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Hello Stampers,

I am trying out Word Press for a while... I am kind of liking it. Join me over there!
Here's the link: http://swaltitude.wordpress.com/

Scrap Layout

I had my scrap club on LAST Thursday and meant to post it WAY before this. There is so much going on right now it's not even funny! I wanted to post last Friday. Oh well.

This was a fun one to do. What I loved most about this layout is the fact that it can be used for ANY sort of event. I took a very elegant layout and used it for a VERY goofy purpose! This is my favorite thing to scrap about! My family and their "faces." Well, that's all this time. I will try and come back by Sunday for another project idea!

Convention 2009!

Wow! That's how I sum up this year's Stampin' Up! Convention. I was honored to earn the award of Rising Star. I placed #9 and I am on Cloud Nine!

I have so much to share it's not even funny. The bad thing is: I also have lots to do this week. I have Scrap Club on Thursday, Stamp Club on Saturday and a class in between! Yikes!

This was my 3D swap for Convention this year. This luminary actually works; I even gave a tealight candle to everyone too! This was super fun and super simple to do, thanks to the Big Shot. It's the new Fancy Favor Big Shot Die. I also used the new Snowflake Punch! A little versamark, a little vellum card stock, and a little Iridescent Ice... viola! I did add a tag to my swap in the lower right hand corner that said, Let it snow! *giggles*

There is an actual tealight candle in this luminary. The box doesn't even get warm! It works perfectly.

Vacation project

While I was on "vacation" from club, we each brought a project for all of us to do. We ended up with 4 different projects! It was great! I loved to see how these ladies handled the situation! I am thinking of doing this every month with them!

Here's mine: I adapted it from a project I made a month or so ago! Believe it or not, the colors are Summer Sun, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White. The stamp set used was SUPPOSED to be Medallion but I left it home. I used Circle Circus instead during the demonstration :(

I, of course, covered it up by saying, "See you too can be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!" The funny thing was, they all were demonstrators! They all signed under me :) So then I quickly thought and said, "Oh... and you all are already! Fabulous!" This project is so quick and fun! The gift card fits perfectly! You can change the paper, colors and more! It's awesome! Can't wait to do one for Christmas!

Jumping up and down!

Woo Hoo! I am so excited! I have a picture to post that is not what I had promised yesterday! My car is now decorated! A friend has started her own business. I am always willing to help out entrepreneurs!

Check this out!! Now, the 6 little images to the "left" are Stampin' Up! rub ons. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo in love with this! Thanks Elise!

Now the family on the left - you will notice that the cats are separated. I was going to put the cats together but... If I did, it would look like one was sniffing the other one in a place that.... well... while it's completely natural... *giggles*... I will leave it at that!

Club Vacation

This month my Yo-Yo Ya-Ya Club took a vacation! Well, not from club but we went on a trip! We went to Lorinda's house for club! We each brought 1 project to share with each other. This is Lorinda, she's all dressed up from singing at an Air Force Function. She looks so pretty! You rock, Lorinda!

I have tons to share with you! But I wanted to share a recycling tip! Lorinda's "party favor" was adorable! She took a tin can, a paper bag and the Scallop Edge punch and some twine. She made us each a BEAUTIFUL flower arrangement!

Have you thought of different ways you can recycle? Give it some thought and see what you come up with! If you send it to my email: mamaschroeg1@yahoo.com - I will post it on my blog, if you give me permission!

I will be sharing the other adorable projects we made every day this coming week!

Diva Night

I love to spoil my hostesses! Every six months, I throw a party for those fabulous ladies that help me to grow my business. This FREE event is something that I do as a Thank You. They have guests come to their home, they prepare a light snack, they probably clean their house, and they have me come in and mess it all up! LOL!! I am totally kidding but... I so appreciate those women that do that work for me (and themselves)!

I usually spoil them with free product, a homemade meal, and of course, we stamp! This is one of the 4 projects that was prepared for them to do! These nugget tins (as I like to call them) are so versatile. Coming soon you will see yet another use for them :)

If you want to be a Diva, all you have to do is contact me! Let me spoil you in December! You are sooooo worth it!

