Soul Stamper

Gearing up for winter - Snow Pals and some blog candy.

Can you believe October is almost over? This month has been a complete and total whirlwind of activity for me:

• I got the keys to move in to my apartment on the 1st. Which also involved a slew of other things like running around to get renters insurance (required for this apartment), filling out the list of all damages so I don't get charged for them when I move out. 
• I moved the pup and a few belongings in to the apartment on the First and then on the 10th moved furniture in.
• Started my new job back on Sept 28th. Training did not start until October though. So it has been a month FULL of learning.
• Finally got my blog hoppin' in order to participate in the Pals blog hop. Many thanks to all of you who participated in the hop!
• Ended up sick with some sort of coldish thing. (no fun :( ) 
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AND...THEN...yesterday we had our first snow!!! There was no snow forecasted as of the weekend. I had thought it was curious that we made it so long without snow as our first snow is typically sometime in October. LOL...spoke too soon! There were some flurries on Tuesday night. On Weds it snowed off and on all day and it even left us with a little on the ground. The pup and I were up bright and early this morning so I took him out to play in it for a while. :)

In honor of our first snow, I created this Snowy card for one of my fellow members of the pretty pals:

I am sending this card along with a packet of hand stamped images from The More the Merrier Hostess Set ( ). This is a hostess set that can be earned with a qualifying hostess order. My pal was sweet enough to send me a few hand stamped images from a set that I do not have (it shall appear on a blog soon...). 

The inside of the card has this sweet and simple sentiment "so happy to have a friend like you "which is also a part of The More The Merrier Hostess Set. 

I thought it was appropriate for my blog readers as well. Thank you all for all the support you have given me this last month. I really appreciate it. 

BLOG CANDY:

While stamping these images, I thought it would be fun to make up a few more to give away as blog candy as a thank you. 

In order to participate: leave me a comment below by the midnight AZ time on Saturday, and I will draw the name of one lucky winner on Sunday. Winner will receive a stack of hand stamped images from The More The Merrier Set. :) 

Butterfly dreams

Well...it is late. I just finished my Monday Mojo card. So I will be back later to fill in the details of what I used for this card. I wanted to upload for now. Thanks for looking as always and sweet dreams. :) 

Winter's night - Serene Snowflakes

Ok Pals Paper Arts Challenge number 12 - take 2. lol. So here is my second attempt at this challenge. I like this one a bit better. It reminds me of a serene winter night. Those beautiful nights where you look out your window to see the earth blanketed in snow...and of course have no where to go in the morning (those are the best kind. :) ) 

I have spent some of this evening sitting on my back porch watching my dog play in the yard. A jacket is definitely needed, but it is nice to have weather that makes this doable. Nonetheless...I am still excited for that first snow fall. lol. Just not so much the getting out the door the next morning. :)

Here is the sketch again in case you want to play along:

 

Also in case you missed it, you can see my first attempt at this challenge here.

Supplies Used (If you see something you want, these can be found in my online store 24 hours a day  ):

Stamp Set: Stampin Up Serene Snowflakes (115438), The More the Merrier Hostess Set(for the sentiment "Warm Winter Wishes")

Cardstock: Stampin Up Kraft and Not quite Navy

Ink: Versamark (for the small snowflakes on the Not quite Navy cardstock) and Stampin Up Not quite Navy Classic Ink Pad

Ribbon: Stampin up Ribbon Originals - Elementary (116231)

Sizzix Big Shot Machine and Large Scallop Die

Colorful Thanks!

Ok, here is my second attempt at this week's Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Challenge . This is definitely a bit out of my comfort zone, but I like how it turned out. This color combo was a harder one for me to figure out. The samples of it looked so pretty, but it was definitely harder for ME to work with. Don't be surprised if you see it again in my work. lol. My brain is still twirling it around. :)

This was my first time to use one of the Stampin Up textured impressions Folders. I have to say they work like a dream. I will definitely be using this again soon. 

I also just noticed that this card bares a striking resemblance to my blog design. lol. :p I loved the color combo, but for some reason working in the close to cocoa was hard for me. Go figure...

The challenge was to use this color combo:

In case you missed, you can see my previous attempt at this challenge here.

I promise to come back and add the full supply list later (it is late here in AZ and I have been sick so sleepy time for me). Thanks for looking and check back soon. :)

Supplies Used (as always you can order them from my online store 24 hours a day. Just click on the little turtle below :) ):

Cardstock: Stampin Up! Cardstock in Green Galore, Close to Cocoa, Taken with Teal, and Almost Amethyst

Punches: Stampin Up Boho Blossoms Punch (110711)

Stamp: Stampin Up Very Thankful Stamp Set (115338) - Not only is this set adorable, but with every purchase 2 dollars is donated by SU to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

Ink: Stampin Up Taken With Teal Classic Ink Pad

Markers: Stampin Up Stampin' Write markers in Green Galore and Almost Amethyst

Brads: Stampin Up Rhinestone Brads-Circle Ice- (light purple). (109111) -Have you noticed a trend here? I love love love these rhinestone brads. I am adding the clear (113244) and fire (109110) sets to my next order. 

