Check these out- I painted them!!

Check out these adorable wooden guys that I painted!!  Sarah & her mom asked Manda & myself to join them for a craft class last Sunday afternoon in Agency, that one of their friends was having.  We all painted the faces on the snowman shown here & also the scarecrow shown below.  They already had the wood cut & bases for them were painted ahead of time.  We also got to choose our own ribbons & add our bows to them when we were finished.

And here is the scarecrow!!

So if you notice.....the hat is going one direction on one of these guys & the other direction on the other one.  They are the exact same pieces of wood.  One side is the snowman & the other side is the scarecrow.  So cute & so cool!!  

Aren't both of them (the snowman & the scarecrow) just totally adorable!  We had a fun time together.  We had lots to visit about finalizing plans for Nathan & Sarah's upcoming wedding (now 30 days away) on November 21st- so this was a good opportunity for us to sit & chat & craft all at the same time together.

Seeing the projects for this crafting class inspired me to create 2 cards for my Holiday Extravaganza Class that is this coming Saturday.  So be sure to check back tomorrow to see one of my cute cards!!  Yep- I created a snowman & a scarecrow that are similar to this, but are cards!

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Pigs, boys, stamping, working in the fields, meetings.....yep- the same craziness is going on at our house again this week.  I'm off to pick up Masen first this morning & then I'll go get the 3 Seeley boys.  Brayden will be here tonight.....and I have lots of card stock yet to cut that I'll be working on.

Gotta run....

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Fall leaves!

Check out these 3 beautiful fall leaf cards!  They are ones I created for my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza class this weekend!   These cards include 2 of my favorite stamp sets- 'Vintage Leaves' & Gorgeous Grunge'! (And these cards have a card keeper too that everyone will be making to keep them & the envelopes in too.....I'll share more about that sometime soon!)

I'll hopefully get caught up the first part of next week & I'll update this post with the supplies I used here for making these cards.

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I've been a super busy bee working on my upcoming event this weekend!  I've spent alot of time creating & getting ready for this big event!  Woo Hoo!  Be sure you check back again soon as I'll be sharing projects from this class here for the next few weeks. 

This morning I'm off to pick up all of the boys.  When they leave tonight I'll be headed out to help Deke on the farm sorting hogs to sell & then I'll be a stamping away, burning the midnight oil again, when I get in.

Deke is gone this morning to a meeting.  This afternoon he is hoping that the ground will be dry enough tomorrow afternoon for him to return to the field.  As we had a storm roll through here late yesterday afternoon & we were without power for a couple of hours.  Thankfully there was no damage to anything.  We did have some small hail too.  It was nice he was in for supper (by 9:00) last night.  And he even cooked so that I could keep on stamping!

Gotta run....
I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

This weeks- "WEEKLY DEALS"- October 20-26, 2015!

Check out my holiday sampler!

Here is a quick post.......

This is the holiday sampler that I created for my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza event that I'm having this coming Saturday!  I have LOTS of projects for everyone to come make with me.  I am excited about this big event & I hope everyone joining me is too!

So what do you think of my sampler?  I was trying to make it cute, yet simple enough for many stampers to be able to make it & all of the other projects- all in one day.  My goal was to design a sampler that would showcase the holiday season for both December & January!  I am not sure which block is my favorite.  I love the words in the center; the cottage & trees with the glitter snow is very pretty in person; the snowflake is very pretty (as I am a snowflake lover) & the little snowman is soooo cute with his scarf & snow.

Oh wow- I've been a stamping fool!!  This is going to be a long week with lots to get done. 

I'm off to pick up the boys for the day!  And tonight I'll be a stampin' again!

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

STAMP SALE!!!!!! Limited time only!

 
Stamp sales are the best sales, and this one is no exception! Save 15% off retail on Stampin’ Up! stamp purchases October 19-23.
Details:

• Dates: October 19-23, 2015
• Host stamp sets and rotary stamps are not eligible for the 15% promotional discount on stamps.
• Bundles are not eligible for this promotional discount, but they will retain their current 15% Bundle & Save discount. The stamp set from the bundle may still be purchased ala carte with the 15% promotional discount.
• Stamps purchased using a 50% Stampin’ Rewards discount will not be available for this 15% promotional discount. Stamps purchased using Stampin’ Rewards discounts will still be 50% off retail value of the stamp set.
• All order types qualify for this promotion.
• There is no limit to how many discounted stamp sets can be placed on an order.
• There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion.
• Order Deadline:  October 23, 2015 by 11:55 PM (MT).

