Fast & Fabulous Good Friday Cross

Good Morning.  And Happy Good Friday

Today we celebrate and commemorate the ultimate gift of Love given to us almost 2000 years ago.  And nothing is more appropriate for today than a ross.   So allow me to show you my Good Friday Cross.  No stamps.  No ink.  Just fast.  And "fabulous".  (Although for today I'd really rather call it "good" since that adjective is so much more appropriate on Good Friday.....)

Supply List
Stamps - none
Ink - none 
Paper - Whisper White (100730), Early Espresso (119686), So Saffron (105118), Pink Pirouette (111351), Baja Breeze (111352), Embossed Tag from Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit (131395) 
Big Shot - Lattice BigZ Die (115958), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976)
Tools/Accessories - Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309), Basic Pearls (119247), Dimensionals (104430). Multipurpose Liquid Glue (to adhere flowers - 110755), Simply Scored Stylus (to shape flowers 125624), Stampin' Pierce Mat (to shape flowers 126199)

I hope you all have a wonderful day.  It is sunny here in Ottawa --->  My favourite childhood memories of Good Friday involve being in church in the middle of the afternoon and having dark clouds roll in and the heavens open up and a massive storm rage outside...it all seemed so appropriate somehow.  But that was then and this is now and I can certainly handle the bright sunshine of today and the glorious promise of what is to come....Easter, quite literally, is right around the corner!

Until tomorrow.........God Bless you all,      ~Cynthia     <><

Thankful Thursday - Thank You For Friends!

Good Morning Friends

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am for all my friends and family.  The ones who encourage you, support you, and bring sunshine into your life.  And I LOVE that Stampin' Up! has a stamp that is directed right to them!!  For all my friends and family, and those of you who qualify as both, I love you and am eternally grateful for you in my life!

Since this is a stamping and crafting blog after all.....I am also just a little bit excited to share with you that I finally got to play with my new clear, photopolymer stamps.  They cling like you wouldn't believe to the clear blocks!  They are completely transparent so you can see exactly where you are stamping.  They are flexible (I curved the stamp to make a sun from a straight-line banner).  And they stamp with the exceptional and superb quality that you (and I) have grown to expect from Stampin' Up!  I am sold, literally SOLD, on how well they perform.  And I can't wait to get the next set that is released!

Supply List
Stamps - Designer Typeset (132956), Feel Goods (w129681, c129684)
Ink - Versamark (102283), Daffodil Delight (126944), Pumpkin Pie (126945), Calypso Coral (126983), Primrose Petals (126858)   
Paper - Basic Black (121045), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Whisper White (100730)  
Big Shot - Beautiful Wings embosslit (118138)
Tools/Accessories - Heat Tool (129053), Black Embossing Powder (109133), Brayer (102395)

I brayered a sunny background onto this card, then heat-embossed both the sun (LOVE the clear photopolymer stamps!) and the sentiment in black.   The addition of a few of my favourite butterflies, and a simple but effective card is ready to be sent out to one of the multitude of wonderful friends that I call mine.

I hope your day - and your long weekend - are shaping up to be just as sunny and bright as this card is.  Many of you, like me, are celebrating the most important day of the year this weekend.  To all of you I wish a joyful, peace-filled and truly Blessed Easter.

God Bless,    ~Cynthia       <>< 

Sneak Peak = Spring Surprise Promotion

Stampin' Up! Catalog Early Release! Available NOW!

Dates:  March 15 - May 30, 2013

Spring is definitely in the air and here's your chance to purchase new product from the 2013-2014 annual catalog.  A Round Array stamp set is available to purchase now!

This set coordinates with the Stampin' Up! 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch (introduced in the 2013 spring catalog).  SAVE 15% when you purchase the Round Array stamp set and 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch together as a bundle!

Stampin' Up! has Clear Photopolymer Stamps!

Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set $16.95 132956

Want perfect placement?  I'm so thrilled that Stampin' Up! is testing the market with their new, transparent photopolymer stamps.  I'm jumping in with both feet!  You can order yours too!