Sizzix Big Shot Machine (113439), Accessories, and Stampin Up Textured Impressions Folder Petals-A-Plenty (116824)

Thanks for looking!

Thanks for looking! 

Stampin up! Deal of the week - Sizzix Dies!

Ok, these technically came out on Monday. I wanted to share them with you. Stampin Up is still running the deal of the week and these will be available for a few more days at a discounted price. This deal ends on Ocotober 19 at 9:50am MT.  What a great way to grab a few fun dies to make holiday projects with! 

Flower Burts Embosslit - Originally 11.95. Now 5.99!

 

The most AMAZING card I have seen so far using this cute little emboslit was made by my pal Mike (fellow member of the Stampin Pretty Pals). To be inspired by his amazing card click here.

Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die - Originally 42.95. Now 25.99!

 

Bigz XL 3 tier Cake Die: Was 39.95. Now 25.49.

As always these can be purchased from my stampin up store 24 hours a day.

 

Feel free to link any of your own creations that were created using these dies. I would love to see what you make. Thanks for stopping in. 

More The Merrier Snow Pals - A bit of a challenge

I created this card with a few challenges in mind. It turned in to a bit more of a challenge than I anticipated though. It did not quite turn out as expected, but I kind of like it in a funky way. I think I will actually create other cards for both challenges, but I still wanted to upload this.

It  seems fitting for tonight as well. I had just sat down on the couch with my laptop to write this post when I heard a knock on the door. It was one of my new neighbors. Seems she thought I parked in "her" spot. The office told me all spots were unassigned until winter (when cars have to be off the street for plowing). Hmm... She became kind of upset with me, but we worked it out. She is parking right in front of my window..which I did not love, but can deal with. Turns out she is just a single mom with her hands full. She works graveyards and has to take her young children with her. She is already worried about this winter and digging her car out to get to work. It seems there are really not enough spaces for cars in the winter.  So we chatted about that and I think we have it resolved for now.I also tried to reassure her that I am a really a friendly neighbor and will help if she needs it. :)  I don't envy her digging her car out at 1am to head off to work in the snow though. So my more the merrier snow pals challenge extends to real life too. :p

This was originally created for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge 12. This week is a sketch challenge.

I was also trying to incorporate Scrapmasters Paradise Color Challenge #19. I LOVE this color combo, but will need to play with it more to make something more my style.

So notice a theme here? Challenges galore.  So what about you? What challenges are you currently working on or what challenges are you facing in real life? 

I hope you like these little snow pal even though they are not quite my ideal card. Guess it just goes to show...the first attempt is not always perfect. :)

Supplies Used: 

Stamp: Stampin Up The More the Merrier Hostess Set. This set can be earned with a qualifying hostess order. Did you know that online orders qualify for hostess sets too? Let me know if you have any questions. Serene Snowflakes Set (for the small snowflakes added with versamark along the top)

Ink: Stampin Up Taken with Teal Classic ink pad, Stampin Up Close to Cocoa Classic Ink Pad, and Versamark

Markers: Stampin up Stampin Write in Taken with Teal, Green Galore, and Almost Amethyst, close to cocoa, and pumpkin pie

Cardstock: Stampin Up Whisper white, Taken with teal, Close to Cocoa, Green Galore, and Almost Amethyst

Brads: Stampin Up Rhinestone Brads in Ice (light purple)

Sizziz Machine and Large scallop die

Mojo Monday 108 - Aspens in the Fall

The Aspen leaves here in Flag have turned a gorgeous golden color. Inspired by the beautiful aspen trees along a short hike that I took with my sister, brother in law, and nieces while they were up here visiting, I created this card:

This is also my submission to the Monday Mojo sketch this week (MOJO108). 

 

A pre cut journal spot with beautiful scalloped edges from The Write Stuff DSP set made this card come together in a flash. 

I inked the edges of my whisper white paper in crushed curry to further blend the two together. 

The give thanks stamp from The More the Merrier stamp set inked in Bermuda Bay on Soft Suede cardstock was then punched out with the 1 3/8" circle punch.  I am loving Stampin Up's In Colors. They are so fun to work with. :)

I then hand cut out the little Aspen Leaf from Crushed Curry Cardstock. Paper snips made this a breeze. I was even able to easily cut little notches in the side to give it a more realistic feel. The brown leaf veins were  hand drawn using a close to cocoa marker. The Aspen leaf was then popped up with dimensional adhesive. 

Supplies used (all supplies can be purchased from my store 24 hours a day): 

•  Stampin Up Cardstock in whisper white, crushed curry, soft suede, and bermuda bay
  
• Stampin Up The Write Stuff Designer Series paper
  
• Stampin Up Classic ink in bermuda bay and crushed curry
  
• Stampin Up Polka dot grossgrain ribbon in Soft Suede
  
• Stampin Up The more the merrier stamp set
  
• Stampin Up Lovely as a tree stamp set
  
• Paper snips
  
• Dimensional adhesive

Hoppy Halloween! Stampin' Up Blog hop!

