How about some Halloween Candy!?

I have to admit, I love candy. So, of course, Halloween has some sweet benefits. Unfortunately, we live in a rural community and in order to go “Trick or Treating”, we have to crash someone’s party or neighborhood. I really don’t like the mall for candy begging. It seems so lame.

I love finding novelty candy. This year I found eyeball lollipops, body parts gummies, eyeball gumballs, exploding candy and test tube (powdered) candy. The best part was it was all at the local dollar store. Cha ching!

Well, since I love candy so much, I thought I would offer up some Blog Candy. I just received a sweet package from Mr. Brown. It had these nice little Halloween goodies in it. There’s a sheet of Designer Jewels Black Flourish, a package of Spooky Night Rub-Ons and a roll of Black Lace Ribbon.

All you have to do is leave me a comment about your favorite candy and I will pick a random comment for the winner on Monday.

Some Awesome Stampin’ Up! Specials for You!

It's Monday, already! There's a lot going on this week both here and at Stampin' Up!
There are two great promotions going on this month and they are worth repeating in case you've missed them so far.

Our Simply Set card kits are on special this month. When you order two, Stampin' Up! will give you your choice of coordinating stamp sets. They are great for experienced card-makers, but they would also make a GREAT holiday gift!! Each kit includes:

• 8 printed cards (depending on the kit some are die-cut edged or embossed)
• Coordinating tags and/or accents
• Additional embellishments such as buttons or pearls
• Coordinating ribbon
• 8 envelopes

*See each kit's details for specific information.

Now, lets say that your Stampin' Up! wish list is long.
Maybe, like some of my friends and customers, your wish list is kept on an excel spreadsheet or in a spiral binder. (I'm not making this up... truly) Well then, this special is for you:

Sign up this month and you will receive a Big Shot (OR $100 in merchandise of your choice) in addition to the wonderful supplies already in the kit. The Starter Kit is only $175 and worth at least double that on a regular day; but this month... wow! In case you are wondering, there are no extra strings attached. As always, you have three choices:

• Keep the kit, build a business. I'll be on-hand to help you along the way. Keep it small (like me) just to pay for the goodies you purchase, or build something bigger to pay those bills! OR
• Keep the kit, order for yourself at a discount. It's only $300 a quarter to stay active. Having a friend or two order from you will make it even easier. OR
• Keep the kit... and nothing. There is no penalty for letting your Demonstrator status drop. None.

Curious about what is in the kit? Download the October Promotion Starter Kit PDF which details the contents. Note: the majority of the kit items are customizable, allowing you the flexibility to get what you like and will use.

Contact me 24/7 at my Stampin’ Up! website for any of these specials or for anything else.

Have a great Columbus Day/Monday!!

More Trash to Treasure

I made this one quite a while ago for my youngest Daughter. She had a Pirate Birthday for her 5th and I dressed up and we had a treasure hunt. It was so much fun!!! To help her remember the fun we had, I used a picture of me in my Pirate garb along with some fun paper and stickers. I added beads for more fun and then used eyelets to keep it from opening. I also wrote a personal message to her on the back. She loved it and still enjoys looking at it and reading my note.

This package was from some super big flowers I had purchased. Like they say, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”.

Trash to Treasure

Sometimes, when I open a cabinet or look in my garage, I think I recycle “to a fault”. But, when I come up with ideas like these, it reminds me that I would rather have these plastic packages take up room in my cabinets and garage than in a land fill.

This first one is a smaller package from brads or tags or something craft related. I just used the paper insert that had all of the manufacturers info on it as a template for my pretty papers. Then I put in a gift card and some tinsel, tied a bow at the top and voile’. The term “recycled gift” has a new meaning.

Check in tomorrow for another one! XO

Halloween Cards Class

The Halloween Card Class is creeping up on us! It is on Sunday, October 9th from 10 till 1. This is a fun card class with 5 spooky cards to delight Halloween lovers of all ages! Please bring a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $15.00. Please R.S.V.P. to stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com by Wednesday, October 5th. Hope you can make it!

Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack is Back!!!

OMGoodness!! Stampin’ Up! has just filled up the Clearance Rack with some awesome quality Stampin’ Up! products with AMAZING price reductions!

They are “first come, first serve” and once they are gone, they are gone. So get over there FAST!!!

Click on the link to my Stampin’ Up! Website on the left. Then click on the Products tab and go to Shop Now. You will see the Clearance Rack on the left in the list. Click on that and get busy!

Hurry! Go NOW!

How do you create?