Stampin' Up! will introduce a new photopolymer stamp set each month!  These stamps will be in addition to our wood and clear-mount stamp line. 

The top-quality photopolymer has just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time and is well-suited for our firm-foam pads.  Watch this fun video on Stampin' Up! Photopolymer Stamp Sets.  Then order yours today!

Fabric Frenzy - Get Yours Today!

Spring Fabric Frenzy

Stampin' Up! will be offering limited quantities of our awesome Designer Fabrics at 50% off from March 25 through March 31.
All our beautiful fabrics are designed to coordinate with our inks, papers, and accessories.  They are available in extra-wide fat quarters (18" x 27") and are perfect for adding a stylish touch to your cards and scrapbook pages or use them for quilting, clothing, and home decor.
The discounted price is available on all our fabrics, but there are limited quantities available at the discounted prices.  So, be sure to order your fabrics soon so that you get the ones you want at these fantastic prices!
- Essentials Designer Fabric (includes 10 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 170, item # 126892, sale price $18.48
- Floral District Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 126893, sale price $6.25
- Comfort Cafe Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 126894, sale price $6.25
- Summer Smooches Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 125411, sale price $6.25
- Twitterpated Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 125412, sale price $6.25
- Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 122337, sale price $6.25
- Beau Chateau Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 122336, sale price $6.25
- Spice Cake Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 124066, sale price $6.25
- Flirtatious Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 171, item # 122335, sale price $6.25
- Tea for Two Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 6 of Spring Catalog, item # 129308, sale price$6.25
- More Amore Designer Fabric (includes 3 extra-wide fat quarters in the patterns shown), page 13 of Spring Catalog, item # 129307, sale price $6.25

Need some ideas for using fabric, especially some that require little or no sewing, then watch this wonderful video from Stampin' Up!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qPi6Z_YOGI8

To order any of these fabrics, please contact me or Shop Now.

This and That - Totally WOW!

Wow -- I am super excited.  As I mentioned the other day, Stampin' Up! announced that in the new catalogue (due for release on June 1) they are coming out with a Journal (think Smash Book.  Or what we, in my generation, "used" to call a scrapbook).  

Along with some co-ordinating designer papers, stickers, washi tape and a rotary stamp, this whole suite of products is going to be totally fabulous.  And the best part is....we can order any of these items NOW.  We don't even have to wait until the new catalogue arrives.  And what is even more exciting, until April 30, we can get all 5 products as a bundle that is 15% off (the bundle will NOT be sold in the new catalogue.  If you want these items at the discounted price, buy them NOW).  Just look:

130133 Rotary Stamp $7.95

131268 Epic Journal $13.95

131271 Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers  $5.95

130814  This and That Epic Day Designer Series Paper  $13.50

131269 Designer Washi Tape  $6.50

Rotary Stamp Sentiments

Maybe my favourite part of this entire ensemble (besides the journal itself) is the Rotary stamp.  I can't wait for  my order to arrive next week!  And the best part is, the entire set (all 5 products) are available ONLY UNTIL APRIL 30 as a bundle at 15% off.     This item (#133350) is being offered for just $40.67.  Woo hoo.  It doesn't get any better!

Order yours today and join me in some fun as we save memories of so many epic days!!

Hope you are looking forward to a wonderful Easter weekend.  
Until then, have a wonderful week and God Bless!
         ~Cynthia    <><

Fast and Fabulous Friday

Howdy Friends

Hope you are all looking forward to a wonderful weekend!  I have been busy preparing for 2 classes tomorrow and today's Fast and Fabulous Friday installment is one of the cards that we'll make in the Vintage Pretties Class.  This card appeared on Stampin' Connection (an SU! demos only website) back in January, and it is one of the nicest, simplest and most elegant cards I've seen using the Artisan Embellishment kit.  Emboss a card front.  Wrap some lace and some ribbon around a mat piece.  Glue on a button.  Done.  It really doesn't get any faster does it?  But this card certainly has wow-factor. 

