More Happy Birthdays (and a Birthday Special)

Hello Friends

It's official.  My sister (the other half of the twins whose birthday was last week) let me know that she received her card.  So I can post it now.

I stamped En Francais as a background, then used Versamark and clear powder to stamp the maple leaf from Gently Falling.  Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze were sponged carefully around the leaf (I *love* the emboss resist technique!) and the layers were matter.  Don't you love the Beautifully Baroque embossed layer?  The Crushed Curry was just a little too stark so I sponged Cajun Craze across the raised embossed edges to give it that punch.  Love how it turned out!

And the ticket punch came in handy - used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to perfectly place the happy Birthday from Petite Pairs inside the That's the Ticket image and punched 3 images out and adhered them using a vintage trinket.  Just the sort of card I was certainmy sister would appreciate (and she did).  And just the sort of card that embodies Autumn, don't you think?

And of course the inside of the card and the envelope had to be spruced up too,  That's one of the benefits of making your own cards.  You can coordinate everything to give them *wow* factor!

And speaking of *wow* - don't forget that tomorrow is the first day of my one-week personal birthday special. 

This is a personal special available only through me, but available to ANYONE in Canada.  From Oct 1 - Oct 7, on any order of $60 or more, I will pay the shipping and handling fees* as my birthday gift to all of you.  (*regular HST fees still apply).

Until tomorrow then --- I hope you enjoy a wonderful day!   God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

Butterflies and Birthdays

Ok  Friends

Two more days.  Just two more days to take advantage of the Butterfly Bundle.  Until Sept 30, you can get the Papillon Potpourri stamp set and the Itty Bitty Butterfly Punch as a bundle at a 15% savings.  Now that's something to be thankful for!

The Itty Bitty Butterfly punch came in handy for this cute card.  Pair butterflies with the Wildflower Meadow embossing folder (I even used the de-bossed side sometimes) and sentiments from Fabulous Phrases, add a few pearls and you have before you this lovely card.  I think I used 9 or 10 different colours to create this little beauty.  But my favourites are the Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo and Perfect Plum variants.  And I am going to repeat it (for those who haven't heard me say it before) - *nothing* makes it easier to get perfect placement for your pearls, even the little teeny tiny ones, than the Paper Piercing Tool from Stampin' Up!.  This little baby has saved my sanity on more than one occasion!

I am truly thankful that butterflies make it so easy to create gorgeous thank you cards!  Each month I make between 40 and 100 thank you cards.  I have LOTS of reasons to be thankful and so many people who deserve thank you cards.  But I am sure you can understand that I need cards that are fairly quick and easy to produce.  Both of my choices this month fit that bill.  

See my second card?  

Silver Encore ink for the Flowering Flourishes, paired with the Feel Goods sentiment and some Bitty Butterflies again, and you have a card that is just perfect for saying just what you need it to - without taking too long to create!   Once again I tried at least a dozen colours to see which ones would create the cutest cards and I have to say, there were LOTS of winners!  I really liked the Real Red.  And the Bermuda Bay.  And the Elegant Eggplant.  And the Island Indigo.  And I could go on and on but I think you get the message....





 
Speaking of "get the message", did you hear?  

I have my birthday coming up next week, and so I am offering a special birthday promotion.  This is a personal special available only through me, but available to ANYONE in Canada.  From Oct 1 - Oct 7, on any order of $60 or more, I will pay the shipping and handling fees*.  That's right, s&h to be paid by yours truly, as my birthday gift to all of you.  (*regular HST fees still apply)

Make your wish list and contact me and we'll make sure my birthday celebration makes both of us happy!

Hope your weekend has been wonderful!  And hope you are looking forward to a wonderful week ahead!

God Bless,    ~Cynthia   <><

More Birthday Teasers

Hello Friends

I have birthdays on the brain...it was my brother and sister's birthday on Monday.  Yes, they are twins.  No, they are NOT identical!  (You'd be surprised how many people, when they find out my brother and sister are twins, ask me if they are identical.....?).

