sweetstamper.com

So my blog changeover is official and complete.  You can now find me at sweetstamper.com.  To access this blog, the one you are at right now with its 18 months of posts, go to sweetstamper.blogspot.com.

Still waiting...so hop on over!

I'm still awaiting my quick and easy changeover for you to easily get to my new blog.  In the meantime, I've posted there.  You can hop on over by clicking on sweetstamper.typepad.com.  See you there!

New Blog Platform

I'm in the process of switching to a different blogging platform.  What does that mean for you?  It means that to access this blog, you must type in sweetstamper.blogspot.com.  My new blog, sweetstamper.com, should be mapped and ready by tomorrow--at least I'm hoping for it to happen that quickly.  See you in my new format!

Thoughtful Crafters Gift

Do you need a thoughtful, practical gift for a crafter in your life?   We "crafty" people love to be inspired.  Sometimes "writer's block" hits us like a ton of bricks.  Part of the nature of crafting and art is the continual need for fresh ideas, inspiration, new color combinations, and different ways of looking at something.

I have the perfect gift for you to give:  my Card of the Day program.  It's a daily dose of creativity, delivered to your inbox (or the inbox of your choice) for just $4.95 per month.  A photo of one of my cards is sent each day, every day, along with a full list of supplies.  Not only is this the perfect gift for crafters, you don't have to leave home to do your shopping!  I have 3 ways for you to purchase Card of the Day:

• Monthly subscription:  a monthly charge of just $4.95
• 3-Month subscription:  purchase 3 months all at once for just $14.85
• 6-Month subscription:  purchase 6 months all at once for just $29.70

I've provided convenient paypal buttons for you below.  If you prefer to pay by check, you may purchase the 3-month and 6-month option by mailing your check along with the recipient's inbox info to:

Candy Rattray

13246 Trentwood

San Antonio, TX  78231

If this is a gift, I will be happy to supply you with a hand-stamped card with the "gift certificate" inside for Card of the Day. Simply email your request to candy@sweetstamper.com or click the Email Candy button to your right.  Easy shopping.  Appreciated gift!

Monthly subscription:

3-Month Subscription:

6-Month Subscription:

Christmas Card Class!

It's the last card class of 2010 and it's a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack!  You won't want to miss this wonderful creative session with Christmas music, spiced cider and 6 designs for you to make.  That's right--6 designs, 2 cards of each design for loads of creative fun!  Whether a veteran card-maker or a beginner, you will enjoy this Christmas card class with hands-on instruction and a group of ladies that will encourage you in your creative journey.

Friday, November 12th

6:30-9:00 PM

Make 12 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 6 designs
$35 covers all supplies* and envelopes 

Hands-on instruction during class
Friday, November 12th, 6:30-9:00
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)

RSVP with payment by November 9th

Last Christmas Card Class of 2010!

In less than 2 weeks, I will have my LAST Christmas Card Class of 2010.  Can you believe it?  I began a monthly class in July, but we are in November, and the holidays are quickly approaching.  You still have time to make it extra special:  make it handmade.  Whether giving gifts and/or cards, or wrapping and packaging, you can make it handmade and heartfelt.  I'll help you get there. 

This month we are doing a Stamp-a-Stack.  We will make a whole stack of cards--12 to be exact.  You will make 2 each of 6 designs with Christmas music playing, spiced cider brewing, and creative fun squeezed into every minute!  Join us for the last hurrah of 2010.  But hurry!  There are only 10 places, and those that sign up first get them.  Once this is filled, that's it.  So reserve your place now.  Your payment reserves your place.  You may send me a check or use the convenient paypal button below. This month's class is a little different, so look carefully at the specifics.

Friday, November 12th

6:30-9:00 PM

Make 12 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 6 designs
$35 covers all supplies* and envelopes 

Hands-on instruction during class
Friday, November 12th, 6:30-9:00
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by November 9th

*Please observe normal class protocol and bring your own basic (SNAIL or Anywhere Glue Stick) adhesive.

12 Weeks of Christmas Inspirational Sunday Post

We are well into my series of Inspirational Sunday Posts with a Christmas theme.  I hope you are enjoying them!  I am:)  I love sharing some of the reasons behind the many traditions of this important holiday.  Sometimes, Christmas images and symbols are used and not explained for the generations that are coming up.  And some of us never understood them from our own childhood.  But the Christmas season and celebrations are rich in symbolic images, words, messages, songs, people, lands, colors and more.  Added to that are the many individual family traditions and cultural distinctions that surround this special time.  Although Christmas is an actual holiday (derived from holy day), there is too much to fit into a single day--we now have an entire season!  I don't believe that this is due to unnecessary commercialization of this special time.  I believe it is so that we can savor, enjoy, and prolong--for as long as possible--the magic of Christmas.

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I want to focus on the candy cane.  This very cute card was designed by my very talented daughter Tiffany.  It uses the Holiday Mini Catalog stamp set A Cute Christmas and puts the candy canes at front and center.  Everything else on the card supports the candy canes.