This tin was inspired by the Demonstrator Magazine, Stampin' Success. They have this beautiful layout of wedding invitations. This magazine has been inspiring my month :) Did you know that Stampin' Up! is running an awesome special this month? Sign up for $85 and you get all the In-Colors and a stamp set? OMG! To die for!! Contact me for more details!

Pull, Push, Twist, Smush

*laughing* Yes, that's the technique I am planning on teaching my stamping friends next month... I have two great workshops coming up soon and I will be showing off the Pull, Push, Twist, Smush box. PPTS is actually a lot of fun to put together but slightly time consuming. This is NOT the colors I will showing off though... I haven't decided on those yet. LOL

Imagine this box filled with some chocolate goodies... maybe a stamp and Stampin' Spot inside. Maybe a piece of jewelry would work too!

This color combo was a color challenge - Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede and... I guess it's Whisper White.. I can't remember now. Oh Well! Anyway, give it a try! It's fun!

The Stampin' Up! kitty

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, lived a handsome kitty named Chico. His favorite place to sleep was in a box. It was no ordinary box. It was a Stampin' Up! box.

Sure, he had free-reign of the house. Sure, he could choose any human-bed he wanted but nothing felt as comfortable as his Stampin' Up! box. He could customize his comfort by adding or subtracting that famous brown packing paper.

Luckily, his owner was a busy Stampin' Up! demonstrator. He could pick a new bed every few days! LOL

A Trip To Paradise

With A Trip to Paradise coming up in a few days, I thought I would throw out a teaser. If you are interested in taking this class, you can take it to go OR you can sign up for the alternate date. The alternate date will probably be in early August - right after I get back from Convention.

If you are interested in this class and the little grass shack, email me and I will order the Paradise stamp set for you! It's included in the price of the class! WOO HOO!!!

My Niece's B-Day Card

I have a fabulous niece named Andrea! I love her to pieces! Her favorite color is Sage Green... Here's something I through together for her... LOL! Actually, I stressed over this card because I wanted to make it really special.

The funny thing is, this card would have been the card that never stops because I have added about 5 things to it before I finally decided to call it quits. I wanted it to be simple, elegant, sparkly and yet... not... all at the same time! LOL!!

What do you think? I used the Nouveau Chic paper pack, Basic Gray, Whisper White and Sage Shadow

Fancy... Cont'd

As promised, I played with Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla - please know that is what that is SUPPOSED to be. LOL! I don't know what is going on with lighting in my house.

Anyway, I am having way too much fun with these Matchboxes and the Big Shot! I have even another color combination in mind... ooooooooo bet you can't wait! LOL

Fancy....

I can just hear my little one's saying, "Fancy" as they put the pinkies in the air and imitate Spongebob Squarepants. *giggles*...

I took the ideas and color combination (Blush Blossom, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla) from this coming month's Stampin' Success, a Stampin' Up! publication for Demonstrators only! I have thoroughly enjoyed this rich looking combo and put my own spin on it. I can see this at a formal dinner, a wedding, a birthday party... oh just about anywhere!

For my next trick, I am going to do a box just for someone who posted to my Facebook site... Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue...... ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! yes!

Holiday's are a-comin'

Well, Stampin' Up! released the Holiday Mini for us demonstrators to peek at. Again, I am speechless at the items that are coming out. I was just getting settled into this new catalog and WHAM! They have me awe-struck yet again.

I was going to post something that I was working on but... I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it yet... I have one REALLY new project that I am super-excited about but it is DEFINITELY for the holidays. I am just not ready for them... yet! LOL

Check back tomorrow. I am going to post something, I promise.

Happy 4th of July!

If you didn't make it to my Open House/Catalog Pick-up yesterday, this is the make and take that you missed! I was feeling patriotic and reminiscent.

For those of us that are US citizens, the 4th of July evokes memories of BBQs, fireworks, family time, and most of all pride. While most of you know that I am a military wife, the 4th of July means more now. Last year, my husband was in Iraq for 6 months. He missed his son's 9th birthday, Father's Day, the 4th of July, the first day of school and such...