My upline, Deb, changed the ribbon from the one that was posted on the demonstrator website and added the embossing on the card front to make it just a little bit more elegant than the original.  Still Fast.  And wonderfully fabulous!

I can't wait to help a bunch of my friends create this card, and more, tomorrow morning at our card class.  Bummed out because you are missing the class?  (and yes - you should be.  The cards at these 2 classes are AMAZING!).  Don't worry - both classes will be repeated in April.  And  I may get a chance to post the cards on Sunday.  But int the meantime, I hope everyone has a spectacular weekend.     God Bless,    ~Cynthia    <><

Supply List
Paper - Very Vanilla (101650) Big Shot -  Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder Tools and Accessories - Lace and Flower from Artisan Embellishment Kit (129328), Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon (120999), Glue Dots (103683)

Thankful Thursday Vintage Verses

Hello Friends

A quick post today, and a card that was almost as quick to make, to start my day off with a Thankful Thursday!  Thankful for so many things.  Not the least of which is the glorious sunshine that smiles on us today, but much more importantly -  the good-bye kiss I just got from my son as he headed off for school.

I love that my son (who will turn 11 in less than a week) still kisses me good-bye, and/or allows me to kiss him good-bye, every morning when he leaves and every night as he goes to bed.  Sweet memories that will last a lifetime!

Supply List (SAB products)  
Stamps - Vintage Verses (w129633, c129636)
Paper - Whisper White (100730), Sycamore Street Designer Paper (127540), Island Indigo (122923) 
Ink - Island Indigo (122923) Big Shot -  Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003) Tools and Accessories - Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)


I have decided that I like the look of flagged banners.  Can you tell?  Especially when they are curled slightly (with a bone folder) to give them the illusion of "movement".    And I do have to say that I will be very sorry when this Sycamore Street Designer Paper retires - TOMORROW !!  I loved the Sale-A-Bration products this year and will be very sorry when they are no longer available.  If you want anything, contact me TODAY so we can get your order in on time!


Until tomorrow then, have a wonderful day.  And I hope you too, like me, will be the recipient today of the gentle kiss of an innocent child!     
      God Bless,    ~Cynthia   <><

Club Card Done Oh So Well

Hey there friends

I just had several wonderful friends leave my home after creating some gorgeous cards at their monthly club night.  And one of my very artistic friends, Sonya, added her own little flair to one of the club cards to really step it up a notch.

I wanted to show my club members a brayer technique - and Sonya decided to emboss her image after she had finished stamping.  Of course, whenever you use the Square Lattice embossing folder after you've stamped, the image takes on the appearance of having been painted on canvas or linen.

Sonya embossed her card and what was initially a gorgeous card anyhow, became an absolute work of art.   She left here, card in hand, ready to give this gift of time and caring to a good friend who just lost his mother.

What a beautiful way to tell someone you are thinking of them during a difficult time in their life.

I hope all of my club members are as pleased with their creations as Sonya was.  And I hope when they pass their own cards on, they know how appreciative the recipients are!

Have a wonderful day my friends.  And despite our snowstorm yesterday, Spring is just around the corner.  Honest it is!!   :)

God Bless you all,       ~Cynthia     <><

This and That and WOW!

Well Stampin' Up! is coming out with a hodge-podge of items, a mish-mash of products, a collection of unadulterated "stuff"....that will make you just itch to get creative.

A suite of 5 different products collectively called "This and That" will appear in the 2013/14 catalogue to be released later this Spring.  But we've all been given a sneak peak and can even order the bundle of 5 products, at a discount, From March 23 until April 30!  What's more, it appears that Pool Party and Calypso Coral are not going to be exiting our repertoire.  Yippee!  The whole thing has me giddy with anticipation!

Wait until you see what This and That includes:

This & That

Your life is: Awesome. Quirky. Exciting. Perfectly messy. And happening really fast. So we're happy to introduce our newest product line that lets you capture it all on-the-go. This and That will debut in the 2013-2014 annual catalog, but we're giving you and everybody else the chance to get it now.

