Bits & Pieces

I had so much fun coming up with my Halloween class projects that I am already very excited to start planning my next class in November.  It's going to be on November 4th or 6th.  We will be making some great Christmas projects.  Here's a little sneak peek of one of the projects I was working on today.

Doesn't that just get you all kinds of excited?  I'm sure you are thinking that maybe just maybe I have finally done it.  I have lost my mind.  So, have another look at more bits & pieces from the upcoming project.

Deosn't that just clear it right up?  I know I"m sorry I wish I had one completed for you to look at, but alas you will have to wait until tomorrow.

I will tell you this though.  I have fallen in love with the Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper.  It's gorgeous.  And that is what we will be using in the class.  Every single project will come from that pack of paper.  How fun is that?  All nicely coordinating and such.

Deck the Halls Designer Paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog

I Believe...What goes Around...

That what goes around comes around.  Truly.  I have a motto that I try to live my life by - leave any given person or situation better than how you found them.  Whether it be through laughter or an ear to listen.  Whatever the case may be, there is always an opportunity for you to give more than you receive.  There is always an opportunity for you to enrich or lift someone up.  And sometimes it's as easy as projecting some positive energy.  And sometimes it's a lot harder than that.

So, what did you think of my song recommendation from yesterday?  Did you like the song?  Is this something that you would like to see more of - songs that inspire me?  I hope so, because I like sharing.

Today's pictures come from my stamp class on Saturday.  I had a really great time sharing my afternoon with some really fun ladies.  It's great to watch each participant grow in their craft.

The group from the class



Vicki and Brittany



Brittany working on her Santa

My mom water coloring her snow

Brittany made the yummiest cupcakes for the class - Lemon Raspberry.  They were so good.  Thanks for sharing your baking talent with us!!!

An Unplugged Weekend

And getting reconnected.  Sorry I didn't get a chance to post anything over the weekend, but honestly, I hardly had my computer on at all during the past three days.  It was great to spend time doing other things that do not require a computer, a keyboard, the Internet . . . but I did miss posting.

First, I spent Friday at home with a sick child.  And, ooops!, we did play a computer game for about an hour in the afternoon.  After that, we watched cartoons and rested.  In the evening, I had the opportunity to visit with some friends at a stamping class that I attended.  It was great fun to reconnect and to meet new friend - and to stamp at the same time.

Then on Saturday was my Christmas Card class, and it was almost a full house!  Love it!  I had a great time sharing and visiting with those that attended.  And this time I did remember to take some pictures of the class. 

Sunday was family day.  We spent the afternoon just hanging out, catching up on some favorite TV shows and even watched the movie Prince of Persia, which I enjoyed very much. 

And now, here I sit winding down the weekend and knowing that tomorrow it is back to business as usual.  That's okay.  You have to have the work days and the busy times to help you realize just how nice it is to just veg out on the couch every once in awhile.

Now, I owe you some pictures.  And don't worry they are coming.  Pictures from this weekend and to show you the beautiful cards that I got to make at Marlene's house on Friday night.  But first, there is still one more card that you have not gotten to see yet that we made in my Christmas Card class yesterday.  So, here it goes...

I love this totally cute little Santa.  Isn't he just adorable?  This is my very first stamp set using the clear blocks.  LOVE THEM!  They are easy to put together and easy to use.  I can see a very bright future for me and clear stamps.  OH, and did you notice the Glimmer Brad?  I may have mentioned this before, but I just love them!  Gorgeous!

Stamp Set:  Holiday Hoopla, Curly Cute
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Jolly Holiday Designer Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Regals brads, Glimmer brads, Rhinestone Jewels

And finally, here are all the cards that we made in class on Saturday.  Aren't they fun?

Well, I can hardly keep my eyes open.  I'm even going to hit the sack before getting any reading in today.  Just too tired.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  See you tomorrow!

Let's Keep This Short & Sweet

I'm gonna start off with a bang:

And then I'm gonna finish pretty quickly.  It is definitely Wednesday.  Halfway through the week - and I am feeling it.  Lots to do to get ready for my class on Saturday, along with all the other stuff life is bringing my way.  Been a pretty steady week and I am tired and ready for some sleep.  So, instead of rambling on and on, I will show you another card that is a possible choice for my class on Saturday.  I really like this card.  I have fallen completely in love with these new Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini.  If you haven't gotten them yet - you must!  They are beautiful!  Since I already gave you a sneak peek, here's the rest of the card.  Enjoy!