I am embarrassed to say, I am a very messy creator. When I get going and I’m in “the zone”, stuff starts flyin’ around, hours whip by and before I know it, it’s time for dinner but nothing has been cooked. That is what today was like. I paused for a moment and looked at my desk. When I saw the damages, I decided to share my dirty little secret with you. Hope you had a productive day too! XOX

I’m on a Roll!

I have been posting very regularly and I would hate to mess up my momentum so I thought I would show you another honeycomb card that I created. I love the saying on the front of the card. It is from a retired SU set called “Humor in High Heels”. I love the set and just can’t bear to part with it so, I pull it out every now and then and play with it. Enjoy!

Gift Cards, Always a Perfect Fit!

I love giving and receiving gift cards. They are always the right size and color and in style! I have even traded gift cards before, when I received one to a store that I didn’t shop at. LOL! Last week, I paid for a stamp set, from another Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, with a gift card. That was a first for me but that’s what she wanted.

Anyhoo, this is a sneak peek at one of the gift card holders that we will be making at the Gift Card Class on the 2oth of October from 6 to 9. We will make 4 different holders that you will be proud to give. The cost of the class is $15.00. Basic tool kit is needed. Don’t forget your H2U member card to receive 10% off the price of the class.

The Stockings Were Hung…

I must say, I am really lovin’ all the fun ways to use the new Stampin’ Up! stamp set Stitched Stockings and the coordinating Stocking Builder punch that are in the Holiday Mini Catalog! The ideas are endless!

I love these new items so much that I am offering a free card class when you purchase these items from me. That’s right! On October 29th, from 10 till 2, we will make four cards with coordinating envelopes with these products and many more.

Here’s a little teaser of what we will make at the class. If you would like to come to the class, please R.S.V.P. by October 20th.

Hope you can join us!

Going Batty for Treats!

Have you seen the Shaker Frames #124155 that are in the Holiday Mini Catalog? They are on page 38. They are made from the same strong foam adhesive that Stampin’ Up! has been making their dimensionals with for years. You get a total of 36 circles: 6 each of nested circles 1/2”, 3/4” 1”, 1 1/4”, 1 1/2” and 1 3/4” and are 1/8” thick.

I used one in the center of my “bat” that was made using the Owl punch and the retired bat punch. The main treat holder is 2 tags.

 

Halloween Honeycomb Cards

I have a confession to make. I am totally addicted to this fabulous honeycomb paper! I have been cutting and gluing shapes inside cards to see what I can come up with next.

Here is my latest. I used some Halloween papers I have had laying around the studio for a couple years just collecting dust. How embarrassing! Anyway, the trick or treaters' were already on the paper as well as the spider web that's on the inside. I just cut the honeycomb paper and added glittery black legs and voila! I love it!

If you can’t find the honeycomb paper but you have a Dollar Tree store close by, check their decorations and you might find these little pumpkin centerpieces that work great too!

A Few More Goodies Added to the Banner

I just can’t stop myself. I am having so much fun adding ephemera to this awesome banner. I wish you could see it in person. I just can’t get a picture of it that does it justice. Hope you like it!

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Something Spooky to Create

Spooky Halloween Banner Oct 15th 10AM to 2PM:
If you’re like me and love to decorate for Halloween, you will want to make it to this class.

This banner is very multi dimensional, colorful and makes a suitable addition to your annual spooky decorations. Products featured are Stampin’ Up!, Making Memories, Ranger, Tim Holtz, Maya Road, Girls Paperie, and many more.

Each participant will receive a kit with plenty of materials to make this banner or any variation with plenty of goodies left over.There will also be a buffet of products to choose from to give your banner a personal touch.

This class requires a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $25.00.

Please R.S.V.P. by October 10th. Remember to bring your H2U member card for 10% discount.

"Create with the Cricut" Class

For the first "Create with the Cricut" Class, we are going to use the following cartridges:
George cartridge, for those of you with the original Cricut.
Plantin Schoolbook, for those of you with the Expression.
Don Juan, for those of you with the Cricut Create.
We will make 4 cards of various themes. You will get full color instructions with photos of the finished projects and step by step directions according to the machine and cartridge you are using.
You will need to bring a basic paper crafting tool kit and a Cricut tool kit, if you have one. You will also need a white gel pen and a black thin marker. I like the white gel pen at the local craft store by Inkssentials. It seems to not clog up like the others. For the black thin marker, I like the ones that are from CTMH or CM. They have a set of various tips in black. But, bring whatever you own.

The class is on Sept. 23rd 10AM to 1PM and Oct 1st 2PM to 5PM and the cost is $25.00. H2U members get a 10% discount. Please remember your H2U card to get your discount. Please R.S.V.P. by Sept 20th for the class on the 23rd and by Sept. 28th for the Oct. 1st class. Space is limited to 8 people per class. Remember to let me know what machine and cartridge you have when you R.S.V.P.

