Thankful Thursday - Sweetie Pie Goes Hawaiian

Hello Friends

It's a Thankful Thursday and today I am thankful for all of you!  No.  Truly! 
 ALL of YOU!

Each year Stampin' Up! has a Grand Vacation that they offer as an incentive to demonstrators who perform well in personal sales and leadership.  And yesterday I found out that I have earned the Grand Vacation for next year.  So in May of 2015, myself and a guest (my hubby, of course) will be headed to Hawaii!!

And even better - we've got it all planned out so that we will be able to take the kids with us!!

We told them yesterday.  They had no idea.  Not an inkling - so you can imagine the whoops and screams of delight.  My 4 kids have never even seen the ocean, let alone swam in it.  I guess if their very first experience is Waikiki Beach, everything else might pale in comparison?!

But none of this, NONE of it, would have been possible without YOU.  My friends.  My customers.  My family.  My supporters.  My cheerleaders.  And to be quite honest, none of it would be worth doing if not for you.  More than anything else, what I get out of "this job" is a chance to spread smiles and laughter.  When we get together to craft, we have fun.  Correction....FUN.  And I love the time I get to spend with each and every one of you.

So today I have used Sweetie Pie to create a Hawaiian girl who thanks each and every one of you!  The Sweetie Pie faces are just a shade too small for the Dress-Up mannequin/body, but I think she does the trick anyhow, don't you?   And notice the Crisp Cantaloupe sponging on her cheeks?  I am hoping that reflects the "slight bit" of colour we will all get when we head to Hawaii (instead of the massive sunburns I am hoping we all manage to avoid).  We are still in the clutches of winter here in Ottawa right now, so thinking about being in that warm, tropical sun a year from now is awfully inviting!

Until then - and as always - I will remain thankful.  To all of you.  Each and every one of you who has made this possible.  From the bottom of my heart (and my hula skirt!) - THANK YOU!

God Bless you all,       ~Cynthia    <><

Product List
Stamp : Peaceful Petals [clear] [133107], Sweetie Pie [photopolymer] [136849]
Ink : Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad [126980] , Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad [131178] , Crisp Cantaloupe Classic Stampin' Pad [131176] , Early Espresso Stampin Write Marker [119680] , Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [126974]
Card Stock : Gumball Green 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [126840] , Sahara Sand 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [121043] , Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [100730] , Pool Party 8-1/2 X 11 Card Stock [122924] , Crisp Cantaloupe 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131298]
Tools & Adhesive : Fringe Scissors [133325] , Stamping Sponges [101610] , Blender Pens [102845]
Punch : Petite Petals Punch [133322] , Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack [118309] , Bird Punch [117191]
Ribbon & Trim : Calypso Coral 3/4" Chevron Ribbon [130018] , Calypso Coral Baker's Twine [125573]
Accessory : Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper [133521] , Basic Pearls Jewel Accents [119247]
Big Shot : Dress Up Framelits Dies [130101]

Hi There Friend

Hello there to all my friends.  But especially.....

I wanted to send a little shout out today to a friend of mine.  One of those people who is strong and resilient and just can't be kept down.  She is one of those amazing women who puts her best face forward and chooses to smile openly at the world despite suffering from constant and chronic pain.

She is strong.  

And she amazes me.

I had an order I needed to get to her last week, and I wanted to create a card that was just for her.  So she'd know that it wasn't "just" a card to say Thank you for her order.  But instead, was a card to let her know that she was in my heart and on my mind.

What do you think?  
I think she liked it.   :)

Thinking of you S.R.   And hoping this week is a better week for you than last!

To all of you my friends - near and far - God Bless you this day and every day!!
~Cynthia     <><  

Product List
Stamp : , Flower Shop Clear Bundle [132726] , Petite Petals Clear-Mount Bundle [134822] , Too Kind Clear-mount Stamp Set [130450]

Ink : , Crisp Cantaloupe Classic Stampin' Pad [131176]

Card Stock : White Vellum 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [101856] , Crisp Cantaloupe 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131298] , Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [100730]

Big Shot :  Window Frames Collection Framelits Dies [129021] , Beautifully Baroque Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [130917] , Paper Doily Sizzlits Die [125592]

Burlap and Blooms Wreath-Making Class

Happy, Happy, Happy.

Card #1 - Burlap & Blooms Class

I have some friends joining me today to create a gorgeous Spring wreath...the Burlap and Blooms wreath.  And as part of the class, I promised them they would make 2 cute cards.  Oops, I lied.  They are going to make 3.

Because let's face it - I couldn't decide exactly which cards I wanted them to do.  So I decided we would do them all!  What do you think?  Think they'll like them?

Card #2 - Burlap & Bloom sClass

And - if you didn't get a chance to join us today for the Burlap and Blooms Wreath, or the Venetian Romance card class, then have no fear.  These 2 classes will be repeated in a few short weeks.  Send me a message to let me know you want in and I can reserve a spot for you.

Card #3 - Burlap & Blooms Class

And the Venetian Romance card class?  It is also available as a class to go.  So if you want this class mailed to you, send me a message and we can figure out what shipping charges would be (free s&h if a local pick-up).