Item	Description	Price
131268	Epic Day This and That Journal	$13.95
130814	Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper	$13.50
130133	Remember This and That Rotary Stamp	$7.95
131271	Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers	$5.95
131269	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape	$6.50
133350	Epic Day This and That Bundle Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until April 30.	$40.67 15% Off Retail Value!

		My favourite part of this bundle has to be the Remember This and That Rotary Stamp!  Check it out in the flyer.  I love, love, LOVE it and can't wait to get my hands on the whole bundle.  If you want some (or all) of This and That, contact me today and we can get you started on your own personal This and That adventure!
		And in the meantime, have a wonderful day and God Bless,     ~Cynthia     <><

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Top 'O the Mornin' To You My Friends

I wanted to make a quick post to show you the ingenuity and playful fun that my sister brought to my grandmother's house today.

My younger sister and I are visiting Grandma and Grandpa for the March Break (returning home today) and several of the younger grandchildren have been busy this week constructing Lego playhouses for leprechauns to live in (or play in), should they decide to visit on St. Patricks' day.

Simple and CUTE!

Delightful Shamrocks

Well my older sister used her artistic skill (and some Cardstock and Bakers Twine) and devised these cute little shamrock Kisses to leave for the kids.  Along with the note that their mother left from "Paddy O'Grady", the little ones were very excited when they came downstairs this morning to find a dozen delightful shamrocks waiting for them!

And these kids must have been raised right.  Their very first thought was to SHARE.  Imagine my delight when my 7 year old niece instantly grabbed a shamrock and presented it to me.  Gotta love kids who share their chocolate!

Making the long drive back up to Ottawa today to return home.  Get to see my husband.  Kids get to see Dad.  And "real life" begins tomorrow morning.  Ugh!

To all of the rest of you - Happy St. Patrick's Day - and God Bless!!     ~Cynthia   <><

Thankful Thursday Checking In

Hello Dear Friends

Sorry I have been AWOL this last little while but it is March Break and I brought the kids to southern Ontario to visit Grandma & Grandpa (it was my mother's birthday on Sunday.  See the card I made for her here).  Although I do not have a new card to show you today, I am certainly thankful for the chance to visit my family.  So it is still a Thankful Thursday!

At any rate, I am doing no stamping....and apparently the world does not come to an end when I don't!  Who knew?    :)   But I will return next week with some more wonderful treats for you to feast your eyes on.  I may not be stamping, but I have been planning......

Until then, have a wonderful end to your week and a fantastic upcoming weekend.   God Bless!   ~Cynthia    <><

Happy Birthday Mom

Hello Friends

Yesterday was my mother's birthday and I wanted to post a picture of the card I made for her, but since we were not going to be home to see her until late into the evening (we live a 6 hr drive from my parents), I didn't want her - or anyone else for that matter - seeing her card online until she actually got to open it in person.  Well, long story short, we arrived, I gave her the card, she loved it, and now I can post it.

Did I mention I have the best mother in the entire world?!?

Ok - my wonderful mother notwithstanding, I suppose you want details about the card!

Supply List (Spring catalogue)
Stamps - Swallowtail (w129213, c129216), Itty Bitty Banners (w126255, c126257)
Ink - Versamark (102283)
Paper - Whisper White (100730)
Big Shot - Bitty Banner framelits (129267), Lacy Brocade embossing folder (127819)
Tools/Accessories - Heat Tool (129053), Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Silver Embossing Powder (109131), Embossing Buddy (103083)

Believe it or not, this card was made in exactly the same manner as you see in my Multi-coloured Chalkboard Butterfly video, except that gold and silver embossing powders were used (on white) instead of coloured powders on black.  The rest of it is pretty much the same.  Thank you to Kay Smith for her swap card (almost identical to this one) that reminded me that multi-coloured embossing works marvelously for metallics, too! 