At any rate, since I mailed their cards late, I could not post them on Monday.  But they should have received them right about now so I can post my brother's card, at least.

Those of you who know me know that I LOVE the Wetlands stamp set.  And it is super-easy to use markers on a clear block to create a watercoloured - type background.  Just perfect to offset those cute little shore birds, don't you think?

And speaking of birthdays -- I have my birthday coming up next week, and so I am offering a special birthday promotion.  This is a personal special available only through me, but available to ANYONE in Canada.  From Oct 1 - Oct 7, on any order of $60 or more, I will pay the shipping and handling fees*.  That's right, s&h to be paid by yours truly, as my birthday gift to all of you.  (*regular HST fees still apply)

So get your wish list up-to-date and choose all the wonderful presents that you'd love to have wrapped up and sitting under your Christmas tree come Dec 25.  Wouldn't it be even nicer to get them without the added cost of s&h?

Contact me and find out how you can place an order that will make my birthday a reason for both of us to celebrate! 

Have a terrific day.  Get your wish list ready.  And check back tomorrow for more information on how YOU can take advantage of my special offer.

God Bless,    ~Cynthia   <><

Upcoming Birthday Special......

Hello Friends

I told you that I had a personal special coming up.  And I promised to give you a heads' up.   So here goes just a bit of a teaser.....Next week I will be celebrating my birthday.  And in honour of that, I am going to offer a limited time special.

Best of Birthdays stamp set - 132929 - $17.95

From Oct 1 - Oct 7, I will be offerring an ordering special.  I'm not going to tell you what it is just yet....but I *will* tell you to start making your wish list now.  This is the time to get all those things you really, really want to get!!

So if you live anywhere in Canada, help me celebrate my birthday, Stampin' Up! style.  Plan to take advantage of my birthday special.  Be ready to contact me so we can turn your wish list into a "what I have" list! 

It's never too early to make sure you get what you really want for Christmas, right?  Or give yourself your own birthday gift as my birthday present to YOU!

Remember - My birthday special offer will only be available through me, and will only be valid from Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2013.  Check back tomorrow for details about what the special is.  And help me celebrate my birthday by bringing more creativity into your life!  Nothing would make me happier!

And in the meantime .... Have a wonderful day and God Bless,
~Cynthia     <><

Open House Party Cards

Good Morning Friends

It's been long enough.  I mean....I really do need to show you more gorgeous cards, right?  San Diego was great and the pictures are beautiful.  New products are wonderful and exciting.  But this is a card-maker's blog and if you are anything like me, you want to see cards!!

So without further ado --I held my Holiday Catalogue Open House and BOGO on Saturday and it was absolutely wonderful!  I got to spend time with some of my favourite people and get inky with them.  You have to understand, for me, crafting on a rainy Saturday morning and creating beauty out of cardstock and glitter...well, that is my definition of happiness!  And here are the 2 cards that my friends made.

We paired Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green with the Joyful Christmas stamp set to create a beautiful poinsettia card.  Don't you just love how the Petals-a-plenty embossing folder on the card base gives the illusion that the whole card is framed in poinsettias?!









And our Deck The Halls flip card uses Coastal Cabana and the Festive Flurry stamp set to create just a bit of winter-wonder.  Of course, the piece-de-resistance for both cards is the glitter that was used to add sparkle and glitz.  The new gold glitter from the holiday catalogue spices up the centre of our flower, while dazzling diamonds adds an aura of glistening to the snowflakes.  Much to my surprise, I was not sparkling with glitter formm every pore when I returned hoe on Saturday.  That has GOT to be a first!

At any rate - sorry to have kept you card-less for so long.  Stay tuned for an exciting announcement from me later today.  I have a personal special that I am offering for the first week of October and believe me, you want to take advantage of it!  Can't tell you anymore about it right now...you'll just have to comeback and check for yourself!