Let’s Get Stampin’!

Here are the classes that I have coming up at the Paper Rose Studio
I hope to have pictures of all projects up by the end of the week.

September / October Calendar of Events

Beginner Cricut Class Sept. 22nd 10AM to 1PM and Oct. 1st 10AM to 1PM:
Do you have a Cricut electronic cutter but haven’t taken it out of the box or have it out but it is collecting dust? This class is for you! Learn how to work the buttons and dials on your Cricut, choose sizes, figure out what your blade needs to be set at and so much more. This class is 3 hours and is packed full of information. The cost of this class is $25.00.

Create with the Cricut Sept. 23rd 10AM to 1PM and Oct 1st 2PM to 5PM:
Do you have a working knowledge of your Cricut but need help in the creative process of projects? Then this class is for you. We will make 3 projects using one cartridge. You will have full color instructions and photos of the finished project. The project sheets are suitable to put in a binder for future reference. All papers and embellishments are included in the cost of the class. You will need to bring a basic tool kit as well as your Cricut personal cutter and the cartridge we will be using. The cost of this class is $25.00

Halloween Cards Sept. 15th 6PM to 9PM and Oct 9th 10AM to 1PM:
This is a fun card class with 5 spooky cards to delight Halloween lovers of all ages! Please bring a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $15.00.

Spooky Halloween Banner Oct 15th 10AM to 2PM:
If you’re like me and love to decorate for Halloween, you will want to make it to this class. This banner is very multi dimensional, colorful and makes a suitable addition to your annual spooky decorations. This class requires a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $25.00.

Gift Card Holders Oct. 20th 6PM to 9PM:
This is the age of gift card giving so, why not give them in style? In this class, you will make four different beautiful gift card holders with a Christmas theme that can be given as they are or hung on your Christmas tree. You will need a basic tool kit. This class is $15.00.

Free Card Class with Stamp Set and Punch Purchase Oct. 29th 10AM to 2PM:
In this class we will make 4 fabulous cards using the new stamp set Stitched Stockings and Stocking Builder punch from the Holiday Mini Catalog. For wood mount stamps and punch, the cost is $48.00. For clear mount set and punch, the cost is $39.50. Basic tool kit is needed.

R.S.V.P. to stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com or (941) 423-4799
If you need a map or directions to my classes, please email me and I will send you one. For samples of classes please check my blog http://stampinwithmimi.blogspot.com

Basic tool kit includes the following:
Sharp detail scissors, tape runner, bone folder, ruler, scor-tape or other strong double sided tape, pencil, pen, adhesive eraser, personal paper trimmer, scor-pal (not mandatory but helpful).

A Girly “Wow” Card Class

One of my latest obsessions is this great Honeycomb paper. I keep trying new shapes and ideas. This stuff is so cool!

For this class, you will make the card that is shown. All of the supplies are included and the price is $6.00. The class will be on Wednesday the 24th at 10 AM and 6 PM. Please RSVP by Monday the 22nd.

Come and play with this fun new product! XO, Mimi

Fabulous Florets Class

I will be having a Fabulous Florets Card class at my studio on Thursday the 18th at 10 AM and 6 PM. The class is $25.00 and you will make the cards shown and receive the stamp set. If you take the class and would also like to purchase the coordinating paper, you will get the paper for half price. The stamp set is on page 22 and the paper is on page 23 of the Summer Mini Catalog.

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In order to make sure that I have everything in time for the class, you need to RSVP no later than Wednesday the 10th. I know, that’s only next Wednesday but it takes a week for me to get orders from Stampin’ Up!

Also, right now, Stampin’ Up! is running a special on their designer paper. If you purchase 3 packs, you get a fourth one free! So, if you add 3 other packs of paper to the above class, you will get the paper for free instead of half price! WOW!

I hope you can make it to one of the classes! XO, Mimi

It’s Time for H2U again!

Hey there stampin’ friends. I just wanted to give you a preview of the card class I will be holding at H2U this month.

It’s a “Pop-Up” cake card. Isn’t it cute?! The cost is $5.00 and all supplies are included. Tools you need to bring are scissors, adhesive, corner rounder, score-pal and bone folder. I will have these items at the class but it usually moves much more smoothly when there are more than one corner rounder. You know what I mean!?

The class is at 10:30 on Saturday the 13th at H2U in Pt. Charlotte. If you would like me to reserve you a spot, please email me by Thursday the 11th so, I can have enough kits for everyone.

