Big News...Big Savings!!

Hello and good morning everyone! No card to share with you today, but some great deals! Wow! There's lots of Stampin' Up! News today, so I'll get right on with it! First of all, the retired list has been announced, and you can find a link to it here.

In addition, Stampin' Up! is offering a 10% discount on all their retiring stamp sets...AND FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $70.00 or more. WOOHOO!! Now THAT'S a deal! Want an even better deal?
Well...you got it! Here's my deal. I will be offering everyone who places an order with me from today until December 23rd the chance to win a free stamp set. Yep...that's right! Place an order with me anytime between now and December 23rd, and you will get free shipping on orders of $70 or more, 10% off all retiring stamp sets, and your name entered into a drawing to win the stamp set Hi & Hello. The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve morning. You can either email me with your order, or go directly to my website www.loriesouther.stampinup.net, and place your online order any time of the day or night. Christmas has come early this year! HO, HO, HO!!

Have a blessed day dear friends!

It seems like forever since I've taken the opportunity to post something to my blog. So much going on, so much to do, and so little time. I found time over the long holiday weekend to do some watercoloring of this adorable little Magnolia image. I'm told that Tilda is her name, and I don't know about you, but I think she's just adorable!! My friend Ohiomary from SCS sent me several stamped images of Tilda, and what fun it has been to play with them. THANKS Mary!! Mary also sent me the K&Co. DP that I used on this card, along with a challenge to make something beautiful with the paper. Pretty much anything you choose to make with these wonderful papers would qualify as beautiful, because they are just soooo gorgeous!! K&Co. have always been some of my favorites, and I think you can see why. I used my SU ink pads and an aquapainter to watercolor Miss Tilda, and I picked up the Martha Stewart branch punch at Wal-Mart the other day. I could see using that punch for an evergreen bough for holiday cards, and I think it turned out pretty well. It was a little labor intensive attaching each branch individually, but so worth the effort. We're starting to feel the winter chill here in Missouri now. We had our first tracking snowfall over the weekend, and we have reached a whopping 23 degrees here this morning. It does look beautiful outside. I really need to think about getting that Christmas tree put up. Maybe I can get to that tonight. Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you have a wonderful day! God's blessings to you all!

Lorie

Tilda Card Recipe

Stamps: Magnolia Tilda Image, Unknown SU Sentiment

Paper: Rose Red, Sage Shadow, Handsome Hunter, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, K&Co. DP

Ink: Various SU inks for watercoloring

Accessories: Martha Steward Branch Punch, tafetta ribbon, Oval Punches, Martha Stewart Glitter, Crystal Effects

Oh boy! Do I have lots to share with you today!! To begin with, this is my first card ever made with the Wiff of Joy Stamps. Isn't little Melinda Helping Angel adorable! She was so much fun to color, and put together, and I'm looking forward to making many, many cards with this sweet little girl. I had to get this particular stamps, because I can soooo relate to doing the dishes! I've spent my fair share of time washing, and drying, and I can't seem to get away from it!! Sheesh!! She's my soul sister!! *wink* Since I have so much to share, I'm not going to list a recipe for how I made this card. You can always email me if you want deets. Be sure to scroll down for a great sketch challenge, and a chance to win some blog candy from one of my favorite sweet sistahs!

I thought it would be fun to share this sketch challenge with you from Paper Craft Planet. It's an online paper craft community that I just discovered thanks to my friend Carloyn who invited me to come on over. I'm finding it a wonderful place to meet fellow addicts! LOL!! Well...you are all aware that this is an addiction! :-) Hop on over there and check the place out. I don't think you'll be disappointed! Happy surfing!! PCP shares a new sketch challenge every Saturday, so I will be sharing those with you to see what wonderful things we can create from these great layouts. To all you JC Sassy Stampers, why don't you try this sketch out, and bring your creation to share at our next stamp club meeting? Come on....give it a try!! :-)

I also want to let you know that my friend Kadie is having a little contest on her blog. She's asking for help with sentiments for a couple of Hanna cards she's making, and she's giving away blog candy on Friday for the winner of the contest. Please visit Kadies blog and leave her a comment with your ideas for sentiments. Free stamp sets are always a good incentive for creative thinking!!

