Heart to heart punch and Pennant Parade Christmas card by Stampin Up and me!

Hi dear Stampers.

How is your week going? Last Sunday we put our Christmas tree up & oh it smells so good in our home. We so enjoy the fragrance that this real tree spreads through our house. And our kids just love all the ornaments and little lights that are in there. We had such a sweet time, decorating it.

This morning I hopped over to the Clean and Simple Stampin site where Challenge #169 was encouraging me to join them. I always enjoy their challenges and knew I wanted to combine it with the Paper Players Theme Challenge #75. Nance's Leedy Holiday Hoopla Challenge, who is the host for this week's Challenge. She encouraged us to create 'something Christmas' with non - Holiday/Christmas colors! This lady always makes me smile. She is so good in thinking outside the box. You should see their site this week (well... every week :) they will inspire you for sure!

Our house has lots of blue colors, silver, browns and white accents flowing around. I even found some blue Christmas balls this year :) So with our home in mind I created this card today. It has lots of little details that I hope you will notice. The tiny Stampin Up buttons, the little hearts that I punched out with my Heart to heart punch from Stampin Up and so many more. I hope the photo's will show you what I have done, because I don't have the time today to go into al the details. So sorry about that one.

Well. I hope you will have a beautiful evening.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Perfect Pennants Die+ Box #2 Die by Stampin Up and me

Box #2 Bigz Xl Die #114518 - Price: $42.95
Create a rectangular box for tiny presents or treats using the Rectangular Box die. You'll be able to fold up this simple box with minimal effort and maximum cuteness.■ Use a Sizzix Big Shot machine and extended cutting pads with this die■ 6" x 13-3/4"■ Rule-based die, which can cut up to 50 different materials.

Create trendy pennants and banners with our Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die! The innovative designs in these longer Bigz dies give you new and interesting creative options. Ideal for cutting thicker materials and multiple layers. Use with Extended Cutting Pads. Measures 6" x 8-3/4

I so adore these red and green Stampin Up buttons. They are available in the Holiday Mini Catalogue 2011. Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons #125636 - Price: $11.50
Adding a unique touch to your holiday cards is easy—just add one of our exclusive buttons! Button colors coordinate with the Holly Berry Bouquet Suite for simple creating. 48 pieces total, 12 each of 2 designs in 2 colors. Button diameter: 7/8" and 3/4".Price: $11.50

Hi dear Stampin Gals.

The other day I hopped over to the Hand Stamped Sentiments 'Anything but a card Christmas ornament Challenge #95. They encouraged us to make something other than a card... They challenged us to create an ornament or something using ornaments. With the inspiration they gave me on their site, it wasn't for me to get started at all. Wow, did they ever blow my stockings :) off! Please click on the HSS link above and see what the lovely ladies there created. The most beautiful hand crafted ornaments are on their blog this week.

Last night I wanted to create some cute thank you gifts for 4 of the sweetest ladies we see each week at a Bible study we go to. Our 2 girls always come along and enjoy the the love and care from 4 of the warmest woman that are there to take care of them. They are such a blessing to us. They do crafts with them, tell them stories, sing songs with them and they let them play in the gym. Now what more can I ask for. Our girls adore them and were so excited to give them their gifts. Inside I tucked some Clinique lipstick, mascara and some mints. Each little box was decorated individually. I only had time to create one card after that.. (I know, I started way to late) Anyway, even though I started late it wasn't a difficult job to do.

• I used my Box #2 die from Stampin Up.(#114518 - $42.95) In a flash I rolled it through my Big Shot die cutting machine and foila, had the template ready to fold and glue together. After that it was easy peasy.. I added some Stampin Up Christmas ornament stickers and they were ready to go.


• The other Stampin Up die that I used was the Perfect Pennants L Die (#123126 - 40.95). It was so fun to pull the 5/8 Real Red Satin ribbon (#117286 - $12.25) through those little openings and create a wreath to put on my card. I saw this idea somewhere on the blog and thought it was just genius.

Well. I hope you have a beautiful evening. Let's connect soon :)

Inky hugs, Pauline

Cupcake Punch card by Stampin Up and me

Half-back pearls add sparkle and elegance to stamped images, Designer Series Paper, Paper Daises, punched images and more. Adhesive on the back makes them easy to adhere. When you buy these pearls at my Stampin Up online store, you will receive 150 pearls in 3 sizes. Plus, each package contains three 2-5/8'' strips of connected 3 mm pearls just right for borders.

(#119247 - $6.50 for a package of 150+ pearls)
All that to say. Here is my version 1 of the cupcake card. I love the extra bling it has with those elegant pearls.

And version 2 of this cup cake card. But now without the pearls.