Candy canes have an interesting history and association with Christmas dating back to Germany in 1670.  According to legend, the choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral handed out sugar sticks bent into the shape of a shepherd's staff to children during the rather lengthy living creche (nativity) services. The children loved them!  The shepherd's staff totally tied in to the pageant and was a great reminder to the children of the shepherds who first heard the good news of Christmas, the "good tidings of great joy."  They were also a powerful reminder of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd.  The sugar canes became very popular, and the practice of handing them out at creche services spread throughout Europe.

Candy canes made their way to American Christmas trees by the 1800s, but they were plain white.  It was not until the early 20th century that the sugar canes received their now-familiar red stripes.  Many additional meanings have been ascribed to the candy cane going well beyond the original shepherd's staff.  Many say that the candy is hard as a rock, symbolizing the rock of Christ (I Corinthians 10:4) as well as the rock solid foundation of the Church.  The peppermint flavor is similar to that of hyssop, another plant of the same family, used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice.  The white is thought by some to symbolize the purity of Jesus Christ, who knew no sin.  The bold red stripe is said to symbolize God the Father's bold love for His children.  Traditional candy canes also have three small stripes, said to symbolize the trinity:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Some ascribe the symbolism of the beatings of Jesus to the same stripes:
 He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that dying to sins, we might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.
(1Pe 2:24 MKJV) emphasis mine

As you can see, candy canes are rich in history and symbolism in addition to being a wonderful Christmas sweet.  The next time you have a candy cane and a child nearby, bring the child to your lap and tell him/her the wonders of the candy cane.  You can share much of the true story of Christmas with this simple treat as your visual aid.  Then show him/her how to hang one on the tree to add beauty as well as bringing a powerful reminder of what the Christmas season is all about.

Saturday Sample

For today's sample, I wanted to share something of Halloween (which is my birthday!).  This cute treat bag--which I received in a swap--uses the Fancy Favor die.  Notice how you can also put your Designer Series Paper on the Fancy Favor Die and cut it to fit your treat bag with a perfect mat.  Add a few punched shapes, stamped images, and ribbon, and you have a treat bag sure to please boys and girls of any age.

As my Halloween gift to you, I'm giving away $5 gift certificates for any online orders placed between now and midnight tomorrow (Halloween).  So place your order here at my online store and I'll email the gift certificate to you.  No need to email me as I will be notified when your order is placed.  Just sit back and enjoy the $5 gift!  Happy Halloween!

Stamps:
Twick or Tweat
Ink:  Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Paper:  Basic Black Card Stock, Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Fancy Favor Die, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Word Window, Scallop Circle, and 1-3/4" Circle Punches, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin Dimensionals

Halloween Scrapbooking

This great scrapbook page was created by one of my club members, Sara G, using My Digital Studio.  Sara is a working mom with a young child and loves the ease, speed, and style that My Digital Studio affords her when scrapping.  Sara is very busy, so time is at a premium in her life.  She can just go into her computer when she has a few moments, create a few pages or use one of the templates.  Then she just "drops" her photos, from her computer, onto the pages and voila!  In a very short period of time, she has been able to scrap some of her family's special moments...and there is no mess to clean up.  Are the pictures above cute and scrappable, or what?!

In addition to the ease and speed My Digital Studio affords, there are new downloads available every month.  Although My Digital Studio comes with hundreds of images and all the Stampin' Up! colors (retired and current!), as new stamp sets, papers, punches, and more are released, your My Digital Studio can be expanded however you wish.  For instance, when the newish 2-Step Bird Punch was added to the My Digital Studio downloads, you could just go over to my website, pay the $.95 for the punch, and download it into your system.  You add the images YOU want, the ones that you love best.

Would you like more information about My Digital Studio?  I am certified in My Digital Studio and would love to answer any questions you may have.  Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me by simply clicking on the Email Candy button to your right.

Price Reduction!

My Digital Studio professional print products  have been REDUCED in price, just in time for your holiday projects!  Nearly all the print services are 15-60% off the regular retail price.  Want to know the best part about this money-saving holiday gift? It never ends!

Beat the December rush and start creating your holiday photo album books, calendars, and cards today!  Give a gift of the heart this year at Christmas--made by your hands, warmed by your heart, produced on your computer!  They will be beautiful, stylish, AND cost-effective. Now that's a great way to make everyone happy on your gift list AND stay on budget! 

Sweet Centers

Is this the perfect card for a kid, or what?  A card with a Sweet Center!  When you can add candy right into a card and even incorporate it in the design, you have a winning combination that is sure to please.

And this is not just for kids.  At this month's hostess club meetings (click here for hostess club info), we were making treat bags filled with candy corn.  I discovered that candy corn seems to be one of those candies that everyone loves, no matter their age.  They are one of those timeless treats of fall, and much less messy than caramel apples! LOL  To make us feel better while eating them, we can console ourselves with the fact that they are fat free:)  So while we were making our treat bags during club, we were nibbling on candy corn, too!