Thanks for stopping by to visit today, as always have a beautiful day, and Happy Stamping!!!!!!!!

I'm Loving My Hanna's

I'm very new to the world of Hanna Stamps, but I'm am quickly falling in love with them! They are so much fun to color, and I'm finding wonderful ways to use them. This is yet another card made from my new set For the Soul. I have a couple more sets on their way to me, but today's a holiday, so no mail. :-( That's ok, though, because it's so important to take a day to recognize our veteran friends for the sacrifices and service they give to your great country! I took my time watercoloring this image, and let it dry in between adding color for more depth. I added crystal effects to the stained glass window to give it a pretty gloss, although it doesn't show up well in the picture. For the crosses, I cut out the center with a craft knife, and layered More Mustard designer paper under the cut outs. I still felt like the crosses needed something, and then I stumbled upon these gold rinestones that I'd purchased to use on Fall cards, and they nearly jumped onto the paper all by themselves! LOL!

I finished this card off with some horizontally placed ribbon for interest, and of course the sentiment using various punches and layering the assorted papers using dimensionals for added dimension. What a fun card this was to create! I hope you like it, and thanks for stopping by my blog today to visit! Have a blessed day!

Lorie

Supply List:

Stamps - Hanna Stamps For the Soul, Gods Way (Retired SU)

Paper - Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, More Mustard and Riding Hood Red DSP

Ink - Black Stazon, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Brilliant Blue, Riding Hood Red, Taken with Teal, Gable Green

Accessories - More Mustard Brads, Rinestones, More Mustard 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, various punches, crystal effects

Hanna Challenge

Hello, and happy Monday! The card I have to share with you today was made for the Hanna Stamps Challenge #2. The challenge was to make a baby card with non-traditional colors. I had this great Daisy D designer paper, and I thought the colors were perfect for this. I haven't used this retired Stampin' Up! set (Welcome Little One) for such a long time, and I'm pretty pleased with the way the card turned out using it. It would have preferred to use a Hanna stamp set for this challenge, but the only one I have so far is For the Soul, and I just couldn't make that one work. I do have more Hanna's on their way to me, so I'll have more than one set to play with soon. Woohoo!!

Thanks for stopping by today to take a peek, and please come back soon! Have a blessed day!

Lorie

Supply List:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Welcome Little One (retired), Weathered (retired)

Paper: Pacific Point textured card stock, Whisper White, Naturals Cream, Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Daisy D Vintage Alphabet DP

Ink: Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Martha Steward Decorative Punch, Paper Piercing Tool

My First Hanna & Mary's Swap

Hello and good morning! Well it's been a few days since I've had time to sit down and actually create anything, but yesterday was my day!! I started stamping yesterday afternoon, and didn't stop until the wee hours of the morning! Here are a couple of the products of my endeavors. The first card is a birthday card I made using my first set of Hanna Stamps called For The Soul. I'm really liking the Hanna Stamps, and plan to take in their November release party on Thursday...especially since one of my swap buddies B-Gin-R (Sandra McLean) is one of their newest design team members! Sandra's cards are amazing, and her watercoloring is soooo gorgeous! Hop on over to her blog, Paper Funtastics and check out her creative talents. She's on my blog list.

This little card and recipe is what I came up with for Ohiomary's Baby It's Cold Outside Swap that she's hosting on splitcoaststampers. Mary had the wonderful idea to inspire our faithful group to create a card and incorporate a recipe into the card for our favorite soup/stew, or cold weather food. This was the first time I have tried to make a criss cross card, and were they ever fun!! Much easier than I thought they'd be!! They also work out perfectly for holding a 3x5 recipe card. I'll definitely be making more of these babies!!