And I hope you are having a great week.  See you tomorrow!

I Believe That Drama...

Is so self-destructive.  And I don't mean going to the movies and watching a drama genre show.  I mean the Drama that some people just cannot seem to help but create in their lives.  What is that all about?

So, today started out just as any other normal day in our house.  We all got up at pretty much the normal time.  We ate breakfast, we brushed teeth, we verified that everything was in the backpack and ready to go.  And then, we remembered that it was picture day.  Oops.  The shirt that Ryan wanted to wear really could use a little ironing.  Guess I should have done that yesterday.  Well, needless to say, that started a small domino effect with the end result being that Ryan was about 10 minutes late for school.

Really not a big deal.  He's never late.  I think in seven years of attending school, I have only had to sign him in late one other time.  He hardly ever misses. 

Now, this could have been a major meltdown.  I mean really it could have.   And had it been a few years back, it probably would have been.  I've never been a morning person.  So, my emotions - and temper - are a little quicker in the morning.  And really who on earth does that benefit?  Absolutely no one. 

So,  few years ago, I decided to take better charge of myself.  For you see, you cannot change the things that happen around you, you can only change how you react to them.

I had a Child Development teacher in college talk about emotions.  And this has stuck with me for all of these years.  He explained to his totally packed 300+ students classroom that emotions are pure.  They are genuine.  They are not wrong or right.  They are just what they are.  What makes them wrong or right is how you react to them. 

Hmm, let that one sink in for a moment.

Emotions are not wrong or right.  Wow.  It is so very true. 

Back to this morning.  It could have been handled with some yelling and getting all worked up and frustrated with the fact that we were running late.  But what would that have accomplished, except to get us all off to a terrible start.  Instead we just did the best we could with what we had to work with.  And we both started our day off on the right foot.

And so I say - Drama - Who needs it?  Not me, that's for sure.

Now, I can't leave you with all that and not share a card now can I?  This is a Christmas card that I made while trying to get the creativity flowing for my upcoming class.  It is still in the running and may be made in the class.  I'm just not completely sure yet.  I received the order I was waiting for and will work on two project ideas.  Then will decide which of the final two cards will be included in the class.  Let me know what you think.

Stamp Set:  Loads of Love
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Real Red, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Pearls, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Colored Pencils

Glitter, glitter everywhere - stamping and nails - such fun

And, speaking of glitter and things that sparkle . . . here is a card that has plenty of shine.  But first, a teaser:

I redo my nails at least once a week. And sometimes two or three times. It just depends. You see, I am really hard on a manicure, so it's a good thing that I do them myself. I couldn't afford it otherwise. And sometimes I get just plain bored with the color that I have on at the moment. At this particular moment, I am wearing a beautiful silver sparkly color. I'm not sure what it's called. It's from OPI and was a part of their Christmas Collection. They are the cutest little bottles of polish. And at the time I thought they were just perfect for trying out some new colors. All the colors were glittery, and it included red, silver and purple. Now, I could not possibly be expected to turn down a purple shade, could I?  I really do wish that I had bought full size bottles, but oh well what can you do. 

Since I was wearing glittery silver on my nails, I guess I felt inspired to add some glitter to a card that was sitting on my desk.  It is the glitter that I showed you yesterday.  Fun, fun stuff.  On this card I attached it with Sticky Strip.  Man oh man do I love me some Sticky Strip!!!

But, before I get ahead of myself . . . first here are what my nails look like currently.  I'm pretty sure they will get changed sometime this weekend.

Please don't be too critical of my polishing job.  I love this color.  Mostly because it looks like it should be rough to the touch like glitter is.  But it isn't.  It's smooth, smooth smooth!  Love it!!!!

Okay on to the card.  I do believe this card will be made in my Christmas Card class next Saturday.  If you are in the area, and would like to come you better get yourself signed up.  It will be a fun one.

Here's the info if you need it again:

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards. Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few. We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Email me for more info or to sign up - mlharper@qwestoffice.net

And, if you missed it, I already shared one card from the class. It was posted on Tuesday September 7, 2010. Titled - September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween cards.