This card is for HIM! I used Kind and Caring Thoughts and Celebrate Everything. My color choices are Night of Navy and Ruby Red. I DID NOT think this card up myself. I totally CASEd the idea! I changed the colors and layout a bit. I also used markers in the same colors to color in the "fireworks bursts." Thank you to the one who posted it originally!

Stampin' Up! has truly out done themselves

I love Stampin' Up! The NEW catalog is just amazing! If you need a copy, let me know! I can hook you up!

I was making samples last month with the stamps in the pre-order for demonstrators. I didn't want to post many of them, yet. Now, I can! WOO HOO!!

Here is a card that I made for a color challenge. It's a stamp set called Razzle Dazzle. The color challenge was Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Blush Blossom and Very Vanilla. Give it a try and see what you come up with! It was a lot of fun!

Central Park Tutorial

So far, Central Park is my favorite class. I love the bright colors and Basic Black. They just pop!! If you look back over this month, you will see the "sneak peek" of the cards!

With this 12-page Tutorial, you create a Messenger bag that holds both cards and envelopes! A paper/accessories kit will be available soon on my other website. http://www.mamaschroeg.com

A Trip to the Art Gallery

Here is a great class! This is, "A Trip to the Art Gallery." This fabulous class includes a 16 Page PDF with detailed instructions on construction of the box - which very DIFFERENT than it looks. I will be adding an option for the Kit shortly on my other website, if you are interested in purchasing the Kit (The kit includes all paper and accessories - pre-cut and packaged for your convenience.)

Just so you know, I will be releasing, "A Trip to Central Park," later this month. I ... umm... totally forgot to release this one last month! LOL! July will bring, "A Trip to Paradise!" I can't wait!

Scrap Club Layout

In Scrap Club we explored using different patterns of DSP (Designer Series Paper) on one page. This layout was created using the colors out of Good Morning Sunshine DSP.

This layout is OUT of my comfort zone as I like more subdued colors. This is bold and in your face. Which, if you know me, IS my personality style but NOT my scrapbooking style.

Anyway, we used a combination of Chunky Glitter and Fine Glitter on the heart. You may not be able to tell but there is a very cool dual tone effect going on here.

Sneak Peek of a New Class

Hey, what are you doing this Thursday? I have a class to knock your socks off!

Well, as many of you know, I have been doing a collaboration series called, "A Trip..." This is an on-going series of fun boxes and beautiful cards. In this next one, "A Trip to Central Park." We made a box to look like a messenger bag and filled them with four fun cards & envelopes.

This class is limited to the next 4 people as the Fashion District Rub-ons (part of the class fee) is sold out and I only purchased 4 sets! *sniff sniff*

Mourning/Celebrating the Loss

While I am super-excited by the new catalog and products. It's time to mourn the loss of some of my favorite sets. What better way to do that than to stamp with them one last time before they leave!!

Yesterday, Donna (one of my success-line) and I planned her 1st workshop! It's Father's Day themed. Here is a 6 x 6 scrapbook page done with one of my ALL TIME favorite Alphabet sets, Big Deal Alphabet! This is the "pumped-up" version. We added a few accessories to it (colored hardware) and a few techniques (sponging) to it and it really makes it pop.

To show some versatility, we folded the scrapbook page in half, removing the Chocolate Chip photo frame for those that don't scrapbook and might need an additional card for say a father-in-law, step-dad, etc. Basically the only thing that we added to the card was a little bit of hole-poking under the "ALL-STAR" and some sponging around the entire card.

Good Luck, Donna! Knock their socks off!!

Sneak Peek

After looking at the new catalog for at least 2 1/2 hours today, this insane feeling came over me and just said, "Go play with your new toys!"

I obeyed. Now, this card is VERY simple. I wanted to use the new magnetic inserts for our Curly Label Big Shot Die. I also wanted to use the NEW punch, Modern Label. I also don't have any new stamps other than Lots of Bots. So I didn't have any sentiments. What is a girl to do?

She breaks out her new Level 3 Hostess Kit! It comes with DSP (which is the bunch of flowers), new rub ons and stamp sets. The Kit is called Lovely Lines. WOW was this fun to play with. I can't wait to keep playing.