NOTE:  If you attend my monthly classes- please email me & I'll use a hostess code & order your stamp set(s) for you!  This way the hostess will get credit for it & it will count towards your November class minimum purchase amount.  Contact me HERE to do this!
 
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this awesome sale!

If you want to order on line yourself & not have it count towards any class minimums you can Click here to head right over and start shopping from my demonstrator website!!

 It’s the perfect time to fill your wish list!! 

OR even try the $99 Starter Kit for maximum savings! Discounted stamps may be added to the $99 Starter Kit, helping you get even more Stampin’ Up! product for the money!  You get to choose $125 worth of product & only pay $99 plus tax on it (shipping is free)!  I'd love to have you join my Iowa Inkers Team!   Hobby stampers are always welcome!  CLICK HERE TO find out more about joining my Iowa Inkers Team!

'All Ye Faithful'

I love this card!  This was another card that I created for my October classes.  A couple of year ago I did a nativity scene layout & adapted it for this new set 'All Ye Faithful' that is currently in the Holiday Catalog.  I thought it turned out really cute!  This is also one of the cards that is for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack too.  And it was also one of the cards that I did at Julie's Christmas card class earlier this month. 

stamp sets:  'All Ye Faithful' & 'Hardwood' background stamp
card stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Gold Glimmer Paper
ink:  Early Espresso
other:  Neutrals Candy Dots, Medium Star Punch, Dimensionals

I will get caught up on supplies that I used once I get through this week.  I have my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza class this coming weekend.  When I get off work I'll be burning the midnight oil each night & working on things for this class every spare minute this week.

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys.  And Deke is off to chore & head to the courthouse for his weekly meeting.

I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

It is a cool gold deer!

Here is a pretty gold embossed deer.  This card was one of the cards that everyone joining me at my October classes got to make.  It is also one of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack cards too!

Embossing always is gives me warm fuzzies.  The very first time I saw something embossed I thought it was just the coolest thing I had ever seen.  I just love hearing the ooohhhsss and awwwhhhss as those at a class see something being embossed.

stamp set:  'Jolly Christmas'
card stock:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Sarhara Sand, Gold Foil
ink:  Versamark
other:  Big Shot, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Banner Triple Punch, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Gold Sequins, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Gold Metallic Foil Doilies, Gold Cording, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Gold Embossing Powder

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I spent my whole day/night stamping- creating projects for my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza class that I am hosting next Saturday!  I have lots of cool projects to share this day & can't wait!

I'll be spending every spare minute I have stamping today too.  Manda & I are going to be gone for a couple of hours this afternoon with Sarah & her mom.  They invited us to a class to paint a wooden snowman!  I'm sure it will be alot of fun!  

Ok.....gotta get back to stamping!!

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Sunday!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

A beautiful fall card!

This was a card that everyone who joined me for one of my October classes made this month.
I LOVE IT!  Yep.....I'm in a vellum moode.  This time I used the embossing folder & embossed it.  Isn't it beautiful!

stamp set:  'Thankful Forest Friends' & 'Acorny Thank You'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Vellum
ink:  Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Crazy & Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip
other:  Big Shot, Woodland Embossing Folder, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Linen Thread, Banner Triple Punch, Paper Piercing Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Mini Silver Brads, Acorn Builder Punch, Sponges

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I will update this post sometime soon.....honestly I've had an awful busy & sad week & I am beat & off to bed.  I burnt the midnight oil again stamping & trying to get caught up on bookwork too.

This morning I'll be up bright & early & I'll spend every spare minute I have for the next week creating & cutting card stock!!  I pray that I have good mojo this weekend in creating!  My plan for the day today is to not leave the house & be home alone!  So we'll see how that goes.   Deke will be choring & spending his day/night in the fields again.  

I hope you have a SUPER Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Woo Hoo! This was just announced by Stampin' Up!! Check back on Monday for more details!!

