Sophia the First Bday card

Made this card for my niece this month for her bday.

Dance Thank you notes

Here are this years Dance themed thank you notes that I made for J's dance teacher.  She loved them :)

8 Can taco soup recipe = deliciousness!!!

 

First, I can't take credit for this soup recipe, but it is insanely delicious! Credit goes to blogger High Heels & Grills who got the recipe from her sister :)  Back to the soup...It is awesome and so easy and this is coming from someone who does not like "spicy stuff" and there's a definite kick to it that I can taste, but I can tolerate it.  (If you want to kick it up a notch, go for a spicy taco seasoning and you can add in hot sauce to your own bowl!)  Plus there are less than 300 calories per cup!  What a Bonus!!  This is a great recipe for the cold winter months too...enjoy!

Here we go...

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 (12.5 oz.) can white chicken breast, drained
• 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
• 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Directions:

 

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
2. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or tortilla strips (the kind that go on salads!)

My gift to you - Free shipping from Stampin' Up!

Hey everyone - Through 12/29/13, As my holiday gift to you, I will pay for your shipping on your SU orders of at least $40.00 (before tax/shipping!).  This offer is done through me directly (which means you can't order from my website to get it!)  Simply email me your SU order (name/item code/quantity) and I will input it and provide you your total minus your shipping costs.  Then you can pay with a check or cash.  I reserve the right to cancel this offer at any time for any reason if needed.  Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a card I did at my kid's class this month :)

Sale Sale Sale!

Here's the pdf of the sales flyer!!
http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/docs/holiday_sale/Holiday_Sale_Flyer_US.pdf

Lots of great deals at Stampin' Up!

THE BIG STAMPIN’ UP! ON-LINE HOLIDAY SALE STARTS WED., NOV. 20!  This year’s online holiday sale (formerly known as Online Extravaganza) will be November 20 through December 2.  Be prepared to do a little holiday shopping (or perhaps treat yourself).  DON’T MISS!  The sale will kick off with a 24-hour doorbuster sale on Nov. 20 - so log on early to check it out!

Then, sure to check back daily for new and exciting limited quantity items and place your orders right away to score some great deals!

Also:  Don't forget....Festive Flurry Ornament Kit: Just in time for Christmas decorating, this kit helps you make ten beautiful ornaments for just $14.95! Available  - while supplies last
Add a little festive flare to your holiday decorating with our new Festive Flurry Ornament Kit! Top presents, embellish cards, create a wintery garland, or trim the tree. How you use them is up to you!
The kit includes everything you need (minus adhesive) to create 10 snowflakes, including

• 10 feet of Soft Sky Ribbon
• Printed cardstock - die cut and scored, ready to be assembled (Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, Whisper White Cardstock and Silver Glimmer Paper)
• Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels (40)

Product name:	Item #:	Price:
Festive Flurry Ornament Kit	135813	$14.95

These are only available while supplies last so take advantage of this offer-just in time to create 10 heirloom ornaments!        

Kids Class Halloween Cards

Here are the 3 cards we did at my Kids Halloween themed card class this month.

BT broke his collarbone....

Just a quick FYI, BT broke his collarbone on Friday night.  It's a serious enough fracture that he requires "emergency" surgery this week.  It's scheduled for Wed. 10/23 in the late afternoon/early evening cause that's the soonest they can get him in for it.  They will have to "plate" it because they can not do pins on this fracture due to the length of the bone overlapping and something about the size of the pins and the doc said ligament damage.  XAY is scary looking with bones overlapping a lot etc.  Supposedly he is coming home that evening as well.  Please say a little prayer that all goes well and he has a smooth and speedy recovery.  No more football this season and basketball season is out for him.  Don't know if he will want to even attempt a Spring sport either.  Oh and while it DID happen at the High School Varsity football game, it did NOT happen while he was even playing on the field.  He was playing football/catch with friends back on the lacrosse field/horsing around etc.  He got tackled hard (I heard from 1 kid that said they thought he was "sandwiched") plus he fell.  Nothing malicious, but since it was a "friendly" game, he wasn't wearing pads/gear and accidents happen.  He is going to miss 5-7 days of school after the surgery.  I will update when I know more!   