Here are two of the new In-Colors too. Rich Razzleberry is the darker. Melon Mambo is the lighter and the ribbon :) I imagined this card as giving a friend, Karen came to mind, a bunch of flowers. While I still think it needs something... I wanted to post something!

I also made a box. I will post that later! I can't wait to show you!

The Retired List is out! Stay Tuned!

While Stampin' Up! updates their website, I will post the retired accessories. I have no control over what will sell out and what won't. You are better off buying what you want right away on my web site. These accessories WILL sell out fast! See the bottom of the page for details (For some reason, Blogger doesn't like my HTML code)

Last Day to Sign-Up for $75

Here is a page we did this month in Scrap Club. It uses the FABULOUS new Alphabet set, Jumble. It's 20% tonight until about 11:50 PM! WOWsers! We also used the Big Shot for the flowers using the newer embosslets. It adds so much to add a little sponging in the center and around the edges. I LOVE IT!!

Also, this is the last day to get the 3 packs of DSP and textured Card Stock buy 1 get 1 free!! Take advantage while the getting is good!!

If you have been on the fence about signing up, now's your last chance! You will NEVER see a $75 again!

Cruise Update

I am $4,765 away from making the cruise! Yikes. I am so nervous and excited it's not even funny. Some of my downline have recruited too... WOW!! Lisa has signed up 1 so far but has 3 more in the wings. Noreen has recruited 1 so far! This month has been just awesome!!

This month's special, which you still have time to get in on, is so unbelievable! $75 to start getting a 20% off discount? You would be crazy not to sign up! You have NOTHING to lose! If you place an order within the first 45 days, you can get a 30% off discount!! 30% off the Big Shot?? Think about!

Busy Week!

I wanted to give a shout out to those ladies that have signed up under me! Four have signed up this week so far! WOWsers! Ladies, thank you! You made a great decision!

With the $75 Scrapbooking special going on right now, it's never been easier to start getting a discount on the products you know and love! If you are interested in signing up, contact me NOW! This special is only good until the 31st of May! We will probably NEVER see this type of special again! Get in on it now!

Father's Day

I made a Father's Day card recently for a SWAP here in Colorado Springs. I wanted to share it with you! This is a great card idea for the avid reader. This side to the right, is actually perforated. It tears off and becomes a book mark! Do you have the Cutter Kit from Stampin' Up!? My favorite tool on this set of tools is the what we call the "7 finger nails" tool. It's actually distresses paper. However, I wanted to use some of the other tools to show why you NEED this tool!

Other ideas for the paper perforater? Coupon books! What else do you do with your Crafter's Tool Kit? I would love to hear from you!

I used two different stamp sets out of the Mini Occasions Catalog. I also incorporated the new Jumbo Grommets! This card was fun to make!

Ever have one of those weeks?

I have to apologize. This is my busiest time of the month! I had plans for last week and they went completely out the window... but I am one of those people that rolls with the punches! I have lots to share this week. So, here's a project that I saw online and decided to re-create my own way. I am not the type to "buy" box templates so I figured out stuff on my own and I have changed a few things since making this box.

The front box will be a bit smaller to fit Stampin' Up!'s medium cello bags (which I filled with those super sugary candy pieces for the top of cupcakes or regular cakes). The inside has tubes for jimmies (or sprinkles or whatever you like). Basically, this is a birthday cake tote! I love this idea!

June 16th, you can do this class at my house. If you are interested in taking this class to go, contact me! We can do just the instructions or have a kit with cut paper and instructions!

Mother's Day

Wow... what a great day yesterday was for me. It was just us. Just the family, kicking it at home, doing what we wanted, eating when we wanted, it was relaxing! Well, now, I have got to get back to work. I have a cruise to earn!

If you look to the left of my blog. I am keeping a visual goal on my blog of what I need to achieve the cruise. I have two clubs this week so you will see this number shoot up. I could use your help though!

I am featuring a kit this week called, "More Thoughts." This is an all-in-one kit that comes with LOTS of supplies to create handmade cards! The cards are pre-folded, it comes with envelopes, a stamp set, chipboard, adhesive, ink spots, the list goes on and on! I love this kit. Later, I will post a card I have created with this kit.