15% Off Stamps

October 16, 2015 
 

Starting October 19, stamps will be discounted 15 percent off retail. This sale will only be around for a few days before it ends on October 23, so don't miss out! It's a great time to help your customers purchase stamp sets on their wish list, or to order anything you've been keeping your eye on too. Check back for more details and resources on October 19. 

'Jingle All the Way'

Here is a pretty Christmas card that everyone joining me for my October monthly classes got to make.  I always love black & white cards.....and this designer paper is beautiful!!

AND this card is also one that you can choose for my Annual Christmas Card Class too!  

stamp set: 'Jingle All The Way'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White
designer paper:  Winter Wonderland Specialty Designer Paper
ink: Basic Black Archival
other:  Big Shot, Sleigh Ride Edgelits Dits, Iced Rhinestone Embellishments, Whisper White 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots

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Oh my gosh....we were all exhausted last night.  We were on the go the whole day yesterday!  Baby piggies, a new dog- Cocoa & everything else.  We were on the go 100 mph all day long. 

The shelter ladies were in awhh over the boys & their love of animals & warmth towards Cocoa.  They took pictures to publish on their website.  I had tears when Trey was hugging & lovin on Cocoa.  She is so sweet.  And still very much a hyper puppy!  We have some work ahead of us to get her to calm down & mellow out.  I took her on a walk around the farm & she is very curious.  She didn't care for the piggies- she was afraid of them.  She isn't sure about our outdoor cats.....but I bet they end up sleeping together within a few weeks.  I was very impressed with the Noah's Ark Shelter in Fairfield.  Some day the boys & I are going to go down to just visit & see all of the animals.  It was very clean, open & very much live a home.  Not at all what I had pictured in my mind.  They obviously love their pets & it definitely shows.  

Brayden was in heaven last night with a new dog & getting to ride with papa in the tractor last night.  

I burnt the midnight oil working on stamping stuff & Deke burnt it working in the field again. 

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys.  We'll run Brayden to school & then come home to spend the day outside getting to know Cocoa better & getting her use to us & living here.  Right now she is tied up on a long cable so that she can get onto the porch, play in the yard & still sleep in her dog house......but I don't want her tied up for too long.  So now we have to train her to stay here & have me not have to worry about where she is or her getting hurt.  We have an invisible line & shock color in our yard......so will work on training her with it in a week or so. 

Tonight will be the same old broken record around here.....I'll be stamping late & Deke will be working in the field late.

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Meet Cocoa!! She is a new addition to uur family! WE adopted her this afternoon!

Here are the cards for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack!

Check out all of these cards!  You can come make any of them with me on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at our home!  I have lots of choices for you to choose from this year.  Some of them are cards that we've made at my monthly September & October classes too!  

EMAIL ME  if you'd like more information about this class!

Here are all of the different stamp sets/bundles that I have used to create these cards.  

 *          'Jingle All The Way' BUNDLE- Holiday Catalog- pg. 12

*          'Embellished Ornaments' BUNDLE- Holiday Catalog- pg. 15

*          'All Yea Faithful'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 20

*          'Wonderland'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 23

*          'Flurry of Wishes' BUNDLE- Holiday Catalog- pg. 25

*          'Jolly Christmas'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 27

*          'Reason for the Season'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 31

Chalked leaves.....aren't they stunning!

Here are some beautiful chalked leaves that I did.  This card was one of the 6 cards I created this month for everyone to make that joined me for my October monthly classes.  This was a really fun & easy & card.  It is just stunning in person!

I've made lots of cards using the cool stamp set of various leaves.  And they all are beautiful.....yet different in many ways!  This is a very modern stamp of leaves.  And I do love it!

