A little birdie told me...

**If you're hopping over to find my Let's Scrap Blog Hop Challenge, click here!!!**

Happy Thursday and welcome to a new Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge!  Here's the CUTE inspiration this week:

 Aren't the little birds adorable?!  Here is my creation:

This was fun to create!  I LOVE the Patterned Designer Series Paper Stacks - 40 sheets of gorgeous paper!!

I combined the SCIC challenge with the Mojo Monday card sketch.  Here's the sketch this week at Mojo Monday:

And here's the scoop on my card--
Supplies Used:
Paper:  White, Pretty in Pink, DSP Patterns (pink-subtles, red-brights)
Stamps:  Valentine Defined, Love You Much, Short & Sweet
Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Early Espresso
Punches:  1 3/4" circle, 2 3/8" scallop circle, Heart-to-Heart
Other:   Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Bitty Buttons, Linen Thread, dimensionals, distressing essentials

Have you made your Valentine's cards yet?

Spend $50 during Sale-a-Bration and earn a FREE Stamp Set!

For example:

Love You Much Stamp Set (#113756) - $25.95

Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#117152 for subtles or #117155 for the brights) - $19.95

Classic Stampin' Ink Pad (#103133 Real Red or #101301 Pretty in Pink) - $5.95

This order would total $51.85 before tax and shipping which qualifies you for one FREE Sale-a-Bration set!  You'd have a great stamp set for adult and kids' Valentine's cards and plenty of fun paper left over for other projects. 

Click here or follow the Sale-a-Bration flyer link on the right to view the Sale-a-Bration items you can earn for free!  Let me know if you have any questions!

Make sure and visit Stampin' Celebration to see the other Design Team Member's creations this week.  You have until next Tuesday to upload your project and a chance to become the next "Pick of the Party!"

It's time to Sale-a-Brate!

Stampin' Up!'s biggest event of the year, Sale-a-Bration is in full swing!  Now is the time to stock up on your favorite products, host a workshop, or become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  Here's the scoop:

Sale-a-Bration Dates: January 25-March 31, 2011

Promotion Details
Our biggest sales event of the year--Sale-A-Bration--is here! This year we have four great Sale-A-Bration sets for hostesses and  customers to choose from--as well as a Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents pack, a Ribbon & Button pack, digital downloads, and Décor Elements!  In addition, there are over 50 stamp sets in the main Idea Book & Catalog you can choose from.

There are three ways for you to earn FREE products:

Shop: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase (before tax and shipping)!  This includes online orders from my Stampin' Up! online store.

Host: Have a workshop and receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to our regular hostess benefits!  *Note: This benefit is only available on qualifying customer, demonstrator, and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify.

Join: New demonstrators will receive 15% off your Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+), plus a special Sale-A-Bration bonus bundle valued up to $50!  If you've ever considered signing up for a discount on your favorite products, or to make some extra $$, now is the time!  Enjoy demonstrator discounts and benefits through June 30, 2011 with no obligation to sell or make any further purchases. 

I held my first Sale-a-Bration Workshop Friday night!  Here are the two projects we made:

The guests had a great girls' night out and left with a card they can use for either Valentine's, a wedding, or an anniversary, plus a cute Valentine's treat holder.  In addition, between all of the guests at the workshop, SEVEN FREE Sale-a-Bration sets were given away!!  The hostess also earned THREE FREE stamp sets plus $45 in free product to spend how she wanted!  She's already planning on hosting a catalog party in March to earn more free Stampin' Up! goodies!!  So, what are you waiting for?!  There are many ways to earn free stamp sets and other products during Sale-a-Bration!!  Contact me if you have any questions or place your online order here today!

Thanks for stopping by!  Check back tomorrow for a fun card and this week's Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge!

Wish BIG!

**If you are hopping over to find my Let's Scrap Blog Hop Challenge, click here!!!**

It's Thursday - which means it's time for a new Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge (SCIC)!  Are you ready?  Here is SCIC #36:

Isn't it pretty?  I immediately knew what I wanted to do!  (Sadly, I didn't have enough of the exact pink I wanted, so I had to go a shade darker.)  But, I'm happy with my creation and know just who I'm going to send it to!!  Here's my take on this challenge:

I keep wondering if I should have put a little bling on that star.....?