In the meantime, have a wonderful day and God Bless you, 
   ~Cynthia    <><

More San Diego Highlights

Hello Friends

Well, we arrived back home on Sunday night, but I thought I should share a few more of the San Diego highlights that my husband and I got to see.

HMS Surprise ("Master and Commander" movie ship)

If any of you are familiar with the Russell Crowe movie, "Master and Commander", the ship used for that movie, the HMS Surprise, sits docked along the San Diego Embarcadero as part of the San Diego Maritime Museum.





And right beside that is the 150 year old (!!) Star of India, the oldest ship still sailing regularly (she goes out twice a year).

Star of India by day

 Star of India by night

Both of these ships are floating museums.  And both would make any Pirate-ship-loving little boy happier than a clam!

Continuing to stroll along the San Diego Embarcadero, you come to the USS Midway......a full-sized, once-active aircraft carrier turned into a public access museum.

USS Midway

Just a "few" of the aircraft stored within the Midway

On the top deck of the Midway - surrounded by planes

 

You thought aircraft carriers "looked" big on tv or in the movies, but trust me, you have no idea just how big until you take a tour!










I do have to admit though, one of the absolute best parts of the Midway tour was the chance to listen to and speak to a vet who flew planes for over 30 years in the US.  Man oh man did he ever have some stories to tell!  He was honest and sincere about the dangers and the harrowing experiences.  But he was also entertaining and impressive when he spoke proudly of his accomplishments.  It was a pleasure to listen to his stories and an absolute honour to meet him and shake his hand!

A 30+ year war vet - who actually flew the plane we are standing in front of!

We spent all day at the water's edge (we were on the west coast, afterall!) and our evening concluded with a delicious seafood meal at Anthony's Fish Grotto.  There is no better place to watch the sun setting in the west, than on the west coast!!  What a wonderful way to end our San Diego Getaway adventure!

Sunset view from our dinner table at Anthony's Restaurant!

Of course, we returned home after a full day of travel on Sunday to find our van waiting for us at the Ottawa airport with a completely dead battery.  I mean "Dead".   :(

But that is a different adventure.....


Hope you've been enjoying a wonderful week so far.  I look forward to getting inky with my Club ladies this evening.

To all of you ---
Enjoy the rest of your day and God Bless,     ~Cynthia    <><

San Diego Getaway Pillow Gifts

No Stampin' Up! trip would be complete without the ever-present pillow gifts.  And let me tell you -- NOTHING is as exciting as coming back to your room each night to find a little something extra waiting for you.

Interesting Box

Gorgeous Pitcher

The first night we arrived at our room to find a large and interesting-looking box...and inside we found this gorgeous hand-crafted Mexican pitcher.

The second day we all got treated to Trolley tours of San Diego so that was our "pillow gift".  A little hard to wrap, but a wonderful gift nonetheless.

And tonight....well tonight we returned to our room to find the quintessential box of "crack".  

Box of "crack"

Stampin crack that is!  A stamp set, THREE ink pads, hexagon punch, embellishments and Designer Series Paper....could a girl get more of what she loves??  

And as icing on the cake, this is NOT a stamp set that I already own.  Yee haw.  Love me that Stampin' Crack!!

Now I just have to make sure I can get everything home on the plane tomorrow!

Which reminds me - time to pack then get to sleep.  Morning wake-up is going to come awfully early so I better get to work.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone and I'll "see you" when I get back!

God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

San Diego - Stampin' Up! Style

Our first full day in San Diego as part of the incentive trip I earned this year -- Stampin' Up! arranged for Trolley Tours of San Diego that brought us to the Old Town.  Steeped in the colours and flavours of Mexican culture and cuisine, the Old Town was a wonderful way to spend a glorious California day.  Check it out:

Trolley Tours

Old Town is Gorgeous

The Sights & Colours of Mexicana America

Good Food......

Colourful Sights

Stampin' Up! TLC back at the room

Pecan-encrusted Trout for dinner

And the most delightful prawns.....