If you purchase this kit, I will give you a free gift! You can choose from any of my retired stamp sets, Sale-a-bration stamp sets or other free goodies! I love tons to choose from!

Another Fun Layout

This Simply Scrappin' Kit, Sunshine Garden, has so much potential! Here is another layout using the same sheet of DSP (Designer Series Paper) from the kit and the same sheet of Die-Cut Stickers! WOW!! Hold on to yourself, I have one more layout to show you as well! In that layout, I finished the sheet of DSP and used the same sheet of Die-Cut Stickers BUT didn't finish them yet!! I still have more stickers left! WOW!!

If you are looking to get into scrapbooking, feel free to contact me. I can show you so many different ways to do it! Don't forget to take advantage of the great 3 for 1 special that Stampin' Up! is having! Buy 3 packs of 12 x 12 (a common size for Scrapbooking) Textured paper or 3 packs DSP and get 1 FREE!! WOO HOO!! Thank you, Stampin' Up! See my website for complete details! http://mamaschroeg.stampinup.net

May is National Scrapbooking Month!

I can tell you that my roots are deep in scrapbooking. I have always felt not only the creativity towards it but the NEED to do it for my children. It is their legacy that I am capturing on film (ok, in this day and age it's not film anymore it's digital) and with words.

Here is a layout that I did with my Scrap Club this month. This uses the Simply Scrappin' Kit, Sunshine Garden! I actually made three layouts using 1 sheet of the Designer Paper that comes in the kit AND 1 sheet of the "sticker die-cuts" in the kit. Something else you will find on the page is our Hodgepodge Hardware. Have you ever tried to "dye" these pieces? WOW!! It's a stunning addition to this page.

Stencils on Canvas!

I have a few more things I want to post for stencils. Here is another project with stencils. This was a canvas class that I taught on Saturday! We used the Kind Thoughts stencil on each canvas. They all turned out just a bit different... unique, is probably a better word. Here is Max. I did, of course, do a canvas for Erich but I was able to take a better picture of this one. I used Chocolate Chip DSP and acrylic paint. I cut the letter "M" with my Big Shot. I tied Twill Tape around the picture as well! WOO HOO! It looks so good on my walls! I know it looks crooked but I had to take it at a funky angle so I didn't get the "Flash Glare". LOL

Next, we have one that Erin did. She used Bella Rose DSP on both of her canvases. She used "Laughter & Love" Rub-ons. She also used Pink Pirouette Ribbon and cut her letters on the Big Shot. We also did a little bit of "hiding" on Erin's canvas. Her stenciling wasn't quite done when she sealed her canvas so it smudged a little. We hid it completely with a Flower Fusion flower and half-back pearl! It is so elegant! Both of Erin's canvases were stunning and looked unbelievable when held up next to each other!


Finally, we have a canvas that Donna did. She used Old Olive DSP, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, cut her letters on the Big Shot, she used "Love and Laughter" and "Chateau Bella" Rub ons and stenciled too! WOW! This picture does not do this canvas jealous. Donna actually made three different canvases but tied them all together with Chocolate Chip ribbon and the More Mustard Lettering. When we laid them side by side, it was a stunning display!

Yes, More Stencils

So here's a page I haven't even thought of finishing yet... do you know why? Because it so SOOOOOOOOOO Beautiful as is!! WOWSERS! I know what I want to do with it but I wanted to show you the page as is, nekkid. This is the Parisian Damask Stencil from Stampin' Up! (of course). Now, I used sponge daubers and Chocolate Chip craft ink. I pounced lightly on the main image then went back and pounced harder on the "accents". This page is Pink Pirouette.

I can't wait to finish this page! I won't be able to even work on it until at least Friday of this week or even next week. I have lots coming up!

Stenciling an album!

Remember how I said that stenciling is addicting... well, I didn't stop at a scrapbook page! I wanted to decorate an album.

I used the Kind Thoughts "small" stencil. I also used Chocolate Chip Craft ink, stencil gold creme paint, sponge daubers and a stencil brush. I went to town on this album. I really loved how this turned out. Now this album isn't finished! My plan is to add a few more embellishments like half-back pearls and other lovely things! I will post this album again... when it's all done.

