I have a new blog!

Thank you for visiting my blog! I am so blessed that you found me! I have moved to the new and exciting blog Simply Created to Create! Join me now by clicking here.

 

Super Awesome Sales Today!!

Hello Stampers! I am so excited to announce that Stampin Up! has added tons of new items to the Clearance Rack today! Everything is while supplies last! Everyone that places a $20 or more order today will get a FREE gift from me!! Hurry and Don't wait!!


Don't forget about the Buy 3 Get 1 Free on Designer Series Paper!!

Special new stamp sets are available today as well! You won't want to miss out on these!

Dear Heart Photopolymer Stamp Set

$25.95

Beauty Of The Season Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$16.95

Christmas Bliss Photopolymer Stamp Set

$15.95

 Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Paper Pumpkin is new and improved!

Paper Pumpkin is new and improved? Did you know? I will admit that I fell quickly in love and then out of love with Stampin Up!'s subscription service. Some of the kits were cute, some were ok and then some were just not for me. I am not knocking the quality of the products (exclusive stamps, ink and paper) because all of what Stampin Up! does has superior quality, but some of the packages were dissapointing. So I was super happy to find out that they will be offering photopolymer stamps (which are super easy to stamp with and now are being made by Stampin Up!) in every cute little box delivered right to your door.

Not sure what Paper Pumpkin is? Click here for more info or to join now!

It's a Magical Paper Escape Every Month!

Sweep away the mundane-your creativity carriage awaits!

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .
I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.
I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:
All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!
Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!


Get Started
It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program by visiting  https://mypaperpumpkin.com?demoid=2046442 and click Get it. Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family#every month!
Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's the nitty gritty:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you and your customer a 30-minute creativity escape.
• We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month. 
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (Let's say you sign up on May 10, we'll send your kit around May 15. If you sign up on May 11, we'll send your first kit around the June 15.) 

 Check back tomorrow to see this month's Paper Pumpkin!

Crafting Joy,
Melissa

A New Look!

Now that I am back in the blogging world again, I thought I would play around with a new look. I need a change. Do you ever feel that way? Stuck in a rut? Tired of the same old thing? I am feeling that way now. I will apologize in advance for all of the wacky things that will go on during "construction" but it will be so worth the wait!

Speaking of construction...I will be posting some pictures of the construction on my Creative Classroom tomorrow! I am so excited to share!!

Until then...

Happy Stampin'
Melissa

Retired List is available today!

Now that I have finally dried my tears from the Retired List I am sharing it with you. I am sad about some of the stamp sets but more excited that by cleaning out the old Stampin' Up! can bring in the new!

Click here to view the list in PDF form.

You don't want to miss out on getting that stamp set that has been on your wish list. You can order online here and you can combine your order with any clearance rack items or other fabulous products.

So print off the pages and grab a cup of tea and say goodbye to some old faithful friends.

Happy Stampin,
Melissa

Follow me on Pinterest!

Have you been on Pinterest? I LOVE it! You can search for creative craft ideas, delicious recipes, organizational ideas and so, so , so much more! I go on every now and then. I hope to add some pictures this weekend. I would love it if you follow me. Click on the link in the left column and see what all the buzz is about!

Happy Stampin,
Melissa

A great idea!

Happy Tuesday everyone! As many of you know, I am a blog hopper. I love finding new blogs and seeing what other creative people come up with. While on Pinterest (my new addiction) I found this really cool blog. Check it out!
http://lilyjanestationery.typepad.com/justlovely/2010/04/toy-bin-tags.html

I love these little tags that she created for those fabric bins you can find almost anywhere. I have tried almost everything to try and get labels to stick. I never even thought of tags! Duh! Simplicity is always the best. Plus, I am a sucker for free printables.

I will post pictures of my tags shortly. I am in the process of creating my final projects for my Kids Valentine's Class on Thursday. I will post those projects as well!

Sale-A-Bration starts today! Check out the fabulous new SAB catalog on the left sidebar. You can also check out the new Occasions Mini Catalog too! Remember that when you spend $50 or more in any of our catalogs you can pick a FREE items from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. Who doesn't like free?

Happy Stampin,
Melissa

Love and Sympathy

Todays post is bittersweet. While I love the card, I hate that I have to use it. That is the problem with sympathy cards. If you have one, you will have to send it. I am just hoping that this one gives a big hug to the wonderful lasy that I have to send it to. She lost her wonderful husband suddenly on New Years Day.

This card was cased from Dawn O. I love her blog. You can see her original post here. My mantra this year is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I love the simplicity of this card.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Love and Sympathy Clear Mount
Card Stock: Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive
Accessories: Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Finial Press Embossing Folder.

Like what you see? Join me for a class on February 9th. We will be making 3 cards and you will get this stamp set and more to take home with you.

Cost: $16.95 for Clear Mount Stamp Set Class
$20.95 Wood Mount Stamp Set Class

Please RSVP (email or phone) by January 19th so that I can pre-order your stamp sets for you to use at the class.

Thanks for looking!
Melissa

Happy New Year 2012!