Kids Class FALL blocks

Here's my latest block class for kids...FALL blocks.
The above was my sample and the kids could recreate it exactly or try some different colors.  I let the kids choose from "Fall" paint colors (orange/burgundy red/leaf green/mustard yellow) for their base coat and then they could sponge brown or golden brown on top.  They were able to choose from different colored glitter leaf accents and alphabet stickers.
Here is how several of the kid projects turned out :) 

10 years....

Hey everyone - thanks for all the emails.  I figured I would just post here instead.
Yes, I am still an SU demo...(in fact I recently just earned my 10 year pin) :) 

 

 

Stamp Camps have taken a backseat as other things needed to take priority in my life.  Yes, I do plan to start them back up at some point and twice now have thought I would be able to, but then something else "popped" up.  I do not have an ETA on when they will start.  I HOPE by Dec. things will settle down...but a lot depends on what the kids are doing. 

The good thing is that I have finally learned to successfully say "NO" to people and mean it/stick with it and therefore I have kept my sanity.  (Made a few people upset too, but that goes with the territory I guess.)  The kids and family are all doing well, so no complaints there and really no complaints all around (except that I am now getting enough sleep - yay!!, but it's at the expense of my crafting time - boo!)

If you need to order any of your Holiday crafting supplies, give me a shout and I can hopefully help you out.  If you still need the new catalog, let me know that too.  As things are starting to slow down this Fall, I will try to post more stuff on the blog and eventually get back to stamp camps and/or classes - just don't know the timeline for it yet.  Oh and yes, there are still 2 holes in my kitchen ceiling....sigh.  Hope you all are doing well AND getting your craftiness on as much as your schedule allows.  Take care- Julie

The new 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! catalogs are here!

The new 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! catalogs are here AND you can start ordering online today at noon!
It has LOTS of great new sets and accessories available!


Please take note of the following:

May 31, first day to order from the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog

May 31, last day to order from the Spring Stampin' Up! Catalog

June 3rd, last day to order from the Current Annual Catalog

 

 

Wood Firecrackers Kids Class Project

These are becoming quite the rage lately and I have seen many that I have admired.  Here's my take on them.  I did them as a little project for a kids class.  I am not real keen on how the "pop" blends in so well with that shade of blue paint...I need to see if I can get red or silver letters in the same style as the other's and if so I will tweak the finished product and do a reshoot.

Painted Tray Kids Class Project

Here's a recent project I did as a Kids Class...
They were painted trays.  The kids got to pick out all the colors and styles of painted.  Some went with a classic them of solid colors, others did the paint splatter technique and others painted flowers/birds and doodles.  I missed out on getting pix of all the finished projects...I was only able to get a picture of J's.

Stampin' Ups Retiring list of stamps/accessories is out!

Every year SU announces select stamp sets and accessories that the company retires.

It's ALWAYS an exciting day for us when the Retiring Lists come out and today is no exception! Then, make your list before it's gone!! If you want accessories . . . the less time you wait to place that order the better as they are only available while supplies last! Whooo Hoooo! Fun day . . . and happy shopping!

Check them out at:  www.juliesaylor.stampinup.net

New Stamp Storage cases start on 5/31!

Stampin' Up! will be using cool new cases to package our wood-mount stamps beginning 5/31 with the launch of the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog.  Empty cases will be available for purchase as well and have a variety of storage uses (loved the marker storage idea in the video).  The new cases integrate beautifully with our clear-mount cases.  All your stamps can be one big happy (and organized) family.   They are easily stackable and will make your organizing and storage a snap!

The new catalog begins May 31. 

These new cases are similar to our clear-mount boxes and fit perfectly on the shelf right next to them. They also have the images and stamp set name on the spine to make your search for the right set even easier.

Starting May 31 all wood-mount sets will come in this new packaging. And empty cases will be available with the launch of the new catalog. That means you can transfer all your old sets to these new boxes! There will even be a template for you to create your own label for your old stamp sets (available May 31). A pack of four half-size cases (3-3/4" x 5-1/2") will sell for $4.95 and a pack of four full-size cases (7-1/2" x 5-1/2") will be $6.95.

Get ready for all the exciting new products in the catalog--especially the new wood-mount boxes!