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Regal Rose, Early Espresso, Patterns Designer Series in Brights (a must-have!)
Stamps:  Occasional Quotes (Hostess Set)
Ink:  Early Espresso
Ribbon:  1/4" Grosgrain in Early Espresso
Other:  Scallop Squares Duo Big Shot Die (still available/carried over from Holiday mini), Vintage Wallpaper and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folders, 3/4" circle punch, sticky strip, dimensionals

I hope you get a chance to stop by Stampin' Celebration and see the gorgeous creations from the design team!  You have until Tuesday to upload your take on the challenge!  Thanks to everyone that played last week - there were some amazing entries!

Thanks for stopping by!  

Shop 24/7 for your favorite Stampin' Up! products in my online store.

Got Chocolate?

If you are hopping over to find my Let's Scrap Blog Hop Challenge, click here!!!

Happy Wednesday!  It's time for a new sketch over at Let's Scrap.  This week we have a card sketch from Kimmy.  Here's my card:

You all tell me that you want quick projects!!  Well, I'm labeling this card as fast & fab!  It took me about 10 minutes to make this card!  And, if I had used ribbon in place of the punched diagonal border, it would have taken even less time!

Supplies Used:

Paper:  Blushing Bride & In Color Designer Series Paper Pack, Early Espresso

Ink:  Early Espresso

Stamps:  Eat Chocolate

Punches:  Circle, Scalloped Circle, Scallop Trim Border, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border

Other:  Dimensionals

Easy peasy!  Isn't that polka-dot paper super cute?!  It's from the hostess only set of In Color Designer Series Paper Pack.  It comes with a pad of 6x6 patterned papers - so fun!  And, how about that stamp set?  It's from the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  I love this set with all of it's sentiments!  (Being the chocolate lover that I am!!)

Well, that's it for today!  Make sure and upload your creation in the Let's Scrap gallery.  I'd love to see it!  Make sure and stop by tomorrow when the new Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge (SCIC) is revealed!!

 

Scrapbook Resolutions

If you are hopping over to find my Let's Scrap Blog Hop Challenge, click here!!!

The Let's Scrap Blog Hop is in full swing!  The "resolution" theme has really got me thinking about my creative goals.  Scrapbooking will always be my first love.  I recently returned from my bi-annual girls' scrap weekend.  My family always wants to see the layouts I created when I get home.  I just love watching the boys go through our scrapbooks and reminisce about special moments in our lives.  That is the reason I began to scrapbook and will continue to do so!  It has since become my favorite hobby and my creative outlet.  I also love having such a wonderful group of friends that share this hobby with me.

I do have some scrappy resolutions for the new year and I'll share them with you.  (Or, feel free to scroll down to my layouts - lol!)

1. To continue to document our family's history through each layout I create.  To focus on both the important moments in our lives but also the little things that I never want to forget!
2. I'm setting a big goal of 104 layouts in 2011!  It sounds like a lot - but I know it's doable.  It averages out to a 2-page layout a week!  I have a little dry erase board in my "studio" where I tally each page.
3. Do more digital scrapbooking.  I recently purchased the digital scrapbooking software, My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!  (For info on this click here.)  I really enjoy traditional scrapbooking, but with all of the photos I take, it's easy to get overwhelmed.  I'd like to do photobooks for the boys' sporting events and some of our family vacations.  Everything else, I will continue to do traditionally.  I'm also very excited about doing photobooks and calendars for gifts - so fun!
4. Finish my son's school scrapbook.  I've gotten a little behind (gasp) and want to complete it in time for his 5th grade graduation gift.  (sniff, sniff - they grow up so fast!)

Do you have any crafty resolutions or goals for this year?  Leave me a comment - I'd love to hear them!  Need some scrappy time to get inspired?  Join me for Chicks & Chocolate the last Friday of each month! We have tons of fun and actually get some projects done!  If you're new to scrapbooking or prefer to make cards, I'll have some kits available to purchase.  (Which makes it fast and easy!!)  

I've been enjoying the Let's Scrap Blog Hop and all of the wonderful layouts in the gallery.  I've actually done a couple of layouts myself that I want to share.  Most of you know that I've been a scrapbooker for a very long time and have become quite the collector (or hoarder as my dear friend might call it) over the years....  Well, I'm trying to use up some of my stash.  So, even though Stampin' Up! is now my very favorite, I will post an occasional layout without all Stampin' Up! products.  (another gasp!)

One of the challenges I completed was from Carolina - to make a layout or card without opening up new packs of anything!  That was easy for me since I have quite a few half-used kits lying around!  Here's my layout:

Isn't that a sweet face?   My son Evan LOVES to read - which make mama very happy!  :-)  I loved documenting this in a scrapbook page!