The card shown uses the Sweet Centers (116521, $29.95) stamp set, a great all-occasion set (shown below).

You can see that it covers Halloween, Valentine's Day (which will be here in no time!), and general designs as well.  The petal and leaves enable you to create a flower around the Sweet Treat Cups (116802, 12 for $2.95).  You can then fill those cups with sunflower seeds, candies, buttons, you name it!  The ornament hanger allows you to create a beautiful Christmas ornament with the same Sweet Treat Cups or even just a punched circle.   The hot air balloon basket, of course, enables you to create a hot air balloon filled with your choice of treats.  There is such versatility in this stamp set!  Click here to visit my online store (candystamps.stampinup.net) and get your Sweet Centers and Sweet Treat Cups today.

Sample, Order, Shop!

It's here!  Help has arrived!  I have an awesome shopping opportunity coming to your rescue.  It's my second annual SOS:  Sample Order Shop!    Come by today to see me along with 5 other women business owners.  We have lots of goodies for you.

Tuesday, October 26th

4:30-9:00

2600 Fairfield Bend, 78231

map

• Susan Mata of TeaZing will be brewing samples for you and offering teas and accoutrements for sale.
• I'll have lots of cute, affordable gifts for sale, all handmade using Stampin' Up! products--the best on the market for crafting!
• Deb Berger of Pampered Chef will have appetizers in the oven for you as well as lots of cool kitchen things to show and sell.
• Joyce Doctor will be sampling BioCe skincare as well as nergy drink and energy bar samples.
• Renita Stephen will be booking appointments and doing 15-minute mini facials on site!
• Suzanne LePori will be showing and selling Cynthia Bloom's amazing handmade jewelry, inspired by Czech artisans and incorporating rare antique glass beads, crystals, and more.
• Maria Gerfers of Avon has donated a stunning door prize valued at $53.

Come and stay a while!  I can't wait to show you all we have in store for you:)

Inspiration...delivered daily!

Do you like to be inspired?  I do.  Even if I'm not lacking inspiration, I can always use more:)  For me, the more ideas, the better!  Would you like to have some inspiration delivered to your inbox daily?  Then subscribe to my Card of the Day program.

You will never again lack inspiration.  Each day, every day, you will have a card delivered to your inbox with a full list of supplies.  The card styles vary from clean and simple to elegant to masculine to vintage to shabby chic...there is great variety!  Card of the Day makes your card-making simpler, easier, with fresh inspiration at your fingertips every day.  And it's only $4.95 per month.  Card of the Day is just pennies a day.  The inspiration provided:  priceless!


For monthly subscription:

 For 6-months:

Inspirational Sunday Post

We are on Week 4 of my 12 Weeks of Inspirational Sunday Posts, my 12-week series of inspirational Sunday posts with a Christmas theme.  For this post, I'm sharing a card that I remade several times, intending to use it for a Christmas card class.  In the end, I had lots of other designs and never used it.   The card is all about texture with the use two different embossing folders and the double stitched grosgrain ribbon contrasting with the smooth Brushed Silver Card Stock, bringing several different textures to this card .  But all the texture is background to the wonderful greeting:  "Tidings of Comfort & Joy" (from the Perfect Punches stamp set).  "Tidings of comfort and joy" is the very heart of Christmas.

As the Christmas story unfolds, there are shepherds, simple, humble people who love God and are going about their daily work when...

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luk 2:9-14 KJV)

Good tidings means good news.  The Christmas story, the coming of Christ Jesus, is all about good news!  The eagerly-anticipated, long-awaited event of the ages arrived!  The Savior is come.  The One who will save us, heal us, reconcile us to God, deliver us, befriend us, bring us peace and joy and give us victory:  Jesus.  Good tidings of great joy, indeed!

Saturday Sample

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm showing a card we made in my card clubs this month.  This should get everyone into the mood for fall!  This makes a great notecard or thank you card.

In addition, I'm beefing up this sample by making it into a free project.  I'm giving you the list of supplies for the card PLUS instructions to create it.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Stamps:  Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel
Ink:  Old Olive, Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper:  Old Olive, So Saffron, Cajun Craze Card Stocks, Regals Prints Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories:  Big Shot, Leaves #2 Die, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stamping Sponges,SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

To make card:
1.  Take 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece of Old Olive card stock (1/2 sheet).  Ink up Bright Blessings wheel with Old Olive and roll along one edge (5-1/2" side).  Fold in half and crease with bone folder to create card base.  Set aside.
2.  Take scraps of Cajun Craze and So Saffron card stock.  Run through Big Shot with Leaves # 2 die.  Now run your leaves through the impressions folder.  Sponge leaves with Cajun Craze ink.  Set aside.
3.  Take 5-1/4" x 1" piece of Cajun Craze card stock and punch with Scallop Trim Border Punch.  Attach to 5-1/4" x 2" piece of More Mustard paper from Regals Paper Stack with SNAIL.  Take 5-3/4" piece of Old Olive ribbon.  Place Mini Glue dot on center front of DSP and stick center of ribbon down.  Now place Mini Glue Dots on each end of ribbon and stick down to back of DSP.
4.  Attach entire piece of decorated  DSP to left side of card using SNAIL.  Put dimensionals on back of both leaves.  Position as shown.  Take small piece of Old Olive ribbon and tie a single knot.  Attach to leaf stems with Mini Glue Dot.