Now these are the only kind of snowflakes that I like.  That's why I live in the desert.  I know I'm a wimp, but it's true.  I do not like the cold temperatures.  I lived in them for over half of my life and now that I'm the grown-up, I get to say no more!

And here it is, the full card.  Lots of embossing shine, and glitter shine and some fun ribbon.

Thanks for checking in with me.  I'm getting a little tired and will be turning in soon.  But first, to get some reading in.  It's getting really good in Return of the Jedi.  That's my favorite movie of them all and so far the book is too.  Although, I only just began chapter three.

September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween Cards

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards.  Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few.  We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Here is one of the projects we will be making in class.  This card includes some watercoloring and glitter.  You will learn about shadowing to bring your watercolor projects to life!

Stamp Set:  Big on Christmas

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Basic Black, Brushed Silver, Watercolor

Accessories:  Black Brads, Aquapainter Painter, 2-way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Health Challenge Update

I got to walk with my brother and my father yesterday.  That was so fun.  Don't get me wrong, it was a workout, but it was a fun one.  And, I finally did weigh myself pretty consistently over the last week.  And by the end of the week, not only are my pants feeling a tad bit loser, my shirts not so snug, the scale even confirmed it - down a pound and a half!  I will take it.  Any movement in that direction is wonderful in my opinion. 

I am busy planning my next stamp class.  Mark your calendars now - September 18.  And it is going to be Christmas stuff.  I'm thinking cards, but not 100% sure!  So, within the next week, I will be making the announcement.

In the meantime, enjoy this card using the shadow stamping technique.

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs
Ink:  Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Paper:  Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Shimmery White

A Distressing Day

Well, actually it was not a distressing day.  Not at all!

Yesterday I got to be the stamper.  I attended a class at Diana's (thanks for a great day yesterday) using Stampin' Up!'s new distressing kit.  What a bundle of fun that is!  We made three projects.  It was really fun using that kit to add "wear and tear" to the projects.  I think the blank stamp is so fun, and very relaxing.  The way you work it in on the edges of your projects.  Well, it just takes all the stress out of distressing.  And if that isn't enough, the sanding tools let you really work out some aggressions - that is if you have any to work out!

Anyway, it was real fun going to class and enjoying the company of other stampers that were learning this new technique just like I was for the first time.  We had a great time gabbing and stamping.

After class was over, Diana and I headed out to do some shopping.  I'm always up for shopping, but this was right up my alley.  She's been wanting a new camera.  So off we went to take a look at different styles.  She had two picked out two that she was interested in looking at.  We went to Costco first.  I haven't had a Costco membership in years, so wasn't really sure what to expect.  Really, their camera selection was pretty limited.  There seemed to be either pretty high end or low end.  And nothing in the range that she was looking for.  So, off to Best Buy we went.  It was just down the road a bit and they had a much better selection.  Immediately we had it narrowed down to two, but really it was looking like the one.  And it turned out to be one of the two that she was originally wanting to take a look at.  She did buy that one.  I think she's going to have a lot of fun with it.  It's got a lot of options and will be as simple as she wants or will allow her to "expand" her horizons if she decides.  After that we grabbed a quick bite at Paradise Bakery.  Yum!  Love that place.  And then I decided it was time to head home to see my family since I had been gone most of the day.  I finished the day out playing computer games with my husband and son.  We had fun.

Now, I'm off to take my son in for his first before school band class of the school year and then I am getting to walk the mall with my brother and my father for the first time since school got out in May.  I'm really looking forward to that.  The exercise is great and so are the conversations that we have!

Don't worry, I'm not leaving you without any pictures to check out for the day.  Just a couple from yesterday.

Here I am getting ready to go to the Distressing Class. 

The distressing Kit in it's cute little pouch.

Here are the contents all laid out.  We all joked that the sticks on the bottom were weapons.  But they sure made distressing things easier.  And everyone fell in love with the cute little sanding block.  I didn't even use mine yesterday, it's just too cute!!!

Here are the three projects that we made in Diana's class.  She had put her initial on her Distressing Kit.  I love my M.  It's so darn cute and those flowers were so easy and fun to make.  I'm not sure where I'm going to put my M yet, for right now it's on my stamping desk ready to help inspire me to create.