Thanks friends, see you soon!

Side Step Card Class at H2U

Just a quick post to show off the card I will teaching at H2U on Saturday. This is called the side-step card. We will be using all Stampin’ Up! products.

The cost is $5.00 and a basic class tool kit is needed i.e. personal paper trimmer with cutting and scoring blades or stylus to score with, bone folder, scissors, adhesive.

Please R.S.V.P. no later than Friday noon to reserve a spot. Also, I am vendor of the month for July so I will be bringing lots of extras and new products to check out as well as lots of new Stampin’ Up! catalogs.

Hope to see you there! XO, Mimi

No Words Can Describe…

No words can describe the kind of excitement that Stampin’ Up! fans get when they see a photo like this. The count-down is on! Only 15 more sleeps till the 2011-2012 Idea Book/Catalog goes LIVE!

It’s like when I was a child. My brother and I would spend hours looking at the Sears Wish Book. We would make many Christmas Lists. Then, we would wait, anxiously, for Santa to come and bring us what we wanted.

OK, maybe it’s not that way for some of you. According to SU policy, I am allowed to start passing out books starting June 20th. That is next Monday. I will plan to be home, for those of you that would like to stop by and get one in your hot little hands. Just let me know you will be stopping by, so I’m decent. LOL!

Sneaky Peeky #1

This card uses a new set from the 2011-2012 Idea Book/ Catalog called “Pennant Parade”. I love it! With pennants and banners being so “hip” right now, SU has really done their homework.

Check back tomorrow for another peek! XO, Mimi

A Little Hint

Well, I didn’t get anything done with my new toys yesterday. My daughter was sick and wanted me to hang out in bed with her. By the time she was feeling better, I got some company. Then, I had to go to softball practice. By the time we got home, I was on babysitting duty for my baby granddaughter. Needless to say, I plan on getting something, anything done today.

Until I get something done, I will give you a hint from the new Idea Book/Catalog. Do you have one of these punches?

Well, if you do and you have been hoping for a stamp set to go with it, your prayers have been answered!

Here is a card a made with one of my favorites from the Occasions Mini Catalog, “Sewing Suite”. It may be in the new Idea Book/Catalog. I’m not tellin’!

 

Well, till later, XO, Mimi

The Most Wonderful Day of the Year!

Well, at least one of the most wonderful days of the year.

Why? You ask. Well, I have just opened a beautiful brown box from Stampin’ Up! which contains products from and including the new Idea Book/Catalog for 2011-2012.

Sorry, I am forbidden to show you the book or the products until July 1st, but I am allowed to make samples to entice you with. So, if you come to my Masculine Cards Class or if you are at this Saturday’s H2U, get ready for some eye candy from me.

If you would like to order one of the 2011-2012 Idea Book/Catalogs from me, please send me an email to stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com and you will be one of the first to drool over some of the most wonderful stamping, scrapbooking, paper crafting products EVER! The cost of the catalogs is $5.00 for those of you who live locally. If I need to mail it to you, the cost is $8.00 which covers USPS Media Mail.

Keep checking back as I am going to get busy stamping and punching with my new toys, RIGHT NOW!

XO, Mimi

For the Guys in our Life

With Father’s Day coming up on the 19th, I thought it would be a great time to make some Masculine Cards! I need masculine cards now and then and it’s nice to have some stashed away.

When: Tuesday, June 14th at 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
(I really don’t think it will take 3 hours but I like to set enough time aside for those who like to take their time or socialize.)

Where: The Paper Rose Studio, 6256 N. Biscayne Dr., North Port, FL

What: Make the 5 masculine cards shown for $15.00. All supplies are included except adhesive. I use Mono Multi glue and have that available for use. If you use a tape runner or other adhesive, please bring it.

R.S.V.P.: Please reserve your spot by NOON Monday, June 13th so I have enough time to cut paper and make kits. stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com

Last Chance Stamps and Accessories

Here we go, people! Stampin’ Up! has released it’s retirement lists for stamp sets, Decor Elements and accessories! Click on the link below to see them!

Retiring Stamp Sets

Retiring Decor Elements

Retiring Accessories (take note, these will change on a daily basis. All items are first come, first served).

It is strongly suggested that if you want items on this list, you should order them NOW by visiting your demonstrator’s website. You can click this link to head on over to mine to place your order right away!

So check out your catalogues and get shopping! Or contact me to today to place your order.

I wanted to mention too that it is not too late to order your new 2012 Idea Book and Catalogue – I’ll be placing the order mid-month!