Retired Sale!

Sweet Stamper Retired Stamps and Supplies Sale

• Retired stamps and supplies priced to sell.
• Some are brand new, never used.  All need new homes!
• Free Make and Take!
• Checks and cash accepted
• Saturday, October 23rd, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
• My Studio-13246 Trentwood 

One More Bundle of Savings!

Stampin' Up!'s fabulous Handmade Holiday bundles are providing us with 20% savings.  One of those bundles includes the new Decorative Label Punch (in the Holiday Mini Catalog).  That punch has been so popular that it is on back order!  As a result, Stampin' Up! has added an EXTRA bundle to the mix.  Thanks, Stampin' Up! for giving us the best products available AND fantastic savings for our holiday projects.  Click here to download the entire list of bundles--all at 20% off.

Autumn Days

These beautiful pages are my daughter Tiffany's creations.  They were for a recent scrapbooking class, and they are so much fun to make.  Again, we employed the Broadsheet Alphabet, such a great alphabet for scrapbooking.  Running card stock through the Big Shot to create the leaves and then again to emboss them--well, they created touchable, gorgeous autumn leaves!  This layout is 8-1/2 x 8-1/2, but I'll show you next week how to change it up a bit for a 12 x 12.

To find out how you can make beautiful pages like this on a monthly basis, check out my club info here.  To find out how you can make beautiful pages like this on a monthly basis, check out my club info here. 

Scrap Supplies:

Stamps:  Broadsheet Alphabet

Ink:  Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla card stocks

Accessories:  Big Shot, Leaves #2 Die, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Kraft Ribbon (retired), Earth Elements Brads (retired)

Women's Small Business Month

October is Women's Small Business Month.  What is a women's small business?  It's a small business whose majority owner(s) are women.  Did you know that in 2009 three trillion dollars in sales were generated by women's small businesses (according to the Washington Post)?  That's a pretty impressive number!

More than 8 million businesses are majority female-owned, and you could be the next woman to own her own business.  Join my team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, the Southern Sweet Stampers, and let me help you dream big dreams and then make them happen.  As a women's small business owner, you can set your own hours, set your own goals, and make your own dreams happen.  There is no middle management to get in your way when you are the business owner!  And you can make your work life fit around your home life rather than the other way around.

Sound interesting?  Would you like more information?  Why don't you think about it and then call me at 210-355-5729 or join me at my next Demonstrator Information Night, November 18th, at 7:30 p.m.  Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com by November 11th to let me know you are coming, and I'll have a great meeting prepared for you.  Or click here to get more information right now.

Groupon-Style Class!

You will make 2 each of these great Stainless Steel Travel Mugs and embossed metal sheet Christmas Cards for the ultimate in holiday glamor gifts!  They are not hard to make when you have the right materials and instruction.  I will have everything ready for you and we will have an evening of crafting fun!  You will leave with 2 unique, handmade, and fabulous gifts plus 2 coordinating cards.


You will get:

• All materials needed to complete
•    2 Stainless Steel Mugs
•    2 Embossed Metal Cards and envelopes
• Sanding Block
• Paper Stump
• Hands-on instruction to complete your projects
• Written instructions so you can reproduce these fabulous projects!
  Dinner    
•  

This class is being offered at a 25% discount for 2 days only.  That's right.  In the next 48 hours, we have to fill this class for it to make.  There are 10 spaces, and you have until 3:00 Friday to sign up.   When the class "makes," I will send you the paypal link (You can also send a check, but you must do so quickly!).  If it doesn't make,  I'll let you know, and it just doesn't happen.  Tell your friends about it so we can make it happen!  I'll give you an update 1/2 way through to let you know how many spaces still need to be filled.  Click here to sign up.

Tuesday, November 30th
6:30-9:00
My Studio (13246 Trentwood)
Come straight from work!
$65.00
"groupon" price:  $48.75
 Sign up here!

Snowman Blues!

This darling snowman is one of the images in the Jolly Old Saint Nick stamp set (121711 wood, 121321 clear), featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  He is cute, a bit retro, and oh-so-easy to use! 

The rick-rack trim is also made with something from the Holiday Mini Catalog:  the Tasteful Trim Die.  And the button is from the Candy Cane Collection of Big Designer Buttons, another Holiday Mini Catalog offering. 