On another note, please keep my DIL Cassidy and her mom in your prayers for safe travel. Cassidy and Katie left this morning for a tour of the Holy Land. They will be gone for 10 days, and while I know this is a wonderful opportunity for them, and they will see things that most of us will never get the chance to see, I still worry! They will be with a tour group, but with things so unsettled in our world, I figure the more thoughts and prayers going out to them the better!

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed the projects that I've shared. Have a beautiful day!!

Happy Birthday Hanna!

Ok. So I'm realizing lately that almost every card I make is made with Riding Hood Red card stock! I guess it's my new favorite. I tend to get on a kick and use the same thing repeatedly for a while. Who doesn't love this gorgeous red, though?? The coordinating ribbon...Bella DSP...it all goes so beautifully together!! Gotta LOVE it!! Now, on to the card. This card was made for my niece Hanna who turned 16 two days ago. Tonight (Halloween) is her big sweet 16 party. She's having a costume party complete with VJDJ (I think that's video DJ, and I'm not sure what that's all about, but I guess I'll find out), and possibly hundreds of teenagers dressed for the occasion in their finest Halloween attire! :-) I know Hanna is very excited for her party, and I'm sure it will be a smashing success!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HANNA!

I don't have many stamps that aren't Stampin' Up!, so this Bella image is one that I received as happy mail from a fellow skinny bopper over on splitcoaststampers. I thought it would be fitting for a teenage birthday card. She worked out fabulously, and I love it! Now I need to shop for Bellas!! *Roll Eyes* I just hate that!! :-) Thanks for stopping by for a visit today, and I hope you have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Supply List

Stamp: Bella??

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, K&Co. Glittery Halloween DP

Ink: Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, Pretty In Pink, Riding Hood Red, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Filigree Brad, Glue Dot, Green Glitter, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon,Horizontal Slot Punch

Jefferson City Sassy Stampers October Meeting

Today, I'd like to share the projects we made for our Jefferson City Sassy Stampers stamp club meeting last night. Our little stamp club includes some very special people, and when we get together, we always have a good time and we do enjoy our stamping!!!
This card was a CASE of one that we did at Nancy Williams house for our Downline Stamping Night on October 20th! Thanks, Nancy for the inspiration for this quick and easy, card.

Supply List:

Stamp Sets: Baroque Motifs, Holidays & Wishes

Cardstock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Confetti Cream, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Punches - Wide Oval Punch, Word Window, Large Oval, Sponges (sponge edges of pumpkin pieces with close to cocoa ink).

This 6x6 brag book page was designed from an example on the SU website. I am trying hard to utilize more of the workshop wizard templates they provide for us, and I'm finding them to be a very helpful resource. The photo is one of my sister Angie's kids from Halloween last year. Aren't they CUTE?!!!!!

Supply List:

Stamps: Haunting Wheel, House of Haunts

Paper: Lovely Lilac, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Tangerine Tango Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Ink: Lovely Lilac, Basic Black

For our final stamp club project, we made these adorable little diaper fold pouches, inspired by (of course), my dear friend Paola who held a diaper fold pouch swap on splitcoaststampers that I participated in. These little cuties were made from 6x6 paper, but they can be made from any size square sheet of paper to vary the size of the pouch. The bigger the paper...the bigger the pouch! They really are easy to make, and they make wonderful gift holders!!! The adorable little bat is made with the scalloped square punch, and this wonderful idea came from Jill Hilliard on her blog, Jill's Card Creations. She has a fantastic blog that I love to visit regularly!!

Supply List:

Paper:Ghostly Greetings (6x6)

Punches: 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Scalloped Square Punch

Accessories: White Gel Pen

Heartland Stamp Camp

I've been wanting to share the group picture from my 2008 Heartland Stamp Camp for a while, and since I haven't had time to do much stamping for a couple of days, I thought this would be as good a time as any. We had such a good time, and I can't wait till we can do it again!

