Family Time Friday

Happy New Year's Eve!!! Before we bid farewell to 2010, I' thought I'd share some of our holiday pics!

Me & Ethan
Christmas Eve
He was so excited to start opening gifts from my Mom and Sister, I think he would have agreed to a full photo shoot!

Santa has arrived :)

Conner, the first one awake...always!
Where's my baby, he is totally all big boy now:(

Ethan, after being woken up!
So darn cute in that robe :)

Our little family :)

Cheers to you, my blogging friends!!! Best wishes for a safe and Happy 2011!!!

A Birthday Owl

Oh my gosh, how cute is this owl?! I just couldn't resist him any longer. I can't wait to make Valentine's with this cutie patootie :)

I'm playing along with this weeks SCS CAS99 Challenge: Wild Wasabi, Kraft, Chocolate Chip and White. I thought this was the perfect color combo to try out my new owl punch! I paired the punch with some Woodland Walk dsp, linen thread and a jumbo brad. I finished my card off by stamping the sentiment from Party This Way.

Have you signed up for CAS Classroom yet? There's still time, check it out here.

All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamp: Party This Way
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Crumb Cake, Choc Chip, Whisper White, Woodland Walk dsp
Accessories: Owl Punch, Linen Thread, Jumbo brad

Starter Kit Challenge!

Happy hump day :) Today I'm sharing with you a card I made for a Stampin' Up! "Class of 2010" demo challenge. We've been challenged to create a card using ONLY supplies from our starter kit!!! Wow, this one was tough! I started out by stamping A to Z in Melon Mambo ink on Whisper White cardstock. I then stamped a heart from I {heart} Hearts in Melon Mambo again on a scrap of Whisper White. I trimmed this out, popped it up on a dimensional and centered it on the A to Z image. I added a strip of Melon Mambo pp to the bottom of my card. At this point the struggle began, mostly because I was so tempted to use something from my stash: punches or buttons...a brad, something. So, to spice up this card, I used the Whisper White Satin Ribbon and made a fun scrunched ribbon treatment...it's just the touch I was looking for!!! SU! was right, everything you need to get started IS included in the Starter kit! Even better, you can customize the kit to fit your style :) Let me know if you want to know more!!

All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: I {heart} Hearts, A to Z
Ink: Melon Mambo
Paper: Whisper White & Melon Mambo pp from Bright Pattern Pack
Accessories: Whisper White Satin Ribbon

Sale-a-brate Birthday

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday!!! As much fun as it always is, I'm thrilled to get back to my "normal" life!!! I finally got into my stamping room today and made this card for my sister's b-day tomorrow. I used "Bliss", which will be released along with Sale-a-bration (SAB) on January 24th. If you are new to SU!, during SAB you get a free stamp set for every $50 you spend!! It's an awesome deal and a great time to stock up!!! I mean, who doesn't LOVE free product?!
I'm hoping to be back to some more regular posting, now that the holiday madness has ended!!!
Thanks for stopping by :) Maureen

All supplies SU! unless noted otherwise

Stamps: Bliss (SAB) Sentiment non-SU!
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Melon Mambo
Paper: Crumb Cake
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Rose Red Seam Binging (Occasions Mini, releasing on 1/4/10), Pearls

Family Time Friday

Merry Christmas Eve to you :) We are so excited for the BIG day tomorrow. We begin our celebration today with my Mom, Sister and BIL. Tomorrow my in-laws arrive and my Mom will join us again. The kids are beside themselves!! Somehow, like we do every year, we DID get it all done. After several lectures from my Mom, even one here on my blog :) I decided everything doesn't HAVE to be perfect. As long as we are happy and together, THAT is what Christmas is all about!!
Wherever you go and whatever you do, I hope you are happy and with the ones you love. Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Filled with Love & Free buttons :)

It sure seems like I've taken a break from blogging, I promise, it wasn't intentional!! The hustle and bustle of the holidays has left me in meltdown mode, too much to do, too little time. Is it Dec. 26th yet?! LOL!

Today I am sharing this awesome promotion from SU! If you are like me, you are ready to move past Christmas and holiday cards!!!

From December 17, 2010 - January 24, 2011 get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase an exclusive Filled with Love Bundle. See details below. You can order by clicking on the "My Stampin Up! Website" in the right side bar.

Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
Filled with Love Bundle Contains the Filled with Love Set* and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack	124380	$32.90	124381	$26.90
Lleno de Amor Bundle Contains the Lleno de Amor Set* and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack	124382	$32.90	124383	$26.90
Plein d'amour Bundle Contains the Plein d'amour Set* and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack	124384	$32.90	124385	$26.90
Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (non-bundled) 12 sheets total: three 12" x 12" sheets of two double-sided designs in Real Red and Pretty in Pink	124156	$9.95	---	---

Same card, 3 ways

Remember this card?