Stencils will be my focus this week!

So, I have been playing with the Stencils that Stampin' Up! has come out with. I wanted to share just a few of the fabulous things I have done with it! Once I started, I couldn't stop! It's quite addicting. So, now I am going to have all the stencils and I probably will NOT paint with them! LOL. I know that the intent is to paint your walls but....

I have just recently formed my first Scrapbook Club and I am so excited!! I have been wanting to scrapbook and every workshop that I have done, I have been asking for members. Well, now that's a reality! WOO HOO!! Now this is NOT the page they are going to do but it is a page that I love!! It is so simple but is so very beautiful. The page they will do will have stenciling on it! *wink*

Now I swear this layout is a 12 x 12! I had to take the picture at a weird angle so that it would have a HUGE flash spot on one of my nephew's children! Sorry about that.

A Trip Down Fifth Avenue

Here is the second in the "Trip" series. This is "A Trip Down Fifth Avenue." This class makes an unbelievable box with 4 stunning cards. Pictured is the box front.

There are two options for you: the tutorial is only $7.95 - or the kit (paper and accessories needed to make the box comes cut and ready to go) for $15.95!! See my webpage: http://www.mamaschroeg.com/pages/tutorials/Fifth%20Avenue/fifth_ave.html

Coming soon is: A Trip to the Art Gallery! You don't want to miss this class either! It is stunning!!

Swaps

I like swaps but they are a lot of work. I was involved in a swap recently for the Mini Occasions catalog. Have you seen those stamp sets yet?? OMG! They are lick-o-licious! Anyway, I like to be different. *laughing*... I think anyone that knows me, knows that I am different, to say the least... I would go so far as to say CRAZY, Fun-loving, etc!

I am not sure what other swaps I am going to get but I wanted to show off mine ;) I wanted to make a "wedding card" out of the Oval All Stamp Set!

What do you think? Do you like it? There are parts of it that I am not sure about...

Clearly Thanks Box

This box was made with the Movers and Shapers: Curly Labels Die for the Big Shot. I also used the Stampin' Up! Texture Plates on the front of the box afterward. It gives it just that little bit of UMPH! I thought it needed. I used the Clearly Thanks Window Sheets too! This box is so versatile. You can fill it with candy! You can put a jewelry gift inside... What can I say? I am PMS'ing and those are things that make me happy! LOL!!

Have you tried the Big Shot yet? I use mine almost every single day! The only other tool that I use more has to be my Stampin' Up! Tabletop cutter! LOL. How else would I get the paper into the Big Shot if I didn't cut it!

It's been a while since I posted!

While I have been busy, it's still no excuse for me to NOT post to my blog. Things have been happy crazy around here! I have been playing with a lot of new products from the Mini Occasions Catalog. Have you seen the new stamp sets! OH SO PRETTY!

Here, I have a card that I made with the new Window Sheets! Clearly Thanks is the name of the pre-printed window sheets. They make super-fast and super-cute cards!

Believe it or not, there is NO adhesive on this card except the Dimensionals holding the sentiment on the card! I held the window sheet on to the card with the brads and the ribbon! Cool huh?

Tomorrow I will post another project done with window sheets. Plus, I have some stencils to show you! WOO HOO! It's going to be a great blogging week here in Mama Schroeg-ville! LOL!

Stamp Camp

Here is just one of the adorable projects we did for Stamp Camp this month. I actually had two days of Stamp Camp. Yesterday and today! If you are interested in getting these adorable projects - just visit my website: Stamp Camp Projects. There is a little catch to my virtual Stamp Camp. You have to place an online order of $15 or more. The projects come to you STAMPED & COMPLETED! Cool huh?

If you are a demo, email me at mamaschroeg1@yahoo.com - I am willing to sell the directions for $3.75. If you are MY demo, visit the yahoo group. It will be posted soon! That is just one of the perks of being my downline. You get all the classes, stamp camps, etc. that I do for free!