The glitter on this card is the Fine Cosmo Glitter (108796), a product that I love and think is grossly underused.  It comes in a set of 5 different pots of colored glitter:  Rose Pink, Orchid, Light Blue, Celery, Turquoise.  Here, I've used the Turquoise for my lines of snow.  I love the bit of glitzy color the Fine Cosmo Glitter adds.

Many of the products featured in this card are only available in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  That means they are only available until January 3rd.  So get busy and get your orders placed for Holiday Mini Catalog items.  January 3rd will be here before you know it!  Plus, you will probably want to use those products for your holiday crafting.  You can order anytime from my online store here.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Jolly Old Saint Nick set

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Confetti White, Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy Card Stocks, Rich Regals Patterns Paper Stack, Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock

Accessories:  Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Die, Blender Pens, Fine Cosmo Glitter, Two-Way Glue Pen, Candy Cane Big Designer Buttons, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, SNAIL adhesive

Making Your List....Checking It Twice!

What is on your Christmas Wish List this year? 

Would you like to get some new stamps and supplies?  Would you like a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine?  How about My Digital Studio--our fabulous software, packed with hundreds of stamp images, retired as well as current colors, punches, ribbons, and more to create scrapbooks, calendars, cards, and more.  It's a digital papercrafting solution.

Make your dreams come true this year by sending me your Christmas Wish List.  I'll send it to the people you would like to have receive it.  The rest is up to me, Santa's Stamping Elf:)

So what do you do to make your crafting dreams come true?  Simply click here to download your Christmas Wish List.  Fill it out and email it back.  I will take care of the rest!  This is a simple, fuss-free way to make sure you get what you want for Christmas.  In addition, husbands and other family members love this because they are assured they are getting you something you actually want for Christmas.  Don't delay!  Get me your Christmas Wish List asap!

More Bargains!

This is the last day to take advantage of these incredible savings.  It's the Clearance Rack Blitz!  Make your dollars go farther by purchasing from the Clearance Rack in my online store.  But don't delay.  Today is the last day!  Visit candystamps.stampinup.net for up to 80% savings.

Bargains Galore!

It's time for my Retired Sale!  If there are some stamps and accessories that you didn't get to purchase before they retired, now is your chance.  My sale is this Saturday, and you will not only get a second chance at some great stamps, etc., they are being sold at a reduced price.  So, get ready to save.  All stamps are in good condition, some are brand new.

Retired Sale

Saturday, October 23rd

9:30 AM-12:30 PM

Come early for the best selection!

FREE Make & Take

My Studio (13246 Trentwood, San Antonio, TX  78231)

Peace on Earth

I'm continuing my 12 Weeks of Inspirational Sunday Posts, looking at some of the symbols, songs, and images of Christmas.  It's a collection of inspirational Sunday posts that highlight the upcoming season, and I'm so glad you joined me!

The card here, one we made in  my Christmas Card Class yesterday, features the Peaceful Season (hostess) stamp set.  Front and center on this card is the message "Peace on Earth,"  one of the oft-repeated phrases of Christmas

It's repeated again and again during the Christmas season in song after song, poems, sermons,Christmas cards, and even lights because it is the message the angel proclaimed upon the birth of Christ Jesus. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luk 2:11-14 KJV)

The peace that God offers through faith in Jesus Christ is not a peace that depends on government or economies or circumstances or significant relationships or any such thing.  In fact, all those things can be just the way you want them, and yet you can lack true peace.  Jesus said it best when He said:

Joh 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

When we come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, He washes our sins away and pronounces "Peace" over our heart.  That is the beginning of a peace that eludes people through their entire life until that point.  But it's not the end.  As with any peace, it must be maintained and supported.  As we grow in relationship with the Lord, as we walk through life with its many challenges, we can be free from a troubled heart; we can truly be at peace.  It doesn't mean you don't feel pain or disappointment or sorrow.  But peace in the depths of our soul is an incredible work of the Holy Spirit that cannot be produced by pills or substances or food or counseling or shopping or having everything we want (or think we want).  It is a work of God that transcends circumstances, and it is priceless.

Jesus was proclaimed by God to be the Prince of Peace.  My hope for you during the approaching Christmas season is that He becomes your Prince of Peace.  Whether you have not yet trusted Him as your savior, or whether you are walking on the road of life with Him and have lost your peace, my prayer for you is that you will know "Peace on earth, good will toward men" in your own soul.

Saturday Sample

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm featuring another card I received in a swap.  Cathy Somody does a beautiful job with Morning Cup, a great stamp set with coffee and tea images along with some cute sayings/greetings.  I love her use of the Top Note Die here as well as the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

This is another great example of the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon that I'm offering in my Striped Ribbon Share.  Scroll down a few posts for the details of that share.  Get in on it and be on your way to making "WOW" cards like this! 