I cannot believe that it is 2012. December flew by with so many projects and things to do. I know I have been neglecting my blog and I am working on trying to fix that. Being a mom to small children and even a not-so-small teenager has kept me busy and away from here. I am back!

I hope that everyone had a safe and happy New Years Eve. Ours was wonderful. Food, Fun and Friends. I am looking forward to all that God has in store for me and my family in 2012.

Happy New Year!
Melissa

Wow!

I know I have been neglecting my blog. I have been so busy creating and stamping that I keep forgetting to post! Please forgive me. Between school, sickness and life time has just flown by. I can't believe that it has actually been 4 MONTHS since I last posted!

Here is a little something I have been working on for upcoming classes. I was challenged by my Upline to demonstrate an Advent Calendar using the new stamp set 25 and Counting in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. I used a mini muffin tin for this calendar so that I could add little treats for my sons.

I am offering this as a class as well. Interested in joining me? Please check my website for times and dates. You can also RSVP from there as well.

Stay tuned...I will be posting up-close pictures of each day including the "recipe" I used to create this Christmas Keepsake.

Happy Stampin,
Melissa

It's Finally Here!

The brand new beautiful Idea Book and Catalog from Stampin Up! is finally here! You will be drooling over all the awesome new stamp sets, Designer Series Paper, Embellishments and more. To view a copy online simply click on the link to the left. You will be amazed!

I have not dropped off the face of the earth, I just moved. Moved in to my very own Craft Room! I can't wait to show you pictures!

Have a great 4th of July weekend!

Happy Stampin'
Melissa

A New Blog Header

Hello All,

I have been busy playing with the wonderful My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! Thanks to many talented SU Demos that have shared great tutorials to incorporate MDS with Blogging I have been able to create a new Blog Header. It is still a work in progress but I like how it turned out. I would love to hear what you think.

As a very amatuer blogger I am always looking for ways to make my blog look better and more appealing. I hope you like my changes.

I have been a very busy girl stamping and moving in to my new craft/stampin space. I can't wait to share pictures with you!

Have a blessed day!
Melissa

More Purses!

My wonderful friend Christine came to me to help her make some purses for her team of Thirty One Gifts consultants. Here are some of the ones that we came up with. I always enjoy making cards with Christine. We have a lot in common and when I am quiet she is not! We are a great team!

Ahhh...another Top Note purse. These are so easy to make and I love them. I used my favorite DSP for this one. Greenhouse Gala. I am going to try and make some with the new Springtime Vintage DSP from the Occasions Mini.

Inside the purse was a scripture that went along with the Bible Study that they had for their training. How wonderful it is that you can have a Bible Study with a group of women from a Direct Marketing group!

Here is one that has another of my favorite DSP. This is from Love Letter DSP. I used a piece of Melon Mambo card stock and a Rhine Stone to give it a little bling. We all could use a little bling right?

And last but not least we made some cute post it note holder purses using up some old In Color card stock and DSP. I love it when I can make a cute project and use up left overs too!

Happy Stampin'
Melissa

What is Valentine's Day with out chocolate?

Okay, I am back. What can I say? I am on a roll here. Today I am sharing some yummy chocolate desserts that I made for my family for Valentine's Day. These were the best ever cupcakes I have had in my life. Seriously. For real. YUMMMMMM!!

I have one word for everyone. Okay, maybe 2 words. Chocolate. Ganache. I have never made it before and let me tell you that it is so easy and so goooooooooddddd! Yum!

Don't they look yummy?

I had some batter left over so I made these cakes too.

These are the cakes that my family and I ate for Valentine's Day. We each had one and then shared the chocolate love that is ganache all week with the cupcakes.

Is your mouth watering yet? Would you like the recipe for these babies?

Well here it is!

I am a HUGE fan of the Pioneer Womans blog. I found her blog one day and have been hooked. I have made several of her recipes and I love her humor. And her dog. And her kids. She makes me laugh.  You can visit her here.

I would love to know what you think about the recipes. Please leave a comment! Bloggers LOVE comments!

No stampin today. I am off to try Ree's Devil Dogs! YUM!

Melissa

I am alive!

I know. I know. I KNOW! It has been too long since I have posted anything. Life Happens. I have good intentions and then something always gets in my way. I had lost a months worth of posts. I was really bummed about that. I will try to recover those posts, but never fear! I have some fresh projects I have been working on.

Changes have been happening in my life. Change is good. I like change. I need change. I get stuck in a rut and need something or someone to shake me and make me look at things differently. Well ladies, I have been shaken. Lets see what happens now!

I have so many things to share that I don't even know where to begin!

Maybe I should start with Valentine's Day! here goes!

I know you have all seen the cute coffee cups holders that were floating around the internet and even right here on my own blog. I decided to just use the cup and viola!

How cute are these?

I used a 12 oz Dixie brand coffee cup and took it apart. I traced the template on that back of my Designer Series Paper and made these cute cups. I added the tag to make it look like a tea bag. I LOVE TEA!!! This was one of the days that I thought I was a brilliant mother of all mothers! We all have those days don't we? ")  I filled them heart shaped brownies a-la Little Debbie Cakes and some other Valentine candy. Needless to say, the teachers were thrilled to get them. I was blessed to make them smile! God is good!!