And since I wanted my main card image to be framed in a special way, I put several layers of gold embossing along all the edges of a Whisper White card layer, then Big Shot-embossed this!  Doesn't it look like the vintage gilded frame for a masterpiece hanging in some museum somewhere?

I was pleased with how this card turned out, my mother loved it, and apparently my daughters are part-raccoon (or crow?) since they are captivated, entranced and positively fixated by how sparkly and shiny the card is.

It really is you know.  This card screams elegant and lovely!  And oh, so shiny.

Did I mention that I have the best mother in the entire world?!?

I am going to get back to visiting with this same wonderful mother now.  Have yourselves a fantastic day (and a great March Break for those of you enjoying time off from school).          God Bless,       ~Cynthia     <><

Sale-A-Bration Celebration Class Today

Good Morning Friends

This is going to be just a quick post because I have a very busy day.   I am running my last "big" Sale-A-Bration class before the catalogue retires on Mar 22.  And I have to tell you, I really like the cards we'll be making.  Pool Party, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Summer Starfruit, Island Indigo,,,,Bright and cheery colours, just the thing after a long-ish winter.   

But my favourite card has to be the Patterned Occasions card.  It is set up as a modified flip flap card so that one little piece (striped orange) tucks under the focal point/main image on the front, keeping the card closed.  It is such a small thing but it adds so much interest  to the card!.

Ok - I really have to run now.  But if any of you are in the Ottawa area, feel free to contact me so I can give you details about today's Sale-A-Bration event.  I'd love to have you join us!
And don't forget, you only have 2 more days to sign up for My Paper Pumpkin if you want your kit to ship in March.  I for one am looking forward to receiving my therapy-in-a-box each month.

Got some last minute fixing up to do for the card class today so I am off.  But until we 'meet again' (in a manner of speaking), have a wonderful weekend and a terrific March Break!!
God Bless,      ~Cynthia     <><

Fast and Fabulous (Sale-A-Bration) Friday

Hello Friends

I have a Sale-A-Bration Celebration class tomorrow and one of the card choices is my Fast and Fabulous Friday edition for you today.   I certainly am loving the vintage feel of this stamp set and I will be very sorry when Sale-A-Bration is over.  Only 2 weeks left to get your hands on these lovely images.  You don't want to miss your chance.  And if you are in the Ottawa area, feel free to join me tomorrow for a Sale-A-Bration Celebration and you can get your very own stamp set, FREE with a qualifying order!

On to today's Fast and Fabulous card(s):

Supply List FREE SAB products)
Stamps - Feeling Sentimental (w129627, c129630), Vintage Verses (w129633, c129636)
Paper - Naturals White (102316), Midnight Muse(126843)
Ink - Midnight Muse (126860)
Big Shot - Embossing Folders - Square Lattice (119976), Perfect Polka Dots (117335), Argyle (127750)
Tools and Accessories - Paper Snips (103579), Stamping Sponges (101610)


I love when a Fast and Fabulous Friday comes together so quickly.  And I will bet that my ladies are going to really love this card tomorrow!  Wait till you see the other 3 cards we'll be making.  You're going to wish you were here to join us.


I have a hundred and one things to do before the Sale-A-Bration Celebration so I'll say good-bye now, but not without reminding you that you only have 2 more days to sign up for My Paper Pumpkin if you want to receive a kit in March.  The first kits will ship out beginning March 15 and I can't wait to get my hands on mine.  Why don't you sign up (choose me as your demonstrator) and join me for a Pumpkin Patch night of crafting together each month?


Until next time, have a wonderful day and God Bless,      ~Cynthia   <><

Paper Pumpkin - Join Now to Get the March Kit

Hello Friends

Time is running out.  If you haven't already joined the Paper Pumpkin Party, then now is your chance.  When you sign up by the 10th of the month, your kit will mail out on the 15th and you will receive your craft surprise later in the month.  I signed up and I can't wait for the arrival of my first red box containing a craft adventure!  For more details about the Paper Pumpkin kits, or to sign up, visit my Paper Pumpkin page.  Don't forget to choose me as your demonstrator.  If you wish you can join me for a Pumpkin Patch evening to craft and share our adventure together!  Let me know when you've singed up and we'll plan our first Pumpkin Patch!