This wonderful group of 25 ladies from all over central and north central Missouri met on Saturday August 16th for a day and night of stamping, relaxing, shopping, and enjoying each others company at the beautiful Heartland Wildlife Ranch Lodge. The projects we made included a glass votive cup that we did some glass etching on, a stamped recipe holder made from a tumbled marble tile, and a scrapbooked desk cube made from empty CD cases. I also held a mini stamp-a-stack for them where they each stamped 12 cards (3 each of 4 different designs). I just can't say enough good things about this wonderful group which included members of my upline, my downline girls, almost every member of the Jefferson City Sassy Stampers, my Mom, one of my sisters, and some fabulous friends, both old and new.

Apple Brownies

Well, I've been busy this week working on things for our church's Apple Festival this weekend, and I haven't had time to take a picture of those yet, so I'm going to share with you one of my favorite recipes for apple brownies. This recipe was shared by a good friend Debbie Shoemaker, and is always a favorite. Especially when you add a scoop of ice cream and some caramel sauce for an apple brownie sundae! If you click on the picture, you will get a bigger view of the recipe. Enjoy!!!!!!!

I made this 6x6 recipe page for JGO's From the Garden Swap on splitcoaststampers. It was my first recipe swap, but it won't be my last! I'm hooked!!!! Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some new projects to share with you! Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day

Weekend Card Class #2

This is the second card that we created at the weekend card class. I fell in love with this winter post stamp set from the moment I saw it, and I haven't been disappointed with anything I've seen made with it!

Supply List

SU Winter Post Stamp Set, Sentiment from Snow Swirls

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Su Holiday Treasures DSP, Scalloped Edge Punch

Alpine Originals Ribbon, Felt Snowflakes, Ice Round Rinestone Brad

There are just so many exciting and wonderful things in Stampin' Up!'s new Winter Mini Catalog. I love the Alpine Originals Ribbon and the Felt Snowflakes! The possibilities are endless with all the wonderful things that are being offered, and I could just play for hours! I could...but I don't! I take every chance I can get to do some playing though! Hopefully, I'll have many more samples to share with you soon! Have a blessed day, and thanks for stopping by!

Season of Friendship

Well, I have to say that this Season of Friendship stamp set just didn't do much for me when I first saw it, but the more examples I saw made with it, the more it grew on me, and I decided I just had to have it. On Saturday, I taught a class for a wonderful lady who was staying at Heartland Wildlife Ranches. The lovely Deborah booked a card class and a Scrap-In-A-Snap class. This wonderfu Fall card was the first thing we made. Since this was a class for a new stamper, it was very easy, but it turned out oh, so classy!! Both Deborah and I were very pleased with her first card, and we hope you enjoy it too!!



Supply List: Cardstock - More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Kraft
Ink - Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Really Rust
Accessories - 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Small Library Clip

It was such a great day spent stamping with someone new to this craft that I love so much. Deborah is a wonderful and sweet lady, and it was a pleasure to get to know her. I post a warning for all my first time stampers that this is a highly addictive hobby, and now Deborah completely understands what the warning is all about! Hee, hee, hee! *wink* *wink* Have a beautiful day, and thanks for sharing a little bit of it with me!!!!

Back with Vintage!

Well, it's certainly been a long time since I've posted anything here, but I'm going to make an effort to be more faithful to my blog posts. Today I'd like to share with you a card I made for Kmensley's It's Vintage Daaahhhling swap on splitcoaststampers. I thought this swap would be really difficult for me. Even though the vintage/shabby look is one I love, I was anticipating a loss of my creative mojo. Anywho...once I got started, it just kind of all came together, and I have to say I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I hope you like it too!




I used a set that I've had for a long time and to this point had never seen ink. The set is from Plaid and is an Anna Griffin design called Purses and Shoes. I thought is was the perfect set for this swap!!