Did you know that for the next 3 days the Demonstrator Kit is on sale for $169? Did you know that you get free shipping on the kit?? Did you know that Stampin' Up! has also included a NEW 3 payment plan??? This is some deal! If you are on the fence about signing up, now's the time to do it! You can go to my Stampin' Up! website, http://mamaschroeg.stampinup.net and sign up right now (you can't sign up for the 3 payment plan online, however). My password is: mamaschroegstamps - if you sign up by March 31st, you can get $50 in free product from me as a Thank You!

RAK from Japan!

WOO HOO!! I LOVE GETTING MAIL! Getting mail from a friend is even better. Getting mail from a friend that came half-way around the world... you can't beat it!! Check out this BEAUTIFUL notebook from my friend Siobhan! She posted a challenge on her blog. I got one of the slots to get something special from her! She ALSO sent a box of Pocky, which I am NOT sharing with you or anyone else! It's mine... all mine... do you hear me... mine!!! LOL!

I received this either Saturday or Monday - but the day I took a picture of it, my camera battery died. I immediately put it up to charge but... *looking sheepish* I kept forgetting to go GET the battery! Anyway, here is her wonderful gift!

I absolutely adore this! Especially her color choices! You couldn't have picked a better color for me (purples in all hues are my fav!) Thank you so much, Siobhan!

Thanks to the snow, I will be working on my gifties to those that signed up for the challenge on my blog!

New Kit Class/Tutorial!

I just had my class last night! WOW, it was a lot of fun. Ladies came at different times OTHER than the class time to do their project! It was great!

At any rate, this is "A Trip to the Funky Forest." This is a tote that holds 6 adorable cards (2 each of 3 designs) and envelopes. If you are interested in making this project, I have my tutorial for sale on my website (see the link below). If you purchase Kit #1 - you get all your paper cut to the right dimensions, you get all the accessories used for the class (and believe me there were a LOT of buttons/brads used!!) and you get the tutorial with detailed photos and instructions for the low price of $15.95!! There are other options on my website! Take a look! http://mamaschroeg.com/pages/tutorials/Funky%20Forest/funky_forest.html

Cute Workshop Card

Easter's coming! Are you ready? Here's a REALLY simple card to do. The key is the brads, if you have them at home, you can do this easily!! If you don't, contact me, I will hook you up! I used the new Egg Hunt Stampin' Around Wheel and the new stamp set, "An Egg-cellent Easter."

I usually create a new card for every workshop that I do. This one was so cute that I just couldn't! Everyone that made this card got a kick out of it! There's a surprise to it though... take a look at the next picture.

Now, if you slide the pale plum piece up, you can see the hidden sentiment... Peek-A-Boo! I love this card!

Holding a Private Class of your own has perks! There is a great special running in April. I will let you know more, contact me if you are interested. I am also offering TWO book-to-look items!! If your workshop is over $350 in sales, I am offering YOU at stamp set of your choice, $31.95 or less!

An Easter Card from the "Box"

Here's a card you probably can't see that was inside the box! This card was made with the Big Shot Scallop Circle. It's a little crooked because the scallops didn't line up to balance it! This is actually one of the straightest cards I have ever stamped. I don't say that lightly! I almost NEVER stamp straight! LOL!!

I used Sale-A-Bration paper (Delicate Dots DSP) and the fabulous ribbon bundle ribbon... WOW! I love the twill! I hope they come out with more of it! I really hope they come out with more Satin ribbon too... oooooooooooooooo!!! I love it!!!

Getting ready for Easter

The wait is over... LOL!! I teased someone yesterday on Facebook about my Easter box. Hopefully she will check it out... and like it! Sheesh. That's always a worry of mine... will it live up to the hype?

Well, this is the box with the lid on... Inside the box is 3 Ghirardelli Chocolates, 3 Peppermint Patties, 3 cards, 3 test tubs filled with candy... notice a pattern here?

Here's a picture with the lid off! This box was a lot of fun and only took about an hour and a half to make... What do you think, Alex? Did it live up to the hype?? Things I thought about doing to the box AFTER it was done: Stamping the "hanging heart" in white stazon on the new Stampin' Up! Window Sheets (medium was used here) all along the top so they looked like they were hanging down... Oh well, I can't always think ahead of the game........