Lots of great food today.  Lunch and supper were both spectacular!!

And then....at the end of a long day - it was time for bed.

Loving our trip to San Diego so far!!

More later.  

Have a wonderful weekend!  
God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

Leavin' On A Jet Plane....

Good Morning Friends

Today is the day!  My dear hubby and I celebrate 21 years of wedded bliss today (and I am not being tongue-in-cheek.  We really are blissfully happy.  At least, *I* am!).  

At any rate, today is our anniversary and it also happens to be the day that Stampin' Up! is sending us to San Diego for 4 days on the Getaway vacation that I earned.  Gotta LOVE a job that rewards you with all-expense-paid vacations, huh?

We were up at 3 am.  Out of the house by 4 am.  And we're preparing to board our 6 am flight now.  It's an early morning - but it's the beginning of a GREAT day.

I love my husband.  And I get to spend 4 days with him in San Diego.  The 4 kids are all still at home (doubtless, still asleep too!).  I am *so* looking forward to this!

Happy Anniversary to me.  Happy Anniversary to us!  I intend to keep you posted about the wonderfulness of this Getaway.  Stay tuned....

Have a wonderful day.
God Bless!         ~Cynthia   <><

Inspiration Stamp Day - Holiday Event

Hello my dear friends

If you've wondered why I've been silent a day or two, it's because I've been somewhat preoccupied.  Very preoccupied is a little more accurate.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday) I have 42 of my dear friends, some new friends, and even 2 of my sisters (!!) all coming together to do an Inspiration Stamp Day -- a 20-card class based on products in the Holiday catalogue.  You'll understand therefore, when I say I've been busy.  In fact, I have been a very busy bee getting all the paper scored, measured, cut and packaged.

This, my friends, is what 840 card packs looks like!!

I still have some planning to do and some set-up at the hall so I am still busy, but just you wait until tomorrow when I begin to unveil some of the gorgeous cards we designed for my friends and family to make.

Hope everyone out there is looking forward to a wonderful, and equally productive, weekend!
God Bless,     ~Cynthia     <><

Emboss Resist Intense Butterflies

I've realized that my butterfly offerings over the last few days have been soft and pastel-like and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I thought you might like to see something bold, vibrant and intense.

Presenting.....Intense emboss-resist butterflies for your viewing pleasure!

Just a bit of versamark and the Papillon Potpourri stamp set (and clear embossing powder), followed by heavy sponging with Island Indigo and Elegant Eggplant makes this a stand-out 'Wow' sort of card.  Don't the butterflies pop right up off the page at you?

I have always loved the emboss resist technique, and this card is a fast but sure-fire reason to demonstrate why.

Hope your week is looking bright.  All 4 of my kids left for school this morning for the first time since June and I have yet to get much accomplished at home.  Guess it's time for me to buckle down and get to it, so I'll keep this short.

Have a wonderful day and God Bless,      ~Cynthia     <><

DSP Bitty Butterflies

What do you do when you promised to show a card but you'd rather enjoy your holiday weekend?  

Make one as fast as possible - that's what!

Here you go then,  Bitty Butterflies punched out from Gingham Garden Designer Paper and a quick sentiment from the 6-Sided Sampler set.

Done.

Now I'm going back to enjoying my last day with my kids before they go back to school tomorrow!

Enjoy your holiday (if you have one today) and God Bless,     
~Cynthia   <><

Washi Butterflies

I must be crazy!

Why would I promise to make and post a new card 'tomorrow' using products from the butterfly bundle that is on sale.....and make that promise on a long weekend?!  Ack.  What was I thinking?!

So in the interest of making a card as fast as I could and posting even faster.....here you go.  A bit of washi tape.  Punched butterflies.  Really Good Greetings and some piercing.  Voila.  

Have family coming over for a BBQ today so there is LOTS to do here!  But check again tomorrow.  I hope to give you another instalment then.

Have a terrific weekend and God Bless,     ~Cynthia   <><