Venetian Romance Card Class

Burlap & Blooms Wreath

Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Saturday!
Take care and God Bless,    
    ~Cynthia   <><

My Turn to Get Inky....Neeje Crop 2014

Hello Friends

I am spending today at an all-day Crop organized by a good (and *very* competent) friend of mine, to raise money for the Neeje Association For Women and Children.  

Interlocking Gatefold Valentine

Interlocking Gatefold Options

The first 3 years this Crop was held, I was one of the Stampin' Up! representatives at the Crop - but this year I get to go as a participant.  No working for me this year.  This time around, I get to PLAY!  Yee haw.  Can you tell I am excited?

At any rate, while I work away, in amongst a great many of my friends, I will leave you with this card that my Club Ladies made in January.  We have so many wonderful framelits that allow you to make interlocking pieces for the front of a gatefold card - so I gave my ladies a choice of whether or not to use a heart (and Pink Pirouette) or Window Frame or Deco label shapes (and I also offered Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party papers and inks).  

Kathy's Valentine Card

The variety that the women made was wonderful.  And some of the ladies really thought outside the box (at least in terms of the colours I had supplied).  Look at the absolutely STUNNING card that Kathy made!  Doesn't it just shout out..."look at me - I'm Beautiful!"?

Kathy will be at today's Crop so I'll have to let her know that her card is posted on my blog.  I just thought you all needed to see how lovely it is.  And in real life, it is even more stunning!

I'm going to move along now - I hope while I am busy *playing* with paper and ink at the Neeje Crop today, you all enjoy a spectacular Saturday.

Take care and God Bless,   ~Cynthia    <><

• Hearts Collection Framelits Dies
• Window Frames Collection Framelits Dies
• Deco Labels Collection Framelits Dies
• Perfect Pennants [english, wood]
• Perfect Pennants [english, clear]
• Pink Pirouette 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad
• Wisteria Wonder 8-1/2 X 11 Card Stock
• Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pool Party 8-1/2 X 11 Card Stock
• Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
• Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder
• Versamark Pad
• Magnetic Platform

• Petite Petals Clear-Mount Bundle
• Petite Petals Wood-Mount Bundle

Sale-A-Bration Kick-Off Class

Yesterday's Sale-A-Bration Kick-Off Class was wonderful.  Truly and absolutely wonderful.  

And now I am tired.  So for today - you get "nothing but a card".   A cute, Z-fold card.  But "just a card".   And my wish for you that you have a wonderful weekend!

God Bless my friends,      ~Cynthia    <><

Thankful Thursday - Purple Honeycombs

Hello Friends
Another quick post today

I fell in love with this new framelit the moment I first saw it in the catalogue.  Something about it just made me happy.  

Another thing that makes me happy?  Purple!  
And flowers.  
So you'll understand why this card makes me very happy!

And it was easy, easy, easy to put together.  I can't say enough about the Petite Petals stamp set and matching punch.  Such a simple way to make gorgeous accents for a card!

It's Thankful Thursday and today I am thankful for many things.  But mostly -- I am thankful for all those wonderful people who have the courage to speak up in the face of pain and injustice.  Last evening I discovered that one of my friends, Robin, has courage and strength of character beyond that of most people.  And I am totally and immeasurably in awe of her.  You can read her story here.  And for her, and all those like her who refuse to stay silent even when many around them feel challenged with their words.... I am thankful!!  Truly thankful!

Hoping you all enjoy a fantastic end to your week!!  And that you have much to be thankful for!!  
God Bless you all,    ~Cynthia   <><

• Hexagon Hive Thinlits Die
• Petite Petals Wood-Mount Bundle
• Petite Petals Clear-Mount Bundle
• Bird Punch
• Peaceful Petals [clear]
• Peaceful Petals [wood]
• Springtime Hello [wood]
• Springtime Hello [clear]
• Elegant Eggplant 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Garden Green 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter
• 2-Way Glue Pen
• Stampin' Dimensionals

Thankful Thursday -

Dear Friends

Did you think I was never ever going to post a Thankful Thursday again?  Ha!  Think again!

I can tell you exactly what I am most thankful about on days like today....... that there are wonderful, artistic and gracious people out there who create gorgeous cards and then share them with the rest of us.  Because sometimes, rather than trying to design a card from scratch, you are able to use something you've seen elsewhere.  And CASEing cards (Copy And Share Everywhere) can certainly make life easier when you are very, very busy.

That's what happened to me last week.  I saw this beautiful card on LeeAnn Greff's blog and although I loved it as is, I thought it was a shame that she hadn't capitalized on the wonderful new Petite Petals stamp set.  So I changed the card ever so slightly in order to use new products and voila.....a simple yet gorgeous card.

So today I am thankful.  Thankful for all the brilliant people out there who share gorgeous cards and techniques, ideas and advice.  Thank you for sharing your passion with me.  And inspiring me to share my passion with my own friends.

Hope everyone can find at least one thing to be thankful for!!  Heaven knows we are all overwhelmingly blessed!

God Bless each and every one of you!  
Today and always.       ~Cynthia     <>< 

• Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper
• Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon
• Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad
• Petite Petals Wood-Mount Bundle
• Petite Petals Clear-Mount Bundle
• Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
• Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter
• 2-Way Glue Pen

• Simply Celebrate [english, wood]
• Simply Celebrate [english, clear]