Here it is 2 more times, each CAS and a little bit different!

I love taking the same basic idea and reusing it to make something completely different!!! It's a great way to get a lot of cards done in a short period of time!! The square packages could be replaced with circle or hearts and it would give your card a whole new look!!!

Why don't you give it a try? Use this layout to make a CAS card of your own!!! If you do, post it here, I'd love to see what you make!!!

Have a good one!

Stamp: Christmas Greetings
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls dsp

Publish Post

Accessories: crochet lace, buttons, twine

Family Time Friday

TGIF! Wow, this was a looong week!!!

Today I'm sharing some news about Conner. He was the "Citizen of the Month" :) This is a "special recognition for showing courtesy, respectfulness and good behavior" Yipee, GO CONNER!!! I always feel like I've done something right along the way when the boys receive this honor!! Ethan was Citizen of the Month in September.

Proud Mommy moments!!!

PS- I don't know why but Conner wanted to pose in front to the dining room hutch!?

Last Call...

Wanna know what I've been doing? Well, besides laundry, shopping and wrapping, LOL :)



I've been getting ready for my CAS Classroom Sneak Peek!! Anyone who joins by tomorrow at noon will receive a CAS Sketch, a sneak peek at the Occasions Mini to be released on Jan. 4th and tips on how to keep your creations CAS! You will not see these projects anywhere else, they are exclusive to the CAS Classroom. Want to know more? CAS Classroom

Aviary Thanks

So, I'm going through a bit of a stamping funk. I think it's stress from the holidays and trying to figure out WHEN I'm going to get it all done. I've lost 2 days this week because of sick kiddos...10 days til Christmas!!! Oh my!!!! I also heard a blizzard is coming our way. I must use each and every minute to it's fullest.
I received a huge box of stamping goodies a few days ago and that usually gets my mojo going, no can do? I can't tell you how many scraps I've made over the last few days...Finally I made this adorable thank you card using my new Aviary stamp set & Love Letter dsp! I turned to my trusty notebook filled with tried & true sketches and found something I could finally make work!

What do you do when your Mojo takes a vacation?

Stamp: Aviary, For All You Do
Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Love Letter DSP
Accessories: Dotted Ribbon Scallop Border Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding

Valentine Defined

Here's a little sneak peek for you on this lovely Tuesday afternoon...meet "Valentine Defined". This soon to be released (Jan 4th) set is a must have in your stamping arsenal. It's the perfect combination of images & sentiments!! And, fitting for children & adults :)

Stamp: Valentine Defined (1/4/11)
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Playdate dsp. real red, crumb cake, whisper white
Accessories : Black 1/4 taffeta ribbon

Mini Card Set

With the holidays right around the corner, it will be great to have a few extra thank you cards on hand. I used the SCS CAS Sketch and cranked out 3 of these mini 4 x 4 cards in no time at all.
Simply cut your card base to 4 x 8, score & fold, trim you dsp (brights pack used here) to 3 3/4 x 3 3/4, cut out a circle & stamp your image. Finish off your card with a cute little button tied up with linen thread.

Here are some close up's in Old Olive & Daffodil Delight.

All supllies SU!
Stamp: Just Believe, For All You Do
Ink: Regal Rose, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black
Paper: Regal Rose, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Accessories: Buttons & Linen Thread

Newsletter Sign Up Winner...

Happy Weekend! I hope you are doing something fabulous!!

Just popping in to announce the winner of my newsletter giveaway...........

If this miller896042@bellsouth.net is your email addess, YOU are the winner of this stamp set, Stampin' Up! Silhouette Sentiments. CONGRATS!!! Please email me with your address!!!



Thanks to everyone who signed up, my very first newsletter will arrive next week :) If you haven't signed up yet, please do!!! (see my sidebar!).

Have a great day!

Family Time Friday

Today begins a new weekly post here on the blog...Family Time Friday. Here you will get a little bit of a peek into our lives...Enjoy :)

Holiday preparations are in high gear here in the Merritt house. Decorations are slowly but surely getting up, lists and letters to Santa have been written and we are ready for a tree!!!
Last weekend was our community holiday party. The boys had a great time and it was the perfect way for all of us to get into the holiday spirit!

This is our first EVER picture of both of the boys with Santa. Ethan (on right) decided that Santa isn't so scary after all! (btw-that's a fire breathing dragon on Ethan's cheek)

Conner and Ethan decorate Sugar Cookies.

Ethan showing off his snowman :)

I hope your holiday season is off to a great start. I'll be back tomorrow to announce the random winner of Holiday hop newsletter sign up....See you then!