SPRING blocks Kids Class

This month I did a kids class at the local elementary school.  They painted/decorated blocks that said SPRING.  Here are some of the ones that I was able to get pictures of. 

Last day for FREE SHIPPING!

Monday, 4/8/2013 is the last day for FREE SHIPPING from Stampin' Up!
Be sure to place your orders by 11:45pm!

FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING AT STAMPIN' UP! April 6 - April 8

I am so excited to let you know that Stampin' Up is offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That's right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, workshop, online). Did I mention that the free shipping is on everything?

Free shipping starts: Saturday, April 6, 2013; 12:00 AM (MT)

Confirmation Thank you notes

Thanks for all the well wishes with BT's Confirmation.  (Pix are in my facebook album.)
It was  a wonderful ceremony and all the kids and their sponsors did great.  Both of his Godparents were there and his VA Grandma was his sponsor so it was all the more special.  We are so proud of him for getting through all of the requirements and passing the tests....(I know I would have had to have gone back to class myself in order to pass them!)  .

I got a little mojo back and had an extra 1/2 hour today in between laundry and trying to get things ready for the big consignment sale coming up in April.  So, I made these quickie thank you notes for BT to send out. 

The cross and the sentiment are both "popped up" with foam tape.  Colors used were Stampin' Up's taken with teal and Stampin' Up! Confetti Cream (both cardstocks are now retired) to go beautifully with the swirled decorative paper.  (BT didn't really like the confetti cream and kept saying that the c/s looked defective with all the "stuff" in it...he knew it was just the "natural" look with the threads etc. of the c/s but just didn't like it.  I did though and since I was making the cards, I won ;)

 

New Stamp Set - Round Array w/ coordinating punch!

Spring is in the air....and we can't wait to show you all the new product in the 2013-2014 annual catalog. Here's your pre-sneak peek look at A Round Array! Save 15%. We have bundled this cute stamp set with our 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch just in time for Sale-A-Bration. This offer will be good till May 30th. Don't fret if you already have the punch you can purchase just the stamp set. It comes in clear mount only. Wood mount will be available in the new catalog in June :)

Item Number 133899 (bundle)
Item Number Round Array (129090)

Tick Tock....Sale a Bration ends Friday 3/22

Sale a Bration is coming to an end on Friday 3/22.  Don't forget to get your orders in by then if you want to get your wonderful choice of so many different FREEBIES with each $50 you spend BEFORE S/H/Tax!

Here's the link for the SAB catalog:  http://204.228.150.61/SAB2013/

Time is running out....

Time is running out and you don't want to miss out on the action. Don't forget to sign up for Paper Pumpkin before March 10 so you won't miss out on any kits. (They are all really cool!) Remember, kits are only available for a month at a time; go to www.mypaperpumpkin.com to sign up. Be sure to select JULIE SAYLOR as your demonstrator.

Don't be the one that misses out! :)

Stampin' Up! now has truly CLEAR stamps!

WOW!!

They are HERE!

TRULY CLEAR

Photopolymer stamps

from

Stampin' Up!

What makes them so great?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time!
• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last.
• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks.
• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time.  AMAZING!! 
• They use FDA, food-safe material. How far can you stretch your stamping creativity?
• We could go on, but we'll let you try them for yourself.

They are clearly a great choice.

Item	Description	Price
132956	Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set Recommend clear blocks A, B, G, F, and I. Purchase separately. Includes 57 pieces.	$13.95

And really cool news... they are pliable!!! Want your arrow to shoot a certain way? No problem! Want your banner to have the perfect sag? Easy peasy! Being able to play with the shape gives you even more creative freedom.

Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake Recipe...fantastic!

Wow wow wow....I made this recipe this week and it was awesome.  It got awesome reviews from the WHOLE family :)  Highly recommended, but ya' might want to undo the button on your jeans cause of all of the butter in this recipe ;)
Our household has now had the butter cake from Red Robin, California Pizza Kitchen and Paula Deen...This recipe from Paula wins HANDS DOWN!!

Sorry for the bad lighting in my photos too - just didn't have time to do anything more than take a quick pic!  (BTW - I can't believe they say servings are 6-8...those pieces must be HUGE!)
For those wondering, I baked mine for 50 minutes and it was most likely a little "overbaked", but we like it this way :)

Here it is ready for the oven.......