Thoughts & Prayers This Month at H2U

This month at H2U I will be holding a class using the Stampin’ Up! set Thoughts & Prayers which features sympathy and get well sentiments. However, you are free to use other sentiments. It depends on what types of cards you may need in your stash. I will bring extra sentiment sets for you to use. We will make 4 cards (shown) for $10.00. All you need to bring is adhesive and scissors. Everything else is provided.

When: Saturday, May 14th at 10:30
Where: Port Charlotte H2U
Cost: $10.00
R.S.V.P.: stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com by Thursday, May 12 please

Where have I been and what have I been up to?

Well, here she is! This is the reason for my absence. And what a wonderful reason she is. I became a Grandma on March 18th at 2:34 AM and have not come down from the high yet. Everyone warned me that being a Grandparent was the most wonderful thing ever. I believed them but didn't know just HOW wonderful it would be.
I hope to start getting back to my creative life and posting what I make. Really, I haven't stopped being creative, I just stopped posting. I just get so distracted by this lovely face!
Thank you for coming back to my blog and sticking with me, even though I have not been a good blogger. XO, Mimi

I got an award! How sweet is that!?

Cindy, over at In love with Paper! Hooked me up with the Stylish Blogger Award. I am so honored. Where’s my sash and crown? My “I’d like to thank all the little people” speech is no where near complete.

Oh well, I must fulfill my obligations as a Stylish Blogger and:
1) thank the person who gave this award to me and link it back to their blog
check!
2) share 8 things about myself
     1) I am a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.
     2) I am going to be a Grandma for the first time.
     3) I am a chocoholic.
     4) I really do not like talking on the phone.
     5) I love watching Phineus and Ferb.
     6) I am a softball Mom.
     7) I have a pug named Zoey.
     8) I am a paper hoarder.
check!
3) pass this award to 8 other individuals that I have recently discovered
     1) Cecilia at  http://amcdramaqueen.xanga.com/
    2) Trish at http://midnightcrafters.blogspot.com/
     3) Susan at http://craftincow.blogspot.com/
     4) Jen at http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/
     5) Julie at http://simistamper.blogspot.com/
     6) Rose at http://rosemariediehl.blogspot.com/
     7) Patty at http://pattystamps.com/pattys_stamping_spot/    
     8) Virginia at http://blackflipflops.blogspot.com/
check!
4) leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!
check!

Wow! That was a lot of work! Go check out the blogs I tagged. I love them and I am sure you will too! XO, Mimi

A Baby Shower

This past Sunday, I hosted a baby shower for my daughter. She is due in March and I am so excited to be a Grandma.

Everything was so beautiful and we had lots of guests. So, you know she was very happy.

This is one of the banners I made for the party. It turned out so pretty and just what she wanted. I think it will go in her room.

I used the Cricut for the cuts. The cartridges I used are Birthday Bash and Birthday Cakes. Gotta love the Cricut!

Here’s a close-up.

Got time for a quickie?

This is a cute little count down hanging plaque that I picked up at a close-out store. I just knew when I saw it that I would have to make a Christmas count down with it.
Well, I kept putting it off until today. Now that there’s only 10 days left. Why not?! I used Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps on it with some of Stampin’ Up!’s glass glitter, small jingle bells and some pretty ribbon.

I love it!
Thanks for stopping by. XO, Mimi

oH nO yOU dIDN’T!

Oh yes I did!
Look at this awesome beauty shop chair that I picked up at a local thrift shop.

Of course, I will have to re cover the loud colored cover.

This chair is sooooo comfortable and look at the foot rest! And, it goes low enough to be my new desk chair. But if I want to change a light bulb, it pumps up way high with the foot pedal.
Just kidding. It doesn’t go THAT high but it does go up real good.
I LOVE IT! You know you love it too!
Hope my hubby doesn’t divorce me over it.XO, Mimi

The BEST crafting night EVER!

I had the most wonderful evening with my daughters, crafting. I don’t get my older daughter to craft often but since she has been pregnant, she has helped me create aprons and now, these miniature works of art.

I saw this post and I just knew that I had to make one. So, after taking my daughter to a doctors appt. we stopped at our favorite craft store so I could pick up some supplies. While there I asked her if she would be interested in playing too. I tried to contain my enthusiasm when she said she would love to.

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I think they turned out magnificent. I love how different they all are even though we had the same table of supplies to work with.

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Maggie’s is a manger scene with many, many birds on top. Katie’s is a forest scene with decorated trees and snowmen and has an angel that she made on top. Mine is a little house with trees, a sled, snowman, sheep and the girl is me. Lots of yummy glitter goodness.

Life is sweet. XO, Mimi