This soft and flowing Baja Breeze 1/2 Seam Binding Ribbon (#122331 - $9.50 for 10 yards) just drapes like silk. And adds such delicate look to these cards, don't you think?

Besides making our cards, we were also very busy prepping for the Christmas Ball that is coming up real soon. We made loads of these huge Candy Cane swirls. This picture was taking after 12 pm in the night.. I know.. don't I look wide awake?

Good Wednesday afternoon dear Stampers.

Wow, did we ever wake up in a Winter Wonderland this morning. We live on a hill here in Calgary and I saw many people struggling to not get stuck in the snow. For me it was a perfect day to stay inside and cozy up. Of course I had to bring the kids to school today, but I was glad that we could walk there and that I didn't need to 'snowfree' our car!

On another note.. I have to say that I am in love with the Cupcake punch. Actually I am in love with all my punches and I used many of them on these 2 cards. I got excited when I found out that at the Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog They encouraged us to use 'punches or dies! Well that challenge fitted right into my crea-alley.. And off I went! I am sure you recognise the Lace Ribbon Border punch from Stampin Up (#122362 - $25.95)

• Use this LAce Ribbon punch for any project that calls for a bit of lace and a vintage touch! Or cut out the flower design and use it separately as a charming and delicate accent. Remember, with their sleek, space-saving design and larger size for more leverage, our punches are better than ever

My sweet friend Leanne was here too that day to create. It was her first time making cards with me. and Oh my Gosh.. she was so excited.. She just loved it! You know, I get so tickled pink when I see that happening. As you know, I love LOVE my hobby and to be able to share that with my friends is just the best! We crafted for about 4 hours straight, we talked, shared our hearts out and ate some yummy stuff + we created about 5 cards. Now how about that? I hope we can get together again ... soon :) (Hi Leanne :)

Well.. I gotta go again.. Glad I was able to post and I hope I inspired you to create some today!

Inky hugs, Pauline

Pursuit of Happiness by Stampin Up and me.

Good Sunday Morning to you dear Stampers.

Thanks again for stopping by. It's great to connect and share our ideas and creativity.

Yesterday I got inspired to create this card. I hopped over to the Friday Mashup challenge #34 and saw that they had a great color combo for this week.

They encouraged us to:

• Make a project featuring "A Christmas Theme".


• Or Make a project using the colors "Aqua, Chocolate and White".


• Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Christmas themed project using the colors Aqua, Chocolate and White".

So off I went. I took a dive into my buttons and wanted to create a button rainbow. Which in my humble opinion totally worked out. For the 2 clouds I used the topping of the cupcake from my Cupcake punch (#121807 - $22.95)

Well. Have a beautiful rest of the day.

Inky hugs, Pauline

Stampin Up details and deals with their Online Extravaganza sale

Hi dear Stampers and crafters.
I had one beautiful birthday yesterday. I felt so blessed with the huge amount sweet birthday wishes that came to me in so many different ways. If you were one of them, thank you so much, it really brought a smile to my face and heart!
I am also happy to announce that my younger brother and his dear wife had their first baby! On my birthday! What a special moment was that when I found out that all was well with them. They live in Holland and I have to say it was hard for me not to book the first plane there. I so want to be with them and hold this tiny little miracle. One day! One day!

On another note. I wanted to share some of my favorite pics of the Online Extravaganza Online Stampine Up sale. Enjoy seeing them!

Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric ?(#121818 )
Regular Price: $13.89
Sale Price: $6.25
Here’s an assortment of Designer Series Fabric for the true-blue seamstress. With patterns that include darling decorative stitch designs, bunches of bewitching buttons, and vintage-style children posing in carefully sewn clothing, this brightly-colored, exuberant fabric will definitely appeal to crafters who love to sew. Just imagine all the sweet and functional projects you could make from it to decorate a loved one’s sewing room.
■ Includes 3 coordinating extra-wide fat quarters: 1 each of 3 designs
■ Each piece measures approximately 28" x 18"
■ 100% cotton
■ Coordinates with Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, and Daffodil Delight
■ Coordinates with our Button, Button Set and In Stitches Stampin’ Around Jumbo Wheel
■Coordinates with products in our Oh Sew Suite
Set Quantity: 3

Many Merry Messages (#116586 )
Regular Price: $47.72
Sale Price: $21.48
There are so many ways to share the joy of the Christmas season. These wonderful greetings offer a variety of options to say happy holidays. Use them to make fresh Christmas cards year after year.
Set Quantity: 8

Button, Button - Clear-Mount Stamp (#122040 )
Regular Price: $25.50
Sale Price: $13.77
Buttons are a classic example of a simple every-day tool that can be decorated to give individuality and character to all kinds of items from clothes to—of course—stamping projects! The wide variety of button shapes and designs in our Button.