Supply List: SU Naturals Ivory Paper, Ruby Red, Baja Breeze, K&Co. Designer Paper, Timber Brown Stazon Ink, SU inks: Ruby Red, Baja Breeze, Summer Sun, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Blender Pen, White Signo Gel Pen, Vintage Brads, Ivory 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Creamy Caramel ink, and lots of sponging to make everything look tea stained. I also used the Martha Steward Lace Edge Punch, and my Nestabilities.

I hope each and every one of you have a truly blessed day!

Bible Verse Challenge March 2008

This is my March submission for the Divine Design Bible Verse Challenge on splitcoaststampers. This page was inspired by Scott and Ramah Troutman, and their love and caring for their students. Many times, our Sunday School conversation involves discussion about how it seems that many of today's children lack the experience of having a "Church Family", and enjoying the love, support, and security that comes along with that particular experience. Today's children are missing out on an crucial resource that will help them to deal with the difficulties that life hands their way, each and every day.During the upcoming Holy Week, I pray for those children who are aching for love and guidance to find what they are looking for through the love of Christ our Lord. Happy Easter, and God's blessings to you and yours, today and always!

Never Ending Joy Birthday Card

This is yet another card I did to send to Jill's husband. I was really in a mood for Spring when I did this one! I love the Never Ending Joy set. It makes me happy just thinking about those tulips, and hopefully it won't be long before they're up and blooming for real!! I used the Sweet Shapes geometric shapes behind the tulips for a little added interest in the background. I'm sending a couple of birthday cards, and a couple of thinking of you cards done with this same layout and Spring theme! Thanks for looking, and blessings to you!!

Wild About You

This is one of the cards I completed to be sent to Jill Lohsandt's husband who is currently serving in Iraq. Some of the members of our stamp club are making cards to include in the next care package that goes out to him. We are sending them for him to have and share with his fellow soldiers, so they have cards to send back home. This has been an exciting little project for our group. I'm so proud of the stampers they've become, and their kindness, and willingness to always step up and help out whenever there's a need!! Thank you so much ladies!! I used lots of layers and bright colors for this card, and the colors are way outside of my comfort zone!! I have to admit that I do like this set for making kids cards, and the wild colors just kind of go with the whole "Wild About You" theme!

How it all began

Have you ever wondered how Stampin' Up! got started? Well, wonder no more. Follow this link for a recent radio interview that Allison Lee from Craftcast (a crafting podcast) held with Shelli Gardner(pictured left) CEO and Co-Founder of Stampin' Up!). This lady is so kind, gracious, and sincere! It's easy to see why Stampin' Up! has become a successful company, although, as you will hear, it hasn't necessarily been an easy road to travel. She truly loves what she does, and loves sharing what she does, and I'm so thankful to be a part of this wonderful company!! Enjoy!!

Essence Of Love/Dryer Sheet Technique

Yet another card with my new favorite stamp set! This card was done with the dryer sheet technique. The sparkle on this card is absolutely beautiful. The dryer sheet gives it a softened look, and the dazzling diamonds just enhances it! A fun and simple technique, but you definitely need to use an image that can give you a bold background. The colors for this card were a splitcoaststampers color challenge using River Rock, Basic Black, and Whisper White. A stunning combination of colors for a very elegant and classy look! Thanks for looking , and blessings to you and yours today and always!

Inside of Tea Card

This is the inside of the Tea Card for the Splitcoaststampers card swap I'm in.

Tea Card

This card was done for a swap that another splitcoaststampers member asked me to participate in. We are swapping cards with tea, and or coffee included in them. The idea was to make a pocket, or pouch to hold a single serving tea bag, coffee, or hot cocoa. This is what I came up with. It took me the better part of a day to complete 7 of these cards. The paper is called afternoon tea, and is in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. Love, love, love the paper!! I included a little teapot charm as an embellishment. I'm sending homemade tea bags with Simple Graces Lady Londonderry Tea. I hope my fellow swappers will like it!! A picture of the inside of this card will follow. Thanks for looking!!