First Official Stamping Event

Today was my first official stamp events. I setup my sale items this morning. Lots of wonderful memories of stamping items here that are looking for a good home - to be used and loved. I had some stamp friends take advantage of these great deals, but do have lots of items left. If you are interested in a list of what's left and prices send me an email mlharper@qwestoffice.net.


After my sale, I had my first class. We did three cards. I wanted to keep things a little simpler for my first event. We did use some bleach, some glitter and ribbon of course. It was fun. I think everyone had a good time stamping, chatting and just enjoying a little girl time. Thanks for supporting me in my new adventure. I can't wait for next month - Christmas!

After the class, several members of my family went out to eat. For me, it was kind of in celebration of getting back into stamping. It's been a fun experience. I look forward to challenging myself again and reconnecting with this side of my creativity. We went to eat at a Mexican restaurant. We had plans to eat at a local Olive Mill, but decided at the last minute since it was so hot out (it's an outside tour and stuff that you go through) and they have an event planned for today that we did not want to participate in, that maybe we should save that for another day. Thanks to my mom & Brittany for the support with stamping today and to their families for joining us for lunch today.

All around a fun time!  I took some pictures as I was setting up and fully intended to take more during the class and such.  But, I was distracted with the actual stamping and forgot to even get my camera out.  Next time I will be much better.  So here's the garage sale.

Spots, spots and more spots.  Oh and some cardstock too.  This is what was left at this point, after having sold several unopened packs and loose sheets as well.  Before the day was over, several more packs of paper and spots left as well.

A look at the stacks of stamp sets.

Various accessories.  Items needed to add that special touch.

My day ended with a very nice surprise.  My health challenge friend, Kim, and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.  This was no leisurely stroll.  We had a good pace from beginning to end.  I just wish it wasn't quite so humid out.  The heat no problem, but I am so not used to the humidity.  I'm glad she asked me to go.  It felt great to get out there and get in some exercise after a non-stop day.  It was great company, great conversation and all working towards a better me.  Gotta love that.

Now I'm gonna put in some quality time with my book - The Empire Strikes Back.  Yes I have seen the movie more times than I can count, but the books are way better.  Aren't they always?

Tune back tomorrow for my ordering special announcement.  I know I said today was the day, but I'm still working out all the details so tomorrow it is.  See you then!

You asked for it...

Well kinda.  I had a few people let me know that they would like to see my swap card.  Well, I'm just not ready to show the whole thing.  So, instead I will give you a sneak peek.

Ain't I a stinker? I just love these new brads. They are very fun and beautiful. I'm trying to figure out how on earth I can add them to my clothing or jewelry somehow.

Let's see, it's day five of the health challenge.  I've been pretty good.  Sticking to my calorie intake and have worked out everyday.  Today's workout was a little bit lighter than I had anticipated but that's okay.  Sometimes you just have off days.  Maybe I was too excited about seeing a couple friends this morning that I rushed a bit.  It was fun to visit with them and share goofy stories about our kids.

Now, I need to finish getting everything ready for my Stampin' Garage Sale and Welcome Back to Stamp Class in the morning.  I'm looking forward to both and hope to see some fun stampers tomorrow!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a special for ordering that is being announced tomorrow!  And to see some fun pictures from tomorrows events.

Looking forward to Saturday Stamping

Phew!  I finally have everything ready for my stampin' garage sale.  That took some serious sorting and pricing and moving around.  But, my stamp area is looking very nice and clean - and almost empty!  The horror!!!  Anyway, here is a copy of the email that I sent out to my email list. 

A friendly reminder about upcoming stamping events this weekend. I have openings in my class on Saturday and would love to see you there! Please sign up by Thursday so that I can be prepped and ready for you that day.

I have three great projects planned. You can view one of them on my blog. Just check out the entry for Thursday July 29 titled Unique.

As always please contact me with any questions you may have!

Welcome Back to Stamping Class
Saturday August 14, 2010
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost $10 for 3 cards
Class special - bring a friend and you stamp for just $5
Recommended bring your own Snail adhesive

Stampin' Garage Sale
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:00 am to 9:30 am
Whether you are needing to add to your stampin' collection or you are ready to start a collection, you will not want to miss out on these deals. I have boxes of items that are priced to sell. Items including stamp sets, ink pads and refills, full packs of paper as well as individual sheets, and lots of accessories including ribbon, brads, buttons and much, much more. Get here early for the best selection.