My next layout is for Betty Anne's challenge.  Her challenge was to scraplift a layout from the Let's Scrap gallery.  I chose to scraplift one of my favorite layouts from Jean Marmo.  Here's my layout:

I loved all of the layering and inking that Jean did on her layout - I tried to do the same on mine.  This is Evan and our sweet dog Marley.  She adores him and sleeps right next to his bed every night.  I was so tempted to title it "Marley & Me" but opted for "The Best Bud."  I am a firm believer that every boy needs a dog.  (Or maybe every dog needs a boy?!)

I also wanted  to say a big thank you to all of the wonderful comments this week!  I've received so many congratulations on making the Stampin' Celebration Design Team and compliments on my projects.  It really means a lot to me and makes me smile!  Thank you!!

Well, that's it for today.  Shew, what a long post.... thanks for listening to my ramblings and checking out my creations!  Stop back by tomorrow for my take on the new Let's Scrap card sketch!

Join the Hoppy New Year Blog Hop!!

Today is the day the Hoppy New Year Blog Hop begins over at Let's Scrap!  Join me and the other Design Team members of Let's Scrap!  We have tons of fun, inspiration, challenges, and prizes planned!!  And the best part is, we're hopping for an entire month!!  That's right, the blog hop begins today and goes through Feb.14th, so you'll have plenty of time to work on the challenges!

Below you will find a list of those DT's who are joining us in the blog hop.  (You might have joined me from Beth's Blog.)  Each stop on the hop will offer you a different resolution, or challenge.  Become a follower of each Design Team Member's blog and as you complete each challenge, upload your finished project to the Let's Scrap gallery.   Return to each blog and make sure to leave a comment letting us know that you have completed the challenge and uploaded it to Let's Scrap.  Make sure you tag your project with the appropriate tag (you will find those instructions on each of our blogs-ie:  resolution#1, resolution#2 etc.). 

Each Design Team member will randomly select a winner of a small prize for participating.  For the ULTIMATE challenge, and for a chance to win a fabulous prize from Cosmo Cricket, complete the challenges you will find on EACH stop on the blog hop.  Make sure to tag your uploads properly so you are sure to be entered into the random drawing.

You can start anywhere along the way within this great group of blogs and each one will link from one site to the next where you will find all of the great challenges!  And the best part is you have four weeks to upload your challenge entries.  Even if you don't win the grand prize, if you choose to complete all the challenges available, you will have 15 completed projects!  Woo hoo!

So, you are at Resolution #4 on the Hoppy New Year Blog Hop.  And this is your challenge here on My Creative Chat:

1)  Use a Let's Scrap Sketch
2)  Create a scrapbook layout or card
3)  Use a list somewhere on your project

That's it!!  Make sure and upload your layout to Let's Scrap and tag it Resolution#4.  Make sure to become a follower of my blog and leave a comment letting me know that you completed Resolution #4.  Don't forget to play along with all of the fun "resolutions" along the way!

I decided to make both a scrapbook layout and a card, but you only have to do one.  Here are my takes on Resolution #4 - click on each photo to view larger:

  

Aren't these cute?  All supplies are from Stampin' Up!  I've used quite a few stamp sets from the new Occasions Mini Catalog - FUN, FUN!!

To celebrate this Hoppy New Year, I'm giving away some Blog Candy to one lucky winner who completes my challenge, uploads it to Let's Scrap, becomes a follower of my blog, and leaves a comment here.  One winner will win a new Stampin' Up! Stamp Set, Punch Potpourri.  I love this stamp set as it can be used for cards, layouts, tags, etc. and has coordinating punches available to match.  Here are the stamps you'll receive in this set:

Thanks for stopping by!!

The next stop on the blog hop is Carolina.

And just in case you get lost along the way, here's the scoop:

Resolution #1:  Betty Anne
Resolution #2:  Kristin
Resolution #3:  Beth
Resolution #4:  Cori - You are here!
Resolution #5:  Carolina
Resolution #6:  Roulien
Resolution #7:  Kristie
Resolution #8:  Bev
Resolution #9:  Mandy
Resolution #10: Megan
Resolution #11: Wendy
Resolution #12: Debby
Resolution #13: Dawn
Resolution #14: Tracy
Resolution #15: Amy

Good luck and happy hopping!

It's a Stampin' Celebration!!