 

 

 

And here it is right after the oven and someone (who will remain nameless) snatched a quick piece before I could even get a picture!! 

Recipe:  Paula Deen Gooey Butter Cake

Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 18 1/4-ounce package yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter and beat together.
Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.

Original link here:  http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/view2/gooey_butter_cake

 

Just in case you had not heard...

For the locals...

Great American Scrapbook Convention

The convention, that for the past several years has been held in late June in Chantilly, has been moved to Charlotte, North Carolina on October 25 and 26.
No idea as to the reason for the change...but just passing it along.

Not sure when stamp camps will resume at the house...the kitchen ceiling still has 2 holes in it and things are just super busy with the family going in every direction.  By the time Friday night roles around if I am not out of the house with someone's activities, I  just want to collapse and enjoy a few hours of "downtime".  I will post (with enough warning) when I am ready to resume...please keep on stamping/crafting in your spare time!

Recipe time - Quick and Easy No Peek Beef Tips!

I tried out this yummy recipe Sunday from mommyskitchen.net.  It was posted 4+ years ago, but I just found the recipe this weekend :)  It tasted wonderful and the house smelled awesome!  We served it over rice, along with corn, salad and crescent rolls. 

No Peek Beef Tips

Ingredients:
2 lb - Beef tenderloin tips; (Use Stew Meat, Chuck Roast or Chuck Eye, cubed)
1 - 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 – packet brown gravy mix
1 - packet lipton dry onion soup mix
1 – 4 oz can mushrooms (can be left out if ya' don't like shrooms!)
1 - cup water or ginger ale soda

Directions:
Add cubed meat to a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a large bowl mix the remaining ingredients together and pour over the meat.

Add mushrooms and stir to coat. Cover with foil and bake at 300 degrees for 3 Hours.

Do not remove foil until done.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Servings: 6 - 8

Valentine Treats

Here are the valentine treats that we made for J's class earlier this week.  We used the Campfire Giant Roaster Marshmallows....seriously...these things are HUGE!  We dipped them in melted chocolate, then into some festive sprinkles.  I was thrilled that we got to "break in" my new Wilton Chocolate Pro Melting Pot from Christmas - it worked like a charm and I was so thankful that my hubby was able to step in and oversee most of it with J. as I became very ill about 2 hours before we needed to start dipping these.  (I was basically incapacitated the rest of the night laying on the sofa with dizziness and extremely horrific stomach pains... except for the few times where I felt well enough to sit up and tell family members where things were and how to do it - LOL.)  Not sure if it was food poisoning, flu/stomach bug, appendicitis flare up or what, but it was seriously painful and not something I had ever experienced before and it lasted for about 30 hours and I am all better now!)

We made 54 of them and then put each dipped marshmallow into a heart themed cupcake liner, then put 2 marshmallows for each person into a heart themed treat bag with a simple computer generated tag tied onto the bags.  Fun, Fun, Fun!  This weekend we are doing chocolate covered bananas (the plan is to dip and freeze them) and some strawberries.

 

Christmas Cards for 2013

Yes, you read that correctly.... I am working on my Christmas cards for 2013!
For those that are unfamiliar, I decided over a year ago that I would start work on the next years holiday cards in January of the following year and do "about" 10 a month.  That way, by October I should be done with my requisite 100ish cards that I need and I can focus on everything else that needs to get done and not have it "looming over me.".  It's a system that worked tremendously well for me this past year and I have continued with it.  Here's the first design (of many to follow throughout 2013!)  Enjoy!

This card features a silver foil snowflake accented with glitter, 3 beads to create a "tail", plus a red bow at the top and circle with a cute red gem.  It doesn't photograph too well due to the silver foil, but hopefully you get the idea....it's so much prettier in person!

Butterfly Gems card from a past kids class

This is a card that never got posted from awhile ago featuring gems and shaped cards.
A nice hint of Spring to come for those not liking all of the cold now!

Card # 5

With markers, inkpads and daubers this butterfly card was a snap to create!
The camera did not pick up the glitterfied accented butterfly wings and bee wings...much prettier in person!!