Challenges Galore

I had a bit of a challenge going for myself this morning. I wanted to make and post a card before volunteering at the kids school this morning & here I am, I did it :) I combined challenges
from The ABC Challenge, For Fun Challenges & Color Throwdown #122
Do you ever challenge yourself when it comes to stamping? Do you have stamping goals? I'd love for you to share them with me!!! I made a list of Stamping Goals in the beginning of 2010. I reached some, but not all. I'll revisit them as we get closer to the new year!!!

Have you signed up for my newsletter or CAS Classroom? There's still time :)

Email Newsletter Get subscriber only projects, tutorials & more!

For Email Marketing you can trust
Stamp

Stamps: Peaceful Seaon
Ink: Old Olive
Paper: Kraft, Red Ridinghood, Very Vanilla, brights dsp
Accessories: ticket punch, pear pizazz ribbon, rhinestones

CAS Thank You

I recently received "Just Believe", talk about a gorgeous set. The images don't really need a whole lot of embellishing, they are stunning just as they are :) I used one of my favorite layouts on this card. It's one I turn to again and again. Sometimes I use patterned paper, sometimes not, either way it never lets me down!

This card was made for the SCS CAS (96) challenge, "Use bows". CAS & bows, I knew I had to play :)

Have you signed up for CAS Classroom yet? Sign up by December 15th and receive a bonus tutorial using new products from the upcoming Spring Mini Catalog!!! Want to know more? click here.

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Just Believe
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Love Letter dsp
Accessories: Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon, scallop trim border punch

Lots of cards!

Happy Monday to you! I hope your week is off to a great start! I had some unexpected free time on Saturday and cranked out 3 challenge cards! Yay, go me!

SCS CAS Color Challenge
The CAS Winter DT was announced on Friday.
Sadly, I didn't make the cut :( BUT, I will be the Guest Designer in Feb!

Cardabilities
Sketch Challenge #16

Last, but certainly NOT least,
"Just Us Girls"
Sketch Challenge

Gotta love days when you get a lot accomplished!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies SU! unless stated otherwise

Peace on Earth Card
Stamp: Peaceful Season
Ink: Gold (retired)
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Gold & Whisper White
Accessories: Whisper White Satin Ribbon

Thank You Card
Stamp: For all you do
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive & Pretty in Pink
Paper: Kraft (nonSU!), Whisper White, Brights dsp
Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Daffodil Delight Ribbon, pearls (non SU!)

For all you do Card
Stamp: Eastern Blooms, For all you do
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Kraft (NonSU!), Basic Black & Whisper White
Accessories: Gingham ribbon (retired), 1 3/8 circle punch, scallop circle punch, mat pack & paper piercer

Paper Bow Tutorial

Hi there!

I'm glad that so many of you were able to join in the hop yesterday. As promised, here is the paper bow tutorial! Please excuse the photographs on some of the steps, my stamp room doesn't get fantastic light. If you use this tutorial to make bows, please leave me a comment and link up your project, I'd love to see them :)

Materials Needed:
6 x 12 piece of double sided patterned paper, brads & glue dots

Step 1
Trim (8) strips of 6 x12 pieces of paper.
Turn your paper in your trimmer and trim (1) 1 x 4 strip of paper.
Then turn your paper back and trim (4) strips of 1 x 5.

Step 2
Flip (4) strips of 1 x 6 and the 1 x 5 strips as seen below.

Step 3
Run adhesive along the bottom edge only of your 1 x 6 strips.

Step 4
Flip your strip around and adhere together as shown below.
Do this for each of the 1 x 6 and 1 x 5 strips keeping your strips in groups of four.

Step 5
Take the 4 strips and put them together as shown below.
Using your paper piercer or punch, make a hole and place a brad here.

Do this for each of the groups of 4 strips, this is what you will have.

Step 6
Place adhesive on the bottom of your 1 x 4 strips and adhere together as shown.

Step 7
Start layering each of the groups together using a glue dot between each one.

Step 8
Adhere your smallest piece in the center of the bow using a glue dot.

Congrats, you are finished!!!

If you have any questions please email me or leave a comment. I can't wait to see those bows.
Have fun!!!
Maureen

Simply Scrapping Crafts First Annual Blog Hop

Welcome to Simply Scrapping Crafts First Annual Holiday Hop! I'm so excited to be the very first stop!!!

We have quite a line-up for you today filled with lots holiday inspired goodies! Our design team has been busy at work in Santa’s workshop creating a sled full of gorgeous holiday projects to help you decorate, scrapbook or use for gifts! Be sure to comment all of the blogs along the way because we have "hidden" some extra special treats along the way. There is no way to tell where we have them stashed, so be sure not to miss out! Some of our hop hosts are giving an extra entry for becoming a follower. Perhaps, even by signing up for a newsletter (ah-hem)you may be entered into a drawing for a prize? Just a thought!!

All winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 via the Design Team blogs and also in the hop room at SSC, which can easily be accessed here. You have until 11:59PM EST tonight, December 4th, 2010 to comment for your chance to win. All you need to do is click on each link and leave a comment as you hop along to the end of the list.

Are you ready for a Holly Jolly Holiday Hop? Let's get to hoppin'!


Maureen http://stampandscrapwithmaureen.blogspot.com/ {You are here}

Theresa http://procrastinatingscrapper.blogspot.com/

Nikki --- http://gracie33.blogspot.com/

Rona http://scraprona.blogspot.com/

Colleen http://cardsdelight.blogspot.com/

Amy http://amybeansblog.blogspot.com/

Emily http://www.emilyseyes.com/

Clare http://bearydocardsinc.blogspot.com/

Pryn http://mochavation.blogspot.com

Tammy http://tmaynard.blogspot.com/

Ready for my project? Of course you are, that's why you are here!!! I'm going to get you ready for your holiday gift wrapping!!! Today I have for you...

Holiday Tags

A fabulous way to use up your scraps and dress up your gift packages at the same time!!! Here I have used scraps of "Deck the Halls" dsp to dress up these little tags. The best part about these: they are super quick & easy!! I began by trimming my scrap cardstock to 2 1/4 x 3 3/4 inch pieces. After snipping the upper corners, I decorated the cardstock with dsp scraps, some decorative punched edges & punched tags. The "To & From" was stamped using the Hostess Set Peaceful Season. I finished each tag by punching a hole at the top of each tag and tied them up with Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding & Linen Thread.

Now that we have the tags, we need...

Paper Bows

You can't give a gift that isn't tied up with a gorgeous bow. And, REALLY, this is gorgeous! Make sure you come back tomorrow, I'll be posting a step by step photo tutorial!!! I promise you, these are SO easy. You could crank out a dozen in no time at all.

Before you head off to the lovely and VERY talented Theresa, I want to thank each and every one of you who have been so supportive of me. I love reading your comments, they are all so special to me. As I've begun my new business venture I'm thrilled to have you by my side. I'm so excited about CAS Classroom, I hope you are too. Before I go and get even more sappy, go on, head over to Theresa's blog, she has something AMAZING for you today!!!!

Gift Tags
Stamps: Peaceful Season
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Articoke
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Always Articoke, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Deck the Halls dsp
Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon, Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle, 1 3/8 Circle, Oval & Oval Scallop Punches, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Linen Thread

Paper Bows
Deck the Halls dsp

Introducing CAS Classroom

I'm thrilled to announce a new service available to you...

CAS Classroom
where cardmaking is simplified!


CAS Classroom is a new virtual card club, with a focus on Clean & Simple Design done on YOUR schedule. There are no time limitations, rearranging schedules, or jumping through hoops to get to card making classes… CAS Classroom is here for you, on YOUR time!

To learn more, Click Here:
CAS Classroom

Sentiments

Do you ever feel like a card just doesn't need a sentiment? That's how I was feeling today as I struggled with my sentiment placement. The more I looked at this card, the more complete it felt. I convinced myself that the images speak for themselves and called this card officially finished! It will be perfect for an anniversary, Valentine's Day or a simple "I love you".

I am playing along with both the Clean & Simple Sketch (FTL119) and SCS CAS95. Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the Simply Scrapping Crafts Holiday blog hop!!! (Read my first post today).
Have a fabulous weekend!!!

All supplies SU!
Stamps: A to Z, I {heart} Hearts
Ink: Regal Rose, Whisper White Craft
Paper: Crumb Cake
Accessories: filigree brad, Whisper White Satin Ribbon

SSC 1st Annual Blog Hop

Peace on Earth

Hi there,
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope it's nicer in your neck of the woods than it is here. It's been raining cats & dogs all day long, yuck! Today I'm sharing another Holiday card. I wonder how many I have now? Maybe I should start sending them out, LOL! I used the hostess set "Peaceful Season" on the Crumb Cake panel and sponged the edges with white craft ink. I then cut out the poinsettia's from the "Deck the Halls" dsp and added some dazzling diamonds to the center. I tied it all up with the wide striped ribbon, I think that was the perfect contrast to make this card pop a little.
Are you making your holiday cards this year?

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Peaceful Season
Ink: White & Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls dsp
Accessories: Ribbon, Square Lattice Texture Plate, 2 way glue pen & dazzling Diamonds