Did you notice that I didn't chalk the Blackberry Bliss leaf.  I did stamp the leaf image using the Soft Suede ink onto the Blackberry Bliss card stock & cut it out with the framelit.  I should have saved the first one I did where I did use the chalk marker on it.  It just did not look good.....looked it was a mess....thus.....the Blackberry Bliss leaf became a background shadow look instead!

stamp set:  'Lighthearted Leaves'
card stock:  Thick Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Delightful Dijon, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White
ink:  Soft Suede
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Leaflets Framelits, 2" Circle Punch, Woodland Embossing Folder, White Chalk Marker, Gold Cording Trim, Gold Glitter Trim, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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Yesterday was a pretty much a carbon copy of our past week.....chores, meetings, boys, stamping & working in the field.  Deke & I both burnt the midnight oil working.  Sarah visited for awhile after work when she picked up Masen & then Brayden, Kimi (his mom) & little brother Jacobi stopped by to visit too.  They brought me a beautiful big rock with a dog paw print on it that says- "always in our hearts" in rememberance of Nestle.  Brayden is going to help me find a spot in our yard to keep it.  Nestle is buried behind our house....but I'm sure Deke doesn't want to mow around the stone, so we'll find a nice place in the front of house in our rock landscaping to put the big rock they brought. 

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys & head back out here to our home.  My Aunt Kathy is coming down shortly to stay at our home with Masen.  As we get more baby piggies today....so the 3 Seeley boys will head outside & be little farmers today with Papa & G'ma.  The boys are excited to get to see Joe (our feed salesman) & Josh (our truck driver- which just happens to be my 2nd cousin too).

This afternoon I'm planning a trip to the animal shelter to pick up our new dog!  And I'll be taking the 4 boys with me to meet her.  I pray that the adoption goes through or we are going to have 4 really disappointed little boys & a sad G'ma & Papa too.  The boys have all seen photos of Cocoa & I have my fingers & toes crossed she comes home with us, is a good dog & fits into our family well (which means she likes our cats & piggies too).  She has big shoes to fill following Nestle.....so we all need to be patient in training her & getting her adjusted to her new home.

Tonight is the same old routine again around here.....although Brayden is staying with us all night too.  He is super excited to get to go to the field & ride in the tractor with Papa for awhile.  As Deke will be working again until after midnight.  And I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping!  Woo hoo!

I hope you have a very special Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

A beautiful Poinsettia card!

I wasn't sure that I really liked this poinsettia set when I first saw it in the Holiday Catalog.  But boy.....let me tell you that it is one of my favorite sets now.  I love 2 step stampin' sets & this one is just a perfect fit/layering one.  It is super easy to use & it is just beautiful when you are finished stamping.

This is one of the cards you can make for my upcoming Christmas Card class!!

I created it for Julie's Christmas Card Stack that I did last Saturday.  Check out the shadowed poinsettias stamped in Real Red ink onto the Real Red card stock.

stamp set:  'Reason for the Season'
card stock:  Real Red, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White
ink:  Basic Black Archival, Real Red, Mossy Meadow
other:  Big Shot, Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Gold Sequins, Dimensionals

This layout is an all time 'old' favorite of mine.  And I haven't done it for quite some time.  I have ideas for another card using this layout- so be on the look out for it.

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Our day yesterday was a full one.  My mom enjoyed spending time snuggling with Masen while the other 3 boys & I helped Deke on the farm enjoying/playing with our new baby piggies.  My mom stayed for awhile when we got back to the house & read books to all of the boys.  I so wish I would have gotten a picture of them all.  While she read to them I made a quick trip to town to the post office & got our wedding invites mailed out.  

After work- Sarah, Manda, Jen & I went to Sharlene's for wedding dress alterations.  We had a nice time.  It was great to see Sharlene & she is so good at what she does.  I'm thankful for her friendship & talent.  Over the years she has altered many wedding/bridesmaid dresses for me.  

When I got home from Sharlene's I spent a few hours working on farm bookwork.  I also made a quick trip to Osky to the night deposit with our hog check & picked up some groceries at Walmart.  One of the benefits of grocery shopping at 11:00 p.m. is that there aren't too many people in the store.  Worst part about it is putting away groceries at 1 in the morning.  And Deke burnt the midnight oil working the field again last night.

This morning Deke is off early to chore, go to the office & then he is headed to Mt. Pleasant for a meeting.  I'm off to pick up the boys & spend my day with them.  Tonight I'll be stamping & Deke will be working in the fields.  Gosh.....kind of a broken record isn't it.  

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

Love this!

Here is a fun photo of my dear friend LeeAnn & I at the Tuscan Theater in St. George, Utah last month!  The camera guy was sitting at the end of our row & hollered at me to look......this is the picture he captured of us.  Oh what fun times & great memories we all had together in Utah.