Dark & Dreary Matchbox

This lovely Halloween favor, made by Angela Sylvester, is a beautiful, appropriately spooky use of the Matchbox Die.   Here it is all gussied up with images from the Dark & Dreary stamp set, embossed with the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and tied up with some 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon.  The Concord Crush card stock is just a lush color for this.  (The lovely label on the box is part of the Matchbox Die--there are actually 3 labels that are part of the die.)  Add a little Dazzling Diamonds, and you have a favor that is truly stunning.

Make your own favors, gifts, and more with ease and speed with our wonderful Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  I use the Big Shot in virtually all my classes, and we use it in every hostess club meeting.  That gives you training in its many uses and enables you to try out various bigz dies, embossing folders, sizzlits, texturz plates, and all the wonderful dies for this first-class machine.  Check out the Big Shot here, and order yours today. 

Club=Free Class

What is a stamp club, and why should I join one?  Because you get so many free things!  To start with, you get a free monthly class.  Shown at left are the projects we are making in my clubs this month.  You also get free stamps and supplies.  The new stamping friends you make are the icing on the cake.  Here's how it works:

• Join a club.  They usually last 6 months (6 members=6 months, 8 members=8 months, etc.)
• Your club commitment is to make a $25 minimum purchase (excluding shipping and tax) each month.
• Club meeting once each month-make 2 cards and a 3D item (favor, gift bag, etc.) or 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout.  If you can't make a meeting, you still place your order and remain a club member.
• Be the "hostess" one month whereby you receive a minimum of a free stamp set or set of papers AND $15 shopping spree in any of the current catalogs (includes main catalog, any mini catalogs, specials).  PLEASE NOTE:  Many people think you get one or the other of the above mentioned free products.  You get both:  free Level 1 stamp set or papers AND the $15+ to spend anyway you like.
• Receive all the Stampin' Up! catalogs free of charge.

So what are you waiting for?  Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com or call 210-355-5729.  I'll get you into one of my clubs and regular stamping adventures!

Striped Ribbon Share!

Crafters, you will be happy to know that I'm offering a Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Share for you.  This allows you to sample each of the 11 beautiful colors available in the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.  Sometimes you don't need the entire 10 yards on a spool.  To purchase a full spool of each color would cost you $130.18 (for 110 yards!), so $28 is a bargain any way you look at it.  Here are the details of my share:

• 11 Colors:  Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Basic Black
• 2 yards of each color
• 22 yards total
• $28-pick up here
• Add $3 to ship 1 share and $5 to ship 2

I will say that these Striped  Grosgrain Ribbons are absolutely scrummy (my English friend Chris uses this shortened version of "scrumptious" and I love it!) on packages.  Your holiday packages will look more special than ever!  They also are great wrapped around a loaf of bread you are bringing to a neighbor or hostess.  The possibilities are endless for packaging with these Striped Grosgrain Ribbons, and that doesn't even count the gorgeous cards you can make with them!  Here I've shown a card we made in last year's Hostess Club.  This was one of our December projects and perfectly showcases the beautiful Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. 

Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com (or just click the Email Candy button to your right) with your order (with mailing address if you want yours shipped), and I'll fill the orders with every 5 people signed up.  That's how a share works:  5 people sharing 11 spools of ribbon.

Easy Quilting

Did you know you can do great quilting projects with ease and speed with the Big Shot?  The quilt shown here, made by Jill Olsen, shows how you can make a great pattern by simply using the Circles #2 Die with  the Big Shot.  You can cut 8 layers of regular cotton fabric at one time on the Big Shot.  So instead of cutting all these circles out with a rotary cutter, one by one, you can turn the handle on your Big Shot a few times and voila!  You have 8 of EACH circle on the die, cut with precision and ease!

Cutting fabric with the Big Shot is a breeze--it cuts out evenly and consistently saving you time and trouble while bringing a greater level of precision to your quilting projects.

Get your Big Shot today and be on your way to fabulous quilting projects made easy!  Click here to look at the Big Shot, the many dies, and you can even buy it right now!

Upcoming Christmas Card Class

Can you believe it?  Christmas Card Class is right around the corner--this Saturday!  Join us Saturday morning for stamping fun with Christmas trimmings to get you in the mood for the beautiful cards we will be making.  Don't miss out!  This is the last Christmas Card class in this format for 2010.  Next month is a Stamp-a-Stack, and by December we are moving away from cards (which should be complete by then!) and on to stocking stuffers. In addition, this month you will get a bit of a techniques class rolled into Christmas Card Class as you will learn to use Heat & Stick Powder--that's how you get this wonderfully shiny, glitzy ornament.  It's a great way to utilize your glitters and has great sticking power.  See you Saturday!

Make 6 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 3 designs
$25 covers all supplies and envelopes*
Hands-on instruction during class
Saturday morning, October 16th
9:30-11:30 AM
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by Thursday, October 14th

*Please observe normal class protocol and bring your own basic adhesive (SNAIL or Anywhere Glue Stick).  All specialty adhesives provided.
 