So..... I have some exciting news!!  Last week, Krystal from Stampin' Celebration, invited me to join their Design Team!!  How could I refuse?!  I'm ecstatic that I get to join such a fun challenge site full of amazing design team members!  I'm looking forward to playing along each week and hope to inspire some of you.  This is the week to join us, as we have some very fun images to spark your creativity and some blog candy as well!  Who can resist FREE Stampin' Up! products?!  So, here's the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge (SCIC) for this week:

And here's what I created:

This little owl is ready to party!

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso & Designer Series Patterns Stack-Brights Collection
Stamps:  Birthday Bakery (hostess) & Afterthoughts (hostess)
Ink:  Melon Mambo
Other:  Two-Step Owl Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Brights Designer Buttons, Brights Designer Brads, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Linen Thread, Dimensionals

I'm not usually one to cut out little stamped images, because I just don't have the patience for it.  But, I knew that little cupcake from the Birthday Bakery stamp set would be perfect for him to hold!  Also, I used the Owl Punch feet to make the bottoms of my balloons - pretty cute, huh?!

I do hope you can play along!!  You have until next Tuesday to upload your creation to Stampin' Celebration.  It can be a card, a scrapbook layout, or any other scrappy creation!  Make sure and check out the wonderful creations of the other design team members and leave a little love!  You might even be one of the lucky Top Three Picks and win some blog candy!!  Join the party at Stampin' Celebration for all of the details!

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Let's Scrap Wednesday

Wednesdays mean a new sketch is posted over at Let's Scrap!  I love all of the two-page sketches over there!  You've got to stop by and check them out!!  Oh, and guess who this week's prize sponsor is?!  ME!  So, hurry on over for your chance to win some fun Stampin' Up! products from the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  You have until next Tuesday to upload your layout to Let's Scrap.  Here is this week's sketch:

And here's my take on it:

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler cardstock, Jolly Holiday DSP, Very Vanilla cardstock
Stamps:  Jolly Bingo Bits
Punches:  Ornament
Other:  Early Espresso Ribbon, Brights Brads, Sizzlits

Ok, so I'm not in love with this layout.... at all.  I always find it hard to scrap all of the little Christmas photos.  Or, maybe it's because I did this at 2:00 am on my girls' scrap weekend?!  Either way, I have a feeling I'll be going back to this layout and adding a little something....  I think I need some dazzling diamonds on my snowflakes.... maybe that will do the trick?!  Oh well, I am happy to finally get these photos scrapped - from 2009!!!

Don't forget to stop back tomorrow as I have some exciting news!!!  (Remember my secret I was telling you about?!  I can finally let the cat out of the bag!!)

Also, Friday starts the Let's Scrap DT Blog Hop... so you must come back for that as well!!!  This will be a month long Blog Hop full of challenges, inspiration and prizes!!  You won't want to miss it!

 

 

I Have a Secret!!

I have exciting news!!  But, I can't tell you yet.....  (Don't you hate when people do that?!)  I can't let the cat out of the bag until next Thursday, so you'll have to wait!  Until then, I do have a card to share with you:

This is another card I made using the new stamp set Valentine Defined, from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  This card is totally inspired from the very talented Mary Fish.  I wanted to use non-traditional Valentine colors and add some embossing.  I love the way the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder looks when used with Whisper White paper - so gorgeous!  Don't you think this would be nice for a wedding, shower, or anniversary card?  We'll be making this card at the January Crazy 4 Cards class.  To view my calendar of events or to register, click here.

I am loving this new stamp set.  Here's a picture of the stamps that come in the Valentine Defined Set:

I am on my way tomorrow to a girls' weekend at the Scrapbook Lodge!  Can't wait.... They're actually calling for snow flurries in the North Georgia Mountains!!  So, I should have lots of scrappy creations to share with you when I get back!!  (Although sometimes we spend more time laughing, eating and talking than scrapping...)     ;)

Woo Hoo - New Occasions Mini Catalog Debut!

Today is the day that Stampin' Up!'s new Occasions Mini Catalog goes LIVE!  Oh happy day....!!  There are so many yummy new things in this catalog that I just know you're going to drool over!  You can finally view the online version if you haven't received your copy yet. 

 Click to view Occasions Mini Catalog

Ok, just when I thought nothing could be cuter than the Two-Step Owl Punch... Stampin' Up! comes out with the Build a Cupcake Punch!!  I know you're going to love it!!  Oh the cards, scrapbook layouts, tags, and gifts we can create.....