Here's an idea of what to look for at the sale:
25+ stamp sets - all marked at over 50% off
Over 10 different styled punches
Glitter and embossing powders
Brads, eyelets and beads
Over 15 different ribbons - some brand new
Coloring tools - pencils and more
Over 30 cardstock colors some brand new - never been opened
Retired stamp pads and ink refills

The stack of cardstock that is ready for the garage sale.  Tons of colors here and several have not even been opened yet!

On a personal note, today started my health challenge.  Kim approached me the other day with the idea of tracking our calories and workouts for 14 days.  I was so excited to jump on board.  I love this kind of stuff.  I'm not a very competitive person.  Actually competitive people drive me crazy.  Mostly because I am not.  I have never felt the need to compete with anyone else.  I can only do better than myself.  I have always heard that you should automate your meals and such.  I guess I am going to be hardheaded about this though.  I am going to eat as I normally do with minor tweaking - and with keeping track of the calories as I go.  This way I won't feel as though I have missed out on the things that I love.  The biggest thing I am looking forward to (that's right I said looking forward to) working out again.  I have always enjoyed a good workout and miss them when I don't do them.  There's just something about getting the good physical workout to get the brain cleared out.  So, today I got out my weights and my stability ball and went to town.  It was really fun and set such a great tone for the rest of my day.

And now for tonight - some yoga!  I know I'm gonna feel it but soon I won't and that will be awesome!  Wish me luck!

Surprise

Yesterday morning started off pretty well.  It looked like I was going to have time to get some fun crafting in and then as the day starting going on and on and on and on, it started to look like that was not going to happen.  Bummer.

So, late in the afternoon, we were getting ready to go get Ryan's (my son) school supplies.  Which he was not even remotely interested.  I told him that if he didn't want to go I would be more than happy to pick out everything for him.  It would be all matching and in fun me colors.  He said that was fine.  He was not fooling me at all.  Well, just before we left, I got this text from Diana, my upline, inviting me to go to a stamp meeting that night with her up-upline Rhonda - who is also a friend of mine (Twilight buddies, a story for another day).  As far as I knew she had not yet been informed that I was once again stamping and definitely had not been told that I would be coming.  So, I worked it out with the boys - hubby and son - to be able to go.

It was such a nice surprise!  I had a really fun time.  Not only did I get to see the fun new items that Rhonda had already ordered out of the new catalog and to see the fun things that they did at convention.  But, the best part was seeing some wonderful stamping friends again.  It was a nice surprise for me and for them!

We even stamped.  I don't have it ready for posting yet, will be taking the photo later today for that.  So, instead I'm sharing my favorite card from the stamp class that I went to at Diana's house last month.  This card is so cute.  (And I understand she "borrowed" the idea from Marlene - another wonderful stamping friend).

Have a wonderful Tuesday and see you soon!

Let's Stamp Together

I have been planning and stamping and cleaning and getting ready for the very first stamp event!  I can't wait any longer to let you know all about it!

Welcome Back to Stamping Class
Saturday August 14, 2010
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost $10 for 3 cards
Class special - bring a friend and you stamp for just $5
Recommended bring your own Snail adhesive



Stampin' Garage Sale
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:00 am to 9:30 am
Whether you are needing to add to your stampin' collection or you are ready to start a collection, you will not want to miss out on these deals.  I have boxes of items that are priced to sell.  Items including stamp sets, ink pads and refills, full packs of paper as well as individual sheets, and lots of accessories including ribbon, brads, buttons and much, much more.  Get here early for the best selection.

I have been trying to get a little stamping in every day and this weekend was great for it.  With all the rain and such, it was nice to have some quiet time to stamp.  I'm thinking this is going to be a card for the first stamp class, but can't promise that I will not come up with something that I like even better between now and then.  When it gets closer to the class date, I will definitely let you know what projects will be included.  One I already know for sure, but will save that for a later date!

Stamp Set:  Inspired by Nature
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive and Crumb Cake
Inks:  Old Olive and Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Early Espresso Satin Ribbon, Paper Daisies, Metallic Brads and bleach