Its here its finally here!!!!!! The Stampin Up Holloween Blog Hop! Thanks for hoppin' in to join me for some Hoppy Halloween Inspiration! 

With a new apartment and finally just getting furniture this weekend. I thought it would be fun to make a little center piece for my table. This project sort of made itself. I truly started out with something else in mind, but it started looking like a basket and so I went with it. Don't you love when projects do that? :)  It showcases Stampin Up in color Dusty Durango Cardstock as well as accents of chocolate chip and old olive cardstock. For the full supply list please see the bottom of the post. As always, you can purchase the supplies listed in My online store

Tip: Reeces Peanut Butter Cups in fall colors to match the Stampin Up cardstock were covered with stamped images from the Batty for You stamp set that have been punched out with the 1 3/8"punch and scallop circle punch from Stampin Up. These add an additional fun and tastey touch to this project. 

Tip: A rhinestone circle brad in old olive  gives an elegant touch and used fasten the handles on. Another brad placed on the bottom of the pumpkin holds all of the strips together. A leaf cut with out of Old Olive Stampin Up Cardstock with the Sizzix Leaves #2 die is attached to a strip of Old Olive ribbon that is curled around the pumpkins handle. 

Supplies used (Supplies can be found in My online store. Available 24-7 ) :

• Stampin Up cardstock in Dusty Durango, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, and whisper white.
• Stampin Up punches: 1/38" circle and scallop circle
• Sizzix dies: Leaves # 2 and Scallop Circle
• Stampin up Ribbon -Elementary
• Stampin up Rhinestone brads-ice
• Stampin Up classic ink in dusty durango and curry.

I actually thought it went rather well with this card  that I made the other day. 

Thanks for hoppin' in and don't forget to check out all the other inspirational ideas this hoppin' group put together. For a full list of participants, please scroll down to the post directly before this one. :) 

              

 

EEeeek It is coming!!! Stampin Up Holiday Blog hop...

 A talented group of Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators are prepping to provide some fun new inspiration.  Our first holiday blog hop will focus on Halloween.

Join us TOMORROW, Tuesday, October 13, 2009 as we showcase all that Stampin’ Up! has to offer – from rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments, and so much more.  You might want to set you alarm to check this out.

Save the Date on your calendar for our next hops.  You won’t want to miss the creations we have to share.

Thanksgiving/Fall – November 10, 2009

Christmas/Winter – December 1, 2009

Get ready for our first hop on Tuesday, October 13th.

Our Holiday Hopper line up includes (drum roll please): 

1. Kris Kween Bee Creations

2. Carla Carla's Scraps

3. Linda Stampin' Seasons

4. Melanie Oops a Daisy

5. Mary Stampin' Pretty

6. Trish (me) Soustamper

7. Jill Stamping Heart

8. Liz DIY PAPER CREATIONS

9. Kim Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative

10. Kalshelia Stampin' Fabulousity

11. Regina The Stampin' Bean

12. Margaret Mararet Moody

13. Debbie Stampin' Sunshine

14. Ann The Stampin' Schach

15. Gina Cards by Gina

16 Lourdes Cozy Crafty Corner

Please hop over to all of these amazing crafter's blogs and share some love. :) Thanks for hoppin' in!

The More the Merrier - A Halloween Hi!

Today was a very full day. I feel beyond blessed to have so much going on in my life, but a bit tired too. The more the merrier seems to be a fitting title for my life right now. :) My day started with some thrift store shopping in search of a couch. I finally found one...along with some vintage pyrex dishes that made my heart happy. Then it was on to loading the moving truck. Exhausted my parents and I then headed out to a birthday party for my 9 year old niece. 

To finish off my very full day I made this:

Products used: 

• The More the Merrier Hostess stamp set- This set is free with a qualifying hostess order. Did you know that online orders can qualify for hostess sets as well? Please ask me if you have any questions on this. 
• Medallion Back ground Stamp (Tip: I stamped this in versamark ink. This ink is perfect for creating a background by easily giving any color paper a darker hint of itself. )
• Versamark ink
• Stampin up classic ink in basic black
• Snail adhesive and dimensionals (tip: dimensional used to pop up one pumpkin)
• Stampin Up Rhinestone brads in ice
• Eyelet Border punch
• Stampin Up Cardstock in Whisper white, Perfect Plum, and Old Olive
• Stampin Up Stampin write markers in old olive and pumpkin pie
• Stanmpin Up paper snips scissors (WOW! This is my first time using these. TIP: I cut out each pumpkin using paper snips. If you need to cut something small out these are the perfect tool for the job. The difference these make in cutting out the little pumpkins was STUNNING! These may be my new favorite tool. )

All supplies can be found in My Store

I created this for the Pals Paper arts challenge . This week was a color challenge to use the following colors:

Each month I hope to participate in this craft along , but it seems to not happen.  I was so excited to see that this month's craft along is to make a Halloween card. So of course I jumped on it and for once I have a submission. I plan to attempt some of the other crafts as well to keep with The More the Merrier theme. :)