Here's a card we made at one of our team meetings that my wonderful upline Mandy, had for us to make:

How cute is that?!  This card uses the NEW Build a Cupcake Punch (#121807) and coordinating stamp set, Create a Cupcake (#121915 wood/121982 clear).  So fun!!

If you would like to receive a copy of the new Occasions Mini Catalog (and don't already have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator), email me your name and US address.  I'd be happy to send you one!  I will also have them available at my January classes.  Remember to check out my event calendar!! 

Off to play - I mean work!  Have a great day!!

Valentine Defined - Thinking of You

Only two more days until Stampin' Up!'s new Occasions Mini Catalog goes LIVE!  I wanted to give you another sneak peek of a card I made using the stamp set "Valentine Defined" from the new mini.  This also has a sneak peek of one of the stamp sets you can get for FREE from Sale-A-Bration beginning January 25th. Here it is:



Isn't it cute?!  When I first made this card I didn't love it.  But the more I look at it the more I do!  The heart stamp looks so cute across the top of a card for a banner, but I thought it would be perfect for the little owl to sit on!  I used the heart from the two-step owl punch to pop out a few of the hearts.

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Valentine Defined, So Happy For You (Sale-a-Bration Brochure available 1/25)
Ink:  Real Red
Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red, Early Espresso, Brights DSP Patterns
Punches:  Two-Step Owl Punch, Square Punch (to trim ends of sentiment banner)
Other:  dimensionals

I have lots of creative goodness to post so check back soon.  I'm working on a scrapbook layout that I can't wait to share!  :o)

Here's to a Happy Scrappy New Year!

Happy 1-1-11!!!  (My kids think that it so cool!)  ;)  I hope you all had a safe and Happy New Year's!  Ours was very low-key.  We took the boys to the movies, came home and cheered (unsuccessfully) for our DAWGS in the Liberty Bowl, made chocolate chip cookies, and rung in the New Year together.

Me and the boys enjoying our sparkling cider

Next year, I MUST make Pepper a party hat....  lol!

How did you celebrate New Year's?  Do you make resolutions each year?  Please leave a comment at the end of this (very long) post. I'd love to hear from you!  I have a few resolutions regarding family, my spiritual life, my business, and my health.  A new year always feels like a clean slate and a good time to focus on my goals.

New Occasions Mini Catalog

I have lots of fun things in store for my Stampin' Up! Business in the New Year.  The new Occasions Mini Catalog will be launched in 3 days!  Woo hoo!  If you'd like to receive a copy, email me your address and I'll get it to you.  (If you have a Stampin' Up demonstrator already, please contact them directly.)  Some of you might have already received yours in the mail or can get your copy at your January class.  I can't wait to share with you the fun products in this catalog.  I promise to provide lots of inspiration with my upcoming blog posts so make sure and check back often!! 

Last Chance to Order from Holiday Mini Catalog

There are only a couple of days left to order items from the Holiday Mini catalog - the last day is January 3rd.  To order from the Holiday Mini catalog, click here.

Calendar of Events

I've been busy planning my calendar for 2011!  All events will be organized through a site called Eventbrite.  Here, you can see my class calendar, descriptions, and register for events.  To access the registration page for all upcoming events, click here.  You can access it anytime from the button on the right sidebar.  Thanks for your interest and I hope to create with you in 2011!!   

My Stampin' Up! Website
In addition to this creative blog, I maintain my Stampin' Up! website.  From my Stampin' Up! website, you'll be able to see my event calendar and shop for your favorite Stampin' Up! products 24/7!  You can access it anytime from the button on the right sidebar.  

Monthly Newsletter
I have a monthly newsletter available for subscribers.  To see December's newsletter, click here.  The December issue had a good description of upcoming classes for 2011.  You can subscribe to my monthly newsletter on the right sidebar.

Filled with Love Promotion
Stampin' Up! is having a promotion this month where you can receive FREE Itty Bitty Buttons.  For more details, see my previous post here.

Join Me on Facebook!
I've had fun getting to know everyone on Facebook.  Join my "Create With Cori" fan page.  I'd love for you to upload your favorite Stampin' Up! Creations to my photo album!  Join me below!
 
Blog Hop With Me!
I'll be participating in the Let's Scrap Blog Hop this month!  Join me and the other Design Team Members for challenges, prizes and lots of inspiration.  More info to come!

Sorry for all the info - but I had so much to share!  Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year!