Christmas Trees

This is the 2nd of my 12 Weeks of Christmas Inspirational Post which I hope to make an annual feature of my regular, weekly Inspirational Sunday Posts.  This may seem to be an odd choice for a card to be featured in my Inspirational Sunday Post.  But trees trimmed with lights and ornaments are one of the many wonders of Christmas and are, at their heart, a spiritual symbol.  Christmas trees are, most often, fir or pine trees-evergreens.  The evergreen tree speaks of the eternal nature of Christ Jesus, the birthday child of Christmas.  The lights on the tree speak again of Christ Jesus, the Light of the World.  Even the ornaments, the added beauty, speak of Christ bringing beauty to the life of all those who trust in Him.

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. "I am the light of the world," he said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness."
(Joh 8:12 GNB)

It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.  This became popular in Germany by the 16th century and caught on as a tradition when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.  Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if trees were scarce.

Most 19th-century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. The first record of one being on display was in the 1830s by the German settlers of Pennsylvania.  They had community trees as early as 1747. Today, the Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas.

The card above, featuring the raccoons of the Merry Crittermas stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog, perfectly captures one of the great joys of Christmas:  trimming a tree.  I urge you to trim a tree this year during the holiday season.  If you are single or in a small space, trim a small tree.  If you are able-bodied and know someone without the ability to put up a tree and trim it, give of yourself and take a small, trimmed tree to them.  Whatever your circumstances, put up a tree and decorate it!  And help others have a tree.  Whether artificial or real, small or large, simple or opulent, humble or snazzy, a Christmas tree carries the message of the Light of Christ, the eternal Son of God, the hope and help for all mankind.  Let its message speak to you, again and again, this Christmas season.

Saturday Sample

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing another Halloween Treat using items from the 1800s London Halloween Suite.   I cannot take credit for this as it's another of the great swaps I received recently from Angela Sylvester.  It uses the new Candy Wrapper die for the Big Shot.  It's a Bigz L Die and makes cute or fancy favors come together in a snap. 

I love that you can take the Candy Wrapper and by using different colored card stock, ribbons, stamps, and more, totally change the look.  Here, Angela has done a great job of bringing a bit of Halloween fun with the stern owl staring down the person getting ready to eat candy!  Make your own, unique favors customized for your event and be the life of the party:)

Stamps:  Dark & Dreary
Ink:  Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Paper:  More Mustard, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake Card Stocks, Nite Owl Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Candy Wrapper Die, Hemp Twine, Designer Label and 1" Circle Punches, Stamping Sponges, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Halloween Scrapbooking

Who doesn't have Halloween photos of their kids?  Halloween costumes are ALWAYS a photo opportunity.  These are some old photos of my Alex, now grown and married.  They needed to come out of the shoe box and onto a scrapbook page!

This is a super-simple layout and page.  A bit of stamping (I love, love, love how easy the Jumble Alphabet is to use for scrapping!  If the letters are not lined up and straight, you can't tell because the letters are all different styles.), a few punched shapes, a bit of journaling.  That's it!  Now, how easy is that? 

Page Ingredients:
Stamps:  Jumble Alphabet, Family Accessories
Ink:  Basic Black, Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake, Basic Black card stocks
Accessories:  Round Tab, 1" Circle, and Photo Corners Punches, Basic Eyelets (Clearance Rack only), Kraft Corduroy Buttons (retired), Signo White Gel Pen

Shopping Fun!

Like to shop?  I have a unique shopping opportunity for you this month.  I'm hosting my second annual SOS event.  Why SOS?  Sample Order Shop.

You can sample, order, and shop on Tuesday, Oct. 26th at the Summerfield Clubhouse.  You will be right in my neighborhood, at the large community building you pass on your way to my Studio.  I've gathered 6 businesswomen who will be helping you get your holiday shopping off to a great start.  Buy unique gifts for family, friends, and co-workers.  And don't forget to pick up a little something for yourself!  You deserve a few rewards:)

SOS-SAMPLE ORDER SHOP

Tuesday, October 26th

4:30-9:00, Come and Go

2600 Fairfield Bend, San Antonio, 78231

Convenient easy shopping in a friendly atmosphere, under one roof, while supporting women in business.
Featured businesses:

• Me!-Sweet Stamper handmade cards, gifts, and more for the holidays and beyond
• TeaZing-specialty teas and accoutrements by Susan Mata
• Skincare by Renita-mini facials on site as well as booking appointments
• Pampered Chef-popular kitchen tools, food products, and more by Debbie Berger
• Joyce Doctor-neutraceutical skincare products, snacks, and drinks
• Cynthia Bloom Jewelry-original pieces inspired by Old World Czech Bohemian and Austrian artisans and infused with antique beads, iridescent glass buttons, and rare crystals.

Perfectly Packaged

Are you already signed up for my Perfectly Packaged holiday class?  If not, you should be!  Hurry.  There are a few spots left.  We are going to be adding beauty and shine via embossed metal sheets to our holiday packages.  Make your gifts extra special this year.