Set Quantity: 17

Perfect Punches - Clear-Mount Stamp (#120516 )

Regular Price: $24.39
Sale Price: $13.17
This set is a must-have simply for how easy it makes creating accents and focal pieces for your projects. Each image coordinates with a different punch, making stamped creations easy as 1-2-3—stamp, punch, adhere. And with a variety of sentiments, you’ll
Set Quantity: 6

Flight Of The Butterfly (#111564)
Regular Price: $43.28
Sale Price: $19.48
It’s captivating when a butterfly flits about your head and lands lightly on your nose or hand. Similarly, the images in this Two-Step Stampin' set are sure to delight and catch the attention of all who see them. Animate a card or any other project with fun-patterned butterflies and greetings that will make your heart flutter.
Set Quantity: 10

Tree, Thoughts & Prayer Large Chocolate Décor Elements (#116004 )
Regular Price: $48.83

Sale Price: $30.77
Nature often reflects life. And using this Décor Elements piece to adorn a wall lets you bring a bit of that nature inside. With a soft organic style, this tree gives a sense of gentle motion that can set a calm mood in any room.

Dimensions: 52-1/8" x 36-1/8" The dimensions (HxW) are approximate and are taken from the largest letter or image in the set.

Flower Fest Clear-Mount Stamp & Dots & Spots Wheel Bundle (#129037)
Regular Price: $36.56
Sale Price: $19.74
The Flower Fest Stamp Set/Wheel Bundle contains the Flower Fest Stamp Set in clear- or wood-mount and the Dots & Spots Stampin’ Around Wheel. This exclusive Online Extravaganza bundle—40 percent off the retail price—is only available November 21-30

I {Heart} Hearts Clear-Mount Stamp & I {Love} Love Wheel Bundle (#129033 )
Regular Price: $37.17

Sale Price: $20.07
The I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set/Wheel Bundle contains the I {Heart} Heart Stamp Set in clear- or wood-mount and the I {Love} Love Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel. Only available during Online Extravaganza, this exclusive bundle is 40 percent off the retail price November 21-30

Winter Post (#111780 )

Regular Price: $36.61
Sale Price: $16.48
Send your love this Christmas season with the Winter Post stamp set. Mix the vintage and modern images in this set for post cards, scrapbook pages, or handmade cards with a unique twist.

If you have any question, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you and help you place your order. These crafty deals are just the perfect gift for that special one in your life.

Easy Events 'for baby' by Stampin Up and me

Hi dear Stampers.

How is this Thursday going for you. I hope it was a good one. Before I continue, I first want to wish all my American Blogging friends a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day was surrounded by family and friends, good thoughts and blessings to look back on! I am sure mine was today!

You know, I can't believe it is almost the weekend. I am so ready for it! I just like my hubby to be around. He rocks and is the sweetest ever! + It is just so much fun to have an adult around during the day. Kids are great, but by the weekend I am ready for something else than kids 'level' talks, books and toys.

I actually shouldn't complain. This evening a bunch of my sweet friends come over to create and craft with me and to celebrate my birthday. We will have so much fun. I am really looking forward to that! + I got some beautiful cheese cake to share :) with them, some great wine + I got some delicious tomatoes, Italian soft bocconcini cheese, some fresh Basel and yummy crackers. You have to know, that with some fresh cracked pepper and salt this snack will be a party in itself in our mouths! If you haven't tried that combination.. you so should give it a try. These ingredients are just made for each other!

In about a month my dear friend comes over from the Netherlands.. I can't wait to serve this to her. I am sure she will love it. Oh.. I wish my family could be here today to celebrate my birthday and I wish that she could be here today! Then they could meet my Canadian friends, because they all rock! It's just not the same without them.. But we called, we heard each others voices and I feel blessed with that technology!

Wow.. I am suddenly so hungry.. I guess it is almost eating time.. talking about all this yummy food, makes me just grave it.

Okay.. so on to the card of the day. You probable recognize this image. Yet another one from the Easy Events Stampin Up stamp set! This set just doesn't leave my craft table. There seems to be always an occasion that I can use it for and that it comes in handy! Today was such a day :)

I got inspired by the Freshly Made Sketches #12 created this week by the lovely Jen. It looked like such a easy challenge to remember, but when I came back to the computer with my finished card, I realized that I missed some important details. Oopsy.. so me.. I am so not a woman of details. But I so want to be one! I hope they will not kick me out of the Challenge, because I am still going to give it a try to enter it in. :) They for sure did inspire me to create this card! (sigh)

+ I have to ad that I love all the cards that are already on this blog. You should check it out. It is really something else.

Well, I am going to prep some dinner.

Have a beautiful evening everyone! We will connect later again. If you leave me a message, I will for sure stop by your blog as well. I would love to see what you have created.

Inky hugs, Pauline