Thinking Of You

This card was done with the new Essence of Love set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I'm really liking the simplicity of this set. I used Not Quite Navy, River Rock, and Confetti White Card stock, and Not Quite Navy and Old Olive Classic Ink. Embellishments consist of the new Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, and Moss Gingham Ribbon. The Thinking of you circle comes from the Circle of Friendship set and is popped up on a dimensional. I think this Essence of Love set is a must have!!

St. Patrick's Day Card

This is a simple St. Patrick's Day card made with a monochromatic color scheme. I used the Sweet Shapes stamp set. I'm finding that this particular set has many more uses than I once thought it did, and I find myself reaching for this set more and more. I love the different tones that you get with the geometric shapes by just stamping the image once.

BVC08 1st Corinthians 13:4-7 & 13

4)Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy.
It does not boast, it is not proud.
5)It is not rude,
It is not self seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
6)Love does not delight in evil,
But rejoices with the truth.
7)It always protects, always trusts,
Always perseveres.

13)And now these three remain. Faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.


This is my February submission for the Divine Design Bible Verse Challenge on splitcoaststampers. I am making a 5x5 journal to hold my scripture verses, and I am truly enjoying this challenge. Not only am I inspired with stamping, I am also inspired by the scriptures that I am finding have special meaning for me! I so appreciate this opportunity!!

Jasey Name Frame

This is the name frame that I made for Brooke and Jason Bell's little girl, Jasey. She should arrive any day now, so even though her baby shower was postponed today due to snowy weather, I went ahead and finished it so it will be ready and waiting for her. Jasey's room has been completely outfitted with a ladybug theme, and I couldn't wait to get started on this project. I love making those little ladybugs out of the Pick A Petal set and circle punches! It was a lot of fun to make, and I hope they will enjoy the piece as much as I enjoyed making it for them!

James 1:17

This page is my January submission for the BVC08 Challenge. I used one of my favorite stamp sets...Baroque Motifs, and the scripture comes from James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above."

That verse serves as a reminder to me that everything we have and are is indeed a perfect gift from God, and it also helps me to remember to give thanks for all Gods' gifts each and every day. Thanks for letting me share a little bit of my day with you. May God bless and keep you in his tender loving care, today and always!

Faith Journal

This is the cover of my Faith Journal. This is a Splitcoaststampers Challenge started by Lori Craig. Each month for a year we do either a card, journal page, or something with a scripture verse printed on it. It can be whatever we choose. I thought this was a wonderful way to inspire creativity, and well as enhance my spiritual life. You can join this challenge at any time by subscribing to the BVC08 thread on splitcoaststampers.com. This little journal is the 5x5 On Board Art Journal from Stampin' Up! I covered it with some of my favorite K&Company paper, and watercolored the rose and rose buds (from the Wild Rose stamp set) with Groovy Guava, , Creamy Caramel, and Summer Sun. I used crystal effects and microbeads for the center of the rose, and after it was completely dry, I gave it a wash with Chocolate Chip ink to give it an aged appearance. The title for my journal is computer generated. This was a lot of fun to make, but I did have quite a bit of time involved with all the watercoloring, as well as ribbon cutting.

Love Notes

These are the cards that were made for the Love Notes class held on Saturday, February 9th. There were 6 designs, and we made 5 of each card for a total of 30 cards for the afternoon! Whew!! It was intense, and we had a blast!!

12x12 Summer Fun

This 12x12 scrapbook page is a take on a scrapbook page that was one of our make and take projects from the 2007 Stampin' Up! convention. I held a Love Notes Class on Saturday, and I used this page as an example for how to use the Love Notes as elements in other projects. In this case, I used the Love Note as a journaling spot. Our small group of 4 had a great time creating the little cards, and thinking of new ways to use them. We will definitely be doing this again! Thanks to Stephanie, Alicia, and Kim...I had a great time stamping with you, and look forward to doing it again!!

This from the heart card was a lot of fun to make. It was a challenge card than included the Pocket Fold Heart technique. I used the pocket heart to hold a bag of tea as a little gift. My stamp club will be making this card for their Valentine card this month.