• You will be covering these tins with embossed metal sheets for the ultimate in holiday packaging.  The square tin is perfect for so many things.  Whether homemade or store-bought, your goodies will take on an extra special glow in an embossed metal tin!  
• The rectangular tin has a hinged top with peek-through window.  Inside is a lovely set of Hershey Nuggets, all glammed up with embossed metal sheet wrappings!  
• The cylindrical tin is suitable for many things, from specialty teas to a stack of cookies.  Whatever you decide to tuck inside, the wrapping is sure to impress and pave the way for the ultimate enjoyment of your goodies.

Thursday, October 28th

6:30-8:30 @ My Studio

$32.50

All supplies included to create:

3 tins covered with embossed metal sheets, coordinating tags, and ribbons

Hands-on instruction during class

Additional tins and metal sheets available for purchase 
RSVP with payment by Tuesday, October 21st
Checks, cash, or credit cards accepted (paypal below)
I have limited supplies=limited spaces
Register now!

12 Free Projects!

Would you like to receive 12 FREE holiday projects?  Simply sign up for my email newsletter (sign up box directly to your right) and you will receive 1 project each Wednesday, starting this week, through Christmas Week, absolutely free.  You will love the projects I have for you: cards, gifts, packaging.  You will get lots of ideas and inspiration along with supply list, instructions, and photograph of each project. 

This is my 12 Weeks of Christmas gift to you.  Don't miss any of the projects!  Sign up today and receive your first free project tomorrow. 

Dazzling Christmas!

Mark your calendars for this month's Christmas Card Class:  Saturday, October 16th.  Here's one of our designs to whet your appetite.  It's dazzling and glitzy yet still understated.  I love the combination of bling and subtlety:)

Please note that this is the last of this year's Christmas Card Classes in the usual format:  6 cards, 2 each of 3 custom designs.  Next month, we are doing my first-ever Stamp-a-Stack. It will be 12 cards--like squeezing in 2 months of regular Christmas Card Class but with simpler (but still snazzy:) designs.  See full details here.

Christmas Card Class

Saturday, October 16th

9:30-11:30 AM

6 custom-designed cards + envelopes

Make 2 each of 3 different designs

Christmas music to set the mood

Hot cider to whet your whistle!

$25 covers all supplies*

RSVP with payment by Thursday, October 14th
Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards Accepted

*Please observe normal class protocol:  bring your own basic adhesive (SNAIL or Anywhere Glue Stick recommended).  All specialty adhesives and all other supplies provided.

Inspirational Sunday Posts-12 Weeks of Christmas

For the next 12 weeks, I will be sharing my take on the 12 Weeks of Inspirational Christmas.  Each week, from now through December 19th (the last Sunday before Christmas), I'll be sharing inspirational Sunday posts with a decidedly Christmas theme.  I hope you will enjoy them, and be inspired by them, to "Remember the reason for the season."  There would be no Christmas without Christ!

Today, I'd like to share with you a little trivia about the poinsettia, the beloved flower of Christmas here in the United States. 


Bright, flaming red, star-shaped Poinsettias are known as 'Flower of the Holy Night' or 'Flame Leaf' in the United States. One of the most popular flowers in Central America, it was brought here by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, over a hundred years ago. Still most of the supply of this famous beloved Christmas flower in American cities is said to come from California and the folklore attached to it comes from Mexico. Like Christmas Rose, this flower also represents the deep love for Christ and great devotion of a pure innocent human being to baby Jesus. However, in this instance, the devotees were two beautiful, naïve children who were not so fortunate as their friends to have enough money to do what their heart yearns for.

These poor children from Mexico were known as Maria, the sister and Pablo, her dear little brother. Just like all the other children in the village, they were looking forward to the Christmas festival and the annual Nativity play in which a large manger scene was set up in the village church. The season was full of parades and parties that were mainly centered around this church and all the people, especially children, used to gift presents to the baby child on Christmas Eve. Now, these two children loved Christ and the season of His birth very much but did not have any money to buy something for the baby Jesus. They ardently wished to buy something special for the Christ Child but couldn't even buy the simplest of things for Him.

They were sad at heart and were quite disheartened by their poverty and misery when they set out for church to attend the service. They took the longer route in a vague hope to find some blossoms to give the child but couldn't find any. Finally, they picked up some wild weeds growing along the roadside as a gift for the Baby, squared their shoulders and approached the Church door. But how cruel little children can be, when they start teasing their fellow mates. Yet, Maria and Pablo braved their way to the manger and placed the greenery carefully around the manger. What happened next was the biggest surprise for all that were present! Bright red star-shaped flowers burst forth from the weeds and looked most sparkling of all gifts that the Christ child had received that day.

(written by Christmas World) 

A legend was born and another Christmas tradition was added to our celebrations and festivities.   All over the United States, we enjoy the beauty of this lovely red flower at Christmas.  

Card:

Stamps:  A Flower for All Seasons, All Holidays

Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel

Paper:  Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Card Stocks, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Aquapainters