Enjoy your day and God Bless,              ~Cynthia       <><

A Quick Thank You or Two.....

Hello Friends

When I stop to think that the number one need I have for cards is to say "Thank You", I am reminded that I am incredibly blessed in life.

Yesterday was no exception.  All 4 of my children auditioned just this past Monday for roles in a countrified-version of Beauty and the Beast.  The musical (Beauty Lou and the Country Beast) was brought to town by the Missoula Children's Theatre and after auditioning successfully on Monday, the 4 kids rehearsed Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (Wed cancelled due to snow storm), and yesterday (Saturday) they put on 2 x 1 hr performances that totally rocked!!  If you want to see impressive, you want to watch what MCT can do with 50-60 kids in less than a week.

Seriously - I encourage you to "google" Missoula Children's Theatre.  It is an impressive organization!  My kids have been involved for 7 years now and although it is an intense week, it is incredibly rewarding.

At any rate, this sort of an undertaking would have been impossible without countless hours from some wonderfully dedicated and generous local volunteers.  Not to mention the 2 Missoula staff who do all of the auditioning and training for the week.  So my kids wanted some hand-made cards to give to express their appreciation.  These are a sampling of what they gave.  But in no way do our Thank You's measure up to the degree to which we appreciate Eric and Sheryl, Kim and Marcia and the host of wonderful volunteers who made this all possible.

Thank You again - Missoula, and MCT Orleans.  We look forward to seeing you again next year!!

Have a wonderful week and God Bless            ~Cynthia    <><

Spring Treasure Hunt Blog Hop and Blog Candy!!

Update May 20, 2013:

And the winner of the LNS Treasure Hunt for Spring 2013 is.....Heather Hopson!!

And the winner of my blog candy for this Spring's blog hop is....Shawnie Bartron


Hello Friends.  I am happy to say that I have once again joined the LateNightStampers Blog Hop and Treasure Hunt - and if you haven't been part of this before, then I invite you take part now and join in the fun.

One lucky person is going to win a $150 shopping spree of Stampin' Up! goodies.   I love being a part of this so I am also going to award BLOG CANDY to one lucky person who leaves a comment on this post on my blog!!  Just think - you could win twice!

For details about how to participate in the Treasure Hunt, see the LateNightStampers Spring Treasure Hunt page listed at the top of my blog.

Here is my clue:  The Paper Piercing Tool

This tool makes holes but is also the absolute best way to pick up and accurately place rhinestones and pearls.  Trust me....You really want one.  Get the "point"?!?  (lol)


You have until May 12 to send me your list of 50 clues (include blog address) from the websites listed on the LateNightStampers Spring Treasure Hunt page.   One lucky person will win $150 worth of Stampin' Up products provided by Sherrill Graff.  It doesn't matter what Country you are in, or whether you are an SU! demonstrator or not.  Everyone is welcome to join in - so please take part in the fun !  

Remember: 

•  It's always nice to leave a quick comment on a blog if you have the time      :)
• When you find the clue: write the BLOG NAME and THE CLUE down. For instance, my blog name is StampWithCynthia.blogspot.com, and my clue is the Paper Piercing Tool.  When you have located 50 clues, please send me your list (at millanclan@bell.net) and I will make sure your name is entered in the drawing.

Everyone who leaves a comment on this post will be entered in a draw to win this Blog Candy from me

The winner of the Happy Hello Simply Sent kit will be announced on May 13.
(Sorry - blog candy draw is only open to residents of Canada or the US).

Remember to keep checking back on the  blogs for the clues – even though our start date was March 1, some blogs may not have their clue posted yet and some blogs have not yet been added to the list.
Have fun and come back to visit me often - and feel free to leave a comment! 

God Bless and Happy Hunting!     ~Cynthia    <><