pretty sure they are not going to run out of ribbon, if everyone orders the same color, like Summer Starfruit they run the risk of going on backorder.

Stamp Camp Card # 5

Here's the final card from the August Stamp camp.
The glitter paper and organza bow rocked the halloween images...which are easily accented with tiny googly eyes (not shown on this sample!)

Stamp Camp Card #4

Stamp Camp Card # 4
This card features the flower fest stamp set.  I love the deep fall colors.
It took a little longer than my other cards to do the coloring and cutting out of each layer.
The same large flower was stamped 3 times and then cut out in different sections to create the layered flower look.

Stamp Camp Card # 3

Here's a favorite that we did at stamp camp.  Simple and sweet with those button cherrries!
You can easily change that sentiment to just about anything.
It features that favorite Stampin Up! set of mine called button buddies.

Stamp Camp Card # 2

Here's stamp camp card # 2
This set is called button buddies and is one of my all time favorites. 
Colors used:  black, white, certainly celery, bashful blue, almost amethyst

Stamp Camp Card 1

 
Here's a sneak peak at card # 1 from my stamp camp Friday night.
I live the bright/cheerfulness with the colorful flowers on this card.  How about you?
The sentiment could easily be swapped out to make it a Mother's Day, Birthday or note card too.
Looking at it online....I just may add a little bling bling to it before Friday night....that is if I can find my mini rhinestones in time!)

Last Call Stamp Camp is Friday night!

August Stamp Camp is set for Friday, August 24th at 6:30pm.

Ok, so time to get back to stamping and one more stamp camp before the kids start school. of course also have to get ready for the Fall Dani's Duds sale....but that's another story....I am still collecting hangers so if you have ANY extra clothes hangers lying around or can stop by your dry cleaner for them I would greatly appreciate it. I need a couple hundred!!! ;)

Lot's going on at Stampin' Up! with the new Winter catalog and of course the new YEARLY catalog. Not sure what the themes of cards will be for the stamp camp, but I will post as I create them to give you a headsup.

Oh and I have a special treat for you all....I brought back some INCREDIBLE candy from See's while we were on vacation in CA. It is by far the best chocolate/candy. Seriously. We will crack open that box at the camp :)

Make sure to RSVP to hold your spot if you can make it!

DETAILS:
Date: 8/24/2012
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Julie's house (if new, email me for the addy!)
Cost: $20
How many Cards: We will make 10 cards total (2 each of 5 designs). Sentiments can be changed on most of the cards if you need more of a certain "type" of card.
RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot today - space is limited.

Important things to know: All supplies are provided except adhesive.
Monthly stamp camps are for adults. (Please contact me if interested in classes for kids!) Bring your own adhesive of choice.
I recommend glue dots AND double sided tape or snail adhesive. Drinks and light snacks provided too.
I have stations set up with a full color sample and instructions so you can stamp & assemble the cards.
You go at your own pace and there is someone available to help you if you have question along the way.
Envelopes are not provided. Take home instructions are available for an additional $1.00

August Stamp Camp - Friday 8/24

August Stamp Camp is set for Friday, August 24th at 6:30pm.

Ok, so time to get back to stamping and one more stamp camp before the kids start school.  of course  also have to get ready for the Fall Dani's Duds sale....but that's another story....I am still collecting hangers so if you have ANY extra clothes hangers lying around or can stop by your dry cleaner for them I would greatly appreciate it.  I need a couple hundred!!! ;) 

Lot's going on at Stampin' Up! with the new Winter catalog and of course the new YEARLY catalog.  Not sure what the themes of cards will be for the stamp camp, but I will post as I create them to give you a headsup.

Oh and I have a special treat for you all....I brought back some INCREDIBLE candy from See's while we were on vacation in CA.  It is by far the best chocolate/candy.  Seriously.  We will crack open that box at the camp :)

Make sure to RSVP to hold your spot if you can make it!

DETAILS:
Date: 8/24/2012
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Julie's house (if new, email me for the addy!)
Cost: $20
How many Cards: We will make 10 cards total (2 each of 5 designs). Sentiments can be changed on most of the cards if you need more of a certain "type" of card.
RSVP ASAP to reserve your spot today - space is limited.

Important things to know: All supplies are provided except adhesive.
Monthly stamp camps are for adults. (Please contact me if interested in classes for kids!) Bring your own adhesive of choice.
I recommend glue dots AND double sided tape or snail adhesive. Drinks and light snacks provided too.
I have stations set up with a full color sample and instructions so you can stamp & assemble the cards.
You go at your own pace and there is someone available to help you if you have question along the way.
Envelopes are not provided. Take home instructions are available for an additional $1.00