My pictures are not the best, but you get the idea.

I will be making more of these for my friends for Mother's Day. Simple and easy to make. What's not to love?

Moving along to my youngest son Owens offerings for his classmates for Valentine's Day. He was very proud of these. I helped a lot and he worked his magic on the Big Shot.

Simple and easy. Again, whats not to love?

More Valentine's shares to come! Please check back!

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

Lady Bug Treat Cup

Hello Stampers!

I have been busy cleaning/organizing my stampin space. It is looking pretty good. I have a HUGE box of swaps to convert to cards and that will be my project for the next few days.

Today was a 2 hour delay for my sons' school so I didn't have much time to stamp so I decided to look at a magazine for inspiration and boy was I inspired! I made a cute little lady bug holder for Valentine's Day. It could also be used for a favor for a birthday party or a tea. I think she is really cute!

I used the Perfect Setting die to make her body and then used the small heart punch for her "dots". The picture is a little fuzzy. It looks like she has something on her mouth but it must be a glare. I do not have the white gel pen or I would have drawn her mouth on, but I think the little heart shape from the 2 step Owl Punch worked for this project. I will add a little cello bag with Red Hots or M &Ms and she will be the perfect treat for a friend.

I would love to know what you think!

Have a great day!
Melissa

Not sure what to think...

Hello Stampers,

I have been trying out new card styles and found a tutorial for a pocket card here. I have seen them around in various forms and never made one. Here is my first attempt. I am so not in the mood for Valentine's Cards yet (I better get in the mood soon! I have a class next week!) so I decided to change some colors. I used Cherry Cobbler (Yummy! I love this color!) and Basic Black with Very Vanilla. This card is just a proto-type. It still needs something. Maybe bling or a sentiment for the outside? I don't know. What do you think?

Here is a peek of what the inside looks like. I wanted a note card style and I am thinking about adding 2 more cards to have it as a note card holder, but that would defeat the purpose of just having a card.

I used Elements of Style stamp set. I love this set. I might try adding the sentiment from Just Believe and see how that goes. I am still in the "I'm not sure phase". I am so much better at 3D creations than cards but wanted to come up with something that is just my own.

I would love to know what you think! Please post a comment and share your thoughts on my card.

Happy Stampin'
Melissa

For I know the plans...

That is one of my favorite Bible verses. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  My wonderful Upline Sue Brummer have everyone on her team these wonderful pictures. I was truly inspired by the simplicity of the frame and the beauty of it.

I was inspired to make one for my wonderful friend Christine. She is a Thirty One consultant. She is awesome! She home-schools 3 children AND cares for a busy 2 year-old AND cares for her Mom AND she is a successful Thirty One consultant with a growing team. I don't know how she does it!

This is one of the things that I made for her.

I added some Rhinestones after I took the picture because it needed bling. The colors are Melon Mambo and Basic Black. These are really close to the Thirty-One colors.

Not sure what Thirty-One is? Check it out here!

I will share more on what else I am making for her next week! You will not want to miss it!

Check back soon or subscribe and don't miss out on any posts!

Happy Stampin'
Melissa

A pretty little organizer!

I had made this in November or October and meant to share it with you (you all know how that goes!).

 As you know, I am a huge blog hopper and I have certain blogs that I subscribe to. Inking Idaho is one of my favorite blogs to visit. Becky Roberts is a stampin genious and we sort of have the same style if you could call it that. Each October she releases her 12 Days of Christmas Tutorials. I have them all. They are great and not just for Christmas, you can use the projects for any occasion.

This bulletin board was cased from her tutorial. I love how it turned out and I am going to change out the snowflake for a heart in February. I used the Jolly Holiday DSP as instructed in the tutorial. I LOVE this paper. Plus, it is really not just for Christmas.

My wonderful hubby hung it for me. I want to stick photos of my boys or cards for inspiration, but right now it just makes me happy to look at it. It is hung right about my computer so I look up at it every so often when I am working and it just makes me smile. I think we all need something like that in our lives, just a little something to make you smile.

Happy Stampin,
Melissa

A little bit of Christmas

I know that I didn't share too many Christmas projects this year. I am sorry for that. Sometimes things get crazy and the I have good intentions that never get finished. Does that happen to you? Here is one of the "good intentions" that did get done. These cute little candy treats were for my Pre-school class that I teach at our church. I have a small group in the early service and these were quick and easy to make.

Here is a close up of the poem. I am not sure where it came from, but I love it. If you would like a copy, please leave me a comment with your email address and I will send a copy to you.

I printed these out on regular printer paper and attached them to Real Red card stock. I used some Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon to tie them on to the 1x8 skinny bags that were bought from Clearbags.com I stamped the image in Real Red and attached with a stampin dimensional.

These little bags will be re-appearing soon for Valentine's Day!

Enjoy!
Melissa